bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of broadened phase transition temperature range in LaFeCoSiC compounds prepared upon high-pressure annealing
Authors: Zhang Zhengming
Published: July 2020

The cobalt-carbon co-doped NaZn13-type compound LaFe10.95Co0.65Si1.4C0.15 (LFCSC) is one of the most promising candidates for room-temperature working substance in magnetic refrigerator due to its many excellent properties such as large reversible entropy, low cost, and short annealing time. However, owing to the narrow temperature regions of magnetic phase transition in LFCSC, the operation-temperature window for magnetic refrigeration is limited, which restricts its actual application to some extends. In this paper, it is shown that the application of high-pressure to LFCSC during annealing can tailor atomic environment and magnetic transition, which leads to a strongly expanded phase transition temperature range in LFCSC. This broadening behavior can be well understood by importing the magnetoelastic interaction of localized magnetic moments into a microscopic model. The refrigeration performance of the high-pressure annealed sample with wide phase transition temperature range is enhanced according to the relative cooling power (RCP). On the contrary, temperature averaged entropy change (TEC) exhibits a weakened value in the high-pressure annealed sample, which suggests that the magnetic cooling performance could not be effectively improved by simply expanding the phase transition temperature range in the second-order phase transition materials. However, high-pressure annealing would be helpful to the magnetic refrigeration performance for the first-order phase transition materials.
Analytical and numerical bifurcation analysis of a forest ecosystem model with human interaction
Authors: Spiliotis Konstantinos , Russo Lucia , Giannino Francesco , Siettos Constantinos
Published: July 2020

We perform both analytical and numerical bifurcation analysis of an alternating forest and grassland ecosystem model coupled with human interaction. The model consists of two nonlinear ordinary differential equations incorporating the human perception of the value of the forest. The system displays multiple steady states corresponding to different forest densities as well as regimes characterized by both stable and unstable limit cycles. We derive analytically the conditions with respect to the model parameters that give rise to various types of codimension-one criticalities such as transcritical, saddle-node, and Andronov–Hopf bifurcations and codimension-two criticalities such as cusp and Bogdanov–Takens bifurcations at which homoclinic orbits occur. We also perform a numerical continuation of the branches of limit cycles. By doing so, we reveal turning points of limit cycles marking the appearance/disappearance of sustained oscillations. Such critical points that cannot be detected analytically give rise to the abrupt loss of the sustained oscillations, thus leading to another mechanism of catastrophic shifts.
Enquêtes sur un état des lieux de la pratique de l’éducation thérapeutique du patient (ETP) dans un CHU : pour une dynamisation de l’ETP
Authors: Cohen Jean-David , Derzko François-Xavier , de la Tribonnière Xavier , Verdaguer Valérie , Morin Annie
Published: July 2020

Introduction : L’ETP fait partie intégrante de la prise en charge du patient. Une réflexion amorcée par la commission des usagers d’un CHU et conduite avec d’autres partenaires vise à favoriser la participation de tout patient hospitalisé aux programmes existants dans le cadre de son parcours de soins. L’objectif était d’explorer la pratique de l’ETP et les facteurs influents au sein du CHU du point de vue des acteurs de terrain.Méthode :Des questionnaires adressés aux coordonnateurs ou responsables (CR) et patients-experts (PE) abordaient le soutien perçu, le recrutement, les freins et leviers à l’activité des programmes.Résultats :Le soutien du CHU et du pôle est ressenti pour 72,6 % et 46,7 % des CR. Les manques de moyens humains et matériels pour les CR, la méconnaissance du programme et la difficulté à recruter pour les PE sont les premiers freins. La satisfaction des patients et la motivation de l’équipe sont les premiers leviers pour les CR et PE. L’activité éducative est jugée satisfaisante sur le plan quantitatif selon 48,3 % des CR et est proposée à tous d’après 33,3 % d’après les PE. L’envie d’arrêter le programme est venue à l’esprit de 29,5 % des CR et 20 % des PE mais ne s’est finalement pas concrétisée.Discussion :Le recrutement reste une difficulté. Le soutien des structures et l’implication de tout un service apparaissent indispensables même si la motivation de l’équipe et le retour des patients restent les moteurs pour l’engagement des acteurs de terrain.Conclusion :Une politique de valorisation avec des moyens mobilisés et la communication promotionnelle élargie sont des champs d’action à explorer. La culture éducative doit devenir véritablement un critère de qualité dans le parcours de soins du patient.
COVID-19 aus Sicht der Pneumologie – Langzeitfolgen und Implikationen für die pneumologische Nachsorge
Authors: Leo Fabian , Wormanns Dag , Grohé Christian
Published: July 2020

The long-term sequelae of COVID-19 on are not yet predictable. Radiological and histopathological data on COVID-19 and observational studies after the SARS-CoV-1 pandemic 2003/2004 suggest that in a proportion of COVID-19 patients, functional limitations due to pulmonary fibrosis and other patterns of lung damage may persist. Systematic follow-up, based on prudent pulmonary function testing, is warranted for the correct diagnosis, graduation and treatment of the underlying pathology at an early stage. This review summarizes the potential spectrum of Post-COVID-19 pulmonary disease patterns and provides recommendations for the follow-up care of COVID-19 patients in the field of respiratory medicine.
COVID-19 aus Sicht der Praxen und Notaufnahmen
Authors: Herold Tobias , Wörnle Markus , Schelling Jörg
Published: July 2020

