bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rational design of universal immunotherapy for TfR1-tropic arenaviruses
Authors: Cohen-Dvashi Hadas , Amon Ron , Agans Krystle N. , Cross Robert W. , Borenstein-Katz Aliza , Mateo Mathieu , Baize Sylvain , Padler-Karavani Vered , Geisbert Thomas W. , Diskin Ron
Published: January 2020

Certain arenaviruses that circulate in rodent populations can cause life-threatening hemorrhagic fevers when they infect humans. Due to their efficient transmission, arenaviruses pose a severe risk for outbreaks and might be exploited as biological weapons. Effective countermeasures against these viruses are highly desired. Ideally, a single remedy would be effective against many or even all the pathogenic viruses in this family. However, despite the fact that all pathogenic arenaviruses from South America utilize transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) as a cellular receptor, their viral glycoproteins are highly diversified, impeding efforts to isolate cross-neutralizing antibodies. Here we address this problem using a rational design approach to target TfR1-tropic arenaviruses with high potency and breadth. The pan-reactive molecule is highly effective against all arenaviruses that were tested, offering a universal therapeutic approach. Our design scheme avoids the shortcomings of previous immunoadhesins and can be used to combat other zoonotic pathogens.
Comparative effects of surfactants on the behavior of an anticancer drug potentiometric sensor
Authors: Ghalwa Nasser Abu , Abed Almonem Khalid I. , Al-Kashef Iyad D. , Saadeh Salman M. , Abu Shawish Hazem M.
Published: January 2020

Surfactants may incorporate drug molecules in a micelle, allowing a great enhancement of a 5-fluorouracil electrode.
2D organ-like molybdenum carbide (MXene) coupled with MoS2 nanoflowers enhances the catalytic activity in the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Ren Jie , Zong Hui , Sun Yuyun , Gong Shijing , Feng Yu , Wang Zhenguo , Hu Le , Yu Ke , Zhu Ziqiang
Published: January 2020

Our work introduces an emerging route for the synthesis of MoS2 nanoflowers decorating organ-like Mo2CTx MXene. This effective synthesis strategy of MoS2@Mo2CTx nanohybrid structure can shed some light on energy-related applications.
The intrinsic magnetism, quantum anomalous Hall effect and Curie temperature in 2D transition metal trihalides
Authors: Sun Jiaxiang , Zhong Xin , Cui Wenwen , Shi Jingming , Hao Jian , Xu Meiling , Li Yinwei
Published: January 2020

It has been theoretically demonstrated that 2D transition metal trihalides can host the QAH effect.
From the perspectives of DFT calculations, thermodynamic modeling, and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations: the interaction between hydrogen and Sc2C monolayers
Authors: Le Thong Nguyen-Minh , Chiu Cheng-chau , Kuo Jer-Lai
Published: January 2020

Analysis of the thermodynamics, kinetics and electronic properties of Sc2C shows that it may be more suitable as a hydrogen sensor than for hydrogen storage.
Characterizing local metallic bonding variation induced by external perturbation
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Fuller Jon , Chen Peng , Morozov Sergey I. , An Qi
Published: January 2020

The reduced density gradient analyses on metallic bonding indicate that FCC metals can become more flexible/stronger with the electron/hole injection.
Dissecting intermolecular interactions in the condensed phase of ibuprofen and related compounds: the specific role and quantification of hydrogen bonding and dispersion forces
Authors: Emel’yanenko V. N. , Stange P. , Feder-Kubis J. , Verevkin S. P. , Ludwig R.
Published: January 2020

Hydrogen bonding and dispersion interaction in liquid ibuprofen is analyzed by thermodynamic methods, infrared spectroscopy and quantum chemistry.
Bis(ethylmaltolato)oxidovanadium(iv) inhibited the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease in triple transgenic model mice
Authors: He Zhijun , Han Shuangxue , Wu Chong , Liu Lina , Zhu Huazhang , Liu Ang , Lu Qiying , Huang Jingqiang , Du Xiubo , Li Nan , Xie Qinguo , Wan Lu , Ni Jiazuan , Chen Lingling , Yang Xiaogai , Liu Qiong
Published: January 2020

Vanadium compounds have been reported to mimic the anti-diabetes effects of insulin on rodent models, but their effects on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have rarely been explored. In this paper, 9-month-old triple transgenic AD model mice (3×Tg-AD) received bis(ethylmaltolato)oxidovanadium(iv) (BEOV) at doses of 0.2 mmol L−1 (68.4 μg mL−1) and 1.0 mmol L−1 (342 μg mL−1) for 3 months. BEOV at both doses was found to improve contextual memory and spatial learning in AD mice. It also improved glucose metabolism and protected neuronal synapses in the AD brain, as evidenced respectively by 18F-labeled fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET) scanning and by transmission electron microscopy. Inhibitory effects of BEOV on β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and neuronal impairment in the cortex and hippocampus of fluorescent AD mice were visualized three-dimensionally by applying optical clearing technology to brain slices before confocal laser scanning microscopy. Western blot analysis semi-quantitatively revealed the altered levels of Aβ42 in the brains of wildtype, AD, and AD treated with 0.2 and 1.0 mmol L−1 BEOV mice (70.3%, 100%, 83.2% and 56.8% in the hippocampus; 82.4%, 100%, 66.9% and 42% in the cortex, respectively). The mechanism study showed that BEOV increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) (140%, 100%, 142% and 160% in the hippocampus; 167%, 100%, 124% and 133% in the cortex) to inactivate the JAK2/STAT3/SOCS-1 pathway and to block the amyloidogenesis cascade, thus attenuating Aβ-induced insulin resistance in AD models. BEOV also reduced protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) expression (74.8%, 100%, 76.5% and 53.8% in the hippocampus; 71.8%, 100%, 94.2% and 81.8% in cortex) to promote insulin sensitivity and to stimulate the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway, subsequently reducing tau hyperphosphorylation (phosphorylated tau396 levels were 51.1%, 100%, 56.1% and 50.2% in the hippocampus; 22.2%, 100%, 36.1%, and 24% in the cortex). Our results suggested that BEOV reduced the pathological hallmarks of AD by targeting the pathways of PPARγ and PTP1B in 3×Tg AD mice.
Biosynthetic gene clusters and the evolution of fungal chemodiversity
Authors: Rokas Antonis , Mead Matthew E. , Steenwyk Jacob L. , Raja Huzefa A. , Oberlies Nicholas H.
Published: January 2020

