bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced photoluminescence of boron nitride quantum dots by encapsulation within polymeric nanoparticles
Authors: Abu Saleh Doaa , Sosnik Alejandro 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Boron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs) have been proposed as probes for bioimaging owing their to outstanding photoluminescent properties, although their hydrophobic nature and strong aggregation tendency in aqueous media limit their application in the biomedical field. In this work, we synthesize BNQDs by a liquid exfoliation–solvothermal process under pressure from boron nitride nanoparticles in N,N-dimethylformamide. The BNQDs display an average size of 3.3 ± 0.6 nm, as measured by transmission electron microscopy, and a (100) crystalline structure. In addition, a quantum yield of 21.75 ± 0.20% was achieved. To ensure complete dispersibility in water and prevent possible elimination by renal filtration upon injection, the BNQDs (20% w/w) are encapsulated within poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(epsilon-caprolactone) nanoparticles by a simple and scalable nanoprecipitation method, and hybrid nanocomposite particles with significantly stronger photoluminescence than their free counterparts are produced. Finally, their optimal cell compatibility and bioimaging features are demonstrated in vitro in murine macrophage and human rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines.
Powerful electron beam transport from a plasma–cathode electron source at forevacuum pressure
Authors: Zenin A A , Bakeev I Yu , Klimov A S , Oks E M 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
We discuss the results of our investigations on the transport of a powerful (up to 10 kW) low-energy electron beam generated by a plasma–cathode electron source in the forevacuum range of pressure (30 Pa). We have studied the processes of plasma generation by the electron beam and determined the conditions for initiation of a ‘beam-plasma discharge’. We show that at a working gas pressure of 30 Pa, the beam-plasma discharge manifests itself most clearly in the range of accelerating voltage of 6–10 kV at electron beam currents of more than 200 mA. The onset of the beam-plasma discharge is characterized by an increase in the density of the beam plasma by approximately an order of magnitude, up to 1016 m−3, and an increase in the plasma electron temperature from 2 to 4.0 eV.
Research on the variable mechanical properties and application in vibration control of soft magnetic entangled metallic wire material
Authors: Wang Yongfeng , Ma Yanhong , Hu Wenzhong , Hong Jie 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
A novel soft magnetic entangled metallic wire material (SM-EMWM) is investigated in this article, which is manufactured using the magnetoelectric-sensitive soft magnetic wires. The mechanical properties (tangent modulus, loss factor) of SM-EMWM can be tunable in the magnetic field rapidly and reversibly, and thus can be applied to vibration control systems. The quasi-static and dynamic tests in different magnetic fields were carried out, and the results show that the tangent modulus of SM-EMWM samples in a magnetic field of 500 mT can increase 2–7 times on average compared with no magnetic field condition, while the loss factor can be improved above 50%. Therefore, with the enhancement of the intensity of the magnetic field, the resonant frequency of the system with SM-EMWM increases, the peak value of response curves decreases dramatically as well. Based on the results of dynamic tests, one suitable adaptive vibration control strategy was developed and used in the tests to avoid the resonant frequency of the system, by controlling the magnetic field condition appropriately. The results show that the peak vibration transmissibility of the controlled SM-EMWM system decreases over 50%, which reveals the excellent application prospect of the SM-EMWM for the active or semi-active control vibration control in mechanical structures.
Data transmission by quantum matter wave modulation
Authors: Röpke R , Kerker N , Stibor A 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Classical communication schemes exploiting wave modulation are the basis of our information era. Quantum information techniques with photons enable future secure data transfer in the dawn of decoding quantum computers. Here we demonstrate that also matter waves can be applied for secure data transfer. Our technique allows the transmission of a message by a quantum modulation of coherent electrons in a biprism interferometer. The data is encoded in the superposition state by a Wien filter introducing a longitudinal shift between separated matter wave packets. The transmission receiver is a delay line detector performing a dynamic contrast analysis of the fringe pattern. Our method relies on the Aharonov–Bohm effect but does not shift the phase. It is demonstrated that an eavesdropping attack will terminate the data transfer by disturbing the quantum state and introducing decoherence. Furthermore, we discuss the security limitations of the scheme due to the multi-particle aspect and propose the implementation of a key distribution protocol that can prevent active eavesdropping.
Dynamically tunable electro-optic switch and multimode filter based on twisted bilayer graphene strips
Authors: Liu Zhimin , Zhang Zhenbin , Zhou Fengqi , Zhang Xiao , Gao Enduo , Luo Xin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Twisted bilayer graphene strips are proposed to excite dual-plasmon-induced-transparency (DPIT). Coupled mode theory is employed to fit the transmission spectra of finite-difference time-domain numerical simulations. When the upper- and lower-layers graphene are perpendicular to each other, an electric-optic switch can be realized only by changing the Fermi level of graphene, and the modulation degree of amplitude reaches 55%. Interestingly, DPIT can be degenerated to single PIT and gradually disappeared by changing the angle between the upper- and lower-layers graphene, thus multimode filters can be designed. Therefore, this work provides new ideas for designing multifunctional electro-optic devices.
