bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Free-Flap Reconstruction of the Mandible
Authors: Kim Roderick , Sokoya Mofiyinfolu , Ducic Yadranko , Williams Fayette
Published: March 2019

Mandible reconstruction has evolved over the years with advances in surgical options and three-dimensional technology. Although nonvascularized bone grafting is still used, vascularized flaps show advantages with immediate reconstruction, the possibility of immediate dental implants, and the ability to reconstruct composite defects of both soft tissue and bone. This article discusses current vascularized techniques for mandible reconstruction. While each reconstructive method has advantages and disadvantages, a defect-based reconstruction focused on full rehabilitation allows surgeons to plan and counsel the patient for the best available reconstruction.
Retrosigmoid Transmeatal Approach with 360-Degree Drilling of the Internal Auditory Canal for the Resection of Intracanalicular Meningioma
Authors: Ramina Ricardo , Constanzo Felipe , da Silva Erasmo Barros , Coelho Neto Maurício
Published: March 2019

Introduction Vestibular schwannomas are the most common lesions occupying the internal auditory canal (IAC); however, almost in 4 to 5% of meningiomas, metastases, cysts, lipomas, and cavernous malformations have been found in this location, mimicking schwannomas. Even though cerebellopontine angle (CPA) meningiomas with the involvement of the IAC are frequently encountered, the presence of a primary intracanalicular meningioma is rare.

Objective To show the technical nuances of the retrosigmoid-transmeatal approach to successfully achieve gross total resection (GTR) with preservation of facial and auditory function.

Case Report We present a left intracanalicular meningioma on a 60-year-old man with history of tinnitus and hearing loss. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a left intracanalicular lesion completely obliterating the IAC and with minor extension to the CPA cistern, with the vestibulocochlear complex dislocated posteriorly, initially diagnosed as a Hannover's T2 vestibular schwannoma. The patient underwent a left retrosigmoid approach, and during the exposure of the lesion, the diagnosis of a meningioma became evident. The transmeatal phase of the approach was modified with a wide opening of the canal, including the anterior wall. Closure was performed using a muscle graft, duramater flap, and fibrin glue.

Results GTR was achieved and the patient developed a mild facial palsy (House–Brackmann grade III) which completely recovered within 3 months.

Conclusions The retrosigmoid transmeatal approach is suitable to achieve GTR in intracanalicular meningiomas. Some modifications of the approach intended for vestibular schwannomas are necessary and may be performed during the procedure.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/A9OXRFIl1e8.
Middle Fossa Approach for Resection of an Intracanalicular Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Jean Walter C. , Mueller Kyle , Kim H. Jeffrey
Published: March 2019

Objective This video was aimed to demonstrate the middle fossa approach for the resection of an intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma.

Design Present study is a video case report.

Setting The operative video is showing a microsurgical resection.

Participant The patient was a 59-year-old man who presented with worsening headache and right-side hearing loss. He was found to have a right intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma. After weighing risks and benefits, he chose surgery to remove his tumor. Since his hearing remained “serviceable,” a middle fossa approach was chosen.

Main Outcome Measures Pre- and postoperative patient photographs evaluated the muscles of facial expression as a marker for facial nerve preservation.

Results A right middle fossa craniotomy was performed which allowed access to the floor of the middle cranial fossa. The greater superficial petrosal nerve (GSPN) and arcuate eminence were identified. Using these two landmarks, the internal acoustic canal (IAC) was localized. After drilling the petrous bone, the IAC was unroofed. The facial nerve was identified by stimulation and visual inspection and the tumor was separated from it with microsurgical dissection. In the end, the tumor was fully resected. Both the facial and cochlear nerves were preserved. Postoperatively, the patient experienced no facial palsy and his hearing is at baseline.

Conclusion With radiosurgery gaining increasing popularity, patients with intracanalicular vestibular schwannomas are frequently treated with it, or are managed with observation. The middle fossa approach is therefore becoming a “lost art,” but as demonstrated in this video, remains an effective technique for tumor removal and nerve preservation.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/MD6o3DF6jYg.
Pharyngeal Reconstruction with Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer
Authors: Sokoya Mofiyinfolu , Bahrami Arash , Vincent Aurora , Inman Jared , Mourad Moustafa , Sawhney Raja , Ducic Yadranko
Published: March 2019

Reconstruction of pharyngoesophageal defects after total laryngectomies and extirpation of hypopharyngeal and upper esophageal carcinomas presents a challenging task. Goals of reconstruction include adequate voice rehabilitation and restoration of normal swallowing. The reconstructive armamentarium contains many options for reconstruction and creation of a new upper digestive tract. This review article focuses on the most commonly used free tissue transfer options for the reconstruction of these defects, with an assessment of their advantages and disadvantages.
Medical Management of Three Patients with an Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: Case Series and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Salhab Khaled , Gioia William , Rabenstein Andrew , Gubernikoff George , Schubach Scott
Published: March 2019

The model of surgery first and always for Type A aortic dissections has continued to evolve. During the last three decades, various studies have demonstrated that in select patients, surgery should be delayed or avoided. This case series examines three cases in which patients were medically treated. Furthermore, we review the literature and when surgery should be delayed for acute Type A aortic dissections.
Cavernosopatía Traumática Aguda (CTA) trauma peneano en un grupo de 38 pacientes en un consultorio de medicina sexual durante 20 años de experiencia (1998-2018)
Authors: Uribe A Juan Fernando
Published: March 2019

Introducción El trauma de pene tiene una variedad de presentaciones, no siempre de origen sexual con diversas implicaciones anatómicas y funcionales para él.

