bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, opinions and expectations of adults concerning personalised genotype-based dietary recommendations: a German survey
Authors: Bayer Sandra , Drabsch Theresa , Schauberger Gunther , Hauner Hans , Holzapfel Christina
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To assess the knowledge, opinions and expectations of persons with and without obesity concerning personalised genotype-based nutrition.

Design:

Questions about nutrition, weight management and personalised genotype-based dietary recommendations were asked via standardised telephone-based interviews. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected. The data were statistically weighted by age, gender, education, domicile and BMI.

Setting:

Germany.

Participants:

Representative sample of the German population (n 1003) randomly sampled via a scientific Random Digit dial method plus 354 adults with a BMI ≥ 30·0 kg/m2 to enlarge the sample.

Results:

Data of 1357 participants were analysed (51·1 % female, age: 50·5 ± 18·5 years, 15·9 % adults with a BMI ≥ 30·0 kg/m2). About 42 % or 19 % of the survey participants stated to know the terms personalised dietary recommendation or genotype-based dietary recommendation, respectively. Of those, 15·8 % indicated to have an experience with a personalised or genotype-based dietary recommendation. Almost 70 % of the survey participants believed that a genotype-based dietary recommendation is a reasonable measure for weight management. About 55 % of the survey participants pointed out that a genotype-based dietary recommendation is an effective concept in general. One-third of the survey participants (34·6 %) indicated to conceive the usage of a genotype-based dietary recommendation.

Conclusion:

Most of the survey participants did not know the term personalised or genotype-based dietary recommendation. One-third of the study participants are interested to use a genotype-based dietary recommendation. Therefore, more education of the public is necessary to properly help people making informed and serious decisions and assessing commercially available direct-to-consumer genetic tests.
Flumioxazin soil persistence under plastic mulch and effects of pretransplant applications on strawberry
Authors: Boyd Nathan S. , Sharpe Shaun M. , Kanissery Ramdas
Published: October 2020

Weeds are managed in Florida strawberry production systems with plastic mulches, fumigants, and herbicides. There are limited post-transplant options to control weeds that emerge in the planting holes in the plastic-covered beds, but flumioxazin at 107 g ai ha−1 can be applied pretransplant under the plastic mulch to control broadleaf and grass weeds. Three research trials were conducted in Balm and Dover, FL, in 2017 and 2018 to evaluate tolerance of the strawberry cultivar ‘Radiance’ to flumioxazin rates ranging from 54 to 6,854 g ha−1 and to estimate herbicide persistence under the plastic mulch. Shoot damage was observed at 428 to 857 g ha−1 (4× and 8× the label rate, respectively), but a significant increase in the number of dead plants was not observed until the treatment rate was 857 g ha−1 at one site and 3,427 g ha−1 at a second site (8× and 32× the label rate, respectively). Berry yields were unaffected by rates lower than 857 g ha−1. Flumioxazin persisted throughout the growing season (approximately 150 d) with no reduction in soil concentration. We conclude that applied at the label rate, flumioxazin is a safe pretransplant weed management option for season-long weed control in strawberry with no yield reduction at rates below 8× the label rate. Caution is recommended for growers who plant a second crop on the same bed.
Crustal Structure of the Mesopotamian Plain, East of Iraq
Authors: Abdulnaby Wathiq , Motaghi Khalil , Shabanian Esmaeil , Mahdi Hanan , Al‐Shukri Haydar , Gök Rengin
Published: October 2020

The crustal structure of Iraq was investigated through analyzing teleseismic data from 12 new seismic stations. Three seismic stations are located within the Zagros Fold‐Thrust Belt, and nine are within the Mesopotamian Plain. Joint inversion of P wave receiver function and Rayleigh wave dispersion data were employed to resolve S wave velocity structure models beneath each station. Combining these models with available Moho depths within and around the study area reveals that the Moho depth is smoothly increasing from the Arabian platform toward the Zagros Mountains. An exceptional deeper root is observed near the eastern edge of the Mesopotamian Plain where sedimentary pile is the thickest. This root was interpreted as a structure inherited from the successive Mesozoic rifting of the NE Arabian platform enhanced by sedimentary loading and progressive subsidence. A low‐velocity uppermost mantle was observed beneath the Arabian Foredeep attesting the existence of a low‐strength lithospheric mantle beneath the region southwest from the Zagros deformation front. The weak rheology of the uppermost mantle may have allowed local sinking of the crust and deepening of the Moho boundary due to vertical loading and the Late Miocene lateral contraction.
Intrauterine inflammation induced white matter injury protection by fibrinogen-like protein 2 deficiency in perinatal mice
Authors: Zhan Di , Zhang Cai , Long Wenjun , Wei Lan , Jin Shengjuan , Du Caiqi , Li Zhuxi , Guo Shusen , Huang Lianjing , Ning Qin , Luo Xiaoping
Published: October 2020

Background

White matter injury (WMI) induced by intrauterine inflammation can cause adverse neurological outcomes. Fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2)/fibroleukin is an important trigger of inflammatory responses and is involved in some cerebral diseases. However, the role of FGL2 in intrauterine inflammation-induced WMI remains unclear.

Methods

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was intraperitoneally injected into wild-type and FGL2 knockout mice to induce intrauterine inflammation. Body weight and brain weight of offspring were monitored. Major basic protein (MBP) expression was evaluated to demonstrate the myelination of offspring. To investigate the regulatory mechanism of FGL2, cytokine expression, microglial polarization, and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in the offspring were analyzed.

