bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete intraureteral stent placement relieves daytime urinary frequency compared with conventional placement in patients with an indwelling ureteral stent: post-hoc analysis of a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Matsuzaki Tomoaki , Yoshida Takashi , Murota Takashi , Nakao Kazuyoshi , Taguchi Makoto , Kinoshita Hidefumi , Matsuda Tadashi
Published: September 2020

A previous randomized, controlled trial had demonstrated that complete intraureteral stent placement (CIU-SP) was superior to conventional stent placement (C-SP) in terms of improvement of stent-related urinary symptoms. However, it is unclear as to which subdomain symptom and cohort could benefit the most from CIU-SP compared to C-SP in urinary symptoms while considering the baseline urinary status. To determine this, a post-hoc analysis was performed using data from a previous study (CIU-SP group, n = 39; C-SP group, n = 41). We assessed the mean changes in the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) and the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) from baseline to day 14. Statistical comparison between the two groups was performed using analysis of covariance with adjustment of baseline urinary status as a covariate. Among 80 patients, the total I-PSS was significantly lower in the CIU-SP group than in the C-SP group in the cohort with mild urinary symptoms (P = 0.005), but not in those with moderate/severe symptoms (P = 0.521). The CIU-SP group showed significantly improved I-PSS and OABSS daytime frequencies, with the highest t statistic (2.47 and 2.10, respectively) among subdomains of both symptom scores compared with the C-SP group (both P < 0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, the stent placement method (CIU-SP vs. C-SP) was independently associated with the I-PSS daytime frequency on day 14 (P = 0.017). This study suggests that CIU-SP significantly improved stent-related daytime frequency compared with C-SP, and it may benefit especially those patients who have mild urinary symptoms before the placement of ureteral stents.
Annurca apple polyphenol extract promotes mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition and inhibits migration in triple-negative breast cancer cells through ROS/JNK signaling
Authors: Vuoso Daniela Cristina , D’Angelo Stefania , Ferraro Rosalia , Caserta Sergio , Guido Stefano , Cammarota Marcella , Porcelli Marina , Cacciapuoti Giovanna
Published: September 2020

Aberrant activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition has been shown to correlate with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) progression and metastasis. Thus, the induction of the reverse process might offer promising opportunities to restrain TNBC metastatic spreading and related mortality. Recently, the Annurca apple polyphenol extract (APE) has been highlighted as a multi-faceted agent that selectively kills TNBC cells by ROS generation and sustained JNK activation. Here, by qualitatively and quantitatively monitoring the real-time movements of live cells we provided the first evidence that APE inhibited the migration of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 TNBC cells and downregulated metalloproteinase-2 and metalloproteinase-9. In MDA-MB-231 cells APE decreased SMAD-2/3 and p-SMAD-2/3 levels, increased E-cadherin/N-cadherin protein ratio, induced the switch from N-cadherin to E-cadherin expression and greatly reduced vimentin levels. Confocal and scanning electron microscopy imaging of APE-treated MDA-MB-231 cells evidenced a significant cytoskeletal vimentin and filamentous actin reorganization and revealed considerable changes in cell morphology highlighting an evident transition from the mesenchymal to epithelial phenotype with decreased migratory features. Notably, all these events were reverted by N-acetyl-l-cysteine and JNK inhibitor SP600125 furnishing evidence that APE exerted its effects through the activation of ROS/JNK signaling. The overall data highlighted APE as a potential preventing agent for TNBC metastasis.
Application of an inhibitor-based probe to reveal the distribution of membrane PSMA in dSTORM imaging
Authors: Jing Yingying , Cai Mingjun , Zhou Lulu , Jiang Junguang , Gao Jing , Wang Hongda
Published: September 2020

Relying on an inhibitor-based probe, we reveal the clustered distribution of membrane PSMA by dSTORM imaging and uncover its potential interaction with folate receptor.
The positional isomerism in bimetal nanoclusters
Authors: He Lizhong , He Xinhai , Wang Junbo , Qu Yinhu , Su Xiaolei , Zheng Jiaojiao , Zhao Xiaoliang
Published: September 2020

Enriching the variety of isomerism in the nanocluster field is exciting but challenging.
Theory and algorithms for chiroptical properties and spectroscopies of aqueous systems
Authors: Giovannini Tommaso , Egidi Franco , Cappelli Chiara
Published: September 2020

We review an atomistic, fully polarizable approach to accurately predict the chiroptical properties of molecular systems in aqueous solution, by retaining all relevant physico-chemical interactions.
Recent progress in use and observation of surface hydrogen migration over metal oxides
Authors: Murakami Kota , Sekine Yasushi
Published: September 2020

An overview of catalysis related to hydrogen spillover, surface protonics, analysis techniques for hydrogen migration, and low-temperature catalysis using surface protonics are summarized.
Prediction of two-dimensional ferromagnetic ferroelectric VOF2 monolayer
Authors: You Hai-Peng , Ding Ning , Chen Jun , Dong Shuai
Published: September 2020

VOF2: a two-dimensional ferromagnetic & ferroeletric monolayer.
Insight into 6-aminopenicillanic acid structure and study of the quantum mechanical calculations of the acid–base site on γ-Fe2O3@SiO2core–shell nanocomposites and as efficient catalysts in multicomponent reactions
Authors: Saberi Farveh , Ostovar Somayeh , Behazin Roya , Rezvani Alireza , Ebrahimi Ali , Shaterian Hamid Reza
Published: September 2020

