bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Origin of high-energy charge excitations observed by resonant inelastic X-ray scattering in cuprate superconductors
Authors: Greco Andrés , Yamase Hiroyuki , Bejas Matías
Published: December 2018

The recent development of x-ray scattering techniques revealed the charge-excitation spectrum in high-Tc cuprate superconductors. While the presence of a dispersive signal in the high-energy charge-excitation spectrum is well accepted in the electron-doped cuprates, its interpretation and universality are controversial. Since charge fluctuations are observed ubiquitously in cuprate superconductors, the understanding of its origin is a pivotal issue. Here, we employ the layered t − J model with the long-range Coulomb interaction and show that an acoustic-like plasmon mode with a gap at in-plane momentum (0, 0) captures the major features of the high-energy charge excitations. The high-energy charge excitations, therefore, should be a universal feature in cuprate superconductors and are expected also in the hole-doped cuprates. Acoustic-like plasmons in cuprates have not been recognized yet in experiments. We propose several experimental tests to distinguish different interpretations of the high-energy charge excitations.
Monitoring morphology evolution within block copolymer microparticles during dispersion polymerisation in supercritical carbon dioxide: a high pressure SAXS study
Authors: Alauhdin Mohammad , Bennett Thomas M. , He Guping , Bassett Simon P. , Portale Giuseppe , Bras Wim , Hermida-Merino Daniel , Howdle Steven M.
Published: December 2018

Monitoring morphology development and evolution within block copolymer microparticles dispersed in supercritical CO2 using in situ SAXS.
Copper-catalyzed regioselective cyclization of vinyl azides by gem-difluoromethylene for trisubstituted pyridines
Authors: Liu Zhenhua , Zhu Guangyu , Gao Wen , Yang Lin , Ji Huimin , Tong Lili , Tang Bo
Published: December 2018

A novel copper-catalyzed cyclization of readily available vinyl azides with gem-difluoromethylene is described.
Water desalination through rim functionalized carbon nanotubes
Authors: Hong Yang , Zhang Jingchao , Zhu Chongqin , Zeng Xiao Cheng , Francisco Joseph S.
Published: December 2018

Understand the influence of the dipole moment between carbon nanotube rim and anchored functional groups on water desalination performance.
C3N/phosphorene heterostructure: a promising anode material in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Guo Gen-Cai , Wang Ru-Zhi , Ming Bang-Ming , Wang Changhao , Luo Si-Wei , Zhang Ming , Yan Hui
Published: December 2018

C3N has attracted much attention as an anode material for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, owing to its excellent mechanical and electronic properties.
Hierarchical nickel/phosphorus/nitrogen/carbon composites templated by one metal–organic framework as highly efficient supercapacitor electrode materials
Authors: Yu Fan , Xiong Xin , Zhou Liu-Yin , Li Jia-Luo , Liang Ji-Yuan , Hu Si-QIan , Lu Wang-Ting , Li Bao , Zhou Hong-Cai
Published: December 2018

Novel carbon materials containing Ni, P, N and O were fabricated from the sacrificial MOF template, which exhibits high performance in electrochemical energy storage.
Rational design of high efficiency green to deep red/near-infrared emitting materials based on isomeric donor–acceptor chromophores
Authors: Zhang Youming , Chen Zhao , Song Jun , He Junjie , Wang Xin , Wu Jiatao , Chen Shuming , Qu Junle , Wong Wai-Yeung
Published: December 2018

A family of chromophores with an isomeric donor–acceptor framework are synthesized, which show remarkably different emission wavelengths with high photoluminescence quantum yields and decent electroluminescent efficiencies.
Recent progress in printable organic field effect transistors
Authors: Tang Wei , Huang Yukun , Han Lei , Liu Ruili , Su Yuezeng , Guo Xiaojun , Yan Feng
Published: December 2018

Downscaling of printable OFETs and approaches for steep subthreshold swing have been summarized and discussed.
Acute Myocardial Infarction during Pregnancy
Authors: Maddury Jyotsna , Garre Indrani
Published: December 2018

Because of increase in the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in younger population with increasing maternal age of pregnancy, the topic of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during pregnancy has gained importance. Pathophysiologically AMI during pregnancy occurs more frequently due to coronary dissection, which is different in detection and management when compared with the atherosclerotic CAD. Dual antiplatelet drugs that are mandatory following AMI require modification before labor. In this review article, authors discuss in detail about the detection and management of AMI at different stages of pregnancy with the risk stratification and recommendations, including 2018 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines on “heart diseases during pregnancy.”
Predictors of Over-Anticoagulation in Warfarin Users in the UK General Population: A Nested Case–Control Study in a Primary Health Care Database
Authors: Martín-Pérez Mar , Gaist David , de Abajo Francisco , García Rodríguez Luis
Published: December 2018

Background Many patients on warfarin therapy often present with supratherapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) levels, resulting from the influence of several patient-specific factors, which have been associated with adverse outcomes.

Objective This article aims to identify risk factors for over-anticoagulation (INR levels ≥4) in a cohort of patients taking warfarin.