Objetivo Describir los hallazgos en un grupo de pacientes de “Cavernosopatía traumática aguda” (CTA), desde el punto de vista clínico y ecográfico y sus desenlaces.

Métodos Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de un grupo de 38 pacientes que consultaron por CTA en un período de 20 años (1998-2018) en una consulta de medicina sexual en Medellín-Colombia. La condición para ser incluidos, era el antecedente en el tiempo de un trauma agudo y mayor del pene. Se evaluaron el tipo de trauma y variables relacionadas (crack audible, hematoma, fractura albugínea, ruptura del ligamento suspensorio, necesidad de cirugía); hallazgos clínicos (curvaturas, escotaduras, acortamiento); hallazgos ecográficos (Fibrosis peneana, fugas venosas) y otros desenlaces (disfunción eréctil). El estudio contó con la aprobación del comité de ética en investigación del HPTU.

Resultados Se estudiaron 38 pacientes con diagnóstico de CTA. Edad de consulta: 42 y edad del trauma 38,7 años, promedio. Trauma sexual (TS): 23 pacientes (60,5%), No sexual (TNS): 15 pacientes (39,4%). Hematomas: 22 (57,8%); fractura albugínea: 16 (42,1%); ruptura del ligamento suspensorio: 2 (5,2%); curvatura secundaria: 14 (36,8%); nódulos palpables: 13 (34,2%); acortamiento: 11 (28,9%); crack audible: 13 (34,2%); algún grado de disfunción eréctil: 26 (68,4%); necesidad de cirugía urgente: 6 (15,78%). En los 31 (81,5%) pacientes que tuvieron una ECO peneana como parte de su estudio tenemos, hallazgo de fibrosis: 25/31 (80,6%); fugas venosas cavernosas: 5/31 (16,1%) e hipervascularización 10/31 (32,2%).

Conclusiones La Cavernosopatía traumática aguda (CTA) es una denominación adecuada para el síndrome que desencadena un trauma peneano agudo, que puede incluir secuelas como fibrosis peneana (hasta el 80%), curvaturas secundarias (hasta el 38%), acortamiento, fugas venosas y disfunción eréctil (hasta 70% de los casos). Entre 6/10 de esos traumas, son de índole sexual y el resto son un grupo variopinto de traumas (automovilísticos, deportivos, quemaduras, ataques de animales).
Free energy of metal-organic framework self-assembly
Authors: Colón Yamil J. , Guo Ashley Z. , Antony Lucas W. , Hoffmann Kyle Q. , de Pablo Juan J.
Published: March 2019

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) represent an important class of materials. Careful selection of building blocks allows for tailoring of the properties of the resulting framework. The self-assembly process, however, is not understood, and without detailed knowledge of the underlying molecular mechanism, it is difficult to anticipate whether a particular design can be realized, or whether the material adopts a metastable, kinetically arrested state. We present a detailed examination of early-stage self-assembly pathways of the MOF-5. Enhanced sampling techniques are used to model a self-assembly in an explicit solvent (dimethylformamide, DMF). We identify several free energy barriers encountered during the assembly of the final MOF, which arise from structural rearrangements preceding MOF formation and from disrupted MOF-solvent interactions as formation proceeds. In all cases considered here, MOFs exhibit favorable entropic gains during the assembly. More generally, the strategy presented provides a step toward the experimental design characterizing the formation of ordered frameworks and possible sources of polymorphism.
Large negative uniaxial magnetic anisotropy in highly distorted Co-ferrite thin films
Authors: Tainosho Takeshi , Inoue Jun-ichiro , Sharmin Sonia , Takeguchi Masaki , Kita Eiji , Yanagihara Hideto
Published: March 2019

The strain induced magnetic anisotropy (MA) of epitaxial Co-ferrite (CFO) thin films grown on MgAl2O4(001) (MAO) by reactive sputtering was studied. These films underwent large tetragonal compressive strain due to the lattice mismatch between the substrates and films, resulting in tetragonalities of up to −0.04. Scanning transmission electron microscopy observation combined with fast Fourier transform analysis revealed that the lattice distortion monotonically relaxed with the increasing film thickness. Unlike the CFO(001) films on MgO(001) substrates, a magnetically enhanced layer exists at the interface between CFO and MAO. A large negative uniaxial MA energy of −5.9 MJ/m3 was confirmed for the thinnest film of 12.9 nm at 300 K by magneto-torque measurements. The induced uniaxial anisotropy decreased with the increasing film thickness owing to misfit relaxation. The magneto-elastic (ME) constant, which was determined by a fitting line for films with different thicknesses and therefore different tetragonalities, was 0.15±0.01 GJ/m3. This result is consistent with the value of 0.14 GJ/m3 for the bulk and suggests that the framework of the phenomenological ME theory for CFO is valid for a wide range of tetragonalities, at least up to −0.04. Our results also indicate that the misfit engineering of CFO thin films has great potential in inducing enhanced uniaxial MA.
Theoretical optimization of the working properties of spatial thermoradiative cells using the Carnot efficiency
Authors: Fernández J. J.
Published: March 2019

