bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of calpain-dependent degradation of STK38 by MEKK2-mediated phosphorylation
Authors: Enomoto Atsushi , Fukasawa Takemichi , Tsumoto Hiroki , Karube Masataka , Nakagawa Keiichi , Yoshizaki Ayumi , Sato Shinichi , Miura Yuri , Miyagawa Kiyoshi
Published: November 2019

Serine-threonine kinase 38 (STK38) is a member of the protein kinase A (PKA)/PKG/PKC-family implicated in the regulation of cell division and morphogenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying STK38 stability remain largely unknown. Here, we show that treatment of cells with either heat or the calcium ionophore A23187 induced STK38 degradation. The calpain inhibitor calpeptin suppressed hyperthermia-induced degradation or the appearance of A23187-induced cleaved form of STK38. An in vitro cleavage assay was then used to demonstrate that calpain I directly cleaves STK38 at the proximal N-terminal region. Deletion of the N-terminal region of STK38 increased its stability against hyperthermia. We further demonstrated that the MAPKK kinase (MAP3K) MEKK2 prevented both heat- and calpain-induced cleavage of STK38. MEKK2 knockdown enhanced hyperthermia-induced degradation of STK38. We performed an in vitro MEKK2 assay and identified the key regulatory site in STK38 phosphorylated by MEKK2. Experiments with a phosphorylation-defective mutant demonstrated that phosphorylation of Ser 91 is important for STK38 stability, as the enzyme is susceptible to degradation by the calpain pathway unless this residue is phosphorylated. In summary, we demonstrated that STK38 is a calpain substrate and revealed a novel role of MEKK2 in the process of STK38 degradation by calpain.
Bisphenol S and Bisphenol A disrupt morphogenesis of MCF-12A human mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Atlas Ella , Dimitrova Valeria
Published: November 2019

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in women worldwide. Genetic predisposition, such as breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) mutations, account for a minor percentage of the total breast cancer incidences. And thus, many life style factors have also been linked to the disease such as smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity. Emerging studies show that environmental pollutants may also play a role. Bisphenol-A (BPA) has been suspected to contribute to breast cancer development, and has been shown to affect mammary gland development amongst other effects. This prompted its replacement with other bisphenol analogs such as, bisphenol-S (BPS). In this study we used the human mammary epithelial cells, MCF-12A, grown in extracellular matrix to investigate the ability of BPA and BPS to disrupt mammary epithelial cells organization. We show that both BPA and BPS were equipotent in disrupting the organization of the acinar structures, despite BPS being less oestrogenic by other assays. Further, treatment with both compounds enabled the cells to invade the lumen of the structures. This study shows that BPS and BPA are environmental pollutants that may affect mammary development and may contribute to the development of breast cancer.
Assessment of the optimal cutoff value of fasting plasma glucose to establish diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus in Chinese women
Authors: Yan Bing , Yu Ya-xin , Chen Yin-ling , Su Wei-juan , Huang Yin-xiang , Zhang Mu-lin , Huang Bing-kun , Han Li-li , Song Hai-qu , Li Xue-jun
Published: November 2019

Our aim is to assess the optimal cutoff value of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in Chinese women at 24–28 weeks’ gestation by performing oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to improve diagnostic rate of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Data were derived from the Medical Birth Registry of Xiamen. A FPG cutoff value of 5.1 mmol/L confirmed the diagnosis of GDM in 4,794 (6.10%) pregnant women. However, a FPG cutoff value of 4.5 mmol/L should rule out the diagnosis of GDM in 35,932 (45.73%) pregnant women. If we use this cutoff value, the diagnosis of GDM to about 27.3% of pregnant women will be missed. Additionally, a 75-g OGTT was performed in pregnant women with FPG values between 4.5 and 5.1 mmol/L, avoiding the performance of formal 75-g OGTT in about 50.37% pregnant women. Meanwhile, according to maternal age and pre-pregnancy BMI categories, with FPG values between 4.5 mmol/L and 5.1 mmol/L, which had high sensitivity, to improve the diagnostic rate of GDM in all groups. Further researches are needed to present stronger evidences for the screening value of FPG in establishing the diagnosis of GDM in pregnant women.
DISCOVER: A facile structure-based screening method for vinyl compound producing microbes
Authors: Aso Yuji , Sano Mei , Kuroda Hikari , Ohara Hitomi , Ando Hiroshi , Matsumoto Keiji
Published: November 2019

