bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local symmetry determines the phases of linear chains: a simple model for the self-assembly of peptides
Authors: Škrbić Tatjana , Hoang Trinh Xuan , Maritan Amos , Banavar Jayanth R. , Giacometti Achille
Published: June 2019

We discuss the relation between the emergence of new phases with broken symmetry within the framework of simple models of biopolymers.
Reduced open-circuit voltage loss for highly efficient low-bandgap perovskite solar cells via suppression of silver diffusion
Authors: Liu Meiyue , Chen Ziming , Yang Yongchao , Yip Hin-Lap , Cao Yong
Published: June 2019

Ag diffused across the PCBM layer increased the trap density and down-shifted the energy level of the perovskite layer. Fortunately, PCBM/ZnO layer efficiently suppressed the Ag diffusion, resulting in a perovskite solar cell with PCE of 18.1%.
Magnetic microspheres with polydopamine encapsulated ultra-small noble metal nanocrystals as mimetic enzymes for the colorimetric detection of H2O2 and glucose
Authors: Bai Linfeng , Jiang Wanquan , Sang Min , Liu Mei , Xuan Shouhu , Wang Sheng , Leung Ken Cham-Fai , Gong Xinglong
Published: June 2019

A novel sandwich-structured magnetic microsphere with ultra-small noble metal nanocrystals as a mimetic enzyme for the colorimetric detection of H2O2 and glucose.
One-pot synthesis of ultrasmall β-NaGdF4 nanoparticles with enhanced upconversion luminescence
Authors: Cheng Chunyan , Xu Yueshan , Liu Songtao , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Xian , Wang Jianxun , De Gejihu
Published: June 2019

High quality β-NaGdYF4:Yb/Er and high quantum yield β-NaGdF4:Yb/Er@β-NaYF4 core shell nanoparticles were synthesized.
Light manipulating electrode based on high optical haze aluminum-doped zinc oxide for highly efficient indium-tin-oxide free organic solar cells with over 13% efficiency
Authors: Rong Qikun , Zhao Jie , Yu Hui , Li Na , Zhang Qian , Yuan Dong , Liu Wei , Zheng Dongfeng , Gao Xingsen , Shui Lingling , Zhou Guofu , Nian Li
Published: June 2019

ITO-free OSCs with 13% efficiency are demonstrated by using high optical haze textured AZO films as an electrode.
Stretchable and self-healable electrical sensors with fingertip-like perception capability for surface texture discerning and biosignal monitoring
Authors: Wu Xianzhang , Li Zhangpeng , Wang Honggang , Huang Jingxia , Wang Jinqing , Yang Shengrong
Published: June 2019

An electrical sensor based on Au-deposited toothbrush-hair micro-prick arrays exhibits excellent fingertip-like perception capability for surface texture discerning and biosignal monitoring.
Nacre-like composite films with high thermal conductivity, flexibility, and solvent stability for thermal management applications
Authors: Wang Zhi-Guo , Chen Ming-Zhao , Liu Ya-Hui , Duan Hong-Ji , Xu Ling , Zhou Li , Xu Jia-Zhuang , Lei Jun , Li Zhong-Ming
Published: June 2019

The construction of a nacre-like structure and bioinspired modifications endow BNNS@PDA/PVA composite films with high thermal conductivity, flexibility, and solvent stability.
Investigation of ICOS, CD28 and CD80 polymorphisms with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: a case–control study in eastern Chinese population
Authors: Yang Jing , Liu Jiaochun , Chen Yu , Tang Weifeng , Bo Kai , Sun Yuling , Chen Jianping
Published: June 2019

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in immune related gene may influence the susceptibility of cancer. We selected inducible T cell costimulator (ICOS) rs4404254 T>C, rs10932029 T>C, CD28 rs3116496 T>C and CD80 rs7628626 C>A SNPs and assessed the potential relationship of these SNPs with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. A total of 584 HCC cases and 923 healthy controls were recruited. And SNPscan™ genotyping assay was used to obtain the genotypes of ICOS, CD28 and CD80 polymorphisms. We found that ICOS rs10932029 T>C polymorphism significantly increased the risk of HCC (additive model: adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.59; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.13–2.22; P=0.007; homozygote model: adjusted OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.31–4.03; P=0.867; dominant model: adjusted OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.14–2.19; P=0.007 and recessive model: adjusted OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.28–3.68; P=0.974). However, ICOS rs4404254 T>C, CD28 rs3116496 T>C and CD80 rs7628626 C>A SNPs were not associated with the risk of HCC. To evaluate the effects of ICOS rs10932029 T>C on HCC risk according to different age, gender, chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, tobacco consumption and drinking status, we carried out a stratification analysis. We found that ICOS rs10932029 T>C polymorphism might increase the risk of HCC in male, ≥53 years, never smoking, never drinking and non-chronic HBV infection subgroups. Our study highlights that ICOS rs10932029 T>C polymorphism may confer the susceptibility to HCC. It may be beneficial to explore the relationship between variants in immune related genes and the development of HCC.
Bio-engineering of bacterial microcompartments: a mini review
Authors: Planamente Sara , Frank Stefanie
Published: June 2019

Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are protein-bound prokaryotic organelles, discovered in cyanobacteria more than 60 years ago. Functionally similar to eukaryotic cellular organelles, BMCs compartment metabolic activities in the cytoplasm, foremost to increase local enzyme concentration and prevent toxic intermediates from damaging the cytosolic content. Advanced knowledge of the functional and structural properties of multiple types of BMCs, particularly over the last 10 years, have highlighted design principles of microcompartments. This has prompted new research into their potential to function as programmable synthetic nano-bioreactors and novel bio-materials with biotechnological and medical applications. Moreover, due to the involvement of microcompartments in bacterial pathogenesis and human health, BMCs have begun to gain attention as potential novel drug targets. This mini-review gives an overview of important synthetic biology developments in the bioengineering of BMCs and a perspective on future directions in the field.
A Cognitive Social Media Training Program and Intergenerational Learning: A Pilot Study With Older Adults and Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students
Authors: Harvey Jennine , Beck Ann , Carr Caleb T.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The current research was a pilot study of the #GoldenTweets social media training program. Specifically, the research sought to explore (a) how the program in general was perceived by 2 groups of participants, namely, normally aging adults and graduate clinicians, and (b) how both groups perceived the use of Twitter, the platform incorporated into the program, as a social media.

Method

Participants included normally aging adults and graduate student clinicians working with these individuals to implement the training program. The 13-week program was structured into 4 phases: (a) pre-assessment, (b) social media training, (c) social media engagement, and (d) postassessment. Participation outcomes were measured through qualitative data obtained from postprogram discussions and postprogram clinician surveys.

Results

Analyses of participants' responses revealed changes across older adult and graduate student clinician skills in technology and communication applications, as well as perceptions of social media use. Both groups of participants indicated the intergenerational aspects of the program were the greatest strength of the program and their learning.

Conclusion

Our findings support the use of a cognitive social media training tool to promote intergenerational learning, communication, and stimulation.
Masses and ages for metal-poor stars
Authors: Valentini M. , Chiappini C. , Bossini D. , Miglio A. , Davies G. R. , Mosser B. , Elsworth Y. P. , Mathur S. , García R. A. , Girardi L. , Rodrigues T. S. , Steinmetz M. , Vallenari A.
Published: June 2019

Context. Very metal-poor halo stars are the best candidates for being among the oldest objects in our Galaxy. Samples of halo stars with age determination and detailed chemical composition measurements provide key information for constraining the nature of the first stellar generations and the nucleosynthesis in the metal-poor regime.

Aims. Age estimates are very uncertain and are available for only a small number of metal-poor stars. We present the first results of a pilot programme aimed at deriving precise masses, ages, and chemical abundances for metal-poor halo giants using asteroseismology and high-resolution spectroscopy.

Methods. We obtained high-resolution UVES spectra for four metal-poor RAVE stars observed by the K2 satellite. Seismic data obtained from K2 light curves helped improve spectroscopic temperatures, metallicities, and individual chemical abundances. Mass and ages were derived using the code PARAM, investigating the effects of different assumptions (e.g. mass loss and [α/Fe]-enhancement). Orbits were computed using Gaia DR2 data.

Results. The stars are found to be normal metal-poor halo stars (i.e. non C-enhanced), and an abundance pattern typical of old stars (i.e. α and Eu-enhanced), and have masses in the 0.80−1.0 M⊙ range. The inferred model-dependent stellar ages are found to range from 7.4 Gyr to 13.0 Gyr with uncertainties of ∼30%−35%. We also provide revised masses and ages for metal-poor stars with Kepler seismic data from the APOGEE survey and a set of M4 stars.

Conclusions. The present work shows that the combination of asteroseismology and high-resolution spectroscopy provides precise ages in the metal-poor regime. Most of the stars analysed in the present work (covering the metallicity range of [Fe/H] ∼ −0.8 to −2 dex) are very old >9 Gyr (14 out of 19 stars), and all of the stars are older than >5 Gyr (within the 68 percentile confidence level).
Joint cluster reconstructions
Authors: Huber Korbinian , Tchernin Céline , Merten Julian , Hilbert Stefan , Bartelmann Matthias
Published: June 2019

Context. Galaxy clusters provide a multitude of observational data across wavelengths, and their structure and morphology are of considerable interest in cosmology as well as astrophysics.

Aims. We develop a framework that allows the combination of lensing and non-lensing observations in a free-form and mesh-free approach to infer the projected mass distribution of individual galaxy clusters. This method can be used to test common assumptions on the morphology of clusters in parametric models.

Methods. We make use of the lensing reconstruction code SAWLENS2, and expand its capabilities by incorporating an estimate of the projected gravitational potential based on X-ray data that are deprojected using the local Richardson–Lucy method and used to infer the Newtonian potential of the cluster. We discuss how potentially arising numerical artefacts can be treated.

Results. We demonstrate the feasibility of our method on a simplified mock Navarro–Frenk–White (NFW) halo and on a cluster from a realistic hydrodynamical simulation. We show how the combination of X-ray and weak lensing data can affect a free-form reconstruction, improving the accuracy in the central region in some cases by a factor of two.
Another relic bulge globular cluster: ESO 456-SC38 (Djorgovski 2)
Authors: Ortolani S. , Held E. V. , Nardiello D. , Souza S. O. , Barbuy B. , Pérez-Villegas A. , Cassisi S. , Bica E. , Momany Y. , Saviane I.
Published: June 2019

Context. The object ESO 456-SC38 (Djorgovski 2) is one of the globular clusters that is closest to the Galactic center. It is on the blue horizontal branch and has a moderate metallicity of [Fe/H] ∼ −1.0. It is thus similar to the very old inner bulge globular clusters NGC 6522, NGC 6558, and HP 1, and therefore appears to be part of the primeval formation stages of the Milky Way.