We develop an endoreversible scheme for thermoradiative cells where the thermodynamic variables are functionals of the Carnot efficiency of the reversible part of the model. The new description enlarges previous embodiments since it includes new thermodynamic properties (total entropy and ecological function) that depend on the temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs assisting the conversion. The new model is used to find optimal working conditions of spatial thermoradiative cells where the converter gets the heat from the radiative emission of Earth and rejects energy to colder space. Our calculations show that optimal working points can be found using the total entropy or the ecological function. In the last part of the paper, we compare our results with those found in previous works using models that do not consider the entropy losses.
Exact results for sheared polar active suspensions with variable liquid crystalline order
Authors: Loisy Aurore , Thompson Anthony P. , Eggers Jens , Liverpool Tanniemola B.
Published: March 2019

We consider a confined sheared active polar liquid crystal with a uniform orientation and study the effect of variations in the magnitude of polarization. Restricting our analysis to one-dimensional geometries, we demonstrate that with asymmetric boundary conditions, this system is characterized, macroscopically, by a linear shear stress vs. shear strain relationship that does not pass through the origin: At a zero strain rate, the fluid sustains a non-zero stress. Analytic solutions for the polarization, density, and velocity fields are derived for asymptotically large or small systems and are shown by comparison with precise numerical solutions to be good approximations for finite-size systems.
Electron spin dynamics in mesoscopic GaN nanowires
Authors: Buß J. H. , Fernández-Garrido S. , Brandt O. , Hägele D. , Rudolph J.
Published: March 2019

The electron spin dynamics in spontaneously formed GaN nanowires (NWs) on Si(111) is investigated by time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr-rotation spectroscopy for temperatures from 15 to 260 K. A strong increase in the electron spin relaxation time by more than an order of magnitude is found as compared to bulk GaN. The temperature dependence of spin relaxation is characterized by two regimes, which are explained by a model taking into account the coexistence of two different mechanisms. As a result, the spin lifetime is limited by hyperfine interaction of localized electron spins with nuclear spins at low temperatures. The mesoscopic electron confinement in the NWs leads to a dominance of Dyakonov-Perel spin relaxation driven by interface-induced contributions at high temperatures, resulting in a slow-down, but not complete suppression of spin relaxation as compared to bulk GaN. These findings underline the important role of the high surface-to-volume ratio in NWs.
High-resolution, background-free spectroscopy of shallow-impurity transitions in semiconductors with a terahertz photomixer source
Authors: Wienold M. , Pavlov S. G. , Abrosimov N. V. , Hübers H.-W.
Published: March 2019

We report on a method which enables background-free spectroscopy of the narrow absorption lines of shallow impurity transitions in low-doped and high-purity semiconductors, providing a much better spectral resolution than standard Fourier-transform spectrometers. To achieve this, we combined high-resolution continuous-wave terahertz spectroscopy based on a photomixer system with a bandgap excitation scheme for varying the concentration of neutral impurities. For the minority doping species, the lifetime of the excited states can be directly inferred from such a measurement by analyzing the line shape with respect to the width of the lifetime-related Lorentzian contribution. For a germanium sample with residual impurity concentrations of the order 1012 cm−3, we obtained lifetime values of 110 and 130 ps for the 2Γ8− excited state of the acceptors B and Al, respectively. The method complements time-domain pump-probe measurements for moderately and highly doped samples.
Boundary integral simulations of a red blood cell squeezing through a submicron slit under prescribed inlet and outlet pressures
Authors: Lu Huijie , Peng Zhangli
Published: March 2019

We developed a boundary integral formulation to simulate a red blood cell (RBC) squeezing through a submicron slit under prescribed inlet and outlet pressures. The main application of this computational study is to investigate splenic filtrations of RBCs and the corresponding in vitro mimicking microfluidic devices, during which RBCs regularly pass through inter-endothelial slits with a width less than 1.0 µm. The diseased and old RBCs are damaged or destroyed in this mechanical filtration process. We first derived the boundary integral equations of a RBC immersed in a confined domain with prescribed inlet and outlet pressures. We applied a unified self-adaptive quadrature to accurately evaluate singular and nearly singular integrals, which are especially important in this fluid-structure interaction problem with strong lubrication. A multiscale model is applied to calculate forces from the RBC membrane, and it is coupled to boundary integral equations to simulate the fluid-structure interaction. After multi-step verifications and validations against analytical and experimental results, we systematically investigated the effects of pressure drop, volume-to-surface-area ratio, internal viscosity, and membrane stiffness on RBC deformation and internal stress. We found that spectrins of RBCs could be stretched by more than 2.5 times under high hydrodynamic pressure and that the bilayer tension could be more than 500 pN/μm, which might be large enough to open mechanosensitive channels but too small to rupture the bilayer. On the other hand, we found that the bilayer-cytoskeletal dissociation stress is too low to induce bilayer vesiculation.
Bull's eye grating integrated with optical nanoantennas for plasmonic enhancement of graphene long-wave infrared photodetectors
Authors: Sefidmooye Azar Nima , Shrestha Vivek Raj , Crozier Kenneth B.
Published: March 2019