Tunable enhancement of spatial lateral shifts in periodic chiral metamaterials
Authors: Huang Yanyan , Zhu Qingqing , Zhang Xiaowei , Yu Zhongwei , Zhong Chonggui 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In this paper co-polarization spatial Goos–Hänchen (GH) shifts (Δss/λ and Δpp/λ) of periodic chiral metamaterials are investigated. The numerical results show that the enhancement of GH shifts is affected by the incident frequency, the incident angle, the period and the volume fraction of the dispersive chiral layer. For s polarized waves, GH shifts are always enhanced negatively with one Brewster angle, but two Brewster angles arise when the period is large and specific. For p polarized waves there are two Brewster angles in general, at which the GH shifts can be greatly enhanced with negative and positive peaks. More Brewster angles appear when the period is sufficiently large and specific. The transition of negatively and positively enhanced GH shifts is sensitive to large frequencies, and can be tuned by changing the frequency slightly. The transition can also be adjusted by varying the volume fraction of the dispersive chiral layer and the period of the structure.
Many-body calculations for periodic materials via restricted Boltzmann machine-based VQE
Authors: Kanno Shu , Tada Tomofumi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
A state of the art method based on quantum variational algorithms can be a powerful approach for solving quantum many-body problems. However, the research scope in the field is mainly limited to organic molecules and simple lattice models. Here, we propose a workflow of a quantum variational algorithm for periodic systems on the basis of an effective model construction from first principles. The band structures of the Hubbard model of graphene with the mean-field approximation are calculated as a benchmark, and the calculated eigenvalues obtained by restricted Boltzmann machine-based variational quantum eigensolver (RBM-based VQE) show good agreement with the exact diagonalization results within a few meV. The results show that the present computational scheme has the potential to solve many-body problems quickly and correctly for periodic systems using a quantum computer.
Ygr125w/Vsb1-dependent accumulation of basic amino acids into vacuoles of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Kawano-Kawada Miyuki , Ichimura Haruka , Ohnishi Shota , Yamamoto Yusuke , Kawasaki Yumi , Sekito Takayuki 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
The Ygr125w was previously identified as a vacuolar membrane protein by a proteomic analysis. We found that vacuolar levels of basic amino acids drastically decreased in ygr125wΔ cells. Since N- or C-terminally tagged Ygr125w was not functional, an expression plasmid of YGR125w with HA3-tag inserted in its N-terminal hydrophilic region was constructed. Introduction of this plasmid into ygr125w∆ cells restored the vacuolar levels of basic amino acids. We successfully detected the uptake activity of arginine by the vacuolar membrane vesicles depending on HA3-YGR125w expression. A conserved aspartate residue in the predicted first transmembrane helix (D223) was indispensable for the accumulation of basic amino acids. YGR125w has been recently reported as a gene involved in vacuolar storage of arginine; and it is designated as VSB1. Taken together, our findings indicate that Ygr125w/Vsb1 contributes to the uptake of arginine into vacuoles and vacuolar compartmentalization of basic amino acids.
Fire-driven behavioral response to smoke in a Mediterranean lizard
Authors: Álvarez-Ruiz Lola , Belliure Josabel , Pausas Juli G 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The evolutionary role of fire in animals has been poorly explored. Reptiles use sensory cues, such as smell (chemoreception), to detect threats and flee. In Mediterranean ecosystems, fire is a threat faced by reptiles. We hypothesized that the Mediterranean lizard Psammodromus algirus recognizes the threat of fire by detecting the smoke, which triggers a behavioral response that enhances survival in fire-prone ecosystems. We predicted that lizards from fire-prone ecosystems will be more sensitive to fire stimulus than those from ecosystems that rarely burn. We conducted a terrarium experiment in which lizards from habitats with contrasted fire regimes (fire-prone vs. non-fire-prone) were exposed to smoke versus control (false smoke) treatment. We found that, in populations from fire-prone habitats, more lizards reacted to smoke, and their behavioral response was more intense than in lizard populations from non-fire-prone habitats. Our results suggest that an enhanced response to smoke may be adaptive in lizards from fire-prone ecosystems as it increases the chance for survival. We provide evidence that fire is likely an evolutionary driver shaping behavioral traits in lizard populations exposed to frequent wildfires. Understanding ecological and evolutionary processes shaping animal populations is relevant for species conservation in a changing fire regime world.
BAGET 2.0: an updated web tool for the effortless retrieval of prokaryotic gene context and sequence
Authors: Hepp Benjamin , Da Cunha Violette , Lorieux Florence , Oberto Jacques 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Motivation
The retrieval of a single gene sequence and context from completely sequenced bacterial and archaeal genomes constitutes an intimidating task for the wet bench biologist. Existing web-based genome browsers are either too complex for routine use or only provide a subset of the available prokaryotic genomes.

