bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upscaling of Dynamic Capillary Pressure of Two‐Phase Flow in Sandstone
Authors: Tang Mingming , Zhan Hongbin , Ma Huifang , Lu Shuangfang
Published: December 2018

Dynamic capillary pressure (DCP) is the capillary pressure defined under transient flow condition during displacement, and it is vital for predicting two‐phase behavior in porous media. This article studies the effect of pore scale force and interfacial area by using captivating Lattice Boltzmann method based on a pseudo‐potential model developed for simulating incompressible multiphase flow in porous media. We analyze the relationship between pore scale forces and DCP based on the energy conservation law and define DCP as a function of energy rate of pressure and viscosity of each phase. We present two‐phase displacement simulations on a computed tomography (CT) image‐based porous model and analyze the effects of injection rate and wettability on DCP based on the proposed upscaling method, where the wettability is defined as the contact angle of the nonwetting phase. The primary results show that (1) the DCP curves are higher than that of the quasi‐static capillary pressure, and a higher injection rate leads to a larger DCP and a faster saturation change. (2) Significant effects of wettability on DCP and the DCP coefficients are observed, where the DCP coefficient is defined as the ratio of the difference between DCP and static capillary pressure over the rate of change of saturation. A larger contact angle results in a higher DCP and a lower change rate of saturation, and consequently induces a larger DCP coefficient. The average DCP coefficient is found to vary from 4.56 × 106 to 3.55 × 105Pa · ms when the nonwetting phase contact angle changes from 140° to 105° in the saturation range of 0.3 to 0.8. This study indicates that the proposed upscaling method is valid to investigate the DCP of two‐phase flow in sandstone.
Lava Clues Chronicled Kīlauea’s Unusual 2018 Eruption
Authors: Loomis Ilima
Published: December 2018

Samples from Kīlauea volcano’s extraordinary eruption that began last May could offer important insights into the behavior of volcanoes and the underlying mantle.
Watch Tiny Cracks Travel in 3-D
Authors: Carlson Erika
Published: December 2018

Scientists used a transparent gel and high-speed photography to figure out how cracks form and spread. What they found could help explain earthquakes and fracturing glaciers.
Impact Ejecta Plumes at the Moon
Authors: Bernardoni Edwin A. , Szalay Jamey R. , Horányi Mihály
Published: December 2018

The Lunar Dust Experiment, on‐board National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer, observed significant enhancements in impact rate measurements of lunar ejecta. These enhancements were attributed to the spacecraft crossing dense ejecta plumes generated by well‐timed and well‐placed interplanetary meteoroid impacts on the lunar surface. We have used a Monte Carlo approach to implement an initial speed distribution, derived from globally averaged Lunar Dust Experiment observations, in a 3‐D dynamical model describing the ballistic motion of ejecta particles. By matching this model to the observed enhancements, we constrained the initial ejecta angular distribution of these plumes. Our results indicate that lunar impact ejecta plumes reaching altitudes exceeding 24 km are far narrower than previously thought, with initial opening half angles of 8°±3°, suggesting that the high‐altitude lunar dust cloud may be dominated by reverse plumes.
On the Role of Dust‐Climate Feedbacks During the Mid‐Holocene
Authors: Hopcroft Peter O. , Valdes Paul J.
Published: December 2018

A reduction in dust over North Africa during the mid‐Holocene “Green Sahara” period could have amplified precipitation, helping reconcile climate model simulations with paleo‐precipitation reconstructions. Here we test this using general circulation model simulations including interactive dust. We calculate a dust‐precipitation amplification factor using three different dust configurations to evaluate the sensitivity to dust optical properties and particle size range. The resultant amplification ranges from −20% to 50%. With more absorbing dust properties, there is a large negative net radiative effect and hence a larger impact on the hydrological cycle. With the inclusion of particles greater than 1 μm in radius, the precipitation amplification is reversed. Based on the simulations which best match observed Saharan dust properties, we conclude that there was a limited enhancement of precipitation due to reduced dust during the mid‐Holocene, meaning other aspects of the climate system should be the focus of future research.
Lidar Soundings of the Mesospheric Nickel Layer Using Ni(3F) and Ni(3D) Transitions
Authors: Gerding M. , Daly S. , Plane J. M. C.
Published: December 2018

During six nights between January and March 2018 we observed the mesospheric Ni layer by lidar from Kühlungsborn, Germany (54°N, 12°E). For most of the soundings we utilized for the first time a transition from the low‐lying excited Ni(3D) state at 341 nm. For additional soundings we used the ground‐state Ni(3F) transition at 337 nm, giving similar results but a worse signal‐to‐noise ratio. We observed nightly mean Ni peak densities between ∼280 and 450 cm−3 and column abundances between 3.1·108 and 4.9·108 cm−2. Comparing with iron densities we get a Fe/Ni ratio of 38, which is a factor of 2 larger than the ratio in CI chondrites and factor of 32 larger than the Fe/Ni ratio observed by the only previous measurement of mesospheric Ni (Collins et al., 2015, https://doi.org/10.1002/2014GL062716). The underabundance of Ni compared to CI chondrites suggests that Ni is more efficiently sequestered as Ni+ or neutral reservoir species than Fe.
A Positive Feedback Onto ENSO Due to Tropical Instability Wave (TIW)‐Induced Chlorophyll Effects in the Pacific
Authors: Tian Feng , Zhang Rong‐Hua , Wang Xiujun
Published: December 2018

