bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Objektive Tiefenbestimmung von Verbrennungen der
Hand
Authors: Promny Dominik , Billner Moritz , Reichert Bert
Published: October 2019

Die Tiefenbestimmung einer thermischen Wunde unterliegt vielen Variablen und ist
nicht immer sicher vorzunehmen. Deshalb werden zunehmend technische Systeme zur
Bestimmung des Schweregrads eingesetzt. Besonders Verbrennungen im Bereich der
Hände können klinisch relevante Konsequenzen hinsichtlich des funktionalen
Ergebnisses und des ästhetischen Erscheinungsbilds haben, sodass gerade für
diese Areale eine sichere Einschätzung für eine adäquate Behandlung notwendig
ist.

Technische Analysen wie das Hyperspectral-Imaging, Laser-Doppler-Imaging o. das
Laser-Speckle-Imaging sollen die Untersuchung vereinfachen und objektivieren,
indem sie dabei helfen, die notwendige Tiefe der Nekrosektomie zu bestimmen und
so das hauttransplantationspflichtige Areal zu reduzieren bzw. klarer zu
begrenzen. Zudem sollen sie so das funktionelle Ergebnis verbessern, die
Ausprägung von Vernarbungen und kosmetische Beschwerden verringern und die
Bewertung für in der Verbrennungsmedizin unerfahrenes Personal erleichtern.

Dabei hat man unterschiedliche technische Ansätze verfolgt, die größtenteils auf
optischen Grundlagen basieren. Die jeweiligen Geräte werden bis dato noch nicht
in der Standarddiagnostik der Verbrennungswunden eingesetzt.

In zukünftigen Studien gilt es einen Algorithmus für die Messintervalle aufgrund
der Wunddynamik zu ermitteln und zu evaluieren welche Methodik bzgl. der
jeweiligen Spezifität und Sensitivität überlegen ist.
Malnutrition in Paediatrics: Stationary Screening & Follow-up
Authors: Werner Dorothea , Zimmer Klaus-Peter , Eckert Gunter P. , Laffolie Jan de
Published: October 2019

Objective The prevalence and follow-up of the clinical real-world data focussing on existing or risk of malnutrition in a tertiary hospital general paediatric ward including 4 months of follow-up was assessed.

Methods Measurements included anthropometric measurements, a nutrition interview and an extended version of the Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Paediatrics (STAMP). R Studio 3.4.2 was used for statistical analysis and diagnosing malnutrition by calculating height-for-age (HfAz)-, weight-for-age (WfAz)- weight-for-height (WfHz)-, body mass index-for-age (BMIz) and mid-upper-arm circumference (MUACz)-z-scores with the childsds package with KIGGS and WHO for reference.

Results The median age of the 68 participants was 8.00 (4.00–13.00) years. The main reasons for hospitalisation in the tertiary centre were gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes mellitus and rheumatic diseases. At admission 39.71%, at the second examination 36.00% and at the third examination 45.90% were malnourished. 68% of inpatients lost weight during their clinical stay, of which 35.29% lost more than 3% of their initial weight. However, changes were not significantly different.

Conclusion A significant share of patients was diagnosed to be malnourished at admission, the majority of patients lost weight during their hospital stay and the 4 months after admission. Due to the far reaching consequences for patients, doctors, health insurance and politics, the early diagnosis and treatment of malnutrition should take greater account in the future.
Iodonium-Catalyzed Carbonyl–Olefin Metathesis Reactions
Authors: Oss Giulia , Nguyen Thanh Vinh
Published: October 2019

The carbonyl–olefin metathesis reaction has become increasingly important in organic synthesis due to its versatility in functional group interconversion chemistry. Recent developments in the field have identified a number of transition-metal and organic Lewis acids as effective catalysts for this reaction. Herein, we report the use of simple organic compounds such as N-iodosuccinimide or iodine monochloride to catalyze the carbonyl–olefin metathesis process under mild reaction conditions. This work broadens the scope of this chemical transformation to include iodonium sources as simple and practical catalysts.
Human Gaze Holding and Its Disorders
Authors: Shaikh Aasef G.
Published: October 2019

Stabilizing the retinal fovea on the object of interest is the most critical requirement for clear vision. Our brain implements sophisticated neural mechanisms to ensure stable gaze. In this article, I will review contemporary research delineating neural mechanisms for gaze holding. I will then describe various disorders of gaze holding in the context of basic neurophysiology, electrophysiology, and membrane biology. Particular focus is on the basic and translational neuroscience of central nystagmus of ocular motor and vestibular etiologies.
Dimethyl Sulfoxide Leads to Decreased Osteogenic Differentiation of Stem Cells Derived from Gingiva via Runx2 and Collagen I Expression
Authors: Lee Hyunjin , Park Jun-Beom
Published: October 2019

Objectives Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) plays various functions, including cellular functions such as cellular growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of DMSO on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human gingiva-derived stem cells.

Materials and Methods Stem cells derived from gingiva were cultured in the presence of DMSO at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 10%.

Statistical Analysis We performed a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc test to determine the differences between the groups using a commercially available program and the level of significance was 0.05.

