bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphogenesis of extra-embryonic tissues directs the remodelling of the mouse embryo at implantation
Authors: Christodoulou Neophytos , Weberling Antonia , Strathdee Douglas , Anderson Kurt I. , Timpson Paul , Zernicka-Goetz Magdalena
Published: August 2019

Mammalian embryos change shape dramatically upon implantation. The cellular and molecular mechanism underlying this transition are largely unknown. Here, we show that this transition is directed by cross talk between the embryonic epiblast and the first extra-embryonic tissue, the trophectoderm. Specifically, we show via visualisation of a Cdx2-GFP reporter line and pharmacologically mediated loss and gain of function experiments that the epiblast provides FGF signal that results in differential fate acquisition in the multipotent trophectoderm leading to the formation of a tissue boundary within this tissue. The trophectoderm boundary becomes essential for expansion of the tissue into a multi-layered epithelium. Folding of this multi-layered trophectoderm induces spreading of the second extra-embryonic tissue, the primitive endoderm. Together, these events remodel the pre-implantation embryo into its post-implantation cylindrical shape. Our findings uncover how communication between embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues provides positional cues to drive shape changes in mammalian development during implantation.
S100A9 extends lifespan in insulin deficiency
Authors: Ramadori Giorgio , Ljubicic Sanda , Ricci Serena , Mikropoulou Despoina , Brenachot Xavier , Veyrat-Durebex Christelle , Aras Ebru , Ioris Rafael M. , Altirriba Jordi , Malle Elisabeth , Foell Dirk , Vogl Thomas , Coppari Roberto
Published: August 2019

Tens of millions suffer from insulin deficiency (ID); a defect leading to severe metabolic imbalance and death. The only means for management of ID is insulin therapy; yet, this approach is sub-optimal and causes life-threatening hypoglycemia. Hence, ID represents a great medical and societal challenge. Here we report that S100A9, also known as Calgranulin B or Myeloid-Related Protein 14 (MRP14), is a leptin-induced circulating cue exerting beneficial anti-diabetic action. In murine models of ID, enhanced expression of S100A9 alone (i.e. without administered insulin and/or leptin) slightly improves hyperglycemia, and normalizes key metabolic defects (e.g. hyperketonemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and increased hepatic fatty acid oxidation; FAO), and extends lifespan by at least a factor of two. Mechanistically, we report that Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) is required, at least in part, for the metabolic-improving and pro-survival effects of S100A9. Thus, our data identify the S100A9/TLR4 axis as a putative target for ID care.
CD146-HIF-1α hypoxic reprogramming drives vascular remodeling and pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Luo Yongting , Teng Xiao , Zhang Lingling , Chen Jianan , Liu Zheng , Chen Xuehui , Zhao Shuai , Yang Sai , Feng Jing , Yan Xiyun
Published: August 2019

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a vascular remodeling disease of cardiopulmonary units. No cure is currently available due to an incomplete understanding of vascular remodeling. Here we identify CD146-hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) cross-regulation as a key determinant in vascular remodeling and PAH pathogenesis. CD146 is markedly upregulated in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs/SMCs) and in proportion to disease severity. CD146 expression and HIF-1α transcriptional program reinforce each other to physiologically enable PASMCs to adopt a more synthetic phenotype. Disruption of CD146-HIF-1α cross-talk by genetic ablation of Cd146 in SMCs mitigates pulmonary vascular remodeling in chronic hypoxic mice. Strikingly, targeting of this axis with anti-CD146 antibodies alleviates established pulmonary hypertension (PH) and enhances cardiac function in two rodent models. This study provides mechanistic insights into hypoxic reprogramming that permits vascular remodeling, and thus provides proof of concept for anti-remodeling therapy for PAH through direct modulation of CD146-HIF-1α cross-regulation.
Theoretical analysis of spectral lineshapes from molecular dynamics
Authors: Cupo Andrew , Tristant Damien , Rego Kyle , Meunier Vincent
Published: August 2019

Conventional methods for calculating anharmonic phonon properties are computationally expensive. To address this issue, a theoretical approach was developed for the accelerated calculation of vibrational lineshapes for spectra obtained from finite-time molecular dynamics. The method gives access to the effect of anharmonicity-induced frequency shift and lifetime, as well as simulation broadening. For a toy model we demonstrate at least an order of magnitude reduction in the number of simulation steps needed to obtain converged vibrational properties in nearly all cases considered as compared to the standard extraction procedure. The theory is also illustrated for graphene, hexagonal boron nitride, and silicon at the density functional theory level, with up to nearly a factor of 9 reduction in the required simulation time to reach convergence in the vibrational frequencies and lifetimes. In general, we expect the newly developed method to outperform the standard procedure when the anharmonicity is sufficiently weak so that well-defined renormalized phonon quasiparticles emerge. Our extension of signal analysis to material vibrations represents a state-of-the-art advance in calculating temperature-dependent phonon properties and could be implemented in computational materials discovery packages that search for thermoelectric materials for instance, since the thermal conductivity contribution to ZT depends strongly on these characteristics.
Impaired Systolic and Diastolic Left Ventricular Function in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease - Results from the 4C Study
Authors: Doyon Anke , Haas Pascal , Erdem Sevcan , Ranchin Bruno , Kassai Behrouz , Mencarelli Francesca , Lugani Francesca , Harambat Jerome , Matteucci Maria Chiara , Chinali Marcello , Habbig Sandra , Zaloszyc Ariane , Testa Sara , Vidal Enrico , Gimpel Charlotte , Azukaitis Karolis , Kovacevic Alexander , Querfeld Uwe , Schaefer Franz
Published: August 2019

