bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unexpected large impact of small charges on surface frictions with similar wetting properties
Authors: Wang Chunlei , Yang Haijun , Wang Xian , Qi Chonghai , Qu Mengyang , Sheng Nan , Wan Rongzheng , Tu Yusong , Shi Guosheng
Published: February 2020

Generally, the interface friction on solid surfaces is regarded as consistent with wetting behaviors, characterized by the contact angles. Here using molecular dynamics simulations, we find that even a small charge difference (≤0.36 e) causes a change in the friction coefficient of over an order of magnitude on two-dimensional material and lipid surfaces, despite similar contact angles. This large difference is confirmed by experimentally measuring interfacial friction of graphite and MoS2contacting on water, using atomic force microscopy. The large variation in the friction coefficient is attributed to the different fluctuations of localized potential energy under inhomogeneous charge distribution. Our results help to understand the dynamics of two-dimensional materials and biomolecules, generally formed by atoms with small charge, including nanomaterials, such as nitrogen-doped graphene, hydrogen-terminated graphene, or MoS2, and molecular transport through cell membranes.
Nanocomposites of poly(l-methionine), carbon nanotube–graphene complexes and Au nanoparticles on screen printed carbon electrodes for electrochemical analyses of dopamine and uric acid in human urine solutions
Authors: Si Yunpei , Park Yae Eun , Lee Ji Eun , Lee Hye Jin
Published: February 2020

A sensitive electrochemical sensor decorated with poly(l-methionine), carbon nanotube–graphene complexes and Au nanoparticles on a screen printed carbon electrode for dopamine and uric acid determination in human urine solution.
4-Cyanopyridine complexes [MX2(4-CNpy)x]n (with X = Cl, Br and x = 1, 2): crystal structures, thermal properties and a comparison with [MX2(3-CNpy)x]n complexes
Authors: Heine Miriam , Fink Lothar , Schmidt Martin U.
Published: February 2020

Crystal structures of [MX2(4-CNpy)x] with X = Cl and Br, M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn, and x = 1 and 2 were determined by X-ray powder diffraction. 4-Cyanopyridine can build chain and net structures.
Rate constants and kinetic isotope effects for H-atom abstraction reactions by muonium in the Mu + propane and Mu + n-butane reactions from 300 K to 435 K: challenges for theory
Authors: Fleming Donald G. , Arseneau Donald J. , Cottrell Stephen P. , Peck Jamie N. T.
Published: February 2020

This paper reports measurements of the temperature dependence of the rate constants for H-atom abstraction reactions from propane and n-butane by the light isotopic H-atom muonium (Mu), kMu(T), over temperatures in the range 300 K to 435 K.
Low temperature radical initiated hydrosilylation of silicon quantum dots
Authors: Koh Timothy T. , Huang Tingting , Schwan Joseph , Xia Pan , Roberts Sean T. , Mangolini Lorenzo , Tang Ming L.
Published: February 2020

Non-thermal plasma synthesized silicon QDs are functionalized with aromatic and aliphatic ligands using a 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) AIBN radical initiator with hydrosilylation at 60 °C for photon upconversion.
Endocrine activities of phthalate alternatives; assessing the safety profile of furan dicarboxylic acid esters using a panel of human cell based reporter gene assays
Authors: van Vugt-Lussenburg Barbara M. A. , van Es Daan S. , Naderman Matthijs , le Notre Jerome , Klis Frits van der , Brouwer Abraham , van der Burg Bart
Published: February 2020

Ensuring non-regrettable substitution of fossil derived chemicals by biobased alternatives using human cell based reporter gene assays.
An acoustofluidic device for efficient mixing over a wide range of flow rates
Authors: Bachman Hunter , Chen Chuyi , Rufo Joseph , Zhao Shuaiguo , Yang Shujie , Tian Zhenhua , Nama Nitesh , Huang Po-Hsun , Huang Tony Jun
Published: February 2020

An acoustofluidic mixer which can achieve thorough mixing across a wide range of flow rates.
BSA nanoparticles as controlled release carriers for isophethalaldoxime palladacycle complex; synthesis, characterization, in vitro evaluation, cytotoxicity and release kinetics analysis
Authors: Karami Kazem , Jamshidian Nasrin , Hajiaghasi Afsaneh , Amirghofran Zahra
Published: February 2020

BSA nanoparticles were synthesized as a biodegradable carrier by the desolvation method.
Preparation and characterization of phloretin by complexation with cyclodextrins
Authors: Hu Xiaona , Zhou Ziruo , Han Lijun , Li Shujing , Zhou Wei
Published: February 2020

RP and DPPH scavenging activity tests revealed that the antioxidant activity of phloretin improved after the formation of inclusion complexes.
Natural disesquiterpenoids: an update
Authors: Ma Lie-Feng , Chen Yi-Li , Shan Wei-Guang , Zhan Zha-Jun
Published: February 2020

This review highlights the progress on the isolation, bioactivity, biogenesis and total synthesis of dimeric sesquiterpenoids since 2010.
Semiquantitative naked-eye detection of Cu(ii) with a standard colorimetric card via a hydrogel-coated paper sensor
Authors: Fan Kaiqi , Wang Xiaobo , Yang Haoran , Gao Lijun , Han Guanglu , Zhou Liming , Fang Shaoming
Published: February 2020

A new type of hydrogel-coated paper sensor was developed for the semiquantitative and naked-eye detection of Cu2+ ions with high selectivity and good regenerability.
DNA nanostructure-based fluorescent probes for cellular sensing
Authors: Kong Gezhi , Zhang Meng , Xiong Mengyi , Fu Xiaoyi , Ke Guoliang , Zhang Xiao-Bing
Published: February 2020