Results The cells in the control group showed normal fibroblast morphology. The cells treated with 0.01%, 0.01%, 0.1%, and 1% DMSO were morphologically similar to those from the control group on each day. Statistically significant decreases in cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) values were seen in the 3% and 10% DMSO groups (p < 0.05). A statistically significant decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity was seen in the 3% DMSO group. (p < 0.05). The application of DMSO produced a decrease in alizarin red S staining. The expression of Runx2 and collagen I by immunofluorescence decreased as the dose of lovastatin increased.

Conclusion The effects of DMSO on the viability of osteogenic differentiation among stem cells derived from human gingiva were evaluated. Applying DMSO produced decreased cell viability and decreased osteogenic differentiation in this experimental setting. This should be considered when designing and interpreting the data, and a DMSO-free method may be considered for bone regeneration applications.
Predictive Factors for Postoperative Outcome in Children with Jejunoileal Atresia
Authors: Jarkman Charlotta , Salö Martin
Published: October 2019

Background Jejunoileal atresia is a relatively rare congenital gastrointestinal requiring surgery and long postoperative care. The postoperative outcome is affected by many factors and this study focuses on finding predictors for time to full enteral feeding, length of hospital stay (LOH), and postoperative complications.

Methods This was a retrospective study of all children operated for isolated jejunoileal atresia between 2001 and 2017 at a tertiary center of pediatric surgery. Independent variables regarding demographical-, operative-, and postoperative data were abstracted. Primary outcome was time to full enteral feeding, LOH, and postoperative complications in terms of reoperation or central line complication. Any significant variables from the univariate analysis were further analyzed with logistic regression and presented as odds ratio with 95% confidence interval.

Results After exclusion because of concomitant gastroschisis (n = 1), and death before discharge (n = 2), 47 patients were further analyzed (49% boys, 53% premature). No significant differences could be seen in the univariate analysis between children with short and long time (median > 17 days) to full enteral nutrition. Patients with longer LOH (median >32 days) had significantly lower birth weight compared with those with shorter LOH; median 2,550 g versus 2,980 g (p = 0.04). Patients with a central line complication had significantly longer median time to full enteral feeding (median 27 vs. 12 days, p = 0.03), and significantly longer median LOH (median 43 vs. 21 days, p = 0.03), but these parameters were not significant in a multivariate analysis. No significant results were found regarding reoperation.

Conclusion Low birth weight seems associated with an increased LOH in children operated on for jejunoileal atresia, and central line complications seem related to the duration with central line in this group. The small cohort may constitute a power problem in this study and further research regarding the included variables may reveal more potential predictors for the postoperative outcome.
Bite Force and Influential Factors on Bite Force Measurements: A Literature Review
Authors: Koc Duygu , Dogan Arife , Bek Bulent
Published: September 2019

Maximum voluntary bite force is an indicator of the functional state of the masticatory system and the level of maximum bite force results from the combined action of the jaw elevator muscles modified by jaw biomechanics and reflex mechanisms. The measurement of bite force can provide useful data for the evaluation of jaw muscle function and activity. It is also an adjunctive value in assessing the performance of dentures. Technological advances in signal detection and processing have improved the quality of the information extracted from bite force measurements. However, these measurements are difficult and the reliability of the result depends on a number of factors, such as presence of pain and temporomandibular disorders, gender, age, cranio-facial morphology, and occlusal factors. In addition to these physiological factors, recording devices and techniques are important factors in bite force measurement. Therefore, one should be careful when comparing the bite force values reported in the research. (Eur J Dent 2010;4:223-232)
Probiotics and Oral Health
Authors: Haukioja Anna
Published: September 2019

The number of products containing probiotics, viable bacteria with proven health benefits, entering the market is increasing. Traditionally, probiotics have been associated with gut health, and most clinical interest has been focused on their use for prevention or treatment of gastrointestinal infections and diseases; however, during the last decade several investigators have also suggested the use of probiotics for oral health purposes. The aim of this review is to examine potential mechanisms of probiotic bacteria in the oral cavity and summarize observed effects of probiotics with respect to oral health. The review focuses on probiotic lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, genera that are most used in various probiotic products. (Eur J Dent 2010;4:348-355)
Chronischen Schmerz anders bewerten und empfinden
lernen
Authors: Otto Jan Carl
Published: October 2019

Psychische und soziale Faktoren beeinflussen bei Patienten mit chronischen
unspezifischen Rückenschmerzen maßgeblich den Therapieverlauf und den
Behandlungserfolg. Gefragt sind empathische und kompetenzvermittelnde
Therapeuten, die bereits bei der Anamnese psychosoziale Aspekte erfassen und
ein multimodales Bahandlungskonzept aufstellen. Hierbei lernen
Patienten, ihre Erwartungshaltung zu reformieren, wodurch sie Schmerzen anders
bewerten und empfinden.
Apical Root Resorption: A Prospective Radiographic Study of Maxillary Incisors
Authors: Kocadereli Ilken , Yesil Turkan Nadire , Veske Pınar Sahin , Uysal Serdar
Published: September 2019

