bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative in vivo proton MR spectroscopic assessment of lipid metabolism: Value for breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis
Authors: Thakur Sunitha B. , Horvat Joao V. , Hancu Ileana , Sutton Olivia M. , Bernard‐Davila Blanca , Weber Michael , Oh Jung Hun , Marino Maria Adele , Avendano Daly , Leithner Doris , Brennan Sandra , Giri Dilip , Manderski Elizabeth , Morris Elizabeth A. , Pinker Katja
Published: January 2019

Background

Breast magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) has been largely based on choline metabolites; however, other relevant metabolites can be detected and monitored.

Purpose

To investigate whether lipid metabolite concentrations detected with 1H‐MRS can be used for the noninvasive differentiation of benign and malignant breast tumors, differentiation among molecular breast cancer subtypes, and prediction of long‐term survival outcomes.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

In all, 168 women, aged ≥18 years.

Field Strength/Sequence

Dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI at 1.5 T: sagittal 3D spoiled gradient recalled sequence with fat saturation, flip angle = 10°, repetition time / echo time (TR/TE) = 7.4/4.2 msec, slice thickness = 3.0 mm, field of view (FOV) = 20 cm, and matrix size = 256 × 192. 1H‐MRS: PRESS with TR/TE = 2000/135 msec, water suppression, and 128 scan averages, in addition to 16 reference scans without water suppression.

Assessment

MRS quantitative analysis of lipid resonances using the LCModel was performed. Histopathology was the reference standard.

Statistical Tests

Categorical data were described using absolute numbers and percentages. For metric data, means (plus 95% confidence interval [CI]) and standard deviations as well as median, minimum, and maximum were calculated. Due to skewed data, the latter were more adequate; unpaired Mann–Whitney U‐tests were performed to compare groups without and with Bonferroni correction. ROC analyses were also performed.

Results

There were 111 malignant and 57 benign lesions. Mean voxel size was 4.4 ± 4.6 cm3. Six lipid metabolite peaks were quantified: L09, L13 + L16, L21 + L23, L28, L41 + L43, and L52 + L53. Malignant lesions showed lower L09, L21 + L23, and L52 + L53 than benign lesions (P = 0.022, 0.027, and 0.0006). Similar results were observed for Luminal A or Luminal A/B vs. other molecular subtypes. At follow‐up, patients were split into two groups based on median values for the six peaks; recurrence‐free survival was significantly different between groups for L09, L21 + L23, and L28 (P = 0.0173, 0.0024, and 0.0045).

Data Conclusion

Quantitative in vivo 1H‐MRS assessment of lipid metabolism may provide an additional noninvasive imaging biomarker to guide therapeutic decisions in breast cancer.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:239–249.
Prediction of mechanical behavior of cartilaginous infant hips in pavlik harness: A subject‐specific simulation study on normal and dysplastic hips
Authors: Vafaeian Behzad. , Adeeb Samer , El‐Rich Marwan , Dulai Sukhdeep K. , Jaremko Jacob L.
Published: January 2019

In dysplastic infant hips undergoing abduction harness treatment, cartilage contact pressure is believed to have a role in therapeutic cartilage remodeling and also in the complication of femoral head avascular necrosis. To improve our understanding of the role of contact pressure in the remodeling and the complication, we modeled cartilage contact pressure in cartilaginous infant hips undergoing Pavlik harness treatment. In subject‐specific finite element modeling, we simulated contact pressure of normal and dysplastic hips in Pavlik harness at 90° flexion and gravity‐induced abduction angles of 40°, 60° and 80°. We demonstrated that morphologies of acetabulum and femoral head both affected contact pressure distributions. The simulations showed that in Pavlik harness, contact pressure was mainly distributed along anterior and posterior acetabulum, leaving the acetabular roof only lightly loaded (normal hip) or unloaded (dysplastic hip). From a mechanobiological perspective, these conditions may contribute to therapeutic remodeling of the joint in Pavlik harness. Furthermore, contact pressure increased with the angle of abduction, until at the extreme abduction angle (80°), the lateral femoral head also contacted the posterior acetabular edge. Contact pressure in this area could contribute to femoral head avascular necrosis by reducing flow in femoral head blood vessels. The contact pressure we simulated can plausibly account for both the therapeutic effects and main adverse effect of abduction harness treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Long‐term effects of vehicular passages on soil carbon sequestration and carbon dioxide emission in a no‐till corn‐soybean rotation on a Crosby silt loam in Central Ohio, USA
Authors: Yadav Gulab Singh , Lal Rattan , Meena Ram Swaroop
Published: January 2019