DNA nanostructure-based fluorescent probes for cellular sensing in recent years are summarized and discussed in this review.
Bionanomaterial-based electrochemical biosensing platforms for biomedical applications
Authors: Maduraiveeran Govindhan
Published: February 2020

This review discusses the development of biomaterial-derived electrochemical sensors and biosensor platforms for the next generation of medical diagnosis and real-time monitoring of the clinical status of patients at various levels.
Second harmonic scattering from mass characterized 2D graphene oxide sheets
Authors: Russier-Antoine Isabelle , Fakhouri Hussein , Basu Srestha , Bertorelle Franck , Dugourd Philippe , Brevet Pierre-François , Velayudhan Prajitha , Thomas Sabu , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Antoine Rodolphe
Published: February 2020

We report the second harmonic scattering and its orientation-averaged hyperpolarizability from mass characterized 2D graphene oxide sheets dispersed in an aqueous suspension.
Highly emissive phenylene-expanded [5]radialene
Authors: Yu Jie , Tang Chunlin , Gu Xinggui , Zheng Xiaoyan , Yu Zhen-Qiang , He Zikai , Li Xin-Gui , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: February 2020

Star: a pentagonal conjugated radialene macrocycle was one-pot synthesized for the first time. The fantastic pentagonal architecture is revealed by its single crystal structure, and affords the smallest ring strain and the best conjugation.
Synergistic effects of the tip effect and electric adsorption on the enhanced electrowetting-on-dielectric performance of structured ZnO surfaces
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhang Jianwen , Pei Xinyu , Liu Shu , Ning Fei , Li Yan , Wang Chengwei
Published: February 2020

To improve the spreading ability of water droplet on structured surface, the tip effect is proposed to enhance the local electric field near the cone tip under the voltage application, and further increases the horizontal force on the water droplet.
Doping of metal-free molecular perovskite with hexamethylenetetramine to create non-centrosymmetric defects
Authors: Morita Hagino , Tsunashima Ryo , Nishihara Sadafumi , Akutagawa Tomoyuki
Published: February 2020

The metal-free perovskite (dabcoH22+)(NH4)Br (d-Br) (dabco: 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) was doped with non-centrosymmetric hexamethylenetetramine.
Improved agreement between experimental and computational results for collision-induced dissociation mass spectrometry of cation-tagged hexoses
Authors: Chiu Cheng-chau , Lin Chih-Kai , Kuo Jer-Lai
Published: February 2020

Low exact exchange DFT methods underestimate the dehydration barriers as the charge localization in such transition states is challenging to describe.
Correction: Tri- and hexa-nuclear NiII–MnII complexes of a N2O2 donor unsymmetrical ligand: synthesis, structures, magnetic properties and catalytic oxidase activities
Authors: Mahapatra Prithwish , Drew Michael G. B. , Ghosh Ashutosh
Published: February 2020

Correction for ‘Tri- and hexa-nuclear NiII–MnII complexes of a N2O2 donor unsymmetrical ligand: synthesis, structures, magnetic properties and catalytic oxidase activities’ by A. Ghosh et al., Dalton Trans., 2018, 47, 13957–13971.
Correction: A genomics perspective on natural product biosynthesis in plant pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Baldeweg Florian , Hoffmeister Dirk , Nett Markus
Published: February 2020

Correction for ‘A genomics perspective on natural product biosynthesis in plant pathogenic bacteria’ by Florian Baldeweg et al., Nat. Prod. Rep., 2019, 36, 307–325.
Correction: Lanthanide complexes based on a conjugated pyridine carboxylate ligand: structures, luminescence and magnetic properties
Authors: Li Rong-fang , Li Rui-hao , Liu Xin-fang , Chang Xin-hong , Feng Xun
Published: February 2020

Correction for ‘Lanthanide complexes based on a conjugated pyridine carboxylate ligand: structures, luminescence and magnetic properties’ by Rong-fang Li et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 6192–6199.
Multi‐objective design method for construction of multi‐microgrid systems in active distribution networks
Authors: Moghateli Fereshteh , Taher Seyed Abbas , Karimi Ali , Shahidehpour Mohammad
Published: February 2020

One of the important issues in the planning stage of active distribution networks (ADNs) is the optimal design of microgrids (MGs). The design, as a multi‐MG system, is comprehensively investigated in this study. In this way, the allocation of energy storage systems (ESSs) and partitioning of ADN are simultaneously performed in order to minimise the cost and maximise the self‐adequacy and the reliability considering the uncertainty of load and renewable energy resources. In this study, two approaches are considered. In approach I, the cost, reliability and self‐adequacy objectives are taken into account whereas, in approach II, a new probabilistic index representing the ratio of load to storage capacity is also added to mentioned objectives. The proposed multi‐objective problem is solved with non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm‐II (NSGA‐II) as a well‐known algorithm based on a probabilistic approach using the Monte‐Carlo simulation method (MCSM) and in each approach, several Pareto optimal solutions are evaluated. To simulate and validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, two benchmark distribution networks (the 33‐bus and the 119‐bus) are used.
IGAPS: the merged IPHAS and UVEX optical surveys of the northern Galactic plane
Authors: Monguió M. , Greimel R. , Drew J. E. , Barentsen G. , Groot P. J. , Irwin M. J. , Casares J. , Gänsicke B. T. , Carter P. J. , Corral-Santana J. M. , Gentile-Fusillo N. P. , Greiss S. , van Haaften L. M. , Hollands M. , Jones D. , Kupfer T. , Manser C. J. , Murphy D. N. A. , McLeod A. F. , Oosting T. , Parker Q. A. , Pyrzas S. , Rodríguez-Gil P. , van Roestel J. , Scaringi S. , Schellart P. , Toloza O. , Vaduvescu O. , van Spaandonk L. , Verbeek K. , Wright N. J. , Eislöffel J. , Fabregat J. , Harris A. , Morris R. A. H. , Phillipps S. , Raddi R. , Sabin L. , Unruh Y. , Vink J. S. , Wesson R. , Cardwell A. , de Burgos A. , Cochrane R. K. , Doostmohammadi S. , Mocnik T. , Stoev H. , Suárez-Andrés L. , Tudor V. , Wilson T. G. , Zegmott T. J.
Published: February 2020

