bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contact Lens Fitting in Patients with Keratoconus – A Retrospective Assessment of 200 Patients
Authors: Richter Kathrin , Jullien Theresia , Klühspies Ulrike , Langenbucher Achim , Seitz Berthold , Eppig Timo
Published: November 2021

Background and Purpose Nowadays, keratoconus (KC) is very well treatable in a stage-oriented manner. A wide range of designs and materials of contact lenses (CL) are available for the treatment of KC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibilities, the possible challenges and the visual outcome of lens fitting in KC eyes.

Patients and Methods This retrospective study includes data from 200 patients who received a lens fitting trial in our contact lens service between 2006 and 2016. We documented ophthalmological parameters, the type of prescribed CL, the number of required trial lenses and possible causes of the failure of the lens fitting.

Results The mean age at initial lens fitting was 33.9 ± 12.5 years. In 98.8% of the cases, the fitting was performed with rigid gas permeable lenses, in 90.1% with four-curve lenses. Of the total number of aspheric lenses prescribed, 87.5% were fitted in keratoconus stages “1” to “2” (topographic keratoconus classification; Oculus Keratograph). Back surface toric lenses or bitoric lenses were fitted to 61.7% in keratoconus stages “2 – 3” to “4”. Before patients received their final CL, a median of 2 trial lenses were required (max. 16). Mean visual acuity with lens correction was 0.8 ± 0.2 at the initial fitting, mean visual acuity with glasses correction was 0.5 ± 0.3. In 7.7% of the eyes, the KC lens fitting was discontinued due to the advanced stage of keratoconus, requiring a corneal transplant. Reasons for discontinuing contact lens fitting included lens intolerance (2.3%), application problems (0.3%) or acute corneal hydrops (0.3%). Discontinuation of lens
wearing due to incompatibilities or application problems occurred in only four cases (1.1%) in the further course after lens fitting.

Conclusions The use of contact lenses is an integral part of the stage-appropriate therapy of keratoconus. Good visual acuity can be achieved in all stages of keratoconus with a low drop-out rate. In most cases, the adjustment is carried out with rigid gas permeable lenses with a four-curve geometry. In initial stages, aspherical lenses may be sufficient. Toric lenses can be fitted in advanced stages when rotationally symmetrical lenses cannot achieve a satisfactory fit. If contact lenses have been successfully fitted, there are only a few cases in which patients abandon their contact lenses because of intolerance.
Bewohner*innen an der Konzeption beteiligen – Tagesstrukturierende Angebote
Authors: Schmidt Josephina , Marxer Anke , Guthier Johanna
Published: November 2021

„Wie können unsere Angebote einen möglichst großen Nutzen für unsere Bewohner*innen haben?“ Unter anderem diese Frage stellte sich ein multiprofessionelles Team in einem Wohnangebot für psychisch kranke Menschen. Gemeinsam mit den Bewohner*innen überprüfte das Team die tagesstrukturierenden Angebote und legte sie systematisch neu auf.
Regulations of Free Fatty Acids and Diabetic Parameters in Drug
Naïve Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Treated with Canagliflozin
Monotherapy
Authors: Kutoh Eiji , Kuto Alexandra N. , Wada Askuka , Kurihara Rumi , Kojima Rina
Published: November 2021

The objective of this study is to investigate the regulations of FFA with
canagliflozin in relation to metabolic parameters. Drug naïve subjects
with T2DM were administered 50–100 mg/day canagliflozin
monotherapy (n=70) for 3 months. Significant correlations between the
changes of (Δ) FFA and Δadipo-IR (R=0.496), but no
correlations between ΔFFA and ΔHOMA-R were observed. The
subjects were divided into three groups with similar numbers according to
Δ FFA: group A: highest tertile: (ΔFFA=38.7%,
n=23); group B: intermediate tertile: (ΔFFA=2%,
n=23); group C: lowest tertile:
(ΔFFA=−36%, n=24). Metabolic parameters
were compared between group A and group C. At baseline, FFA was higher in group
C than group A (p<0.002). Greater degrees of HbA1c reduction and
increases of insulin were observed in group C than group A (both
p<0.05). In group A, significant reductions of BMI
(−2.6%) and HOMA-R (−30%) were seen. In group C,
significant reductions of non-HDL-C (−6.2%), UA
(−7.6%) or adipo-IR (−28.7%), and increases of
HOMA-B (+85.6%) were observed. Taken together, 1) certain
population treated with canagliflozin showed decreased FFA. 2) beta-cell
function increased while atherogenic cholesterol, UA and adipo-IR decreased in
those with reduced FFA. Better glycemic efficacies were seen in these
populations. 3) body weight and whole body insulin resistance (HOMA-R)
significantly decreased in those with elevated FFA. 4) FFA is linked to adipose
insulin resistance (adipo-IR), while it does not appear to impact whole body
insulin resistance (HOMA-R).
RECUR – Aufbau eines automatisierten digitalen Registers
für Patient*innen mit rezidivierenden Steinen des oberen
Harntraktes
Authors: Walther Tabea , Farin Erik , Boeker Martin , Prokosch Hans-Ulrich , Binder Harald , Praus Friederike , Ploner Nico , Fichtner Urs Alexander , Horki Petar , Haeuslschmid Renate , Seuchter Susanne , Gratzke Christian , Schoenthaler Martin
Published: November 2021