COVID-19 challenges GP practice and emergency rooms across Germany. In addition to hygiene, the correct assignment of patients to outpatient, inpatient or intensive care management is difficult. This article provides an overview of aspects of initial care, management and risk assessment in COVID-19 patients. The care of corona infected patients can be improved at the interface between outpatient and inpatient care. There can be no “business as usual” after the crisis! Age, male sex and overweight are among the most important risk factors for serious corona disease. Poor oxygen saturation (< 88 %) and increased signs of inflammation (CRP > 97 mg/l and/or IL-6 > 80 pg/ml) indicate a critical course and should be determined in symptomatic patients. Only through regular dialogue between hospital and practice can meaningful decisions be made to slowly move from individual cases to a basic care structure.
COVID-19 aus Sicht der Neurologie
Authors: Simon Ole J. , Timmermann Lars
Published: July 2020

Evidence of neurological complications and direct affection of neuronal structures in the course of infections with SARS-CoV-2 is actually emerging. Therefore adequate medical care for neurological patients must also be guaranteed as part of the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Multiple, peripheral and central neurological affections have been described, such as particular headache, consciousness disorders, cranial nerve disorders, peripheral nerve damage, epileptic seizures and ischemic events. Since abundant information on COVID-19 is published on a daily basis, this article aims to summarize and evaluate the current literature on this topic.
COVID-19 aus der Sicht der Gastroenterologie
Authors: Schulz Christian , Mayerle Julia , Stubbe Hans Christian , Sirtl Simon , Lerch Markus M. , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: July 2020

COVID 19, caused by SARS-CoV2, a new variant of coronaviruses, typically presents with respiratory symptoms. However, in a significat number of patients different organs are involved in the disease, often including gastrointestinal symptoms. These could include loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, with diarrhea being associated with a more severe course of COVID-19. Because viral RNA can be detected in fecal samples, some implications for clinical routine in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are grown. Until yet, no clear evidence is given regarding fecal-oral transmission of SARS-CoV2.
Revised FIGO Staging for Cervical Cancer – A New Role for MRI
Authors: Merz Johanna , Bossart Michaela , Bamberg Fabian , Eisenblaetter Michel
Published: July 2020

Cervical cancer is still the fourth most common malignancy in women worldwide and has a high mortality rate. The prognosis as well as the therapy depends largely on the extent of the tumor at the time of initial diagnosis. This shows the importance of correct staging of cervical cancer. In order to promote a globally uniform approach, staging of cervical cancer in the past was based on widespread examinations such as exam under anesthesia, histology from cervical conization or biopsy, systematic lymphadenectomy, cystoscopy, proctoscopy, i. v.-pyelogram and chest X-ray. However, as the primary tumor stage was often underestimated, the 2018 revised FIGO classification now permits cross-sectional imaging techniques and pathological findings to be incorporated into disease staging or an already existing stage to be adapted based on radiological findings. Thanks to its excellent soft tissue contrast, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the method of choice for local-regional staging of cervical cancer, evaluating the response to treatment, detecting tumor recurrence and for follow-up examinations. It is important that radiologists interpreting pelvic MRI in case of suspected cervical cancer are familiar with the current FIGO staging system. This is the only way to determine the tumor stage as precisely as possible and thus lay the foundation for the success of therapy for patients. The aim of this review is to present the changes of the revised FIGO classification as well as to show the importance of MRI as the method of choice for local-regional tumor staging as a complement to clinical examination.

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Citation Format
Usefulness of Thrombin Generation
Authors: Tripodi Armando
Published: July 2020

Thrombin generation (TG) is a global coagulation procedure meant to continuously monitor thrombin formation and decay upon exposure of platelet-poor plasma to exogenous triggers such as tissue factor, phospholipids, and calcium chloride. The procedure can also be performed in platelet-rich plasma by omitting exogenous phospholipids. TG is thought to mimic more than other coagulation procedures the process that occurs in vivo. Over the years, TG has been used to investigate coagulation mechanisms, which were not completely understood, or to investigate hyper- or hypocoagulability in clinical conditions known to be at increased risk of thrombosis or hemorrhage, respectively. More recently, TG has been employed as a laboratory tool to assess the risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism or to assess the risk of arterial thromboembolism in specific clinical settings or in the general population. The article reviews the value and limitations of TG.
Pubertät – Die eigene Mitte finden in stürmischen Zeiten
Authors: Schierl Sabine
Published: July 2020

Über ein so großes Thema wie die Pubertät werden ganze Bücher aus den verschiedensten Blickwinkeln geschrieben. In diesem Artikel möchte ich meinen konstitutionellen Blick mit über 30 Jahren Erfahrung in chinesischer und anthroposophischer Medizin und 12 Jahren Tätigkeit als Schulärztin beschreiben und Gedanken zum therapeutischen Ansatz in den Raum stellen.

