bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Properties of a Double‐Coated Slow‐Release Urea Fertilizer with Poly(propylene carbonate), a Sodium Polyacrylate Hydroscopicity Resin and Sodium Alginate
Authors: Li Hongchun , Sui Lulu , Niu Yongsheng
Published: July 2018

A double‐coated slow‐release urea fertilizer was designed and successfully prepared. Its core was urea, and the shell was biodegradable poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) derived from CO2 copolymer as the inner coating, and sodium polyacrylate hydroscopicity resin (SPHR) and sodium alginate (SA) as the outer coating. The effects of the molecular weight of PPC, the amount of SPHR and SA on the slow release behavior of urea were investigated. The experimental results indicated that the coating materials had a good slow‐release property for urea release. The urea slow‐release time can reach 500 min in water. The double‐coated slow‐release urea fertilizer has water‐retention capacity. The product has the wild applications in agriculture.
Photocatalytic Water Disinfection of CVD Grown WS2 Monolayer Decorated with Ag Nanoparticles
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Kataria Shivangi , Roy Shounak , Jaiswal Amit , Balakrishnan Viswanath
Published: July 2018

Two dimensional nanostructures of transition metal dichalcogenides like WS2 have been drawing much attention for biological applications owing to their intrinsic chemical and optical properties with tunable band gap. We have evaluated photocatalytic properties of chemical vapor deposited (CVD) grown WS2 monolayer with a direct band gap of 1.94 eV to disinfect water from Gram‐negative E.coli bacteria under fluorescence light by colony counting method. WS2 monolayer decorated with 10‐15 nm silver nanoparticles is found to enhance the antibacterial activity in comparison with individual components significantly. We have achieved up to 96% of bacterial growth inhibition by increasing the areal coverage of WS2 (upto 42%) coated with Ag nanoparticles in 3 hours, under fluorescent light. Moreover, direct correlation between the water disinfection ability and geometrical surface areal coverage of the monolayer WS2 on SiO2/Si substrate has been established to emphasize on the need of uniform CVD growth of WS2 monolayers over large scale for practical application like rapid and efficient cleaning technology.
Receptor‐Spacer‐Fluorophore Based Coumarin‐Thiosemicarbazones as Anion Chemosensors with “Turn on” Response: Spectroscopic and Computational (DFT) Studies
Authors: Islam Muhammad , Hameed Abdul , Ayub Khurshid , Naseer Muhamamd Moazzam , Hussain Javid , Alharthy Rima D. , Asari Asnuzilawati , Ludwig Ralf , Rashida Mariya al‐ , Shafiq Zahid
Published: July 2018

Anion sensing via small molecules as chemosensor carries unique significance in biological and environmental fields, where it offers several advantages over the traditional methods of ion sensing. In the current study, the receptor‐spacer‐fluorophore based coumarin thiosemicarbazones were synthesized and investigated as chemosensor against different anions. The anion interaction with thiosemicarbazone based receptors (ligands) was observed and investigated with naked‐eye and by using UV‐Visible, fluorescence and 1H NMR spectroscopic techniques. The deprotonation of NH protons upon binding with F̄ was confirmed via 1H NMR spectroscopic data. Binding constants and limit of detection was also calculated. Theoretical studies via DFT calculations were also carried to understand the ligand‐anion interaction. The theoretical and experimental data was found to be in agreement, confirming the anion mediated NH proton abstraction as the mechanism that is responsible for anion sensing. Furthermore, the reason (and mechanism responsible) for anion selectivity exhibited by these chemosensors was also investigated computationally.
In Vitro Reconstitution of the Highly Active and Natively Folded Recombinant Human Superoxide Dismutase 1 Holoenzyme
Authors: Santur Karoline B. , Sevenich Marc M. , Schwarten Melanie , Nischwitz Volker , Willbold Dieter , Mohrlüder Jeannine
Published: July 2018

SOD1 is an antioxidant enzyme that exists as a highly stable dimer in healthy humans. Each subunit contains an intramolecular disulfide bond and coordinates one zinc and one copper ion. The dimer is destabilized in the absence of the ions and disruption of the disulfide bond, which leads to the formation of small oligomers and subsequently larger insoluble aggregates. An acquired toxic function of destabilized SOD1 is postulated to be associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by peripheral and central paralysis and by 3‐ to 5‐year median survival after diagnosis. In this study, we present a protocol for heterologous expression of human SOD1 in E. coli and total reconstitution of the holoenzyme, which exhibits the highest reported specific activity (four‐fold higher) of recombinant hSOD1. Biophysical characterization confirms the native state of this protein. The presented protocol provides highly active hSOD1 that will benefit in vitro investigations of this protein.
A One Pot Transition‐Metal‐Free Synthesis of Styrenyl Ethers from 2‐Aryloxy/Alkoxy Acetophenones
Authors: Mete Trimbak B. , Laha Debasish , Bhat Ramakrishna G.
Published: July 2018

