bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triple threshold lasing from a photonic trap in a Te/Se-based optical microcavity
Authors: Sawicki Krzysztof , Rousset Jean-Guy , Rudniewski Rafał , Pacuski Wojciech , Ściesiek Maciej , Kazimierczuk Tomasz , Sobczak Kamil , Borysiuk Jolanta , Nawrocki Michał , Suffczyński Jan
Published: April 2019

Lasing relies on light amplification in the active medium of an optical resonator. There are three lasing regimes in the emission from a quantum well coupled to a semiconductor microcavity. Polariton lasing in the strong light–matter coupling regime arises from the stimulated scattering of exciton-polaritons. Photon lasing in the weak coupling regime relies on either of two mechanisms: the stimulated recombination of excitons, or of an electron–hole plasma. So far, only one or two out of these three regimes have been reported for a given structure, independently of the material system studied. Here, we report on all three lasing regimes and provide evidence for a three-threshold behavior in the emission from a photonic trap in a Se/Te-based planar microcavity comprising a single CdSe/(Cd,Mg)Se quantum well. Our work establishes the so far unsettled relation between lasing regimes that differ by their light-matter coupling strength and degree of electron–hole Coulomb correlation.
Active control of terahertz plasmon-induced transparency in the hybrid metamaterial/monolayer MoS2/Si structure
Authors: Ji Jie , Zhou Siyan , Wang Weijun , Ling Furi , Yao Jianquan
Published: April 2019

Active control of terahertz waves is critical to the development of terahertz devices. In this study, we investigated modulation property of terahertz wave based on the hybrid metamaterial/monolayer MoS2/Si structure with tunable infrared light.
An NHC-catalyzed, stereoselective α-functionalization of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids through in situ activation
Authors: Wang Zhanlin , Zhang Huiqing , Qian Huimin , Wang Yuanfeng , Yu Chenxia , Li Tuanjie , Yao Changsheng
Published: April 2019

An N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed diastereo- and enantioselective α-functionalization of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids bearing γ-H to construct dihydrocoumarin was realized through in situ activation.
Dominance ofCandidatus saccharibacteriain SBRs achieving partial denitrification: effects of sludge acclimating methods on microbial communities and nitrite accumulation
Authors: Xiujie Wang , Weiqi Wang , Jing Zhang , Siyu Wang , Jun Li
Published: April 2019

Partial denitrification (NO3−-N → NO2−-N) was combined with anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX) to achieve nitrogen removal with a low C/N ratio and low energy consumption.
Tunable porous silica nanoparticles as a universal dye adsorbent
Authors: Raj S. Irudhaya , Jaiswal Adhish , Uddin Imran
Published: April 2019

Adsorption of cationic and anionic dyes (A) MO, (B) BCG, (C) RB, and (D) MB by optimized calcined porous silica nanoparticles.
Automatic screening of antioxidants based on the evaluation of kinetics of suppression of chemiluminescence in a luminol–hydrogen peroxide system using a sequential injection analysis setup with a flow-batch detection cell
Authors: Chládková Gabriela , Kunovská Klára , Chocholouš Petr , Polášek Miroslav , Sklenářová Hana
Published: April 2019

Real time monitoring of kinetic profiles of antioxidant activity of phenolic substances.
An integrated homogeneous SPARCL™ immunoassay for rapid biomarker detection on a chip
Authors: Sandetskaya Natalia , Isserstedt-John Nicole , Kölsch Andreas , Schattschneider Sebastian , Kuhlmeier Dirk
Published: April 2019

A very simple and rapid homogeneous SPARCL™ immunoassay with on-chip preserved dry reagents enables sensitive quantitative detection of biomarkers.
Microplastics analysis in environmental samples – recent pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method improvements to increase the reliability of mass-related data
Authors: Fischer Marten , Scholz-Böttcher Barbara M.
Published: April 2019

Thermal methods are of increased relevance in the field of mass-related microplastics (MP) analysis on trace level.
Construction of an artificial inorganic leaf CdS–BiVO4 Z-scheme and its enhancement activities for pollutant degradation and hydrogen evolution
Authors: Yang Ruijie , Zhu Rongshu , Fan Yingying , Hu Longjun , Chen Baiyang
Published: April 2019

An artificial inorganic leaf CdS–BiVO4 micro-nano Z-scheme photocatalytic system was synthesized by the BT–DC–SILAR method taking a leaf as a template.
Correction: Effect of maturity and mineralogy on fluid-rock reactions in the Marcellus Shale
Authors: Pilewski John , Sharma Shikha , Agrawal Vikas , Hakala J. Alexandra , Stuckman Mengling Y.
Published: April 2019

Correction for ‘Effect of maturity and mineralogy on fluid-rock reactions in the Marcellus Shale’ by John Pilewski et al., Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c8em00452h.
Simple fabrication of layered halide perovskite platelets and enhanced photoluminescence from mechanically exfoliated flakes
Authors: Dhanabalan Balaji , Castelli Andrea , Palei Milan , Spirito Davide , Manna Liberato , Krahne Roman , Arciniegas Milena
Published: April 2019

Bright blue-emitting 2D layered perovskites based on single octahedral planes are fabricated with different spacer molecules, and acetone as solvent.
pH/redox dual-stimuli-responsive cross-linked polyphosphazene nanoparticles for multimodal imaging-guided chemo-photodynamic therapy
Authors: Jing Xunan , Zhi Zhe , Jin Liming , Wang Fei , Wu Youshen , Wang Daquan , Yan Kai , Shao Yongping , Meng Lingjie
Published: April 2019

