bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High breakdown voltage quasi-two-dimensional β-Ga2O3 field-effect transistors with a boron nitride field plate
Authors: Bae Jinho , Kim Hyoung Woo , Kang In Ho , Yang Gwangseok , Kim Jihyun
Published: March 2018

We have demonstrated a β-Ga2O3 metal-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MESFET) with a high off-state breakdown voltage (344 V), based on a quasi-two-dimensional β-Ga2O3 field-plated with hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). Both the β-Ga2O3 and h-BN were mechanically exfoliated from their respective crystal substrates, followed by dry-transfer onto a SiO2/Si substrate for integration into a high breakdown voltage quasi-two-dimensional β-Ga2O3 MESFETs. N-type conducting behavior was observed in the fabricated β-Ga2O3 MESFETs, along with a high on/off current ratio (>106) and excellent current saturation. A three-terminal off-state breakdown voltage of 344 V was obtained, with a threshold voltage of −7.3 V and a subthreshold swing of 84.6 mV/dec. The distribution of electric fields in the quasi-two-dimensional β-Ga2O3 MESFETs was simulated to analyze the role of the dielectric h-BN field plate in improving the off-state breakdown voltage. The stability of the field-plated β-Ga2O3 MESFET in air was confirmed after storing the MESFET in ambient air for one month. Our results pave the way for unlocking the full potential of β-Ga2O3 for use in a high-power nano-device with an ultrahigh breakdown voltage.
Spin-valve giant magneto-resistance film with magnetostrictive FeSiB amorphous layer and its application to strain sensors
Authors: Hashimoto Y. , Yamamoto N. , Kato T. , Oshima D. , Iwata S.
Published: March 2018

Giant magneto-resistance (GMR) spin-valve films with an FeSiB/CoFeB free layer were fabricated to detect applied strain in a GMR device. The magnetostriction constant of FeSiB was experimentally determined to have 32 ppm, which was one order of magnitude larger than that of CoFeB. In order to detect the strain sensitively and robustly against magnetic field fluctuation, the magnetic field modulation technique was applied to the GMR device. It was confirmed that the output voltage of the GMR device depends on the strain, and the gauge factor K = 46 was obtained by adjusting the applied DC field intensity and direction. We carried out the simulation based on a macro-spin model assuming uniaxial anisotropy, interlayer coupling between the free and pin layers, strain-induced anisotropy, and Zeeman energy, and succeeded in reproducing the experimental results. The simulation predicts that improving the magnetic properties of GMR films, especially reducing interlayer coupling, will be effective for increasing the output, i.e., the gauge factor, of the GMR strain sensors.
Information geometric methods for complexity
Authors: Felice Domenico , Cafaro Carlo , Mancini Stefano
Published: March 2018

Research on the use of information geometry (IG) in modern physics has witnessed significant advances recently. In this review article, we report on the utilization of IG methods to define measures of complexity in both classical and, whenever available, quantum physical settings. A paradigmatic example of a dramatic change in complexity is given by phase transitions (PTs). Hence, we review both global and local aspects of PTs described in terms of the scalar curvature of the parameter manifold and the components of the metric tensor, respectively. We also report on the behavior of geodesic paths on the parameter manifold used to gain insight into the dynamics of PTs. Going further, we survey measures of complexity arising in the geometric framework. In particular, we quantify complexity of networks in terms of the Riemannian volume of the parameter space of a statistical manifold associated with a given network. We are also concerned with complexity measures that account for the interactions of a given number of parts of a system that cannot be described in terms of a smaller number of parts of the system. Finally, we investigate complexity measures of entropic motion on curved statistical manifolds that arise from a probabilistic description of physical systems in the presence of limited information. The Kullback-Leibler divergence, the distance to an exponential family and volumes of curved parameter manifolds, are examples of essential IG notions exploited in our discussion of complexity. We conclude by discussing strengths, limits, and possible future applications of IG methods to the physics of complexity.
Absolute Hugoniot measurements for CH foams in the 2–9 Mbar range
Authors: Aglitskiy Y. , Velikovich A. L. , Karasik M. , Schmitt A. J. , Serlin V. , Weaver J. L. , Oh J. , Obenschain S. P. , Cochrane K. R.
Published: March 2018

Absolute Hugoniot measurements for empty plastic foams at ∼10% of solid polystyrene density and supporting rad-hydro simulation results are reported. Planar foam slabs, ∼400 μm thick and ∼500 μm wide, some of which were covered with a 10 μm solid plastic ablator, were directly driven by 4 ns long Nike krypton-fluoride 248 nm wavelength laser pulses that produced strong shock waves in the foam. The shock and mass velocities in our experiments were up to 104 km/s and 84 km/s, respectively, and the shock pressures up to ∼9 Mbar. The motion of the shock and ablation fronts was recorded using side-on monochromatic x-ray imaging radiography. The steadiness of the observed shock and ablation fronts within ∼1% has been verified. The Hugoniot data inferred from our velocity measurements agree with the predictions of the SESAME and CALEOS equation-of-state models near the highest pressure ∼9 Mbar and density compression ratio ∼5. In the lower pressure range 2–5 Mbar, a lower shock density compression is observed than that predicted by the models. Possible causes for this discrepancy are discussed.
Influence and evolution mechanism of different sharpness contact forms to mechanical property of cortical bone by nanoindentation
Authors: Sun Xingdong , Guo Yue , Li Lijia , Liu Zeyang , Wu Di , Shi Dong , Zhao Hongwei , Zhang Shizhong
Published: March 2018

