bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-bacterial activity of baicalin against APEC through inhibition of quorum sensing and inflammatory responses
Authors: Peng Lu-Yuan , Yuan Meng , Wu Zong-Mei , Song Ke , Zhang Chun-Lei , An Qiang , Xia Fang , Yu Jia-Lin , Yi Peng-Fei , Fu Ben-Dong , Shen Hai-Qing
Published: March 2019

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), collectively known as causative agent of extraintestinal infections, is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in poultry. Currently, quorum sensing (QS), biofilm formation and virulence factors are considered as novel prospective targets for antimicrobial therapy to control APEC invasion. In addition, inflammatory responses are also served as the major pathological features of APEC invasion. This study was aimed to explore the effect of baicalin on APEC and APEC-induced inflammatory responses. After treatment with baicalin, we mainly examined the AI-2 secretion, biofilm formation, expression of virulence genes of APEC, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines, as well as the expression of NF-κB pathway. Our results showed that baicalin significantly inhibited the QS via decreasing the AI-2 secretion, biofilm formation, and the expression of virulence genes of APEC such as LsrB, LsrK, LuxS, pfs, H-NS, fimA, fimB, fyuA, csgA, csgB, and rpoS. Moreover, baicalin significantly attenuated the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and the adhesion of APEC to chicken type II pneumocytes to reduce cell damage. Furthermore, baicalin also inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB activation. Thus, our data revealed that baicalin could interfere with the quorum sensing, biofilm formation and virulence genes expression to relieve the APEC pathogenicity. Additionally, baicalin decreased the inflammatory responses of chicken type II pneumocytes induced by APEC. Taken together, these data provide a novel potential pharmaco-therapeutic approach to chicken colibacillosis.
Control of the ductile and brittle behavior of titanium alloys in diamond cutting by applying a magnetic field
Authors: Yip W. S. , To S.
Published: March 2019

As a result of extensive investigations into deformation mechanisms of titanium alloys, it has been found that ductile and brittle behavior occurs during diamond cutting of the alloys. Other than implementing ductile regime machining for improving machining performances, in this study, an application of magnetic field in diamond cutting is proposed to enhance the machining performances in both ductile and brittle deformations in diamond cutting of titanium alloys. Results from the experiments showed that under the influence of a magnetic field, the cutting heat at the tool/titanium interface decreased, and surface damages induced from the brittle deformation were remarkably suppressed. The surface quality of both ductile and brittle deformation areas was enhanced in a presence of the magnetic field, which the surface profiles were less distortive with fewer cracks and defects in brittle deformation regions, and the cutting forces at the transition point became less fluctuant and much smoother. This study contributes enhancements of machining performances in ductile and brittle machining in diamond cutting of titanium alloys, increasing the precise level of machined components made with titanium alloys.
MorCVD: A Unified Database for Host-Pathogen Protein-Protein Interactions of Cardiovascular Diseases Related to Microbes
Authors: Singh Nirupma , Bhatia Venugopal , Singh Shubham , Bhatnagar Sonika
Published: March 2019

Microbe induced cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are less studied at present. Host-pathogen interactions (HPIs) between human proteins and microbial proteins associated with CVD can be found dispersed in existing molecular interaction databases. MorCVD database is a curated resource that combines 23,377 protein interactions between human host and 432 unique pathogens involved in CVDs in a single intuitive web application. It covers endocarditis, myocarditis, pericarditis and 16 other microbe induced CVDs. The HPI information has been compiled, curated, and presented in a freely accessible web interface (http://morcvd.sblab-nsit.net/About). Apart from organization, enrichment of the HPI data was done by adding hyperlinked protein ID, PubMed, gene ontology records. For each protein in the database, drug target and interactors (same as well as different species) information has been provided. The database can be searched by disease, protein ID, pathogen name or interaction detection method. Interactions detected by more than one method can also be listed. The information can be presented in tabular form or downloaded. A comprehensive help file has been developed to explain the various options available. Hence, MorCVD acts as a unified resource for retrieval of HPI data for researchers in CVD and microbiology.
Enzymatic origin and various curvatures of metabolic scaling in microbes
Authors: Li Liyan , Wang Genxuan
Published: March 2019

The famous and controversial power law is a basal metabolic scaling model mainly derived from the “surface rule” or a fractal transport network. However, this law neglects biological mechanisms in the important active state. Here, we hypothesized that the relative metabolic rate and growth rate of actively growing microbes are driven by the changeable rate of their rate-limiting enzymes and concluded that natural logarithmic microbial metabolism (lnλ) and growth (or biomass) (lnM) are both dependent on limiting resources, and then developed novel models with interdependence between lnλ and lnM. We tested the models using the data obtained from the literature. We explain how and why the scaling is usually curved with the difference between microbial metabolic and growth (or biomass’s) half-saturation constants (KM, Kλ) in the active state and agree that the linear relationship of the power law is a particular case under the given condition: KM = Kλ, which means that the enzyme dynamics may drive active and basal metabolic scaling relationships. Our interdependent model is more general than the power law, which is important for integrating the ecology and biochemical processes.
Ferrielectric-mediated morphotropic phase boundaries in Bi-based polar perovskites
Authors: Kitanaka Yuuki , Miyayama Masaru , Noguchi Yuji
Published: March 2019

