bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fundamental properties of TEMPO-based catholytes for aqueous redox flow batteries: effects of substituent groups and electrolytes on electrochemical properties, solubilities and battery performance
Authors: Zhou Wenbo , Liu Wenjie , Qin Meng , Chen Zhidong , Xu Juan , Cao Jianyu , Li Jun
Published: June 2020

The effects of substituent groups of TEMPO-based catholytes and supporting electrolytes on electrochemical properties, solubility and battery performance were examined systematically for aqueous redox flow batteries.
A carbon nanotube approach for efficient thermally insulating material with high mechanical stability and fire-retardancy
Authors: Zhan Hang , Shi Qiang Qiang , Wu Guang , Wang Jian Nong
Published: June 2020

Highly mechanically stable and fire-retardant thermally insulating materials (TIMs) are prepared from a cylindrical carbon nanotube (CNT) assembly.
Construct indeno[1,2-b]oxepine orcis-cyclopropylacrylate by sulfur ylides
Authors: Chen Qinfang , Pan Yihao , Zhao Dongxin , Yang Weiran , Zheng Jing
Published: June 2020

For the first time, the [4 + 3] or [2 + 1] annulation of crotonate-derived sulfur ylides with arylidenemalononitrile or arylidene-1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione is reported using Na2CO3as the base.
Reaction engineering and kinetics of algae conversion to biofuels and chemicalsviapyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction
Authors: Gautam Ribhu , Vinu R.
Published: June 2020

A state-of-the-art review on pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction of algae to fuels and chemicals with emphasis on reaction chemistry and kinetics.
Facile synthesis of anhydrous microparticles using plug-and-play microfluidic reactors
Authors: Campbell Zachary S. , Abolhasani Milad
Published: June 2020

Microfluidic materials synthesis techniques are an ideal approach for controlled synthesis of anhydrous microparticles. In this article, we highlight the recent developments using plug-and-play microreactors for anhydrous microparticle synthesis.
Influence of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) on photovoltaic performance and perovskite solar cell stability
Authors: Nadege Ouedraogo Nabonswende Aida , Yang Min , He Chuan , Chen Yichuan , Zhang Xiaobo , Yan Hui , Han Chang Bao , Zhang Yongzhe
Published: June 2020

The use of PTFE additive in PSCs fabrication not only enhance device stability, but also the overall efficiency.
Highly porous Ni–P electrode synthesized by an ultrafast electrodeposition process for efficient overall water electrolysis
Authors: Song DongHoon , Hong Doosun , Kwon YongKeun , Kim HyoWon , Shin Jaewook , Lee Hyuck Mo , Cho EunAe
Published: June 2020

A brief summary of the HP Ni–P for efficient overall water electrolysis.
Who feels unwelcome in your biochemistry programme?
Authors: Burgstahler Sheryl
Published: June 2020

Has the design of your biochemistry courses and facilities unintentionally excluded certain students and faculty? We live in an era of heightened awareness about nondiscrimination with respect to underrepresented groups defined by gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and other characteristics. Have you considered issues related to the inclusion of talented students and faculty who have disabilities? If not, today is a good day to start doing so. This article shares an approach for proactively designing post-secondary courses, materials, services and facilities that are welcoming and accessible to this minority group along with others, while reducing the need for additional accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Engineering pattern formation and morphogenesis
Authors: Davies Jamie A. , Glykofrydis Fokion
Published: June 2020

The development of natural tissues, organs and bodies depends on mechanisms of patterning and of morphogenesis, typically (but not invariably) in that order, and often several times at different final scales. Using synthetic biology to engineer patterning and morphogenesis will both enhance our basic understanding of how development works, and provide important technologies for advanced tissue engineering. Focusing on mammalian systems built to date, this review describes patterning systems, both contact-mediated and reaction-diffusion, and morphogenetic effectors. It also describes early attempts to connect the two to create self-organizing physical form. The review goes on to consider how these self-organized systems might be modified to increase the complexity and scale of the order they produce, and outlines some possible directions for future research and development.
α-glucosidase inhibitors as host-directed antiviral agents with potential for the treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Williams Spencer J. , Goddard-Borger Ethan D.
Published: June 2020

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has pushed the health systems of many countries to breaking point and precipitated social distancing measures that have crippled economic activities across the globe. A return to normality is unlikely until effective therapeutics and a vaccine are available. The immediacy of this problem suggests that drug strategies should focus on repurposing approved drugs or late-stage clinical candidates, as these have the shortest path to use in the clinic. Here, we review and discuss the role of host cell N-glycosylation pathways to virus replication and the drugs available to disrupt these pathways. In particular, we make a case for evaluation of the well-tolerated drugs miglitol, celgosivir and especially miglustat for the treatment of COVID-19.
A rare cause of sciatica: Sciatic nerve schwannoma
Authors: Maes Renaud , Ledoux Pascal , de Brouckere Grégoire
Published: June 2020

The authors report one case of schwannoma located in the sciatic nerve, just above the popliteal fossa. A sciatic localization is rare, observed in 1% of the patients. The misleading clinical presentation of this localization causes a delay in diagnosis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice, but the final diagnosis is made by the histological examination of the tumor. Schwannoma should be surgically removed without division of the nerve trunk.
Pertinence de la création d’une unité transversale d’éducation du patient au sein d’un GHT
Authors: Lafitte Pascale , Scarlatescu Mihaï , Baillet Christophe , de la Tribonnière Xavier
Published: June 2020