Magnetic 6-APA/γ-Fe2O3@Sio2nanocomposites have been developed by exploiting the potential of the acid–base bifunctional system to study the quantum mechanistic calculations.
Synthesis of a carbazole substituted unusual cobalt(ii)dioxime complex to design conducting polymers with caged metal centers for enhanced optical and electrical properties
Authors: Soganci Tugba , Baygu Yasemin , Kabay Nilgün , Dumlu Gökhan , Gök Yaşar , Ak Metin
Published: September 2020

Unique optical and electrical properties have been obtained by synthesis of the polycarbazole based conductive metallopolymer with caged metal centers.
Borataalkene or boratabenzene? Understanding the aromaticity of 9-borataphenanthrene anions and its central ring
Authors: Báez-Grez Rodrigo , Pino-Rios Ricardo
Published: September 2020

The recently isolated 1 is isoelectronic to 2 and shows reactivity in central ring that resembles both (cyclo)alkene and aromatic ring. Evaluation of local aromaticity reveal that central ring is best described as a non-aromatic following Clar’s rules.
Synthesis of 6-substituted indoloquinazolinones from arynes and 2-acyl-4-quinazolinones: a transition-metal free C–N and C–C bond formation strategy
Authors: Sharma Abhilash , Gogoi Pranjal
Published: September 2020

A versatile transition-metal free synthetic strategy has been developed for the direct synthesis of 6-substituted indoloquinazolinones from 2-acyl-4-quinazolinones and aryne precursors. This cascade strategy proceeds via successive C–N and C–C bond formation in a single reaction vessel.
Sustainable route for the synthesis of flower-like Ni@N-doped carbon nanosheets from bagasse and its catalytic activity towards reductive amination of nitroarenes with bio-derived aldehydes
Authors: Ravi Krishnan , Advani Jacky H. , Bankar Balasaheb D. , Singh Amravati S. , Biradar Ankush V.
Published: September 2020

Waste derived N-doped carbon for one pot domino catalytic transformation starting from nitroarenes and carbonyl compounds directed towards the preparation of imines and benzimidazole products.
Characterization of Streptococcus pneumoniae PriA helicase and its ATPase and unwinding activities in DNA replication restart
Authors: Lin Min-Guan , Li Yi-Ching , Hsiao Chwan-Deng
Published: September 2020

DNA replication forks often encounter template DNA lesions that can stall their progression. The PriA-dependent pathway is the major replication restart mechanism in Gram-positive bacteria, and it requires several primosome proteins. Among them, PriA protein — a 3′ to 5′ superfamily-2 DNA helicase — is the key factor in recognizing DNA lesions and it also recruits other proteins. Here, we investigated the ATPase and helicase activities of Streptococcus pneumoniae PriA (SpPriA) through biochemical and kinetic analyses. By comparing various DNA substrates, we observed that SpPriA is unable to unwind duplex DNA with high GC content. We constructed a deletion mutant protein (SpPriAdeloop) from which the loop area of the DNA-binding domain of PriA had been removed. Functional assays on SpPriAdeloop revealed that the loop area is important in endowing DNA-binding properties on the helicase. We also show that the presence of DnaD loader protein is important for enhancing SpPriA ATPase and DNA unwinding activities.
The dark side of artificial light
Authors: Yang Jun , Hendrix David A , Giebultowicz Jadwiga M
Published: September 2020

Light is necessary for life, but increasing exposure to artificial light may be detrimental to human health. With prevalent use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in ambient lighting and electronic devices, humans are increasingly exposed to blue light that appears white due to addition of other colours. Excessive blue light can damage eyes, but it is not known whether daily LED exposure across lifespan may have other adverse health effects. A recent study in short-lived model organism Drosophila melanogaster revealed that cumulative, long-term exposure to blue light impacts brain function, accelerates the aging process and significantly shortens lifespan compared to flies maintained in constant darkness or in white light with blue wavelengths blocked. Increased mortality and brain neurodegeneration was also observed in flies with genetically ablated eyes, demonstrating damage to non-retinal cells. As molecular responses to light are similar in the cells of both fruit flies and humans, these studies suggest that lifelong daily blue light exposure may impair cellular health in humans.
TRPV2 interacts with actin and reorganizes submembranous actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Yadav Manoj , Goswami Chandan
Published: September 2020

The understanding of molecules and their role in neurite initiation and/or extension is not only helpful to prevent different neurodegenerative diseases but also can be important in neuronal damage repair. In this work, we explored the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 (TRPV2), a non-selective cation channel in the context of neurite functions. We confirm that functional TRPV2 is endogenously present in F11 cell line, a model system mimicking peripheral neuron. In F11 cells, TRPV2 localizes in specific subcellular regions enriched with filamentous actin, such as in growth cone, filopodia, lamellipodia and in neurites. TRPV2 regulates actin cytoskeleton and also interacts with soluble actin. Ectopic expression of TRPV2-GFP in F11 cell induces more primary and secondary neurites, confirming its role in neurite initiation, extension and branching events. TRPV2-mediated neuritogenesis is dependent on wildtype TRPV2 as cells expressing TRPV2 mutants reveal no neuritogenesis. These findings are relevant to understand the sprouting of new neurites, neuroregeneration and neuronal plasticity at the cellular, subcellular and molecular levels. Such understanding may have further implications in neurodegeneration and peripheral neuropathy.
A novel analytical model of the magnetic field configuration in the Galactic center
Authors: Guenduez M. , Becker Tjus J. , Ferrière K. , Dettmar R.-J.
Published: September 2020

Context. Cosmic-ray propagation is strongly dependent on the large-scale configuration of the Galactic magnetic field. In particular, the Galactic center region provides highly interesting cosmic-ray data from gamma-ray maps and it is clear that a large fraction of the cosmic rays detected at Earth originate in this region of the Galaxy. Yet because of confusion from line-of-sight integration, the magnetic field structure in the Galactic center is not well known and no large-scale magnetic field model exists at present.

