bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of Vitalograph lung monitor as a screening test for COPD in primary care
Authors: Dickens A. P. , Fitzmaurice D. A. , Adab P. , Sitch A. , Riley R. D. , Enocson A. , Jordan R. E.
Published: January 2020

Microspirometry may be useful as the second stage of a screening pathway among patients reporting respiratory symptoms. We assessed sensitivity and specificity of the Vitalograph® lung monitor compared with post-bronchodilator confirmatory spirometry (ndd Easy on-PC) among primary care chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients within the Birmingham COPD cohort. We report a case–control analysis within 71 general practices in the UK. Eligible patients were aged ≥40 years who were either on a clinical COPD register or reported chronic respiratory symptoms on a questionnaire. Participants performed pre- and post-bronchodilator microspirometry, prior to confirmatory spirometry. Out of the 544 participants, COPD was confirmed in 337 according to post-bronchodilator confirmatory spirometry. Pre-bronchodilator, using the LLN as a cut-point, the lung monitor had a sensitivity of 50.5% (95% CI 45.0%, 55.9%) and a specificity of 99.0% (95% CI 96.6%, 99.9%) in our sample. Using a fixed ratio of FEV1/FEV6 < 0.7 to define obstruction in the lung monitor, sensitivity increased (58.8%; 95% CI 53.0, 63.8) while specificity was virtually identical (98.6%; 95% CI 95.8, 99.7). Within our sample, the optimal cut-point for the lung monitor was FEV1/FEV6 < 0.78, with sensitivity of 82.8% (95% CI 78.3%, 86.7%) and specificity of 85.0% (95% CI 79.4%, 89.6%). Test performance of the lung monitor was unaffected by bronchodilation. The lung monitor could be used in primary care without a bronchodilator using a simple ratio of FEV1/FEV6 as part of a screening pathway for COPD among patients reporting respiratory symptoms.
Depth-to-bedrock map of China at a spatial resolution of 100 meters
Authors: Yan Fapeng , Shangguan Wei , Zhang Jing , Hu Bifeng
Published: January 2020

Depth to bedrock influences or controls many of the Earth’s physical and chemical processes. It plays important roles in soil science, geology, hydrology, land surface processes, civil engineering, and other related fields. However, information about depth to bedrock in China is very deficient, and there is no independent map of depth to bedrock in China currently. This paper describes the materials and methods to produce high-resolution (100 m) depth-to-bedrock maps of China. For different research and application needs, two sets of data are provided for users. One is the prediction by the ensemble of the random forests and gradient boosting tree models, and the other is the prediction and the uncertainty of prediction based on quantile regression forests model. In comparison with depth-to-bedrock maps of China extracted from previous global predictions, our predictions showed higher accuracy and more spatial details. These data sets can provide more accurate information for Earth system research compared with previous depth-to-bedrock maps.
A homogeneous bioluminescent immunoassay to probe cellular signaling pathway regulation
Authors: Hwang Byounghoon , Engel Laurie , Goueli Said A. , Zegzouti Hicham
Published: January 2020

Monitoring cellular signaling events can help better understand cell behavior in health and disease. Traditional immunoassays to study proteins involved in signaling can be tedious, require multiple steps, and are not easily adaptable to high throughput screening (HTS). Here, we describe a new immunoassay approach based on bioluminescent enzyme complementation. This immunoassay takes less than two hours to complete in a homogeneous “Add and Read” format and was successfully used to monitor multiple signaling pathways’ activation through specific nodes of phosphorylation (e.g pIκBα, pAKT, and pSTAT3). We also tested deactivation of these pathways with small and large molecule inhibitors and obtained the expected pharmacology. This approach does not require cell engineering. Therefore, the phosphorylation of an endogenous substrate is detected in any cell type. Our results demonstrate that this technology can be broadly adapted to streamline the analysis of signaling pathways of interest or the identification of pathway specific inhibitors.
Induction of retinopathy by fibrillar oxalate assemblies
Authors: Zaguri Dor , Shaham-Niv Shira , Naaman Efrat , Mimouni Michael , Magen Daniella , Pollack Shirley , Kreiser Topaz , Leibu Rina , Rencus-Lazar Sigal , Adler-Abramovich Lihi , Perlman Ido , Gazit Ehud , Zayit-Soudry Shiri
Published: January 2020

The formation of metabolite fibrillar assemblies represents a paradigm shift in the study of human metabolic disorders. Yet, direct clinical relevance has been attributed only to metabolite crystals. A notable example for metabolite crystallization is calcium oxalate crystals observed in various diseases, including primary hyperoxaluria. We unexpectedly observed retinal damage among young hyperoxaluria patients in the absence of crystals. Exploring the possible formation of alternative supramolecular organizations and their biological role, here we show that oxalate can form ordered fibrils with no associated calcium. These fibrils inflict intense retinal cytotoxicity in cultured cells. A rat model injected with oxalate fibrils recaptures patterns of retinal dysfunction observed in patients. Antibodies purified from hyperoxaluria patient sera recognize oxalate fibrils regardless of the presence of calcium. These findings highlight a new molecular basis for oxalate-associated disease, and to our knowledge provide the first direct clinical indication for the pathogenic role of metabolite fibrillar assemblies.
Insight into the magnetic moment of iron borides: theoretical consideration from the local coordinative and electronic environment
Authors: Wan Hongliu , Liu Xing-Wu , Qing Ming , Liu Jin-Jia , Zhang Yu , Liu Suyao , Wang Hong , Wen Xiao-Dong , Yang Yong , Li Yong-Wang
Published: January 2020