Introduction : Le développement notoire de l’éducation thérapeutique du patient (ETP) ces dernières années sur le territoire national, dû en grande partie à son inscription dans la législation française, a permis à de multiples acteurs de santé de proposer aux patients des activités d’ETP. Au vu de cette évolution rapide de l’ETP, de nombreux établissements créent des unités transversales d’éducation du patient (UTEP) en leur sein pour coordonner l’offre éducative, ses organisations et ses pratiques. Elles sont souvent déployées dans les CHU et les établissements de santé de grande taille. Objectif : Le développement des UTEP pourrait s’envisager dans le cadre des récents dispositifs de groupements hospitaliers de territoire (GHT) régissant la coopération entre plusieurs établissements publics de santé d’un même territoire. Description : L’UTEP de GHT coordonnerait l’ETP à l’échelle d’un département « dans » et « hors les murs » des établissements publics faisant parties du GHT, pour rendre accessibles et claires les offres d’ETP pour les patients et pour tous les partenaires de santé du département. Conclusion : La constitution d’un GHT pourrait être une occasion pour créer une UTEP départementale afin de promouvoir et développer l’ETP au sein d’un département, en utilisant ce GHT comme support méthodologique et de diffusion.
COVID-19 : Proposition d’un modèle d’éducation d’urgence
Authors: Margat Aurore , Pétré Benoît , d’Ivernois Jean-François , Lombrail Pierre , Cailhol Johann , Gagnayre Rémi
Published: June 2020

La crise sanitaire actuelle rappelle tout l’enjeu de la communication des messages de prévention et de leur compréhension par la population. Si les messages sur les gestes barrières ont été conçus pour être facilement compris, il n’en reste pas moins que le passage du traitement de l’information à la mise en œuvre d’un comportement de santé représente un véritable défi. Pour obtenir des changements de comportements de santé face à l’épidémie, il est impératif de proposer une « éducation d’urgence », couplée à une stratégie d’information, en particulier pour aider les personnes les plus vulnérables et démunies. Dans ce contexte, le Laboratoire Éducations et Pratiques de Santé (LEPS UR 3412) de l’Université Sorbonne Paris Nord a conçu une intervention éducative brève pour les personnes concernées par le COVID-19. Cette intervention (30 min à 1 h) s’adosse à trois champs de pratiques : l’éducation thérapeutique de sortie d’hôpital dite ETP-SH, la littératie en santé et l’identité-logement. Les différentes phases de cette intervention sont proches de celles de celles de l’ETP-SH : un diagnostic éducatif suivi de la négociation des applications possibles avec la personne, une phase d’échanges interactifs, la vérification permanente de la compréhension par la personne et la planification d’une séance téléphonique planifiée à distance.
Wie wird die interdisziplinäre Pflegeberatung angenommen?
Authors: Winkler Juliane , Kocks Andreas
Published: June 2020

Das „Implementation Change Model“ von Grol und Wensing ist ein Problemanalyse-Tool, mit dem Veränderungsprozesse in der Pflegepraxis analysiert werden können. Am Universitätsklinikum Bonn wurde damit untersucht, wie die interdisziplinäre Pflegeberatung durch Pflegeexperten angenommen wird. Anhand der Ergebnisse ließen sich Empfehlungen für die Verbesserung des Einsatzes der Pflegeexperten ableiten.
Feinmotorik testen und trainieren – 20-Cents-Test
Authors: Krupp Sonja
Published: June 2020

Eine eingeschränkte Feinmotorik beeinträchtigt den Alltag vieler älterer Menschen. Der 20-Cents-Test dient geriatrisch tätigen Ergotherapeuten nicht nur für die Erhebung feinmotorischer Fähigkeiten, sondern auch zum Training sowie zur Verlaufskontrolle der Therapie.
Mit Technik ans Ziel – Robotik in der Pädiatrie
Authors: Lieber Jan , Rückriem Bärbel
Published: June 2020

In einem Schweizer pädiatrischen Zentrum für neurologische und muskuloskeletale Rehabilitation arbeiten Ergotherapeuten unter anderem mit der Hilfe von Robotik. Dabei fördern sie die Handlungsfähigkeit ihrer Klienten und trainieren die oberen Extremitäten stets zielgerichtet und alltagsorientiert.
Unter Druck arbeiten – Luftpolsterschiene Johnstone Splint
Authors: Wittek Svenja
Published: June 2020

Schwer neurologisch betroffene Klienten können den Johnstone Splint als Rehabilitationshilfe nutzen. Die Luftpolsterschiene ist schnell und einfach um eine betroffene Extremität angelegt und stabilisiert diese in der Intervention.
Zwischen zwei Polen – Evidence-based Practice versus erfahrungsbasierte Therapie
Authors: Tiebel Jakob , Huber Martin
Published: June 2020

Therapeuten sollen heute nicht mehr nach Intuition und Gefühl behandeln. Vielmehr sollen sie sich an klinischen Leitlinien orientieren. Wird klinische Entscheidungsfindung damit zu einem rationalen Denkprozess hochstilisiert? Schließen Vernunft und Gefühle einander aus? Für vernünftige Entscheidungen, so heißt es, braucht es einen kühlen Kopf. Doch stimmt das wirklich?
Was bisher über SARS-CoV-2 bekannt ist – Coronavirus
Authors: Becker Marion Anna
Published: June 2020

