bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An SEM Investigation of Annealing Encapsulants for SiC
Authors: Ervin M H , Jones K A , Derenge M A , Kirchnef K W , Wood MC , Shah P B , Vispute R D , Venkatesan T , Thomas C , Spencer M G
Published: July 2020

Advancing technology continues to place greater and greater demands on semiconductor devices. It is clear that Si technology alone will not be able to meet all of these demands. Silicon Carbide (SiC) is a promising material for highpower and high-temperature applications, such as SiC devices for controlling power in a more electric vehicle in which the SiC device is cooled by the engine oil (200 C.) SiC is well suited for high-power/temperature applications due to its large bandgap of 3.03 eV (for 6H), high breakdown electric field of 2.4 x 106 V/cm (again for 6H), thermal stability, and chemical inertness. These properties hold the promise of reliable and robust performance, but the latter two also present challenges to fabricating such devices. For instance, a key part of making devices involves selected area doping. This is typically accomplished with ion implantation, because the rate of diffusion is so low, followed with an anneal to remove the implant damage and electrically activate the dopant.
Advancing Nanoscale Indentation Measurements Toward Quantitative Characterization of Polymer Properties
Authors: VanLandingham M , Villarrubia J , Meyers G , Dineen M
Published: July 2020

The ultimate objective of instrumented indentation testing is to obtain absolute measurements of material properties and behavior. To achieve this goal, accurate knowledge of the shape of the indenter tip is required. For indentation measurements involving sub-micrometer scale contacts, accurate knowledge of the tip shape can be difficult to achieve. In this presentation, a technique referred to as blind reconstruction is applied to the measurement of tip shapes of indenters used with the atomic force microscope (AFM) to indent polymeric materials.

The AFM has been used recently to make nanoscale indentation measurements and is particularly useful for evaluating the mechanical response of polymeric materials. These measurements can be made using AFM cantilever probes and operating the AFM in force mode with some modifications to account for lateral tip motion. Because the AFM was not specifically designed as an indentation device, other complications can arise due to instrumental uncertainties such as piezo hysteresis, piezo creep, and photodiode nonlinearities.
Ionic Nano-Aggregates in Polyethylene-Based Ionomers: Comparison of Stem and Saxs Results
Authors: Winey Karen I , Laurer Jonathan H , Kirkmeyer Brian P
Published: July 2020

Semicrystalline ionomers are industrially important materials in adhesives, packaging, engineering thermoplastics, coatings, and more. The most common of these are based on poly(ethylene-ran-methacrylic acid), E/MAA random copolymers partially neutralized with various cations and produced by DuPont under the tradename Surlyn®. In 1990, Register and Cooper described the morphology of semicrystalline ionomers as crystalline lamellae separated by an amorphous polymeric matrix that contains isolated cation-rich domains. Their anomalous small angle X-ray scattering experiments are consistent with the relative electron densities associated with this “three-phase” morphological model. Despite this agreement and the commercial importance of semicrystalline ionomers, a number of fundamental issues have remained unresolved regarding both the morphology of the ionic nanoaggregates and the efficiency of aggregation.

Recently, we have imaged the ionic aggregates using a scanning transmission electron microscope equipped with a field emission electron gun. This microscopy method offers the advantages of reduced phase contrast, high spatial resolution, and enhanced atomic number contrast relative to transmission electron microscopy.
Energy Filtering and Spectrum Imaging of Polymers
Authors: Aitouchen A , Taylor J , Crozier P , Libera M
Published: July 2020

Chemical imaging of polymeric materials is attractive, because of the inherently poor contrast typically afforded by multiphase amorphous polymers in bright-field imaging techniques. Spectrum imaging and energy-filtering approaches are being increasing applied to polymeric materials (1,2, 3).

One recent example from the Stevens group using a Philips CM20 FEG TEM/STEM interfaced to an EmiSpec Vision data acquisition/control system and a Gatan 666 PEELS spectrometer is presented in figure 1. The specimen is a PVP sphere on a holey-carbon TEM grid. The specimen was cooled to approximately -125 °C in a single-tilt cryo stage. Drift correction was implemented by collecting HAADF STEM images from the sub-image region indicated by the dashed white box at periodic intervals. Based on an autocorrelation with the initial image, electronic shifts where imposed to correct for drift. A 3-D spectrum dataset was generated from the 70 x 70 pixel box around the polymer particle at an interpixel spacing of 5 nm and a pixel dwell time of 1.5 sec.
Low Dose High Resolution Electron Microscopy (HREM) Analysis of Regularly Twisted Poly(m-Phenylene Diisophthalamide) (MPDI) Fibers
Authors: Kubel C , Lawrence DP , Martin DC
Published: July 2020

Poly(m-phenylene diisophthalamide) (MPDI) is an all-aromatic polyamide used to manufacture thermally stable high strength fibers (Nomex® by DuPont). The X-ray diffraction data of the commercial solution-spun fiber is in good agreement with a triclinic unit cell structure proposed by Kakida et al. with hydrogen bonds forming a two dimensional network approximately orthogonal to the polymer main chain. When MPDI dissolved in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) is crystallized over several weeks by exposure to a non-solvent (water) in a diffusion vessel, the polymer precipitates into uniform, regularly twisted crystalline bundles (Figure 1).