Linear relationships between the local magnetic moment of iron borides and the bond valence as well as the orbital energy were disclosed.
Response of soil enzyme activity and bacterial community to black phosphorus nanosheets
Authors: Zhang Xuejiao , Xiong Zhiqiang , Zhang Siyu , Ge Yuan , Ma Wei , Yan Lei , Li Dengyu , Wang Dongsheng , Deng Shuo , Zhao Qing , Wang Weidong , Xing Baoshan
Published: January 2020

Evaluation of BP nanosheets' impact on the soil ecological environment is important for their safe application and discharge.
Vertically-aligned growth of CuAl-layered double oxides on reduced graphene oxide for hybrid capacitive deionization with superior performance
Authors: Xi Wen , Li Haibo
Published: January 2020

Designing vertically-aligned CuAl-layered double oxide grown on reduced graphene oxide for capacitive desalination with high capacity and long cycling life.
Ethylene mediates CuO NP-induced ultrastructural changes and oxidative stress inArabidopsis thalianaleaves
Authors: Azhar Wardah , Khan Ali Raza , Muhammad Noor , Liu Bohan , Song Ge , Hussain Akhlaq , Yasin Muhammad Umair , Khan Sulaiman , Munir Raheel , Gan Yinbo
Published: January 2020

Metallic oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have received great importance due to their unique properties and valuable applications in various fields.
Ameliorative effects of resveratrol against cadmium-induced nephrotoxicityviamodulating nuclear xenobiotic receptor response and PINK1/Parkin-mediated Mitophagy
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhang Cong , Ge Jing , Lv Mei-Wei , Talukder Milton , Guo Kai , Li Yan-hua , Li Jin-Long
Published: January 2020

Resveratrol is shown to alleviate Cd-induced histopathological lesions of the kidney, mitigating Cd-induced oxidative stress by activating NXRs (CAR/PXR/AHR/Nrf2) response and phase II detoxification system.
Proteomics and molecular network analyses reveal that the interaction between the TAT–DCF1 peptide and TAF6 induces an antitumor effect in glioma cells
Authors: Wang Jiao , Wang Fushuai , Li Qian , Wang Qian , Li Jie , Wang Yajiang , Sun Jiamin , Lu Dongfang , Zhou Hong , Li Shiman , Ma Sujuan , Xie Jiang , Wen Tieqiao
Published: January 2020

The TAT–DCF1 protein possesses great potential for the development of glioblastoma therapy through the interaction with TAF6-related pathways.
Targeted removal of leukemia cells from the circulating system by whole-body magnetic hyperthermia in mice
Authors: Al Faruque Hasan , Choi Eun-Sook , Lee Hyo-Ryong , Kim Jung-Hee , Park Sukho , Kim Eunjoo
Published: January 2020

Whole-body hyperthermia after intravenous injection of EpCAM antibody immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) decreased leukemia cells in AKR mice. Simulation analysis showed effective heat transfer from MNPs to leukemia cells.
Surface/interface engineering N-doped carbon/NiS2nanosheets for efficient electrocatalytic H2O splitting
Authors: Zhang Deliang , Mou Hongyu , Chen Lei , Xing Gao , Wang Debao , Song Caixia
Published: January 2020

A facile and effective method for preparing bifunctional electrocatalysts with enhanced activity and stability is desired for hydrogen and oxygen production.
A novel rGO-decorated ZnO/BiVO4 heterojunction for the enhancement of NO2 sensing properties
Authors: Bai Shouli , Tian Ke , Han Ning , Guo Jian , Luo Ruixian , Li Dianqing , Chen Aifan
Published: January 2020

A novel ZnO/BiVO4/rGO composite exhibits excellent gas sensing performance, which is attributed to the formation of n–n heterojunctions and decoration with rGO.
In-depth understanding of the CO2 limitation of air fed anion exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Divekar Ashutosh G. , Yang-Neyerlin Ami C. , Antunes Christopher M. , Strasser Derek J. , Motz Andrew R. , Seifert Soenke S. , Zuo Xiaobing , Pivovar Bryan S. , Herring Andrew M.
Published: January 2020

Ex situ physico-chemical, electrochemical, and morphological analysis sheds light on the CO2 limitation of ambient air anion exchange membrane fuel cells.
Plasma-etched functionalized graphene as a metal-free electrode catalyst in solid acid fuel cells
Authors: Lu Xubin , Yang Xin , Tariq Muhammad , Li Fan , Steimecke Matthias , Li Jia , Varga Aron , Bron Michael , Abel Bernd
Published: January 2020

Raman G-band (a) and 2D-band (b) mapping of oxygen and nitrogen treated graphene on an Si-substrate (scale bar 5 μm).
Towards high-volumetric performance of Na/Li-ion batteries: a better anode material with molybdenum pentachloride–graphite intercalation compounds (MoCl5–GICs)
Authors: Li Zheng , Zhang Chengzhi , Han Fei , Wang Fei , Zhang Fuquan , Shen Wei , Ye Chong , Li Xuanke , Liu Jinshui
Published: January 2020

