bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seven‐level inverter with switched capacitors
Authors: Wu Xuezhi , Zhao Yaxue , Liu Feng , Liu Jingdou , Wang Jie , Jiang Jiuchun
Published: December 2018

The seven‐level (7L) inverter with a nearly sinusoidal output voltage is suitable for renewable energy conversion applications. A novel 7L inverter topology with switched capacitors is proposed here. The topology is composed of an active clamping inverter and a switched‐capacitor part in series connection. The switched‐capacitor part, consisting of three switches and two clamped capacitors, can provide 1/3 or 2/3 level of output voltage. By connecting switched‐capacitor part in forward or backward series to the inverter output, a 7L output voltage waveform can be obtained with enough redundancy switching states to balance the voltage of switching capacitors. A modified modulation method is also proposed to make the topology operating properly. The voltage of switched‐capacitor part can be sustained E and 2E alternately by adjusting a modulation index according to the capacitor voltage and load current. The effectiveness of the proposed topology is validated by both simulative and experimental results. Comparing with conventional 7L inverter topology, less number of devices were adopted in the proposed topology with a simple and practicable modulation method.
Spectroscopic membership for the populous 300 Myr-old open cluster NGC 3532
Authors: Fritzewski D. J. , Barnes S. A. , James D. J. , Geller A. M. , Meibom S. , Strassmeier K. G.
Published: December 2018

Context. NGC 3532 is an extremely rich open cluster embedded in the Galactic disc, hitherto lacking a comprehensive, documented membership list.

Aims. We provide membership probabilities from new radial velocity observations of solar-type and low-mass stars in NGC 3532, in part as a prelude to a subsequent study of stellar rotation in the cluster.

Methods. Using extant optical and infra-red photometry we constructed a preliminary photometric membership catalogue, consisting of 2230 dwarf and turn-off stars. We selected 1060 of these for observation with the AAOmega spectrograph at the 3.9 m-Anglo-Australian Telescope and 391 stars for observations with the Hydra-South spectrograph at the 4 m Victor Blanco Telescope, obtaining spectroscopic observations over a decade for 145 stars. We measured radial velocities for our targets through cross-correlation with model spectra and standard stars, and supplemented them with radial velocities for 433 additional stars from the literature. We also measured log g, Teff, and [Fe/H] from the AAOmega spectra.

Results. The radial velocity distribution emerging from the observations is centred at 5.43 ± 0.04 km s−1 and has a width (standard deviation) of 1.46 km s−1. Together with proper motions from Gaia DR2 we find 660 exclusive members, of which five are likely binary members. The members are distributed across the whole cluster sequence, from giant stars to M dwarfs, making NGC 3532 one of the richest Galactic open clusters known to date, on par with the Pleiades. From further spectroscopic analysis of 153 dwarf members we find the metallicity to be marginally sub-solar, with [Fe/H] = −0.07 ± 0.10. We confirm the extremely low reddening of the cluster, EB − V = 0.034 ± 0.012 mag, despite its location near the Galactic plane. Exploiting trigonometric parallax measurements from Gaia DR2 we find a distance of 48435−30 pc [(m − M)0 = 8.42 ± 0.14 mag]. Based on the membership we provide an empirical cluster sequence in multiple photometric passbands. A comparison of the photometry of the measured cluster members with several recent model isochrones enables us to confirm the 300 Myr cluster age. However, all of the models evince departures from the cluster sequence in particular regions, especially in the lower mass range.
The MAGNUM survey: different gas properties in the outflowing and disc components in nearby active galaxies with MUSE
Authors: Mingozzi M. , Cresci G. , Venturi G. , Marconi A. , Mannucci F. , Perna M. , Belfiore F. , Carniani S. , Balmaverde B. , Brusa M. , Cicone C. , Feruglio C. , Gallazzi A. , Mainieri V. , Maiolino R. , Nagao T. , Nardini E. , Sani E. , Tozzi P. , Zibetti S.
Published: December 2018

We investigated the interstellar medium (ISM) properties of the disc and outflowing gas in the central regions of nine nearby Seyfert galaxies, all characterised by prominent conical or biconical outflows. These objects are part of the Measuring Active Galactic Nuclei Under MUSE Microscope (MAGNUM) survey, which aims to probe their physical conditions and ionisation mechanism by exploiting the unprecedented sensitivity of the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE), combined with its spatial and spectral coverage. Specifically, we studied the different properties of the gas in the disc and in the outflow with spatially and kinematically resolved maps by dividing the strongest emission lines in velocity bins. We associated the core of the lines with the disc, consistent with the stellar velocity, and the redshifted and the blueshifted wings with the outflow. We measured the reddening, density, ionisation parameter, and dominant ionisation source of the emitting gas for both components in each galaxy. We find that the outflowing gas is characterised by higher values of density and ionisation parameter than the disc, which presents a higher dust extinction. Moreover, we distinguish high- and low-ionisation regions across the portion of spatially resolved narrow-line region (NLR) traced by the outflowing gas. The high-ionisation regions characterised by the lowest [N II]/Hα and [S II]/Hα line ratios generally trace the innermost parts along the axis of the emitting cones where the [S III]/[S II] line ratio is enhanced, while the low-ionisation regions follow the cone edges and/or the regions perpendicular to the axis of the outflows, also characterised by a higher [O III] velocity dispersion. A possible scenario to explain these features relies on the presence of two distinct populations of line emitting clouds: one is optically thin to the radiation and is characterised by the highest excitation, while the other is optically thick and is impinged by a filtered, and thus harder, radiation field which generates strong low-excitation lines. The highest values of [N II]/Hα and [S II]/Hα line ratios may be due to shocks and/or a hard filtered radiation field from the active galactic nucleus.
Applied signal effect in the potentiometric method on the resistance measurements accuracy
Authors: Ali Rasha S.M.
Published: December 2018

