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There is a notable correlation between Eurosceptic and populist political actors, discourses and agendas across Europe. Since 2015, the ongoing conflict between Poland and the European Commission concerning the rule of law has brought European integration to the centre of Polish politics. The main focus of this article is on the relationship and interaction between populism and Euroscepticism, as analysed through the example of Polish political parties. To this end, the article investigates the different forms of EU contestation by Polish populist right-wing parties and assesses the extent to which these are expressed through populist discourse. We find a strong correlation between populist and Eurosceptic attitudes of Polish political parties. With the growing number of populist parties entering the mainstream and 'uncivil society' actors transforming into political parties, the anti-elitist discourse generates a need to locate the 'corrupted elites' outside of the national power structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we demonstrate the feasibility of detecting low energy single ions using nanometer-thick and few-micrometer-wide graphite flakes at room temperature. We used electrically contacted samples of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite and measured in situ the change in electrical resistance upon ion irradiation using a self-made nanovoltmeter. Eight samples of different dimensions were prepared and subjected to ion irradiation from various species. A fluence as low as 5 × 10 8 cm − 2 corresponding to a few hundreds of ions irradiated was sufficient to produce a signal significantly above the noise level. Furthermore, we used a model to describe the dependence of the change in electrical resistance on the defect concentration induced by ion irradiation. By extrapolating this model to the level of single ions, our findings support the feasibility of detecting single ions at room temperature using thin graphite as a detector material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meanders formed where the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) interacts with topography have been identified as dynamical hot spots, characterized by enhanced eddy energy, momentum transfer, and cross-front exchange. However, few studies have used observations to diagnose the dynamics of ACC standing meanders. We use a synoptic hydrographic survey and satellite altimetry to explore the momentum and vorticity balance of a Subantarctic Front standing meander, downstream of the Southeast Indian Ridge. Along-stream anomalies of temperature in the upper ocean (150–600 m) show along-stream cooling entering the surface trough and along-stream warming entering the surface crest, while warming is observed from trough to crest in the deeper ocean (600–1500 m). Advection of relative vorticity is balanced by vortex stretching, as found in model studies of meandering currents. Meander curvature is sufficiently large that the flow is in gradient wind balance, resulting in ageostrophic horizontal divergence. This drives downwelling of cooler water along isopycnals entering the surface trough and upwelling of warmer water entering the surface crest, consistent with the observed evolution of temperature anomalies in the upper ocean. Progressive along-stream warming observed between 600 and 1500 m likely reflects cyclogenesis in the deep ocean. Vortex stretching couples the upper and lower water column, producing a low pressure at depth between surface trough and crest and cyclonic flow that carries cold water equatorward in the surface trough and warm water poleward in the surface crest (poleward heat flux). The results highlight gradient–wind balance and cyclogenesis as central to dynamics of standing meanders and their critical role in the ACC momentum and vorticity balance. Significance Statement: The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) in the Southern Ocean is a nearly zonal current that encircles Antarctica. It acts as a barrier between warmer water equatorward and colder water poleward. In a few regions where the current encounters strong topographic changes, the current meanders and opens a pathway for heat to travel across the ACC toward Antarctica. We surveyed a meander in the ACC and examined the along-stream change of temperature. In the upper ocean, temperature changes are caused by a vertical circulation, bringing cool water down when entering the surface trough (the part of the meander closest to the equator), and warm water up when exiting the surface trough and entering the surface crest. At depth, cold water is transported equatorward in the surface trough and warm water poleward in the surface crest, leading to a net transport of heat poleward. This study highlights the importance of the secondary circulation within a meander for generating cross-ACC flows and moving heat toward Antarctica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial atoms like the nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond enable the realization of fully functional qubits in a solid at room temperature. The functionalities of all the parts needed to create a quantum computer, such as quantum error correction, couplings, quantum teleportation, and a quantum repeater, have already been experimentally demonstrated. These achievements are expected to influence the industrial development of quantum information technology as well as quantum sensing. Whereas quantum sensing has been established and a large number of organizations are working on new developments in this area, a quantum computer itself remains elusive due to technical reasons and limitations of the available materials. For example, only in recent months has it become possible to electrically readout the NV spin state at the level of a single center and significantly improve the scalability of NV center production. A number of ideas have been proposed to overcome the above-mentioned limitations. This paper summarizes the status of research in the area, details the most promising concepts for development, and discusses factors limiting progress as well as the most recent developments in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to its unique optical and spin properties, the nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) center holds the promise of a diamond‐based room‐temperature scalable quantum computer, but the numerous technical and physical issues are not yet overcome, especially the poor N to NV conversion. The NV and other color centers are, however, successfully used as multitasking quantum sensors, and open new routes in quantum sensing technologies. Most recently, several breakthroughs and demonstrations were achieved, shedding a new light on the feasibility of a NV‐based quantum computer. Herein, the recently developed method of charge‐assisted single defect engineering is reviewed. With a controlled charging of the involved species, it modifies the diffusion or kinetics of defect formation and acts as a catalyzer of the NV creation while hindering the formation of competing and perturbing defects such as divacancies or NVH. Very high NV creation yields up to 75% are obtained and the method is suitable to other impurity‐vacancy defects. Furthermore, it has positive consequences on the charge state stability and coherence time of the NV centers, which is as well discussed. Together with the possibility to nowadays deterministically implant single ions, this powerful method brings the scalability of NV qubits closer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 64-year old woman with bulbar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and sialorrhea. The woman's submandibular and parotid glands were injected transcutanesouly with botulinum toxin (BTX) to treat her sialorrhea. The patient's bulbar function rapidly deteriorated, leading to complete aphagia and anarthria, several days after the BTX treatment.