MoCl5–GICs are demonstrated as advanced anodes for simultaneously achieving high volumetric capacity and long cycle life in Na-ion and Li-ion batteries, owing to a strong charge transfer chemical doping effect and strong interaction force between MoCl5 and graphite layers.
Novel carbon-based separation membranes composed of integrated zero- and one-dimensional nanomaterials
Authors: Zhou Fanglei , Tien Huynh Ngoc , Dong Qiaobei , Xu Weiwei L. , Sengupta Bratin , Zha Shangwen , Jiang Ji , Behera Dinesh , Li Shiguang , Yu Miao
Published: January 2020

Zero-dimensional graphene oxide quantum dots and one-dimensional carbon-nanotubes were integrated to form ultrathin membranes for CO2 capture and water purification.
Pyrimidine-based bipolar host materials for high efficiency solution processed green thermally activated delayed fluorescence OLEDs
Authors: Yoon Jiwon , Lee Chiho , Park Su Hong , Kang Dong Won , Kim Hyojin , Jeong Ji-Eun , Woo Han Young , Hong Chang Seop , Park Sungnam , Cho Min Ju , Choi Dong Hoon
Published: January 2020

In this study, three bipolar host materials (i.e.Py2Cz, Py2BFCz, and Py2ICz) for solution-processable green-emitting TADF-OLEDs were synthesized by coupling 2,4-diphenylpyrimidine to mCP and modifying the carbazole-donating units in the mCP structure.
Potential role of perivascular adipose tissue in modulating atherosclerosis
Authors: Ahmadieh Samah , Kim Ha Won , Weintraub Neal L.
Published: January 2020

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) directly juxtaposes the vascular adventitia and contains a distinct mixture of mature adipocytes, preadipocytes, stem cells, and inflammatory cells that communicate via adipocytokines and other signaling mediators with the nearby vessel wall to regulate vascular function. Cross-talk between perivascular adipocytes and the cells in the blood vessel wall is vital for normal vascular function and becomes perturbed in diseases such as atherosclerosis. Perivascular adipocytes surrounding coronary arteries may be primed to promote inflammation and angiogenesis, and PVAT phenotypic changes occurring in the setting of obesity, hyperlipidemia etc., are fundamentally important in determining a pathogenic versus protective role of PVAT in vascular disease. Recent discoveries have advanced our understanding of the role of perivascular adipocytes in modulating vascular function. However, their impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly in humans, is yet to be fully elucidated. This review will highlight the complex mechanisms whereby PVAT regulates atherosclerosis, with an emphasis on clinical implications of PVAT and emerging strategies for evaluation and treatment of CVD based on PVAT biology.
Analysis and design of an isolated high step‐up converter based on the secondary side quasi‐resonant loops
Authors: Jia Pengyu , Yuan Yiqin
Published: January 2020

In a high step‐up converter, the primary side input current contributes a significant share of total power loss. Meanwhile, high‐voltage stresses of secondary side components are also big issues. This study proposes an isolated converter with secondary side quasi‐resonant loops. The push–pull structure is adopted to reduce active switch numbers so the primary side power loss can be controlled in a very minor range. The newly added resonant loops on the secondary side significantly decrease the current stresses of the resonant capacitors, so the power loss caused by capacitor equivalent‐series‐resistance is reduced. The voltage stresses of diodes and capacitors on the secondary side are also decreased by an improved symmetrical‐voltage‐quadrupler‐rectifier structure. The proposed converter is with the maximum voltage gain equal to 4 without consideration of the transformer. Therefore, it is helpful to decrease the transformer turns ratio. The operation process is analysed in detail and the design considerations are also summarised. Theoretical analysis is verified by the experimental results of a 400 W prototype with 34–40 V input and 380 V output.
Arm energy balancing control in AACs: a comparative analysis
Authors: Leow Yoong Yang , Ooi Chia Ai
Published: January 2020

The alternate arm converter (AAC) is an emerging state‐of‐the‐art topology for voltage‐source converter (VSC) by combining two‐level converter and modular multilevel converter (MMC). The AAC performs better than the MMC in terms of the ability to block DC‐side faults and ride through AC‐side faults. Moreover, the number of sub‐modules (SMs) per arm of the AAC is reduced by about 50% compared with the MMC. The key issue with AAC is the energy deviation during the alternate operation between the upper and lower arms. Presently, several AAC balancing techniques have been proposed, but no comparative analysis has been performed to provide insight on the effect of each balancing technique on AAC performance. In this study, five proposed balancing techniques are reviewed accordingly, followed by comparing them in terms of four parameters – the presence of DC filter, balancing capability, the presence of redundant SMs and zero‐current switching control. Furthermore, a simulation work has been performed to study and compare the effects of each of the five balancing techniques. Both literature and simulation‐based comparative analysis are significant to help select appropriate balancing technique as well as to provide helpful insights to improve the existing balancing techniques.
Impact analysis of a multi‐variables modulation on the transformer of the dual‐active‐bridge converter
Authors: Fraytag Jeferson , Kirsten André Luís , Heldwein Marcelo Lobo
Published: January 2020