Aims. In this paper, we develop a magnetic field model, derived from observational data on the diffuse gas, nonthermal radio filaments, and molecular clouds.

Methods. We derive an analytical description of the magnetic field structure in the central molecular zone by combining observational data with the theoretical modeling of the basic properties of magnetic fields.

Results. We provide a first description of the large-scale magnetic field in the Galactic center region. We present first test simulations of cosmic-ray propagation and the impact of the magnetic field structure on the cosmic-ray distribution in the three dimensions.

Conclusions. Our magnetic field model is able to describe the main features of polarization maps; it is particularly important to note that they are significantly better than standard global Galactic magnetic field models. It can also be used to model cosmic-ray propagation in the Galactic center region more accurately.
The spatially resolved broad line region of IRAS 09149−6206
Authors:   GRAVITY Collaboration, Amorim A. , Bauböck M. , Brandner W. , Clénet Y. , Davies R. , de Zeeuw P. T. , Dexter J. , Eckart A. , Eisenhauer F. , Förster Schreiber N. M. , Gao F. , Garcia P. J. V. , Genzel R. , Gillessen S. , Gratadour D. , Hönig S. , Kishimoto M. , Lacour S. , Lutz D. , Millour F. , Netzer H. , Ott T. , Paumard T. , Perraut K. , Perrin G. , Peterson B. M. , Petrucci P. O. , Pfuhl O. , Prieto M. A. , Rouan D. , Shangguan J. , Shimizu T. , Schartmann M. , Stadler J. , Sternberg A. , Straub O. , Straubmeier C. , Sturm E. , Tacconi L. J. , Tristram K. R. W. , Vermot P. , von Fellenberg S. , Waisberg I. , Widmann F. , Woillez J.
Published: September 2020

We present new near-infrared VLTI/GRAVITY interferometric spectra that spatially resolve the broad Brγ emission line in the nucleus of the active galaxy IRAS 09149−6206. We use these data to measure the size of the broad line region (BLR) and estimate the mass of the central black hole. Using an improved phase calibration method that reduces the differential phase uncertainty to 0.05° per baseline across the spectrum, we detect a differential phase signal that reaches a maximum of ∼0.5° between the line and continuum. This represents an offset of ∼120 μas (0.14 pc) between the BLR and the centroid of the hot dust distribution traced by the 2.3 μm continuum. The offset is well within the dust sublimation region, which matches the measured ∼0.6 mas (0.7 pc) diameter of the continuum. A clear velocity gradient, almost perpendicular to the offset, is traced by the reconstructed photocentres of the spectral channels of the Brγ line. We infer the radius of the BLR to be ∼65 μas (0.075 pc), which is consistent with the radius–luminosity relation of nearby active galactic nuclei derived based on the time lag of the Hβ line from reverberation mapping campaigns. Our dynamical modelling indicates the black hole mass is ∼1 × 108 M⊙, which is a little below, but consistent with, the standard MBH–σ* relation.
Measurements of Fission Products Yields with the LOHENGRIN mass spectrometer at ILL
Authors: Chebboubi A. , Julien-Laferrière S. , Nicholson J. , Kessedjian G. , Serot O. , Blanc A. , Bernard D. , Faust H. , Kim Y.H. , Köster U. , Letourneau A. , Litaize O. , Méplan O. , Mutti P. , Rapala M. , Ramdhane M. , Sage C.
Published: September 2020

The CEA in collaboration with ILL and LPSC has developed a measurement program on symmetric and heavy mass fission product distributions. The combination of measurements with ionisation chamber and Ge detectors is necessary to describe precisely the heavy fission product region in mass and charge. Recently, new measurements of fission yields and kinetic energy distributions, for different fissioning systems (233,235 U(nth, f),241 Am(2nth, f) and 239,241 Pu(nth, f), were performed with recoil spectrometer LOHENGRIN. The focus has been done on the self-normalization of the data to provide new absolute measurements, independently of any libraries along with the experimental covariance matrix. To reach precise measurements, a new experimental procedure was developed along with a new analysis method.
Present Status of Neutron-, Photo-induced and Spontaneous Fission Yields Experimental Data
Authors: Pritychenko B. , Schwerer O. , Totans J. , Gritzay O.
Published: September 2020

Nuclear reaction data collection, evaluation and dissemination have been pioneered at the Brookhaven National Laboratory since the early 50s. These activities gained popularity worldwide, and around 1970 the experimental nuclear reaction data interchange or exchange format (EXFOR) was established. The originalEXFORcompilation scope consisted only of neutron reactions and spontaneous fission data, while many other nuclear data sets were ignored. Due to the high cost of new experiments, it is very important to find and recover the previously disregarded data using scientific publications, data evaluations and nuclear databases comparisons.