Spontaneous polarization (Ps) in ferroelectrics has provided the impetus to develop piezoelectric devices such as sensors, actuators and diagnostic imaging transducers. Widely used lead-based perovskites exhibit a composition-driven phase diagram involving a transition region, known as a morphotropic phase boundary, where the ferroelectric structure changes dramatically and the piezoelectric activity is maximal. In some perovskites, ferroic polarization coexists with nonpolar rotations of octahedra, suggesting an unprecedented phase diagram. Here, we show morphotropic phase boundaries, where ‘ferrielectric’ appears as a bridging phase between ferroelectrics with rhombohedral and tetragonal symmetries in Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3-based perovskites. Neutron diffraction analysis demonstrates that the intermediate ferrielectric displays a smallPsresulting from up and down polarizations coupled with an in-phase TiO6rotation. Ourab initiocalculations indicate that a staggered Bi-O conformation at an appropriate chemical pressure delivers the ferrielectric-mediated phase boundaries, which provides a promising platform for (multi)ferroic materials with enhanced physical properties.
Interaction between CYP1A1/CYP17A1 polymorphisms and parental risk factors in the risk of hypospadias in a Chinese population
Authors: Mao Yaping , Zhang Kang , Ma Lin , Yun Xiaoyun , Ou Fengrong , Liu Ge , Yang Yi , Zhang Yumin , Pei Xiucong , Duan Zhiwen , Ma Mingyue
Published: March 2019

Hypospadias (HS) is a common congenital malformation of the genitourinary tract in males and its etiology is viewed as multifactorial, and studies about gene-environment interaction in the etiology of HS are rare. A total of 152 cases and 151 controls were selected in the present study. Information before and during pregnancy from questionnaires finished by mothers of subjects were extracted, and the relating data were analyzed to determine the risk factors of HS. Meanwhile, maternal genomic DNA was genotyped for the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CYP1A1 rs1048943 and CYP17A1 rs4919686. Results of multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that several factors were associated with hypospadias risk. Analysis of the distributions of SNPs in CYP1A1 and CYP17A1 genes showed that the mutant genotype CC (OR = 4.87) of CYP1A1 rs1048943, and mutant genotype CC (OR = 5.82), recessive genotype AC + CC (OR = 2.17) and allele C (OR = 1.77) of CYP17A1 rs4919686 significantly increased the risk of HS. In addition, the additive gene-environment interactions were also found in several models. Several maternal risk factors that are associated with HS risk can interact with CYP1A1/CYP17A1 polymorphisms, which lead to infants vulnerable to occurrence of HS in Chinese populations.
The ubiquitin interacting motifs of USP37 act on the proximal Ub of a di-Ub chain to enhance catalytic efficiency
Authors: Manczyk Noah , Veggiani Gianluca , Teyra Joan , Strilchuk Amy W. , Sidhu Sachdev S. , Sicheri Frank
Published: March 2019

USP37 is a deubiquitinase (DUB) with roles in the regulation of DNA damage repair and the cohesion of sister chromatids during mitosis. USP37 contains a unique insert of three ubiquitin interacting motifs (UIMs) within its catalytic DUB domain. We investigated the role of the three UIMs in the ability of USP37 to cleave di-ubiquitin chains. We found that the third UIM of USP37 recognizes the proximal ubiquitin moiety of K48 di-Ub to potentiate cleavage activity and posit that this mechanism of action may be generalizable to other chain types. In the case of K48-linked ubiquitin chains this potentiation stemmed largely from a dramatic increase in catalytic rate (kcat). We also developed and characterized three ubiquitin variant (UbV) inhibitors that selectively engage distinct binding sites in USP37. In addition to validating the deduced functional roles of the three UIMs in catalysis, the UbVs highlight a novel and effective means to selectively inhibit members of the difficult to drug DUB family.
Loss of Neogenin1 in human colorectal carcinoma cells causes a partial EMT and wound-healing response
Authors: Chaturvedi Vishal , Fournier-Level Alexandre , Cooper Helen M. , Murray Michael J.
Published: March 2019

Neogenin1 (NEO1) is a receptor of the Deleted in Colorectal Carcinoma (DCC)/Frazzled/UNC-40 family, which regulates axon guidance but can also stabilize epithelial adherens junctions. NEO1 and DCC are also tumor suppressors that can inhibit metastasis by acting as dependence receptors. Given the role of NEO1 in maintaining adherens junctions we tested whether loss of NEO1 also promoted metastasis via an epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Loss of NEO1 disrupted zonula adherens but tight junctions were unaffected. Neo1-depleted epithelial cells exhibited a more migratory morphology, had reduced F-actin rich stress-fibres and more basal lamellipodia. Microtubule density was decreased while microtubule outgrowth was faster. Live imaging showed that Neo1-depleted epithelial islands had increased lateral movement. Western blots and immunostaining revealed increased expression of mesenchymal markers such as Fibronectin and MMP1. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis showed a striking decrease in expression of genes associated with oxidative phosphorylation, and increased expression of genes associated with EMT, locomotion, and wound-healing. In summary, loss of NEO1 in intestinal epithelial cells produces a partial EMT response, based on gene expression, cellular morphology and behaviour and cytoskeletal distribution. These results suggest that loss of NEO1 in carcinomas may contribute to metastasis by promoting a partial EMT and increased motility.
A halotolerant growth promoting rhizobacteria triggers induced systemic resistance in plants and defends against fungal infection
Authors: Sharma Sandeep , Chen Chen , Navathe Sudhir , Chand Ramesh , Pandey Shree P.
Published: March 2019