TEM images show that the bundles consist of 1-8 individual strands and can reach a length of 20 microns. The pitch and the diameter of these bundles are uniform along the visible length for each bundle but depend on the number of strands per bundle. The diameter of an individual strand is 20-50 nm resulting in a diameter of 20-300 nm for a bundle and a “macroscopic” pitch of 200-1000 nm (Figure 2).
Microstructural Characterization of a New Polytetrafluoroethylene for Artificial Hip Prosthesis
Authors: Kaulgud A , Crugnola A , Vasilos T , Sung C
Published: July 2020

All joints in the human body are subject to destruction by disease and trauma. Although the modem concept of joint replacements dates back to 1800's, polymeric material were not utilized till 1940's [1]. Early experiments were conducted with polymethacrylate and polytetrafluoroethylene. The results were disappointing with the polymeric material either quick fracturing or wearing at an extreme rapid rate. Microstructures were not well investigated as a function of processing conditions.

The goal of this research is to eliminate the presence of oxygen within the components during its processing operations, which is responsible for early failure of polytetrafluoroethylene. One approach to eliminate or reduce the amount of oxygen would be processing the PTFE resin in vacuum conditions. This research is aimed towards investigating the microstructure of PTFE when processed under vacuum conditions using SEM and TEM along with EDXS.

The fabricated PTFE billet samples were received from Dewal Industries, NJ and the PTFE components in vacuum conditions, processed at University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) were studied using microscopic techniques.
Development of a 1MV-Field-Emission Electron Microscope I. Instrument
Authors: Matsui I , Katsuta T , Kawasaki T , Hayashi S , Furutsu T , Onai T , Myochin K , Yoshida T , Matsuda T , Kubota S , Endo J , Osakabe N , Tonomura A , Kitazawa K
Published: July 2020

We have developed 100-kV, 200-kV, and 350-kV cold-field-emission transmission electron microscopes (FE-TEMs) successively up to this time. Using these instruments, we have been studying the magnetic structure of materials, high-resolution imaging by electron holography, and dynamic observation of the vortex in superconductors by Lorentz microscopy. To make more progress in our research, we need a better electron beam in terms of coherency, beam brightness, and penetration. Here, we report a new lMV-cold-field-emission transmission electron microscope we have developed. Historically, the pioneering projects on a lMV-field-emission scanning transmission electron microscope (FE-STEM) (Zeitler and Crewe, 1974) and a 1.6MV FE-STEM (Jouffrey et al., 1984) have been reported. In 1988, Maruse and Shimoyama obtained a lMV-field-emission beam using their 1.25MV-STEM connected to a field-emission gun. Since then, continuous improvements in beam brightness has been made.

The target specifications of our 1 MV-cold-field-emission TEM (H-1000FT) are as follows: Acceleration voltage: 1MV, high-voltage stability :
Development of a New Double Tilt Rotation TEM Specimen Holder
Authors: Bailey GW , McKernan S , Price RL , Walck SD , Charest P-M , Gauvin R , Armbruster BL , Alani R , Mitro D , Zolkowski R
Published: July 2020

The analytical transmission electron microscope is one of the most powerful instruments today for materials characterization. The interaction of the electron beam with the specimen provides immediate visual and compositional information of the structure of materials. Improvements in optics, vacuum technology, emitter and goniometer design have made sub-2Å compositional imaging a standard technique.

Side-entry, multifunctional specimen holders compatible with new goniometer designs have been developed to provide an extended tilt range for tomographic applications. Planar features within a TEM specimen are most easily studied if the specimen is first rotated until the planar feature is aligned parallel to the main tilt axis of the specimen holder. Typically this requires manual removal of the specimen for reorientation, subjecting it to potential damage, or the use of motorized specimen rotation in a single tilt holder. Ideally all degrees of freedom of specimen movement should be available to the microscopist through the specimen holder and goniometer.
The Scanning Electron Microscopy Educators Program - A Unique Educational Outreach Program at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
Authors: Bailey GW , McKernan S , Price RL , Walck SD , Charest P-M , Gauvin R , Piazza Luann , Ragland William R , Thorp Katie E G , Martin Marc C
Published: July 2020

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (near Dayton, OH) continues to offer a unique educational outreach program, Scanning Electron Microscopy EDucatorS (SEMEDS; pronounced sem-eds). This ten year old motivational science program provides an opportunity for students and educators to visit the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate's research laboratories, where scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) are used by scientists and engineers working in diverse areas of materials research.

As a favorite motivational science program, SEMEDS serves surrounding communities by bringing students and educators on-site to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base's Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to operate state-of-the-art SEMs in a real life research laboratory setting. The special features of this program include: exposure to a world-class facility, introductions to the elite researchers who work there, and an opportunity for students to operate the same equipment used by the facility researchers.

