bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryopolymerization enables anisotropic polyaniline hybrid hydrogels with superelasticity and highly deformation-tolerant electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Li Le , Zhang Yu , Lu Hengyi , Wang Yufeng , Xu Jingsan , Zhu Jixin , Zhang Chao , Liu Tianxi
Published: January 2020

The development of energy storage devices that can endure large and complex deformations is central to emerging wearable electronics. Hydrogels made from conducting polymers give rise to a promising integration of high conductivity and versatility in processing. However, the emergence of conducting polymer hydrogels with a desirable network structure cannot be readily achieved using conventional polymerization methods. Here we present a cryopolymerization strategy for preparing an intrinsically stretchable, compressible and bendable anisotropic polyvinyl alcohol/polyaniline hydrogel with a complete recovery of 100% stretching strain, 50% compressing strain and fully bending. Due to its high mechanical strength, superelastic properties and bi-continuous phase structure, the as-obtained anisotropic polyvinyl alcohol/polyaniline hydrogel can work as a stretching/compressing/bending electrode, maintaining its stable output under complex deformations for an all-solid-state supercapacitor. In particular, it achieves an extremely high energy density of 27.5 W h kg−1, which is among that of state-of-the-art stretchable supercapacitors.
U1 snRNP regulates cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro
Authors: Oh Jung-Min , Venters Christopher C. , Di Chao , Pinto Anna Maria , Wan Lili , Younis Ihab , Cai Zhiqiang , Arai Chie , So Byung Ran , Duan Jingqi , Dreyfuss Gideon
Published: January 2020

Stimulated cells and cancer cells have widespread shortening of mRNA 3’-untranslated regions (3’UTRs) and switches to shorter mRNA isoforms due to usage of more proximal polyadenylation signals (PASs) in introns and last exons. U1 snRNP (U1), vertebrates’ most abundant non-coding (spliceosomal) small nuclear RNA, silences proximal PASs and its inhibition with antisense morpholino oligonucleotides (U1 AMO) triggers widespread premature transcription termination and mRNA shortening. Here we show that low U1 AMO doses increase cancer cells’ migration and invasion in vitro by up to 500%, whereas U1 over-expression has the opposite effect. In addition to 3’UTR length, numerous transcriptome changes that could contribute to this phenotype are observed, including alternative splicing, and mRNA expression levels of proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressors. These findings reveal an unexpected role for U1 homeostasis (available U1 relative to transcription) in oncogenic and activated cell states, and suggest U1 as a potential target for their modulation.
Short-term NAD+ supplementation prevents hearing loss in mouse models of Cockayne syndrome
Authors: Okur Mustafa N. , Mao Beatrice , Kimura Risako , Haraczy Scott , Fitzgerald Tracy , Edwards-Hollingsworth Kamren , Tian Jane , Osmani Wasif , Croteau Deborah L. , Kelley Matthew W. , Bohr Vilhelm A.
Published: January 2020

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is one of the most common disorders affecting elderly individuals. There is an urgent need for effective preventive measures for ARHL because none are currently available. Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a premature aging disease that presents with progressive hearing loss at a young age, but is otherwise similar to ARHL. There are two human genetic complementation groups of CS, A and B. While the clinical phenotypes in patients are similar, the proteins have very diverse functions, and insight into their convergence is of great interest. Here, we use mouse models for CS (CSA−/− and CSBm/m) that recapitulate the hearing loss in human CS patients. We previously showed that NAD+, a key metabolite with various essential functions, is reduced in CS and associated with multiple CS phenotypes. In this study, we report that NAD+ levels are reduced in the cochlea of CSBm/m mice and that short-term treatment (10 days) with the NAD+ precursor nicotinamide riboside (NR), prevents hearing loss, restores outer hair cell loss, and improves cochlear health in CSBm/m mice. Similar, but more modest effects were observed in CSA−/− mice. Remarkably, we observed a reduction in synaptic ribbon counts in the presynaptic zones of inner hair cells in both CSA−/− and CSBm/m mice, pointing to a converging mechanism for cochlear defects in CS. Ribbon synapses facilitate rapid and sustained synaptic transmission over long periods of time. Ribeye, a core protein of synaptic ribbons, possesses an NAD(H) binding pocket which regulates its activity. Intriguingly, NAD+ supplementation rescues reduced synaptic ribbon formation in both CSA−/− and CSBm/m mutant cochleae. These findings provide valuable insight into the mechanism of CS- and ARHL-associated hearing loss, and suggest a possible intervention.
Dementia in long-term Parkinson’s disease patients: a multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Szeto Jennifer Y. Y. , Walton Courtney C. , Rizos Alexandra , Martinez-Martin Pablo , Halliday Glenda M. , Naismith Sharon L. , Chaudhuri K. Ray , Lewis Simon J. G.
Published: January 2020