A one‐pot transition‐metal‐free synthesis of styrenyl ethers starting from 2‐aryloxy/alkoxy acetophenones is described. The protocol explores the use of tosyl hydrazide and potassium carbonate as a mild base via Bamford‐Stevens reaction to synthesize the styrenyl ethers. The protocol is very simple, practical and uses mild reaction conditions with simple reaction set‐up. This practical protocol proved to be scalable on gram quantity.
Biodegradable, Drug‐Loaded Nanovectors via Direct Hydration as a New Platform for Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Ridolfo Roxane , Ede Benjamin C. , Diamanti Paraskevi , White Paul B. , Perriman Adam W. , van Hest Jan C. M. , Blair Allison , Williams David S.
Published: July 2018

The stabilization and transport of low‐solubility drugs, by encapsulation in nanoscopic delivery vectors (nanovectors), is a key paradigm in nanomedicine. However, the problems of carrier toxicity, specificity, and producibility create a bottleneck in the development of new nanomedical technologies. Copolymeric nanoparticles are an excellent platform for nanovector engineering due to their structural versatility; however, conventional fabrication processes rely upon harmful chemicals that necessitate purification. In engineering a more robust (copolymeric) nanovector platform, it is necessary to reconsider the entire process from copolymer synthesis through self‐assembly and functionalization. To this end, a process is developed whereby biodegradable copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(trimethylene carbonate), synthesized via organocatalyzed ring‐opening polymerization, undergo assembly into highly uniform, drug‐loaded micelles without the use of harmful solvents or the need for purification. The direct hydration methodology, employing oligo(ethylene glycol) as a nontoxic dispersant, facilitates rapid preparation of pristine, drug‐loaded nanovectors that require no further processing. This method is robust, fast, and scalable. Utilizing parthenolide, an exciting candidate for treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), discrete nanovectors are generated that show strikingly low carrier toxicity and high levels of specific therapeutic efficacy against primary ALL cells (as compared to normal hematopoietic cells).
Transgender Student‐Athletes and Their Inclusion in Intercollegiate Athletics
Authors: Gray Ashley , Crandall Rebecca E. , Tongsri Joy
Published: July 2018

This chapter examines the growing inclusion of transgender student‐athletes as well as the barriers that transgender student‐athletes continue to face in intercollegiate athletics. The chapter concludes with a discussion of suggested practices and implications.
Probabilistic assessment of vibration exceedance for a full‐scale tall building under typhoon conditions
Authors: Huang Mingfeng , Xu Qing , Xu Haiwei , Ni Yi‐Qing , Kwok Kenny
Published: July 2018

Full‐scale wind and vibration measurements were conducted on a 270‐m tall building in Hong Kong. For the modal identification, a refined fast Bayesian fast Fourier transform method was newly developed by considering the exponential form of the modal wind force spectrum. Then, the modal parameters of the monitored building and their uncertainties were identified from the full‐scale vibration data under typhoon conditions by the proposed refined fast Bayesian fast Fourier transform method. For assessing the vibration exceedance of the monitored building under typhoon, a stochastic wind force field generation technique was developed by combining the spectral representation method and the computational fluid dynamics method. Wind‐induced vibration of the tall building under Typhoon Kammuri was reanalyzed with generated wind force time history data. Finally, a time‐domain Monte Carlo simulation framework was proposed by integrating the modal identification and the stochastic wind force field generation technique. In this framework, the Metropolis–Hastings sampling algorithm was adopted to estimate the vibration exceedance probability, which was defined through a limit state performance function associated with the ISO vibration assessment criteria.
Studying Excellence in Teaching: The Story So Far
Authors: Gurung Regan A. R. , Richmond Aaron , Boysen Guy A.
Published: July 2018

We offer a brief history of the study of excellence in college and university teaching. We review major examinations of teaching excellence and summarize key characteristics of model teachers.
Brazilian Faculty and Student Perspectives on Excellent Teaching
Authors: Henklain Marcelo H. O. , Carmo João S. , Haydu Verônica Bender , Muniz Monalisa
Published: July 2018

We studied Brazilian faculty and psychology undergraduates’ perspectives on excellent teaching using the Teacher Behavior Checklist. In two studies, we found that students and teachers showed strong agreement with those TBC items relevant to developing a profile of excellent teachers and that students valued some qualities more than others in terms of their contributions to excellent teaching, a finding consistent across different cultural contexts.
Searching for Universal Principles of Excellence in College and University Teaching
Authors: Buskist William , Keeley Jared W.
Published: July 2018

We compared twenty‐six TBC‐based studies across different countries to investigate whether there might exist universal principles of excellent teaching. We found several qualities that both faculty and students in these studies endorsed as universal or near‐universal principles. Our findings provide a compelling starting point for teachers seeking to enhance their teaching and for researchers wishing to investigate practices for improving teaching.
Genetic tests reveal extra‐pair paternity among Gentoo penguins (Pyogoscelis papua ellsworthii) at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium: Implications for ex situ colony management
Authors: Lee Lauren , Tirrell Nathan , Burrell Christian , Chambers Scott , Vogel Steve , Domyan Eric T.
Published: July 2018