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have exhibited potential for infrared detection at room temperature, yet their low light absorption impedes their widespread application. In addition, micromechanical cleavage, which is the main method by which high-quality 2D layers are achieved, typically leads to small-area flakes, hampering their application as photodetectors. In this work, we designed a hybrid plasmonic structure, comprising a metallic bull's eye grating and optical nanoantennas, to collect and concentrate light into a piece of single-layer graphene with sub-wavelength lateral extent. This boosts the interaction between the graphene and light, thereby improving its photodetection performance in the technologically important long-wave infrared (LWIR) region. Finite-difference time-domain electromagnetic simulations were performed to this end. The plasmonic structure we present is predicted to enhance the absorption of light by the graphene by ∼558 times, which in turn is predicted to enhance the detectivity of the LWIR photodetector by ∼32 times.
Macrotextures-induced jumping relay of condensate droplets
Authors: Cheng Yaqi , Du Bingang , Wang Kai , Chen Yansong , Lan Zhong , Wang Zuankai , Ma Xuehu
Published: March 2019

Self-propelled droplet jumping plays a crucial role in numerous applications such as condensation heat transfer, self-cleaning, and water harvesting. Compared to individual droplet jumping, the coalescence-induced droplet jumping in a domino manner has attracted more attention due to its potential for the high performance of droplet mobility and heat transfer. However, there is an apparent gap in the current literature regarding the demonstration of the advantage of this preferred droplet transport in a well-controlled way. In this study, we report the attainment of droplet jumping relay by designing a nanosheet-covered superhydrophobic surface with V-shaped macrogrooves (Groove-SHS). We find that the macrogroove arrays can significantly modify the droplet dynamics in the presence of a non-condensable gas (NCG) by coupling rapid droplet growth and efficient droplet removal by jumping relay. The condensate droplets formed through the NCG diffusion layer on top of the cones and between the grooves serve as more efficient conduits for heat transfer. The droplets with higher mobility formed on the bottom of the grooves can undergo a series of coalescence which results in the preferred droplet jumping relay. Such a droplet jumping relay can induce a considerable vibration for triggering the removal of droplets on top of the cones. The condensation performance of the Groove-SHS is increased by 60% compared to that of the flat superhydrophobic surface due to the synergistic effect of rapid droplet growth and efficient droplet removal facilitated by the integration of the droplet jumping relay. The mechanisms revealed in this work pave the way for dropwise condensation enhancement.
Phase diagram of two-dimensional colloids with Yukawa repulsion and dipolar attraction
Authors: Kryuchkov Nikita P. , Smallenburg Frank , Ivlev Alexei V. , Yurchenko Stanislav O. , Löwen Hartmut
Published: March 2019

We study the phase diagram of a two-dimensional (2D) system of colloidal particles, interacting via an isotropic potential with a short-ranged Yukawa repulsion and a long-ranged dipolar attraction. Such interactions in 2D colloidal suspensions can be induced by rapidly rotating in-plane magnetic (or electric) fields. Using computer simulations and liquid integral equation theory, we calculate the bulk phase diagram, which contains gas, crystalline, liquid, and supercritical fluid phases. The densities at the critical and triple points in the phase diagram are governed by the softness of Yukawa repulsion and can therefore be largely tuned. We observe that the liquid-gas binodals exhibit universal behavior when the effective temperature (given by the inverse magnitude of the dipolar attractions) is normalized by its value at the critical point and the density is normalized by the squared Barker-Henderson diameter. The results can be verified in particle-resolved experiments with colloidal suspensions.
Bifunctional mechanism of N, P co-doped graphene for catalyzing oxygen reduction and evolution reactions
Authors: Xue Xiong-Xiong , Tang Li-Ming , Chen Keqiu , Zhang Lixin , Wang En-ge , Feng Yexin
Published: March 2019

The development of bifunctional catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is highly desirable for fuel cells and rechargeable metal–air batteries. Till now, it is still challenging to achieve both efficient activities on a single commercial noble-metal catalyst. Recently, N, P co-doped graphene has shown good bifunctional evidence. However, the atomic-scale understanding of the bifunctional mechanism is still lacking. Here, we show that the N and P atoms prefer to bond with each other, forming embedded N-P clusters in graphene. The catalytic performances of the N-P clusters are sensitive to their geometries, especially the N:P ratios. The N:P ratio of ∼2 is optimal for OER, while ∼3 is optimal for ORR. Through evaluating the ORR/OER potential gaps, we found that the N-P cluster designated as NC2PC1 shows both the high performances of ORR and OER, responsible for the unique bifunctionality in the N, P co-doped graphene.
Global well-posedness and large-time behavior of classical solutions to the 3D Navier-Stokes system with changed viscosities
Authors: Guo Zhenhua , Song Wenjing
Published: March 2019