This highlight synthesizes knowledge of the molecular evolutionary processes – functional divergence, horizontal transfer, andde novoassembly – that govern biosynthetic gene cluster diversification and the generation of chemodiversity in fungi.
Nanoparticles decorated with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor for targeting myeloid cells
Authors: Margulis Katherine , Honkala Alexander , Kalashnikova Irina , Noll Sarah E. , Hill Meghan , Zare Richard N. , Smith Bryan Ronain
Published: January 2020

Nanoparticles target the protective shield of cancer, which consists of immunosuppressive myeloid cells.
A trustworthy CpG nanoplatform for highly safe and efficient cancer photothermal combined immunotherapy
Authors: Ming Jiang , Zhang Jinjia , Shi Yiran , Yang Wangheng , Li Jingchao , Sun Duo , Xiang Sijin , Chen Xiaolan , Chen Lanfen , Zheng Nanfeng
Published: January 2020

Ultra-small palladium nanosheets are employed as the safe carriers of immunoadjuvant CpG for highly efficient cancer photothermal combined immunotherapy.
Physicochemical structure of a polyacrylic acid stabilized nanoparticle alum (nanoalum) adjuvant governs TH1 differentiation of CD4+ T cells
Authors: Khandhar Amit P. , Liang Hong , Simpson Adrian C. , Reed Steven G. , Carter Darrick , Fox Christopher B. , Orr Mark T.
Published: January 2020

The growing shift to subunit antigen vaccines underscores the need for adjuvants that can enhance the magnitude and quality of immune response.
Proteomic screening of plasma identifies potential noninvasive biomarkers associated with significant/advanced fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Hou Wei , Janech Michael G. , Sobolesky Philip M. , Bland Alison M. , Samsuddin Salma , Alazawi William , Syn Wing-Kin
Published: January 2020

Noninvasive biomarkers are clinically useful for evaluating liver fibrosis stage in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of the present study was to compare plasma proteins in patients with early nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (F0-F1) versus NASH with significant/advanced fibrosis (F2–F4) to determine whether candidate proteins could be used as potential noninvasive biomarkers. Nineteen biopsy-proven NAFLD patients including ten early NASH patients and nine NASH patients with significant/advanced fibrosis were enrolled in the present study. High-resolution proteomics screening of plasma was performed with the SCIEX TripleTOF 5600 System. Proteins were quantified using two different software platforms, Progenesis Qi and Scaffold Q+, respectively. Progenesis Qi analysis resulted in the discovery of 277 proteins compared with 235 proteins in Scaffold Q+. Five consensus proteins (i.e. Complement component C7; α-2-macroglobulin; Complement component C8 γ chain; Fibulin-1; α-1-antichymotrypsin) were identified. Complement component C7 was three-fold higher in the NASH group with significant/advanced fibrosis (F2–F4) compared with the early NASH (F0-F1) group (q-value = 3.6E-6). Complement component C7 and Fibulin-1 are positively correlated with liver stiffness (P=0.000, P=0.002, respectively); whereas, Complement component C8 γ chain is negatively correlated (P=0.009). High levels of Complement C7 are associated with NASH with significant/advanced fibrosis and Complement C7 is a perfect classifier of patients included in this pilot study. Further studies will be needed in a larger validation cohort to confirm the utility of complement proteins as biomarkers or mechanistic determinants of NASH with significant/advanced fibrosis.
The ratio of exogenous Luteinizing hormone to Follicle stimulating hormone administered for controlled ovarian stimulation is associated with oocytes’ number and competence
Authors: Albu Dragos , Albu Alice
Published: January 2020