Nierensteine werden wie Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen und Diabetes mellitus
aufgrund ihrer Häufigkeit zu den Volkskrankheiten gezählt.
Erkrankte können durch akute Schmerzen, wiederholte
Krankenhausaufenthalte und relevante Folgeerkrankungen belastet sein. Daraus
folgen auch erhebliche Kosten, die Gesellschaft und Gesundheitssystem tragen
müssen. Die Rezidivrate liegt bei 50%. Mit dem Register
für RECurrente URolithiasis (RECUR) sollen bestehenden
Evidenzlücken geschlossen werden. Dabei handelt es sich um ein
prospektives longitudinales Register, dessen Aufbau und Implementierung vom
Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) im Rahmen der
Förderung „Aufbau modellhafter, patientenbezogener Register
für die Versorgungsforschung“ finanziert wird. Es basiert auf
der digitalen Infrastruktur der Medizininformatik-Initiative des BMBF. Ziel ist
es, möglichst viele Patient*innen der 10 teilnehmenden Kliniken
mit mehr als einer Nierenstein-Episode einzuschließen, um neue
Erkenntnisse über Risikofaktoren, Diagnose- und Behandlungsalgorithmen
zu erhalten. Im Rahmen des RECUR Projekts sollen neben klinischen Routinedaten
auch „Patient Reported Outcomes“ von Patienten mit
rezidivierenden Nierensteinen erhoben werden. Die Erhebung dieser Daten werden
für alle teilnehmenden Standorte in Form von digitalen
Fragebögen mithilfe einer Smartphone App durchgeführt und mit
den medizinischen Daten aus dem Krankenhausinformationssystemen in
pseudonymisierter Form zusammengeführt. Das RECUR-Register hat durch
seinen vollständig föderierten, digitalen Ansatz einen
modellhaften Charakter. Dieser ermöglicht die Rekrutierung vieler
Patient*innen, die Erfassung eines breiten Datenspektrums und dessen
Aufbereitung bei gleichzeitig geringem Verwaltungs- und Personalaufwand.
Synthesis and Reactions of Borazines
Authors: Neogi Ishita , Szpilman Alex M.
Published: November 2021

Given the wide array of current applications of borazine-based materials, synthetic access to these compounds is of importance. This review summarizes the many ways of preparing borazines and its carbo-substituted analogues. In addition, the functionalization of borazines is covered. The synthesis of molecules incorporating more than one borazine units as well as aspects of unsymmetrically substituted borazines are not included. The literature has been covered comprehensively until the end of 2020.

1 Introduction: Structure and Properties of Borazine

2 Synthesis of Parent Borazine

3 Synthesis of N-Substituted Borazines

4 Synthesis of B-Halo/B-Halo-N-Substituted Borazines

5 Synthesis of B-Substituted Borazines

6 Synthesis of Polycyclic Borazines Containing One Borazine Ring

7 Modifications or Hydrolysis of the Borazine Ring

8 Borazine Metal Complexes

9 Outlook and Conclusion
Medial Olivocochlear Reflex Effect on Cochlear Response in Humans: Elicitor Side and Level
Authors: Jamos Abdullah M. , Chertoff Mark E. , Kaf Wafaa A. , Ferraro John A.
Published: November 2021

Abstract Background Understanding the functional differences between crossed and uncrossed medial olivocochlear (MOC) neurons has been of interest to researchers for decades. Previous reports revealed conflicting results about which MOC pathway, crossed or uncrossed,
is stronger in humans. Both crossed and uncrossed MOC neurons synapse at the base of the outer hair cells (OHCs) in each ear. OHCs generate the cochlear microphonic, which is a major contributor to the cochlear response (CR) Purpose The current study investigated the effects
of eliciting the crossed and uncrossed MOC reflex (MOCR) on CR in humans with three levels of noise. Research Design Normal-hearing, young adults (n = 16) participated in this study. The CR was recorded using 500 Hz tone-burst stimuli presented at
80 dB nHL. To examine the crossed and uncrossed MOCR, CR was recorded without and with continuous ipsilateral or contralateral broadband noise (BBN) at three levels (40, 50, and 60 dB SPL). Data Analysis Analysis of the CR was completed using the amplitude of
the response extracted using fast Fourier transform. Statistical analysis was completed using repeated measures analysis of variance and post-hoc analysis. Results Compared with baseline, the presentation of BBN, specifically contralaterally, resulted in CR enhancement
with no significant difference as a function of the three BBN levels. Greater enhancement of the CR amplitude was observed with contralateral than ipsilateral BBN elicitor. Conclusions The current findings suggest that a contralateral elicitor of the uncrossed MOC pathway results
in a larger CR amplitude enhancement compared with an ipsilateral elicitor of the crossed MOC pathway, regardless of the elicitor level. Eliciting the MOCR appears to modulate the OHCs function. Furthermore, assessing the MOCR with the 500 Hz CR with BBN elicitors at moderate levels
should separate its effects (i.e., increase response amplitude) from those associated with the middle ear muscle reflex (i.e., reduce response amplitude).
Characteristic Deviations of Auditory Evoked Potentials in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Gopal Kamakshi V. , Schafer Erin C. , Nandy Rajesh , Brown Ashley , Caldwell Joshua , Phillips Bryce , Ballard Gabrielle
Published: November 2021

