bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial and inflammatory properties of South African clinical Lactobacillus isolates and vaginal probiotics
Authors: Chetwin Emily , Manhanzva Monalisa T. , Abrahams Andrea G. , Froissart Remy , Gamieldien Hoyam , Jaspan Heather , Jaumdally Shameem Z. , Barnabas Shaun L. , Dabee Smritee , Happel Anna-Ursula , Bowers Desiree , Davids Lester , Passmore Jo-Ann S. , Masson Lindi
Published: February 2019

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) causes genital inflammation and increased HIV acquisition risk. The standard-of-care for BV, antibiotic therapy, is associated with high recurrence rates. Probiotics may improve treatment outcomes, although substantial heterogeneity in efficacy has been observed during clinical trials. To evaluate the potential to improve existing probiotics, we compared the inflammatory and antimicrobial (adhesion, H2O2, D-lactate and L-lactate production) characteristics of 23 vaginal Lactobacillus isolates from South African women, commercial vaginal probiotics (L. casei rhamnosus, L. acidophilus) and 4 reference strains. All lactobacilli induced inflammatory cytokine production by genital epithelial cells and produced D-lactate. Of six isolates assessed, five suppressed inflammatory responses to Gardnerella vaginalis. Although the L. acidophilus probiotic was the most adherent, many clinical isolates produced greater amounts of H2O2, D-lactate and L-lactate than the probiotics. The most L-lactate and H2O2 were produced by L. jensenii (adjusted p = 0.0091) and L. mucosae (adjusted p = 0.0308) species, respectively. According to the characteristics evaluated, the top 10 isolates included 4 L. jensenii, 2 L. crispatus, 1 L. mucosae, 1 L. vaginalis and the L. acidophilus probiotic. There is potential to develop an improved vaginal probiotic using clinical Lactobacillus isolates. Inflammatory profiles are critical to evaluate as some isolates induced substantial cytokine production.
DNA demethylation is associated with malignant progression of lower-grade gliomas
Authors: Nomura Masashi , Saito Kuniaki , Aihara Koki , Nagae Genta , Yamamoto Shogo , Tatsuno Kenji , Ueda Hiroki , Fukuda Shiro , Umeda Takayoshi , Tanaka Shota , Takayanagi Shunsaku , Otani Ryohei , Nejo Takahide , Hana Taijun , Takahashi Satoshi , Kitagawa Yosuke , Omata Mayu , Higuchi Fumi , Nakamura Taishi , Muragaki Yoshihiro , Narita Yoshitaka , Nagane Motoo , Nishikawa Ryo , Ueki Keisuke , Saito Nobuhito , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Mukasa Akitake
Published: February 2019

To elucidate the mechanisms of malignant progression of lower-grade glioma, molecular profiling using methylation array, whole-exome sequencing, and RNA sequencing was performed for 122, 36 and 31 gliomas, respectively. This cohort included 24 matched pairs of initial lower-grade gliomas and recurrent tumors, most of which showed malignant progression. Nearly half of IDH-mutant glioblastomas that had progressed from lower-grade gliomas exhibited characteristic partial DNA demethylation in previously methylated genomic regions of their corresponding initial tumors, which had the glioma CpG island methylator phenotype (G-CIMP). In these glioblastomas, cell cycle-related genes, RB and PI3K-AKT pathway genes were frequently altered. Notably, late-replicating domain was significantly enriched in the demethylated regions that were mostly located in non-regulatory regions, suggesting that the loss of DNA methylation during malignant transformation may involve mainly passive demethylation due to a delay in maintenance of methylation during accelerated cell division. Nonetheless, a limited number of genes including IGF2BP3, which potentially drives cell proliferation, were presumed to be upregulated due to demethylation of their promoter. Our data indicated that demethylation of the G-CIMP profile found in a subset of recurrent gliomas reflects accelerated cell divisions accompanied by malignant transformation. Oncogenic genes activated by such epigenetic change represent potential therapeutic targets.
Anti-microRNA screen uncovers miR-17 family within miR-17~92 cluster as the primary driver of kidney cyst growth
Authors: Yheskel Matanel , Lakhia Ronak , Cobo-Stark Patricia , Flaten Andrea , Patel Vishal
Published: February 2019

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the leading genetic cause of renal failure. We have recently shown that inhibiting miR-17~92 is a potential novel therapeutic approach for ADPKD. However, miR-17~92 is a polycistronic cluster that encodes microRNAs (miRNAs) belonging to the miR-17, miR-18, miR-19 and miR-25 families, and the relative pathogenic contribution of these miRNA families to ADPKD progression is unknown. Here we performed an in vivo anti-miR screen to identify the miRNA drug targets within the miR-17~92 miRNA cluster. We designed anti-miRs to individually inhibit miR-17, miR-18, miR-19 or miR-25 families in an orthologous ADPKD model. Treatment with anti-miRs against the miR-17 family reduced cyst proliferation, kidney-weight-to-body-weight ratio and cyst index. In contrast, treatment with anti-miRs against the miR-18, 19, or 25 families did not affect cyst growth. Anti-miR-17 treatment recapitulated the gene expression pattern observed after miR-17~92 genetic deletion and was associated with upregulation of mitochondrial metabolism, suppression of the mTOR pathway, and inhibition of cyst-associated inflammation. Our results argue against functional cooperation between the various miR-17~92 cluster families in promoting cyst growth, and instead point to miR-17 family as the primary therapeutic target for ADPKD.
Deletion of BSG1 in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii leads to abnormal starch granule size and morphology
Authors: Findinier Justin , Laurent Sylvain , Duchêne Thierry , Roussel Xavier , Lancelon-Pin Christine , Cuiné Stéphan , Putaux Jean-Luc , Li-Beisson Yonghua , D’Hulst Christophe , Wattebled Fabrice , Dauvillée David
Published: February 2019

