bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorescent Pseudomonas -FAP2 and Bacillus licheniformis interact positively in biofilm mode enhancing plant growth and photosynthetic attributes
Authors: Ansari Firoz Ahmad , Ahmad Iqbal
Published: March 2019

Compatible interaction between commonly used plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in biofilm mode in vitro and in the rhizosphere is expected to provide better understanding for the development of effective consortium. With the above hypothesis, the present study evaluated two characterized PGPR (Pseudomonas fluorescens FAP2 and Bacillus licheniformis B642) for their biofilm-related functions using standard protocols. The interaction between the FAP2 and B642 in planktonic mode was studied by plate spot/overlay method and competitive growth assessment. Biofilm development on a microtitre plate and a glass surface was studied by standard methods. Biofilm formation was characterized by SEM. Rhizosphere and rhizoplane colonization of wheat seedlings by both isolates individually and by co-inoculation was studied by determining CFU/g of soil/root samples. Biofilm development on the root surface was further analyzed by SEM. Both isolates demonstrated multiple plant growth promoting (PGP) traits (production of IAA, siderophore, and ammonia; phosphate solubilization) and biofilm-related functions such as production of EPS, alginate, cell surface hydrophobicity and swarming motility. Both strains formed strong biofilms on a glass cover slip in vitro. Interaction between the two strains under the planktonic mode revealed no antagonism in terms of growth inhibition and competitive growth kinetics. Similarly, FAP2 and B642 strains formed a mixed biofilm on a glass cover slip as well as on seedling roots. Wheat rhizosphere and rhizoplane were colonized by both isolates as evidenced from their viable counts in single and co-inoculation. The effect of single and co inoculation revealed the significant enhancement of vegetative growth and photosynthetic parameters such as chlorophyll content, transpiration rate (E), internal CO2 concentration (Ci), stomatal conductance (gs), and net photosynthetic rate (PN) and leaf water potential (LWP) as compared to uninoculated control. Indigenous Pseudomonas fluorescens FAP2 strain and Bacillus licheniformis B642 are compatible PGPR in both planktonic and biofilm modes of growth and threfore could be developed effective consortium of PGPR. Further indepth investigation is required to understand molecular mechanism of the interaction in biofilm mode of growth under natural condition.
Intrinsic Thermal conductivities of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides MX2 (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se, Te)
Authors: Zulfiqar Muhammad , Zhao Yinchang , Li Geng , Li ZhengCao , Ni Jun
Published: March 2019

The successful synthesis of the single to few layer transition metal dichalcogenides has opened a new era in the nanoelectronics. For their efficient implementations in the electronic devices while taking care of their overheating issues, the characterization of their thermal transport properties is extremely vital. So, we have systematically investigated the thermal transport properties of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides MX2 (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se, Te) by combining the first-principles calculations with Boltzmann transport equation. We find that monolayer WTe2 possesses the lowest lattice thermal conductivity κL (33:66 Wm−1K−1 at 300 K) among these six semiconducting materials, in contrast to the highest κL (113:97 Wm−1K−1 at 300 K) of WS2 among them. Further analyses reveal that the higher (lower) anharmonic and isotopic scatterings together with the lower (higher) phonon group velocities lead to the lowest (highest) value of κL in WTe2 (WS2) monolayer. In addition, we have also calculated the cumulative thermal conductivity κC as a function of mean free path, which indicates that the nanostructures with the length of about 400 nm would reduce κL drastically. These results offer important understanding from thermal conductivity point of view to design the 2D transition metal dichalcogenides MX2 (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se, Te) electronics.
Effects of tillage and straw return on water-stable aggregates, carbon stabilization and crop yield in an estuarine alluvial soil
Authors: Song Ke , Zheng Xianqing , Lv Weiguang , Qin Qin , Sun Lijuan , Zhang Hanlin , Xue Yong
Published: March 2019

In China, the average soil organic carbon (SOC) content of cultivated land is 30% less than the world average. Therefore, cultivation management-induced changes in SOC dynamics are necessary, especially in estuarine alluvial islands, where the SOC stocks are limited. We studied the effect of different combinations of tillage, fertilization and straw return on C distribution in different soil aggregates and on crop yield on an estuarine alluvial soil in eastern China. Compared to conventional tillage, conservation tillage (no-tillage coupled with straw return) increased water-stable large macroaggregates (>2 mm) by 35.18%, small macroaggregates (2–0.25 mm) by 33.52% and microaggregates by 25.10% in the topsoil (0–20 cm). The subsoil (20–40 cm) also showed the same trend. Compared to conventional tillage without straw return, large and, small macroaggregates and microaggregates in conservation tillage were increased by 24.52%, 28.48% and 18.12%, respectively. Straw return also caused a significant increase in aggregate-associated carbon (aggregate-associated C). No-tillage coupled with straw return had more total aggregate-associated C within all the aggregate fractions in the topsoil. But the different is that conventional tillage with straw return resulted in more aggregate-associated C than conservation tillage in the subsoil. No-tillage combined with straw return (T8) produced the highest carbon preservation capacity (CPC) of macroaggregates and microaggregates in the topsoil. A considerable proportion of the SOC was found to be stocked in the small macroaggregates under both topsoil (74.56%) and subsoil (67.09%). The CPC was highest (19.17 g·kg−1) in small macroaggregates. However, no-tillage and straw return had less potential to sustain crop yield than did the conventional tillage practices; with the average rice and wheat yield correspondingly decreased by 10.63% and 7.82% in three years.
The Nuclear Receptor and Clock Repressor Rev-erbα Suppresses Myogenesis
Authors: Chatterjee Somik , Yin Hongshan , Li Weini , Lee Jeongkyung , Yechoor Vijay K. , Ma Ke
Published: March 2019