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of apical root resorption in maxillary incisors during the initial stages of active orthodontic treatment and to test the hypothesis that root resorption increases with the progress of the treatment. Methods: The study sample consisted of 80 teeth of 20 patients (14 female, 6 male) with a mean age of 14.9±2.8 years. Root resorption was determined with standardized digitized periapical radiographs. All the periapical radiographs were obtained at the beginning of orthodontic treatment (T0) and 3 months (T1), 6 months (T2) and 9 months (T3) after the beginning of the treatment by a paralleling device. They were digitalized as 600 dpi with a flatbed scanner and analyzed by software for image analysis at 400x magnification utilizing a personal computer. Results: All of the 4 maxillary incisors had an increasing amount of resorption during the 9-month period. The amount of root resorption between the time intervals was statistically significant (P<.05). Conclusions: Root resorption of maxillary incisors can be detected in the early stages of orthodontic treatment and appears to be related to treatment duration. According to 9-month evaluation period, apical root resorption is of limited clinical significance for the average orthodontic patient. (Eur J Dent 2011;5:318-323)
Correlation between the Condyle Position and Intra-Extraarticular Clinical Findings of Temporomandibular Dysfunction
Authors: Sener Sevgi , Akgunlu Faruk
Published: October 2019

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between different clinical findings and condyle position. Methods: Tenderness on masseter (MM), temporal (TM), lateral pyterigoid (LPM), medial pyterigoid (MPM) and posterior cervical (PSM) muscles, limitation, deviation and deflection in opening of mouth, clicking, crepitating, tenderness on lateral palpation of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area for each side of 85 patients were evaluated. Each side of patients was categorized into the clinical findings: no sign and/or symptom of temporomandibular dysfunctions (TMDs), only extraarticular findings and only intraarticular findings, extra and intraarticular findings. Condyle positions of 170 TMJs were determined the narrowest anterior (a) and posterior interarticular distance (p) on midsagittal MRIs of condyles and expressed as p/a ratio and these ratio were transformed into logarithmic base e. Spearman’s Correlation was used to investigate the relationship between the condyle position and the clinical findings. The difference between the condyle positions of different groups was tested by T test. Reliability statistic was used to determine intra-observer concordance of two measurements of condylar position. Results: A significant relationship was found between the condyle position and tenderness of PSM. There was no significant difference between the groups in aspect of the condyle position. Occlusion and condyle position correlated with significantly. Conclusions: The inclination of the upper cervical spine and craniocervical angulations can cause the signs and symptoms of TMD and condyle position is not main cause of TMDs alone but it may be effective together with other possible etiological factors synergistically. (Eur J Dent 2011;5:354-360)
Evaluation of surface roughness and hardness of different glass ionomer cements
Authors: Bala Oya , Arisu Deniz Hacer , Yikilgan Ihsan , Arslan Seda , Gullu Abdulkadir
Published: September 2019

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate surface roughness and hardness of a nanofiller GIC, a resin-modified GIC, three conventional GICs, and a silver-reinforced GIC

Methods: For each material, 11 specimens were prepared and then stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 24 h. The surface roughness of 5 specimens was measured using a surface profilometer before polishing and after polishing with coarse, medium, fine, superfine aluminum oxide abrasive Sof-Lex discs respectively. The hardness of the upper surfaces of the remaining 6 specimens was measured with a Vickers microhardness measuring instrument.

Results: All tested GICs showed lower surface roughness values after the polishing procedure. Surface finish of nanofiller GIC was smoother than the other tested GICs after polishing. This was followed by resin-modified GIC, Fuji II LC; then silver-reinforced GIC, Argion Molar, conventional GICs, Aqua Ionofil Plus, Fuji IX, and Ionofil Molar, respectively. The result of the hardness test indicated that the microhardness value of silver-reinforced GIC was greater than that of the other GICs. When the hardness values of all tested GICs were compared, the differences between materials (except Aqua Ionofil Plus with Ionofil Molar and Ketac N100 with Fuji II LC (P>.05)) were found statistically significant (P<.05).

Conclusions: According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that the differences in the
composition of GICs may affect their surface roughness and hardness. (Eur J Dent 2012;6:79-86)
Evaluation of TEGDMA leaching from four resin cements by HPLC
Authors: Altintas Subutay Han , Usumez Aslihan
Published: September 2019

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the elution of TEGDMA from dual cured resin cements, used for bonding of ceramic restoration by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Methods: Forty freshly extracted caries and restoration free molar teeth used in this study. Standardized Class I preparations were prepared in all teeth. Ceramic inlays were cemented with one of the dual cured resin cements (Variolink II, Rely X ARC, Rely X Unicem and Resilute). After cementation, specimens were stored in 75% ethanol solution. HPLC was used to analyze the amounts of TEGDMA in different time intervals. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests were used to evaluate the results (P<.05).

Results: The amount of TEGDMA eluted from Resilute was the highest and the amount of TEGDMA
eluted from Rely X Unicem was the lowest (P<.05). The total amount of monomers was the
highest after 21 days (P<.05).