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii represents an ideal model microbial system to decipher starch metabolism. In this green algae, in cells growing in photosynthetic conditions, starch mainly accumulates as a sheath surrounding the pyrenoid while in cells subjected to a nutrient starvation, numerous starch granules are filling up the plastid stroma. The mechanisms underlying and regulating this switch from photosynthetic to storage starch metabolisms are not known. In this work, we have isolated a Chlamydomonas mutant strain containing a deletion in chromosome 2 which displays abnormal starch granule distribution. Under nitrogen starvation, this strain contains an additional starch granules population. These granules are twice as big as the wild-type granules and display characteristics of photosynthetic starch. Genetic and functional complementation analyses allowed us to identify the gene responsible for this original phenotype which was called BSG1 for “Bimodal Starch Granule”. Possible roles of BSG1 in starch metabolism modifications during the transition from photosynthetic to starved growth conditions are discussed.
Oxidation stability of Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets in solvents and composite films
Authors: Habib Touseef , Zhao Xiaofei , Shah Smit A. , Chen Yexiao , Sun Wanmei , An Hyosung , Lutkenhaus Jodie L. , Radovic Miladin , Green Micah J.
Published: February 2019

Ti3C2Tx belongs to the family of MXenes, 2D materials with an attractive combination of functional properties suitable for applications such as batteries, supercapacitors, and strain sensors. However, the fabrication of devices and functional coatings based on Ti3C2Tx remains challenging as they are prone to chemical degradation by their oxidation to TiO2. In this paper, we examine the oxidation of Ti3C2Tx in air, liquid, and solid media via conductivity measurements to assess the shelf life of Ti3C2Tx MXenes. The oxidation of Ti3C2Tx was observed in all the media used in this study, but it is fastest in liquid media and slowest in solid media (including polymer matrices). We also show that the conventional indicators of MXene oxidation, such as changes in color and colloidal stability, are not always reliable. Finally, we demonstrate the acceleration of oxidation under exposure to UV light.
Thermally activated isomeric all-hydrocarbon molecular receptors for fullerene separation
Authors: Yang Yu-Dong , Gong Han-Yuan
Published: February 2019

A new thermally activated all-hydrocarbon rigid macrocycle receptors system, cyclo[8](1,3-(4,6-dimethyl)benzene) (CDMB-8) has been reported.
Switching the regioselectivity of two nitrilases toward succinonitrile by mutating the active center pocket key residues through a semi-rational engineering
Authors: Chen Zhi , Jiang Shuiqing , Wang Hualei , Wang Liuzhu , Wei Dongzhi
Published: February 2019

Alteration of two key residues in two nitrilases switched their regioselectivity, which lays the foundation for future work on regioselective nitrilase.
Tuning the solid-state emission by co-crystallization through σ- and π-hole directed intermolecular interactions
Authors: Bhowal Rohit , Biswas Suprakash , Adiyeri Saseendran Devi Prasad , Koner Apurba L. , Chopra Deepak
Published: February 2019

σ- and π-hole directed intermolecular interaction driven tuning of luminescence.
Development of a novel CaCO3 PILP based cementation method for quartz sand
Authors: Jenewein Christian , Ruiz-Agudo Cristina , Wasman Scott , Gower Laurie , Cölfen Helmut
Published: February 2019

Development and investigation of a cementation method for soil grade quartz sand by utilizing aqueous Polymer Induced Liquid Precursor (PILP) solutions.
Effects of interfacial specific cations and water molarities on AOT micelle-to-vesicle transitions by chemical trapping: the specific ion-pair/hydration model
Authors: Liu Changyao , Wang Yuzhao , Gao Yanfei , Zhang Yongliang , Zhao Li , Xu Baocai , Romsted Laurence S.
Published: February 2019

Added salts induce micelle-to-vesicle transitions at specific cation concentrations in Hofmeister order by forming polar headgroup–counterion pairs that release water.
Colorimetric sensing of alkaline phosphatase and α-fetoprotein based on the photoinduced oxidase activity of fluorescein
Authors: Hu Xuemei , Sun Chaoqun , Shi Ying , Long Yijuan , Zheng Huzhi
Published: February 2019

A simple and inexpensive colorimetric assay for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and α-fetoprotein (AFP) has been established by the hydrolysis of fluorescein diphosphate (FDP).
Insertion of an ultrathin Al2O3interfacial layer for Schottky barrier height reduction in WS2field-effect transistors
Authors: Zheng Shan , Lu Haichang , Liu Huan , Liu Dameng , Robertson John
Published: February 2019

We report an effective approach for reducing the Schottky barrier height (SBH) in the source and drain (S/D) contacts of WS2field-effect transistors (FETs) using an ultrathin Al2O3interfacial layer between the metal and WS2.
Free-standing polypyrrole/polyaniline composite film fabricated by interfacial polymerization at the vapor/liquid interface for enhanced hexavalent chromium adsorption
Authors: Thao Vu Dinh , Giang Bach Long , Thu Tran Viet
Published: February 2019