Rev-erbα is a ligand-dependent nuclear receptor and a key repressor of the molecular clock transcription network. Accumulating evidence indicate that the circadian clock machinery governs diverse biological processes in skeletal muscle, including muscle growth, repair and mass maintenance. The physiological function of Rev-erbα in myogenic regulation remains largely unknown. Here we show that Rev-erbα exerts cell-autonomous inhibitory effects on proliferation and differentiation of myogenic precursor cells, and these actions concertedly inhibit muscle regeneration in vivo. Mechanistic studies reveal Rev-erbα direct transcriptional control of two major myogenic mechanisms, proliferative pathway and the Wnt signaling cascade. Consistent with this finding, primary myoblasts lacking Rev-erbα display significantly enhanced proliferative growth and myogenic progression. Furthermore, pharmacological activation of Rev-erbα activity attenuates, whereas its inhibition by an antagonist promotes these processes. Notably, upon muscle injury, the loss-of-function of Rev-erbα in vivo augmented satellite cell proliferative expansion and regenerative progression during regeneration. Collectively, our study identifies Rev-erbα as a novel inhibitory regulator of myogenic progenitor cell properties that suppresses postnatal myogenesis. Pharmacological interventions to dampen Rev-erbα activity may have potential utilities to enhance regenerative capacity in muscle diseases.
Cell Cycle-Dependent Expression of Bk Channels in Human Mesenchymal Endometrial Stem Cells
Authors: Chubinskiy-Nadezhdin Vladislav I. , Sudarikova Anastasia V. , Shilina Mariia A. , Vasileva Valeria Y. , Grinchuk Tatiana M. , Lyublinskaya Olga G. , Nikolsky Nikolai N. , Negulyaev Yuri A.
Published: March 2019

The study of ion channels in stem cells provides important information about their role in stem cell fate. Previously we have identified the activity of calcium-activated potassium channels of big conductance (BK channels) in human endometrium-derived mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs). BK channels could have significant impact into signaling processes by modulating membrane potential. The membrane potential and ionic permeability dynamically changes during cycle transitions. Here, we aimed at verification of the role of BK channels as potassium transporting pathway regulating cell cycle passageway of eMSCs. The functional expression of native BK channels was confirmed by patch-clamp and immunocytochemistry. In non-synchronized cells immunofluorescent analysis revealed BK-positive and BK-negative stained eMSCs. Using cell synchronization, we found that the presence of BK channels in plasma membrane was cell cycle-dependent and significantly decreased in G2M phase. However, the study of cell cycle progression in presence of selective BK channel inhibitors showed no effect of pore blockers on cycle transitions. Thus, BK channel-mediated K+ transport is not critical for the fundamental mechanism of passageway through cell cycle of eMSCs. At the same time, the dynamics of the presence of BK channels on plasma membrane of eMSCs can be a novel indicator of cellular proliferation.
Stereotypical patterns of epileptiform calcium signal in hippocampal CA1, CA3, dentate gyrus and entorhinal cortex in freely moving mice
Authors: Zhang Xin , Qiao Zhihong , Liu Nannan , Gao Lili , Wei Liangpeng , Liu Aili , Ma Zengguang , Wang Feifei , Hou Shaowei , Li Jisheng , Shen Hui
Published: March 2019

Epilepsy is a multi-etiological brain dysfunction syndrome. Hippocampal neuronal damage induced by seizures may be one of the causes leading to cognitive impairment, but the underlying mechanism remains to be further elucidated. The kainic acid (KA) model of temporal lobe epilepsy is widely used in understanding of the epileptogenesis. Fiber photometry is a signal detection technology suitable for recording calcium activity of neurons in the deep brain of freely moving animal. Here, we used the optical fiber-based method to monitor the real-time neuronal population activities of freely moving mice after subcutaneous injection of KA. We observed that KA administration led to one to three kinds of stereotypical patterns of epileptiform calcium activity in CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus, as well as the entorhinal cortex (EC). There were three kinds of waves in the hippocampal CA1, which we named wave 1, wave 2 and slow flash. Wave 1 and wave 2 appeared in both the CA3 and DG regions, but the EC only showed wave 1. In these epileptiform calcium signals, we observed a high amplitude and long duration calcium wave as a part of wave 2, which resembled cortical spreading depression (CSD) and always appeared at or after the end of seizure. Because the same characteristic of epileptiform calcium signal appeared in different brain regions, calcium signal may not exist with region specificity, but may exhibit a cell type specific manner. Thus, our work provides a support for the pathogenesis of epilepsy and epileptiform signal transmission research.
Gel Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Kim Dong-Won
Published: March 2019