This work proposes a novel analysis framework to model the dual‐active‐bridge (DAB) converter static behaviour when it is subjected to a multi‐variables modulation. Novel equations that relate the transferred active power and the total transformer apparent power are derived and an iterative analysis process is proposed. The main objective is to define the total apparent power maps for a given active power level and find the lowest apparent power points. Based on that, the reduction of transformer volume and copper losses can be analysed. In general, it was observed that the lowest total apparent power is obtained for operation with and tends to occur at small angles. Moreover, in these conditions, there is also the smallest transformer volume and the lowest copper losses. Experimental results at 800, 1200, and 1600 W of a DAB prototype are presented to validate the proposed analyses, where a maximum core volume variation of 35% was obtained for a given active power level.
Model predictive control of input‐series output‐parallel dual active bridge converters based DC transformer
Authors: Zhang Hang , Li Yaohua , Li Zixin , Zhao Cong , Gao Fanqiang , Hu Yujie , Luo Long , Luan Kedong , Wang Ping
Published: January 2020

DC transformer (DCT) which is composed of dual active bridge (DAB) converters, is capable of fulfiling high‐ratio voltage conversion between the medium‐voltage dc distribution and low‐voltage dc distribution. A model predictive control (MPC) strategy was proposed for the DAB‐DCT to improve dynamic performance and achieve a proper power distribution, considering the bidirectional power of DCT. The traditional voltage closed‐loop control scheme with the single‐phase shift (SPS) and the MPC scheme with SPS are compared on a downscale DAB‐DCT laboratory prototype, using PowerPC P2020 + FPGA_6SL X45 as the core controller. The excellent dynamic characteristics of DCT with proposed MPC strategy is verified by extensive experimental results.
Analytical current THD evaluation for three‐phase voltage source inverters
Authors: Akhmetov Zhansen , Ruderman Alex
Published: January 2020

This study addresses the calculation of current total harmonic distortion (THD) for three‐phase (3P) pulse‐width modulation (PWM) inverters. First, it demonstrates how an analytical approach to PWM current ripple normalised mean square (NMS) calculation introduced in the late 1980s for a two‐level (2L) inverter can be used for current THD evaluation. Second, it is shown how to evaluate current THD for a three‐level (3L) 3P inverter using the current ripple NMS concept. Though considered is a 3P cascaded inverter with one H‐bridge per phase, the results are applicable to popular 3L neutral point clamped (T‐type) and flying capacitor inverters.
Highly Alfvénic slow solar wind at 0.3 au during a solar minimum: Helios insights for Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter
Authors: Perrone D. , D’Amicis R. , De Marco R. , Matteini L. , Stansby D. , Bruno R. , Horbury T. S.
Published: January 2020

Alfvénic fluctuations in solar wind are an intrinsic property of fast streams, while slow intervals typically have a very low degree of Alfvénicity, with much more variable parameters. However, sometimes a slow wind can be highly Alfvénic. Here we compare three different regimes of solar wind, in terms of Alfvénic content and spectral properties, during a minimum phase of the solar activity and at 0.3 au. We show that fast and Alfvénic slow intervals share some common characteristics. This would suggest a similar solar origin, with the latter coming from over-expanded magnetic field lines, in agreement with observations at 1 au and at the maximum of the solar cycle. Due to the Alfvénic nature of the fluctuations in both fast and Alfvénic slow winds, we observe a well-defined correlation between the flow speed and the angle between magnetic field vector and radial direction. The high level of Alfvénicity is also responsible of intermittent enhancements (i.e. spikes), in plasma speed. Moreover, only for the Alfvénic intervals do we observe a break between the inertial range and large scales, on about the timescale typical of the Alfvénic fluctuations and where the magnetic fluctuations saturate, limited by the magnitude of the local magnetic field. In agreement with this, we recover a characteristic low-frequency 1/f scaling, as expected for fluctuations that are scale-independent. This work is directly relevant for the next solar missions, Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter. One of the goals of these two missions is to study the origin and evolution of slow solar wind. In particular, Parker Solar Probe will give information about the Alfvénic slow wind in the unexplored region much closer to the Sun and Solar Orbiter will allow us to connect the observed physics to the source of the plasma.
A stripped helium star in the potential black hole binary LB-1
Authors: Irrgang A. , Geier S. , Kreuzer S. , Pelisoli I. , Heber U.
Published: January 2020

Context. The recently claimed discovery of a massive (MBH = 68−13+11 M⊙) black hole in the Galactic solar neighborhood has led to controversial discussions because it severely challenges our current view of stellar evolution.

Aims. A crucial aspect for the determination of the mass of the unseen black hole is the precise nature of its visible companion, the B-type star LS V+22 25. Because stars of different mass can exhibit B-type spectra during the course of their evolution, it is essential to obtain a comprehensive picture of the star to unravel its nature and, thus, its mass.

Methods. To this end, we study the spectral energy distribution of LS V+22 25 and perform a quantitative spectroscopic analysis that includes the determination of chemical abundances for He, C, N, O, Ne, Mg, Al, Si, S, Ar, and Fe.

Results. Our analysis clearly shows that LS V+22 25 is not an ordinary main sequence B-type star. The derived abundance pattern exhibits heavy imprints of the CNO bi-cycle of hydrogen burning, that is, He and N are strongly enriched at the expense of C and O. Moreover, the elements Mg, Al, Si, S, Ar, and Fe are systematically underabundant when compared to normal main-sequence B-type stars. We suggest that LS V+22 25 is a stripped helium star and discuss two possible formation scenarios. Combining our photometric and spectroscopic results with the Gaia parallax, we infer a stellar mass of 1.1 ± 0.5 M⊙. Based on the binary system’s mass function, this yields a minimum mass of 2–3 M⊙ for the compact companion, which implies that it may not necessarily be a black hole but a massive neutron- or main sequence star.