A halotolerant rhizobacteria, Klebsiella species (referred to MBE02), was identified that had a growth stimulation effect on peanut. To gain mechanistic insights into how molecular components were reprogrammed during the interaction of MBE02 and peanut roots, we performed deep RNA-sequencing. In total, 1260 genes were differentially expressed: 979 genes were up-regulated, whereas 281 were down-regulated by MBE02 treatment as compared to uninoculated controls. A large component of the differentially regulated genes were related to phytohormone signalling. This included activation of a significant proportion of genes involved in jasmonic acid, ethylene and pathogen-defense signalling, which indicated a role of MBE02 in modulating plant immunity. In vivo and in vitro pathogenesis assays demonstrated that MBE02 treatment indeed provide fitness benefits to peanut against Aspergillus infection under controlled as well as field environment. Further, MBE02 directly reduced the growth of a wide range of fungal pathogens including Aspergillus. We also identified possible molecular components involved in rhizobacteria-mediated plant protection. Our results show the potential of MBE02 as a biocontrol agent in preventing infection against several fungal phytopathogens.
Behavioral, electrophysiological and neuropathological characteristics of the occurrence of hypertension in pregnant rats
Authors: Oliveira Leandro F. , Pinheiro Daniel J. L. L. , Rodrigues Laís D. , Reyes-Garcia Selvin Z. , Nishi Erika E. , Ormanji Milene S. , Faber Jean , Cavalheiro Esper A.
Published: March 2019

Pre-eclampsia (PE) affects approximately 2 to 8% of pregnant women, causing blood pressure above 140 × 90 mmHg and proteinuria, normally after the 20th gestation week. If unsuccessfully treated, PE can lead to self-limited seizures (Eclampsia) that could eventually result in death of the mother and her fetus. The present study reports an experimental model of preeclampsia hypertension in pregnant (HP) and non-pregnant (H) Wistar rats by partially clamping one of their renal arteries. Pregnant (P) and non-pregnant (C) controls were provided. Differently from controls (C and P), H and HP animals presented a steady rise in BP two weeks after renal artery clamping. Injection of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) induced behavioral and electroencephalographic seizures in all groups, which were increased in number, duration, amplitude and power accompanied by decreased latency in HP animals (p < 0.05). Consistent results were obtained in in vitro experimentation. Immunohistochemistry of hippocampus tissue in HP animals showed decreased density of neurons nuclei in CA1, CA3 and Hilus and increased density of astrocytes in CA1, CA3 and gyrus (p < 0.05). The present findings show that the clamping of one renal arteries to 0.15 mm and PTZ administration were able to induce signs similar to human PE in pregnant Wistar rats.
A bacterial display system for effective selection of protein-biotin ligase BirA variants with novel peptide specificity
Authors: Granhøj Jeff , Dimke Henrik , Svenningsen Per
Published: March 2019

Biotinylation creates a sensitive and specific tag for purification and detection of target proteins. The E. coli protein-biotin ligase BirA biotinylates a lysine within a synthetic biotin acceptor peptide (AP) and allow for specific tagging of proteins fused to the AP. The approach is not applicable to unmodified proteins, and we sought to develop an effective selection system that could form the basis for directed evolution of novel BirA variants with specificity towards unmodified proteins. The system was based on bacterial display of a target peptide sequence, which could be biotinylated by cytosolic BirA variants before being displayed on the surface. In a model selection, the bacterial display system accomplished >1.000.000 enrichment in a single selection step. A randomly mutated BirA library was used to identify novel variants. Bacteria displaying peptide sequences from 13 out of 14 tested proteins were strongly enriched after 3–5 selection rounds. Moreover, a clone selected for biotinylation of a C-terminal peptide from red-fluorescent protein TagRFP showed biotinylation of the native protein. Thus, active BirA variants with novel activity are effectively isolated with our bacterial display system and provides a basis for the development of BirA variants for site-selective biotinylation.
BAR-based multi-dimensional nonequilibrium pulling for indirect construction of a QM/MM free energy landscape
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , He Qiaole , Sun Zhaoxi
Published: March 2019

Construction of free energy landscapes at the quantum mechanics (QM) level is computationally demanding.
Toward practical solar hydrogen production – an artificial photosynthetic leaf-to-farm challenge
Authors: Kim Jin Hyun , Hansora Dharmesh , Sharma Pankaj , Jang Ji-Wook , Lee Jae Sung
Published: March 2019

This review provides insight into the different aspects and challenges associated with the realization of sustainable solar hydrogen production systems on a practical large scale.
Light-assisted O-methylation of phenol with dimethyl carbonate over a layered double oxide catalyst
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Wang Ruiyi , Gu Xianmo , Jia Jianfeng , Zheng Zhanfeng
Published: March 2019

Phenol molecules can absorb light to achieve excited states, which allow deprotonation to occur more readily.
Reversely toposelective vapor deposition at normal pressure and temperature by capillary condensation
Authors: Lovikka Ville A. , Kemell Marianna , Vehkamäki Marko , Leskelä Markku
Published: March 2019

Nanotopography was utilized to coat previously hardest-to-reach surfaces and to bypass issues related to traditional vapor deposition methods.
TiO2-coated LiCoO2 electrodes fabricated by a sputtering deposition method for lithium-ion batteries with enhanced electrochemical performance
Authors: Moon Sang-Hyun , Kim Min-Cheol , Kim Eun-Soo , Shin Yeon-Kyung , Lee Ji-Eun , Choi Sojeong , Park Kyung-Won
Published: March 2019