In diesem Lebensabschnitt geht darum, das Feuer des Lebens und damit die Liebe und Freude an der eigenen Person, dem Gegenüber und zur Welt bzw. etwas Größerem zu entwickeln. Ein Weg vom ICH zum DU und schließlich zum WIR. Den ganz eigenen, individuellen Weg zu finden, das Potenzial und die Möglichkeiten, die jedem zur Verfügung stehen, zu entdecken. Hier gibt es keine Standardrezepturen und wir als Therapeuten können nur individuell begleiten. Es gilt, das eigene Herz zu öffnen für das Wunder Mensch, das hier weiterentwickelt werden möchte.
Clinical Outcomes of Double-Screw Fixation with Autologous Bone Grafting for Unstable Scaphoid Delayed or Nonunions with Cavitary Bone Loss
Authors: Ek Eugene T. , Johnson Paul R. , Bohan Carmel M. , Padmasekara Gayan
Published: July 2020

Objective This study reports on the clinical outcomes of double screw fixation with autologous cancellous bone grafting and early active range of motion for delayed and nonunited scaphoid waist fractures with cavitary segmental bone loss.

Patients and Methods Twenty-one consecutive patients underwent fixation using two 2.2 mm antegrade headless compression screws with autologous distal radius cancellous bone graft. Postoperatively, patients were allowed early active motion with a resting splint until union was achieved. Patients were reviewed radiologically and clinically to assess for fracture union, complications, residual pain, wrist function, and return to work and recreational activities.

Results All but one patient was male, and the mean age was 23 years (range, 15–38 years). The average time from initial injury was 16 months (range, 3–144 months). Nineteen of 21 (90.5%) patients achieved union at a mean of 2.8 months (range, 1.4–9.2 months). Of the patients who failed, one underwent revision surgery with vascularized bone grafting at 10.6 months. The other patient refused further intervention as he was asymptomatic.

Conclusion Double-screw fixation with bone grafting and early active range of motion is a safe and effective technique for management of delayed and nonunited unstable scaphoid fractures with cavitary bone loss. This potentially allows for earlier return to function, without compromise to union rates.

Level of Evidence This is a Level IV, retrospective case series study.
Suspected Case of Drug-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome following Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Treatment
Authors: Natterer Julia , Rizzati Frida , Perez Marie-Hélène , Longchamp David , Amiet Vivianne , DeHalleux Quentin , Dao Kim , Ferry Thomas
Published: July 2020

In this article, we reported the case of a child patient who was admitted to our PICU for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) while being treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for osteomyelitis. Based on the timing of exposure, lack of alternative explanations, and clinical course similar to previously described cases, we suspect that TMP-SMX may have triggered ARDS. Despite meeting criteria for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation, conservative management and lung recruitment with high-frequency percussive ventilation could avoid the latter.
Two sides of the same coin: political science as professional and civic education
Authors: Gatt Sabine , Hayek Lore , Huemer Christian
Published: July 2020

While the relevance of political science is often evaluated with respect to its scholarly impact, evaluations of the teaching impact are rare. This paper offers a step towards strengthening the societal relevance of a political science degree. We treat the societal relevance of political science as a matter of the (non-)academic career preparation and civic education of its graduates. We are therefore interested in the career paths and individual learning outcomes of Austrian political science graduates. Data from the Graduate Monitoring and semi-structured interviews show that most graduates work outside of academia, moreover, as our results show, many graduates state that they had to acquire additional skills for their professional careers. Consequently, future curricula might consider a stronger focus on non-academic career preparation. At the same time, however, graduates highly value the civic dimension of the programme and the impact it had on their political agency.
Deductive molecular mechanics of carbon allotropes (Review article)
Authors: Popov I. V. , Tchougreeff A. L. , Dronskowski R.
Published: July 2020

The relative stability of diamond and graphite is readdressed from the new perspective of deductive molecular mechanics. Unlike most theoretical studies that are conducted numerically, this article uses an analytical model to gain insight into the fundamental reasons behind the quasi-degeneracy of these allotropes with very different bonding patterns. The relative energies of the allotropes are derived and several general statements about the structure of these materials are proven. This analysis yields a quasi-degenerate electronic ground state for graphite and diamond at 0 K. Numerical estimates based on this analysis are in astonishingly good agreement with experimental data and recent results of numeric modeling, despite the fact that they were obtained with a drastically smaller numerical effort. An extension of the proposed interpretation to silicon allotropes proves to be very successful as well. The proposed approach is also expanded to four-coordinated carbon allotropes, and the software package Adamas is developed, which is able to calculate allotrope energies and elastic properties (elastic moduli). In the case of diamond and graphene, some general statements could be proven from deductive molecular mechanics parameters. Specifically, it is shown that among the four-coordinated allotropes the cubic diamond structure represents the true minimum. In the cases of allotropes with some C—C bonds that are stronger than those in diamond, the energy gain is compensated by the mandatory presence of weaker bonds in the same allotrope, which leads to the overall increase of the energy relative to the diamond.
Polaronic effects induced by non-equilibrium vibrons in a single-molecule transistor
Authors: Bahrova O. M. , Kulinich S. I. , Krive I. V.
Published: July 2020