SEMEDS is an after school program intended for middle school and high school students.
Bugscope: The Second Year of a Sustainable Remote Microscope Project for K-12 Education Outreach.
Authors: Potter CS , Carragher B , Carroll L , Conway C , Grosser B , Hanlon J , Kisseberth N , Robinson S , Stone D , Thakkar U , Weber D
Published: July 2020

Bugscope is a second generation educational project in the World Wide Laboratory that provides web browser based control of scientific imaging instrumentation using the Internet. We had previously demonstrated web based remote access to sophisticated scientific imaging systems several years ago in the Chickscope project. The primary goal of the Bugscope project is to demonstrate that relatively low cost, sustainable access to an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) can be made available to K-12 classrooms.

Methods: To participate in the project, a classroom submits a web based application that describes how they plan to use the microscope. If the application is accepted, a one hour session on the ESEM is scheduled and the classroom mails in their chosen specimen. During their access time, classrooms use a standard web browser over the Internet to control and acquire images from the ESEM (Philips/FEI XL-30FEG).
Integrated Live and Stored Internet Based Digital Microscopy for Education
Authors: Zeineh Jack A
Published: July 2020

Few educational institutions have well maintained microscopes that facilitate the experience intended by the creators of their teaching texts. The cost of putting a high quality selection of the different types of microscopes at every educational institution for access by all students is prohibitive. The advent of the Internet and the rapid proliferation of computers at educational institutions offer the prospect for dramatic improvements in microscopy education.

We present an Internet based digital microscopy system with unique features for education. We have developed a unified architecture for management and transmission of live and stored microscope data over the Internet. The system consists of a combination of software and hardware. The hardware includes a microscope with a motorized stage, focus, and optionally a motorized nosepiece. Standard off the shelf components for each of the items can be used so that the user is afforded great flexibility in utilizing available hardware. Image acquisition is done by attaching a video camera to the microscope. Both analog and digital video cameras are supported, although it should be noted that users have experienced outstanding results with relatively inexpensive analog cameras.
Microscopy and Microanalysis Over the Net
Authors: Zaluzec Nestor J
Published: July 2020

During the last five years we have all seen and experienced how the explosive growth of the Internet has impacted our lives and our technology. At the 1995, 1996 and 1998 Microscopy and Microanalysis meetings, sessions devoted to technologies for remote access; control and collaboration were held. In each of these, a number of authors outlined the various methods by which they had implemented their concept remote access. In this tutorial we will look at where each of the technologies described during those years currently stands from the point of view of simplicity, effectiveness, cost and overall versatility.

From the onset, it should be recognized that there is no single, universal solution to the task of implementing any telepresence collaboration technology over the Internet. Each solution has both its merits and its disadvantages. However all interactions require the collaboratory to address a universal set of functional requirements they are:
A review of psychosocial interventions targeting families of children with cancer
Authors: Koumarianou Anna , Symeonidi Artemis E. , Kattamis Antonis , Linardatou Katerina , Chrousos George P. , Darviri Christina
Published: July 2020

Objective

Psychosocial interventions in families of children with cancer are considered an effective way of empowering family members to tackle the complex hurdles they face. The ability of parents to develop adaptive coping strategies during the child's treatment is not only important to their own mental and physical health, but also to their child's well-being and long-term adjustment with the disease.

Methods

The aim of this review was to evaluate the existing literature for the period from 2009 to 2017 on psychosocial interventions targeting families of children with cancer. We searched the PubMed database using the following combination of keywords: “cancer AND children AND (intervention OR training) AND (mothers OR primary caregivers OR parents OR fathers OR siblings).”

Results

After careful evaluation of 995 papers, 17 full-text papers were found to match our criteria (12 randomized controlled trials and 5 quasi-experimental studies). The quality of the studies was assessed using the Delphi score questionnaire, and the score of the reviewed studies ranged from 3 to 5. The findings suggest that most interventions reduced distress and improved coping strategies among participants. Interventions, mainly cognitive behavioral therapy and problem-solving skills training targeting maternal distress, were associated with improved adjustment outcomes in mothers of children with cancer.

Significance of results

Psychosocial interventions are helpful, and efforts should be made to promote them in a larger scale. Protocols should be implemented to ensure that all parents benefit. Computer-assisted methods may provide additional benefit by improving cancer-related knowledge and cancer-related communication.
Wideband and high-gain circularly-polarized L-shaped slot antenna array using metamaterial
Authors: Chen Qiang , Zhang Guolin , He Changhui , Fan Ya , Zhu Zhenbo , Zhang Di , Li Jing , Zhao Yuanqing
Published: July 2020