Research information from a systematic planned study on the effects of vehicular passages and axle load on soil carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes and soil carbon (C) sequestration under long‐term NT farming is scanty. Therefore, the present study was conducted on an on‐going 20‐year experiment to assess the impacts of variable vehicular passages of a low axle load on soil CO2 emission and soil C sequestration from a no‐till (NT) managed corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max Linneo) rotation in comparison with that a soil under woodlots (soils under natural wooded plantation). The experimental treatment consisted of an empty wagon [0 Mg load for compaction (C‐0; control)] compared with 2 (C‐2) and 4 (C‐4) passages of 2.5 Mg water wagon axle load, applied to the entire plot every year during April/May for 20 consecutive years. Soil samples were obtained in November 2016 to determine the effects of various vehicular passages on C and nitrogen (N) contents and CO2 emissions. Soil CO2 fluxes were measured from November 16, 2016, to May 30, 2017, on the bi‐weekly (November to December and April to May) and monthly (January to March) basis by using high‐density polyvinyl chloride static gas chambers. The soil CO2 fluxes ranged from –1.05 to 9.03 g CO2 m−2 d−1. The lowest soil CO2 fluxes were observed in December coinciding with the minimum soil temperature. In general, daily soil CO2 fluxes were higher under C‐0 than those under other treatments. Vehicular traffic and axle load reduced the cumulative emission of CO2 by 22.6 and 29.8% under C‐2 and C‐4, respectively, compared with that under C‐0 (6.09 Mg ha−1). Soil and air temperatures had a significant positive correlation with the diurnal fluxes of soil CO2 in all the treatments except that under C‐4. Electrical conductivity, soil C and N contents and pools did not differ significantly among the treatments. Further, 2 to 4 passages of vehicles with 2.5 Mg of axle load decreased the soil CO2 emission on Crosby silt loam under NT as compared to that under the control. Therefore, continuous cultivation of row crops with moderate trafficking under NT and residue retention is recommended, and it also reduces the potential of soil CO2 emission while improving the soil organic C pools of well‐drained soils of Central Ohio.
The combination of Raman imaging and LIBS for quantification of original and degradation materials in Cultural Heritage
Authors: Aramendia Julene , Gómez‐Nubla Leticia , Fdez‐Ortiz de Vallejuelo Silvia , Castro Kepa , Arana Gorka , Madariaga Juan Manuel
Published: January 2019

Quantification with nondestructive techniques is not very well developed in the field of Cultural Heritage despite its interest. In the last decades, several works have been published using Raman spectroscopy for quantifying. However, depending on the methodology used, the information provided by this technique is not complete, and the results could lead to misunderstanding when dealing with unknown samples. In this work, a novel double quantification using Raman imaging (its representativeness would be higher than point‐by‐point analysis) and Laser Induce Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) analyses is presented for analysis of Cultural Heritage samples. Several dolomitic marble samples, with some calcite impurities, covered or not by a calcium oxalate (whewellite, CaC2O4·H2O) layer were analysed in order to optimize the novel methodology. The agreement between the quantitative results from the independent analyses of the Raman Image data and the LIBS data is consistent within the uncertainty arising from both techniques. Further, the same methodology was applied on the same samples but using point‐by‐point Raman analysis with portable instruments, and portable LIBS information, showing again a great agreement between them and with the results obtained using the laboratory instruments.
Micellization of Carboxylic Acid Gemini Surfactant and Its Interaction with Amino Acid Surfactant in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Wang Ruijuan , Wang Dong , Yin Zhigang , Yang Xuzhao , Liu Quan
Published: January 2019

The carboxylic acid‐type Gemini surfactant (CGS12) was synthesized, and its micellization in aqueous solution at different pH values at 25.0 °C was investigated. The results show that the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of CGS12 at different pH values is only 10−6 order of magnitude, and the pH has little effect on the CMC. Moreover, the interaction of CGS12 with amino acid surfactant of sodium N‐lauroyl sarcosinate (SLS) at 25.0 °C and pH 7.0 was investigated using surface tension, dynamic light scattering (DLS), cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo‐TEM), and Ross–Miles foam measurements. The CGS12/SLS mixture shows a low CMC, and as a whole the CMC value becomes smaller with increasing molar fraction of CGS12 (XCGS12). Under different XCGS12, the mixtures form soluble aggregates with different hydration radii (Rh). Moreover, the mixture aggregates are mainly in the form of vesicles. The foaming height of CGS12 is worse than that of SLS, but the CGS12/SLS mixture has good foaming stability. This work reveals that the surfactant mixture has good surface activity and good foam stability.
Some theoretical considerations on preparative separation with orthogonal pressurised planar electrochromatography
Authors: Gajos Rafał , Polak Beata , Dzido Tadeusz H.
Published: January 2019

In this work, separation of multicomponent mixtures containing components with the same and different electrophoretic mobility by using orthogonal pressurised planar electrochromatography is studied theoretically. Additionally, a simple way for determination of a maximum amount of mixture causing volume overload of flat/planar columns used in this technique is presented. In the next stage, effects of change in different parameters on process performance by simulation case studies are investigated. A comparative study of separation productivity of orthogonal pressurised planar electrochromatography with the continuous and periodic modes of mixture delivery and column chromatography is carried out.
Comparing short‐term outcomes of surgery and voice therapy for patients with vocal fold polyps
Authors: Agarwal Jay , Wong Anni , Karle William , Naunheim Matthew , Mori Matthew , Courey Mark
Published: January 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Optimal treatment for patients with vocal fold polyps (VFPs) remains controversial. We compared the short‐term outcomes of treatment with voice therapy alone (VT), surgery alone (SUR)m or voice therapy and surgery (VTS).