Children with chronic kidney disease suffer from excessive cardiovascular mortality and early alterations of the cardiovascular system. Tissue doppler imaging is a validated echocardiographic tool to assess early systolic and diastolic cardiac dysfunction. We hypothesized that tissue Doppler velocities would reveal reduced cardiac function in children with chronic kidney disease compared to healthy children. A standardized echocardiographic exam was performed in 128 patients of the Cardiovascular Comorbidity in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease (4C) Study aged 6–17 years with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Tissue Doppler measurements included early (E’) and late (A’) diastolic and systolic (S’) velocity at the mitral and septal annulus of the left ventricle. Measured values were normalized to z-scores using published reference data. Predictors of E’/A’, E/E’, S’ and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were assessed by multiple linear regression analyses. Tissue Doppler E’ was reduced and tissue Doppler A’ increased, resulting in a reduced tissue Doppler E’/A’ ratio (z-score −0.14, p < 0.0001) indicating reduced diastolic function compared to healthy children. Reduced tissue Doppler E’/A’ Z-Scores were independently associated with lower eGFR (p = 0.002) and increased systolic blood pressure (p = 0.02). While E/E’ Z-Scores were increased (Z-score 0.57, p < 0.0001), patients treated with pharmacological RAS blockade but not with other antihypertensive treatments had significantly lower E/E’ and higher E’/A’ Z-Scores. Systolic tissue Doppler velocities were significantly decreased (Z-score −0.24, p = 0.001) and inversely correlated with E/E’ Z-Scores (r = −0.41, p < 0.0001). LVMI was not associated with systolic or diastolic tissue Doppler velocities. Concentric left ventricular hypertrophy showed a tendency to lower S’ in multivariate analysis (p = 0.13) but no association to diastolic function. Concentric left ventricular geometry was significantly associated with lower midwall fractional shortening. In summary, systolic and diastolic function assessed by tissue Doppler is impaired. eGFR, systolic blood pressure and the type of antihypertensive medications are significant predictors of diastolic function in children with CKD. Left ventricular morphology is largely independent of tissue Doppler velocities. Tissue Doppler velocities provide sensitive information about early left ventricular dysfunction in this population.
Electrical stimulation shifts healing/scarring towards regeneration in a rat limb amputation model
Authors: Oliveira K. M. C. , Barker J. H. , Berezikov E. , Pindur L. , Kynigopoulos S. , Eischen-Loges M. , Han Z. , Bhavsar M. B. , Henrich D. , Leppik L.
Published: August 2019

Different species respond differently to severe injury, such as limb loss. In species that regenerate, limb loss is met with complete restoration of the limbs’ form and function, whereas in mammals the amputated limb’s stump heals and scars. In in vitro studies, electrical stimulation (EStim) has been shown to promote cell migration, and osteo- and chondrogenesis. In in vivo studies, after limb amputation, EStim causes significant new bone, cartilage and vessel growth. Here, in a rat model, the stumps of amputated rat limbs were exposed to EStim, and we measured extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, macrophage distribution, cell proliferation and gene expression changes at early (3 and 7 days) and later stages (28 days). We found that EStim caused differences in ECM deposition, with less condensed collagen fibrils, and modified macrophage response by changing M1 to M2 macrophage ratio. The number of proliferating cells was increased in EStim treated stumps 7 days after amputation, and transcriptome data strongly supported our histological findings, with activated gene pathways known to play key roles in embryonic development and regeneration. In conclusion, our findings support the hypothesis that EStim shifts injury response from healing/scarring towards regeneration. A better understanding of if and how EStim controls these changes, could lead to strategies that replace scarring with regeneration.
Detection and targeting insulin growth factor receptor type 2 (IGF2R) in osteosarcoma PDX in mouse models and in canine osteosarcoma tumors
Authors: Karkare Sharayu , Allen Kevin J. H. , Jiao Rubin , Malo Mackenzie E. , Dawicki Wojciech , Helal Muath , Godson Dale L. , Dickinson Ryan , MacDonald-Dickinson Valerie , Yang Rui , Hoang Bang , Gorlick Richard , Geller David S. , Dadachova Ekaterina
Published: August 2019

Osteosarcoma (OS) represents 3.4% of all childhood cancers with overall survival of 70% not improving in 30 years. The consistent surface overexpression of insulin-like growth factor-2 receptor (IGF2R) has been reported in commercial and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) OS cell lines. We aimed to assess efficacy and safety of treating PDX and commercial OS tumors in mice with radiolabeled antibody to IGF2R and to investigate IGF2R expression on canine OS tumors. IGF2R expression on human commercial lines 143B and SaOS2 and PDX lines OS-17, OS-33 and OS-31 was evaluated by FACS. The biodistribution and microSPECT/CT imaging with 111Indium-2G11 mAb was performed in 143B and OS-17 tumor-bearing SCID mice and followed by radioimmunotherapy (RIT) with 177Lutetium-2G11 and safety evaluation. IGF2R expression in randomly selected canine OS tumors was measured by immunohistochemistry. All OS cell lines expressed IGF2R. Biodistribution and microSPECT/CT revealed selective uptake of 2G11 mAb in 143B and OS-17 xenografts. RIT significantly slowed down the growth of OS-17 and 143B tumors without local and systemic toxicity. Canine OS tumors expressed IGF2R. This study demonstrates the feasibility of targeting IGF2R on OS in PDX and spontaneous canine tumors and sets the stage for further development of RIT of OS using comparative oncology.
Migration of Bacteriocins Across Gastrointestinal Epithelial and Vascular Endothelial Cells, as Determined Using In Vitro Simulations
Authors: Dreyer Leané , Smith Carine , Deane Shelly M. , Dicks Leon M. T. , van Staden Anton D.
Published: August 2019