While several studies have investigated the clinical progression of cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, there has been a paucity of data on specifically evaluating PD patients with a disease duration of over 20 years. This study retrospectively investigated the frequency of dementia in PD (PDD) patients with a disease duration of over 20 years assessed in research clinics across the UK and Australia. Data from 2327 PD patients meeting the United Kingdom Parkinson’s Disease Society Brain Bank Criteria was pooled. A diagnosis of probable PDD was made according to the Movement Disorder Society Level 1 criteria. Thirty-six participants had a disease duration of at least 20 years. Of the 36 patients, only 7 (19%) were classified as probable PDD. Compared to PD patients without dementia, those with dementia had lower levels of educational attainment and exhibited more severe motor features. Additionally, 34 out of the 36 patients (94%) exhibited a non-tremor dominant phenotype. No significant differences in age, age onset, disease duration, dopaminergic medication use, and sex distribution were observed between PD patients with and without dementia. Findings from the present study suggest that the prevalence of dementia in long-term PD patients may be lower than anticipated and suggest that the trajectory of cognitive decline in PD patients can be different. These findings highlight the need to investigate factors that might affect the outcome of cognitive decline in long-term PD patients, which may lead to the determination of potential modulating factors in the development of dementia in these patients.
Trust and acceptance of a virtual psychiatric interview between embodied conversational agents and outpatients
Authors: Philip Pierre , Dupuy Lucile , Auriacombe Marc , Serre Fushia , de Sevin Etienne , Sauteraud Alain , Micoulaud-Franchi Jean-Arthur
Published: January 2020

Virtual agents have demonstrated their ability to conduct clinical interviews. However, the factors influencing patients’ engagement with these agents have not yet been assessed. The objective of this study is to assess in outpatients the trust and acceptance of virtual agents performing medical interviews and to explore their influence on outpatients’ engagement. In all, 318 outpatients were enroled. The agent was perceived as trustworthy and well accepted by the patients, confirming the good engagement of patients in the interaction. Older and less-educated patients accepted the virtual medical agent (VMA) more than younger and well-educated ones. Credibility of the agent appeared to main dimension, enabling engaged and non-engaged outpatients to be classified. Our results show a high rate of engagement with the virtual agent that was mainly related to high trust and acceptance of the agent. These results open new paths for the future use of VMAs in medicine.
1,3,5-Triazine and dibenzo[b,d]thiophene sulfone based conjugated porous polymers for highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Wang Jinlong , Ouyang Guangcheng , Wang Yang , Qiao Xiaolan , Li Wei-Shi , Li Hongxiang
Published: January 2020

Conjugated porous polymers based on 1,3,5-triazine and dibenzo[b,d]thiophene sulfone (DBTSO) units show excellent solar water splitting ability. A high hydrogen evolution rate of 16 287 μmol g−1 h−1 is achieved.
‘Atypical Ugi’ tetrazoles
Authors: Abdelraheem Eman M. M. , Goodwin Imogen , Shaabani Shabnam , de Haan Michel P. , Kurpiewska Katarzyna , Kalinowska-Tłuścik Justyna , Dömling Alexander
Published: January 2020

We surprisingly found that combining the substrates of Ugi tetrazole reaction gives two different constitutional isomeric Ugi products A and B. A is the expected classical Ugi products whereas B is an isomeric product (‘atypical Ugi’).
An oxidatively damaged G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzyme
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Cheng Mingpan , Chen Jielin , Ju Huangxian , Monchaud David , Mergny Jean-Louis , Zhou Jun
Published: January 2020

Oxidative damage of guanine to 8-oxoguanine triggers a partial and variable loss of G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzyme activity and provides clues to the mechanistic origins of DNAzyme deactivation.
Thermal transport in amorphous small organic materials: a mechanistic study
Authors: Zhou Tian , Li Zhuhong , Cheng Yajuan , Ni Yuxiang , Volz Sebastian , Donadio Davide , Xiong Shiyun , Zhang Wenqing , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: January 2020

Heat carriers in amorphous organic materials can be categorized into low frequency propagon and high frequency diffuson, which can partly convert to each other with the variation of pressure.
Superior electrochemical performance of a novel LiFePO4/C/CNTs composite for aqueous rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Duan Wenyuan , Zhao Mingshu , Mizuta Yusuke , Li Yanlin , Xu Tong , Wang Fei , Moriga Toshihiro , Song Xiaoping
Published: January 2020

Olivine LiFePO4 covered flocculent carbon layers wrapped with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) prepared by sol–gel method and calcination is used as the cathode material for aqueous rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (ARLBs).
A DFT study on a borophene/boron nitride interface for its application as an electrode
Authors: Isa Khan Muhammad , Majid Abdul , Ashraf Naveed , Ullah Irslan
Published: January 2020

In order to search for a new anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), a borophene/boron nitride (B/BN) interface was investigated in detail using density functional theory.
A narrow-band ultra-bright green phosphor for LED-based applications
Authors: Dong Quan , Yang Jiaojie , Cui Jun , Xu Fanfan , Yang Fengli , Peng Jiaqing , Du Fu , Ye Xinyu , Yang Shaohua
Published: January 2020

A narrow-band ultra-bright green phosphor, Sr2MgB2O6:Ce3+,Tb3+, shows high thermal stability and quantum efficiency for LED-based applications.
New pyrazole energetic materials and their energetic salts: combining the dinitromethyl group with nitropyrazole
Authors: Lei Caijin , Yang Hongwei , Cheng Guangbin
Published: January 2020

A series of energetic compounds based on nitropyrazole and dinitromethyl group were synthesized. The hydroxylammonium salt 7b exhibited satisfactory calculated detonation performance and the potassium salt 5 could be used as a potential green primary explosive.
Delineating the influence of picolinic acid on Eu(iii) sorption by γ-alumina
Authors: Patel Madhuri A. , Kar Aishwarya Soumitra , Raut Vaibhavi V. , Jeyakumar S. , Singal Rajnish , Tomar B. S.
Published: January 2020

The enhanced migration of trivalent lanthanides/actinides in aquatic environment in presence of PA, at metal concentrations greater than the micro-molar level, highlights the role of decontaminating agents in radionuclide mobility in the environment.
Revealing the pulmonary surfactant corona on silica nanoparticles by cryo-transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Mousseau Fanny , Oikonomou Evdokia K. , Vacher Annie , Airiau Marc , Mornet Stéphane , Berret Jean-François
Published: January 2020