We performed a retrospective study aiming to study the relationship between the ratio of the exogenous luteinizing hormone to follicle stimulating hormone (LH/FSH) administrated for controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and the number and competence of the oocytes retrieved for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Eight hundred sixty-eight consecutive infertile patients (mean age 34.54 ± 4.01 years, mean anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) 2.94 ± 2.07 ng/ml) treated with long agonist protocol and a mixed gonadotropin protocol (human menopausal gonadotropin in association with recombinant FSH (recFSH)) who performed IVF/ICSI between January 2013 and February 2016, were included. Patients with severe male factor were excluded. LH/FSH was calculated based on total doses of the two gonadotropins. We found, after adjustment for confounders, a positive relationship between LH/FSH and the retrieved oocytes’ (β = 0.229, P<0.0001) and zygotes’ number (β = 0.144, P<0.0001) in the entire study group and in subgroups according to age (<35 and ≥35 years) and ovarian reserve (AMH < 1.1 and ≥ 1.1 ng/ml). The fertilization rate was positively associated with LH/FSH in patients with LH/FSH in the lowest three quartiles (below 0.77) (β = 0.096, P=0.034). However, patients in the fourth quartile of LH/FSH had a lower fertilization rate as compared with patients in quartiles 1–3 which, after adjustment for covariates, was only marginally negatively related with LH/FSH (β = −0.108, P=0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that the adequate LH/FSH administrated during COS can improve the oocytes’ and zygotes’ number in IVF/ICSI cycles, but also the fertilization rate when a certain proportion of LH/FSH is not exceeded.
Effects of the initial granular structure of clay sealing materials on their swelling properties: experiments and DEM simulations
Authors: Darde Benjamin , Tang Anh Minh , Roux Jean-Noël , Dangla Patrick , Pereira Jean-Michel , Talandier Jean , Vu Minh Ngoc
Published: January 2020

Pellet-based expansive clay materials are considered as a sealing material for closing the galleries in radioactive waste disposal concepts. In repository conditions, the granular mixture progressively homogenises upon hydration by the host rock pore water. The present study focuses on the material behaviour before homogenisation. A grain-scale experimental characterisation is first performed in the laboratory. A model describing the hydromechanical behaviour of a pellet is proposed based on the experimental results. Then, suction-controlled swelling pressure tests are performed in the laboratory. Using Discrete Element Method (DEM) and the model proposed for a single pellet, the tests are successfully simulated. It is highlighted that (i) the swelling pressure evolves in two phases in the investigated suction range, controlled by the granular structure of the mixture; (ii) wall effects at the laboratory scale affects the material response; (iii) measurement variability associated to the sensor diameter is non-negligible; (iv) DEM is a valuable tool able to provide insight into the material behaviour.
Les essais de sensibilité appliqués aux sols compactés
Authors: Serratrice Jean François , Calissano Hélène , Batilliot Laurent
Published: January 2020

Une procédure d’essais de sensibilité à l’imbibition est mise en œuvre sur des sols compactés de diverses natures et de différents états. Un essai met en jeu six éprouvettes œdométriques testées en parallèle. Les éprouvettes sont chargées sous six charges indépendantes choisies en progression géométrique, puis elles sont mises en imbibition. Les déformations mesurées pendant ces deux étapes successives révèlent la sensibilité du sol compacté. La procédure d’essai est décrite, puis les sols testés. Une attention particulière est portée à la phase préliminaire de compactage statique des éprouvettes, qui fournit une contrainte de compactage. Les résultats des essais de sensibilité sont présentés sous la forme d’indices de sensibilité. Ces indices sont identifiés sur les courbes expérimentales. Des exemples sont commentés. Les expériences offrent un panorama de ces différents indices pour des sols de sensibilités diverses. Les essais montrent une grande variété de réponses. La caractérisation de l’effondrement des sols compactés est envisagée alors du point de vue des essais de sensibilité.
Inflow process of Fe, Ni, and Cr impurities in Ti sponge during kroll process
Authors: Zhuo Sheng , Kaihua Li , Liang Li , Xiaozhe Cheng
Published: January 2020

To produce Ti sponge for aerospace applications, the inflow process of Fe, Ni, and Cr impurities has been investigated by obtaining the distribution of the concentrations of these impurities, analyzing the microstructure and elemental composition of specimens, and calculating the formation enthalpies of the Mg–Ti–Fe, Mg–Ti–Ni and Mg–Ti–Cr ternary systems via the Miedema and Troop models. Fe, Ni, and Cr impurities are heterogeneous enriched, and the sides of the sponge mass have relatively higher impurity contents. This is caused by contamination from the stainless-steel reaction retort. The inflow process of impurities consists of two steps: the dissolution of impurities in liquid Mg and the formation of alloys with the Ti sponge. The retort material, the temperature of the reaction zone, and the uniformity and thickness of the Ti film are the key factors that directly influence the impurity contents.
Radiographers’ knowledge regarding patients’ ionizing radiation doses during common radiological procedures in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aldhafeeri F.M.
Published: January 2020

To evaluate the level of knowledge and awareness regarding radiation doses from common radiological examinations among 100 radiographers working in different hospitals across Saudi Arabia, a questionnaire comprising 21 multiple-choice questions was electronically distributed to 180 radiographers working in medical imaging departments in various hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Participants were instructed to estimate the radiation dose administrated to patients during common radiological procedures. I received 100 survey responses. Only 13% (n = 13) of the participants correctly identified the effective radiation dose from 1-view chest and abdominal X-ray, whereas 7% (n = 7) correctly identified the dose from 2-view chest X-ray. Approximately half of the participants underestimated the patient dose from head and abdominal computed tomography and 2-view unilateral mammogram. Moreover, 17–26% correctly estimated the patient’s risk of fatal cancer from common radiological procedures. These results revealed a remarkably low level of knowledge among radiographers regarding radiation dose and risks. The vast majority of radiographers underestimated radiation doses and associated risks from common radiological examinations. The number of bachelor’s programs in Saudi Arabia has been extremely limited in the past decade. Most radiographers hold a diploma degree, which does not include any courses on radiation dose or protection. Continuous professional development in radiation safety is required to practice radiography.
„Eine gute Beziehung ist Bedingung für eine erfolgreiche Therapie“ – Prof. Giovanni Maio über Werte in der Therapie
Authors: Maio Giovanni
Published: January 2020