Little is known about the migration of bacteriocins across human cells. In this study, we report on migration of three bacteriocins nisin, plantaricin 423 and bacST4SA across colonic adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Bacteriocins were fluorescently labelled while still maintaining antimicrobial activity. Migration of fluorescently labelled bacteriocins across monolayers was assessed in vitro using transmigration well inserts. After 3 h, 75% of nisin, 85% of plantaricin 423 and 82% of bacST4SA migrated across the Caco-2 cell monolayer. Over the same time span, 88% nisin, 93% plantaricin 423 and 91% bacST4SA migrated across the HUVEC monolayer. The viability of both cell types remained unchanged when exposed to 50 µM of nisin, plantaricin 423 or bacST4SA. The effect of human plasma on bacteriocin activity was also assessed. Activity loss was dependent on bacteriocin type and concentration, with the class-IIa bacteriocins retaining more activity compared to nisin. This is the first report of bacteriocins migrating across simulated gastrointestinal- and vascular-barriers. This study provides some of the first evidence that bacteriocins are capable of crossing the gut-blood-barrier. However, in vivo studies need to be performed to confirm these findings and expand on the role of bacteriocin migration across cell barriers.
Dispersal of allergenic pollen from Cryptomeria japonica and Chamaecyparis obtusa: characteristic annual fluctuation patterns caused by intermittent phase synchronisations
Authors: Ishibashi Akira , Sakai Kenshi
Published: August 2019

Trees produce pollen during specific times of the year. Pollen can induce pollinosis, a type of allergic rhinitis, in humans. In Japan, allergenic pollen is mainly dispersed from February to May. Using data collected at 120 observation sites managed by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment, we studied the annual patterns of airborne allergenic pollen. The allergenic pollen showed an alternating ON–OFF cycle, but the length of the cycle differed among regions. We used an in-phase/out-of-phase analysis to quantify two characteristic features of the synchronisation. The degrees of phase synchronisation were strong in eastern and weak in western Japan. The pattern of allergenic pollen dispersal throughout Japan is typical intermittent synchronisation. This is the first study to evaluate allergenic pollen’s distribution from a phase synchronisation viewpoint.
Aging and spatial cues influence the updating of navigational memories
Authors: Merhav Maayan , Wolbers Thomas
Published: August 2019

Updating navigational memories is important for everyday tasks. It was recently found that older adults are impaired in updating spatial representations in small, bi-dimensional layouts. Because performance in small-scale areas cannot predict navigational behavior, we investigated how aging affects the updating of navigational memories encoded in large, 3-dimensional environments. Moreover, since locations can be encoded relative to the observer (egocentric encoding) or relative to landmarks (allocentric encoding), we tested whether the presumed age-related spatial updating deficit depends on the available spatial cues. By combining whole-body motion tracking with immersive virtual reality, we could dissociate egocentric and allocentric spatial cues and assess navigational memory under ecologically valid conditions (i.e., providing body-based and visual cues). In the task, objects were relocated overnight, and young and older participants had to navigate to the updated locations of the objects. In addition to replicating age-related deficits in allocentric memory, we found age-related impairments in updating navigational memories following egocentric encoding. Finally, older participants depicted stronger representations of the previous navigational context that were correlated with their spatial updating deficits. Given that these effects may stem from inefficient suppression of former navigational memories, our findings propose a mechanism that helps explain the navigational decline in aging.
A unique life cycle transition in the red seaweed Pyropia yezoensis depends on apospory
Authors: Mikami Koji , Li Chengze , Irie Ryunosuke , Hama Yoichiro
Published: August 2019

Plant life cycles consist of two temporally separated stages: a haploid gametophyte and a diploid sporophyte. In plants employing a haploid–diploid sexual life cycle, the transition from sporophyte to gametophyte generally depends on meiosis. However, previous work has shown that in the red seaweed Pyropia yezoensis, this transition is independent of meiosis, though how and when it occurs is unknown. Here, we explored this question using transcriptomic profiling of P. yezoensis gametophytes, sporophytes, and conchosporangia parasitically produced on sporophytes. We identify a knotted-like homeobox gene that is predominately expressed in the conchosporangium and may determine its identity. We also find that spore-like single cells isolated from the conchosporangium develop directly into gametophytes, indicating that the gametophyte identity is established before the release of conchospores and prior to the onset of meiosis. Based on our findings, we propose a triphasic life cycle for P. yezoensis involving production of gametophytes by apospory.
A portable, disposable, and low-cost optode for sulphide and thiol detection
Authors: Alberti Giancarla , Nurchi Valeria M. , Magnaghi Lisa R. , Biesuz Raffaela
Published: August 2019