Multifunctional nanodrugs with the integration of precise diagnostic and effective therapeutic functions have shown great promise in improving the efficacy of cancer therapy.
Temperature-directed synthesis of N-doped carbon-based nanotubes and nanosheets decorated with Fe (Fe3O4, Fe3C) nanomaterials
Authors: Liu Jinghua , Kang Xu , He Xiong , Wei Peicheng , Wen Yan , Li Xin
Published: April 2019

Temperature-directed synthesis of N-doped carbon-based nanotubes and nanosheets decorated with Fe (Fe3O4, Fe3C) nanomaterials for supercapacitors.
The one-pot nonhydrolysis Staudinger reaction and Staudinger or SPAAC ligation
Authors: Cheng Longhuai , Kang Xueying , Wang Dan , Gao Yasi , Yi Long , Xi Zhen
Published: April 2019

The one-pot nonhydrolysis Staudinger reaction and Staudinger or SPAAC ligation were used for producing a FRET-based dyad in living cells as a proof-of-concept study.
The physicochemical investigation of hydrothermally reduced textile waste and application within carbon-based electrodes
Authors: Randviir Edward P. , Kanou Omar , Liauw Christopher M. , Miller Gary J. , Andrews Hayley G. , Smith Graham C.
Published: April 2019

A novel method for chemically processing blended textiles is investigated, revealing a conductive carbon material as a major product.
CoSx/C hierarchical hollow nanocages from a metal–organic framework as a positive electrode with enhancing performance for aqueous supercapacitors
Authors: Zhou Weibin , Wang Peng , Li Chunyang , Huang Qinghong , Wang Jing , Zhu Yusong , Fu Lijun , Chen Yuhui , Wu Yuping
Published: April 2019

Benefiting from abundant redox chemistry and high electrochemical properties, metal sulfides have been broadly employed as electrode materials in supercapacitor systems.
Correction: Non-linear alignment dynamics in suspensions of platelets under rotating magnetic fields
Authors: Erb Randall M. , Segmehl Jana , Charilaou Michalis , Löffler Jörg F. , Studart André R.
Published: April 2019

Correction for ‘Non-linear alignment dynamics in suspensions of platelets under rotating magnetic fields’ by Randall M. Erb et al., Soft Matter, 2012, 8, 7604–7609.
A S/N-doped high-capacity mesoporous carbon anode for Na-ion batteries
Authors: Li Xiu , Hu Xincheng , Zhou Lin , Wen Rui , Xu Xun , Chou Shulei , Chen Libao , Cao An-Min , Dou Shixue
Published: April 2019

In this work, we have used the electrospinning method to successfully fabricate mesoporous S/N-doped carbon nanofibers (S/N-C), which show a high capacity and high-rate capability in a Na-ion battery. The S/N-C nanofibers delivered a high reversible capacity of 552.5 and 355.3 mA h g−1 at 0.1 and 5 A g−1, respectively.
Structure and property tunability in monolayer halide lead-free double hybrid perovskites: effects of Rashba and biaxial strain
Authors: Liu Qi , Liang WanZhen
Published: April 2019

Due to the unequal effect of spin–orbit coupling (SOC) interaction on the band structure, pristine MA4[AgBi]Br8 possesses an indirect band gap. However, both its band gap and SOC effect are sensitive to the strain, and >%2 stretching ratio can turn it into a direct-band semiconductor.
Direct growth of nitrogen-doped graphene films on glass by plasma-assisted hot filament CVD for enhanced electricity generation
Authors: Zhai Zihao , Shen Honglie , Chen Jieyi , Li Xuemei , Jiang Ye
Published: April 2019

N-Doped graphene glass was prepared through a novel plasma-assisted HFCVD approach, which exhibited significantly enhanced voltage generation for energy harvesting.
Zinc-based spinel cathode materials for magnesium rechargeable batteries: toward the reversible spinel–rocksalt transition
Authors: Shimokawa Kohei , Atsumi Taruto , Harada Maho , Ward Robyn E. , Nakayama Masanobu , Kumagai Yu , Oba Fumiyasu , Okamoto Norihiko L. , Kanamura Kiyoshi , Ichitsubo Tetsu
Published: April 2019

Stabilizing spinel structures with Zn preferring a tetrahedral environment significantly improves the reversibility of the spinel–rocksalt transition with Mg insertion/extraction.
Identification of a prognostic 28-gene expression signature for gastric cancer with lymphatic metastasis
Authors: Zhang Chao , Jing Li-wei , Li Zhi-ting , Chang Zi-wei , Liu Hui , Zhang Qiu-meng , Zhang Qing-yu
Published: April 2019

Gastric cancer (GC) patients have high mortality due to late-stage diagnosis, which is closely associated with lymph node metastasis. Exploring the molecular mechanisms of lymphatic metastasis may inform the research into early diagnostics of GC. In the present study, we obtained RNA-Seq data from The Cancer Genome Altas and used Limma package to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between lymphatic metastases and non-lymphatic metastases in GC tissues. Then, we used an elastic net-regularized COX proportional hazard model for gene selection from the DEGs and constructed a regression model composed of 28-gene signatures. Furthermore, we assessed the prognostic performance of the 28-gene signature by analyzing the receive operating characteristic curves. In addition, we selected the gene PELI2 amongst 28 genes and assessed the roles of this gene in GC cells. The good prognostic performance of the 28-gene signature was confirmed in the testing set, which was also validated by GSE66229 dataset. In addition, the biological experiments showed that PELI2 could promote the growth and metastasis of GC cells by regulating vascular endothelial growth factor C. Our study indicates that the identified 28-gene signature could be considered as a sensitive predictive tool for lymphatic metastasis in GC.
Topical therapeutic corneal and scleral tissue cross-linking solutions: in vitro formaldehyde release studies using cosmetic preservatives
Authors: Takaoka Anna , Cao Kerry , Oste Eric M. , Nagasaki Takayuki , Paik David C.
Published: April 2019

