bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-Level-Lasertherapie kombiniert mit Laserakupunktur – ein Fallbeispiel
Authors: Treuel-Janz Sinje
Published: February 2021

Aufgrund ihrer antiphlogistischen, analgetischen und immunstimulierenden Effekte eignet sich die Low-Level-Lasertherapie (LLLT) insbesondere zur Behandlung chronisch-infizierter Prozesse. Der Fallbericht zu einer Katze, die bereits mehrere Monate erfolglos wegen einer eitrig sezernierenden Umfangsvermehrung im Kopfbereich behandelt wurde, zeigt auf, mit welchem Potenzial die LLLT auch lange bestehende Entzündungen zur Abheilung bringen kann. Gerade bei abgekapselten Prozessen (Abszesse), bei denen Antibiose keine Wirkung zeigt, oder bei multiresistenten Keimen ist die lokale Lasertherapie von großem Nutzen.
Patientenbesitzerbefragungen in der Kleintiermedizin – Bedeutung, Nutzen und Fallstricke bei Planung, Durchführung und Auswertung
Authors: Treese Julia Sophie , Nolte Ingo , Bach Jan-Peter
Published: February 2021

Gegenstand und Ziel In der Studie wurden Nutzen von und Schwierigkeiten bei der Planung und Durchführung von Patientenbesitzerbefragungen in der Kleintiermedizin anhand von 2 Beispielen untersucht. Ein Augenmerk lag auf dem Vergleich der subjektiven Einschätzung und Wahrnehmung der Patientenbesitzer in Bezug zu der durchgeführten Diagnostik und Therapie sowie dem Krankheitsverlauf und der Lebensqualität ihres Tieres.

Untersuchungsgut Die beiden Befragungen richteten sich an Besitzer von Hunden mit chronischer Enteropathie (CE) bzw. degenerativer Mitralklappenerkrankung („degenerative mitral valve disease“, DMVD). Das Fallsystem der Klinik für Kleintiere der Tierärztlichen Hochschule Hannover wurde jeweils anhand entsprechender Diagnosen nach geeigneten Fällen durchsucht, die Patientenbesitzer wurden kontaktiert und gebeten, einen mehrteiligen Fragebogen zu ihren Hunden auszufüllen (digital oder postalisch). Die Ergebnisse der Befragung wurden statistisch ausgewertet und in Bezug auf die Übereinstimmung der Wahrnehmung der Patientenbesitzer mit aus der Literatur bekannten Erkenntnissen zu den jeweiligen Erkrankungen verglichen. Anhand der Ergebnisse dieser Auswertung wurden Studiendesign, Zuverlässigkeit der Besitzerwahrnehmung und Nutzen der durchgeführten Befragung kritisch hinterfragt.

Ergebnisse Die Suche im Fallsystem der Klinik lieferte 125 geeignete Fälle zur CE und 145 zur DMVD. Insgesamt 81 Patientenbesitzer (CE, Rücklaufquote 64,8 %) bzw. 72 (DMVD, Rücklaufquote 49,7 %) beantworteten den Fragebogen. Die Angaben zur diagnostischen Abklärung der Hunde fielen sehr unterschiedlich aus. Während die Aussagen zu Krankheitsverlauf und -formen bei der CE mit den Angaben aus der Literatur übereinstimmen, wichen sie bei der DMVD teilweise deutlich ab.

Schlussfolgerung Patientenbesitzerbefragungen können wichtige Hinweise über Krankheitsverläufe aus der Sicht des Besitzers liefern. Dies ist insbesondere bei chronischen Erkrankungen, deren Management eine gute Besitzer-Compliance voraussetzt, wertvoll. Ein identisches Vorgehen bei der Patientenauswahl kann in Abhängigkeit von der Erkrankung zu unterschiedlich aussagekräftigen Ergebnissen führen.
Geburt eines lebenden Labradorwelpen nach deutlich verlängerter Geburt
Authors: Walter Beate , Leykam Christian , Flock Ulrike , Otzdorff Christiane , Meyer-Lindenberg Andrea
Published: February 2021

Eine 8-jährige erstgebärende Labrador-Retriever-Hündin wurde aufgrund von verstärktem Vaginalausfluss 46 Stunden nach der Geburt von 2 lebenden und einem toten Welpen vorgestellt. Kurz nach ihrer Ankunft gebar die Hündin spontan einen weiteren lebenden Welpen. Die allgemeine und gynäkologische Untersuchung der Mutterhündin ergaben ebenso wie eine vollständige Blutuntersuchung unauffällige Befunde. Dieser Fall zeigt, dass in Ausnahmefällen auch bei der Hündin eine extrem verlängerte Austreibungsphase möglich ist. Grundsätzlich wird jedoch empfohlen, die Hündin sowie die Feten während einer verlängerten Austreibungsphase regelmäßig zu untersuchen, um eine Veränderung der Vitalparameter rechtzeitig zu erkennen und gegebenenfalls geburtshilfliche Maßnahmen einzuleiten.
Überprüfung eines Schnelltestsystems zur Erfassung der Betahydroxybutyrat-Konzentration im Blut von Milchkühen
Authors: Snedec Teja , Theinert Kirsten , Pietsch Fabian , Leonhardt Anne-Sophie , Kadáši Marián , Klein Robert , Spilke Joachim , Bannert Erik , Schären Melanie , Köller Gabor , Baumgartner Walter , Theile Sabrina , Kaiser Anne , Rachidi Fanny , Starke Alexander
Published: February 2021

Ziel Das vermehrte Auftreten von Ketose in der Transitphase bei Milchkühen verursacht hohe ökonomische Verluste. Die frühzeitige Identifizierung betroffener Tiere bereits im subklinischen Stadium ermöglicht, die Erkrankungshäufigkeit zu reduzieren und Verluste zu vermeiden. Ziel der Studie war, die Eignung eines mobilen Testgeräts zur Analyse der Betahydroxybutyrat-Konzentration (BHB-Konzentration) in der praktischen Anwendung zu prüfen. Darüber hinaus sollten die mit diesem Gerät gemessenen BHB-Konzentrationen mit denen verglichen werden, die mit einer Laborreferenzmethode aus dem Blut der V. jugularis ermittelt wurden.