An electrolyte is a major component that influences battery performance. The electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries can be mainly divided into liquid electrolyte, gel polymer electrolyte and solid electrolyte. The liquid electrolyte used in commercialized lithium-ion batteries is based on lithium salt dissolved in organic solvents. It provides high ionic conductivity, acceptable electrochemical stability and good cycle performance. However, the use of liquid electrolytes has brought risks associated with leakage and fire hazards due to the highly flammable nature of the organic solvents. Therefore, there is a pressing need for safer and more reliable electrolyte systems. Solid electrolytes provide a promising opportunity to tackle the safety issue. However, they show low ionic conductivities at ambient temperature and poor interfacial characteristics with electrodes, resulting in deteriorated cycling performance. In this respect, gel polymer electrolytes with combined advantages of both the liquid and solid electrolytes have received considerable attention due to their high ionic conductivity, good interfacial adhesion to electrodes and effective encapsulation of organic solvents in the cell, resulting in the suppression of solvent leakage and enhanced safety. This chapter reviews the state-of-the-art of gel polymer electrolytes for application in future lithium-ion batteries.
Creation of a New Design Concept for All-polymer-structured Batteries
Authors: Horie Hideaki
Published: March 2019

A battery technology has been developed that can transform the design and manufacturing concepts that have prevailed since the inception of batteries. Unlike existing batteries that are built on metallic bulk current collectors, all of the structures in the new battery, including electrodes, are primarily made of resin. The underlying concept of this development is called “large-scale integrated polymer”. Various characteristics are exhibited by a battery that uses resin as the main component. The battery has a physically flexible structure, increasing the degree of freedom of the device in which it is used and the risk of metal contamination during manufacturing, which might cause fire accidents, is reduced. Even if metal enters the battery from the outside, theoretically it is difficult to generate heat, and hence safety is enhanced. With the present structure of the battery, which consists of laminated layers of metal and resin, it is difficult to increase the size of the battery because of the application of external force and the internal stress due to charge and discharge; however, this is easily achieved in the new battery. The safety design, in case of abuse, may be approached from a new perspective. It also leads to higher power output and longer life.
Predicting neural recording performance of implantable electrodes
Authors: Harris Alexander R. , Allitt Ben J. , Paolini Antonio G.
Published: March 2019

Electrode impedance at low frequencies was a stronger predictor of electrophysiological performance than the typically reported impedance at 1 kHz.
Designing vertical channels with expanded interlayers for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Long , Pan Yunmei , Chen Yufei , Li Mengxiong , Liu Peiying , Wang Cancan , Wang Peng , Lu Hongbin
Published: March 2019

A novel structure based on vertical channels with expanded interlayers can simultaneously shorten the pathway of Li-ion diffusion, and enhance the kinetics of Li-ion intercalation/deintercalation.
Atomic layer deposition-assisted growth of CuAl LDH on carbon fiber as a peroxidase mimic for colorimetric determination of H2O2 and glucose
Authors: Wu Lihong , Wan Gengping , Shi Shaohua , He Zhengyi , Xu Xuefei , Tang Yulin , Hao Chuncheng , Wang Guizhen
Published: March 2019

An atomic-layer-deposited Al2O3-induced LDH growth strategy was proposed to prepare carbon fiber-supported ultrathin CuAl LDH nanosheets (CF@CuAl-LDH). The CF@CuAl-LDH exhibited superior peroxidase-like catalytic activity.
Stiffness can mediate balance between hydrodynamic forces and avidity to impact the targeting of flexible polymeric nanoparticles in flow
Authors: Farokhirad Samaneh , Ranganathan Abhay , Myerson Jacob , Muzykantov Vladimir R. , Ayyaswamy Portonovo S. , Eckmann David M. , Radhakrishnan Ravi
Published: March 2019

Computational investigations of deformable polymeric nanoparticles under flow and adhesive environment.
One-pot synthesis of benzo[b]fluorenones via a cobalt-catalyzed MHP-directed [3+2] annulation/ring-opening/dehydration sequence
Authors: Qiu Shuxian , Zhai Shengxian , Wang Huifei , Chen Xiaoming , Zhai Hongbin
Published: March 2019

A cobalt-catalyzed MHP-directed [3+2] annulation of benzoyl hydrazines with oxabicyclic alkenes followed by a ring-opening/dehydration sequence is developed for the one-pot synthesis of benzo[b]fluorenones.
Highlights from the Faraday Discussion on Artificial Water Channels, Glasgow, UK
Authors: Barboiu Mihail , Kumar Manish , Baaden Marc , Gale Philip A. , Hinds Bruce J.
Published: March 2019

The Faraday Discussion on Artificial Water Channels was the first of its kind organized on a recently conceived field and was held from 25–27 June 2018 at the Technology & Innovation Centre at the University of Strathclyde.
Optimal geometry parameter for plasmonic sensitivities of individual Au nanopoarticle sensors
Authors: Du ChaoLing , Yang WanChun , Peng Sheng , Shi DaNing
Published: March 2019

The shape, aspect ratio and size are key parameters governing the plasmon sensitivities of individual Au nanoparticle bio/chemical sensors.
Improved TIMS data reliability and precision with new ion source design
Authors: Siegmund Herbert , Hiess Joe , Sturm Monika , Koepf Andreas , L'Herault Christian , Boulyga Sergei
Published: March 2019

The ion source design of the Triton and Triton Plus Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometer (TIMS) has been improved to reduce the frequency and intensity of high voltage electric sparking.
Two-dimensional tellurium–polymer membrane for ultrafast photonics
Authors: Guo Jia , Zhao Jinlai , Huang Dazhou , Wang Yunzheng , Zhang Feng , Ge Yanqi , Song Yufeng , Xing Chenyang , Fan Dianyuan , Zhang Han
Published: March 2019