We fabricated lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2, LCO) electrodes in the absence and presence of TiO2 layers as cathodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) using a sputtering deposition method under an Ar atmosphere.
Validation of ‘lock-and-key’ mechanism of a metal–organic framework in selective sensing of triethylamine
Authors: Vellingiri Kowsalya , Boukhvalov Danil W. , Kim Ki-Hyun , Philip Ligy
Published: March 2019

To develop the metal–organic framework (MOF)-based sensing of triethylamine (TEA) in an aqueous phase, Al-MIL-101-NH2 (MIL: Material Institute Lavoisier) with a tripod-like cavity was utilized based on a lock-and-key model.
Correction: Developing native peptide-based radiotracers for PD-L1 PET imaging and improving imaging contrast by pegylation
Authors: Hu Kuan , Hanyu Masayuki , Xie Lin , Zhang Yiding , Nagatsu Kotaro , Suzuki Hisashi , Zhang Ming-Rong
Published: March 2019

Correction for ‘Developing native peptide-based radiotracers for PD-L1 PET imaging and improving imaging contrast by pegylation’ by Kuan Hu et al., Chem. Commun., 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c9cc00445a.
Acetaldehyde polymerization on Co(0001): the role of CO
Authors: Chen Jun , Guo Qing , Wu Jiawei , Dai Dongxu , Chen Maodu , Yang Xueming
Published: March 2019

CO molecules play an important role in acetaldehyde polymerization on Co(0001).
A template-assisted strategy to synthesize a dilute CoNi alloy incorporated into ultramicroporous carbon for high performance supercapacitor application
Authors: Jiang Yan , Wang Yue , Zeng Dehong , Wang Yao , Ma Yangde , Wang Hai , Zhang Xin , Dai Xiaoping
Published: March 2019

Combination of metal alloy and porous carbon is a good strategy to prepare electrode material due to the contribution of both Faraday pseudocapacitors (FS) and electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs).
Stimulus-responsive reversible thermochromism and exciplex emission of a Zn(ii) complex and selective sensing of NH3 gas
Authors: Miao Jinling , Nie Yong , Xiong Zhixin , Chai Yongshuai , Fu Shuqing , Yan Hong
Published: March 2019

A Zn(ii) complex exhibits reversible thermochromism and emission switch, and the resulting free radical species responds fast and selectively toward NH3.
SHG-enhanced NIR-excitedin vitrophotodynamic therapy using composite nanoparticles of barium titanate and rose Bengal
Authors: Sun Xianhe , Ji Zhang , He Sailing
Published: March 2019

Composite nanoparticles of barium titanate and rose Bengal are used to achieve second harmonic generation (SHG) enhanced photodynamic therapy excited by near infrared (NIR) light.
Upconversion of transparent glass ceramics containing β-NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ nanocrystals for optical thermometry
Authors: Li Xinyue , Yang Longyu , Zhu Yiwen , Zhong Jiasong , Chen Daqin
Published: March 2019

β-NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ nanocrystals embedded glass ceramics have been fabricated and demonstrates excellent performance for optical thermometry.
Ab initio investigations of orthogonal ScC2 and ScN2 monolayers as promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Huang He , Wu Hong-Hui , Chi Cheng , Huang Baoling , Zhang Tong-Yi
Published: March 2019

o-ScC2 and o-ScN2 monolayers, with high stability, metallic features, low Na ion diffusion energy barriers, and high specific capacities, are promising high-performance anode materials for sodium ion batteries.
Correction: A robust and flexible bulk superhydrophobic material from silicone rubber/silica gel prepared by thiol–ene photopolymerization
Authors: Li Yongsheng , Ren Meng , Lv Pengfei , Liu Yingzhi , Shao Hong , Wang Cong , Tang Changyu , Zhou Yuanlin , Shuai Maobing
Published: March 2019

Correction for ‘A robust and flexible bulk superhydrophobic material from silicone rubber/silica gel prepared by thiol–ene photopolymerization’ by Yongsheng Li et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c8ta11111a.
The racer goby, Babka gymnotrachelus (Kessler, 1857) invades the Evros river: evidence of recent establishment in Greece
Authors: Zogaris Stamatis , Ntakis Alexandros , Barbieri Roberta
Published: March 2019

The discovery of the racer goby Babka gymnotrachelus in the transboundary Evros river basin, collected on September 10th 2018 at two locations very close to the Greek-Bulgarian and Greek-Turkish borderlines, is reported. This is a new addition to the non-native ichthyofauna of Greece and the Aegean Sea drainages, and it is the second non-native Ponto-Caspian goby to enter this river. Boat-based electrofishing sampling, following the EU Water Framework Directive monitoring program, provides first evidence of what is presumed to be a recently established population; most of the 13 collected specimens are juveniles and the species has not yet been located in the river's tributaries. Further study and international cooperation in monitoring and management of this and other alien species in the Evros are proposed.
A New Method for the Preparation of Bis(alkylamino)maleonitriles from Aliphatic Isocyanides with TMSCN and Bi(OTf)3
Authors: Tafuku Sayaka , Fukuda Takuya , Chiba Kazuhiro , Kitano Yoshikazu
Published: March 2019

