bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is There a Relationship between Patellofemoral Alignment and Osgood–Schlatter Disease? A Case-Control Study
Authors: Seyfettinoğlu Fırat , Köse Özkan , Oğur Hasan Ulaş , Tuhanioğlu Ümit , Çiçek Hakan , Acar Baver
Published: December 2018

This study was aimed to investigate the role of anatomic variations in patellofemoral alignment in patients with or without Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) and to determine the potential anatomic risk factors that may play role in the etiology. This prospective observational case-control study was conducted on two groups of adolescent patients. Group 1 comprised patients who were diagnosed as having OSD and group 2 consisted of an equal number of age-matched patients who presented to the outpatient clinic with traumatic knee injury and underwent knee radiographic examination but without a diagnosis of OSD. Age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), dominant side, and level of sporting activity were recorded. Quadriceps (Q) angles were measured using a long-arm goniometer with patients lying in the supine position with their knees in full extension and contracting the Q muscles. On anteroposterior, lateral knee, and tangential patella (Merchant and Laurin views) radiographs, the following measurements were performed: Insall–Salvati (IS), Caton–Deschamps (CD), and Blackburne–Peel (BP) indexes, congruence angles, lateral patellofemoral angles, sulcus angles, and patella type according to Grelsamer's morphology classification. Both groups were similar in respect of age (p = 0.160), sex (p = 0.311), height (p = 0.326), weight (p = 0.596), BMI (p = 0.153), and dominancy (p = 0.500). The rate of patients engaged in sports activities was significantly greater in the OSD group (p = 0.003). No significant difference was determined between the groups in respect to IS index, CD index, BP index, sulcus angle, lateral patellofemoral angle, and congruence angle (p–values: 0.358, 0.995, 0.912, 0.802, 1.000, and 0.907, respectively). The mean Q angle was measured as 15.6 ± 2.2 degrees in the OSD group and 14.3 ± 2.5 degrees in the control group (p = 0.014). Despite the difference being statistically significant, it was clinically insignificant because the difference was only 1.3 degrees. The principle etiologic factor seems to be increased physical activity rather than subtle variations is patellofemoral anatomy and alignment of extensor mechanism.
Severe Sepsis-Associated Morbidity and Mortality among Critically Ill Children with Cancer
Authors: Aljabari Salim , Balch Alfred , Larsen Gitte Y. , Fluchel Mark , Workman Jennifer K.
Published: December 2018

Severe sepsis (SS) in pediatric oncology patients is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. We investigated the incidence of and risk factors for morbidity and mortality among children diagnosed with cancer from 2008 to 2012, and admitted with SS during the 3 years following cancer diagnosis. A total of 1,002 children with cancer were included, 8% of whom required pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission with SS. Death and/or multiple organ dysfunction syndrome occurred in 34 out of 99 PICU encounters (34%). Lactate level and history of stem-cell transplantation were significantly associated with the development of death and/or organ dysfunction (p < 0.05).
Breakdown of linear response theory under low-power excitation in NMR. II. The case of “long-lived” signals in homogeneously broadened dipolar spin systems
Authors: Gong Zhaoyuan , Walls Jamie D.
Published: December 2018

In this work, the previous linear response theory developed to describe low-power, radiofrequency (RF) excitation in inhomogeneously broadened spin systems [Z. Gong and J. D. Walls, J. Chem. Phys. 145, 164201 (2016)] is applied to the problem of low-power excitation in homogeneously broadened dipolar spin systems when the strength of the RF pulse, νRF, is much less than the homogeneous linewidth, Δν12. Application of a low-power pulse for a time Tp with a nominal flip-angle of Θ generates a broad signal with a “dip” at the RF transmitter frequency that deepens with increasing Θ. When a delay is placed before signal acquisition, only a negative, “long-lived” signal from the narrow “dip” remains. If a πX-pulse is applied after low-power excitation, a “long-lived” signal lasting a time t ≈ Tp after the πX-pulse is generated where dephasing due to B0 inhomogeneity, anisotropic bulk magnetic susceptibility, and chemical shift anisotropy is refocused while dephasing due to nonzero chemical shift differences is only partially refocused. Contrary to previous observations, experiments in powdered hexamethylbenzene demonstrate that these “long-lived” signals can exist even in the absence of nonzero chemical shift differences. Additional experimental demonstrations in powdered and single-crystalline adamantane and ferrocene samples are also presented.
Algebroid structures on para-Hermitian manifolds
Authors: Svoboda David
Published: December 2018

We present a global construction of a so-called D-bracket appearing in the physics literature of Double Field Theory (DFT) and show that if certain integrability criteria are satisfied, it can be seen as a sum of two Courant algebroid brackets. In particular, we show that the local picture of the extended space-time used in DFT fits naturally in the geometrical framework of para-Hermitian manifolds and that the data of an (almost) para-Hermitian manifold is sufficient to construct the D-bracket. Moreover, the twists of the bracket appearing in DFT can be interpreted in this framework geometrically as a consequence of certain deformations of the underlying para-Hermitian structure.
Atom-specific activation in CO oxidation
Authors: Schreck Simon , Diesen Elias , LaRue Jerry , Ogasawara Hirohito , Marks Kess , Nordlund Dennis , Weston Matthew , Beye Martin , Cavalca Filippo , Perakis Fivos , Sellberg Jonas , Eilert André , Kim Kyung Hwan , Coslovich Giacomo , Coffee Ryan , Krzywinski Jacek , Reid Alex , Moeller Stefan , Lutman Alberto , Öström Henrik , Pettersson Lars G. M. , Nilsson Anders
Published: December 2018