Tropical instability waves (TIWs) induce large physical and biological perturbations, which have a feedback onto the tropical Pacific climate and ecosystem. However, the extent to which TIW‐induced chlorophyll perturbations (ChlTIW) can influence El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) remains unknown. Here we used a hybrid‐coupled model to investigate the ChlTIW effect on ENSO. Two experiments are conducted, one with the ChlTIW effect being represented in the control run (CTRL) and other with the ChlTIW effect being purposely excluded by filtering out ChlTIW signals (FILT). Results show that the amplitude of ENSO is increased by 27% in CTRL compared to FILT. ChlTIW tends to modulate the penetrative solar radiation in the upper ocean, acting to weaken the intensity of TIWs. Then, the weakened TIWs lead to a reduction in the equatorward meridional heat transport and consequently less warming effect on the cold tongue. Therefore, La Niña conditions tend to be intensified, and ENSO amplitude is increased.
Current Density in Saturn's Equatorial Current Sheet: Cassini Magnetometer Observations
Authors: Martin C. J. , Arridge C. S.
Published: December 2018

The equatorial current sheet at Saturn is the result of a rapidly rotating magnetosphere. The sheet itself exhibits periodic seasonal and diurnal movements as well as aperiodic movements of a currently unknown origin, along with periodic thickening and thinning of the magnetodisc, and azimuthal changes in the thickness due to local effects in the magnetosphere. In this paper aperiodic movements of the magnetodisc are utilized to calculate the height‐integrated current density of the current sheet using a Harris current sheet model deformed by a Gaussian wave function. We find a local time asymmetry in both the radial and azimuthal height‐integrated current density. We note that the local time relationship with height‐integrated current density is similar to the relationship seen at Jupiter, where a peak of ∼0.04 A/m at ∼3 SLT (Saturn local time) is seen inside 20 RS. The divergence of the radial and azimuthal current densities are used to infer the parallel currents, which are seen to diverge from the equator in the prenoon sector and enter the equator in the premidnight sector.
Rock Characterization Using Gray‐Level Co‐Occurrence Matrix: An Objective Perspective of Digital Rock Statistics
Authors: Singh Ankita , Armstrong Ryan T. , Regenauer‐Lieb Klaus , Mostaghimi Peyman
Published: December 2018

Modeling flow and transport in porous media using pore‐scale modeling is reliant on rock properties derived from digital rock images using segmentation techniques. These digital rock images obtained using computed tomography incorporate the variation in the intensity of phases depending on the attenuation of X‐rays. A standard technique is the segmentation of tomographic images based on user‐selected grayscale thresholding, allowing the identification of different phases. This threshold is subjective based on the operator and results in loss of essential information about the grayscale variation after segmentation. This paper implements the gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM) incorporating the full range of grayscale information. The GLCM captures the relative occurrence of grayscale values in a spatial map. These maps show visually connected/disconnected populations of different phases such as pore space, quartz grains, minerals, and other features. We show that each rock has its own GLCM signature depending on the variations in gray‐level intensities. Several statistical measures are calculated: (1) GLCM contrast describing local variation in the gray‐level intensities, (2) GLCM angular second moment, describing the rock homogeneity; (3) GLCM mean, describing weighted average of the probability of occurrence of features based on their location on the GLCM map; and (4) GLCM correlation, measuring the linear dependencies of grayscale values and the degree of (an) isotropy in the micro–computed tomographic images of each of the rock types. The GLCM method provides a pathway to alleviate user biases and allow automation of micro–computed tomography analyses.
Capturing variation impact on molecular interactions in the IMEx Consortium mutations data set
Authors:   The IMEx Consortium Curators, Khadake J. , Meldal B. , Panni S. , Thorneycroft D. , van Roey K. , Abbani S. , Salwinski L. , Pellegrini M. , Iannuccelli M. , Licata L. , Cesareni G. , Roechert B. , Bridge A. , Ammari M. G. , McCarthy F. , Broackes-Carter F. , Campbell N. H. , Melidoni A. N. , Rodriguez-Lopez M. , Lovering R. C. , Jagannathan S. , Chen C. , Lynn D. J. , Ricard-Blum S. , Mahadevan U. , Raghunath A. , del-Toro N. , Duesbury M. , Koch M. , Perfetto L. , Shrivastava A. , Ochoa D. , Wagih O. , Piñero J. , Kotlyar M. , Pastrello C. , Beltrao P. , Furlong L. I. , Jurisica I. , Hermjakob H. , Orchard S. , Porras P.
Published: December 2018

The current wealth of genomic variation data identified at nucleotide level presents the challenge of understanding by which mechanisms amino acid variation affects cellular processes. These effects may manifest as distinct phenotypic differences between individuals or result in the development of disease. Physical interactions between molecules are the linking steps underlying most, if not all, cellular processes. Understanding the effects that sequence variation has on a molecule’s interactions is a key step towards connecting mechanistic characterization of nonsynonymous variation to phenotype. We present an open access resource created over 14 years by IMEx database curators, featuring 28,000 annotations describing the effect of small sequence changes on physical protein interactions. We describe how this resource was built, the formats in which the data is provided and offer a descriptive analysis of the data set. The data set is publicly available through the IntAct website and is enhanced with every monthly release.
Strain-controlled shell morphology on quantum rods
Authors: Ji Botao , Panfil Yossef E. , Waiskopf Nir , Remennik Sergei , Popov Inna , Banin Uri
Published: December 2018