This research involves a compact wideband circularly-polarized antenna array, which consists of a sequential rotating phase feed network, 2 × 2 mushroom-type metamaterial (MTM) unit, and so on. Each antenna array unit contains a microstrip feedline, an L-shaped slot antenna, and so on. The MTM-based antennas were incorporated with a sequential-phase network of sequentially rotated series-parallel feed to achieve wideband operation. The operational bandwidth and the radiation model in the high-frequency area were improved through the adjustment of spacing between the L-shaped slots while maintaining the size and structure of the MTM. The proposed design had dimensions of 80 mm × 80 mm × 3.5 mm (~1.64 λ0 × 1.64 λ0 × 0.072 λ0 at 6.15 GHz), and it was simulated, fabricated, and tested.
Affect Improvements and Measurement Concordance Between a Subjective	and an Accelerometric Estimate of Physical Activity
Authors: Pannicke Björn , Reichenberger Julia , Schultchen Dana , Pollatos Olga , Blechert Jens
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Objectives: Physical activity (PA) positively influences several aspects of mental well-being including affect improvements. Yet, the fact that subjective and objective measures of PA often diverge challenges research on the relationship of PA and affect. Methods: Subjective (ecological momentary assessment, EMA) and objective (combined heart rate and accelerometric activity tracker) measures of PA alongside repeated ratings of positive and negative affects were obtained from 37 participants over 7 consecutive days. Results: Subjective and objective PA were significantly positively correlated. Affect improvements, that is, negative affect decrease as well as positive affect increase, were predicted by both subjective (EMA) and objective (activity tracker) data. Conclusions: Measurement concordance supports the validity of both assessment strategies. Affect improvements result from both subjective representations of one’s own activity as well as from physiological mechanisms of PA that one is not aware of, suggesting two independent routes to affect improvements.
Development of an Updated Global Land In Situ‐Based Data Set of Temperature and Precipitation Extremes: HadEX3
Authors: Dunn Robert J. H. , Alexander Lisa V. , Donat Markus G. , Zhang Xuebin , Bador Margot , Herold Nicholas , Lippmann Tanya , Allan Rob , Aguilar Enric , Barry Abdoul Aziz , Brunet Manola , Caesar John , Chagnaud Guillaume , Cheng Vincent , Cinco Thelma , Durre Imke , de Guzman Rosaline , Htay Tin Mar , Wan Ibadullah Wan Maisarah , Bin Ibrahim Muhammad Khairul Izzat , Khoshkam Mahbobeh , Kruger Andries , Kubota Hisayuki , Leng Tan Wee , Lim Gerald , Li‐Sha Lim , Marengo Jose , Mbatha Sifiso , McGree Simon , Menne Matthew , de los Milagros Skansi Maria , Ngwenya Sandile , Nkrumah Francis , Oonariya Chalump , Pabon‐Caicedo Jose Daniel , Panthou Gérémy , Pham Cham , Rahimzadeh Fatemeh , Ramos Andrea , Salgado Ernesto , Salinger Jim , Sané Youssouph , Sopaheluwakan Ardhasena , Srivastava Arvind , Sun Ying , Timbal Bertrand , Trachow Nichanun , Trewin Blair , van der Schrier Gerard , Vazquez‐Aguirre Jorge , Vasquez Ricardo , Villarroel Claudia , Vincent Lucie , Vischel Theo , Vose Russ , Bin Hj Yussof Mohd Noor'Arifin
Published: July 2020

We present the second update to a data set of gridded land‐based temperature and precipitation extremes indices: HadEX3. This consists of 17 temperature and 12 precipitation indices derived from daily, in situ observations and recommended by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI). These indices have been calculated at around 7,000 locations for temperature and 17,000 for precipitation. The annual (and monthly) indices have been interpolated on a 1.875°×1.25° longitude‐latitude grid, covering 1901–2018. We show changes in these indices by examining ”global”‐average time series in comparison with previous observational data sets and also estimating the uncertainty resulting from the nonuniform distribution of meteorological stations. Both the short and long time scale behavior of HadEX3 agrees well with existing products. Changes in the temperature indices are widespread and consistent with global‐scale warming. The extremes related to daily minimum temperatures are changing faster than the maximum. Spatial changes in the linear trends of precipitation indices over 1950–2018 are less spatially coherent than those for temperature indices. Globally, there are more heavy precipitation events that are also more intense and contribute a greater fraction to the total. Some of the indices use a reference period for calculating exceedance thresholds. We present a comparison between using 1961–1990 and 1981–2010. The differences between the time series of the temperature indices observed over longer time scales are shown to be the result of the interaction of the reference period with a warming climate. The gridded netCDF files and, where possible, underlying station indices are available from www.metoffice.gov.uk/hadobs/hadex3 and www.climdex.org.
A plasmonic route for the integrated wireless communication of subdiffraction-limited signals
Authors: Zhang Hao Chi , Zhang Le Peng , He Pei Hang , Xu Jie , Qian Cheng , Garcia-Vidal Francisco J. , Cui Tie Jun
Published: July 2020

Perfect lenses, superlenses and time-reversal mirrors can support and spatially separate evanescent waves, which is the basis for detecting subwavelength information in the far field. However, the inherent limitations of these methods have prevented the development of systems to dynamically distinguish subdiffraction-limited signals. Utilizing the physical merits of spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), we demonstrate that subdiffraction-limited signals can be transmitted on planar integrated SPP channels with low loss, low channel interference, and high gain and can be radiated with a very low environmental sensitivity. Furthermore, we show how deep subdiffraction-limited signals that are spatially coupled can be distinguished after line-of-sight wireless transmission. For a visualized demonstration, we realize the high-quality wireless communication of two movies on subwavelength channels over the line of sight in real time using our plasmonic scheme, showing significant advantages over the conventional methods.
Overcoming cancer therapeutic bottleneck by drug repurposing
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Zhou Li , Xie Na , Nice Edouard C. , Zhang Tao , Cui Yongping , Huang Canhua
Published: July 2020