Our recent tissue cross-linking studies using formaldehyde releasers (FARs) suggest that corneal and scleral tissue strengthening may be possible without using ultraviolet irradiation or epithelial removal, two requirements for the photochemical method in widespread clinical use. Thus, the present study was carried out in order to better understand these potential therapeutic solutions by studying the effects of concentration, pH, buffer, time, and tissue reactivity on formaldehyde release of these FARs. Three FARs, sodium hydroxymethyl glycinate (SMG), DMDM, and diazolidinyl urea (DAU) were studied using a chromotropic acid colorimetric FA assay. The effects of concentration, pH, and buffer were studied as well as the addition of corneal and scleral tissues. The main determinant of release was found to be dilution factor (concentration) in which maximal release was noted at the lowest concentrations studied (submillimolar). In time dependent studies, after 60 min, FA levels decreased by 38% for SMG, 30% for DMDM, and 19% for DAU with corneal tissue added; and by 40% for SMG, 40% for DMDM, and 15% for DAU with scleral tissue added. We conclude that concentration (dilution factor) was found to be the most important parameter governing the percent of FA released.
The Role of Native Language and the Fundamental Design of the Auditory System in Detecting Rhythm Changes
Authors: Ordin Mikhail , Polyanskaya Leona , Gómez David Maximiliano , Samuel Arthur G.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

We investigated whether rhythm discrimination is mainly driven by the native language of the listener or by the fundamental design of the human auditory system and universal cognitive mechanisms shared by all people irrespective of rhythmic patterns in their native language.

Method

In multiple experiments, we asked participants to listen to 2 continuous acoustic sequences and to determine whether their rhythms were the same or different (AX discrimination). Participants were native speakers of 4 languages with different rhythmic properties (Spanish, French, English, and German) to understand whether the predominant rhythmic patterns of a native language affect sensitivity, bias, and reaction time in detecting rhythmic changes in linguistic (Experiment 2) and in nonlinguistic (Experiments 1 and 2) acoustic sequences. We examined sensitivity and bias measures, as well as reaction times. We also computed Bayes factors in order to assess the effect of native language.

Results

All listeners performed better (i.e., responded faster and manifested higher sensitivity and accuracy) when detecting the presence or absence of a rhythm change when the 1st stimulus in an AX test pair exhibited regular rhythm (i.e., a syllable-timed rhythmic pattern) than when the 1st stimulus exhibited irregular rhythm (i.e., stress-timed rhythmic pattern). This result pattern was observed both on linguistic and nonlinguistic stimuli and was not modulated by the native language of the participant.

Conclusion

We conclude that rhythm change detection is a fundamental function of a processing system that relies on general auditory mechanisms and is not modulated by linguistic experience.
Approach to geomagnetic matching for navigation based on a convolutional neural network and normalised cross‐correlation
Authors: Kim Donghun , Bang Hyochoong , Lee Jae Cheul
Published: April 2019

Geomagnetic information is available over much of the Earth. Geomagnetic navigation based on neural networks (NNs) is challenging because all measurement vectors mapping to the positions on the reference map should be classified in advance, and the measurements for mapping are highly non‐linear. This approach fails to map positions when measurements that have not been pre‐classified in the new area are input. It limits the navigation area because it is hard to assign all positions on the reference map to classes. In this study, the authors present a new approach combining two symmetric convolutional NNs (CNNs) and normalised cross‐correlation (NCC). Two symmetric CNNs trained to find similarity are used to find candidate regions in a search area. Then NCC is applied to find a matching position. This approach enlarges the geomagnetic navigation area regardless of training, and it enables processing even if geomagnetic measurements are acquired in a new area. The results of the numerical simulation indicate that the mean matching rate is over 98.6% for the best and worst geomagnetic profile. Furthermore, they show that the algorithm can be applied for initial position estimation in a search area by showing improvement of convergence time and position estimation error.
Array‐based target localisation in ATSC DTV passive radar
Authors: Huang Jamie Huimin , Landon Garry Joseph , Smith Graeme E.
Published: April 2019

This work investigates the use of passive radar array‐based localisation, with a focus on experimental demonstration and practical array calibration aspects. Passive radar target localisation often employs multilateration, where a set of hyperbolic equations from range differences or elliptic equations from bistatic ranges are solved to determine the three‐dimensional (3D) target position. An alternative uses array‐based direction finding to provide an accurate measurement of target bearing, and intersects the bearing vector with a bistatic range ellipsoid to obtain a 3D target position. Continuous‐wave digitally modulated signals like digital television (DTV) provides stable power spectra and long integration times, and these support fine range and Doppler resolutions to isolate multiple targets without the association difficulties of multilateration. The Bartlett method can then be used on individual targets, giving bearing estimates of much higher accuracy than the array beamwidth. This was shown experimentally with an electrically small array yielding small angular errors in both azimuth and elevation. Using a DTV‐based passive radar, a target at 20 km receiver range was located with an accuracy of ∼250 m in a 3D position. Furthermore, a procedure for in‐situ array calibration using opportunistic air targets is reported.
Iterative minimum entropy algorithm for refocusing of moving targets in SAR images
Authors: Chen Yichang , Li Gang , Zhang Qun
Published: April 2019