Here we report a novel structure-based microbial screening method for vinyl compound discovery, DISCOVER (direct screening method based on coupling reactions for vinyl compound producers). Through a two-step screening procedure based on selective coupling reactions of terminal alkenes, the thiol-ene reaction (1st step of screening) and Mizoroki-Heck reaction, followed by iodine test (2nd step of screening), microbes producing vinyl compounds like itaconic acid (IA) can be isolated from soil samples. In the 1st step of screening, soil sources are plated on agar medium supplemented with an antimicrobial agent, α-thioglycerol (TG), and a radical initiator, VA-044 (VA). In the 2nd step of screening, vinyl compounds produced in the cultures are labelled with iodobenzene via the Mizoroki-Heck reaction, followed by an iodine test, leading to the detection and characterisation of labelled products. We evaluated the validity of DISCOVER using IA and its producer Aspergillus terreus. Experimental data supported our hypothesis that IA reacts with TG in the medium via the thiol-ene reaction and consequently, A. terreus rapidly forms colonies on the agar medium because of the loss of the antimicrobial activity of TG. Using DISCOVER, high throughput and selective isolation of A. terreus strains producing IA was possible from soils.
Comparison study between mesoporous silica nanoscale microsphere and active carbon used as the matrix of shape-stabilized phase change material
Authors: Zhang Zijun , Wang Jingxing , Tang Xi , Liu Yi , Han Zhi , Chen Yan
Published: November 2019

Mesoporous silica nanoscale microsphere (MSNM), with a special morphology, high porosity, large pore volume and specific surface area, was successfully prepared and used as the matrix material of lauric acid (LA) to prepare a favorable shape-stabilized phase change material (LA/MSNM). The porous network structure of MSNM is effective to prevent the leakage and enhance the thermal stability of LA/MSNM. For comparison, shape-stabilized phase change material of LA/AC, which contained commercially purchased active carbon (AC) and LA, was prepared by the same method. Characterizations of LA/MSNM and LA/AC, such as chemical properties, structure, thermal properties and crystallization properties were studied. The mechanisms of interaction between LA molecules and MSNM or AC were explicated. The results of TGA test showed that the LA/MSNM and LA/AC had superior thermal stability, and however, the melting and solidification enthalpies of LA/MSNM were much higher than that of LA/AC, which was attributed that the loading capacity of MSNM was better than that of LA/AC. All of the study results demonstrated that the mesoporous silica nanoscale microspheres of MSNM synthesized in this study possessed the potential for practical applications as a suitable supporter of organic phase change materials.
Adsorption characteristics of Pb(II) using biochar derived from spent mushroom substrate
Authors: Wu Qianlan , Xian Yang , He Zilin , Zhang Qi , Wu Jun , Yang Gang , Zhang Xiaohong , Qi Hui , Ma Jing , Xiao Yinlong , Long Lulu
Published: November 2019

As a multifunctional material, biochar is considered a potential adsorbent for removing heavy metals from wastewater. Most biochars with high adsorption capacities have been modified, but this modification is uneconomical, and modifying biochar may cause secondary pollution. Thus, it is necessary to develop an efficient biochar without modification. In this study, spent P. ostreatus substrate and spent shiitake substrate were used as the raw materials to prepare biochar. Then, the physicochemical properties of the biochars and their removal efficiencies for Pb(II) were investigated. The results showed that the physicochemical properties (e.g., large BET surface area, small pore structure and abundant functional groups) contributed to the large adsorption capacity for Pb(II); the maximum adsorption capacities were 326 mg g−1 (spent P. ostreatus substrate-derived biochar) and 398 mg g−1 (spent shiitake substrate-derived biochar), which are 1.6–10 times larger than those of other modified biochars. The Pb(II) adsorption data could be well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir model. This study provides a new method to comprehensively utilize spent mushroom substrates for the sustainable development of the edible mushroom industry.
Host–Guest Chemistry of the Cucurbituril Family
Authors: Li Shengke , Macartney Donal H. , Wang Ruibing
Published: November 2019

Chapter 3 describes the supramolecular host–guest chemistry of unmodified cucurbit[n]urils (single-cavity CB[n], n=5–8, 10, and twisted tCB[n], n=13–15). The ranges of host–guest complexes formed with the single-cavity and twisted CB[n] hosts are surveyed, and their applications, notably in the field of drug and biomolecule recognition, are described. With inner cavity volumes ranging from 68 to 691 Å3, the single-cavity CB[n] hosts exhibit unique selectivity for differently sized guest molecules and ions: the CB[5] can bind small gas molecules, CB[6] binds aliphatic chains, CB[7] can include aromatic and polycyclic guests, CB[8] allows for the binding of two complementary guests, while CB[10] can bind other small host molecules, as well as transition metal complexes. The host–guest complexation is driven primarily by the hydrophobic effect in terms of the release of high-energy waters from the cavity upon guest inclusion, along with favorable ion–dipole interactions between the polar portals and charged centers on cationic guests. The ultra-high stability constants (up to 1017 M−1) observed with certain dicationic guests and CB[7] result from optimal packing of the hydrophobic cavity with the guest core and the placement of an ammonium group adjacent to each portal.
Cucurbituril Properties and the Thermodynamic Basis of Host–Guest Binding
Authors: Assaf Khaleel I. , Nau Werner M.
Published: November 2019