Ellman's reagent-based optode for sulphides and tihiols.
Direct transformation of butenes or ethylene into propylene by cascade catalytic reactions
Authors: Hulea Vasile
Published: August 2019

Catalysts and processes involved in the direct conversion of ethylene or n-butenes into propylene are reviewed.
Tricarbonyl rhenium(i) tetrazolato and N-heterocyclic carbene complexes: versatile visible-light-mediated photoredox catalysts
Authors: Nicholls Thomas P. , Burt Liam K. , Simpson Peter V. , Massi Massimiliano , Bissember Alex C.
Published: August 2019

This study demonstrates that structurally-diverse, photoactive rhenium(i) tricarbonyl complexes can mediate representative atom-transfer radical addition, hydrodehalogenation, and α-amino C–H functionalisation reactions.
Nomilin protects against cerebral ischemia–reperfusion induced neurological deficits and blood–brain barrier disruption via the Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Shi Yu-Sheng , Zhang Yan , Liu Bin , Li Chun-Bin , Wu Jiao , Li Yang
Published: August 2019

Oxidative stress is considered to play an important role in the cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury.
Resisting resistance: gearing up for war
Authors: Sarkar Aurijit , Garneau-Tsodikova Sylvie
Published: August 2019

Where do we stand in our fight against antimicrobial resistance?
The dynamic surface chemistry of colloidal metal chalcogenide quantum dots
Authors: Grisorio Roberto , Quarta Danila , Fiore Angela , Carbone Luigi , Suranna Gian Paolo , Giansante Carlo
Published: August 2019

Probing the interactions of ligands at the surface of colloidal quantum dots by NMR measurements of diffusion coefficients and spectral line widths.
Self-fluorescent antibiotic MoOx–hydroxyapatite: a nano-theranostic platform for bone infection therapies
Authors: Placente Damián , Ruso Juan. M. , Baldini Mónica , Laiuppa Juan A. , Sieben Juan M. , Santillán Graciela E. , Messina Paula V.
Published: August 2019

Unusual intrinsic electronic point defects of bone-mimetic hydroxyapatite nanoparticles induce a self-activated fluorescence and provoke pathogen microorganisms’ death after their direct contact.
Diastereoselective synthesis of spirocyclic isoxazolo[5,4-c]pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines via cascade double [3 + 2]cycloadditions
Authors: Liu Dan , Sun Jing , Zhang Yu , Yan Chao-Guo
Published: August 2019

Novel polycyclic spiro compounds were conveniently synthesized in good yields and with high diastereoselectivity from cascade double [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions.
The one pot asymmetric synthesis of 3,3′-pyrrolidonyl spiroxindoles via a regio- and stereoselective domino reaction
Authors: Hajra Saumen , Bhosale Suhas Shivajirao , Hazra Atanu , Kanaujia Nikhil
Published: August 2019

The asymmetric synthesis of 4-aryl-3,3′-spiropyrrolidonyl oxindoles with excellent stereoselectivity (dr >99 : 1 and an ee up to >99%) was achieved via a domino reaction.
Benchtop flow-NMR for rapid online monitoring of RAFT and free radical polymerisation in batch and continuous reactors
Authors: Knox Stephen T. , Parkinson Sam , Stone Raphael , Warren Nicholas J.
Published: August 2019

A “Benchtop” NMR spectrometer is used for detailed monitoring of controlled and free radical polymerisations performed in batch and continuous reactors both offline and in real-time.
Cause analysis of chatoyancy of sapphires from Shandong, China
Authors: Yu Jiaqi , He Xuemei , Lu Zhiyun
Published: August 2019

The gemological features and formation mechanism of chatoyancy in sapphires obtained from Shandong, China, are investigated.
High throughput analysis enables high throughput experimentation in pharmaceutical process research
Authors: Welch Christopher J.
Published: August 2019

High throughput experimentation has become widely used in the discovery and development of new medicines.
Mutual information does not detect growing correlations in the propensity of a model molecular liquid
Authors: Tripodo Antonio , Giuntoli Andrea , Malvaldi Marco , Leporini Dino
Published: August 2019

Mutual information (MI) of particle displacement is studied in a model molecular liquid. No significant growth in the MI correlation length is observed on approaching glass transition.
Game‐theoretic power allocation algorithm for downlink NOMA cellular system
Authors: Aldebes R. , Dimyati K. , Hanafi E.
Published: August 2019

A new power allocation algorithm is proposed based on the Glicksberg game for cellular downlink non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) networks. First, a price‐based user's utility function is proposed, and shown that it is effective and restrictive. Secondly, the Hessian matrix is used to derive an expression for power price based on the restricted transmission power and number of the served users in the cell. Then, the existence of a unique Nash equilibrium is proven and the optimum solution that maximises the utility function is presented. Finally, simulation results show that the proposed power allocation mechanism outperforms existing algorithms in terms of sum data rate and average data rate of the users.
Algorithm and peer‐to‐peer negotiation strategies for train dispatching problems in railway bottleneck sections
Authors: Liu Jin , Chen Lei , Roberts Clive , Nicholson Gemma , Ai Bo
Published: August 2019