Material und Methoden Bei 81 Milchkühen wurde zu 7 Zeitpunkten (14 und 7 Tage a. p. sowie 7, 14, 21, 28, 42 Tage p. p.) Blut für die Analyse der BHB-Konzentration entnommen. Zur Messung im Labor mit einer kinetisch-enzymatischen Methode diente Blut aus der V. jugularis und V. oder A. coccygea mediana, zur Messung mit dem Gerät WellionVet BELUA Blut aus der V. oder A. coccygea mediana sowie Kapillarblut (gewonnen am Übergang der Haut zur Schleimhaut an der Vulva).

Ergebnisse Anfängliche Anwendungsfehler bei der Bedienung des Geräts konnten mit Training abgestellt werden. Bei den Analyseergebnissen im Labor lagen die BHB-Konzentrationen aus dem Blut der V. jugularis um 0,07 mmol/l niedriger als die in Blut aus der V. oder A. coccygea mediana. Die mit dem Testgerät ermittelten BHB-Konzentrationen in Proben der V. oder A. coccygea mediana lagen um 0,13 mmol/l niedriger und die im Kapillarblut um 0,12 mmol/l niedriger als die im Labor aus dem Blut der V. jugularis gemessenen. Die mit dem Testgerät gemessenen BHB-Konzentrationen differierten zwischen den beiden Entnahmelokalisationen nicht signifikant.

Schlussfolgerung Für die Kapillarblutentnahme eignet sich die Lokalisation am Übergang von Haut zu Schleimhaut an der Vulva. Das Gerät WellionVet BELUA liefert sofort Ergebnisse mit guter Übereinstimmung zwischen den Messwerten in Proben von verschiedenen Blutentnahmeorten wie auch im Vergleich zur Laboranalyse. Das Testsystem ist zur Anwendung in Milchviehbetrieben geeignet. Als Matrix kann sowohl Kapillarblut als auch Blut aus der V. oder A. coccygea mediana empfohlen werden.
Ein Bild sagt mehr als tausend Worte – Mediale Repräsentanz der Physiotherapie
Authors: Höppner Heidi , Kalinitschenko Natalie
Published: February 2021

Physiotherapie-Studierende der Alice Salomon Hochschule Berlin haben sich mit der Frage beschäftigt, wie ihre Profession in den Medien dargestellt wird. In Form von Collagen hielten sie ihre Ergebnisse fest und befassten sich kritisch mit dem Bild, das die Gesellschaft von Therapieberufen hat.
Umwelt-Radongehalt und primäre Lungentumoren bei Hund und Katze
Authors: Betz Daniela Simon
Published: February 2021

Fowler BL, Johannes CM, O’Connor A et al. Ecological level analysis of primary lung tumors in dogs and cats and environmental radon activity. J Vet Int Med 2020; 34 (6): 2660–2670

Epidemiologische Studien beim Menschen weisen darauf hin, dass zwischen dem häuslichen Radongehalt und der Entwicklung primärer Lungentumoren ein Zusammenhang besteht. In den USA ist eine Radonexposition die geschätzt zweithäufigste Ursache dieser Tumorerkrankung. Aufgrund einer Vielzahl von Einflussfaktoren lässt sich ein kausaler Zusammenhang jedoch nur schwer nachweisen. In der Veterinäronkologie liegen bisher keine Daten hierzu vor. Ziel dieser Studie war daher, die Inzidenz primärer Lungentumoren bei Hunden und Katzen in Relation zum Radongehalt in der Umwelt zu ermitteln.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Denosumab Discontinuers with Multiple
Vertebral Fractures in the Real-World: A Case Series
Authors: Tripto-Shkolnik Liana , Liel Yair , Yekutiel Naama , Goldshtein Inbal
Published: February 2021

Denosumab discontinuation is associated with rapid reversal of bone turnover
suppression and with a considerable increase in fracture risk, including a
risk for multiple vertebral fractures (MVF). Long-term follow-up of patients
who sustained MVF after denosumab discontinuation has not been reported.
This case-series was aimed to provide a long-term follow-up on the
management and outcome of denosumab discontinuers who initially presented
with multiple vertebral fractures. Denosumab discontinuers were identified
from a computerized database of a large healthcare provider. Baseline and
follow-up clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were obtained from the
computerized database and electronic medical records. The post-denosumab
discontinuers MVF patients consisted of 12 women aged 71±12.
Osteoporotic fractures were prevalent before denosumab discontinuation in 6
of the patients. The majority received bisphosphonates before denosumab. MVF
occurred 134±76 days after denosumab discontinuation. The patients
were followed for a median of 36.5 (IQR 28.2, 42.5) months after MVF. Two
patients passed-away. Two patients suffered recurrent vertebral fractures.
Following MVF, patients were treated inconsistently with denosumab,
teriparatide, oral, and intravenous bisphosphonates, in various sequences.
Two patients underwent vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty. This long-term
follow-up of real-world patients with MVF following denosumab
discontinuation reveals that management is inconsistent, and recurrent
fractures are not uncommon. It calls for clear management guidelines for
patients with MVF after denosumab discontinuation and for special attention
to this high-risk group.
Rh(III)-Catalyzed Olefination and Alkylation of Arenes with Maleimides: A Tunable Strategy for C(sp2)–H Functionalization
Authors: Li Hongji , Zhang Wenjie , Liu Xueyan , Tian Zhenfeng
Published: February 2021