Methods A cohort of warfarin users aged 18 to 85 years from January 2005 to April 2013 was identified in The Health Improvement Network U.K. primary care database (N = 12,506). A random date was assigned to all patients within their eligible person-time (index date), and a nested case–control analysis was performed with individuals presenting a first episode of INR level ≥4 after the index date used as cases (N = 699) and patients with non-supratherapeutic INR values (≤3) as controls (N = 9,798). Using unconditional logistic regression models, odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated adjusted for potential confounders. Two sensitivity analyses were performed with alternative definitions of over-anticoagulation (INR levels ≥5 or > 3).

Results Among the factors examined, the strongest predictors of over-anticoagulation were warfarin indication (in particular, valvular atrial fibrillation and valve replacement), renal failure (with the risk increasing steeply with decreasing estimated glomerular filtration rate), cancer, anaemia, respiratory infections treated with antibiotics, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treated with β2-agonists, polypharmacy (≥10 medications), low socio-economic status and residency in rural areas. Similar results were obtained when supratherapeutic levels were defined as INR ≥5 or, alternatively, as INR > 3.

Conclusion Predictors of supratherapeutic INR levels found in this study might help physicians identify patients where closer INR monitoring is warranted.
Racial Differences in Ischaemia/Bleeding Risk Trade-Off during Anti-Platelet Therapy: Individual Patient Level Landmark Meta-Analysis from Seven RCTs
Authors: Kang Jeehoon , Park Kyung , Palmerini Tullio , Stone Gregg , Lee Michael , Colombo Antonio , Chieffo Alaide , Feres Fausto , Abizaid Alexandre , Bhatt Deepak , Valgimigli Marco , Hong Myeong-Ki , Jang Yangsoo , Gilard Martine , Morice Marie-Claude , Park Duk-Woo , Park Seung-Jung , Jeong Young-Hoon , Park Jiesuck , Koo Bon-Kwon , Kim Hyo-Soo
Published: December 2018

Background Prolonged dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT) is intended to reduce ischaemic events, at the cost of an increased bleeding risk in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this study, we evaluated whether race influences the ischaemia/bleeding risk trade-off.

Methods We searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing DAPT duration after PCI. To compare the benefit or harm between DAPT duration by race, individual patient-level landmark meta-analysis was performed after discontinuation of the shorter duration DAPT group in each RCT. The primary ischaemic endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), and the primary bleeding endpoint was major bleeding events (clinicaltrials.gov NCT03338335).

Results Seven RCTs including 16,518 patients (8,605 East Asians, 7,913 non-East Asians) were pooled. MACE occurred more frequently in non-East Asians (0.8% vs. 1.8%, p < 0.001), while major bleeding events occurred more frequently in East Asians (0.6% vs. 0.3%, p = 0.001). In Cox proportional hazards model, prolonged DAPT significantly increased the risk of major bleeding in East Asians (hazard ratio [HR], 2.843, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.474–5.152, p = 0.002), but not in non-East Asians (HR, 1.375, 95% CI, 0.523–3.616, p = 0.523). East Asians had a higher median probability risk ratio of bleeding to ischaemia (0.66 vs. 0.15), and the proportion of patients with higher probability of bleeding than ischaemia was significantly higher in East Asians (32.3% vs. 0.4%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion We suggest that the ischaemia/bleeding trade-off may be different between East Asians and non-East Asians. In East Asians, prolonged DAPT may have no effect in reducing the ischaemic risk, while significantly increases the bleeding risk.
Agonist-Evoked Increases in Intra-Platelet Zinc Couple to Functional Responses
Authors: Ahmed Niaz , Lopes Pires Maria , Taylor Kirk , Pugh Nicholas
Published: December 2018

Background Zinc (Zn2+) is an essential trace element that regulates intracellular processes in multiple cell types. While the role of Zn2+ as a platelet agonist is known, its secondary messenger activity in platelets has not been demonstrated.

Objectives This article determines whether cytosolic Zn2+ concentrations ([Zn2+]i) change in platelets in response to agonist stimulation, in a manner consistent with a secondary messenger, and correlates the effects of [Zn2+]i changes on activation markers.

Methods Changes in [Zn2+]i were quantified in Fluozin-3 (Fz-3)-loaded washed, human platelets using fluorometry. Increases in [Zn2+]i were modelled using Zn2+-specific chelators and ionophores. The influence of [Zn2+]i on platelet function was assessed using platelet aggregometry, flow cytometry and Western blotting.

Results Increases of intra-platelet Fluozin-3 (Fz-3) fluorescence occurred in response to stimulation by cross-linked collagen-related peptide (CRP-XL) or U46619, consistent with a rise of [Zn2+]i. Fluoresence increases were blocked by Zn2+ chelators and modulators of the platelet redox state, and were distinct from agonist-evoked [Ca2+]i signals. Stimulation of platelets with the Zn2+ ionophores clioquinol (Cq) or pyrithione (Py) caused sustained increases of [Zn2+]i, resulting in myosin light chain phosphorylation, and cytoskeletal re-arrangements which were sensitive to cytochalasin-D treatment. Cq stimulation resulted in integrin αIIbβ3 activation and release of dense, but not α, granules. Furthermore, Zn2+-ionophores induced externalization of phosphatidylserine.

