bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical Ability and Quality of Life in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Brief Comparison
Authors: Mahran Safaa , Fathi Nihal , Seddek Maha , Goma Samar H.
Published: September 2020

Background Patients with rheumatic disease are assumed to have low muscle performance, but few studies have been performed to prove this.

Objective To investigate and compare muscle performance in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and detect its correlation with disease activity, physical function level and quality of life.

Patients and Methods Fifty RA patients, 50 SLE patients and 50 healthy controls were recruited for this observational, cross-sectional study. Muscle performance tests for the upper and lower limbs and the fatigue severity score were recorded. Assessments of the physical activity level using the frequency intensity time index and quality of life using the SF36 questionnaire were performed. The study was conducted over 4 months from January to April 2019.

Results SLE patients showed better results of muscle performance than RA patients; however, both had lower results as compared to control. Disease activity was correlated to muscle performance tests in both diseases, except for the 30-second chair stand test in SLE (p=0.247). All domains of SF36 had a significant correlation with the performance tests in SLE (p≤0.05); however, only domains of physical function correlated with the tests in the RA group.

Conclusion RA patients tend to have a lower muscle performance and physical activity level as compared to SLE patients and control.
Spontaneous Intraparenchymal Tension Pneumocephalus
Authors: Seo Hyukjoon , Kim Sang Hoon , Ryu Jiwook , Lee Sung Ho
Published: September 2020

Tension pneumocephalus is a treatable emergency that is usually caused by trauma or surgery. We present a rare case of spontaneous tension pneumocephalus. A 64-year-old woman presented with a severe aggravating headache. Computed tomography revealed a large air collection in the brain parenchyma of the right frontal lobe, both lateral ventricles, and the subarachnoid space. Emergent craniotomy was performed because her headache got progressively worse. We found that an abnormal bony protrusion connected the frontal sinus mucosa and the intraparenchymal pneumocephalus. After removal of the bony mass and repair of the defect, the patient immediately recovered and there was no recurrence.
Endovascular Treatment of Malignant Portomesenteric Venous Obstruction
Authors: Rostambeigi Nassir , Darcy Michael D.
Published: September 2020

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare condition, and malignancies account for up to a quarter of cases. Malignant PVT is an advanced stage in the neoplastic process, which affects survival. In addition, portal venous obstruction can result in portal hypertension and associated complications. There are a few reports on the surgical and nonsurgical management of this condition. We herein aim to present an overview of these management options and discuss the factors affecting the outcomes after each. We will also discuss gaps in knowledge and the possible areas for future research.
Electronic Health Record Use among Ophthalmology Residents while on Call
Authors: Long Christopher P. , Tai-Seale Ming , El-Kareh Robert , Lee Jeffrey E. , Baxter Sally L.
Published: September 2020

Background As electronic health record (EHR) use becomes more widespread, detailed records of how users interact with the EHR, known as EHR audit logs, are being used to characterize the clinical workflows of physicians including residents. After-hours EHR use is of particular interest given its known association with physician burnout. Several studies have analyzed EHR audit logs for residents in other fields, such as internal medicine, but none thus far in ophthalmology. Here, we focused specifically on EHR use during on-call shifts outside of normal clinic hours.

Methods In this retrospective study, we analyzed raw EHR audit log data from on-call shifts for 12 ophthalmology residents at a single institution over the course of a calendar year. Data were analyzed to characterize total time spent using the EHR, clinical volume, diagnoses of patients seen on call, and EHR tasks.

Results Across all call shifts, the median and interquartile range (IQR) of the time spent logged into the EHR per shift were 88 and 131 minutes, respectively. The median (IQR) unique patient charts accessed per shift was 7 (9) patients. When standardized to per-hour measures, weekday evening shifts were the busiest call shifts with regard to both EHR use time and clinical volume. Total EHR use time and clinical volume were greatest in the summer months (July to September). Chart review comprised a majority (63.4%) of ophthalmology residents' on-call EHR activities.

Conclusion In summary, EHR audit logs demonstrate substantial call burden for ophthalmology residents outside of regular clinic hours. These data and future studies can be used to further characterize the clinical exposure and call burden of ophthalmology residents and could potentially have broader implications in the fields of physician burnout and education policy.
The Effect of a 20-Hour Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative Training Program on Nurses’ Breastfeeding Knowledge, Attitudes and Confidence, in a Tertiary Hospital in Singapore
Authors: Fok Doris , Chang Hsin Fang , Meng Ling Yan , Ng Yvonne Peng Mei
Published: September 2020

Objective The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) enables maternity units to be centers of breastfeeding support to increase breastfeeding rates. This study evaluates the impact of the 20-hour BFHI training course on nurses' breastfeeding knowledge, attitude, and confidence in breastfeeding practice in a tertiary hospital in Singapore.

Study Design Seventeen sessions of the 20-hour BFHI training course were conducted by lactation consultants from 2010 to 2013 at the National University Hospital, Singapore. An anonymous self-administered survey on knowledge, attitude, and confidence in breastfeeding practices were distributed to nurses before (2009) and after (2014) the training courses to assess effectiveness of training.