Semiconductor heterostructure nanocrystals, especially with core/shell architectures, are important for numerous applications. Here we show that by decreasing the shell growth rate the morphology of ZnS shells on ZnSe quantum rods can be tuned from flat to islands-like, which decreases the interfacial strain energy. Further reduced growth speed, approaching the thermodynamic limit, leads to coherent shell growth forming unique helical-shell morphology. This reveals a template-free mechanism for induced chirality at the nanoscale. The helical morphology minimizes the sum of the strain and surface energy and maintains band gap emission due to its coherent core/shell interface without traps, unlike the other morphologies. Reaching the thermodynamic controlled growth regime for colloidal semiconductor core/shell nanocrystals thus offers morphologies with clear impact on their applicative potential.
The mTORC1/4E-BP1 axis represents a critical signaling node during fibrogenesis
Authors: Woodcock Hannah V. , Eley Jessica D. , Guillotin Delphine , Platé Manuela , Nanthakumar Carmel B. , Martufi Matteo , Peace Simon , Joberty Gerard , Poeckel Daniel , Good Robert B. , Taylor Adam R. , Zinn Nico , Redding Matthew , Forty Ellen J. , Hynds Robert E. , Swanton Charles , Karsdal Morten , Maher Toby M. , Fisher Andrew , Bergamini Giovanna , Marshall Richard P. , Blanchard Andy D. , Mercer Paul F. , Chambers Rachel C.
Published: December 2018

Myofibroblasts are the key effector cells responsible for excessive extracellular matrix deposition in multiple fibrotic conditions, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis has been implicated in fibrosis, with pan-PI3K/mTOR inhibition currently under clinical evaluation in IPF. Here we demonstrate that rapamycin-insensitive mTORC1 signaling via 4E-BP1 is a critical pathway for TGF-β1 stimulated collagen synthesis in human lung fibroblasts, whereas canonical PI3K/Akt signaling is not required. The importance of mTORC1 signaling was confirmed by CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in normal and IPF fibroblasts, as well as in lung cancer-associated fibroblasts, dermal fibroblasts and hepatic stellate cells. The inhibitory effect of ATP-competitive mTOR inhibition extended to other matrisome proteins implicated in the development of fibrosis and human disease relevance was demonstrated in live precision-cut IPF lung slices. Our data demonstrate that the mTORC1/4E-BP1 axis represents a critical signaling node during fibrogenesis with potential implications for the development of novel anti-fibrotic strategies.
RORγt inhibition selectively targets IL-17 producing iNKT and γδ-T cells enriched in Spondyloarthritis patients
Authors: Venken Koen , Jacques Peggy , Mortier Céline , Labadia Mark E. , Decruy Tine , Coudenys Julie , Hoyt Kathleen , Wayne Anita L. , Hughes Robert , Turner Michael , Van Gassen Sofie , Martens Liesbet , Smith Dustin , Harcken Christian , Wahle Joseph , Wang Chao-Ting , Verheugen Eveline , Schryvers Nadia , Varkas Gaëlle , Cypers Heleen , Wittoek Ruth , Piette Yves , Gyselbrecht Lieve , Van Calenbergh Serge , Van den Bosch Filip , Saeys Yvan , Nabozny Gerald , Elewaut Dirk
Published: December 2018

Dysregulated IL-23/IL-17 responses have been linked to psoriatic arthritis and other forms of spondyloarthritides (SpA). RORγt, the key Thelper17 (Th17) cell transcriptional regulator, is also expressed by subsets of innate-like T cells, including invariant natural killer T (iNKT) and γδ-T cells, but their contribution to SpA is still unclear. Here we describe the presence of particular RORγt+T-betloPLZF− iNKT and γδ-hi T cell subsets in healthy peripheral blood. RORγt+ iNKT and γδ-hi T cells show IL-23 mediated Th17-like immune responses and were clearly enriched within inflamed joints of SpA patients where they act as major IL-17 secretors. SpA derived iNKT and γδ-T cells showed unique and Th17-skewed phenotype and gene expression profiles. Strikingly, RORγt inhibition blocked γδ17 and iNKT17 cell function while selectively sparing IL-22+ subsets. Overall, our findings highlight a unique diversity of human RORγt+ T cells and underscore the potential of RORγt antagonism to modulate aberrant type 17 responses.
Detecting topological variations of DNA at single-molecule level
Authors: Liu Ke , Pan Chao , Kuhn Alexandre , Nievergelt Adrian Pascal , Fantner Georg E. , Milenkovic Olgica , Radenovic Aleksandra
Published: December 2018