In this paper, the effect of applying dc voltage and dc current sources in using the potentiometric method on the accuracy and the uncertainty of the resistance measurements is studied. This study is done practically for the low and high values of standard resistance ranges from 100 to 10 MΩ. The traceability chain for the used resistors is introduced by using the standard resistors 1 Ω Thomas type, 10 kΩ model SR104, and four Hamon transfer standards. The system operation is remotely controlled by using a LabVIEW program to improve the performance. The measurement results and the uncertainty estimation values are discussed to identify the effect of the applied voltage and current on the different resistance ranges measurement.
Auf den Spuren des Erb’schen Auskultationspunkts: Rätsel gelöst
Authors: Kolb Frederick , Spanke Johannes , Winkelmann Andreas
Published: December 2018

“Erb’s point” is the fifth point of auscultation for the heart exam, located in the third intercostal space close to the sternum. It has sometimes been attributed to famous German neurologist Wilhelm Heinrich Erb (1840 – 1921), but without historical evidence. Erb’s focus on neurology suggested that the auscultation point may have been confused with other points in the neck named after Erb. As Erb was a specialist for neurological manifestations of syphilis, we speculated that the heart murmur of aortic incompetence produced by syphilitic aortitis, best heard at Erb’s point, linked Erb’s name to the auscultation point. However, we eventually found a publication by an American physician who visited Erb’s lectures in Heidelberg and reported that Erb explicitly introduced this “fifth point” in his case presentations in the late 1890 s. After all, Erb was chair of general medicine, with the first German chair of neurology only being established in 1919.
Demente Staatenlenker: Risiken und Nebenwirkungen
Authors: Förstl Hans
Published: December 2018

Intellectually challenged heads of state have had a remarkable impact on the course of history and the problem of age-associated impairment in politicians appears to increase with growing life expectancy. Lenin, Paul Deschanel, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Heinrich Lübke, Urho Kekkonen, Mao tse tung, Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul II., and Robert Mugabe were still in power while showing signs of cognitive impairment. Margaret Thatcher, Walter Scheel, Helmut Kohl and many others developed dementia after their resignation. Mild cognitive impairment in Paul von Hindenburg and in communist sclerocrats (Andropow, Breshnew, Ceausescu, Honecker, Mielke and others) may have contributed to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the downfall of communist regimes, respectively. Two prototypes of presidential dementia have to be distinguished: the tragic senile King-Lear-form with cognitive deficits and the buffalo- and buffoon-like King-Ubu-type with predominant behavioral disturbances.
Santiago Ramón y Cajal – Neuroanatom, Künstler und Literat
Authors: Steininger Helmuth , Codina-Canet Carolina
Published: December 2018

Santiago Ramón y Cajal came from North Spain and was very talented in painting and writing. Actually he wanted to become a painter but his father, who was a medical doctor himself, forced him to study medicine. In the end, he became a famous neuroanatomist, developed the neuron theory and, together with Camillo Golgi, was awarded the Nobel Price for medicine in 1906. In his career, he was very much supported by German scientists, especially by the Würzburg anatomist von Koelliker. He also displayed a lively literary activity. But most of his works are little known to us. Of his 5 “Cuentos de vacaciones” (vacation stories) there is a translation into English only since 2001.
UIO Editorial
Authors: Lim Adrian
Published: December 2018

It is with great pleasure again that I introduce the December 2018 issue of Ultrasound International Open.

This issue has a focus on Neck ultrasound where the first article highlights the value of careful sonographic observations of thyroid nodules which will improve diagnostic accuracy and help select suspicious nodules for histological sampling. The article also provides many examples and highlights some helpful tips.
Rezept für Bewegung in der Nephrologie
Authors: Löllgen Herbert , Krause Rolfdieter , Zupet Petra , Degenhardt Stefan
Published: December 2018

Die Behandlung der chronischen Niereninsuffizienz (chronic kidney disease, CKD)
in Klinik und Praxis, auch unter der Dialysetherapie, beinhaltet stets eine
umfangreiche medikamentöse Gabe und eine regelmäßige Überwachung. Die
Niereninsuffizienz als chronische Erkrankung gehört zu der Gruppe von
Krankheiten, die auch von einer nicht medikamentösen Therapie profitiert –
nämlich von einer regelmäßigen körperlichen Aktivität. Trotz zahlreicher
Publikationen zu diesem Thema werden Bewegung und körperliche Aktivität noch zu
wenig bei Patienten mit CKD eingesetzt. Mit den Ergebnissen des Trainings
während der Dialyse und dem Rezept für Bewegung gibt es effektive Ansätze, die
Faktoren des gesunden Lebensstils in das Behandlungskonzept bei Nierenpatienten
einzusetzen.
An Update on Addison’s Disease
Authors: Barthel Andreas , Benker Georg , Berens Kai , Diederich Sven , Manfras Burkhard , Gruber Matthias , Kanczkowski Waldemar , Kline Greg , Kamvissi-Lorenz Virginia , Hahner Stefanie , Beuschlein Felix , Brennand Ana , Boehm Bernhard , Torpy David , Bornstein Stefan
Published: December 2018