We report on atom-specific activation of CO oxidation on Ru(0001) via resonant X-ray excitation. We show that resonant 1s core-level excitation of atomically adsorbed oxygen in the co-adsorbed phase of CO and oxygen directly drives CO oxidation. We separate this direct resonant channel from indirectly driven oxidation via X-ray induced substrate heating. Based on density functional theory calculations, we identify the valence-excited state created by the Auger decay as the driving electronic state for direct CO oxidation. We utilized the fresh-slice multi-pulse mode at the Linac Coherent Light Source that provided time-overlapped and 30 fs delayed pairs of soft X-ray pulses and discuss the prospects of femtosecond X-ray pump X-ray spectroscopy probe, as well as X-ray two-pulse correlation measurements for fundamental investigations of chemical reactions via selective X-ray excitation.
Optical measurement of the high temperature ballooning of nuclear fuel claddings
Authors: Nagy Richárd , Király Márton , Szepesi Tamás , Nagy Attila G. , Almási Ádám
Published: December 2018

During the last decades, several experiments revealed interesting details about the ballooning and burst of nuclear cladding tubes in accident conditions involving high temperature and high pressure. A new set of experiments was conducted at MTA EK to further improve our understanding of this phenomenon. The research goal was to determine the pressure of the burst at different temperatures. These data represent a durability and usability limit of fuel cladding tubes under loss of coolant accident conditions. A large tube furnace was fitted with two optical telescopes on opposite sides to observe the ballooning and burst of zirconium alloy fuel cladding samples. These telescopes gave an opportunity to capture the ballooning and also to use a high-speed camera to record details of the crack formation and crack propagation during the burst. A precise pressurization system was constructed to feed high-pressure argon into the samples at a given pressurization rate. The previous data were reproduced accurately in this new apparatus with further insight into the phenomena. The change in tube diameter was observed using regular HD cameras. Based on the captured images, an algorithmic method was developed to separate the contours of the cladding tubes from the background and the diameter increase was measured. It was found to be mostly uniform at lower pressures. The formation of a bulge started at 85% of actual burst pressure. Crack formation at high temperature was recorded using a high-speed camera at speeds up to 100.000 fps. The details of the planning, facility construction, and gauge calibration are detailed in this article.
A semianalytical “reverse” approach to link structure and microscopic interactions in two-Yukawa competing fluids
Authors: Bretonnet Jean-Louis , Bomont Jean-Marc , Costa Dino
Published: December 2018

We study theoretically a prototype hard-sphere two-Yukawa model with competing interactions, under thermodynamic conditions associated with the formation of clusters. We adopt the analytically solvable random phase approximation and show that this theory predicts reasonably well the structure of the fluid—in comparison with exact Monte Carlo results—within a unique parameterization of the direct correlation function inside the hard core of particles. In particular, the theory follows correctly the development, in the structure factor, of a local peak at low wavevectors, as peculiarly associated with the onset of aggregation. We then model the direct correlation function in the same wavevector regime by a Gaussian function, so as to systematically investigate, in a “reverse” scheme, how varying the properties of the local peak modifies the original underlying competing interaction. We show that large variations in the height of the peak are generally associated with comparatively smaller variations in the height of the microscopic repulsive barrier; moreover, the shrinking and shifting towards lower wavevectors of the peak may be interpreted in terms of the displacement of the barrier, producing a substantial enlargement of the range of both the attractive and repulsive contributions to the interaction potential. Finally, we document the way the repulsive barrier tends to vanish as the two-Yukawa fluid approaches a “simple fluid” behavior, heralding the onset of a liquid-vapor phase separation.
Angular instability in high optical power suspended cavities
Authors: Liu J. , Bossilkov V. , Blair C. , Zhao C. , Ju L. , Blair D. G.
Published: December 2018

Advanced gravitational wave detectors use suspended test masses to form optical resonant cavities for enhancing the detector sensitivity. These cavities store hundreds of kilowatts of coherent light and even higher optical power for future detectors. With such high optical power, the radiation pressure effect inside the cavity creates a sufficiently strong coupling between test masses whose dynamics are significantly altered. The dynamics of two independent nearly free masses become a coupled mechanical resonator system. The transfer function of the local control system used for controlling the test masses is modified by the radiation pressure effect. The changes in the transfer function of the local control systems can result in a new type of angular instability which occurs at only 1.3% of the Sidles-Sigg instability threshold power. We report the experimental results on a 74 m suspended cavity with a few kilowatts of circulating power, for which the power to mass ratio is comparable to the current Advanced LIGO. The radiation pressure effect on the test masses behaves like an additional optical feedback with respect to the local angular control, potentially making the mirror control system unstable. When the local angular control system is optimised for maximum stability margin, the instability threshold power increases from 4 kW to 29 kW. The system behaviour is consistent with our simulation, and the power dependent evolution of both the cavity soft and hard mode is observed. We show that this phenomenon is likely to significantly affect the proposed gravitational wave detectors that require very high optical power.
Ab initio investigation of magnetic anisotropy in intermediate spin iron(iii) complexes
Authors: Roy Chowdhury Sabyasachi , Mishra Sabyashachi
Published: December 2018