Abstract Background Neurological, structural, and behavioral abnormalities are widely reported in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); yet there are no objective markers to date. We postulated that by using dominant and nondominant ear data, underlying
differences in auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) between ASD and control groups can be recognized. Purpose The primary purpose was to identify if significant differences exist in AEPs recorded from dominant and nondominant ear stimulation in (1) children with ASD and their
matched controls, (2) adults with ASD and their matched controls, and (3) a combined child and adult ASD group and control group. The secondary purpose was to explore the association between the significant findings of this study with those obtained in our previous study that evaluated the
effects of auditory training on AEPs in individuals with ASD. Research Design Factorial analysis of variance with interaction was performed. Study Sample Forty subjects with normal hearing between the ages of 9 and 25 years were included. Eleven children and
9 adults with ASD were age- and gender-matched with neurotypical peers. Data Collection and Analysis Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) and auditory late responses (ALRs) were recorded. Adult and child ASD subjects were compared with non-ASD adult and child control subjects,
respectively. The combined child and adult ASD group was compared with the combined child and adult control group. Results No significant differences in ABR latency or amplitude were observed between ASD and control groups. ALR N1 amplitude in the dominant ear was significantly
smaller for the ASD adult group compared with their control group. Combined child and adult data showed significantly smaller amplitude for ALR N1 and longer ALR P2 latency in the dominant ear for the ASD group compared with the control group. In our earlier study, the top predictor of behavioral
improvement following auditory training was ALR N1 amplitude in the dominant ear. Correspondingly, the ALR N1 amplitude in the dominant ear yielded group differences in the current study. Conclusions ALR peak N1 amplitude is proposed as the most feasible AEP marker in the evaluation
of ASD.
A Novel 4q32.3 Deletion in a Child: Additional Signs and the Role of MARCH1
Authors: Pappalardo Xena Giada , Ruggieri Martino , Falsaperla Raffaele , Savasta Salvatore , Raucci Umberto , Pavone Piero
Published: November 2021

The 4q deletion syndrome is an uncommon condition manifesting with broad clinical expression and phenotypic variability. We report a 5-year-old boy affected by 4q deletion syndrome who showed minor craniofacial features, growth failure, mild developmental delay, severe speech delay, and marked irascibility and aggressivity. Moreover, he showed precocious and crowded primary dentition, digital hyperlaxity, and congenital bilateral adducted thumbs, signs which were previously unreported in the syndrome. The array comparative genomic hybridization analysis revealed a 4q partial terminal deletion of ∼329.6 kb extending from 164.703.186 to 165.032.803 nt, which includes part of MARCH1 (membrane associated ring-CH-type finger 1) gene (OMIM#613331). Same rearrangement was found in his healthy mother. Clinical phenotype of the child and its relationship to the deleted region is presented with a revision of the cases having the same copy number losses from the literature and genomic variant databases.
Expansion Points Intervention in Young Children with Speech Sound Disorders: A Multiple Baseline Design
Authors: Brumbaugh Klaire M. , Gibson Ashley
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of expansion points (EXP) intervention with a modified criterion for preschool children with speech sound disorders (SSD). Three preschool-aged children were enrolled in a single-subject multiple baseline intervention study. Intervention took place over 16 sessions. Pre- and post-intervention data are provided. Three outcome measures (generalization to probe words and gains in percent consonants correct, PCC, in words and in conversation) were evaluated to measure the effectiveness of the EXP intervention. All three of the participants demonstrated gains by the end of the intervention phase when measuring PCC in single words. Two of the three participants demonstrated gains in PCC in conversational speech. Progress on individual phonemes was variable across participants. Utilizing the EXP approach, two of the three children showed gains in all three outcome measures. One child showed variable performance in one outcome measure, improvement in one, and a decrease in one. Findings suggest that EXP should be further explored to evaluate intervention efficacy.
From unimpeachable autonomy to self-imposed heteronomy: a liberal and Foucauldian perspective on advance euthanasia directives
Authors: Kayßer Malte , Wedekind Peter
Published: November 2021

Based on a controversial case of assisted suicide offered to and eventually enforced on a demented woman vainly resisting the procedure, this article discusses the problems that arise when the human entity is conceptualized as an individual primarily defined by his ability for rational self-expression and autonomous self-rule. To highlight these difficulties, a liberal view on ‘autonomy’—a term which serves as anidealbut is yet subject toconditions—is scrutinized. Given that liberal political theory alone is insufficient to fully reflect the changes of personality by which an individual’s fight for autonomy bears the potential to turn into unalterable heteronomy, it is complemented by the thought of Michel Foucault. With his attention to societal mechanisms which bring individuals about—a process termed ‘individuation’ in the following—cases like the aforementioned scenario wherein individuals are forced to divide themselves from themselves can be critically analyzed. Such an approach illustrates that the established notion of the ‘individual’ can be led ad absurdum, and its validity as both an analytical idea and a normative vision should be challenged. As a result, there is a need for a more clairvoyant concept of the human person to be articulated, capable of conciliating the discontinuous nature of existence.
A 5-kV pulse generator with a 100-kV/µs slew rate based on series-connected 1700-V SiC MOSFETs for electrical insulation tests
Authors: Okuda T. , Nishimura Y. , Nishioka K. , Kishimoto S. , Kikuchi Y. , Nakamura T.
Published: November 2021