We establish the global existence of classical solutions to the Cauchy problem for the Navier-Stokes equations with viscosities depending on density in three spatial dimensions with smooth initial data which are of small energy but possibly large oscillations with constant state. Moreover, we obtain some large-time behavior and decay rate estimates of the solutions.
Constraining preheat energy deposition in MagLIF experiments with multi-frame shadowgraphy
Authors: Harvey-Thompson A. J. , Geissel M. , Jennings C. A. , Weis M. R. , Gomez M. R. , Fein J. R. , Ampleford D. J. , Chandler G. A. , Glinsky M. E. , Hahn K. D. , Hansen S. B. , Harding E. C. , Knapp P. F. , Paguio R. R. , Perea L. , Peterson K. J. , Porter J. L. , Rambo P. K. , Robertson G. K. , Rochau G. A. , Ruiz C. L. , Schwarz J. , Shores J. E. , Sinars D. B. , Slutz S. A. , Smith G. E. , Smith I. C. , Speas C. S. , Whittemore K. , Woodbury D.
Published: March 2019

A multi-frame shadowgraphy diagnostic has been developed and applied to laser preheat experiments relevant to the Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF) concept. The diagnostic views the plasma created by laser preheat in MagLIF-relevant gas cells immediately after the laser deposits energy as well as the resulting blast wave evolution later in time. The expansion of the blast wave is modeled with 1D radiation-hydrodynamic simulations that relate the boundary of the blast wave at a given time to the energy deposited into the fuel. This technique is applied to four different preheat protocols that have been used in integrated MagLIF experiments to infer the amount of energy deposited by the laser into the fuel. The results of the integrated MagLIF experiments are compared with those of two-dimensional LASNEX simulations. The best performing shots returned neutron yields ∼40–55% of the simulated predictions for three different preheat protocols.
Linear and nonlinear shear studies reveal supramolecular responses in supercooled monohydroxy alcohols with faint dielectric signatures
Authors: Bierwirth S. Peter , Honorio Gabriel , Gainaru Catalin , Böhmer Roland
Published: March 2019

Monohydroxy alcohols (MAs) with methyl and hydroxyl side groups attached to the same carbon atom in the alkyl backbone can display very weak structural and supramolecular dielectric relaxation processes when probed in the regime of small electrical fields. This can render their separation and assignment difficult in the pure liquids. When mixing with bromoalkanes, a faint Debye-like process can be resolved dielectrically for 4-methyl-4-heptanol. To achieve a separation of structural and supramolecular processes in pure 4-methyl-4-heptanol and 3-methyl-3-heptanol, mechanical experiments are carried out in the linear-response regime as well as using medium-angle oscillatory shear amplitudes. It is demonstrated that first-order and third-order nonlinear mechanical effects allow for a clear identification of supramolecular viscoelastic modes even for alcohols in which they leave only a weak signature in the linear-response shear modulus. Additionally, the nonlinear rheological behavior of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol is studied, revealing that its linearly detected terminal mode does not coincide with that revealed beyond the linear-response regime. This finding contrasts with those for the other MAs studied in this work.
Investigation on pulse-shortening of S-band, long pulse, four-cavity, high power relativistic klystron amplifier
Authors: Huang Hua , Chen Zhaofu , Li Shifeng , He Hu , Yuan Huan , Liu Zhenbang , Lei Lurong
Published: March 2019

In order to improve the power and gain of a long-pulse relativistic klystron amplifier (RKA), the simulation and experimental studies of an S-band RKA driven by long pulse intense relativistic electron beams (IREBs) were carried out. We investigated the phenomena of self-excitation and pulse shortening, their roots, and the suppression measures in the process of IREB modulation and microwave extraction. The research results show that the reflection of electrons and the transmission of high order modes in the drifting tube, which are excited at the output cavity, are the main origins of the output microwave pulse-shortening. By employing cavities with different working modes, adding a graphite ring in the drifting tube as a microwave absorber and an electron blocker, the problem of self-excitation and pulse shortening is significantly mitigated. The output microwave with a peak power of 1.73 GW and a pulse width of 110 ns was obtained from the four-cavity RKA driven by an annular beam of voltage 850 kV, current 7.6 kA, and pulse width 190 ns; the gain is 51 dB; and the phase jitter range is about ±20°.
Anomalous reflection and vortex beam generation by multi-bit coding acoustic metasurfaces
Authors: Zhang Ya , Xie Boyang , Liu Wenwei , Cheng Hua , Chen Shuqi , Tian Jianguo
Published: March 2019

Coding metasurfaces can combine simple logical bits to acquire sophisticated functions in wave control. Recently, coding metasurfaces have been demonstrated to take flexible control of the acoustic wave and realize intriguing functionalities such as wave branching, Fresnel lens, and asymmetric transmission. However, the previous design contains only two coding units, and thus, the resultant functions are relatively limited. Here, we propose the multi-bit coding acoustic metasurfaces to manipulate the reflection of acoustic waves. Theoretical predictions and experimental results are given to demonstrate the functions of wave branching and acoustic directionally propagating. We further perform digital convolution operations on the 3-bit coding metasurfaces and realize the generation and manipulation of an acoustic vortex beam. The presented design provides a flexible way for manipulating reflected acoustic waves and may find applications in construction engineering and particle trapping.
Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy of Criegee intermediates: The conformational behaviour of butyraldehyde oxide
Authors: Cabezas Carlos , Guillemin Jean-Claude , Endo Yasuki
Published: March 2019