Mononuclear Fe(iii) complexes commonly exist in high-spin or low-spin states, whereas their occurrence in the intermediate-spin state (S = 3/2) is scarce. The magnetic anisotropy in two trigonal-bipyramidal mononuclear Fe(iii) complexes, (PMe3)2FeCl3 (1) and (PMe2Ph)2FeCl3 (2), in their intermediate-spin ground state has been examined by ab initio electronic structure calculations. The calculations successfully reproduce the experimental magnetic anisotropic barrier, Ueff in 1 (81 cm−1) and 2 (42 cm−1), which is shown to arise due to thermally assisted quantum tunneling of magnetization from the second Kramer’s doublets. The magnetic anisotropy in both the complexes is found to be significantly influenced by the axial ligands, while the equatorial ligands have negligible contribution. The large reduction in Ueff of 2 has been shown to arise due to the phenyl groups, which results in the lifting of orbital degeneracy of e″ and e′ frontier orbitals and leads to a net quenching of the orbital angular momentum of the metal center causing a diminished spin-orbit splitting in 2. While the crystal structure of 2 shows two phenyl rings out of plane to each other, the present study discovered another stable conformation of 2, where the two phenyl rings are in the same plane (2a). Unlike 2, the planarity of the two phenyl rings in 2a restores the degeneracy of the frontier orbitals, thereby increasing the spin-orbit splitting and a consequent rise in Ueff from 42 to 80 cm−1 in 2a.
An ultra-wideband three-way power divider based on spoof surface plasmon polaritons
Authors: Farokhipour Ehsan , Komjani Nader , Chaychizadeh Mohammad Amin
Published: December 2018

In this paper, an ultra-wideband spoof surface plasmon polaritons’ (SSPPs) power divider with simplest odds ratio (1:3) composed of hexagonal ring unit cells is proposed. The creation of electromagnetic waves with high confinement in a collision between periodically decorated metal and dielectric is a fundamental property of SSPPs. Flexibility, low loss, decreasing cross coupling, and ability for integration are other advantages of SSPP transmission lines. In order to realize the proposed 3-way power divider, first, a novel low loss and compact subwavelength hexagonal unit cell is presented. Next, a plasmonic waveguide is designed. To decrease the dielectric losses, the effect of different substrates on transmission coefficient is investigated too. In the best condition, we have a transmission line with an excellent operation in the frequency range of 3 to 11.8 GHz with a fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 119%. Then, an equal and in-phase 3-way power divider with good isolation between three output ports is designed in a wide frequency range of 2.5–8 GHz with an FBW of 105%. Finally, the proposed 3-way power divider is fabricated and tested in the laboratory. A good agreement between simulations and measurement results proves the functionality of design properly. The ultra wide-bandwidth, low loss, flexibility, and stable performance of this power divider prove its high capability compared with the state-of-the-art references. The proposed power divider can be utilized in developing an integrated plasmonic feeding network of antenna arrays in microwave and millimeter wave frequency bands.
Experimental observation of conductive edge states in weak topological insulator candidate HfTe5
Authors: Liu S. , Wang M. X. , Chen C. , Xu X. , Jiang J. , Yang L. X. , Yang H. F. , Lv Y. Y. , Zhou J. , Chen Y. B. , Yao S. H. , Lu M. H. , Chen Y. F. , Felser C. , Yan B. H. , Liu Z. K. , Chen Y. L.
Published: December 2018

The quantum spin Hall (QSH) effect is widely studied as a novel quantum state in condensed matter physics over the past decade. Recently, it is predicted that the transition metal pentatelluride XTe5 (X = Zr, Hf) has a large bandgap in its bulk form and a single layer of XTe5 is a QSH insulator candidate. However, the topological nature of the bulk material is still under debate because it is located close to the phase boundary of a strong topological insulator and a weak topological insulator (WTI). Here, using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM)/scanning tunneling spectroscopy, we systematically studied the electronic structures of bulk HfTe5. Both the large bulk bandgaps and conductive edge states in the vicinity of the step edges in HfTe5 were observed, strongly suggesting a WTI phase in bulk HfTe5. Moreover, our STM experiment for the first time reveals the bulk band bending due to the broken symmetry near the step edge, making it an ideal platform for studying the development of edge states in the WTI and QSH insulator.
Reweighting ensemble probabilities with experimental histogram data constraints using a maximum entropy principle
Authors: Lou Hongfeng , Cukier Robert I.
Published: December 2018