Based on different damage forms of various contact forms to bone, the mechanical response and mechanism were investigated by nanoindentation under different sharpness contact forms. For the purpose of simulating the different sharpness contact forms, two kinds of indenters were used in experiments and finite elements simulations. Through nanoindentation experiments, it was concluded that the residual depth of sharp indenter was bigger than that of blunt indenter with small penetration depth. However, the contrary law was obtained with bigger penetration depth. There was a turning point of transition from blunt tendency to sharp tendency. By calculation, it was concluded that the sharper the indenter was, the bigger the proportion of plastic energy in total energy was. Basically, results of finite elements simulation could correspond with the experimental conclusions. By the observation of FE-SEM, the surface of cortical bone compressed was more seriously directly below the blunt indenter than the lateral face. For the berkovich indenter, the surface of indentation compressed was less directly below the indenter, but seriously on three lateral faces. This research may provide some new references to the studies of bone fracture mechanism in different load patterns in the initial press-in stage and offer new explanation for bone trauma diagnosis in clinical treatment and criminal investigation.
Enhancing the performance of tungsten doped InZnO thin film transistors via sequential ambient annealing
Authors: Park Hyun-Woo , Song Aeran , Kwon Sera , Choi Dukhyun , Kim Younghak , Jun Byung-Hyuk , Kim Han-Ki , Chung Kwun-Bum
Published: March 2018

This study suggests a sequential ambient annealing process as an excellent post-treatment method to enhance the device performance and stability of W (tungsten) doped InZnO thin film transistors (WIZO-TFTs). Sequential ambient annealing at 250 °C significantly enhanced the device performance and stability of WIZO-TFTs, compared with other post-treatment methods, such as air ambient annealing and vacuum ambient annealing at 250 °C. To understand the enhanced device performance and stability of WIZO-TFT with sequential ambient annealing, we investigate the correlations between device performance and stability and electronic structures, such as band alignment, a feature of the conduction band, and band edge states below the conduction band. The enhanced performance of WIZO-TFTs with sequential ambient annealing is related to the modification of the electronic structure. In addition, the dominant mechanism responsible for the enhanced device performance and stability of WIZO-TFTs is considered to be a change in the shallow-level and deep-level band edge states below the conduction band.
Piezoelectric field, exciton lifetime, and cathodoluminescence intensity at threading dislocations in GaN{0001}
Authors: Kaganer Vladimir M. , Sabelfeld Karl K. , Brandt Oliver
Published: March 2018

The strain field of a dislocation emerging at a free surface is partially relaxed to ensure stress free boundary conditions. We show that this relaxation strain at the outcrop of edge threading dislocations in GaN{0001} gives rise to a piezoelectric volume charge. The electric field produced by this charge distribution is strong enough to dissociate free excitons at distances over 100 nm from the dislocation line. We evaluate the impact of this effect on cathodoluminescence images of dislocations.
Local tuning of the order parameter in superconducting weak links: A zero-inductance nanodevice
Authors: Winik Roni , Holzman Itamar , Dalla Torre Emanuele G. , Buks Eyal , Ivry Yachin
Published: March 2018

Controlling both the amplitude and the phase of the superconducting quantum order parameter ψ in nanostructures is important for next-generation information and communication technologies. The lack of electric resistance in superconductors, which may be advantageous for some technologies, hinders convenient voltage-bias tuning and hence limits the tunability of ψ at the microscopic scale. Here, we demonstrate the local tunability of the phase and amplitude of ψ, obtained by patterning with a single lithography step a Nb nano-superconducting quantum interference device (nano-SQUID) that is biased at its nanobridges. We accompany our experimental results by a semi-classical linearized model that is valid for generic nano-SQUIDs with multiple ports and helps simplify the modelling of non-linear couplings among the Josephson junctions. Our design helped us reveal unusual electric characteristics with effective zero inductance, which is promising for nanoscale magnetic sensing and quantum technologies.
Preface to Special Topic: Plasmonics and solid state plasmas
Authors: Manfredi Giovanni
Published: March 2018

Plasmonics, the study of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with electrons in solids, is an exciting new field that has developed fast since the 1980s and is still growing steadily. Yet, plasma physicists have devoted little attention to it. This special collection would like to bridge the gap between plasmas and plasmonics and encourage plasma physicists to have their say in this burgeoning research field.
New Products
Authors: Mandelis Andreas
Published: March 2018

In order to supplement manufacturers’ information, this Department will welcome the submission by our readers of brief communications reporting measurements on the physical properties of materials which supersede earlier data or suggest new research applications.
Palates link soil and plants with herbivores and humans
Authors: Provenza F. D.
Published: March 2018