Tellurium (Te) exhibits many intriguing properties including thermoelectricity, photoelectricity, piezoelectricity, and photoconductivity, and is widely used in detectors, sensors, transistors, and energy devices.
Epitaxial GaAs/AlGaAs core–multishell nanowires with enhanced photoluminescence lifetime
Authors: Zhou Chen , Zhang Xu-Tao , Zheng Kun , Chen Ping-Ping , Matsumura Syo , Lu Wei , Zou Jin
Published: March 2019

The complex GaAs/AlGaAs core–multishell nanowire heterostructure was epitaxially grown, which has a long photoluminescence lifetime.
Versatility of glycals in synthetic organic chemistry: coupling reactions, diversity oriented synthesis and natural product synthesis
Authors: Kinfe Henok H.
Published: March 2019

Versatility of glycals in the stereoselective synthesis of natural products.
Desulfonative photoredox alkylation of N-heteroaryl sulfones – an acid-free approach for substituted heteroarene synthesis
Authors: Wang Zheng-Jun , Zheng Shuai , Matsui Jennifer K. , Lu Zhipeng , Molander Gary A.
Published: March 2019

Photoredox-mediated alkylation of heteroaryl sulfones under redox-neutral, acid-free conditions to create drug-like molecules.
Analysis and elimination on common‐mode interferences generated in the series‐resonant converter system of high‐power Tesla pulse driver
Authors: Zhang Yu , Su Jiancang , Zheng Lei , Li Rui , Zhao Liang , Yu Binxiong , Cheng Jie , Zeng Bo , Xu Xiudong
Published: March 2019

Here, the distributed parametric circuit model of the series‐resonant charge power source in Tesla pulse driver is built. The generation mechanisms and characteristics of three types of dU/dt interferences and one kind of di/dt interference are analysed. The voltage ringing and its corresponding dU/dt generated on the shared parts of the main circuit play as the input common‐mode interference (CMI) to the driving and triggering circuits. Circuit simulation and tests were both carried out to get the characteristics of high‐frequency CMIs in different key points of the main circuit. The generation and conducting of the high frequency CMIs were mainly caused by the abrupt charge and discharge resonances of the distributed capacitors. CMI suppression methods were put forward and demonstrated, such as resistor‐capacitor absorption between the middle points of the converter H‐bridge, resistor‐capacitor grounding at the negative port of the input DC mother line, the negative port grounding of the load capacitor, and symmetrical layout of two L‐C resonant arms in the series‐resonant circuit. The voltage ringing, dU/dt and di/dt interferences in the series‐resonant converter were all effectively suppressed by these methods.
Multiplicity of Galactic Cepheids and RR Lyrae stars from Gaia DR2
Authors: Kervella Pierre , Gallenne Alexandre , Remage Evans Nancy , Szabados Laszlo , Arenou Frédéric , Mérand Antoine , Proto Yann , Karczmarek Paulina , Nardetto Nicolas , Gieren Wolfgang , Pietrzynski Grzegorz
Published: March 2019

Context. Classical Cepheids (CCs) and RR Lyrae stars (RRLs) are important classes of variable stars used as standard candles to estimate galactic and extragalactic distances. Their multiplicity is imperfectly known, particularly for RRLs. Astoundingly, to date only one RRL has convincingly been demonstrated to be a binary, TU UMa, out of tens of thousands of known RRLs.

Aims. Our aim is to detect the binary and multiple stars present in a sample of Milky Way CCs and RRLs.

Methods. In the present article, we combine the HIPPARCOS and Gaia DR2 positions to determine the mean proper motion of the targets, and we search for proper motion anomalies (PMa) caused by close-in orbiting companions.

Results. We identify 57 CC binaries from PMa out of 254 tested stars and 75 additional candidates, confirming the high binary fraction of these massive stars. For 28 binary CCs, we determine the companion mass by combining their spectroscopic orbital parameters and astrometric PMa. We detect 13 RRLs showing a significant PMa out of 198 tested stars, and 61 additional candidates.

Conclusions. We determine that the binary fraction of CCs is likely above 80%, while that of RRLs is at least 7%. The newly detected systems will be useful to improve our understanding of their evolutionary states. The discovery of a significant number of RRLs in binary systems also resolves the long-standing mystery of their extremely low apparent binary fraction.
Multi-wavelength torus–jet model for Sagittarius A*
Authors: Vincent F. H. , Abramowicz M. A. , Zdziarski A. A. , Wielgus M. , Paumard T. , Perrin G. , Straub O.
Published: March 2019

Context. The properties of the accretion/ejection flow surrounding the supermassive central black hole of the Galaxy Sgr A* will be scrutinized by the new-generation instrument GRAVITY and the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT). Developing fast, robust, and simple models of such flows is therefore important and very timely.

Aims. We want to model the quiescent emission of Sgr A* from radio to mid-infrared wavelengths, using thermal and nonthermal synchrotron. The radiation is emitted by the overlay of a magnetized compact torus close to the black hole, and a large-scale magnetized jet. We compare model spectra and images to the multi-wavelength observable constraints available to date. We simulate EHT observations at 1.3 mm of the best-fit model for different inclinations.

methods. We use a simple analytic description for the geometry of the torus and jet. We model their emission by thermal synchrotron and κ-distribution synchrotron, respectively. We use relativistic ray tracing to compute simulated spectra and images, restricting our analysis to the Schwarzschild (zero spin) case. A best-fit is found by adjusting the simulated spectra to the latest observed data, and we check the consistency of our spectral best fits with the radio-image sizes and infrared spectral index constraints. We use the open-source eht-imaging library to generate EHT-reconstructed images.