The nanoparticle corona in lungs: let's put an end to preconceived ideas!
Enhancing the electrochromic stability of Prussian blue based on TiO2 nanorod arrays
Authors: Xu Hongbo , Gong Liuting , Zhou Shengyu , Cao Kangli , Wang Shen , Zhao Jiupeng , Li Yao
Published: January 2020

The cyclic stability and optical modulation of Prussian blue (PB) via TiO2 nanorod arrays are enhanced.
Mechanically stable and economically viable polyvinyl alcohol-based membranes with sulfonated carbon nanotubes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Vani R. , Ramaprabhu S. , Haridoss Prathap
Published: January 2020

Development of low-cost membranes with enhanced mechanical strength and minimal sensitivity to variation in humidity, for PEMFC applications.
Influence of treating parameters on thermomechanical properties of recycled epoxy-acid vitrimers
Authors: Li Honggeng , Zhang Biao , Yu Kai , Yuan Chao , Zhou Cong , Dunn Martin L. , Qi H. Jerry , Shi Qian , Wei Qi-Huo , Liu Ji , Ge Qi
Published: January 2020

The effects of particle size, temperature, time, and pressure on the mechanical properties of regenerated epoxy-acid vitrimers were investigated, which helped to refine the vitrimer reprocessing condition parameter toolbox.
A quaternary metal–metalloid–nonmetal electrocatalyst: B, P-co-doping into PdRu nanospine assemblies boosts the electrocatalytic capability toward formic acid oxidation
Authors: Xu You , Yu Shanshan , Ren Tianlun , Li Chunjie , Yin Shuli , Wang Ziqiang , Li Xiaonian , Wang Liang , Wang Hongjing
Published: January 2020

Quaternary PdRuBP nanospine assemblies (PdRuBP NAs) were readily synthesized and they exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic performance toward the formic acid oxidation reaction.
A bridge-arched and layer-structured hollow melamine foam/reduced graphene oxide composite with an enlarged evaporation area and superior thermal insulation for high-performance solar steam generation
Authors: Meng Sen , Zhao Xing , Tang Chun-Yan , Yu Peng , Bao Rui-Ying , Liu Zheng-Ying , Yang Ming-Bo , Yang Wei
Published: January 2020

A bridge-arched integrated evaporator that introduces air as the thermal insulation layer exhibits high-efficiency solar steam generation.
A sacrificial Zn strategy enables anchoring of metal single atoms on the exposed surface of holey 2D molybdenum carbide nanosheets for efficient electrocatalysis
Authors: Kou Zongkui , Zang Wenjie , Pei Wei , Zheng Lirong , Zhou Si , Zhang Siwen , Zhang Lei , Wang John
Published: January 2020

A sacrificial Zn strategy is reported to anchor non-noble metal single atoms on 2D holey Mo2C nanosheets, enabling these individual metal atoms being coordinated with three adjacent Mo atoms on the surfaces for efficient water splitting.
Thermoresponsive polymers and their biomedical application in tissue engineering – a review
Authors: Doberenz Falko , Zeng Kui , Willems Christian , Zhang Kai , Groth Thomas
Published: January 2020

Thermoresponsive surfaces are used for the fabrication of cell sheets for tissue engineering purposes. Basic processes, necessary for understanding, are described and thermoresponsive polymers and their application in the biomedical field presented.
Stretchable gold fiber-based wearable electrochemical sensor toward pH monitoring
Authors: Wang Ren , Zhai Qingfeng , Zhao Yunmeng , An Tiance , Gong Shu , Guo Zhirui , Shi QianQian , Yong Zijun , Cheng Wenlong
Published: January 2020

A stretchable gold fiber-based wearable electrochemical pH two-electrodes sensing system for human health monitoring.
Enhancing the coercivity of SmCo5 magnet through particle size control
Authors: Tang Hao , Mamakhel Mohammad Aref Hasen , Christensen Mogens
Published: January 2020

The bottom-up synthesis of SmCo5 particles with stable single-domain size exhibit a maximum coercivity of 2.6 MA m−1 (33.1 kOe).
Strong nonlinear optical effect attained by atom-response-theory aided design in the Na2MIIMIV2Q6 (MII = Zn, Cd; MIV = Ge, Sn; Q = S, Se) chalcogenide system
Authors: Ye Run , Cheng Xiyue , Liu Bin-Wen , Jiang Xiao-Ming , Yang Long-Qi , Deng Shuiquan , Guo Guo-Cong
Published: January 2020

High performance infrared nonlinear optical Na2MSn2Se6 (M = Zn/Cd) was synthesized based on a new atom response theory aided searching approach.
Event‐triggered practical finite‐time output feedback stabilisation for switched non‐linear time‐delay systems
Authors: Shu Feng , Zhai Junyong
Published: January 2020

This study investigates the event‐triggered practical finite‐time output feedback control for a class of switched high‐order non‐linear time‐delay systems with uncertain control coefficients. A reduced‐order observer is first constructed to estimate the unmeasurable states. By adding a power integrator technique, an event‐triggered output feedback controller is designed for the nominal system. Subsequently, the constructed observer and controller are scaled with a suitable gain by homogeneous domination approach, which, together with an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasoviskii functional, can render that the uncertain switched high‐order non‐linear system with time‐varying delay is practical finite‐time stability. Finally, two examples are provided to demonstrate the validity of the proposed scheme.
Far‐field cancellation of cross‐polarisation based on mirroring subarrays of densely arranged PDM apertures
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Huan , Xu Kuiwen , Ye Dexin , Huangfu Jiangtao , Li Changzhi , Denidni Tayeb A. , Ran Lixin
Published: January 2020