In addition to their use in DNA sequencing, ultrathin nanopore membranes have potential applications in detecting topological variations in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). This is due to the fact that when topologically edited DNA molecules, driven by electrophoretic forces, translocate through a narrow orifice, transient residings of edited segments inside the orifice modulate the ionic flow. Here we utilize two programmable barcoding methods based on base-pairing, namely forming a gap in dsDNA and creating protrusion sites in ssDNA for generating a hybrid DNA complex. We integrate a discriminative noise analysis for ds and ss DNA topologies into the threshold detection, resulting in improved multi-level signal detection and consequent extraction of reliable information about topological variations. Moreover, the positional information of the barcode along the template sequence can be determined unambiguously. All methods may be further modified to detect nicks in DNA, and thereby detect DNA damage and repair sites.
Band-like transport in small-molecule thin films toward high mobility and ultrahigh detectivity phototransistor arrays
Authors: Ji Deyang , Li Tao , Liu Jie , Amirjalayer Saeed , Zhong Mianzeng , Zhang Zhao-Yang , Huang Xianhui , Wei Zhongming , Dong Huanli , Hu Wenping , Fuchs Harald
Published: December 2018

With the fast development of organic electronics, organic semiconductors have been extensively studied for various optoelectronic applications, among which organic phototransistors recently emerged as one of the most promising light signal detectors. However, it is still a big challenge to endow organic phototransistors with both high mobility and high light-sensitivity because the low mobility of most organic photoresponsive materials limits the efficiency of transporting and collecting charge carriers. We herein report band-like charge transport in vacuum-deposited small-molecule thin films for organic phototransistor arrays which can be operated at very low dark currents (~10−12 A). Both high mobility and excellent optical figures of merit including photosensitivity, photoresponsivity and detectivity are achieved, wherein, unprecedentedly, a detectivity greater than 1017 cm Hz1/2 W−1 is obtained. All these key parameters are superior to state-of-the-art organic phototransistors, implying a great potential in optoelectronic applications.
Ageing properties and polymer/fuel interactions of polyamide 12 exposed to (bio)diesel at high temperature
Authors: Wei Xin-Feng , De Vico Loris , Larroche Pierre , Kallio Kai J. , Bruder Stefan , Bellander Martin , Gedde Ulf W. , Hedenqvist Mikael S.
Published: December 2018

Biodiesel derived from oil crops and animal fats has been developed as a promising carbon-neutral alternative to petroleum fuels in the transport sector, but the compatibility between biodiesel/petroleum diesel and polymer components in the automotive fuel system has not been free from controversy. In this present study, the degradation of polyamide 12 (PA12), one of the most common polymers used in vehicle fuel systems, has been investigated after exposure to petroleum diesel, biodiesel and a mixture of these (20 vol.% of biodiesel/80 vol.% petroleum diesel). Fuel sorption kinetics, glass transition temperature data and mechanical properties all showed that the fuels plasticized the PA12. In addition, monomers and oligomers were extracted from PA12 by the fuels. The long-term exposure led to oxidation and an annealing-induced increase in crystallinity of the polymer. The plasticization, oxidation and annealing effects were combined with the tensile mechanical properties to assess the overall degree of ageing and degradation of the PA12 material. The fuel-polymer interactions and ageing mechanisms, demonstrated here at high temperature for PA12, are 'generic' in the sense that they are also expected to occur, to various degrees, with many other polymers and they indicate that care should be taken when choosing polymers in applications where they will be exposed to fuels at high temperature.
Light-induced structural changes in a full-length cyanobacterial phytochrome probed by time-resolved X-ray scattering
Authors: Heyes Derren J. , Hardman Samantha J. O. , Pedersen Martin N. , Woodhouse Joyce , De La Mora Eugenio , Wulff Michael , Weik Martin , Cammarata Marco , Scrutton Nigel S. , Schirò Giorgio
Published: December 2018

Phytochromes are photoreceptor proteins that transmit a light signal from a photosensory region to an output domain. Photoconversion involves protein conformational changes whose nature is not fully understood. Here, we use time-resolved X-ray scattering and optical spectroscopy to study the kinetics of structural changes in a full-length cyanobacterial phytochrome and in a truncated form with no output domain. X-ray and spectroscopic signals on the µs/ms timescale are largely independent of the presence of the output domain. On longer time-scales, large differences between the full-length and truncated proteins indicate the timeframe during which the structural transition is transmitted from the photosensory region to the output domain and represent a large quaternary motion. The suggested independence of the photosensory-region dynamics on the µs/ms timescale defines a time window in which the photoreaction can be characterized (e.g. for optogenetic design) independently of the nature of the engineered output domain.
DNA-binding directs the localization of a membrane-integrated receptor of the ToxR family
Authors: Brameyer Sophie , Rösch Thomas C. , El Andari Jihad , Hoyer Elisabeth , Schwarz Julia , Graumann Peter L. , Jung Kirsten
Published: December 2018

All living cells have a large number of proteins that are anchored with one transmembrane helix in the cytoplasmic membrane. Almost nothing is known about their spatiotemporal organization in whole cells. Here we report on the localization and dynamics of one representative, the pH sensor and transcriptional regulator CadC in Escherichia coli. Fluorophore-tagged CadC was detectable as distinct cluster only when the receptor was activated by external stress, which results in DNA-binding. Clusters immediately disappeared under non-stress conditions. CadC variants that mimic the active state of CadC independent of environmental stimuli corroborated the correlation between CadC clustering and binding to the DNA, as did altering the number or location of the DNA-binding site(s) in whole cells. These studies reveal a novel diffusion-and-capture mechanism to organize a membrane-integrated receptor dependent on the DNA in a rod-shaped bacterium.
Field-induced slow magnetic relaxation in pseudooctahedral cobalt(ii) complexes with positive axial and large rhombic anisotropy
Authors: Świtlicka Anna , Palion-Gazda Joanna , Machura Barbara , Cano Joan , Lloret Francesc , Julve Miguel
Published: December 2018