Bis(alkylamino)maleonitriles are starting materials for the synthesis of a number of important intermediates, including porphyrazines that serve as dyes, pigments, and models of biologically active substances; hence, the development of improved methods for their preparation is important. Herein, we report a facile new method for the preparation of bis(alkylamino)maleonitriles from isocyanides. Treatment of tert-alkyl isocyanides with trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN) and trimethylsilyl triflate (TMSOTf) in the presence of bismuth(III) triflate [Bi(OTf)3] afforded the corresponding bis(alkylamino)maleonitriles in moderate yields. tert-Alkyl isocyanides bearing a variety of functional groups, including halide, ether, ester, imide, amide, and carbamate, are tolerated under the developed reaction conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a synthetic method for the preparation of bis(alkylamino)maleonitriles in a single step from tertiary alkyl isocyanides.
Integration of a Four-Step Reaction into One-Pot under the Coexistence­ of Silica-Gel-Supported Acid and Base Reagents: Synthesis of Benzo- and Naphthothiophenes Using NaHSO4/SiO2 and Na2CO3/SiO2
Authors: Hayakawa Mamiko , Aoyama Tadashi , Nakaoka Kyohei , Kosuge Masayuki , Ouchi Akihiko
Published: March 2019

A four-step synthesis of benzo- and naphthothiophenes that have biological importance and application in material science was integrated into a one-pot reaction by using silica gel-supported acid and base reagents, NaHSO4/SiO2 and Na2CO3/SiO2. The supported reagents provided acid and base environments on the surface of the supports without neutralization and worked separately in the same medium. The four-step reaction comprises (i) deacetylation of 3-halo-2,4-pentanediones to α-halo ketones, (ii) deacetylation of S-aryl thioacetates to arene­thiols, (iii) coupling of α-halo ketones and arenethiols to give α-sulfanyl ketones, and (iv) cyclization of sulfanyl ketones to benzo- and naphthothiophenes. The steps (i) and (iii) proceeded by Na2CO3/SiO2, and (ii) and (iv) by NaHSO4/SiO2. The four-step reaction proceeded efficiently by introduction of starting materials and reagents in a single reaction vessel. The starting materials were very easy to handle and unpleasant smell of aryl thiols that were used in conventional methods could be avoided. Novel thirty-nine benzo- and naphthothiophenes were synthesized by this method in excellent to fair yields.
X-ray ptychography on low-dimensional hard-condensed matter materials
Authors: Shi Xiaowen , Burdet Nicolas , Chen Bo , Xiong Gang , Streubel Robert , Harder Ross , Robinson Ian K.
Published: March 2019

Tailoring structural, chemical, and electronic (dis-)order in heterogeneous media is one of the transformative opportunities to enable new functionalities and sciences in energy and quantum materials. This endeavor requires elemental, chemical, and magnetic sensitivities at the nano/atomic scale in two- and three-dimensional space. Soft X-ray radiation and hard X-ray radiation provided by synchrotron facilities have emerged as standard characterization probes owing to their inherent element-specificity and high intensity. One of the most promising methods in view of sensitivity and spatial resolution is coherent diffraction imaging, namely, X-ray ptychography, which is envisioned to take on the dominance of electron imaging techniques offering with atomic resolution in the age of diffraction limited light sources. In this review, we discuss the current research examples of far-field diffraction-based X-ray ptychography on two-dimensional and three-dimensional semiconductors, ferroelectrics, and ferromagnets and their blooming future as a mainstream tool for materials sciences.
Using double Hall sensor structure to greatly reduce voltage offset in epitaxial graphene
Authors: El-Ahmar S. , Koczorowski W. , Oszwaldowski M.
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we show that the very large offset voltage observed in Hall sensors exploiting the epitaxial graphene on an SiC substrate can be reduced quite effectively with the help of the double Hall sensor structure (DHSS). A record offset reduction by four orders of magnitude to the DC microvolt level is achieved. The strongly reduced offset is thermally stable, provided that the single Hall sensors of the DHSS have equal temperature coefficients of resistance and the heating/cooling procedure is performed under isothermal conditions to avoid the generation of thermoelectric voltages that add to the reduced offset.
p-bits for probabilistic spin logic
Authors: Camsari Kerem Y. , Sutton Brian M. , Datta Supriyo
Published: March 2019

We introduce the concept of a probabilistic or p-bit, intermediate between the standard bits of digital electronics and the emerging q-bits of quantum computing. We show that low barrier magnets or LBMs provide a natural physical representation for p-bits and can be built either from perpendicular magnets designed to be close to the in-plane transition or from circular in-plane magnets. Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) built using LBMs as free layers can be combined with standard NMOS transistors to provide three-terminal building blocks for large scale probabilistic circuits that can be designed to perform useful functions. Interestingly, this three-terminal unit looks just like the 1T/MTJ device used in embedded magnetic random access memory technology, with only one difference: the use of an LBM for the MTJ free layer. We hope that the concept of p-bits and p-circuits will help open up new application spaces for this emerging technology. However, a p-bit need not involve an MTJ; any fluctuating resistor could be combined with a transistor to implement it, while completely digital implementations using conventional CMOS technology are also possible. The p-bit also provides a conceptual bridge between two active but disjoint fields of research, namely, stochastic machine learning and quantum computing. First, there are the applications that are based on the similarity of a p-bit to the binary stochastic neuron (BSN), a well-known concept in machine learning. Three-terminal p-bits could provide an efficient hardware accelerator for the BSN. Second, there are the applications that are based on the p-bit being like a poor man's q-bit. Initial demonstrations based on full SPICE simulations show that several optimization problems, including quantum annealing are amenable to p-bit implementations which can be scaled up at room temperature using existing technology.
Probing heavy ion radiation effects in silicon carbide (SiC) via 3D integrated multimode vibrating diaphragms
Authors: Chen Hailong , Jia Hao , Liao Wenjun , Pashaei Vida , Arutt Charles N. , McCurdy Michael W. , Zorman Christian A. , Reed Robert A. , Schrimpf Ronald D. , Alles Michael L. , Feng Philip X.-L.
Published: March 2019