Entropy maximization methods that update a probability distribution P0(x) to a new distribution P(x) with the use of externally known, averaged constraints find use in diverse areas. Jaynes developed a Maximum Entropy Procedure (MEP) that is an objective approach to incorporate external data to update P0(x) to P(x). In this work, we consider the MEP in the context of external data known from a probability distribution versus that from a mean and a few higher moments. An immediate problem is that the conventional iterative Lagrange multiplier method, which relies on inverting a certain covariance matrix, is not applicable here because the covariance matrix is not invertible. We introduce an indicator function method that does not suffer from this problem. It leads to an analytic solution to this version of a MEP. As an example, a previously generated ensemble of peptide conformations used to characterize an intrinsically disordered protein is analyzed. The external constraint is on the radius of gyration probability distribution, p(RG), of this peptide. Ensemble observables such as geometric, shape characteristics, the residue end-to-end distance distribution, the all atom-pair distribution function related to the scattering intensity, the polyproline II content, and NMR 3JHNHα three bond couplings are evaluated with the initial and updated ensembles. Some observables are found to be insensitive and others sensitive to the external information. An example of a 24-residue peptide, histatin 5, where an experimentally derived p(RG) is available, is also analyzed.
Non-equilibrium Green’s function transport theory for molecular junctions with general molecule-lead coupling and temperatures
Authors: Rahman Hasan , Kleinekathöfer Ulrich
Published: December 2018

In quantum transport across molecular junctions, time-dependent effects arise mainly due to interactions with external perturbations such as pulsed laser fields or fluctuating environments. While the calculation of the charge dynamics in such an open quantum system is a complex problem, it is highly relevant for engineering nanoscale devices. Several theoretical approaches to this problem including some based on quantum master equations, hierarchical schemes, or non-equilibrium Green’s functions (NEGFs) rely on assuming a molecule-lead coupling composed of Lorentzian functions and a decomposition of the Fermi function. The underlying assumptions in this strategy lead to limitations in the functional form of the molecule-lead coupling and to an inefficiency at low temperatures. To overcome these restrictions, a Chebyshev expansion is applied to derive a set of coupled ordinary differential equations within the NEGF formalism. The numerical efficiency of this approach is independent of temperature and band structure of the electrodes. Moreover, since the scheme deals with a single particle basis set, it is possible to replace all auxiliary matrices present in the equations by vectors. Test setups for this new scheme include molecular junctions under the influence of strong time-dependent perturbations leading, for example, to coherent destruction of tunneling.
Charge transport in isoindigo-dithiophenepyrrole based D-A type oligomers: A DFT/TD-DFT study for the fabrication of fullerene-free organic solar cells
Authors: Ahmed Shahnaz , Kalita Dhruba Jyoti
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we have designed a series of isoindigo-dithiophenepyrrole based oligomers with donor-acceptor architecture. The donor and acceptor units are joined by a thiophene linkage. We have substituted the 5,5′-positions of the isoindigo acceptor unit with different +I groups, viz., —CH3, —NH2, —SH, —OH, —OCH3, and —CH=CH2, and —I groups, viz., —F, —NO2, —CN, —COCH3, —COOH, and —CF3. We have studied the structural, charge injection, and transport properties employing the density functional theory (DFT) formalism. Our study explores that the presence of bulky substituents adversely affects these properties. Values of frontier orbital energies, ionization potentials, and electron affinities are calculated for each compound to predict the ease of charge injection from metal electrodes to these compounds. Most of our compounds show the ease of hole injection ability and show a large electron injection barrier. Computation of reorganization energies followed by the charge transfer integral and charge transfer rate have also been performed. Our findings reveal that compounds substituted with +I groups possess larger hole mobilities than the compounds with —I groups. Substitution of a dimer of compound 9 with —NO2 leads to the highest hole and electron mobility. Dipole moment values have also been calculated to study the charge transport properties. We have also computed the absorption properties of the compounds using the time-dependent DFT method. Our study indicates that absorption properties are changed by the attachment of substituents and can be tuned according to the requirements. Among the studied compounds, the —OCH3 substituted dimer (dimer 6) exhibits the largest bathochromic shift with a λmax of 554 nm. From this study, we can infer that our designed compounds are promising candidates for fabrication of optoelectronic devices.
Enhanced piezoelectric performance of the ZnO/AlN stacked nanofilm nanogenerator grown by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Zhu Li-Yuan , Yang Jian-Guo , Yuan Kaiping , Chen Hong-Yan , Wang Tao , Ma Hong-Ping , Huang Wei , Lu Hong-Liang , Zhang David Wei
Published: December 2018

The ZnO-based nanogenerators (NGs) with a precisely controlled interlayer of AlN are fabricated based on atomic layer deposition technique, which was proved to possess an enhanced output signal. The microstructure and composition profiles of the prepared ZnO/AlN stack layer are well characterized first. It was found that the piezoelectric performance of ZnO/AlN stacked nanofilm NGs depends strongly on the thickness of AlN. The maximum piezoelectric open circuit output voltage of 4.0 V and output power of 2.42 µW have been achieved with an optimum 2.3 nm thick AlN interlayer. The piezoelectric output of the NGs also relates with the value and the frequency of the compressive force. The inherent mechanism for the improvement of piezoelectric performance in the stacked structure is well discussed. The findings are expected to provide a simple, inexpensive, and effective approach for enhancing the performance of ZnO-based NGs.
Bivariate Bannai-Ito polynomials
Authors: Lemay Jean-Michel , Vinet Luc
Published: December 2018