Achieving highly directional planar array antennas with sufficient cross‐polarisation discriminations (XPDs) is crucial for satellite communications based on the polarisation‐division multiplexing (PDM). In this work, the authors propose a robust three‐step approach that can be used to significantly enhance the XPD of such array antennas in the normal and nearby directions based on mirroring subarrays, especially when the radiation elements are densely arranged. Theoretical, simulation and experimental results show that by dividing an in‐phase feed array into two or four identical subarrays and properly mirroring them with a differentially feeding, the XPD can be remarkably enhanced by means of far‐field cancellation, regardless of the scale and the XPD of the original array. It provides a practical and robust solution to obtain compact PDM antennas satisfying strict XPD requirements.
Analysis and enhancement of small‐signal stability on DFIG‐based wind integrated power system through the optimal design of linear quadratic regulator
Authors: Kumar Dipesh , Chatterjee Kalyan
Published: January 2020

This study analyses the dynamic behaviour of a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)‐based wind integrated power system (WIPS) resulting from a major disturbance. The effects of transient disturbance on WIPS are examined without and with a controller in terms of performance and stability of the system. To enhance the performance of WIPS after a sudden disturbance, an optimally designed linear quadratic regulator (LQR) controller is applied to the system. The wind energy system is described in state‐space representation, whose states and outputs are taken as feedback to the controller for improving their dynamic response. An artificial bee colony (ABC)‐based swarm optimisation technique is used to evaluate the optimal weighting matrices of the LQR controller in parallel with minimising the performance index and dynamic response characteristics of the system. The effectiveness of the proposed ABC–LQR controller in WIPS is verified by comparing their simulation and numerical results with standard proportional–integral and LQR controllers. It indicates that the proposed controller provides better enhancement of dynamic response as compared with other controllers in terms of performance index and dynamic response characteristics. Moreover, the robustness and stability of various system configurations are tested by the eigenvalue analysis.
Fast pyrolysis of LERDADEs for renewable biofuels
Authors: Li Gang , Bai Xue , Huo Shuhao , Huang Zhigang
Published: January 2020

The lipid‐extracted residues of Desmodesmus sp. cultivated in anaerobically digested effluents (LERDADEs) were determined in real time using a thermogravimetric analyser and pyrolysis‐gas chromatography–mass spectrometry coupling technology over a range of temperature (300–800°C). The composition analysis results indicated that LERDADE has potential for energy application due to its high carbon content and relatively low nitrogen content. The main decomposition temperature of LERDADE was 319.9°C, at which up to 68.4% of the mass was lost. The fast pyrolysis of LERDADE at 800°C produced the maximum yield (36.6%) of bio‐oil compared with 29% at 700°C. However, the number of harmful pollutants (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nitrogen compounds) released at 800°C (41.7%) was much higher than that released at 700°C (28.3%), which caused a relative increase of 32.1%. Considering the reasonably high bio‐oil production and minimum pollutant emission, a lower temperature (∼700°C) was found to be optimum for producing biofuel from LERDADE.
Long-term multi-frequency maser observations of the intermediate-mass young stellar object G107.298+5.639
Authors: Olech M. , Szymczak M. , Wolak P. , Gérard E. , Bartkiewicz A.
Published: January 2020

Context. Periodic flares of maser emission are thought to be induced either by variations of the seed photon flux in young binary systems or the pump rate regulated by stellar and accretion luminosities.

Aims. We seek to study the variability of four maser transitions of three different species in G107.298+5.639 to constrain the dominant mechanism of periodic flares.

Methods. Light curves of the 6.7 GHz methanol and 22.2 GHz water vapour maser were obtained with the Torun 32 m radio telescope over 39 and 34 cycles, respectively. The target was also monitored at the 1.6 GHz hydroxyl transitions with the Nançay radio telescope over 13 cycles. All these maser lines were imaged using VLBI arrays.

Results. The study confirms alternating flares of the methanol and water masers with a period of 34.4 d and reveals the synchronised behaviour of the methanol and hydroxyl masers in this source. The observed spatial distribution of the methanol maser cloudlets and the measured time delays of the flares of individual features imply a ring-like structure of radius 240 au and thickness 30 au. Internal proper motions indicate that the velocity of methanol cloudlets is dominated by a disc-wind component of about 5 km s−1. The methanol emission detected during only one VLBI observation is located in a region about 550 au from a central star, which also exhibits OH maser flares. The erratic appearance of methanol features can be related to a powering object of relatively low luminosity which, during some variability cycles, can excite molecules only in the nearest part of the disc. A careful analysis of the maser and infrared light curves reveal a strong correlation between the 6.7 GHz line and the infrared flux densities supporting a radiative pumping of the maser.