Fission yields play a very important role in applied and fundamental physics, and such data are essential in many applications. The comparative analysis of Nuclear Science References (NSR) and Experimental Nuclear Reaction (EXFOR) databases shows a large number of unaccounted experiments and provides a guide for the recovery of fission cross sections, yields and covariance data sets. The dedicated fission yields data compilation effort is currently underway in the Nuclear Reaction Data Centers (NRDC) network, and includes identification, compilation, storage and Web dissemination of the recovered data sets.
Using CGMF to estimate corrections for fission yields measured via γ-ray spectroscopy
Authors: Jaffke P. , Talou P. , Devlin M. , Fotiades N.
Published: September 2020

Fission product yields have been inferred using γ-ray spectroscopy for several decades. Typically, these efforts have focused on even-Z even-A fission products as their nuclear structure are less complicated. To further simplify the situation, it is often assumed that no side-feeding to the ground-state occurs and multiplicity cuts have a negligible effect on the inferred yields. Using CGMF, a Hauser-Feshbach statistical decay model for the primary fission fragments, we estimate the impact of these assumptions and determine corrections for specific fission product yields. We report on these corrections and investigate their sensitivity to various nuclear parameters, specifically the spin distribution of the fission fragments and the assumed nuclear structure. Our results indicate that even in the simplest of cases, say the 2+ → 0+ transitions in even-Z even-A fragments, average level corrections are on the order of 75%.
Following Fission Products in Explosive Astrophysical Environments
Authors: Sprouse T. M. , Mumpower M. R. , Surman R.
Published: September 2020

The astrophysical process by which the heaviest elements are formed in the universe is known as the rapid neutron capture process, or r process, of nucleosynthesis. The r process is characterized by the neutron capture and β− decay of short-lived, neutron-rich atomic nuclei; in suitably extreme environments, nuclear fission can also play a major role in determining the ensuing nucleosynthesis. In this work, we present the application of our recently developed nucleosynthesis tracing framework to precisely quantify the impact that neutron-induced and β− -delayed fission processes have in r-process environments that produce fissioning nuclei.
Warum Österreichische Bewegungsempfehlungen?
Authors: Titze Sylvia , Dorner Thomas Ernst , Ropin Klaus , Halbwachs Christian , Zeuschner Verena , Stickler Thomas
Published: September 2020

Die Bedeutung regelmäßiger körperlicher Aktivität
für die Gesundheit ist vielfach belegt. Die Weltgesundheitsorganisation
(WHO) und die Europäische Kommission verweisen regelmäßig
auf den hohen Stellenwert von Bewegung für die Gesundheit und fordern dazu
auf, der Bewegungsförderung auf nationaler Ebene mehr Aufmerksamkeit zu
schenken. In Österreich wurden Bewegung und Sport als wichtiger Bestandteil
nationaler Public-Health-Maßnahmen erkannt – „Gesunde und
sichere Bewegung im Alltag fördern“ ist eines von 10
Gesundheitszielen – und es wurden wesentliche Voraussetzungen für
die Umsetzung geschaffen 1. Die
Veröffentlichung der ersten Österreichischen Empfehlungen
für gesundheitswirksame Bewegung 2010 bildete nicht nur die Grundlage
für die Entwicklung eines Nationalen Aktionsplans Bewegung (NAP.b) 2, sondern führte auch zur Entwicklung
eines österreichischen Bewegungsmonitorings, dessen Ergebnisse 2017
veröffentlicht wurden 3. Eine
weitere wichtige Rolle spielten die Bewegungsempfehlungen für die Erstellung
von Wirkungszielen im Rahmen des bereits oben genannten österreichischen
Gesundheitsziels 8 „Gesunde und sichere Bewegung im Alltag durch die
entsprechende Gestaltung der Lebenswelten fördern“.
Bewegungsverhalten, Kosten mangelnder körperlicher
Aktivität und Bewegungsförderung in
Österreich
Authors: Mayer Susanne , Felder-Puig Rosemarie , Gollner Erwin , Dorner Thomas Ernst
Published: September 2020

Dem Dreischritt „Status quo – Konsequenzen –
Maßnahmen“ folgend werden Daten zum Ausmaß
körperlicher Aktivität und deren Einflussfaktoren,
mögliche gesellschaftliche Kosten mangelnder körperlicher
Aktivität sowie Einflussebenen und Maßnahmen zur
Bewegungsförderung in Österreich präsentiert. In
Österreich ist der Anteil an Personen, die die Bewegungsempfehlungen
nicht erfüllen, hoch und es besteht diesbezüglich klar
Verbesserungspotenzial, insbesondere in Bezug auf muskelkräftigende
Aktivitäten bei Erwachsenen. Je nach Datenquelle erfüllen
von den Erwachsenen 42–50% die Empfehlungen für
ausdauerorientierte Bewegung und 18–33% die für
muskelkräftigende Aktivitäten. Gleichzeitig ist die
österreichische Bevölkerung im internationalen Vergleich
aktiver als jene vieler anderer Länder. Große Unterschiede
bestehen im Bewegungsverhalten hinsichtlich demografischer,
sozioökonomischer und geografischer Determinanten. Die
gesellschaftlichen Folgen durch mangelnde körperliche
Aktivität sind beträchtlich, sowohl hinsichtlich verlorener
Lebensjahre durch vorzeitigen Tod, als auch den Kosten, die der
Allgemeinheit entstehen, beispielsweise an Gesundheitskosten und
Produktivitätsverlusten. Die für das Jahr 2017
hochgerechnete Summe von 248 Mio. Euro stellt aufgrund methodischer
Schwierigkeiten wahrscheinlich eine Unterschätzung dar.
Wissenschaftlich abgesicherte Einflussebenen auf das Bewegungsverhalten
umfassen im Sinne der lebens(um)weltortientierten Herangehensweise die
Lebenswelten Kindergarten und Schule, Betriebe,
Gemeinde/Städte, Pflegewohnheime und die Natur.
History Page: Leaders in MSK Radiology Chr. M. F. Sinding-Larsen, 1866–1930
Authors: Vanhoenacker Filip M. , Pedersen Roar
Published: September 2020