Train delays occur often in daily railway operations due to a variety of initiating incidents. On a heavily loaded mainline railway, a single train delay may lead to a series of secondary delays across the network. In this study, the authors describe a peer‐to‐peer system to solve train rescheduling problems in railway network bottlenecks. A designed Genetic Algorithm is chosen as the local search algorithm on each side. Based on the local search algorithm, different negotiation protocols are raised to find globally feasible solutions. The proposed approach is tested in a railway bottleneck section in the UK, and the computational result is compared with a centralised method to show its performance in terms of computation time and optimality.
Design and development of high power variable dual‐directional radio frequency coupler
Authors: Jain A. , Yadav R.P. , Kumar S.
Published: August 2019

Design and development of coaxial line‐based 10–40 dB variable loop type dual‐directional coupler for the frequency range of 50–500 MHz for 2 kW power handling capability has been presented in this study. The directional coupler has to be used in the radio frequency plasma experiment to detect the reflected power, so as to safeguard the system from unwanted reflected power. It consists of a main coaxial transmission line with two similar movable loop type coupling arrangements. The movable loops provide variable coupling for forward and reflected power separately, where the magnitude of coupling can be selected independently both for forward and reflected wave. The developed coupler has been tested where test results show return loss and isolation better than −10 dB and coupling from − 10 to − 40 dB in the frequency range of 50–500 MHz.
Analysing dynamics and synthesising a robust vector control for the dc‐voltage power port based on the modular multilevel converter in multi‐infeed AC/DC smart grids
Authors: Davari Masoud , Gao Weinan , Blaabjerg Frede
Published: August 2019

Among all converters, one of the most prominent technologies employed in multi‐infeed ac/dc (MIACDC) smart grids is the modular multilevel converters (MMCs). The core part of the MIACDC grids is their dc‐voltage power port. All MMC's components in a dc‐voltage power port – which are capable of significantly impacting on the dynamics – are mathematically modelled in the space‐phasor representation using the rotating dq ‐frame. Afterwards, the effects of each submodule capacitors and arm inductors on the dc‐voltage power port's dynamics are investigated and analysed, separately. This paper mathematically shows that the former is affecting the low‐frequency range of the bandwidth, and the latter is impacting on the high‐frequency one. Moreover, this paper demonstrates that a robust, optimal controller synthesized by the µ ‐analysis is a good candidate to induce both robust stability and performance in an MMC‐based dc‐voltage power port. In order to illustrate the contributions of this article, detailed mathematical analyses; comparative results simulated by the switching model of MMC; and experimental results produced by a test rig, which is able to examine the transient performance of an MMC‐based dc‐voltage power port, are provided. For comparison, the results of the PI‐Lead controller and those of another controller optimally synthesized have been provided.
Microstructure and optical and electrical properties of TiO2 nanotube thin films prepared by spin‐coating method
Authors: Bao Tana , Ning Jun , Bolag Altan , Narengerile Narengerile
Published: August 2019

Titanium dioxide nanotubes prepared by hydrothermal method and the TiO2 films and TiO2 nanotube film were prepared by spin‐coating method. The TiO2 nanotube film and a part of TiO2 film were annealed at 150°C for 1 h, while the another part of TiO2 film was annealed at 500°C. The high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis indicated that the TiO2 nanotubes prepared by hydrothermal method have been crystallised and the lattice plane indices corresponded to anatase {200}, and the TiO2 nanotube grown along the 〈100〉 direction. The atomic force microscopy results show that the surface morphology of the TiO2 film annealed at 150°C was smooth and uniform (0.62 nm in roughness) compared to the surface morphology of TiO2 film annealed at 500°C (roughness is 2.41 nm). For the TiO2 nanotube film, the nanotube fragments were uniformly dispersed in the base and the complete films have been prepared and the roughness was reached to 6.4 nm. The optical properties showed that the visible light transmittance of the TiO2 nanotube film was larger (larger than 95%) than the TiO2 film. The electrical properties showed that square resistance of TiO2 nanotube film was smaller than that of TiO2 film.
Detection of new strongly variable brown dwarfs in the L/T transition
Authors: Eriksson Simon C. , Janson Markus , Calissendorff Per
Published: August 2019

Context. Brown dwarfs in the spectral range L9–T3.5, within the so called L/T transition, have been shown to be variable at higher amplitudes and with greater frequency than other field dwarfs. This strong variability allows for the probing of their atmospheric structure in 3D through multi-wavelength observations for studying the underlying physical mechanisms responsible for the variability. The few known strongly variable dwarfs in this range have been extensively studied. Now, more variables such as these need to be discovered and studied to better constrain atmospheric models. This is also critical to better understand giant exoplanets and to shed light on a number of possible correlations between brown dwarf characteristics and variability.

Aims. Previous studies suggest an occurrence rate for strong variability (peak-to-peak amplitudes > 2%) of up to ∼39% among brown dwarfs within the L/T transition. In this work, we aim to discover new strong variables in this spectral range by targeting ten previously unsurveyed brown dwarfs.

Methods. We used the NOTCam at the Nordic Optical Telescope to observe 11 targets, with spectral types ranging from L9.5 to T3.5, in the J-band during October 2017 and September 2018. Using differential aperture photometry, we then analysed the light curves for significant variability using Lomb-Scargle periodogram algorithms and least squares fitting.

Results. We report first discoveries of strong and significant variability in four out of the ten targets (false alarm probability < 0.1%), measuring peak-to-peak amplitudes up to 10.7 ± 0.4% in J for the T1 dwarf 2MASS J22153705+2110554, for which we observe significant light curve evolution between the 2017 and 2018 epochs. We also report a marginally significant detection of strong variability, and confirm that the well known 2MASS J01365662+0933473 is still strongly variable three years after the last reported epoch. Finally, we present an extensive multi-epoch catalogue of strong variables reported in the literature and discuss possible correlations that are identifiable from the catalogue.