Cucurbit[n]urils stand out among supramolecular macrocycles with respect to their recognition propensity towards cationic and neutral guests in aqueous solution. Their ability to complex guests with ultra-high affinity can be understood in terms of multiple non-covalent interactions and the hydrophobic effect, to which the release of high-energy water from the cavity contributes considerably. This chapter focuses on the structure and physical properties of CB[n], including the peculiarities of their cavity, and their host–guest complexation with charged and neutral guests.
Cucurbituril Complexes of Redox Active Guests
Authors: Kaifer Angel E.
Published: November 2019

This chapter focuses on non-covalent complexes formed by cucurbituril hosts with redox active guests, defined as molecules containing a residue capable of reversible electron transfer at accessible potentials. Primarily, we will be concerned with cobaltocenium, ferrocene and viologen derivatives as guests, and cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) as the hosts. In general terms, all the resulting complexes are quite stable, with binding affinities from micromolar to femtomolar levels. The elevated thermodynamic stability of these complexes makes it hard to develop redox switchable supramolecular systems based on these complexation phenomena, but we have designed and characterized several systems in which effective redox switching is possible, either on its own or coupled to proton transfer. Considerable attention will be paid to the complexation-induced changes in electrochemical potentials and kinetics in these supramolecular systems.
Machines, Switches and Delivery Devices Based on Cucurbit[6]uril and Bambus[6]uril
Authors: Reany O. , Keinan E.
Published: November 2019

This chapter highlights several useful characteristics and mechanical properties of CBs and bambusurils (BUs), which may offer interesting opportunities in the design and synthesis of machines, switches and cargo delivery devices. Three selected CB-based tools and applications are discussed: (a) molecular rotary motors that involve shuttling of CBs along polyaminated threads, CB-based high-speed rotary motors and exploration of new binding mechanisms; (b) sensory devices that detect and quantify specific analytes via single or multiple-binding events, as well as switch devices that comprise bistable rotaxanes; and (c) utilization of CBs for controlled cargo delivery and release, as well as the use of hetero-bambusurils for multiple anion binding, channeling and ion transport. One can easily predict that these fascinating families of host molecules will be applied in the foreseeable future in drug delivery, targeting and release, diagnostics and analytical chemistry, as well as new materials, including advanced macromolecules, functional nanocapsules, and innovative supramolecular architecture.
Supramolecular Latching System—Ultrastable and Controllable Synthetic Binding Pairs and Their Applications
Authors: Park Kyeng Min , Murray James , Kim Kimoon
Published: November 2019

In this chapter, ultrastable synthetic binding pairs between cucurbit[7]uril and its guests are introduced as a supramolecular latching system. The unique features of the synthetic binding pairs including their small size with exceptionally high binding affinity, bio-orthogonality in binding, chemical tractability, scalable synthesis, and robust chemical structures are highlighted with a brief summary of their applications. Other interesting unique features of this binding pair system are also introduced such as delicate control of host–guest binding affinities by treatment with stronger guest molecules on-demand and negligible interferences of the binding properties from endogenous biomolecules, enabling accurate and precise analysis of bioimaging and proteomics.
Hemicucurbiturils
Authors: Šindelář Vladimír , Lízal Tomáš
Published: November 2019

Hemicucurbiturils are macrocycles consisting of ethyleneurea building blocks linked by one row of methylene bridges. Hemicucurbiturils also include bambusurils and biotinurils as special examples of these macrocycles. In this chapter, the fundamental properties, synthesis, host–guest properties and applications of hemicucurbiturils are discussed with special attention to highlight the similarities and differences between different types of hemicucurbituril derivatives.
Photocytotoxic cancer cell-targeting platinum(ii) complexes of glucose-appended curcumin and biotinylated 1,10-phenanthroline
Authors: Upadhyay Aarti , Gautam Srishti , Ramu Vanitha , Kondaiah Paturu , Chakravarty Akhil R.
Published: November 2019

Mixed-ligand platinum(ii) complexes of curcumin and functionalized 1,10-phenanthroline bases showed targeted photocytotoxic activity in cancer cells with apoptotic cell death.
Modeling of stimuli-responsive nanoreactors: rational rate control towards the design of colloidal enzymes
Authors: Kanduč Matej , Kim Won Kyu , Roa Rafael , Dzubiella Joachim
Published: November 2019

Responsive polymer-based nanoreactors exhibit complex structure-property-function relationships which require multi-scale modeling and simulation approaches for optimal design and a further development towards 'colloidal enzymes'.
NCPHLDA: a novel method for human lncRNA–disease association prediction based on network consistency projection
Authors: Xie Guobo , Huang Zecheng , Liu Zhenguo , Lin Zhiyi , Ma Lei
Published: November 2019

In recent years, an increasing number of biological experiments and clinical reports have shown that lncRNA is closely related to the development of various complex human diseases.
High performance indium oxide nanoribbon FETs: mitigating devices signal variation from batch fabrication
Authors: Pham Thuy Thi Thanh , Tran Duy Phu , Thierry Benjamin
Published: November 2019