In this study, an iterative minimum entropy algorithm is proposed for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) refocusing on moving targets with data of the defocused region of interest (ROI). The image entropy of the ROI data is modelled as a function of the phase compensation parameter. Then, an image entropy surrogate function is constructed to iteratively estimate the phase compensation parameter. With the convergence of iterative estimation of the phase compensation parameter, a refocused image of the moving target can be achieved. By directly operating on the small‐size defocused ROI data, the computational burden is significantly reduced and most of the clutter is suppressed. Different from the existing ROI‐based methods for SAR refocusing of moving targets, the proposed algorithm does not need any prior parameters. The performance of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated by using simulated data and real SAR data. Compared with some existing methods, the proposed method can produce slightly better‐refocusing effect with less computational complexity.
Investigation on the uneven distribution of different types of ores in the hopper and stock surface during the charging process of blast furnace based on discrete element method
Authors: Xu Wenxuan , Cheng Shusen , Niu Qun , Hu Wei , Bang Jiawen
Published: April 2019

The model of an actual 4070 m3bell-less top blast furnace with two parallel hoppers was established, and the distribution of the sinter, pellet, and lump ore in the hopper and the stock surface was analyzed based on the discrete element method. The results show that the distribution of different types of ores is not uniform in the hopper already. In the radial direction of the stock surface, the sinter volume fraction in the center and peripheral region of the stock surface is higher than that in the intermediate region of the stock surface, but the volume distribution of the pellet and lump ore is opposite to the sinter volume distribution. Owing to the size of lump ore is small, so the pressure drop of burden layer in the intermediate region of the stock surface is larger than that in the center and peripheral region. In the circumferential direction of the stock surface, the standard deviation of the volume distribution of the sinter, pellet, and lump ore is 1.28, 0.92 and 0.49, respectively.
Gewichtskontrolle
Authors: Buck Günther
Published: April 2019

Eine neue Studie zeigt, dass ein Smartphone-basiertes Programm Erwachsenen ebenso gut helfen kann an Gewicht zu verlieren wie eine Gruppenintervention – und dass es bei motivierten Menschen oft auch gar keine aufwendigen Maßnahmen braucht.
Modification of Primary Avalvular Varicose Anomaly after
endovenous radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Bissacco Daniele , Stegher Silvia , Calliari Fabio Massimo , Viani Marco Piercarlo
Published: April 2019

Primary avalvular varicose anomaly (PAVA) is a new medical concept defined as
primary varicose veins resembling neovascularized tissue on ultrasound
examination. PAVAs could be misdiagnosed as recurrence at the saphenofemoral or
saphenopopliteal junction, but no studies have yet examined their role before
and after venous invasive procedure. In this report, we describe a case of PAVA
in a 39-year-old man with symptomatic varicose veins and great saphenous vein
truncal incompetence. Six months after radiofrequency ablation of the great
saphenous vein, duplex ultrasound revealed complete occlusion of great saphenous
vein and partial thrombosis of the still incompetent PAVA.
Pflexit: Krankenhausfinanzierung auf den Kopf gestellt!
Authors: Wieteck Pia
Published: April 2019

Tragen die beschlossenen Änderungen der Krankenhausfinanzierung, wie die Ausgliederung der Pflegepersonalkosten und die Einführung von Pflegebudgets wirklich dazu bei, die bestehende Belastung von Pflegekräften zu vermindern und die pflegerische Versorgung im Krankenhaus weiter zu verbessern?
Neuregelung von Vertriebswegen bei Arzneimitteln wirft Fragen auf
Authors: Rybak Christian
Published: April 2019

MVZ, Arznei- und Hilfsmittelversorgung, Nutzenbewertung: Die Reihe der aktuellen Reformvorhaben ist schier unübersehbar und betrifft alle Bereiche des Versorgungsgeschehens. Betroffen sind auch Strukturen, die seit Jahren gängige Praxis sind und sich bewährt haben.
Editorial
Authors: Doelfs Guntram
Published: April 2019

Das Jahr 2019 steht ganz im Zeichen des Aufbruchs – für die größte europäische IT-Messe im Gesundheitsbereich wie auch für die deutsche Gesundheitsbranche.
Digitale Transformation aller Prozesse: „Wir brauchen dringend qualifizierte Informatiker“
Authors: Rößing Sabine
Published: April 2019

Dr. Anke Diehl arbeitet seit Kurzem als Digital Change Managerin der Universitätsmedizin Essen. Bei ihrem Job geht es um mehr als nur die Schaffung von durchgängigen digitalen Abläufen. Innovativen Ideen soll Raum gegeben und technische Konzepte sollen schnell umgesetzt werden.
IT-Sicherheit: Datenschutz, KRITIS und E-Health-Gesetz
Authors: Erwig Bernadette
Published: April 2019

Digitalisierung ist zurzeit eines der großen Themen in Kliniken. Die Wunschliste: Bitte alles digital, vernetzt und sektorenübergreifend – und natürlich sicher. Jetzt gleich! Oder zumindest in naher Zukunft. kma sprach im Interview mit Carsten Kramschneider darüber, wie das gelingen kann.
Gematik: „Wir müssen jetzt handeln“
Authors: Doelfs Guntram
Published: April 2019