The INT Galactic Plane Survey (IGAPS) is the merger of the optical photometric surveys, IPHAS and UVEX, based on data from the Isaac Newton Telescope (INT) obtained between 2003 and 2018. Here, we present the IGAPS point source catalogue. It contains 295.4 million rows providing photometry in the filters, i, r, narrow-band Hα, g, and URGO. The IGAPS footprint fills the Galactic coordinate range, |b| < 5° and 30° < ℓ < 215°. A uniform calibration, referred to as the Pan-STARRS system, is applied to g, r, and i, while the Hα calibration is linked to r and then is reconciled via field overlaps. The astrometry in all five bands has been recalculated in the reference frame of Gaia Data Release 2. Down to i ∼ 20 mag (Vega system), most stars are also detected in g, r, and Hα. As exposures in the r band were obtained in both the IPHAS and UVEX surveys, typically a few years apart, the catalogue includes two distinct r measures, rI and rU. The r 10σ limiting magnitude is approximately 21, with median seeing of 1.1 arcsec. Between approximately 13th and 19th mag in all bands, the photometry is internally reproducible to within 0.02 mag. Stars brighter than r = 19.5 mag are tested for narrow-band Hα excess signalling line emission, and for variation exceeding |rI − rU| = 0.2 mag. We find and flag 8292 candidate emission line stars and over 53 000 variables (both at > 5σ confidence).
Welche Pflanzen können bei Leber-/Galleleiden helfen?
Authors: Zündorf Ilse , Fürst Robert
Published: February 2020

Verdauungsprobleme gehören zu den Indikationen, bei denen die Betroffenen gerne zu pflanzlichen Arzneimitteln greifen. Das spiegelt sich auch in den Verkaufszahlen wider: Magen- und verdauungsfördernde Mittel standen im Jahr 2018 mit einem Umsatz von 148 Millionen Euro an vierter Stelle der 10 umsatzstärksten Indikationsgruppen bei Phytopharmaka. Dieser Beitrag beleuchtet die Frage, welche Rationale dahintersteckt und was man genau von den pflanzlichen Präparaten erwarten kann.
Berufssituation der Hebammen in Einrichtungen mit und ohne hebammengeleitete Geburtshilfe in einem Schweizer Kanton
Authors: Grylka-Baeschlin Susanne , Borner Barbara , Pehlke-Milde Jessica
Published: February 2020

Einleitung Verglichen mit herkömmlichen Betreuungsmodellen bietet die hebammengeleitete Geburtshilfe den Hebammen mehr Möglichkeiten ihre Kompetenzen einzusetzen. Dies wirkt sich positiv auf ihre Berufszufriedenheit aus. Ziel dieser Erhebung war eine Übersicht über die Berufssituation der Hebammen in den Geburtenabteilungen eines Schweizer Kantons zu erlangen und die Situation in Einrichtungen mit und ohne hebammengeleitete Geburtshilfe zu vergleichen.

Methodik Ein Online-Fragebogen wurde literaturbasiert entwickelt. Alle 17 Institutionen des Kantons Zürich, die über eine Geburtenabteilung verfügten, waren teilnahmeberechtigt. Die Daten wurden mit Stata 15 deskriptiv ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse 16 Geburtenabteilungen (94,1%) nahmen an der Umfrage teil: 12 öffentliche Kliniken, 2 Privatkliniken und 2 Geburtshäuser. Insgesamt 5 Einrichtungen (31,3%) boten hebammengeleitete Geburten an oder waren Geburtshäuser. In Institutionen mit hebammengeleiteter Geburtshilfe kannten sich die Frauen und die Hebamme häufiger schon vor Aufnahme zur Geburt als in solchen ohne (60,0 vs. 9.1%, p=0,063), es wurden weniger routinemässige Massnahmen durchgeführt (z. B. venöser Zugang: 20,0 vs. 81,8%, p=0,036), die Hebammen hatten mehr Entscheidungskompetenzen sowie Verantwortung (z. B. selbständige Austrittsuntersuchung: 60,0 vs. 9,1%, p=0,063) und nahmen häufiger Supervisionen in Anspruch (60,0 vs. 9,1%, p=0,013).

Fazit Das Fördern von hebammengeleiteten Betreuungsmodellen erhöht die Kontinuität in der Betreuung, senkt das Einsetzen von routinemässigen Massnahmen und fördert die eigenverantwortliche Übernahme von Aufgaben.
Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung auf Basis der Blockchain-Technologie und Smart-Contracts
Authors: Nürnberg Volker , Widmaier Stephanie
Published: February 2020

Zielsetzung Welche Potenziale bietet die Blockchain-Technologie zur Verbesserung des Gesundheitswesens? Anhand eines konkreten Anwendungskonzepts zur Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung auf Basis von Blockchain und Smart-Contracts wird diese Fragestellung beleuchtet.