We herein report a new nitrogen-directed Rh(III)-catalyzed C(sp2)–H bond functionalization of N-nitrosoanilines and azoxybenzenes with maleimides as a coupling partner, in which the olefination/alkylation process can be finely controlled at room temperature by variation of the reaction conditions. This method shows excellent functional group tolerance, and presents a mild access to the resulting olefination/alkylation products in moderate to good yields.
Investigating the survey instrument for the underground pipeline with inertial sensor and dead reckoning method
Authors: Liu Jianwei , Liu Xixiang , Yang Wenqiang , Pan Shuguo
Published: February 2021

To survey deep-buried and non-metallic pipelines without excavation, a pipeline survey instrument composed of a data collection and data processing part is developed. The data collection part is composed of a walking machine, a nine-axis micro-electro-mechanical system inertial measurement unit (MEMS-IMU) installed on the walking machine, odometers based on Hall magnetic switches, and a control/data storage circuit, while data processing is executed on the personal computer, where the attitude and trajectory are acquired with the complementary filter and dead reckoning on the collected data. Key technologies include the following: (1) the gyro-bias is estimated with the parking mode when there is no angular motion excitation; (2) a magnetometer is introduced to assist MEMS-IMU tracking azimuth changes; (3) calibration based on ellipsoid fitting is designed for magnetometers and accelerometers without any references; (4) stretching and rotation on calculated trajectory are executed with position information of both pipeline ends. Test results on a pipeline of 104 m constructed on the ground show that the maximum error on the lateral direction is 0.13 m and the height is 0.06 m, while the mean errors are −0.04 m and −0.001 m, respectively.
Long-pulse diagnostic calorimeter for the negative ion source testbed BATMAN upgrade
Authors: Nocentini Riccardo , Bonomo Federica , Heinemann Bernd , Hurlbatt Andrew , Mario Isabella
Published: February 2021

The RF-driven negative ion source testbed BATMAN upgrade is being developed at IPP Garching in the framework of the ion source development for ITER and DEMO neutral beam injection systems. The testbed has recently been enhanced to allow for steady state operation with a focus on beam optics studies. The previous titanium sublimation pumps and inertial calorimeter limited the beam pulse length to about 6 s every 3 min. The upgrade comprises a long-pulse compatible, actively cooled diagnostic calorimeter. This has been designed and is currently being manufactured to substitute the inertially cooled calorimeter that has limited diagnostic capabilities. The new diagnostic calorimeter consists of a copper plate with dimensions of 910 × 660 × 25 mm3 placed about 2 m from the ion source extraction grids, and through a novel solution, it will provide a 2D profile of beam power density with a 20 mm spatial resolution. Water flowing through cooling channels embedded in the copper plate will actively cool the calorimeter, which is loaded with about 160 kW beam power at ITER-relevant current density, but 45 kV acceleration. A fraction of the beam will pass through many small apertures (ø2 mm) positioned in the calorimeter plate and will be collected by thin (0.2 mm) copper foils attached to the calorimeter back side. Evaluation of power density will be performed by measuring the temperature of the heat flux foils with a high-resolution infrared camera observing the calorimeter from the back side and calibrated by thermocouples.
Machine learning prediction of electron density and temperature from He I line ratios
Authors: Nishijima D. , Kajita S. , Tynan G. R.
Published: February 2021

We propose to utilize machine learning to predict the electron density, ne, and temperature, Te, from He I line intensity ratios. In this approach, training data consist of measured He I line ratios as input and ne and Te measured using other diagnostic(s) as desired output, which is a Langmuir probe in our study. Support vector machine regression analysis is, then, performed with the training data to develop a predictive model for ne and Te, separately. It is confirmed that ne and Te predicted using the developed models agree well with those from the Langmuir probe in the ranges of 0.28 × 1018 ≤ ne (m−3) ≤ 3.8 × 1018 and 3.2 ≤ Te (eV) ≤ 7.5. The developed models are, further, examined with an evaluation data, which are not included in the training data, and are found to well reproduce absolute values and radial profiles of probe-measured ne and Te.
Hot carrier-mediated avalanche multiphoton photoluminescence from coupled Au–Al nanoantennas
Authors: Wang Jiyong , Baudrion Anne-Laure , Béal Jérémie , Horneber Anke , Tang Feng , Butet Jérémy , Martin Olivier J. F. , Meixner Alfred J. , Adam Pierre-Michel , Zhang Dai
Published: February 2021

Avalanche multiphoton photoluminescence (AMPL) is observed from coupled Au–Al nanoantennas under intense laser pumping, which shows more than one order of magnitude emission intensity enhancement and distinct spectral features compared with ordinary metallic photoluminescence. The experiments are conducted by altering the incident laser intensity and polarization using a home-built scanning confocal optical microscope. The results show that AMPL originates from the recombination of avalanche hot carriers that are seeded by multiphoton ionization. Notably, at the excitation stage, multiphoton ionization is shown to be assisted by the local electromagnetic field enhancement produced by coupled plasmonic modes. At the emission step, the giant AMPL intensity can be evaluated as a function of the local field environment and the thermal factor for hot carriers, in accordance with a linear relationship between the power law exponent coefficient and the emitted photon energy. The dramatic change in the spectral profile is explained by spectral linewidth broadening mechanisms. This study offers nanospectroscopic evidence of both the potential optical damages for plasmonic nanostructures and the underlying physical nature of light–matter interactions under a strong laser field; it illustrates the significance of the emerging topics of plasmonic-enhanced spectroscopy and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.
Scattering methods for determining structure and dynamics of polymer gels
Authors: Morozova Svetlana , Hitimana Emmanuel , Dhakal Sujata , Wilcox Kathryn G. , Estrin Daniel
Published: February 2021