Aims. The aim of this work is to determine an accurate distance and metallicity for ESO 456-SC38, as well as orbital parameters, in order to check similarities with other clusters in the inner bulge that have previously been well studied in terms of spectroscopy and photometry. This is a considerably fainter cluster that is contaminated by a rich stellar field; it is also quite absorbed by the dusty foreground.

Methods. We analyzed ESO 456-SC38 based on HST photometry, with the filters F606W from ACS, F110W and F160W from WFC3, and photometry in V and I from FORS2 at the VLT. We combined this with identified stars that are covered by Gaia Data Release 2.

Results. The isochrone fitting was carried out with the statistical Markov chain Monte Carlo method. We derive an accurate distance of d⊙ = 8.75 ± 0.12 kpc and a reddening of E(B−V) = 0.81+0.02−0.02. The best-fitting BaSTI isochrones correspond to an age of 12.70+0.72−0.69 Gyr and a metallicity of [Fe/H] = −1.11+0.03−0.03.

Conclusions. ESO 456-SC38 adds to the list of moderately metal-poor globular clusters located in the inner bulge. It has a blue horizontal branch and is very old. The cluster is confined to the bulge and bar region, but it does not support the Galactic bar structure. The old stellar population represented by clusters like this has to be taken into account in models of Galactic bulge formation. Studying them also provides indications on the formation times of the globular clusters themselves.
Revisiting the 16 Cygni planet host at unprecedented precision and exploring automated tools for precise abundances
Authors: Maia M. Tucci , Meléndez J. , Lorenzo-Oliveira D. , Spina L. , Jofré P.
Published: June 2019

The binary system 16 Cygni is key in studies of the planet-star chemical composition connection, as only one of the stars is known to host a planet. This allows us to better assess the possible influence of planet interactions on the chemical composition of stars that are born from the same cloud and thus should have a similar abundance pattern. In our previous work, we found clear abundance differences for elements with Z ≤ 30 between both components of this system and a trend of these abundances as a function of the condensation temperature (Tc), which suggests a spectral chemical signature related to planet formation. In this work we show that our previous findings are still consistent even if we include more species, such as the volatile N and neutron capture elements (Z > 30). We report a slope with Tc of 1.56 ± 0.24 × 10−5 dex K−1, that is good agreement with our previous work. We also performed some tests using ARES and iSpec to measure automatically the equivalent width and found Tc slopes in reasonable agreement with our results as well. In addition, we determined abundances for Li and Be by spectral synthesis, finding that 16 Cyg A is richer not only in Li but also in Be, when compared to its companion. This may be evidence of planet engulfment, indicating that the Tc trend found in this binary system may be a chemical signature of planet accretion in the A component, rather than an imprint of the giant planet rocky core formation on 16 Cyg B.
Assessment of kaolin resources using electrical resisitivity method in part of Ekiti state southwest Nigeria
Authors: Akinsunmade Akinniyi , Tomecka-Suchoń Sylwia , Pysz Paweł
Published: June 2019

Consistent building of mineral database is very crucial to ascertaining the natural resources potential of a nation which may be valuable towards its development. Essentially, the study aimed at establishing the spatial extent and average thickness occurrence of the kaolin deposit in part of Ikere-ekiti, south western Nigeria using geophysical method. Seventy seven VES measurements and two parametric soundings were made. The data were processed and interpreted using IPIwin - a forward modelling software. The evaluated geoelectric parameers were used for the generation of maps(2D and 3D) depicting the mineral occurrence variation. Three-five subsurface layers were depicted within the study area with layer resistivity ranging from 1 to 7250 ohm-meters and layer thickness that range from 0.2 to 48 meters. Layers with a resistivity range of 1-150 ohm meters have been identified as the kaolin layers. Average thickness of the kaolin layer range from 0.8 to 46 meters. Overburden thickness were found to range from 0.3 to 44 meters.The lateral extents of the kaolin occurrence in the study site have been delineated by electrical geophysical sounding method. The obtained information may serve as database for detail exploration and exploitaion programme towards harnessing the reosurces.
Assessment of underground mining influences in the area of historic church building
Authors: Strzałkowski Piotr , Ścigała Roman , Szafulera Katarzyna
Published: June 2019

The paper presents a case study of the influence of performed mining exploitation on a historic church building and provides a prediction of the effects of the planned exploitation. Due to properly designed and performed structural protections of the building, the exploitation without causing damages to the building’s structure was possible. The calculation results indicate that also the planned exploitation should not induce any structural damages to the building. The presented example exhibits the fact that exploitation is possible in areas of this type of buildings if adequate protections are applied and extraction field locations are correctly planned.
Spherical cavity in the layer subjected to dynamic load
Authors: Koziol Piotr , Mares Cristinel , Pilecki Rafał
Published: June 2019