Conclusions: The five soft drinks caused surface softening of enamel (erosion). In respect to the chemical variables tested, despite not statistically significant, the pH seems to have more influence on the erosive potential of these drinks. (Eur J Dent 2007;1:10-13)
A novel examination of the similarity between a perturbed hydrogen atom and an anharmonic oscillator
Authors: Kazakov K. V.
Published: October 2019

The resemblance between the theoretical treatments of a hydrogen atom in three dimensions and of an oscillator in four dimensions is reconsidered. The anharmonic perturbations of an oscillator are taken into account to demonstrate the similarity with the hydrogen atom subject to an external inhomogeneous electric field. The real energy levels of the hydrogen atom in a homogeneous electric field are calculated using the formalism of the polynomials of quantum numbers.
Two-dimensional hydrogen-like atom in a constant magnetic field
Authors: Naber M. G.
Published: October 2019

The two-dimensional hydrogenlike atom in a constant magnetic field is considered. It is found that this is actually two separate problems. One for which the magnetic field causes an effective attraction between the nucleus and the electron and one for which it causes an effective repulsion. Each of the two problems has three separate cases depending on the sign of a shifted energy eigenvalue. For two of the six possibilities (shifted energy eigenvalue that is negative), it is shown that the first four solutions can be obtained exactly. For another two of the six possibilities (shifted energy eigenvalue that is positive), it is shown that the first eight solutions can be obtained exactly. For higher order states, the energy eigenvalue is the root of a fifth or higher order polynomial, and hence, the eigenvalue must be obtained numerically. Once the energy eigenvalue is known, the solution to the radial wave equation is also known. Exact solutions for the radial wave equation, for the remaining two possibilities (shifted energy eigenvalue that is zero), are given to any desired order by means of a recursion relation.
A compact low-trigger-threshold multigap gas switch
Authors: Jiang Xiaofeng , Jiang Hongyu , Wang Zhiguo , Sun Fengju , Qiu Aici
Published: October 2019

Herein, we present the details of the design and performance of a compact low-trigger-threshold multigap gas switch used for linear transformer drivers. By integrating a resistor-capacitor network in parallel with switch gaps, the trigger threshold voltage of the switch is reduced; meanwhile, the switch has a compact structure of 117 mm in diameter and 156 mm in height. The self-breakdown and triggering characteristics of the switch are theoretically and experimentally investigated. The experimental results show that at a charging voltage of ±80 kV and operating at 60% of self-breakdown voltage, the switch has a jitter of less than 3 ns when triggered by a pulse of 50 kV. It can be reliably triggered by a high voltage pulse with polarity opposite to that of the charging voltage on the capacitor-mounted side of the switch.
Spectrometric analysis of silicon nitride films deposited by low-temperature liquid-source CVD
Authors: Kou R. , Yamamoto N. , Fujii G. , Aihara T. , Tsuchizawa T. , Ishizawa A. , Hitachi K. , Gotoh H. , Ukibe M. , Yamada K.
Published: October 2019

Silicon nitride (SiN) films formed by liquid-source chemical vapor deposition (LSCVD) were analyzed for photonic applications. While this deposition technique for SiN has strengths in its low reaction temperature (>80 °C) and fast deposition rate (>50 nm/min), the material properties, such as its composition, chemical bond, and optical absorption bands in waveguides, have not been studied quantitatively. Hence, we probed SiN films to understand the material characteristics by ultraviolet-to-midinfrared ellipsometry, on-chip waveguide absorption spectrometry, Rutherford backscattering/hydrogen forward-scattering spectrometry, and Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry. As interpreted by a combination of the series of analyses, the N–H bond concentration of higher than 1021 cm−3 leaves an absorption notch (>6.5 dB/cm) at a wavelength of 1550 nm, which cannot be avoided even by systematically varying the deposition conditions. However, except for that absorption range, a low-loss SiN waveguide (0.5–1.0 dB/cm) with a practically applicable high refractive index (∼1.85) can be formed at the deposition temperature of 100 °C. This basic materials research, which combines multiple spectrometric analyses, will help to improve our understanding of a LSCVD SiN film for photonics circuit integration.
Magnetic and cryogenic magnetocaloric properties of NaGdF4 nanocrystals
Authors: Petrov Dimitar N. , Lovchinov V. , The Huy Bui , The Long Phan , Dang N. T. , Yang D. S.
Published: October 2019

We studied the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of NaGdF4 nanocrystals (NCs), which are crystallized in the P63/m hexagonal structure. Analyzing M(T, H) data, we found an existence of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions in NCs. This gives rise to a minor hysteresis loop at temperatures T ≤ 3 K and magnetic fields H = 1–40 kOe. Particularly, at temperatures T = 2–25 K, NaGdF4 NCs show a large magnetocaloric effect (MCE). For a field change ΔH = 60 kOe, the maximum magnetic entropy change (|ΔSmax|) at ∼3.2 K and the relative cooling power (RCP) are about 50.5 J/kg K and 410 J/kg, respectively. These values are larger than those obtained from conventional cryogenic materials reported previously. Having considered the MCE vs the internal field (Hi), we have found that |ΔSmax(Hi)| values increase about 8%–34% compared with the |ΔSmax(H)| values. Magnetic-field dependences of both |ΔSmax| and RCP obey the power law y=axn. The assessments of a magnetic-order exponent n and the analyses of M2(H/M) and N(T,H) data proved NaGdF4 NCs exhibit a short-range magnetic order and undergo a second-order phase transition.
Influence of temperature on the texture and magnetic properties of IrMn-based spin-valve multilayers
Authors: Qi Xianjin , Hao Fengyan , Li Xuezhu , Li Yongkui , Lu Zhixu
Published: October 2019