A two-variable extension of Bannai-Ito polynomials is presented. They are obtained via q → −1 limits of the bivariate q-Racah and Askey-Wilson orthogonal polynomials introduced by Gasper and Rahman. Their orthogonality relation is obtained. These new polynomials are also shown to be multispectral. Two Dunkl shift operators are seen to be diagonalized by the bivariate Bannai-Ito polynomials and 3- and 9-term recurrence relations are provided.
Resonant Alfven waves excited by plasma tube/shock front interaction
Authors: Zong Q.-G. , Leonovich A. S. , Kozlov D. A.
Published: December 2018

The spatio-temporal distribution of the field of Alfven waves excited by the plasma tubes/shock wave front interaction is studied. This process results in localized pulses of fast magnetosonic (FMS) oscillations at the plasma tube boundary, which are stretched along the tube boundary/shock wave front intersection lines. These pulses move along the cylinder boundary together with the shock wave front. FMS oscillations generate Alfven waves on the resonance magnetic shells. The polarization of the resonant Alfven waves depends on the observation point and changes with time. The field dynamics of the resonant Alfven waves are calculated for the Earth's plasmasphere/interplanetary shock interaction. A cylindrical plasma tube is used to simulate the magnetospheric near-equatorial region. Based on the calculations, the poloidal Alfven waves excited inside the magnetosphere due to the plasmasphere/interplanetary shock wave front interaction are explained. These waves are particular in that they result from Alfven resonance and are not associated with any high-energy particle fluxes.
Non-contact ultrasonic resonant spectroscopy resolves the elastic properties of layered plant tissues
Authors: Álvarez-Arenas T. E. G. , Sancho-Knapik D. , Peguero-Pina J. J. , Gómez-Arroyo A. , Gil-Pelegrín E.
Published: December 2018

This paper describes the application of the wide-band non-contact ultrasonic resonant spectroscopy technique to layered plant tissues (leaves), a method to extract the properties of main component tissues: palisade parenchyma and spongy mesophyll, a verification of the obtained properties, and a discussion of the implications of the observed elastic anisotropy. Transmission coefficient spectra of Ligustrum lucidum leaves with the thickness in the range of 250–850 μm revealing several order thickness resonances have been measured. A leaf acoustic model based on a two-layered structure and a metaheuristic (simulated annealing algorithm) is used to solve the inverse problem. The extracted parameters of these two layers of tissue are consistent with cross-sectional cryo-SEM images and other independent measurements. The extracted resonant frequency and the impedance of each layer explain the origin of the observed resonances. Finally, the elastic modulus of each layer is extracted and analyzed. The presented technique is a unique tool to study (in vivo and in a completely non-invasive way) the ultrasonic, elastic, and viscoelastic properties of layered plant tissues which could lead to a better understanding of the relationship between the tissue microstructure and the tissue function with macroscopic properties and how this may affect water relations.
Viscosity effects in density-stable miscible displacement flows: Experiments and simulations
Authors: Etrati Ali , Frigaard Ian A.
Published: December 2018

We study characteristics of miscible displacement flows in inclined pipes with density-stable configuration, meaning the lighter fluid is pumped to displace the heavier fluid downward along the pipe. Experiments have been completed in a pipe covering a broad range of inclination angles, flow rates, and viscosity configurations. Viscosity contrast between the fluids is obtained by adding xanthan gum to water, while glycerol is used to achieve density difference. Novel instabilities appear in the case of shear-thinning displacements. Numerical simulations are performed using the finite volume package OpenFOAM. The unsteady three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations are used with the volume of fluid method to capture the interface between the fluids. A number of numerical cases are compared against the experiments to benchmark the model favourably. The code allows us to examine in detail the 3D structure of the propagating front and other secondary flows.
Electrical properties, structural properties, and deep trap spectra of thin α-Ga2O3 films grown by halide vapor phase epitaxy on basal plane sapphire substrates
Authors: Jeon Dae-Woo , Son Hoki , Hwang Jonghee , Polyakov A. Y. , Smirnov N. B. , Shchemerov I. V. , Chernykh A. V. , Kochkova A. I. , Pearton S. J. , Lee In-Hwan
Published: December 2018

Undoped epitaxial films of α-Ga2O3 were grown on basal plane sapphire substrates by halide vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) in three different modes: standard HVPE, HVPE with constant flow of Ga and pulsed supply of O2 (O2-control growth regime), and with constant flow of O2 and pulsed delivery of Ga (Ga-control growth fashion). The best crystalline quality as judged by x-ray symmetric and asymmetric reflection half-widths and by atomic force microscopy morphology profiling was obtained with the O2-control deposition, and these results appear to be the best so far reported for α-Ga2O3 films. All grown α-Ga2O3 epilayers were high-resistivity n-type, with the Fermi level pinned near Ec − 1 eV deep traps. Photoinduced current transient spectra also showed the existence in standard HVPE samples and samples grown under the O2-control pulsed growth conditions of deep hole traps with levels near Ev + 1.4 eV whose density was suppressed in the Ga-control pulsed HVPE samples. The levels of the dominant deep traps in these α-Ga2O3 samples are close to the position of dominant electron and hole traps in well documented β-Ga2O3 crystals and films.
Magnetic domain writing defined by electrical gating in Pt/Co film
Authors: Ando Fuyuki , Ishibashi Mio , Koyama Tomohiro , Shiota Yoichi , Moriyama Takahiro , Chiba Daichi , Ono Teruo
Published: December 2018