Current-voltage characteristics of a single-electron transistor with a vibrating quantum dot were calculated assuming vibrons to be in a coherent (non-equilibrium) state. For a large amplitude of quantum dot oscillations we predict strong suppression of conductance and the lifting of polaronic blockade by bias voltage in the form of steps in I-V curves. The height of the steps differs from the prediction of the Franck-Condon theory (valid for equilibrated vibrons) and the current saturates at lower voltages than for the case, when vibrons are in equilibrium state.
Metastable breathers and local diamagnetism in two-dimensional nonlinear metamaterials
Authors: Charkina O. V. , Bogdan M. M.
Published: July 2020

This article investigates the dynamic properties of two-dimensional nonlinear magnetic metamaterials consisting of nanoscale elements. The authors propose a model for a two-dimensional lattice of capacitively and inductively coupled split rectangular nanoresonators. It has been shown that the long-wave dynamics of this two-dimensional lattice are described by a regularized two-dimensional nonlinear Klein–Gordon equation, which has been solved in the form of two sequences of two-dimensional dynamic solitons on a pedestal of homogeneous forced oscillations, using an asymptotic method and taking into account the action of electromotive force (EMF) induced by an electromagnetic wave. The authors have calculated a diamagnetic response to an electromagnetic field in the terahertz range in the metamaterial region, where a breather is excited and oscillates in antiphase to a homogeneous background. The evolution of long-lived metastable breathers has been numerically studied, and two scenarios – collapse and decay – have been established for the development of their instability depending on the parameters of the induced EMF and inductive coupling between nanoresonators. It has been found that at the boundary between these scenarios, the final result of the transformation of the breathers is the chimera state of the metamaterial with a large-amplitude breather that generates stochastic waves.
Magnetic circular dichroism and absorption spectra of f–f transitions 5I8 → 5F2 and 5F3 in the HoFe3(BO3)4 single crystal
Authors: Malakhovskii A. V. , Sokolov V. V. , Gudim I. A.
Published: July 2020

Magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) and absorption spectra of multiferroic HoFe3(BO3)4 of 5I8 → 5F2 and 5F3 f–f transitions are measured at T = 90 K. The absorption spectra are expanded into Lorentzian components, and the transition intensities are obtained. The Zeeman splitting of some transitions is determined using the MCD and absorption spectra. The MCD spectra and Zeeman splitting are theoretically analyzed in the free-atom |J, ±MJ〉 wave function approximation by using the concept of a crystalline quantum number. An inconsistency is revealed when this concept is applied to ions with an integer moment, and a modification of the concept is proposed. Anomalously intense vibronic repetitions of electronic transitions from excited sublevels of the ground multiplet are found.
Computational approach reveals mechanisms behind material modification through surface acoustic waves
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: July 2020

Model based on atomistic molecular dynamics describes unexplored nonlinear effects of surface acoustic waves and examines processes underlying acoustically induced surface modification.
Application of electrospray-scanning mobility particle sizer for the measurement of sub-10 nm chemical mechanical planarization slurry abrasive size distribution
Authors: Kwak Donggeon , Kim Juhwan , Oh Seungjun , Bae Chulwoo , Kim Taesung
Published: July 2020

A scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) was used for measuring the size of a sub-10 nm chemical mechanical planarization slurry abrasive. An atomizer and an electrospray were used for aerosolization of slurry abrasives. It was difficult to measure the exact particle size distribution using the atomizer due to the agglomeration peak generated by the relatively large droplet size. However, the electrospray-SMPS (ES-SMPS) measurement result well matched with that of the transmission electron microscopy analysis without the agglomeration peak as ES is known to generate a relatively small droplet during aerosolization. The particle size distribution of the two sub-10 nm ceria slurries was measured using the ES-SMPS. To avoid the dispersion stability issue due to the pH change, pH adjustment was required when the sample was diluted.
Chalcogen-hyperdoped germanium for short-wavelength infrared photodetection
Authors: Gandhi Hemi H. , Pastor David , Tran Tuan T. , Kalchmair Stefan , Smillie Lachlan A. , Mailoa Jonathan P. , Milazzo Ruggero , Napolitani Enrico , Loncar Marko , Williams James S. , Aziz Michael J. , Mazur Eric
Published: July 2020

Obtaining short-wavelength-infrared (SWIR; 1.4 μm–3.0 μm) room-temperature photodetection in a low-cost, group IV semiconductor is desirable for numerous applications. We demonstrate a non-equilibrium method for hyperdoping germanium with selenium or tellurium for dopant-mediated SWIR photodetection. By ion-implanting Se or Te into Ge wafers and restoring crystallinity with pulsed laser melting induced rapid solidification, we obtain single crystalline materials with peak Se and Te concentrations of 1020 cm−3 (104 times the solubility limits). These hyperdoped materials exhibit sub-bandgap absorption of light up to wavelengths of at least 3.0 μm, with their sub-bandgap optical absorption coefficients comparable to those of commercial SWIR photodetection materials. Although previous studies of Ge-based photodetectors have reported a sub-bandgap optoelectronic response only at low temperature, we report room-temperature sub-bandgap SWIR photodetection at wavelengths as long as 3.0 μm from rudimentary hyperdoped Ge:Se and Ge:Te photodetectors.
Study of resonant transport in InAs-based quantum hot electron transistors
Authors: Van H. Nguyen , Baranov A. N. , Teissier R. , Zaknoune M.
Published: July 2020