Seit dem ersten Auftreten der Coronavirus-Krankheit 2019 (COVID-19) in China hat sich die Infektion weltweit ausgebreitet. Doch auch das Wissen über das neuartige Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) ist gewachsen. Dieser Artikel fasst die wichtigsten Erkenntnisse zusammen.
Autonomic Dysfunction is Associated with Increased Cardiometabolic
Risk in Patients with Childhood-Onset Craniopharyngioma
Authors: Jung Hae Woon , Kim Hwa Young , Kim Ji Young , Cheon Jung-Eun , Kim In-One , Kim Seung-Ki , Shin Choong Ho , Yang Sei Won , Lee Young Ah
Published: June 2020

Patients with craniopharyngioma are susceptible to autonomic dysfunction as a
result of hypothalamic damage. We evaluated indices of heart rate
variability (HRV) in patients with childhood-onset craniopharyngioma to
investigate autonomic function and its relationship with components of the
metabolic syndrome (MetS). This cross-sectional, case-only study included 53
patients (10–30 years of age). We measured the standard deviation of
all normal R-R intervals (SDNN) and total power indicating overall HRV, the
root-mean square of the difference of successive R-R intervals (RMSSD) and
high frequency indicating parasympathetic modulation, and low frequency.
These indices were compared according to the presence of the MetS. During
the mean 10.8 years of follow-up, 25% of patients were diagnosed
with the MetS. Patients with the MetS showed significantly lower levels of
SDNN (29.0 vs. 40.6 ms), total power (416.1 vs.
1129.6 ms2), RMSSD (20.1 vs. 34.5 ms), high
frequency (94.7 vs. 338.5 ms2), and low frequency (94.5
vs. 289.4 ms2) than those without (p <0.05, for
all). Individual components of the MetS including insulin resistance, serum
triglycerides levels, and systolic blood pressure were inversely associated
with SDNN, total power, RMSSD and high frequency. Higher overall variability
and parasympathetic modulation were related to decreased odds ratios for
having the MetS (OR 0.91, p=0.029 for SDNN; OR 0.91, p=0.032
for total power). In conclusion, autonomic dysfunction, as evidenced by
reduced HRV indices, is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk in
patients with childhood-onset craniopharyngioma.
Prospecting and Identifying Phyllanthus amarus Lignans with Antileishmanial and Antitrypanosomal Activity
Authors: Conrado Gabrielly Galdino , Grazzia Nathalia , de Oliveira Adriana da Silva S. , Franco Caio Haddad , Moraes Carolina Borsoi , Gadelha Fernanda Ramos , Miguel Danilo Ciccone , Garcia Vera Lucia
Published: June 2020

Ten lignans (1 – 10) were isolated from the hexane-ethyl acetate extract of Phyllanthus amarus leaves. Three of them, cubebin dimethyl ether (3), urinatetralin (4), and lintetralin (7) are described for the first time in this species, while phyllanthin (1), niranthin (2), 5-demethoxyniranthin (5), isolintetralin (6), hypophyllanthin (8), nirtetralin (9), and phyltetralin (10) have been already reported from P. amarus. Among the lignans tested against Trypanosoma cruzi intracellular amastigotes, 2 was the most active with an EC50 of 35.28 µM. Lignans 2, 5, 7, and 9 showed inhibitory effects against Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes with EC50 of 56.34, 51.86, 23.57, and 43.27 µM, respectively. During in vitro infection assays, 5 reduced amastigotes by 91% at 103.68 µM concentration, whereas 7 and 9 reduced amastigotes by approximately 84% at 47.5 and 86.04 µM, respectively. Lignans 5, 7, and 9 were more potent in intracellular amastigotes with EC50 of 2.76, 8.30, and 15.83 µM, respectively, than in promastigotes. CC50 for all samples was > 100 µg/mL, thus revealing low cytotoxicity against macrophages, and selectivity against the parasite. L. amazonensis promastigotes treated with compounds 2 and 9 showed decreased respiratory control of 38% and 25%, respectively, suggesting a change in mitochondrial membrane potential and lower ATP production.
ELISA for the Detection of the Prohibited Doping Agent Higenamine
Authors: Nuntawong Poomraphie , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Sakamoto Seiichi , Morimoto Satoshi
Published: June 2020

Higenamine is a natural benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid produced by various plants. In the World Anti-Doping Agency report of 2020, higenamine is classified as a class S3 (selective and nonselective β2-agonist) prohibited substance. To minimize the problems resulting from the misuse of higenamine-containing products as well as from the abuse of doping agents in sport, numerous higenamine-detection methods have been investigated. In the present study, a monoclonal antibody against the (S)-enantiomer of higenamine was successfully produced and applied in the indirect competitive ELISA to detect the content of (S)-higenamine in plant samples and related products. By immunizing BALB/c mice with higenamine-BSA, the aforementioned monoclonal antibody was produced even when the hapten number, which was the higenamine molecules conjugated to the BSA molecule, was relatively low (approximately 4). The MAb was characterized and utilized in the established icELISA assay with a detectable range of 7.81 – 125 ng/mL. The assay limit of detection (LOD) was 4.41 ng/mL, indicating higher sensitivity than the conventional HPLC-UV methods. Various validation processes demonstrated that icELISA was precise, with the maximum CV (%) of the intra- and inter-assays of 11.58% and 10.18%, respectively. Moreover, the assay was accurate, with the recovery rates of spiked (S)-higenamine ranging from 82% to 113%, and sufficiently reliable for the detection of (S)-higenamine in various kinds of samples. Notably, the present study describes the first immunoassay for (S)-higenamine.
The Bilobe Flap for Nasal Reconstruction
Authors: Okland Tyler S. , Lee Yu Jin , Sanan Akshay , Most Sam P.
Published: June 2020