Palates link animals with landscapes. An attuned palate, which enables animals to meet needs for nutrients and self-medicate, evolves from flavour–feedback associations, availability of biochemically rich foods, and learning in utero and early in life to eat nourishing combinations of foods. Unlike our ancestors who ate biochemically rich diets, the palates of many individuals are no longer linked in healthy ways with landscapes. Selection for yield, appearance and transportability diminish phytochemical richness of vegetables and fruits, which adversely affects the flavour and nutritive value of produce for humans. Likewise, phytochemically impoverished pastures and feedlot diets can unfavourably affect the health of livestock and the flavour and nutritive value of meat and dairy for humans. Not coincidentally, as the flavours of meat, dairy and produce became blander, processed foods became more desirable as people in industry learned to link feedback from energy-rich compounds with artificial flavours that obscure nutritional sameness and diminish health. Thus, the roles plants and animals once played in nutrition and health have been usurped by processed foods fortified and enriched in ways that adversely affect preferences by stimulating appetite for processed over wholesome foods. The health of soil, plants, herbivores and humans could be improved by creating cultures that know how to produce and combine biochemically rich foods into meals that nourish and satiate.
Exogenous spermidine enhances the photosynthetic and antioxidant capacity of rice under heat stress during early grain-filling period
Authors: Tang She , Zhang Haixiang , Li Ling , Liu Xia , Chen Lin , Chen Wenzhu , Ding Yanfeng
Published: March 2018

High temperature has adverse effects on rice growth by inhibiting the flag leaf photosynthetic and antioxidant capacity, which can be alleviated by various exogenous chemicals such as spermidine (Spd). However, the role of Spd in conferring heat tolerance in rice is not well documented. Conventional japonica rice varieties Wuyunjing 24 and Ningjing 3 were treated with high temperatures at 37.5/27.0°C (day/night) and foliar sprayed with 1 mmol L−1 Spd after flowering. Results showed activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities were deceased during high temperature treatment and eventually lead to the malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. Exogenous Spd significantly increased both SOD and POD activities at the later stage of high-temperature treatment, and reduced MDA accumulation were identified in both rice varieties. Application of Spd further increased the amount of soluble sugars during high temperature stress and that maintained the osmotic equilibrium of rice leaves. Spd significantly increased photosystem II (ΦPSII), photosynthetic electron transport rate (ETR), variable fluorescence/maximum fluorescence ratio (Fvʹ/Fmʹ), stomatal conductance and the photochemical reaction of light energy ratio (Pr), and ultimately improved the photosynthetic and transpiration rate during high temperature stress. In conclusion, exogenous Spd can effectively alleviate the adverse consequences of high temperature and could be further applied to provide strategies in mitigating the challenges of global warming-induced yield loss and other possible relevant issues.
Retinal isomerization and water-pore formation in channelrhodopsin-2
Authors: Ardevol Albert , Hummer Gerhard
Published: March 2018

Significance

Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) is a light-activated membrane ion channel that is widely used in biotechnological applications and optogenetics. Nonetheless, key elements of its structure, photocycle, and mechanism of action remain unresolved. We applied computational modeling and over 14 µs of molecular dynamics simulation to explore the molecular mechanism of photoactivated channel opening. Water emerges as a central player that lubricates the motions of gate residues and opens a water permeable preopen pore. By resolving the early functional dynamics of ChR2, our work also provides a foundation for the design of new variants for optogenetics applications.
Behaviors, movements, and transmission of droplet-mediated respiratory diseases during transcontinental airline flights
Authors: Hertzberg Vicki Stover , Weiss Howard , Elon Lisa , Si Wenpei , Norris Sharon L. ,   The FlyHealthy Research Team, Baker Helen , Brouillette Matthew , Campillo Samantha , Charles Elizabeth , Cohen Megan , Dynes Michelle , Gai Jiaxiang , Gajewski Kimberly , Gordon-Roberts Rachel , Guillen Jose , Fernandez Xavier , Higgins Edith , Hoyte Tiffany , Jabbarzadeh Shirin , Mac Valerie , Matz Lisa , Oliver Carrie , Paul Sudeshna , Plotsky Andrea , Renneker Kristin , Runkle Jennifer , Schaupp Amanda , Semple Marie , Uwillingiyimana Alex , Wang Yuke , Wright Emily , Wright Laura , Wu Hao
Published: March 2018

Significance

With over 3 billion airline passengers annually, the inflight transmission of infectious diseases is an important global health concern. Over a dozen cases of inflight transmission of serious infections have been documented, and air travel can serve as a conduit for the rapid spread of newly emerging infections and pandemics. Despite sensational media stories, risks of transmission of respiratory viruses in an airplane cabin are unknown. Movements of passengers and crew may facilitate disease transmission. On 10 transcontinental US flights, we chronicled behaviors and movements of individuals in the economy cabin on single-aisle aircraft. We simulated transmission during flight based on these data. This data-driven, dynamic network transmission model of droplet-mediated respiratory disease is unique.
Muscle-tendon length and force affect human tibialis anterior central aponeurosis stiffness in vivo
Authors: Raiteri Brent James , Cresswell Andrew Graham , Lichtwark Glen Anthony
Published: March 2018