Results One-hundred forty nurses and one hundred forty-eight nurses participated in the surveys in 2009 and 2014, respectively. Majority were registered nurses who worked in the postnatal wards and the neonatal intensive care unit. After training, there were significant improvements for five of eight items in infant feeding knowledge, including greater awareness of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and medical contraindication for breastfeeding. Participants reported more confidence in assisting mothers on breastfeeding, 77.1 to 88.5% (p = 0.019); advising hand expressing breast milk, 75.7 to 86.5% (p = 0.012); and advising attachment to the breast, 75.7 to 89.2% (p = 0.004) in 2014 compared with 2009. However, despite having high levels of confidence, only about half the nurses reported being able to assist mothers in breastfeeding, mainly due to time constraints.

Conclusion Implementation of the 20-hour BFHI training program positively influenced nurses' breastfeeding knowledge, attitude, and confidence in breastfeeding practices. Hospital procedures and manpower requirements should be re-examined to overcome nursing constraints in providing breastfeeding help to postpartum mothers.

Key Points
Identification of two trapping mechanisms responsible of the threshold voltage variation in SiO2/4H-SiC MOSFETs
Authors: Fiorenza Patrick , Giannazzo Filippo , Cascino Salvatore , Saggio Mario , Roccaforte Fabrizio
Published: September 2020

A method based on cyclic gate bias stress followed by a single point drain current measurement is used to probe the interface or near-interface traps in the SiO2/4H-SiC system over the whole 4H-SiC bandgap. The temperature-dependent instability of the threshold voltage in lateral MOSFETs is investigated, and two separated trapping mechanisms were found. The experimental results corroborate the hypothesis that one mechanism is nearly temperature independent and it is correlated with the presence of near-interface oxide traps that are trapped via tunneling from the semiconductor. The second mechanism, having an activation energy of 0.1 eV, has been correlated with the presence of intrinsic defects at the SiO2/4H-SiC interface.
Theory and simulation of open systems out of equilibrium
Authors: Ebrahimi Viand R. , Höfling F. , Klein R. , Delle Site L.
Published: September 2020

We consider the theoretical model of Bergmann and Lebowitz for open systems out of equilibrium and translate its principles in the adaptive resolution simulation molecular dynamics technique. We simulate Lennard-Jones fluids with open boundaries in a thermal gradient and find excellent agreement of the stationary responses with the results obtained from the simulation of a larger locally forced closed system. The encouraging results pave the way for a computational treatment of open systems far from equilibrium framed in a well-established theoretical model that avoids possible numerical artifacts and physical misinterpretations.
Enhanced output performance of flexible piezoelectric energy harvester by using auxetic graphene films as electrodes
Authors: Zhang Huazhang , Wen Pin , Li Peng , Wang Zhe , Wang Suyan , Zhao Xin , Xiao Yong , Shen Jie , He Daping , Chen Wen
Published: September 2020

We demonstrate an effective approach to enhance the output performance of a flexible piezoelectric energy harvester by using flexible electrodes with negative Poisson's ratio (NPR). The relationship between open-circuit voltage and Poisson's ratio of electrodes is established theoretically by deriving the analytical expression. It reveals a continuous increasing trend in open-circuit voltage with the decrease in Poisson's ratio of the electrodes. Further, graphene-assembled macro-film (GAMF), an NPR material with excellent flexibility and high conductivity, is used as the electrodes to fabricate flexible piezoelectric energy harvesters. Compared with the energy harvesters using silver electrode, the harvesters made by GAMF electrodes, with an NPR of −0.39, achieve nearly 1.7-times enhancement in open-circuit voltage and 1.6-times in short-circuit current for output performance. The experimental results are highly consistent with the simulation results, indicating that the GAMF has great prospects in developing flexible piezoelectric energy harvesters with enhanced electrical output performance.
Study of electronic excitation relaxation at cerium ions in Gd3Al2Ga3O12 matrix using multipulse transient absorption technique
Authors: Nargelas S. , Korjik M. , Vengris M. , Tamulaitis G.
Published: September 2020

A method for investigation of excitation relaxation—the multipulse transient absorption technique—has been applied for studying carrier relaxation and recombination processes of excited Ce3+ ions in Ce-doped and Mg-codoped gadolinium aluminum gallium garnet (Gd3Al2Ga3O12, GAGG) single crystals with different codoping levels. The method enabled deeper insight into the complex dynamics of electron transitions between higher excited levels and the emitting state of Ce3+, which are difficult to observe in conventional pump–probe experiments because of overlapping absorption bands arising from different structural units. Fitting the experimental results to calculations based on the rate equations for the population levels of Ce3+ ions and traps enabled us to estimate the relaxation times from these levels. In particular, it was shown that the electron relaxation time between doublet eg and triplet t2g components of the split level 5d of Ce3+ is faster than 300 fs. Substantial influence of electron trapping is demonstrated, and the potential fluctuations due to intrinsic composition fluctuations in multicomponent GAGG crystals are shown to be the predominant origin of the traps.
Hybridizing pseudo-Hamiltonians and non-local pseudopotentials in diffusion Monte Carlo
Authors: Krogel Jaron T. , Reboredo Fernando A.
Published: September 2020