Results

Upon LPS exposure, FGL2 knockout offspring showed a significant increase in body weight loss. MBP reduction induced by LPS was prevented in FGL2 knockout offspring. Expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α, and M1 marker CD86 were suppressed, while the expression levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and M2 marker CD206 were increased. FGL2 deficiency significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of p38MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) protein.

Conclusions

FGL2 deficiency can ameliorate WMI induced by intrauterine inflammation, reducing inflammatory cascade and improving hypomyelination, through the regulation of microglial polarization and MAPK signaling pathways.

Impact

Intrauterine inflammation induces WMI leading to severe neurological sequelae. FGL2 plays an important role in the progression of WMI induced by intrauterine inflammation.

FGL2 deficiency can protect against WMI by inhibiting p38 MAPK and JNK phosphorylation, regulating microglia polarization, and reducing inflammation response.

FGL2 could be a novel molecular target for protecting against WMI induced by intrauterine inflammation.
Baseline IFN-γ and IL-10 expression in PBMCs could predict response to PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors in advanced melanoma patients
Authors: Giunta Emilio Francesco , Barra Giusi , De Falco Vincenzo , Argenziano Giuseppe , Napolitano Stefania , Vitale Pasquale , Zanaletti Nicoletta , Terminiello Marinella , Martinelli Erika , Morgillo Floriana , Ciardiello Davide , De Palma Raffaele , Ciardiello Fortunato , Troiani Teresa
Published: October 2020

Anti-PD-1 antibodies revolutionized the treatment of advanced melanoma patients. However, one out of three do not respond to this therapy, with an overall poor prognosis. Identification of predictive biomarkers in patients receiving immune-based therapies is necessary for minimizing risk of toxicity and optimizing patient benefit and is still an important unmet clinical need. Recently, many studies have evaluated peripheral blood markers as potential biomarkers, but none so far have been validated. We collected at baseline peripheral blood samples from 18 consecutive advanced melanoma patients treated with anti-PD-1 therapy. Main pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were studied in PBMCs from baseline blood samples both evaluating mRNA expression by qRT-PCR and identifying PBMCs subpopulations by FACS analysis. We found that IFN-γ mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in responder patients compared to non-responder ones. Moreover, to better validate its role, we evaluated the IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio. This value was higher in responder patients. FACS analysis confirmed that CD4 + IFN-γ + PBMCs percentage was higher in responders. Our data suggest an interesting correlation between IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio and response to anti-PD-1 therapy in advanced melanoma patients, suggesting a new biomarker that could be easily incorporated in clinical practice.
Education for appropriate seatbelt use required for early-phase pregnant women drivers
Authors: Hanahara Kyoko , Hitosugi Masahito , Tateoka Yumiko
Published: October 2020

Considerable numbers of pregnant women do not understand the correct way to use seatbelts; thus, they are inappropriately restrained when wearing seatbelts. To improve appropriate seatbelt wearing by pregnant women vehicle passengers, we examined their use by pregnant women drivers and the independent factors influencing appropriate use. We undertook a cross-sectional survey of 1,000 pregnant women in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Among 774 returned questionnaires, we analysed those of 680 pregnant women who always wore a seatbelt. The mean participant age was 31.4 ± 5.0 years and mean gestational age 26.2 ± 8.2 weeks; 97.7% of subjects always wore a seatbelt; 86.9% wore a seatbelt correctly and 13.1% incorrectly. Multivariate analysis indicated that receiving information about correct seatbelt use (odds ratio, 2.25; P < 0.005) and gestational age (odds ratio, 1.06; P < 0.001) were significant independent factors for correct seatbelt use. Providing information about correct seatbelt use during the early term is required for pregnant women to protect both the mother and fetus.
Historical trend on seed amino acid concentration does not follow protein changes in soybeans
Authors: de Borja Reis Andre Froes , Tamagno Santiago , Moro Rosso Luiz H. , Ortez Osler A. , Naeve Seth , Ciampitti Ignacio A.
Published: October 2020

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is the most important oilseed crop for animal industry due to its high protein concentration and high relative abundance of essential and non-essential amino acids (AAs). However, the selection for high-yielding genotypes has reduced seed protein concentration over time, and little is known about its impact on AAs. The aim of this research was to determine the genetic shifts of seed composition for 18 AAs in 13 soybean genotypes released between 1980 and 2014. Additionally, we tested the effect of nitrogen (N) fertilization on protein and AAs trends. Soybean genotypes were grown in field conditions during two seasons under a control (0 N) and a N-fertilized treatment receiving 670 kg N ha−1. Seed yield increased 50% and protein decreased 1.2% comparing the oldest and newest genotypes. The application of N fertilizer did not significantly affect protein and AAs concentrations. Leucine, proline, cysteine, and tryptophan concentrations were not influenced by genotype. The other AAs concentrations showed linear rates of decrease over time ranging from − 0.021 to − 0.001 g kg−1 year−1. The shifts of 11 AAs (some essentials such as lysine, tryptophan, and threonine) displayed a relative-to-protein increasing concentration. These results provide a quantitative assessment of the trade-off between yield improvement and seed AAs concentrations and will enable future genetic yield gain without overlooking seed nutritional value.
Molecular cloning and expression characterization of flavonol synthase genes in peanut (Arachis hypogaea)
Authors: Hou Mingyu , Zhang Yongjiang , Mu Guojun , Cui Shunli , Yang Xinlei , Liu Lifeng
Published: October 2020