Maintenance of ex situ populations for species conservation is a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, institutions, and individuals around the world. Gentoo penguins (Pyogoscelis papua) are one species involved in such a conservation effort, and a Species Survival Plan (SSP) has been put in place by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to foster their long‐term sustainability. As a part of their SSP, a Breeding and Transfer Plan has been created to support interagency exchanges of specimens. These transfers are vital to the demographic health and stability of ex situ populations, as well as the maintenance of genetic diversity. In populations such as the Gentoo, where social monogamy exists, paternal inferences of offspring are usually made through observation of birds’ social behavior. However, social monogamy does not guarantee reproductive monogamy. In this study, we utilize Illumina high‐throughput DNA sequencing to genetically test the postulated paternity of Gentoo penguins born at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA) in Draper, UT. While our data support the majority of the postulated relationships, we did identify two offspring that were the result of extra‐pair paternity (EPP). The results of this research highlight the importance of genetic tests to validate pedigrees used in SSPs, to provide more‐accurate data for the support of species conservation.
Current and future constraints on Higgs couplings in the nonlinear Effective Theory
Authors: de Blas Jorge , Eberhardt Otto , Krause Claudius
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We perform a Bayesian statistical analysis of the constraints on the nonlinear Effective Theory given by the Higgs electroweak chiral Lagrangian. We obtain bounds on the effective coefficients entering in Higgs observables at the leading order, using all available Higgs-boson signal strengths from the LHC runs 1 and 2. Using a prior dependence study of the solutions, we discuss the results within the context of natural-sized Wilson coefficients. We further study the expected sensitivities to the different Wilson coefficients at various possible future colliders. Finally, we interpret our results in terms of some minimal composite Higgs models.
On the quantum entropy function in 4d gauged supergravity
Authors: Hristov Kiril , Lodato Ivano , Reys Valentin
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We analyze BPS black hole attractors in the conformal 4d gauged supergravity formalism and apply the technique known as supergravity localization in order to evaluate Sen’s quantum entropy function [1] in the AdS2×S2 near-horizon geometry. Under certain assumptions, we reduce the exact expression of the functional integral to a finite-dimensional integral for a number of supersymmetric black holes in gauged supergravity with AdS asymptotics subject to a holographic description via a dual field theory. Examples include the asymptotically AdS4×S7 Cacciatori-Klemm black holes [2] in M-theory and the asymptotically AdS5×S5 generalizations of Gutowski-Reall black holes [3] and Benini-Bobev black strings [4] in type IIB, as well as the recently constructed asymptotically AdS4×S6 solutions [5, 6] in massive type IIA. Our results provide an important first step towards a gravitational counterpart to the exact evaluation of supersymmetric partition functions at finite N for the holographically dual field theories in these examples.
New worldsheet formulae for conformal supergravity amplitudes
Authors: Farrow Joseph A. , Lipstein Arthur E.
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We use 4d ambitwistor string theory to derive new worldsheet formulae for tree-level conformal supergravity amplitudes supported on refined scattering equations. Unlike the worldsheet formulae for super-Yang-Mills or supergravity, the scattering equations for conformal supergravity are not in general refined by MHV degree. Nevertheless, we obtain a concise worldsheet formula for any number of scalars and gravitons which we lift to a manifestly supersymmetric formula using four types of vertex operators. The theory also contains states with non-plane wave boundary conditions and we show that the corresponding amplitudes can be obtained from plane-wave amplitudes by applying momentum derivatives. Such derivatives are subtle to define since the formulae are intrinsically four-dimensional and on-shell, so we develop a method for computing momentum derivatives of spinor variables.
Next-to-leading order electroweak corrections to off-shell WWW production at the LHC
Authors: Schönherr Marek
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Triboson processes allow for a measurement of the triple and quartic couplings of the Standard Model gauge bosons, which can be used to constrain anomalous gauge couplings. In this paper we calculate the next-to-leading order electroweak corrections to fully off-shell W
−
W
+
W
+ production, namely the production of a

$$ {\ell}_1^{-}{\ell}_2^{+}{\ell}_3^{+}{\overline{\nu}}_{\ell_1}{\nu}_{\ell_2}{\nu}_{\ell_3} $$

ℓ
1
−

ℓ
2
+

ℓ
3
+

ν
¯

ℓ
1

ν

ℓ
2

ν

ℓ
3

final state with (ℓ

i
= e, μ), including all triple, double, single and non resonant topologies and interferences of diagrams with all different vector boson (W, Z, γ) intermediate states. We find large cancellations of the electroweak correction to the

$$ q\overline{q} $$

q

q
¯

-induced channel, which includes the exchange of virtual electroweak gauge bosons, and photon-induced jet radiation processes. This accidental compensation is found to be strongly phase space and observable dependent. The resulting corrections in a suitably defined fiducial region thus amount to −2.0%, but rise rapidly for other observables.
Dark decay of the neutron
Authors: Cline James M. , Cornell Jonathan M.
Published: July 2018

Abstract

New decay channels for the neutron into dark matter plus other particles have been suggested for explaining a long-standing discrepancy between the neutron lifetime measured from trapped neutrons versus those decaying in flight. Many such scenarios are already ruled out by their effects on neutron stars, and the decay into dark matter plus photon has been experimentally excluded. Here we explore the decay into a dark Dirac fermion χ and a dark photon A′, which can be consistent with all constraints if χ is a subdominant component of the dark matter. Neutron star constraints are evaded if the dark photon mass to coupling ratio is m