An accurate treatment of effective core potentials (ECPs) requires care in continuum quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) methods. While most QMC studies have settled on the use of familiar non-local (NL) pseudopotentials with additional localization approximations, these approaches have been shown to result in moderate residual errors for some classes of molecular and solid state applications. In this work, we revisit an idea proposed early in the history of QMC ECPs that does not require localization approximations, namely, a differential class of potentials referred to as pseudo-Hamiltonians. We propose to hybridize NL potentials and pseudo-Hamiltonians to reduce residual non-locality of existing potentials. We derive an approach to recast pseudopotentials for 3d elements as hybrid pseudo-Hamiltonians with optimally reduced NL energy. We demonstrate the fidelity of the hybrid potentials by studying atomic ionization potentials of Ti and Fe and the binding properties of TiO and FeO molecules with diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC). We show that localization errors have been reduced relative to potentials with the same NL channels for Sc–Zn by considering the DMC energy change with respect to the choice of approximate localization. While localization error decreases proportionate to the reduced NL energy without a Jastrow, with a Jastrow, the degree of reduction decreases at higher filling of the d-shell. Our results suggest that a subset of existing ECPs may be recast in this hybrid form to reduce the DMC localization error. They also point to the prospect of further reducing this error by generating ECPs within this hybrid form from the start.
Hybrid magnetoacoustic metamaterials for ultrasound control
Authors: Latcham O. S. , Gusieva Y. I. , Shytov A. V. , Gorobets O. Y. , Kruglyak V. V.
Published: September 2020

We propose a class of metamaterials in which the propagation of acoustic waves is controlled magnetically through magnetoelastic coupling. The metamaterials are formed by a periodic array of thin magnetic layers (“resonators”) embedded in a nonmagnetic matrix. Acoustic waves carrying energy through the structure hybridize with the magnetic modes of the resonators (“Fano resonance”). This leads to a rich set of effects, enhanced by Bragg scattering and being most pronounced when the magnetic resonance frequency is close to or lies within acoustic bandgaps. The acoustic reflection from the structure exhibits magnetically induced transparency and Borrmann effect. Our analysis shows that the combined effect of the Bragg scattering and Fano resonance may overcome the magnetic damping, ubiquitous in realistic systems. This paves a route toward the application of such structures in wave computing and signal processing.
Nanospectroscopy of a single patch antenna strongly coupled to a mid-infrared intersubband transition in a quantum well
Authors: Gillibert Raymond , Malerba Mario , Spirito Davide , Giliberti Valeria , Li Lianhe , Davies A. Giles , Linfield Edmund H. , Baldassarre Leonetta , Colombelli Raffaele , Ortolani Michele
Published: September 2020

Scanning-probe-assisted mid-infrared nano-spectroscopy is employed to reveal the polaritonic dispersion of individual MIM (metal-insulator-metal) square patch antennas whose modes can be strongly coupled to a mid-infrared intersubband transition. The patch antenna side length L sets the resonances between λ = 5.5 μm and 12.5 μm. The active region consists of a highly doped AlInAs/InGaAs/AlInAs single quantum well that presents an intersubband transition at 1190 cm−1 (λ = 8.4 μm). When the patch antenna optical resonance approaches and matches the intersubband transition frequency (L ∼ 1.8 μm), a clear anticrossing behavior—evidence of strong coupling—is observed in the near-field scattering phase spectra of individual antennas. The measured Rabi splitting is 4.5 THz. The near-field scattering spectra agree with the far-field extinction spectra acquired on arrays of identical antennas.
Origin of carrier localization in AlGaN-based quantum well structures and implications for efficiency droop
Authors: Frankerl Christian , Nippert Felix , Gomez-Iglesias Alvaro , Hoffmann Marc Patrick , Brandl Christian , Lugauer Hans-Jürgen , Zeisel Roland , Hoffmann Axel , Davies Matthew John
Published: September 2020

We investigate carrier localization in Al-rich AlGaN/AlN quantum well (QW) structures. Low temperature time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) experiments reveal a strong variation of the carrier decay times with detection photon energy, suggesting a strong impact of carrier localization, which is found to depend primarily on the QW width. In combination with time-integrated PL measurements and numerical band structure calculations, we are able to provide conclusive evidence that the localization strength in AlGaN-based QW structures is directly coupled to the oscillator strength, providing an explanation for its strong dependence on the QW width. This is further supported by the observation of a strong polarization field dependency of the carrier localization, which excludes excitons and may be explained by the accumulation of electrons close to the QW interface, while holes are independently localized across the QW. We complete our discussion by proposing a model to explain the well-known phenomenon of efficiency droop in accordance with our findings, suggesting delocalization-induced Auger recombination as the responsible loss channel.
Ultrafast excited state dynamics of silver ion-mediated cytosine–cytosine base pairs in metallo-DNA
Authors: Kohl Forrest R. , Zhang Yuyuan , Charnay Aaron P. , Martínez-Fernández Lara , Kohler Bern
Published: September 2020