OBJECTIVE -- Several national and international scoring systems are used to diagnose diabetic polyneuropathy (PNP). The variety in these scores and the lack of data on validity and predictive value has led to a comparison and validation of the scores with clinical standards for PNP to determine the most powerful measurement for screening. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS -- Three matched groups were selected: 24 diabetic patients with neuropathic foot ulcers, 24 diabetic patients without PNP or ulcers, and 21 control subjects without diabetes. In all participants the scores from the International Consensus on the Diabetic Foot (ICDF) and the Dutch Nederlandse Diabetes Federatie-Centraal Beleids Orgaan (NDF/CBO) were tested. The Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom score, the Diabetic Neuropathy Examination score, Heart Rate Variability, the Nerve Conduction Sum score, and a San Antonio Consensus sum score were obtained as clinical standards. Reproducibility was tested in a separate study (13 patients). RESULTS -- The construct validity and discriminative power of the ICDF and NDF/CBO scores were comparable, although monofilaments (NDF/CBO) scored lower. The predictive value was good for all scores, with the best results being obtained for the tuning fork (NDF/CBO). Reproducibility of the NDF/CBO scores (monofilaments and tuning fork) was high. CONCLUSIONS -- The characteristics of the scores of tests recommended by ICDF and NDF/CBO are comparable. The single use of the 128-Hz tuning fork produces results similar to the extended scores of the ICDF and much better than those of monofilaments on validation and for predictive value. For screening we therefore advise the use of the tuning fork alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron ions (2 MeV) were implanted into type IIa natural diamond samples to create deep buried conducting layers. The implantation was carried out at room temperature, followed by furnace annealing at temperatures up to 1650 °C. Data of Hall effect and conductivity measurements are presented in a wide temperature range, which clearly show p-type conduction with an activation of up to 30% of the implanted boron atoms, which is the highest value yet reported for ion implanted diamond. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To evaluate the discriminative power of the Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom (DNS) and Diabetic Neuropathy Examination (DNE) scores for diagnosing diabetic polyneuropathy (PNP), as well as their relation with cardiovascular autonomic function testing (cAFT) and electro-diagnostic studies (EDS).Research Design and Methods: Three groups (matched for age and sex) were selected: 24 diabetic patients with neuropathic foot ulcers (DU), 24 diabetic patients without clinical neuropathy or ulcers (DC), and 21 control subjects without diabetes (C). In all participants, the DNS and DNE scores were assessed and cAFT (heart rate variability [HRV], baroreflex sensitivity [BRS]), and EDS were performed (Nerve Conduction Sum [NCS] score; muscle fiber conduction velocity: fastest/slowest ratio [F/S ratio]).Results: Both the DNS and the DNE scores discriminated between the DU and DC groups significantly (P < 0.001). The DNE score even discriminated between DC and C (P < 0.05). Spearman's correlation coefficients between both DNS and DNE scores and cAFT (HRV -0.42 and -0.44; BRS -0.30 and -0.29, respectively) and EDS (NCS 0.51 and 0.62; F/S ratio 0.44 and 0.62, respectively) were high. Odds ratios were calculated for both DNS and DNE scores with cAFT (HRV 4.4 and 5.7; BRS 20.7 and 14.2, respectively) and EDS (NCS 5.6 and 16.8; F/S ratio 7.2 and 18.8, respectively).Conclusions: The DNS and DNE scores are able to discriminate between patients with and without PNP and are strongly related to cAFT and EDS. This further confirms the strength of the DNS and DNE scores in diagnosing diabetic PNP in daily clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structured ion implantation using surface contact masks has limits at high substrate temperature or high fluences. Maskless processes can be performed by two different methods of structured implantation: single focused spot scanning and the ion projection technique. While at low ion energies both methods are established the realisation of ion projection for MeV ions is quite new. The main ion optical element used in this technique is the final lens, that allows the focussing of high energy ions with a lateral resolution down to a few hundred nanometers. Besides lens design and aberration control, the development of stencil masks and alignment procedures are the major topics to be considered.This paper gives an overview of maskless implantation techniques and describes the status of the high energy ion projection method. Ion optical properties of high energy lens systems and their limits are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a study which aimed at adapting the Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS) system to diagnose polyeneuropathy in diabetes. Criteria of distal NDS; Study designs and methods; Discussion on the results of the study.

Charge-Assisted Engineering of Color Centers in Diamond Applied to colour centres in diamond (NV, SnV, MgV,...), it enables a strong enhancement of their creation yield and of their properties such as charge-state stability or spin coherence times. B Charge-Assisted Engineering b The recently developed method of charge-assisted single defect engineering brings the full scalability of solid-state qubits or quantum sensors closer. [Extracted from the article]

A cost‐effective approach to provide diamond platelets containing nitrogen vacancy center ensembles (NVs) in the range of ppm is investigated. Industry‐type high‐pressure–high‐temperature‐diamond type 1b containing a high number of interstitial nitrogen in the range of several tens of ppm are used and small diamond platelets (size ≈1 × 1 mm2, thickness ≈300 μm) are prepared by laser cutting and polishing. The nitrogen is converted into NV by means of high‐energy electron irradiation of 10 MeV and annealing at 900 °C. Variations in the irradiation dose between 0.5E18 1/cm2 and 2E18 1/cm2 result in different densities of NV. The diamond platelets are analyzed with regard to their nitrogen concentration and photoluminescence as well as optically detected magnetic resonance is used to investigate the usability for a NV‐based magnetometer. A method to calculate the ratio of negatively to neutrally charged NV (NV−/NV0) is proposed that uses the photoluminescence intensities of the spectrum at 575 and 638 nm, namely, the zero‐phonon lines of NV− and NV0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most theories of the Southern Ocean and more specifically the Antarctic Circumpolar Current(ACC) are based on zonally symmetric models that lack information about thecomplexity of the ACC&#x2019;s frontal structure and the presence of several significanttopographic obstructions to the flow. When the current interacts with strong topographystanding meanders, or stationary Rossby waves, can occur. Standing meanderssteepen in response to a stronger current as a result of increasing wind stress upstreamthat steepen the isopycnals. This leads to instabilities in the flow generating moreeddies, that flatten the isopycnals, slow down the ACC and lead to stronger polewardheat