Results. We find perfect spectral fit ( χred2 ≈ 1) both for nearly face-on and nearly edge-on views. These best fits give parameter values very close to those found by the most recent numerical simulations, which are much more complex than our model. The intrinsic radio size of Sgr A* is found to be in reasonable agreement with the centimetric observed constraints. Our best-fit infrared spectral index is in perfect agreement with the latest constraints. Our emission region at 1.3 mm, although larger than the early-EHT Gaussian best fit, does contain bright features at the ≲40 μas scale. EHT-reconstructed images show that torus/jet-specific features persist after the reconstruction procedure, and that these features are sensitive to inclination.

Conclusions. The main interest of our model is to provide a simple and fast model of the quiescent state of Sgr A*, which gives extremely similar results to those of state-of-the-art numerical simulations. Our model is easy to use and we publish all the material necessary to reproduce our spectra and images, meaning that anyone interested can use our results relatively straightforwardly. We hope that such a public tool will be useful in the context of the recent and near-future GRAVITY and EHT results.
Recurrent Fulminant Myocarditis Repeatedly Treated with Ecmo in a Child
Authors: Vercek Gregor , Markelj Gasper , Mlakar Gorazd , Primec Zvonka , Bertok Sara , Writzl Karin , Stefanija Magdalena , Bajic Stevan , Vesel Samo , Ihan Alojz , Stritar Albin , Pokorn Marko , Kovac Jernej , Debeljak Marusa , Vidmar Ivan , Avcin Tadej , Grosek Stefan
Published: March 2019

Recurrent myocarditis is rare with only few reports having been published for paediatric cases. Repeated use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is also uncommon. In this paper we will present a very rare case of a 7-year old girl with recurrent fulminant myocarditis with heart failure requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation and mechanical circulatory support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Both episodes were precipitated by a viral upper respiratory tract infection, and in both cases the cardiac function eventually completely recovered. The second episode of fulminant myocarditis was particularly complex with markedly elevated markers of myocardiocytolysis, multiorgan dysfunction and the need for prolonged mechanical circulatory support. Nevertheless, the patient made a remarkable recovery. A comprehensive diagnostic workup pointed towards an aberrant immune response as the likely cause of the girl’s susceptibility for fulminant myocarditis.
Medizinprodukte ständig Verfügbar: Alles auf Lager
Authors: Reisinger Kathrin
Published: March 2019

Bei laufendem Betrieb hat das UKE in Hamburg Anfang 2017 ein neues automatisches Kleinteilelager implementiert. Der Kraftakt hat sich für den Maximalversorger gleich in mehrfacher Hinsicht gelohnt.
Embolization of Ruptured Renal Angiomyolipoma in Puerpera
Authors: Góes Junior Adenauer Marinho de Oliveira , Jeha Salim Abdon Haber , de Oliveira Carolina Pinheiro , Santos Daniel Arthur Santos dos
Published: March 2019

Angiomyolipomas (AMLs) are rare benign tumors derived from mesenchymal tissue and composed of varying degrees of adipose tissue, muscle and blood vessels. Renal AMLs (RAMLs) are the result of a sporadic event, and, in most of cases, the diagnosis is usually incidental, but hemorrhage and shock may be present. During pregnancy, the size of AMLs may increase and they may rupture, probably due to the high expression of hormone receptors, and the increase in maternal circulation and abdominal pressure. The authors present a case of a woman with ruptured RAML submitted to urgent endovascular treatment four days after giving birth by cesarean section.
Deep level defects in β-Ga2O3 pulsed laser deposited thin films and Czochralski-grown bulk single crystals by thermally stimulated techniques
Authors: Wang Buguo , Look David , Leedy Kevin
Published: March 2019

Thermally stimulated techniques—thermally stimulated current (TSC) spectroscopy and thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) spectroscopy—were used to comparatively study the electrical properties and deep level defects in β-Ga2O3 pulsed laser deposited thin films and Czochralski-grown bulk crystals. It was found that the samples are highly resistive and each sample may have different dark current activation energy. Deep level defects revealed by the thermally stimulated techniques vary from sample to sample. In addition to the common traps E1 (∼0.56 eV), E2 (∼0.84 eV), and E3 (∼0.99 eV), reported in the literature and revealed by DLTS studies of Ga2O3 bulk crystals, that were also found in our samples by the thermally stimulated techniques, a trap at ∼110 meV and several other traps are revealed specifically by TSDC between 105 and 225 K.
Silicon surface passivation by transparent conductive zinc oxide
Authors: van de Loo B. W. H. , Macco B. , Melskens J. , Beyer W. , Kessels W. M. M.
Published: March 2019