Conclusions. The synchronised behaviour of the hydroxyl 1665/1667 MHz and 6.7 GHz methanol transitions indicates a common pumping mechanism for the periodic flares of G107.298+5.639.
Primordial nucleosynthesis with varying fundamental constants
Authors: Clara M. T. , Martins C. J. A. P.
Published: January 2020

Primordial nucleosynthesis is an observational cornerstone of the Hot Big Bang model and a sensitive probe of physics beyond the standard model. Its success has been limited by the so-called lithium problem, for which many solutions have been proposed. We report on a self-consistent perturbative analysis of the effects of variations in nature’s fundamental constants, which are unavoidable in most extensions of the standard model, on primordial nucleosynthesis, focusing on a broad class of Grand Unified Theory models. A statistical comparison between theoretical predictions and observational measurements of 4He, D, 3He and, 7Li consistently yields a preferred value of the fine-structure constant α at the nucleosynthesis epoch that is larger than the current laboratory one. The level of statistical significance and the preferred extent of variation depend on model assumptions but the former can be more than four standard deviations, while the latter is always compatible with constraints at lower redshifts. If lithium is not included in the analysis, the preference for a variation of α is not statistically significant. The abundance of 3He is relatively insensitive to such variations. Our analysis highlights a viable and physically motivated solution to the lithium problem, which warrants further study.
Friction and wear analysis of the external return spherical bearing pair of axial piston pump/motor
Authors: Deng Haishun , Hu Cong , Wang Qingchun , Wang Lei , Wang Chuanli
Published: January 2020

By discretizing the contact area between the external retainer plate and the external spherical hinge, a mathematical model for the force relation of an arbitrary contact point in the external return spherical bearing pair was established and a mathematical expression for the friction power of the external return spherical bearing pair was deduced. The influences of the slant inclination of the external swash plate, pump shaft rotating speed, eccentricity, spring force and number of discrete contact points on the friction power were also analysed. The results show that the power fluctuation amplitude of the discrete contact point in the external return spherical bearing pair increases with increasing slant inclination of the external swash plate, pump shaft rotating speed and spring force; the total friction power was found to increase linearly. However, the power fluctuation amplitude of the discrete contact point in the external return spherical bearing pair was found to decrease with increasing eccentricity, with the total friction power decreasing nonlinearly until reaching a certain value. The distribution shape of the friction power of the discrete contact point is only affected by eccentricity. If the eccentricity is large, the friction power of the discrete point presents a double-peak distribution, whereas if it is small, a multiple-peak distribution is observed.
Analysis of welding properties using various horn-tip patterns in the ultrasonic metal welding process
Authors: Kim Jisun , Kim Jeawoong , Kim Inju
Published: January 2020

The present study was conducted to investigate how the characteristics of welds are affected by the horn-tip pattern shape, in order to assess how to efficiently transfer the vibration energy to a base material through the horn. Energy transfer was evaluated using the indentation marks. The experiment was carried out with aluminum and copper by combining the conditions from four horn-tip patterns, six pressure values, and ten welding time values. The aspect ratio of the indentation marks on the weld surfaces was measured. The effects of the applied pressure, welding time, and horn-tip pattern shape on the aspect ratio were analyzed, and it was found that the horn-tip pattern shape affects the aspect ratio significantly. The aspect ratio was suggested as an analytical reference, and its correlations with the shear strength and the hardness of the welds were verified. In addition, the experiment performed with aluminum and copper, which have different mechanical properties, under the same welding conditions showed that the aspect ratio was dependent on the mechanical properties of the materials. In conclusion, as the density of the horn-tip pattern is decreased, less of the vibration energy was lost, increasing the strength of the welds. Experimental results showed that shear strength of copper was nearly 400 N when the aspect ratio was close to the value of 1. The highest peak of horn-tip pattern forms the lowest aspect ratio of the indentation mark, which can be indicated that the decrease of the aspect ratio effect to the improvement of welds strength. Aspect ratio of horn-tip pattern D, which dimensions are pitch 1.5 mm, height 0.75 mm and stub tooth 0.7 mm was closely to the value of 1 compared to the other patterns.
Experimental investigation of various machining attributes and cost estimation during machining of hardened AISI 4340 steel with untreated and cryo treated cermet inserts
Authors: Das Anshuman , Das Sudhansu Ranjan , Patel Saroj Kumar , Biswal Bibhuti Bhusan
Published: January 2020

Now-a-days due to growing demand of high precision components to attain high performances, hardened steels with hardness above 45HRC have numerous applications in automotive gear, machine tool and die industry because of their superior characteristics (high thermal stability, high indentation resistance, high abrasiveness, low ductility and high value of hardness to modulus of elasticity ratio). For this, higher tool life of cutting inserts cryogenic treatment is considered as the most prominent method but no substantial researches have been found concerning the impact of cryogenic treatment on cermet inserts, especially in turning of hardened steels. Therefore, in the present experimental investigation, the comparative assessment of various responses such as cutting force, flank wear, crater wear, chip morphology and surface roughness were carried out during machining of hardened steel with both untreated and cryo-treated cermet inserts under dry cutting condition. Lastly, the input variables were optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to evaluate the tool life for the economic analysis. The experimental result demonstrated that the uncoated deep cryo-treated with tempered cermet insert delivered better results in comparison to other cermet inserts. According to cost analysis, uncoated and deep cryo-treated with tempered cermet insert was found to be the most cost saving among other cermet inserts at the optimum cutting condition.
„CrystalClean“ – Ein deutschsprachiges Manual zur qualifizierten Entgiftungs- und Motivationsbehandlung bei „Crystal Meth“-Abhängigkeit – Durchführbarkeit und Akzeptanz
Authors: Groß Cornelius , Schützwohl Matthias , Mayer-Pelinski René , Hasler Helena , Kirchner Tobias , Scheck Anna , Behrendt Silke , Smolka Michael N. , Zimmermann Ulrich , Lee Nicole K. , Pilhatsch Maximilian
Published: January 2020

Einleitung Methamphetaminkonsum hat sich im Südosten Deutschlands zu einer flächendeckenden Problematik ausgeweitet. Gleichzeitig fehlen deutschsprachige, standardisierte Therapiemanuale in der Versorgungslandschaft.