Significance

Muscle-force production and energy consumption are highly dependent on stiffness of the connecting tendinous tissues (tendon and aponeurosis). Although reduced tendinous tissue stiffness favors greater elastic energy recovery, it permits muscle fiber shortening during fixed-end contractions, which is economically unfavorable for force production. Here, we provide in vivo evidence that the longitudinal central aponeurosis stiffness of human tibialis anterior increases not only with force but also with muscle-tendon unit length. Such a mechanism is likely to be beneficial for different movement scenarios for a range of lower limb muscles. These findings are important for interpreting and modeling muscle-force production and energy consumption during movement and understanding muscle and tendon injury mechanics.
Identification and biosynthesis of thymidine hypermodifications in the genomic DNA of widespread bacterial viruses
Authors: Lee Yan-Jiun , Dai Nan , Walsh Shannon E. , Müller Stephanie , Fraser Morgan E. , Kauffman Kathryn M. , Guan Chudi , Corrêa Ivan R. , Weigele Peter R.
Published: March 2018

Significance

Bacterial viruses (bacteriophages) append a variety of molecules, including sugars, amino acids, and polyamines, to the nucleobases of their genomic DNA to circumvent the endonuclease-based defenses of their hosts. These DNA hypermodifications are formed through bacteriophage-encoded biosynthetic pathways, with steps occurring before and after replication of bacteriophage DNA. We report here the discovery of two thymidine hypermodifications: 5-(2-aminoethoxy)methyluridine replacing 40% of thymidine nucleotides in the
Salmonella
phage ViI and 5-(2-aminoethyl)uridine replacing 30% of thymidine in the DNA of the
Pseudomonas
phage M6. Additionally, we show in vitro reconstitution of 5-(2-aminoethyl)uridine biosynthesis from five recombinantly expressed proteins. These findings reveal an expanded diversity in the types of naturally occurring DNA modifications and their biosynthetic pathways.
Phylogenetic homogenization of amphibian assemblages in human-altered habitats across the globe
Authors: Nowakowski A. Justin , Frishkoff Luke O. , Thompson Michelle E. , Smith Tatiana M. , Todd Brian D.
Published: March 2018

Significance

Widespread conversion of natural habitats to human land use creates evolutionarily novel environments and causes declines of native species. Stemming biodiversity loss requires an understanding of why some species persist while others decline in these novel habitats. We analyzed survey data of amphibian species from around the globe to determine whether closely related species respond similarly to habitat conversion. We find that species that persist in converted habitats tend to come from the same clades within the amphibian tree of life and that by favoring these widely distributed clades, habitat conversion leads to nonrandom extirpations and loss of evolutionary history. Our results show that the identity of winners and losers during the Anthropocene can be tightly linked to their evolutionary history.
Live births from artificial insemination of microfluidic-sorted bovine spermatozoa characterized by trajectories correlated with fertility
Authors: Nagata Maria Portia B. , Endo Kenji , Ogata Kazuko , Yamanaka Kenichi , Egashira Junki , Katafuchi Naoto , Yamanouchi Tadayuki , Matsuda Hideo , Goto Yuki , Sakatani Miki , Hojo Takuo , Nishizono Hirofumi , Yotsushima Kenji , Takenouchi Naoki , Hashiyada Yutaka , Yamashita Kenichi
Published: March 2018

Significance

Iatrogenic failures of assisted reproduction technology could be associated with routine sperm preparation techniques. Limitations of conventional sperm selection methods include the inability to efficiently sort functional spermatozoa and assess sperm fertilization potential. We developed a robust microfluidic sperm sorting system by using a diffuser-type microfluidic sperm sorter device capable of ultrahigh-throughput selection and separation of motile, DNA-intact, and functionally competent sperm. The strategy inclusively targeted the intrinsic traits related to fertility and successfully produced livebirths from low-dose insemination of microfluidic sorted spermatozoa. The fertile subpopulation was identified based on the kinetic and trajectory patterns as the sinuous, transitional cohort. The clinical significance of microfluidic sperm sorting is reflected by the established pregnancy and live births of calves.
Precise Cas9 targeting enables genomic mutation prevention
Authors: Chavez Alejandro , Pruitt Benjamin W. , Tuttle Marcelle , Shapiro Rebecca S. , Cecchi Ryan J. , Winston Jordan , Turczyk Brian M. , Tung Michael , Collins James J. , Church George M.
Published: March 2018

Significance

Single-base substitutions are capable of producing transformative phenotypic changes. While methods to classify such mutations are well established, it is difficult to modulate or preclude their occurrence in a direct and efficacious manner. In this study, we refine the specificity of the CRISPR-Cas9 system and present a general framework for proactively preventing the occurrence of point mutations. This “mutation prevention system” is a broadly useful tool for the study and control of DNA substitutions, particularly in contexts where an associated phenotype or evolutionary pathway is undesirable.
Immunization with outer membrane vesicles displaying conserved surface polysaccharide antigen elicits broadly antimicrobial antibodies
Authors: Stevenson Taylor C. , Cywes-Bentley Colette , Moeller Tyler D. , Weyant Kevin B. , Putnam David , Chang Yung-Fu , Jones Bradley D. , Pier Gerald B. , DeLisa Matthew P.
Published: March 2018