This study demonstrates a high-slew-rate 5-kV pulse generator for electrical insulation tests. Electrical equipment, such as electrical actuators and traction drive motors, are exposed to severe electrical stress because recent switching inverters have high-frequency outputs with high supply voltages using wide-bandgap power devices. For an advanced electrical insulation test, a high-voltage pulse generator is required with a high slew rate; however, such generators suffer from large switching noise, followed by measurement noise, such as ground voltage fluctuations and radiation noise, hindering the detection of partial discharge (PD) phenomena. In this study, we propose a 5-kV pulse generator based on series-connected 1700-V silicon carbide (SiC) metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). Four 1700-V SiC MOSFETs are connected in series as a 5-kV SiC switching module, constituting a half-bridge configuration for the pulse generator. The obtained switching waveforms exhibit fast rise times of 48 ns under 5 kV and 6.2 ns under 400 V with a low voltage overshoot and ringing owing to superior device characteristics and reduced parasitic inductances. Because of the low switching noise, we detect a clear PD signal with a 1500-V pulse when using the fabricated pulse generator for a PD test of a twisted pair. The proposed pulse generator uses a hard switching configuration such that the pulse generator can vary the pulse width from 150 ns to DC and increase the switching pulse cycle beyond 1 MHz by changing the control signals of the SiC MOSFETs.
Design, fabrication, and calibration of a micro-load cell for micro-resistojet development
Authors: Seo Daeban , Ryu Youngsuk , Choi Jinnil , Lee Jongkwang
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a micro-load cell utilized for the thrust measurement of a micro-resistojet is described. To improve the degree of completion of the micro-resistojet during the development process, a concept of a micro-load cell, which enables sufficient performance evaluation under space environmental conditions, was proposed through minimization and simplification of a thrust measurement stand. The piezoresistive sensing method was applied to this load cell, which was composed of a membrane, strain gauges, and a built-in Wheatstone bridge. The membrane size was designed using large-deflection theory so that the load cell could exhibit linear characteristics within the measurement range. A polysilicon strain gauge with a high gauge factor was used for the piezoresistor. The strain gauge also had very low sensitivity to temperature, allowing accurate measurement of the membrane deflection caused by thrust without requiring an additional compensation circuit. Four strain gauges were placed to form a full-bridge circuit at the edge of the membrane. The load cell was then realized by a microelectromechanical system fabrication process. The fabricated load cell was calibrated using a three-axis precision moving stage and a commercial load cell. As a result, the load cell output signal was linear in the measurement range of 1–7 mN and the measured sensitivity of the sensor was 1.566 31 × 10−4 V/mN. The calculated nonlinearity was within 1% in the measurement range.
The application of one-dimensional nanostructures in terahertz frequency devices
Authors: Peng Kun , Johnston Michael B.
Published: November 2021

One-dimensional nanostructures commonly refer to nanomaterials with a large length-to-diameter ratio, such as nanowires, nanotubes, nanorods, and nanopillars. The nanoscale lateral dimensions and high aspect ratios of these (quasi) one-dimensional nanostructures result in fascinating optical and electrical properties, including strongly anisotropic optical absorption, controlled directionality of light emission, confined charge-carrier transport and/or ballistic transport, which make one-dimensional nanostructures ideal building blocks for applications in highly integrated photonic, electronic, and optoelectronic systems. In this article, we review recent developments of very high (terahertz) frequency devices based on these one-dimensional nanostructures, particularly focusing on carbon nanotubes and semiconductor nanowires. We discuss state-of-the-art nanomaterials synthesis, device-fabrication techniques, device-operating mechanisms, and device performance. The combination of nanotechnology and terahertz science is a nascent research field which has created advanced THz sources, detectors, and modulators, leading to terahertz systems with extended functionalities. The goal of this article is to present the up-to-date worldwide status of this field and to highlight the current challenges and future opportunities.
Carrier transport and performance limit of semi-transparent photovoltaics: CuIn1−xGaxSe2 as a case study
Authors: Maria Eymana , Saha Ajanta , Khan M. Ryyan , Zubair Md. Abdullah , Baten Md. Zunaid , Sajjad Redwan N.
Published: November 2021

Semi-transparent photovoltaic devices for building integrated applications have the potential to provide simultaneous power generation and natural light penetration. CuIn1−xGaxSe2 has been established as a mature technology for thin-film photovoltaics; however, its potential for Semi-Transparent Photovoltaics (STPV) is yet to be explored. In this paper, we present its carrier transport physics explaining the trend seen in recently published experiments. STPV requires deposition of films of only a few hundred nanometers to make them transparent and manifests several unique properties compared to a conventional thin-film solar cell. Our analysis shows that the short-circuit current, Jsc, is dominated by carriers generated in the depletion region, making it nearly independent of bulk and back-surface recombination. The bulk recombination, which limits the open-circuit voltage Voc, appears to be higher than usual and attributable to numerous grain boundaries. When the absorber layer is reduced below 500 nm, grain size reduces, resulting in more grain boundaries and higher resistance. This produces an inverse relationship between series resistance and absorber thickness. We also present a thickness-dependent model of shunt resistance showing its impact in these ultra-thin devices. For various scenarios of bulk and interface recombinations, shunt and series resistances, AVT, and composition of CuIn1−xGaxSe2, we project the efficiency limit, which—for most practical cases—is found to be ≤10% for AVT≥25%.
Cathode temperature measurement of a hydrogen self-field MPD thruster during 1 ms quasi-steady operation
Authors: Oshio Yuya , Tauchi Shitan , Kawasaki Akira , Funaki Ikkoh
Published: November 2021