A study of transport in a quantum hot electron transistor made of an InAs/AlSb heterostructure is reported. It exhibited that the quantum hot electron transistors with a thick emitter efficiently prevented the parasitic base currents compared with transistors with a thin emitter. The static characteristics of the fabricated devices demonstrated an enhancement of the current gain of 9 and a collector breakdown voltage of 1.5 V with thick-emitter designed transistors. In optimized devices, the current is dominated by fast resonant tunneling that is promising for their future development of as high frequency transistors.
Trion induced photoluminescence of a doped MoS2 monolayer
Authors: Zhumagulov Yaroslav V. , Vagov Alexei , Gulevich Dmitry R. , Faria Junior Paulo E. , Perebeinos Vasili
Published: July 2020

We demonstrate that the temperature and doping dependencies of the photoluminescence (PL) spectra of a doped MoS2 monolayer have several peculiar characteristics defined by the trion radiative decay. While only zero-momentum exciton states are coupled to light, radiative recombination of non-zero momentum trions is also allowed. This leads to an asymmetric broadening of the trion spectral peak and redshift of the emitted light with increasing temperature. The lowest energy trion state is dark, which is manifested by the sharply non-monotonic temperature dependence of the PL intensity. Our calculations combine the Dirac model for the single-particle states, with parameters obtained from the first-principles calculations, and the direct solution of the three-particle problem within the Tamm–Dancoff approximation. The numerical results are well captured by a simple model that yields analytical expressions for the temperature dependencies of the PL spectra.
Effect of alloying BaTiO3 with BiZn1/2Ti1/2O3 on polarization reversal
Authors: Fancher C. M. , Choe H. , Gorfman S. , Simons H. , Chung C. C. , Ziolkowski M. , Prasertpalichat S. , Cann D. P. , Jones J. L.
Published: July 2020

Changes in the polarization state of ferroelectric materials are mediated through the motion of planar defects such as domain walls. The interplay between the two processes that enable the inversion of the macroscopic polarization in ferroelectric materials, non-180° (domain reorientation) and 180° (domain reversal), is not well understood. In this work, time-resolved x-ray diffraction was carried out during the application of an external electric field to investigate the dynamic electric-field response mechanisms of BaTiO3 (BT) and BiZn1/2Ti1/2O3(BZT)-modified BT (0.94BT-0.06BZT). These data evidence that the incorporation of BZT into BT fundamentally alters what processes are activated to reorient the polarization by 180°. Polarization reversal in BT is achieved through direct inversion of spontaneous dipoles. However, the addition of BZT into BT promotes a two-step polarization reversal process (i.e., two consecutive non-180° reorientation events).
Dynamic anti-plane behavior for a semi-infinite piezoelectric medium with a locally debonded cylindrical inclusion near the surface
Authors: Zhao Ming , Song Tian-shu , An Ni , Hou Gangling
Published: July 2020

The problem of dynamically debonded cylindrical inclusion near the interface of semi-infinite piezoelectric materials was theoretically investigated. The effects of different geometric and physical parameters on the dynamic stress intensity factor (DSIF) of the crack tip are discussed. The theoretical expressions for the crack (debonding) DSIF were obtained using methods that included Green’s function, the complex variable function, and multipolar coordinates, and the numerical results showed that the dynamic characteristics of the debonded structure were more obvious under conditions of low frequency and large piezoelectric characteristic parameters. In addition, the period of the DSIF at the crack tip became shorter as the incident wave number increased. There are, therefore, important theoretical and engineering considerations for the dynamic analysis of piezoelectric materials with debonded cylindrical inclusion.
Inhomogeneous swelling behavior of a bi-layered spherical hydrogel containing a hard core
Authors: Ahmadi Mojtaba , Zholobko Oksana , Wu Xiang-fa
Published: July 2020

Hydrogels can absorb a significant amount of water and swell greatly. When the swelling is constrained, hydrogels exhibit inhomogeneous deformation, stress, and water concentration fields. This paper studies the swelling behavior of a bi-layered spherical hydrogel containing a hard core after imbibing sufficient water. By adopting a continuum field theory of hydrogels, the governing differential equation of the hydrogel radial deformation is derived, which is further solved numerically at proper mixed boundary conditions and inner field continuity conditions across the hydrogel interface. Effects of material properties and the presence of the hard core on the deformation, stress, and water concentration fields of the hydrogels are examined. It shows that the inner hard core can remarkably reduce the water concentration near the core surface and simultaneously induce large stresses. In addition, the water concentration in the bi-layered hydrogel heavily depends upon the stiffness of the individual hydrogel. The study offers a rational route to design and regulate hydrogels with tailorable swelling behavior for practical applications in drug delivery, leakage blocking, etc.
Modulation of the electric and magnetic properties by Ti non-stoichiometry in 0.70BiFeO3-0.30BaTixO3 ceramics
Authors: Bai Han , Li Jun , Hong Yang , Xu Tongtong , Zhou Zhongxiang
Published: July 2020