Results
We have developed BAGET 2.0 (Bacterial and Archaeal Gene Exploration Tool), an updated web service granting access in just three mouse clicks to the sequence and synteny of any gene from completely sequenced bacteria and archaea. User-provided annotated genomes can be processed as well. BAGET 2.0 relies on a local database updated on a daily basis.

Availability and implementation
BAGET 2.0 befits all current browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera and Safari. Internet Explorer 11 is supported. BAGET 2.0 is freely accessible at https://archaea.i2bc.paris-saclay.fr/baget/
Keynes, capitalism and public purpose
Authors: Konzelmann Suzanne J , Chic Victoria , Fovargue-Davies Marc 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
When the same person is described as a 'Capitalist Revolutionary' and a ‘Bourgeois Marxist’, you know that there is a tug of war going on between opposing ideologies to claim the ideas of that person: in this case, John Maynard Keynes. James Crotty, in his recent book, Keynes against Capitalism, joins the game. Crotty takes issue with the conventional interpretation: that Keynes was trying to save capitalism. Instead, he argues that from the mid-1920s until his death in 1946, Keynes consistently argued for replacing capitalism with ‘liberal socialism’. Crotty also maintains that The General Theory was designed to provide the theoretical foundation in support of his case against capitalism, in favour of liberal socialism. We contend that these labels, however clear they might have been to Keynes, are now laden with all sorts of interpretive baggage, and that Keynes’s thinking was rather too subtle and complex to be comfortably described by them. To make this case, we examine the social purpose that Keynes’s theoretical and policy work was designed to achieve and the means by which he thought it could best be achieved, as his thinking developed in the context of the rapidly changing times through which he lived.
The Early Enlightenment roots of Keynes’ probability concept
Authors: Aristimuño Francisco , Crespo Ricardo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In the brief preface to A Treatise on Probability, Keynes states, ‘It may be perceived that I have been greatly influenced by W. E. Johnson, G. E. Moore and Bertrand Russell, that is, by Cambridge, which, with great debts to the writers of Continental Europe, yet continues in direct succession the English tradition of Locke, Berkeley and Hume, of Mill and Sidgwick’ (J. M. Keynes, 1921, p. v). The authors who have recently stressed the relevance of Keynes ideas on probability have paid special attention to the influence of the former, but not to that of the latter. This article intends to show that the Treatise on Probability is deeply rooted in the history of probabilistic thinking, particularly in the Early Enlightenment (roughly between 1650 and 1750), before mathematicians claimed ownership over the subject. We find that important aspects of Keynes’ notions were already present in Locke and other Early Enlightenment writers, albeit with some note-worthy differences.
Impact of insulin adsorption in various containers during hyperkalaemia treatment
Authors: Robert Thomas , Vanelle Patrice , Brunet Philippe , Martin Nathalie , Burtey Stéphane , Curti Christophe 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Insulin–glucose therapy in hyperkalaemia treatment has a narrow therapeutic index for a safe and efficient use. We assess the variability of the effective delivered insulin under conditions used in the setting of hyperkalaemia treatment.