Flavonol is an important functional bioactive substance in peanut seeds, and plays important roles responding to abiotic stress. The flavonol content is closely related to the activity and regulation of gene expression patterns of flavonol synthase (FLS). In this study, eight FLS genes, AhFLSs were cloned and their expression characterization in different peanut organ and seedling under different abiotic stress were conducted. The results showed that the expressions levels of AhFLSs were differed in all assayed peanut organs and seedlings under abiotic stress treatments. Expression levels of AhFLS2, AhFLS3, AhFLS4, and AhFLS6 were higher than those of other AhFLSs. The flavonol contents of peanut organs and seedlings under different abiotic stress were also determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Dried mature peanut seeds were the organ tissue with the highest flavonol content, and flavonol content increased with seed development. Under abiotic stress treatments, the types of flavonols induced differed among stress treatments. Correlation analysis results suggested that eight AhFLS genes may have different functions in peanut. Moreover, changes in the expression of the eight genes appear to has substrate preference. These results can lay the foundation for the study of improving nutritional value of peanut seed and resistance of peanut plant.
Electrocatalytic oxidative Z/E isomerization of a stilbene favoured by the presence of an electroactive persistent radical
Authors: Mayorga-Burrezo Paula , Sporer Christian , de Sousa J. Alejandro , Capra Nicola , Wurst Klaus , Crivillers Núria , Veciana Jaume , Rovira Concepció
Published: October 2020

The π-conjugation of an electroactive perchlorotriphenylmethyl (PTM˙) radical to an E/Z switchable stilbene derivative permits to demonstrate that its electrocatalytic Z → E isomerization is undoubtedly triggered by the open-shell nature of PTM˙ unit.
A hepatocyte-targeting fluorescent probe for imaging isoniazid-induced hydrazine in HepG2 cells and zebrafish
Authors: Guo Zhenbo , Wang Mei , Li Xueyan , Jia Xu , Wang Xiaoli , Zhang Pingzhu , Wei Chao , Li Xiaoliu
Published: October 2020

A novel hepatocyte-targeting fluorescent N2H4 probe was first prepared. The probe can be used to image N2H4 produced by the hydrolysis of isoniazid in HepG2 cells and the liver of zebrafish in situ.
Exploring the hydrogen bond kinetics of methanol–water solutions using Raman scattering
Authors: Li Fabing , Wang Ying , Men Zhiwei , Sun Chenglin
Published: October 2020

Stimulated Raman scattering was used to clearly show the hydrogen bond kinetics of water–methanol mixed solutions.
TD-DFT simulations of K-edge resonant inelastic X-ray scattering within the restricted subspace approximation
Authors: Vaz da Cruz Vinícius , Eckert Sebastian , Föhlisch Alexander
Published: October 2020

Truncation of orbital subspaces in TD-DFT yields an accurate description of RIXS spectra for soft X-ray K-edges.
Tuning the miscibility of water in imide-based ionic liquids
Authors: Gouveia Andreia S. L. , Bernardes Carlos E. S. , Shaplov Alexander S. , Lozinskaya Elena I. , Canongia Lopes José N. , Marrucho Isabel M.
Published: October 2020

Experimental and theoretical study on mixtures of water with ionic liquids exhibiting unusual temperature concentration phase diagrams.
Incorporation of V2O5 nanorods into perovskite photodetectors as an alternative approach to enhance device performance: a step towards stability against ambient water species
Authors: Besra Nripen , Sardar Kausik , Maiti Soumen , Sarkar Pranab Kumar , Paul Tufan , Thakur Subhasish , Majumdar Gautam , Chattopadhyay Kalyan Kumar
Published: October 2020

Interface engineering of CH3NH3PbI3via V2O5 nanorods incorporation for improved and stable photoresponse along with enhanced hydrophobicity.
Synthesis and preliminary anti-inflammatory activity exploration of novel derivatives of kirenol
Authors: Wang Jilei , Sun Haoyi , Li Yufei , Chu Haiping , Sun Jingyong
Published: October 2020

It has been shown in many studies that kirenol is a diterpene with significant biological activity.
Reinvestigation of the rotation-tunneling spectrum of the CH2OH radical
Authors: Chitarra Olivia , Martin-Drumel Marie-Aline , Gans Bérenger , Loison Jean-Christophe , Spezzano Silvia , Lattanzi Valerio , Müller Holger S. P. , Pirali Olivier
Published: October 2020

Context. The hydroxymethyl radical (CH2OH) is one of two structural isomers, together with the methoxy radical (CH3O), that can be produced by abstraction of a hydrogen atom from methanol (CH3OH). In the interstellar medium (ISM), both CH2OH and CH3O are suspected to be intermediate species in many chemical reactions, including those of formation and destruction of methanol. The determination of the CH3O/CH2OH ratio in the ISM would bring important information concerning the formation processes of these species in the gas and solid phases. Interestingly, only CH3O has been detected in the ISM so far, despite the recent first laboratory measurement of the CH2OH rotation-tunneling spectrum. This lack of detection is possibly due to the non-observation in the laboratory of the most intense rotation-tunneling transitions at low temperatures.

Aims. To support further searches for the hydroxymethyl radical in space, we present a thorough spectroscopic study of its rotation-tunneling spectrum, with a particular focus on transitions involving the lowest quantum numbers of the species.