Conclusions. The star LS V+22 25 has become famous for possibly having a very massive black hole companion. However, a closer look reveals that the star itself is a very intriguing object. Further investigations are necessary for complete characterization of this object.
Contribution des géosynthétiques au développement durable
Authors: Touze Nathalie
Published: January 2020

Il ne semble pas y avoir consensus pour dire si le monde traverse aujourd’hui une crise sans précédent ou non. Quoi qu’il en soit, il reste un nombre de situations inacceptables et des améliorations urgentes sont à réaliser. Le monde est un organisme complexe qui souffre de nombreuses crises : crise économique et financière, crise environnementale, de l’agriculture, crise sanitaire, crise des valeurs. Face à une crise systémique comme celle-ci la réponse doit être globale. Comment les géosynthétiques et la société internationale des géosynthétiques (International Geosynthetics Society, IGS) peuvent-ils contribuer à résoudre ces crises et apporter leur contribution à la guérison du monde ? Les solutions technologiques sont le plus souvent mises en exergue. Elles ne seront pas suffisantes. Quelles valeurs pouvons-nous attendre de l’IGS 35 ans après sa création ? L’objectif de la lecture Giroud, dans une version en français et raccourcie ici est de mettre en évidence ces différentes contributions pour apporter de l’eau de qualité à tous, nourrir le monde, protéger notre environnement, atténuer ou anticiper les catastrophes naturelles, apporter des solutions économiques et connecter les hommes pour les aider à vivre ensemble selon les valeurs humaines universelles.
Le projet multiple des chercheurs d’aujourd’hui : entre exigence personnelle, dépendance financière et excellence formelle
Authors: Pauwels Maxime
Published: January 2020

Pour les chercheurs et enseignants-chercheurs, et leurs institutions de rattachement, le concept de projet est omniprésent depuis que le Conseil européen a encouragé, en élaborant la stratégie de Lisbonne, le financement de la recherche sur projet. Il est pourtant bien rare de discuter ce que l’on entend par projet. Trois définitions non exclusives sont proposées. Le projet peut être qualifié d’« essentiel » lorsqu’il traduit l’exigence de la démarche scientifique de son porteur. Il peut être « aspirant », lorsqu’il est construit dans l’espoir d’obtenir des gratifications, souvent financières. Il peut être « coopétiteur », lorsqu’il vise à satisfaire les critères d’excellence de procédures d’évaluation. Ces définitions pourraient coexister au sein d’un projet « multiple » si elles n’étaient pas à l’origine de perspectives antagonistes générant des conflits intérieurs. Dans ce cas, il faudrait les hiérarchiser, voire en éliminer certaines, totalement ou partiellement. Les choix effectués pourraient influer sur la qualité des connaissances scientifiques produites et sur le rôle joué par ces connaissances dans les débats de société.
Updated DEGUM Quality Requirements for the Basic Prenatal Screening Ultrasound Examination (DEGUM Level I) between 18 + 0 and 21 + 6 weeks of gestation
Authors: Kähler Christiane , Schramm Thomas , Bald Rainer , Gembruch Ulrich , Merz Eberhard , Eichhorn Karl-Heinz
Published: January 2020

A precondition for the early detection of fetal abnormalities is the high quality of prenatal basic ultrasound (screening examination). The objective of ultrasound screening is the recognition of abnormal fetal growth and fetal anatomical anomalies. The prenatal detection of fetal abnormalities enables detailed prenatal counselling of parents, improved care at birth and potentially a reduction in morbidity and mortality. In the guidelines for maternity care in Germany (“Mutterschaftsrichtlinien”), the performance of basic ultrasound in pregnancy is not clearly defined. The required image documentation includes a few biometric measurements only. Therefore, adherence to a standard technique and the possibility of audit are limited, thus not necessarily resulting in high screening quality. In this update of the DEGUM quality requirements for level I screening ultrasound examination between 18 + 0 and 21 + 6 weeks of gestation, the required parameters, standard planes and required documentation are described in detail. The greater experience of gynecologists in the field of sonographic screening examinations and the use of a modern ultrasound technique allow improvement of the screening quality. This will improve the standard of basic ultrasound screening. Due to the enhanced standard of the DEGUM I examination, more pregnant women may benefit from a detailed ultrasound examination and specialized therapy in DEGUM level II and III centers. The required fetal structures are described in detail. This update of the requirements for level I DEGUM basic ultrasound examination between 18 + 0 and 21 + 6 weeks of gestation goes far beyond the guidelines for maternity care in Germany (the “Mutterschaftsrichtlinien”) thereby elevating standards.
Effect of the chemical structure of an equatorial ligand on the spin crossover properties of the Fe(III) complex with 4-styrylpyridine axial ligands
Authors: Turanova O. A. , Volkov M. Yu. , Frolova E. N. , Bazan L. , Garifzianova G. G. , Gafiyatullin L. G. , Ovchinnikov I. V. , Turanov A. N.
Published: January 2020