Das Jahr begann nicht gut für die gematik. Von allen Seiten prasselte die Kritik auf sie nieder. Im Interview mit kma erzählt gematik-Chef Alexander Beyer, warum er das BMG als Mehrheitsgesellschafter nicht fürchtet, die Kritik der Industrie an der elektronischen Patientenakte (ePA) falsch sei und warum die gematik-Akte sicher ist.
Künstliche Intelligenz: Fast wie auf der Enterprise …
Authors: Leunig Marina
Published: April 2019

Im Bradford Royal Infirmary soll das erste durch Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) gesteuerte Krankenhaus Europas entstehen. Die neue Kommandozentrale erinnert ein wenig an das Raumschiff Enterprise oder das Nasa-Kontrollzentrum in Houston. Doch hier geht es nicht um All-Missionen, sondern um effiziente Klinikarbeit.
Technologiepartnerschaft: Abschied von Klein-Klein
Authors: König Romy
Published: April 2019

Industrieunternehmen wollen Geräte verkaufen; Kliniken in erster Linie ihre Prozesse verbessern und Geld sparen. Hier Vertriebswunsch, dort Wissensbedarf. In München modellierten ein Klinik-Geschäftsführer und ein Großkonzern aus dieser Gemengelage nun eine der größten deutschen Technologiepartnerschaften.
Der Österreichische Ingenieur: Internationales Upgrade für einen bewährten Titel
Authors: Thalmayr Maria
Published: April 2019

Der österreichische Ingenieurstitel ist in Europa einzigartig. Im Ausland war es deshalb oft schwierig die bei der heimischen Wirtschaft anerkannte und geschätzte Qualifikation richtig zu bewerten. Das Ingenieurgesetz 2017 (IngG 2017) schuf die Grundlage für die internationale Anerkennung des Österreichischen Ingenieurs, damit einhergehend aber auch neue Voraussetzungen.
Wake dynamics and surface pressure variations on two-dimensional normal flat plates
Authors: Hemmati Arman , Wood David H. , Martinuzzi Robert J.
Published: April 2019

The relationship between vortex dynamics and surface pressure fluctuations on the leeward face of a two-dimensional normal thin flat plate was studied using Direct Numerical Simulations for incompressible flow at a Reynolds number of 1200. The vortex shedding frequency was observed in the spectra of pressure fluctuations on both faces of the plate, while a lower frequency spectral peak was only evident on the leeward pressure fluctuations. Local sharp peaks of low pressure in the separated shear layers coincide with increases in the leeward face pressure fluctuations. These observations are tied to the vortex dynamics using the invariant Q, commonly used for vortex identification. Q is also proportional to the source term for the Poisson equation for the instantaneous pressure. The pressure, which is the only contributor to the plate drag, varies significantly in response to alterations to the vortex shedding, which can be observed in differences of vortex trajectories. At minimum drag, the pressure fluctuations are small, which is attributed to lower values of Q associated with weaker vortices.
An improved multifilamentary conduction model for multiphysics analysis of reset process in resistive random access memory
Authors: Xie Hao , Chen Wenchao , Zhang Shuo , Zhu Guodong , Khaliq Afshan , Hu Jun , Yin Wen-Yan
Published: April 2019

An improved multifilamentary conduction model for the reset process in resistive random access memory (RRAM) is constructed by considering the stochastic distribution of oxygen vacancies (Vo). In this context, conduction filaments (CFs) have different Vo densities and diffusion barriers. Fully coupled multiphysics simulations of RRAM with three CFs are performed using the time domain finite difference method to self-consistently solve the current transport, heat conduction, and Vo transport equations. The simulated I-V characteristics agree well with experiment. Since the three CFs have different thermal diffusion barriers, as in previous studies, they rupture at different applied voltages. Evolution of each CF in the reset process is investigated: from when its electrical conductivity is linearly dependent to when it is exponentially dependent on Vo density.
Improved high-resolution spectroscopic data for molecular oxygen
Authors: Larter Raima
Published: April 2019

The MARVEL algorithm is used to validate experimental rovibronic transitions for 16O2, allowing the calculation of accurate thermochemical data.
A molecular phylogeny of the gastropod family Haminoeidae sensu lato (Heterobranchia: Cephalaspidea): a generic revision
Authors: Oskars Trond R. , Too Chin Chin , Rees David , Mikkelsen Paula M. , Willassen Endre , Malaquias Manuel António E.
Published: April 2019

Haminoeidae is the most diverse family of Cephalaspidea with 13 to 17 genera commonly recognised as valid and with 46 genera that historically have been moved back and forth between Haminoeidae and other families. Due to poor definition of most genera the family is plagued by extensive taxonomic confusion and its generic composition and internal relationships remain uncertain. In this work we have integrated the study of type material, original descriptions, shells, morpho-anatomical data, and molecular phylogenetics (Bayesian, maximum likelihood, and maximum parsimony) based on five genetic markers (the mitochondrial genes cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16SrRNA and the nuclear genes 18SrRNA, 28SrRNA, and histoneH3) to delimit the valid genera, define synapomorphic traits, and establish synonym lists. Three hundred and ninety novel sequences were generated. In total 14 genera were recognised; one genus (Vellicolla gen. nov.) is here described as new and an additional fifteenth group was identified, but no species could be formally ascribed to it and therefore remains unnamed (here designated informally as mini-haminoeids). The relationships of genera are discussed and seven deep clades have been identified but are not formally named because of lack of recognisable synapomorphies for several of them. A new classification for Haminoeidae is proposed including 14 valid genera and one informal group.
Structural and electronic properties of T graphene nanotubes: a first-principles study
Authors: Xu Lin-Han , Hu Jia-Qi , Zhang Jian-Hua , Wu Shun-Qing , Chuang Feng-Chuan , Zhu Zi-Zhong , Ho Kai-Ming
Published: April 2019