Conclusion These data suggest that agonist-evoked fluctuations in intra-platelet Zn2+ couple to functional responses, in a manner that is consistent with a role as a secondary messenger. Increased intra-platelet Zn2+ regulates signalling processes, including shape change, αIIbβ3 up-regulation and dense granule release, in a redox-sensitive manner.
Developmental Status of Children Operated for Esophageal Atresia with or without Tracheoesophageal Fistula Along with Maternal Stress, Their Quality of life, and Coping Abilities at AIIMS, New Delhi
Authors: Kumari Vanita , Dhua Anjan , Sapra Savita , Srinivas Maddur , Agarwala Sandeep , Bhatnagar Veereshwar , Joshi Poonam
Published: December 2018

Introduction Esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (EA with or without TEF) is one of the neonatal surgical emergencies requiring surgical intervention in the early neonatal period, influencing the developmental outcome in the operated children. This study was aimed to assess the developmental status of children operated for EA with or without TEF along with maternal stress, their quality of life (QOL), and coping abilities.

Materials and Methods A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on 51 children aged up to 5 years after EA with or without TEF repair and their mothers' in a tertiary care facility. The tools used were, namely, demographic datasheet of child and mother, anthropometry assessment, Developmental Assessment Scale for Indian Infants, and modified Vineland Social Maturity Scale for the developmental evaluation, Child Behavior Checklist (1.5–5 years) caregiver report form, Parental Stress Scale, WHOQOL BREF, and Coping Strategies Checklist.

Results The majority of children had low weight (47.1%) and height (31.4%), for reference age. The overall and social developmental delay was observed in 40.7 and 37.5% of children, respectively, and few children (7.4%) had behavioral problems in the borderline range. Among the mothers, 47% had moderate stress and relatively poor QOL in environmental (60.1 ± 18.9) and psychological (60.8 ± 18.8) domains. The most commonly used coping strategy by the mothers was an emotional outlet (29.4%).

Conclusion Developmental delay was present in children operated for EA with or without TEF caused significant stress among mothers, affecting their QOL for which the emotional outlet was the most commonly used coping strategy.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Pregnancy
Authors: Chhabra Shibba , Kaur Gurleen , Nagi Gagandeep , Tandon Rohit , Goyal Abhishek , Singh Bhupinder , Aslam Naved , Mohan Bishav , Wander Gurpreet
Published: December 2018

Pulmonary hypertension in pregnancy has always scared the treating physician and gynecologist due to reported high mortality since ages. The upcoming therapies targeting pulmonary hypertension (calcium channel blockers, nitric oxide, endothelin receptor antagonist, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors) and improvement in hemodynamic monitoring and intensive management in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) specialist centers give a ray of hope to these patients. Termination of pregnancy continues to be a management modality in pregnant patients with PAH. Multidisciplinary approach targeting PAH- and pregnancy-specific therapy in this subset can prove rewarding. Larger multicentric studies in the present era of new pharmacologic agents targeting PAH are required.
Prosthetic Heart Valves and Pregnancy: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Pradhan Akshyaya , Gupta Vikas , Vishwakarma Pravesh
Published: December 2018

With improved outcomes of valvular heart diseases and prosthetic valves, many women now survive into child-bearing age and pregnancy. However, the presence of prosthetic valves in pregnancy has an adverse impact on both maternal and fetal outcomes. The bioprosthetic or tissue valves are less thrombogenic. They do not need any anticoagulation and lead to normal pregnancy with normal baseline valve function. However, they have high rate of structural degeneration, especially in the young with an attendant need of reoperation leading to morbidity. Mechanical valves have excellent hemodynamics during pregnancy but are inherently thrombogenic leading to thromboembolic complications, necessitating uninterrupted anticoagulation. Anticoagulation itself leads to a host of maternal and fetal bleeding complication as well as adverse fetal anomalies. The use of low-dose warfarin throughout pregnancy has the best maternal safety profile. Added to this regimen, targeted replacement with parenteral heparin during the first (6–12 weeks) and late third trimesters (beyond 36 weeks) leads to virtual elimination of embryopathy as well as appreciable reductions of maternal mortality. Proper preconception counseling and antenatal care coupled with planned labor or delivery is essential to ensure best outcomes. These patients are best managed in a tertiary care center with proper expertise in managing adverse cardiovascular, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes.
Multiple limited-angles computed tomography reconstruction based on multi-direction total variation minimization
Authors: Gong Changcheng , Zeng Li , Guo Yumeng , Wang Chengxiang , Wang Shengmiao
Published: December 2018

Accurate computed tomography (CT) reconstruction from incomplete projections is an important research topic. Sparse sampling and limited-angle sampling are two effective ways to reduce the X-ray radiation dose or the scanning time. However, it is technically complicated to realize sparse sampling in medical CT since the tube power or the pre-patient collimator is difficult to be switched frequently. Limited-angle sampling makes it difficult to reconstruct an accurate image. The developed multiple limited-angles (MLA) sampling scheme could well balance the technical implementation complexity and the CT reconstruction difficulty. It does not require frequent switching of the tube power or the pre-patient collimator. The data correlation of the acquired projections is lower than that in limited-angle sampling. Using the projections acquired by MLA sampling, CT images reconstructed by the total variation minimization (TVM) method suffer from shading artifacts. Because the artifacts are distributed in several fixed directions, the artifact-suppression reconstruction model based on multi-direction total variation was designed for MLA CT reconstruction in this work. The multi-direction total variation minimization (MDTVM) was utilized to solve the optimization model. Experiments on digital phantoms and real projections indicated that MDTVM can better suppress the shading artifacts than TVM.
Janus nanostructures for heterogeneous photocatalysis
Authors: Chauhan Aditya , Rastogi Monisha , Scheier Paul , Bowen Chris , Kumar Ramachandran Vasant , Vaish Rahul
Published: December 2018