Methodik Ausgangspunkt stellt der bisherige papierbasierte AU-Prozess inklusive der gesetzlichen Grundlagen dar, um daraufhin die Lösung auf Blockchain-Basis vorzustellen und dabei die Besonderheiten sowie den Mehrwert gegenüber herkömmlichen technologischen Ansätzen herauszuarbeiten.

Ergebnisse Eine Umsetzung der AU auf Blockchain-Basis besitzt das Potenzial und gleichzeitig die Herausforderung insgesamt über 43 Millionen Ärzte, Arbeitgeber, Krankenkassen und Versicherte in Echtzeit miteinander zu vernetzten. Dies eliminiert nicht nur sämtliche Medienbrüche und bietet enorme Einsparpotenziale durch reduzierte Transaktionskosten. Der digitale Prozess kann zudem der hohen Papier- und Ressourcenverschwendung entgegenwirken und verhindert durch dezentrale Datenhaltung den Streit um die Datenhoheit. Zudem stellen Smart-Contracts die Authentizität und AU-Echtheit automatisch sicher, sodass Manipulationen praktisch ausgeschlossen werden.

Schlussfolgerung Das vorgestellte Anwendungskonzept bietet enorme Potenziale zur Digitalisierung des Gesundheitswesens als auch zur Schonung der Umwelt und sollte daher vorangetrieben werden. Die Umsetzung des Blockchain-Konzepts und die damit verbundene Integration der Prozessbeteiligten ermöglicht darüber hinaus die Anknüpfung analoger papierbasierter Prozesse und trägt somit wesentlich zum Bürokratieabbau im Gesundheitswesen bei.
Prevalence of Psychotropic Drugs in Cases of Severe Adverse Drug
Reactions Leading to Unplanned Emergency Visits in General
Hospitals
Authors: Stingl Julia C. , Just Katja S. , Schurig Marlen , Böhme Miriam , Steffens Michael , Schwab Matthias , Seufferlein Thomas , Dormann Harald
Published: February 2020

Introduction The prevalence of psychotropic drug use in our society
is increasing especially in older adults, thereby provoking severe adverse
drug reactions (ADR). To identify specific patient risk profiles associated
with psychotropic drug use in the situation of polymedication.

Methods Cases of ADRs in general emergency departments (ED) collected
within the multi-center prospective observational study (ADRED) were
analyzed (n=2215). We compared cases with use of psychotropic drugs
and without concerning their clinical presentation at the ED.

Results A third of patients (n=731, 33%) presenting
to the ED with an ADR took at least 1 psychotropic drug. Patients with
psychotropic drug use tended to be older, more often female, and took a
higher number of drugs (all p<0.001). The frequency of falls was
almost 3 times higher than compared to the non-psychotropic drug group (10.5
vs. 3.9%, p<0.001), and similar syncope was also more often
seen in the psychotropic drug users (8.8 vs. 5.5%, p=0.004).
The use of psychotropic drugs increased the risk for falls by a factor of
2.82 (OR, 95% CI (1.90–4.18)), when adjusting for gender,
age, numbers of pre-existing diseases, and drugs, respectively.

Discussion The association of psychotropic drug use with fall and
syncope in combination with polymedication and older age leads to the
suspicion that psychotropic drugs might be potentially harmful in specific
risk populations such as older adults. It may lead us to thoroughly weigh
the benefit against risk in a patient-oriented way, leading to an
integrative personalized therapy approach.
Postsustained Virological Response Management in Hepatitis C Patients
Authors: Masetti Chiara , Lleo Ana , Colombo Matteo , Colombo Massimo , Aghemo Alessio
Published: February 2020

The introduction of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) has revolutionized management and care of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, leading to cure rates higher than 90% in patients with advanced liver disease as well. Viral eradication has been associated with longer survival, reduced mortality from both hepatic and extrahepatic causes, improvement in liver function, and reduced incidence of HCV-related extrahepatic diseases. While patients with mild fibrosis can safely be discharged after achievement of a sustained virological response, patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis remain at risk of developing complications of liver disease, thus requiring regular and life-long surveillance. Major complications of cirrhosis that need to be monitored are hepatocellular carcinoma onset and development or progression of clinically significant portal hypertension.
Forecast-informed hydropower optimization at long and short-time scales for a multiple dam network
Authors: Ahmad Shahryar Khalique , Hossain Faisal
Published: February 2020

This study presents a scheme for co-optimizing the long-term (seasonal) reservoir operating objectives with the short-term (daily) objectives for multi-dam networks to maximize hydropower generation. Long-term optimal reservoir storage provides temporal space to optimize operation of the dams at short-term based on forecasted reservoir inflow. This study asks if there is an added benefit of co-optimization of operations at long- and short-term scales for hydropower generation. The multi-objective optimization problem at both the temporal scales was simultaneously solved considering Pareto optimality between conflicting objectives. Constraints pertaining to flood control, dam safety, and environmental flow were imposed. The proposed scheme was implemented over a network of Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal dams in the Upper Colorado Basin. Ensemble forecast forcings from publicly available numerical weather prediction and climate models were used as inputs for the daily and monthly scale inflow forecasts. The results show improvements of 41%, 27%, and 15% in hydropower generation using the co-optimization during wet, moderate, and dry years, respectively, against a benchmark that neglects inflow forecasts. This study demonstrates added benefit of co-optimizing the operations for hydropower generation based on short- and long-term forecasted reservoir inflow. Given that most dams today operate as a network in a river basin, we recommend moving away from single dam and single time scale optimization to a multiple-dam with long- and short-term scale co-optimization-based operations to make renewable energy generation more efficient.
Control of the size and luminescence of carbon nanodots by adjusting ambient pressure in laser ablation process
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Yan Lihe , Si Jinhai , Xu Yanmin , Hou Xun
Published: February 2020