An allotrope of graphene named T graphene was reported to reveal Dirac-like fermions and high Fermi velocity in its buckled phase similar to graphene. However, these Dirac fermions were questioned to be artificial, caused by band folding under the unstable buckling in T graphene. Here, we report first-principles studies on the structural and electronic properties of T graphene nanotubes which are systems rolled up from the two-dimensional planar sheet of T graphene. The ‘artificial’ Dirac fermions in T graphene are turned into reality in the T graphene nanotubes. Two sets of T graphene nanotubes with different diameters were studied. One set of T graphene nanotubes reveals a semi-metallic property and shows an increasing of the number of Dirac points with the diameters. Another set of T graphene nanotubes reveals a metallic property. Our study indicates that rolling up the allotrope of graphene can provide a new avenue for developing new semimetal materials with fascinating properties.
Aquatic environment and anthropogenic factor effects on distribution of trace elements in surface waters of European Russia and Western Siberia
Authors: Moiseenko T I , Dinu M I , Gashkina N A , Kremleva T A
Published: April 2019

The distribution of trace elements of anthropogenic origin, especially toxic metals, is an environmental problem. We present the first results of research into the geochemistry of lake waters and metallic pollution in European Russia (ER) and Western Siberia (WS), based on a survey of 367 lakes from the tundra to the steppe zones. The content of more than 80 elements in the lake water was studied; the influence of airborne contamination and the geochemistry of water were estimated. We found that the concentrations of alkaline and alkaline-earth elements, as well as As, V, Co, U, Nb, Sb, increase with a change in the climatic gradient. This fact is explained not only by airborne contamination, but also by the geochemistry of lakes and the climatic factor (increased evaporation concentration). Anthropogenic eutrophication leads to an increase in the content of Fe, Sr, Mo, and acidification—Zn, Cd, Ni, Cu, and especially Pb. There are industry-specific influences: the waters of the northern regions of ER are enriched by Ni, Cd, As, Sb and especially Se because of the emissions from copper-nickel smelters. The oil and gas industry (WS) leads to increased concentrations of V, Pb and Mo in water. We assess the metallic pollution status of surface water in the Eurasian region of Russia using an enrichment factor (EF). In surface waters of ER and WS, metal concentrations do not exceed the maximum permissible concentration, but we have established higher concentrations of many elements in the background, including toxic ones. Prolonged low doses of toxic elements can be a potential hazard to ecosystems and humans. The results showed that from the northern to the southern regions the EF increases for most of the analyzed elements. It can be assumed that with climate warming the concentration of metals in these bodies of water will increase and this is dangerous for the environment.
Coifman–Meyer multipliers: Leibniz-type rules and applications to scattering of solutions to PDEs
Authors: Naibo Virginia , Thomson Alexander
Published: April 2019

Leibniz-type rules for Coifman–Meyer multiplier operators are studied in the settings of Triebel–Lizorkin and Besov spaces associated with weights in the Muckenhoupt classes. Even in the unweighted case, improvements on the currently known estimates are obtained. The flexibility of the methods of proofs allows one to prove Leibniz-type rules in a variety of function spaces that include Triebel–Lizorkin and Besov spaces based on weighted Lebesgue, Lorentz, and Morrey spaces as well as variable-exponent Lebesgue spaces. Applications to scattering properties of solutions to certain systems of partial differential equations involving fractional powers of the Laplacian are presented.
Synthetic and genetic dimers as quantification ruler for single-molecule counting with PALM
Authors: Baldering Tim N. , Dietz Marina S. , Gatterdam Karl , Karathanasis Christos , Wieneke Ralph , Tampé Robert , Heilemann Mike
Published: April 2019

How membrane proteins oligomerize determines their function. Superresolution microscopy can report on protein clustering and extract quantitative molecular information. Here, we evaluate the blinking kinetics of four photoactivatable fluorescent proteins for quantitative single-molecule microscopy. We identified mEos3.2 and mMaple3 to be suitable for molecular quantification through blinking histogram analysis. We designed synthetic and genetic dimers of mEos3.2 as well as fusion proteins of monomeric and dimeric membrane proteins as reference structures, and we demonstrate their versatile use for quantitative superresolution imaging in vitro and in situ. We further found that the blinking behavior of mEos3.2 and mMaple3 is modified by a reducing agent, offering the possibility to adjust blinking parameters according to experimental needs.
Analysis of the roles of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate and individual subunits in assembly, localization, and function ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaetarget of rapamycin complex 2
Authors: Martinez Marshall Maria Nieves , Emmerstorfer-Augustin Anita , Leskoske Kristin L. , Zhang Lydia H. , Li Biyun , Thorner Jeremy
Published: April 2019