Free-standing polypyrrole/polyaniline composite film fabricated by interfacial polymerization at vapor/liquid interface.
A web-based ionisation energy diagnostic instrument: exploiting the affordances of technology
Authors: Tan Kim Chwee Daniel , Taber Keith S. , Liew Yong Qiang , Teo Kay Liang Alan
Published: February 2019

The internet is prevalent in society today, and user-friendly web-based productivity tools are readily available for developing diagnostic instruments. This study sought to determine the affordances of a web-based diagnostic instrument on ionisation energy (wIEDI) based on the pen-and-paper version, the Ionisation Energy Diagnostic Instrument (IEDI) that was previously developed and reported on. The Google Forms platform was used to develop the wIEDI and it allowed a degree of personalisation such that specific second-tier options are offered in response to the student's choice of answer in the first tier. Students could choose one or more reasons in the second tier or supply their own reasons, and they were asked to indicate their confidence in their choice of answer–reason combinations. The wIEDI was administered to 274 A-level students (257 Grade 11 and 17 Grade 12), and answer–reason combinations indicating alternative conceptions were highlighted only if 5% or more students expressed confidence in them in the third-tier confidence measure. The results showed that all the possible alternative conceptions of ionisation energy reported in the previous study were also identified in the present study. Additional alternative conceptions were indicated as new reasons had to be developed for many items in the wIEDI to ensure that there were sufficient reasons for each first-tier response, and students were allowed to choose more than one reason for their answer. The wIEDI better facilitated responses reflecting the consistency of the use of specific ideas in student thinking and provided direct evidence of students’ possible manifold conceptions and thinking within each question as well as across a range of questions. It also allowed easy collation of the comments students typed in response to the ‘Others’ and ‘I do not know the answer’ options. Thus, the study makes a case for researchers and teachers using such technology in the diagnostic assessment of students.
Local loop opening in untangled ring polymer melts: a detailed “Feynman test” of models for the large scale structure
Authors: Schram Raoul D. , Rosa Angelo , Everaers Ralf
Published: February 2019

Representative conformations of ring polymers in dense solutions obtained by different numerical methods.
Ultrahigh thermal conductivity of carbon allotropes with correlations with the scaled Pugh ratio
Authors: Wang Fancy Qian , Hu Ming , Wang Qian
Published: February 2019

Three 3D carbon allotropes with ultrahigh thermal conductivity κL have been identified and their κL indeed shows correlation with the scaled Pugh ratio.
Cu doping in CeO2 to form multiple oxygen vacancies for dramatically enhanced ambient N2 reduction performance
Authors: Zhang Shengbo , Zhao Cuijiao , Liu Yanyan , Li Wenyi , Wang Jialu , Wang Guozhong , Zhang Yunxia , Zhang Haimin , Zhao Huijun
Published: February 2019

Cu doping in CeO2 nanorods can effectively induce formation of multiple oxygen vacancies around the Cu doping sites, dramatically facilitating the N2 reduction performance under ambient conditions.
PROTACs suppression of CDK4/6, crucial kinases for cell cycle regulation in cancer
Authors: Zhao Bosheng , Burgess Kevin
Published: February 2019

PROTACs based on two selective, FDA approved, CDK4/6 inhibitors were formed. These PROTACs at nanomolar concentrations deplete CDK4/6.
Enhancing selectivity of cation exchange with anion receptors
Authors: Williams Neil J. , Roy Santanu , Reynolds Campbell O. , Custelcean Radu , Bryantsev Vyacheslav S. , Moyer Bruce A.
Published: February 2019

Introducing a new supramolecular approach where anion receptors are used to modify the selectivity of ligands for cations.
Surface modification of Pt nanoparticles with other metals boosting the alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction
Authors: Okubo Keiichi , Ohyama Junya , Satsuma Atsushi
Published: February 2019

To enhance the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) activity of Pt/C under alkaline conditions, the catalyst's surface was modified with fifteen metals.
Versatile coordination architectures of products generated by the in situ reaction of a doubly bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazolate bridged dinuclear copper(ii) complex with tetracyanoethylene
Authors: Ishikawa Ryuta , Ueno Shunya , Hamatake Yumi , Horii Yoji , Miyazaki Yuji , Nakano Motohiro , Noda Takeshi , Uematsu Mikoto , Kawata Satoshi
Published: February 2019

Reaction of doubly bpypz− bridged Cu(ii) dinuclear complex and TCNE gave three versatile coordination assemblies with TCNE solvolysis derivatives, depending on reaction solvents.
Superconductivity in bilayer graphene intercalated with alkali and alkaline earth metals
Authors: Durajski Artur P. , Skoczylas Kamil M. , Szczȩśniak Radosław
Published: February 2019

With the enormous research activity focused on graphene in recent years, it is not surprising that graphene superconductivity has become an attractive area of research.
Strong influence of weak hydrogen bonding on actinide–phosphonate complexation: accurate predictions from DFT followed by experimental validation
Authors: Chandrasekar Aditi , Ghanty Tapan K. , Brahmmananda Rao C. V. S. , Sundararajan Mahesh , Sivaraman N.
Published: February 2019

DFT rightly predicts weak-hydrogen-bond mediated preferential stability of a uranyl–organophosphonate complex, subsequently validated by complexation experiments.
Dynamic FOV visible light communications receiver for dense optical networks
Authors: Abdalla Iman , Rahaim Michael B. , Little Thomas D.C.
Published: February 2019

