bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural history of Dictyla echii (Hemiptera: Tingidae) in Ontario and Québec, Canada
Authors: Javahery M. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe natural history and distribution of Dictyla echii (Schrank) (Hemiptera: Tingidae), a lace bug native to the Palaearctic, was investigated during 2014–2017 in southwestern Québec and southeastern Ontario, Canada. This apparently univoltine species is associated with Echium vulgare Linnaeus (Boraginaceae) and overwintered as adults in soil in a state of reproductive diapause. Eggs were almost entirely inserted in soft green stems and rarely in tissues of the upper leaf surface of the host plant. Adults and nymphs fed on rosettes, stems, and flower shoots, causing a chlorotic appearance of foliage, and stunted floral shoots. The external morphology of adults and immature stages are described and illustrated. Feeding, mating, oviposition, fecundity, incubation period, development of eggs in ovarioles, hatching of eggs, and emergence of first instars were studied and illustrated. The distribution of D. echii in North America and the Palaearctic is mapped.
On the impact of the stress situation on the optical properties of $WSe_2$ monolayers under high pressure
Authors: Francisco-López Adrián , Han Bo , Lagarde Delphine , Marie Xavier , Urbaszek Bernhard , Robert Cedric , Goñi Alejandro 
Published: June 2019

We have studied the optical properties of $WSe_2$ monolayers (ML) by means of photoluminescence (PL), PL excitation (PLE) and Raman scattering spectroscopy at room temperature and as a function of hydrostatic pressure up to ca. 12 GPa. For comparison the study comprises two cases: A single $WSe_2$ ML directly transferred onto one of the diamonds of the diamond anvil cell and a $WSe_2$ ML encapsulated into hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) layers. The pressure dependence of the A and B exciton, as determined by PL and PLE, respectively, is very different for the case of the bare $WSe_2$ ML and the $hBN/WSe_2-ML/hBN$ heterostructure. Whereas for the latter the A and B exciton energy increases linearly with increasing pressure at a rate of 3.5 to 3.8 meV/GPa, for the bare $WSe_2$ ML the A and B exciton energy decreases with a coefficient of -3.1 and -1.3 meV/GPa, respectively. We interpret that this behavior is due to a different stress situation. For a single ML the stress tensor is essentially uniaxial with the compressive stress component in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the ML. In contrast, for the substantially thicker $hBN/WSe_2-ML/hBN$ heterostructure the compression is hydrostatic. The results from an analysis of the pressure dependence of the frequency of Raman active modes comply with the interpretation of having a different stress situation in each case.
Reviewed by: A. San Miguel, Institut Lumière Matière, Université de Lyon, France; Edited by: J. S. Reparaz
Using freezing spectra characteristics to identify ice-nucleating particle populations during the winter in the Alps
Authors: Creamean Jessie M. , Mignani Claudia , Bukowiecki Nicolas , Conen Franz 
Published: June 2019

Abstract. One of the least understood cloud processes is modulation
of their microphysics by aerosols, specifically of cloud ice by ice-nucleating particles (INPs). To investigate INP impacts on cloud ice and
subsequent precipitation formation, measurements in cloud environments are
necessary but difficult given the logistical challenges associated with
airborne measurements and separating interstitial aerosol from cloud
residues. Additionally, determining the sources of INPs is important given
the dependency of glaciation temperatures on the mineral or biological
components and diversity of such INP populations. Here, we present results
from a comparison of INP spectral characteristics in air, cloud rime, and
fresh fallen snow at the High Altitude Research Station, Jungfraujoch. The
goal of the study was twofold: (1) to assess variability in wintertime INP
populations found in cloud based on wind and air mass direction during
snowfall and (2) to evaluate possible INP sources between different sample
types using a combination of cumulative INP (K(T)) and differential INP (k(T))
spectra. INP freezing temperatures and concentrations were consistently
higher on average from the southeast as compared to the northwest for rime,
snow, and especially aerosol samples, which is likely a result of air mass
influence from predominantly boundary layer terrestrial and marine sources
in southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and North Africa. For all three
sample types combined, average onset freezing temperatures were −8.0 and
−11.3 ∘C for southeasterly and northwesterly days, respectively,
while K(T) were 3 to 20 times higher when winds arrived from the southeast.
Southeasterly aerosol samples typically had a clear mode in the warm-temperature regime (i.e., ≥-15 ∘C) in the k(T)
spectra – indicating a putative influence from biological sources – while
the presence of a warm mode in the rime and snow varied. Evaluating K(T) concert
with k(T) spectra exhibited variable modality and shape – depending on the types
of INPs present – and may serve as a useful method for comparing different
sampled substances and assessing the possible relative contributions of
mixed mineral and biological versus only biological INP sample populations.
Surface predictor of overturning circulation and heat content change in the subpolar North Atlantic
Authors: Desbruyères Damien G. , Mercier Herlé , Maze Guillaume , Daniault Nathalie 
Published: June 2019