Methods
A range of simulated insulin infusions was studied using different containers (bag or syringes) according to the different hyperkalaemia treatment procedures of our institution. Insulin concentration was assayed using a chromatographic method on an automatic high-performance liquid chromatography. We calculated the effective delivered insulin and compared the time average of percentage delivered insulin (TAdi) between all the procedures.

Results
The TAdi was significantly decreased to 63.3% of the expected insulin delivery in the polyurethane (PE) bag compared with allover container. The procedure duration and the insulin concentration influenced the variability of the insulin delivery in the PE and glass bag. The polyvinyl chloride bag had the highest TAdi at 93.8%, without significant variation during the time. TAdi reaches ∼90% of the expected insulin with all the syringe procedure without variation according to the solute used to dilute insulin.

Conclusions
Clinically significant variations in intravenous insulin delivery occur in the setting of hyperkalaemia treatment according to the container. The use of propylene syringe limits the insulin delivery variation. In the future, clinical studies on hyperkalaemia treatment by insulin–glucose therapy should detail the procedure precisely.
Procedural efficiencies, lesion metrics, and 12-month clinical outcomes for Ablation Index-guided 50 W ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: O’Brien Jim , Obeidat Mohammed , Kozhuharov Nikola , Ding Wern Yew , Tovmassian Lilith , Bierme Cedric , Chin Shui Hao , Chu Gavin S , Luther Vishal , Snowdon Richard L , Gupta Dhiraj 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Aims
The safety of Ablation Index (AI)-guided 50 W ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) remains uncertain, and mid-term clinical outcomes have not been described. The interplay between AI and its components at 50 W has not been reported.

Methods and results
Eighty-eight consecutive AF patients (44% paroxysmal) underwent AI-guided 50 W ablation. Procedural and 12-month clinical outcomes were compared with 93 consecutive controls (65% paroxysmal) who underwent AI-guided ablation using 35–40 W. Posterior wall isolation (PWI) was performed in 44 (50%) and 23 (25%) patients in the 50 and 35–40 W groups, respectively, P &lt; 0.001. The last 10 patients from each group underwent analysis of individual lesions (n = 1230) to explore relationships between different powers and the AI components. Pulmonary vein isolation was successful in all patients. Posterior wall isolation was successful in 41/44 (93.2%) and 22/23 (95.7%) in the 50 and 35–40 W groups, respectively (P = 0.685). Radiofrequency times (20 vs. 26 min, P &lt; 0.001) and total procedure times (130 vs. 156 min, P = 0.002) were significantly lower in the 50 W group. No complication or steam pop was seen in either group. Twelve-month freedom from arrhythmia was similar (80.2% vs. 82.8%, P = 0.918). A higher proportion of lesions in the 50 W group were associated with impedance drop &gt;7 Ω (54.6% vs. 45.5%, P &lt; 0.001). Excessive ablation (AI &gt;600 anteriorly, &gt;500 posteriorly) was more frequent in the 50 W group (9.7% vs. 4.3%, P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
Ablation Index-guided 50 W AF ablation is as safe and effective as lower powers and results in reduced ablation and procedure times. Radiofrequency lesions are more likely to be therapeutic, but there is a higher risk of delivering excessive ablation.
International Perspectives on Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Opinion Differences and Similarities Between Patients and Physicians From the IBD GAPPS Survey
Authors: Rubin David T , Sninsky Charles , Siegmund Britta , Sans Miquel , Hart Ailsa , Bressler Brian , Bouhnik Yoram , Armuzzi Alessandro , Afzali Anita 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are complex disorders with multiple comorbidities. We conducted international patient and physician surveys to evaluate current experiences and perceptions of patients with CD or UC and physicians who treat IBD.