High performance indium oxide nanoribbon FETs: mitigating device-to-device signal variation in the subthreshold regime.
Electrochemical investigations of metal nanostructure growth with single crystals
Authors: Kim Myung Jun , Brown Micah , Wiley Benjamin J.
Published: November 2019

Electrochemical measurements with single-crystal electrodes reveal the facet-dependent chemistry that causes anisotropic growth of metal nanocrystals.
Three site molecular orbital controlled single-molecule rectifiers based on perpendicularly linked porphyrin–imide dyads
Authors: Handayani Murni , Tanaka Hirofumi , Katayose Shinichi , Ohto Tatsuhiko , Chen Zhijin , Yamada Ryo , Tada Hirokazu , Ogawa Takuji
Published: November 2019

Single-molecule rectifiers with perpendicularly connected metal porphyrin–imide dyads showed high rectification ratio, which could be tuned by the central metal inside the porphyrin. The features can be explained with a three sight model.
Confined carburization-engineered synthesis of ultrathin nickel oxide/nickel heterostructured nanosheets for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Quan Quan , Zhang Tianyu , Lei Chaojun , Yang Bin , Li Zhongjian , Chen Jian , Yuan Chris , Lei Lecheng , Hou Yang
Published: November 2019

An ultrathin NiOx/Ni nanosheet heterostructure was synthesized through a PDA-assisted confined carburization strategy for excellent electrocatalytic oxygen evolution from water splitting.
Dual-responsive nanogels based on oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylates and acidic co-monomers
Authors: Macchione Micaela A. , Sacarelli M. Florencia , Racca Ana C. , Biglione Catalina , Panzetta-Dutari Graciela M. , Strumia Miriam C.
Published: November 2019

Monodispersed nanogels based on oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylates and acrylic acid or itaconic acid as candidates for biomedical applications.
Effect of Text-to-Speech Rate on Reading Comprehension by Adults With Aphasia
Authors: Hux Karen , Brown Jessica A. , Wallace Sarah , Knollman-Porter Kelly , Saylor Anna , Lapp Erica
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Accessing auditory and written material simultaneously benefits people with aphasia; however, the extent of benefit as well as people's preferences and experiences may vary given different auditory presentation rates. This study's purpose was to determine how 3 text-to-speech rates affect comprehension when adults with aphasia access newspaper articles through combined modalities. Secondary aims included exploring time spent reviewing written texts after speech output cessation, rate preference, preference consistency, and participant rationales for preferences.

Method

Twenty-five adults with aphasia read and listened to passages presented at slow (113 words per minute [wpm]), medium (154 wpm), and fast (200 wpm) rates. Participants answered comprehension questions, selected most and least preferred rates following the 1st and 3rd experimental sessions and after receiving performance feedback, and explained rate preferences and reading and listening strategies.

Results

Comprehension accuracy did not vary significantly across presentation rates, but reviewing time after cessation of auditory content did. Visual data inspection revealed that, in particular, participants with substantial extra reviewing time took longer given fast than medium or slow presentation. Regardless of exposure amount or receipt of performance feedback, participants most preferred the medium rate and least preferred the fast rate; rationales centered on reading and listening synchronization, benefits to comprehension, and perceived normality of speaking rate.

Conclusion

As a group, people with aphasia most preferred and were most efficient given a text-to-speech rate around 150 wpm when processing dual modality content; individual differences existed, however, and mandate attention to personal preferences and processing strengths.
A Decade of Collaboration Among International Representatives of the International Cluttering Association
Authors: Reichel Isabella , Ademola-Sakoya Grace , Aumont Boucand Véronique , Bona Judit , Carmona Jaqueline , Cosyns Marjan , Filatova Yulia , Haj-Tas Maisa , Kelkar Pallavi , Remman Reina , Miyamoto Shoko , Ozdemir Sertan , Sanghi Maya , Schnell Alexandra , de Touzet Beatriz Biain , Yang Shu-Lan
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This article presents a collaborative initiative of members of the Committee of the International Representatives of the International Cluttering Association (ICA) upon celebrating the 10th anniversary of the ICA. Such collaborative efforts are designed to improve communication skills, enlighten lives of people with cluttering, and serve as models for speech therapists and other health care professionals in countries around the globe.

Method

This initiative began with a seminar at the Inaugural Joint World Congress in Japan in 2018 and continues with an article for this special issue on cluttering based on the contents of the papers presented at the Congress. Sixteen researchers and speech therapists from 15 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe (East and West), America (North and South), and the Middle East have explored the following themes related to cluttering: cluttering awareness, research, professional preparation, intervention, and self-help groups.

Results

This article adds to the body of international literature on cluttering and illustrates that, for the past 10 years, hypothesis-testing research in cluttering continues to be conducted across language barriers and national boundaries, and interventions that are implemented in some locales are being tested and taught in other parts of the world; furthermore, new cluttering treatments are being disseminated for professional preparation and clinical practices.