In this study, a 2D two-color pyrometer was developed to measure the cathode surface temperature distribution of a high-power hydrogen magnetoplasmadynamic thruster. The developed measurement system consists of an object lens, a beam splitter, bandpass filters, and two cameras. Wavelengths of 950 and 980 nm were selected to achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio by reducing the effects of plasma radiation. The cathode temperature distribution was measured in a discharge current range of 6–13 kA during approximately 1 ms quasi-steady operation. A spot-like high-temperature region over 3000 K and an overall low temperature were observed at low discharge currents. The overall cathode tip region was heated to approximately 2800 K at high discharge currents. The temperature distribution with high temperature only near the cathode tip was measured during quasi-steady operation, the duration of which is shorter than the duration of thermal conduction. These results show that the discharge current distribution near the cathode is stable during the time scale of sub-milliseconds. We confirmed that this temperature distribution remains constant during a 1 ms duty cycle through cathode temperature measurements at each operation time with a 0.2 ms exposure time. The measurement error was approximately 10% of the calculated temperature; a cross-check was performed utilizing near-infrared spectrum measurements.
New insights into the biomimetic design and biomedical applications of bioengineered bone microenvironments
Authors: Oliveira Cláudia S. , Leeuwenburgh Sander , Mano João F.
Published: November 2021

The bone microenvironment is characterized by an intricate interplay between cellular and noncellular components, which controls bone remodeling and repair. Its highly hierarchical architecture and dynamic composition provide a unique microenvironment as source of inspiration for the design of a wide variety of bone tissue engineering strategies. To overcome current limitations associated with the gold standard for the treatment of bone fractures and defects, bioengineered bone microenvironments have the potential to orchestrate the process of bone regeneration in a self-regulated manner. However, successful approaches require a strategic combination of osteogenic, vasculogenic, and immunomodulatory factors through a synergic coordination between bone cells, bone-forming factors, and biomaterials. Herein, we provide an overview of (i) current three-dimensional strategies that mimic the bone microenvironment and (ii) potential applications of bioengineered microenvironments. These strategies range from simple to highly complex, aiming to recreate the architecture and spatial organization of cell–cell, cell-matrix, and cell-soluble factor interactions resembling the in vivo microenvironment. While several bone microenvironment-mimicking strategies with biophysical and biochemical cues have been proposed, approaches that exploit the ability of the cells to self-organize into microenvironments with a high regenerative capacity should become a top priority in the design of strategies toward bone regeneration. These miniaturized bone platforms may recapitulate key characteristics of the bone regenerative process and hold great promise to provide new treatment concepts for the next generation of bone implants.
In silico all-atom approach to thermodiffusion in dilute aqueous solutions
Authors: Diaz-Marquez Alejandro , Stirnemann Guillaume
Published: November 2021

Thermodiffusion (or thermophoresis) is the phenomenon by which the spatial distributions of constituents of liquid or gas phases become inhomogeneous in response to a temperature gradient. It has been evidenced in a variety of systems and has many practical applications as well as implications in the context of the origins of life. A complete molecular picture of thermophoresis is still missing, and phenomenological approaches are often employed to account for the experimental observations. In particular, the amplitude of the resulting concentration-gradients (quantified by the Soret coefficient) depends on many factors that are not straightforwardly rationalized. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations appear as an exquisite tool to shed light on the molecular origins for this phenomenon in molecular systems, but the practical implementation of thermophoretic settings in silico poses significant challenges. Here, we propose a robust approach to tackle thermophoresis in dilute realistic solutions at the molecular level. We rely on a recent enhanced heat-exchange algorithm to generate temperature-gradients. We carefully assess the convergence of thermophoretic simulations in dilute aqueous solutions. We show that simulations typically need to be propagated on long timescales (hundreds of nanoseconds). We find that the magnitude of the temperature gradient and the box sizes have little effect on the measured Soret coefficients. Practical guidelines are derived from such observations. Provided with this reliable setup, we discuss the results of thermophoretic simulations on several examples of molecular, neutral solutes, which we find in very good agreement with experimental measurements regarding the concentration-, mass-, and temperature-dependence of the Soret coefficient.
Vacuum-gap transmon qubits realized using flip-chip technology
Authors: Li Xuegang , Zhang Yingshan , Yang Chuhong , Li Zhiyuan , Wang Junhua , Su Tang , Chen Mo , Li Yongchao , Li Chengyao , Mi Zhenyu , Liang Xuehui , Wang Chenlu , Yang Zhen , Feng Yulong , Linghu Kehuan , Xu Huikai , Han Jiaxiu , Liu Weiyang , Zhao Peng , Ma Teng , Wang Ruixia , Zhang Jingning , Song Yu , Liu Pei , Wang Ziting , Yang Zhaohua , Xue Guangming , Jin Yirong , Yu Haifeng
Published: November 2021