There is a need to control magnetic properties at a desired location in a magnetic film towards a realization of fundamental devices, such as domain wall logic or magnonic applications. Here, we demonstrate the formation of a magnetic domain structure at a desired location in a Pt/Co film, using electrical gating with a meshed gate electrode and sweeping the applied magnetic field. As the magnetic properties can be changed by modulating the electron density at the surface of the Co layer, this method in principle provides higher speed and power-efficient operation in inducing a nanoscale domain structure or in configuring a volatile magnonic crystal.
Impact of crystalline structures on the thermal stability and Schottky barrier height of NiGe/Ge contact
Authors: Deng Yunsheng , He Dongsheng , Qiu Yang , Gu Rui , He Jiaqing , Nakatsuka Osamu
Published: December 2018

We have investigated the effect of crystalline structures on the thermal stability and electrical properties of nickel monogermanide (NiGe)/Ge contacts. The crystalline structure of the NiGe layer was found to be a determining factor for the thermal stability. Compared with the polycrystalline NiGe layer, the epitaxial NiGe layer with the orientation NiGe(100) ǁ Ge(110) exhibited a promising thermal stability due to its uniform interface and small residual stress. We have also demonstrated the alleviation of Fermi level pinning (FLP) by controlling the crystalline structures of NiGe layers on Ge(110) substrates. These works give us a hint that controlling the crystalline structure of metal layers enables one to control the Schottky barrier height of metal/Ge contacts, and the origin of FLP is not due to the intrinsic factor, e.g., metal induced gap states, but due to the extrinsic factors such as strong anisotropy of the work function and disorders at the metal/Ge interfaces.
Communication: Relating the pure and ensemble density matrix functional
Authors: Schilling Christian
Published: December 2018

A crucial theorem in Reduced Density Matrix Functional Theory (RDMFT) suggests that the universal pure and ensemble functionals coincide on their common domain of pure N-representable one-matrices. We refute this by a comprehensive analysis of the geometric picture underlying Levy’s constrained search. Moreover, we then show that the ensemble functional follows instead as the lower convex envelop of the pure functional. It is particularly remarkable that the pure functional determines the ensemble functional even outside its own domain of pure N-representable one-matrices. From a general perspective, this demonstrates that relaxing pure RDMFT to ensemble RDMFT does not necessarily circumvent the complexity of the one-body pure N-representability conditions (generalized Pauli constraints). Instead, the complexity may simply be transferred from the underlying space of pure N-representable one-matrices to the structure of the universal one-matrix functional.
Ion beam sputter deposition allows tailoring of thin film properties
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: December 2018

Overview of ion beam sputter deposition highlights this technique’s advantages over other physical vapor deposition processes.
Religion and Islamic tourism destinations.
Authors: Suleman R. , Qayum B.
Published: December 2018

Drawing upon recent themes within tourism management, this chapter explores interesting and challenging approaches to the management of Islamic tourism destinations. It takes a closer look at some of the intricacies of Islamic tourism and its management but the priority here is to approach seemingly 'given' terms in this sub-discipline with caution, criticality and an awareness of the audience. The Taj Mahal is used as an illustration to demonstrate how destinations are not fixed in time and space, and draw attention to how meanings, narratives and representation around destinations/sites/events can be altered for a range of motivations.
Constructs of foot pilgrimage in Islam: the case of Arbaeen Ziyara.
Authors: Mujtaba U.
Published: December 2018

This chapter addresses the Islamic academic notions pertinent to route-based pilgrimage, particularly involving 'foot pilgrimage', and embraces scholarly deliberations on foot pilgrimage from an Islamic vantage point. The chapter also investigates the reasons behind the lack of studies covering Islamic foot pilgrimages. Discussions include a review of the focal concepts of 'sacredness' in route-based pilgrimage, and deliberations underline the notion of 'sacredness' from the Islamic perspective and its associated relevance in route-based pilgrimage. To present the Islamic vantage point on foot-pilgrimage, this chapter focuses on the Arbaeen Ziyara, an annual gathering in Karbala, Iraq.
Toward an understanding of the regulation of myofibrillar function
Authors: Moss Richard L. , de Tombe Pieter P. , Solaro R. John
Published: December 2018

The first of two special issues dedicated to contractile systems highlights an emerging consensus that regulatory mechanisms involve thick and thin filaments.
poreTally: run and publish de novo nanopore assembler benchmarks
Authors: de Lannoy Carlos , Risse Judith , de Ridder Dick
Published: December 2018

Nanopore sequencing is a novel development in nucleic acid analysis. As such, nanopore-sequencing hardware and software are updated frequently and extensively, which quickly renders peer-reviewed publications on analysis pipeline benchmarking efforts outdated. To provide the user community with a faster, more flexible alternative to peer-reviewed benchmark papers for de novo assembly tool performance we constructed poreTally, a comprehensive benchmarking tool. poreTally automatically assembles a given read set using several often-used assembly pipelines, analyzes the resulting assemblies for correctness and continuity, and finally generates a quality report, which can immediately be published on Github/Gitlab.