Methodik Evaluation von Prozessvariablen eines neuen Manuals für die qualifizierte Entgiftungs- und Motivationsbehandlung der Methamphetaminabhängigkeit. Hierzu wurden 31 Patienten1 (Durchschnittsalter 29 Jahre, 11 weiblich) über 3 Monate regelmäßig untersucht.

Ergebnisse Akzeptanz sowie Durchführbarkeit im stationären Alltag wurden positiv bewertet. Häufung von Abbrüchen bei Übergang in ambulantes Setting.

Schlussfolgerung Das Manual wirkt der Versorgungslücke entgegen. Durchführbarkeit im klinischen Setting ließe sich durch Straffung der Module und höhere Therapiefrequenz verbessern.
Comparison of Lumbar Kinematics with a History of Low Back Pain During Baseball Hitting
Authors: Oshikawa Tomoki , Kaneoka Koji , Morimoto Yasuhiro , Akuzawa Hiroshi
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a history of low back pain (LBP) on pelvic and lumbar kinematics during baseball hitting. Twenty collegiate male baseball players (age, 21±1 years; height, 172.8±4.7 cm; weight, 72.7±6.2 kg; baseball experience, 13±1 years) performed 5 bat swings. Participants were categorized into the LBP group (n=10) or control group (n=10) based on having experienced lumbar spine pain due to bat swing that lasted more than 24 h within the last 12 months. Three-dimensional kinematic data of the pelvis and lumbar spine during bat swing were measured. Two-way ANOVAs were used to compare pelvic and lumbar kinematics throughout the bat swing between groups, and independent t-tests were used to compare the other outcomes between groups. There was a significant main effect between groups in lumbar flexion angle throughout the bat swing (p=0.047). The mean lumbar flexion angle of the LBP group throughout the bat swing was less than that of the control group. Additionally, the peak angular velocity of lumbar flexion of the LBP group was significantly faster than that of control group (p=0.047). These results can be helpful for longitudinal studies that identify the risk factors of LBP due to bat swing.
Gehirnmetastasen bei NSCLC und malignem Melanom
Authors: Krome Susanne
Published: January 2020

Die meisten Gehirntumoren sind Metastasen, besonders häufig von nicht kleinzelligen Bronchialkarzinomen und malignen Melanomen. Die Behandlung mit Immuncheckpoint-Inhibitoren zeigte bei unbehandelten Patienten vielversprechende Ergebnisse. Über den Effekt der Substanzen auf das zerebrale Begleitödem und die Assoziation zwischen vasogenem Ödem, Tumorvolumen und Überleben ist wenig bekannt.
Konkretistische Denkstörungen als Indikator der Akuität bei Schizophrenieerkrankungen
Authors: Brackmann Nathalie , Lau Steffen , Habermeyer Elmar , Weiss James
Published: January 2020

Formale Denkstörungen, insbesondere konkretistische, sind ein charakteristisches Merkmal schizophrener Psychosen, welche das Verständnis von idiomatischen Redewendungen, Metaphern und Sprichwörtern im Alltag erschweren oder verunmöglichen. Um die Assoziation zwischen dem Ausmaß des Konkretismusʼ und dem Schweregrad der schizophrenen Erkrankung zu untersuchen, absolvierten 28 Personen mit Schizophrenie nebst der kognitiven Leistungsdiagnostik einen Screening-Sprichwort-Test. Unsere Befunde zeigten einen Zusammenhang zwischen Akuität der schizophrenen Erkrankung und dem Ausmaß des Konkretismusʼ. Der mögliche Mehrgewinn einer Berücksichtigung dieses Befundes bei der Behandlung betroffener Personen wird diskutiert.
Malignes Melanom
Authors: Krome Susanne
Published: January 2020

Die personalisierte Medizin hat die Therapiemöglichkeiten bei malignen Melanomen, das progressionsfreie Überleben (PFS) sowie das Gesamtüberleben (OS) verlängert. Unklar ist, ob eine zielgerichtete und Immuntherapie über den Remissionseintritt hinaus erfolgen sollte. Bei einer Oligoprogression kommen neben der Pharmakotherapie lokale Interventionen in Betracht.
Prostatakarzinom
Authors: Schmale Ine
Published: January 2020

Die Zeiten, in denen alle Patienten mit Prostatakarzinom nach demselben Prinzip behandelt wurden, sollte vorbei sein. Tumoren mit bestimmten molekularbiologischen Charakteristiken beispielsweise verlangen nach einer differenzierten Herangehensweise. Beim ESMO 2019 wurden wichtige klinische Studiendaten für diverse Patientengruppen präsentiert.
Surgical Options and Approaches for Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: When do we operate and what do we do?
Authors: Greco Laura , Zhang Jeanette , Ross Howard
Published: January 2020

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a common entity encountered by the surgeon. Though most LGIB stops on its own, familiarity with the diagnoses and their treatments is critical to optimal patient care. Even in 2016, surgery may be required. Advances in imaging have led to an enhanced ability to localize bleeding. Newer anticoagulants have developed which provide ease of use to the patient, but challenges to caregivers when bleeding arises.
Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale and Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire Translation into Brazilian Portuguese: A Validation Study
Authors: Tavares-Brito Joana , Fonseca Anna Carolina de Oliveira , Torres Rodolfo Prado , van Veen Martinus M. , Greene Jacqueline , Salomone Raquel , Bahmad Jr Fayez , Hadlock Tessa , Bento Ricardo Ferreira
Published: January 2020

Introduction Facial nerve palsy results in both functional disability and psychological morbidity. There are several well-established grading scales to quantify the quality of life of these patients.