Addison’s disease – the traditional term for primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) – is defined as the clinical manifestation of chronic glucocorticoid- and/or mineralocorticoid deficiency due to failure of the adrenal cortex which may result in an adrenal crisis with potentially life-threatening consequences. Even though efficient and safe pharmaceutical preparations for the substitution of endogenous gluco- and mineralocorticoids are established in therapy, the mortality in patients with PAI is still increased and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is often reduced.

PAI is a rare disease but recent data report an increasing prevalence. In addition to the common “classical” causes of PAI like autoimmune, infectious, neoplastic and genetic disorders, other iatrogenic conditions – mostly pharmacological side effects (e. g., adrenal haemorrhage associated with anticoagulants, drugs affecting glucocorticoid synthesis, action or metabolism and some of the novel anti-cancer checkpoint inhibitors) are contributing factors to this phenomenon.

Due to the rarity of the disease and often non-specific symptoms at least in the early stages, PAI is frequently not considered resulting in a delayed diagnosis. Successful therapy is mainly based on adequate patient education as a cornerstone in the prevention and management of adrenal crisis. A focus of current research is in the development of pharmacokinetically optimized glucocorticoid preparations as well as regenerative therapies.
Direct Catalytic Asymmetric Mannich-Type Reaction of an α-CF3 Amide to Isatin Imines
Authors: Yu Jin-Sheng , Noda Hidetoshi , Kumagai Naoya , Shibasaki Masakatsu
Published: December 2018

An α-CF3 amide underwent direct asymmetric Mannich-type reaction to isatin imines in the presence of a chiral catalyst comprising a soft Lewis acid Cu(I), a chiral bisphosphine ligand, and Barton’s base. The Mannich adduct was converted in one step into a unique tricycle bearing a trifluoromethylated chiral center and an α-tertiary amine moiety.
Multiple kartilaginäre Exostosen
Authors: Schmidt A.
Published: December 2018

Als multiple kartilaginäre Exostosen bezeichnet man bei einer Inzidenz von 1:50 000 eine einem autosomal-dominanten Erbgang unterliegende tumorähnliche Erkrankung des Knochen in Gestalt von zahlreichen, meist gutartigen, knorpelbedeckten Osteochondromen. Bei selten einem völlig asymptomatischen Verlauf werden die klinischen Probleme durch die von typischen Fehlstellungen und Deformitäten verursachten funktionellen Einschränkungen geprägt sowie nach Pedrini klassifiziert. Anhand der Kasuistik eines 45-jährigen Mannes erfolgt beispielhaft eine gutachterliche Einschätzungsempfehlung aus dem Schwerbehindertenrecht.
Enhancement of methane production by addition of Clostridium thermocellum in the anaerobic digestion of switchgrass
Authors: Zheng Yulong , Zhang Chenwei , Yang Fuyu
Published: December 2018

The low efficiency of hydrolysis is usually the rate-limiting step in the anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic substrates. In this investigation, bioaugmentation and pretreatment using the cellulolytic anaerobic bacterium Clostridium thermocellum have been found to be beneficial for the improvement of the hydrolysis of switchgrass and enhancing methane production. By adopting these two methods, the methane production of switchgrass reached 289.309 and 278.34 ml/g volatile solids, with an increase of 24.2% and 19.5%, respectively, compared to the blank group. The outcome of this study clearly indicated that the fermentation efficiency could be improved by the use of microorganisms in the above two methods. The methane yield of bioaugmentation not only was slightly higher than that of biopretreatment but also had a higher efficiency in terms of total time and was more adaptive to the industrial implementation. Moreover, this study proved that Clostridium thermocellum required about one week to acclimatize the anaerobic condition and the optimum adding time was at the beginning of anaerobic digestion.
Strong terahertz response in quantum well photodetector based on intradonor transition by magnetic field
Authors: Yu C. H. , Li Lin , Xu Teng Fei , Zhang Bo , Luo X. D. , Lu Wei.
Published: December 2018

We report on spectral investigation of photocurrent of a nonconventional GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well photodetector (QWP) which realizes a response to terahertz (THz) radiation by intradonor transitions (IDTs) in AlGaAs barriers rather than typical intersubband transitions (ISBTs) in GaAs wells. The photodetector shows dramatically enhanced photocurrent intensity and THz response when under a perpendicular magnetic field. This magnetic field helps to improve the absorption quantum efficiency, remove the restriction of the polarization selection rule, and extract high density electrons from two-dimensional electron gas in GaAs wells after electrons transfer into AlGaAs barriers. The effect of the magnetic field on the peak intensity and the linewidth of the photocurrent peak responses is exploited to distinguish IDT and ISBT and to identify the crucial role of electron transfer in THz detection in QWP. This work is useful for exploring detection strategy and technology for high responsivity THz photodetector.
Space charge saturation in multipactor discharges with parallel magnetic field
Authors: Spektor R. , Feldman M. S. , Hubble A. A. , Graves T. P.
Published: December 2018