Significance

A broad range of bacterial, fungal, and protozoan cells produce the surface polysaccharide poly-
N
-acetyl-
d
-glucosamine (PNAG), making this antigen an attractive target for vaccination against multiple human and economically important animal pathogens. While conjugate vaccines involving surface polysaccharides, such as PNAG, are a proven strategy for reducing the incidence of disease caused by bacterial pathogens, their manufacture is technically demanding, inefficient, and expensive, thereby limiting their widespread adoption. Here, we describe an alternative route to producing PNAG-containing glycoconjugates, whereby recombinant PNAG biosynthesis is coordinated with outer membrane vesicle formation in nonpathogenic
Escherichia coli
strains. The resulting glycosylated outer membrane vesicles effectively deliver PNAG antigens to the immune system while bypassing many of the drawbacks of conventional conjugate vaccines.
ASK family kinases mediate cellular stress and redox signaling to circadian clock
Authors: Imamura Kiyomichi , Yoshitane Hikari , Hattori Kazuki , Yamaguchi Mitsuo , Yoshida Kento , Okubo Takenori , Naguro Isao , Ichijo Hidenori , Fukada Yoshitaka
Published: March 2018

Significance

The cellular stress response and circadian clock system are fundamental functions in homeostatic regulation in almost all organisms. However, whether these two mechanisms are interlocked with each other, and the key molecule that links cellular stress and the circadian clock, remain unclear. Here we identify ASK family kinases that are essential for the circadian clock to respond to cellular stress, and report that
Ask1
transcription is rhythmically controlled by the circadian clock. Moreover, LC-MS/MS–based proteomic analysis provides insight into a molecular mechanism in which dephosphorylation-triggered changes to the ASK complex mediate cellular stress to the circadian clock. From the perspective of cell signaling, our present findings expand previously reported roles of stress signaling toward regulation of the circadian clock.
Inequality and redistribution behavior in a give-or-take game
Authors: Bechtel Michael M. , Liesch Roman , Scheve Kenneth F.
Published: March 2018

Significance

Why has economic inequality risen dramatically over the past few decades even in democracies where individuals could vote for more redistribution? We experimentally study how individuals respond to inequality and find that subjects generally take from richer and give to poorer individuals. However, this behavior removes only a fraction of inequality. Moreover, individuals who give to those who are poorer are generally not the same individuals who also take from others who are richer. These results offer an explanation for the absence of policy interventions that could effectively counter rising differences in wealth: Voters are divided on how to react to inequality in ways that make it difficult to build majority coalitions willing to back political redistribution.
Primary processes in the bacterial reaction center probed by two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy
Authors: Niedringhaus Andrew , Policht Veronica R. , Sechrist Riley , Konar Arkaprabha , Laible Philip D. , Bocian David F. , Holten Dewey , Kirmaier Christine , Ogilvie Jennifer P.
Published: March 2018

Significance

The remarkable near-unity quantum efficiency of photosynthetic charge separation has motivated decades of research to uncover the underlying design principles. Much of our current understanding of photosynthetic charge separation is rooted in studies of the bacterial reaction center (BRC). We present two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy of the BRC as it undergoes charge separation, resolving the energy-transfer and charge-separation processes with time and excitation frequency resolution. These measurements reveal the excitonic structure of the BRC, including a previously hidden exciton state. We present a multiexcitation 2D global analysis method that supports two-step sequential charge separation in the BRC without evidence for secondary charge separation pathways. We extract the spectral signatures of the charge-separation intermediates.
Secondary exchanges with Japan
Authors: Marriott Helen , Enomoto Sanae
Published: March 2018

This paper outlines the principal features which characterise secondary level student exchange programs with Japan, especially those relating to the home and school settings. Some of the main outcomes and gains from student exchanges, specifically, socio-psychological gains, cultural enrichment and gains in communicative competence are briefly described. The data are drawn from various sources, but principally from oral interviews in Japanese with a sample of 19 former exchange students, background interviews in English with some of these students, and a large national survey completed by 566 returned exchange students. All the evidence suggests that outstanding gains are derived from an exchange experience. With regard to communication, the exchange students make rapid progress with listening and speaking Japanese, even if some linguistic or sociolinguistic features are not acquired or are not acquired properly. As in-country experience for secondary or tertiary students constitutes a vital part of a LOTE program, more in-depth research in this area is recommended.
A learner-centred foreign language curriculum for a large, diverse group of students? yes, it is possible
Authors: Thomson Chihiro Kinoshita
Published: March 2018