We report on the measurement and analysis of energetic heavy ion radiation effects on the mechanical properties of silicon carbide (SiC) crystals, by exploiting a vertical stack of micromachined vibrating SiC thin diaphragms integrated in a three-dimensional (3D) fashion. The diaphragms are 1 mm × 1 mm in lateral dimensions and 2 μm in thickness, vibrating at their multiple flexural modes in the range of 200 to 800 kHz. Upon 10.25 MeV oxygen ion irradiation, the 4 devices in the 3D stack exhibit saliently different changes in their multimode resonance frequencies. The device that is intended to capture most ions shows the largest frequency downshifts (∼6.6%–11.3%), corresponding to the extracted tension release from 382 MPa to 306 MPa, which can be explained by the maximum displacement damage in this device. The design of 3D integration not only scientifically enables probing different radiation effects in multiple devices simultaneously with clear controls but also economically evades very expensive, repetitive tests on individual devices, thus proving to be a powerful platform for analyzing and understanding radiation damage in micro/nanoelectromechanical systems and other micro/nanosystems.
Thermomagnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect of FeCoNiCrAl-type high-entropy alloys
Authors: Na Suok-Min , Lambert Paul K. , Kim Hyunsoo , Paglione Johnpierre , Jones Nicholas J.
Published: March 2019

In this work, we investigate the effects of substituting Ni/Al for Cr on the thermomagnetic and magnetocaloric properties of FeCoNiCrAl-type high entropy alloys (HEAs). Ni and Al appear to prefer the BCC phase, and increases in the Al composition appear to stabilize the BCC phase. In contrast to Al, Ni content yields an increase in the FCC phase fraction, resulting in a drop off in magnetization. The phase transformation from BCC to FCC was intensified at annealing temperatures of 800 °C and higher due to increased diffusion rates and the resulting spinodal decomposition. A magnetic phase transition around 150 K was found in the FeCoNi1.5Cr0.5Al annealed alloy potentially corresponding to the FCC phase, and a very broad magnetic phase transition was observed in the annealed FeCoNiCrAl alloy, resulting in a high refrigerant capacity of RCFWHM = 242.6 J⋅kg-1 near room temperature. A peak magnetic entropy change of −ΔSM = 0.674 J⋅kg-1⋅K-1 was also obtained at applied fields of ∼70 kOe at 290 K in the FeCoNiCrAl HEA. These magnetocaloric values are comparable to Fe-based metallic glasses such as Fe-Tm-B-Nb and Fe-Zr-B-Co alloys, with a similar transition near room temperature.
Nanocrystalline soft magnetic materials from binary alloy precursors with high saturation magnetization
Authors: Suzuki K. , Parsons R. , Zang B. , Onodera K. , Kishimoto H. , Shoji T. , Kato A.
Published: March 2019

A brief survey of the recent advances in Fe-based nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloys has shown that the saturation magnetization (Js) of these alloys is governed by the mass fraction, rather than the atomic fraction, of the nonmagnetic additives. Thus, the ultimate limit of Js in the alloys prepared by nano-crystallization of amorphous precursors is expected in an Fe-B binary system where amorphization by rapid quenching takes place with the lowest mass fraction of glass forming elements in Fe-based systems. We will demonstrate that nano-crystallization is possible in this binary system when the precursor amorphous phase is annealed ultra-rapidly. While the grain size after conventional annealing for amorphous Fe-B alloys is too large for the exchange softening effect, a small grain size well below the exchange length is obtained after annealing with a heating rate of 103 – 104 K/s. This results in magnetically soft nanostructures with Fe content up to 97.2 wt. %, leading to a high Js ≥ 1.9 T with a small coercivity (Hc) between 3.8 and 6.4 A/m. An addition of Co to nc-Fe87B13 results in a higher Js of 2.0 T with a slight increase of Hc to 9.3 A/m. The soft magnetic properties of these ultra-rapidly annealed alloys (named HiB-Nanoperm) is well understood by the random anisotropy model. The formation of nano-meter scale microstructures in a simple binary system unlocks previously unavailable alloy design strategies in nanostructured systems which is not only relevant to magnetic materials but, also to structural materials.
Characterization of multilayered structures by swept-frequency eddy current testing
Authors: Cheng Weiying , Hashizume Hidetoshi
Published: March 2019

The signals of the electromagnetic non-destructive testing of a multilayered structure are functions of the dimension and the electromagnetic properties of each layer in this structure. The signals of the to-be-characterized layer should be ‘extracted’ from the composite signals. This paper proposes of separating signals of different layers by frequency band, and characterizing the layer of interest by using the correspondent signals. An analytical solution derived in terms of transmission and reflection of electromagnetic waves was used to conduct simulation of swept-frequency eddy current testing of a multilayered structure. A couple of characteristic parameters were extracted from the analysis of the signals and the differences of the signal series in the frequency series. It was found that the thicknesses of the top and lower layers can be determined respectively by using high frequency and low frequency signals. The differences of the signal series in the frequency series are insensitive to the variation of air gap between two conductive layers. The maximum difference of resistance in the frequency series can be used to characterize the lower layer regardless the change of conductivity and air gap.
Conservation of the spin angular momentum in second-harmonic generation with elliptically polarized vortex beams
Authors: Liu Tianyu , Gu Bing , Rui Guanghao , Lv Changgui , He Jun , Cui Yiping
Published: March 2019