Ever present hurdles for the discovery of new drugs for cancer therapy have necessitated the development of the alternative strategy of drug repurposing, the development of old drugs for new therapeutic purposes. This strategy with a cost-effective way offers a rare opportunity for the treatment of human neoplastic disease, facilitating rapid clinical translation. With an increased understanding of the hallmarks of cancer and the development of various data-driven approaches, drug repurposing further promotes the holistic productivity of drug discovery and reasonably focuses on target-defined antineoplastic compounds. The “treasure trove” of non-oncology drugs should not be ignored since they could target not only known but also hitherto unknown vulnerabilities of cancer. Indeed, different from targeted drugs, these old generic drugs, usually used in a multi-target strategy may bring benefit to patients. In this review, aiming to demonstrate the full potential of drug repurposing, we present various promising repurposed non-oncology drugs for clinical cancer management and classify these candidates into their proposed administration for either mono- or drug combination therapy. We also summarize approaches used for drug repurposing and discuss the main barriers to its uptake.
PolyA-based DNA bonds with programmable bond length and bond energy
Authors: Chen Xiaoliang , Liu Xiaoguo , Yao Guangbao , Li Qian , Liu Renduo , Wu Hongjin , Lv Yanan , Fan Chunhai , Wang Lihua , Li Jiang
Published: July 2020

DNA-functionalized Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been intensively exploited as programmable atom equivalents (PAEs) for the self-assembly of molecule-like structures. However, it remains challenging to build hierarchical PAE assemblies via discrete DNA bonds at different levels. Here, we report a strategy to program DNA bond length and bond energy on PAEs using DNA encoders carrying consecutive adenines (polyA). On AuNPs, we built three types of DNA motifs with different topologic configurations, which can form bonds for PAE self-assembly. By small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis, we found that the bond length and flexibility between the coupled PAEs can be tuned by programming the bond structure. We also found that these bonds show different bond energies and thus differ, depending on their topologic configuration, leading to different PAE assembly efficiencies. We demonstrated that the bonds at different levels can be arranged in different directions on one nanoparticle, leading to asymmetric PAEs that allow ionic strength-controlled hierarchical assembly of multiparticle structures. This programmable bonding system may provide a new route for building complex plasmonic superstructures.
EMQN best practice guidelines for molecular genetic testing and reporting of 21-hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Baumgartner-Parzer Sabina , Witsch-Baumgartner Martina , Hoeppner Wolfgang
Published: July 2020

Molecular genetic testing for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) is offered worldwide and is of importance for differential diagnosis, carrier detection and adequate genetic counseling, particularly for family planning. In 2008 the European Molecular Genetics Quality Network (EMQN) for the first time offered a European-wide external quality assessment scheme for CAH (due to 21-OH deficiency). The interest was great and over the last years at about 60 laboratories from Europe, USA and Australia regularly participated in that scheme. These best practice guidelines were drafted on the basis of the extensive knowledge and experience got from those annually organized CAH-schemes. In order to obtain the widest possible consultation with practicing laboratories the draft was therefore circulated twice by EMQN to all laboratories participating in the EQA-scheme for CAH genotyping and was updated by that input. The present guidelines address quality requirements for diagnostic molecular genetic laboratories, as well as criteria forCYP21A2 genotyping (including carrier-testing and prenatal diagnosis). A key aspect of that article is the use of appropriate methodologies (e.g., sequencing methods, MLPA (multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification), mutation specific assays) and respective limitations and analytical accuracy. Moreover, these guidelines focus on classification of variants, and the interpretation and standardization of the reporting ofCYP21A2genotyping results. In addition, the article provides a comprehensive list of common as well as so far unreportedCYP21A2-variants.
Effective p-wave Fermi-Fermi Interaction Induced by Bosonic Superfluids
Authors: Wu Yongzheng , Yan Zheng , Lin Zhi , Lou Jie , Chen Yan
Published: July 2020

We study the two-dimensional Bose-Fermi mixture on square lattice at finite temperature by using the determinant quantum Monte Carlo method within the weakly interacting regime. Here we consider the attractive Bose-Hubbard model and free spinless fermions. In the absence of boson-fermion interactions, we obtain the boundary of the collapsed state of the attractive bosons. In the presence of boson-fermion interactions, an effective p-wave interaction between fermions will be induced as far as the bosons are in a superfluid state. Moreover, we find the emergence of the composite fermion pairs at low temperatures.
Fabrication of high-performance dual carbon Li-ion hybrid capacitor: mass balancing approach to improve the energy-power density and cycle life
Authors: Panja Tandra , Ajuria Jon , Díez Noel , Bhattacharjya Dhrubajyoti , Goikolea Eider , Carriazo Daniel
Published: July 2020