Eukaryotic cell survival requires maintenance of plasma membrane (PM) homeostasis in response to environmental insults and changes in lipid metabolism. In yeast, a key regulator of PM homeostasis is target of rapamycin (TOR) complex 2 (TORC2), a multiprotein complex containing the evolutionarily conserved TOR protein kinase isoform Tor2. PM localization is essential for TORC2 function. One core TORC2 subunit (Avo1) and two TORC2-­associated regulators (Slm1 and Slm2) contain pleckstrin homology (PH) domains that exhibit specificity for binding phosphatidylinositol-4,5- bisphosphate (PtdIns4,5P2). To investigate the roles of PtdIns4,5P2 and constituent subunits of TORC2, we used auxin-inducible degradation to systematically eliminate these factors and then examined localization, association, and function of the remaining TORC2 components. We found that PtdIns4,5P2 depletion significantly reduced TORC2 activity, yet did not prevent PM localization or cause disassembly of TORC2. Moreover, truncated Avo1 (lacking its C-terminal PH domain) was still recruited to the PM and supported growth. Even when all three PH-containing proteins were absent, the remaining TORC2 subunits were PM-bound. Revealingly, Avo3 localized to the PM independent of both Avo1 and Tor2, whereas both Tor2 and Avo1 required Avo3 for their PM anchoring. Our findings provide new mechanistic information about TORC2 and pinpoint Avo3 as pivotal for TORC2 PM localization and assembly in vivo.
Inequity in postpartum healthcare provision at home and its association with subsequent healthcare expenditure
Authors: Lagendijk Jacqueline , Steegers Eric A P , Been Jasper V
Published: April 2019

Background

Provision of postpartum care can support new families in adapting to a new situation. We aimed to determine whether various determinants of socioeconomic status (SES) were associated with utilization of postpartum care. In addition, to stress the relevance of increasing postpartum care uptake among low SES-groups, an assessment of the potential (cost-)effectiveness of postpartum care is required.

Methods

National retrospective cohort study using linked routinely collected healthcare data from all registered singleton deliveries (2010–13) in the Netherlands. Small-for-gestational age and preterm babies were excluded. The associations between SES and postpartum care uptake, and between uptake and health care expenditure were studied using multivariable regression analyses.

Results

Of all 569 921 deliveries included, 1.2% did not receive postpartum care. Among women who did receive care, care duration was below the recommended minimum of 24 h in 15.3%. All indicators of low SES were independently associated with a lack in care uptake. Extremes of maternal age, single parenthood and being of non-Dutch origin were associated with reduced uptake independent of SES determinants. No uptake of postpartum care was associated with maternal healthcare expenses in the highest quartile: aOR 1.34 (95% CI 1.10–1.67). Uptake below the recommended amount was associated with higher maternal and infant healthcare expenses: aOR 1.09 (95% CI 1.03–1.18) and aOR 1.20 (95% CI 1.13–1.27), respectively.

Conclusion

Although uptake was generally high, low SES women less often received postpartum care, this being associated with higher subsequent healthcare expenses. Strategies to effectively reduce these substantial inequities in early life are urgently needed.
Peanut butter–based formulations of amoxicillin for pediatric applications
Authors: Tran Helen , Lee Danny , Petnic Sarah E , Bozzini Julianne A , Lu Sangwei
Published: April 2019

Background

Child mortality is a major global health challenge, especially in regions of limited resources. Accessibility to lifesaving medicine and adequate nutrition is essential to reduce child mortality and improve the health and well-being of the world’s most vulnerable children.

Methods

We have developed NutMox, a novel pediatric formulation of the β-lactam antibiotic amoxicillin in a matrix of peanut-based ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) consisting of peanut butter, sugar, vegetable oil, dry milk and vitamins. NutMox is ready to use and thermostable, requires no chewing or pill swallowing and provides both an antibiotic and nutrition.

Results

Amoxicillin in NutMox formulations was stable for at least 12 months at storage temperatures of 4°C, 25°C and 37°C. Amoxicillin formulated in NutMox displayed similar pharmacokinetics in mice to that in suspension.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated the feasibility of a peanut butter–based matrix for pediatric formulations of amoxicillin, suggesting that such a matrix can serve as a base for delivering medications in addition to its current use as an RUTF.
Helping GPs to extrapolate guideline recommendations to patients for whom there are no explicit recommendations, through the visualization of drug properties. The example of AntibioHelp® in bacterial diseases
Authors: Tsopra Rosy , Sedki Karima , Courtine Mélanie , Falcoff Hector , De Beco Antoine , Madar Ronni , Mechaï Frédéric , Lamy Jean-Baptiste
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) implementing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have 2 main limitations: they target only patients for whom CPGs provide explicit recommendations, and their rationale may be difficult to understand. These 2 limitations result in poor CDSS adoption. We designed AntibioHelp® as a CDSS for antibiotic treatment. It displays the recommended and nonrecommended antibiotics, together with their properties, weighted by degree of importance as outlined in the CPGs. The aim of this study was to determine whether AntibioHelp® could increase the confidence of general practitioners (GPs) in CPG recommendations and help them to extrapolate guidelines to patients for whom CPGs provide no explicit recommendations.

Materials and Methods

We carried out a 2-stage crossover study in which GPs responded to clinical cases using CPG recommendations either alone or with explanations displayed through AntibioHelp®. We compared error rates, confidence levels, and response times.

Results

We included 64 GPs. When no explicit recommendation existed for a particular situation, AntibioHelp® significantly decreased the error rate (−41%, P value = 6x10−13), and significantly increased GP confidence (+8%, P value = .02). This CDSS was considered to be usable by GPs (SUS score = 64), despite a longer interaction time (+9–22 seconds). By contrast, AntibioHelp® had no significant effect if there was an explicit recommendation.