fluxes. This has implications for warming of the waters around Antarctica,leading to melting of sea ice and basal melt of ice shelves. We surveyed a standingmeander in the Subantarctic Front downstream of the Southeast Indian Ridge with 11cross-frontal transects, comprising 99 CTD profiles to ∼ 1500 dbar, to examinethe alongstream change of watermass properties in the upper ocean. We describethe change in properties relative to gravest empirical mode (GEM) mean fields oftemperature and salinity. Over the ridge and upstream of the meander, streamlinesconverge speeding up the flow and merging inter-frontal zones. Into the trough, warmand salty anomalies relative to the GEM mean field are shown in the intermediatewaters (γn &#x003C; 27.6 kgm−3) and cold and fresh anomalies in the upper deep waters(27.2 &#x003C; γn &#x003C; 27.8). In between the trough and the crest, the flow is deceleratedallowing for mixing of the frontal zones, which leads into the trough to warmer andsaltier anomalies over the water column down to ∼ 1500 dbar. The meridionalgradient in the temperature suggests a net poleward heat transport, also referred to as'eddy stirring&#x2019;, and explains the warm anomalies in the upper water column inboth the trough and the crest of the meander. The cyclonic rotation of the troughsuggests upwelling, according to the 'eddy pump&#x2019; mechanism, and explains the coldanomaly in the lower water column, whereas the anticyclonic rotation suggestsdownwelling and explains the warm anomaly in the lower water column of the crest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Free-living walking activity and its contributing factors in ambulatory people with stroke is poorly investigated. Objective: Evaluating free-living walking activity and identifying factors associated with free-living walking activity. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants wore an accelerometer to measure their level of walking activity. They also completed the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Up and Go test for functional balance, the Falls Efficacy Scale, the 10-Metre Walk Test and the Geriatric Depression Scale to investigate the relation between the performance tests and walking activity. Results: The 38 analyzed participants were on average 62 (±11.4) years old and 66 (IQR 64.8) months post stroke. They took an average of 3048.3 ± 1983.1 steps, had 123.3 ± 61.3 walking bouts a day and walked for 32.5 ± 18.2 min a day. Their average speed was 90.3 ± 13.8 steps a minute. The multivariate linear analysis showed that the BBS was the only determinant that was significantly related to all outcomes, except walking bouts. Conclusion: Free-living walking activity levels in ambulatory people with chronic stroke are low. The BBS is an independent significant predictor of free-living walking activity. Free-living walking activity can be expressed in different outcomes measured by accelerometry. Free-living walking activity levels in ambulatory people with chronic stroke are low, therefore support to sustain walking in the own environment should be part of the rehabilitation program after stroke. Balance is an important related factor to free-living walking activity which needs attention during rehabilitation after stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we investigate the magnetic field dependent photoluminescence (PL) of a fiber-coupled diamond single crystal with a high density of nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers. Angle-dependent magnetic field sweep measurements between 0 and 111 mT were performed using an oscillating illumination combined with lock-in techniques. Besides the expected superposed PL of differently oriented NV centers, a zoo of features in the PL are found. These features can be associated with level anti-crossings and cross relaxations. In particular, PL measurements allowed us to detect auto-cross relaxation between coupled NV centers. Moreover, the PL measurements at low magnetic fields show dips suggesting an interaction of NV centers with additional spin defects. The results presented here are not only a study for NV-based fiber-coupled sensors made of diamond, but also show a way to investigate with manageable effort and purely an optical multispin interaction with at least one NV center as a constituent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear magnetic resonance techniques are widely used in the natural sciences but they lack sensitivity. Therefore, large sample volumes or long measurement times are necessary. In this work, we investigate the polarization of bulk 13 C nuclei in a diamond above the thermal equilibrium at room temperature. Previously studied mechanisms utilize direct coupling to nitrogen vacancy centers or the additional assistance of substitutional nitrogen impurities for this purpose. We exploit strongly coupled nitrogen vacancy centers as polarization sources. We study two approaches to transfer the optically induced polarization of the electron spins of the nitrogen vacancy centers to nearby nuclear spins. First, the electron-nuclear polarization transfer is achieved by energy matching conditions or, second, by magnetic field sweeps inducing Landau–Zener-like transitions. Simulations according to a quantum mechanical system consisting of two coupled nitrogen vacancy centers and a weakly coupled 13 C spin show an excellent agreement with the experimental data. Both approaches allow a reduction of the measurement time by roughly three orders of magnitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light‐emitting complex defects in silicon have been considered a potential platform for quantum technologies based on spin and photon degrees of freedom working at telecom wavelengths. Their integration in complex devices is still in its infancy and has been mostly focused on light extraction and guiding. Here the control of the electronic states of carbon‐related impurities (G‐centers) is addressed via strain engineering. By embedding them in patches of silicon on insulator and topping them with SiN, symmetry breaking along [001] and [110] directions is demonstrated, resulting in a controlled splitting of the zero phonon line (ZPL), as accounted for by the piezospectroscopic theoretical framework. The splitting can be as large as 18 meV, and it is finely tuned by selecting patch size or by moving in different positions on the patch. Some of the split, strained ZPLs are almost fully polarized, and their overall intensity is enhanced up to 7 times with respect to the flat areas, whereas their recombination dynamics is slightly affected accounting for the lack of Purcell effect. This technique can be extended to other impurities and Si‐based devices such as suspended bridges, photonic crystal microcavities, Mie resonators, and integrated photonic circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reflects upon the experiences of testing the Resilience-Increasing Strategies for Coasts – toolKIT (RISC-KIT), an integrated approach composed of five different methodologies, in the municipality of Kristianstad, Sweden. The aim of this article is to highlight both the importance and complexities of integrated approaches in coastal management. The experiences documented through the case of Kristianstad highlight the benefits of combining hazard estimations and participatory approaches to understand risk, impacts of coastal hazards, and potential solutions; and the challenges of mainstreaming risk assessment approaches across contexts. We argue that integrated approaches can be effective for triggering local dialogue, disseminating information, and achieve greater ownership and local acceptance of Disaster Risk Reduction measures, but