Repair of nasal defects is technically challenging due to inelastic nasal skin and unforgiving nasal geometry. The bilobe flap is a double transposition flap that can transpose skin from cephalad to caudad to repair defects of the lower third of the nose. However, pincushioning may complicate this flap, yielding untoward aesthetic outcomes. We review our single surgeon series of patients who underwent bilobe flap reconstruction of nasal defects, and describe our surgical technique to minimize pincushioning and poor aesthetic outcomes. This was a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent bilobe flap reconstruction of nasal defects at a tertiary referral facial plastic and reconstructive surgery clinic between January 1, 2010 and February 12, 2019. All postoperative clinic notes were analyzed for complications, reports of unfavorable cosmetic outcome, and rates of revision procedures. Surgical technique is described. In the analysis, 125 patients were included, of whom 84 (67%) patients were women, and the mean (standard deviation) age was 60.7 (12.5) years. Complications were reported in 20 (16%) patients, including scars, pincushioning, and nasal obstruction. Five patients underwent revision surgery (4%), including scar revision and z-plasty. Pincushioning was reported in four patients (3.2%), of whom three underwent scar revision procedures. One patient had alar notching requiring correction. There was no statistically significant association between ear cartilage graft and complications (p = 0.84) or requirement of intervention (p = 1.0). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression did not show statistically significant association between size of the defect and the presence of complications (p > 0.05). The bilobe flap is an excellent transposition flap for the repair of small nasal tip defects. By adequately thinning the transposition flap of excess subcutaneous tissue prior to inset, rates of poor aesthetic outcomes, revision procedures, and pincushioning are minimized.
The Influence of the Insertion Angle on Middle and Lower Face Tissue-Mechanics When Treating the Nasolabial Folds with Facial Suspension Threads—An Experimental Split-Face Cadaveric Study
Authors: Braun Martin , Frank Konstantin , Freytag David L. , Gotkin Robert H. , Lachman Nirusha , Hsu Gloria , Gavril Diana L. , Silva Maria V. , Bialowas Christie , Cotofana Sebastian
Published: June 2020

A novel treatment approach to address the nasolabial fold is the insertion facial suspension threads. However, there is a paucity of data available to guide insertion techniques and material selection. Three female and two male cephalic specimens of Caucasian ethnicity (73.6 ± 6.5 years; 21.41 ± 2.2 kg/m2) were included into this experimental split-face study. One facial side was treated with polycaprolactone (PCL) thread: 180 mm, bidirectional, 18G 100 mm cannula, 20 degrees trajectory, preauricular approach whereas the contralateral side was treated with polydioxanone (PDO) thread: 100 mm, bidirectional, 19G, 60 mm cannula, 50 degrees trajectory, infraorbital approach. Three-dimensional imaging outcome measures included vertical and horizontal skin displacement and volume changes at the nasolabial sulcus, at the labiomandibular sulcus, and along the jawline. Comparing PCL 180 mm 20 degrees to PDO 100 mm 50 degrees: vertical lifting effect 1.42 ± 2.63 mm versus 1.24 ± 1.88 mm (p = 0.906); horizontal lifting effect 3.42 ± 1.44 mm versus –2.02 ± 1.84 mm (p = 0.001); nasolabial volume change –0.80 ± 0.65 mL versus –0.52 ± 0.17 mL (p = 0.367); labiomandibular volume change –0.45 ± 0.42 mL versus –0.16 ± 0.16 mL (p = 0.191); jawline volume change 0.02 ± 0.43 mL versus –0.01 ± 0.21 mL (p = 0.892). The study provides objective evidence for the short-term effectiveness of facial suspension threads in treating the nasolabial folds. The results point toward a better aesthetic outcome when utilizing long facial suspension threads that can effect full-face changes as compared with short facial suspension threads.
Ligaclip for Preauricular Skin Tags in the Newborn
Authors: Schonauer Fabrizio , Guastafierro Antonio , Grasso Elisabetta , Izzo Sara , Nicoletti Giovanni Francesco , D'Andrea Francesco
Published: June 2020

Introduction Skin tags are benign lesions, that often represent only an aesthetic problem; if subjected to trauma, they can occasionally bleed with possible infection and pain. When they occur in the preauricular region, attention should be paid to the diagnosis and approach; in fact, controversy exists in the differential diagnosis between hair follicle nevi, accessory tragus, and skin tag. Misdiagnosis and failure of treatment can lead to serious consequences, such as chondritis.

Materials and Methods In our retrospective study, we evaluated 19 newborns affected by single, unilateral skin tag in the preauricular region. Each patient underwent a careful clinical examination; lesions without a pilosebaceous unit and with a thin, soft pedicle were treated in the nursery with Ligaclip (Johnson & Johnson).

Results Skin tag falls between day 7 and 10. We had no cases of edema, cellulitis, clip loss, or bleeding. Scarring results were extremely satisfactory at 3-month follow-up.

Conclusion We believe that after a careful clinical examination, cases of skin tags in the preauricular area can be selected and treated with Ligaclip. This procedure can be considered rapid, safe, economical, and simple in the newborn patients.
Suspected Placenta Accreta: Using Imaging to Stratify Risk of Morbidity
Authors: Matthews Kathy C. , Fields Jessica C. , Chasen Stephen T.
Published: June 2020

Objective This study was aimed to compare clinical outcomes and use of interventions in women with suspected accreta based on the degree of antenatal suspicion.