Medizinethiker Giovanni Maio ist bekannt für seine Kritik an der zunehmenden Ökonomisierung des Gesundheitswesens. In seinem aktuellen Buch fordert er eine Rückbesinnung auf die zwischenmenschlichen Werte. Im Interview erklärt er, warum Ergotherapie eine Beziehungsdisziplin ist, deren wichtigste Aufgabe die Motivation ist, und warum wir unsere Patienten nicht Kunden nennen sollten.
Recent Developments in Highly Stereoselective Michael Addition Reactions Catalyzed by Metal Complexes
Authors: Reznikov Alexander N. , Klimochkin Yuri N.
Published: January 2020

Achieving high enantioselectivity and diastereoselectivity simultaneously­ is a rather challenging task for asymmetric catalytic synthesis­. Thanks to the rapid development of asymmetric transition-metal catalysis, significant progress has been made during recent years in achieving highly enantio- and diastereoselective conjugate addition reactions with a diverse combination of Michael donors and acceptors. This short review surveys the advances in transition-metal-catalyzed asymmetric diastereoselective Michael addition including diastereodivergent catalysis developed between 2015 and 2019. The review is divided into multiple parts according to the type of nucleophiles involved in the reaction.

1 Introduction

2 Addition of Functionalized Ketones and Dicarbonyl Compounds

3 Addition of Aldimino Esters and Their Cyclic Analogues

4 Addition of Indolin-2-ones

5 Vinylogous Michael Reactions

6 Other Michael Donors

7 Cascade Reactions Initiated by Michael Addition

8 Conclusion
Hydrocortisone for Preventing Mortality and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants with or without Chorioamnionitis Exposure: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Zhou Jianguo , Yu Zhuowen , Chen Chao
Published: January 2020

Objective This study sought to assess whether infants exposed to chorioamnionitis are the optimal population to benefit the most from early postnatal hydrocortisone delivery in preventing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). This meta-analysis was conducted to discover the efficacy of hydrocortisone in preterm infants with and without chorioamnionitis.

Study Design From the earliest available date until March 2018, studies, review articles, and papers published in PubMed, Ovid, and Web of Science were reviewed. Randomized controlled trials comparing hydrocortisone with placebo/no intervention in preterm infants with a known status of chorioamnionitis exposure were included.

Results Early postpartum low-dose hydrocortisone prevents the combined outcome of neonatal BPD or death in infants weighing less than 1,000 g with chorioamnionitis exposure (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.52 [0.32–0.79]; risk difference: –0.15 [–0.24 to –0.06]; number needed to treat: 6 [4–16]) but not in infants without chorioamnionitis exposure. Further secondary analysis showed no significant difference between the hydrocortisone group and the placebo group in individual outcomes of BPD or death, regardless of infant exposure to chorioamnionitis.

Conclusion Early application of low-dose hydrocortisone could potentially prevent BPD or death in infants weighing less than 1,000 g with exposure to chorioamnionitis. This finding provides the basis for further study in this target group.
Rotation control of a variable-capacitance electrostatic motor for space equivalence principle tests with rotating masses
Authors: Liu T. Y. , Wang S. Y. , Han F. T. , Wu Q. P.
Published: January 2020

Variable-capacitance electrostatic motors are ideal for driving the test mass in ultra-low-noise electrostatic accelerometers. Such devices are essential for testing the new equivalence principle (NEP) with rotating extended masses. However, as the air-film damping is greatly reduced by placing the sensor core assembly in a high-vacuum housing, this synchronous motor may easily fall out of step and suffer spin-up failures with traditional open-loop excitation. In this study, a synchronous electronic phase commutation scheme is proposed by sensing the three-phase position change of the rotor poles and activating the stator electrodes in careful correlation with the instantaneous rotor position. Experiments on a ground-test NEP instrument prototype show that the proposed closed-loop excitation scheme can spin-up the rotor synchronously and maintain stable constant-speed operation of this macroscale variable capacitance motor operated in a high-vacuum environment. This rotation control method is also applicable to the synchronous operation of micromachined variable-capacitance electrostatic motors.
Neutron diffraction strain tomography: Demonstration and proof-of-concept
Authors: Gregg A. W. T. , Hendriks J. N. , Wensrich C. M. , Luzin V. , Wills A.
Published: January 2020

Recently, a number of reconstruction algorithms have been presented for residual strain tomography from Bragg-edge neutron transmission measurements. In this paper, we examine whether strain tomography can also be achieved using diffraction instruments. We outline the proposed method and develop a suitable reconstruction algorithm. This technique is demonstrated in simulation, and a proof-of-concept experiment is carried out, where the strain field in an axisymmetric sample is reconstructed and validated using conventional diffraction strain scans.
Cryostat setup for measuring spectral and electrical properties of light-emitting diodes at junction temperatures from 81 K to 297 K
Authors: Martikainen Elvira , Vaskuri Anna , Dönsberg Timo , Ikonen Erkki
Published: January 2020