Water treatment, the hydrogen evolution reaction, and carbon capture are examples of the potential applications for solar photocatalysis. This has led to significant effort in the search for suitable heterogeneous catalysts. However, materials developed to-date often suffer from disadvantages such as charge recombination, low quantum efficiency, chemical instability, and poor economy of production/operation. These factors have made it difficult for the technology to develop beyond laboratory demonstrations. A potential solution to the problem lies with the appropriate design of the catalyst itself, particularly with respect to particle morphology. This review aims to highlight recent efforts directed towards the development and application of an anisotropic, bi-phasic heterodimer, or “Janus” catalyst. While the topic is in its relative infancy, it has been shown that a Janus morphology can improve catalyst performance by almost an order of magnitude. Hence, a systematic review has been undertaken to highlight and assess recent advances in this field. The review begins with the fundamentals of heterogeneous photocatalysis and proceeds to classify modern catalysts, including Janus particles. This is followed by a detailed description of the relevant studies involving Janus morphology and their demonstrated photocatalytic applications. Finally, an overview of the current challenges and future prospects is discussed along with a summary of the key highlights. It is observed that a Janus morphology can impart several intriguing advantages such as amplification of electric near-field and efficient charge separation. In order to unlock the full potential of Janus photocatalyst, further research in this direction is warranted.
Relating free energy and open-circuit voltage to disorder in organic photovoltaic systems
Authors: Lankevich V. , Bittner E. R.
Published: December 2018

Efficient exciton dissociation into mobile charge carries a crucial factor underscoring the performance of organic polymer-based bulk-heterojunction photovoltaic devices. In this paper, we compute the energies of charge-transfer (CT) states of the model donor-acceptor lattice system with varying degrees of structural disorder to investigate how fluctuations in the material properties affect electron-hole separation. We also demonstrate how proper statistical treatment of the CT energies recovers the experimentally observed “hot” and “cold” exciton dissociation pathways. Using a quantum mechanical model for a model heterojunction interface, we recover experimental values for the open-circuit voltage at 50 and 100 meV of site-energy disorder. We find that energetic and conformational disorder generally facilitates charge transfer; however, due to excess energy supplied by photoexcitation, highly energetic electron-hole pairs can dissociate in unfavorable directions, potentially never contributing to the photocurrent while “cold” excitons follow the free energy curve defined at the operating temperature of the device.
Ground state and nodal solutions for a Schrödinger-Poisson equation with critical growth
Authors: Qian Aixia , Liu Jingmei , Mao Anmin
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we study a nonlinear Schrödinger-Poisson equation with critical growth in R3. Under some assumptions on potential functions, we prove that for p ∈ (3, 6), the Schrödinger-Poisson equation has ground state and nodal solutions by variational methods.
Open-shell coupled-cluster valence-bond theory augmented with an independent amplitude approximation for three-pair correlations: Application to a model oxygen-evolving complex and single molecular magnet
Authors: Lee Joonho , Small David W. , Head-Gordon Martin
Published: December 2018

We report the failure of coupled-cluster valence-bond (CCVB) theory with two-pair configurations [D. W. Small and M. Head-Gordon, J. Chem. Phys. 130, 084103 (2009)] for open-shell (OS) spin-frustrated systems where including three-pair configurations is necessary to properly describe strong spin-correlations. We extend OS-CCVB by augmenting the model with three-pair configurations within the independent amplitude approximation. The resulting new electronic structure model, OS-CCVB+i3, involves only a quadratic number of independent wavefunction parameters. It includes the recently reported closed-shell CCVB+i3 as a special case. Its cost is dominated by integral transformations, and it is capable of breaking multiple bonds exactly for all systems examined so far. The strength of OS-CCVB+i3 is highlighted in realistic systems including the [CaMn3O4] cubane subunit of the oxygen-evolving complex and a molecular magnet with the [Cr9] core unit as well as model systems such as N3, V3O3, and P5. We show that OS-CCVB+i3 is only slightly dependent on the underlying perfect-pairing reference, while OS-CCVB shows a stronger dependence. We also emphasize the compactness of the OS-CCVB+i3 wavefunction compared to the heat-bath configuration interaction wavefunction, a recently introduced soft exponential-scaling approach.
Speeding up simulations by slowing down particles: Speed-limited particle-in-cell simulation
Authors: Werner Gregory R. , Jenkins Thomas G. , Chap Andrew M. , Cary John R.
Published: December 2018