The preparation, X-ray crystal structure, spectroscopic and variable-temperature dc and ac magnetic properties of two six-coordinate cobalt(ii) complexes of formula [Co(bim)4(tcm)2] (1) and [Co(bmim)4(tcm)2] (2) are reported.
Surface-engineered vanadium nitride nanosheets for an imaging-guided photothermal/photodynamic platform of cancer treatment
Authors: Yang Chunyu , Yu Huahai , Gao Yan , Guo Wei , Li Zizuo , Chen Yaodong , Pan Qinmin , Ren Mingxing , Han Xiaojun , Guo Chongshen
Published: December 2018

VN nanosheets were developed as a brand-new phototherapy agent for photoacoustic imaging-guided photothermal and photodynamic combination oncotherapy.
Tailored Ag–Cu–Mg multielemental nanoparticles for wide-spectrum antibacterial coating
Authors: Benetti Giulio , Cavaliere Emanuele , Brescia Rosaria , Salassi Sebastian , Ferrando Riccardo , Vantomme André , Pallecchi Lucia , Pollini Simona , Boncompagni Selene , Fortuni Beatrice , Van Bael Margriet J. , Banfi Francesco , Gavioli Luca
Published: December 2018

Bactericidal nanoparticle coatings are very promising for hindering the indirect transmission of pathogens through cross-contaminated surfaces.
Upconversion enhancement by a dual-resonance all-dielectric metasurface
Authors: Gong Chensheng , Liu Wen , He Nan , Dong Hongguang , Jin Yi , He Sailing
Published: December 2018

A dual-resonance all-dielectric metasurface was demonstrated to enhance the signals emitted by upconversion nanoparticles (NaYF4:Yb/Tm).
A tungsten nitride-based degradable nanoplatform for dual-modal image-guided combinatorial chemo-photothermal therapy of tumors
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Wang Shi-Bo , Chen Zhao-Xia , Fan Jin-Xuan , Zhong Zhen-Lin , Zhang Xian-Zheng
Published: December 2018

A tungsten nitride-based multifunctional nanoplatform is developed for tumor theranostic applications, which shows the great potential of tungsten nitride nanoparticles in the biomedical field.
RAFT dispersion polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate for the synthesis of epoxy-functional block copolymer nanoparticles in mineral oil
Authors: Docherty Philip J. , Derry Matthew J. , Armes Steven P.
Published: December 2018

Epoxy-functional poly(stearyl methacrylate)-poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PSMA-PGlyMA) diblock copolymer nanoparticles are synthesized via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) dispersion polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GlyMA) in mineral oil at 70 °C.
Rapid conjugation of nanoparticles, proteins and siRNAs to microbubbles by strain-promoted click chemistry for ultrasound imaging and drug delivery
Authors: Liu Xifeng , Gong Ping , Song Pengfei , Xie Feng , Miller II A. Lee , Chen Shigao , Lu Lichun
Published: December 2018

Strain-promoted alkyne–azide cycloaddition (SPAAC) click chemistry was applied for the rapid conjugation of nanoparticles, proteins, and siRNA-micelles to ultrasound microbubbles.
Facile synthesis of yolk–shell structured ZnFe2O4 microspheres for enhanced electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Li Li , Zhang Yongxing , Li Jia , Huo Wang , Li Bing , Bai Juan , Cheng Yu , Tang Huijie , Li Xuanhua
Published: December 2018

Yolk–shell structured ZnFe2O4 microspheres with excellent OER performance are synthesized via a facile solvothermal method and annealing treatment.
Development and reactive oxygen-species scavenging activity of a new chemical hydrogen-generating system, CaMg2-hydroxypropyl cellulose-citric acid, prepared using Laves-phase CaMg2 and its relationship to chemical hardness
Authors: Kobayashi Shigeki , Chiba Kazuyoshi , Tomie Takashi
Published: December 2018

Development of a hydrogen-generating system based on chemical hardness. Application to H2 generation and scavenging of reactive oxygen-species (ROS) by efficient water splitting using Laves phase CaMg2.
A tandem dearomatization/rearomatization strategy: enantioselective N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed α-arylation
Authors: Wu Zijun , Wang Jian
Published: December 2018

In this study, the first example of carbene-catalyzed tandem dearomatization/rearomatization reaction of azonaphthalenes with α-chloroaldehydes is described.
Protein–protein binding pathways and calculations of rate constants using fully-continuous, explicit-solvent simulations
Authors: Saglam Ali S. , Chong Lillian T.
Published: December 2018

The weighted ensemble (WE) strategy enables direct simulation of atomistic, fully-continuous protein–protein binding pathways in explicit solvent, yielding rigorous kinetics.
A dual-function photoelectrochemical solar cell which assimilates light-harvesting, charge-transport and photoelectrochromic nanomaterials in a tandem design
Authors: Kolay Ankita , Potts Nathan T. Z. , Sardar Kripasindhu , Gibson Elizabeth A. , Deepa Melepurath
Published: December 2018