The modulation of the structure and dielectric, ferroelectric, and magnetic properties by Ti non-stoichiometry in 0.70BiFeO3-0.30BaTixO3 (BF30BT-x, x = 0.85–1.15) ceramics was studied systematically. In Ti-rich samples, excessive Ti mainly exists in the form of an impurity Aurivillius phase, and so except that the impurity phase reduces the resistance, the structure, morphology, Curie temperature (TC ∼ 390 °C), and ferroelectricity in Ti-rich ceramics are similar to those in stoichiometric ceramics (BF30BT-1.00). In Ti-poor samples, the appropriate Ti-poor concentration appears in the BF30BT-0.90 ceramic, and the structure becomes the coexistence of the rhombohedral phase and the pseudo-cubic phase (R+PC). The ferroelectric phase transition becomes a frequency-independent normal phase transition, and TC is greatly increased (553 °C). The hysteresis loop becomes more saturated, and a large internal bias field (Ei = 4.5 kV/cm) appears. For magnetic properties, all samples display a weak ferromagnetic nature, and as x increases, Mr and Mmax increase nearly linearly.
Identification of conserved genes linked to responses to abiotic stresses in leaves among different plant species
Authors: Balti Imen , Benny Jubina , Perrone Anna , Caruso Tiziano , Abdallah Donia , Salhi-Hannachi Amel , Martinelli Federico
Published: July 2020

As a consequence of global climate change, certain stress factors that have a negative impact on crop productivity such as heat, cold, drought and salinity are becoming increasingly prevalent. We conducted a meta-analysis to identify genes conserved across plant species involved in (1) general abiotic stress conditions, and (2) specific and unique abiotic stress factors (drought, salinity, extreme temperature) in leaf tissues. We collected raw data and re-analysed eight RNA-Seq studies using our previously published bioinformatic pipeline. A total of 68 samples were analysed. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed using MapMan and PageMan whereas DAVID (Database for Annotation, Visualisation and Integrated Discovery) was used for metabolic process enrichment analysis. We identified of a total of 5122 differentially expressed genes when considering all abiotic stresses (3895 were upregulated and 1227 were downregulated). Jasmonate-related genes were more commonly upregulated by drought, whereas gibberellin downregulation was a key signal for drought and heat. In contrast, cold stress clearly upregulated genes involved in ABA (abscisic acid), cytokinin and gibberellins. A gene (non-phototrophic hypocotyl) involved in IAA (indoleacetic acid) response was induced by heat. Regarding secondary metabolism, as expected, MVA pathway (mevalonate pathway), terpenoids and alkaloids were generally upregulated by all different stresses. However, flavonoids, lignin and lignans were more repressed by heat (cinnamoyl coA reductase 1 and isopentenyl pyrophosphatase). Cold stress drastically modulated genes involved in terpenoid and alkaloids. Relating to transcription factors, AP2-EREBP, MADS-box, WRKY22, MYB, homoebox genes members were significantly modulated by drought stress whereas cold stress enhanced AP2-EREBPs, bZIP members, MYB7, BELL 1 and one bHLH member. C2C2-CO-LIKE, MADS-box and a homeobox (HOMEOBOX3) were mostly repressed in response to heat. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation was enhanced by heat, which unexpectedly repressed glutaredoxin genes. Cold stress mostly upregulated MAP kinases (mitogen-activated protein kinase). Findings of this work will allow the identification of new molecular markers conserved across crops linked to major genes involved in quantitative agronomic traits affected by different abiotic stress.
Towards model-driven reconstruction in atom probe tomography
Authors: Fletcher Charles , Moody Michael P , Haley Daniel
Published: July 2020

Reconstructions in atom probe tomography (APT) are plagued by image distortions arising from changes in the specimen geometry throughout the experiment. The simplistic and inaccurate geometrical assumptions that underpin the conventional reconstruction approach account for much of this distortion. Here we extend our previous work of modelling APT experiments using level set methods to three dimensions (3D). This model is used to generate and subsequently reconstruct synthetic APT datasets from electron tomography (ET) of an

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multiphase specimen. Finally, we apply our model to the reconstruction of an experimental field-effect transistor (finFET) dataset. This model-driven reconstruction successfully reduces density distortions compared to conventional methods. By combining prior knowledge about the specimen geometry from sources such as ET, such an approach promises new distortion correcting APT reconstruction applicable to complex specimen geometries.
Linear interband optical refraction and absorption in strained black phosphorene
Authors: Yarmohammadi M , Mortezaei Nobahari M , Tien T S , Phuong L T T
Published: July 2020

Strain effects have been widely addressed in monolayer black phosphorus (MBP) due to its significant influence on the orbital hybridization of atoms. In this theoretical contribution, we use the tight-binding model, the Harrison rule and the Kubo formula to describe the optical refraction and absorption of MBP in detail. The analytical study of the band gap in strained MBP demonstrates electronic phase transitions from semiconductor-to-semimetal/metal and semiconductor-to-insulator, in which both the compressive and tensile strains act linearly on the band gap alterations. The critical strains corresponding to these phase transitions are fully characterized as well. Our calculations show that the variation of the refraction inflections and absorption peaks depends on the strained band gap, however; the band gap changes under out-of-plane strains are different than the in-plane ones. The conditions under which this discrepancy is significant and/or negligible are investigated. Moreover, the dedication of minimal/maximal optical refraction and/or absorption in MBP to both in-plane and out-of-plane strains are fully addressed. Our theoretical results clarify the strain-induced interplay between the band gap and optical properties to propose a wide range of applications in nano-optoelectronics.
Surface potential decay and DC surface flashover characteristics of DBD plasma-treated silicone rubber
Authors: Guan Honglu , Chen Xiangrong , Du Hao , Jiang Tie , Paramane Ashish , Zhou Hao
Published: July 2020