Conclusions

This article demonstrates how global engagement of the ICA's international representatives has led to the exchange of ideas about awareness of cluttering and professional preparation and the best strategies for the treatment of this communication disorder in countries around the world.
Neural aesthetic image reviewer
Authors: Wang Wenshan , Yang Su , Zhang Weishan , Zhang Jiulong
Published: November 2019

Recently, there is a rising interest in perceiving image aesthetics. The existing works deal with image aesthetics as a classification or regression problem. To extend the cognition from rating to reasoning, a deeper understanding of aesthetics should be based on revealing why a high‐ or low‐aesthetic score should be assigned to an image. From such a point of view, the authors propose a model referred to as Neural Aesthetic Image Reviewer, which can not only give an aesthetic score for an image, but also generate a textual description explaining why the image leads to a plausible rating score. Specifically, they propose three models based on shared aesthetically semantic layers and task‐specific embedding layers at a high level for performance improvement on different tasks. To facilitate researches on this problem, they collect the AVA‐Reviews dataset, which contains 52,118 images and 312,708 comments in total. Through multi‐task learning, the proposed models can rate aesthetic images as well as produce comments in an end‐to‐end manner. It is confirmed that the proposed models outperform the baselines according to the performance evaluation on the AVA‐Reviews dataset. Moreover, they demonstrate experimentally that the authors’ model can generate textual reviews related to aesthetics, which are consistent with human perception.
Spoofing profile estimation‐based GNSS spoofing identification method for tightly coupled MEMS INS/GNSS integrated navigation system
Authors: Yimin Wei , Hong Li , Mingquan Lu
Published: November 2019

The integration of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and micro‐electro‐mechanical system (MEMS) inertial navigation system (INS) is widely used and it is under the increasing threat of GNSS spoofing. The innovation and the residual from the Kalman filter in MEMS INS/GNSS integrated system are rapidly distorted under spoofing attack, making it difficult for spoofing identification and exclusion. In the study, the authors propose a novel spoofing identification method based on the tightly coupled MEMS INS/GNSS integrated navigation system. There are two main contributions of this study. The first is the spoofing identification method based on estimating the spoofing profile through the innovation and the propagation process of the Kalman filter. The second is the iterative implementation of the spoofing profile estimator reducing the computational overhead. The performance of the proposed method is compared against existing anti‐spoofing methods using real driving data and the effectiveness of the method is verified through a field experiment.
Evaluation of GBAS flight trials based on BDS and GPS
Authors: Zhu Yanbo , Liu Yuan , Wang Zhipeng , Li Qiang
Published: November 2019

Ground‐based augmentation systems (GBASs) are widely used augmentation systems using satellite navigation. GBAS can improve the performance of BeiDou navigation satellite system (BDS) in civil aviation application. Evaluation is necessary before using a GBAS. On the basis of the flight trials conducted at the Dongying airport, evaluation results show that based on both the global positioning system (GPS) L1 signal and BDS B1I signal, ground accuracy designators (GADs) of four reference receivers are consistent with GAD‐C levels. The improvement in accuracy obtained with GBAS differential process is ∼60%, and the differential position error based on the BDS B1I signal is 40% greater than that of the GPS L1 signal, because currently incomplete BDS satellites distribution is worse than that of GPS. Airborne protection levels assessments show that the approach trials based on the BDS B1I signal exhibit several false alarm events. Further analysis indicates that BDS vertical protection levels were larger because of larger pseudoinverse S result from low elevation angle and unsatisfactory geometric distribution of BDS satellites. Besides, monitors show that BDS B1I signal is more affected by ionospheric delay than GPS L1 signal, which can also contribute to false alarm events.
Systematic study of the etching characteristics of Si{111} in modified TMAH
Authors: Swarnalatha Veerla , Pal Prem , Pandey Ashok Kumar , Narasimha Rao Avvaru Venkata , Xing Yan , Tanaka Hiroshi , Sato Kazuo
Published: November 2019

Wet bulk micromachining on Si{111} is done to fabricate simple to complex microstructures for applications in sensors and actuators. In this work, it has been performed a systematic study of Si{111} in modified 5 wt% tetramethyl‐ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) with varying concentration of NH2 OH for achieving improved etching characteristics especially high lateral undercutting at mask edges aligned along non‐〈110〉 directions. The concentration of NH2 OH is varied from 5 to 20% in step of 5%. The lateral undercutting, which is highly desirable for the quick release of freestanding microstructures from the substrate, is increased considerably with the addition of NH2 OH in TMAH solution. In addition, the incorporation of NH2 OH improves etched surface morphology. Moreover, the effect of etchant ageing on the etching characteristics is investigated. Suspended microstructures are fabricated to demonstrate the application of modified TMAH solution for silicon wet bulk micromachining. The results presented in this work are highly useful where Si{111} wafer is used for the fabrication of microstructures.
Connecting planet formation and astrochemistry
Authors: Cridland Alex J. , van Dishoeck Ewine F. , Alessi Matthew , Pudritz Ralph E.
Published: November 2019