Conclusions. We significantly add to the number of known strong variables, and through Poisson statistics infer an occurrence rate for strong variability among L9–T3.5 brown dwarfs of 40 +32−19%, which is in agreement with previous estimates. The new variables identified in this work are also excellently suited for extensive multi-wavelength observations dedicated to probing the 3D structure of brown dwarf atmospheres.
New insights on the central stellar population and gas outflow in NGC 1068 from YJH spectroscopy with SPHERE/VLT
Authors: Vermot Pierre , Clénet Yann , Gratadour Damien
Published: August 2019

Aims. We characterise the properties of stars, dust, and gas and their spatial distribution in the central region of the Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 1068.

Method. Our study is based on near-infrared (YJH, 0.95−1.650 μm, R = 350) long-slit spectroscopy observations of the central region of NGC 1068 with a 0.4″ spatial resolution. We decomposed the observed continuum emission into three components: hot dust, stars, and scattered light from the central engine. We measured their contributions at various distances from the nucleus. We also measured fluxes and Doppler shifts for the emission lines in our spectrum to probe the physical conditions of the narrow line region.

Results. Dust and stars are the main sources of continuum emission, but scattered light from the central engine has also been detected in the very central region. Together, these three components reproduce the observed continuum well. The dust emission is compatible with a 830 K blackbody. It has only been detected in the very central region and is not spatially resolved. The stellar content is ubiquitous. It harbours a 250 pc cusp centred around the nucleus, over-imposed on a young stellar background. The spectrum of the cusp is consistent with a 120 Myr old single stellar population. Finally, the emission lines exhibit a significant Doppler shift that is consistent with a radial outflow from the nucleus in a biconical structure. The [Fe II] behaviour strongly differs from other lines, indicating that it arises from a different structure.
Feedback from low-luminosity radio galaxies: B2 0258+35
Authors: Murthy Suma , Morganti Raffaella , Oosterloo Tom , Schulz Robert , Mukherjee Dipanjan , Wagner Alexander Y. , Bicknell Geoffrey , Prandoni Isabella , Shulevski Aleksandar
Published: August 2019

Low-luminosity radio-loud active galactic nuclei (AGN) are of importance in studies concerning feedback from radio AGN since a dominant fraction of AGN belong to this class. We report high-resolution Very Large Array (VLA) and European VLBI Network (EVN) observations of H I 21 cm absorption from a young, compact steep-spectrum radio source, B2 0258+35, nested in the early-type galaxy NGC 1167, which contains a 160 kpc H I disc. Our VLA and EVN H I absorption observations, modelling, and comparison with molecular gas data suggest that the cold gas in the centre of NGC 1167 is very turbulent (with a velocity dispersion of ∼90 km s−1) and that this turbulence is induced by the interaction of the jets with the interstellar medium (ISM). Furthermore, the ionised gas in the galaxy shows evidence of shock heating at a few kpc from the radio source. These findings support the results from numerical simulations of radio jets expanding into a clumpy gas disc, which predict that the radio jets in this case percolate through the gas disc and drive shocks into the ISM at distances much larger than their physical extent. These results expand the number of low-luminosity radio sources found to impact the surrounding medium, thereby highlighting the possible relevance of these AGN for feedback.
Sucht und Suizidalität
Authors: Wurst Friedrich , Preuss Ulrich W.
Published: August 2019

Bei psychischen Erkrankungen – insbesondere bei Depressionen, Alkoholkonsumstörungen und psychotischen Erkrankungen – ist das Risiko für suizidale Ideationen und Handlungen signifikant erhöht (Harris und Barraclough 1997, 1998). Dabei versterben bspw. unter den Alkoholkranken mehr Patienten durch Suizid als bei affektiven Störungen (Harris und Barraclough 1997, 1998; Bostwick und Pankratz 2000). Patienten, die an mehr als einer psychischen Erkrankung leiden, haben ein besonders stark erhöhtes Suizidrisiko (Cavanagh et al. 2003).
Comparison of Knee Kinematics and Kinetics during Stair Descent in Single- and Multi-Radius Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Sumner Bonnie , McCamley John , Jacofsky David J. , Jacofsky Marc C.
Published: August 2019

Despite continuing advances, nearly 20% of patients remain dissatisfied with their total knee arthroplasty (TKA) outcomes. Single-radius (SR) and multiradius (MR) TKA designs are two commonly used knee replacement designs based on competing theories of the flexion/extension axis of the knee. Our aim was to characterize stair descent kinematics and kinetics in SR and MR TKA subjects. We hypothesized that 1 year after TKA, patients who received SR TKA will more closely replicate the knee kinematics and kinetics of healthy age-matched controls during stair descent, than will MR TKA patients. SR subjects (n = 12), MR subjects (n = 12), and age-matched controls (n = 12) descended four stairs affixed to force platforms, while 10 infrared cameras tracked markers attached to the body to collect kinematic and kinetic data. Both patient groups had improvements in stair descent kinetics and kinematics at the 1-year postoperative time point. However, SR TKA subjects were indistinguishable statistically from age-matched controls, while MR TKA subjects retained many differences from controls. Similar to previous reports for level walking, the SR knee design performs closer to healthy controls than MR knees during stair descent. This study demonstrates that patients who receive SR TKA have more improved kinematic normalization during stair descent postoperatively than those who received an MR TKA.
Spontaneous Per Oral Explantation of Intragastric Balloon—A Case Report
Authors: Karthik Somu , Shah Aashish R. , Ravishankar K. S. , Jan Nawab
Published: August 2019