A ′/g ′ ≲ (45 − 60) MeV, depending upon the nuclear equation of state. g′ and the kinetic mixing between U(1)′ and electromagnetism are tightly constrained by direct and indirect dark matter detection, supernova constraints, and cosmological limits.
Is ‘Spiritual but Not Religious’ a Replacement for Religion or Just One Step on the Path between Religion and Non-religion?
Authors: Marshall Joey , Olson Daniel V. A.
Published: July 2018

We analyze survey data collected from six universities in the United States, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark (n = 6571). Survey respondents were asked to self-identify as “spiritual and religious,” “spiritual but not religious,” “religious but not spiritual” or “not religious or spiritual.” Using a battery of items describing both religious and spiritual beliefs, we uncover which beliefs are most regularly shared by persons choosing each of the four self-identity labels. Even though American students are generally more religious than the Scandinavian students, we find that three of the four self-identity labels have quite similar meanings across cultural settings. Factor analyzing the belief items, we find two latent factors that we label as “religio-spirituality” and “anti-institutional spirituality.” However, when plotted in a two-dimensional space defined by these two latent factors, respondents in each of the four self-identity categories mostly align along a single continuum from “spiritual and religious” to “not spiritual or religious.” Nevertheless, the “spiritual but not religious” students stand out for their high scores on “anti-institutional spirituality.”
The role of the Italian Constitutional Court in the policy agenda: persistence and change between the First and Second Republic
Authors: Rebessi Elisa , Zucchini Francesco
Published: July 2018

If we examine the current literature, no study on policy agenda has so far addressed the agenda of a Constitutional Court in a country that has recently experienced crucial changes in its political system. The present contribution on the Italian Constitutional Court seeks to bridge this gap. We aim at assessing the role the Italian Court plays in the policy process in both the First and the Second Republic by answering two research questions: (1) in its decisions does the Court accommodate themes that are neglected in the parliamentary legislative process? (2) Does the Court (and if so, how often) represent interests and values in opposition to the interests and values supporting the current legislative majorities? By employing an original data set that puts together all decisions of constitutional illegitimacy under incidental review between the years 1983 and 2013, we found that in both Republics Court’s agenda is significantly more concentrated than Parliament’s agenda, and it does not broadly offer an alternative access point to the policy-making for new or neglected issues. However, at the same time, the alternational system of the Second Republic seems to trigger more immediate and ‘salient’ reactions from the Constitutional Court, which in that period becomes more prone to sanction recent legislation.
A “NEW SOCIAL CLASS” OR OLD FRIENDS? A STUDY OF PRIVATE ENTREPRENEURS IN THE NATIONAL PEOPLE'S CONGRESS OF CHINA
Authors: Luqiu Luwei Rose , Liu Chuyu
Published: July 2018

In this research note, we introduce a new dataset on China's national legislators. It provides descriptive information on one key parameter: the nature of the business owned by private entrepreneur deputies in China's National People's Congress (NPC) from 2003 to 2017. The dataset contains information on whether the deputy once worked as a government official, whether the deputy was a former top manager of a state-owned/collective enterprise, and whether his/her current company was a state-owned/collective enterprise before being privatized. We categorize deputies as “insiders” as long as they stratify one of the aforementioned backgrounds, whereas others as the “grassroots.” This dataset thus reveals two types of private entrepreneur deputies who are significantly different with regard to how they started their own businesses. These findings shed new light on the relationship between private entrepreneurs and the party-state in China.
A SIMPLE PROOF OF CHEBOTAREV’S DENSITY THEOREM OVER FINITE FIELDS
Authors: MEAGHER STEVE
Published: July 2018

We present a simple proof of the Chebotarev density theorem for finite morphisms of quasi-projective varieties over finite fields following an idea of Fried and Kosters for function fields. The key idea is to interpret the number of rational points with a given Frobenius conjugacy class as the number of rational points of a twisted variety, which is then bounded by the Lang–Weil estimates.
Temporal–spatial distributions of water use and productivity of maize in China
Authors: Cao X. C. , Shu R. , Chen D. , Guo X. P. , Wang W. G.
Published: July 2018

The present study aim to explore temporal–spatial patterns of water use (WU) efficiency and its influencing factors of maize production in China during 1998–2010. WU and productivity (WP) were quantified by taking irrigation loss into account and the links between WP and nine selected indicators were revealed by the partial least squares regression (PLSR) model. Results showed that national WU and WP in maize production were 138.56 cubic gigametres (Gm3; 0.755 green and 0.245 blue) and 1.079 kg/m3, respectively. WP was enhanced in the present study due to an increase in irrigated crop yield. Provinces located in the middle–lower part of the Yellow River had high proportions of green water and WP, while high proportions of irrigation water and low WP were found in Northwest China. The dosage of pesticides per unit area, relative humidity, average temperature and precipitation were the dominant factors that affected WP. However, the relationships between WP and solar radiation, fertilizer, agricultural machinery power, irrigation proportion and irrigated efficiency were not significant. Findings of the present research may also provide a reference for regional agricultural water management.
Assessment of progress and competence in tonsillectomy surgery using cumulative sum analysis
Authors: Abou-Foul A K , Taghi A , Tolley N S , Awad Z
Published: July 2018

Objective

To assess the feasibility of using cumulative sum analysis to show trainees’ performance curves and highlight concerns in tonsillectomy surgery.