Top-pinning, spin-valve multilayer films with the structure Ta (5 nm)/Co75Fe25 (5 nm)/Cu (2.5 nm)/Co75Fe25 (5 nm)/Ir20Mn80 (12 nm)/Ta (8 nm) were prepared by high-vacuum DC magnetron sputtering. The effects of temperature on the film microstructure and magnetic properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The effects of temperature on the thermomagnetic stability of the spin-valve multilayers were studied based on the residence time of the sample in a reverse saturation field. The following effects were observed with increasing temperature: the IrMn(111) texture weakened; surface/interface roughness increased; interfacial diffusion was enhanced; the coercivities of the exchange bias field and pinned layer decreased; the coercivity of the free layer increased; relaxation became more obvious; and thermomagnetic stability decreased.
Statistical analysis of temperature distribution on vortex surfaces in hypersonic turbulent boundary layer
Authors: Li Xin , Tong Fu-Lin , Yu Chang-Ping , Li Xin-Liang
Published: October 2019

The nonuniform temperature distribution (NUTD) on the coherent vortex surfaces of hypersonic turbulent boundary layer (TBL) is studied using the conditional sampling technique. The direct numerical simulation data of Mach 8 flat-plate TBL flows with different wall temperatures, Tw/T∞ = 10.03 and 1.9, are used for this research, and the coherent vortex surface is identified by the Ω-criterion. Two characteristic sides of the vortex are defined, which are represented by the positive and negative streamwise velocity fluctuations (±u′) of the vortex surfaces. The conditional sampling results between the mean temperature of the two sides show that there is a significant difference of up to 20% at the same wall-normal location. Furthermore, the velocity-temperature fluctuation correlations (Ru′T′ and Rv′T′) at the characteristic sides of vortex surfaces are studied. It is found that the temperature fluctuations are redistributed by the vortex rotational motion that has taken effect through Ru′T′ and Rv′T′ and then lead to the NUTD. The NUTD features are changed quantitatively by wall cooling but share the similar mechanism as that of the higher-temperature case.
Nano- to atomic-scale epitaxial aluminum films on Si substrate grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Tsai Yi-Hsun , Wu Yu-Hsun , Ting Yen-Yu , Wu Chu-Chun , Wu Jenq-Shinn , Lin Sheng-Di
Published: October 2019

We demonstrate nano- to atomic-scale epitaxial aluminum film growth on Si(111) substrate by molecular beam epitaxy. Excellent quality of these aluminum films, including sub-nanometer surface roughness, narrow linewidth of X-ray diffraction peak, clear transmission electron diffraction, and high optical reflectivity in ultra-violet, have been obtained with a reproducible growth recipe. The atomic-scale metallic aluminum film is formed by the self-limiting oxidation on the 3-nm-thick sample in air and the metallic state is confirmed with X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. Our work paves the way to future integration of aluminum-based plasmonic and superconducting devices on Si platform.
Magnetic mirror end-plugged by field-reversed configurations formed via rotating magnetic fields
Authors: Shi Peiyun , Ren Baoming , Sun Xuan
Published: October 2019

A novel magnetic mirror concept with field-reversed configurations (FRCs) formed via rotating magnetic fields (RMFs) serving as end plugs is proposed to improve the mirror's axial confinement. Single-particle orbit calculations suggest that the FRCs in the end plugs can reflect ions back into the central cell if their parallel speeds are not so fast that they can overcome the magnetic field gradient force from the X-point of the FRC to the midplane outside of the FRC. However, this effect is limited and is no different from that of adding a weak mirror cell to the central cell. When the inward Hall electric field generated by the RMFs is considered, an additional Lorentz force emerges that pushes the incoming ions back to the central mirror, thereby dramatically improving the confinement. The Lorentz force is related to the azimuthal drift speed times the radial component of the magnetic field. By surveying the particle phase space of the speeds, we find that this Lorentz force can reflect back or trap >90% of ions escaping from the central mirror given a sufficient Hall electric field in the RMF region. Finally, preliminary experimental results from the Keda Mirror with AXisymmetricity RMF/FRC are reported and show that with the RMFs on, the axial mirror confinement can increase by a factor of ∼1.4 on average.
Optical and electronic properties of high quality Sb-doped SnO2 thin films grown by mist chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Scott Jonty I. , Martinez-Gazoni Rodrigo F. , Allen Martin W. , Reeves Roger J.
Published: October 2019

Transparent Sb-doped epitaxial SnO2 (101) thin films were grown via mist chemical vapor deposition, a nonvacuum solution-based technique that involves the gas-assisted transport of ultrasonically-generated aerosols from simple aqueous Sn and Sb precursors. The electrical properties (at 300 K) of the resulting films could be varied from insulating to semimetallic via Sb doping, with a minimum resistivity of 8×10−4Ωcm, carrier concentrations up to 3.93×1020cm−3, and a maximum mobility of 48.1±0.1cm2V−1s−1, results similar to those achieved using molecular beam epitaxy and other more-sophisticated high vacuum techniques. Secondary ion mass spectrometry and Hall effect measurements revealed that 14% of Sb in the precursor solution incorporates into the Sb:SnO2 films, with almost all the Sb atoms forming shallow substitutional donors on the Sn-site. The increase in the carrier concentration with Sb doping produced a Burstein-Moss shift of the optical gap of 0.49 eV, without significantly reducing the more than 90% transparency of the films in the visible region. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (hν=1486.6eV) showed an asymmetric Sn3d5/2 core-level emission characterized by a carrier concentration-dependent peak splitting. This effect was modeled in terms of the creation of an intrinsic plasmon loss satellite from which a conductivity effective electron mass of (0.49±0.11)me was determined.
High accuracy comsol simulation method of bimorph cantilever for piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting
Authors: Wang Lu , Zhao Libo , Jiang Zhuangde , Luo Guoxi , Yang Ping , Han Xiangguang , Li Xiang , Maeda Ryutaro
Published: September 2019