Abstract. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) impacts
ocean and atmosphere temperatures on a wide range of temporal and spatial
scales. Here we use observational datasets to validate model-based
inferences on the usefulness of thermodynamics theory in reconstructing AMOC
variability at low frequency, and further build on this reconstruction to
provide prediction of the near-future (2019–2022) North Atlantic state. An
easily observed surface quantity – the rate of warm to cold transformation
of water masses at high latitudes – is found to lead the observed AMOC at
45∘ N by 5–6 years and to drive its 1993–2010 decline and its
ongoing recovery, with suggestive prediction of extreme intensities for the
early 2020s. We further demonstrate that AMOC variability drove a
bi-decadal warming-to-cooling reversal in the subpolar North Atlantic before
triggering a recent return to warming conditions that should prevail at
least until 2021. Overall, this mechanistic approach of AMOC variability and its impact on ocean temperature brings new key aspects for understanding and
predicting climatic conditions in the North Atlantic and beyond.
تقييم تجربة قسم دراسات المعلومات بجامعة السلطان قابوس في ممارسات الجودة والاعتماد الأكاديمي
Authors: حارث الحراصي الدكتور نبهان بن , جمال بن مطر السالمي الدكتور 
Published: June 2019

ملخص: يُعد الاعتماد الأكاديمي من أهم الوسائل المستخدمة لضمان جودة التدريس والبحث العلمي في الأقسام الأكاديمية، حيث يتيح، من ناحية، إخضاع جميع أنشطة القسم للتقييم من قِبل مؤسسة اعتماد متخصصة ومحايدة، كما أنه، من ناحية أخرى، يسمح بنوع من التواصل العلمي وتبادل الخبرات بين القسم الأكاديمي والمؤسسة، قد يتطور لاحقًا إلى استشارات ومشاركة في تطوير الخطط الدراسية، والعمل على وضع الاستراتيجيات المستقبلية للقسم.
تهدف الدراسة الحالية إلى عرض تجربة قسم دراسات المعلومات بجامعة السلطان قابوس في الاعتماد الأكاديمي، بعد حصوله مؤخرًا على شهادة الاعتماد الأكاديمي من مؤسسة CILIP» (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals). وتستعرض الدراسة مجموعة من مؤسسات الاعتماد الدولية، وتجارب بعض الأقسام في الاعتماد الأكاديمي، وأثر وانعكاس الاعتماد على تطور المقررات والخطط الدراسية.
تعتمد الدراسة في جمع المادة العلمية على تحليل وثائق وتقارير مؤسسة «CILIP» الخاصة بتقييم مختلف مراحل الاعتماد، والتعرُّف على برنامج المعارف والمهارات المهنية لمتخصصي المعلومات (PKSB) (The Professional Knowledge and Skills Base)، ومدى توافقه مع المقررات التي يدرسها القسم. وكذلك انعكاس تجربة الاعتماد على ممارسات التدريس بالقسم، وإعداد وتطوير المقررات الدراسية. ويؤمل أن تساهم الدراسة المقترحة في توضيح مراحل، وصعوبات، ونتائج الدخول في مشروع اعتماد أكاديمي متكامل، بحيث تتحقق الاستفادة منه من قِبل الأقسام الأكاديمية المناظرة.
Antibiogram Analysis and Characterization of Bacterial Pathogens from Leucorrhea Patients
Authors: Ali Nazish Mazhar , Shahzad Muhammad , Bano Muqadas , Liaqat Iram , Mazhar Bushra , Zain Samina , Yaqub Atif 
Published: June 2019