Four conformers of the n-propyl-substituted Criegee intermediate, CH3CH2CH2CHOO, also named n-butyraldehyde oxide, have been observed by Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. The transient species was produced using a pulsed electric discharge of a gas mixture of 1,1-diiodobutane/O2 diluted in Ar or Ne. The observation of only syn species is in contrast to the results of other previous studies of alkyl-substituted Criegee intermediates, in particular, those for the structural isomers, isobutyraldehyde oxide ((CH3)2CHCHOO), and methyl-ethyl-ketone oxide (C2H5C(CH3)OO), for which syn and anti species have been observed coexisting in the gas phase.
Piezoelectrically actuated vibrating flexible differential capacitances for electrostatic detection
Authors: Shen Xinyi , Song Siyu , Xin Xudong , Yu Zejun , Yang Jikun , Yuan Xiaoting , Gao Xiangyu , Yu Xiangqian , Chen Hongfei , Dong Shuxiang
Published: March 2019

Space exploration requires reliable measurements of space-radiation induced charge or its electric potential in a wide range in a satellite. Here, we report one pair of 3D printed soft multilayer differential capacitors, which are piezoelectrically actuated in vibration to convert the input static DC charge (high electric potential) into a measurable small dynamic AC output signal through charging and discharging between two differential capacitors. The fabricated prototype features linear responses to a high potential change and also high reliability. Moreover, the method proposed in this work is promising to achieve rapid manufacturing of functional devices in batch processing.
The mRNA and lncRNA landscape of the non-pregnant endometrium during the oestrus cycle in dairy goat
Authors: Liu Xiaorui , Zhang Lei , Cui Jiuzeng , Che Sicheng , Liu Yuexia , Zhang Yue , Cao Binyun , Song Yuxuan
Published: March 2019

Cyclic changes in the endometrium are essential for embryo implantation in mammals; many studies report that such changes constitute a complex process involving numerous molecular mediators. In the present study, goat endometria at oestrus Day 5 and oestrus Day 15 were selected to systematically analyse the transcriptome using strand-specific Ribo-Zero RNA sequencing. Over 120 million high-quality paired-end reads were generated and 440400 transcripts were identified in the endometrial tissue of dairy goats. In total, 489 differentially expressed mRNAs and 854 differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs were identified when comparing the endometrium at goat endometria at oestrus Day 5 and oestrus Day 15. Neurotensin was found to play a potentially important role in the non-pregnant goat endometrium during the oestrus cycle. Furthermore, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses of the cis-target genes of the differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs showed that GO:0005198 (structural molecule activity) and ko04510 (focal adhesion) might be involved in cyclic endometrial changes. Taken together, the resulting transcriptomic profiles elucidate global trends in mRNA and lncRNA expression in non-pregnant endometria during the oestrus cycle in dairy goats.
Interplay between differentially expressed enzymes contributes to light color acclimation in marine
Synechococcus
Authors: Sanfilippo Joseph E. , Nguyen Adam A. , Garczarek Laurence , Karty Jonathan A. , Pokhrel Suman , Strnat Johann A. , Partensky Frédéric , Schluchter Wendy M. , Kehoe David M.
Published: March 2019

Significance

Marine phytoplankton are responsible for nearly half of the primary productivity on Earth, and the picocyanobacterium
Synechococcus
contributes up to 16% of this total.
Synechococcus
strains optimize their fitness by using different chromophores for photosynthetic light-harvesting in different light color niches. Many
Synechococcus
strains use chromatic acclimation to adjust chromophore composition to ambient blue to green light ratios. We determined that interplay between two chromophore attachment enzymes, MpeY and MpeZ, plays a role in chromatic acclimation at the level of gene expression. The unique ability of these two enzymes to attach different chromophores to the same residue makes them potentially useful for differential labeling of that residue for fluorescence-imaging technologies.
A cell type-selective apoptosis-inducing small molecule for the treatment of brain cancer
Authors: Lucki Natasha C. , Villa Genaro R. , Vergani Naja , Bollong Michael J. , Beyer Brittney A. , Lee Jae Wook , Anglin Justin L. , Spangenberg Stephan H. , Chin Emily N. , Sharma Amandeep , Johnson Kevin , Sander Philipp N. , Gordon Perry , Skirboll Stephen L. , Wurdak Heiko , Schultz Peter G. , Mischel Paul S. , Lairson Luke L.
Published: March 2019

Significance

We have completed a screen of ∼10
6
small molecules to identify compounds that induce cell death in multipotent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cancer stem cells (CSCs). This resulted in the identification of a hit class (RIPGBM) that was found to induce apoptosis in GBM CSCs in a cell type-selective manner. Metabolite profiling experiments led to the identification of a proapoptotic derivative of RIPGBM (cRIPGBM), which was found to be selectively formed in GBM CSCs. Mechanistic studies revealed that cRIPGBM induces apoptosis by binding to receptor-interacting protein kinase 2 (RIPK2) in a mode that results in the formation of a proapoptotic RIPK2/caspase 1 complex. In a physiologically relevant orthotopic intracranial GBM CSC tumor xenograft mouse model, RIPGBM was found to significantly inhibit in vivo tumor formation.
Voltage-induced long-range coherent electron transfer through organic molecules
Authors: Michaeli Karen , Beratan David N. , Waldeck David H. , Naaman Ron
Published: March 2019