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed for patients diagnosed with VFP (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code 478.4 and Tenth Revision code J38.1) between January 2010 and April 2016. Inclusion criteria were age greater than 18 years and charted evidence of treatment with voice therapy, surgery, or both. Exclusion criteria were history of laryngeal cancer or radiation above the clavicles. Outcomes measured included chart records of lesion absence, persistence or recurrence, and differences between pretreatment and post‐treatment Voice Handicap Index‐10 and GRBAS (G/grade, R/roughness, B/breathiness, A/asthenia, S/strain) scores.

Results

One hundred twenty patients with VFPs were identified (SUR = 23, 19.2%, VT = 29, 24.2%, VTS = 68, 56.7%). Mean follow‐up was 5.5 months. There were no recurrences in 115 patients (95.8%). There was significant improvement from pre‐ to post‐treatment VHI‐10 scores in the SUR (mean improvement = 12.5, standard deviation [SD] = 12.7) and VTS (mean improvement = 12.3, SD = 10.3) groups compared to the VT (mean improvement = 2.84, SD = 11.9) group (P = .009). Pre‐ and post‐treatment GRBAS scores did not significantly change in any group.

Conclusions

When using patient‐reported outcomes measures, patients with VFPs receive the greatest short‐term gains from treatment paradigms involving surgery or a combination of surgery and voice therapy. Voice therapy alone did not result in significant short‐term changes. Perceptual voice characteristics did not change significantly for any group. Further research on long‐term treatment outcomes for patients with VFPs is needed.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 129:1067–1070, 2019
Near‐Infrared Broadband Polymer‐Dot Modulator with High Optical Nonlinearity for Ultrafast Pulsed Lasers
Authors: Chen Haobin , Wang Fang , Liu Mingyi , Qian Mengdan , Men Xiaoju , Yao Chuanfei , Xi Lei , Qin Weiping , Qin Guanshi , Wu Changfeng
Published: January 2019

Optical modulators hold great promise for nonlinear optical and photonic devices. However, current optical modulators are exclusively based on inorganic saturable absorbers such as semiconductor thin films, 2D materials, and plasmonic nanocrystals. Here, nonlinear optical modulation is demonstrated by designing a series of organic semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) for passive Q‐switching and mode‐locking lasers in the near‐infrared (NIR) region. Combining density functional theory and judicious polymer design, Pdots with large extinction coefficient and broadband absorption are developed which span the entire spectrum from ultraviolet (UV) to NIR region (300 to 2500 nm). The Pdots exhibit strong saturable absorption (β = −1.2 × 10−3 cm W−1) and optical nonlinearity (Imχ(3) = −8.4 × 10−7 esu), which are of orders higher than other nonlinear optical materials such as carbon‐based materials, plasmonic metal nanoparticle, and semiconductor nanocrystals. The Pdot modulators are integrated into the fiber laser systems, and demonstrate passively mode‐locked lasers at 1036, 1038, 1945, 1950 nm and Q‐switched lasers at wavelengths of 1559 and 1957 nm, highlighting the potential of Pdots for advanced nonlinear optical and photonic applications.
Metabolic profiling analysis upon acylcarnitines in tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma revealed the inhibited carnitine shuttle system caused by the downregulated carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2
Authors: Lu Xin , Zhang Xiaohan , Zhang Yongjian , Zhang Kun , Zhan Chao , Shi Xiuyun , Li Yiqun , Zhao Jianxiang , Bai Yunfan , Wang Yu , Nie Huan , Li Yu
Published: January 2019

The carnitine shuttle system (CSS) plays a crucial role in the transportation of fatty acyls during fatty acid β‐oxidation for energy supplementation, especially in cases of high energy demand, such as in cancer. In this study, to systematically characterize alterations of the CSS in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), acylcarnitine metabolic profiling was carried out on 80 pairs of HCC tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues (ANTs) by using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Twenty‐four acylcarnitines classified into five categories were identified and characterized between HCCs and ANTs. Notably, increased saturated long‐chain acylcarnitines (LCACs) and decreased short‐ and medium‐chain acylcarnitines (S/MCACs) were simultaneously observed in HCC samples. Subsequent correlation network and heatmap analysis indicated low correlations between LCACs and S/MCACs. The mRNA and protein expressions of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 (CPT2) was significantly downregulated in HCC samples, whereas CPT1A expression was not significantly changed. Correspondingly, the relative levels of S/MCACs were reduced and those of LCACs were increased in BEL‐7402/CPT2‐knockdown cells compared to negative controls. Both results suggested that decreased shuttling efficiency in HCC might be associated with downregulation of CPT2. In addition, decreases in the mRNA expression of acetyl‐CoA acyltransferase 2 were also observed in HCC tissues and BEL‐7402/CPT2‐knockdown cells, suggesting potential low β‐oxidation efficiency, which was consistent with the increased expression of stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1 in both samples. The systematic strategy applied in our study illustrated decreased shuttling efficiency of the carnitine shuttle system in HCC and can provide biologists with an in‐depth understanding of β‐oxidation in HCC.
28 GHz GaAs pHEMT MMICs and RF front‐end module for 5G communication systems
Authors: Ahn Hyun Jun , Chang Won Il , Kim Seung Min , Park Bok Ju , Yook Jong Min , Eo Yun Seong
Published: January 2019