that involvement of local actors requires careful design and planning. The experiences documented when pilot-testing RISC-KITs integrated approach argue for increased co-production of knowledge in coastal management projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of transparent conducting oxides in electronic devices like solar cells or displays is common. By transferring this technology to quantum sensing and computing in the form of microwave conductors, it is possible to benefit from the advantages of these materials. By using indium tin oxide (ITO), it is demonstrated that at an arbitrary position below the conductor, an arbitrary elliptical microwave polarization can be produced by two independent sources. This is independent of the geometry and size of the ITO, whereby a non-resonant microwave approach can be chosen. Using single nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond in combination with a cross-like ITO structure, each NV center can be addressed with an ideal (clockwise or anticlockwise) microwave polarization. By optimizing the coupling of the microwave field to the NV centers and minimizing the conductor size, the creation of smaller devices compared to common approaches is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amides are well known for their potential as anticaking agents for sodium chloride. We have investigated what is the ideal structure for an amide based anticaking agent and what features lead to effective anticaking. Through a series of experiments, we have found that a triple-branched structure, with the three branches radiating from the same nitrogen centre, is the only effective compound for preventing caking for sodium chloride. We conclude that this is likely due to bonding between the atoms of the amide functional group and the ions of sodium chloride, with an extra bond from the central nitrogen giving a strong attachment to the surface, thus leading to blocking of growth. We have also outlined a list of four categories, of which a compound must obey all of in order to act as an effective anticaking agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the mechanism behind the creeping of sodium chloride induced by additives. Here, an experimental approach is complemented with theoretical considerations to describe how creeping patterns of brine evolve and how the introduction of additives into the solution affects the morphology of the resultant crystals. We have found that these additives cause kinetic roughening and morphological instability mainly due to the reduction of surface free energy. There was also a marked increase in three-dimensional nucleation of the NaCl crystals and thus branching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum sensors using solid state qubits have demonstrated outstanding sensitivity, beyond that possible using classical devices. In particular, those based on colour centres in diamond have demonstrated high sensitivity to magnetic field through exploiting the field-dependent emission of fluorescence under coherent control using microwaves. Given the highly biocompatible nature of diamond, sensing from biological samples is a key interdisciplinary application. In particular, the microscopic-scale study of living systems can be possible through recording of temperature and biomagnetic field. In this work, we use such a quantum sensor to demonstrate such microscopic-scale recording of electrical activity from neurons in fragile living brain tissue. By recording weak magnetic field induced by ionic currents in mouse corpus callosum axons, we accurately recover signals from neuronal action potential propagation while demonstrating in situ pharmacology. Our sensor allows recording of the electrical activity in neural circuits, disruption of which can shed light on the mechanisms of disease emergence. Unlike existing techniques for recording activity, which can require potentially damaging direct interaction, our sensing is entirely passive and remote from the sample. Our results open a promising new avenue for the microscopic recording of neuronal signals, offering the eventual prospect of microscopic imaging of electrical activity in the living mammalian brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Virtual reality (VR) training is considered to be a promising novel therapy for balance and gait recovery in patients with stroke. Purpose. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review with meta-analysis to investigate whether balance or gait training using VR is more effective than conventional balance or gait training in patients with stroke. Data Sources. A literature search was carried out in the databases PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library up to December 1, 2015. Study Selection. Randomized controlled trials that compared the effect of balance or gait training with and without VR on balance and gait ability in patients with stroke were included. Data Extraction and Synthesis. Twenty-one studies with a median PEDro score of 6.0 were included. The included studies demonstrated a significant greater effect of VR training on balance and gait recovery after stroke compared with conventional therapy as indicated with the most frequently used measures: gait speed, Berg Balance Scale, and Timed "Up & Go" Test. Virtual reality was more effective to train gait and balance than conventional training when VR interventions were added to conventional therapy and when time dose was matched. Limitations. The presence of publication bias and diversity in included studies were limitations of the study. Conclusions. The results suggest that VR training is more effective than balance or gait training without VR for improving balance or gait ability in patients with stroke. Future studies are recommended to investigate the effect of VR on participation level with an adequate follow-up period. Overall, a positive and promising effect of VR training on balance and gait ability is expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integrated magnetic sensor is designed and tested that utilizes the negatively charged nitrogen vacancy centers (NVC) in diamond as a magnetic field‐sensitive quantum material, which is accessed and readout solely optically. The compact sensor device features a side length of 10 mm and includes a small HPHT diamond slab, light‐emitting diode (LED) for excitation, and integrated photodiodes. A microwave‐free approach is used. With the device, DC sensitivity to magnetic fields of 49 nA mT−1 in the range of 5–50 mT is achieved. The sensor device is also capable of detecting very small magnetic fields: Magnetic field dependencies at very low flux densities in the μT range (zero‐magnetic field) show a characteristic fluorescence behavior revealing a sensitivity of 4.8 pA μT−1. Additionally, a ray‐tracing model is applied, to identify loss mechanisms in the setup. Using this device, an ultracompact, reliable, and industry‐ready package is made available for sensor developments in industry and academia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the controlled creation of single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers via ion implantation at the center of a photonic crystal cavity which is fabricated in an ultrapure, single crystal diamond membrane. High-resolution placement of NV centers is achieved using collimation of a 5 keV-nitrogen ion beam through a pierced tip of an atomic force microscope. We demonstrate coupling of the implanted NV centers' broad band fluorescence to a cavity mode and observe Purcell enhancement of the spontaneous emission. The results are in good agreement with a master equation model for the cavity coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon‐based micro‐ and nano‐structures for light management at near‐infrared and visible frequencies have been widely exploited for guided optics and metasurfaces. However, light emission with this material has been hampered by the indirect character of its bandgap. Here it is shown that, via ion beam implantation, light emitting G‐centers can be directly embedded within Si‐based Mie resonators previously obtained by solid state dewetting. Size‐ and position‐dependent, directional light emission at 120 K is demonstrated experimentally and confirmed by finite difference time domain simulations. It is estimated that, with an optimal coupling of the G‐centers emission with the resonant antennas, a collection efficiency of about 90% can be reached using a conventional objective lens. The integration of these telecom‐frequency emitters in resonant antennas is relevant for their efficient exploitation in quantum optics applications and more generally to Si‐based photonic metasurfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the fabrication of isolated G centers in silicon with single photon emission at optical telecommunication wavelengths. Our sample is made from a silicon-on-insulator wafer, which is locally implanted with carbon ions and protons at various fluences. Decreasing the implantation fluences enables us to gradually switch from large ensembles to isolated single defects, reaching areal densities of G centers down to ∼0.2 μm−2. Single defect creation is demonstrated by photon antibunching in intensity-correlation experiments, thus establishing our approach as an effective procedure for generating single artificial atoms in silicon for future quantum technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To evaluate tolerance of a new dynamic hand-wrist orthosis and effectiveness on the prevention of progressive wrist contracture and spasticity after stroke. METHOD: Chronic stroke patients (N = 6) with upper limb spasticity, who had not been able to endure a static orthosis, were provided with a custom-made dynamic orthosis. Tolerance of the orthosis was evaluated by the daily wearing time, and self-reported pain and spasticity. Effectiveness was measured by contracture of wrist and finger flexor muscles, upper limb spasticity and use of spasticity treatment. Outcome measures were collected at time of fitting of the dynamic orthosis (baseline) and after three and six months. RESULTS: Five patients could endure the dynamic orthosis without discomfort for 6 hours daily during the 6-month period. Self-reported spasticity and pain decreased significantly (p < 0.05) compared to wearing the static orthosis. In comparison to baseline, the maximum passive wrist extension increased significantly from -29° to -12° (p < 0.05). Although, no significant change in spasticity was measured, the use of Botulinum Toxin injections decreased for two patients. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the included chronic stroke patients tolerated the new dynamic orthosis for at least 6 hours daily and the use significantly reduced wrist contractures in a 6-month period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The current study evaluates the validity of the PEP computed from a fixed value for the Q-wave onset to R-wave peak (QR) interval and an R-wave peak to B-point (RB) interval that is estimated from the R-peak to dZ/dt-min peak (ISTI) interval. Ninety-one subjects participated in a 90min laboratory experiment in which a variety of often employed physical and mental stressors were presented and 31 further subjects participated in a structured 2hour ambulatory recording in which they partook in natural activities that induced large variation in posture and physical activity. PEP, QR interval, and ISTI were scored and rigorously checked by interactive inspection. Across the very diverse laboratory and ambulatory conditions the QR interval could be approximated by a fixed interval of 40ms but 95% confidence intervals were large (25.5 to 54.5ms). Multilevel analysis showed that 79% to 81% of the within and between-subject variation in the RB interval could be predicted by the ISTI with a simple linear regression equation. However, the optimal intercept and slope values in this equation varied significantly across subjects and study setting. Bland Altman plots revealed a large discrepancy between the estimated PEP using the R-wave peak and dZ/dt-min peak and the actual PEP based on the Q-wave onset and B-point. We conclude that the PEP estimated from a fixed QR interval and the ISTI could be a useful addition to the psychophysiologist''s toolbox, but that it cannot replace the actual PEP to index cardiac sympathetic control. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background. Long-term splinting, using static orthoses to prevent contractures, is widely accepted in stroke patients with paresis of the upper limb. A number of stroke patients complain about increased pain and spasticity, which leads to the nonuse of the orthosis and a risk of developing a clenched fist. Objectives. Evaluating long-term use of static hand-wrist orthoses and experienced comfort in chronic stroke patients. Methods. Eleven stroke patients who were advised to use a static orthosis for at least one year ago were included. Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted to explore the long-term use and experienced comfort with the orthosis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results. After at least one year, seven patients still wore the orthosis for the prescribed hours per day. Two patients were unable to wear the orthosis 8 hours per day, due to poor comfort. Two patients stopped using the orthosis because of an increase in spasticity or pain. Conclusions. These pilot data suggest that a number of stroke patients cannot tolerate a static orthosis over a long-term period because of discomfort. Without appropriate treatment opportunities, these patients will remain at risk of developing a clenched fist and will experience problems with daily activities and hygiene maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have determinedhow the growth of sodium chloride crystals isinhibited by the anticaking agents ferrocyanide and iron(III) meso-tartaric acid. Using in situ atomic force microscopy,we show how steps flow on clean crystals and how the step flow isinhibited by the anticaking agents. At submonolayer coverages, stepsare temporarily pinned, whereas at higher coverages, no step movementis observed at all. Finally, we found that the two anticaking agentsinfluence the surface morphologies of treated crystals differently,providing a possible explanation for the observation that powderstreated with ferrocyanide flow freely whereas those treated with iron meso-tartaric acid show slip–stick behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. An intervention for persons with neuromuscular diseases (NMD) or multiple sclerosis (MS) who experienced severe fatigue was developed which aimed at educating participants in maintaining a balance between capacity and load in their daily activities. This pilot study evaluated the results of this intervention. Methods. Persons with NMD or MS who experienced severe fatigue were included. Outcome measures were: fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale), health-related quality of life (HRQoL; SF-36) and self-efficacy (ALCOS-16). Changes in scores between the start of the intervention (T0) and 3 months post-intervention (T1) were tested with the Wilcoxon tests in the complete group and in subgroups (gender, education, high/low self-efficacy). Results. Forty-three persons participated. Significant improvements of HRQoL