Numerical and theoretical models were developed to investigate space-charge effects in a multipactor discharge with an applied magnetic field. The magnetic field was assumed to be parallel to the RF electric field, and only the space-charge effects in the direction perpendicular to the fields were studied. Inclusion of space-charge effects allowed investigation of a saturation mechanism driven by electron diffusion. Numerical simulations showed that saturation of the multipactor discharge could be reached as diffusion balanced the electron production due to secondary emission. It was found that the steady state density reaches a limit as RF voltage was increased. Fluid equations for the electron motion were used to describe electron diffusion and derive an expression for the steady-state electron density in a typical multipactor discharge. It was found that in the presence of a magnetic field, electrons may be trapped by executing a slow rigid-rotor rotation, as described by the Brillouin condition. The electron behavior was found to be dynamic, satisfying the electron trapping condition while the electrons were moving between electrodes and violating the Brillouin condition near the electrodes leading to larger diffusion losses. Numerical simulations show that Brillouin trapping due to an applied parallel magnetic field can significantly increase saturation density by up to two orders of magnitude.
Excitation intensity and thickness dependent emission mechanism from an ultrathin InAs layer in GaAs matrix
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Maidaniuk Yurii , Kuchuk Andrian , Saha Samir K. , Ghosh Pijush K. , Mazur Yuriy I. , Ware Morgan E. , Salamo Gregory J.
Published: December 2018

A set of samples containing a single ultrathin InAs layer with varying thickness from 0.5 to 1.4ML in a GaAs matrix have been grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs (001) substrates at low temperatures and investigated by low-temperature photoluminescence (PL). A linear change in emission energy with InAs thickness has been experimentally observed. The PL emission line shape from InAs/GaAs heterostructures has been investigated as a function of incident optical intensity. The interplay between uncorrelated electron-hole pairs, free excitons, and localized excitons, as a function of the excitation intensity, is found to play a significant role on the optical properties of the InAs layer and is described in detail.
Elastic properties and stability of Heusler compounds: Cubic Co2YZ compounds with L21 structure
Authors: Wu Shu-Chun , Fecher Gerhard H. , Shahab Naghavi S. , Felser Claudia
Published: December 2018

Elastic constants and their derived properties of various cubic Heusler compounds were calculated using the first-principles density functional theory. To begin with, Cu2MnAl is used as a case study to explain the interpretation of the basic quantities and compare them with experiments. The main part of the work focuses on Co2-based compounds that are Co2MnM with the main group elements M=Al, Ga, In, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, Sb, Bi, and Co2TM with the main group elements Al or Si, and the 3d transition metals T=Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, and Fe. It is found that many properties of Heusler compounds correlate to the mass or nuclear charge Z of the main group element. Additional representation and compact simplification of the elastic data is useful to investigate and compare their influence on crystal stability and physical properties. Here, Blackman’s and Every’s diagrams are used to compare the elastic properties of the materials, whereas Pugh’s and Poisson’s ratios are used to analyze the relationship between interatomic bonding and physical properties. It is found that Pugh’s criterion on brittleness needs to be revised whereas Christensen’s criterion describes the ductile–brittle transition of Heusler compounds very well. The calculated elastic properties give hint on a metallic bonding with an intermediate brittleness for the studied Heusler compounds. The universal anisotropy of the stable compounds has values in the range of 0.57<AU<2.73. The compounds with higher AU values are found close to the middle of the transition metal series. In particular, Co2ScAl with AU=0.01 is predicted to be an isotropic material that comes closest to an ideal Cauchy solid as compared to the remaining Co2-based compounds. Apart from the elastic constants and moduli, the sound velocities, Debye temperatures, and hardness are predicted and discussed for the studied systems. The calculated slowness surfaces for sound waves reflect the degree of anisotropy of the compounds.
Whistler mode localization and turbulence implicating particle acceleration in radiation belts
Authors: Goyal R. , Sharma R. P. , Gupta D. N.
Published: December 2018

The nonlinear interaction of quasi-electrostatic whistler waves propagating in the vicinity of the resonance cone with lower frequency fast magnetosonic waves has been analysed in two dimensions to study the whistler turbulence in the wave number and frequency regimes. The wave number turbulent spectra give rise to spectral indices which further give a clue about the particle energization and plasma heating by use of the velocity distribution function in the Earth's van Allen radiation belts. The ponderomotive nonlinearity that arises due to pump whistler mode localizes the whistler wave itself by generating the fast magnetosonic wave density fluctuations.
Excellent electrostrictive coefficient in bismuth sodium titanate-based ceramics via regulating degree of diffuseness and phase composition
Authors: Liu Gang , Yin Jie , Zhao Chunlin , Wu Jiagang
Published: December 2018