We introduce a cryostat setup for measuring fundamental optical and electrical properties of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). With the setup, the cryostat pressure and the LED properties of the forward voltage, junction temperature, and electroluminescence spectrum are monitored with temperature steps less than 1.5 K, over the junction temperature range of 81–297 K. We applied the setup to commercial yellow AlGaInP and blue InGaN LEDs. At cryogenic temperatures, the fine structure of the electroluminescence spectra became resolved. For the yellow LED, we observed the phonon replica at 2.094 eV that was located 87 meV below the peak energy at the junction temperature of 81 K. For the blue LED, we observed the cascade phonon replicas at 2.599 eV, 2.510 eV, and 2.422 eV with the energy interval of 89 meV. For both LED types, the forward voltage increased sharply toward the lower temperatures due to the increased resistivity of materials in the LED components. We found significant differences between the temperature dependent behaviors of the forward voltages, spectral peak energies, and bandgap energies of LEDs obtained from the Varshni formula. We also noted a sharp pressure peak at 180–185 K arising from the solid-vapor phase transition of water when the base level of the cryostat pressure was approximately 0.4 mPa.
Development of an experimental setup for in situ visualization of lyophilization using neutron radiography and computed tomography
Authors: Hilmer Mathias , Peters Jürgen , Schulz Michael , Gruber Sebastian , Vorhauer Nicole , Tsotsas Evangelos , Foerst Petra
Published: January 2020

This article shows a new conceptional design of an experimental setup for in situ visualization of the lyophilization process using neutron radiography and computed tomography and its validation. The setup is designed for the neutron imaging beam line ANTARES at FRM II, considering all the requirements for this method. Neutrons are ideally suited to detect water in a sample because of the high neutron attenuation of hydrogen, whereas other materials like aluminum have a low absorption of neutrons resulting in an image where the drying fronts in bulk materials are observable. Consisting of a freeze-drying cell and a sample-stick, the setup is basically inspired by a common freeze-drying unit. The cell is axial symmetrical to allow computed tomography measurements. The developed sample stick connects the vacuum cell with the measurement devices and the vacuum pump. Experiments were performed at FRM II, showing that the setup is functional. In addition, the experiments discovered some possibilities for improvements, which can be used in further measurements.
CNOT gate operation on a photogenerated molecular electron spin-qubit pair
Authors: Nelson Jordan N. , Zhang Jinyuan , Zhou Jiawang , Rugg Brandon K. , Krzyaniak Matthew D. , Wasielewski Michael R.
Published: January 2020

Implementation of the two-qubit controlled-NOT (CNOT) gate is necessary to develop a complete set of universal gates for quantum computing. Here, we demonstrate that a photogenerated radical (spin qubit) pair within a covalent donor-chromophore-acceptor molecule can be used to successfully execute a CNOT gate with high fidelity. The donor is tetrathiafulvalene (TTF), the chromophore is 8-aminonaphthalene-1,8-dicarboximide (ANI), and the acceptor is pyromellitimide (PI). Selective photoexcitation of ANI with a 416 nm laser pulse results in subnanosecond formation of the TTF•+-ANI-PI•− radical (spin qubit) pair at 85 K having a 1.8 µs phase memory time. This is sufficiently long to execute a CNOT gate using a sequence of five microwave pulses followed by a sequence of two pulses that read out all the elements of the density matrix. Comparing these data to a simulation of the data that assumes ideal conditions results in a fidelity of 0.97 for the execution of the CNOT gate. These results show that photogenerated molecular spin qubit pairs can be used to execute this essential quantum gate at modest temperatures, which affords the possibility that chemical synthesis can be used to develop structures to execute more complex quantum logic operations using electron spins.
Calculation of the EPR g-tensor from auxiliary density functional theory
Authors: Zuniga-Gutierrez Bernardo , Medel-Juarez Victor , Varona Andres , González Ramírez Henry Nicole , Flores-Moreno Roberto
Published: January 2020

The working equations for the calculation of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) g-tensor within the framework of the auxiliary density functional theory (ADFT) are presented. The scheme known as gauge including atomic orbitals (GIAOs) is employed to treat the gauge origin problem. This ADFT-GIAO formulation possesses an inherent high computational performance, allowing for the calculation of the EPR g-tensor of molecules containing some hundreds of atoms in reasonable computational time employing moderate computational resources. The effect of the use of a gauge independent auxiliary density on the quality of the g-tensor calculation for the evaluation of the exchange-correlation contribution is analyzed in this work. The best agreement with the experiment is obtained with the BLYP functional (Becke 1988 exchange and Lee-Yang-Parr correlation) in combination with a double-ζ basis set, in particular aug-cc-pVDZ. Furthermore, models of endohedral fullerenes N@Cn, with n = {60, 70, 100, 180, 240}, were used for benchmarking its computational performance.
Role of finite-size effect in BiFeO3 nanoparticles to enhance ferromagnetism and microwave absorption
Authors: Hong Yang , Li Jun , Bai Han , Song Zhenjia , Li Guangmao , Wang Ming , Zhou Zhongxiang
Published: January 2020