This article presents a 28 GHz switch and LNA chipset, and the RF front‐end module for 5G communication systems. The 28 GHz Single Pole Double Through (SPDT) switch and LNA MMICs are embedded in single RF front‐end module successfully using molding based embedded Wafer‐Level Package (eWLP) technology. For the low noise figure and high isolation, inductive source degenerated LNA topology and double shunt FET structure for SPDT switch are employed, and LNA and SPDT are implemented in single IC. The eWLP based package minimizes the parasitic component such as bond‐wire inductance and signals loss to enhance the performance of the RF front‐end module. At 28 GHz, the measured gain and noise figure of receiver path are 15.5 dB and 3.46 dB, respectively, and the IIP3 is +3 dBm at 45 mW power consumption.
Matching the principal deformation mode method with the probability transformation method for the analysis of uncertain systems
Authors: Falsone G. , Laudani R.
Published: January 2019

This paper deals with the probabilistic description of the random response of linear uncertain structural system when the uncertainties are modeled as random variables with assigned probability density function (pdf). In particular, a novel approach is presented that allows the direct evaluation of the response pdf starting from the joint pdf characterizing the structural uncertainties. It consists in matching adequately two methods, recently proposed by the authors, which are the Approximated Principal Deformation Modes method and the Probability Transformation Method. The proposed approach, obtained by this coupling, reveals to have good levels of accuracy, even for relatively high uncertainties, and of computational efficiency, as the reported numerical applications show.
Community participation and local government capacity in Vietnam: Conditions for coproduction
Authors: Ngo Hung Viet , Edelenbos Jurian , Gianoli Alberto
Published: January 2019

With Public Administration Reform in Vietnam comes more local government responsibility for policy making. Building on the results of a multiple case study research on housing and infrastructure upgrading projects in four cities of Vietnam, it has been confirmed that the community participation and local government capacity in urban housing and infrastructure upgrading projects are positively related. The level of community participation in urban housing and infrastructure upgrading projects is influenced by local government capacity, and in turn, it has effects on the outcomes. There are some important aspects for the enhancement of the level of community participation. These are effective leadership, the financial resources aspect, and communication/information exchange. Moreover, based on the patterns of community participation in urban upgrading projects, it has been found that participation is strongly supported by government actors in these four cases, and a process of coproduction between the local government and the affected communities has taken place.
Embodied time: Time production in advanced Quadrato and Aikido practitioners
Authors: Ben‐Soussan Tal Dotan , Glicksohn Joseph , De Fano Antonio , Mauro Federica , Marson Fabio , Modica Manuela , Pesce Caterina
Published: January 2019

Over the last few years, several studies have investigated the possible effects of mindfulness meditation on time perception. Mindfulness meditation has been linked to both longer time production (TP) and increased bodily perception, and bodily processes are in turn thought to lie at the core of human time perception. Nevertheless, the connection between mindful movements (MMs; i.e., specific types of mind–body coordination‐demanding physical activity) and time perception has been ignored. Consequently, in the current study we examined the effect of MMs on TP. A mixed observational study design was adopted to investigate whether (1) the extensive practice of MMs is associated with longer TP and interlimb coordination efficiency, and (2) there is a relationship between these two variables. Thirty‐four healthy adults volunteered, including 11 Aikido and nine advanced Quadrato Motor Training (aQMT) practitioners, and 14 physically non‐active controls. Practitioners of aQMT had significantly longer produced durations in contrast to the Aikido and control groups. In addition, longer produced duration was associated with increased coordination efficiency. In conclusion, the current results are in line with previous studies linking embodied time and mindful meditation, and suggest the importance of incorporating movement meditation, especially in the context of time estimation and the self.
Effects of plasma activated water on wheat: Germination, growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, soluble protein content, and antioxidant enzymes activity
Authors: Kučerová Katarína , Henselová Mária , Slováková Ľudmila , Hensel Karol
Published: January 2019

The paper presents the study on the effects of the plasma activated water (PAW) generated by transient spark discharge on the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivated in vitro and in vivo. Water uptake and germination of seeds, growth parameters of seedlings and plants, as well as the content of photosynthetic pigments, soluble proteins and activity of antioxidant enzymes are reported and correlated with the concentrations of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in the PAW. The PAW improves germination, early development of the seedlings, the content of photosynthetic pigments in the leaves and soluble protein content in the roots, and suppresses the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The results indicate that the PAW may effectively stimulate growth of the wheat seedlings and positively affect their metabolism especially in the soil with low nutrient content.
Theoretical Investigation of Thermal Effects in High Power Er3+/Yb3+‐ Codoped Double‐Clad Fiber Amplifiers for Space Applications
Authors: Campanella Cosimo , Mescia Luciano , Bia Pietro , Chiapperino Michele A. , Girard Sylvain , Robin Thierry , Mekki Julien , Marin Emmanuel , Boukenter Aziz , Ouerdane Youcef
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a multiphysics numerical model based on the spatial‐dependent rate equations and 3‐D non‐homogeneous heat conduction model is used to investigate the performance of Er3+/Yb3+‐codoped double‐clad fiber amplifiers with respect to the constraints associated with space applications. The effects of fiber length, coating thickness, and core radius changes are analyzed. Furthermore, the impact of thermal heating due to the high power optical signals propagating along the fiber on the amplifier gain is examined. The temperature dependence of the refractive index, emission and absorption cross sections, as well as the radiation induced attenuation is derived and modeled. It is observed that the coating thickness affects the temperature distribution along the whole fiber length. Thicker coating mitigates the temperature variation along the fiber as well as it improves the temperature difference between the core center and the outer fiber surface. Moreover, larger core results in higher optical gain and shorter fibers. By numerical results, it is inferred that the thermal effects could strongly degrade the whole amplifier performance.
In situ Photoluminescence Study of Plasma Effects on Passivation of Crystalline Silicon Coated with Aluminum Oxide
Authors: Sreng Mengkoing , Silva François , Roca i Cabarrocas Pere
Published: January 2019