Methods. We recorded the rotation-tunneling spectrum of CH2OH at room temperature in the millimeter-wave domain using a frequency multiplication chain spectrometer. A fluorine-induced H-abstraction method from methanol was used to produce the radical.

Results. About 180 transitions were observed, including those involving the lowest N and Ka quantum numbers, which are predicted to be intense under cold astrophysical conditions. These transitions were fitted together with available millimeter-wave lines from the literature. A systematic observation of all components of the rotational transitions yields a large improvement of the spectroscopic parameters allowing confident searches of the hydroxymethyl radical in cold to warm environments of the ISM.
Microstructural characterization and mechanical behavior of Cr25Ni35NbM alloy dissimilar weld joint for application in a hydrogen reformer furnace
Authors: Guo Jingfeng , Liu Wenwen , Li Chunxiu , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: October 2020

The microstructural characterization and mechanical behavior of Cr25Ni35NbM/15CrMo and Cr25Ni35NbM/SUS321 dissimilar weld joints were studied in this paper. The microstructure, room temperature and high temperature (1173 K) tensile strength of dissimilar weld joints were analyzed through optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electronic universal tensile testing machine. The microstructure of HAZ in 15CrMo steel of Cr25Ni35NbM/15CrMo dissimilar weld joint transformed from ferrite-pearlite into ferrite-martensite. A large volume fraction of α phase was found to have precipitated in the HAZ of SUS321 austenitic stainless steel for Cr25Ni35NbM/SUS321 dissimilar weld joint. At room temperature, the tensile strength and yield strength of these two type dissimilar weld joints is less than Cr25Ni35NbM alloy similar weld joint. The high temperature tensile strength of these two type dissimilar weld joints is less than Cr25Ni35NbM alloy similar weld joint. Both at room and high temperature, the fracture locations of two types dissimilar weld joints are the HAZ of the base metal 15CrMo and SUS321 stainless steel, respectively. It indicates that the weak part of the Cr25Ni35NbM alloy dissimilar weld joints is the low-performance base metals 15CrMo and SUS321 stainless steel.
Leber: Aufbau und Aufhängung
Authors: Corts Magga
Published: October 2020

Damit die Leber ihre Aufgaben erfüllen kann, ist nicht nur ein funktionsfähiges Gewebe, sondern auch die stabile und ausreichend flexible Aufhängung durch Bänder essenziell.
Leberentgiftung
Authors: Vigl Sebastian , Stern Apothekerin Cornelia , Heilmann-Wagner Elke , Dichtl Karoline
Published: October 2020

Vier Experten stellen die Leberentgiftung mithilfe von Phytotherapie, Spagyrik, Wickel und Auflagen sowie Schüßlersalze vor.
Mikrobielle Partner für Leber und Darm
Authors: Rüffer Andreas
Published: October 2020

Die Darmmikrobiota ist unter anderem mit ihren immunregulatorischen, antiinflammatorischen und energieliefernden Effekten an Stoffwechselprozessen der Darm-Leber-Achse beteiligt. Störungen der Darmmikrobiota können Erkrankungen (mit)verursachen, welche die Leber direkt betreffen (z. B. Fettleber) oder das Organ belasten (z. B. Gallensäure-Verlustsyndrom). Störungen der Leberfunktion können über eine Einschränkung der Fettverdauung und -resorption die Darmmikrobiota beeinflussen und in diversen Darmbeschwerden resultieren.
Alkohol – Das Lösungsmittel?
Authors: Textor Reinhard
Published: October 2020

In Deutschland sind etwa 74 000 Todesfälle jährlich auf den Missbrauch von Alkohol beziehungsweise den kombinierten Missbrauch mit Tabak zurückzuführen. Von den Betroffenen wird die Alkoholabhängigkeit häufig bagatellisiert. In der Hausarztpraxis wird sie – verdeckt durch somatische Beschwerden – oft nicht diagnostiziert. Weniger als 10 % der Betroffenen befinden sich in einer spezialisierten Suchtbehandlung. Die Behandlung ist schwierig und in der Regel von Rückfällen begleitet.
The Safety of Low-Dose Aspirin on the Mode of Delivery: Secondary Analysis of the Effect of Aspirin in Gestation and Reproduction Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Eubanks Allison A. , Nobles Carrie J. , Mumford Sunni L. , Kim Keewan , Hill Micah J. , Decherney Alan H. , Sjaarda Lindsey A. , Ye Aijun , Radoc Jeannie G. , Perkins Neil J. , Silver Robert M. , Schisterman Enrique F.
Published: October 2020

Objective This study aimed to examine whether prenatal low-dose aspirin (LDA) therapy affects risk of cesarean versus vaginal delivery.

Study Design This study is a secondary analysis of the randomized clinical effects of aspirin in gestation and reproduction (EAGeR) trial. Women received 81-mg daily aspirin or placebo from preconception to 36 weeks of gestation. Mode of delivery and obstetric complications were abstracted from records. Log-binomial regression models estimated relative risk (RR) of cesarean versus vaginal delivery. Data were analyzed among the total preconception cohort, as well as restricted to women who had a live birth.

Results Among 1,228 women, 597 had a live birth. In the intent-to-treat analysis, preconception-initiated LDA was not associated with risk of cesarean (RR = 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.98–1.07) compared with placebo. Findings were similar in just women with a live birth and when accounting prior cesarean delivery and parity.