Significance

Charge transfer through organic molecules is extensively studied theoretically and experimentally owing to its importance in basic biological processes. Long-distance electron transport through such molecules, which are typically insulating, is commonly attributed to thermally activated hopping. We introduce an additional mechanism that supports electron transfer across appreciable distances, even at zero temperature. It originates from the electric potential that is either internally created or externally applied before charge flows. The electronic wavefunctions are dramatically changed by this potential, allowing them to efficiently mediate current. This mechanism can explain recent experiments where electron transfer shows only a weak temperature dependence. Our result is an important contribution to the long-standing challenge of developing a comprehensive theory for charge transfer through organic molecules.
Bound-State Soliton Solutions of the Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation and Their Asymmetric Decompositions*
Authors: Zhang Yong-Shuai , He Jing-Song
Published: March 2019

We study the asymmetric decompositions of bound-state (BS) soliton solutions to the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Assuming that the BS solitons are split into multiple solitons with different displacements, we obtain more accurate decompositions compared to the symmetric decompositions. Through graphical techniques, the asymmetric decompositions are shown to overlap very well with the real trajectories of the BS soliton solutions.
The Recappables: Exploring a Feminist Approach to Criticism
Authors: Petruska Karen
Published: March 2019

This article argues that television recaps are a unique critical genre that provide uncommon attention to women-targeted content. As an episodic form of critical engagement, recaps provide new opportunities for emerging female writers and writers of color to comment upon television’s representational challenges and successes. As women-targeted media gains new traction in the marketplace, recaps can not only be an important vehicle for needed commentary about undervalued content, but they also may serve as a marker of the value of these programs for a historically underserved audience. Featuring interviews with five recappers and two editors from major entertainment-focused publications including The AV Club, Vulture, Vox, Hello Beautiful, Go Fug Yourself and Buzzfeed, this article explores the recap as a distinct genre with feminist potential to elevate new voices, to disrupt traditional taste hierarchies, and to embrace pleasure as a measure of quality.
Evolution of Brain Connections: Integrating Diffusion MR Tractography With Gene Expression Highlights Increased Corticocortical Projections in Primates
Authors: Charvet Christine J , Palani Arthi , Kabaria Priya , Takahashi Emi
Published: March 2019

Diffusion MR tractography permits investigating the 3D structure of cortical pathways as interwoven paths across the entire brain. We use high-resolution scans from diffusion spectrum imaging and high angular resolution diffusion imaging to investigate the evolution of cortical pathways within the euarchontoglire (i.e., primates, rodents) lineage. More specifically, we compare cortical fiber pathways between macaques (Macaca mulatta), marmosets (Callithrix jachus), and rodents (mice, Mus musculus). We integrate these observations with comparative analyses of Neurofilament heavy polypeptide (NEFH) expression across the cortex of mice and primates. We chose these species because their phylogenetic position serves to trace the early evolutionary history of the human brain. Our comparative analysis from diffusion MR tractography, cortical white matter scaling, and NEFH expression demonstrates that the examined primates deviate from mice in possessing increased long-range cross-cortical projections, many of which course across the anterior to posterior axis of the cortex. Our study shows that integrating gene expression data with diffusion MR data is an effective approach in identifying variation in connectivity patterns between species. The expansion of corticocortical pathways and increased anterior to posterior cortical integration can be traced back to an extension of neurogenetic schedules during development in primates.
Emergency Department Visits due to Scabies in the United States: A Retrospective Analysis of a Nationally Representative Emergency Department Sample
Authors: Tripathi Raghav , Knusel Konrad D , Ezaldein Harib H , Bordeaux Jeremy S , Scott Jeffrey F
Published: March 2019

Background

Limited information exists regarding the burden of emergency department (ED) visits due to scabies in the United States. The goal of this study was to provide population-level estimates regarding scabies visits to American EDs.

Methods

This study was a retrospective analysis of the nationally representative National Emergency Department Sample from 2013 to 2015. Outcomes included adjusted odds for scabies ED visits, adjusted odds for inpatient admission due to scabies in the ED scabies population, predictors for cost of care, and seasonal/regional variation in cost and prevalence of scabies ED visits.

Results

Our patient population included 416 017 218 ED visits from 2013 to 2015, of which 356 267 were due to scabies (prevalence = 85.7 per 100 000 ED visits). The average annual expenditure for scabies ED visits was $67 125 780.36. The average cost of care for a scabies ED visit was $750.91 (±17.41). Patients visiting the ED for scabies were most likely to be male children from lower income quartiles and were most likely to present to the ED on weekdays in the fall, controlling for all other factors. Scabies ED patients that were male, older, insured by Medicare, from the highest income quartile, and from the Midwest/West were most likely to be admitted as inpatients. Older, higher income, Medicare patients in large Northeastern metropolitan cities had the greatest cost of care.