In recent research work bacteria were isolated from samples of leucorrhea patients admitted in Lady Wellington hospital Lahore (gynae ward) and Basheer welfare hospital Shahdara Lahore. The sampling was done from pregnant and non-pregnant leucorrhea patients aged 18 to 30 years by using sterile culture sticks from vagina. The samples were spread on agar plates and incubated for overnight, bacterial strains were isolated by streak plate method. The strains were named L1, L2, L3 and L4. Identification was carried out by various morphological and biochemical tests. Molecular characterization was also done to characterize bacteria up to species level. L1 strain was identified as Streptococcus pyogens, L2 as Staphylococcus aureus, L3 as Neisseria gonorrheae and L4 as Escherchia coli. Antibiotic resistance was analyzed by disc plate method. L1, L2 and L3 strains showed maximum sensitivity with Cefepime antibiotics having values 17.74 µg/ml, 13.63 µg/ml and 12 µg/ml respectively. L4 showed max sensitivity with Azithromycin and Cloxacillin antibiotics i.e., 6.25 µg/ml and 6.4 µg/ml respectively. Optimum pH was 6.5 for L1 and L2, while 7 for L3 and L4. Optimum temperature was 37 for all strains.
Learner Beliefs in Second Language Learning
Authors: Kalaja Paula , Barcelos Ana Maria Ferreira 
Published: June 2019

Second and foreign‐language learners of all ages have beliefs (or opinions) about language learning. This is true whether their learning takes place in formal contexts such as regular English as a foreign language (EFL) classrooms and immersion programs or informal contexts such as home and workplace. (And the same is true of their teachers.) It has only recently been acknowledged how important a role these beliefs play in the learning (and teaching) of second or foreign languages, making it possible either for learners to make progress in their studies or prevent them from doing so.
This entry reviews developments in research into learner beliefs in applied linguistics. First the classics in the field are described, followed by an attempt to outline research pursued within two approaches and illustrate work carried out over the past few decades by summarizing a few key studies. Developments are noted in definitions, terminology and methodologies used over the years or within approaches adopted by scholars. The entry closes with a call for further research in the field, with suggestions of what to focus on in future studies.
On the need for tuning the dosimetric leaf gap for stereotactic treatment plans in the Eclipse treatment planning system
Authors: Vieillevigne Laure , Khamphan Catherine , Saez Jordi , Hernandez Victor 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe dosimetric leaf gap (DLG) and tongue‐and‐groove (T&G) effects are critical aspects in the modeling of multileaf collimators (MLC) in the treatment planning system (TPS). In this study, we investigated the dosimetric impact of limitations associated with the T&G modeling in stereotactic plans and its relationship with the need for tuning the DLG in the Eclipse TPS. Measurements were carried out using Varian TrueBeam STx systems from two different institutions. Test fields presenting MLC patterns with several MLC gap sizes (meanGap) and different amounts of T&G effect (TGi) were first evaluated. Secondly, dynamic conformal arc (DCA) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) deliveries of stereotactic cases were analyzed in terms of meanGap and TGi. Two DLG values were used in the TPS: the measured DLG (DLGmeas) and an optimal DLG (DLGopt). Measured and calculated doses were compared according to dose differences and gamma passing rates (GPR) with strict local gamma criteria of 2%/2 mm. The discrepancies were analyzed for DLGmeas and DLGopt, and their relationships with both TGi and meanGap were investigated. DCA arcs involved significantly lower TGi and larger meanGap than VMAT arcs (P < 0.0001). By using DLGmeas in the TPS, the dose discrepancies increased as TGi increased and meanGap decreased for both test fields and clinical plans. Dose discrepancies dramatically increased with the ratio TGi/meanGap. Adjusting the DLG value was then required to achieve acceptable calculations and configuring the TPS with DLGopt led to an excellent agreement with median GPRs (2%/2 mm) > 99% for both institutions. We also showed that DLGopt could be obtained from the results of the test fields. We demonstrated that the need for tuning the DLG is due to the limitations of the T&G modeling in the Eclipse TPS. A set of sweeping gap tests modified to incorporate T&G effects can be used to determine the optimal DLG value.
Imaging with Optogenetically Engineered Living Cells as a Photodetector
Authors: Li Gongxin , Wang Feifei , Yang Wenguang , Wang Wenxue , Li Guangyong , Wang Yuechao , Liu Lianqing 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBiosyncretic systems integrating biological components with electromechanical devices have recently become a promising technology, in which biological components are used as actuators or sensing elements with higher‐level performance than artificial systems. Here, a biosyncretic imaging system using an optogenetically engineered living cell as a photodetector is shown. The photoresponsive properties of the cell, such as spectrum and response range, dynamic characteristics, are measured and indicate that the cell functions as an excellent photodetector. In the system, the cell is directly utilized to generate light‐triggered ionic currents, which encode the spatial image information and therefore are used to reconstruct the scenes under the view based on compressive sensing. Imaging with the cell‐based photodetector is successfully performed by acquiring high‐definition images using the system. The system also displays function superiority to a commercial photodiode, such as wider dynamic responsivity range. This work represents a step toward directly imaging with living materials and paves a new road for the development of future on‐body bionic devices.
Precise Modulation of Gold Nanorods for Protecting against Malignant Ventricular Arrhythmias via Near‐Infrared Neuromodulation
Authors: Ye Tianyu , Lai Yanqiu , Wang Zhenya , Zhang Xingang , Meng Guannan , Zhou Liping , Zhang Yifeng , Zhou Zhen , Deng Jielin , Wang Meng , Wang Yuhong , Zhang Qianqian , Zhou Xiaoya , Yu Lilei , Jiang Hong , Xiao Xiangheng 
Published: June 2019