A degradation of crystalline silicon surface passivation provided by aluminum oxide (Al2O3) is generally observed after plasma processes, e.g., deposition of amorphous silicon nitride. To minimize such detrimental effect, a better understanding of the interaction between plasma species and the Al2O3 layer is required. Using in situ photoluminescence, the passivation quality of as‐deposited and annealed crystalline silicon wafers coated with Al2O3 grown by atomic layer deposition is characterized in real time during argon‐hydrogen plasma exposure. The photoluminescence intensity of as‐deposited samples instantly steps up after the plasma ignition, and then it gradually decreases as a function of plasma exposure time. However, only degradation of photoluminescence signal can be found if the samples are annealed prior to the plasma treatment. The interaction between vacuum UV light from plasma and different types of chemical bonds in the Al2O3 layer is proposed to explain the obtained results. Understanding the mechanisms and root cause leading to different behavior between as‐deposited and annealed samples under plasma exposure is a first step toward redesigning the process flow for better surface passivation.
Size‐Controlled Si Nanocrystals Fabricated by Electron Beam Evaporation
Authors: Blázquez Oriol , López‐Conesa Lluís , López‐Vidrier Julià , Frieiro Juan Luis , Estradé Sonia , Peiró Francisca , Ibáñez Jordi , Hernández Sergi , Garrido Blas
Published: January 2019

Multilayers consisting of silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) and SiO2 are successfully fabricated by electron beam evaporation, using pure Si and SiO2 targets in an oxygen‐rich atmosphere for alternately depositing silicon‐rich oxide (SRO) layers and SiO2 barriers, respectively. A post‐deposition annealing process is carried out at different temperatures in order to achieve the Si precipitation in the form of nanocrystals. The stoichiometry of the layers is determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which confirms the controlled silicon oxidation in order to attain SRO layers. Transmission electron microscopy and Raman‐scattering measurements confirm the presence of crystalline Si‐nanoprecipitates. Photoluminescence spectra from the Si NC samples can be deconvolved into two contributions, whose dynamics suggest that two different luminescent centers are responsible for the optical emission of the samples.
Optical Properties Transformation under Laser Treatment of Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Thin Films
Authors: Saifutyarov Rasim , Petrova Olga , Taydakov Ilya , Akkuzina Alina , Barkanov Artem , Zykova Marina , Lipatiev Alexey , Sigaev Vladimir , Avetisov Roman , Korshunov Vladislav , Avetissov Igor
Published: January 2019

Thin films (50–100 nm) of hybrid materials (HM's) based on inorganic matrices and organic phosphor are prepared by layer‐by‐layer vacuum deposition on glass substrates. The possibility of an exchange solid‐phase reaction between the organometallic phosphor (tris‐(8‐hydroxyquinolate) aluminum) and inorganic compounds without thermal heating of the sample volume is demonstrated. The reaction is stimulated by Pharos SP laser (1030 nm wavelength, 180 fs pulse duration, 100 kHz pulse repetition rate, maximum power 6 W) with localization of the reaction region to the focused laser beam waist (diameter of ≈1 µm). The resulting products have a photoluminescence (PL) intensity exceeding the PL intensity of the original organometallic phosphor. Local modification of HM's thin films by femtosecond laser beam allows creating 2D integrated optics elements.
GaN based UV‐LEDs with Ni/Au Nanomeshes as Transparent p‐type Electrodes
Authors: Sheikhi Moheb , Xu Houqiang , Jiang Jie'an , Wu Sudong , Yang Xi , Yang Zhenhai , Liao Mingdun , Guo Wei , Ye Jichun
Published: January 2019

Ni/Au nanomesh (NM) is utilized as the p‐type contact in the ultraviolet (UV)‐LEDs for improving the light extraction efficiency. The substitution of conventional planar Ni/Au p‐type electrode with highly ordered, large scalable Ni/Au NMs results in enhanced light transmission in the p‐type contact region of the UV‐LEDs. Transmission over 75% is demonstrated for Ni/Au‐NM thin film coated sapphire substrate, whereas light is totally blocked by conventional planar Ni/Au thin film. Linearized I–V characteristic between p‐GaN and Ni/Au NMs is achieved by appropriate thermal annealing of the contact, and specific contact resistivity of 0.90 Ω cm2 is reported. UV‐LED incorporated with Ni/Au NMs exhibits higher output power than that with planar contact due to enhanced light transmission through the metal network structure. Finally, simulation results suggest good agreement with experimental data, illustrating that Ni/Au NMs can serve as a potential candidate in the development of high efficiency UV optoelectronic devices.
In Situ Interfacial Manipulation of Metastable States Between Nucleation and Decomposition of Single Bismuth Nanoparticle
Authors: Luo Chen , Yu Kaihao , Wu Xing , Sun Litao
Published: January 2019