To better understand the nexus between structure and photophysics in metallo-DNA assemblies, the parallel-stranded duplex formed by the all-cytosine oligonucleotide, dC20, and silver nitrate was studied by circular dichroism (CD), femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, and time-dependent-density functional theory calculations. Silver(I) ions mediate Cytosine–Cytosine (CC) base pairs by coordinating to the N3 atoms of two cytosines. Although these silver(I) mediated CC base pairs resemble the proton-mediated CC base pairs found in i-motif DNA at first glance, a comparison of experimental and calculated CD spectra reveals that silver ion-mediated i-motif structures do not form. Instead, the parallel-stranded duplex formed between dC20 and silver ions is proposed to contain consecutive silver-mediated base pairs with high propeller twist-like ones seen in a recent crystal structure of an emissive, DNA-templated silver cluster. Femtosecond transient absorption measurements with broadband probing from the near UV to the near IR reveal an unusually long-lived (>10 ns) excited state in the dC20 silver ion complex that is not seen in dC20 in single-stranded or i-motif forms. This state is also absent in a concentrated solution of cytosine–silver ion complexes that are thought to assemble into planar ribbons or sheets that lack stacked silver(I) mediated CC base pairs. The large propeller twist angle present in metal-mediated base pairs may promote the formation of long-lived charged separated or triplet states in this metallo-DNA.
Recent advances for phase-transition materials for
actuators
Authors: Ma He , Xiao Xiao , Zhang Xinping , Liu Kai
Published: September 2020

Mechanical actuators, which convert external stimuli to motion, play a significant role in medical devices, automobiles, aircrafts, and robots. With their associated advantages of large shape change, high force, and high efficiency, phase transitions are among the most important driving forces in actuation. There are many phase-transition materials suitable for actuators, and many of them find applications in the real world. In this Tutorial, we review some typical phase-transition driving materials for actuators, including shape memory alloys, piezoelectric ceramics, vanadium dioxide, liquid crystal elastomers, hydrogels, shape memory polymers, and paraffin wax. The phase-transition mechanisms of the materials are introduced, and the design principles and related applications of the associated actuators are discussed.
Strain-tunable magnetism and nodal loops in monolayer MnB
Authors: Liu Chang , Fu Botao , Yin Huabing , Zhang Guangbiao , Dong Chao
Published: September 2020

Designing two-dimensional materials with magnetic and topological properties has continuously attracted intense interest in fundamental science and potential applications. Here, on the basis of first-principles calculations, we predict the coexistence of antiferromagnetism and Dirac nodal loops (NLs) in monolayer MnB, where the band crossing points are very close to the Fermi level. Remarkably, a moderate strain can induce an antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic phase transition, driving monolayer MnB to a ferromagnetic metal with Weyl NLs. Such a type of topological quantum phase transition has not been observed before. In addition, the symmetry-protected properties of the two types of NLs as well as the magnetic critical temperatures are investigated. The controllable magnetic and topological order in monolayer MnB offers a unique platform for exploring topological quantum phase transitions and realizing nanospintronic devices.
Misfit epitaxial strain manipulated transport properties in cubic In2O3 hetero-epilayers
Authors: Kuang Y. , Ma T. C. , Chen X. H. , Li J. , Ren F.-F. , Liu B. , Cui X. Y. , Ringer S. P. , Zhu S. M. , Gu S. L. , Zhang R. , Zheng Y. D. , Ye J. D.
Published: September 2020

In this Letter, we report on the evolution of electronic properties governed by epitaxial misfit strain in cubic In2O3 epilayers grown on sapphire. At elevated growth temperature, the competition between the film/substrate lattice mismatch and the thermal expansion mismatch alters the macroscopic biaxial strain from compressive to tensile. Simultaneously, the electron concentration is tuned from degeneration to non-degeneration density below the Mott criterion. The observed surface electron accumulation and metal-insulator transition result from the oxygen deficiency formed at low growth temperature, while high-temperature epitaxy is favorable to achieve remarkably enhanced mobility. The effective strain-property coupling suggests that the improved oxygen stoichiometry and the Fermi level movement controlled by the biaxial strains are responsible for the Mott transition. The strain-mediated reduction of the electron effective mass contributes to the enhanced intrinsic mobility in tensile-strained In2O3 epilayers. These results highlight that strain engineering is an effective stimulus to manipulate the transport properties of oxide semiconductors with improved performance and unexpected functionalities.
Continuous angular control over anisotropic photoemission from isotropic gold nanoshells
Authors: Pettine Jacob , Marton Menendez Andrea , Nesbitt David J.
Published: September 2020

A variety of applications rely on the efficient generation of hot carriers within metal nanoparticles and charge transfer to surrounding molecules or materials. The optimization of such processes requires a detailed understanding of excited carrier spatial, temporal, and momentum distributions, which also leads to opportunities for active optical control over hot carrier dynamics on nanometer and femtosecond scales. Such capabilities are emerging in nanoplasmonic systems and typically rely on tuning optical polarization and/or frequency to selectively excite one or more discrete hot spots defined by the particle geometry. Here, we introduce a unique case in which hot electron excitation and emission distributions can instead be continuously controlled via linear laser polarization in the azimuthal plane of a gold nanoshell supported on a substrate. In this configuration, it is the laser field that breaks the azimuthal symmetry of the supported nanoshell and determines the plasmonic field distribution. Using angle-resolved photoelectron velocity map imaging, we find that the hot electrons are predominantly emitted orthogonal to the nanoshell dipolar surface plasmon resonance axis defined by the laser polarization. Furthermore, such anisotropic emission is only observed for nanoshells, while solid gold nanospheres are found to be isotropic emitters. We show that all of these effects are recapitulated via simulation of the plasmonic electric field distributions within the nanoparticle volume and ballistic Monte Carlo modeling of the hot electron dynamics. These results demonstrate a highly predictive level of understanding of the underlying physics and possibilities for ultrafast spatiotemporal control over hot carrier dynamics.
Modulation of acyl-carnitines, the broad mechanism behindWolbachia-mediated inhibition of medically important flaviviruses inAedes aegypti
Authors: Manokaran Gayathri , Flores Heather A. , Dickson Conor T. , Narayana Vinod K. , Kanojia Komal , Dayalan Saravanan , Tull Dedreia , McConville Malcolm J. , Mackenzie Jason M. , Simmons Cameron P.
Published: September 2020