AbstractHyperactivity of the left stellate ganglion (LSG) contributes to the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Recently, advances in neuromodulation have been achieved with near‐infrared (NIR)‐sensitive gold nanorods (AuNRs). Here, AuNRs are precisely regulated and applied to inhibit LSG function as well as neural activity, thus ameliorating myocardial ischemia‐induced VAs in a canine model. Specifically, the optimized AuNRs are synthesized and microinjected into the LSG of anesthetized dogs, and then followed by 5 min of NIR laser irradiation at a wavelength of 808 nm. The results demonstrate that 5 min NIR laser irradiation on the PEG‐AuNR‐treated LSG can reversely inhibit LSG function and neural activity, thereby ameliorating myocardial ischemia‐induced VAs. With the tissue‐penetrating NIR and excellent photothermal effect of AuNRs, this method may become a promising and noninvasive therapeutic strategy for suppressing hyperactivity of the cardiac sympathetic nerves, therefore benefiting patients with VAs in the future.
Optimization of Von Mises Stress Distribution in Mesoporous α‐Fe2O3/C Hollow Bowls Synergistically Boosts Gravimetric/Volumetric Capacity and High‐Rate Stability in Alkali‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Qin Mingli , Zhang Zili , Zhao Yongzhi , Liu Luan , Jia Baorui , Han Kun , Wu Haoyang , Liu Ye , Wang Lijun , Min Xin , Xi Kai , Lao Cheng‐Yen , Wang Wei (Alex) , Qu Xuanhui , Kumar Ramachandran Vasant 
Published: June 2019

AbstractHollow structures are often used to relieve the intrinsic strain on metal oxide electrodes in alkali‐ion batteries. Nevertheless, one common drawback is that the large interior space leads to low volumetric energy density and inferior electric conductivity. Here, the von Mises stress distribution on a mesoporous hollow bowl (HB) is simulated via the finite element method, and the vital role of the porous HB structure on strain‐relaxation behavior is confirmed. Then, N‐doped‐C coated mesoporous α‐Fe2O3 HBs are designed and synthesized using a multistep soft/hard‐templating strategy. The material has several advantages: (i) there is space to accommodate strains without sacrificing volumetric energy density, unlike with hollow spheres; (ii) the mesoporous hollow structure shortens ion diffusion lengths and allows for high‐rate induced lithiation reactivation; and (iii) the N‐doped carbon nanolayer can enhance conductivity. As an anode in lithium‐ion batteries, the material exhibits a very high reversible capacity of 1452 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, excellent cycling stability of 1600 cycles (964 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1), and outstanding rate performance (609 mAh g−1 at 8 A g−1). Notably, the volumetric specific capacity of composite electrode is 42% greater than that of hollow spheres. When used in potassium‐ion batteries, the material also shows high capacity and cycle stability.
The Road Towards Planar Microbatteries and Micro‐Supercapacitors: From 2D to 3D Device Geometries
Authors: Zheng Shuanghao , Shi Xiaoyu , Das Pratteek , Wu Zhong‐Shuai , Bao Xinhe 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe rapid development and further modularization of miniaturized and self‐powered electronic systems have substantially stimulated the urgent demand for microscale electrochemical energy storage devices, e.g., microbatteries (MBs) and micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs). Recently, planar MBs and MSCs, composed of isolated thin‐film microelectrodes with extremely short ionic diffusion path and free of separator on a single substrate, have become particularly attractive because they can be directly integrated with microelectronic devices on the same side of one single substrate to act as a standalone microsized power source or complement miniaturized energy‐harvesting units. The development of and recent advances in planar MBs and MSCs from the fundamentals and design principle to the fabrication methods of 2D and 3D planar microdevices in both in‐plane and stacked geometries are highlighted. Additonally, a comprehensive analysis of the primary aspects that eventually affect the performance metrics of microscale energy storage devices, such as electrode materials, electrolyte, device architecture, and microfabrication techniques are presented. The technical challenges and prospective solutions for high‐energy‐density planar MBs and MSCs with multifunctionalities are proposed.
An Acidic‐Microenvironment‐Driven DNA Nanomachine Enables Specific ATP Imaging in the Extracellular Milieu of Tumor
Authors: Di Zhenghan , Zhao Jian , Chu Hongqian , Xue Wenting , Zhao Yuliang , Li Lele 
Published: June 2019