This paper presents an investigation on DC flashover voltage of silicone rubber (SiR) improved by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatments under ambient atmospheric pressure air. DC surface conductivity, surface potential decay (SPD), DC surface flashover voltage, partial discharge magnitude, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrograms, and surface water contact angles are measured to analyze the influence of plasma treatment on the SiR. It is found that the speed of SPD increase consistently with the plasma modification time. The tendency of flashover voltage is increasing at first and then decreasing with the increased time of the plasma treatment. The magnitude and number of partial discharge pulses increase apparently with the increased plasma treatment time. Physicochemical measurements indicate that more amount of polar groups appear on surface after the DBD plasma modification, whereas the surface water contact angles decline continuously with the increased plasma modification time. However, the hydrophobicity is recovered after 30 d exposure in the air. It is demonstrated that the SPD is accelerated significantly due to the increased surface conductivities and density of shallow traps. However, the reduction of flashover voltage after longer time of the plasma treatment is attributed to the increased mobility of charge carriers on the sample surface.
Improvement of p-electrode structures for 280 nm AlGaN LED applications
Authors: Chang Kai-Ping , Jheng Jhih-Yuan , Huang Shih-Yung , Wang Wei-Kai , Horng Ray-Hua , Wuu Dong-Sing
Published: July 2020

An improvement of Ni/Au/p+-GaN p-electrode for AlGaN deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (DUV LEDs) with the emission wavelength of 280 nm is proposed for both p-side-up and flip-chip structures. An interdigitated multi-finger Ni/Au was employed in p-side-up DUV LED, where the p-GaN contact layer was partially removed to improve the light extraction efficiency without a serious current-crowding effect. The 9- and 12-finger LEDs were determined to have higher thermal dissipation and lower surface temperatures and correlated well with the theoretical simulation. For the comparison of p-side-up emission LEDs, the output power of 9-finger LED is 172% higher than that of conventional LED at the current injection of 350 mA. The optimum p-electrode pattern was further applied to the flip-chip LED structure. It is determined that the output power of 9-finger flip-chip LED at 350 mA is still 14.6% higher than that of a conventional flip-chip LED. The higher output power of 9-finger flip-chip LED with a wall-plug efficiency of 1.05% is attributed to the combination of the improved current-spreading path and the higher reflection through the moderate removal of partial p+-GaN absorbing layer.
Reverse advance internal magnesium diffusion process to produce dense MgB2 bulks and high JC
wires through high pressure heat treatment
Authors: Bovone G , Capra M , Bernini C , Loria F , Cetner T , Gajda D , Morawski A , Ballarino A , Hopkins S C , Tropeano M , Grasso G , Putti M , Ferdeghini C , Siri A S , Vignolo M
Published: July 2020

Here we report a new versatile technique to manufacture MgB2 massive samples, called reverse advance internal magnesium diffusion (r-AIMI). The idea focuses on the goal of obtaining dense bulk or wire samples depending on synthesis conditions. In respect to the traditional AIMI procedure, in which a central Mg rod is covered with a B corona, here a Mg tube is filled with B powder and clad in a Ti external sheath, which is quite similar to the traditional (powder in tube) technique. After cold deformation, during which several intermediate low temperature heat treatments are necessary in order to relax the Ti sheath and Mg tube, samples are reacted at high temperature and ambient pressure to form a dense MgB2 core. The MgB2 phase results are totally disconnected from metallic sheath, and can be easily extracted and characterized. Critical current density measurements show values exceeding 106 A cm−2 below 1.5 T at 20 K.

In the last part of the paper, we show the effect of final heat-treatment performed under high pressure to eliminate the present void and connect the external sheath to the internal MgB2 core and so permitting the electric transfer necessary for power applications of wires.
Determining system Hamiltonian from eigenstate measurements without correlation functions
Authors: Hou Shi-Yao , Cao Ningping , Lu Sirui , Shen Yi , Poon Yiu-Tung , Zeng Bei
Published: July 2020

Local Hamiltonians arise naturally in physical systems. Despite their seemingly ‘simple’ local structures, exotic features such as non-local correlations and topological orders exhibit in eigenstates of these systems. Previous studies for recovering local Hamiltonians from measurements on an eigenstate

ψ

require information of nonlocal correlation functions. In this work, we argue that local measurements on

ψ

is enough to recover the Hamiltonian in most of the cases. Specially, we develop an algorithm to demonstrate the observation. Our algorithm is tested numerically for randomly generated local Hamiltonians of different system sizes and returns promising reconstructions with desired accuracy. Additionally, for random generated Hamiltonians (not necessarily local), our algorithm also provides precise estimations.
Remote sensing of forest degradation: a review
Authors: Gao Yan , Skutsch Margaret , Paneque-Gálvez Jaime , Ghilardi Adrian
Published: July 2020