Methods

In this prospective study, the performance of eight otolaryngology trainees (in their first 6–12 months in the specialty) was compared to that of experts (over 150 tonsillectomies performed) in terms of operative time and post-operative complications. Cumulative sum analysis curves were generated to highlight trainees’ performance, and were updated after each performance.

Results

The average operative time was 23 minutes (standard deviation = 11) for experts and 38 minutes (standard deviation = 16) for trainees (p < 0.0001). Cumulative sum analysis charts for trainees’ operative time initially rose and then started to plateau after a number of cases (range, 25–30), while that of experts remained low. Cumulative sum analysis charts for complications can be used to monitor performance. In this study, complications were combined (because of low incidence) to allow use of this outcome measure.

Conclusion

The flexibility of the cumulative sum analysis makes it adaptable to any outcome. It is a strong adjunct in surgical training to monitor progress and competence. Its sensitivity also allows early detection of poor performance, to instigate intervention.
Transoral and endoscope-assisted transoral approaches to resecting benign tumours of the parapharyngeal space located in the medial portion of the carotid sheaths and extending toward the skull base: our experience
Authors: Liu Y , Yu H-J , Zhen H-T
Published: July 2018

Objective

Various surgical approaches have been described to remove tumours in the parapharyngeal space. This study investigated the feasibility of a transoral approach in the surgical management of parapharyngeal space benign tumours located in the medial portion of the carotid sheaths and extending toward the skull base.

Methods

Thirty-two patients were selected and underwent a transoral or an endoscope-assisted transoral approach in the surgical management of parapharyngeal space benign tumours located in the medial portion of the carotid sheaths. Medical photographs were used.

Results

All patients underwent complete resection of their lesions via a transoral or endoscope-assisted transoral approach. None of the patients demonstrated residual or recurrent neoplasms, either clinically or radiographically, during their follow up.

Conclusion

Based on our studies, we assert that transoral and endoscope-assisted transoral approaches are suitable in managing parapharyngeal space benign tumours located in the medial portion of the carotid sheaths and extending toward the skull base.
A Unified Dual-frequency Constant Envelope Multiplexing Design Framework for Modernised GNSS Signals
Authors: Yan Tao , Qu Bo , Wang Ying , Wang Guoyong , Lei Wenying , Bian Lang , Meng Yansong
Published: July 2018

In the field of modernised Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal design, several Dual-frequency Constant Envelope Multiplexing (DCEM) methods have been recently proposed. However, the existing DCEM methods, such as Alternative Binary Offset Carrier (AltBOC), generalised AltBOC and Asymmetric Constant Envelope Binary Offset Carrier (ACE-BOC), are only applied in some special cases. In this paper, we present a unified DCEM design framework for GNSS signals. The existing DCEM methods can be unified in this framework. First, the signal components at two carrier frequencies are combined into two single-frequency constant envelope signals. Then, the linear sum of dual-frequency signals with non-constant envelopes is obtained. Finally, the linear sum is converted into the corresponding DCEM signal by solving an optimisation problem. The proposed design framework has no strict constraints on the number, power ratio and phase relationship of the signal components. Moreover, some special design cases under this framework are also analysed in detail. The analytical results show that the proposed design method can reach higher multiplexing efficiency compared with the existing methods. Based on the proposed method, we suggest a scheme to multiplex the BeiDou regional signals and global signals at the B2 frequency. The simulation results of correlation functions and Power Spectrum Density (PSD) verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed design method.
THE FALLACY OF FISCAL DISCIPLINE
Authors: Canofari Paolo , Piergallini Alessandro , Piersanti Giovanni
Published: July 2018

Fiscal discipline is commonly evaluated on the basis of the debt–gross domestic product ratio, which exhibits a stock variable measured relative to a flow variable. This way of monitoring debt solvency is arguably not consistent with transversality conditions obtained from optimizing macroeconomic frameworks. In this paper, we consider a wealth-based sustainability index of government debt policy derived from a baseline endogenous growth model. We calculate the index from 1999 onward for countries in which the after-growth real interest rate is positive, consistently with the theoretical setup. Results are radically different from common wisdom. We show that the fiscal position is sustainable for both Germany and Italy, and strongly unsustainable for both Japan and France. Policy implications of our findings are discussed.
Psychiatrische Familienpflege in Thüringen
Authors: Lakemann Ulrich
Published: July 2018