Significance

Wolbachia(wMel strain)-infectedAedes aegyptimosquitoes are refractory to disseminated arboviral infections. Yet previous studies into the mechanism behindWolbachia-mediated virus blocking have not considered the involvement of lipids, apart from cholesterol, during superinfection. We used liquid chromatography mass spectrometry to study the lipidome in mosquito cells infected with virus,wMel, or superinfected with both virus andwMel. Interestingly, a class of lipids, acyl-carnitines increased during virus infection but remained low withwMel. These findings uncover a previously unknown role for acyl-carnitines in the interaction among virus,wMel, and cells, suggesting a mechanism underlyingWolbachia-mediated pathogen blocking. Importantly, this study supportsWolbachiaintrogression intoA. Aegyptipopulations as a biocontrol method to reduce arboviral (e.g., DENV) transmission.
Uncovering a membrane-distal conformation of KRAS available to recruit RAF to the plasma membrane
Authors: Van Que N. , López Cesar A. , Tonelli Marco , Taylor Troy , Niu Ben , Stanley Christopher B. , Bhowmik Debsindhu , Tran Timothy H. , Frank Peter H. , Messing Simon , Alexander Patrick , Scott Daniel , Ye Xiaoying , Drew Matt , Chertov Oleg , Lösche Mathias , Ramanathan Arvind , Gross Michael L. , Hengartner Nicolas W. , Westler William M. , Markley John L. , Simanshu Dhirendra K. , Nissley Dwight V. , Gillette William K. , Esposito Dominic , McCormick Frank , Gnanakaran S. , Heinrich Frank , Stephen Andrew G.
Published: September 2020

Significance

The proto-oncogene
KRAS
, a small GTPase, is frequently mutated in pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancer. These mutations result in elevated levels of the activated guanosine triphosphate-bound form of KRAS. Localized at the plasma membrane, KRAS functions to recruit effectors, predominantly RAF kinase for activation and initiation of the MAPK signaling cascade. Combining computational and biophysical methods we identify a membrane-distal state of the KRAS G-domain that alternates with two previously described membrane-proximal states through dynamic reorganization of the hypervariable region. Comprising about 90% of the ensemble, this membrane-distal state of the G-domain dominates the proximal states and may facilitate KRAS to recruit cytosolic RAF kinase to the membrane by a fly-casting mechanism.
Tuning the Baird aromatic triplet-state energy of cyclooctatetraene to maximize the self-healing mechanism in organic fluorophores
Authors: Pati Avik K. , El Bakouri Ouissam , Jockusch Steffen , Zhou Zhou , Altman Roger B. , Fitzgerald Gabriel A. , Asher Wesley B. , Terry Daniel S. , Borgia Alessandro , Holsey Michael D. , Batchelder Jake E. , Abeywickrama Chathura , Huddle Brandt , Rufa Dominic , Javitch Jonathan A. , Ottosson Henrik , Blanchard Scott C.
Published: September 2020

Significance

Fluorescence imaging, a central pillar of medical and fundamental research, is hampered by stochastic blinking, limited photon budgets, and phototoxicities of organic fluorophores. Here, we use quantum chemical calculations and targeted synthetic strategies to tune the Baird aromatic triplet-state energy of cyclooctatetraene to enhance its capacity to mediate intramolecular triplet−triplet energy transfer with distinct organic fluorophores spanning the visible spectrum. By tuning the efficiency of the self-healing mechanism, we generate cyanine-class fluorophore derivatives with improved intrinsic brightness and photostability, and reduced reactive oxygen species generation. We leverage these advances to extend the time scale of camera-based, single-molecule imaging techniques, including Förster (fluorescence) resonance energy transfer methods, to the kilohertz regime in fully oxygenated physiological buffers.
Mechanical design of the highly porous cuttlebone: A bioceramic hard buoyancy tank for cuttlefish
Authors: Yang Ting , Jia Zian , Chen Hongshun , Deng Zhifei , Liu Wenkun , Chen Liuni , Li Ling
Published: September 2020

Significance

Cellular solids, or foams, are an important class of structural materials for packaging, transportation, and infrastructure due to their mechanical efficiency. Current foams are primarily made of metallic or polymeric materials, while ceramics could potentially serve this goal better, as they have higher specific stiffness and strength, and are chemically more stable. What limits the application of ceramic cellular solids as structural components are their brittleness and flaw sensitivity. Overcoming the fragile nature of ceramic foams, making them lighter while reaching higher stiffness, strength, and energy absorption is challenging but critical toward many applications. In this study, we elucidate how cuttlebone overcomes its intrinsic brittleness through the “wall–septa” microstructure, which could inspire the development of lightweight ceramic cellular solids.
Multiheme hydroxylamine oxidoreductases produce NO during ammonia oxidation in methanotrophs
Authors: Versantvoort Wouter , Pol Arjan , Jetten Mike S. M. , van Niftrik Laura , Reimann Joachim , Kartal Boran , Op den Camp Huub J. M.
Published: September 2020