Methods
The IBD Global Assessment of Patient and Physician Unmet Need Surveys comprised a patient survey and a physician survey, fielded in North America and Europe between August 16, 2019, and November 10, 2019. Adults with CD or UC (targeted 1:1 ratio) were recruited from physicians, patient advocacy groups, and recruitment panels; physicians were recruited by recruitment agencies and panels.

Results
In total, 2398 patients with IBD (1368 CD, 1030 UC) and 654 physicians completed surveys. Anxiety and depression were the most common comorbidities among patients with IBD. Patients and physicians were generally aligned on treatment goals and patient-physician communication. Patients with IBD reported high quality-of-life impact by rectal urgency and need to use the toilet, which were rated as lower-impact by physicians. Patients defined remission based on symptoms; physicians defined remission based primarily on clinical tests. Patients expected current treatments to control their disease for a longer duration than did physicians. Patients expressed more concern about corticosteroid use compared with physicians; many physicians reported prescribing corticosteroids for more than 4 months per year in some patients.

Conclusions
Patients could benefit from education about disease remission and expectations for current therapies. High corticosteroid use is concerning to patients, and physicians should minimize the use of corticosteroids for extended periods of time.
Seascape heterogeneity modifies estuarine fish assemblages in mangrove forests
Authors: Henderson Christopher J , Gilby Ben L , Stone Edward , Borland Hayden P , Olds Andrew D 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMangroves are a dominant structural habitat within tropical and subtropical estuaries that provide a number of ecosystem services, including habitat for a range of crustaceans and fish. However, mangroves are one of the most threatened estuarine habitats globally, having been severely reduced in extent, and replaced by urban structures. Here, we test for the effects of both natural (e.g. seagrass, rock and mangroves habitat extent, and connectivity) and human (e.g. extent of urban area) landscape variables on the number and type of fish inhabiting mangroves forests. We used remote underwater video stations to quantify fish assemblages within mangroves at 150 sites in 30 estuaries across Queensland, Australia. Fish community structure was best explained by the extent of mangroves and seagrasses within an estuary, the distance to the estuary mouth, and the size of the estuary and catchment. Moderate catchment size and proximity to the estuary mouth increased species richness and abundance of harvestable fish at individual mangrove sites. In order to maintain mangrove fish assemblages and the functions they provide, management initiatives should focus on maintaining natural estuarine seascapes that are located closer to the mouth of estuaries, in particular, focusing on estuaries that have lower levels of catchment urbanization.
Association of first trimester anaesthesia with risk of congenital heart defects in offspring
Authors: Auger Nathalie , Carrier François M , Arbour Laura , Ayoub Aimina , Healy-Profitós Jessica , Potter Brian J 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
A substantial number of pregnant women require anaesthesia for non-obstetric surgery, but the risk to fetal heart development is unknown. We assessed the relationship between first trimester anaesthesia and risk of congenital heart defects in offspring.

Methods
We conducted a longitudinal cohort study of 2 095 300 pregnancies resulting in live births in hospitals of Quebec, Canada, between 1990 and 2016. We identified women who received general or local/regional anaesthesia in the first trimester, including anaesthesia between 3 and 8 weeks post-conception, the critical weeks of fetal cardiogenesis. The main outcome measures were critical and non-critical heart defects in offspring. We estimated risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of first trimester anaesthesia with congenital heart defects, using log-binomial regression models adjusted for maternal characteristics.

Results
There were 107.3 congenital heart defects per 10 000 infants exposed to anaesthesia, compared with 87.2 per 10 000 unexposed infants. Anaesthesia between 3 and 8 weeks post-conception was associated with 1.50 times the risk of congenital heart defects (95% CI 1.11–2.03), compared with no anaesthesia. Anaesthesia between 5 and 6 weeks post-conception was associated with 1.84 times the risk (95% CI 1.10–3.08). Associations were driven mostly by general anaesthesia, which was associated with 2.49 times the risk between weeks 5 and 6 post-conception (95% CI 1.40–4.44).

Conclusions
General anaesthesia during critical periods of fetal heart development may increase the risk of congenital heart defects. Further research is needed to confirm that anaesthetic agents are cardiac teratogens.