To understand the role that planet formation history has on the observable atmospheric carbon-to-oxygen ratio (C/O) we have produced a population of astrochemically evolving protoplanetary disks. Based on the parameters used in a pre-computed population of growing planets, their combination allows us to trace the molecular abundances of the gas that is being collected into planetary atmospheres. We include atmospheric pollution of incoming (icy) planetesimals as well as the effect of refractory carbon erosion noted to exist in our own solar system. We find that the carbon and oxygen content of Neptune-mass planets are determined primarily through solid accretion and result in more oxygen-rich (by roughly two orders of magnitude) atmospheres than hot Jupiters, whose C/O are primarily determined by gas accretion. Generally we find a “main sequence” between the fraction of planetary mass accreted through solid accretion and the resulting atmospheric C/O; planets of higher solid accretion fraction have lower C/O. Hot Jupiters whose atmospheres have been chemically characterized agree well with our population of planets, and our results suggest that hot-Jupiter formation typically begins near the water ice line. Lower mass hot Neptunes are observed to be much more carbon rich (with 0.33 ≲ C/O ≲ 1) than is found in our models (C/O ~ 10−2), and suggest that some form of chemical processing may affect their observed C/O over the few billion years between formation and observation. Our population reproduces the general mass-metallicity trend of the solar system and qualitatively reproduces the C/O metallicity anti-correlation that has been inferred for the population of characterized exoplanetary atmospheres.
Estimation of ionosphere state in AURORA online data analysis system
Authors: Polozov Yuryi , Fetisova Nadezhda
Published: November 2019

The paper presents the results of detection of ionospheric anomalies in online mode according to the ionosonde data at Paratunka station, Kamchatka peninsula (IKIR FEB RAS). The developed algorithms have been implemented in Aurora system for online geophysical data analysis (http://lsaoperanalysis.ikir.ru:9180/lsaoperanalysis.html). The algorithms allow us to detect sudden anomalous changes of varying intensity in the dynamics of ionospheric parameters, as well as to estimate their characteristics. The efficiency of the system and the possibility of its application in space weather forecast tasks have been shown on the examples of events occurred in 2019.
Extraction of ionosphere parameters in ionograms using deep learning
Authors: Mochalov Vladimir , Mochalova Anastasia
Published: November 2019

Based on a new developed author’s method for recognition traces of reflections from different layers of the ionosphere in ionograms, the ionosphere parameters are extracted. The method is based on the use of deep neural networks (DNN). The rules for extracting the ionosphere parameters in ionograms are given. Based on the results obtained by the authors, an intelligent support system for ionogram analysis is being developed.
Application of computer algebra for the construction of shell models of turbulence
Authors: Feshchenko Liubov , Vodinchar Gleb
Published: November 2019

The technique for automatic constructing of shell models of turbulence has been developed. The compilation of a model equations and its exactly solution is implemented using computer algebra (symbolic calculation) systems. The technique allows one to vary the scaling nonlocality of nonlinear interaction, form of expressions for conservation laws in models, and the form of stationary solutions with power distributions to scales.
Manifestation features of near-surface sedimentary rock electric and acoustic responses on seismic waves from earthquakes
Authors: Muratov Pavel , Rulenko Oleg , Marapulets Yuriy
Published: November 2019

The results of analysis of near-surface sedimentary rock electric and acoustic responses on seismic waves from five Kamchatka earthquakes with the magnitudes of 4.9 – 7.3 at the distances of 79 – 498 km from epicenters are presented. Manifestation features of these responses, depending upon earthquake magnitude, epicentral distance, source depth and direction to an epicenter, are considered.
Principles of Creation of Local Network for Lightning Discharge Observations on Active Volcanoes of Kamchatka Peninsula
Authors: Malkin Evgeniy , Druzhin Gennadiy , Firstov Pavel , Cherneva Nina , Uvarov Vladimir , Sannikov Dmitriy , Stasiy Ivan
Published: November 2019

To investigate the thunderstorm activity according to electromagnetic radiation recorded data, it is necessary to create a local network which will be located near the Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Shiveluch and Tolbachik volcanoes. VLF direction finders, electric field sensors, synchronization system, auxiliary equipment will be installed at observation points. Based on the analysis of waveforms and spectral-temporal characteristics, the locations of radiation sources, their belonging to a certain class will be determined. The parameters, by which volcanic lightning differs from ordinary ones, will be determined. Examples of electromagnetic radiation occurring near the Shiveluch volcano are given. The information can be further used to monitor thunderstorm and volcanic activities.**
Reflection of Seismic and Solar Irregularities in Hydrogeological Fields of Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Kendirbaeva Jumagul
Published: November 2019

The unity of exogenous and endogenous components in the regime of hydrogeological fields of Kyrgyzstan is shown on the basis of the addition of the index of solar activity as a participant in the system of «atmospheric–cosmic phenomena–groundwater– earthquakes».