The problem of wave motion with spherical symmetry is analysed. For this purpose, a spherical cavity surrounded by layer is considered as a mathematical model which can be used for modelling various phenomena in solid mechanics. The additional layer is also spherical and the outer space is described as unbounded medium. All layers are isotropic, homogeneous and linearly elastic, although the presented formulation allows inclusion of weak nonlinearities. Analytical solutions for displacement and stresses (radial and circumferential) are presented along with some discussion of possible model extensions.
Information sharing and leakage in the two-echelon supply chain
Authors: Wang Jingru , Zhen Zhiyuan , Yan Qiang
Published: June 2019

We consider ex post demand information sharing and leakage in a two-echelon supply chain consisting of one supplier and two retailers competing in quantities. The incumbent retailer has an advantage to acquire information about the market at a cost. If he invests in information acquisition, he privately acquires a signal about the market demand. We examine the incumbent’s incentive of information acquisition and sharing, and the upstream supplier’s information leakage strategy. We confirm that the incumbent’s information acquisition and sharing decisions depend on whether the information acquisition is observable. When it is observable, the incumbent fully shares his private signals even though the shared high signal may hurt him. However, when it is unobservable, the incumbent can share the favorable signal (low signal) and withhold the unfavorable signal (high signal). Moreover, we also find that the supplier will always leak the signal to the entrant no matter what signal she acquires. In addition, we demonstrate under the information sharing and leakage strategy, it may benefit the whole supply chain when the retail competition intensity is not very large.
Sustainable reverse logistic network design for end-of-life use-case study
Authors: Cinar Suna
Published: June 2019

Due to the increased interests in environmental issues along with stringent environmental legislation and regulations, companies start taking a fresh look at the impact on their reverse logistic activties on the environment. This paper is an example of the recovery of valuable material that can be recycled/recovered or remanufactured at the end of product useful life by designing an effective reverse logistics network. In this study, a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model is proposed to determine a long-term strategy for end-of-life (EOL). The mathematical model not only takes into account the minimization of system operating costs, but also considered minimization of carbon emissions related to the transportation and processing of used products. Therefore, the objective in this model was to minimize the transportation and operating cost as well as minimizing environmental effects these activities. The results of this study show the trade-off between the costs and carbon emissions, and cost effectiveness for improving environmental performance, all of which have great practical implication on decision-making of network configurations a reverse logistics system. The proposed model is validated by examining a case study from wind turbine (WT) sector.
OP der Zukunft
Authors: Stallkamp Jan , Kühne Markus , Rothfuss Andreas
Published: June 2019

Welche Anforderungen muss der OP der Zukunft erfüllen? Und wie können dabei die
Bedürfnisse von Patienten und Ärzten berücksichtigt werden? Unsere Autoren vom
Fraunhofer-Institut für Produktionstechnik und Automatisierung klären auf.
Künstliche Intelligenz und Mixed Reality: Wertvolle
Unterstützung im OP
Authors: Giese Andreas
Published: June 2019

Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) schickt sich gerade an, unseren Alltag zu
revolutionieren. Bereits heute bewähren sich selbstlernende Programme –
beispielsweise beim Online-Übersetzen komplexer Texte, bei autonom fahrenden
Autos oder in umfassend automatisierten Produktionsanlagen. Auch in der
Medizinbranche sorgen KI-Anwendungen für völlig neue Möglichkeiten: Neben der
Auswertung großer Datenmengen aus Patientenakten gibt es bereits heute erste
Lösungen mit dem Ziel, die Chirurgie sicherer, schonender und effizienter zu
machen. Nicht zuletzt unterstützt KI OP-Teams dabei, Routinearbeiten effizienter
erledigen zu können.
Haemostatic Abnormalities, Cardiac Involvement and Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor Levels in X-linked Dystrophic Patients
Authors: Porreca Ettore , Guglielmi Maria Domenica , Uncini Antonino , Di Gregorio Patrizia , Angelini Antonio , Di Febbo Concetta , Pierdomenico Sante Donato , Baccante Giovanna , Cuccurullo Franco
Published: June 2019

Left ventricular thrombosis and systemic emboli have been demonstrated to complicate cardiomyopathy in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD, BMD). We investigated plasma levels of pro-thrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2), thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT) and circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a pro-coagulant cytokine that has been shown to be elevated in patients with depressed cardiac function, in 20 patients with DMD and 12 patients with BMD as compared with 30 age-matched control subjects. Significantly elevated levels of F1+2 (DMD: 1.4 ± 0.8 nmol/l; BMD: 1.8 ± 0.8 nmol/l vs. controls: 0.7 ± 0.2 nmol/l, p <0.01 and p <0.001, respectively), TAT complexes (DMD: 4.7 ± 2.7 αg/l, BMD: 5 ± 2.3 αg/l vs. controls: 1.6 ± 0.5 αg/l, p <0.001) and TNF-α (54 ± 9 vs. 25 ± 7 pg/ml, p <0.001) were observed in patients with the dystrophic disease compared to control subjects. A significantly negative correlation was also found between F1+2 and TAT complexes and left ventricular ejection fraction (r = –0.65, p <0.0001; r = –0.80, p <0.0001, respectively) and a positive correlation between F1+2 and TAT complexes and serum TNF-α levels (r = 0.67, p <0.0001; r = 0.70, p <0.0001, respectively). Our results indicate a hypercoagulable state in X-linked dystrophic patients. A possible relationship between haemostatic activation, left ventricular dysfunction and TNF-α system upregulation may be suggested.
Atherothrombogenic Risk Modulation by n-3 Fatty Acids Was not Associated with Changes in Homocysteine in Subjects with Combined Hyperlipidaemia
Authors: Grundt H. , Nilsen D. W. T. , Hetland Ø. , Mansoor M. A. , Aarsland T. , Woie L.
Published: June 2019

Favourable effects of n-3 fatty acids on the atherogenic risk profile were recently demonstrated in subjects with combined (type IIb) hyperlipidaemia, not responding to a therapeutic diet.