A femtosecond pulse laser was used to fabricate carbon nanodots (CDs), of which the particle size and photoluminescence (PL) properties could be effectively controlled by adjusting ambient pressure. By increasing the reaction pressure, the particle size of CDs gradually decreased and finally reached less than 1 nm at 4 MPa. Simultaneously, the fluorescence intensity of the CDs first increased and then decreased by further increasing the pressure. By examining the PL dynamics and the chemical structure of the CDs, we found that the PL change of products was attributed to the quantity change of functional groups attached to the CDs due to the surface area change of the carbonic core.
On a variational formulation of the weakly nonlinear magnetic Rayleigh–Taylor instability
Authors: Ruiz D. E.
Published: February 2020

The magnetic-Rayleigh–Taylor (MRT) instability is a ubiquitous phenomenon that occurs in magnetically-driven Z-pinch implosions. It is important to understand this instability since it can decrease the performance of such implosions. In this work, I present a theoretical model for the weakly nonlinear MRT instability. I obtain such a model by asymptotically expanding an action principle, whose Lagrangian leads to the fully nonlinear MRT equations. After introducing a suitable choice of coordinates, I show that the theory can be cast as a Hamiltonian system, whose Hamiltonian is calculated up to the sixth order in a perturbation parameter. The resulting theory captures the harmonic generation of MRT modes. It is shown that the amplitude at which the linear magnetic-Rayleigh–Taylor instability exponential growth saturates depends on the stabilization effect of the magnetic-field tension. Overall, the theory provides an intuitive interpretation of the weakly nonlinear MRT instability and provides a systematic approach for studying this instability in more complex settings.
Determining nonlinear optical coefficients of metals by multiple angle of incidence heterodyne-detected sum-frequency generation spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Wei-Chen , Busson Bertrand , Hore Dennis K.
Published: February 2020

We illustrate a technique by which heterodyne-detected sum-frequency generation spectroscopy is performed at multiple angles of incidence in order to decompose components of the second-order susceptibility tensor when all beams are polarized parallel to the plane of incidence. As an illustration, we study the non-vibrationally resonant gold response. We benchmark our results by comparing with measurements obtained in a polarization scheme that isolates a single element of the susceptibility tensor. Our technique is particularly valuable in the case of metal substrates, where the surface selection rule often prevents spectra from being acquired in multiple beam polarizations.
High thermoelectric performance of post mechanical treated carbon nanotube films with polystyrene binder
Authors: Suemori Kouji , Uemura Sei
Published: February 2020

The addition of external force to carbon nanotube (CNT)-based thermoelectric composites causes a large change in their microstructure, and thus, it is a promising approach to improve their thermoelectric performance. In this study, we report on CNT/polystyrene composites whose thermoelectric characteristics were enhanced by a post mechanical treatment method consisting of heating and pressing, which caused the condensation of the conducting network of CNTs. Polystyrene acts as a binder for maintaining the microstructure of the composites after the mechanical treatment. The post mechanical treated composite films with a small amount of polystyrene binder showed significantly higher electrical conductivity and thermoelectric power factor than the films made from pure CNTs. A high power factor of 789 μW/K2 m was observed in the post mechanical treated CNT-polystyrene composites with a CNT concentration of 75 wt. %.
Generation of an ultra-long sub-diffracted second-harmonic optical needle from a periodically poled LiNbO3 crystal
Authors: Zhu Yunzhi , Wang Huijun , Zhang Yihong , Liu Dongmei , Zhong Weihao , Gao Zhida , Cui Guoxin , Lu Yanqing , Zhang Yong , Xiao Min
Published: February 2020

We experimentally demonstrate the use of a periodically poled LiNbO3 (PPLN) crystal to produce an ultra-long sub-diffraction optical needle via second-harmonic generation. When we input a radially polarized fundamental wave from a femtosecond laser, a sub-diffraction beam size of 0.45λSH and an ultra-long depth of focus (DOF) of 55λSH are experimentally realized, where λSH is the second harmonic wavelength. The lateral size of the second harmonic optical needle is reduced by a factor of 2 compared to the case using the fundamental wave. The compact experimental configuration can realize wavelength conversion and wave-front shaping simultaneously in a single PPLN crystal. In addition, the ultra-long DOF is potentially useful in observing thick samples. The unique characteristics of our second harmonic optical needle open the door for practical applications in super-resolution imaging and optical manipulation.
Quantitative probing of the fast particle motion during the solidification of battery electrodes
Authors: Yang Yang , Xu Zhengrui , Steiner James D. , Liu Yijin , Lin Feng , Xiao Xianghui
Published: February 2020

Synchrotron x-ray tomography represents one of the most powerful imaging techniques that can visualize the three-dimensional microstructural complexity with a high spatial resolution. To date, however, the temporal resolution of this technique has been handicapped by the intrinsic limitations in the data acquisition speed and the lack of a suitable data processing method. The present study aims to fundamentally resolve this challenge by implementing a data analysis method that is based on differentiating discrete tomography reconstruction from a continuous scan reconstruction. With this methodological development, we capture and quantify the particle motion during the solidification of battery electrodes and reveal the statistics of the dynamically evolving motion in the drying process, which has been challenging to resolve. We discover that the particle motion exhibits a strong dependence on its geometric location within a drying electrode. Our results also imply that the final electrode quality can be controlled by balancing the solvent evaporation rate and the particle mobility in the region close to the drying surface.
Mechanistic approaches for chemically modifying the coordination sphere of copper–amyloid-β complexes
Authors: Han Jiyeon , Lee Hyuck Jin , Kim Kyu Yeon , Nam Geewoo , Chae Junghyun , Lim Mi Hee
Published: February 2020