Polymer gels are unique materials, which consist of a polymer network swollen in a solvent. The modulus and the overall state of the gel depend on thermodynamic parameters, such as strand length, structure, and chemical compatibility of the solvent. Scattering techniques have been used to study the gel structure and osmotic pressure and are discussed in this Tutorial pedagogically. These techniques are not always straightforward because of trapped inhomogeneities and complicated interactions. Nevertheless, there has been considerable progress in developing analytical tools to determine the internal structure and dynamics of polymer gels. In addition to these tools, we showcase modern spatially resolved techniques, such as Diffusing Wave Spectroscopy, and offer a perspective on similar methods such as Dynamic Small Angle Light Scattering and Differential Dynamic Microscopy, which can be used to study local and interface effects in gel systems as well as any anisotropy. These new tools can fundamentally advance our understanding of local gel dynamics, which have so far been too challenging to observe.
Robot grasping method optimization using improved deep deterministic policy gradient algorithm of deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Zhang Hongxu , Wang Fei , Wang Jianhui , Cui Ben
Published: February 2021

Robot grasping has become a very hot research field so that the requirements for robot operation are getting higher and higher. In previous research studies, the use of traditional target detection algorithms for grasping is often very inefficient, and this article is dedicated to improving the deep reinforcement learning algorithm to improve the grasping efficiency and solve the problem of robots dealing with the impact of unknown disturbances on grasping. Using the characteristic that deep reinforcement learning actively explores the unknown environment, a Gaussian parameter Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (Gaussian-DDPG) algorithm based on the Importance-Weighted Autoencoder (IWAE) is proposed to realize the robot’s autonomous learning of the grasping task. Traditional coordinate positioning methods and deep learning methods have poor grasping effects for disturbed situations (such as the movement of the target object). The IWAE algorithm is used to compress the high-dimensional information of the original visual input to the hidden space and pass it to the deep reinforcement learning network as part of the state value. Based on the classic DDPG algorithm, it smoothly adds Gaussian parameters to improve the exploratory nature of the algorithm, dynamically sets the robot grasping space parameters to adapt to the workspace of multiple scales, and finally, realizes the accurate grasping of the robot. Relying on the possible position information deviation of the visual information, the control of the grasping position by the manipulator torque information is further optimized to improve the grasping efficiency of disturbed objects.
Optimization of asymmetric reference structures through non-evenly layered synthetic antiferromagnet for full bridge magnetic sensors based on CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB
Authors: Franco Fernando , Silva Marilia , Cardoso Susana , Freitas Paulo P.
Published: February 2021

Industrial sensor applications rely on the implementation of full Wheatstone bridge architectures, demanding the development of low-cost and mass production methods of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJ) based on CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB. In particular, monolithic bridge microfabrication has been demonstrated through the double deposition of MTJ stacks engineered by asymmetric reference layers with non-evenly layered synthetic antiferromagnet (SAF) structures. However, extending the standard double magnetic layered SAF into a triple magnetic multilayer system brings critical changes in the overall performance of the reference structure, which directly influences the magnetic stability of the device. Consequently, a theoretical model of a triple magnetic layered AF/SAF structure was developed to support the understanding of the magnetic response of the reference layers, aiming to improve the magnetic stability around zero field. A full MTJ Wheatstone bridge incorporating the optimized double and triple reference structures was microfabricated with a linear and hysteresis-free response. Furthermore, a high thermal endurance of both structures was verified through the measurement of the magnetotransport behavior of each type of MTJ structure within a reversible magnetic field range of ±2 kOe and a temperature sweep from room temperature up to 200 °C.
Subspace theory with spherically symmetric densities
Authors: Nagy Á.
Published: February 2021

Recently, it has been proved that a set of spherically symmetric non-degenerate densities determines uniquely the Coulomb external potential. This theory is now extended to degenerate states. Euler equations and Kohn–Sham equations are derived and a novel form of the virial theorem is presented. It is emphasized that degenerate states of atoms can be rigorously treated as spherically symmetric when a subspace density is used with equal weighting factors.
Room temperature Mott metal–insulator transition in V2O3 compounds induced via strain-engineering
Authors: Homm P. , Menghini M. , Seo J. W. , Peters S. , Locquet J. -P.
Published: February 2021

Vanadium sesquioxide (V2O3) is an archetypal Mott insulator in which the atomic positions and electron correlations change as temperature, pressure, and doping are varied, giving rise to different structural, magnetic, or electronic phase transitions. Remarkably, the isostructural Mott transition in Cr-doped V2O3 between paramagnetic metallic and insulating phase observed in bulk has been elusive in thin film compounds so far. Here, via continuous lattice deformations induced by heteroepitaxy, we demonstrate a room temperature Mott metal–insulator transition in 1.5% Cr-doped and pure V2O3 thin films. By means of a controlled epitaxial strain, not only the structure but also the intrinsic electronic and optical properties of the thin films are stabilized at different intermediate states between the metallic and insulating phases, inaccessible in bulk materials. This leads to films with unique features such as a colossal change in room temperature resistivity (ΔR/R up to 100 000%) and a broad range of optical constant values as consequence of a strain-modulated bandgap. We propose a new phase diagram for pure and Cr-doped V2O3 thin films with the engineered in-plane lattice constant as a tunable parameter. Our results demonstrate that controlling phase transitions in correlated systems by epitaxial strain offers a radical new approach to create the next generation of Mott devices.
Measurement of the growth of children at weekly intervals: Results
Authors: Rępalska Marta , Woźniak Adam , Kulus Marek
Published: February 2021