Study design This was a retrospective cohort study of women with suspected accreta from 2007 to 2019. Included patients had one or more imaging studies suggestive of accreta. Cases were classified as “lower risk” if imaging showed possible signs of accreta including mild or superficial myometrial infiltration, an abnormal uterine contour, an abnormal uteroplacental interface, or loss of the retroplacental hypoechoic zone and “higher risk” if there was clear evidence of more than superficial myometrial infiltration, placental tissue extruding beyond the uterine serosa, bridging vessel(s), or placental lacunae with high velocity and/or turbulent flow. The primary study outcome was a composite maternal morbidity including cesarean hysterectomy, transfusion of blood or blood products, unintentional cystotomy, or intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and Mann–Whitney U-test were used for analysis.

Results A total of 78 women had a suspected accreta on imaging, 36 with “lower risk” features and 42 with “higher risk” features. There were no differences in baseline maternal demographics. Women in the “higher risk” group were more likely to have a placenta previa (p < 0.01) and preoperative consultation with gynecologic oncology (p = 0.04). There was a significant difference in composite maternal morbidity between patients with “lower risk” and “higher risk” features of accreta on imaging (50 vs. 92.9%, p < 0.01). Median gestational age at planned and actual delivery were earlier in the “higher risk” group (36.6 vs. 34.9 weeks, p < 0.01; 36.0 vs. 34.7 weeks, p < 0.01).

Conclusion Stratification of women with suspected accreta based on imaging corresponded to rates of maternal morbidity and operative complications, and appears to have been used clinically in selecting timing of delivery and interventions.

Key Points
Influences of plasma on a relativistic backward wave oscillator with a resonant reflector and an extracting cavity
Authors: Zhang Yuchuan , Bai Xianchen , Miao Tianze , Zhang Xiaowei , Cao Yibing
Published: June 2020

Using the particle-in-cell method, the influences of the plasma produced in the resonant reflector and extracting cavity of an X-band relativistic backward oscillator are investigated. For the reflector case, the dominant rule of the microwave emission termination of the TM01 mode is the disturbance of the initial phase relationship between the RF fields of the modulated electron and the synchronous harmonic, which increases the generation frequency, excites a high-order mode competition, and then leads to microwave pulse shortening. For the extracting cavity case, the influence of plasma on the beam–wave interaction process is relatively negligible. A notable reduction in the output power is principally caused by the absorption of plasma electrons, which has been preliminarily validated in experiments.
Emergence of quasi-two-dimensional electron gas at the interface of LaAlO3/Sr2AlNbO6(001) heterostructures
Authors: Pulikkotil J. J.
Published: June 2020

Quasi-two-dimensional electron gas (q-2DEG) at the interface of oxide heterostructures, as an alternative to semiconductor electronics, is limited by its low carrier mobility. This is largely due to the nature of Ti 3d t2g conduction electrons of the SrTiO3 substrate. Here, we explore the interface conductivity between LaAlO3/Sr2AlNbO6(001) using density functional theory based first principles calculations. These heterostructures show an insulator–metal transition with increasing overlayer thickness and the carriers being Nb 4dxy in origin. The relatively higher dispersion of these carriers yields a higher carrier mobility and, hence, is significant to electronics applications based on q-2DEG.
Synthesis, properties, and applications of 2D amorphous inorganic materials
Authors: Yang Zhibin , Hao Jianhua , Lau Shu Ping
Published: June 2020

In the last decade, the research on two-dimensional (2D) materials has drawn a lot of interest from the aspects of both fundamental study and practical application. The atomic-scale thickness and unique layered structure make the materials in this family exhibit a number of distinct optical and electrical properties from their bulk counterparts. Previous studies have mainly focused on the crystalline 2D candidates. Recently, the highly disordered form of 2D materials, such as amorphous 2D materials, is emerging to attract increasing attention since it has shown great potential for applications in various fields. Here, we give a perspective on the recent progress in 2D amorphous inorganic materials. First, the synthesis techniques and process of 2D amorphous materials and their hybrid structure are given. Furthermore, the intriguing properties and applications in electronic, optoelectronic, and energy fields from typical 2D amorphous inorganic materials, including amorphous graphene, amorphous molybdenum disulfide, amorphous boron nitride, and amorphous black phosphorus, are introduced. Furthermore, the advantages and mechanisms of 2D amorphous materials are illustrated, pointing out the application scope of this material group. Finally, the underlying challenges of amorphous inorganic 2D materials are briefly outlined and some future outlooks are suggested.
Molecular dynamics simulations of thermal conductivity between two nanoparticles in contact
Authors: Mora-Barzaga G. , Miranda E. N. , Bringa E. M.
Published: June 2020

The nanoscale properties of materials can have a great influence on their macroscopic behavior; for instance, the generation and accumulation of defects at the nanoscale, such as point defects, porosity, and interfaces, can change their thermal properties. In this work, we study the role of an interface in the thermal conductivity between two nanoparticles without any external load. We consider a system subjected to a temperature gradient perpendicular to the contact surface and study the thermal conductivity, thermal conductance, thermal resistance, and contact resistance vs nanoparticle size. The thermal resistance at the interface increases linearly with nanoparticles’ contact radius ac. A model based on the contact area between two nanoparticles allows us to reasonably explain the obtained numerical results for the thermal conductivity, leading to a net decrease in effective conductivity as the nanoparticle size increases, reasonably well described by a (ac/R) dependence. Simulated thermal conductance was found to be proportional to (ac/R).
Compact setup for spin-, time-, and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Bühlmann K. , Gort R. , Fognini A. , Däster S. , Holenstein S. , Hartmann N. , Zemp Y. , Salvatella G. , Michlmayr T. U. , Bähler T. , Kutnyakhov D. , Medjanik K. , Schönhense G. , Vaterlaus A. , Acremann Y.
Published: June 2020