Piezoelectric bimorph cantilever is a typical structure for vibration energy harvesting. This paper studies the method to improve the accuracy of FEA (finite element analysis) simulation for piezoelectric bimorph cantilever. The COSMOL simulation methods based on 1 D (dimension) model of Euler Bernoulli beam, as well as 2 D and 3 D models of solid mechanics are proposed respectively. Compared with the theory and experiment results given by Erturk A, the influences of 1 D and 3 D piezoelectric material parameters on simulation accuracy in FEA modeling is discussed. The simulation error can be reduced to less than 1.2% by using 1D piezoelectric material parameters in COMSOL simulation, while the maximum simulation error can be up to 28% by using 3D piezoelectric material parameters. Comparing serial and parallel configurations of piezoelectric bimorph cantilever, the output electrical powers, varying with the excitation frequency and load resistance, are also discussed in COMSOL simulation. Performance comparation of three kinds of piezoelectric bimorph cantilevers with tip mass shows that the modelling and simulation in finite element methods by COMSOL are simple and convenient, and are suitable for the electromechanical coupling analysis and optimization of complex topological structures.
Compositional dependence of Gilbert damping constant of epitaxial Fe100–xRhx thin films
Authors: Usami T. , Itoh M. , Taniyama T.
Published: October 2019

We use ferromagnetic resonance measurements to study the compositional dependence of the Gilbert damping constant α for Fe100–xRhx thin films. We find that α decreases upon increasing the Rh composition up to x = 20, whereas it increases for 20<x<27. The minimum value of α around x = 20 is as low as (9±1)×10−4, which is comparable to that of Fe75Co25 alloys—the lowest damping material among metallic ferromagnets. Considering the compositional dependence of the density of states at the Fermi level, we attribute the low damping to the decrease in the density of states at x = 20. An enhancement in α at a higher Rh composition likely arises from the evolution of possible antiferromagnetic correlation. The results demonstrate that Fe100– xRhx is a promising low-damping material for spintronic applications.
Factors influencing thermal solidification of bent-core trimers
Authors: Salcedo Elvin D. , Nguyen Hong T. , Hoy Robert S.
Published: October 2019

Bent-core trimers are a simple model system for which the competition between crystallization and glass-formation can be tuned by varying a single parameter: the bond angle θ0. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we examine how varying θ0 affects their thermal solidification. By examining trends with θ0, comparing these to the trends in trimers’ jamming phenomenology, and then focusing on the six θ0 that are commensurable with close-packed crystalline order, we obtain three key results: (i) the increase in trimers’ solidification temperature Ts(θ0) as they straighten (as θ0 → 0°) is driven by the same gradual loss of effective configurational freedom that drives athermal trimers’ decreasing ϕJ(θ0) [where ϕJ(θ0) is the packing fraction at jamming]; (ii) θ0 that allow formation of both FCC and HCP order crystallize, while θ0 that only allow formation of HCP order glass-form; and (iii) local cluster-level structure at temperatures slightly above Ts(θ0) is highly predictive of whether trimers will crystallize or glass-form.
Hollow Is a Home
Authors: Mitchell Abbie , Hicks Astred
Published: October 2019

Do you know what a tree hollow is?
To you and me, a tree hollow is just a hole, cavity or tunnel in a tree or branch. But to an animal, that hollow may be a bedroom, hiding place, nursery or shelter. It is the ultimate tree house!
Come and take a peek inside the amazing world of tree hollows and discover more than 340 species of incredible Australian animals that call hollows home. With colour photos of glorious gliders, darting dunnarts, minute microbats and many more, this book is full of fun facts about animals that use tree hollows as places for resting, nesting or hiding.
Find out how hollows are created, why they are threatened, and meet scientists who spend their time hollow-hunting. There are also plenty of tips on how you can spot hollows yourself, help to protect the environment and encourage habitat for hollow-dependent animals.
Perfect for primary-aged readers.
Contemporary evolution of maize landraces and their wild relatives influenced by gene flow with modern maize varieties
Authors: Rojas-Barrera Idalia C. , Wegier Ana , Sánchez González José de Jesús , Owens Gregory L. , Rieseberg Loren H. , Piñero Daniel
Published: October 2019

Mexico is recognized as the center of origin and domestication of maize. Introduction of modern maize varieties (MVs) into Mexico raised concerns regarding the possible effects of gene flow from MVs into maize landraces (LRs) and their wild relatives (WRs), teosintes. However, after more than 60 y from the release of the first MVs, the impact of the sympatry with LRs and their WRs has not been explored with genetic data. In this work, we assessed changes in the genomes of 7 maize LRs and 2 WR subspecies from collections spanning over 70 y. We compared the genotypes obtained by genotyping by sequencing (GBS) for LRs and WRs before and after the adoption of MVs, and observed introgression from sympatric MVs into LRs and into the WR
Zea mays
ssp.
mexicana
sampled after the year 2000. We also found a decrease in the paired divergence index (
F