In the reality of learner diversity and large enrolment, how can we effectively deliver a foreign language curriculum that is learner-centred and communicatively-based, and that fosters learner autonomy? This paper proposes a curriculum innovation in which a curriculum holds two major components: one of self-directed learning project and the other of any syllabus type of one’s choice. The paper describes and discusses a case study, which is a trial of the proposed curriculum, then further makes recommendations for successful implementation of such a curriculum. The project section of the proposed curriculum has four stages: the introduction stage where the concepts and benefit of the project are introduced to learners; the planning stage where the learners draw learning contracts; the monitoring stage where the learners monitor and modify their learning; and the assessment stage where the learners assess their own performance in accordance with their learning contracts.
Cultural components in the teaching of Asian languages
Authors: Chen Shen
Published: March 2018

The importance of understanding target cultures is an increasingly acknowledged aspect in the teaching of Asian languages. Yet how to incorporate the teaching of cultures with languages remains controversial. This paper will discuss a number of main paradigms of teaching target culture employed in Asian language programs and propose a concept of capacity which relates target cultures with the language learners’ own culture.
Pronunciation problems of Australian students learning Korean
Authors: Kim Chong-Woon , Park See-Gyoon
Published: March 2018

For the majority of Australian students learning Korean the intervocalically placed Korean liquid consonant is one of the most persistent and prevailing pronunciation problems. An auditory phonetic analysis of the spoken data produced by Australian students learning Korean indicates that the pronunciation problem is most likely to be caused by L1 transfer, the sub-phonemic nature of the Korean flapping rule together with the morphophonemic and syllable based characteristics of the Korean orthography. Current teaching practice and students’ learning strategy may also play a crucial role in the non-learning of the pronunciation of the intervoalically placed Korean liquid consonant.
Handling neologisms in teaching and learning modern standard Chinese
Authors: Sawer Michael
Published: March 2018

This article examines neologisms coined in Modern Standard Chinese since 1978, and particularly since the mid 1980’s. The neologisms discussed were collected during recent fieldwork in Beijing: through spoken interviews, from the media, and from recent secondary sources. The article focuses on three main strategies that can be used to handle neologisms in teaching and learning Modern Standard Chinese: analysing the methods whereby recent neologisms have been formed; identifying the most common initial and concluding elements in recent neologisms; and considering the various ways in which neologisms are nowadays signalled within texts.
Multiple instructions in communicative language teaching
Authors: Zhong Yong , Low Francis R.
Published: March 2018

Chinese language teaching in Australia is characterised by the communicative approach emphasising interactive activities like role-plays. However, we observed that communicative learning is not always practised to the desired extent. Based on Strauss and Corbin’s (1990) grounded theory model of qualitative research methodology, an investigation involving seventeen upper level students at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) was undertaken to identify obstacles impeding communicative learning. One of the major problems identified in the present study is the use of multiple instructions by some Chinese language instructors and Chinese text-books which contradicts the philosophy of communicative teaching. The themes arising from the data analysis formed the frame of the present article which discusses types of problem instructions, their effects on students trying to complete communicative activities and students’ management of them. The study concludes with a suggestion that multiple instructions be improved in structure and delivery mode in order to make language learning more achievable.
A contrastive analysis of vocabulary teaching Australian and Chinese university settings
Authors: Zhenya Wang
Published: March 2018

Vocabulary learning is an aspect of language learning. However, in language classrooms vocabulary teaching can be practiced in different ways in different contexts. This paper first describes and compares vocabulary teaching at BUAA (the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics) and CUT (Curtin University of Technology) in Australia and then examines the causes of the methodological differences found in vocabulary teaching in these two educational institutions. In these two universities, methodological differences exist in vocabulary teaching at the levels of both formal instruction and classroom interaction. In the formal instruction of vocabulary teaching, these two universities exhibit different characteristics at the presentation, repetition and exploitation stages. The contrast between foreign and second language teaching, the cultural and educational contexts in which the target language is taught, the way in which the learners’ first language is learned, the linguistic distance between the learner’s native and target languages, and learner and teacher characteristics cause to a greater or lesser extent the methodological differences observed in vocabulary teaching in the two universities in question.
Clearing the way for synaptic vesicle release
Authors: Sedwick Caitlin
Published: March 2018

JGP study shows that endocytosis aids synaptic vesicle release at ribbon synapses.
Land use change on climate parameters at Samin subwatershed in Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Sutarno  , Komariah  , Gunawan T , Purnomo D , Suntoro
Published: March 2018

The Samin sub-watershed (SSW) is one of the critical watersheds in Indonesia which need conservation. The identification of land-use/land-cover changes (LUCC) can help in deciding the priority of conservation areas as well as limiting the widespread of critical lands in the watershed, which can contribute to climate change. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of land use change on climate parameters, i.e. precipitation, air temperature and relative air humidity. The method is by using the descriptive explorative. The study employed Indonesian topographic map and Landsat's imageries of 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016. The climate data from 1996 to 2016 were obtained from surroundings weather station. Data were analyzed using Geographic Information System (GIS) and SPSS. The results showed that land use was dominated by rice fields 22,552.83 ha (69.20%), and converted to non-agricultural lands 165.05 hectares/year for the last 20 years. Forest area decreased 65.8 ha/year, and settlement (housing and industrial estates) increased 253.87 ha/year (11.07%). The statistical analysis resulted in a negative relationship between forest area and air temperature and, but no significant correlation with rainfall.
Spectral gap of scl in free products
Authors: Chen Lvzhou
Published: March 2018