In our previous paper [M. Rępalska et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 90, 024103 (2019)], a new method for measuring the growth of children based on the measurement of the lower leg length during foot movement was described. This current paper presents more measurements being conducted to ensure the effectiveness of the proposed arrangement. The study was carried out at weekly intervals with a research group amounting to 20 participants. The presented results show that the method allows for the identification of even a weekly increase in the lower leg length at different velocities of growth. In addition, the method enables the estimation of the trend characterizing each individual and can distinguish the periods of time during which perturbative factors in the process of growth may arise. A metrological analysis was also conducted, allowing a qualitative evaluation of the results, which are presented together with the measurement uncertainties.
Carbon encapsulation of magnetite nanoparticles enhances magnetism at room-temperature due to spin-polarized charge transfer
Authors: Lee Jiann-Shing , Wu Wen-Bin , Chen Jiunn , Chen Chi-Liang , Kuo Hung-Wei , Lin Chun-Rong , Lin Hong-Ji , Chen Chien-Te
Published: February 2021

This study fabricated amorphous-carbon-encapsulated magnetite (Fe3O4@a-C) nanoparticles (NPs) and observed that the encapsulation significantly enhanced the room-temperature magnetization of the NPs by approximately 22.5%. Generalized gradient approximation with the Hubbard-U correction involved the ionic picture hypothesis of electron acceptors for Fe3O4, namely, e2↓ t23↓ → e2↓ t23↓ e↑, which link the spin-polarized charge transfer to Fe ions at the tetrahedral site FeA of Fe3O4. Fe K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra suggested a formal charge reduction in the FeA of the Fe3O4@a-C NPs. Moreover, Fe L3-edge x-ray magnetic circular dichroism yielded the same conclusion as that obtained using the XANES spectra and suggested the restoration of an orbital moment in the Fe3O4@a-C NPs. Synchrotron radiation spectroscopy confirmed the charge reduction of FeA, which accounted for the magnetic enhancement.
Phase behavior of binary hard-sphere mixtures: Free volume theory including reservoir hard-core interactions
Authors: Opdam J. , Schelling M. P. M. , Tuinier R.
Published: February 2021

Comprehensive calculations were performed to predict the phase behavior of large spherical colloids mixed with small spherical colloids that act as a depletant. To this end, the free volume theory (FVT) of Lekkerkerker et al. [Europhys. Lett. 20, 559 (1992)] is used as a basis and is extended to explicitly include the hard-sphere character of colloidal depletants into the expression for the free volume fraction. Taking the excluded volume of the depletants into account in both the system and the reservoir provides a relation between the depletant concentration in the reservoir and that in the system that accurately matches with computer simulation results of Dijkstra et al. [Phys. Rev. E 59, 5744 (1999)]. Moreover, the phase diagrams for highly asymmetric mixtures with size ratios q ≲ 0.2 obtained by using this new approach corroborate simulation results significantly better than earlier FVT applications to binary hard-sphere mixtures. The phase diagram of a binary hard-sphere mixture with a size ratio of q = 0.4, where a binary interstitial solid solution is formed at high densities, is investigated using a numerical free volume approach. At this size ratio, the obtained phase diagram is qualitatively different from previous FVT approaches for hard-sphere and penetrable depletants but again compares well with simulation predictions.
Insulating improper ferroelectric domain walls as robust barrier layer capacitors
Authors: Puntigam Lukas , Schultheiß Jan , Strinic Ana , Yan Zewu , Bourret Edith , Altthaler Markus , Kézsmárki István , Evans Donald M. , Meier Dennis , Krohns Stephan
Published: February 2021

We report the dielectric properties of improper ferroelectric hexagonal (h-)ErMnO3. From the bulk characterization, we observe a temperature and frequency range with two distinct relaxation-like features, leading to high and even “colossal” values for the dielectric permittivity. One feature trivially originates from the formation of a Schottky barrier at the electrode–sample interface, whereas the second one relates to an internal barrier layer capacitance (BLC). The calculated volume fraction of the internal BLC (of 8%) is in good agreement with the observed volume fraction of insulating domain walls (DWs). While it is established that insulating DWs can give rise to high dielectric constants, studies typically focused on proper ferroelectrics where electric fields can remove the DWs. In h-ErMnO3, by contrast, the insulating DWs are topologically protected, facilitating operation under substantially higher electric fields. Our findings provide the basis for a conceptually new approach to engineer materials exhibiting colossal dielectric permittivities using domain walls in improper ferroelectrics.
Giant magnetocaloric effect in MnAs1−xPx in a cyclic magnetic field: Lattice and magnetic contributions and degradation of the effect
Authors: Aliev A. M. , Khanov L. N. , Gamzatov A. G. , Batdalov A. B. , Kurbanova D. R. , Yanushkevich K. I. , Govor G. A.
Published: February 2021