Conclusion Preconception-initiated daily LDA was not associated with mode of delivery among women with one to two prior losses.

Key Points
Analytic solutions of the Teukolsky equation for massless perturbations of any spin in de Sitter background
Authors: Zhang Yao-Zhong
Published: October 2020

We present analytic solutions to the Teukolsky equation for massless perturbations of any spin in the four-dimensional de Sitter background. The angular part of the equation fixes the separation constant to a discrete set, and its solution is given by hypergeometric polynomials. For the radial part, we derive an analytic power series solution that is regular at the poles and determine a transcendental function whose zeros give the characteristic values of the wave frequency. We study the existence of explicit polynomial solutions to the radial equation and obtain two classes of singular closed-form solutions, one with discrete wave frequencies and the other with continuous frequency spectra.
The effect of end-plate wetting and unpinned contact lines on the filament thinning of strain hardening fluids
Authors: Neelakantan Ravi , Unidad Jerome , Karatay Elif , Cocker Eric , Ramesh Palghat , Johnson David M.
Published: October 2020

The Filament Extension Atomizer™ (FEA) is a unique technology designed for highly viscous or strain-hardening fluids that are otherwise difficult to atomize. The fluid is processed as a thin film between the contact points of two counter-rotating rollers of different materials. As the film is processed beyond the contact point, it is subject to an extensional flow that creates numerous thin filaments. As the filaments are stretched, they thin, and eventually, surface tension causes them to break into tightly dispersed droplets. Certain fluids, particularly those of low to moderate viscosity and high surface tension, can present challenges to atomize in FEA. Due to the tendency of these fluids to coalesce, their wetting on the rollers has been critical in optimizing film formation, though the impact of surface wetting on filament formation and breakup is not well understood. Accordingly, we studied the role of end-plate wetting for a high surface tension, aqueous, strain-hardening polymer solution on filament formation, thinning, and breakup, and fluid transfer to the end-plates, using a modified Capillary Breakup Extensional Rheometer (CABER). We found that filament formation and evolution were dramatically affected by both the wetting and wetting imbalances between the two end-plates, leading to different behavior across different end-plate combinations. The highly imbalanced wetting scenarios (i.e., combining a highly wetting and a non-wetting end-plate) gave rise to the most extreme deviations from classic behavior in conventional CABER experiments, such as long persisting filaments.
Multiferroic thin film via SrRuO3–BaTiO3 vertically aligned nanocomposite design
Authors: Wang Feng , Jiang Chengming , Huang Jijie
Published: October 2020

The design of a nanocomposite system with a ferroelectric phase and a ferromagnetic phase is essential to achieve multiferroics due to the limited one-phase multiferroic material in nature. Ferromagnetic SrRuO3 (SRO) and ferroelectric BaTiO3 (BTO) have been selected to achieve the SRO-BTO nanocomposite thin film. The film exhibits excellent crystal quality owing to the perfect lattice matching of both phases with the SrTiO3 substrate, and very thin SRO nanopillars (∼5 nm) have been obtained. Because of the anisotropic nature of the SRO nanopillars, magnetic anisotropy has been obtained for the nanocomposite thin film, and the Curie temperature (Tc) can be determined to be 152 K. Furthermore, switchable piezoelectric behavior of the nanocomposite film with a maximum d33 value of ∼70 pm/V is obtained by the piezoelectric force microscopy measurement. Overall, the SRO-BTO nanocomposite system presents the desirable multiferroic response, which is promising for future magnetoelectric device integration.
A low-pass filtering Fresnel zone plate for soft x-ray microscopic analysis down to the lithium K-edge region
Authors: Ohigashi Takuji , Yuzawa Hayato , Kosugi Nobuhiro
Published: October 2020

We have designed a new low-pass Fresnel zone plate (LPFZP) to extend soft x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to the lithium K absorption edge in a scanning transmission x-ray microscope (STXM). The performance of the LPFZP was evaluated in the STXM beamline at the UVSOR-III Synchrotron (Okazaki, Japan); the contribution of the higher-order harmonics is successfully suppressed to 0.1% of the fundamental energy, and a spatial resolution of 72 nm and an energy resolution (E/∆E) above 1000 are achieved as expected. XAS spectra of lithium are measured successfully in an electrode of a lithium-ion battery.
Apparatus to investigate liquid oxygen droplet combustion in hydrogen under microgravity conditions
Authors: Meyer Florian , Eigenbrod Christian , Wagner Volker , Paa Wolfgang , Hermanson James C.
Published: October 2020

To investigate the fundamentals of liquid oxygen droplet combustion in hydrogen under microgravity conditions, a drop tower apparatus has been developed. In a cryogenic combustion chamber cooled with liquid nitrogen, single oxygen droplets with a diameter of 1 mm are suspended at the tip of a thin suspender. Ignition is accomplished after microgravity conditions are reached by a near-infrared laser, which generates a plasma spark positioned in the immediate vicinity of the oxygen droplet. The subsequent combustion is investigated with various optical diagnostics. Shadowgraph imaging is used to determine the initial droplet size and the droplet diameter regression with high temporal resolution. In addition, the position and diameter of the flame are determined by OH chemiluminescence imaging. The oxygen/hydrogen combustion at two different pressure levels is reported. At a pressure of 0.1 MPa, irregular structures appear to form on the droplet surface during the combustion process, which lasts 137 ms before the droplet is completely consumed. The formation of these irregular structures is consistent with the condensation and freezing of water vapor in the cold-temperature region near the droplet surface. At a higher pressure of 4 MPa (reduced pressure pr,O2=0.79), the water ice formation is significantly reduced due to the shorter burning time of 66 ms and the closer proximity of the flame to the droplet surface. The measured burning constant is k0.1 = 5.5 mm2/s at 0.1 MPa and k4 = 7.1 mm2/s at 4 MPa, respectively. This increase with increasing pressure is consistent with the smaller flame standoff distance.
Equilibrium and transient thermodynamics: A unified dissipaton-space approach
Authors: Gong Hong , Wang Yao , Zhang Hou-Dao , Qiao Qin , Xu Rui-Xue , Zheng Xiao , Yan YiJing
Published: October 2020

