First-Principles Study on Structural Properties of GeO2_2 and SiO2_2 under Compression and Expansion Pressure

The detailed analysis of the structural variations of three GeO$_2$ and SiO$_2$ polymorphs ($\alpha$-quartz, $\alpha$-cristobalite, and rutile) under compression and expansion pressure is reported. First-principles total-energy calculations reveal that the rutile structure is the most stable phase among the phases of GeO$_2$, while SiO$_2$ preferentially forms quartz. GeO$_4$ tetrahedras of quartz and cristobalite GeO$_2$ phases at the equilibrium volume are more significantly distorted than those of SiO$_2$. Moreover, in the case of quartz GeO$_2$ and cristobalite GeO$_2$, all O-Ge-O bond angles vary when the volume of the GeO$_2$ bulk changes from the equilibrium point, which causes further deformation of tetrahedra. In contrast, the tilt angle formed by Si-O-Si in SiO$_2$ markedly changes. This flexibility of the O-Ge-O bonds reduces the stress at the Ge/GeO$_2$ interface due to the lattice-constant mismatch and results in the low defective interface observed in the experiments [Matsubara \textit{et al.}: Appl. Phys. Lett. \textbf{93} (2008) 032104; Hosoi \textit{et al.}: Appl. Phys. Lett. \textbf{94} (2009) 202112].Comment: 15 pages, 5 figures and 2 table

Development and evaluation of an instrument for the critical appraisal of randomized controlled trials of natural products

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The efficacy of natural products (NPs) is being evaluated using randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with increasing frequency, yet a search of the literature did not identify a widely accepted critical appraisal instrument developed specifically for use with NPs. The purpose of this project was to develop and evaluate a critical appraisal instrument that is sufficiently rigorous to be used in evaluating RCTs of conventional medicines, and also has a section specific for use with single entity NPs, including herbs and natural sourced chemicals.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Three phases of the project included: 1) using experts and a Delphi process to reach consensus on a list of items essential in describing the identity of an NP; 2) compiling a list of non-NP items important for evaluating the quality of an RCT using systematic review methodology to identify published instruments and then compiling item categories that were part of a validated instrument and/or had empirical evidence to support their inclusion and 3) conducting a field test to compare the new instrument to a published instrument for usefulness in evaluating the quality of 3 RCTs of a NP and in applying results to practice.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Two Delphi rounds resulted in a list of 15 items essential in describing NPs. Seventeen item categories fitting inclusion criteria were identified from published instruments for conventional medicines. The new assessment instrument was assembled based on content of the two lists and the addition of a Reviewer's Conclusion section. The field test of the new instrument showed good criterion validity. Participants found it useful in translating evidence from RCTs to practice.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A new instrument for the critical appraisal of RCTs of NPs was developed and tested. The instrument is distinct from other available assessment instruments for RCTs of NPs in its systematic development and validation. The instrument is ready to be used by pharmacy students, health care practitioners and academics and will continue to be refined as required.</p

Priorities for synthesis research in ecology and environmental science

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We thank the National Science Foundation grant #1940692 for financial support for this workshop, and the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) and its staff for logistical support.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Priorities for synthesis research in ecology and environmental science

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We thank the National Science Foundation grant #1940692 for financial support for this workshop, and the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) and its staff for logistical support.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Priorities for synthesis research in ecology and environmental science

Synthesis research in ecology and environmental science improves understanding, advances theory, identifies research priorities, and supports management strategies by linking data, ideas, and tools. Accelerating environmental challenges increases the need to focus synthesis science on the most pressing questions. To leverage input from the broader research community, we convened a virtual workshop with participants from many countries and disciplines to examine how and where synthesis can address key questions and themes in ecology and environmental science in the coming decade. Seven priority research topics emerged: (1) diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), (2) human and natural systems, (3) actionable and use-inspired science, (4) scale, (5) generality, (6) complexity and resilience, and (7) predictability. Additionally, two issues regarding the general practice of synthesis emerged: the need for increased participant diversity and inclusive research practices; and increased and improved data flow, access, and skill-building. These topics and practices provide a strategic vision for future synthesis in ecology and environmental science

Phase effects in double-focus and double-aperture interference microscopy

Two different optical techniques for surface tracking and linewidth measurement are evaluated. First, an evaluation is made of the performance of a double-focus polarization microscope, based on results from a computer model and from experimental measurements. The assessment shows that a phase curvature effect makes the operation of this configuration impractical as a surface tracking device and linewidth measurement system. An alternative arrangement of using a double aperture is evaluated. The phase curvature effect is reduced in this type of microscope. A practical optical arrangement to implement a double-aperture microscope is given