This study explores how the field‐of‐view (FOV) of a visible light communications (VLCs) receiver can be manipulated to realise the best signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) while supporting device mobility and optimal access point (AP) selection. The authors propose a dynamic FOV receiver that changes its aperture according to receiver velocity, location, and device orientation. The D‐FOV technique is evaluated through modelling, analysis, and experimentation in an indoor environment comprised of 15 VLC APs. The proposed approach is also realised as an algorithm that is studied through analysis and simulation. The results of the study indicate the efficacy of the approach including a 3X increase in predicted SNR over static FOV approaches based on measured received signal strength in the testbed. Additionally, the collected data reveal that D‐FOV increases effectiveness in the presence of noise. Finally, the study describes the tradeoffs among the number of VLC sources, FOV, user device velocity, and SNR as a performance metric.
State‐of‐charge estimation of lithium‐ion batteries using composite multi‐dimensional features and a neural network
Authors: Li Jianhua , Liu Mingsheng
Published: February 2019

A novel method that uses composite multi‐dimensional features data to estimate the state of charge (SOC) of a battery is presented to address the shortcomings of using single‐dimensional feature data. Two types of data, the terminal voltage and the terminal current, which can be obtained directly by measuring, are selected as low‐dimensional feature data. The open‐circuit voltage (OCV), as high‐dimensional feature data, cannot be directly measured, and can be used to estimate the SOC by the OCV‐SOC method. Thus, in this study, the second‐order RC equivalent model of a battery is used and the OCV is identified online by the forgetting factor recursive least‐squares algorithm. The proposed method is implemented by first using a feed‐forward neural network, followed by a time‐series neural network. The dynamic stress test and urban dynamometer driving schedule discharging profiles are applied to train and test the two neural networks. The experimental results show that the proposed method can estimate the SOC more accurately than neural networks using only single‐dimensional feature data. Moreover, the time series neural network can overcome the shortcomings of traditional estimation methods.
Evaluation of input power splitting wireless power transfer system with multiple transmitters for efficiency maximisation
Authors: Cao Yuan , Abu Qahouq Jaber A.
Published: February 2019

In a wireless power transfer (WPT) system, the efficiency decreases as the distance (DIS) or misalignment (MIS) between transmitter (Tx) coil and receiver (Rx) coil increases. As a result, the received load power is varying under different DIS/MIS conditions. Increasing the system efficiency and maintaining constant/stable output voltage/power are the major control targets in WPT system. This paper presents the evaluation of input power splitting (IPS) WPT system with multiple Tx coils (MTxWPT) in order to extend the area of output voltage/power stabilisation under varying DIS and MIS conditions, while improving the system efficiency at the same time. The control algorithm is realised by adaptively optimising the IPS multipliers α1 through αn to unequally split the input power (P1 through Pn) between multiple Tx coils. The maximum system efficiency point can be achieved with the optimum selection of IPS multipliers (α1 through αn). A DC–DC converter at Rx side is utilised to maintain the output voltage/power at a constant/stable value. Detailed sets of the model analysis and experimental prototype results are provided and discussed through the paper to evaluate the performance of the presented IPS MTxWPT system.
Moving target coherent integration method for non‐coherent short pulse radar
Authors: Wang Haibo , Huang Wenhua , Jiang Yue , Ba Tao
Published: February 2019

The microwave power source of non‐coherent short pulse (NCSP) radar is a relativistic backward wave oscillator, which is a kind of vacuum electronics device. The moving target coherent integration method for the NCSP radar is a challenging task. Firstly, due to the mechanism of generating microwave pulses, the centre frequency and initial phase of the transmitting signal in the NCSP radar are random, and the envelope of the microwave pulse also has jitter. Therefore, the well‐known moving target detection method cannot be carried out straightforwardly by the NCSP radar. Secondly, range cell migration (RCM) effects induced by target motion would result in serious integration performance loss. In this study, a method based on Radon–Fourier transform is proposed to the scenario of moving target coherent integration for the NCSP radar. Not only the non‐coherent factors of transmitting signal but also RCM effects have been compensated carefully. Also, the staggered pulse repetition frequency technique is applied to overcome blind speed sidelobes effect. Numerical experiments are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
X-ray emission of z > 2.5 active galactic nuclei can be obscured by their host galaxies
Authors: Circosta C. , Vignali C. , Gilli R. , Feltre A. , Vito F. , Calura F. , Mainieri V. , Massardi M. , Norman C.
Published: February 2019

We present a multiwavelength study of seven active galactic nuclei (AGN) at spectroscopic redshift >2.5 in the 7 Ms Chandra Deep Field South that were selected for their good far-infrared (FIR) and submillimeter (submm) detections. Our aim is to investigate the possibility that the obscuration observed in the X-rays can be produced by the interstellar medium (ISM) of the host galaxy. Based on the 7 Ms Chandra spectra, we measured obscuring column densities NH,  X in excess of 7 × 1022 cm−2 and intrinsic X-ray luminosities LX >  1044 erg s−1 for our targets, as well as equivalent widths for the Fe Kα emission line EWrest ≳ 0.5−1 keV. We built the UV-to-FIR spectral energy distributions (SEDs) by using broadband photometry from the CANDELS and Herschel catalogs. By means of an SED decomposition technique, we derived stellar masses (M* ∼ 1011 M⊙), IR luminosities (LIR >  1012 L⊙), star formation rates (SFR ∼ 190−1680 M⊙ yr−1) and AGN bolometric luminosities (Lbol ∼ 1046 erg s−1) for our sample. We used an empirically calibrated relation between gas masses and FIR/submm luminosities and derived Mgas ∼ 0.8−5.4 × 1010 M⊙. High-resolution (0.3−0.7″) ALMA data (when available, CANDELS data otherwise) were used to estimate the galaxy size and hence the volume enclosing most of the ISM under simple geometrical assumptions. These measurements were then combined to derive the column density associated with the ISM of the host, which is on the order of NH,  ISM ∼ 1023−24 cm−2. The comparison between the ISM column densities and those measured from the X-ray spectral analysis shows that they are similar. This suggests that at least at high redshift, significant absorption on kiloparsec scales by the dense ISM in the host likely adds to or substitutes that produced by circumnuclear gas on parsec scales (i.e., the torus of unified models). The lack of unobscured AGN among our ISM-rich targets supports this scenario.
Impflücken und Impfnebenwirkungen – eine aktuelle Übersicht
Authors: Bogdan Christian
Published: February 2019