This work presents a unified dissipaton-equation-of-motion (DEOM) theory and its evaluations on the Helmholtz free energy change due to the isotherm mixing of two isolated subsystems. One is a local impurity, and the other is a nonlocal Gaussian bath. DEOM constitutes a fundamental theory for such open quantum mixtures. To complete the theory, we also construct the imaginary-time DEOM formalism via an analytical continuation of dissipaton algebra, which would be limited to equilibrium thermodynamics. On the other hand, the real-time DEOM deals with both equilibrium structural and nonequilibrium dynamic properties. Its combination with the thermodynamic integral formalism would be a viable and accurate means to both equilibrium and transient thermodynamics. As illustrations, we report the numerical results on a spin-boson system, with elaborations on the underlying anharmonic features, the thermodynamic entropy vs the von Neumann entropy, and an indication of “solvent-cage” formation. Beside the required asymptotic equilibrium properties, the proposed transient thermodynamics also supports the basic spontaneity criterion.
Microwave spectroscopy of spin–orbit coupled states: Energy detuning vs interdot coupling modulation
Authors: Giavaras G. , Tokura Yasuhiro
Published: October 2020

We study the AC field induced current peaks of a spin-blockaded double quantum dot with spin–orbit interaction. The AC field modulates either the interdot tunnel coupling or the energy detuning, and we choose the AC field frequency range to induce two singlet–triplet transitions giving rise to two current peaks. We show that for a large detuning, the two current peaks can be significantly stronger when the AC field modulates the tunnel coupling, thus making the detection of the spin–orbit gap more efficient. We also demonstrate the importance of the time dependence of the spin–orbit interaction.
Thermal conductivity of (Ge2Sb2Te5)1−xCx phase change films
Authors: Scott Ethan A. , Ziade Elbara , Saltonstall Christopher B. , McDonald Anthony E. , Rodriguez Mark A. , Hopkins Patrick E. , Beechem Thomas E. , Adams David P.
Published: October 2020

Germanium–antimony–telluride has emerged as a nonvolatile phase change memory material due to the large resistivity contrast between amorphous and crystalline states, rapid crystallization, and cyclic endurance. Improving thermal phase stability, however, has necessitated further alloying with optional addition of a quaternary species (e.g., C). Here, the thermal transport implications of this additional species are investigated using frequency-domain thermoreflectance in combination with structural characterization derived from x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Specifically, the room temperature thermal conductivity and heat capacity of (Ge2Sb2Te5)1−xCx are reported as a function of carbon concentration (x≤0.12) and anneal temperature (T≤350°C) with results assessed in reference to the measured phase, structure, and electronic resistivity. Phase stability imparted by the carbon comes with comparatively low thermal penalty as materials exhibiting similar levels of crystallinity have comparable thermal conductivity despite the addition of carbon. The additional thermal stability provided by the carbon does, however, necessitate higher anneal temperatures to achieve similar levels of structural order.
Electric field cycling-mediated variations in defect distributions associated with wake-up and split-up behaviors of a ferroelectric Si-doped HfO2 thin film
Authors: Song Myeong Seop , Lee Tae Yoon , Lee Kyoungjun , Lee Kyu Cheol , Chae Seung Chul
Published: October 2020

We report variations in the characteristic ferroelectric switching time and interface free carrier concentration associated with wake-up and split-up behaviors of a 4.2 mol. % Si-doped HfO2 thin film. Prior to the development of the split-up behavior, the thin films exhibited the wake-up behavior; the remanent polarization increased on repeated electric field cycling. After the wake-up behavior, Si-doped HfO2 films exhibited degradation of the remanent polarization values and splitting of the ferroelectric switching current peaks when a lower electric field was swept; this is referred to as the split-up behavior. An investigation of the ferroelectric switching dynamics revealed retardation, followed by recovery, of the characteristic switching time for ferroelectric nucleation, coincident with the wake-up and split-up behaviors, respectively. We analyzed the interface free carrier concentration from capacitance–voltage characteristics and revealed that the wake-up and split-up behaviors were associated with changes of numbers of defects as electric field cycling continued.
Structure of As–Se glasses by neutron diffraction with isotope substitution
Authors: Polidori Annalisa , Zeidler Anita , Salmon Philip S.
Published: October 2020