Obesity is a modern-day pandemic that was once a disease of only the affluent Western world. However, over the years it has achieved a global footprint. The need to treat obesity with nonsurgical means in patients who do not qualify or refuse bariatric surgery or in some patients as a bridge to surgery is all the more relevant now. It is for this subset of patients that a modality like the intragastric balloon holds promise. Previously reported complications of the balloon include esophagitis, severe nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps, hiccoughs, belching, intestinal obstruction, gastric perforation, pancreatitis, and aspiration.1 Balloon rupture/leak leading to intestinal migration and obstruction has been managed by surgical intervention. Review of literature did not reveal any report of spontaneous per oral explantation of the deflated balloon. We are reporting a case of the same.
Sedation and Anesthesia in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Indian Scenario
Authors: Shah Apurva , Bohra Shravan , Shah Megha
Published: August 2019

Sedation in endoscopy is a drug-induced depression in the level of consciousness. Traditionally, the sedation regime most commonly used for conscious sedation during gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy was a combination of opioids and benzodiazepines. However, in the last two decades, propofol is regarded as the sine qua non agent for gastroenterological endoscopic sedation. A thorough risk evaluation before the procedure and monitoring during the procedure are paramount. In elective endoscopy, unplanned adverse events are rare, occurring in 1.4% of procedures. All currently available guidelines state that the endoscopist is not permitted to administer propofol and to monitor the patient. This task must be done by an additional person, who has the sole responsibility of administering the sedative and monitoring the patient. Various scoring systems exist for defining the discharge criteria, of which the Aldrete score is the most commonly used.
Factors Related to Meniscal Extrusion and Cartilage Lesions in Medial Meniscus Root Tears
Authors: Jeon Sang-Woo , Jung Min , Choi Chong Hyuk , Kim Sung-Guk , Kim Sung-Hwan
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study was to identify factors affecting medial meniscus extrusion and cartilage degeneration in medial meniscus root tears (MMRT) and to determine the optimal cut-off values for the factors that predict disease severity. We retrospectively evaluated 86 consecutive patients diagnosed with an isolated MMRT by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations and arthroscopic procedures for 2 years. Patient-specific factors such as age, sex, the time between injury and MRI (mTIME), the time between injury and surgery (sTIME), the time between MRI and surgery (dTIME), Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grades, and the mechanical tibiofemoral axis angle (mTFA) were documented. Regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed. The mTIME was only positively correlated with meniscal extrusion (r = 0.425, p < 0.001). The patients who had grades 3 and 4 cartilage lesions had only significantly higher KL grades and longer sTIME than the patients who had lower grades of cartilage lesion (6.5 months [interquartile range (IQ): 3.0–12.0) vs. 2.5 months [IQ: 0.9–3.9]; p < 0.001). The cut-off value of mTIME and sTIME were 2.5 and 6 months. Relapse times greater than 2.5 months and 6 months after a specific event were associated with a 7.8-fold increased risk for meniscus extrusion and an 18.2-fold increased risk for cartilage lesions, respectively. The risk of medial extrusion of the meniscus and the severity of articular cartilage lesions increased with time after an injury. The period of time from 2.5 to 6 months after traumatic event might be a critical window for intervention in the patients with MMRT to perform the repair in the status which the meniscus did not extrude more than 3 mm and the cartilage lesion did not progress more than grade 3. This study is a retrospective and uncontrolled case series and reflects level IV of evidence.
The dynamics of rush circles in subalpine grassland
Authors: Kirkpatrick Jamie B. , Deane Alistair , Parry Jared
Published: August 2019

Geometric patterning in vegetation is often the result of cyclic succession, although circular forms sometimes result from the clonal growth of individual plants. We investigated whether cyclic succession or clonal growth created patterns in Poa subalpine grassland with rush (Empodisma minus) circles on the Central Plateau of Tasmania, Australia. We mapped change in the number, size and reflectance of the rush circles from 1953 to 2011 using aerial photographs, tested whether the circles occurred in distinct microenvironments, and whether the circles were likely to be individuals and determined whether the smallest circles were associated with disturbance. The number and area of circles increased with time. As circles became larger they became more reflective, evenly across their extent. The circles were associated with flatter patches in the plain. Surface soil characteristics did not differ between an exemplar circle and adjacent grassland. The Empodisma foliage in each circle tended to have colour consistently distinct from that of other circles in its vicinity, indicating that the circular form was a product of vegetative expansion of a single individual at a much more rapid velocity than the expansion of woody plant rings. The smaller circles were sometimes associated with frost-damaged Astelia alpina mounds, although far from confined to them. We did not find any instances of Empodisma circles <0.1 m in diameter. We deduced that the probability of establishment of new individuals of Empodisma in the grassland was extremely low, or depended on an infrequent disturbance. Although the increasing reflectance of circles with size and the lack of differentiation of soils between circle and grassland indicated the possibility of cyclic succession, the area covered by circles increased at the decadal time scale. The increases in circle coverage and number may have resulted from changes in climate and grazing regimes on the eastern Central Plateau since the 1940s.
Strained epitaxial interfaces of metal (Pd, Pt, Au) overlayers on nonpolar CdS (