Significance

Metal ions in the brain exhibit both functional (e.g., signal transduction, oxidative metabolism, and antioxidant defense) and pathological qualities (e.g., oxidative damage). Impaired metal ion homeostasis is linked to the decrease in enzymatic activities, the elevation of protein aggregation, and oxidative stress, leading to neurodegeneration. Particularly, copper coordinates to amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, a pathological factor of Alzheimer’s disease, facilitating Aβ aggregation and inducing oxidative stress. Our work presents a mechanistic strategy to modify the coordination sphere of Cu(II) bound to Aβ using a chemical reagent by promoting copper–O
2
chemistry, which can inhibit Cu(II) binding to Aβ and alter Aβ’s aggregation and toxicity. Our multidisciplinary studies demonstrate a direction for modulating copper-interacting amyloidogenic proteins.
Neuronal, stromal, and T-regulatory cell crosstalk in murine skeletal muscle
Authors: Wang Kathy , Yaghi Omar K. , Spallanzani Raul German , Chen Xin , Zemmour David , Lai Nicole , Chiu Isaac M. , Benoist Christophe , Mathis Diane
Published: February 2020

A distinct population of Foxp3+CD4+regulatory T (Treg) cells promotes repair of acutely or chronically injured skeletal muscle. The accumulation of these cells depends critically on interleukin (IL)-33 produced by local mesenchymal stromal cells (mSCs). An intriguing physical association among muscle nerves, IL-33+mSCs, and Tregs has been reported, and invites a deeper exploration of this cell triumvirate. Here we evidence a striking proximity between IL-33+muscle mSCs and both large-fiber nerve bundles and small-fiber sensory neurons; report that muscle mSCs transcribe an array of genes encoding neuropeptides, neuropeptide receptors, and other nerve-related proteins; define muscle mSC subtypes that express both IL-33 and the receptor for the calcitonin-gene–related peptide (CGRP); and demonstrate that up- or down-tuning of CGRP signals augments or diminishes, respectively, IL-33 production by muscle mSCs and later accumulation of muscle Tregs. Indeed, a single injection of CGRP induced much of the genetic program elicited in mSCs early after acute skeletal muscle injury. These findings highlight neural/stromal/immune-cell crosstalk in tissue repair, suggesting future therapeutic approaches.
Socio‐demographic factors associated with physical activity and sitting time patterns in adults: An analysis based on the Portuguese Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey
Authors: Martins João , Marques Adilson , Teixeira Pedro J. , Mota Jorge , Lopes Carla , Nicola Paulo J.
Published: February 2020

Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviours (SB) influence health. Since most people engage in different combinations of both behaviours every day, understanding the socio‐demographic characteristics of adults with distinct PA and sitting time (ST) patterns is important to contribute to evidence‐based planning of public health strategies. Data from a national survey on diet and activity behaviours (IAN‐AF, 2015/16) including 1724 adults (50.5% women, 18–64 years) from a representative sample of Portuguese adults was used in this study. Participants were interviewed face‐to‐face, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used. Logistic regression examined the associations between socio‐demographic factors each of the four‐low/high PA‐ST groups. PA low/high categories were defined as in IPAQ, while ST low/high categories were defined according to ST tertiles (≤180 min/day, ≥360 min/day). A ‘higher risk’ behaviour pattern (low PA/high ST) was present in 37.3% of the adults and was likely associated with a middle household income, and with having 12 or more years of education. The ‘lower risk’ (high PA/low ST) represented 26.6% of the sample and was likely associated with middle‐aged adults and with having a lower educational level. Being male, young and highly educated was related to being physically active and spending large amounts of time in ST. Besides adding to the body of mixed evidence on this theme, the identification of the socio‐demographic factors associated with each PA/ST pattern will permit national public health authorities to define policies and tailored actions to promote PA and reduce ST.
Spectrin couples cell shape, cortical tension, and Hippo signaling in retinal epithelial morphogenesis
Authors: Deng Hua , Yang Limin , Wen Pei , Lei Huiyan , Blount Paul , Pan Duojia
Published: February 2020

Although extracellular force has a profound effect on cell shape, cytoskeleton tension, and cell proliferation through the Hippo signaling effector Yki/YAP/TAZ, how intracellular force regulates these processes remains poorly understood. Here, we report an essential role for spectrin in specifying cell shape by transmitting intracellular actomyosin force to cell membrane. While activation of myosin II in Drosophila melanogaster pupal retina leads to increased cortical tension, apical constriction, and Yki-mediated hyperplasia, spectrin mutant cells, despite showing myosin II activation and Yki-mediated hyperplasia, paradoxically display decreased cortical tension and expanded apical area. Mechanistically, we show that spectrin is required for tethering cortical F-actin to cell membrane domains outside the adherens junctions (AJs). Thus, in the absence of spectrin, the weakened attachment of cortical F-actin to plasma membrane results in a failure to transmit actomyosin force to cell membrane, causing an expansion of apical surfaces. These results uncover an essential mechanism that couples cell shape, cortical tension, and Hippo signaling and highlight the importance of non–AJ membrane domains in dictating cell shape in tissue morphogenesis.
Model-based design for seizure control by stimulation
Authors: Ashourvan Arian , Pequito Sérgio , Khambhati Ankit N , Mikhail Fadi , Baldassano Steven N , Davis Kathryn A , Lucas Timothy H , Vettel Jean M , Litt Brian , Pappas George J , Bassett Danielle S
Published: February 2020