Significant progress has been made in building large-scale superconducting quantum processors based on flip-chip technology. In this work, we use flip-chip technology to realize a modified transmon qubit, denoted as the “flipmon,” whose large shunt capacitor is replaced by a vacuum-gap parallel plate capacitor. We place one of the qubit pads and a single Josephson junction on the bottom chip and the other pad on the top chip, which is galvanically connected with the junction through an indium bump. The electric field energy participation ratio can arrive at nearly 53% in air when the vacuum-gap is about 5 μm, thus potentially leading to a lower dielectric loss. The coherence times of the flipmons are obtained in the range of 30–60 μs, which are comparable with that of conventional transmons with similar fabrication processes. The electric field simulation indicates that the metal-air interface's energy participation ratio increases significantly and may dominate the flipmon's decoherence. This suggests that more careful surface treatment needs to be considered. No evidence shows that the indium bumps inside the flipmons cause significant decoherence. With well-designed geometry and good surface treatment, the coherence of the flipmons can be further improved.
A novel computational approach to simulate microswimmers propelled by bacterial flagella
Authors: Lee Wanho , Kim Yongsam , Peskin Charles S. , Lim Sookkyung
Published: November 2021

Peritrichously flagellated bacteria swim in a fluid environment by rotating motors embedded in the cell membrane and consequently rotating multiple helical flagella. We present a novel mathematical model of a microswimmer that can freely run propelled by a flagellar bundle and tumble upon motor reversals. Our cell model is composed of a rod-shaped rigid cell body and multiple flagella randomly distributed over the cell body. These flagella can go through polymorphic transformations. We demonstrate that flagellar bundling is influenced by flagellar distribution and hence the number of flagella. Moreover, the reorientation of cells is affected by the number of flagella, how many flagella change their polymorphisms within a cell, the tumble timing, different combinations of polymorphic sequences, and random motor reversals. Our mathematical method can be applied to numerous types of microorganisms and may help to understand their characteristic swimming mechanisms.
Direct numerical simulation of the flow around a sphere immersed in a flat-plate turbulent boundary layer
Authors: Shang Wenqiang , Zhao Hui , Li Dong , Luo Kun , Fan Jianren
Published: November 2021

This study investigates flow past a sphere immersed in a flat-plate turbulent boundary layer by using direct numerical simulations, with the objective of clarifying the effects of a wall-proximity sphere on turbulent coherent structures and turbulence statistics. Three cases are evaluated with gap ratios (G/D) of 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 at a Reynolds number of ReD=2500, where D is the diameter of the sphere and G is the gap width between the bottom of the sphere and the flat plate. The results show that the wake of the sphere plays an important role in the streamwise region 0<x/D<10. The near-wall streaks break into small-scale point-like or patch-like structures in the near-wake region, with the most significant effect at G/D=0.1. This can be attributed to the interactions between the shedding vortex behind the sphere and vortical structures within the flat-plate boundary layer. Detail analysis of turbulence statistics indicates that the flat-plate boundary layer thickness is increased at x/D<−0.5 owing to the blockage effect of the sphere, whereas it is decreased at x/D>0.5 because of the high-speed jet flow around it. In addition, the presence of a wall-proximity sphere significantly affects the skin friction coefficient. The budgets of the turbulent kinetic energy show that turbulence production and viscous dissipation are augmented due to the formation of small-scale vortices and interactions among them in the near-wake region, especially at G/D=0.1.
Cliff's Nodes with Appreciations
Authors: Lock Frank
Published: November 2021

Cliff's Nodes with Appreciations provides updated commentary and analysis on Cliff Swartz's editorials written while editor of the journal The Physics Teacher (AIP Publishing). These articles provide the basis for an updated look at physics education, the anti-science surge, and the importance of learning science by practicing science.

This book provides new insights including:The past and future of physics pedagogy and the intrinsic rewards of studying physicsUpdated, critical analysis and modern context for current teachers written in an easy-toread, appealing styleRelating physics education strategies to practices used in the corporate world

Cliff's Nodes with Appreciations is a useful resource for teachers focused on science education and will benefit both early career teachers and those with extensive experience.
Teaching Strategies
Authors: Lock Frank
Published: November 2021

This chapter deals with the variety of strategies used to teach physics. “Just-In-Time Education” examines how strategies used in the corporate world might be adapted to teaching. In describing his “Resortivism” theory, Cliff proposed a new education practice to compete with the many new theories encountered regularly. In “It's a Wise Teacher,” Cliff emphasizes knowing the students you work with. “The Illusionist” is an explanation of how and why physics teachers simplify concepts. “Sawing the Lady in Half” is an analysis of demonstrations.

In the “Hawthorn Effect,” Cliff examines the way researcher bias can influence evaluation of a teaching innovation. “Buzzwords and Newspeak” is a description of the ever-recurring education innovations. In “Mastery,” Cliff examines a goal that is challenging for students to achieve. Teaching is challenging, and as Cliff writes in “The Road to Panacea,” education researchers are always proposing new ways to address challenges. In writing “Why Do We Need Labs?” and “Absolute Error,” Cliff addresses the importance of lab to learning physics and good lab technique. In “First, the Question,” Cliff identifies asking students good questions as important, and in “First, the Answer,” the importance of making approximations is addressed.
Course Content
Authors: Lock Frank
Published: November 2021