Let

G
=

∗
λ

G
λ

G=*_\lambda G_\lambda

be a free product of torsion-free groups, and let

g
∈
[
G
,
G
]

g\in [G,G]

be any element not conjugate into a

G
λ

G_\lambda

. Then

s
c
l

G

(
g
)
≥
1

/

2

\mathrm {scl}_G(g)\ge 1/2

. This generalizes and gives a new proof of a theorem of Duncan and Howie (1991).
A 10-Year Immunopersistence Study of Hepatitis E Antibodies in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Kmush Brittany L , Zaman Khalequ , Yunus Mohammed , Saha Parimalendu , Nelson Kenrad E , Labrique Alain B
Published: March 2018

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute viral hepatitis in Southeast Asia. Several studies have suggested that antibody persistence after HEV infection may be transient, possibly increasing the risk of reinfection and contributing to the frequency of outbreaks in HEV-endemic regions. The specific conditions under which antibodies to HEV are lost, or “seroreversion” occurs, are poorly understood. Here, 100 participants from population-based studies in rural Bangladesh were revisited in 2015, 10 years after a documented HEV infection, to examine long-term antibody persistence. Twenty percent (95% confidence interval: 12.0, 28.0) of the participants no longer had detectable antibodies at follow-up, suggesting that antibodies generally persist for at least a decade after infection in rural Bangladesh. Persons who were seronegative at follow-up were generally younger at infection than those who remained positive (14.4 years vs. 33.6 years; P < 0.0001). This age-dependent antibody loss could partially explain cross-sectional seroprevalence data from Southeast Asia, where children have reportedly low antibody prevalence. The results of this study provide new insight into the immunological persistence of HEV infection in a micronutrient-deficient rural population of South Asia, highlighting the importance of age at infection in the ability to produce long-lasting antibodies against HEV.
A Real-world Patient Registry for Oritavancin Demonstrates Efficacy and Safety Consistent With the Phase 3 SOLO Program
Authors: Redell Mark , Moeck Greg , Lucasti Christopher , Durso Stephanie , Kennedy Cynthia , Fusaro Karen , Loutit Jeff , Dudley Michael
Published: March 2018

Background

Oritavancin is a lipoglycopeptide used in the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs) in adults. To characterize its use in patients in the postapproval setting, a patient registry was developed.

Methods

Data collected in an ongoing retrospective observational registry are used to evaluate the utilization, outcomes, and adverse events (AEs) associated with oritavancin for the treatment of infections presumed or confirmed to be caused by gram-positive (GP) bacteria in clinical practice.

Results

Data for 112 patients from 8 sites were collected. All patients received a single 1200-mg dose of oritavancin mostly in an infusion center. Infection type included cellulitis (67.0%), cutaneous abscess (21.4%), and wound (4.5%). Most patients (72.3%) received 1 or more antimicrobial agents for the index GP infection within 28 days prior to oritavancin treatment. Of positive cultures obtained prior to oritavancin administration, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant pathogen (78.4%). A positive clinical response was observed in 92.8% of patients, and microbial eradication was observed in 90.0% of patients with post-therapy cultures. Within 28 days following oritavancin administration, 4 (3.6%) patients were hospitalized for failure of treatment of the index infection. Five (4.5%) patients experienced 1 or more possible drug-related AEs, which were consistent with types previously reported. There were no drug-related serious AEs reported.

Conclusions

Clinical and microbiologic outcomes and safety of single-dose oritavancin 1200 mg were similar in this older patient population with multiple comorbid conditions to those observed in the phase 3 SOLO trials.
Hilbert’s sixth problem: between the foundations of geometry and the axiomatization of physics
Authors: Corry Leo
Published: March 2018

The sixth of Hilbert’s famous 1900 list of 23 problems was a programmatic call for the axiomatization of the physical sciences. It was naturally and organically rooted at the core of Hilbert’s conception of what axiomatization is all about. In fact, the axiomatic method which he applied at the turn of the twentieth century in his famous work on the foundations of geometry originated in a preoccupation with foundational questions related with empirical science in general. Indeed, far from a purely formal conception, Hilbert counted geometry among the sciences with strong empirical content, closely related to other branches of physics and deserving a treatment similar to that reserved for the latter. In this treatment, the axiomatization project was meant to play, in his view, a crucial role. Curiously, and contrary to a once-prevalent view, from all the problems in the list, the sixth is the only one that continually engaged Hilbet’s efforts over a very long period of time, at least between 1894 and 1932.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Hilbert’s sixth problem’.
Hilbert’s sixth problem and the failure of the Boltzmann to Euler limit
Authors: Slemrod Marshall
Published: March 2018