In this report, we present results of the direct measurements of the adiabatic temperature change in MnAs1−xPx compounds (x = 0, 0.02, 0.025, and 0.03) in cyclic magnetic fields up to 8 T. The substitution of As by P results in a slight shift of the Curie temperature and more notable change in the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) value. Estimations of the lattice and magnetic contributions show that in the MnAs compound, the lattice contribution dominates (about 70% of the total MCE). Substitution of As with phosphorus leads to a decrease in the total value of the MCE, which is caused by a decrease in the lattice contribution, and the magnetic contribution almost does not change in the absolute value. A reversible degradation of the magnetocaloric effect in cyclic magnetic fields is found, which restricts the application of this material to the magnetic cooling technology.
Determination of thermodynamic and microscopic origins of the Soret effect in sodium silicate melts: Prediction of sign change of the Soret coefficient
Authors: Shimizu Masahiro , Fukuyo Tsubasa , Matsuoka Jun , Nakashima Kento , Sato Kenzo , Kiyosawa Tomohiro , Nishi Masayuki , Shimotsuma Yasuhiko , Miura Kiyotaka
Published: February 2021

The Soret effect in silicate melts has attracted attention in earth and material sciences, particularly in glass science and engineering, because a compositional change caused by the Soret effect modifies the material properties of silicate melts. We investigated the Soret effect in an Na2O–SiO2 system, which is the most common representative of silicate melts. Our theoretical approach based on the modified Kempers model and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation was validated for 30Na2O–70SiO2(mol. %). The sign and order of the absolute values of the calculated Soret coefficients were consistent with the experimental values. The positive Soret coefficient of SiO2 in the SiO2-poor composition range was accurately predicted. Previous experimental studies have focused on SiO2-rich compositions, and only the negative sign, indicating SiO2 migration to the hot side, has been observed. In the SiO2-poor composition range, the Q0 structure was dominant and had four Si–O–Na bonds around an SiO4 unit. The Si–O–Na bond had high enthalpic stability and contributed to the large negative enthalpy of SiO2 mixing. According to our model, components with a large negative partial molar enthalpy of mixing will concentrate in the cold region. The microscopic and thermodynamic origins of the sign change in the Soret effect were determined.
Thermal conductivity modeling on highly disordered crystalline Y1−xNbxO1.5+x: Beyond the phonon scenario
Authors: Huang Muzhang , Liu Xiangyang , Zhang Peng , Qian Xin , Feng Yingjie , Li Zheng , Pan Wei , Wan Chunlei
Published: February 2021

Understanding the thermal conductivity of highly disordered materials has received growing interest. However, conventional thermal conductivity models fail in these materials due to the breakdown of the “phonon” image caused by the disorder of interatomic force constant. In this work, a quantitative thermal conductivity model is proposed based on “propagon” and “diffuson,” which can better describe the lattice vibrational modes in disordered materials. Lattice dynamics analysis is performed to investigate the vibrational modes in the disordered solid solution Y1−xNbxO1.5+x. The contribution to thermal conductivity from the propagons, which exhibit phonon-like high eigenvector periodicity, is calculated by the Debye–Klemens–Callaway equation. The contribution from diffusons, which exhibit low eigenvector periodicity, is calculated by Cahill's equation. The proposed thermal conductivity model produces an accurate temperature dependence for the Y1−xNbxO1.5+x that cannot be attained in the conventional models. Both the lattice dynamics analysis and thermal conductivity fitting suggest a decreasing trend with the Nb content for the propagon modes in Y1−xNbxO1.5+x.
RF signal detector and energy harvester based on a spin-torque diode with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Artemchuk P. Yu. , Prokopenko O. V. , Bankowski E. N. , Meitzler T. J. , Tyberkevych V. S. , Slavin A. N.
Published: February 2021

We demonstrate theoretically that in a spintronic diode (SD), having a free magnetic layer with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of the first and second order and no external bias magnetic field, the out-of-plane regime of magnetization precession can be excited by sufficiently large (exceeding a certain threshold) RF signals with the frequencies ≲250 MHz. We also show that such a device can operate as a broadband energy harvester capable of converting incident RF power into a DC power with a conversion efficiency of ∼5%. The developed analytical theory of the bias-free SD operation can be used for the optimization of high-efficiency RF detectors and energy harvesters based on SDs.
Cognitive aging is associated with redistribution of synaptic weights in the hippocampus
Authors: Buss Eric W. , Corbett Nicola J. , Roberts Joshua G. , Ybarra Natividad , Musial Timothy F. , Simkin Dina , Molina-Campos Elizabeth , Oh Kwang-Jin , Nielsen Lauren L. , Ayala Gelique D. , Mullen Sheila A. , Farooqi Anise K. , D’Souza Gary X. , Hill Corinne L. , Bean Linda A. , Rogalsky Annalise E. , Russo Matthew L. , Curlik Dani M. , Antion Marci D. , Weiss Craig , Chetkovich Dane M. , Oh M. Matthew , Disterhoft John F. , Nicholson Daniel A.
Published: February 2021

Significance

A longstanding question in the field of the neurobiology of learning and memory is why some aged individuals perform comparably to young adults in learning and memory tasks, whereas others show impairments that resemble the performance of those with hippocampal damage. Answers to this question have been critical for advancing our understanding of, and our ability to treat, aging-related cognitive impairments. Here, we have exploited the exquisite organization of the hippocampal circuit to reveal that “unsuccessful” cognitive aging is associated with a breakdown of young adult-like circuit organization, and provide a remarkably straightforward potential cellular substrate for the well-documented dysfunction in neuronal encoding of hippocampal CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons in aged learning-impaired rats.
The evolution of siphonophore tentilla for specialized prey capture in the open ocean
Authors: Damian-Serrano Alejandro , Haddock Steven H. D. , Dunn Casey W.
Published: February 2021