This history page in the series “Leaders in MSK radiology” is dedicated to the memory and achievements of the Norwegian physician Christian Magnus Falsen Sinding-Larsen who's name is connected to the medical eponym Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease.
Iron-Promoted Decarboxylation of Arylacetic Acids for the Synthesis of Aromatic Nitriles with Sodium Nitrite as the Nitrogen Source
Authors: Shen Zhenpeng , Liu Wenbo , Tian Xinzhe , Ren Yun-Lai , Zhao Zhe
Published: September 2020

A new and effective method was developed for the synthesis of aromatic nitriles from arylacetic acids by using NaNO2 as the nitrogen source and Fe(OTf)3 as the promoter at 50 °C. A series of arylacetic acids underwent this transformation to give the targeted products in yields of 51–90%. Because of the mild conditions, the reaction is compatible with a broad range of functional groups, including ester, carboxy, hydroxy, acetamido, halo, nitro, cyano, methoxy, and even highly reactive formyl groups.
Ten Commandments for the Diagnosis of Bone Tumors
Authors: Davies Mark , Lalam Radhesh , Woertler Klaus , Bloem Johan L. , Åström Gunnar
Published: September 2020

The diagnosis of tumors and tumorlike lesions of bone is a routine part of both general and specialist radiologic practices. The spectrum of disorders ranges from the small incidental lesion to the potentially life-limiting malignancies whether primary or secondary. In this review, authored by experts from several European orthopaedic oncology centers, we present a collection of pieces of advice in the form of 10 commandments. Adherence in daily practice to this guidance should help minimize adverse patient experiences and outcomes.
A Retrospective Study on Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Complications in a Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Pandey Sharad , Bhakal Nitin , Shrivastava Sourabh , Gupta L. N. , Jha Ravi Prakash
Published: September 2020

Background Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is a common technique employed to treat the second most common congenital brain malformation, “hydrocephalus.” Postshunt insertion, the consequent complications and factors contributing to shunt malfunction are much fought occurrences. The current study was planned to assess the effectiveness of the procedure, analyze the complications of VP shunt, and recognize the factors influencing shunt malfunction.

Materials and Methods The present study was a retrospective observational study, which was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, PGIMER RML Hospital, New Delhi, from August 2016 to July 2018. Patients with hydrocephalus requiring shunt intervention were included in the study. A Chhabra “slit n spring” hydrocephalus shunt system was inserted in all patients. All patients with VP shunts were followed to assess for any postshunt complications.

Results Out of 541 patients for whom VP shunt was inserted over a period of 2 years, 126 (23.3%) patients developed complications. The most common cause of hydrocephalus for which VP shunt was done was tubercular meningitis (39.3%, n = 63), followed by ventriculitis (12.38%, n = 20), congenital hydrocephalus (8.87%, n = 14) and aqueductal stenosis (5.54%, n = 03). The most common complication in our study was obstruction of proximal end of the catheter by debris, which was noted in 50 patients (39.68%). The second most common complication was poor peritoneal absorption or obstruction of lower end (21.43%, n = 27 cases). Abscess along the shunt was seen in 21 patients (16.67%). Complications were mostly documented in cases with hydrocephalus due to tubercular meningitis (TBM) (39.3%, 63 patients) and ventriculitis (12.38%, 20 patients). Other complications were hyperemia with superficial ulceration or complete exposure of skin overlying the tube (11.9%, n = 15), overdrainage of the ventricles leading to chronic subdural hematoma (n = 14, 11.11%), and infection around the distal catheter (4.76%, n = 6).

Conclusion VPS procedure led to a complication in several patients, with the most common being obstruction of proximal catheter and poor peritoneal absorption or obstruction of lower end followed by abscess and infection.
Red Cell Distribution Width and Risk of Atrial Fibrillation and Subsequent Thromboembolism: The Tromsø Study
Authors: Hald Erin M. , Løchen Maja-Lisa , Lappegård Jostein , Ellingsen Trygve S. , Mathiesen Ellisiv B. , Wilsgaard Tom , Njølstad Inger , Brækkan Sigrid K. , Hansen John-Bjarne
Published: September 2020

Introduction Red cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with cardiovascular diseases, including atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Whether RDW is a risk marker for thromboembolic events in AF patients is scarcely known. We aimed to assess the association between RDW and the risk of AF, and AF-related VTE and ischemic stroke, in a population-based cohort.

Methods We measured RDW in 26,111 participants from the Tromsø Study (1994–1995), and registered incident AF cases through December 31, 2013. Among participants with AF, first-ever VTEs and ischemic strokes were registered from the date of AF diagnosis through the end of follow-up. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for AF by quartiles of RDW. Furthermore, we calculated cause-specific HRs for VTE and ischemic stroke by tertiles of RDW for participants with AF.