Zusammenfassung. Im Verlauf eines schnellen gesellschaftlichen Wandels haben sich insbesondere in den letzten vier bis fünf Jahrzehnten auch die Familien- und Lebensformen stark verändert. Die klassische Drei- oder auch Zwei-Generationen-Familie mit in der Regel mehreren leiblichen Kindern hat an Stellenwert verloren. An Bedeutung gewonnen haben zum Beispiel Patchwork-Familien, Ein-Eltern-Familien, Einpersonenhaushalte oder Wohngemeinschaften. Sinkende Eheschließungen, gestiegene Scheidungsraten, ein Rückgang der Geburten und eine ständig steigende Lebenserwartung sind nur einige Trends, die eine lebenslange Einheitsfamilie immer seltener werden lassen.
Den Zahlen einen Namen geben
Authors: Löhr Michael , Grundmann-Horst Bettina , Lindau-Majer Sarah , Niedrig Jan , Möller Adrian , Neumann Reinhard
Published: July 2018

Zusammenfassung. Ein Projekt in der Evangelischen Stiftung Neinstedt versucht zu klären, inwieweit die Namen und Lebensgeschichten von den Menschen gefunden werden können, die in Zeiten des Nationalsozialismus aus der Anstalt deportiert wurden. Studierende der Fachhochschule der Diakonie in Bielefeld haben sich auf eine Spurensuche gemacht.
Effects of Acid Rain, Climate Change on Freshwater Lakes
Authors: Sidder Aaron
Published: July 2018

New England lakes weathered years of acid rain. A new study tracks how they are faring after 30 years of regulation and how climate change factors into the equation.
Influence of Model Bias on Simulating North Atlantic Sea Surface Temperature During the Mid‐Pliocene
Authors: Song Zhaoyang , Latif Mojib , Park Wonsun , Zhang Yuming
Published: July 2018

Climate models generally underestimate the pronounced warming in the sea surface temperature (SST) over the North Atlantic during the mid‐Pliocene that is suggested by proxy data. Here we investigate the influence of the North Atlantic cold SST bias, which is observed in many climate models, on the simulation of mid‐Pliocene surface climate in a series of simulations with the Kiel Climate Model. A surface freshwater‐flux correction is applied over the North Atlantic, which considerably improves simulation of North Atlantic Ocean circulation and SST under present‐day conditions. Using reconstructed mid‐Pliocene boundary conditions with closed Bering and Arctic Archipelago Straits, the corrected model depicts significantly reduced model‐proxy SST discrepancy in comparison to the uncorrected model. A key factor in reducing the discrepancy is the stronger and more sensitive Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation and poleward heat transport. We conclude that simulations of mid‐Pliocene surface climate over the North Atlantic can considerably benefit from alleviating model biases in this region.
Building Resilience: The Conceptual Basis and Research Evidence for Resilience Training Programs
Authors: Forbes Sarah , Fikretoglu Deniz
Published: July 2018

The relationship between adverse experiences and later development has been explored by many researchers, leading to the conceptualization of resilience as a factor explaining the normal or optimal development of some individuals exposed to adversity. Today many different interventions exist aiming to improve the ability of individuals to respond to adversity. In this narrative literature review, we evaluate the literature surrounding resilience and resilience training, discussing the quality of the evidence supporting resilience training, theoretical and practical differences between types of training, and the impact of resilience and psychological training on outcome measures across a variety of settings. The results of our review show that the quality of the literature is mixed, resilience training is not well differentiated from other forms of training, and that the impact of psychological training on later functioning depends heavily on the type of outcome measured and the setting of the training. Further research must be conducted prior to the implementation of resilience training programs in order to assure their efficacy and effectiveness in proposed contexts.
Quantum-optical spectroscopy of a two-level system using an electrically driven micropillar laser as a resonant excitation source
Authors: Kreinberg Sören , Grbešić Tomislav , Strauß Max , Carmele Alexander , Emmerling Monika , Schneider Christian , Höfling Sven , Porte Xavier , Reitzenstein Stephan
Published: July 2018

Two-level emitters are the main building blocks of photonic quantum technologies and are model systems for the exploration of quantum optics in the solid state. Most interesting is the strict resonant excitation of such emitters to control their occupation coherently and to generate close to ideal quantum light, which is of utmost importance for applications in photonic quantum technology. To date, the approaches and experiments in this field have been performed exclusively using bulky lasers, which hinders the application of resonantly driven two-level emitters in compact photonic quantum systems. Here we address this issue and present a concept for a compact resonantly driven single-photon source by performing quantum-optical spectroscopy of a two-level system using a compact high-β microlaser as the excitation source. The two-level system is based on a semiconductor quantum dot (QD), which is excited resonantly by a fiber-coupled electrically driven micropillar laser. We dress the excitonic state of the QD under continuous wave excitation, and trigger the emission of single photons with strong multi-photon suppression ($$\, g^{(2)}(0) = 0.02$$

g

(

2

)

(

0

)

=
0.02
) and high photon indistinguishability (V = 57±9%) via pulsed resonant excitation at 156 MHz. These results clearly demonstrate the high potential of our resonant excitation scheme, which can pave the way for compact electrically driven quantum light sources with excellent quantum properties to enable the implementation of advanced quantum communication protocols.
Structural visualization of RNA polymerase III transcription machineries
Authors: Han Yan , Yan Chunli , Fishbain Susan , Ivanov Ivaylo , He Yuan
Published: July 2018