Re-examination of a previous patient material was performed to assess the influence of n-3 fatty acids on homocysteine and several coagulation factors.

Subjects were randomly allocated to receive either a concentrated compound of 85% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (n = 28), or corn oil (n = 29), in a daily dose of 4 g for 12 weeks. The intervention was double-blind.

Homocysteine remained unchanged in both groups after 12-week treatment. N-3 fatty acids supplementation did not affect the levels of fibrinogen, coagulation factor VII or tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), while plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) increased significantly (Student’s t-test; p <0.05). Total blood platelets were significantly reduced in subjects receiving n-3 fatty acids (Student’s t-test; p <0.05), whereas bleeding times increased non-significantly.
Increased Expression of u-PA and u-PAR on Monocytes by LDL and Lp(a) Lipoproteins – Consequences for Plasmin Generation and Monocyte Adhesion
Authors: Ganné Florence , Vasse Marc , Beaudeu Jean-Louis , Peynet Jacqueline , François Arnaud , Paysant Jérôme , Lenormand Bernard , Collet Jean-Philippe , Vannier Jean-Pierre , Soria Jeannette , Soria Claudine
Published: June 2019

Monocyte-derived foam cells figure prominently in rupture-prone regions of atherosclerotic plaque. As urokinase/urokinase-receptor (u-PA/u-PAR) is the trigger of a proteolytic cascade responsible for ECM degradation, we have examined the effect of atherogenic lipoproteins on monocyte surface expression of u-PAR and u-PA. Peripheral blood monocytes, isolated from 10 healthy volunteers, were incubated with 10 to 200 µg/ml of native or oxidised (ox-) atherogenous lipoproteins for 18 h and cell surface expression of u-PA and u-PAR was analysed by flow cytometry. Both LDL and Lp(a) induced a dose-dependent increase in u-PA (1.6-fold increase with 200 μg/ml of ox-LDL) and u-PAR [1.7-fold increase with 200 μg/ml of ox-Lp(a)]. There is a great variability of the response among the donors, some of them remaining non-responders (absence of increase of u-PA or u-PAR) even at 200 μg/ml of lipoproteins. In positive responders, enhanced u-PA/u-PAR is associated with a significant increase of plasmin generation (1.9-fold increase with 200 μg/ml of ox-LDL), as determined by an amidolytic assay. Furthermore, monocyte adhesion to vitronectin and fibrinogen was significantly enhanced by the lipoproteins [respectively 2-fold and 1.7-fold increase with 200 μg/ml of ox-Lp(a)], due to the increase of u-PAR and ICAM-1, which are receptors for vitronectin and fibrinogen. These data suggest that atherogenous lipoproteins could contribute to the development of atheromatous plaque by increasing monocyte adhesion and trigger plaque weakening by inducing ECM degradation.
Ethanol Increases Endothelial Nitric Oxide Production through Modulation of Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression
Authors: Venkov Christo D. , Myers Paul R. , Tanner Miles A. , Su Ming , Vaughan Douglas E.
Published: June 2019

Moderate alcohol consumption has been shown to reduce the risk of ischemic heart disease potentially through its effect on specific endothelial-derived compounds. We tested the hypothesis that ethanol increases the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) production in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). Primary cultures of BAEC grown to confluence under standard conditions were treated 3-6 h with 0.1% ethanol in the presence of indomethacin. Ethanol induced a significant increase in both basal and stimulated NO production as determined by chemiluminescence method. This effect was accompanied by a rapid increase of eNOS protein and mRNA expression levels. eNOS mRNA increased two-fold within 3 h and gradually declined, but the increased levels of mRNA persisted for >24 h. A similar increase of eNOS expression was observed in human umbilical endothelial cells exposed to ethanol. These results demonstrate that ethanol augments both basal and stimulated NO production and that this effect is associated with increased eNOS protein and mRNA expression levels. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that the reduced incidence of ischemic heart disease associated with alcohol may be related, at least in part, to the modulation of vascular endothelial cell production of NO
Ileosigmoid Knot—Unveiling the Diagnostic Dilemma with Radiologic Signs: A Case Report
Authors: Hegde Poonam , Ananthasivan Rupa , Rawat Sudarshan , Patil Pooja G. , Girishekar Bhavana , Matish Mrinal
Published: June 2019