101¯0

) surfaces from first-principles
Authors: Gupta S. S. , van Huis M. A.
Published: August 2019

The depositions of (1 1 1) and (1 0 0) overlayers of Pd, Pt and Au on the CdS (1 0 

 0) surface are studied within epitaxial mismatches of 6%–7%, using spin-polarized density functional theory. For both compressively strained and tensile-strained interfaces, the (1 0 0) overlayers were found to be thermodynamically more stable owing to better interfacial matching, and higher surface uncoordination resulting in higher reactivity. Pt(1 1 1) exhibits slip dislocations even for five-atomic-layer thick Pt slabs. Along with the leading metal-S interaction, the interfacial charge transfers indicate a weak metal-Cd interaction which decreases in strength in the order Pd  >  Pt  ∼  Au. For the same substrate area, the accumulation of electronic charge for Pt overlayers is  ∼1.5–2 times larger than that of Pd and Au. The n-type Schottky barriers of Au overlayers with the minimum mismatch are within 0.1 eV of the predictions of Schottky–Mott rule, indicating a relatively ideal, scantily reactive interface structure. This is in clear contrast to the Pt epitaxial overlayers which deviate by 0.6–0.8 eV.
Dissipated electrical power and electron density in an RF atmospheric pressure helium plasma jet
Authors: Golda J , Kogelheide F , Awakowicz P , Gathen V Schulz-von der
Published: August 2019

Atmospheric pressure plasmas have great potential, especially for biomedical applications, due to the large number of reactive species produced. In particular with regard to these applications, the comparability of processes through appropriate control of plasma parameters is essential for treatment safety. Here we present a method for the operando determination of absolute absorbed power in an RF atmospheric pressure helium plasma discharge using miniaturized probes. A detailed error analysis demonstrates the reliability of the measured power values. With the help of a global model, the sheath width and electron density (4 × 1016–11 × 1016 m−3) are derived from these power measurements and compared to literature. The results and thus the validity of the electrical model are confirmed by a second, independent characterization method using optical emission spectroscopy and time-averaged imaging.
Response of Composite Laminate Beam Using Higher Order Beam Theory
Authors: Narkhede Kundan M , Gadade Appaso M
Published: August 2019

The present work proposes the composite laminate beam behaviour using higher order beam theory (HBT). The higher order displacement field with twelve degrees of freedom and nine node isoparametric element is used for the finite element formulation. The finite element model for linear static analysis is developed using MATLAB code. The numerical results are obtained for the deflection of beam for arbitrary boundary conditions, stacking angle, aspect ratio and different loading conditions. The results are validated using the literature and it shows good agreement.
A novel hybrid MCDM approach based on DEMATEL, AHP and TOPSIS to evaluate green suppliers
Authors: Jayant Arvind , Neeru  , Agarwal Anshul
Published: August 2019

This study present a new hybrid strategic decision-making framework for multi-criteria assessment for Green Supply Chain supplier selection, which joins numerous green processes with order allocation for vibrant supply chains to deal with market differences. More precisely, the established approach replicates the knowledge attainment and manipulation in a way same to the decision makers who have congregated significant knowledge and expertise in procurement domain. DEMATEL is first applied to find the causal relationship between the criteria and to find out the most affecting criteria. AHP method is used for evaluation of green supplier criteria weights, which are qualitatively expressive. Thereafter, using TOPSIS method, the criteria application is quantitatively assessed for order allocation of suppliers. As a result, the approach produces decision-making knowledge, and thereafter, the established combination of rules for order allocation. To illustrate the applicability of the developed framework, a real-life study Indian electronics industry is developed, and the results are analysed accordingly.
CFD Analysis of Diesel Autorickshaw Exhaust System
Authors: Yadav Monil , Sansgiri Sanjiv M
Published: August 2019

This work aims to study exhaust flow pattern of one of the Three Wheeler Exhaust System (Bajaj RE Diesel Auto Rickshaw) in order to understand the exhaust characteristics, implications to surroundings, flow tendencies and exhaust dispersion at outlet. This work utilizes Finite Volume Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analysis which is performed using Solid Works Flow Simulation tool to analyse Autorickshaw Exhaust System Model developed using Proe Creo. The Model is created by measuring actual dimensions of the Exhaust System Components, neglecting all hangar positions as their contribution to thermal behaviour is negligible.
Vibration characteristics of cracked functionally graded structures using XFEM
Authors: Raza Ahmed , Pathak Himanshu , Talha Mohammad
Published: August 2019

Crack is critical for structural health and their service life under dynamic condition. Vibration characteristics of cracked functionally graded structures have been investigated using extended finite element method (XFEM). A small crack in structures can leads to catastrophic failure. Vibrations of structures may initiate cracks and also causes opening and closing of cracks. Therefore the study of cracked geometry especially in dynamic condition becomes more important. The location of cracks is tracked by level set functions. Numerical results for both crack and un-crack plates have been presented. The effect of crack on natural frequency has been studied in detail. Natural frequency for in-plane free vibration of functionally graded structures with various crack length and crack orientation has been presented for different crack position. Further, different cases are considered with multiple crack systems to understand dynamic response of cracked structures.