Most lithium-ion capacitor (LIC) devices include graphite or non-porous hard carbon as negative electrode often failing when demanding high energy at high power densities. Herein, we introduce a new LIC formed by the assembly of polymer derived hollow carbon spheres (HCS) and a superactivated carbon (AC), as negative and positive electrodes, respectively. The hollow microstructure of HCS and the ultra large specific surface area of AC maximize lithium insertion/diffusion and ions adsorption in each of the electrodes, leading to individual remarkable capacity values and rate performances. To optimize the performance of the LIC not only in terms of energy and power densities but also from a stability point of view, a rigorous mass balance study is also performed. Optimized LIC, using a 2:1 negative to positive electrode mass ratio, shows very good reversibility within the operative voltage region of 1.5–4.2 V and it is able to deliver a specific cell capacity of 28 mA h−1 even at a high current density of 10 A g−1. This leads to an energy density of 68 W h kg−1 at an extreme power density of 30 kW kg−1. Moreover, this LIC device shows an outstanding cyclability, retaining more than 92% of the initial capacity after 35,000 charge–discharge cycles.
Integrated metabolomics and gut microbiome to the effects and mechanisms of naoxintong capsule on type 2 diabetes in rats
Authors: Yan Zenghao , Wu Hao , Zhou Haokui , Chen Shuo , He Yan , Zhang Weijian , Chen Taobin , Yao Hongliang , Su Weiwei
Published: July 2020

Naoxintong Capsule (NXT) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine formulation which has been widely applied in treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Previous studies also reported the potential effects of NXT against diabetes and certain complications, yet its mechanisms remain largely obscured. Herein, in this study, we investigated the anti-diabetic effects of NXT as well as its potential mechanisms. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) was induced in rats by 10-week high-fat diet in companion with a low-dose streptozotocin injection. NXT was administrated for additional 8 weeks. The results showed that NXT exerted potent efficacy against T2D by alleviating hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, ameliorating insulin resistance, mitigating inflammation, relieving hypertension, and reducing myocardial injuries. To investigate its mechanisms, by integrating sequencing of gut microbiota and serum untargeted metabolomics, we showed that NXT could significantly recover the disturbances of gut microbiota and metabolic phenotypes in T2D rats. Several feature pathways, such as arachidonic acid metabolism, fatty acid β-oxidation and glycerophospholipid metabolism, were identified as the potential mechanisms of NXT in vivo. In summary, our study has comprehensively revealed the anti-diabetic effects of NXT which could be considered as a promising strategy for treating metabolic disorders, T2D and diabetic related complications in clinical practice.
Identification of the amino acid position controlling the different enzymatic activities in walnut tyrosinase isoenzymes (jrPPO1 and jrPPO2)
Authors: Panis Felix , Rompel Annette
Published: July 2020

Polyphenol oxidases (PPOs) are ubiquitously distributed among plants, bacteria, fungi and animals. They catalyze the hydroxylation of monophenols (monophenolase activity) and the oxidation of o-diphenols (diphenolase activity) to o-quinones. PPOs are commonly present as an isoenzyme family. In walnut (Juglans regia), two different genes (jrPPO1 and jrPPO2) encoding PPOs have been identified. In this study, jrPPO2 was, for the first time, heterologously expressed in E. coli and characterized as a tyrosinase (TYR) by substrate scope assays and kinetic investigations, as it accepted tyramine and L-tyrosine as substrates. Moreover, the substrate acceptance and kinetic parameters (kcat and Km values) towards 16 substrates naturally present in walnut were assessed for jrPPO2 (TYR) and its isoenzyme jrPPO1 (TYR). The two isoenzymes prefer different substrates, as jrPPO1 shows a higher activity towards monophenols, whereas jrPPO2 is more active towards o-diphenols. Molecular docking studies performed herein revealed that the amino acid residue in the position of the 1st activity controller (HisB1 + 1; in jrPPO1 Asn240 and jrPPO2 Gly240) is responsible for the different enzymatic activities. Additionally, interchanging the 1st activity controller residue of the two enzymes in two mutants (jrPPO1-Asn240Gly and jrPPO2-Gly240Asn) proved that the amino acid residue located in this position allows plants to selectively target or dismiss substrates naturally present in walnut.
Immune status, and not HIV infection or exposure, drives the development of the oral microbiota
Authors: Coker M. O. , Mongodin E. F. , El-Kamary S. S. , Akhigbe P. , Obuekwe O. , Omoigberale A. , Langenberg P. , Enwonwu C. , Hittle L. , Blattner W. A. , Charurat M.
Published: July 2020

Even with antiretroviral therapy, children born to HIV-infected (HI) mothers are at a higher risk of early-life infections and morbidities including dental disease. The increased risk of dental caries in HI children suggest immune-mediated changes in oral bacterial communities, however, the impact of perinatal HIV exposure on the oral microbiota remains unclear. We hypothesized that the oral microbiota of HI and perinatally HIV-exposed-but-uninfected (HEU) children will significantly differ from HIV-unexposed-and-uninfected (HUU) children. Saliva samples from 286 child-participants in Nigeria, aged ≤ 6 years, were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Perinatal HIV infection was significantly associated with community composition (HI vs. HUU—p = 0.04; HEU vs. HUU—p = 0.11) however, immune status had stronger impacts on bacterial profiles (p < 0.001). We observed age-stratified associations of perinatal HIV exposure on community composition, with HEU children differing from HUU children in early life but HEU children becoming more similar to HUU children with age. Our findings suggest that, regardless of age, HIV infection or exposure, low CD4 levels persistently alter the oral microbiota during this critical developmental period. Data also indicates that, while HIV infection clearly shapes the developing infant oral microbiome, the effect of perinatal exposure (without infection) appears transient.
Selective whole genome amplification of Plasmodium malariae DNA from clinical samples reveals insights into population structure
Authors: Ibrahim Amy , Diez Benavente Ernest , Nolder Debbie , Proux Stephane , Higgins Matthew , Muwanguzi Julian , Gomez Gonzalez Paula Josefina , Fuehrer Hans-Peter , Roper Cally , Nosten Francois , Sutherland Colin , Clark Taane G. , Campino Susana
Published: July 2020