In order to study the effect of the chemical structure of the equatorial ligand on the spin state of the Fe(iii) ion in complexes with invariable photoisomerizable 4-styrylpyridine axial ligands and different tetradentate Schiff bases, several new Fe(iii) complexes have been first synthesized, characterized, and studied by UV-vis, NMR, and EPR spectroscopies. The general chemical formula of the complexes is [Fe(SB)Sp2]BPh4·MeOH, where Sp is trans-4-styrylpyridine and SB are dianions of Schiff bases: salen, bzacen, and acen [salen = N,N′-ethylenebis(salicylaldimine) 1, acen = N,N′-ethylenebis(acetylacetonylideneimine) 2, and H2bzacen = N,N′-ethylenebis(benzoylacetonylideneimine) 3]. The results of the EPR and NMR measurements of the complexes both in the solid state and in solutions showed that the more methyl groups and less aromatic rings in the equatorial ligand, the more abrupt spin-crossover was observed in the complex. The dependence of the magnetic properties of the complexes on the state of matter and the presence of a solvent (powder, liquid solutions, and vitrified solutions) are noted.
Fabrication of soft-magnetic FeAlSi thin films with nm-order thickness for the free layer of magnetic tunnel junction based sensors
Authors: Akamatsu Shoma , Oogane Mikihiko , Tsunoda Masakiyo , Ando Yasuo
Published: January 2020

FeAlSi epitaxial films were fabricated on single crystalline MgO(100) substrates and their structural and magnetic properties were investigated to apply them to the free layer in magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) based sensors. We found that the film composition must be precisely controlled, and the post-annealing temperature was varied to obtain a D03-ordered structure and soft magnetic property. By adjustment of the film composition and optimizing annealing temperature, we succeeded in obtaining D03-ordered FeAlSi thin films with a small surface roughness and low coercivity. The fabricated FeAlSi film is greatly useful as a free layer material in MTJ based sensor devices.
Remote interpreting in dialogic settings
Authors: de Boe Esther
Published: January 2020

Just as remote communication by telephone and through the internet
has become an integral part of our daily lives and professional
environments, it has also gained a firm footing in the practice of
interpreting. In medical settings, remote interpreting is increasingly being
welcomed as a means to enable better access to healthcare and increased
cost-efficiency. Studies on healthcare interpreting over the telephone or by
video link have generated predominantly positive results concerning the use
of remote modes of interpreting. However, most of these studies originate
from medical science and measure user satisfaction with the interpreting
mode (face-to-face, telephone interpreting or video interpreting) rather
than the possible impact of the different modes on interpreting quality. In
interpreting studies, empirical research investigating remote interpreting
in medical settings is scarce, but studies on remote interpreting in
settings such as conference, business and legal interpreting indicate that
the remote conditions are at the very least perceived by users to influence
the interpreter’s performance and the communication.

In this chapter, we introduce a methodological framework for a
systematic assessment of the quality of remote interpreting and the
effectiveness of the communication in dialogic healthcare settings, drawing
on methods from both interpreting studies and medicine. Central to the
research design is a corpus of simulations of interpreter-mediated doctor –
patient encounters, performed in the modes face-to-face, telephone and video
interpreting. These simulations were submitted to a comparative, multi-modal
analysis, the results of which were triangulated with the subjective
assessment by the participants.

We will first touch upon research issues and caveats relevant to
remote healthcare interpreting, emerging from medical studies and
interpreting studies. Subsequently, the research design of the present study
will be elaborated, followed by a discussion of the preliminary findings of
the first series of simulations. Although the data analysis is work in
progress, the first outcomes suggest that the use of technology in
interpreter-mediated health care impacts mostly on the interactional
dynamics of the communication.
The importance of video recordings in signed language interpreting
research
Authors: Heyerick Isabelle
Published: January 2020

In signed language interpreting studies, researchers have devoted
attention to the role of video recordings in data collection since the very
beginning. Given the visual nature of signed languages, such recordings are
imperative in order to investigate various aspects of signed language
interpreting such as for instance interpreting strategies, interpreting
quality, and interactional aspects of the interpreter mediated
communication.

This differs from studies looking at spoken language interpreting,
where traditionally audio recordings were and to some extent still are the
primary source of data in research.

In this chapter I claim that, in line with recent shifts in the
understanding of communication and interaction (Mondada 2011), any research on interpreting –
which is a communicative act – should be based on multimodal data, including
the visual, audiological, gestural and any other layers of interaction.

As a way of introduction, the chapter gives an overview of how and
to which extent video recordings as a data collection tool have been used in
three research fields in spoken and signed languages; spoken interaction
studies, sign linguistics and interpreting studies, drawing primarily on
Erickson (2011), Lucas et al. (2013), and Napier & Leeson (2016).

This chapter goes on to discuss the advantages and possible
challenges of the use of video as a recording tool in signed language
interpreting research, based on a case study on interpreting strategies used
by Flemish Sign Language interpreters (Heyerick forthcoming). The same
example also illustrates the role of video as an elicitation tool within
signed language interpreting research.