The method of neutron diffraction with selenium isotope substitution is used to measure the structure of glassy As0.30Se0.70, As0.35Se0.65, and As0.40Se0.60. The method delivers three difference functions for each sample in which the As–As, As–Se, or Se–Se correlations are eliminated. The measured coordination numbers are consistent with the “8-N” rule and show that the As0.30Se0.70 network is chemically ordered, a composition near to which there is a minimum in the fragility index and a boundary to the intermediate phase. Chemical ordering in glassy As0.35Se0.65 and As0.40Se0.60 is, however, broken by the appearance of As–As bonds, the fraction of which increases with the arsenic content of the glass. For the As0.40Se0.60 material, a substantial fraction of As–As and Se–Se defect pairs (∼11%) is frozen into the network structure on glass formation.
Superconductivity in AuNiGe Ohmic contacts to a GaAs-based high mobility two-dimensional electron gas
Authors: Beauchamp C. B. , Dimitriadis S. , Nicholls J. T. , Levitin L. V. , Casey A. J. , See P. , Creeth G. , Waldie J. , Farrer I. , Beere H. E. , Ritchie D. A.
Published: October 2020

To cool a high mobility two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at a GaAs–AlGaAs heterojunction to milliKelvin temperatures, we have fabricated low resistance Ohmic contacts based on alloys of Au, Ni, and Ge. The Ohmic contacts have a typical contact resistance of RC≈0.8 Ω at 4.2 K, which drops to 0.2 Ω below 0.9 K. Scanning electron microscope images establish that the contacts have the same inhomogeneous microstructure that has been observed in previous studies. Measurements of the contact resistance RC, the four-terminal resistance along the top of a single contact, and the vertical resistance RV all show that there is a superconductor in the Ohmic contact, which can be turned completely normal with a magnetic field of 0.15 T. We briefly discuss how this superconductivity may be affecting the electrical transport measurements of 2DEGs, especially how it may hinder the cooling of electrons in a 2DEG below 0.1 K.
Surface microtopography for everyone
Authors: Sapia P
Published: October 2020

An educational-grade experimental strategy is presented for the microscale 3D topographical reconstruction of a surface, based on a simple optical microscope and the use of free image-processing software. The experimental procedure, appropriate for an undergraduate lab, allows students to familiarise themselves with the basic principles underlying many tomographic imaging techniques relevant in a broad range of contexts, from material sciences, to life sciences, to medical sciences.
Electric charge quantization in SU(3)c ⊗ SU(n)L ⊗ U(1)Y gauge models
Authors: Palcu Adrian
Published: October 2020

We prove that the Cotăescu general method of solving SU(3)c ⊗ SU(n)L ⊗ U(1)Y gauge models exactly predicts the observed electric charge quantization, as the theory remains renormalizable, both in its strong and electroweak sectors, while all the fermions get their masses—by means of Yukawa terms—the spontaneous symmetry breakdown (SSB) successively. The latter is achieved by a scalar sector consisting of n Higgs multiplets, each acquiring its own vacuum expectation value (VEV).
Strain-engineered black arsenene as a promising gas sensor for detecting SO2 among SF6 decompositions
Authors: Mao Jianjun , Chen Yue
Published: October 2020

The adsorption and gas sensing properties of black arsenene (B-As) regarding sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) and its six decompositions (SOF2, SO2F2, SO2, H2S, HF, and CF4) are investigated using density functional theory combined with the nonequilibrium Green’s function. The sensitivity of B-As is evaluated by considering the most stable adsorption configuration, adsorption energy, work function, recovery time, local density of states, and charge transfer between the gas molecules and B-As. It is demonstrated that B-As is more sensitive to the SO2 molecule than to the other decompositions. Additionally, the adsorption strength can be manipulated by controlling the external electric field (E-field). The application of tensile biaxial strain results in more isotropic electrical conductance of B-As, and it can also effectively enhance the response toward SO2. For example, under a 1% equibiaxial tensile strain, a 132% response can be obtained along the zigzag direction. This work suggests the promising prospects of B-As-based gas sensors for detecting SO2 among SF6 decompositions.
Self-organized fractal-like behaviors of electromagnetic solitons induced via a radially polarized laser
Authors: Li Zhongpeng , Guo Silin , Bai Yafeng , Zeng Yushan , Tian Ye
Published: October 2020

The specific polarization of radially polarized lasers with cylindrical structures and longitudinal electric fields at their focal spots are of interest, as are the fundamental characteristics of electromagnetic (EM) solitons. Compared with linearly and circularly polarized lasers, radially polarized lasers have a more perfect symmetry, which makes them more suitable for studying the topological structure in laser–plasma interaction. We report the structural features of EM solitons induced via a radially polarized laser on the basis of three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. It has been discovered that a fractal-like structure is produced due to the interaction between the radially polarized laser and the plasma, and that this structure indirectly originates from the Weibel instability of the electron ring. This novel regime will allow potential applications such as the manipulation of relativistic electrons, mode filtering, and fractal-like particle acceleration.
Insight into the response time of fail-safe magnetorheological damper
Authors: Jeniš F , Kubík M , Macháček O , Šebesta K , Strecker Z
Published: October 2020