The success of vaccination programs is jeopardized by gaps in vaccine coverage of the target population. These are frequently due to a lack of awareness, but also result from misconceptions of adverse effects of vaccines. Subject of this article are the current vaccination rates of children, adolescents and adults as well as of medical personnel in Germany, the reporting and surveillance system for adverse effects of vaccines, the magnitude of registered permanent vaccine-induced damages and the possible immunological mechanisms underlying vaccine-triggered autoimmune diseases.
Impact of Social Media on Current Medical Conferences
Authors: Lin Jennifer An-Jou , Hsu Angela Ting-Wei , Huang Jung-Ju , Daniel Bassem W. , Lee Che-Hsiung , Kwon Soo-Ha , Tang Evelyn Ting-Hsuan , Chu Cheng-Feng , Chien Cheng-An Tony , Chuang David Chwei-Chin , Lu Johnny Chuieng-Yi , Koshima Isao , Wang Zeng-Tao , Hao Liwen , Chen Chao , Chang Tommy Nai-Jen
Published: February 2019

Background Medical conferences are forums for research, continuing medical education, and networking. Social media is increasingly used for communication and networking due to its low cost and ability to overcome large distances. This study investigates the impact that social media brings to the current conference system.

Methods There are three parts of this study: (1) comparing two similar brachial plexus injuries (BPIs) courses without (2009) and with (2017) social media support, and the participants' feedback; (2) sharing our experiences in the management of the 2018 International Course on SuperMicrosurgery (ICSM) conference; and (3) evaluating the studies from the social media platform International Microsurgery Club (IMC), for the consensus pertaining to social media and conference system.

Results With the help of social media, international attendance increased during the 2017 BPI conference compared with the 2009 BPI course (25 nationalities in 2009 vs. 35 in 2017). At least 23% obtained their meeting information through social media. Live surgery was the overall main attraction (79%). The 2018 ICSM meeting revealed that video posts increased attendance; videos that were the most effective in attracting (viewership) were either short or pertained to surgical procedures. Facebook, Messenger, and WeChat smartphone applications were effective for immediate communication and troubleshooting among the participants. From the IMC polls, 78% believe that the social media and the conference complemented each other. 97% attended the conference to update their skills and knowledge.

Conclusion Social media is a quick and economic tool in promoting medical conferences and instant messenger systems offer immediate communication amongst associates. Despite the popularity of social media, the conference still has its irreplaceable role. The combination of the conference and the social media enhances the training and education of microsurgeons.
On the elliptic 𝔤𝔩2 solid-on-solid model: Functional relations and determinants
Authors: Galleas W.
Published: February 2019

In this work, we study an elliptic solid-on-solid model with domain-wall boundaries having the elliptic quantum group Ep,γ[gl2^] as its underlying symmetry algebra. We elaborate on results previously presented in Galleas [Phys. Rev. E 94, 010102 (2016)] and extend our analysis to include continuous families of single determinantal representations for the model’s partition function. Interestingly, our families of representations are parameterized by two continuous complex variables which can be arbitrarily chosen without affecting the partition function.
Realization of skyrmion subtracter and diverter in a voltage-gated synthetic antiferromagnetic racetrack
Authors: Sheng Qiang , Liu X. L. , Chen W. J. , Li M. Y. , Liu L. J. , Zheng Yue
Published: February 2019

Magnetic skyrmions are promising candidates for next-generation information carriers. Many concepts and prototypes for skyrmion-based devices have been proposed, and most of the studies are based on the motion of isolated skyrmion. Nevertheless, so far, a comprehensive research of multi-skyrmion motion and related device design are still lacking. In this work, a skyrmion subtracter and a skyrmion diverter based on multi-skyrmion motion are numerically demonstrated in a voltage-gated synthetic antiferromagnetic racetrack. It shows that the number of skyrmions along an array n can be subtracted by an integer from 1 to n by proper control of the driving current density and the voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy in a narrow racetrack, realizing the function of a skyrmion subtracter. Moreover, when the width of racetrack increases, a single array of skyrmions along the racetrack direction can redistribute along the voltage gate due to the blocking effect of the voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy. As a result, the single array of skyrmions can split into several arrays, realizing the function of a skyrmion diverter. Our results thus provide guidelines for designing novel racetrack-type skyrmionic devices.
Can monetary policy affect renewable energy enterprises investment efficiency? A case study of 92 listed enterprises in China
Authors: He Lingyun , Wu Meng , Zhong Zhangqi , Xia Yufei , Yu Jiaru , Jiang Yunying
Published: February 2019