Based on the particle-in-cell (PIC) plasma simulation method, the speed-limited PIC (SLPIC) method delivers faster kinetic plasma simulation in cases where the particle distributions evolve slowly compared with the maximum stable PIC timestep. SLPIC thus offers more feasible, fully kinetic simulation in regimes that historically have required fluid approaches, such as magnetohydrodynamic (MHD), two-fluid, or Boltzmann electron treatments. In particular, SLPIC allows an explicit time advance with steps much larger than the inverse plasma frequency, avoiding the instability explicit PIC faces with large timesteps. SLPIC avoids this instability by slowing down fast particles (e.g., electrons) in a way that is rigorously underpinned by an approximate Vlasov equation; unlike MHD, two-fluid, and Boltzmann electron approaches, SLPIC does not fundamentally neglect any first-principles plasma physics, although the choices of the grid cell size, timestep, and number of macroparticles per cell naturally limit the physical phenomena that can be accurately represented. SLPIC can be implemented with minor modifications of a standard PIC code and does not require an implicit time advance. It enables large timesteps in first-principles kinetic plasma simulation of appropriately slow phenomena, and it can handle many of the same complications as PIC, such as boundary conditions and collisions. In an argon plasma sheath test problem, a SLPIC simulation achieved a speed-up of a factor of 160 over the corresponding PIC simulation, without loss of accuracy.
Probing the exchange coupling in the complex modified Ho-Fe-B compounds by high-field magnetization measurements
Authors: Tereshina I. S. , Pyatakov A. P. , Tereshina-Chitrova E. A. , Gorbunov D. I. , Skourski Yu. , Law J. M. , Paukov M. A. , Havela L. , Doerr M. , Zvezdin A. K. , Andreev A. V.
Published: December 2018

By examining the Ho2Fe14B case, we explored the influence of substitution and absorption atoms on the high-field behavior of magnetization of rare-earth (R)-Fe intermetallics. The value of the first critical field shows that the inter-sublattice exchange interactions remain practically unchanged when the substitution takes place in the R sublattice (replacement of up to 50 % of Ho by Nd). On the contrary, hydrogen absorption by Ho2Fe14B and Ho1Nd1Fe14B of the maximum possible hydrogen concentration 5.5 at./f.u. decreases the strength of the R-Fe exchange by 30%. Remarkably, the influence of hydrogenation is stronger in the compound modified by substitution.
Domain rearrangement and denaturation in Ebola virus protein VP40
Authors: Pokhrel Rudramani , Sompornpisut Pornthep , Chapagain Prem , Olson Brian , Gerstman Bernard , Pandey R. B.
Published: December 2018

The VP40 protein plays a critical role in coordinating the virion assembly, budding, and replication of the Ebola virus. Efforts have been made in recent years to understand various aspects of VP40 structure, dynamics, and function such as assembly of the protein and its roles in virus replication and penetration of the protein into the plasma membrane. A major conformational transformation is necessary for VP40 to form some of its oligomeric structures and to perform various functions. This conformational change from a compact structure with the N-terminal domain (NTD) and C-terminal domain (CTD) closely associated involves a dissociation or springing-out of the CTD from the NTD. We perform investigations using computational molecular dynamics simulations as well as knowledge-based Monte Carlo simulations. We find that a sharp springing of the CTD from the NTD in a free VP40 protein cannot occur solely by random thermal fluctuations without intermediate oligomerized segments, and therefore is likely triggered by additional molecular events.
Microgroove geometry dictates slippery hydrodynamics on superhydrophobic substrates
Authors: Dey Prasenjit , Saha Sandip K. , Chakraborty Suman
Published: December 2018

We report the detailed hydrodynamics over micro-grooved substrates in a confined hydrophobic microfluidic environment. In sharp contrast to the traditional premises, the liquid-air interface shape or interfacial slip velocity is not presumed a priori. We compare our results with the reported analytical solutions of the low Reynolds number flow with the Navier slip boundary condition considering a predefined flat interface. Discrepancies between such simplified solutions and the comprehensive solutions reported here clearly suggest the critical implications of the microgroove geometry and Reynolds number toward altering the flow physics. Our results reveal that the slip velocity at the interface and the slip length is directly proportional to the microgroove width, whereas the slip length increases with the increasing width and decreases with the increase in the Reynolds number. These results may open up new possibilities of tuning the micro-grooved geometry toward obtaining desired flow characteristics in superhydrophobic microchannels, for which simplified models based on pre-defined interfacial topology may not reliably work.
Cooling of mechanical vibrations by heat flow
Authors: Kulinich S. I. , Gorelik L. Y.
Published: December 2018

We theoretically consider a nanomechanical link between two metallic leads subject to a temperature drop. It is shown that mechanical dynamics of such system can be strongly affected by a heat flow through it via the position dependent electron-electron interaction, even though the electronic transport between leads is blocked. In particular, it is demonstrated that, under certain conditions, the stationary distribution of the excitations in the mechanical subsystem has a Boltzmann form with an effective temperature, which is much lower than the temperature of the environment; this seems rather counterintuitive. We also find that a change in the direction of the temperature gradient can result in the generation of mechanical vibrations rather than the heating of the mechanical subsystem.
Correlated electrons in a zig-zag chain with the spin-orbit interaction: Exact solution
Authors: Zvyagin A. A.
Published: December 2018