Herein, the strain (S) with low hysteresis can be achieved in [Bi0.5(Na0.72K0.18Li0.10)0.5]0.995Sr0.005(Ti0.995Ta0.005)O3-BaZrO3-NaNbO3 ceramics by an electrostrictive effect, and an excellent electrostrictive coefficient (Q33) of ∼0.037 m4/C2 can be obtained under an electric field of 60 kV/cm. The enhancement of the degree of diffuseness regulated by phase compositions can effectively promote the electrostrictive response and increase the Q33 value. A higher ratio of P4bm and a larger Ps in P4bm guarantee the good linear relationship between S and P2 (P represents polarization), where a larger Ps (P4bm) can effectively restrict the expression of ferroelectric state with the increase of electric fields (E). Consequently, high Q33 values (0.033–0.037 m4/C2) are nearly independent of the applied electric fields. Although the strain from the electrostrictive effect is not tremendous, the good linear relationship between S and P2 is meaningful to the accurate displacement control in displacement actuators.
Wave-propagation simulation and dark-field computed tomography imaging study to elucidate the contrast-loss problem in X-ray diffraction-based transcranial brain imaging
Authors: Chang Won-Seok , Sunaguchi Naoki , Seo Seung-Jun , Ando Masami , Yuasa Tetsuya , Kim Jong-Ki
Published: December 2018

It is crucial to overcome the skull-based contrast loss of cerebral structures in the development of high-resolution X-ray phase-contrast transcranial brain imaging. The present study aimed to determine the consequence of microporous skull-based scattering and its correlation with the contrast loss in a dark-field imaging-computed tomography transcranial brain imaging setup and to suggest methods for visualizing interior structures in analyzer-based X-ray transcranial brain CT imaging. Virtual-skull brain phantoms that mimic the microporous structure of the skull and internal structures including gray/white matter, glioma edema, and the central necrosis of glioma were prepared for wave-propagation simulation of dark-field computed tomography imaging. Reconstruction of refraction angle images and sinogram analysis of angle deviation showed microporous skull-mediated increases in the right-left angle mismatch and out-of-range values in curve fitting with a rocking curve, which was correlated with the contrast loss for internal structures. Correcting the angle mismatch and artificially widening the rocking curve both restored contrast to the internal structures in the reconstructed images. In conclusion, the contrast loss in analyzer-based X-ray diffraction for transcranial brain imaging was related to increases in microporous skull-mediated angle mismatches and out-of-range values when calculating refraction angles using the analyzer rocking curve. This contrast loss may be resolved by using refraction angle measurements from an analyzer crystal with a wider rocking curve or by using an algorithm such as a neural network that can distinguish the left/right refraction angle for a given intensity in a rocking curve.
Enhanced ultraviolet emission from self-assembled ZnO nanorods grown on graphene
Authors: Das S. K. , Pradhan Gopal K. , Singh Avanendra , Sahoo P. K. , Sahoo Satyaprakash
Published: December 2018

We report the intense room temperature ultraviolet photoluminescence (PL) emission from self-assembled vertically aligned ZnO nanorods grown directly on graphene. The PL intensities from ZnO nanorods grown on other van der Waal bulk solids such as highly oriented pyrolytic graphite and mica under the same experimental condition are also compared. The enhanced PL signal from ZnO nanorods grown on graphene is explained on the basis of lattice matching of ZnO with that of graphene leading to high crystal quality. Furthermore, the role of graphene plasmons on the enhanced PL signal is explored by studying the micro-PL mapping on a single nanorod lying horizontally on the graphene surface. The uniform and high PL intensity distribution is noticed along the central axis of the rod, and the intensity distribution decreases toward either side of the central axis. The occurrence of such intensity distribution is explained by resonant excitation of graphene plasmon near bandgap energy of ZnO, which is modulated by surface corrugation of graphene and followed by its transformation into the propagating photon.
Note: A disk-shaft shaped high-speed rotary ultrasonic motor
Authors: Wang Le , Wang Yongjie , Lu Xiaolong , Zhao Chunsheng
Published: December 2018

We report a novel high-speed rotary ultrasonic motor, which works at the out-of-plane vibration mode (B11 mode). This motor contains one tapered rotor and one metal disk-shaft shaped stator. The stator’s vibration mode B11 is excited by two pairs of piezoelectric ceramics attached to the bottom face of the disk. Through the traveling wave propagation at the contact faces, the shaft located at the center of the metal disk can effectively drive the rotor pressed onto it to rapidly rotate. One prototype motor with the appearance size of Φ 29 mm × 8 mm and a mass of 13 g is fabricated, and the experimental results show that it can rotate at a relatively high speed of up to 7000 rpm at the driving voltage of 350 Vp-p. The steady speed of the motor is 5000 rpm, and the maximum output torque is about 0.5 mN m. With merits of high speed revolution, a simple structure and a compact size, this motor is highly promising for many applications, such as precise instruments and miniaturized industrial robots.
A high-responsivity and broadband photoconductive terahertz detector based on a plasmonic nanocavity
Authors: Yardimci N. T. , Turan D. , Cakmakyapan S. , Jarrahi M.
Published: December 2018