RNA polymerase III (Pol III) transcription initiation requires the action of the transcription factor IIIB (TFIIIB) and is highly regulated. Here, we determine the structures of Pol III pre-initiation complexes (PICs) using single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). We observe stable Pol III–TFIIIB complexes using nucleic acid scaffolds mimicking various functional states, in which TFIIIB tightly encircles the upstream promoter DNA. There is an intricate interaction between TFIIIB and Pol III, which stabilizes the winged-helix domains of the C34 subunit of Pol III over the active site cleft. The architecture of Pol III PIC more resembles that of the Pol II PIC than the Pol I PIC. In addition, we also obtain a 3D reconstruction of Pol III in complex with TFIIIB using the elongation complex (EC) scaffold, shedding light on the mechanism of facilitated recycling of Pol III prior to transcription re-initiation.
A recurrent homozygous NHLRC1 variant in siblings with Lafora disease
Authors: Araya Nami , Takahashi Yukitoshi , Shimono Masayuki , Fukuda Tomofumi , Kato Mitsuhiro , Nakashima Mitsuko , Matsumoto Naomichi , Saitsu Hirotomo
Published: July 2018

We report a case of two siblings with progressive myoclonus epilepsy whose parents were not consanguineous. Their clinical symptoms were typical of Lafora disease (LD), but skin biopsies revealed no Lafora bodies. Whole-exome sequencing identified a recurrent homozygous frameshift variant in the NHLRC1 gene in both siblings. The genetic analysis was useful for the diagnosis of LD, as neither consanguinity nor Lafora bodies were found.
Task-induced brain state manipulation improves prediction of individual traits
Authors: Greene Abigail S. , Gao Siyuan , Scheinost Dustin , Constable R. Todd
Published: July 2018

Recent work has begun to relate individual differences in brain functional organization to human behaviors and cognition, but the best brain state to reveal such relationships remains an open question. In two large, independent data sets, we here show that cognitive tasks amplify trait-relevant individual differences in patterns of functional connectivity, such that predictive models built from task fMRI data outperform models built from resting-state fMRI data. Further, certain tasks consistently yield better predictions of fluid intelligence than others, and the task that generates the best-performing models varies by sex. By considering task-induced brain state and sex, the best-performing model explains over 20% of the variance in fluid intelligence scores, as compared to <6% of variance explained by rest-based models. This suggests that identifying and inducing the right brain state in a given group can better reveal brain-behavior relationships, motivating a paradigm shift from rest- to task-based functional connectivity analyses.
The concerted roles of FANCM and Rad52 in the protection of common fragile sites
Authors: Wang Hailong , Li Shibo , Oaks Joshua , Ren Jianping , Li Lei , Wu Xiaohua
Published: July 2018

Common fragile sites (CFSs) are prone to chromosomal breakage and are hotspots for chromosomal rearrangements in cancer cells. We uncovered a novel function of Fanconi anemia (FA) protein FANCM in the protection of CFSs that is independent of the FA core complex and the FANCI–FANCD2 complex. FANCM, along with its binding partners FAAP24 and MHF1/2, is recruited to CFS-derived structure-prone AT-rich sequences, where it suppresses DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation and mitotic recombination in a manner dependent on FANCM translocase activity. Interestingly, we also identified an indispensable function of Rad52 in the repair of DSBs at CFS-derived AT-rich sequences, despite its nonessential function in general homologous recombination (HR) in mammalian cells. Suppression of Rad52 expression in combination with FANCM knockout drastically reduces cell and tumor growth, suggesting a synthetic lethality interaction between these two genes, which offers a potential targeted treatment strategy for FANCM-deficient tumors with Rad52 inhibition.
Manipulation of facet orientation in hybrid perovskite polycrystalline films by cation cascade
Authors: Zheng Guanhaojie , Zhu Cheng , Ma Jingyuan , Zhang Xiaonan , Tang Gang , Li Runguang , Chen Yihua , Li Liang , Hu Jinsong , Hong Jiawang , Chen Qi , Gao Xingyu , Zhou Huanping
Published: July 2018

Crystal orientations in multiple orders correlate to the properties of polycrystalline materials, and it is critical to manipulate these microstructural arrangements to enhance device performance. Herein, we report a controllable approach to manipulate the facet orientation within the ABX3 hybrid perovskites polycrystalline films by cation cascade doping at A-site. Two-dimensional synchrotron radiation grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering is employed to probe the crystal orientations in multiple orders in mixed perovskites thin films, revealing a general pattern to guide crystal planes stacking upon extrinsic doping during crystallization. Different from previous studies, this method enables to adjust the crystal stacking mode of certain crystallographic planes in polycrystalline perovskites. Moreover, the preferred facet orientation is found to facilitate photocarrier transport across the absorber and pertaining interface in the resultant PV device, which provides an exemplary paradigm for further explorations that relate to the microstructures of hybrid perovskite materials and relevant optoelectronics.
Attosecond time-resolved photoelectron holography
Authors: Porat G. , Alon G. , Rozen S. , Pedatzur O. , Krüger M. , Azoury D. , Natan A. , Orenstein G. , Bruner B. D. , Vrakking M. J. J. , Dudovich N.
Published: July 2018