While the chapter explores the benefits, opportunities and
potential obstacles of working with video in research on signed language
interpreting, I argue that including video recordings in any research
examining communication and/or interaction has the potential to provide very
rich data. Video allows for interactive events to be registered in their
full multimodal effect and to be regarded and researched as multimodal
events (Mondada 2011). This
approach can broaden the understanding of human interaction in any field of
study.
Eye-tracking in interpreter-mediated talk
Authors: Vranjes Jelena , Brône Geert
Published: January 2020

A starting point for a multimodal analysis of interpreter-mediated
interaction is the discussion on the pros and cons of new technologies
especially for new forms of distant, remote or offsite interpreting. More
specifically, in this contribution is argued that empirical multimodal
analyses of participants’ and interpreters’ behavior in real-life
interpreting settings may provide much-needed groundwork that helps to fuel
this discussion. As one of the most central points of criticism raised by
interpreting practitioners is that distant forms of interpreting lack
certain characteristics that are typical for on-site or face-to-face
interpreting (i.e. distant solutions are not true-to-life,
Van Rotterdam & van den Hoogen
2011). It becomes increasingly important to pinpoint what these
typical and natural characteristics are. Empirically grounded insights into
these characteristics may then, in a research-technology-application loop,
feed into innovative technologies, rendering novel interpreting solutions
that are more true-to-life.

In this empirical analysis we focus on one
specific phenomenon that has received increased attention in the recent
literature in multimodal interaction analysis as well as interpreting
studies, viz. eye gaze as a semiotic resource employed by speakers as well
as hearers. The main questions here are how interpreters typically manage the
turn-taking process in real-life interaction, among others by means of gaze,
and how important visual access is to the co-participants for a smooth
exchange. In order to answer the research questions, the researchers make
use of eye-tracking technology to gain detailed information on interpreters’
and primary participants’ gaze behavior.
The impact of learner perceptions of
interlocutor individual differences on learner
possible selves during a short-term experience
abroad
Authors: Serafini Ellen Johnson
Published: January 2020

A dynamic shift in second
language (L2) research (de Bot, 2015a) has revealed
L2 motivation and learner self-concept as
temporally dynamic and multidimensional traits
that continually emerge in interaction with
context (Mercer, 2016; Ushioda, 2015). However,
interlocutors have received scant attention under
a Complex Dynamic Systems Theoretical
framework.

To bridge this gap, this
study explores the dynamic interaction between
learner selves (Dörnyei, 2009) and
interlocutor individual differences (IDs) over a two-week experience
abroad. A case study approach focused on three L2
learners and one heritage speaker who completed a
daily interaction log, Likert-scale questionnaires
targeting daily, weekly, and monthly changes in
self-concept, and journal reflections focused on
daily interactions in Spanish. Interlocutors
(e.g., host families, teachers, Ecuadorian
university students) completed a questionnaire
tapping several IDs (e.g., language background).
Results revealed fluctuation in learner
perceptions of self, which interacted with their
perceptions of interlocutor IDs.
Diversity in biology: definitions, quantification and models
Authors: Xu Song , Böttcher Lucas , Chou Tom
Published: January 2020

Diversity indices are useful single-number metrics for characterizing a complex distribution of a set of attributes across a population of interest. The utility of these different metrics or sets of metrics depends on the context and application, and whether a predictive mechanistic model exists. In this topical review, we first summarize the relevant mathematical principles underlying heterogeneity in a large population, before outlining the various definitions of ‘diversity’ and providing examples of scientific topics in which its quantification plays an important role. We then review how diversity has been a ubiquitous concept across multiple fields, including ecology, immunology, cellular barcoding experiments, and socioeconomic studies. Since many of these applications involve sampling of populations, we also review how diversity in small samples is related to the diversity in the entire population. Features that arise in each of these applications are highlighted.
Research progress of femtosecond surface plasmon polariton*
Authors: Wang Yulong , Zhao Bo , Min Changjun , Zhang Yuquan , Yang Jianjun , Guo Chunlei , Yuan Xiaocong
Published: January 2020

As the combination of surface plasmon polariton and femtosecond laser pulse, femtosecond surface plasmon polariton has both nanoscale spatial resolution and femtosecond temporal resolution, and thus provides promising methods for light field manipulation and light–matter interaction in extreme small spatiotemporal scales. Nowadays, the research on femtosecond surface plasmon polariton is mainly concentrated on two aspects: one is investigation and characterization of excitation, propagation, and dispersion properties of femtosecond surface plasmon polariton in different structures or materials; the other one is developing new applications based on its unique properties in the fields of nonlinear enhancement, pulse shaping, spatiotemporal super-resolved imaging, and others. Here, we introduce the research progress of properties and applications of femtosecond surface plasmon polariton, and prospect its future research trends. With the further development of femtosecond surface plasmon polariton research, it will have a profound impact on nano-optoelectronics, molecular dynamics, biomedicine and other fields.
Vibrational effects on electron momentum distributions of outer valence orbitals of benzene*
Authors: Zhang Yu , Niu Shanshan , Tang Yaguo , Wang Yichun , Shan Xu , Chen Xiangjun
Published: January 2020

The outer valence electron momentum distributions of benzene are reinvestigated with theoretical calculations involving the vibrational effects. The results are compared with recent experimental measurements [Phys. Rev. A
98 042705 (2018)]. The significant discrepancies between theories and experiments in previous works have now been interpreted quantitatively, indicating that the vibrational motion in benzene molecule has noticeable influence on its electron momentum distributions.
Monogamy and polygamy relations of multiqubit entanglement based on unified entropy*
Authors: Jin Zhi-Xiang , Qiao Cong-Feng
Published: January 2020