Nanostructures with rich physical properties are promising for applications in electronics, chemistry, energy and bioscience, etc. The relationship and manipulation among different nanostructures as a hot topic attract many attentions. However, the transformation, such as nucleation events and metastable states, is rarely observed. The electron beam‐induced perturbations of the system can be used to manipulate nanostructures by controlling the properties of the focused electron beam. Here, taking advantage of an electron beam to induce the direct growth of bismuth (Bi) nanodroplets on the Bi nanowire, the transformation between nucleation and decomposition processes within the nanoparticles is studied by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The results show that the nucleation occurred at the edge of the Bi nanodroplet, and the metastable state in coalesced area introduced the additional interfacial states, determining the nucleation and decomposition of the nanostructure. This study helps to observe the critical process, reduce the gap between theory and experiment for reducing interfacial area to improve the energy storage efficiency.
First‐Principles Predictions on the Effects of Pb Doping on the Structural, Electronic, Magnetic, and Mechanical Properties of the TiZrCoTl1−xPbx (x = 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00) Quaternary Heusler Alloys
Authors: Muhammad Iltaf , Zhang Jian‐Min
Published: January 2019

The effects of Pb doping on the structural, electronic, magnetic, and mechanical properties of the TiZrCoTl1−xPbx (x = 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00) alloys have been investigated by first‐principles calculations based on density functional theory. The results show that the lattice constant, the absolute value of the formation energy, cohesive energy, and Curie temperature increase with increasing Pb concentration. The TiZrCoTl1−xPbx (x = 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00) alloys are all half‐metallic ferromagnets, and their total magnetic moments µt satisfy the Slater–Pauling rule µt = Zt−18, where Zt is the total number of valence electrons. In the spin‐down channel, the Fermi level shifts upwards and band gap increases with increasing Pb concentration. The TiZrCoTl1−xPbx (x = 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00) alloys are all anisotropic ductile and mechanical stable materials.
Theoretical Investigation on Electron Mobility in AlInGaN/InGaN Heterostructures
Authors: Li Yao
Published: January 2019

The dependences of electron mobility in AlInGaN/InGaN heterostructure on the barrier and channel alloy compositions and on temperature are investigated including six scattering processes: acoustic deformation potential (DP) scattering, piezoelectric field (PE) scattering, polar optical phonons (PO) scattering, dislocation impurity (DIS) scattering, interface roughness (IRF) scattering, and alloy disorder (ADO) scattering. The results show that ADO scattering is the most important scattering mechanism, and specifically channel alloy disorder gets severer than barrier alloy disorder except for InGaN channels with very low indium content (near 0) or extremely high indium mole fraction (near 1). The variations of the barrier strain, two‐dimensional electron gas (2DEG) density, 2DEG mobility, and conductivity in AlInGaN/In0.04Ga0.96N heterostructure with full barrier alloy composition are summarized. The results indicate that relatively large aluminum content and small indium mole fraction are desired for higher conductivity. By comparing the temperature‐dependent transport properties of Al0.83In0.13Ga0.04N/InGaN heterostructures with different InGaN compositions, we find that it is the ADO scattering and PO scattering that determine 2DEG mobility change and the mobility exhibits a weaker dependence on temperature with increasing indium mole fraction in InGaN channel.
Multiresidue Determination of Six Pesticide Adjuvants in Characteristic Minor Crops Using QuEChERS Method and Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Qi Yan , Ma Cong , Wan Mengfei , Liu Zhongdong , Zheng Lufei , Jin Fen , Jin Maojun , She Yongxin , Wang Jing , Wang Shanshan
Published: January 2019

A new multiresidue analysis method using a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) procedure for the determination of 6 pesticide adjuvants (toluene, p‐xylene, o‐xylene, m‐xylene, N, N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) in characteristic minor crops was developed via gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Matrices, including lily bulb, millet, and Chinese yam, were extracted with CH3CN/CH3CN‐H2O and then cleaned up by primary secondary amine (PSA), followed by GC‐MS analysis with selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. Under the optimal conditions, the established QuEChERS‐GC/MS method showed good linearity (r>0.998) for all targets with limits of detection of 0.001‐0.005 mg kg‐1 for benzene compounds, 0.012‐0.022 mg kg‐1 for DMF, and 0.012‐0.024 mg kg‐1 for DMSO, respectively. The average recoveries in the three characteristic minor crop samples ranged from 72.9% to 94.9% with relative standard deviations from 2.4% to 9.9%. The method is demonstrated to be accurate, sensitive, and convenient and thus could be applied for routinely monitoring multiresidues of pesticide adjuvants in agro‐products.
Insight into Breakout Shell of a Bloom Casting by Its Dendritic Morphology and a New Mathematical Model
Authors: Li Liang , Tang Haiyan , Zhao Xiao , Tie Zhanpeng , Lan Peng , Zhang Jiaquan
Published: January 2019