Exploring the performance of nanoscale multiferroic materials is a significant challenge because the physical properties of these materials vary dramatically on this scale. In the present work, BiFeO3 (BFO) nanoparticles are synthesized by a facile sol-gel method, producing homogeneous spherical nanoparticles whose Raman modes and binding energies coincide with pure rhombohedral perovskite BFO. The dramatic magnetic properties of nanoscale BFO with diameters in the range of 50–130 nm are explored by analyzing the temperature and field dependence of magnetization, and detailed zero-field cooling and field cooling magnetization curves show that interparticle interactions play a constructive role in increasing the magnetic response. Moreover, BFO nanoparticles have two absorption regions in the range of 2–18 GHz, and the minimum reflection loss is −18 dB. The finite-size effect is discussed as the primary mechanism for enhancing the ferromagnetism and microwave absorption, and the results provide a feasible route for designing multifunctional materials.
Bowing of transport gap in hybrid halide perovskite alloys (CH3NH3Sn1−xPbxI3): Which band is responsible?
Authors: Khatun Salma , Maiti Abhishek , Pal Amlan J.
Published: January 2020

Apart from being a unique material for efficient solar cells, hybrid halide perovskites possess more mysteries than ever. An anomalous bandgap behavior in CH3NH3Sn1−xPbxI3 alloys has been reported recently [Hao et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 136, 8094 (2014)], in which the composition-dependent optical bandgap follows nonmonotonic and nonlinear characteristics instead of a linear trend or Vegard's law; the bandgap of the intermediate compounds was lower than that of the end members. In this article, we study composition-dependent conduction and valence band energies through scanning tunneling spectroscopy to deliberate on the role of the two bands in the bandgap bowing phenomenon and the underlying mechanism. We observe a nonlinear behavior of the two bands with respect to the alloy composition, leading to an anomalous behavior in the transport gap as well. We confirm that two competing events, namely, a spin–orbit coupling parameter appearing due to inclusion of a high-Z material and structural distortion affecting molecular orbitals responsible for the formation of the valence and the conduction bands, result in bandgap bowing in CH3NH3Sn1−xPbxI3 alloys.
Approach to stacking superlattice layers points to high-performance spintronic devices
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: January 2020

Alternating polar and nonpolar layers with electrons of different energy levels leads to structures with modifiable magnetic properties.
New deconvoluting algorithm offers new approach for mass spectrometry data compression
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: January 2020

Modifying the established Lucy-Richardson algorithm with Bayesian prior distributions increase convergence rate four-fold and doubles mass resolution.
Application of deep neural networks to improve diagnostic accuracy of rheumatoid arthritis using diffuse optical tomography
Authors: Feng Yangqin , Lighter D. , Zhang Lei , Wang Yan , Dehghani H.
Published: January 2020

A set of deep neural network models for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) classification using a highway network, a convolutional neural network and a residual network is proposed based on the data of diffuse optical tomography (DOT) utilising near-infrared light, which ensures early diagnosis of pathophysiological changes resulting from inflammation. A numerical model of the finger is used to generate images to overcome the inherent problem of insufficient clinical DOT images available. The proposed deep neural network models are applied to automatically classify simulated DOT images of inflamed and non-inflamed joints and transfer learning is also used to improve the performance of the classification. The results demonstrate that all three deep neural network methods improve the diagnostic accuracy as compared to the widely applied support vector machine (SVM), especially for high inter-subject variability databases. In cases of distinct modelled severity of disease, residual network achieved the highest accuracy (> 99 %), and both of highway and convolutional neural networks reached 99 %, respectively. However, as the severity of the modelled disease is reduced, this accuracy is reduced to 75.2 % for residual networks. The results indicate that transfer learning can improve the performance of deep neural network methods on RA classification from DOT data and highlight their potential as a computer aided tool in DOT diagnostic systems.
Assessment of the degree of hydration of ocular surface tissues using THz reflectometry
Authors: Kekkonen E.A. , Konovko A.A. , Lee E.S. , Lee I.-M. , Ozheredov I.A. , Park K.H. , Safonova T.N. , Sikach E.I. , Shkurinov A.P.
Published: January 2020

Using the effective medium model, the complex permittivity of the ocular surface system in the THz frequency range is considered. The penetration depth of THz radiation and the sensitivity of the reflected component to the dynamics of evaporation of the tear film are discussed. The results ofin vivoexperiments aimed to determine the reflection coefficient of the ocular surface using continuous THz reflectometers are well described using the developed model.
Control of laser-beam spatial distribution for correcting the shape and refraction of eye cornea
Authors: Baum O.I. , Omelchenko A.I. , Kasianenko E.M. , Skidanov R.V. , Kazanskiy N.L. , Sobol’ E.N. , Bolshunov A.V. , Avetisov S.E. , Panchenko V.Ya.
Published: January 2020

The results of calculation and development of a device aimed at forming a laser beam with an annular intensity distribution and spatial mode homogenisation, as well as approbation of this device for biological phantoms and eyes in ex vivo experiments with laser non-ablative correction of the cornea profile, are presented. The radiation intensities and thermal field distributions on the surfaces of a phantom and isolated rabbit’s eye are investigated. The absence of significant heating in the central region of eye is confirmed. It is shown that this device can be used for laser impact in order to change symmetrically eye’s refraction.
Low-intensity monitoring of small-mammal habitat associations and species interactions in an urban forest-preserve network
Authors: Cassel Kevin W. , Morin Dana J. , Nielsen Clayton K. , Preuss Timothy S. , Glowacki Gary A.
Published: January 2020