Spin-to-orbital angular momentum conversion and orbital angular momentum conservation in the harmonic generation process have been extensively investigated. However, very few studies have focused on the spin angular momentum (SAM) conservation in the nonlinear optical process. Herein, we investigate the SAM characteristics of the second-harmonic waves with weakly focused elliptically polarized vortex beams (EPVBs). It is shown that the chirality of the second-harmonic wave is always opposite to that of the fundamental wave. Moreover, the absolute value of SAM satisfies the conservation law in the second-harmonic process generated by weakly focused EPVBs. The results are in good agreement with the experimental observations.
Highly radiative nature of ultra-thin c-plane Al-rich AlGaN/AlN quantum wells for deep ultraviolet emitters
Authors: Haughn C. R. , Rupper G. , Wunderer T. , Yang Z. , Johnson N. M. , Wraback M. , Garrett G. A.
Published: March 2019

Temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) lifetimes were measured for a series of ultra-thin c-plane Al0.61Ga0.39N/AlN multiple quantum wells (QWs) on bulk AlN substrates with the well thickness varying from 0.6 to 2 nm. At temperatures below 75 K, estimates of the internal quantum efficiency indicate that the recombination is primarily radiative, with a lifetime of ∼160 ps for the 0.6 nm QWs, comparable to the low temperature PL lifetime observed in bulk AlGaN films of a similar Al content. This short lifetime is observed despite the presence of layer thickness fluctuations and the quantum-confined Stark effect associated with the large polarization field in the heterostructures, which tend to increase the radiative lifetime. This behavior is explained using many-body calculations of radiative recombination rates that extend beyond the conventional ABC rate equation model by accounting for both excitons and free carriers within a nonequilibrium Green's function formalism. The results indicate that the combination of the large wave function overlap integral (∼0.65) and exciton binding energy (1.82 times the 3D Rydberg) for the 0.6 nm QWs leads to an ∼20-fold increase in the radiative recombination rate relative to that obtained for the 2 nm QWs. This greater radiative recombination rate competes favorably with trapping at interface fluctuations and defect-induced nonradiative recombination that dominates recombination at higher temperatures.
A class large solution of the 2D MHD equations with velocity and magnetic damping
Authors: Li Jinlu , Yang Minghua , Yu Yanghai
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we construct a class global large solution to the two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamics equations with damp terms whose initial energy can be arbitrarily large.
Broadband ultrasonic focusing in water with an ultra-compact metasurface lens
Authors: Chen Jian , Rao Jing , Lisevych Danylo , Fan Zheng
Published: March 2019

Focusing of ultrasonic waves in water plays an important role in various scenarios ranging from biomedical imaging to nondestructive testing. Acoustic metasurfaces have been largely explored for acoustic focusing, but they are generally narrowband and mainly implemented for airborne sound because of their structural complexity. Nevertheless, our previous development of metasurfaces provides a great opportunity to solve the challenges. Here, we present numerically and experimentally the broadband focusing of ultrasonic waves in water with a metasurface lens consisting of an array of deep-subwavelength sized and spaced slots. The slot widths of the metasurface are optimized based on microscopic coupled-wave theory. Due to the non-resonant arrangement, the focusing effect is demonstrated over a broad band of frequencies. The metasurface lens with simplicity and an ultra-compact size provides a feasible means for the design of thin and lightweight ultrasonic devices and is suitable for practical applications in biomedical and industrial fields.
Associations of Maternal Gestational Weight Gain and Obesity With the Timing of Pubertal Onset in Daughters
Authors: Aghaee Sara , Laurent Cecile A , Deardorff Julianna , Ferrara Assiamira , Greenspan Louise C , Quesenberry Charles P , Kushi Lawrence H , Kubo Ai
Published: March 2019

Early puberty is associated with adverse health outcomes, but little is known regarding early-life determinants influencing pubertal timing. We examined the associations between maternal gestational weight gain (GWG) and the timing of the onset of breast development (thelarche) and pubic hair development (pubarche) in a cohort of 2,070 girls born in a Kaiser Permanente Northern California facility between 2005 and 2006. Using Weibull regression models accommodating interval censoring and adjusting for important confounders, we found that excess GWG was associated with increased risk of early thelarche (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26, 1.78) and early pubarche (HR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.66). Inadequate GWG was associated with early thelarche (HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.71). The associations between excess or inadequate GWG and risk of earlier thelarche were stronger if mothers were obese before or at the beginning of pregnancy (body mass index ≥30 kg body weight per m height squared) (HR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.53, 2.63; HR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.45, 2.98, respectively). Similar associations were found for pubarche outcome. Inclusion of girls’ prepubertal body mass index slightly attenuated these associations, but they remained significant. Monitoring of maternal weight before and throughout pregnancy might help prevent early pubertal onset and subsequent negative health outcomes.
High-risk Fontan completion patients achieve low perioperative risk and benefit from cavopulmonary connection 7 years out†
Authors: Vigano Gaia , McMahon Colin J , Walsh Kevin , Oslizlok Paul , Franklin Orla , Nolke Lars , Redmond John M , Byrne John , McGuinness Jonathan G
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVES:

Our unit has pursued Fontan completion in all patients except those with immobility or combined poor ventricular function and high pulmonary artery pressures. We assessed retrospectively whether conventional high-risk criteria would predict patients with a poorer outcome.