The steel solidification behavior in the mold during normal and breakout process is investigated on basis of microstructure observation from a bloom breakout shell about 500 mm in length. A total of three layers is observed in the breakout shell from the outer surface to the inner, namely, steady state layer, extra solidified layer, and adhesive layer. The steady state layer with equiaxed and columnar crystals is the true solidified shell under the normal casting condition. For the present bloom, the thickness of the steady state layer is about 10.96 mm at the location 500 mm below meniscus. The extra solidified layer forms in the breakout process where the liquid steel can solidify consecutively, and its thickness is about 1.59 mm on the breakout shell bottom. The boundary between extra solidified layer and steady state layer is a white band about 0.4 mm in thickness, where the solute elements C, Cr, and Mn are negative segregation. The adhesive layer is the attachment of the unsolidified steel in the inner face of the shell, in which the dendritic is quite smaller and the thickness is around 1.56 mm on the bottom of the breakout shell. Further insights are provided by a new mathematical model according to mass and energy conservation. The predicted thicknesses of steady state layer, extra solidified layer, and adhesive layer on the breakout bottom are 10.94, 1.69, and 1.57 mm, respectively. Favorable agreements are observed between the modeling results and the measurements.
Discipline specificity and students’ English writing proficiency: A case of collaborative teaching for transfer
Authors: Haghighi Somayeh Biparva , Shooshtari Zohreh G. , Jalilifar Alireza
Published: January 2019

This study explored how a collaborative approach in teaching for disciplinary academic writing would influence the transfer of learning in postgraduate students with varied writing proficiency levels. A sample population of 58 medical students majoring in four different medical sciences participated in this research. Throughout a whole semester, discipline‐specific writing skills that were collaboratively planned were instructed. Meanwhile, the researchers recorded the trace of variance in students’ writing practices and finally correlated the variance with the students’ initial proficiency scores. To benefit the merits of qualitative analysis and to obtain specific information about the values and opinions of the population, the researchers also conducted focus group interviews after each training session. Results indicate that owing to the collaborative design of the program, the participants could attain significant levels of writing skills and finally transfer their received instruction to authentic practices. Further analyses of the results imply that age, university admission criteria, and level of professional involvement could have a determining interplay with students’ varied writing proficiency levels.
Internet‐delivered psychological treatments: from innovation to implementation
Authors: Andersson Gerhard , Titov Nickolai , Dear Blake F. , Rozental Alexander , Carlbring Per
Published: January 2019

Internet interventions, and in particular Internet‐delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT), have existed for at least 20 years. Here we review the treatment approach and the evidence base, arguing that ICBT can be viewed as a vehicle for innovation. ICBT has been developed and tested for several psychiatric and somatic conditions, and direct comparative studies suggest that therapist‐guided ICBT is more effective than a waiting list for anxiety disorders and depression, and tends to be as effective as face‐to‐face CBT. Studies on the possible harmful effects of ICBT are also reviewed: a significant minority of people do experience negative effects, although rates of deterioration appear similar to those reported for face‐to‐face treatments and lower than for control conditions. We further review studies on change mechanisms and conclude that few, if any, consistent moderators and mediators of change have been identified. A recent trend to focus on knowledge acquisition is considered, and a discussion on the possibilities and hurdles of implementing ICBT is presented. The latter includes findings suggesting that attitudes toward ICBT may not be as positive as when using modern information technology as an adjunct to face‐to‐face therapy (i.e., blended treatment). Finally, we discuss future directions, including the role played by technology and machine learning, blended treatment, adaptation of treatment for minorities and non‐Western settings, other therapeutic approaches than ICBT (including Internet‐delivered psychodynamic and interpersonal psychotherapy as well as acceptance and commitment therapy), emerging regulations, and the importance of reporting failed trials.
Holographic subregion complexity from kinematic space
Authors: Abt Raimond , Erdmenger Johanna , Gerbershagen Marius , Melby-Thompson Charles M. , Northe Christian
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We consider the computation of volumes contained in a spatial slice of AdS3 in terms of observables in a dual CFT. Our main tool is kinematic space, defined either from the bulk perspective as the space of oriented bulk geodesics, or from the CFT perspective as the space of entangling intervals. We give an explicit formula for the volume of a general region in a spatial slice of AdS3 as an integral over kinematic space. For the region lying below a geodesic, we show how to write this volume purely in terms of entangling entropies in the dual CFT. This expression is perhaps most interesting in light of the complexity = volume proposal, which posits that complexity of holographic quantum states is computed by bulk volumes. An extension of this idea proposes that the holographic subregion complexity of an interval, defined as the volume under its Ryu-Takayanagi surface, is a measure of the complexity of the corresponding reduced density matrix. If this is true, our results give an explicit relationship between entanglement and subregion complexity in CFT, at least in the vacuum. We further extend many of our results to conical defect and BTZ black hole geometries.
Heterologous expression of AoD9D enhances salt tolerance with increased accumulation of unsaturated fatty acid in transgenic Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Li Haoran , Ma Long , Hu Zhihong , Tu Yayi , Jiang Chunmiao , Wu Qinqin , Han Jizhong , Zeng Bin , He Bin
Published: January 2019