Availability and implementation

poreTally is available on Github at https://github.com/ cvdelannoy/poreTally, under an MIT license.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Fumarates target the metabolic-epigenetic interplay of brain-homing T cells in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ntranos Achilles , Ntranos Vasilis , Bonnefil Valentina , Liu Jia , Kim-Schulze Seunghee , He Ye , Zhu Yunjiao , Brandstadter Rachel , Watson Corey T , Sharp Andrew J , Katz Sand Ilana , Casaccia Patrizia
Published: December 2018

Fumarates are effective immunomodulators in multiple sclerosis but their mechanism of action remains elusive. Ntranos et al. show that the immunomodulatory effect of fumarates is due to epigenetic regulation of brain-homing T cells. Treatment with fumarates leads to hypermethylation of microRNA-21, preventing its upregulation in encephalitogenic T-helper and T-cytotoxic cells.
Antiangiogenic effects of the chemopreventive agent tributyrin, a butyric acid prodrug, during the promotion phase of hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Andrade Fabia de Oliveira , Furtado Kelly Silva , Heidor Renato , Sandri Silvana , Hebeda Cristina Bichels , Miranda Mayara Lilian Paulino , Fernandes Laura Helena Gasparini , Yamamoto Roberto Carvalho , Horst Maria Aderuza , Farsky Sandra Helena Poliselli , Moreno Fernando Salvador
Published: December 2018

Agents that inhibit angiogenic factors may prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, the objective of this study was to kinetically evaluate the antiangiogenic activity of tributyrin (TB), a butyric acid prodrug, in the promotion stage of hepatocarcinogenesis. For this purpose, the resistant hepatocyte (RH) model was used for induction of preneoplastic lesions in Wistar rats. During the promotion phase, the animals received TB or maltodextrin (MD) as control daily. The rats were killed at three time-points (P1, P2 and P3). Increased expression of Vegfa and Vegfr2 was observed during promotion phase of hepatocarcinogenesis, which was not reversed by TB treatment. However, TB treatment reduced the expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) 34-positive vessels at P3 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive vessels at P2 compared with MD. Enhanced levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (pERK) were detected at P3 when compared with P1 and P2 in the MD treatment. TB treatment reduced the levels of HIF-1α and pERK at P3 relative to the MD control. Experiments with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) showed that sodium butyrate (NaBu) inhibited cell migration and tube formation, confirming the antiangiogenic activity of its prodrug TB. In conclusion, antiangiogenic activity of TB is an early event that already occurs in preneoplastic livers, reinforcing its potential chemopreventive effects against HCC.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Effectiveness and Potential Herd Immunity for Reducing Oncogenic Oropharyngeal HPV-16 Prevalence in the United Kingdom: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mehanna Hisham , Bryant Tyler S , Babrah Jaspreet , Louie Karly , Bryant Jennifer L , Spruce Rachel J , Batis Nikolaos , Olaleye Oladejo , Jones June , Struijk Linda , Molijn Anco , Vorsters Alex , Rosillon Dominique , Taylor Sylvia , D’Souza Gypsyamber
Published: December 2018

Background

Oropharyngeal cancer incidence is rapidly rising due to human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 infection. The dearth of data on effectiveness of national female-only vaccination programs in preventing oral HPV infection and potential herd immunity in unvaccinated males has resulted in considerable controversy regarding the need to vaccinate males, especially in countries with high female vaccination coverage.

Methods

Subjects aged 0–65 years undergoing tonsillectomy for nonmalignant indications were recruited in 6 hospitals in the United Kingdom. Oral samples were collected as follows: oral rinse, tongue base, and pharyngeal wall brushes, then tonsil tissue (tonsillectomy). Vaccination data were obtained from regional health authorities. All samples were centrally tested for HPV DNA by polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Of 940 subjects, 243 females and 69 males were aged 12–24 years (median age, 18.6 years), with 189 (78%) females and no males vaccinated against HPV. Overall, oropharyngeal HPV-16 prevalence was significantly lower in vaccinated versus unvaccinated females (0.5% vs 5.6%, P = .04). In contrast, prevalence of any oropharyngeal HPV type was similar in vaccinated and unvaccinated females (19% vs 20%, P = .76). Oropharyngeal HPV-16 prevalence in unvaccinated males was similar to vaccinated females (0% vs 0.5%, P > .99), and lower than unvaccinated females (0% vs 5.6%, P = .08).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the UK female-only vaccination program is associated with significant reductions in oropharyngeal HPV-16 infections. These are also the first data to suggest potential herd immunity from female-only vaccination against oropharyngeal HPV infection in contemporaneously aged males.
Frailty Is an Independent Risk Factor for Mortality, Cardiovascular Disease, Bone Disease, and Diabetes Among Aging Adults With Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Kelly Sean G , Wu Kunling , Tassiopoulos Katherine , Erlandson Kristine M , Koletar Susan L , Palella Frank J
Published: December 2018

Background

We characterized associations between frailty and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes mellitus (DM), bone disease, and mortality within a cohort of aging persons with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH).