Forest degradation affects forest structure, composition and diversity, carbon stocks, functionality and ecosystem processes. It is known to contribute significantly to global carbon emissions, but there is uncertainty about the relative size of these emissions. This is largely because while deforestation, or long-term forest clearance, has been successfully monitored using remote sensing (RS) technology, there are more difficulties in using RS to quantify forest degradation, in which the area remains as forest, but with an altered structure, composition and function. A major challenge in estimating emissions from forest degradation is that in addition to identifying the areas affected, the amount of biomass loss over time in a given area must be estimated. Contributory challenges to mapping, monitoring and quantifying forest degradation include the complexity of the concept of degradation, limitations in the spatial and temporal resolution of RS sensors, and the inherent complexity of detecting degradation caused by different disturbance processes and forest uses. We take the innovative approach of dividing the studies reviewed by the specific type of forest disturbance that is being monitored (selective logging, fires, shifting cultivation and fuelwood extraction etc.), since these different activities will result in different signatures in the canopy and thus may determine the type of RS technology that may best be applied.
Robust Arctic warming caused by projected Antarctic sea ice loss
Authors: England M R , Polvani L M , Sun L
Published: July 2020

Over the coming century, both Arctic and Antarctic sea ice cover are projected to substantially decline. While many studies have documented the potential impacts of projected Arctic sea ice loss on the climate of the mid-latitudes and the tropics, little attention has been paid to the impacts of Antarctic sea ice loss. Here, using comprehensive climate model simulations, we show that the effects of end-of-the-century projected Antarctic sea ice loss extend much further than the tropics, and are able to produce considerable impacts on Arctic climate. Specifically, our model indicates that the Arctic surface will warm by 1 °C and Arctic sea ice extent will decline by 0.5 × 106 km2 in response to future Antarctic sea ice loss. Furthermore, with the aid of additional atmosphere-only simulations, we show that this pole-to-pole effect is mediated by the response of the tropical SSTs to Antarctic sea ice loss: these simulations reveal that Rossby waves originating in the tropical Pacific cause the Aleutian Low to deepen in the boreal winter, bringing warm air into the Arctic, and leading to sea ice loss in the Bering Sea. This pole-to-pole signal highlights the importance of understanding the climate impacts of the projected sea ice loss in the Antarctic, which could be as important as those associated with projected sea ice loss in the Arctic.
Posthuman
Authors: Rugo Daniele
Published: July 2020

The “posthuman” is an umbrella term frequently employed in a number of theoretical and critical discourses. It is difficult to find a definition of the term that is shared by all the different approaches that use it, since “posthuman” seems to denote a very diverse group of phenomena, some ongoing and others only predicted or imagined. The “posthuman” is used to describe modes of being resulting from potential enhancements to human nature generated through applied science and technological developments. However, it is equally adopted to identify the decentering of human exceptionalism and the overcoming of the principles of humanism. Depending on the descriptive strategy adopted, the term can be used to identify very different philosophical and theoretical positions, from technoprogressive stances to outlooks that are very critical of technological determinism. These positions, rather than seeing in posthumanism opportunities for an extension of rational mastery and an overcoming of humanity’s biological limits, see in the posthuman condition a chance to redress the balance between human and nonhuman and promote horizontal ontologies and expanded ethics. What these different conceptual positions share is the blurring of boundaries between human, technology, and nature in favor of more hybrid and fluid configurations. Finally, while the term “posthuman” finds a home in science-fiction, it has come to be applied to literary and filmic works that are less rooted in traditional science-fiction themes and subject matters but rather respond to specific events or phenomena, in particular environmental and ecological ones.
Contemporary Israeli Fiction
Authors: Nir Oded
Published: July 2020

Central to the transformation of Israeli literature in the early 21st century is the emergence of new genres and forms of writing. In this essay, I try to relate these new literary developments to socio-econoic transformations.. I address the emergence of three genres: Israeli speculative fiction (in works by Ofir Touché-Gafla, Vered Tochterman, Gail Hareven, and others), detective fiction (in novels by Dror Mishani and Noa Yedlin), and diasporic novels—novels whose interpretive frame of reference tries to bypass the Zionist-Israeli world of meaning (in novels by Maya Arad and Ruby Namdar). I suggest that these genres emerge as a response to the crisis of older forms of literary representation, registered in Israeli postmodernism in the 1980s and 1990s. I argue that these older forms become unable to provide concrete figures for the social and a sense of historicity, the emerging genres begin fulfilling precisely these functions, taking the place of the older genres. In particular, I demonstrate how the three new genres unconsciously map the unevenly developed socioeconomic structure of Israel, developing spatial allegorical languages through which to consider the antagonism between older welfare-state social form and the newer neoliberal structures in Israel (contrasting both to utopian states of existence). I suggest that Israeli detective fiction is useful in capturing the commodification of older national political projects and the rise of new neoliberal social forms; that diasporic novels help develop new allegorical understanding of individual existence that bypass national allegories; and that Israeli SF both captures the antagonism between welfare state and neoliberalism, as well as unconsciously imagine non-capitalist futurity.