The significant problem of magnetorheological (MR) dampers is their poor fail-safe ability. In the case of power supply failure, the damper remains in a low damping state which is dangerous for several technical applications. This can be solved by accommodating a permanent magnet to the magnetic circuit of the damper. Currently, the MR dampers are used in progressive semiactive (S/A) control of suspension systems. The dynamics (force response time) of the damper is an important parameter that affects the performance of S/A control. The main goal of this paper is to introduce the dynamic behavior of MR damper with a permanent magnet. The damper design with the permanent magnet in the magnetic circuit, transient magnetic simulation including magnetic hysteresis and eddy currents, and experiments are presented. The magnetic field response time and MR damper force response time are measured and also determined from magnetic simulation. The permanent magnet significantly influences the MR damper dynamics. The decrease of the damping force from a fail-safe state–medium damping to off-state–low damping is significantly faster (2 ms, −1 A) than the increase to on-state–high damping (12 ms, 1 A). The exact value is depending on the electric current magnitude and piston velocity. The damper achieved fail-safe damping force approximately 1/3 of the maximum damping force. The exact value of the fail-safe force is magnetization history-dependent. The maximum dynamic force range is 8.5 which is comparable with the common design of MR damper.
Homogeneity of neutron transmission imaging over a large sensitive area with a four-channel superconducting detector
Authors: Vu The Dang , Shishido Hiroaki , Kojima Kenji M , Koyama Tomio , Oikawa Kenichi , Harada Masahide , Miyajima Shigeyuki , Oku Takayuki , Soyama Kazuhiko , Aizawa Kazuya , Hidaka Mutsuo , Suzuki Soh Y , Tanaka Manobu M , Malins Alex , Machida Masahiko , Ishida Takekazu
Published: October 2020

We previously proposed a method to detect neutrons by using a current-biased kinetic inductance detector (CB-KID), where neutrons are converted into charged particles using a 10B conversion layer. The charged particles are detected based on local changes in kinetic inductance of X and Y superconducting meanderlines under a modest DC bias current. The system uses a delay-line method to locate the positions of neutron-10B reactions by acquiring the four arrival timestamps of signals that propagate from hot spots created by a passing charged particle to the end electrodes of the meanderlines. Unlike conventional multi-pixel imaging systems, the CB-KID system performs high spatial resolution imaging over a 15 mm × 15 mm sensitive area using only four channel readouts. Given the large sensitive area, it is important to check the spatial homogeneity and linearity of detected neutron positions when imaging with CB-KID. To this end we imaged a pattern of 10B dot absorbers with a precise dot pitch to investigate the spatial homogeneity of the detector. We confirmed the spatial homogeneity of detected dot positions based on the distribution of measured dot pitches across the sensitive area of the detector. We demonstrate potential applications of the system by taking a clear transmission image of tiny metallic screws and nuts and a ladybug. The image was useful for characterizing the ladybug noninvasively. Detection efficiencies were low when the detector was operated at 4 K, so we plan to explore raising the operating temperature towards the critical temperature of the detector as a means to improve counting rates.
Determinants of Skin and Respiratory Exposure to Lufenuron During Spraying and Re-entry in Italian Ornamental Plants Greenhouses
Authors: Aprea Maria Cristina , Centi Letizia , Meniconi Maria , Lunghini Liana , Banchi Bruno , Sartorelli Pietro
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate dermal and respiratory exposure of workers to Lufenuron during spraying and re-entry on ornamental plants (stapling) in greenhouses. Potential and real skin exposure were evaluated using filter paper pads, hand contamination by washing, and respiratory exposure by personal air sampling. Dislodgeable foliar residues (DFRs) during re-entry were determined in order to calculate the dermal transfer factor (DTF). Lufenuron was analysed by liquid chromatography–mass detection. Respiratory dose (ReD) was calculated on the basis of a lung ventilation of 15–20 l min−1 and absorbed doses assuming a skin penetration of 13% and a respiratory retention of 100%. During stapling, from the dependence of exposure of hands from DFRs, the mean DTF was 0.575 cm2 h−1 (geometric mean). The ReD was 68.7–74.6 and 0.022–0.636% of the total real dose during spraying and stapling, respectively. The absorbed doses, 0.144–0.171 and 0.005–0.124 µg kg bw−1 during spraying and stapling, respectively, were less than the acceptable operator exposure level of 10 µg kg bw−1. Proper use of equipment and personal protective equipment and personal hygiene are aspects of fundamental importance on which workers must be trained. Adequate occupational hygiene studies are needed to support and verify working practices.
Situated minds: conceptual and emotional blending in neurodegeneration and beyond
Authors: Ibanez Agustin , Schulte Michael
Published: October 2020

This scientific commentary refers to ‘When affect overlaps with concept: emotion recognition in semantic variant of primary progressive aphasia’, by Bertoux et al. (doi:10.1093/brain/awaa313).
Reputation and ‘reputational entrepreneurship’ in the colonial South and early republic: the case of plantation overseers*
Authors: Sandy Laura , Phillips Gervase
Published: October 2020

Overseers were essential both to the profitability of North American slave plantations and to maintaining white racial hegemony. Yet they and their families were frequently condemned by planters as shiftless, incompetent, dishonest and brutal. Drawing on the sociology of reputation, and in particular the concept of ‘reputational entrepreneurship’, this article argues that the damning claims made by planters, and the responses of overseers and their wives, reveal an ongoing and significant social conflict within white colonial society between wealthy, but insecure, planter ‘patriarchs’ and their free, ambitious and independently minded employees.
A Quantized Riemann–Hilbert Problem in Donaldson–Thomas Theory
Authors: Barbieri Anna , Bridgeland Tom , Stoppa Jacopo
Published: October 2020

We introduce Riemann–Hilbert problems determined by the refined Donaldson–Thomas theory. They involve piecewise holomorphic maps from the complex plane to the group of automorphisms of a quantum torus algebra. We study the simplest case in detail and use the Barnes double gamma function to construct a solution.