Monogamy relation is one of the essential properties of quantum entanglement, which characterizes the distribution of entanglement in a multipartite system. By virtual of the unified-(q,s) entropy, we obtain some novel monogamy and polygamy inequalities in general class of entanglement measures. For the multiqubit system, a class of tighter monogamy relations are established in term of the α-th power of unified-(q,s) entanglement for α ≥ 1. We also obtain a class of tighter polygamy relations in the β-th (0 ≤ β ≤ 1) power of unified-(q,s) entanglement of assistance. Applying these results to specific quantum correlations, e.g., entanglement of formation, Renyi-q entanglement of assistance, and Tsallis-q entanglement of assistance, we obtain the corresponding monogamy and polygamy relations. Typical examples are presented for illustration. Furthermore, the complementary monogamy and polygamy relations are investigated for the α-th (0 ≤ α ≤ 1) and β-th (β ≥ 1) powers of unified entropy, respectively, and the corresponding monogamy and polygamy inequalities are obtained.
Evaluation of simulated soil carbon dynamics in Arctic-Boreal ecosystems
Authors: Huntzinger D N , Schaefer K , Schwalm C , Fisher J B , Hayes D , Stofferahn E , Carey J , Michalak A M , Wei Y , Jain A K , Kolus H , Mao J , Poulter B , Shi X , Tang J , Tian H
Published: January 2020

Given the magnitude of soil carbon stocks in northern ecosystems, and the vulnerability of these stocks to climate warming, land surface models must accurately represent soil carbon dynamics in these regions. We evaluate soil carbon stocks and turnover rates, and the relationship between soil carbon loss with soil temperature and moisture, from an ensemble of eleven global land surface models. We focus on the region of NASA’s Arctic-Boreal vulnerability experiment (ABoVE) in North America to inform data collection and model development efforts. Models exhibit an order of magnitude difference in estimates of current total soil carbon stocks, generally under- or overestimating the size of current soil carbon stocks by greater than 50 PgC. We find that a model’s soil carbon stock at steady-state in 1901 is the prime driver of its soil carbon stock a hundred years later—overwhelming the effect of environmental forcing factors like climate. The greatest divergence between modeled and observed soil carbon stocks is in regions dominated by peat and permafrost soils, suggesting that models are failing to capture the frozen soil carbon dynamics of permafrost regions. Using a set of functional benchmarks to test the simulated relationship of soil respiration to both soil temperature and moisture, we find that although models capture the observed shape of the soil moisture response of respiration, almost half of the models examined show temperature sensitivities, or Q10 values, that are half of observed. Significantly, models that perform better against observational constraints of respiration or carbon stock size do not necessarily perform well in terms of their functional response to key climatic factors like changing temperature. This suggests that models may be arriving at the right result, but for the wrong reason. The results of this work can help to bridge the gap between data and models by both pointing to the need to constrain initial carbon pool sizes, as well as highlighting the importance of incorporating functional benchmarks into ongoing, mechanistic modeling activities such as those included in ABoVE.
Digitalisation of goods: a systematic review of the determinants and magnitude of the impacts on energy consumption
Authors: Court Victor , Sorrell Steven
Published: January 2020

Background. The contribution of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to a low carbon economy is unclear. Previous reviews emphasise the need to assess the specific factors that determine the environmental impacts of ICTs, but none of them link those factors to the magnitude of the impacts on energy consumption and carbon emissions. Our study aims to fill this evidence gap. Methods/Design. We restrict our analysis to a single application domain, namely e-materialisation, defined as the partial or complete substitution of material products with electronic equivalents. We conduct the first systematic literature review of the direct and higher order impacts of the digitalisation of goods on energy consumption.

Results/Synthesis. We identify 31 relevant studies that we sort into five categories, namely: ‘e-publications’ (e-books, e-magazines and e-journals); ‘e-news’; ‘e-business’; ‘e-music’; and ‘e-videos and games’. All but one of the 31 studies use life-cycle analysis and employ a range of product-system configurations, functional units, system boundaries and allocation rules. Confining attention to direct and substitution effects, the studies suggest potential energy savings from e-publications, e-news and e-music, and less potential from e-business and e-videos/games. However, different assumptions for key variables (such as the lifetime and energy efficiency of user devices, the extent to which personal transport is displaced and the number of users of material and digital products) lead to very different estimates—including many where lifecycle energy consumption increases. Most of the studies assume that digital goods substitute for material goods and all of them neglect rebound effects—which suggests that they overestimate energy savings.

Discussion. Given the diversity and context-specificity of the available evidence, the optimistic assumptions that are frequently used (e.g. perfect substitution) and the neglect of rebound effects, we cannot conclude that e-materialisation has delivered significant energy savings to date or is likely to do so in the future.
Analysis of grinding process with the use of field theory
Authors: Gusev V V , Roshchupkin S I , Moiseev D A , Melnikova E P
Published: January 2020

In this work were analyzed objective laws of material allowance removal that are common for different schemes of grinding with the use of field theory. Each level of the working surface of the circle corresponds to a certain scalar quantity, which characterizes the relative reference surface area of the diamond grains and the total grain width at this level. The total grains width determines the probability of material removal from the component surface in the process of grinding under the influence of the field of vectors of instrument’s grains. Changes which occur in the area of contact between material and grinding wheel lead to negative divergence of material flow and wheel’s grains. The change in the divergence of the fields is characterized respectively efficiency of machining and destruction of an instrument’s working area.