AbstractExtracellular ATP is an emerging target for cancer treatment because it is a key messenger for shaping the tumor microenvironment (TME) and regulating tumor progression. However, it remains a great challenge to design biochemical probes for targeted imaging of extracellular ATP in the TME. A TME‐driven DNA nanomachine (Apt‐LIP) that permits spatially controlled imaging of ATP in the extracellular milieu of tumors with ultrahigh signal‐to‐background ratio is reported. It operates in response to the mild acidity in the TME with the pH (low) insertion peptide (pHLIP) module, thus allowing the specific anchoring of the structure‐switching signaling aptamer unit to the membrane of tumor cells for “off–on” fluorescence imaging of the extracellular ATP. Apt‐LIP allows for acidity driven visualization of different extracellular concentrations of exogenous ATP, as well as the monitoring of endogenous ATP release from cells. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that Apt‐LIP represents a promising platform for the specific imaging of the extracellular ATP in both primary and metastatic tumors. Ultimately, since diverse aptamers are obtained through in vitro selection, this design strategy can be further applied for precise detection of various extracellular targets in the TME.
Large‐Area Fabrication of Highly Tunable Hybrid Plasmonic–Photonic Structures Based on Colloidal Lithography and a Photoreconfigurable Polymer
Authors: Wang Shiqiang , Dong Hao , Sun Fuwei , Zhang Wanlin , Liang Yun , Tian Li , Wang Peng , Yin Xianpeng , Li Guangtao 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn this work, based on colloidal lithography, a strategy is developed to produce a new type of hybrid plasmonic–photonic system comprising a periodic array of nanoholes in a photoreconfigurable polymer layer deposited on a gold surface. By controlling the experimental conditions, the geometric parameters of the nanoholes can be easily adjusted; hence, the optical properties of the systems are widely tunable. Importantly, the shape and topology of the round nanohole arrays can be easily reconfigured with proper photoirradiation, providing a means to modulate the optical properties and produce new functionalities, as exemplified by the formation of arrays with anisotropic or gradient structural features. Moreover, rubbing dielectric spheres into the formed nanoholes can further tune the topological structures of the dielectric components in the hybrid system, leading to a dramatic modification of the spatial energy distributions and inducing the formation of uniform electromagnetic fields confined near the embedded sphere surfaces, which are more beneficial for practical applications. All the results indicate that the combined use of the unique properties of both a photoreconfigurable polymer and colloidal lithography opens a new avenue with great potential for efficient and large‐area fabrication of hybrid plasmonic–photonic systems with a high degree of optical tunability.
Immunomodulatory Nanosystems
Authors: Feng Xiangru , Xu Weiguo , Li Zhongmin , Song Wantong , Ding Jianxun , Chen Xuesi 
Published: June 2019

AbstractImmunotherapy has emerged as an effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases, and autoimmune diseases. Immunomodulatory nanosystems can readily improve the therapeutic effects and simultaneously overcome many obstacles facing the treatment method, such as inadequate immune stimulation, off‐target side effects, and bioactivity loss of immune agents during circulation. In recent years, researchers have continuously developed nanomaterials with new structures, properties, and functions. This Review provides the most recent advances of nanotechnology for immunostimulation and immunosuppression. In cancer immunotherapy, nanosystems play an essential role in immune cell activation and tumor microenvironment modulation, as well as combination with other antitumor approaches. In infectious diseases, many encouraging outcomes from using nanomaterial vaccines against viral and bacterial infections have been reported. In addition, nanoparticles also potentiate the effects of immunosuppressive immune cells for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Finally, the challenges and prospects of applying nanotechnology to modulate immunotherapy are discussed.