This is the first known integration of a novel QD-sensitized photocathode with an electrochromic photoanode in a solar cell.
Interfacial properties modulated by the water confinement in reverse micelles created by the ionic liquid-like surfactant bmim-AOT
Authors: Lépori Cristian M. O. , Correa N. Mariano , Silber Juana J. , Vaca Chávez Fabián , Falcone R. Darío
Published: December 2018

Change in the cationic component in the surfactant promotes changes in the electron donating ability and micropolarity of the RMs interface.
The controlled construction of a ternary hybrid of monodisperse Ni3S4 nanorods/graphitic C3N4 nanosheets/nitrogen-doped graphene in van der Waals heterojunctions as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for overall water splitting and a promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Yang Jing , Xing Shiqi , Zhou Jianbin , Cheng Yun , Shi Lei , Yang Qing
Published: December 2018

An m-Ni3S4 NRs/g-C3N4 NS/N-G hybrid with heterostructured architecture demonstrates outstanding properties for both water splitting and SIB use.
A reflection interferometer highly sensitive to applied pressures driving the solution flow and capable of sensing solvent species and concentrations in a microscopic fluid channel
Authors: Yang Jie
Published: December 2018

This work shows a newly developed interferometer employing either a green or a red laser with the incident beam at an oblique angle, capable of monitoring the variation of properties of a solution as it flows through a micro-fluid channel. The channel has a thickness of 13.3 µm, a width of 5 mm, and a length of 11.4 mm. One of the two reflected light waves travels through the solution in the channel with the total wave path about 10% larger than twice the thickness of the channel. The interference signal is highly sensitive to any variation of solution species and the applied pressure driving the flow.
Atomic-scale mapping of interface reconstructions in multiferroic heterostructures
Authors: Huang Weichuan , Yin Yuewei , Li Xiaoguang
Published: December 2018

With integrated electric and magnetic orders, multiferroic heterostructures have attracted great attention because of their significance in fundamental physics and promising applications. The physical mechanism underlying the technological innovations for multiferroic heterostructures results mainly from the interplay between the spin, charge, orbit, and lattice degrees of freedom at their interfaces. Benefiting from the fundamental technological breakthroughs in atomic-scale mapping, investigations involving site-by-site information at multiferroic heterointerfaces have recently grown. In this review, we summarize some recent progress in atomic-scale observations of the reconstructions of charges, orbitals, ions, and others at multiferroic interfaces. Correspondingly, recent advances in understanding of the interfacial effects on the transport properties in multiferroic heterostructures, especially in ferroelectric/multiferroic tunnel junctions, are presented. Finally, new inspirations for the exploration of interfacial physics using the emerging, atomic-scale techniques and the further design of devices with novel properties are proposed.
The asymmetric Wigner bilayer
Authors: Antlanger Moritz , Kahl Gerhard , Mazars Martial , Šamaj Ladislav , Trizac Emmanuel
Published: December 2018

We present a comprehensive discussion of the so-called asymmetric Wigner bilayer system, where mobile point charges, all of the same sign, are immersed into the space left between two parallel, homogeneously charged plates (with possibly different charge densities). At vanishing temperatures, the particles are expelled from the slab interior; they necessarily stick to one of the two plates and form there ordered sublattices. Using complementary tools (analytic and numerical), we study systematically the self-assembly of the point charges into ordered ground state configurations as the inter-layer separation and the asymmetry in the charge densities are varied. The overwhelming plethora of emerging Wigner bilayer ground states can be understood in terms of the competition of two strategies of the system: net charge neutrality on each of the plates on the one hand and particles’ self-organization into commensurate sublattices on the other hand. The emerging structures range from simple, highly commensurate (and thus very stable) lattices (such as staggered structures, built up by simple motives) to structures with a complicated internal structure. The combined application of our two approaches (whose results agree within remarkable accuracy) allows us to study on a quantitative level phenomena such as over- and underpopulation of the plates by the mobile particles, the nature of phase transitions between the emerging phases (which pertain to two different universality classes), and the physical laws that govern the long-range behaviour of the forces acting between the plates. Extensive, complementary Monte Carlo simulations in the canonical ensemble, which have been carried out at small, but finite temperatures along selected, well-defined pathways in parameter space confirm the analytical and numerical predictions within high accuracy. The simple setup of the Wigner bilayer system offers an attractive possibility to study and to control complex scenarios and strategies of colloidal self-assembly, via the variation of two system parameters.
Edgeless and purely gate-defined nanostructures in InAs quantum wells
Authors: Mittag Christopher , Karalic Matija , Lei Zijin , Tschirky Thomas , Wegscheider Werner , Ihn Thomas , Ensslin Klaus
Published: December 2018

Nanostructures in InAs quantum wells have so far remained outside of the scope of traditional microfabrication techniques based on etching. This is due to parasitic parallel conduction arising from charge carrier accumulation at the physical edges of samples. Here, we present a technique which enables the realization of quantum point contacts and quantum dots in two-dimensional electron gases of InAs purely by electrostatic gating. Multiple layers of top gates separated by dielectric layers are employed. Full quantum point contact pinch-off and measurements of Coulomb-blockade diamonds of quantum dots are demonstrated.
A computational quantum-mechanical model of a molecular magnetic trap
Authors: Adamowicz Ludwik , Stanke Monika , Tellgren Erik , Helgaker Trygve
Published: December 2018