Abstract ContextAnthropogenic landscape modification and fragmentation result in loss of species and can alter ecosystem function. Assessment of the ecological value of urban reserve networks requires baseline and continued monitoring. However, depending on the desired indicators and parameters, effective monitoring can involve extensive sampling that is often financially or logistically infeasible. AimsWe employed a low-intensity, mixed-detector survey design to monitor the small-mammal community across a network of 53 fragmented forest preserves (225 sites) in a highly urbanised landscape in the Chicago metropolitan area from August to October, 2009–2012. MethodsWe used a sequential process to fit single-season occupancy and pairwise co-occurrence models for six common small mammal species to evaluate habitat associations and interspecific interactions. Key resultsShrew species and meadow voles occurred more often in open canopy-associated habitats, whereas occupancy was greater for eastern chipmunks, grey squirrels and white-footed mice in closed-canopy habitats. Habitat associations were complicated by negative pairwise interactions, resulting in reduced occurrence of meadow voles when predatory short-tailed shrews were present and lower occupancy rates of white-footed mouse when chipmunk competitors where present. White-footed mice co-occurred with short-tailed shrews, but detection of white-footed mice was lower when either eastern chipmunks or short-tailed shrews were present, suggesting that densities of these species could be inversely related. ConclusionsWe found evidence for both habitat segregation and interspecific interactions among small mammal species, by using low-intensity sampling across the reserve network. Thus, our sampling and analysis approach allowed for adequate assessment of the habitat associations and species interactions within a small-mammal community. ImplicationsOur findings demonstrated the utility of this monitoring strategy and community as bioindicators for urban-reserve networks. The approach described holds promise for efficient monitoring of reserve networks in fragmented landscapes, critical as human population densities and urbanisation increase, and we discuss how adaptive sampling methods could be incorporated to further benefit conservation efforts.
“Going video”
Authors: Pöchhacker Franz
Published: January 2020

This chapter explores the link between interpreting and video
mainly by engaging in a conceptual analysis drawing on insights from social
semiotics and communication studies. Departing from an understanding of
speech as a semiotic mode in the oral-aural modality, the development of
interpreting practices since the early twentieth century is reviewed with
respect to the use of technology as a sign-conveying medium. Special
emphasis is given to the introduction of “telephonic” interpreting and its
implications for “visibility” in interpreter-mediated communication before
the introduction of audiovisual transmission systems. Based on the
examination of some existing models of multimodal language use, and further
theoretical reflection, a conceptual framework is suggested to account more
explicitly for different medium-based forms of interpreting and for the
communicative dynamics shaped by the mediality of these practices. On this
foundation, video is discussed as a technological medium supporting novel
professional practices as well as research approaches.
High linearity and high power performance with barrier layer of sandwich structure and Al0.05GaN back barrier for X-band application
Authors: Hou Bin , Yang Ling , Mi Minhan , Zhang Meng , Yi Chupeng , Wu Mei , Zhu Qing , Lu Yang , Zhu Jiejie , Zhou Xiaowei , Lv Ling , Ma Xiaohua , Hao Yue
Published: January 2020

The high power and linearity performance of GaN-based HEMT for X-band application was achieved using the barrier layer of sandwich structure and Al0.05GaN back barrier. The AlGaN-sandwich-barrier can modulate polarization-graded field for more flat transconductance profile under the high drain bias. Only about 7.5% current collapse (CC) occurs for drain quiescent bias of 40 V. Due to the Al0.05GaN back barrier, the three-terminal off-state breakdown voltage (BVDS) of 260 V and a very small drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL) of 2.7 mV V−1 is achieved. The AlGaN sandwich barrier combined with Al0.05GaN back barrier device exhibits a high current-gain cutoff frequency f 
T of 42 GHz@V
DS  =  10 V, and a high power-gain cutoff frequency f 
MAX of 130 GHz@V
DS  =  60 V. Load-pull measurement at 10 GHz revealed a saturated power density of 7.3 W mm−1 was achieved with an associated PAE of 29.2% and Gain of 10.6 dB. Two-tone measurement at 10 GHz showed an OIP3 of 38 dBm and a corresponding linearity figure-of-merit OIP3/P
DC of 4.5 dB. These results demonstrate the great potential of AlGaN-sandwich -barrier/GaN/Al0.05GaN HEMTs as a very promising alternative to high power and high linearity X-band power amplifier.
Magnetic field design for miniature pulse Penning ion source
Authors: Mamedov N V , Gubarev A V , Zverev V I , Maslennikov S P , Solodovnikov A A , Uzvolok A A , Yurkov D I
Published: January 2020

Magnetic field configuration for a miniature pulse Penning ion source was designed in this work. The amplitude-time characteristics of discharge and extracted currents were investigated as a function of gas pressure for various magnetic field magnitude and configuration An effect of magnetic field configuration on the Penning’s discharge modes and characteristics of the extraction current impulse were experimentally shown. Stable operation modes of the ion source were found in this work. Also the appropriate ranges of working gas pressure and magnetic field configuration were demonstrated, at which the current pulse of the extracted ions had a quasi-rectangular form. For better understanding real magnetic fields distributions of within the discharge cell magnetic field have been calculated in COMSOL software.
The suitability of ultrasonic and megasonic cleaning of nanoscale patterns in ammonia hydroxide solutions for particle removal and feature damage
Authors: Chu Chun-Lin , Lu Te-Yun , Fuh Yiin-Kuen
Published: January 2020