Salt stress can trigger several physiological responses in microorganisms such as the increasing accumulation of unsaturated fatty acid, which was biosynthesized by delta-9 fatty acid desaturases (D9D) at the first step. In the present study, two D9D genes, designated AoD9D1 and AoD9D2, were isolated from Aspergillus oryzae. The expression analysis showed that AoD9D1 and AoD9D2 were upregulated under salt stress. To investigate the function of AoD9D, transgenic Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains that heterologously expressed AoD9D were exposed to salinity condition. These transgenic strains exhibited greater tolerance to salt stress than wild-type strains, and the heterologous expression of AoD9D increased the content in unsaturated fatty acids as compared to control cells. Moreover, AoD9D1 and AoD9D2 both contained fatty acid desaturase (FAD) and cytochrome b5-like Heme/Steroid-binding domains (Cyt-b5). S. cerevisiae separately transformed with the gene fragments coding for the FAD and Cyt-b5 domains in the AoD9D1 protein grew better and accumulated a higher concentration of unsaturated FAs than the control. Altogether, the heterologous expression of AoD9D enhanced the tolerance of transgenic S. cerevisiae to high salinity stress with increased accumulation of unsaturated fatty acid. The results provide some practical basis for the successful development of salt-tolerant fermentation microorganisms.
In Defence of the Shareability of Fregean Self-Thought
Authors: Verdejo Víctor M.
Published: January 2019

Consider the Unshareability View, namely, the view that first person thought or self-thought—thought as typically expressed via the first person pronoun—is not shareable from subject to subject. In this article, I (i) show that a significant number of Fregean and non-Fregean commentators of Frege have taken the Unshareability View to be the default Fregean position, (ii) rehearse Frege’s chief claims about self-thought and suggest that their combination entails the Unshareability View only on the assumption that there is a one-to-one correspondence between way of thinking and thought-individuating cognitive value, (iii) outline an account of self-thought that rejects the assumption and keeps intact all of Frege’s chief claims, and (iv) respond to a number of worries to the effect that this proposal yields undesirable results from the point of view of the individuation of self-thought at the level of cognitive value.
The Timing of Teenage Births: Estimating the Effect on High School Graduation and Later-Life Outcomes
Authors: Schulkind Lisa , Sandler Danielle H.
Published: January 2019

We examine the long-term outcomes for a population of teenage mothers who give birth to their children around the end of high school. We compare the mothers whose high school education was interrupted by childbirth (because the child was born before her expected graduation date) with mothers who did not experience the same disruption to their education. We find that mothers who gave birth during the school year are 5.4 percentage points less likely to complete their high school education, are less likely to be married, and have more children than their counterparts who gave birth just a few months later. The wages for these two sets of teenage mothers are not statistically different, but with a lower likelihood of marriage and more children, the households of the treated mothers are more likely to fall below the poverty threshold. Although differences in educational attainment have narrowed over time, the differences in labor market outcomes and family structure have remained stable.
Some new fractional integral inequalities for generalized relative semi-m-(r; h1, h2)-preinvex mappings via generalized Mittag-Leffler function
Authors: Kashuri Artion , Liko Rozana
Published: January 2019

The authors discover a new identity concerning differentiable mappings defined on m-invex set via fractional integrals. By using the obtained identity as an auxiliary result, some fractional integral inequalities for generalized relative semi- m-(r;h1,h2)-preinvex mappings by involving generalized Mittag-Leffler function are presented. It is pointed out that some new special cases can be deduced from main results of the paper. Also these inequalities have some connections with known integral inequalities. At the end, some applications to special means for different positive real numbers are provided as well.
Quantitative proteomics reveals distinct composition of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Xiong Feng , Ge Wei , Ma Chao
Published: January 2019

Introduction

We investigated the proteomic profiles of amyloid plaques (APs) from Alzheimer's disease (AD) and age‐matched non‐AD brains and APP/PS1 transgenic model mice.

Methods

APs and adjacent control regions were collected from fresh‐frozen brain sections using laser capture dissection. Proteins were quantitated using tag‐labeling coupled high‐throughput mass spectra.

Results

Over 4000 proteins were accurately quantified, and more than 40 were identified as highly enriched in both AD and non‐AD APs, including apoE, midkine, VGFR1, and complement C4. Intriguingly, proteins including synaptic structural proteins and complement C1r, C5, and C9 were found to be upregulated in AD APs but not non‐AD APs. Moreover, the proteomic pattern of AD APs was distinct from APP/PS1 APs and exhibited correlation with aging hippocampus.

Discussion

Our results provide new insight into AP composition. We demonstrate unexpected differences between AD, non‐AD, and APP/PS1 mouse APs, which may relate to different pathological processes.
Roll Call Rebels
Authors: Kirkland Justin H. , Slapin Jonathan B.
Published: January 2019

Scholars of legislative politics often note the many differences between the British House of Commons and the United States House of Representatives. These include differences in party strength, members' partisan loyalty on votes, and general institutional structure. Because of these differences, scholars have rarely compared these chambers directly. This Element aims to do precisely that. The authors point out the many similar motivations of members in both chambers, and leverage these similar motivations to theorize that member ideology, as well as how party agenda interact to produce party disloyalty. Using data on legislative voting following changes in agenda control, the authors demonstrate that ideological extremists in both the US and UK use party disloyalty to connect with ideologically extreme constituents. The similarities in patterns across these chambers suggest that legislative scholars have much to gain by considering the commonalities across American and British politics, and in general, by thinking more frequently about US legislative politics in a comparative context.