We present a compact setup for spin-, time-, and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. A 10 kHz titanium sapphire laser system delivers pulses of 20 fs duration, which drive a high harmonic generation-based source for ultraviolet photons at 21 eV for photoemission. The same laser also excites the sample for pump–probe experiments. Emitted electrons pass through a hemispherical energy analyzer and a spin-filtering element. The latter is based on spin-polarized low-energy electron diffraction on an Au-passivated iridium crystal. The performance of the measurement system is discussed in terms of the resolution and efficiency of the spin filter, which are higher than those for Mott-based techniques.
Electrocaloric response in lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate ceramics
Authors: Asbani B. , El Marssi M. , Dellis J.-L. , Lahmar A. , Gagou Y. , Mezzane D. , Amjoud M. , Alimoussa A. , Kutnjak Z. , Pirc R. , Rožič B.
Published: June 2020

Recent findings of a large electrocaloric (EC) effect in polymeric and inorganic ferroelectric materials open a potential possibility of development of solid-state cooling or heating devices of new generation with better energy efficiency that may be less harmful for the environment. We investigate by using direct measurements, the temperature and electric field dependence of the electrocaloric response in Pb1-xLax(ZryTi1-y)1-x/4O3 bulk ceramics (PLZT) with x = 0.06 and 0.12. Here, the properties of the EC response were probed in a part of the PLZT composition phase diagram with low y = 0.40 composition, in which the EC effect was not previously studied. Measurement results show the existence of the sizeable EC response in the 12/40/60 PLZT sample with the EC temperature change (ΔTEC) of 2.92 K at 430 K and 80 kV/cm. This value exceeds previously obtained ΔTEC values in relaxor ferroelectric x/65/35 PLZT compositions, rivaling the best EC response in lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate ceramics. The electrocaloric responsivity (ΔT/ΔE) value of 0.41 × 10−6 Km/V determined at a lower electric field of 20 kV/cm and 410 K is comparable to those observed in other perovskite ferroelectrics.
An electromagnetic parameter retrieval method based on deep learning
Authors: Huang Siqi , Cao Zilong , Yang Helin , Shen Zhaoyang , Ding Xiaoxia
Published: June 2020

The electromagnetic parameter retrieval method based on scattering (S) parameters is widely used because S parameters are easy to obtain. As a classic S parameters retrieval method, the Nicolson–Ross–Weir (NRW) algorithm has problems such as half-wave resonance, phase angle jump, and multivaluedness. In this work, an electromagnetic parameter retrieval method based on deep learning is proposed, which aims to solve the multivaluedness problem in the traditional NRW method. The method we proposed is suitable for retrieval of inhomogeneous medium that satisfies the theory of effective medium. The simulation shows that the electromagnetic parameter retrieval method based on deep learning has high calculation accuracy without the multivaluedness problem.
The dynamics of coherent modes of gradient drift instabilities in a small magnetron discharge plasma
Authors: Marcovati A. , Ito T. , Cappelli M. A.
Published: June 2020

We report on the dynamic behavior of gradient-driven drift waves in a strongly obstructed magnetron discharge. The magnetron has a magnetic topology that results in a toroidal plasma within the gap and supports the development of very coherent modes of rotating plasma structures. The modes and their rotation are present over a wide range of conditions, and the rotation is retrograde to the usual externally imposed E×B direction. This feature seems to be unique to this device and is attributed to a field reversal due to the strong anode-directed electron diffusion that arises from large axial plasma density gradients. A multi-fluid model is proposed, and a Fourier analysis of the linearized equations results in the identification of conditions that support the growth of these instabilities and their transitions across mode symmetries, controlled experimentally by varying the discharge voltage. The model also provides insight on the possible mechanism driving cross-field particle transport. Experiments are carried out with a segmented anode to confirm the localized current flow concomitant with the presence of a coherent structure. These segment currents together with high speed videography unambiguously confirm the direction of plasma rotation and reveal the existence of a stochastic regime between voltage-controlled mode transitions. An analysis of the segment currents in this regime indicates that the lower frequency state decays into a spectrum of coherent higher frequency states that exhibit features consistent with a three-wave nonlinear parametric mixing process.
Experimental study of abatement of SF6 gas using an atmospheric-pressure oxygen microwave plasma torch
Authors: Wu Yue , Li Shou-Zhe , Liu, Jing-Lin , Zhang Jialiang
Published: June 2020