Conclusion

This study provides comprehensive nationally representative estimates of the burden of scabies ED visits on the American healthcare system. These findings are important for developing targeted interventions to decrease the incidence and burden of scabies in American EDs.
The continuous heart failure spectrum: moving beyond an ejection fraction classification
Authors: Triposkiadis Filippos , Butler Javed , Abboud Francois M , Armstrong Paul W , Adamopoulos Stamatis , Atherton John J , Backs Johannes , Bauersachs Johann , Burkhoff Daniel , Bonow Robert O , Chopra Vijay K , de Boer Rudolf A , de Windt Leon , Hamdani Nazha , Hasenfuss Gerd , Heymans Stephane , Hulot Jean-Sébastien , Konstam Marvin , Lee Richard T , Linke Wolfgang A , Lunde Ida G , Lyon Alexander R , Maack Christoph , Mann Douglas L , Mebazaa Alexandre , Mentz Robert J , Nihoyannopoulos Petros , Papp Zoltan , Parissis John , Pedrazzini Thierry , Rosano Giuseppe , Rouleau Jean , Seferovic Petar M , Shah Ajay M , Starling Randall C , Tocchetti Carlo G , Trochu Jean-Noel , Thum Thomas , Zannad Faiez , Brutsaert Dirk L , Segers Vincent F , De Keulenaer Gilles W
Published: March 2019

Randomized clinical trials initially used heart failure (HF) patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to select study populations with high risk to enhance statistical power. However, this use of LVEF in clinical trials has led to oversimplification of the scientific view of a complex syndrome. Descriptive terms such as ‘HFrEF’ (HF with reduced LVEF), ‘HFpEF’ (HF with preserved LVEF), and more recently ‘HFmrEF’ (HF with mid-range LVEF), assigned on arbitrary LVEF cut-off points, have gradually arisen as separate diseases, implying distinct pathophysiologies. In this article, based on pathophysiological reasoning, we challenge the paradigm of classifying HF according to LVEF. Instead, we propose that HF is a heterogeneous syndrome in which disease progression is associated with a dynamic evolution of functional and structural changes leading to unique disease trajectories creating a spectrum of phenotypes with overlapping and distinct characteristics. Moreover, we argue that by recognizing the spectral nature of the disease a novel stratification will arise from new technologies and scientific insights that will shape the design of future trials based on deeper understanding beyond the LVEF construct alone.
Effects of changes in living environment on physical health: a prospective German cohort study of non-movers
Authors: Aretz Benjamin , Doblhammer Gabriele , Janssen Fanny
Published: March 2019

Background

Longitudinal studies on associations between changes in living environment and health are few and focus on movers. Next to causal effects, differences in health can, however, result due to residential mobility. The present study explored changes in living environment related to (changes in) physical health among non-movers. Causality was reinforced by a novel study design.

Methods

We obtained longitudinal data on both living environment and physical health covering 4601 non-movers aged 18+ with 16 076 health observations from the German Socio-Economic Panel between 1999 and 2014. Changing and stable perceived living environment from three domains (infrastructure, environmental pollution, housing conditions) were included at household level. We performed linear regressions with robust standard errors and generalized estimating equations to predict the physical component summary (PCS) at baseline and changes in PCS over time.

Results

Stable moderate and worst as well as worsened environmental pollution and infrastructure were associated with worse PCS at baseline, as were stable poor and worsened housing conditions. Stable worst infrastructure was associated with negative changes in PCS for both sexes. Men’s changes in PCS were more affected by worsened environmental pollution than women’s.

Conclusion

A suboptimal living environment has short- and long-term negative effects on physical health. Because even short-term changes in the living environment have an immediate influence on an individual’s health status and health trajectories, public attention to living environment is essential to fight existing health inequalities.
Impact of risk factors and surgical techniques in coronary endarterectomy: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Chuan , Chen Jun , Gu Chengxiong , Qiao Ruiguo , Li Jingxing
Published: March 2019

The goal of this network meta-analysis was to compare the early mortality rate of patients who underwent coronary endarterectomy (CE) combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with different techniques and with isolated CABG. This analysis also evaluated potential risk factors in patients who undergo CE. Eighteen studies were included, covering 21 752 different patients, among whom 3352 underwent CE + CABG with either open or closed techniques and 18 400 underwent isolated CABG. Patients who had CE + CABG had a statistically significant higher mortality rate [odds ratio (OR) 1.76; P < 0.001]. Subgroup analyses showed that, with closed CE, mortality was 52% (OR 1.52, P = 0.001) more likely to occur, whereas with open CE, mortality was 279% (OR 3.79, P < 0.001) more likely to occur, when both were compared with isolated CABG. A network meta-analysis indicated that both the open and closed methods had poorer results than CABG alone and that the open method had a higher risk of mortality than the closed one. For risk factors, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, prior myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease and renal failure were significant contributors to inclusion in the CE group, whereas other risk factors showed no significant difference. However, none of these factors indicated significant correlations with the incidence of mortality between the groups. CE + CABG has a significantly higher risk of death than isolated CABG, and open CE is more risky than closed CE, even though most of the individual studies did not show that CE had a higher risk of mortality. Moreover, DM, hypertension, prior myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease and renal failure were more common in the patients who had CE + CABG, but these factors may not necessarily increase the mortality risk of patients who have CE.