The genomic diversity of Plasmodium malariae malaria parasites is understudied, partly because infected individuals tend to present with low parasite densities, leading to difficulties in obtaining sufficient parasite DNA for genome analysis. Selective whole genome amplification (SWGA) increases the relative levels of pathogen DNA in a clinical sample, but has not been adapted for P. malariae parasites. Here we design customized SWGA primers which successfully amplify P. malariae DNA extracted directly from unprocessed clinical blood samples obtained from patients with P. malariae-mono-infections from six countries, and further test the efficacy of SWGA on mixed infections with other Plasmodium spp. SWGA enables the successful whole genome sequencing of samples with low parasite density (i.e. one sample with a parasitaemia of 0.0064% resulted in 44% of the genome covered by ≥ 5 reads), leading to an average 14-fold increase in genome coverage when compared to unamplified samples. We identify a total of 868,476 genome-wide SNPs, of which 194,709 are unique across 18 high-quality isolates. After exclusion of the hypervariable subtelomeric regions, a high-quality core subset of 29,899 unique SNPs is defined. Population genetic analysis suggests that P. malariae parasites display clear geographical separation by continent. Further, SWGA successfully amplifies genetic regions of interest such as orthologs of P. falciparum drug resistance-associated loci (Pfdhfr, Pfdhps, Pfcrt, Pfk13 and Pfmdr1), and several non-synonymous SNPs were detected in these genes. In conclusion, we have established a robust SWGA approach that can assist whole genome sequencing of P. malariae, and thereby facilitate the implementation of much-needed large-scale multi-population genomic studies of this neglected malaria parasite. As demonstrated in other Plasmodia, such genetic diversity studies can provide insights into the biology underlying the disease and inform malaria surveillance and control measures.
Evolution of ferroelectricity in ultrathin PbTiO3 films as revealed by electric double layer gating
Authors: Nishino Ryutaro , Fujita Takahiro C. , Kagawa Fumitaka , Kawasaki Masashi
Published: July 2020

Ferroelectricity in ultrathin films is destabilized by depolarization field, which leads to the reduction of spontaneous polarization or domain formation. Here, thickness dependence of remnant polarization in PbTiO3 films is electrically revealed down to 2.6 nm by controlling the polarization direction with employing an electric double layer gating technique to suppress leakage current in ultrathin films. The remnant polarization for a 17 nm-thick film is similar to bulk value ~ 60 μC cm−2 and reduces to ~ 20 μC cm−2 for a 2.6 nm-thick film, whereas robust ferroelectricity is clearly observed in such ultrathin films. In-situ X-ray diffraction measurements under an external electric field reveal that the reduced tetragonality in ultrathin films is mostly recovered by cancelling out the depolarization field. Electric double layer gating technique is an excellent way for exploring physical properties in ultrathin ferroelectric films.
Environmental context determines the limiting demographic processes for plant recruitment across a species’ elevational range
Authors: Merges Dominik , Albrecht Jörg , Böhning-Gaese Katrin , Schleuning Matthias , Neuschulz Eike Lena
Published: July 2020

Plant recruitment is a multi-stage process determining population dynamics and species distributions. Still, we have limited understanding of how the successive demographic processes depend on the environmental context across species’ distributional ranges. We conducted a large-scale transplant experiment to study recruitment of Pinus cembra over six years. We quantified the effects of environmental conditions on four demographic processes and identified the most limiting across and beyond the pines’ elevational range over several years. Realized transition probabilities of the demographic processes varied substantially across the species' distributional range. Seed deposition decreased from the lower to the upper elevational range margin by 90%, but this reduction was offset by increased seed germination and seedling survival. Dispersal limitation at the upper range margin potentially stems from unsuitable seed caching conditions for the animal seed disperser, whereas increased seed germination might result from enemy escape from fungal pathogens and favourable abiotic conditions at the upper range margin. Our multi-year experiment demonstrates that environmental context is decisive for the local relevance of particular demographic processes. We conclude that experimental studies identifying the limiting demographic processes controlling species distributions are key for projecting future range dynamics of plants.
Study of factors influencing preoperative detection of alveolar antral artery by CBCT in sinus floor elevation
Authors: Varela-Centelles Pablo , Loira María , González-Mosquera Antonio , Romero-Mendez Amparo , Seoane Juan , García-Pola María José , Seoane-Romero Juan M.
Published: July 2020