An atmospheric-pressure microwave oxygen plasma torch (APMPT) is used for abating SF6 gas. The gas composition is analyzed with a Fourier transformation infrared spectrometer, and the abating effect is evaluated in terms of the destruction removal efficiency (DRE). The variation of SF6 DRE is investigated with respect to the microwave power, the gas flow rate, SF6 concentration, and the material and length of discharge tube. It is found that the existence of free-discharge regions in the vicinity of the inner wall of the discharge tube, influenced by the flow rate and microwave power, plays an important role in maintaining a stable discharge and determining the DRE value. The energy efficiency can be improved significantly by using quartz discharge tubes of a suitable length. Meanwhile, the explanations about the variation of DRE and energy efficiency for decomposing SF6 by APMPT are provided reasonably.
Isolation of cancer-derived extracellular vesicle subpopulations by a size-selective microfluidic platform
Authors: Chen Zheyuan , Yang Yi , Yamaguchi Hirohito , Hung Mien-Chi , Kameoka Jun
Published: June 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an important role in intercellular communication. Recently, there has been increasing interest in EVs as potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic vehicles. However, the molecular properties and cargo information of EV subpopulations have not yet been fully investigated due to lack of reliable and reproducible EV separation technology. Current approaches have faced difficulties with efficiently isolating EVs from biofluids, especially subpopulations of small EVs. Here, we report an EV isolation method based on a size-selective microfluidic platform (ExoSMP) via nanomembrane filtration and electrophoretic force. This unique platform offers an enhanced approach to sorting a heterogeneous population of EVs based on size, with the additional advantages of being label-free and low-cost, and featuring a short processing time (<1 h), and convenient integration with downstream analysis. In this research, we used ExoSMP to demonstrate the isolation of cancer-derived small EVs (30–120 nm) with high recovery (94.2%) and reproducibility at an optimum sample flow rate. Furthermore, we investigated isolation of EV subpopulations by altering nanomembrane combinations with different pore size combinations (50 and 100 nm, 30 and 100 nm, 30 and 200 nm, and 30 and 50 nm). This ExoSMP technique can serve as a standardized EV isolation/separation tool, facilitating the clinical prospects of EVs and opening up a new avenue for future point-of-care applications in liquid biopsies.
Flatband in a three-dimensional tungsten nitride compound
Authors: Ye X. B. , Tuo P. , Pan B. C.
Published: June 2020

Herein, the flatband of a W1N2 crystal is theoretically investigated. It is revealed that the flatband can be well-described by a tight-binding model of the N12 skeleton, where the dispersion of the flatband is governed by both the ppσ bonding strength (Vppσ) and the ppπ bonding strength (Vppπ) between the nearest-neighbor N atoms. It is also found that the proper strength of the ppπ bonding between neighboring N atoms plays a prime role in the formation of the flatband. In addition, when the compound is doped with holes, the electrons at the flatband are fully polarized, showing a ferromagnetic character. This behavior has a weak correlation with the on-site Coulomb interaction U. Moreover, several three-dimensional compounds possessing flatbands in the whole k space are predicted.
Kapitza resistance at water–graphene interfaces
Authors: Alosious Sobin , Kannam Sridhar Kumar , Sathian Sarith P. , Todd B. D.
Published: June 2020

Heat transfer across fluid–solid interfaces in nanoconfinement has received significant attention due to its relevance in nanoscale systems. In this study, we investigate the Kapitza resistance at the water–graphene interface with the help of classical molecular dynamics simulation techniques in conjunction with our recently proposed equilibrium molecular dynamics (EMD) method [S. Alosious et al., J. Chem. Phys. 151, 194502 (2019)]. The size effect of the Kapitza resistance on different factors such as the number of graphene layers, the cross-sectional area, and the width of the water block was studied. The Kapitza resistance decreases slightly with an increase in the number of layers, while the influence of the cross-sectional area and the width of the water block is negligible. The variation in the Kapitza resistance as a function of the number of graphene layers is attributed to the large phonon mean free path along the graphene cross-plane. An optimum water–graphene system, which is independent of size effects, was selected, and the same was used to determine the Kapitza resistance using the predicted EMD method. The values obtained from both the EMD and the non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) methods were compared for different potentials and water models, and the results are shown to be in good agreement. Our method allows us to compute the Kapitza resistance using EMD simulations, which obviates the need to create a large temperature gradient required for the NEMD method.
Direct evidence of polar ferroelastic domain boundaries in semiconductor BiVO4
Authors: Yokota H. , Hasegawa N. , Glazer M. , Salje E. K. H. , Uesu Y.
Published: June 2020

Ferroelastic domain boundaries in semiconductor bismuth vanadate, BiVO4, are examined using second harmonic generation microscopy. Although the bulk is centrosymmetric, domain boundaries produce homogeneous second harmonic (SH) signals. The polarization dependences of SH intensities exhibit strong anisotropy compatible with the polar symmetry m. The present results are compared with the experimental results of other ferroelastics we have observed so far. Unlike other ferroelastic materials, the directions of the SH maxima are in the same direction for all domain boundaries.
Polymeric liquid layer densified by surface acoustic wave
Authors: Hou Tianhao , Yang Jingfa , Wang Wen , Zhao Jiang
Published: June 2020

Creating densified and stable liquid is a straightforward strategy for the fabrication of strong and ultra-stable amorphous or glassy materials. The current study has discovered that a liquid polymeric thin film is densified under the application of a high frequency surface acoustic wave (SAW). The experimental evidence is the decrease in film thickness and the increase in refractive index, measured by ellipsometry, of polyisobutylene thin films deposited on the solid substrates, when a high frequency SAW (39.5 MHz) is applied to the system. Further investigations by polarization-resolved single molecule fluorescence microscopy have demonstrated that the rotational motion of fluorescent probes doped inside the liquid film is retarded and the dynamical heterogeneity is reduced. The results demonstrate that the application of SAW of high frequency makes the thin polymeric liquid film densified and more dynamically homogeneous.
A tensorial fundamental measure density functional theory for the description of adsorption in substrates of arbitrary three-dimensional geometry
Authors: Bernet Thomas , Müller Erich A. , Jackson George
Published: June 2020