ST

) between MV-LR and MV-WR over the same time frame. Moreover, we determined that LR genetic diversity increased after 2000, probably as a result of gene flow from MVs introduced in the 1990s. Our findings allowed us to identify ongoing changes in the domesticated and wild maize genetic pools, and concur with previous works that have evaluated short-term gene flow from MVs into LRs in other crops. Our approach represents a useful tool for tracking evolutionary change in wild and domesticated genetic resources, as well as for developing strategies for their conservation.
Photopotentiation of the GABA
A
receptor with caged diazepam
Authors: Sansalone Lorenzo , Bratsch-Prince Joshua , Tang Sicheng , Captain Burjor , Mott David D. , Raymo Françisco M.
Published: October 2019

Significance

Anxiety, autism, epilepsy, and schizophrenia are just a few of the critical conditions associated with a dysfunctional γ-aminobutyric acid–ergic (GABAergic) system. Interrogation of such transmission is thus of ultimate importance for a better pathophysiological characterization of defective neuronal populations and proper treatment development. We describe here a probing mode designed to interrogate the GABAergic transmission. Specifically, we harnessed the photosensitive nature of a photoactivatable version of diazepam to specifically modulate the GABA type A (GABA
A
) receptor kinetics upon photoirradiation. This technology allows the potentiation of GABAergic currents without affecting the receptor activation event operated by endogenous GABA. The important functional advance sets the basis for a specific explorative approach to investigate the pathological roles of GABA
A
.
Neural dynamics of semantic composition
Authors: Lyu Bingjiang , Choi Hun S. , Marslen-Wilson William D. , Clarke Alex , Randall Billi , Tyler Lorraine K.
Published: October 2019

Human speech comprehension is remarkable for its immediacy and rapidity. The listener interprets an incrementally delivered auditory input, millisecond by millisecond as it is heard, in terms of complex multilevel representations of relevant linguistic and nonlinguistic knowledge. Central to this process are the neural computations involved in semantic combination, whereby the meanings of words are combined into more complex representations, as in the combination of a verb and its following direct object (DO) noun (e.g., “eat the apple”). These combinatorial processes form the backbone for incremental interpretation, enabling listeners to integrate the meaning of each word as it is heard into their dynamic interpretation of the current utterance. Focusing on the verb-DO noun relationship in simple spoken sentences, we applied multivariate pattern analysis and computational semantic modeling to source-localized electro/magnetoencephalographic data to map out the specific representational constraints that are constructed as each word is heard, and to determine how these constraints guide the interpretation of subsequent words in the utterance. Comparing context-independent semantic models of the DO noun with contextually constrained noun models reflecting the semantic properties of the preceding verb, we found that only the contextually constrained model showed a significant fit to the brain data. Pattern-based measures of directed connectivity across the left hemisphere language network revealed a continuous information flow among temporal, inferior frontal, and inferior parietal regions, underpinning the verb’s modification of the DO noun’s activated semantics. These results provide a plausible neural substrate for seamless real-time incremental interpretation on the observed millisecond time scales.
Detecting community response to water quality violations using bottled water sales
Authors: Allaire Maura , Mackay Taylor , Zheng Shuyan , Lall Upmanu
Published: October 2019

Drinking-water contaminants pose a risk to public health. When confronted with elevated levels of contaminants, individuals can take actions to reduce exposure. Yet, few studies address averting behavior due to impaired water, particularly in high-income countries. This is a problem of national interest, given that 9 million to 45 million people have been affected by water quality violations in each of the past 34 years. No national analysis has focused on the extent to which communities reduce exposure to contaminated drinking water. Here, we present an assessment that sheds light on how communities across the United States respond to violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act, using consumer purchases of bottled water. This study provides insight into how averting behavior differs across violation types and community demographics. We estimate the change in sales due to water quality violations, using a panel dataset of weekly sales and violation records in 2,151 counties from 2006 to 2015. Critical findings show that violations which pose an immediate health risk are associated with a 14% increase in bottled water sales. Generally, greater averting action is taken against contaminants that might pose a greater perceived health risk and that require more immediate public notification. Rural, low-income communities do not take significant averting action for elevated levels of nitrate, yet experience a higher prevalence of nitrate violations. Findings can inform improvements in public notification and targeting of technical assistance from state regulators and public health agencies in order to reduce community exposure to contaminants.
N-terminal alternative splicing of GluN1 regulates the maturation of excitatory synapses and seizure susceptibility
Authors: Liu Hong , Wang Hao , Peterson Matthew , Zhang Wen , Hou Guoqiang , Zhang Zhong-wei
Published: October 2019