were found for the domains role-physical, mental health and general health perceptions. Subgroup analyses showed more improvement in males (fatigue, role-physical, vitality, bodily pain, general health perceptions), participants with lower education (role-physical, vitality) and participants with low self-efficacy at T0 (self-efficacy, mental health, general health perceptions) than in females, participants with higher education and participants with higher initial self-efficacy. Conclusion. This pilot-study provides preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of a group educational intervention in improving HRQoL without increasing fatigue in persons with NMD and MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Composition and quantity per person of municipal solid waste (MSW) have been analyzed in six municipalities in southern Sweden with similar socio-economic conditions but with different collection systems. Samples of residual waste have been sorted, classified and weighed in 21 categories during 26 analyses that took place from 1998–2004. Collection data of the total waste flow, including source sorted recycling materials, in the same area have been compiled and compared. Multivariate data analyses have been applied. Weight-based billing reduced delivered amounts of residual household waste by 50%, but it is unknown to what extent improper material paths had developed. With curbside collection more metal, plastic and paper packaging was separated and left to recycling. When separate collection of biodegradables was included in the curbside system, the overall sorting of dry recyclables increased. The large uncertainty associated with waste composition analyses makes it difficult to draw strong conclusions regarding the effects on specific recyclables or the changes in the composition of the residual waste. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: An important focus of post-stroke physical therapy is to improve walking and walking capacity. However, many people after stroke experience difficulties with gait-related participation, which includes more than walking capacity alone. Gait-related participation involves walking with a participation goal and requires to deal with changes in the environment during walking and perform dual tasks, for example. Objective: To explore barriers and facilitators for gait-related participation from the perspective of people after stroke. This knowledge can contribute to the development of effective interventions to improve gait-related participation. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted to investigate how people after stroke experience gait-related participation. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed, anonymized, and analyzed thematically. Barriers and facilitators were categorized according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. Results: Twenty-one people after stroke participated. Median age was 65 years, median time since stroke 16 weeks. Barriers were reported in movement-related functions, cognitive functions, mobility, personal factors, and environmental factors. Facilitators were found on participation level and in personal and environmental factors, such as motivation and family support. Conclusion: People after stroke who were physically able to walk independently still described multiple barriers to gait-related participation in all components of the ICF framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several diamond bulk crystals with a concentration of electrically neutral single substitutional nitrogen atoms of ≲80 ppm, the so‐called C or P1 centers, are irradiated with electrons at 10 MeV energy and low fluence. The results show a complete suppression of the irreversible behavior in field and temperature of the magnetization below 30 K, after a decrease in ≲40 ppm in the concentration of C centers produced by the electron irradiation. This result indicates that magnetic C centers are at the origin of the large hysteretic behavior found recently in nitrogen‐doped diamond crystals. This is remarkable because of the relatively low density of C centers, stressing the extraordinary role of the C centers in triggering those phenomena in diamond at relatively high temperatures. After annealing the samples at high temperatures in vacuum, the hysteretic behavior is partially recovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the systematic characterization of the optical properties of diamond color centers based on Pb impurities. An ensemble photoluminescence analysis of their spectral emission was performed at different excitation wavelengths in the 405–520 nm range and at different temperatures in the 4–300 K range. The series of observed spectral features consist of different emission lines associated with Pb-related defects. Finally, a room-temperature investigation of single-photon emitters under 490.5 nm laser excitation is reported, revealing different spectral signatures with respect to those already reported under 514 nm excitation. This work represents a substantial progress with respect to previous studies on Pb-related color centers, both in the attribution of an articulated series of spectral features and in the understanding of the formation process of this type of defect, thus clarifying the potential of this system for high-impact applications in quantum technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective After stroke, people experience difficulties with walking that lead to restrictions in participation in daily life. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of virtual reality gait training (VRT) compared to non–virtual reality gait training (non-VRT) on participation in community-living people after stroke. Methods In this assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial with 2 parallel groups, people were included between 2 weeks and 6 months after stroke and randomly assigned to the VRT group or non-VRT group. Participants assigned to the VRT group received training on the Gait Real-time Analysis Interactive Lab (GRAIL), and participants assigned to the non-VRT group received treadmill training and functional gait exercises without virtual reality. Both training interventions consisted of 12 30-minute sessions during 6 weeks. The primary outcome was participation measured with the restrictions subscale of the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation (USER-P) 3 months postintervention. Secondary outcomes included subjective physical functioning, functional mobility, walking ability, dynamic balance, walking activity, fatigue, anxiety and depression, falls efficacy, and quality of life. Results Twenty-eight participants were randomly assigned to the VRT group and 27 to the non-VRT group, of whom 25 and 22 attended 75% or more of the training sessions, respectively. No significant differences between the groups were found over time for the USER-P restrictions subscale (1.23; 95% CI = −0.76 to 3.23) or secondary outcome measures. Patients' experiences with VRT were positive, and no serious adverse events were related to the interventions. Conclusions The effect of VRT was not statistically different from non-VRT in improving participation in community-living people after stroke. Impact Although outcomes were not statistically different, treadmill-based VRT was a safe and well-tolerated intervention that was positively rated by people after stroke. VR training might, therefore, be a valuable addition to stroke rehabilitation. Lay Summary VRT is feasible and was positively experienced by people after stroke. However, VRT was not more effective than non-VRT for improving walking ability and participation after stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to perform noninvasive and non-contact measurements of electric signals produced by action potentials is essential in biomedicine. A key method to do this is to remotely sense signals by the magnetic field they induce. Existing methods for magnetic field sensing of mammalian tissue, used in techniques such as magnetoencephalography of the brain, require cryogenically cooled superconducting detectors. These have many disadvantages in terms of high cost, flexibility and limited portability as well as poor spatial and temporal resolution. In this work we demonstrate an alternative technique for detecting magnetic fields generated by the current from action potentials in living tissue using nitrogen vacancy centres in diamond. With 50 pT/ Hz sensitivity, we show the first measurements of magnetic sensing from mammalian tissue with a diamond sensor using mouse muscle optogenetically activated with blue light. We show these proof of principle measurements can be performed in an ordinary, unshielded lab environment and that the signal can be easily recovered by digital signal processing techniques. Although as yet uncompetitive with probe electrophysiology in terms of sensitivity, we demonstrate the feasibility of sensing action potentials via magnetic field in mammals using a diamond quantum sensor, as a step towards microscopic imaging of electrical activity in a biological sample using nitrogen vacancy centres in diamond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing high-purity diamond containing dense negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV−) centre ensembles is desirable for the development of sensitive quantum sensors that explore the coherent manipulation of the spin states of this atomic-scale defect. By using N 2 O as a dopant, we demonstrate that millimetre-thick single crystals can be grown by Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) with substitutional nitrogen concentrations as high as 26 ppm. With a high-energy electron irradiation treatment and in-situ annealing, up to 20% of this nitrogen can be successfully converted into NV− centres leading to densities of almost 5 ppm and to a crystal displaying pink colouration and appealing optical properties. The longitudinal relaxation T 1 time in such a highly doped diamond is measured to be around 3.5 ms at 300 K while inhomogeneous dephasing time T 2 ∗ is estimated to 600 ns. Despite the high NV density, Electron Spin Resonance lines are resolved with clear hyperfine splitting induced by the nuclear spin of nitrogen. The dependence of T 1 on the orientation of the magnetic field suggests that relaxation is dominated by NV-NV dipole interactions when no magnetic field is applied. Such engineered crystals constitute a promising platform for developing future quantum sensing applications. Image 1 • Millimetre thick diamond single crystals with addition of 500 ppm of N 2 O. • Substitutional nitrogen conversion into NV centres by electron irradiation and in situ annealing with 20% efficiency. • High total NV density of 7 ppm (NV− of 4.6 ppm) leading to pink colouration. • Long T 2 ∗ coherence time of 600 ns in irradiated samples. • High [NV−] × T 2 ∗ products of 3 μs ppm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a focussed ion beam (FIB) based ion implanter equipped with an electron beam ion source (EBIS), able to produce highly charged ions. As an example of its utilisation, we demonstrate the direct writing of nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond using focussed, mask-less irradiation with Ar8+ ions with sub-micron three dimensional placement accuracy. The ion optical system was optimised and is characterised via secondary electron imaging. The smallest measured foci are below 200 nm, using objective aperture diameters of 5 and 10 µm, showing that nanoscale ion implantation using an EBIS is feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No detailed information on in vivo biokinetics of CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) following chronic low-dose inhalation is available. The CeO2 burden for lung, lung-associated lymph nodes, and major non-pulmonary organs, blood, and feces, was determined in a chronic whole-body inhalation study in female Wistar rats undertaken according to OECD TG453 (6 h per day for 5 days per week for a 104 weeks with the following concentrations: 0, 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 mg/m3, animals were sacrificed after 3, 12, 24 months). Different spectroscopy methods (ICP-MS, ion-beam-microscopy) were used for the quantification of organ burden and for visualization of NP distribution patterns in tissues. After 24 months of exposure, the highest CeO2 lung burden (4.41 mg per lung) was associated with the highest aerosol concentration and was proportionally lower for the other groups in a dose-dependent manner. Imaging techniques confirmed the presence of CeO2 agglomerates of different size categories within lung tissue with a non-homogenous distribution. For the highest exposure group, after 24 months in total 1.2% of the dose retained in the lung was found in the organs and tissues analyzed in this study, excluding lymph nodes and skeleton. The CeO2 burden per tissue decreased from lungs > lymph nodes > hard bone > liver > bone marrow. For two dosage groups, the liver organ burden showed a low accumulation rate. Here, the liver can be regarded as depot, whereas kidneys, the skeleton, and bone marrow seem to be dumps due to steadily increasing NP burden over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial n-type Si wafers (resistivity of 5–10 Ω cm) were H+ ion implanted with energies between 0.75 and 2.00 MeV, and the electronic transport properties of the implanted layer (recombination lifetime, carrier diffusion coefficient, and front-surface and implanted-interface recombination velocities s1 and s2) were studied using photocarrier radiometry (PCR). A quantitative fitting procedure to the diffusing photoexcited free-carrier density wave was introduced using a relatively simple two-layer PCR model in lieu of the more realistic but substantially more complicated three-layer model. The experimental trends in the transport properties of H+-implanted Si layers extracted from the PCR amplitude and phase data as functions of implantation energy corroborate a physical model of the implanted layer in which (a) overlayer damage due to the light H+ ions decreases with increased depth of implantation at higher energies, (b) the implanted region damage close to the interface is largely decoupled from the overlayer crystallinity, and (c) the concentration of implanted H+ ions decreases at higher implantation energies at the interface, thus decreasing the degree of implantation damage at the interface proper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A stroke often results in gait impairments, activity limitations and restricted participation in daily life. Virtual reality (VR) has shown to be beneficial for improving gait ability after stroke. Previous studies regarding VR focused mainly on improvements in functional outcomes. As participation in daily life is an important goal for rehabilitation after stroke, it is of importance to investigate if VR gait training improves participation. The primary aim of this study is to examine the effect of VR gait training on participation in community-living people after stroke.Methods/design: The ViRTAS study comprises a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups. Fifty people between 2 weeks and 6 months after stroke, who experience constraints with walking in daily life, are randomly assigned to the virtual reality gait training (VRT) group or the non-virtual reality gait training (non-VRT) group. Both training interventions consist of 12 30-min sessions in an outpatient rehabilitation clinic during 6 weeks. Assessments are performed at baseline, post intervention and 3 months post intervention. The primary outcome is participation measured with the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation (USER-P). Secondary outcomes are subjective physical functioning, functional mobility, walking ability, walking activity, fatigue, anxiety and depression, falls efficacy and quality of life.Discussion: The results of the study provide insight into the effect of VR gait training on participation after stroke.Trial Registration: Netherlands National Trial Register, Identifier NTR6215 . Registered on 3 February 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocapsules (NCS-DOX) with an oily core of selol and a shell of poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic anhydride) covalently conjugated to doxorubicin were developed. These nanocapsules are spherical, with an average hydrodynamic diameter of about 170 nm, and with negative zeta potential. NCS-DOX effectively co-delivered the selol and the doxorubicin into 4T1 cells and changed the intracellular distribution of DOX from the nuclei to the mitochondria. Moreover, a significantly increased cytotoxicity against 4T1 cells was observed, which is suggestive of additive or synergic effect of selol and doxorubicin. In conclusion, PVM/MA nanocapsules are suitable platforms to co-deliver drugs into cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials doped with the unstable isotope phosphorus 32 are promising candidates for use in brachytherapeutic applications. One way to dope a material with 32P is by ion implantation. However, the bombardment of the target with ions other than 32P due to impurities of the ion beam leads to unnecessary damages of the target, which might reduce its potential for medical applications. Furthermore, implanting a pre-selected activity of an unstable isotope into a target requires the repeated determination of the target's activity, which requires removing the target from the implantation chamber. This prolongs the total implantation time and requires handling the radioactive target multiple times, which in turn increases the risk of accidental exposure. We have incorporated an online-detector system into the implantation chamber of a 60 kV ion implanter that allowed us to determine the activity of the target without removing the target from the implantation chamber. We then used this system to investigate the implantation of ions with m = 38 u—instead of ions with m = 32 u—to reduce the fraction of other ions than 32P implanted into the target to reduce the induced damages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum (Al) is one of the most common elements in the earth crust and increasingly used in food, consumer products and packaging. Its hazard potential for humans is still not completely understood. Besides the metallic form, Al also exists as mineral, including the insoluble oxide, and in soluble ionic forms. Representatives of these three species, namely a metallic and an oxidic species of Al-containing nanoparticles and soluble aluminum chloride, were applied to human intestinal cell lines as models for the intestinal barrier. We characterized physicochemical particle parameters, protein corona composition, ion release and cellular uptake. Different in vitro assays were performed to determine potential effects and molecular modes of action related to the individual chemical species. For a deeper insight into signaling processes, microarray transcriptome analyses followed by bioinformatic data analysis were employed. The particulate Al species showed different solubility in biological media. Metallic Al nanoparticles released more ions than Al2O3 nanoparticles, while AlCl3 showed a mixture of dissolved and agglomerated particulate entities in biological media. The protein corona composition differed between both nanoparticle species. Cellular uptake, investigated in transwell experiments, occurred predominantly in particulate form, whereas ionic Al was not taken up by intestinal cell lines. Transcellular transport was not observed. None of the Al species showed cytotoxic effects up to 200 µg Al/mL. The transcriptome analysis indicated mainly effects on oxidative stress pathways, xenobiotic metabolism and metal homeostasis. We have shown for the first time that intestinal cellular uptake of Al occurs preferably in the particle form, while toxicological effects appear to be ion-related. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additives and impurities often strongly influence the growth and shape of crystals, sometimes in an unexpected way. Heteroepitaxial growth of 3D guest crystals on different substrate crystals leads to a variety of surface patterns as has commonly been reported. Homoepitaxial growth, on the other hand, generally proceeds by layer by layer growth and leads to flat surfaces with steps. In our study we found that applying a droplet of ethanol with traces of triamide additive on a (0 0 1) NaCl substrate surface results in a 3D pseudo-homoepitaxial pattern comprising of ultrathin NaCl needles ordered in a “Mondriaan-like” arrangement. This is a consequence of small amounts of water in the ethanol, absorbed from the ambient, dissolving NaCl from the substrate, followed by poisoning the substrate surface by additive adsorption, which inhibits NaCl regrowth later on. At the last phase of droplet evaporation the NaCl supersaturation becomes very high and epitaxial crystal needles develop, starting from several oriented 3D nuclei on the poisoned substrate surface. This leads to a network of epitaxial NaCl needles each pointing toward one of the four perpendicular 〈1 0 0〉 directions on the (0 0 1) NaCl substrate. This peculiar phenomenon of 3D pseudo-homoepitaxy results from a subtle interplay between crystal dissolution, additive blocking and final growth at high supersaturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nanoparticles, especially from carbon, have great potential in biomedicine. However, prior to clinical use, biocompatibility and biodistribution of these nanoobjects have to be assessed. Currently, particle detection is mostly based on surface‐bound labels, inevitably altering materials' properties by surface modification. Further obstacles include bleaching, dissociation of labels from the surface, weak emission of fluorophores due to insufficient tissue opacity or hampered light penetration or the need for specific excitation wavelengths. These characteristics greatly constrain employment of such nanoparticles to address complex analytical questions. To overcome these drawbacks, the use of intrinsic structural features of nanoobjects is highly desirable: the particle surface remains unchanged and the nanoobject exhibits its innate behavior. Thus, for sensitive detection and quantification, labels should be incorporated in the nanoparticle core, thereby avoiding cleavage and warranting unchanged surface characteristics. The incorporation of clinically approved radionuclide 32P into the lattice of nanodiamond particles using highly defined ion implantation is described here. The properties, uptake, and biodistribution are studied in vivo, in the developing hen's egg model (hen's egg test on chorioallantoic membrane assay). It is found that 32P labeling of diamond nanoparticles allows their reliable localization and sensitive quantification in a cost efficient, highly reliable, and safe way using available autoradiographic devices and analytical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]