Fundamental measure theory (FMT) is commonly considered within classical density functional theory (DFT) to describe inhomogeneous hard-sphere (HS) fluids. As opposed to the original FMT of Rosenfeld [Phys. Rev. Lett. 63, 980 (1989)], the dimensional interpolation FMT (DI-FMT) is a specific version of FMT which is well adapted to accurately describe the freezing of HSs and adsorption in extreme confinements by including tensorial weighted densities. The computation of these weighted densities is generally performed analytically for specific simple scenarios (e.g., planar, cylindrical, or spherical geometries), and this method is challenging to apply to pores of generic geometry. On the other hand, numerical approaches, using fast Fourier transform (FFT) techniques, can be adapted to deal with arbitrary 3D geometries. Computations with tensorial weights are, however, generally not considered with these approaches. In our current work, the FFT computation of weighted densities is detailed for tensorial quantities. We present a DI-FMT in general 3D computational space, for an arbitrary pore geometry, to obtain density profiles of pure HS fluids or mixtures. The other thermodynamic quantities, such as surface tension or excess adsorption, can then be determined by using the standard DFT framework. As an example of the implementation of the method, we present the results for the adsorption on a hard-wall model, representative of the solid structure of an anisotropic zeolite cavity.
Anisotropic magnetocaloric properties of the ludwigite single crystal Cu2MnBO5
Authors: Gamzatov A. G. , Koshkid'ko Y. S. , Freitas D. C. , Moshkina E. , Bezmaternykh L. , Aliev A. M. , Yu S.-C. , Phan M. H.
Published: June 2020

We report upon the specific heat and magnetocaloric properties of Cu2MnBO5 over a temperature range of 60–350 K and in magnetic fields up to 18 kOe. It is found that at temperatures below the Curie temperature (TC ∼ 92 K), CP(T)/T possesses a linear temperature-dependent behavior, which is associated with the predominance of two-dimensional antiferromagnetic interactions of magnons. The temperature independence of CP/T = f(T) is observed in the temperature range of 95–160 K, which can be attributed to the excitation of the Wigner glass phase. The magnetocaloric effect [i.e., the adiabatic temperature change, ΔTad (T,H)] is assessed through a direct measurement or an indirect method using the CP(T,H) data. Owing to its strong magnetocrystalline anisotropy, an anisotropic magnetocaloric effect (MCE) or the rotating MCE [ΔTadrot (T)] is observed in Cu2MnBO5. A deep minimum in the ΔTadrot (T) near the TC is observed and ascribed to the anisotropy of the paramagnetic susceptibility.
Climate change and agricultural trade in central Asia: evidence from Kazakhstan
Authors: Yu Xiaohua , Luo Hengrong , Wang Hanjie , Feil Jan-Henning
Published: June 2020

Agriculture in Central Asia faces tremendous challenges due to climate change. International agricultural trade is seen in the literature as a potential adaption to climate change. However, little attention has been paid to the effect of climate change on cereal trade in Central Asia. This study takes Kazakhstan as an example to empirically analyze the effect of climate change on cereal trade by including them as determinants in the gravity model. Our results show that climatic changes in Kazakhstan, measured by precipitation and temperature, could increase the export of wheat and rice and the import of maize, and decrease the import of wheat. Specifically, as a major crop in Kazakhstan, increasing precipitation by 1 millimeter during the major cropping season from May to August, will significantly enhance export of wheat by 0.7% and reduce the import by 1.7%; increasing temperature by 1°C during the same cropping season will significantly increase export of wheat by 21.9% and reduce the import by 49.4%. As an important cereal trade country in the world, the dramatic adjustments of cereal trade patterns resulting from climate change in Kazakhstan might affect global food security.
Glutamine depletion regulates Slug to promote EMT and metastasis in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Recouvreux Maria Victoria , Moldenhauer Matthew R. , Galenkamp Koen M.O. , Jung Michael , James Brian , Zhang Yijuan , Lowy Andrew , Bagchi Anindya , Commisso Cosimo
Published: June 2020

Tumor cells rely on glutamine to fulfill their metabolic demands and sustain proliferation. The elevated consumption of glutamine can lead to intratumoral nutrient depletion, causing metabolic stress that has the potential to impact tumor progression. Here, we show that nutrient stress caused by glutamine deprivation leads to the induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that glutamine deficiency regulates EMT through the up-regulation of the EMT master regulator Slug, a process that is dependent on both MEK/ERK signaling and ATF4. We find that Slug is required in PDAC cells for glutamine deprivation–induced EMT, cell motility, and nutrient stress survival. Importantly, we decipher that Slug is associated with nutrient stress in PDAC tumors and is required for metastasis. These results delineate a novel role for Slug in the nutrient stress response and provide insight into how nutrient depletion might influence PDAC progression.
Defect generation and dynamics during quenching in finite size homogeneous ion chains
Authors: Pedregosa-Gutierrez J , Mukherjee M
Published: June 2020

An equally spaced linear chain of ions provides a test-bed for studying the defect formation during a topological phase transition from a linear to a zig-zag configuration. By using a particular axial potential leading to an homogeneous ion chain, the boundary conditions are not needed, allowing new rich defect dynamics to appear on an homogeneous system. A semi-empirical expression for the critical transition frequency provides an excellent agreement to the numerical results for low ion numbers. The non-adiabatic crossing of the phase transition shows different power-laws for the defect probability density for different quench rates regions. Information regarding defect dynamics is obtained through the measurement of the defect density at different times during the quench. By comparing the defect density and the correlation length dynamics among the different number of trapped ions, the role of the different defect loss mechanism can be deduced. An excellent agreement with the predictions given by the homogeneous Kibble–Zurek model is found on a finite size system of 30 ion system which can be tested in present ion trap experimental set-ups.