We present a photoconductive terahertz detector to be used in terahertz time-domain imaging and spectroscopy systems without utilizing a short-carrier lifetime semiconductor for the photoconductive active region. A plasmonic nanocavity is used to form the photoconductive active region of the detector to limit the transport time of the majority of the photo-generated carrier to a sub-picosecond order and eliminate the need for a short-carrier lifetime semiconductor. We demonstrate that the presented detector is capable of detecting terahertz pulses over a 0.1–4.5 THz frequency band with more than a 100 dB dynamic range under a 5 mW optical pump power, exhibiting a comparable performance with the state-of-the-art photoconductive terahertz detectors based on short-carrier lifetime substrates.
Multiscale measurements of piezoelectric response of hydrothermal converted BaTiO3 1D vertical arrays
Authors: Stassi S. , Lamberti A. , Lorenzoni M. , Garino N. , Canavese G. , Bianco S. , Bejtka K. , Chiodoni A. , Pirri C. F.
Published: December 2018

In this work, the piezoelectric properties of BaTiO3 1D vertical nanostructures were investigated with a comparison between the macroscopic and the nanometric response. The piezoelectric nanostructured carpet was obtained by the topotactic conversion of anodic TiO2 nanotubes exploiting hydrothermal treatment in Ba-enriched water solution. The nanoscale investigation by a piezoelectric force microscope returns a detailed map of ferroelectric polarization, which is preferentially confined over the vertical nanostructure axis. The scanning probe microscopy results were then coupled to the macroscopic response of the piezo-evaluation system to compare the multiscale response of the nanostructured material. Both the local and macroscopic measurement techniques provide d33 values in the range of 5.5–7 pm/V, in agreement with the values reported in the literature for other barium titanate nanostructures. The characterization of the piezoelectric response of BaTiO3 nanostructures at the nanoscale can provide useful guidelines for the next generation of Pb-free materials to be integrated into near-future nanodevices.
Artificial intelligence-based inspection of contact shock of a functional protein on a silicon substrate
Authors: Nishiyama Katsuhiko
Published: December 2018

For the development of next-generation biomedical devices, it is necessary to understand the precise interactions between proteins and solid surfaces. However, current approaches only allow these interactions to be roughly estimated. Here, using artificial intelligence-based targeting and computer simulations, we assessed the binding behavior of approximately 80 tetrapeptides in the active site of papain adsorbed on a semiconductor surface. The contact shock of papain resulted in different peptides becoming compatible (i.e. fitting into the active site) and others losing this compatibility. Therefore, we propose contact shock as a potentially powerful approach to modify protein function. Moreover, the structural information for tetrapeptides that were insensitive to structural changes of papain could be valuable for drug design. From our decision trees, we found that the shock changed the main factors that determined compatibility.
Investment in Australian mental health carer services: how much and does it reflect evidence of effectiveness?
Authors: Schess Jaclyn , Diminic Sandra , Hielscher Emily , Harris Meredith G. , Lee Yong Yi , Kealton Jan , Whiteford Harvey A.
Published: December 2018

Objective
The aims of this study were to quantify Australian federal and state government expenditure on mental health carer services for 2014–15, map the types of services being provided and explore how funded service types compare with the evidence base for the outcomes of these carer services.

Methods
Web searches were conducted to identify in-scope mental health carer services in Australia funded by federal and state and territory governments. Funding estimates were confirmed where possible with available government and carer organisation contacts. A literature search was conducted for reviews of studies investigating mental health carer service outcomes.

Results
In 2014–15, the estimated Australian national, state and territory government expenditure on mental health carer services was approximately A$90.6million. This comprised A$65.6million in federal expenditure and A$25.0million in state and territory expenditure. Most funding streams provided respite and psychoeducation. The literature showed positive carer outcomes for psychoeducation and intensive family interventions. Evidence was lacking for the effectiveness of respite services.

Conclusions
These findings suggest a mismatch between what is known about the extent to which different service types deliver positive carer outcomes and the current allocation of funds across Australia’s mental health system. This study also highlights the fragmentation of the mental health carer services system, supporting the need to streamline access.

What is known about this topic?
Informal carers of people with mental disorders provide a critical role to the significant number of individuals with mental illness in Australia, and provide an unpaid workforce to the Australian mental health system. This role comes with significant physical, emotional and financial burden, which government-funded services can assist with to allow mental health carers to continue to serve in their caring role while improving their quality of life.

What does this paper add?
Using both published data and communication with health and non-government officials, we have estimated federal and state expenditure on mental health carer services at A$90.6million in 2014–15 fiscal year and have provided a mapping of the services this expenditure funds. In addition, through analysis of the literature on outcomes of carer services provided, we have seen a mismatch of expenditure and the evidence base.