Objective Translate and validate the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) scale and Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) to Brazilian Portuguese.

Methods This study adopted a forward-backward translation method and performed cross-cultural adaptation. A pilot study was conducted to correct any confusing language and to evaluate content validity. A validation study was then performed. Internal consistency of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the FaCE and SAQ items was evaluated by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Construct validity was assessed by Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient between FaCE and SAQ scores to eFACE, House-Brackmann, Short Form 12 (SF-12) and Facial Disability Index (FDI) (sub)scores.

Results A total of 90 patients were included. Cronbach’s alpha for total domain scored 0.881 for FaCE and 0.809 for SAQ. FaCE total score correlation to eFACE total and House-Brackmann showed Spearman’s r value of 0.537 and −0.538, respectively (p < 0.001). SAQ correlation to eFACE synkinesis subdomain was −0.449 (p < 0.001). No correlation was found between SAQ and HB score. FaCE total score correlations were of 0.301 and 0.547 for SF-12 PCS and MCS, respectively (p < 0.001). Correlation between FaCE total and FDI Physical and Social/well-being functions were 0.498 and 0.567 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion Brazilian Portuguese FaCE scale and SAQ versions achieved high validity and reliability in the present study. These translated instruments demonstrated good psychometric properties, being proper to use in clinical practice in Brazil and with Brazilian Portuguese speakers.
Pseudohypoaldosteronism Type 1 Newborn Patient with a Novel Mutation in SCNN1B
Authors: Seyhanli Muhammed , Ilhan Ozkan , Gumus Evren , Bor Meltem , Karaca Meryem
Published: January 2020

Pseudohypoaldosteronism is a rare disease characterized by resistance to aldosterone-targeted organs, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, and severe salt loss in hyperaldosteronism. Homozygous mutations in SCNN1A, SCNN1B, and SCNN1G genes were found to be responsible for the etiology. About 80 cases with molecular basis have been reported to date. In this case, a newborn patient admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit due to feeding problems was examined. The parents of the patient had a consanguineous marriage, and they had lost their three sons due to hyperkalemia. Since she had hyponatremia and hyperkalemia, congenital adrenal hyperplasia was primarily considered. Although the initial evaluation was made in this direction, the patient was diagnosed as pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 with the findings obtained during the process such as dehydration, cortisol levels, adrenocorticotropic hormone levels, and negative CYP21A2 analysis result. This clinical diagnosis was confirmed by the novel homozygous frame-shift variant c.1245_1246insC (p.N416Qfs*35) in SCNN1B shown by gene analysis. In this report, we seek to emphasize that aldosterone deficiency should be one of the first diagnoses to be considered in neonatal patients with hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, and dehydration.
Dialysis in Pregnancy: Role of the Underlying Cause of Renal Failure on Peripartum Outcomes
Authors: Hoffman Mallory , Sibai Baha
Published: January 2020

Objective Pregnancy on dialysis is rare and few studies in this population exist. Currently, pregnancy outcomes are thought to be related to dialysis intensity. We hypothesize women requiring dialysis due to diabetes or lupus will have worse pregnancy outcomes compared with other indications for dialysis.

Study Design All women receiving dialysis during pregnancy from 2012 to 2016 in a single health system were identified. Differences in perinatal outcomes among those with renal failure caused by diabetes or lupus and with other causes were evaluated.

Results Sixteen women were identified, seven with diabetes or lupus causing renal failure; the remaining nine women had hypertension, focal segmental glomerular sclerosis, polycystic kidney disease, congenital hypoplastic kidneys, or neurogenic bladder. The rates of composite maternal morbidity were similar among the two groups. Composite neonatal morbidity was higher in those with renal failure caused by diabetes or lupus compared with other causes (100% vs. 29%, p = 0.028).

Conclusion Despite similar dialysis intensity, the composite neonatal morbidity was higher in women with renal failure caused by diabetes or lupus compared with other etiologies. Our findings suggest that pregnancy outcome in women receiving dialysis is dependent on both the intensity of dialysis as well as the etiology of renal failure.
A Novel Endoscopic Forehead Lift Technique for Patients with Upper Facial Wrinkles: Morphometric Evaluation and Patient-Reported Outcome using FACE-Q Scales
Authors: Wang Guanhuier , Tao Liyuan , Xie Hongbin
Published: January 2020

Chinese patients more frequently complain of forehead wrinkles than eyebrow and upper eyelid ptosis. Besides the commonly used brow-lifting technique, a novel technique to satisfy the demands of Chinese patients is needed. In this article, we introduce our novel endoscopic forehead lift procedure and analyze the morphometric evaluation and patient-reported outcomes. From January 2010 to January 2017, 171 Chinese patients underwent endoscopic forehead lift in which two parallel incisions were made on the frontalis muscle to relieve forehead wrinkles. Biopsy forceps were used to bite off the glabella muscles to relieve wrinkles between the eyebrows. Lifting devices were not used. Morphometric evaluations of eyebrow locations were performed, and the vertical distance of the upper eyebrows was measured post- and preoperatively to evaluate the elevation range. FACE-Q scales were sent to patients who were still being followed-up. A total of 46 patients underwent the morphometric evaluation, which suggested that the eyebrows were elevated effectively. At 12 to 36 months postoperatively, the median post-/preoperative ratio was 118.4, 112.5, and 111.8% in the medial, middle, and lateral eyebrows, respectively. In the same patients, at 37 to 84 months postoperatively, the median post-/preoperative ratio was 116.6, 112.2, and 108.9% in the medial, middle, and lateral eyebrows, respectively. Sixty-five patients completed the FACE-Q scales, demonstrating high satisfaction levels with the forehead and eyebrow, outcome, and decisions, with a median score of 100 for each. Postoperative appraisal revealed that the lines in the forehead and between the eyebrows had a good outcome with scores of 86 and 93, respectively. The median number of years younger that patients thought they appeared was 7. The most frequent self-claimed recovery symptom was temporary forehead skin numbness (83.1%) followed by a receding hairline (46.2%). Our endoscopic forehead lift procedure was effective in relieving forehead and glabella wrinkles and lifting the eyebrows. This was a level of evidence III study.
Thermoacoustic endoscopy
Authors: Liang Xiao , Guo Heng , Liu Qiang , Wu Changfeng , Gong Yubin , Xi Lei
Published: January 2020