Objective. Current brain stimulation paradigms are largely empirical rather than theoretical. An opportunity exists to improve upon their modest effectiveness in closed-loop control strategies with the development of theoretically grounded, model-based designs. Approach. Inspired by this need, here we couple experimental data and mathematical modeling with a control-theoretic strategy for seizure termination. We begin by exercising a dynamical systems approach to model seizures (n = 94) recorded using intracranial EEG (iEEG) from 21 patients with medication-resistant, localization-related epilepsy. Main results. Although each patient’s seizures displayed unique spatial and temporal patterns, their evolution can be parsimoniously characterized by the same model form. Idiosyncracies of the model can inform individualized intervention strategies, specifically in iEEG samples with well-localized seizure onset zones. Temporal fluctuations in the spatial profiles of the oscillatory modes show that seizure onset marks a transition into a regime in which the underlying system supports prolonged rhythmic and focal activity. Based on these observations, we propose a control-theoretic strategy that aims to stabilize ictal activity using static output feedback for linear time-invariant switching systems. Finally, we demonstrate in silico that our proposed strategy allows us to dampen the emerging focal oscillatory sources using only a small set of electrodes. Significance. Our integrative study informs the development of modulation and control algorithms for neurostimulation that could improve the effectiveness of implantable, closed-loop anti-epileptic devices.
Are Established Embedded Performance Validity Test Cut-Offs Generalizable to Patients With Multiple Sclerosis?
Authors: Domen Christopher H , Greher Michael R , Hosokawa Patrick W , Barnes Sierra L , Hoyt Brian D , Wodushek Thomas R
Published: February 2020

Objective

Data for the use of embedded performance validity tests (ePVTs) with multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are limited. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether ePVTs previously validated in other neurological samples perform similarly in an MS sample.

Methods

In this retrospective study, the prevalence of below-criterion responding at different cut-off scores was calculated for each ePVT of interest among patients with MS who passed a stand-alone PVT.

Results

Previously established PVT cut-offs generally demonstrated acceptable specificity when applied to our sample. However, the overall cognitive burden of the sample was limited relative to that observed in prior large-scale MS studies.

Conclusion

The current study provides initial data regarding the performance of select ePVTs among an MS sample. Results indicate most previously validated cut-offs avoid excessive false positive errors in a predominantly relapsing remitting MS sample. Further validation among MS patients with more advanced disease is warranted.
Beyond Stewardship: Reordering the Economic Imagination of Catholic Health Care
Authors: Lysaught M Therese
Published: February 2020

The principle of stewardship has come to play a significant role in the consciousness of Catholic health care. This is a recent development correlative with changes in the economic configurations of Catholic health care in the latter two decades of the twentieth century, as well as with the striking ascendance of the principle within US Catholic culture during the same period. Yet while the concept of stewardship seems to be an unobjectionable given central to Catholic practice, I argue that in its contemporary configuration, it embodies a deeply problematic set of theological assumptions drawn from a particular historical trajectory that is—from a Catholic perspective—quite troubling. This history is concurrent with an equally problematic deformation of the concept of charity. Taken together, these malformed concepts often shackle and misdirect the ability of those who work within Catholic health care to creatively discern transformative solutions and faithful modes of practice.
Prevalence and outcome of dual aortic stenosis and cardiac amyloid pathology in patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Scully Paul R , Patel Kush P , Treibel Thomas A , Thornton George D , Hughes Rebecca K , Chadalavada Sucharitha , Katsoulis Michail , Hartman Neil , Fontana Marianna , Pugliese Francesca , Sabharwal Nikant , Newton James D , Kelion Andrew , Ozkor Muhiddin , Kennon Simon , Mullen Michael , Lloyd Guy , Menezes Leon J , Hawkins Philip N , Moon James C
Published: February 2020

Aims

Cardiac amyloidosis is common in elderly patients with aortic stenosis (AS) referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We hypothesized that patients with dual aortic stenosis and cardiac amyloid pathology (AS-amyloid) would have different baseline characteristics, periprocedural and mortality outcomes.

Methods and results

Patients aged ≥75 with severe AS referred for TAVI at two sites underwent blinded bone scintigraphy prior to intervention (Perugini Grade 0 negative, 1–3 increasingly positive). Baseline assessment included echocardiography, electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests, 6-min walk test, and health questionnaire, with periprocedural complications and mortality follow-up. Two hundred patients were recruited (aged 85 ± 5 years, 50% male). AS-amyloid was found in 26 (13%): 8 Grade 1, 18 Grade 2. AS-amyloid patients were older (88 ± 5 vs. 85 ± 5 years, P = 0.001), with reduced quality of life (EQ-5D-5L 50 vs. 65, P = 0.04). Left ventricular wall thickness was higher (14 mm vs. 13 mm, P = 0.02), ECG voltages lower (Sokolow–Lyon 1.9 ± 0.7 vs. 2.5 ± 0.9 mV, P = 0.03) with lower voltage/mass ratio (0.017 vs. 0.025 mV/g/m2, P = 0.03). High-sensitivity troponin T and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide were higher (41 vs. 21 ng/L, P < 0.001; 3702 vs. 1254 ng/L, P = 0.001). Gender, comorbidities, 6-min walk distance, AS severity, prevalence of disproportionate hypertrophy, and post-TAVI complication rates (38% vs. 35%, P = 0.82) were the same. At a median follow-up of 19 (10–27) months, there was no mortality difference (P = 0.71). Transcatheter aortic valve implantation significantly improved outcome in the overall population (P < 0.001) and in those with AS-amyloid (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