Significance

Methanotrophs oxidize methane to CO
2
, thereby mitigating the emission of this potent greenhouse gas. Understanding how these microorganisms are influenced by anthropogenic activities will help better predict their impact on global warming and utilize them to reduce it. Ammonia-fertilizer input to the environment has greatly improved crop yields but increased emissions of greenhouse gasses like N
2
O as well. In methane-rich environments, methanotrophs play a prominent role in ammonia oxidation. Here, we purified a protein (mHAO) from
Methylacidiphilum fumariolicum
, capable of rapid oxidation of hydroxylamine to NO. We propose that mHAO enables methanotrophs to cope with high ammonia concentrations, leading to reduced methane emissions. However, this activity simultaneously contributes to ammonia loss and nitrite production, and potentially leads to N
2
O emissions.
Propagation.
Authors: Mitra Sisir
Published: September 2020

This chapter discusses propagation of papaya by seed, cutting, grafting, budding, and in vitro method (embryogenesis). Papaya is mainly propagated by seeds. The best seed for germination of seedlings is obtained from ripe or overripe fruits. Environmental factors, including temperature and light influence seed germination. Clonal propagation by cutting, grafting, budding and micropropagation have been standardized, but are still not used commercially in most of the countries where papaya is grown. The advantages of using clonally propagated plants are that the sex of the plant is known, they are more vigorous and earlier in bearing than seedling plants. There is good potential for adoption of clonal propagation when production becomes efficient enough to compete in price with the current practice of planting two to three seedlings in a single hole and thinning after 3-4 months.
Physiological disorders.
Authors: Tajidin Nor E. , Munirah Mohamad , Shukor Nur I. A. , Ahmad Siti H.
Published: September 2020

This chapter focuses on the various physiological disorders of pawpaws, which can be recognized as abnormal growth conditions, either outside or inside the fruits, thus affecting the appearance and flavour qualities of the fruits and eventually their marketability. Information on the various factors causing these physiological disorders are also presented.
Nutrigenomics and fish
Authors: Mohanty Bimal Prasanna , Ganguly Satabdi , Mahanty Arabinda , Mitra Tandrima , Mohanty Sasmita
Published: September 2020

The interaction of nutrients, environment, and genome determines the general physiological functioning and health of an organism. The branch of science which aims to understand these interactions is known as “Nutrigenomics.” Aquaculture and fisheries are the fast-growing food production systems and have an important role to play in achieving food and nutritional security. However, like other food production sectors, it also faces numerous challenges. Understanding the nutritional requirements and need-based dietary manipulation are perhaps the most effective and sustainable way of dealing with these challenges. In this review, we discuss the concept of nutrigenomics as a subset of multi-omics technology and highlight some studies encompassing nutrigenomics studies, with a specific focus on its application in fish nutrition. How these emerging techniques are applied in understanding various aspects of fish physiology as influenced by nutrition including nutritional supplements and various environmental factors like habitat, stress (temperature), and environmental contaminants have also been discussed.
The aftermath of tinnitus-inducing inner ear damage for auditory brainstem responses and MEMR imaging of central brain activity in the rat
Authors: Singer Wibke , Gröschel Moritz , Zuccotti Annalisa , Mueller Susanne , Ernst Arne , Basta Dietmar , Knipper Marlies , Rüttiger Lukas
Published: September 2020

Tinnitus is associated with damages in the peripheral auditory system and changes in signal processing along the ascending auditory pathway. Furthermore, within the last years it became evident that beside nuclei of the auditory system associated brain areas like the limbic system are involved in the chronic manifestation of tinnitus. To better understand the processes that take place during the development of tinnitus, diagnostic tools are required that allow an analysis beyond the auditory system including associated brain areas. In this review, we report results from corporate investigations of the auditory periphery (hearing function), signal transmission along the ascending auditory pathway (ABR wave analysis) and central nervous activity (MEMRI).
Integration of buried piezoresistive sensors and PZT thin film for dynamic and static position sensing of MEMS actuator
Authors: Vergara Andrea , Tsukamoto Takashiro , Fang Weileun , Tanaka Shuji
Published: September 2020

We developed a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin film actuator integrated with buried piezoresistors for the dynamic and static deformation sensing of a PZT MEMS actuator. We demonstrated the fabrication of sol-gel deposited PZT thin film devices combined with buried piezoresistors and proved, for the first time, the process compatibility of these materials. Dopant concentration measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analysis confirms that the piezoresistor was successfully buried into the device. Motion detection of the fabricated MEMS cantilever actuated by the PZT thin film was successful and consistent with optical measurement as well as design values. From these results, we can conclude that our PZT actuator and piezoresistive sensors can be monolithically integrated. The fabrication process developed here can be used for high-stability piezoelectric MEMS actuators with feed-back control of position.
Defect incorporation in In-containing layers and quantum wells: experimental analysis via deep level profiling and optical spectroscopy
Authors: Piva F , De Santi C , Caria A , Haller C , Carlin J F , Mosca M , Meneghesso G , Zanoni E , Grandjean N , Meneghini M
Published: September 2020