This paper aims to objectively identify the impact of monetary policy on renewable energy enterprises' investment efficiency, further analyze the effectiveness of the Renewable Portfolio Standard, and then put forward some suggestions that are good for the government to implement the monetary policy rationally, guide the direction of renewable energy investment, improve the investment efficiency, and promote the development of the renewable energy industry. We use data on 92 renewable energy listed enterprises in China from the first quarter of 2007 to the third quarter of 2017 as a sample, the Richardson Model to calculate the investment efficiency of related enterprises, and the Regression Discontinuity Model to measure the effectiveness of the Renewable Portfolio Standard. We find that, first, underinvestment is common among China's renewable energy enterprises during the sample period; second, the influence of monetary policy on investment efficiency varies from different transmission channels, and the effect of the credit channel is more significant. The monetary policy status is measured by the growth rate of M2, and the Monetary Policy Perception Index promotes renewable energy enterprises' investment efficiency by 0.3635% and 0.0344%, respectively; they are promoted by 0.8389% and 0.0940%, respectively, through the credit channel; third, easy monetary policy can increase the investment opportunities of renewable energy enterprises in general and then ease their external financing constraints; fourth, the Renewable Portfolio Standard of China promotes the overall renewable energy investment efficiency by 0.2573% and strengthens the promoting effect of monetary policy on renewable energy enterprises' investment efficiency. To some extent, this proves the effectiveness of the policy.
First principles calculation of effect of graphene coating on transmission coefficient of Cu thin film with low surface roughness
Authors: Ahmed Manareldeen , Li Erping , Li Yongjian
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we calculate the effect of a graphene coating on the transmission coefficient of a Cu thin film with surface disorder. The nonequilibrium coherent potential approximation combined with the linear muffin-tin orbital formulation, which is based on first principles, is applied by assuming that there is surface disorder. The graphene coating mitigates the effect of Cu surface scattering on the transmission coefficient. The weak interaction between Cu and graphene and the upward shift of the Fermi level with respect to the Dirac point improve the transport characteristics by offering more conduction bands. Moreover, graphene-coated Cu with a perfect surface has a completely specular transmission coefficient. The surface disorder decreases the transmission coefficient due to the nonconserved transverse momentum (k) of the scattering wave through the central area of the two-probe system. However, for a graphene coating on a Cu thin film with surface disorder x<3.90%, length l<5.09nm, width 0.25 nm, and thickness 1.23 nm, the transmission coefficient is higher. The increased transmission coefficient due to graphene coating can overcome the diffusive scattering originating from the surface disorder. The coherent potential approximation band structure shows that graphene bands are less affected by Cu surface disorder than Cu bands, which enhances the total conduction by offering additional channels for electrons. Our results demonstrate that graphene is a potential liner material for a Cu thin film with low surface disorder.
Effect of additives on liquid droplet of protein–polyelectrolyte complex for high-concentration formulations
Authors: Mimura Masahiro , Tsumura Keisuke , Matsuda Ayumi , Akatsuka Naoki , Shiraki Kentaro
Published: February 2019

Liquid droplets of protein–polyelectrolyte complexes (PPCs) have been developed as a new candidate for stabilization and concentration of protein drugs. However, it remains unclear whether additives affect the precipitation and redissolution yields of PPCs. In the present study, we investigated the PPC formation of human immunoglobulin G (IgG) and poly-L-glutamic acid (polyE) in the presence of various additives that have diverse effects, such as protein stabilization. Alcohols, including ethanol, successfully increased the PPC precipitation yield to over 90%, and the PPCs formed were completely redissolved at physiological ionic strength. However, poly(ethylene glycol), sugars, and amino acids did not improve the precipitation and redissolution yields of PPCs over those observed when no additives were included. Circular dichroism spectrometry showed that the secondary structure of polyE as well as electrostatic interactions play important roles in increasing the PPC precipitation yield when ethanol is used as an additive. The maximum concentration of IgG reached 100 mg/ml with the use of ethanol, which was 15% higher efficiency of the protein yield after precipitation and redissolution than that in the absence of additives. Thus, the addition of a small amount of ethanol is effective for the concentration and stabilization of precipitated PPCs containing IgG formulations.
An evaluation of Fuchs-Sondheimer and Mayadas-Shatzkes models below 14nm node wide lines
Authors: Smith R. S. , Ryan E. T. , Hu C.-K. , Motoyama K. , Lanzillo N. , Metzler D. , Jiang L. , Demarest J. , Quon R. , Gignac L. , Breslin C. , Giannetta A. , Wright S.
Published: February 2019

The applicability of the Fuchs-Sondheimer and Mayadas-Shatzkes scattering models below the 14nm node with wide interconnect trenches of variable aspect ratio is investigated. The aspect ratio of these lines was varied between 1.2, 1.8, and 2.5; and the grain structure was concurrently manipulated. As the vertical dimension varied from greater than and less than the mean free path in Cu (39nm) at 21°C, the experiment found that the current approximation to the Fuchs-Sondheimer equation requires adjustment to the leading coefficient. Further, parameter fitting leads to the conclusion that specularity in these samples has a negative value of -0.2. The negative specularity is explained by surface roughness. The Mayadas-Shatzkes model retains its applicability and fits the data with a reflectivity of 0.16-0.17.
Absence of first order magnetic transition, a curious case of Mn3InC
Authors: Dias E. T. , Das A. , Hoser A. , Emura S. , Nigam A. K. , Priolkar K. R.
Published: February 2019