The correlated electron model on a geometrically frustrated one-dimensional lattice with the spin-orbit coupling is studied. The exact solution is obtained using the Bethe ansatz. Zig-zag interaction can produce incommensurate charge and spin structures for large enough frustrating interactions. The spin-orbit coupling yields the behavior of correlation functions, reminiscent of the Fulde–Ferrell–Larkin–Ovchinnikov (FFLO) features of real type-II superconductors.
Electronic states of pseudospin-1 fermions in dice lattice ribbon
Authors: Oriekhov D. O. , Gorbar E. V. , Gusynin V. P.
Published: December 2018

Boundary conditions for the two-dimensional fermions in ribbons of the hexagonal lattice are studied in the dice model whose energy spectrum in an infinite system consists of three bands with one completely flat band of zero energy. Like in graphene the regular lattice terminations are of the armchair and zigzag types. However, there are four possible zigzag edge terminations in contrast to graphene where only one type of zigzag termination is possible. Determining the boundary conditions for these lattice terminations, the energy spectra of pseudospin-1 fermions in dice model ribbons with zigzag and armchair boundary conditions are found. It is shown that the energy levels for armchair ribbons display the same features as in graphene except the zero energy flat band inherent to the dice model. In addition, unlike graphene, there are no propagating edge states local-ized at the zigzag boundary and there are specific zigzag terminations which give rise to bulk modes of a metallic type in dice model ribbons. We find that the existence of the flat zero-energy band in the dice model is very robust and is not affected by the zigzag and armchair boundaries.
Suicidal Ideation Among Female Inmates: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Favril Louis , Vander Laenen Freya
Published: December 2018

Due to their complex mental health needs, female inmates comprise a particularly vulnerable group, at an elevated risk for suicide. Although suicidal ideation—the early stage in the trajectory towards suicidal behavior—represents a valid target for suicide prevention, there has been little research devoted to this outcome among female inmates. In order to address this void and to inform prevention efforts, the present study sought to investigate correlates of recent suicidal ideation among women incarcerated in Flanders, Belgium. A representative sample of prisoners ( N = 123; aged 19–70 years) was randomly selected from all Flemish correctional facilities detaining female inmates, representing one in four incarcerated women throughout Belgium. Prevalence estimates for lifetime history of suicide ideation and attempts are 57.7% and 36.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicates that women with recent suicidal ideation while incarcerated are significantly more likely than their non-suicidal peers to report a lifetime history of non-suicidal self-injury (aOR = 7.36), in-prison drug use (aOR = 4.72), and severe psychological distress (aOR = 3.14). The findings highlight the importance of providing adequate mental health services in prison, in order to address women’s unique needs and vulnerabilities, and consequently, to reduce suicide risk.
ROMO1 is a constituent of the human presequence translocase required for YME1L protease import
Authors: Richter Frank , Dennerlein Sven , Nikolov Miroslav , Jans Daniel C. , Naumenko Nataliia , Aich Abhishek , MacVicar Thomas , Linden Andreas , Jakobs Stefan , Urlaub Henning , Langer Thomas , Rehling Peter
Published: December 2018

The mitochondrial presequence translocation machinery (TIM23 complex) is conserved between the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and humans; however, functional characterization has been mainly performed in yeast. Here, we define the constituents of the human TIM23 complex using mass spectrometry and identified ROMO1 as a new translocase constituent with an exceptionally short half-life. Analyses of a ROMO1 knockout cell line revealed aberrant inner membrane structure and altered processing of the GTPase OPA1. We show that in the absence of ROMO1, mitochondria lose the inner membrane YME1L protease, which participates in OPA1 processing and ROMO1 turnover. While ROMO1 is dispensable for general protein import along the presequence pathway, we show that it participates in the dynamics of TIM21 during respiratory chain biogenesis and is specifically required for import of YME1L. This selective import defect can be linked to charge distribution in the unusually long targeting sequence of YME1L. Our analyses establish an unexpected link between mitochondrial protein import and inner membrane protein quality control.
Validation of instruments for the assessment of dysphagia due to malignancy of the esophagus
Authors: Persson J , Engström C , Bergquist H , Johnsson E , Smedh Ulrika
Published: December 2018

The aim of the study was to validate the Watson scale, the Ogilvie scale, and the Goldschmid scale for assessment of dysphagia due to malignancy of the esophagus. After translation of the scales to Swedish, 35 patients with dysphagia due to esophageal malignancy were asked to participate. On day 1, patients were asked to fill in the questionnaires. The patients also kept a food diary for 4 consecutive days, for assessment of actual swallowing ability. On day 10, the patients were asked to fill in the scales again, to control for individual variability. As an external control group, 29 healthy volunteers were asked to fill in the questionnaires once. External validation was done against actual swallowing ability, and against the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer scales QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OG25, which are already validated quality of life scales for malignancy. Reliability in the categorical variables (Ogilvie and Goldschmid) showed weighted kappa values of 0.52 and 0.54, respectively. For the Watson scale and the Dysphagia module of QLQ-OG25, the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.68 and 0.80, respectively. Correlations between all scales were good to excellent with values of correlation coefficients (rs) between 0.69 and 0.88, with the strongest correlations between the Ogilvie score and the dysphagia module in QLQ-OG25. These latter two scales had the strongest correlation to the food diary (rs = 0.72). Although the Ogilvie scale was superior, all the three scales showed good reliability and are thus judged to have good validity for assessment of dysphagia due to esophageal malignancy.
Timing of Nitrogen Resorption-Related Processes during Fall Senescence in Southern Oak Species
Authors: Sample Richard , Babst Benjamin A
Published: December 2018