What are the implications for practitioners?
There is a necessity for both more research into service outcomes aimed particularly at mental health carers and thinking critically about whether the current prioritisation of funds can be increased and/or reallocated to create better outcomes for mental health carers.
The potential impact of breeding strategies to reduce methane output from beef cattle
Authors: Fennessy P. F. , Byrne T. J. , Proctor L. E. , Amer P. R.
Published: December 2018

The present paper provides an indication (using selection index theory) of the contribution of genetics to a reduction in methane emissions through the current selection for productivity traits (defined as the inherent rate). This is then compared with potential new approaches that incorporate measurements or estimates of methane production as selection criteria. The predicted value of the inherent reduction in methane at a price (all costs and prices are in Australian dollars) of $25/t carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e; methane × 25) is $0.38/cow mated per year. The direct value of the estimated annual genetic gain in productivity (about $3/cow mated) is about eight times the value of the savings in methane. The value of the carbon savings doubles to ~$0.75 if methane yield (methane per unit feed intake) is included in the index. This is due to a reduction in methane emissions of 0.78% of the mean (1.20 kg methane/cow mated per year at a carbon cost of $25/t CO2-e) which increases to 1.0% at $50/t CO2-e. If selection is on methane alone, the annual response is ~1.45%, which is valued at $1.39 at a price of $25/t CO2-e. However, adoption is less than 100% at the breeder level, so that realised gains will be less than predicted here.
Ionic Liquids – Further Progress on the Fundamental Issues
Authors: Kar Mega , Plechkova Natalia V. , Seddon Kenneth R. , Pringle Jennifer M. , MacFarlane Douglas R.
Published: December 2018

Ionic liquids continue to challenge conventional descriptions of liquids and their behaviour. Indeed, the ever-increasing variety of ionic liquid compounds has generated a need for multiple descriptions of the different molecular families, including protic, aprotic, solvate, and metal coordination complex families of ionic liquids, that exhibit very different behaviours. Within families, the balance of long-range electrostatic and short-range dispersion forces plays out in nanoscale heterogeneity that also impacts markedly on properties. In this perspective, we highlight some of the issues in the field that continue to deserve further investigation and development at both the experimental and fundamental levels. We also propose a set of nomenclature abbreviations in an attempt to systematise the plethora of confusing abbreviations that appear in the field. The distinction between ionic liquids, ionic liquid–solvent mixtures, and deep eutectic solvents is also discussed.
Costs and effectiveness of damage management of an overabundant species (Sus scrofa) using aerial gunning
Authors: Davis Amy J. , Leland Bruce , Bodenchuk Michael , VerCauteren Kurt C. , Pepin Kim M.
Published: December 2018

Context
Management of overabundant or invasive species is a constant challenge because resources for management are always limited and relationships between management costs, population density and damage costs are complex and difficult to predict. Metrics of management success are often based on simple measures, such as counts, which may not be indicative of impacts on damage reduction or cost-effectiveness under different management plans.

Aims
The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of aerial gunning for the management of wild pigs (Sus scrofa), and to evaluate how cost-effectiveness would vary under different relationships between levels of damage and densities of wild pigs.

Methods
Repeated reduction events were conducted by aerial gunning on three consecutive days at three study sites. Using a removal model, the proportion of the population removed by each flight was estimated and population modelling was used to show the time it would take for a population to recover. Three possible damage–density relationships were then used to show the level of damage reduction (metric of success) from different management intensities and levels of population recovery, and these relationships were expressed in terms of total costs (including both damage and management costs).

Key results
Populations were typically reduced by ~31% for the first flight, ~56% after two flights and ~67% after three flights. When the damage relationship suggests high damage even at low densities, the impact of one, two or three flights would represent a reduction in damage of 2%, 19% and 60% respectively after 1 year. Different damage relationships may show considerable damage reduction after only one flight. Removal rates varied by habitat (0.05 per hour in open habitats compared with 0.03 in shrubby habitats) and gunning team (0.03 versus 0.05).

Conclusions
Monitoring the efficacy of management provides critical guidance and justification for control activities. The efficacy of different management strategies is dependent on the damage–density relationship and needs further study for effective evaluation of damage reduction efforts.

Implications
It is critically important to concurrently monitor density and damage impacts to justify resource needs and facilitate planning to achieve a desired damage reduction goal.
Technologies to address antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Baker Stephen J. , Payne David J. , Rappuoli Rino , De Gregorio Ennio
Published: December 2018

Bacterial infections have been traditionally controlled by antibiotics and vaccines, and these approaches have greatly improved health and longevity. However, multiple stakeholders are declaring that the lack of new interventions is putting our ability to prevent and treat bacterial infections at risk. Vaccine and antibiotic approaches still have the potential to address this threat. Innovative vaccine technologies, such as reverse vaccinology, novel adjuvants, and rationally designed bacterial outer membrane vesicles, together with progress in polysaccharide conjugation and antigen design, have the potential to boost the development of vaccines targeting several classes of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Furthermore, new approaches to deliver small-molecule antibacterials into bacteria, such as hijacking active uptake pathways and potentiator approaches, along with a focus on alternative modalities, such as targeting host factors, blocking bacterial virulence factors, monoclonal antibodies, and microbiome interventions, all have potential. Both vaccines and antibacterial approaches are needed to tackle the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and both areas have the underpinning science to address this need. However, a concerted research agenda and rethinking of the value society puts on interventions that save lives, by preventing or treating life-threatening bacterial infections, are needed to bring these ideas to fruition.
Emergence of dominant multidrug-resistant bacterial clades: Lessons from history and whole-genome sequencing
Authors: Klemm Elizabeth J. , Wong Vanessa K. , Dougan Gordon
Published: December 2018