The volume expanding magnetostructural transition in Mn3GaC and Mn3SnC has been identified to be due to distortion of Mn6C octahedra. Despite a similar lattice volume as Mn3SnC and similar valence electron contribution to density of states as in Mn3GaC, Mn3InC does not undergo a first order magnetostructural transformation like the Ga and Sn antiperovskite counterparts. A systematic investigation of its structure and magnetic properties using probes like x-ray diffraction, magnetization measurements, neutron diffraction, and extended x-ray absorption fine structure reveals that though the octahedra are distorted resulting in long and short Mn–Mn bonds and different magnetic moments on Mn atoms, the interaction between them remains ferromagnetic. This has been attributed to the strain on the Mn6C octahedra produced due to a relatively larger size of In atoms compared to Sn and Ga. The size of In atoms constricts the deformation of Mn6C octahedra giving rise to Mn–Mn distances that favor only ferromagnetic interactions in the compound.
Ab initio
interaction potentials of the Ba, Ba+ complexes with Ar, Kr, and Xe in the lowest excited states
Authors: Bezrukov Dmitry S. , Kleshchina Nadezhda N. , Kalinina Inna S. , Buchachenko Alexei A.
Published: February 2019

The complexes of the Ba atom and Ba+ cation with the rare gas atoms Ar, Kr, and Xe in the states associated with the 6s → 5d, 6p excitations are investigated by means of the multireference configuration interaction techniques. Scalar relativistic potentials are obtained by the complete basis limit extrapolation through the sequence of aug-cc-pwCVnZ basis sets with the cardinal numbers n = Q, T, 5, combined with the suitable effective core potentials and benchmarked against the coupled cluster with singles, doubles, and non-iterative triples calculations and the literature data available for selected electronic states. Spin-orbit coupling is taken into account by means of the state-interacting multireference configuration interaction calculations performed for the Breit-Pauli spin-orbit Hamiltonian. The results show weak spin-orbit coupling between the states belonging to distinct atomic multiplets. General trends in the interaction strength and long-range anisotropy along the rare gas series are discussed. Vibronic spectra of the Ba and Ba+ complexes in the vicinity of the 1S → 1P° and 2S → 2P° atomic transitions and diffusion cross sections of the Ba(1S0, 3DJ) atom in high-temperature rare gases are calculated. Comparison with available experimental data shows that multireference calculations tend to underestimate the interaction strength for excited complexes.
Coupled phonons and magnetic orderings in GaFeO3: Raman and magnetization studies
Authors: Dugu Sita , Mishra Karuna Kara , Pradhan Dhiren K. , Kumari Shalini , Katiyar Ram S.
Published: February 2019

Magnetoelectric (ME) materials with ferroelectric and magnetic transition temperatures near room temperature are of current interest in research due to their technological importance and potential applications. Herein, we report the coupled magnetic ordering and phonons in gallium ferrite (GaFeO3), a near room temperature ME perovskite, using magnetization and inelastic light scattering measurements as a function of temperature. Temperature-dependent magnetization behavior studied in a wide temperature range of 5–395 K at both field-cooled (FC) and zero-field-cooled (ZFC) conditions using different static magnetic fields confirms the magnetic transition temperature Tc at 220 K. On temperature dependent Raman spectroscopy, no significant changes in Raman spectra were observed at an elevated temperature that can be attributed to the absence of structural phase transition. Instead of expected anharmonic behavior, several librational (rigid rotation) and stretching modes of rigid BO6 units were found to be hardening below Tc, suggesting the significant magnetoelastic coupling contributions to phonon frequencies. The asymmetric stretching mode at 753 cm−1 is found to have larger spin-phonon coupling contribution (λ∼2.93), while the lattice mode at 153 cm−1 and external librational mode at 240 cm−1 had the lowest effect (λ∼0.88).
Pattern of property extrema in supercooled and stretched water models and a new correlation for predicting the stability limit of the liquid state
Authors: Uralcan Betul , Latinwo Folarin , Debenedetti Pablo G. , Anisimov Mikhail A.
Published: February 2019

Water exhibits anomalous behavior in its supercooled region. A widely invoked hypothesis to explain supercooled water’s thermodynamic anomalies is the existence of a metastable liquid-liquid transition terminating at a critical point. In this work, we analyze previously published and new simulation results for three commonly used molecular water models (ST2, TIP4P/2005, and TIP5P) that support the existence of the metastable liquid-liquid transition. We demonstrate that a corresponding-states-like rescaling of pressure and temperature results in a significant degree of universality in the pattern of extrema loci of the density, isothermal compressibility, and isobaric heat capacity. We also report, for the first time, an intriguing correlation between the location of the liquid-liquid critical point, the rescaled locus of density extrema, and the stability limit of the liquid state with respect to the vapor. A similar correlation is observed for two theoretical models that also exhibit a second (liquid-liquid) critical point, namely, the van der Waals and lattice-gas “two-structure” models. This new correlation is used to explore the stability limit of the liquid state in simultaneously supercooled and stretched water.
Room temperature multiferroicity and magnetoelectric coupling in Na-deficient sodium bismuth titanate
Authors: D. E. Jain Ruth , Rahman Raja Altaf U , B. Sundarakannan , Ramaswamy Murugan
Published: February 2019