Oak (Quercus) species are prominent in southern US forests. The ability to recycle nitrogen (N) during dormancy is an important adaptation to conserve a limited resource, but N resorption in southern oaks is not well understood. Leaf protein and chlorophyll are both degraded during senescence to release N that can be stored in stems and roots. We hypothesized that leaf N would decrease soon after degradation of leaf protein and/or chlorophyll. Chlorophyll, protein, and N content were measured in leaves of Q. texana, Q. phellos, and Q. nigra during fall 2016 and 2017, in Arkansas. Degradation of protein, which holds the majority of leaf N, started early, in September, whereas chlorophyll degradation and N export from leaves occurred in late November. The delay between protein degradation and N export indicates that N resorption is drawn out over months in southern oaks, because of an unknown mechanism. Protracted leaf senescence could be due to a physiological or biochemical constraint, or it could be an adaptive trait where fall is typically warm and water-limited, but occasionally wet. Our results lay a foundation for future studies to examine how environmental stress may affect nutrient resorption during leaf senescence in southern oak species.
On the Surgical Implications of Peritrigeminal Perforating Vessels in Microvascular Decompression
Authors: di Russo Paolo , Xu Tao , Cohen Michael A , Perrini Paolo , Stieg Philip E , Evins Alexander I , Bernardo Antonio
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Perforating branches arising from the superior cerebellar artery (SCA) or anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) that pierces the brainstem within 5 mm of the trigeminal root may limit offending vessel transposition during microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the microsurgical anatomy of peritrigeminal perforators and evaluate their effect on the mobility of the SCA and AICA. Additionally, we propose strategies for mitigating the potential complications caused by the presence of short peritrigeminal perforators.

METHODS

Retrosigmoid approaches and exposure of the upper cerebellopontine angle were performed on 11 cadaveric heads (22 sides). The number, origin, and course of perforators were recorded and each was classified as either type I, short straight (<3 mm); type II, long straight perforators (>3 mm); or type III, long circumflex (>3 mm). Transposition of each SCA and AICA away from trigeminal nerve was performed, and degree of mobilization was evaluated and graded.

RESULTS

A total of 123 perforators were identified, of which 44 were considered peritrigeminal. Of these, 19 arose from the AICA, 18 from the SCA, and 7 from the basilar artery. Type I peritrigeminal perforators were the most common at 77.3%. Transposition or interposition of the parent vessel was not possible in 8 (47.1%) instances.

CONCLUSION

Identification of inhibiting perforators is essential before performing microvascular decompression to avoid ischemic injury to the brainstem. The presence of type I perforators may necessitate extensive arachnoid dissection and use of an interpositioning technique with minimal repositioning of the offending vessel.
‘One Person’s Evidence Is Another Person’s Nonsense’: Why Police Organizations Resist Evidence-Based Practices
Authors: Kalyal Hina
Published: December 2018

Despite the noted importance of evidence-based policing (EBP) strategies, police organizations have been slow to adopt them. The present study aims to identify internal and external organizational factors that lead to resistance towards EBP. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with 38 executive level police officers and members of police research organizations across Canada. Results reveal that resistance towards EBP is mainly due to organizational factors that arise from within the organization as well as external factors that are political in nature. Although the findings would be helpful for police organizations to reduce resistance to EBP, they must be interpreted with caution given the limited sample size preventing the generalization of results.
Cortical Contributions to Distinct Symptom Dimensions of Catatonia
Authors: Hirjak Dusan , Kubera Katharina M , Northoff Georg , Fritze Stefan , Bertolino Alina L , Topor Cristina E , Schmitgen Mike M , Wolf Robert C
Published: December 2018

Catatonia is a central aspect of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) and most likely associated with abnormalities in affective, motor, and sensorimotor brain regions. However, contributions of different cortical features to the pathophysiology of catatonia in SSD are poorly understood. Here, T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging data at 3 T were obtained from 56 right-handed patients with SSD. Using FreeSurfer version 6.0, we calculated cortical thickness, area, and local gyrification index (LGI). Catatonic symptoms were examined on the Northoff catatonia rating scale (NCRS). Patients with catatonia (NCRS total score ≥3; n = 25) showed reduced surface area in the parietal and medial orbitofrontal gyrus and LGI in the temporal gyrus (P < .05, corrected for cluster-wise probability [CWP]) as well as hypergyrification in rostral cingulate and medial orbitofrontal gyrus when compared with patients without catatonia (n = 22; P < .05, corrected for CWP). Following a dimensional approach, a negative association between NCRS motor and behavior scores and cortical thickness in superior frontal, insular, and precentral cortex was found (34 patients with at least 1 motor and at least 1 other affective or behavioral symptom; P < .05, corrected for CWP). Positive associations were found between NCRS motor and behavior scores and surface area and LGI in superior frontal, posterior cingulate, precentral, and pericalcarine gyrus (P < .05, corrected for CWP). The data support the notion that cortical features of distinct evolutionary and genetic origin differently contribute to catatonia in SSD. Catatonia in SSD may be essentially driven by cortex variations in frontoparietal regions including regions implicated in the coordination and goal-orientation of behavior.
On-the-road driving performance the morning after bedtime administration of lemborexant in healthy adult and elderly volunteers
Authors: Vermeeren Annemiek , Jongen Stefan , Murphy Patricia , Moline Margaret , Filippov Gleb , Pinner Kate , Perdomo Carlos , Landry Ishani , Majid Oneeb , Van Oers Anita C M , Van Leeuwen Cees J , Ramaekers Johannes G , Vuurman Eric F P M
Published: December 2018

Study Objectives

To assess potential effects of lemborexant on next-morning driving performance in adult and elderly healthy volunteers.