Discussion/Conclusion

The visualization of weighted antibiotic properties helps GPs to extrapolate recommendations to patients for whom CPGs provide no explicit recommendations. It also increases GP confidence in their prescriptions for these patients. Further evaluations are required to determine the impact of AntibioHelp® on antibiotic prescriptions in real clinical practice.
Dehydration-Stress Resistance in Two Sister, Cryptic Rhodnius Species—Rhodnius prolixus and Rhodnius robustus Genotype I (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)
Authors: Brito Raíssa N , Souza Rita C M , Abad-Franch Fernando
Published: April 2019

Rhodnius prolixus Stål, a major Chagas disease vector, often colonizes in houses, whereas its sister species, Rhodnius robustus Larrousse genotype I, does not colonize in houses and has little medical relevance. Factors potentially underlying this crucial difference remain largely uncharted. The ‘microclimate-adaptation hypothesis’ notes that R. prolixus is adapted to the dry microclimate of small-crowned Copernicia palms, whereas R. robustus I exploits the high-moisture microclimate of large-crowned Attalea and Acrocomia. Hence, R. prolixus, but not R. robustus I, would be (pre)adapted to the relatively dry microclimate typical of man-made habitats. This hypothesis predicts that, while severe dehydration should harm both species similarly, R. prolixus should withstand moderate-to-mild dehydration stress better than R. robustus I. To test this prediction, we compared fitness metrics of genotyped R. prolixus and R. robustus I kept at 28°C and under severe (20% relative humidity, RH), moderate (40% RH), or mild dehydration stress (75% RH). Egg-hatching success increased with decreasing dehydration stress in R. robustus I (0% → 19% → 100%), but was high across treatments in R. prolixus (78% → 100% → 100%). Both species underwent high, early mortality under severe dehydration; under moderate and mild stress, R. prolixus experienced less mortality and survived longer than R. robustus I. Our results suggest that adaptation to distinct palm-crown microclimates may partly underlie the so far unexplained differences in house-colonization ability among Rhodnius Stål species. Experimental replication across additional species/populations will be required to further probe this adaptive hypothesis—which, if supported, may also provide insight into the likely responses of Chagas disease vectors to climate change.
Can the Design of Electoral Institutions Improve Perceptions of Democracy in Fragile States? Evidence from Afghanistan
Authors: Jochem Torsten , Murtazashvili Ilia , Murtazashvili Jennifer
Published: April 2019

Liberal peace-building efforts in fragile states often suffer from low levels of public support for democracy. This article explores whether changes in the design of electoral institutions improves perceptions of democracy in states seeking to transition from conflict to a democratic order. We do so by embedding a vignette experiment in a nationally representative survey of households in Afghanistan. Our experiment varies the method of selecting members to the national legislature, which allows us to examine how changes to status quo electoral institutions influence perceptions of democracy. We find that support for democracy depends on the choice of electoral institutions, particularly among those respondents who express sympathy for the Taliban insurgency. These results show how electoral system design improves citizen support for democracy and helps explain why democracy struggles to live up to its promise in these challenging contexts.
Space configurations for empowering university-community interactions
Authors: Dorland Jens , Clausen Christian , Jørgensen Michael Søgaard
Published: April 2019

Some see universities as a possible source of solutions to enable a sustainable transition and overcome societal challenges. Findings from three multisite case studies of Desis Labs, FabLabs, and Science Shops shed light on how universities can help empower communities and solve societal challenges locally. Adopting a sociotechnical and flat relational perspective inspired by science and technology studies (STS), we focus on the material and spatial aspects of how these spaces are configured, thereby ensuring practical relevance for policy makers and practitioners. Applying an analytical generalization methodology, we condense the qualitative data into a typology of three ideal space-types (i.e. affording, mediating, and impact-oriented) that represent specific configurations of actors, researchers, students, communities, spaces, infrastructure, equipment, facilitators, etc. The ideal space-types empower communities in different ways, require different resources to create and operate, and translate differently into specific local contexts.
Developing a couple typology: A qualitative study of couple dynamics around physical activity
Authors: Griesemer Ida , Phillips Ashley , Khan Cynthia , Bahorski Stephanie , Altpeter Mary , Callahan Leigh F , Porter Laura S , Rini Christine
Published: April 2019

Partner-based social support can motivate engagement in physical activity (PA); however, couples approach exchanging support in different ways. This study aimed to elucidate the role of relationship dynamics in couple-based support for PA, with the goal of informing intervention strategies that will effectively leverage couple characteristics to increase support for PA. We conducted a qualitative study of couples who completed a longitudinal study of social support for PA. Participants were people with osteoarthritis who were not meeting PA recommendations and their cohabitating partners (n = 19 couples). We conducted in-depth, semistructured interviews and analyzed transcripts using narrative analysis. Participants were 76% non-Hispanic White and, on average, 62 years old. Themes in the data included (a) attitudes about working together to be more active (ranging from positive to negative) and (b) couples’ narrative concordance (high to low shared reality). We developed a couple typology with four categories: “Working together works” (positive attitudes/high shared reality; n = 4 couples), “Doing our own thing” (range of attitudes with practical/preferential barriers to working together/high shared reality; n = 5 couples), “Conscious conflict” (discrepant attitudes/high shared reality; n = 5 couples), and “Different realities” (discrepant attitudes/low shared reality; n = 5 couples). We describe examples of each type. In a sample of 19 couples, there were observable differences in participants’ attitudes about working together to be more active and in couples’ shared reality around those attitudes. Future research should investigate implications for the efficacy of interventions and, if warranted, develop methods to identify couple types and offer appropriate intervention strategies.