Significance

Predatory specialization is often associated with the evolution of modifications in the morphology of the prey-capture apparatus. Specialization has been considered an evolutionary “dead end” due to the constraints associated with these morphological changes. However, in predators like siphonophores, armed with modular structures used exclusively for prey capture, this assumption is challenged. Our results show that siphonophores can evolve generalism and new prey-type specializations by modifying the morphological states, modes of evolution, and evolutionary correlations between the parts of their prey-capture apparatus. These findings demonstrate how studying open-ocean nonbilaterian predators can reveal novel patterns and mechanisms in the evolution of specialization. Understanding these evolutionary processes is fundamental to the study of food web structure and complexity.
Trichoderma reesei
Rad51 tolerates mismatches in hybrid meiosis with diverse genome sequences
Authors: Li Wan-Chen , Lee Chia-Yi , Lan Wei-Hsuan , Woo Tai-Ting , Liu Hou-Cheng , Yeh Hsin-Yi , Chang Hao-Yen , Chuang Yu-Chien , Chen Chiung-Ya , Chuang Chi-Ning , Chen Chia-Ling , Hsueh Yi-Ping , Li Hung-Wen , Chi Peter , Wang Ting-Fang
Published: February 2021

Significance

Sexual eukaryotes fall into two groups with respect to their RecA-like recombinases. The first group possesses Rad51 (ubiquitous) and Dmc1 (meiosis-specific), which cooperate to conduct interhomolog recombination in zygotes with high sequence heterogeneity. Interestingly, Dmc1 was lost from the second group of eukaryotic organisms. Here we used the industrial workhorse fungus
Trichoderma reesei
to address if and how Rad51-only eukaryotes carry out hybrid meiosis. We show that
T. reesei
Rad51 (
Tr
Rad51) is indispensable for interhomolog recombination during meiosis and that
Tr
Rad51, like
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Dmc1, possesses a better mismatch tolerability than
S. cerevisiae
Rad51. Our results indicate that the ancestral
Tr
Rad51 evolved to acquire Dmc1-like properties by adopting multiple structural variations in the L1 and L2 DNA-binding loops.
Modulation of α1β3γ2 GABA
A
receptors expressed in
X. laevis
oocytes using a propofol photoswitch tethered to the transmembrane helix
Authors: Borghese Cecilia M. , Wang Hua-Yu L. , McHardy Stanton F. , Messing Robert O. , Trudell James R. , Harris R. Adron , Bertaccini Edward J.
Published: February 2021

Significance

Mechanisms of anesthesia remain obscure. We developed a β-subunit-specific tethered photoswitch containing the widely used anesthetic, propofol, to study the anesthetic mechanisms through γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA
A
) receptors critical for this drug’s effects. Photoswitches are molecules that shift between two isomeric forms after irradiation with light at a specific wavelength, which would produce different biological outcomes on their targets. Tethered photoswitches possess reactive groups that can covalently bind to their target. We identified several residues in the receptor transmembrane domains that are suitable for tethering. Once bound and after photoirradiation, the propofol moiety of MAP20 swings into its binding site, allowing for light-controlled potentiation of the GABA
A
receptor expressed in
Xenopus laevis
oocytes.
Darwin, sexual selection, and the brain
Authors: Ryan Michael J.
Published: February 2021

One hundred fifty years ago Darwin publishedThe Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex, in which he presented his theory of sexual selection with its emphasis on sexual beauty. However, it was not until 50 y ago that there was a renewed interest in Darwin’s theory in general, and specifically the potency of mate choice. Darwin suggested that in many cases female preferences for elaborately ornamented males derived from a female’s taste for the beautiful, the notion that females were attracted to sexual beauty for its own sake. Initially, female mate choice attracted the interest of behavioral ecologists focusing on the fitness advantages accrued through mate choice. Subsequent studies focused on sensory ecology and signal design, often showing how sensory end organs influenced the types of traits females found attractive. Eventually, investigations of neural circuits, neurogenetics, and neurochemistry uncovered a more complete scaffolding underlying sexual attraction. More recently, research inspired by human studies in psychophysics, behavioral economics, and neuroaesthetics have provided some notion of its higher-order mechanisms. In this paper, I review progress in our understanding of Darwin’s conjecture of “a taste for the beautiful” by considering research from these diverse fields that have conspired to provide unparalleled insight into the chooser’s mate choices.
Cell type-specific modulation of healthspan by Forkhead family transcription factors in the nervous system
Authors: Bolukbasi Ekin , Woodling Nathaniel S. , Ivanov Dobril K. , Adcott Jennifer , Foley Andrea , Rajasingam Arjunan , Gittings Lauren M. , Aleyakpo Benjamin , Niccoli Teresa , Thornton Janet M. , Partridge Linda
Published: February 2021

Significance

Aging is the main risk factor for the costliest diseases in today’s world. However, significant gaps remain in understanding how different cell types modulate this most common physiological process. Here, we use published single-cell gene expression data to map the prolongevity roles of two evolutionarily conserved
Drosophila
transcription factors, FKH and FOXO, onto either neuronal or glial cells. We then demonstrate that neuronal FKH preserves healthy function even under stress. Finally, we identify an autophagy-related gene as one of FKH’s downstream prolongevity effectors. Our results exemplify tapping into publicly available gene expression datasets to extract physiological insights, and highlight the need to shift away from organism-wide approaches and toward cell type-specific strategies to obtain meaningful insights in aging research.
Accurate SNV detection in single cells by transposon-based whole-genome amplification of complementary strands
Authors: Xing Dong , Tan Longzhi , Chang Chi-Han , Li Heng , Xie X. Sunney
Published: February 2021