A model for describing the states of a molecular system trapped in a cavity created by a fast-rotating strong magnetic field is proposed and implemented. All-particle explicitly correlated Gaussian functions with shifted centers are employed in the model to expand the wave functions of the system. Both “internal” states associated with the system’s rovibrational and electronic motions and the “external” states associated with translational motion of the center of mass of the system in the cavity are calculated. The states are visualized by density plots. The model is applied to a trapped HD molecule.
Thickness and angular dependent ferromagnetic resonance of ultra-low damping Co25Fe75 epitaxial films
Authors: Cheng Yang , Lee Aidan J. , Brangham Jack T. , White Shane P. , Ruane William T. , Hammel P. Chris , Yang Fengyuan
Published: December 2018

Metallic ferromagnets with ultra-low damping are highly desirable for charge-based spintronic applications. Here, we systematically investigate the magnetic dynamics of Co25Fe75 epitaxial films with a Gilbert damping constant as low as 7.1 × 10−4. The in-plane angular dependence of ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) was measured on various thicknesses of Co25Fe75 films grown on MgO and MgAl2O4, from which the mechanisms for FMR linewidth broadening can be distinguished and quantified. The thickness dependencies of the magnetic anisotropy and inhomogeneous broadening of the linewidth are good indicators of crystal quality and magnetic uniformity. Additionally, it is shown that anisotropic two-magnon scattering is induced by defects at the surfaces.
Internal- and rho-axis systems of molecules with one large amplitude internal motion: The geometry of rho
Authors: Szalay Viktor , Viglaska Dominika , Rey Michael
Published: December 2018

The internal-axis system (IAS) of molecules with a large amplitude internal motion (LAM) is determined by integrating the kinematic equation of the IAS by Lie-group and Lie-algebraic methods. Numerical examples on hydrogen peroxide, nitrous acid, and acetaldehyde demonstrate the methods. By exploiting the special product structure of the solution matrix, simple methods are devised for calculating the transformation to the rho-axis system (RAS) along with the value of the parameter ρ characterizing a RAS rotational-LAM kinetic energy operator. The parameter ρ so calculated agrees exactly with that one obtained by the Floquet method as shown in the example of acetaldehyde. Geometrical interpretation of ρ is given. The advantageous property of the RAS over the IAS in retaining simple periodic boundary conditions is numerically demonstrated.
A comprehensive review on piezoelectric energy harvesting technology: Materials, mechanisms, and applications
Authors: Liu Huicong , Zhong Junwen , Lee Chengkuo , Lee Seung-Wuk , Lin Liwei
Published: December 2018

The last decade has witnessed significant advances in energy harvesting technologies as a possible alternative to provide a continuous power supply for small, low-power devices in applications, such as wireless sensing, data transmission, actuation, and medical implants. Piezoelectric energy harvesting (PEH) has been a salient topic in the literature and has attracted widespread attention from researchers due to its advantages of simple architecture, high power density, and good scalability. This paper presents a comprehensive review on the state-of-the-art of piezoelectric energy harvesting. Various key aspects to improve the overall performance of a PEH device are discussed, including basic fundamentals and configurations, materials and fabrication, performance enhancement mechanisms, applications, and future outlooks.
Improved virtual gyroscope technology based on “current” probability density model
Authors: Song Jin-long , Shi Zhi-yong , Du Bin-han
Published: December 2018

Aiming at low precision of a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) gyroscope, the virtual gyroscope technology is used to fuse the data of several MEMS gyroscopes. In traditional virtual gyroscope technology, the angular acceleration of maneuver is modeled as white noise, which leads to low fusion accuracy in the dynamic state. So, the “current” probability density model is introduced to model the maneuvering angular rate accurately. The one-step predictive value of angular acceleration is approximated to the mean value of the current angular acceleration. And the variance of the angular acceleration is modeled by the one-step predictive value of angular acceleration. So, the “current” probability density model is used to realize the adaptive adjustment of the mean and variance of maneuvering angular acceleration, which improves the modeling accuracy of the maneuvering angular rate and the compensation accuracy of virtual gyroscope technology. The improved virtual gyroscope fusion method is verified in a low frequency, high frequency maneuver test. The experimental results show that the 1σ standard deviation of the improved virtual gyroscope fusion error is 6.53 times lower than that of the single gyroscope static drift at low frequency and 2.04 times lower than that of the single gyroscope static drift at high frequency.
Semisoft clustering of single-cell data
Authors: Zhu Lingxue , Lei Jing , Klei Lambertus , Devlin Bernie , Roeder Kathryn
Published: December 2018

Motivated by the dynamics of development, in which cells of recognizable types, or pure cell types, transition into other types over time, we propose a method of semisoft clustering that can classify both pure and intermediate cell types from data on gene expression from individual cells. Called semisoft clustering with pure cells (SOUP), this algorithm reveals the clustering structure for both pure cells and transitional cells with soft memberships. SOUP involves a two-step process: Identify the set of pure cells and then estimate a membership matrix. To find pure cells, SOUP uses the special block structure in the expression similarity matrix. Once pure cells are identified, they provide the key information from which the membership matrix can be computed. By modeling cells as a continuous mixture of