Recent studies demonstrated that the performance of InGaN/GaN quantum well (QW) light emitting diodes (LEDs) can be significantly improved through the insertion of an InGaN underlayer (UL). The current working hypothesis is that the presence of the UL reduces the density of non-radiative recombination centers (NRCs) in the QW itself: during the growth of the UL, surface defects are effectively buried in the UL, without propagating towards the QW region. Despite the importance of this hypothesis, the concentration profile of defects in the quantum wells of LEDs with and without the UL was never investigated in detail. This paper uses combined capacitance-voltage and steady-state photocapacitance measurements to experimentally identify the defects acting as NRCs and to extract a depth-profile of the traps, thus proving the incorporation upon indium-reaction. Specifically: (i) we demonstrate that LEDs without UL have a high density (9.2 × 1015 cm−3) of defects, compared to samples with UL (0.8 × 1015 cm−3); (ii) defects are located near midgap (E
C-1.8 eV, corresponding to E
i-E
T ∼ 0.3 eV), thus acting as efficient NRCs; (iii) crucially, the density of defects has a peak within the QWs, indicating that traps are segregated at the first grown InGaN layers; (iv) we propose a model to calculate trap distribution in the QW, and we demonstrate a good correspondence with experimental data. These results provide unambiguous demonstration of the role of UL in limiting the propagation of defects towards the QWs, and the first experimental characterization of the properties of the related traps.
The higher superconducting transition temperature T
c and the functional derivative of T
c with α
2
F(ω) for electron–phonon superconductors
Authors: Camargo-Martínez J A , González-Pedreros G I , Mesa F
Published: September 2020

This work presents an analysis of the functional derivative of the superconducting transition temperature T
c with respect to the electron-phonon coupling function α
2
F(ω) [δT
c/δα
2
F(ω)] and α
2
F(ω) spectrum of H3S (

Im

3

̄

m

), in the pressure range where the high-T
c was measured (155–225 GPa). The calculations are done in the framework of the Migdal–Eliashberg theory. We find for this electron–phonon superconductor, a correlation between the maximums of δT
c/δα
2
F(ω) and α
2
F(ω) with its higher T
c. We corroborate this behavior in other electron–phonon superconductors by analyzing data available in the literature, which suggests its validity in this type of superconductors. The correlation observed could be considered as a theoretical tool that in an electron–phonon superconductor, allows describing qualitatively the proximity to its highest T
c, and determining the optimal physical conditions (pressure, alloying or doping concentration) that lead to the superconductor reaching its highest T
c possible.
Unusual Debye relaxation in 4-methyl-2-pentanol evidenced by high-pressure dielectric studies
Authors: Guo Yuxing , Jin Xiao , Wang Li-Min
Published: September 2020

The Debye relaxation is the main signal in the dielectric measurements of monoalcohols arising from the hydrogen-bonded superstructures, but its physics remains to be cleared. In this work, a monoalcohol of 4-methyl-2-pentanol is studied using dielectric spectroscopies recorded at high pressures. The dynamic parameters of the Debye and structural relaxations are extracted. The calculation of the Kirkwood factor of the Debye relaxation indicates chain-like H-bond molecular configurations. Remarkably, we found that both ratios of the relaxation strength and relaxation time between the Debye and structural dynamics, Δε
D/Δε

α
and τ
D/τ

α
, decreases upon compression, indicating a positive correlation. This is different from the results reported in primary 2-ethyl-1-hexanol and secondary 4-methyl-3-heptanol, where the two ratios are inversely correlated. The discussion and interpretation of these different results are provided.
Z-scheme TiO2@Ti3C2/Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanocomposites with efficient photocatalytic performance via one-step hydrothermal route
Authors: Yin Qiao , Cao Zhenzhen , Wang Zhiyuan , Zhai Jiaming , Li Mingliang , Guan Li , Fan Bingbing , Liu Wen , Shao Gang , Xu Hongliang , Wang Hailong , Zhang Rui , Lu Hongxia
Published: September 2020

Photocatalytic degradation of pollutants has been proved to be an effective strategy for wastewater treatment. Herein, TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized on a Ti3C2 matrix by in situ growth, forming Z-scheme TiO2@Ti3C2/Cd0.5Zn0.5S (TO/CZS) multilevel structured nanocomposites via one-step hydrothermal route. The effects of hydrothermal temperature and Cd0.5Zn0.5S content on microstructure and properties of composites were assessed. TO/CZS nanocomposites were probed into phase composition, morphological and optical properties with x-ray diffractometer, infrared radiation, scanning electron microscope and UV–vis reflective spectra. Following the hydrothermal reaction at 160 °C for 12 h, TiO2 nanoparticles of 30 nm in diameter were generated in situ on Ti3C2 lamina and Cd0.5Zn0.5S particles were evenly distributed on the Ti3C2 matrix. The photocatalytic activity of TO/CZS composites were evaluated, which found that degradation rate constant (k = 0.028 min−1) of TO/CZS-40 on Rhodamine B was 5.19 times that of pure TiO2 and 4.48 times that of Cd0.5Zn0.5S. Through anchoring Ti3C2 as an electron transition mediator and combination with TiO2 and Cd0.5Zn0.5S, the new Z-scheme between TiO2 oxidized by Ti3C2 and Cd0.5Zn0.5S establishes a multilevel structure of separating electron-hole pairs. This work demonstrates a valid way to control electrons and hole transfer directions efficiently through designing multilevel semiconductor structural designs.
Predicting lymph node metastasis in patients with oropharyngeal cancer by using a convolutional neural network with associated epistemic and aleatoric uncertainty
Authors: Dohopolski Michael , Chen Liyuan , Sher David , Wang Jing
Published: September 2020