Results There were 2,081 incident AF cases during a median of 18.8 years of follow-up. Subjects with RDW in the highest quartile (RDW ≥ 13.3%) had 30% higher risk of AF than those in the lowest quartile (RDW ≤ 12.3%). Among those with AF, subjects with RDW in the upper tertile had a doubled risk of ischemic stroke (HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.20–3.57). In contrast, RDW was not associated with incident VTE in subjects with AF.

Conclusion RDW was significantly associated with incident AF in a general population. Among subjects with AF, high RDW was associated with ischemic stroke, but not VTE.
Nutation wave as a platform for ultrafast spin dynamics in ferromagnets
Authors: Makhfudz I. , Olive E. , Nicolis S.
Published: September 2020

At short time scales, the inertia term becomes relevant for the magnetization dynamics of ferromagnets and leads to nutation for the magnetization vector. For the case of spatially extended magnetic systems, for instance, Heisenberg spin chains with the isotropic spin-exchange interaction, this leads to the appearance of a collective excitation, the “nutation wave,” whose properties are elucidated by analytical arguments and numerical studies. The one-particle excitations can be identified as relativistic massive particles. These particles, the “nutatons,” acquire their mass via the Brout–Englert–Higgs mechanism, through the interaction of the wave with an emergent topological gauge field. This spin excitation would appear as a peak in the spectrum of the scattering structure factor in inelastic neutron scattering experiments. The high frequency and speed of the nutation wave can open paths for realizing ultrafast spin dynamics.
Heat transport through nanoscale gaps—A perspective
Authors: Xiong Shiyun , Han Haoxue , Volz Sebastian
Published: September 2020

This perspective describes the key physical concepts at play capturing transport regimes in gaps with sizes ranging from the micrometer down to the Angström. The roles of photons, phonons, and electrons are highlighted and illustrated across several examples from the literature. Particularly, two situations for which atomistic calculations provide insights into the microscopic mechanisms at play in thermal transport across nanoscale gaps will be expounded, namely, thermal transport across silica clusters and in 2D materials. While experimental investigations are highly challenging and a vast field of opportunities remain open in this matter, several related domains of applications, such as thermophotovoltaics, thermoionics, thermal management, imaging, and 2D materials, are involved.
Nucleation work, surface tension, and Gibbs–Tolman length for nucleus of any size
Authors: Kashchiev Dimo
Published: September 2020

In the framework of the Gibbs approach to nucleation thermodynamics, expressions are derived for the nucleation work, nucleus size, surface tension, and Gibbs–Tolman length in homogeneous single-component nucleation at a fixed temperature. These expressions are in terms of the experimentally controlled overpressure of the nucleating phase and are valid for the entire overpressure range, i.e., for nucleus of any size. Analysis of available data for bubble and droplet nucleation in Lennard-Jones fluid shows that the theory describes well the data by means of a single free parameter, the Gibbs–Tolman length of the planar liquid/vapor interface. It is found that this length is about one-tenth of the Lennard-Jones molecular-diameter parameter and that it is positive for the bubble nucleus and negative for the droplet nucleus. In a sufficiently narrow temperature range, the nucleation work, nucleus radius, scaled surface tension, and Gibbs–Tolman length are apparently universal functions of scaled overpressure.
Stabilization of ferroelastic charged domain walls in self-assembled BiFeO3 nanoislands
Authors: Chen Mingfeng , Wang Jing , Zhu Ruixue , Sun Yuanwei , Zhang Qinghua , Ma Ji , Wang Yue , Gu Lin , Gao Peng , Ma Jing , Nan Ce-Wen
Published: September 2020

Understanding the microscopic origin of exotic domain configurations and emergent properties in charged domain walls is essential for both fundamental physics and applications in next-generation nanoelectronics. In self-assembled BiFeO3 nanoislands, 71° ferroelastic charged domain walls were spontaneously formed, which were traditionally regarded as unstable architectures. Here, by combining scanning transmission electron microscopy, geometric phase analysis, and energy dispersion spectrum, we explored the microscopic mechanism of stabilizing the tail-to-tail charged domain walls with upward center-divergent quad-domain structures in BiFeO3 nanoislands. The comprehensive factors include the fully relaxed rhombohedral phase in nanoislands, negative surface screening charges, and upward built-in bias at the BiFeO3-(La,Sr)MnO3 interface, which are respectively induced by interfacial periodic dislocations, surface reconstructions, and interfacial terminations. Moreover, the unusual polarization state and domain-wall arrangement in the nanoislands were also proved to be stable even at an elevated temperature.
Reversible plasmonic switching in a graphene nanoresonator loaded with a core – shell quantum dot
Authors: Gubin M.Yu. , Shesterikov A.V. , Prokhorov A.V. , Volkov V.S.
Published: September 2020

A model of an all-plasmonic switch based on a graphene waveguide integrated with a stub nanoresonator loaded with a quantum dot is considered. Using the full-wave numerical simulation, it is shown that successive on/off switching of the control surface plasmon – polariton wave at the input of the waveguide leads to a change in the phase of the signal plasmon – polariton wave in the nanoresonator by π. This causes reversible switching of the device operation regime – from almost complete blocking to stable transmission of the signal plasmon – polariton wave through the waveguide. The effect is implemented at rates of ∼0.5 THz for infrared electromagnetic waves localised in a device with a switching region of 40 × 20 nm.
Nanosecond semiconductor disk laser emitting at 496.5 nm
Authors: Butaev M.R. , Kozlovsky V.I. , Skasyrsky Ya.K.
Published: September 2020