Methods

Participants underwent frailty evaluations using the Fried frailty assessment (baseline and annually). Frailty was defined as having ≥3 frailty criteria. Clinical outcomes of mortality, CVD events, DM, and bone disease events were recorded throughout the study period (baseline to most recent study or clinic visit, or date of clinical outcome, whichever came first). Poisson regression models were used to evaluate associations between baseline frailty, change in frailty score over 48 weeks, and each clinical outcome.

Results

Among 821 men and 195 women (median age 51 years), 62 (6%) were frail at baseline. Frailty scores increased by ≥1 component among 194 participants (19%) from baseline to 48 weeks. Baseline frailty was associated with an increased risk of incident CVD and DM, with a trend toward a significant association with bone events. Among frailty components, slow gait speed was associated with incident DM and borderline associated with incident CVD. An increase in frailty from baseline to week 48 was associated with mortality but not with the other clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

Baseline frailty was associated with multiple adverse health outcomes (incident CVD, DM, and bone disease), while increase in frailty score was associated with mortality among PWH engaged in care. Incorporation of frailty assessments into the care of PWH may assist in improvement of functional status and risk stratification for age-related chronic diseases.
A Cluster of Cefepime-induced Neutropenia During Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy
Authors: Foong Kap Sum , Hsueh Kevin , Bailey Thomas C , Luong Lan , Iqbal Ayesha , Hoehner Christine , Connor Lee , Casabar Ed , Lane Michael , Burnett Yvonne , Ritchie David , Krekel Tamara , Newland Helen , Weilmuenster Lori , Heuring Brett , Durkin Michael J , Hamad Yasir
Published: December 2018

A cluster of cefepime-induced neutropenia (CIN) was identified from June 2017 to May 2018 in a regional outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy population. Our data suggest prolonged courses of cefepime (≥2 weeks), administered by rapid intravenous push, were associated with a higher risk of CIN.
Inhibition of heat shock protein 70 blocks the development of cardiac hypertrophy by modulating the phosphorylation of histone deacetylase 2
Authors: Yoon Somy , Kim Mira , Min Hyun-Ki , Lee Yeong-Un , Kwon Duk-Hwa , Lee Miyoung , Lee Sumin , Kook Taewon , Joung Hosouk , Nam Kwang-Il , Ahn Youngkeun , Kim Young-Kook , Kim Jaetaek , Park Woo Jin , McMullen Julie R , Eom Gwang Hyeon , Kook Hyun
Published: December 2018

Aims

Previously, we reported that phosphorylation of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) and the resulting activation causes cardiac hypertrophy. Through further study of the specific binding partners of phosphorylated HDAC2 and their mechanism of regulation, we can better understand how cardiac hypertrophy develops. Thus, in the present study, we aimed to elucidate the function of one such binding partner, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70).

Methods and results

Primary cultures of rat neonatal ventricular cardiomyocytes and H9c2 cardiomyoblasts were used for in vitro cellular experiments. HSP70 knockout (KO) mice and transgenic (Tg) mice that overexpress HSP70 in the heart were used for in vivo analysis. Peptide-precipitation and immunoprecipitation assay revealed that HSP70 preferentially binds to phosphorylated HDAC2 S394. Forced expression of HSP70 increased phosphorylation of HDAC2 S394 and its activation, but not that of S422/424, whereas knocking down of HSP70 reduced it. However, HSP70 failed to phosphorylate HDAC2 in the cell-free condition. Phosphorylation of HDAC2 S394 by casein kinase 2α1 enhanced the binding of HSP70 to HDAC2, whereas dephosphorylation induced by the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2CA) had the opposite effect. HSP70 prevented HDAC2 dephosphorylation by reducing the binding of HDAC2 to PP2CA. HSP70 KO mouse hearts failed to phosphorylate S394 HDAC2 in response to isoproterenol infusion, whereas Tg overexpression of HSP70 increased the phosphorylation and activation of HDAC2. 2-Phenylethynesulfonamide (PES), an HSP70 inhibitor, attenuated cardiac hypertrophy induced either by phenylephrine in neonatal ventricular cardiomyocytes or by aortic banding in mice. PES reduced HDAC2 S394 phosphorylation and its activation by interfering with the binding of HSP70 to HDAC2.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that HSP70 specifically binds to S394-phosphorylated HDAC2 and maintains its phosphorylation status, which results in HDAC2 activation and the development of cardiac hypertrophy. Inhibition of HSP70 has possible application as a therapeutic.
Towards a Complete Prohibition on the Immigration Detention of Children
Authors: Smyth Ciara M
Published: December 2018

The legal position on the immigration detention of children is unclear: is it permissible, subject to the ultima ratio (last resort) principle, or is it prohibited outright? International opinion is divided, with different human rights bodies favouring one or the other position. In November 2017, the Committee on the Rights of the Child and the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families issued a Joint General Comment in which they stated forthrightly that the immigration detention of children is prohibited and that the ultima ratio principle does not apply to the immigration context. This article situates the Joint General Comment in the broader context, interrogates its conceptual foundations and explores the extent to which it is likely to settle the debate. The key finding is that the position adopted in the Joint General Comment is correct but founded on a faulty premise and a misplaced emphasis. A more theoretically solid foundation for the prohibition on the immigration detention of children is advanced based on a teleological interpretation of the right of the child to liberty in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, with a particular focus on the concept of arbitrariness.