The output of changes in concentration in hydrogeological fields beyond both the minimum and maximum levels is divided into a system with stable and unstable equilibria. Various effects in a water-gas mixture are associated with inhomogeneous paths of their penetration, including from solar activity. It is believed that taking this into account can serve as the basis for the integration of methods based on the theory of pulsating earth and reflection theory in the search for harbingers of natural disasters.
Seasonal dependence of semidiurnal equatorial magnetic variation during quiet and disturbed periods
Authors: Fujimoto Akiko , Yoshikawa Akimasa , Uozumi Teiji , Abe Shuji
Published: November 2019

The analysis of 20-year long-term semidiurnal lunar tidal variations gave the evidence that the semidiurnal variations are completely different between the magnetic quiet and disturbed periods. This is the first time that the seasonal dependence of disturbance-time semidiurnal variation has been provided from the analysis of the EE-index. We found the Kp dependence of semidiurnal variation: For full and new moon phase, counter troughs are amplified during disturbance time, possibly related to disturbance dynamo. For all moon phase, there are positive enhancements in dawn and strong depressions after sunset, resulting from the penetration of polar electric filed. For Seasonal dependence, semidiurnal variations are divided to three seasonal groups, and characterized as deep trough, enhanced crest and weak structure for D-solstice, Equinoxes and J-solstice, respectively. There is no significant longitudinal difference between Ancon and Davao, except for the amplitude of semidiurnal variations. The deep troughs occur during D-solstice and the enhanced crests during Equinoxes, at both Ancon and Davao.
Influence of a short lingual frenulum and a lack of tonicity of the lingual and suprahoidal muscles in apneic teenager: report of a case
Authors: Bertrand Manfredi , Alexandre Berquet
Published: November 2019

Observations: A short lingual frenulum and a lack of tone of the lingual and supra-hyoidal muscles could influence a OSA in a teenager, refractory to conventional treatment. The therapy is based on surgery and rehabilitation with polysomnographic surveillance. Comments: The aggravating factors were to be noted during the treatment. No article in the literature put this relationship into perspective. Conclusion: The results obtained were inconclusive. This line of research could interest the scientific community in order to guide the physiopathological knowledge of the disorder and to optimize the possibilities of therapeutic response in case functions.
Is the Preoperative Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Level Predictive of
the Severity of Diabetic Hand Infection According to Surgical and Clinical
Outcomes?
Authors: Gürbüz Kaan , Ekinci Yakup
Published: November 2019

Objective We purposed to investigate whether preoperative HbA1c level
is associated with the severity of surgical treatment in diabetic hand
infection cases.

Materials and Methods Between December 2015 and October 2018, 102
patients were surgically treated due to diabetic hand infection. Of the
patients, 75 who met the criteria for diabetic hand infection were included
in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1, < 8.5%
HbA1c level (poorly controlled); and Group 2, 8.5% or higher HbA1c level
(uncontrolled). Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were
recorded. Drainage, VAC, ray/open amputation, and microsurgical
reconstruction were performed according to the examination and clinical
findings. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results The study groups consisted of 41 patients (5 female/36 male;
median age 59 years, range 32–68) in Group 1 and 34 patients (6 female/28
male; median age 62 years, range 28–67) in Group 2. The mean follow-up
period was 21.14±10.42 months in Group 1 and 16.70±10.19 months in Group 2,
which were not significantly different (p>0.05). The most common
microbiological pathogen was polymicrobial in both study groups (39% in
Group 1 and 41.2% in Group 2). Drainage was the most common surgical
procedure in both groups and there was no significant difference between the
groups in terms of the surgical techniques that were used (p>0.05).

Conclusion Although HbA1c level is an important biomarker for
monitoring glycemia in diabetic patients, it is not associated with the
severity of surgical treatment in diabetic hand infections.
A Simple Approach to Adjust for Case-Mix When Comparing Institutional Cesarean Birth Rates
Authors: Howbert James Jeffry , Kauffman Ellen , Sitcov Kristin , Souter Vivienne
Published: November 2019

Objective This study aimed to develop a validated model to predict intrapartum cesarean in nulliparous women and to use it to adjust for case-mix when comparing institutional laboring cesarean birth (CB) rates.

Study Design This multicenter retrospective study used chart-abstracted data on nulliparous, singleton, term births over a 7-year period. Prelabor cesareans were excluded. Logistic regression was used to predict the probability of CB for individual pregnancies. Thirty-five potential predictive variables were evaluated including maternal demographics, prepregnancy health, pregnancy characteristics, and newborn weight and gender. Models were trained on 21,017 births during 2011 to 2015 (training cohort), and accuracy assessed by prediction on 15,045 births during 2016 to 2017 (test cohort).