Ultrafast strong-field physics provides insight into quantum phenomena that evolve on an attosecond time scale, the most fundamental of which is quantum tunneling. The tunneling process initiates a range of strong field phenomena such as high harmonic generation (HHG), laser-induced electron diffraction, double ionization and photoelectron holography—all evolving during a fraction of the optical cycle. Here we apply attosecond photoelectron holography as a method to resolve the temporal properties of the tunneling process. Adding a weak second harmonic (SH) field to a strong fundamental laser field enables us to reconstruct the ionization times of photoelectrons that play a role in the formation of a photoelectron hologram with attosecond precision. We decouple the contributions of the two arms of the hologram and resolve the subtle differences in their ionization times, separated by only a few tens of attoseconds.
MreB polymers and curvature localization are enhanced by RodZ and predict E. coli's cylindrical uniformity
Authors: Bratton Benjamin P. , Shaevitz Joshua W. , Gitai Zemer , Morgenstein Randy M.
Published: July 2018

The actin-like protein MreB has been proposed to coordinate the synthesis of the cell wall to determine cell shape in bacteria. MreB is preferentially localized to areas of the cell with specific curved geometries, avoiding the cell poles. It remains unclear whether MreB’s curvature preference is regulated by additional factors, and which specific features of MreB promote specific features of rod shape growth. Here, we show that the transmembrane protein RodZ modulates MreB curvature preference and polymer number inE. coli, properties which are regulated independently. An unbiased machine learning analysis shows that MreB polymer number, the total length of MreB polymers, and MreB curvature preference are key correlates of cylindrical uniformity, the variability in radius within a single cell. Changes in the values of these parameters are highly predictive of the resulting changes in cell shape (r2 = 0.93). Our data thus suggest RodZ promotes the assembly of geometrically-localized MreB polymers that lead to the growth of uniform cylinders.
Author Correction: A novel atypical sperm centriole is functional during human fertilization
Authors: Fishman Emily L. , Jo Kyoung , Nguyen Quynh P. H. , Kong Dong , Royfman Rachel , Cekic Anthony R. , Khanal Sushil , Miller Ann L. , Simerly Calvin , Schatten Gerald , Loncarek Jadranka , Mennella Vito , Avidor-Reiss Tomer
Published: July 2018

In the original version of this Article, the affiliation details for Jadranka Loncarek and Vito Mennella were incorrectly given as ‘Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada’ and ‘Laboratory of Protein Dynamics and Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, 1050 Boyles Street, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA’, respectively. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Publisher Correction: Environmental fluctuations accelerate molecular evolution of thermal tolerance in a marine diatom
Authors: Schaum C.-Elisa , Buckling A. , Smirnoff N. , Studholme D. J. , Yvon-Durocher G.
Published: July 2018

The PDF version of this Article was updated shortly after publication following an error which resulted in the Φ symbol being omitted from the left hand side of equation 8. The HTML version was correct from the time of publication.
Automated defect analysis in electron microscopic images
Authors: Li Wei , Field Kevin G. , Morgan Dane
Published: July 2018

Electron microscopy and defect analysis are a cornerstone of materials science, as they offer detailed insights on the microstructure and performance of a wide range of materials and material systems. Building a robust and flexible platform for automated defect recognition and classification in electron microscopy will result in the completion of analysis orders of magnitude faster after images are recorded, or even online during image acquisition. Automated analysis has the potential to be significantly more efficient, accurate, and repeatable than human analysis, and it can scale with the increasingly important methods of automated data generation. Herein, an automated recognition tool is developed based on a computer vison–based approach; it sequentially applies a cascade object detector, convolutional neural network, and local image analysis methods. We demonstrate that the automated tool performs as well as or better than manual human detection in terms of recall and precision and achieves quantitative image/defect analysis metrics close to the human average. The proposed approach works for images of varying contrast, brightness, and magnification. These promising results suggest that this and similar approaches are worth exploring for detecting multiple defect types and have the potential to locate, classify, and measure quantitative features for a range of defect types, materials, and electron microscopic techniques.
Thin Film of Amorphous Zinc Hydroxide Semiconductor for Optical Devices with an Energy-Efficient Beneficial Coating by Metal Organic Decomposition Process
Authors: Karakawa Makoto , Sugahara Tohru , Hirose Yukiko , Suganuma Katsuaki , Aso Yoshio
Published: July 2018

An effective metal oxide coating with solution processes by the metal organic decomposition method as deposited at room temperature (RT) poses great challenge. In this study, we report the characterization and evaluation of the semiconductor properties of a zinc hydroxide thin film with RT just as deposition by solution coating method. The films worked well as an inter-layer of the organic photovoltaic cell and optimized the film thickness condition with chemical and physical properties. As a result, we achieved a power conversion efficiency performance level, which was almost similar to that in the cells used after calcination in the crystal ZnO inter-layer. The presented process without any additional decomposition energy is expected to make a significant contribution to the realization of a flexible and cost-effective solution process for device fabrication.