There can be significant uncertainty when identifying cervical lymph node (LN) metastases in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) despite the use of modern imaging modalities such as positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) scans. Grossly involved LNs are readily identifiable during routine imaging, but smaller and less PET-avid LNs are harder to classify. We trained a convolutional neural network (CNN) to detect malignant LNs in patients with OPSCC and used quantitative measures of uncertainty to identify the most reliable predictions. Our dataset consisted of images of 791 LNs from 129 patients with OPSCC who had preoperative PET/CT imaging and detailed pathological reports after neck dissections. These LNs were segmented on PET/CT imaging and then labeled according to the pathology reports. An AlexNet-like CNN was trained to classify LNs as malignant or benign. We estimated epistemic and aleatoric uncertainty by using dropout variational inference and test-time augmentation, respectively. CNN performance was stratified according to the median epistemic and aleatoric uncertainty values calculated using the validation cohort. Our model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.99 on the testing dataset. Sensitivity and specificity were 0.94 and 0.90, respectively. Epistemic and aleatoric uncertainty values were statistically larger for false negative and false positive predictions than for true negative and true positive predictions (p < 0.001). Model sensitivity and specificity were 1.0 and 0.98, respectively, for cases with epistemic uncertainty lower than the median value of the incorrect predictions in the validation dataset. For cases with higher epistemic uncertainty, sensitivity and specificity were 0.67 and 0.41, respectively. Model sensitivity and specificity were 1.0 and 0.98, respectively, for cases with aleatoric uncertainty lower than the median value of the incorrect predictions in the validation dataset. For cases with higher aleatoric uncertainty, sensitivity and specificity were 0.67 and 0.37, respectively. We used a CNN to predict the malignant status of LNs in patients with OPSCC with high accuracy, and we showed that uncertainty can be used to quantify a prediction’s reliability. Assigning measures of uncertainty to predictions could improve the accuracy of LN classification by efficiently identifying instances where expert evaluation is needed to corroborate a model’s prediction.
Growth of GaN on monolayer hexagonal boron nitride by chemical vapor deposition for ultraviolet photodetectors
Authors: Zhu Wenhui , Si Jiawei , Zhang Lei , Li Tao , Song Wenqing , Zhou Yuting , Yu Jiahao , Chen Rui , Feng Yexin , Wang Liancheng
Published: September 2020

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technology is a simple and flexible method used to prepare high-quality crystalline materials. Traditional CVD technology, based on pre-deposited thin catalyst metal, usually produces nanostructures instead of continuous films. In this work, a continuous GaN film on a monolayer boron nitride (h-BN) insertion layer is demonstrated using CVD technology. The experimental results and theoretical calculations indicate that abundant GaN nanocrystallites are firstly formed at the edges or grain boundaries of the monolayer h-BN by quasi-van der Waals epitaxy. Then, the vapor-solid mechanism will control further growth of the GaN nanocrystallites, causing them to merge into a continuous GaN film. Meanwhile, the CVD-grown GaN ultraviolet detector exhibits a relatively high responsivity with a value of 0.57 A W−1 at 2 V. In this paper, a simple low-cost CVD method is proposed for preparing continuous films on two-dimensional materials for electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Development of a biomimetic transradial prosthetic arm with shape memory alloy muscle wires
Authors: Bishay Peter L , Fontana Jonathan , Raquipiso Bret , Rodriguez Julian , Borreta M Justin , Enos Bethany , Gay Thomas , Mauricio Kevin
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a first concept of a new biomimetic transradial prosthetic arm design, called ‘MataPro-1,’ that features a 3D-printed hand bone structure that mimics the shape of human finger phalanges and palm bones, flexible elastic joints, artificial muscles, and silicone flesh that covers and protects the internal components, provides restoring force, enables better gripping capability, and appears cosmetically realistic. The artificial muscles that actuate MataPro-1 are shape memory alloy (SMA) wires, which ensure effective grip strength for many everyday objects, without causing any noise. In order to avoid the need to cool SMA wires in the small volume of the fingers, the SMA wires are not routed through the finger phalanges. The SMA wires are spooled in the forearm, cooled by a fan only during the finger restoration process, and are connected to steel wires that are routed through the finger phalanges. The finger restoring force provided by the flexible joints and silicone flesh acts as bias force for SMA wires, avoids the need for antagonistic SMA wires, and speeds up the finger restoration process. The control system of MataPro-1 is intuitive and non-invasive achieved by voice recognition phone application, or an EEG headset that monitors brainwaves and facial expressions. MataPro-1 was successful in gripping different objects of various shapes, weights and sizes in multiple different gripping positions.
When the weak separation condition implies the generalized finite type condition
Authors: Hare Kathryn , Hare Kevin , Rutar Alex
Published: September 2020

We prove that an iterated function system of similarities on

R

\mathbb {R}

that satisfies the weak separation condition and has an interval as its self-similar set is of generalized finite type. It is unknown if the assumption that the self-similar set is an interval is necessary.