Significance

The boom of single-cell sequencing technologies in the past decade has profoundly expanded our understanding of fundamental biology. Today, tens of thousands of cells can be measured by single-cell RNA-seq in one experiment. However, single-cell DNA-sequencing studies have been limited by false positives and cost. Here we report META-CS, a single-cell whole-genome amplification method that takes advantage of the complementary strands of double-stranded DNA to filter out false positives and reduce sequencing cost. META-CS achieved the highest accuracy in terms of detecting single-nucleotide variations, and provided potential solutions for the identification of other genomic variants, such as insertions, deletions, and structural variations in single cells.
Competitive binding of independent extension and retraction motors explains the quantitative dynamics of type IV pili
Authors: Koch Matthias D. , Fei Chenyi , Wingreen Ned S. , Shaevitz Joshua W. , Gitai Zemer
Published: February 2021

Significance

Many bacteria use the extension and retraction of external protein filaments called type IV pili (TFP) as arm-like tentacles to grab a surface and pull forward or catch and internalize DNA. We here propose and test a model for how the dynamics of TFP and the switch between phases of extension and retraction are coordinated. This model quantitatively predicts all the observed TFP behaviors and important features such as pilus length and the pilus production rate accurately. It further yields insights into the molecular details of how the dedicated extension and retraction motors interact with the pilus machine. These results advance our understanding how TFP operate and how their dynamics give rise to biological function.
Dual-purpose isocyanides produced by
Aspergillus fumigatus
contribute to cellular copper sufficiency and exhibit antimicrobial activity
Authors: Raffa Nicholas , Won Tae Hyung , Sukowaty Andrew , Candor Kathleen , Cui Chengsen , Halder Saayak , Dai Mingji , Landero-Figueroa Julio A. , Schroeder Frank C. , Keller Nancy P.
Published: February 2021

Significance

Metal homeostasis is an integral part of metabolism for any organism. A vast array of natural products are already known to mediate iron homeostasis in fungi and bacteria; however, unlike their bacterial counterparts, to date, there are no known fungal small molecules that function to maintain copper homeostasis. Discovery of copper-binding xanthocillins produced by
Aspergillus fumigatus
gives insight into mechanisms other than the extensively studied copper transporters or metalloproteins for how fungi can regulate copper. This has important ecological implications, as securing scarce nutrients is central for fitness and survival. Conservation of the xanthocillin biosynthetic machinery across filamentous fungal taxa offers a new paradigm in eukaryotic metal homeostasis.
Dissipation bounds the amplification of transition rates far from equilibrium
Authors: Kuznets-Speck Benjamin , Limmer David T.
Published: February 2021

Significance

The speed of a dynamical transition is central to processes across the physical sciences, but general principles to predict and design transition rates within a nonequilibrium system remain elusive. With stochastic thermodynamics, we derive exact relations and inequalities for the ratio of transition rates at and away from thermal equilibrium. We show that excess energy dissipation during the transition imposes an upper limit on the possible speed-up. Amplifying a rate requires a minimum energetic cost—the larger the dissipation, the higher the possible rate amplification. We demonstrate this variational relation on diffusive barrier crossings driven by noisy and deterministic external forces and discuss how it can be leveraged to design optimal protocols for controlling rates in complex random systems.
Robust semiconductor-on-ferroelectric structures with hafnia–zirconia–alumina UTBOX stacks compatible with CMOS technology
Authors: Popov V P , Antonov V A , Tikhonenko F V , Tarkov S M , Gutakovskii A K , Tyschenko I E , Miakonkikh A V , Lomov A A , Rogozhin A E , Rudenko K V
Published: February 2021

Silicon wafers with an ultrathin buried high-k oxide were fabricated by the atomic layer deposition of high-k layers on sapphire and silicon substrates with subsequent silicon layer transfer onto their surfaces by bonding and rapid thermal annealing (RTA). An extremely high thermal stability of hafnia orthorhombic Pca21
ferroelectric phase of up to 1100 °C was observed in the silicon-on-ferroelectric structure on the sapphire substrate. Silicon–ferroelectric–silicon structures with hafnia BOX and alumina inclusions also demonstrated increased thermal stability for hafnia or hafnia–zirconia alloys during the RTA treatment up to 900 °C, which makes them fully compatible with current complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology, promising integrated circuits for neuromorphic computation and optoelectronic switching devices.
Electrical and optical characterizations of a rotating gliding arc plasma-enhanced combustion dome in an aero-engine combustor
Authors: Hu Changhuai , He Liming , Chen Yi , Zhao Bingbing , Jun Deng , Qu Mei Jiao
Published: February 2021

A gliding arc discharge is a typical method of producing non-equilibrium plasma, presenting excellent advantages in the field of enhanced combustion. In this study, a rotating gliding arc (RGA) plasma was combined with an aero-engine combustor dome to develop a RGA plasma-enhanced combustion dome. Experiments were conducted to investigate discharge, spectral, and infrared radiation temperature characteristics in the RGA plasma-enhanced combustion dome. Experimental results showed that two different discharge modes occurred during the RGA discharge process, the breakdown gliding mode and the steady arc gliding mode. The results had major implications for understanding the effects of the airflow rate and input voltage on the arc gliding mode transformation. The breakdown voltage, the average power, and the gliding arc rotational velocity increased with an increase in the airflow rate and a decrease of the input voltage. The spectral emission intensities of OH, O2, and O and vibrational temperature of N2 (C3Πu→B3Πg) were relatively high at a high airflow rate. Additionally, the RGA discharge had a weak temperature rise effect on electrode, which had no obvious impact on the discharge process. These characteristics could be important for future applications for controlling plasma-enhanced combustion process.