This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of alveolar antral artery (AAA) detection by CBCT, its related variables, and at describing explanatory models useful in surgical planning, by retrospective evaluation of CBCT explorations. The modelling of the probability for detecting AAA was undertaken using logistic generalized additive models (GAM). The capacity for discriminating detection/no detection was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curves. A total of 466 sinuses were studied. Univariate models showed detection probability was linked to sinus width and thickness of the lateral bony wall, together with the shape and height of the osseous crest. AAA detection probability increased steadily until the thickness of the bony wall reached 6 mm. Multivariate models resulted good discriminators for AAA detection, particularly for females, showing an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85. Models considering patients altogether, and those including only males offered slightly lower values (AUC = 0.79). The probability of AAA detection by CBCT was influenced by gender (higher in males and for narrow sinuses) and increases with the thickness of the sinus lateral bony wall and the height of the residual alveolar ridge. Besides, and particularly for women, the thickness of the ridge at the basal level seems to improve the explanatory model for AAA detection.
An expanded repertoire of intensity-dependent exercise-responsive plasma proteins tied to loci of human disease risk
Authors: Guseh J. Sawalla , Churchill Timothy W. , Yeri Ashish , Lo Claire , Brown Marcel , Houstis Nicholas E. , Aragam Krishna G. , Lieberman Daniel E. , Rosenzweig Anthony , Baggish Aaron L.
Published: July 2020

Routine endurance exercise confers numerous health benefits, and high intensity exercise may accelerate and magnify many of these benefits. To date, explanatory molecular mechanisms and the influence of exercise intensity remain poorly understood. Circulating factors are hypothesized to transduce some of the systemic effects of exercise. We sought to examine the role of exercise and exercise intensity on the human plasma proteome. We employed an aptamer-based method to examine 1,305 plasma proteins in 12 participants before and after exercise at two physiologically defined intensities (moderate and high) to determine the proteomic response. We demonstrate that the human plasma proteome is responsive to acute exercise in an intensity-dependent manner with enrichment analysis suggesting functional biological differences between the moderate and high intensity doses. Through integration of available genetic data, we estimate the effects of acute exercise on exercise-associated traits and find proteomic responses that may contribute to observed clinical effects on coronary artery disease and blood pressure regulation. In sum, we provide supportive evidence that moderate and high intensity exercise elicit different signaling responses, that exercise may act in part non-cell autonomously through circulating plasma proteins, and that plasma protein dynamics can simulate some the beneficial and adverse effects of acute exercise.
An important role of PHRF1 in dendritic architecture and memory formation by modulating TGF-β signaling
Authors: Shih Ting-Wei , Lee Li-Jen , Chang Ho-Ching , Lin Hung-Wei , Chang Mau-Sun
Published: July 2020

PHRF1 is involved in transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling to constrain the formation of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) in mouse APL models. PHRF1 also participates in modulating non-homologous end-joining. However, the role of PHRF1 in mammalian dendrite architecture and synaptic plasticity is unclear. Here, we investigated the role of PHRF1 in dendritic formation in the murine hippocampus using Camk2a promoter driven-iCre recombinase to conduct a PHRF1 conditional knockout, namely PHRF1Δ/Δ, in the forebrain region. PHRF1Δ/Δmice developed normally, but exhibited anxiety-like behaviors and displayed defective spatial memory. Alterations of dendritic complexity in apical and basal dendrites of pyramidal neurons were noticed in PHRF1Δ/Δmutants. Furthermore, electrical stimulation in the hippocampal CA1 region after the TGF-β1 treatment showed a reduced synaptic plasticity in PHRF1Δ/Δmice. Immunoblotting analysis indicated that PHRF1 ablation affected the TGF-β signaling. Collectively, our results demonstrate that PHRF1 is important for the dendritic architecture and required for spatial memory formation in the hippocampus.
Maternal and fetal cardiovascular and metabolic effects of intra-operative uterine handling under general anesthesia during pregnancy in sheep
Authors: Shaw Caroline J. , Botting Kimberley J. , Niu Youguo , Lees Christoph C. , Giussani Dino A.
Published: July 2020

A cohort study of 6,500,000 human pregnancies showed an increased risk of adverse fetal outcomes following abdominal but not non-abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. This may be the consequence of uterine handling during abdominal surgery. However, there are no data on any effects on the cardiometabolic physiology of the fetus or mother in response to uterine manipulation in otherwise healthy pregnancy. Consequently, 9 sheep in late gestation were anesthetized with isofluorane and maternal and fetal catheters and flow probes were implanted to determine cardiovascular and metabolic changes during uterine handling. Uterine handling led to an acute increase in uterine artery vascular resistance, fetal peripheral vasoconstriction, a reduction in oxygen delivery to the femoral circulation, worsening fetal acidosis. There was no evidence of systemic fetal hypoxia, or changes in fetal heart rate, carotid blood flow or carotid oxygen delivery. Therefore, the data support that uterine handling during abdominal surgery under general anesthesia can impact adversely on fetal cardiometabolic health. This may provide a potential explanation linking adverse fetal outcomes in abdominal compared with non-abdominal surgery during pregnancy. The data have important implications for human fetal surgery where the uterus is handled, as operative procedures during late gestation under general maternal anesthesia become more prevalent.