An optically pumped semiconductor disk laser based on a heterostructure containing ten CdS/ZnSe coupled quantum wells with type-II band offsets is studied. The structure was grown by metalorganic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) on a GaAs substrate. The peak power of the semiconductor disk laser achieved at room temperature under longitudinal pumping by a repetitively pulsed N2laser was 0.75 W at a wavelength of 496.5 nm, a pulse duration of 3 ns, and a pulse repetition rate of 100 Hz. The slope efficiency of the disk laser was 2.7 %. The total divergence angle at a cavity length of 1.1 mm varied from 5 mrad near the lasing threshold to 15 mrad at the maximum pump power.
Hong Kong Cantonese university students’ tonal errors in Mandarin and their relation to L1 influence
Authors: Chan Yuen I , Chen Hsueh Chu
Published: September 2020

After the change of sovereignty from the United Kingdom to People’s Republic of China, Mandarin has become increasingly
important in Hong Kong society. However, it is observed that many native Cantonese speakers have problems mastering Mandarin tones despite
the less complex tonal system. This study attempts to investigate the Mandarin tonal error patterns made by Hong Kong learners and the
possible causes for these errors. A reading aloud test and a follow-up interview were designed to collect the data. The findings of the
study show that a large number of students were confused about Mandarin tones and found them difficult to master, especially between tone 1
and tone 4 and tone 2 and tone 3. All the participants made these two mistakes in the test. This study hypothesizes that L1 negative
transfer is the key factor that helps Cantonese speaking learners’ ability to establish a new tone in the L2. However, the reason for
participants’ tonal mistakes is not due to one single cause; instead, the errors are caused by multiple factors, including lack of tonal
knowledge, incomplete tonal acquisition, and tonal errors explained by the Speech Learning Model.
The power of narrative
Authors: Turner Ariana F. , Cowan Henry R. , Otto-Meyer Rembrandt , McAdams Dan P.
Published: September 2020

Much of the research on narrative identity has used the Life Story Interview (LSI) to better understand the person through the story they construct of their life. However, the effect that the LSI has on participants has not yet been examined. Study 1 looked at 163 middle-aged adults who completed a measure of self-reported positive and negative affect both immediately before and after being interviewed. Results indicated that participants experienced a significant increase in positive affect and that this mood boost was experienced regardless of background, personality, and mental health. Study 2 involved a qualitative analysis of the interview transcripts of the 20 participants who experienced the most and the least benefit from the interview, with results indicating three emerging themes (identity development, identity fulfillment, the storied self) that appear to reflect two forms of storytelling: autobiographical versus episodic.
Effect of long-term wave climate variability on performance-based design of coastal structures
Authors: Yuksel Y. , Yuksel Z.T. , Sahin C.
Published: September 2020

Coastal and port structures represent a large economic investment for society during their lifetime. Therefore, there is a need for proper coastal planning and management. In order to do that, wave and current loads must be considered by determining their level where the coastal structure should resist, otherwise they may suffer extensive damage due to these environmental loads. In this study, a new frame of performance design for coastal structures which includes climate change effects is discussed as a future design methodology. Performance-Based Design considers a coastal structure’s performance determined by the amount of damage. In other words, the structure which is exposed to wave impacts should maintain its serviceability by limiting its damage, so that, its economic, operational, life-safety and environmental impacts are acceptable to the owner. The importance of this method is that it provides a possibility to the owners to work with the engineer in order to establish desired and acceptable levels of wave loads as the basis for a design. Also, it gives an opportunity to the engineer to design structures with their foreknown behavior against the design wave load levels. These performance objectives include two specifications; the hazard levels to which the structure is to be designed, and the permissible amount of damage when the structure is subjected to these hazard levels. This paper aims to explain the performance-based design methodology by giving the deformation-based reliability design for breakwaters and its applicability to the stability design. Since the methodology requires information on the extreme wave-height distribution near the design site, the effect of wave climate change on the performance-based design is investigated.
Enhanced superdirectivity of a multi-layered cylinder using a Huygens excitation
Authors: Chen Wan , Fu Jiahui , Wu Qun
Published: September 2020

Superdirective antennae with magnetic/electric line source excitation have been studied in the past decade. The realization of superdirectivity suffers from large side-lobes because the form of the excitation of antenna is too simple. In this article, we introduce a technique for increasing the directivity of a superdirective antenna with a complicated excitation source. Huygens source is chosen as the complicated source due to its perfect zero-back-lobe characteristic and is modeled using numerical and analytical methods . A 10-layered cylinder is chosen as the superdirective antenna. Using the Huygens source, the directivity of the multi-layered cylinder was increased by 20% compared to the previous designs and an extremely small back-lobe is obtained. Other proposed designs mainly focus on the optimization of permittivities and permeabilities of the dielectric layers, which is usually time-consuming, while in our approach, the form of the excitation is considered first. Therefore, this method can be adapted for other complicated sources and provides a novel approach for improving the performance of the superdirective antenna.
Aerotaxy: gas-phase epitaxy of quasi 1D nanostructures
Authors: Sivakumar Sudhakar , Persson Axel R , Metaferia Wondwosen , Heurlin Magnus , Wallenberg Reine , Samuelson Lars , Deppert Knut , Johansson Jonas , Magnusson Martin H
Published: September 2020