In this study, we developed microwave-induced thermoacoustic endoscopy (TAE), which employs a high-repetition-rate pulsed microwave generator for external excitation and a side-view focused ultrasound transducer for internal acoustic detection. The system yields a lateral resolution of 1.5 mm and an axial resolution of 0.35 mm. The penetration depths of saline-containing tube (5% NaCl) and tumor lesions in biological tissues are 9 and 6 cm under current experimental conditions, respectively. To improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the reconstructed image and eliminate the off-focus distortion of the transducer, we applied the synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) and coherence weighting factor into the reconstruction algorithm. Additionally, we carried out in vivo rat experiments to evaluate clinical feasibility of this technique. We could clearly distinguish multiple tumor lesions embedded inside the rat abdomen from the surrounding normal tissues.
Simulation study of ionization-induced injection in sub-terawatt laser wakefield acceleration
Authors: Lin M.-W. , Hsieh C.-Y. , Tran D. K. , Chen S.-H.
Published: January 2020

By using a thin, high-density gas cell, subterawatt laser wakefield acceleration (sub-TW LWFA) of electrons can be driven by few tens of megajoule pulses from diode-pumped lasers operated at high repetition rates. When a 0.5-TW, 1030-nm pulse interacts with a dense plasma, the self-focusing effect and the self-modulation instability are induced to enhance the pulse intensity to a level capable of exciting plasma bubbles. Through particle-in-cell simulations, this study investigates the sub-TW LWFA in which a H2-N2 mixture is applied for the gas target; in this fashion, the nitrogen doping ratio ρN can be varied to improve the output energy and the charge of accelerated electrons with the addition of ionization-induced injection. The results show that the acceleration efficiency is limited when using a pure hydrogen target, since the self-injection of electrons rarely occurs in the first plasma bubble having the highest accelerating field. By doping the hydrogen target with nitrogen, free electrons generated when the pulse peak ionizes the N5+ and N6+ ions can be injected into the first bubble. The optimal performance of sub-TW LWFA can be acquired with a nitrogen doping ratio between ρN = 1% and 3%, from which electrons can be produced with a maximum energy of > 40 MeV and a total charge ∼6 pC for the high-energy component (>20 MeV). Using a relatively high doping ratio, ρN≥ 5% will significantly degrade the properties of the output electrons, primarily because of the manifest ionization defocusing encountered by the driving pulse.
Phonon energy dissipation in friction between graphene/graphene interface
Authors: Wei Zhiyong , Duan Zaoqi , Kan Yajing , Zhang Yan , Chen Yunfei
Published: January 2020

The theory of phononic friction attributes that the multiphonon processes are the main cause of the mechanical energy dissipation in a wear-free friction process. Unfortunately, it is still impossible to set up a direct relationship between the phonons and the frictional force. In this study, a classical molecular dynamics simulation model is used to mimic a piece of graphene sliding over a supported graphene substrate. It is found that the lifetime of some phonons, especially the modes around the Γ point of the first Brillouin zone, gradually decreases with the increase of the sliding velocity. A phonon lifetime-based model is proposed to explain the variation of the frictional force as a function of the sliding velocity, i.e., the shorter phonon lifetime corresponding to a higher friction force under the same temperature. This model is consistent with the traditional Prandtl-Tomlinson model at a low sliding velocity range, which predicts that the friction force increases logarithmically with the sliding velocity. Once the sliding velocity exceeds a critical value, the lifetime of the excited phonons is far longer than the time for the tip sweeping a lattice constant. In this case, the excited phonons do not have enough time to dissipate the mechanical energy, which leads to the reduced friction force with the increase of the sliding velocity.
Splashing dynamics of a drop impact onto a deep liquid pool with moving film interface
Authors: Gupta Garvit , Kumar Parmod
Published: January 2020

The impact of a drop onto a stagnant deep liquid pool results in jet formation in the splashing regime. The perturbations in the free surface alter the impact conditions and change the splash dynamics. We present the simulations of the water drop impact onto a deep liquid pool with a moving free surface. Occurrence of the asymmetric crater profile and bending of the central jet toward the flow direction of the free surface are observed. The inclination of the jet increased with an increase in inertia of the moving liquid surface. A secondary droplet pinched-off from the tip of the jet, and the volume of this droplet increased with an increase in the inclination of the jet.
Superintegrable systems and Riemann-Roch theorem
Authors: Tsiganov A. V.
Published: January 2020

In algebraic geometry, there is a reduction algorithm that transforms the unreduced divisor into a unique reduced divisor, which existence is guaranteed by the Riemann-Roch theorem. We discuss application of this algorithm to construction of finite-dimensional superintegrable systems with n degrees of freedom identifying coordinates of the reduced divisor with integrals of motion.