In this study, usually, arrays of square or rectangular piezo devices bonded to a substrate and spaced as close together as possible for transduction for efficient megasonic cleaning, megasonic cleaning is applied to removing sidewall particles during post-silicon etch cleaning. A system was developed containing different measures of ultrasonic and megasonic processes, generated by adjusting the power in NH4OH. Megasonic waves in the gap between the wafer and the megasonic transducer ensure uniform sonic energy across the whole wafer. The generation of radicals is promoted by megasonic energy, such that residue removal occurs in dilute solution. The feature damage for the megasonic cleaning decreased in the NH4OH solution compared to ultrasonic. Moreover, the mechanical force of the bubble cavitation generated by megasonic cleaning also improves residue removal and enhances the mass transfer rate. Extreme cavitation is beneficial for removing particles but can damage wafer features. The damage caused by ultrasonic cleaning is significantly larger than megasonic cleaning. Compared with typical methods of silicon oxide residues removal, this megasonic process has a low material loss and a high residue removal efficiency for via, with a high aspect ratio. In addition, it minimizes defects to structures. These results suggest that megasonic cleaning can be applied to the nanoparticle cleaning process. Megasonic cleaning is quickly becoming an efficient method for post process cleaning in IC fabrication processes.
Effect of ion-trap parameters on energy distributions of ultra-cold atom–ion mixtures
Authors: Pinkas Meirav , Meir Ziv , Sikorsky Tomas , Ben-Shlomi Ruti , Akerman Nitzan , Ozeri Roee
Published: January 2020

Experiments in which ultra-cold neutral atoms and charged ions are overlapped, constitute a new field in atomic and molecular physics, with applications ranging from studying out-of-equilibrium dynamics to simulating quantum many-body systems. The holy grail of ion-neutral systems is reaching the quantum low-energy scattering regime, known as the s-wave scattering. However, in most atom–ion systems, there is a fundamental limit that prohibits reaching this regime. This limit arises from the time-dependent trapping potential of the ion, the Paul trap, which sets a lower collision energy limit which is higher than the s-wave energy. In this work, we studied both theoretically and experimentally, the way the Paul trap parameters affect the energy distribution of an ion that is immersed in a bath of ultra-cold atoms. Heating rates and energy distributions of the ion are calculated for various trap parameters by a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation that takes into account the attractive atom–ion potential. The deviation of the energy distribution from a thermal one is discussed. Using the MD simulation, the heating dynamics for different atom–ion combinations is also investigated. In addition, we performed measurements of the heating rates of a ground-state cooled 88Sr+ ion that is immersed in an ultra-cold cloud of 87Rb atoms, over a wide range of trap parameters, and compare our results to the MD simulation. Both the simulation and the experiment reveal no significant change in the heating for different parameters of the trap. However, in the experiment a slightly higher global heating is observed, relative to the simulation.
Confabulations on Time: Relationship between Confabulations and Timing Deviations in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: El Haj Mohamad , Larøi Frank
Published: January 2020

Objectives

We investigated the relationship between confabulations and the ability to process chronological characteristics of memories in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).

Methods

We evaluated provoked confabulations, spontaneous confabulations, and time perception in 31 AD patients. We evaluated provoked confabulations with questions probing general and personal knowledge. We evaluated spontaneous confabulations with a scale rated by nursing and medical staff. Regarding time perception, we invited the participants to perform a simple ongoing activity (i.e., deciding whether words were abstract or concrete), in order to provide a verbal estimation of the elapsed time intervals.

Results

We observed significant positive correlations between provoked/spontaneous confabulations and deviations in time estimation on the time perception task.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate a relationship between confabulations in AD and difficulties in processing the chronological characteristics of elapsed events.
Macroevolutionary analyses indicate that repeated adaptive shifts towards predatory diets affect functional diversity in Neotropical cichlids
Authors: Arbour Jessica H , Montaña Carmen G , Winemiller Kirk O , Pease Allison A , Soria-Barreto Miriam , Cochran-Biederman Jennifer L , López-Fernández Hernán
Published: January 2020

During adaptive radiation, diversification within clades is limited by adaptation to the available ecological niches, and this may drive patterns of both trait and species diversity. However, adaptation to disparate niches may result in varied impacts on the timing, pattern and rate of morphological evolution. In this study, we examined the relationship between feeding ecology and functional diversification across a diverse clade of freshwater fishes, the Neotropical cichlids. Species dietary niches were ordinated via multivariate analysis of stomach content data. We investigated changes in the rate and pattern of morphological diversification associated with feeding, including dietary niche and degree of dietary specialization. A major division in dietary niche space was observed between predators that consume fish and macroinvertebrates vs. other groups with diets dominated by small invertebrates, detritus or vegetation. These trophic niches were strongly associated with groupings defined by functional morphospace. Clades within the piscivore/macroinvertivore group rarely transitioned to other dietary niches. Comparatively, high dietary specialization enhanced functional diversification, driving the evolution of more extreme morphologies. Divergent patterns of trophic diversification among Neotropical cichlids appear to derive from different performance demands in regional abiotic and biotic environments associated with biogeographical history.