Herein, we report a Na deficient single phase sodium bismuth titanate perovskite exhibiting ferromagnetism with reduced leakage conductivity and a self-biased high magnetoelectric (ME) coupling coefficient at room temperature (27 °C). Observed ferromagnetism is induced by sodium cation vacancy dominated by spin polarization of holes in the valence band. An unexpected high ME coupling coefficient of about 4.18 mV/cm Oe, observed at zero DC magnetic bias field, is relatively large and juxtapose to other single phase multiferroics including BiFeO3. This study opens up an altered strategy in designing multiferroic materials with reinforced ME coupling at room temperature.
Inelastic excitation and charge transfer processes for oxygen in collision with H atoms
Authors: Mitrushchenkov A. , Guitou M. , Belyaev A. K. , Voronov Ya. V. , Feautrier N.
Published: February 2019

Potential energy functions of the OH molecule are investigated from small to large inter-atomic distances R. The electronic problem is treated using an efficient Full Configuration Interaction (Full CI) approach that avoids orbital jumps found usually in multi-configuration self-consistent-field followed by multi-reference configuration interaction calculations of excited states. The calculations are performed for all the doublet, quartet, and sextet OH molecular states, up to the O(2p34s 3S) + H(1s 2S) asymptote, and for the lowest O− + H+ and O+ + H− ionic states. Inter-atomic distances, ranging from 0.5 Å to 20 Å, are spanned with a very small step in order to describe accurately the avoided crossings between the adiabatic potential energy functions. The accuracy of the potentials at small and large R values is analyzed. These Full CI calculations provide for the first time a global description of the 40 lowest molecular states of OH, well suited for dynamical calculations. The resulting potentials are used to obtain first estimates of cross sections and rate coefficients for different inelastic processes through the multichannel approach. This method, based on a Landau-Zener formalism taking into account the ionic-covalent avoided crossings at large distances, gives reliable results for the most intense transitions. It is shown that the largest rate coefficients correspond to mutual neutralization and ion-pair production processes.
Simulation for forming uniform inkjet-printed quantum dot layer
Authors: Park Yubin , Park Yeseul , Lee Jiwon , Lee Changhee
Published: February 2019

The quantum dot (QD) light emitting diode has emerged as one of the candidates for the next generation display technology with advantages such as tunable wavelength of emitted light and narrow bandwidth. For QD pixel patterning, inkjet-printing is superior to other methods in terms of material loss and process time. However, inkjet-printing has difficulty in controlling the uniformity of the QD layer. This is a serious issue considering that proper thickness and uniformity of the QD layer are important factors for high efficiency in displays. The main reason behind this problem is known to be the coffee ring effect (CRE), in which differential evaporation across a sessile droplet leads to an edge-ward flow of the fluid inside and causes suspending QDs to be concentrated at the perimeter of the droplet. Here, the possibility of improvement in layer uniformity by the reduction of the CRE is demonstrated. Mathematical simulation of the evaporation process of the QD colloidal solution droplet is conducted by solving partial differential equations (PDEs) numerically. The Navier-Stokes equation, continuity condition, and mathematical expressions of physical parameters including the evaporative flux are used for setting up the PDEs, which are then solved with the finite difference method. A filter is included in the process to suppress unwanted instability. Using this simulation, the whole evaporation process is analyzed by observing time evolution of parameters. As a result, various conditions for reducing the CRE are found: sufficient initial concentration, proper solvent type, small contact angle, and fast evaporation rate. The outcome appears to agree with experimental data.
Study on the strain-induced mechanical property modulations in monolayer Tellurene
Authors: Dong Yulan , Zeng Bowen , Zhang Xiaojiao , Li Dongde , He Jun , Long Mengqiu
Published: February 2019

Two-dimensional monolayer Tellurium, termed as Tellurene (Te), has recently been fabricated in the experiment. In this work, under uniaxial strain applied along either the armchair or zigzag direction with strain strength varying from 0 to 40%, we have investigated the mechanical property of Te including three allotropes (α-Te, β-Te, and γ-Te). Our results show that the β-Te exhibits the most obvious anisotropy in the stress-strain curve, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio, which is thought to originate from its inherent structure characteristic. The stress-strain curve demonstrates that the β-Te can withstand relatively high critical strain up to 36% in the armchair direction and 35% in the zigzag direction. The calculated Young's modulus E(θ) of the β-Te is 55 GPa in the zigzag direction and that is 27 GPa in the armchair direction. The comparative high critical strain and small Young's modulus mean that β-Te has good flexibility. Moreover, under the strain range within 15%, the direction being easy to be stretched has a reversion, which is thought to be decided by the competition between the puckered structure and the transfer charge resistant to deformation. Furthermore, when the strain is applied along the direction parallel to the pucker of β-Te, it is interesting to find that Poisson's ratio is negative in the out-of-plane direction. The hinged structure of the β-Te contributes to the negative Poisson's ratio, which can be comprehended by the hypothetical step-by-step evolution process.
Transient current technique for charged traps detection in silicon bonded interfaces
Authors: Bronuzzi J. , Bouvet D. , Charrier C. , Fournel F. , García M. F. , Mapelli A. , Moll M. , Rouchouze E. , Sallese J. M.
Published: February 2019

Wafer bonding is an established technology for the manufacturing of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and microfluidic devices. Low temperature direct bonding techniques can be of particular interest for the fabrication of monolithic radiation sensors. Such techniques allow the joining of various absorbers on the backside of thinned CMOS circuity without intermediate layers or through vias. This paper presents a method for the electrical characterization of such bonded interfaces based on the Transient Current Technique (TCT). This method can be extended to the investigation of any type of solid-state devices.