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discrete types we obtain more parsimonious results than obtained with standard clustering algorithms. Moreover, using soft membership estimates of cell type cluster centers leads to better estimates of developmental trajectories. The strong performance of SOUP is documented via simulation studies, which show its robustness to violations of modeling assumptions. The advantages of SOUP are illustrated by analyses of two independent datasets of gene expression from a large number of cells from fetal brain.
General extenders and discourse variation
Authors: Ruzaitė Jūratė
Published: December 2018

The present study accounts for the use of general extenders (GEs) in spoken and written registers. The repertoire and usage of GEs is analysed in Lithuanian by focusing on their distribution across different registers, their structural properties, and discourse-pragmatic functions. The study is based on a reference corpus of Lithuanian, which includes four subcorpora of written discourse and a subcorpus of spoken discourse. The findings indicate that there are some significant cross-generic differences in GE frequency, but most frequently GEs in Lithuanian are used in written academic discourse. With regard to the structural types of GEs, adjunctives are considerably more frequent than disjunctives. GE structure allows for a large degree of variation, and in spoken interaction GEs can include deictic elements. Concerning discourse-pragmatic functions, GEs are predominantly used to serve textual and interpersonal functions, which appear to be strongly related to the structural type of the GE and discourse settings.
The replacement of diminutive suffixes in the New High German period
Authors: Lameli Alfred
Published: December 2018

This article addresses the replacement of the diminutive form ‑lein by ‑chen as the leading
suffix in written German during the New High German period. A large sample of diminutives from 1600–1900, retrieved from the DTA
corpus, forms the basis of this investigation. The study aims to provide a detailed periodization of the replacement process with
regard to both types and tokens. By using methods from computational linguistics and time series analysis, clear patterns of
language variation and change are demonstrated; these patterns are to some extent interrelated and staggered throughout time. The
study additionally shows that there are transfers between genres that coincide with the transition from ‑lein to
‑chen. This indicates that the replacement is due to a strengthening of the semantic effort of the diminutive
suffix. Finally, information regarding the writers’ origins is used to map the areal distribution of diminutive forms over time.
The maps illustrate the importance of geography as a factor, particularly in the initial phase of the replacement; however, it
seems to be without any impact by the end of the 19th century. In doing so, the study offers a particular framework for the
analysis of word formation based on historical corpora.
Sequelae of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Following Maternal Primary Infections Are Limited to Those Acquired in the First Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Faure-Bardon Valentine , Magny Jean-François , Parodi Marine , Couderc Sophie , Garcia Patricia , Maillotte Anne-Marie , Benard Melinda , Pinquier Didier , Astruc Dominique , Patural Hugues , Pladys Patrick , Parat Sophie , Guillois Bernard , Garenne Armelle , Bussières Laurence , Guilleminot Tiffany , Stirnemann Julien , Ghout Idir , Ville Yves , Leruez-Ville Marianne
Published: December 2018

Background

The known relationship between the gestational age at maternal primary infection an the outcome of congenital CMV is based on small, retrospective studies conducted between 1980 and 2011. They reported that 32% and 15% of cases had sequelae following a maternal primary infection in the first and second or the third trimester, respectively. We aimed to revisit this relationship prospectively between 2011 and 2017, using accurate virological tools.

Methods

We collected data on women with a primary infection and an infected child aged at least 1 year at the time of analysis. An accurate determination of the timing of the primary infection was based upon serial measurements of immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG and on IgG avidity in sera collected at each trimester. The case outcome was assessed according to a structured follow-up between birth and 48 months.

Results

We included 255 women and their 260 fetuses/neonates. The dating of the maternal infection was prospective in 86% of cases and retrospective in 14%. At a median follow-up of 24 months, the proportion of sensorineural hearing loss and/or neurologic sequelae were 32.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 23.72–42.09) after a maternal primary infection in the first trimester, 0 (95% CI 0–6.49) after an infection in the second trimester, and 0 (95% CI 0–11.95) after an infection in the third trimester (P < .0001).

Conclusions

These results suggest that a cytomegalovirus infection can be severe only when the virus hits the fetus in the embryonic or early fetal period. Recent guidelines recommend auditory follow-ups for at least 5 years for all infected children. This raises parental anxiety and generates significant costs. We suggest that auditory and specialized neurologic follow-ups may be recommended only in cases of a maternal infection in the first trimester.
Tricuspid valve relocation with endomyocardial fibrosis removal for Löeffler’s endocarditis
Authors: Asai Tohru , Miyashita Fumihiro , Nota Hiromitsu , Vigers Piers N
Published: December 2018

Löffler endocarditis with hypereosinophilic syndrome is rare but can cause critical ventricular obliteration by endomyocardial fibrosis. A 52-year-old woman experienced severe right heart failure with extreme shrinkage of her right ventricle, severe tricuspid regurgitation and marked right atrial enlargement. Preoperative tests showed identical pressures in the right atrium and pulmonary artery. Endocardial stripping was done, and to enlarge the right ventricle, we relocated the anterior and posterior tricuspid leaflets cephalad, up the right atrium wall, to ‘ventricularize’ a portion of the right atrium, with autologous pericardial augmentation of the tricuspid leaflets. An annuloplasty ring was added to reinforce the relocated tricuspid attachment. Right heart pressures normalized postoperatively. The patient recovered uneventfully. She has received corticosteroid therapy continuously and has shown no recurrence of heart failure in the 5 years since surgery.