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria has emerged as a global challenge over the past 90 years, compromising our ability to effectively treat infections. There has been a dramatic increase in antibiotic resistance-associated determinants in bacterial populations, driven by the mobility and infectious nature of such determinants. Bacterial genome flexibility and antibiotic-driven selection are at the root of the problem. Genome evolution and the emergence of highly successful multidrug-resistant clades in different pathogens have made this a global challenge. Here, we describe some of the factors driving the origin, evolution, and spread of the antibiotic resistance genotype.
Each of 3,323 metabolic innovations in the evolution of
E. coli
arose through the horizontal transfer of a single DNA segment
Authors: Pang Tin Yau , Lercher Martin J.
Published: December 2018

Significance

Bacteria often evolve by copying genes from other strains, a process termed horizontal gene transfer. As a consequence, different strains of the bacterial species
Escherichia coli
differ substantially in the sets of genes they possess. Here, we use the inferred gene sets of all recent ancestors of 53
E. coli
strains to reconstruct the ancestors’ abilities to grow in different nutritional environments. This allows us to infer over 3,000 metabolic innovations in
E. coli
’s evolutionary history. All innovations arose through the copying (transfer) of only one small piece of DNA from another strain, demonstrating an amazing capacity of
E. coli
to quickly adapt to new environments.
Impact of existing vaccines in reducing antibiotic resistance: Primary and secondary effects
Authors: Klugman Keith P. , Black Steven
Published: December 2018

Vaccines impact antibiotic-resistant infections in two ways: through a direct reduction in the organisms and strains carrying resistant genes that are specifically targeted by the vaccine and also via a secondary effect through a reduction in febrile illnesses that often lead to the use of antibiotics. We review here the impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) on the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant disease and antibiotic usage as an example of the direct effect of vaccines on antibiotic resistance and the impact of influenza vaccination on antibiotic usage as an example of a secondary effect. A prelicensure study of a PCV in Africa demonstrated 67% fewer penicillin-resistant invasive disease episodes in the PCV group compared with controls. Similar studies in the United States and Europe demonstrated reductions in antibiotic use consistent with the vaccines’ impact on the risk of otitis media infections in children. Postlicensure reductions in the circulation of antibiotic-resistant strains targeted by the vaccines have been dramatic, with virtual elimination of these strains in children following vaccine introduction. In terms of a secondary effect, following influenza vaccination reductions of 13–50% have been observed in the use of antibiotics by individuals receiving influenza vaccine compared with controls. With the demonstrated effectiveness of vaccination programs in impacting the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections and the increasing threat to public health that these infections represent, more attention needs to be given to development and utilization of vaccines to address antibiotic resistance.
Economic carbon cycle feedbacks may offset additional warming from natural feedbacks
Authors: Woodard Dawn L. , Davis Steven J. , Randerson James T.
Published: December 2018

As the Earth warms, carbon sinks on land and in the ocean will weaken, thereby increasing the rate of warming. Although natural mechanisms contributing to this positive climate–carbon feedback have been evaluated using Earth system models, analogous feedbacks involving human activities have not been systematically quantified. Here we conceptualize and estimate the magnitude of several economic mechanisms that generate a carbon–climate feedback, using the Kaya identity to separate a net economic feedback into components associated with population, GDP, heating and cooling, and the carbon intensity of energy production and transportation. We find that climate-driven decreases in economic activity (GDP) may in turn decrease human energy use and thus fossil fuel CO
2
emissions. In a high radiative forcing scenario, such decreases in economic activity reduce fossil fuel emissions by 13% this century, lowering atmospheric CO
2
by over 100 ppm in 2100. The natural carbon–climate feedback, in contrast, increases atmospheric CO
2
over this period by a similar amount, and thus, the net effect including both feedbacks is nearly zero. Our work highlights the importance of improving the representation of climate–economic feedbacks in scenarios of future change. Although the effects of climate warming on the economy may offset weakening land and ocean carbon sinks, a loss of economic productivity will have high societal costs, potentially increasing wealth inequity and limiting resources available for effective adaptation.
AMP-activated protein kinase activation and NADPH oxidase inhibition by inorganic nitrate and nitrite prevent liver steatosis
Authors: Cordero-Herrera Isabel , Kozyra Mikael , Zhuge Zhengbing , McCann Haworth Sarah , Moretti Chiara , Peleli Maria , Caldeira-Dias Mayara , Jahandideh Arghavan , Huirong Han , Cruz Josiane de Campos , Kleschyov Andrei L. , Montenegro Marcelo F. , Ingelman-Sundberg Magnus , Weitzberg Eddie , Lundberg Jon O. , Carlstrom Mattias
Published: December 2018

Significance

Liver steatosis, or fatty liver, is the most common liver disease in the world, affecting up to 25% of all Americans. There is currently no approved drug available for this condition, which may progress to serious disease, including steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Here, we show in rodent and human models of metabolic syndrome that steatosis can be prevented by a simple dietary approach. Inorganic nitrate, present in green leafy vegetables, is converted in vivo to nitric oxide (NO) in a process involving symbiotic host bacteria. NO then induces key metabolic regulatory pathways to ultimately reduce oxidative stress and improve cardiometabolic functions. Clinical trials would be helpful to tell if dietary nitrate is useful in treatment and prevention of fatty liver disease.