Ileosigmoid knot (ISK) is an unusual and serious condition that is known to pose a diagnostic dilemma due to overlapping features of acute closed-loop intestinal obstruction. Early diagnosis and intervention are of immense importance in this condition because they can prove life threatening with rapid progression to gangrene of both the ileum and sigmoid colon. We report a case of a 27-year-old man who presented 2 days post-appendicectomy procedure with acute abdominal pain, abdominal distention, and hypovolemic shock. Initial evaluation with ultrasonography (USG) and abdominal X-ray was performed, which revealed pleural effusion, ascites, and an ahaustral dilated large bowel loop in the right upper abdomen with convergence in the left lower abdomen. Further imaging with computed tomography revealed closed-loop obstruction of the sigmoid colon with beaked appearance of its afferent and efferent limbs in the pelvis. There was associated whirling or knotting of the ileum around the sigmoid pedicle along with features of mesenteric ischemia. Emergency laparotomy was performed, which revealed ISK with gangrene of the ileal and large bowel loops.
Periureteric Mass in a Treated Case of Papillary Carcinoma of Thyroid: A Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Panbude Sushil , Agrawal Archi , Kane Shubhada , D'Cruz Anil , Arya Supreeta
Published: June 2019

Endometriosis is the presence of normal endometrial glands and stroma outside the endometrium, seen in women in the reproductive age group. Endometriosis is common in the pelvis in the pouch of Douglas, rectum, urinary bladder, and uterosacral ligaments. Although extrapelvic endometriosis is uncommon, endometriosis at extrapelvic sites such as the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, lung, skin, brain, and scar site has been reported and can mimic other benign and malignant lesions. It is a difficult diagnosis when patients have a preexisting neoplasm as metastasis can be a differential. The clinical history, imaging features, and a strong suspicion of this entity in the reproductive age group help accurate diagnosis of this entity. We present a rare case of deep pelvic (periureteral) endometriosis in a 41-year-old woman with history of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland causing diagnostic dilemma on imaging and histopathology and also discuss briefly the imaging findings of endometriosis.
“Double Trouble”: Preoperative Embolization in a Case of Double Rupture of Hepatic Hemangioma during Pregnancy
Authors: Singhal Soumil , Uthappa Mangerira Chinnappa
Published: June 2019

Hepatic hemangiomas are the most common benign space-occupying lesion of the liver. These lesions are associated with the gestational age of the patient. They can easily be missed and can rarely present with complications. Spontaneous rupture of hemangioma is a rare occurrence. Preoperative arterial embolization of hemangiomas plays a vital role to reduce intraoperative bleed during surgical resection. Here is a case of a young pregnancy presenting with a complicated outcome.
Multiparametric MRI Approach to Prostate Cancer with a Pictorial Essay on PI-RADS
Authors: Popat Palak B. , Maheshwari Sharad , Sable Nilesh P. , Thakur Meenakshi , Katdare Aparna
Published: June 2019

The biology of prostate cancer is indolent, and incidence does not reflect mortality. This has led to reframed screening guidelines pivoting around serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and conceptualizing clinically significant prostate cancer (CSC), triaging active surveillance and intervention. A resultant paradigm shift in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from diagnosing cancer to focusing on detecting CSC led to the establishment of PI-RADS v2 (prostate imaging reporting and data systems, version 2). In this article, we present an approach to analyzing suspicious prostate lesions on multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) and assigning them a PI-RADS assessment score based on the current version 2 for standardized reporting, strengthening diagnostic accuracy, and improving clinical acceptance. We also present pitfalls and challenges that a radiologist should be aware of, for increasing diagnostic accuracy.
Duodenal Stenosis with Diaphragmatic Hernia—A Rare Combination—Delayed Diagnoses with Barium Study
Authors: Ananthasivan Rupa , Rawat Sudarshan , Reddy Pramesh , Patil Pooja G. , Radhakrishnan Chittur Narendra
Published: June 2019

Duodenal stenosis is part of a spectrum of disorders due to non-cannulization of the fetal gut lumen occurring in 11 to 13 weeks of fetal life. The diagnosis is often made in the neonatal period owing to bilious vomiting. The authors present a case of a 9-year-old boy who was diagnosed by an upper gastrointestinal study that showed a hugely dilated stomach filled with food residue and a dilated first part of the duodenum with an abrupt narrowing in the second part of the duodenum in keeping with duodenal stenosis. There was no associated malrotation (a known association), but the delayed images showed a surprising finding of herniation of large bowel loops into the thorax suggestive of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (Bochdalek type). Both these findings were confirmed on surgery, and the patient underwent duodenoduodenostomy and diaphragmatic hernia repair and is doing well on follow-up. This case is unusual due to the rare association of duodenal stenosis with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and delayed diagnosis. Both these pathologies most often present in the neonatal period, and delayed diagnosis is most often seen with associated trisomy 21 that was not the case in our patient.
Temperature-driven narrowing of the insulating gap as a precursor of the insulator-to-metal transition: Implications for the electronic structure of solids
Authors: Lubchenko Vassiliy , Kurnosov Arkady
Published: June 2019

We present a microscopic picture rationalizing the surprisingly steep decrease in the bandgap with temperature in insulators, crystalline or otherwise. The gap narrowing largely results from fluctuations of long-wavelength optical phonons—when the latter are present—or their disordered analogs if the material is amorphous. We elaborate on this notion to show that possibly with the exception of weakly bound solids made of closed-shell electronic configurations, the existence of an insulating gap or pseudogap in a periodic solid implies that optical phonons must be present, too. This means that in an insulating solid, the primitive cell must have at least two atoms and/or that a charge density wave is present, with the possible exception of weakly bonded solids such as rare-gas or ferromagnetic Wigner crystals. As a corollary, a (periodic) elemental solid held together by nonclosed shell interactions and whose primitive unit contains only one atom will ordinarily be a metal, consistent with observation. Consequences of the present picture for Wigner solids are discussed. A simple field theory of the metal-insulator transition is constructed that directly ties long-wavelength optical vibrations with fluctuations of an order parameter for the metal-insulator transition. The order parameter is shown to have at least two components, yet no Goldstone mode arises as a result of the transition.
Doppler shift in semi-Riemannian signature and the non-uniqueness of the Krein space of spinors
Authors: Besnard Fabien , Bizi Nadir
Published: June 2019