Cost- and resource-efficient growth is necessary for many applications of semiconductor nanowires. We here present the design, operational details and theory behind Aerotaxy, a scalable alternative technology for producing quality crystalline nanowires at a remarkably high growth rate and throughput. Using size-controlled Au seed particles and organometallic precursors, Aerotaxy can produce nanowires with perfect crystallinity and controllable dimensions, and the method is suitable to meet industrial production requirements. In this report, we explain why Aerotaxy is an efficient method for fabricating semiconductor nanowires and explain the technical aspects of our custom-built Aerotaxy system. Investigations using SEM (scanning electron microscope), TEM (transmission electron microscope) and other characterization methods are used to support the claim that Aerotaxy is indeed a scalable method capable of producing nanowires with reproducible properties. We have investigated both binary and ternary III–V semiconductor material systems like GaAs and GaAsP. In addition, common aspects of Aerotaxy nanowires deduced from experimental observations are used to validate the Aerotaxy growth model, based on a computational flow dynamics (CFD) approach. We compare the experimental results with the model behaviour to better understand Aerotaxy growth.
Improvement of solution-processed Zn-Sn-O active-layer thin film transistors by novel high valence Mo doping
Authors: Peng Cong , Dong Panpan , Li Xifeng
Published: September 2020

In this letter, the performance of Zn-Sn-O (ZTO) thin film transistors (TFTs) has been greatly improved by Mo doping as an oxygen vacancy to control the residual electrons. The results show that the TFT with 3 at% Mo doping exhibits the best electrical characteristics with a high saturation mobility of 26.53 cm2 V−1 s−1, a threshold voltage of 0.18 V, a subthreshold swing of 0.32 V dec−1 and a large switching ratio of 2 × 106. The saturation mobility and switching ratio of Mo-doped Zn-Sn-O (MZTO, 3 at%) TFTs improved almost five and two orders of magnitude compared with ZTO TFTs, respectively. Therefore, the MZTO TFT has much potential for future electrical applications with its excellent properties.
Inclusive Societies
Authors: Lutfiyya Zana Marie , Bartlett Nadine A.
Published: September 2020

Rooted in the principles of social justice, inclusive societies afford all individuals and groups regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, ability, religion, immigration status, and socioeconomic status access to and full participation in society. The movement toward inclusive societies is progressive, and continues to occur incrementally. Regrettably, there are deeply rooted belief systems and norms of exclusion, which continue to create barriers to the achievement of more inclusive societies. Some of the contemporary issues that stymie the development of inclusive societies include but are not limited to (a) the marginalization of Indigenous languages, (b) the denial of basic human rights, such as healthcare, to undocumented migrants, and (c) differential access to inclusive education for individuals with disabilities. Using a framework of analysis developed by Therborn, which describes the actualization of inclusive societies as a five-step incremental process—(1) visibility, (2) consideration, (3) access to social interactions, (4) rights, and (5) resources to fully participate in society and Social Role Valorization theory (SRV)—and posits the need for all individuals to hold valued social roles, continued progress toward the achievement of more inclusive societies might be attained.
Effective Practices for Teaching All Learners in Secondary Classrooms
Authors: de Bruin Kate
Published: September 2020

It is important to consider inclusive and effective teacher practices in secondary classrooms as distinct from other schooling levels and settings. Many years of inclusive education reforms have brought about increases in the numbers of students with disabilities who are educated in the regular school system. However, progress has been slower for secondary school students with disabilities, who remain more likely to be segregated from their peers and to receive a poorer-quality education, when compared to their primary school counterparts. This is because many barriers to student inclusion remain entrenched in the structure and organization of secondary schooling systems. These barriers often arise from seeing difficulties in learning and participating through a medical model and thus requiring diagnostic verification and specialist support, instead of seeing student difficulties in learning as arising from a social model of disability, in which student participation and progress are hampered by poor design or inflexibility in teaching practices and a lack of access to support.

A large body of research exists to support the case for using a range of school-wide organization as well as classroom-based practices that effectively overcome these barriers, and provide high-quality and equitable academic and social supports to all students in the secondary school classroom. Those that foster collaboration and effective relationships between professionals and students, and that provide access to support on the basis of need rather than diagnosis, have been found to produce supportive environments in which diversity is valued, equity is maximized for all students, and social and academic outcomes are improved for all students.
The Necessity for Coexistence of Equity and Excellence in Inclusive and Special Education
Authors: Hornby Garry
Published: September 2020

Rather than being viewed as incompatible or polar opposites, special education and inclusive education can be seen as equally important components of effective education systems that produce optimal outcomes for all learners. The same can be said for equity and excellence, as a focus on equity should be combined with measures to promote excellence for all learners in order to optimize overall outcomes. Alternatively, emphasizing either special education or inclusive education, to the exclusion of the other, within education systems will jeopardize both equity and excellence and lead to less than optimal educational achievement. Having an education system with a balance of both special education and inclusive education, however, within a comprehensive service delivery model, will result in superior educational outcomes. Clearly, there needs to be a synthesis of key components of special education and inclusive education in order to provide an equitable and excellent education for all learners, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.