Significance

The GluN1 subunit of NMDA receptors has multiple splice variants with distinct temporal and spatial expression patterns. The in vivo function of GluN1 splice variants is unknown. Here we provide evidence that N-terminal splicing of GluN1 regulates developmental remodeling of synaptic NMDA receptors and maturation of excitatory synapses. Using mice carrying a deletion of the exon 5 of
Grin1
, we show that the inclusion of the N-terminal cassette of GluN1 shortens the time course of NMDA receptor-mediated excitatory synaptic currents in the thalamus and cortex. Deletion of
Grin1
exon 5 causes an overproduction of excitatory synapses in the cortex of young mice and an increase in seizure susceptibility in adult mice.
Knockout of juvenile hormone receptor, Methoprene-tolerant, induces black larval phenotype in the yellow fever mosquito,
Aedes aegypti
Authors: Zhu Guan-Heng , Jiao Yaoyu , Chereddy Shankar C. R. R. , Noh Mi Young , Palli Subba Reddy
Published: October 2019

The yellow fever mosquito,
Aedes aegypti
, vectors human pathogens. Juvenile hormones (JH) control almost every aspect of an insect’s life, and JH analogs are currently used to control mosquito larvae. Since RNA interference does not work efficiently during the larval stages of this insect, JH regulation of larval development and mode of action of JH analogs are not well studied. To overcome this limitation, we used a multiple single guide RNA-based CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing method to knockout the
methoprene-tolerant
(
Met
) gene coding for a JH receptor. The
Met
knockout larvae exhibited a black larval phenotype during the L3 (third instar larvae) and L4 (fourth instar larvae) stages and died before pupation. However,
Met
knockout did not affect embryonic development or the L1 and L2 stages. Microscopy studies revealed the precocious synthesis of a dark pupal cuticle during the L3 and L4 stages. Gene expression analysis showed that
Krüppel homolog 1
, a key transcription factor in JH action, was down-regulated, but genes coding for proteins involved in melanization, pupal and adult cuticle synthesis, and blood meal digestion in adults were up-regulated in L4
Met
mutants. These data suggest that, during the L3 and L4 stages,
Met
mediates JH suppression of pupal/adult genes involved in the synthesis and melanization of the cuticle and blood meal digestion. These results help to advance our knowledge of JH regulation of larval development and the mode of action of JH analogs in
Ae. aegypti
.
Extrapituitary prolactin promotes generation of Eomes-positive helper T cells mediating neuroinflammation
Authors: Zhang Chenyang , Raveney Ben J. E. , Hohjoh Hirohiko , Tomi Chiharu , Oki Shinji , Yamamura Takashi
Published: October 2019

Significance

We have previously demonstrated that induction of pathogenic eomesodermin-positive CD4
+
T cells (Eomes
+
T helper [Th] cells) is associated with transition from an acute stage to a later stage of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In the late phase of EAE, B cells and non-B cell antigen-presenting cells (APCs) recruited to the central nervous system strikingly up-regulate prolactin (PRL). The PRL-producing APCs have the potential to promote generation of Eomes
+
Th cells from naïve T cells in an MHC class II-restricted manner, and therapies inhibitory for PRL production suppress the induction of Eomes
+
Th cells and ameliorate clinical signs of EAE. Our study highlights the unexpected role of extrapituitary PRL in the development of persistent neuroinflammation.
Wildfire prevention through prophylactic treatment of high-risk landscapes using viscoelastic retardant fluids
Authors: Yu Anthony C. , Lopez Hernandez Hector , Kim Andrew H. , Stapleton Lyndsay M. , Brand Reuben J. , Mellor Eric T. , Bauer Cameron P. , McCurdy Gregory D. , Wolff Albert J. , Chan Doreen , Criddle Craig S. , Acosta Jesse D. , Appel Eric A.
Published: October 2019

Polyphosphate fire retardants are a critical tactical resource for fighting fires in the wildland and in the wildland–urban interface. Yet, application of these retardants is limited to emergency suppression strategies because current formulations cannot retain fire retardants on target vegetation for extended periods of time through environmental exposure and weathering. New retardant formulations with persistent retention to target vegetation throughout the peak fire season would enable methodical, prophylactic treatment strategies of landscapes at high risk of wildfires through prolonged prevention of ignition and continual impediment to active flaming fronts. Here we develop a sprayable, environmentally benign viscoelastic fluid comprising biopolymers and colloidal silica to enhance adherence and retention of polyphosphate retardants on common wildfire-prone vegetation. These viscoelastic fluids exhibit appropriate wetting and rheological responses to enable robust retardant adherence to vegetation following spray application. Further, laboratory and pilot-scale burn studies establish that these materials drastically reduce ignition probability before and after simulated weathering events. Overall, these studies demonstrate how these materials actualize opportunities to shift the approach of retardant-based wildfire management from reactive suppression to proactive prevention at the source of ignitions.
On the feasibility of saltational evolution
Authors: Katsnelson Mikhail I. , Wolf Yuri I. , Koonin Eugene V.
Published: October 2019

Significance

In evolutionary biology, it is generally assumed that evolution occurs in the weak mutation limit, that is, the frequency of multiple mutations simultaneously occurring in the same genome and the same generation is negligible. We employ mathematical modeling to show that, although under the typical parameter values of the evolutionary process the probability of multimutational leaps is indeed low, they might become substantially more likely under stress, when the mutation rate is dramatically elevated. We hypothesize that stress-induced mutagenesis in microbes is an evolvable adaptive strategy. Multimutational leaps might matter also in other cases of substantially increased mutation rate, such as growing tumors or evolution of primordial replicators.