Course content deals with which physics topics are important to teach. “Happy New Year” examines resolutions Cliff made regarding learning new things. “All Out for the Physics Lab” describes reasons why lab is important. “What Every Young Student Should Know” includes information about expectations of students. “Thoughts from Down Under” addresses the order of topics appropriate for a course. “Seasonal Employment” deals with course prerequisites, and “A Hidden Agenda” considers options for an ideal curriculum. Lab equipment is the focus of “The Varieties of Lab Experience,” and “To the Solid Ground of Nature” is an examination of student lab work.
Relationship with Nature
Authors: Lock Frank
Published: November 2021

“The Relationship with Nature” is an examination of the science of physics and natural processes. “The Moral Equivalent of Physics” deals with topics including the energy crisis of the 1970s, fracking, the climate crisis, and the laws of thermodynamics. “This Awful Universe” identifies the beauty of astronomical events, students investigating natural phenomena, and the excitement of observing Mother Nature's show. In “Sleeping with the Fish,” Cliff describes the importance of informal education. Facts about nature, and making them palatable to people, are analyzed in “On the Sizes of Things.” Making reasonable estimates or guesses about significant quantities in nature is the topic of “To a First Approximation.” Cliff writes of things that may seem simple, but are not easy to teach, in “Trinity Sure—II.” The topic presented in “Aetas Mirabilis,” information about scientific progress, is examined in terms of when is it a great time to be studying physics. “The Order of Nature” is an analysis of learning readiness and why people should not try to fool Mother Nature. In “The Error of Our Ways,” Cliff writes of the importance of proper error analysis, and in “Insignificant Figures,” he identifies the significance of uncommon sense in reporting results on research.
in New Guinea: neglected, ignored and unexplored
Authors: Bradbury Richard S
Published: November 2021

Strongyloidiasis remains endemic throughout the Island of New Guinea. While many infections are caused by Strongyloides stercoralis, a second human-infecting Strongyloides species, Strongyloides fuelleborni kellyi, is also present. S. f. kellyi infections are most common in infants and young children, and those with high-intensity infections might develop a potentially fatal protein-losing enteropathy, swollen belly syndrome. Surprisingly little work has been performed on S. f. kellyi. Unlike S. stercoralis, S. f. kellyi is passed in faeces as eggs rather than rhabditiform larvae. There is no specific diagnostic test. This review summarises what is currently known about the biology, epidemiology, and clinical impact of S. f. kellyi infections. Features that might be used to differentiate S. f. kellyi from hookworm and S. stercoralis are also discussed. S. f. kellyi remains a neglected, ignored, and unexplored human helminth infection, worthy of further research.
Expanding freshwater biologger studies to view fish as environmental sensing platforms
Authors: Kraus Richard T. , Bontrager Helen , Vandergoot Christopher S. , Faust Matthew D.
Published: November 2021

While recording fish habitat use by electronic sensors, biologgers can also be viewed as autonomous environmental monitoring systems with the organism as a vehicle. This dual perspective has provided novel results from marine ecosystems, but has not been applied to freshwater ecosystems. To understand limitations in fresh water, we evaluated miniature depth and temperature recorders as aquatic monitoring systems in a Laurentian Great Lake: Erie. As part of an acoustic telemetry study, biologgers were opportunistically implanted in a subsample of walleye Sander vitreus. Biologgers recorded temperature and depth at half-hour intervals for up to 1 year. Recaptures provided six biologgers for analysis of seasonal temperature patterns and lake stratification, key variables for understanding dimictic lakes. Depth-resolved temperature patterns showed close correspondence with independent weather buoy measurements. Because the buoy was deployed late in the season, biologger data provided improved estimates of the start of stratification, which had important implications for understanding development of hypoxia in the hypolimnion. Drawbacks to biologger data included imprecise knowledge of fish location and reliance on tag recoveries from the fishery. Optimistically, our results show how biologgers could be part of a monitoring approach that integrates limnological surveys with fisheries science.
Multiple energy sources and metabolic strategies sustain microbial diversity in Antarctic desert soils
Authors: Ortiz Maximiliano , Leung Pok Man , Shelley Guy , Jirapanjawat Thanavit , Nauer Philipp A. , Van Goethem Marc W. , Bay Sean K. , Islam Zahra F. , Jordaan Karen , Vikram Surendra , Chown Steven L. , Hogg Ian D. , Makhalanyane Thulani P. , Grinter Rhys , Cowan Don A. , Greening Chris
Published: November 2021

Significance

Diverse microbial life has been detected in the cold desert soils of Antarctica once thought to be barren. Here, we provide metagenomic, biogeochemical, and culture-based evidence that Antarctic soil microorganisms are phylogenetically and functionally distinct from those in other soils and adopt various metabolic and ecological strategies. The most abundant community members are metabolically versatile aerobes that use ubiquitous atmospheric trace gases to potentially meet energy, carbon, and, through metabolic water production, hydration needs. Lineages capable of harvesting solar energy, oxidizing edaphic inorganic substrates, or adopting symbiotic lifestyles were also identified. Altogether, these findings provide insights into microbial adaptation to extreme water and energy limitation and will inform ongoing efforts to conserve the unique biodiversity on this continent.
The bacterial tyrosine kinase system CpsBCD governs the length of capsule polymers
Authors: Nakamoto Rei , Kwan Jeric Mun Chung , Chin Jasmine Fei Li , Ong Hui Ting , Flores-Kim Josue , Midonet Caroline , VanNieuwenhze Michael S. , Guan Xue Li , Sham Lok-To
Published: November 2021