Surface passivation is essential for high-efficiency crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells. Despite the common use of transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) in the field of solar cells, obtaining surface passivation by TCOs has thus far proven to be particularly challenging. In this work, we demonstrate outstanding passivation of c-Si surfaces by highly transparent conductive ZnO films prepared by atomic layer deposition. Effective surface recombination velocities as low as 4.8 cm/s and 11 cm/s are obtained on 3 Ω cm n- and p-type (100) c-Si, respectively. The high levels of surface passivation are achieved by a novel approach by using (i) an ultrathin SiO2 interface layer between ZnO and c-Si, (ii) a sacrificial Al2O3 capping layer on top of the ZnO film during forming gas annealing, and (iii) the extrinsic doping of the ZnO film by Al, B, or H. A combination of isotope labeling, secondary-ion mass spectrometry, and thermal effusion measurements showed that the sacrificial Al2O3 capping layer prevents the effusion of hydrogen from the crystalline ZnO and the underlying Si/SiO2 interface during annealing, which is critical in achieving surface passivation. After annealing, the Al2O3 capping layer can be removed from the ZnO film without impairing the high levels of surface passivation. The surface passivation levels increase with increased doping levels in ZnO, which can be attributed to field-effect passivation by a reduction in the surface hole concentration. The ZnO films of this work are suitable as a transparent conductor, an anti-reflection coating, and a surface passivation layer, which makes them particularly promising for simplifications in future solar cell manufacturing.
Superconducting proximity effect in epitaxial Al-InAs heterostructures
Authors: Mayer William , Yuan Joseph , Wickramasinghe Kaushini S. , Nguyen Tri , Dartiailh Matthieu C. , Shabani Javad
Published: March 2019

Semiconductor-based Josephson junctions provide a platform for studying the proximity effect due to the possibility of tuning junction properties by gate voltage and large-scale fabrication of complex Josephson circuits. Recently, Josephson junctions using the InAs weak link with epitaxial aluminum contact have improved the product of normal resistance and critical current, IcRN, in addition to fabrication process reliability. Here, we study similar devices with epitaxial contact and find a large supercurrent and substantial product of IcRN in our junctions. However, we find a striking difference when we compare these samples with higher mobility samples in terms of the product of excess current and normal resistance, IexRN. The excess current is negligible in lower mobility devices, while it is substantial and independent of the gate voltage and junction length in high mobility samples. This indicates that even though both sample types have epitaxial contacts, only the high-mobility one has a high transparency interface. In the high mobility short junctions, we observe the values of IcRN/Δ ∼ 2.2 and IexRN/Δ ∼ 1.5 in semiconductor weak links.
Relativistic laser driven electron accelerator using micro-channel plasma targets
Authors: Snyder J. , Ji L. L. , George K. M. , Willis C. , Cochran G. E. , Daskalova R. L. , Handler A. , Rubin T. , Poole P. L. , Nasir D. , Zingale A. , Chowdhury E. , Shen B. F. , Schumacher D. W.
Published: March 2019

We present an experimental demonstration of the efficient acceleration of electrons beyond 60 MeV using micro-channel plasma targets. We employed a high-contrast, 2.5 J, 32 fs short pulse laser interacting with a 5 μm inner diameter, 300 μm long micro-channel plasma target. The micro-channel was aligned to be collinear with the incident laser pulse, confining the majority of the laser energy within the channel. The measured electron spectrum showed a large increase in the cut-off energy and slope temperature when compared to that from a 2 μm flat Copper target, with the cutoff energy more than doubled and the total energy in electrons >5 MeV enhanced by over 10 times. Three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations confirm efficient direct laser acceleration enabled by the novel structure as the dominant acceleration mechanism for the high energy electrons. The simulations further reveal the guiding effect of the channel that successfully explains preferential acceleration on the laser/channel axis observed in experiments. Finally, systematic simulations provide scalings for the energy and charge of the electron pulses. Our results show that the micro-channel plasma target is a promising electron source for applications such as ion acceleration, Bremsstrahlung X-ray radiation, and THZ generation.
Combined effect of intercropping and minimum tillage on soil carbon sequestration and organic matter pools in the semiarid region of Brazil
Authors: Maia Stoécio Malta Ferreira , Otutumi Adriana Tamie , Mendonça Eduardo de Sá , Neves Júlio César Lima , Oliveira Teógenes Senna de
Published: March 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two intercropping systems and minimum soil tillage in the semiarid region of Brazil on soil organic carbon (SOC) and pools of soil organic matter (SOM), compared with the native vegetation (NV). The first intercropping was cultivated with beans, sesame and pigeon pea, whereas the second was cultivated with cotton, maize, beans, sesame and pigeon pea. Two areas under NV, adjacent to the crop areas, were also sampled. Soil sampling were collected from 0–5, 5–10, 10–20, 20–30 and 30–50 cm layers in three plots per area to characterise the SOM (SOC, soil nitrogen, humic substances, microbial biomass, and mineralisable carbon). Our results demonstrated that, when compared with the NV, intercropping systems conducted with minimum soil tillage were effective in maintaining and sometimes increasing the levels and stocks of SOC and some SOM fractions such as microbial C and humic substances, and therefore, these systems can be an alternative form of sustainable soil management in the semiarid region of Brazil.
Predation on artificial ground nests in relation to abundance of rodents in two types of forest habitats in the Tatra Mountains (southern Poland)
Authors: Matysek Marcin , Zub Karol , Gwiazda Robert , Zięba Filip , Klimecki Maciej , Mateja Radosław , Krzan Piotr
Published: March 2019