This paper addresses the main issue of Hilbert’s sixth problem, namely the rigorous passage of solutions to the mesoscopic Boltzmann equation to macroscopic solutions of the Euler equations of compressible gas dynamics. The results of the paper are that (i) in general Hilbert’s program will fail because of the appearance of van der Waals–Korteweg capillarity terms in a macroscopic description of motion of a gas, and (ii) the van der Waals–Korteweg theory itself might satisfy Hilbert’s quest for a map from the ‘atomistic view’ to the laws of motion of continua.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Hilbert’s sixth problem’.
From axiomatics of quantum probability to modelling geological uncertainty and management of intelligent hydrocarbon reservoirs with the theory of open quantum systems
Authors: Lozada Aguilar Miguel Ángel , Khrennikov Andrei , Oleschko Klaudia
Published: March 2018

As was recently shown by the authors, quantum probability theory can be used for the modelling of the process of decision-making (e.g. probabilistic risk analysis) for macroscopic geophysical structures such ashydrocarbon reservoirs.This approach can be considered as a geophysical realization of Hilbert's programme on axiomatization of statistical models in physics (the famous sixth Hilbert problem). In thisconceptual paper, we continue development of this approach to decision-making under uncertainty which is generated by complexity, variability, heterogeneity, anisotropy, as well as the restrictions to accessibility of subsurface structures. The belief state of a geological expert about the potential of exploring a hydrocarbon reservoir is continuously updated by outputs of measurements, and selection of mathematical models and scales of numerical simulation. These outputs can be treated as signals from theinformation environment E. The dynamics of the belief state can be modelled with the aid of the theory of open quantum systems: a quantum state (representing uncertainty in beliefs) is dynamically modified through coupling withE; stabilization to a steady state determines a decision strategy. In this paper, the process of decision-making about hydrocarbon reservoirs (e.g. ‘explore or not?'; ‘open new well or not?’; ‘contaminated by water or not?’; ‘double or triple porosity medium?’) is modelled by using theGorini–Kossakowski–Sudarshan–Lindbladequation. In our model, this equation describes the evolution of experts' predictions about a geophysical structure. We proceed with theinformation approach to quantum theoryand the subjective interpretation of quantum probabilities (due to quantum Bayesianism).

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Hilbert's sixth problem’.
Boltzmann equation and hydrodynamics beyond Navier–Stokes
Authors: Bobylev A. V.
Published: March 2018

We consider in this paper the problem of derivation and regularization of higher (in Knudsen number) equations of hydrodynamics. The author’s approach based on successive changes of hydrodynamic variables is presented in more detail for the Burnett level. The complete theory is briefly discussed for the linearized Boltzmann equation. It is shown that the best results in this case can be obtained by using the ‘diagonal’ equations of hydrodynamics. Rigorous estimates of accuracy of the Navier–Stokes and Burnett approximations are also presented.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Hilbert’s sixth problem’.
On the emergence of the structure of physics
Authors: Majid S.
Published: March 2018

We consider Hilbert’s problem of the axioms of physics at a qualitative or conceptual level. This is more pressing than ever as we seek to understand how both general relativity and quantum theory could emerge from some deeper theory of quantum gravity, and in this regard I have previously proposed a
principle of self-duality
or
quantum Born reciprocity
as a key structure. Here, I outline some of my recent work around the idea of quantum space–time as motivated by this non-standard philosophy, including a new toy model of gravity on a space–time consisting of four points forming a square.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Hilbert’s sixth problem’.
Scale matters
Authors: Margolin L. G.
Published: March 2018

The applicability of Navier–Stokes equations is limited to near-equilibrium flows in which the gradients of density, velocity and energy are small. Here I propose an extension of the Chapman–Enskog approximation in which the velocity probability distribution function (PDF) is averaged in the coordinate phase space as well as the velocity phase space. I derive a PDF that depends on the gradients and represents a first-order generalization of local thermodynamic equilibrium. I then integrate this PDF to derive a hydrodynamic model. I discuss the properties of that model and its relation to the discrete equations of computational fluid dynamics.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Hilbert’s sixth problem’.
Blessing of dimensionality: mathematical foundations of the statistical physics of data
Authors: Gorban A. N. , Tyukin I. Y.
Published: March 2018

The concentrations of measure phenomena were discovered as the mathematical background to statistical mechanics at the end of the nineteenth/beginning of the twentieth century and have been explored in mathematics ever since. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, it became clear that the proper utilization of these phenomena in machine learning might transform thecurse of dimensionalityinto theblessing of dimensionality. This paper summarizes recently discovered phenomena of measure concentration which drastically simplify some machine learning problems in high dimension, and allow us to correct legacy artificial intelligence systems. The classical concentration of measure theorems state that i.i.d. random points are concentrated in a thin layer near a surface (a sphere or equators of a sphere, an average or median-level set of energy or another Lipschitz function, etc.). The newstochastic separation theoremsdescribe the thin structure of these thin layers: the random points are not only concentrated in a thin layer but are all linearly separable from the rest of the set, even for exponentially large random sets. The linear functionals for separation of points can be selected in the form of the linear Fisher’s discriminant. All artificial intelligence systems make errors. Non-destructive correction requires separation of the situations (samples) with errors from the samples corresponding to correct behaviour by a simple and robust classifier. The stochastic separation theorems provide us with such classifiers and determine a non-iterative (one-shot) procedure for their construction.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Hilbert’s sixth problem’.