Significance

Controlling the length of capsular polysaccharide (CPS) chains is thought to promote pathogen survival in various host niches. The polysaccharide copolymerase 2b family proteins were implicated in regulating CPS sizes. These proteins form a bacterial tyrosine kinase (BY-kinase) system that responds to the environment by modulating its phosphorylation status. Nevertheless, the role of autophosphorylation in capsule synthesis is still elusive. Here, we found that the disruption of BY-kinase CpsCD is lethal inStreptococcus pneumoniaeserotype 2 strain D39. Phosphorylation of CpsD resulted in shorter CPS polymers. We also provide cell biology evidence that CPS synthesis is coordinated with peptidoglycan synthesis.
Adhesion GPCR Latrophilin 3 regulates synaptic function of cone photoreceptors in a trans-synaptic manner
Authors: Wang Yuchen , Cao Yan , Hays Cassandra L. , Laboute Thibaut , Ray Thomas A. , Guerrero-Given Debbie , Ahuja Abhimanyu S. , Patil Dipak , Rivero Olga , Kamasawa Naomi , Kay Jeremy N. , Thoreson Wallace B. , Martemyanov Kirill A.
Published: November 2021

Significance

This study addresses a fundamental question in neuroscience: how do neurons functionally specify and diversify their synaptic connections? This question is particularly relevant in the visual system in which neurons handle a broad range of stimuli requiring synapses to adjust their gain accordingly. In this work, we describe how synapses of cone photoreceptors, which all vertebrate animals utilize for daylight vision, handle this task through an elegant trans-synaptic mechanism involving a splice isoform of a cell-adhesion molecule, Latrophillin 3.
SARS-CoV-2 exposure in wild white-tailed deer (
Odocoileus virginianus
)
Authors: Chandler Jeffrey C. , Bevins Sarah N. , Ellis Jeremy W. , Linder Timothy J. , Tell Rachel M. , Jenkins-Moore Melinda , Root J. Jeffrey , Lenoch Julianna B. , Robbe-Austerman Suelee , DeLiberto Thomas J. , Gidlewski Thomas , Kim Torchetti Mia , Shriner Susan A.
Published: November 2021

Widespread human SARS-CoV-2 infections combined with human–wildlife interactions create the potential for reverse zoonosis from humans to wildlife. We targeted white-tailed deer (
Odocoileus virginianus
) for serosurveillance based on evidence these deer have angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors with high affinity for SARS-CoV-2, are permissive to infection, exhibit sustained viral shedding, can transmit to conspecifics, exhibit social behavior, and can be abundant near urban centers. We evaluated 624 prepandemic and postpandemic serum samples from wild deer from four US states for SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Antibodies were detected in 152 samples (40%) from 2021 using a surrogate virus neutralization test. A subset of samples tested with a SARS-CoV-2 virus neutralization test showed high concordance between tests. These data suggest white-tailed deer in the populations assessed have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2.
Structure-selected graphene/metallic surface plasmon coupling regime and infrared modulation application
Authors: Zhang Ye , Lai Jianjun , Chen Changhong
Published: November 2021

Here we present a graphene-based long-wavelength infrared modulator characteristic of extra-high contrast, where the frequency detuning degree of magnetic and electric surface plasmons (SPs) is controllable by the gated graphene Fermi energy. If the device is designed to work in a strong SP-coupling regime by selecting an appropriate low-lossy gate dielectric thickness, a modulation depth (MD) up to ∼100% but insertion loss (IL) as low as ∼−0.37 dB is achievable. Moreover, a compromised MD > 90% with IL < −1.0 dB is still retainable in two broadband ranges. The disclosed underlying mechanism to the device working state in the strong, electromagnetic-induced transparency (EIT), or weak SP-coupling regime, indicates the coupling regime shows a strong dependence on the dielectric thickness, which is related to the magnetic-SP mode volume, while the working wavelength can be selected in a broader spectral range by scaling the device geometry. These findings are helpful to construct those optoelectronics for infrared absorption enhancement, EIT, and strong coupling spectral characteristic itself.
Cycling-induced structural damage/degradation of electrode materials–microscopic viewpoint
Authors: Yang Fuqian
Published: November 2021

Most analyses of the mechanical deformation of electrode materials of lithium-ion battery in the framework of continuum mechanics suggest the occurring of structural damage/degradation during the de-lithiation phase and cannot explain the lithiation-induced damage/degradation in electrode materials, as observed experimentally. In this work, we present first-principle analysis of the interaction between two adjacent silicon atoms from the Stillinger–Weber two-body potential and obtain the critical separation between the two silicon atoms for the rupture of Si–Si bonds. Simple calculation of the engineering-tensile strain for the formation of Li–Si intermetallic compounds from the lithiation of silicon reveals that cracking and cavitation in lithiated silicon can occur due to the formation of Li–Si intermetallic compounds. Assuming the proportionality between the net mass flux across the tip surface of a slit crack and the migration rate of the crack tip, we develop analytical formulas for the growth and healing of the slit crack controlled by lithiation and de-lithiation, respectively. It is the combinational effects of the state of charge, the radius of curvature of the crack tip and local electromotive force that determine the cycling-induced growth and healing of surface cracks in lithiated silicon.