Context The breeding success of ground-nesting birds is strongly related to the predation rate. Many predators feed primarily on rodents when the densities of rodents are high and change to alternative prey (eggs or young birds) when the main prey populations decrease. Aims During a 3-year study, predation on an artificial nest was related to population dynamics of small mammals in coniferous and deciduous forests in the Tatra Mountains (western Carpathians). Methods Small mammals were captured using the live traps. In deciduous forest habitats, we placed 36 traps and, in coniferous forest habitats, we placed 18 traps. In total, 174 artificial nests imitating broods of hazel grouse (Tetrastes bonansia) were located randomly in both types of forest habitat between 2012 and 2014. Predators of the artificial nests were identified by camera-traps at 87 nests. Key results Most of the artificial nests were lost to predation by mammals. The most numerous species of rodents in both types of forest habitat were the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) and the bank vole (Myodes glareolus). A significant decrease in the number of rodents was followed by a considerable increase of predation on artificial nests. There were no significant differences in the rates of predation between the two forest-habitat types. Conclusions Our results support the alternative prey hypothesis and suggest that the breeding success of ground-nesting birds in the forests of the Tatra Mountains varies strongly from year to year, depending on the abundance of rodents. Implications Increasing of rodents’ density may result in lower predation pressure on eggs of ground-nesting birds. This finding may help modify recommendations for conservationists and forest managers to optimize their effort to save populations of Galliformes.
Intensifying constructions in French-speaking L2 learners of English and Dutch
Authors: Hendrikx Isa , Van Goethem Kristel , Wulff Stefanie
Published: March 2019

We investigate the cross-linguistic influence and the (longitudinal) impact of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) on the acquisition of intensifying constructions, using corpora of written French, Dutch, and English productions by L1 speakers, and L2 English and L2 Dutch produced by French-speaking learners in CLIL and traditional foreign language education. We hypothesize that learners will benefit from similarities between the L1 and target language (TL) intensifying constructions, and secondly, that more input and use (through CLIL) will lead to a more target-like use of intensifying constructions. The analyses include quantitative measures of frequency and productivity, and covarying analyses (Gries, 2007). Our findings suggest that, as expected, CLIL students produce intensifying constructions in a more target-like manner. The effect of the duration of TL learning, however, is more apparent in English than in Dutch.
Collaborative remembering at work
Authors: Bietti Lucas M. , Baker Michael J.
Published: March 2019

Collaborative remembering is essential to enabling teams to build shared understanding of projects and their
progress. This article presents an analysis of collaborative remembering sequences in a corpus of interactions collected in a
workplace where a team of designers developed a video television commercial. On the basis of coding and analysing linguistic and
bodily behaviors in 158 such sequences, extracted from over 45 hours of video recordings, recurrent patterns of collaborative
remembering processes were identified, relating to the interplay of work roles. This article shows that collaborative remembering
in the design studio is structured by behavioural, interactive and social factors.
Secreted PD-L1 variants mediate resistance to PD-L1 blockade therapy in non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Gong Bo , Kiyotani Kazuma , Sakata Seiji , Nagano Seiji , Kumehara Shun , Baba Satoko , Besse Benjamin , Yanagitani Noriko , Friboulet Luc , Nishio Makoto , Takeuchi Kengo , Kawamoto Hiroshi , Fujita Naoya , Katayama Ryohei
Published: March 2019

Immune checkpoint blockade against programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1 often induces durable tumor responses in various cancers, including non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, therapeutic resistance is increasingly observed, and the mechanisms underlying anti–PD-L1 (aPD-L1) antibody treatment have not been clarified yet. Here, we identified two unique secreted PD-L1 splicing variants, which lacked the transmembrane domain, from aPD-L1–resistant NSCLC patients. These secreted PD-L1 variants worked as “decoys” of aPD-L1 antibody in the HLA-matched coculture system of iPSC-derived CD8 T cells and cancer cells. Importantly, mixing only 1% MC38 cells with secreted PD-L1 variants and 99% of cells that expressed wild-type PD-L1 induced resistance to PD-L1 blockade in the MC38 syngeneic xenograft model. Moreover, anti–PD-1 (aPD-1) antibody treatment overcame the resistance mediated by the secreted PD-L1 variants. Collectively, our results elucidated a novel resistant mechanism of PD-L1 blockade antibody mediated by secreted PD-L1 variants.
Injection of an Adipocytolytic Agent for Reduction of Excess Periaxillary Fat
Authors: Shridharani Sachin M
Published: March 2019

Background

The principal current treatment options for reduction of excess anterior periaxillary fat (APAF) are invasive procedures such as excision and liposuction.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ATX-101 (deoxycholic acid injection) as a treatment to reduce APAF.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 12 women with periaxillary fullness underwent ATX-101 treatment. Patients were examined to confirm that fullness was due to excess APAF and sufficient subcutaneous fat was present to warrant treatment. Before treatment, the lateral and medial borders of the treatment area were identified and marked. A 1-cm grid was placed to guide the placement of the ATX-101 injections. Reduction in APAF was based on visual assessment and palpation by the clinician, and assessment of before/after patient photographs by the patient and 2 blinded plastic surgeons; all had to agree that APAF reduction had occurred. Patient satisfaction was also assessed. Safety was evaluated in terms of adverse events (AEs).