We give examples illustrating the fact that the different space/time splittings of the tangent bundle of a semi-Riemannian spin manifold give rise to nonequivalent norms on the space of compactly supported sections of the spinor bundle, and as a result, to different completions. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for two space/time splittings to define equivalent norms in terms of a generalized Doppler shift between maximal negative definite subspaces. We explore some consequences for the noncommutative geometry program.
Superior heat conduction and viscous effect in FeNi complex nanofluids under external stimulus
Authors: Katiyar Ajay , Nandi Tandra , Prasad N. Eswara
Published: June 2019

Magnetic nanofluids have immense potential to increase heat transport and viscous effect under magnetic field. In the present work, bimetallic FeNi nanoparticles are dispersed in two types of conventional fluids, namely, heat transfer oil (HTO) and ethylene glycol (EG), to formulate the nanofluids. The inducement of a magnetic field on thermal conductivity and viscous effect has been reported. Experimental findings reveal the augmented thermal transport by conduction and viscous effect in the presence of an externally applied magnetic field for the formulated nanofluids. Thermal conductivity is found to be enhanced up to a critical magnetic field; beyond the critical magnetic field, a gradual drop is observed. The highest magnitude of thermal conductivity is found to be ∼0.49 W/m K and the respective enhancement of 222% with respect to the base fluid at the critical magnetic field of ∼700 G at 7 vol. % for the sample of FeNi/HTO. The maximum dynamic yield stress and viscosity values achieved are ∼11 kPa and ∼2238 Pa s, respectively, at 7 vol.  % and 12 000 G magnetic field for the sample of FeNi/HTO. Thus, a strong influence of magnetic field on the tendency of chain formation in magnetic nanofluids is observed. This leads to amplify the thermal transport and viscous effect in the fluidic system enormously. The findings of the present work are expected to greatly benefit the fields of thermal conduction and viscous behavior and contribute to future smart fluid applications for automotive components such as automotive brakes, clutches, and dampers.
Effective decrease of photoelectric emission threshold from gold plated surfaces
Authors: Wass Peter J. , Hollington Daniel , Sumner Timothy J. , Yang Fangchao , Pfeil Markus
Published: June 2019

Many applications require charge neutralization of isolated test bodies, and this has been successfully done using photoelectric emission from surfaces which are electrically benign (gold) or superconducting (niobium). Gold surfaces nominally have a high work function (∼5.1 eV) which should require deep UV photons for photoemission. In practice, it has been found that it can be achieved with somewhat lower energy photons with indicative work functions of (4.1–4.3 eV). A detailed working understanding of the process is lacking, and this work reports on a study of the photoelectric emission properties of 4.6 × 4.6 cm2 gold plated surfaces, representative of those used in typical satellite applications with a film thickness of 800 nm, and measured surface roughnesses between 7 and 340 nm. Various UV sources with photon energies from 4.8 to 6.2 eV and power outputs from 1 nW to 1000 nW illuminated ∼0.3 cm2 of the central surface region at angles of incidence from 0° to 60°. Final extrinsic quantum yields in the range 10 ppm–44 ppm were reliably obtained during 8 campaigns, covering a period of ∼3 years but with intermediate long-term variations lasting several weeks and, in some cases, bake-out procedures at up to 200 °C. Experimental results were obtained in a vacuum system with a baseline pressure of ∼10−7 mbar at room temperature. A working model, designed to allow accurate simulation of any experimental configuration, is proposed.
Global well-posedness for the Phan-Thein-Tanner model in critical Besov spaces without damping
Authors: Chen Yuhui , Luo Wei , Zhai Xiaoping
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we mainly investigate the Cauchy problem for the Phan-Thein-Tanner (PTT) model. The PPT model can be viewed as Navier-Stokes equations coupled with a nonlinear transport system. This model is derived from network theory of the polymeric fluid. We study about the global well-posedness of the PTT model in critical Besov space. When the initial data are a small perturbation around the equilibrium, the strong solution in critical Besov space is proved to be globally existed.
Negative impedance of organic light emitting diodes in AC electrical response
Authors: Takahashi Jun-ichi
Published: June 2019

In previous papers, we introduced a novel analysis technique of the impedance spectroscopy of organic light emitting diodes to elucidate their layer-to-layer carrier dynamics and proposed a novel carrier transport model. In this article, we will discuss the carrier dynamics in the voltage region where the layer-to-layer dynamics cannot be distinguished. There appear several specific characteristic features in frequency- and voltage-dependence of complex impedance, the negative impedance, and the diffusion impedance. In the negative bias voltage region, where neither carrier injection nor accumulation occurs, conductance shows ω1/2 frequency dependence. On the other hand, at the higher voltage region where all the semicircles in Cole-Cole plot coalesce, there appear two types of negative impedance, which have ω1/2 and a Debye-like frequency dependence. We consider that the ω1/2 dependences are attributed to the diffusion impedance (Warburg impedance) coupled with and without the interfacial charge transfer reaction. The Debye-like negative impedance is attributed to the carrier trap at the interface of the Alq3 layer.
Influence of heat treatment on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of martensitic stainless steel
Authors: Bösing Ingmar , Cramer Lena , Steinbacher Matthias , Zoch Hans Werner , Thöming Jorg , Baune Michael
Published: June 2019