Methods

Randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo and active-controlled, four period incomplete crossover study in 48 healthy volunteers (22 females), 23–78 years old. Participants were treated at bedtime for eight consecutive nights with two of three dose levels of lemborexant (2.5, 5, or 10 mg), zopiclone 7.5 mg (on the first and last night with placebo on intervening nights), or placebo. Driving performance was assessed in the morning on days 2 and 9 using a standardized highway driving test in normal traffic, measuring standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP). Drug–placebo differences in SDLP >2.4 cm were considered to reflect clinically meaningful driving impairment.

Results

Mean drug–placebo differences in SDLP following lemborexant 2.5, 5, and 10 mg on days 2 and 9 were 0.74 cm or less. The upper bound of the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for lemborexant treatment groups were all below 2.4 cm and the 95% CIs included zero, indicating that the effects were neither clinically meaningful nor statistically significant. Symmetry analysis further supported the lack of clinically meaningful impairment with lemborexant.

Conclusions

When assessed starting ~9 h after lemborexant administration at bedtime the previous night, there was no statistically significant or clinically meaningful effect on driving performance in healthy adults and elderly, as assessed by either mean differences in SDLP relative to placebo or symmetry analysis. In this study, lemborexant at doses up to 10 mg was well-tolerated.

Clinical Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02583451. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02583451.
Don’t Be a Serial Citer. Synthesize!
Authors: Monsivais Diane B. , Robbins Leslie K.
Published: December 2018

This article describes an interactive teaching-learning strategy titled “Don’t Be a Serial Citer. Synthesize!” The strategy is used during an onsite, face-to-face orientation to help new graduate nursing students overcome the tendency to be “serial citers.” Although the primary purpose is to develop students’ beginning skills at performing synthesis writing, there are important secondary outcomes attached to the experience, including the opportunity for students to be involved in a positive experience during group work and getting to know their classmates. This activity takes approximately two hours to complete.
High-Impact Community Clinical Experiences to Promote Health and Enhance Well-Being of Older Adults
Authors: Livsey Kae Rivers , Sheppard Francine Hebert , Danielle Martin J.
Published: December 2018

Given the complex needs of the aging population, nurse educators must prepare future registered nurses to help older adults remain safe and healthy in their homes. This article describes partnerships between a school of nursing and low-income senior housing providers to develop new, high-impact community-based learning experiences. Baccalaureate nursing students conducted home visits in low-income senior housing communities and engaged in a research study to quantify activities conducted by students and the impact the home visits had on client personal health goal attainment.
Influence of Sex and Body Language on Patient Perceptions of Anesthesiologists
Authors: Forkin Katherine T. , Dunn Lauren K. , Kaperak Christopher J. , Potter Jennifer F. , Bechtel Allison J. , Kleiman Amanda M. , Huffmyer Julie L. , Collins Stephen R. , Lyons Genevieve R. , Ma Jennie Z. , Nemergut Edward C.
Published: December 2018

Editor’s Perspective

What We Know about This Topic

What This Article Tells Us That Is New

Background

Patient perception of physician competence is important. The role of body language and physician sex on patient perceptions has not been investigated. The authors hypothesized that patients perceive anesthesiologists displaying confident body language as more competent and that patients would prefer male anesthesiologists.

Methods

Two hundred adult patients presenting to the Preanesthesia Evaluation and Testing Center at the University of Virginia Health System were recruited to participate using consecutive sampling. Patients viewed four 90-s videos in random order. Each video featured a male or female actor displaying confident, high-power poses or unconfident, low-power poses. Each actor recited the same script describing general anesthesia. Patients were randomized (100 per group) to view one of two sets of videos to account for any actor preferences. Participants ranked each actor anesthesiologist on perceived confidence, intelligence, and likelihood of choosing that anesthesiologist to care for their family member. Participants also chose the one actor anesthesiologist who seemed most like a leader.

Results

Two hundred patients watched the videos and completed the questionnaire. Actor anesthesiologists displaying confident, high-power body language had greater odds of being ranked as more confident (odds ratio, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.76 to 2.92; P < 0.0001), more intelligent (odds ratio, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.13 to 2.18; P < 0.0001), more likely chosen to care for one’s family member (odds ratio, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.82 to 3.02; P < 0.0001), and more likely to be considered a leader (odds ratio, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.86 to 3.65; P < 0.0001). Actor anesthesiologist sex was not associated with ranking for any response measures.

Conclusions

Patients perceive anesthesiologists displaying confident body language as more confident, more intelligent, more like a leader, and are more likely to choose that anesthesiologist to care for their family member. Differences in patient perceptions based on sex of the anesthesiologist were not detected.