Results

Patients underwent a mean of 1.8 ATX-101 treatments; 5 patients received 1 treatment, whereas 7 received multiple treatments. Ten patients achieved a reduction in APAF and were satisfied with treatment. One patient was satisfied after 1 treatment but did not return for posttreatment photographs. One patient did not show any noticeable reduction in APAF after 1 treatment; however, this patient was satisfied and additional treatments are planned. Common AEs included injection-site numbness, edema, and tenderness that lasted for a mean of 18.6, 6.0, and 4.5 days, respectively.

Conclusions

ATX-101 effectively reduced APAF and was generally well tolerated in this small cohort. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Level of Evidence: 4
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Ghanaian migrants and their homeland counterparts: the Research on Obesity and type 2 Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) study
Authors: van der Linden Eva L , Meeks Karlijn , Beune Erik , de-Graft Aikins Ama , Addo Juliet , Owusu-Dabo Ellis , Mockenhaupt Frank P , Bahendeka Silver , Danquah Ina , Schulze Matthias B , Spranger Joachim , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin , Tetteh Appiah Lambert , Smeeth Liam , Stronks Karien , Agyemang Charles
Published: March 2019

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. It is unknown whether the MetSyn prevalence differs within a homogenous population residing in different settings in Africa and Europe. We therefore assessed the prevalence of MetSyn among Ghanaians living in rural- and urban-Ghana and Ghanaian migrants living in Europe.

Methods

We used data from the cross-sectional multi-centre RODAM study that was conducted among Ghanaian adults aged 25–70 years residing in rural- and urban-Ghana and in London, Amsterdam and Berlin (n = 5659). MetSyn was defined according to the 2009 harmonized definition. Geographical locations were compared using age-standardized prevalence rates, and prevalence ratios (PRs), adjusted for age, education, physical activity, and smoking and stratified for sex.

Results

In men, the age-standardized prevalence of MetSyn was 8.3% in rural Ghana and showed a positive gradient through urban Ghana (23.6%, adjusted PR = 1.85, 95% confidence interval 1.17–2.92) to Europe, with the highest prevalence in Amsterdam (31.4%; PR = 4.45, 2.94–6.75). In women, there was a rural-to-urban gradient in age-standardized MetSyn prevalence (rural Ghana 25%, urban Ghana 34.4%, PR = 1.38, 1.13–1.68), but small differences in MetSyn prevalence between urban-Ghanaian and European-Ghanaian women (Amsterdam 38.4%; London 38.2%).

Conclusion

MetSyn is highly prevalent in Ghana as well as in Ghanaian migrants in Europe. To assist prevention efforts, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms driving the geographical differences in MetSyn prevalence between migrant and non-migrant Ghanaians.
Multilateralism and the Use of Force: Experimental Evidence on the Views of Foreign Policy Elites
Authors: Busby Joshua , Kafura Craig , Monten Jonathan , Tama Jordan
Published: March 2019

International relations scholars have found that multilateral approval increases public support for the use of military force and have developed competing explanations for this phenomenon. However, this literature has given little attention to the attitudes of individuals who participate directly in the foreign policy process or shape foreign policy debates. In this research note, we administer a survey experiment to both a cross-section of US foreign policy elites and a nationally representative sample of the US public. We find that US foreign policy elites are more responsive to multilateral approval than the US public, with elites with direct foreign policy decision-making experience valuing it especially highly. These findings point to the importance of considering differences between elites and the public when investigating or theorizing about the impact of multilateral cooperation on domestic politics.
Staged total cavopulmonary connection: serial comparison of intra-atrial lateral tunnel and extracardiac conduit taking account of current surgical adaptations
Authors: van den Bosch Eva , Bossers Sjoerd S M , Bogers Ad J J C , Robbers-Visser Daniëlle , van Dijk Arie P J , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W , Breur Hans M P J , Haas Felix , Kapusta Livia , Helbing Willem A
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVES

Our goals were to compare the outcome of the intra-atrial lateral tunnel (ILT) and the extracardiac conduit (ECC) techniques for staged total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) and to compare the current modifications of the TCPC technique, i.e. the prosthetic ILT technique with the current ECC technique with a ≥18-mm conduit.

METHODS

We included patients who had undergone a staged TCPC between 1988 and 2008. Records were reviewed for patient demographics, operative details and events during follow-up (death, surgical and catheter-based reinterventions and arrhythmias).

RESULTS

Of the 208 patients included, 103 had the ILT (51 baffle, 52 prosthetic) technique and 105 had the ECC technique. Median follow-up duration was 13.2 years (interquartile range 9.5–16.3). At 15 years after the TCPC, the overall survival rate was comparable (81% ILT vs 89% ECC; P = 0.12). Freedom from late surgical and catheter-based reintervention was higher for patients who had ILT than for those who had ECC (63% vs 44%; P = 0.016). However, freedom from late arrhythmia was lower for patients who had ILT than for those who had ECC (71% vs 85%, P = 0.034). In a subgroup of patients who had the current TCPC technique, when we compared the use of a prosthetic ILT with ≥18-mm ECC, we found no differences in freedom from late arrhythmias (82% vs 86%, P = 0.64) or in freedom from late reinterventions (70% vs 52%, P = 0.14).

CONCLUSIONS

A comparison between the updated prosthetic ILT and current ≥18-mm ECC techniques revealed no differences in late arrhythmia-free survival or late reintervention-free survival. Overall, outcomes after the staged TCPC were relatively good and reinterventions occurred more frequently in the ECC group, whereas late arrhythmias were more common in the ILT group.