METHODS:

One hundred and thirty-three consecutive children who underwent extracardiac Fontan completion (2004–2012) had their outcomes recorded (mean follow-up of 7 years). Three groups were analysed: those with 1 of 6 historical risk factors (outside 6 commandments), those with 1 of reduced systemic ventricular function or pulmonary artery pressure >15 mmHg (outside 2 commandments) versus those with no contraindications. The Fischer’s exact test examined frequency differences, with the χ2 test to look for outcome associations.

RESULTS:

There were no differences in postoperative complication rates between the outside 6 commandments (n = 105) or outside 2 commandments (n = 49) versus the low-risk no-contraindication group (n = 28): arrhythmias [18% (P = 0.3) or 18% (P = 0.3) vs 25%], infection [22% (P = 0.6) or 33% (P = 0.2) vs 21%], cerebrovascular accident [6% (P = 0.5) or 10% (P = 0.3) vs 4%], length of stay [20 days (P = 0.4) or 23 days (P = 0.2) vs 21 days] and duration of chest drainage (P = 0.5). There was 1 predischarge mortality in each group. Long term, the majority of patients in each group had suitable haemodynamics for fenestration closure [95% (P = 0.7) or 95% (P = 0.7) vs 92%]. Long term, there was no difference in the rate of arrhythmias [11% (P = 0.5) or 12.5% (P = 0.3) vs 7%], protein-losing enteropathy [1% (P = 0.1) or 2% (P = 0.3) vs 7%] or moderate or more ventricular dysfunction on echocardiography [2% (P = 0.7) or 4% (P = 0.7) vs 4%]. Notably, there was a higher rate of catheter reinterventions in the high-risk groups [22% (P < 0.05) or 24% (P < 0.05) vs 7%].

CONCLUSIONS

The medium-term benefits of Fontan completion can be achieved for high-risk patients, suggesting that historical selection criteria should be re-examined.
A systematic review of trial-based economic evaluations of internet- and mobile-based interventions for substance use disorders
Authors: Buntrock Claudia , Kählke Fanny , Smit Filip , Ebert David Daniel
Published: March 2019

Background

Substance use disorders (SUDs) contribute significantly to global rates of morbidity and mortality. Internet- and mobile-based interventions (IMIs) have been suggested as an adjunct to face-to-face health services. However, the evidence for the cost-effectiveness of IMIs for SUDs is scant.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, NHS Economic Evaluations Database, NHS Health Technology Assessment Database, Office of Health Economics Evaluations Database and EconLit was conducted. We included economic evaluations alongside randomized controlled trials of IMIs for SUDs compared with a control group.

Results

Of 1687 abstracts identified, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Targeted conditions were alcohol use disorder (four studies) and tobacco smoking (five studies) whereas two studies included any SUD. Cost-effectiveness results demonstrated that IMIs had a firm probability of being more cost-effective than TAU (e.g. less costs per additional abstinent person). Compared with (online) psycho-education, evidence towards an additional benefit of IMIs was less clear. Regarding cost-utility (e.g. costs per quality-adjusted life year gained), except for one study, results suggested that TAU and online psycho-education would probably be more preferable than IMIs. Quality of study reporting was at least adequate.

Conclusions

The likelihood of IMIs being more cost-effective than TAU looks promising but more economic evaluations are needed in order to determine the economic merit of IMIs. With an increasing pressure on health care budgets, strategies to disseminate effective interventions at affordable costs are required. This review suggests that IMIs might carry that promise and have potential as a cost-effective strategy to scale-up existing evidence-based treatments for SUDs.

Systematic review registration

The systematic review has been registered in the PROSPERO database (no. CRD42018099486).
Production of YP170 Vitellogenins Promotes Intestinal Senescence in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Sornda Thanet , Ezcurra Marina , Kern Carina , Galimov Evgeniy R , Au Catherine , de la Guardia Yila , Gems David
Published: March 2019

During aging, etiologies of senescence cause multiple pathologies, leading to morbidity and death. To understand aging requires identification of these etiologies. For example, Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodites consume their own intestinal biomass to support yolk production, which in later life drives intestinal atrophy and ectopic yolk deposition. Yolk proteins (YPs; vitellogenins) exist as three abundant species: YP170, derived from vit-1–vit-5; and YP115 and YP88, derived from vit-6. Here, we show that inhibiting YP170 synthesis leads to a reciprocal increase in YP115/YP88 levels and vice versa, an effect involving posttranscriptional mechanisms. Inhibiting YP170 production alone, despite increasing YP115/YP88 synthesis, reduces intestinal atrophy as much as inhibition of all YP synthesis, which increases life span. By contrast, inhibiting YP115/YP88 production alone accelerates intestinal atrophy and reduces life span, an effect that is dependent on increased YP170 production. Thus, despite copious abundance of both YP170 and YP115/YP88, only YP170 production is coupled to intestinal atrophy and shortened life span. In addition, increasing levels of YP115/YP88 but not of YP170 increases resistance to oxidative stress; thus, longevity resulting from reduced vitellogenin synthesis is not attributable to oxidative stress resistance.