Heat Treatment of martensitic stainless steels is used to increase the hardness that is caused by several microstructure changes. But such a treatment does affect both mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Existing studies about the effect of austenitizing on the material properties and the corrosion resistance show contradictory results. Here we reveal the different effects of austenitizing on the passive layer of stainless steel and thus the corrosion resistance, thermodynamic phase calculations, microstructure investigations and various electrochemical measurements are performed. By potentiodynamic polarization scans the pitting potential, the critical pitting potential and the corrosion current are determined. Impedance spectroscopy are used to gain deeper insight into the passive layer properties. The results show a strong dependency of the corrosion behavior on the heat treatment where the governing corrosion mechanism are affected differently.
The effect of size-asymmetry of plasmonic heterodimers in surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Khadem H. , Tavassoli S. H.
Published: June 2019

Assembling metal nanoparticles to provide strong electric field hot spots in their gap spaces for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a great challenge. Therefore, the optimization of assembly parameters is at the heart of design and fabrication of SERS substrates. Herein, we experimentally demonstrate the SERS activity of hierarchical assembled size-asymmetric heterodimers (HDs) of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to unveil the effect of size-asymmetry in SERS enhancement factors (EFs). The HDs show an optimum configuration in which maximum EF is achieved. To study the underlying physics of the plasmonic coupling in HDs, we use the discrete dipole approximation method. The theoretical results confirm that the effects of AgNPs on each other through their electric near-fields can be considere as the key point to generate strong hot spots in HDs for SERS.
Simulations on an undamped electromechanical vibration of microtubules in cytosol
Authors: Li Si , Wang Chengyuan , Nithiarasu Perumal
Published: June 2019

This letter aims to study the electromechanical vibration of microtubules submerged in cytosol. The microtubule-cytosol interface is established in molecular dynamics simulations, and the electrically excited vibrations of microtubules in cytosol are studied based on a molecular mechanics model. The simulations show that the solid-liquid interface with a nanoscale gap significantly reduces the viscous damping of cytosol on microtubule vibration. Specifically, as far as the radial breathing modes are concerned, cytosol behaves nearly as a rigid body and thus has a very small damping effect on the radial breathing mode of microtubules. This distinctive feature of the radial breathing modes arises from its extremely small amplitude (<0.1 Å), and the relatively large gap between microtubules and cytosol (2.5 Å) is due to the van der Waals interaction. Such a nearly undamped megahertz microtubule vibration excited by an electrical magnetic field may play an important role in designing microtubule-based biosensors, developing novel treatments of diseases, and facilitating signal transduction in cells.
Substrate stiffness affects particle distribution pattern in a drying suspension droplet
Authors: Iqbal R. , Matsumoto Atsushi , Sudeepthi A. , Shen Amy Q. , Sen A. K.
Published: June 2019

The complexities involved in achieving a tailor-made evaporative deposition pattern have remained a challenge. Here, we show that the morphological pattern of drying suspension droplets can be altered by varying substrate elastic modulus E. We find that the particle spot diameter and spacing between the particles scale with substrate stiffness as ds ∼ E−0.15 and s ∼ E−1.23, respectively. We show that the larger spot diameter and spacing between particles on a softer substrate are attributed to a higher energy barrier U associated with stronger pinning of the contact line. The particle deposition pattern is characterized in terms of deposition index, Id, whose value is <0.50 and >0.75 for centralized (multilayer) and uniform (monolayer) deposition patterns observed for stiffer and softer substrates, respectively. The outcome of the present study may find applications in biochemical characterization and analysis of micro-/nanoparticles.
On the coupling of protein and water dynamics in confinement: Spatially resolved molecular dynamics simulation studies
Authors: Wohlfromm Timothy , Vogel Michael
Published: June 2019

To ascertain protein-water couplings in confinement, we exploit that molecular dynamics simulations enable full control and systematic variation of the model system as well as componentwise and spatially resolved analyses. We use an elastin-like molecule and vary the thickness of the hydration shell by producing confinements of desired shape and size. Moreover, we tune the rigidity of the confinement. The approach reveals prominent dynamical couplings at the protein-water interface in combination with strong spatial variation of both protein and water dynamics. Explicitly, changes in the mobility of the hydration shell in response to altered confinement conditions are accompanied by changes in the mobility of the protein surface, leading to a relation of respective correlation times. Moreover, with increasing distance to the protein-water interface, water dynamics speeds up and protein dynamics slow down, where, however, internal and global protein motions show quantitative differences. These findings indicate that an understanding of biological functions requires consideration of mutual dependencies of protein and water dynamics, strong mobility gradients across the protein molecule and the hydration shell, and differences between internal and tumbling motions. In addition, we observe that the effect of the confining walls is very strong but short ranged. As a consequence, protein dynamics is significantly altered under severe confinement conditions, whereas bulk-like behavior is recovered for confinement sizes larger than ∼4.3 nm, corresponding to hydration levels above ∼1.5 g/g.