AS-amyloid is common and differs from lone AS. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation significantly improved outcome in AS-amyloid, while periprocedural complications and mortality were similar to lone AS, suggesting that TAVI should not be denied to patients with AS-amyloid.
Seroprevalence of Nipah Virus Infection in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Yong Ming-Yen , Lee Soo-Ching , Ngui Romano , Lim Yvonne Ai-Lian , Phipps Maude E , Chang Li-Yen
Published: February 2020

Nipah virus (NiV) outbreak occurred in Malaysia in 1998. The natural host reservoir for NiV is Pteropus bats, which are commonly found throughout Malaysia. Humans become infected when NiV spills over from the reservoir species. In this study, NiV serosurveillance in Peninsular Malaysia, particularly among the indigenous population, was performed. The collected samples were tested for presence of NiV antibodies using a comparative indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on the recombinant NiV nucleocapsid (rNiV-N) protein. We found that 10.73% of the participants recruited in this study had antibodies against rNiV-N, suggesting possible exposure to NiV.
A Dual Role for the Plasminogen Activator Protease During the Preinflammatory Phase of Primary Pneumonic Plague
Authors: Banerjee Srijon K , Crane Samantha D , Pechous Roger D
Published: February 2020

Early after inhalation, Yersinia pestis replicates to high numbers in the airways in the absence of disease symptoms or notable inflammatory responses to cause primary pneumonic plague. The plasminogen activator protease (Pla) is a critical Y. pestis virulence factor that is important for early bacterial growth in the lung via an unknown mechanism. In this article, we define a dual role for Pla in the initial stages of pulmonary infection. We show that Pla functions as an adhesin independent of its proteolytic function to suppress early neutrophil influx into the lungs, and that Pla enzymatic activity contributes to bacterial resistance to neutrophil-mediated bacterial killing. Our results suggest that the fate of Y. pestis infection of the lung is decided extremely early during infection and that Pla plays a dual role to tilt the balance in favor of the pathogen.
Breast Imaging in Transgender Patients
Authors: Chowdhry Divya N , O’Connell Avice M
Published: February 2020

In the United States, at least 1.4 million adults identify as transgender. Despite growing national awareness, the transgender population experiences disparities in breast care access and breast health outcomes. One of the challenges of breast care delivery to transgender patients is the lack of evidence-based screening guidelines, which is likely partly due to the infrequency of transgender breast cancer cases. Several gender-affirming hormonal and surgical interventions are available that impact the imaging appearance of the breasts and the risk of breast cancer. Breast imaging radiologists should be familiar with the imaging appearance of expected findings and potential complications following gender-affirming interventions. It has been shown that the incidence of breast cancer in transgender women is higher than in natal males but still lower than in natal females, implying that estrogen supplementation confers an increased breast cancer risk. It is proposed that transgender women follow the screening guidelines for natal females if they have risk factors for breast cancer and received hormone therapy for > 5 years. However, further research is necessary, especially in transgender women who have no risk factors or received hormone therapy for ≤ 5 years. The breast cancer risk of presurgical transgender men is considered equivalent to that of natal females, but the risk markedly decreases following bilateral mastectomy. It is proposed that transgender men follow the screening guidelines for natal females if they have any preserved breast tissue, or that they undergo annual chest wall and axillary physical exam if they are status post bilateral mastectomy.
Guided ultrasonic wavefield cross-correlation with a curved array for high-resolution plate inspection
Authors: Nguyen Luan T , Saenger Erik H
Published: February 2020

We present in this work an ultrasonic imaging technique based on wavefield cross-correlation that has potential for high-resolution inspecting of plates and plate-like structures. A curved transmit/receive array setup is used for acquiring wide-aperture waveform data beneficial for applying the presented imaging condition. An additional dispersion analysis using waveform data received by a linear array allows one to reveal the excited guided wave modes and possibly determine the shear wave velocity as an input parameter in the 3D wavefield simulation. Using synthetic but realistic data generated by realistic 3D simulations, we demonstrate the invariance of the time reversal process and the capability of the presented imaging approach for ultrasonic testing based on Lamb waves. In addition to the ability to localise and size multiple defects simultaneously, this imaging approach does not require baseline data and involves only minimal waveform data pre-processing.
Estimating broad trend of acoustic impedance profile from observed seismic reflection data using first principles only
Authors: Mandal Animesh , Ghosh Santi Kumar
Published: February 2020

Estimation of broad features or the low-frequency part of acoustic impedance from conventional reflection data is an essential yet challenging step for quantitative interpretation of seismic data due to its band-limited nature. A missing low-frequency part leads to non-uniqueness in the solution as well as placing restrictions in recovering the absolute impedance values. The current industry practice fills this gap by assuming either an initial impedance model or statistical restrictions on such a model. Doing away with such assumptions but using only first principles (Zoeppritz's equations) and homogeneous layered earth model, we have formulated a set of linear equations that are then solved for an unknown reflection co-efficient using singular value decomposition (SVD) approach with time sampled seismic trace as the input data. The present work demonstrates the effectiveness of reconstructing a broad and smooth impedance profile from first principles and even from acquired seismic reflection data. It also illustrates the method's success with real data, while determining in one go the unknown scale factor linking the true and the relative seismic amplitudes, and the smallest singular value to be retained in the solution from only the knowledge of the average value of the acoustic impedance over the depth range in question. Thus, the salient feature of this work is the ability to reconstruct an approximate impedance profile from field data without the aid of an initial model or statistical assumption on the reflectivity series. This approximate impedance profile can serve as a reliable initial input for more refined inversion or geologic interpretation.