Results Six variables delivered predictive success equivalent to the full set of 35 variables: maternal weight, height, and age, gestation at birth, medically-indicated induction, and birth weight. Internal validation within the training cohort gave a receiver operator curve with area under the curve (ROC-AUC) of 0.722. External validation using the test cohort gave ROC-AUC of 0.722 (0.713–0.731 confidence interval). When comparing observed and predicted CB rates at 16 institutions in the test cohort, five had significantly lower than predicted rates and three had significantly higher than predicted rates.

Conclusion Six routine clinical variables used to adjust for case-mix can identify outliers when comparing institutional CB rates.
Avaliação de resultados a médio prazo entre artroplastia total de joelho com prótese gênero-específica x prótese convencional
Authors: Colleoni José Luiz , Ribeiro Fernando Noel , Campos Alexwell Rodrigues , de Siqueira Junior Djalma , Campos Alysson Guedes , Mos Paulo Augusto Castro
Published: November 2019

Objetivo Comparar o resultado funcional pós-operatório das artroplastias totais de joelho (ATJs) com próteses gênero-específicas x convencionais no prazo de 5 anos.

Métodos Estudo retrospectivo com avaliação funcional de 30 pacientes (15 pacientes de cada grupo) utilizando o preenchimento de escores (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], Western Ontario and McMaster Universities arthritis index [WOMAC] e The Knee Society Clinical Rating System [KSS]) e amplitude de movimento (ADM).

Resultados A diferença encontrada entre os valores de escores e ADM não foram estatisticamente significantes.

Conclusão A prótese gênero-específica apresenta resultados funcionais iguais aos da prótese convencional no prazo de 5 anos de pós-operatorio.
TAVI Using a Self-Expandable Device for Aortic Regurgitation Following LVAD Implantation
Authors: Sarwari Harun , Schaefer Andreas , Barten Markus J. , Conradi Lenard
Published: November 2019

Background In patients treated by left ventricular assist device (LVAD), aortic regurgitation (AR) may occur. Secondary surgery to correct AR is considered high risk.

Case Description We report a case of severe AR following LVAD implantation in a patient who was subsequently treated by transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using the latest generation self-expandable transcatheter heart valve (THV) (Boston Scientific Acurate neo, size M [Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts, United States]). TAVI followed modified procedural protocol and sizing algorithm. THV implantation without prior balloon aortic valvuloplasty resulted in an adequate valve function without leakage.

Conclusion This THV may be particularly well suited for TAVI subsequent to LVAD implantation if modified sizing and deployment considerations are appreciated.
Computer-Navigated versus Conventional Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis of Functional Outcomes from Level I and II Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Chin Brian Zhaojie , Seck Victor Mun Hin , Syn Nicholas Li-Xun , Wee Ian Jun Yan , Tan Sharon Si Heng , O’Neill Gavin Kane
Published: November 2019

The main purpose of this article is to provide an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis comparing functional outcomes of total knee arthroplasty using either computer navigation (NAV-TKA) or conventional methods (CON-TKA) from the latest assemblage of evidence. This study was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. All Level I and II randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane that compared functional outcomes after NAV- and CON-TKA were included in the review. Selected end points for random effects, pairwise meta-analysis included Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS), KS Function Score (KSFS), KS Total Score (KSTS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and range of motion at three arbitrary follow-up times. A total of 24 prospective RCTs comprising 3,778 knees were included from the initial search. At long-term follow-up (>5 years), NAV-TKA exhibited significantly better raw KSKS (p = 0.001) (low-quality evidence), contrary to CON-TKA, which reflected significantly better raw KSTS (p = 0.004) (high-quality evidence). While change scores (KSKS, WOMAC) from preoperative values favor CON-TKA at short-term (<6 months) and medium-term follow-up (6–60 months), long-term follow-up change scores in KSKS suggest the superiority of NAV-TKA over CON-TKA (p = 0.02) (very low-quality evidence). Overall, sizeable dispersion of nonstatistically significant functional outcomes in the medium term was observed to eventually converge in the long term, with less differences in functional outcome scores between the two treatment methods in short- and long-term follow-up. While raw functional outcome scores reflect no differences between NAV and CON-TKA, long-term follow-up change scores in KSKS suggest superiority of NAV-TKA over its conventional counterpart. Prospective studies with larger power are required to support the pattern of diminishing differences in functional outcome scores from medium- to long-term follow-up between the two modalities.
Decreased Opioid Consumption and Length of Stay Using an IPACK and Adductor Canal Nerve Block following Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Eccles Christian J. , Swiergosz Andrew M. , Smith Austin F. , Bhimani Samrath J. , Smith Langan S. , Malkani Arthur L.
Published: November 2019

Peripheral nerve blocks such as a femoral + sciatic block have demonstrated significant pain relief following TKA. However, these nerve blocks have residual motor deficits which prevent immediate postoperative ambulation. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes in patients undergoing primary TKA with femoral and sciatic (Fem + Sci) motor nerve blocks versus an adductor canal and the interspace between the popliteal artery and the capsule of the posterior knee and adductor canal block (IPACK + ACB) sensory nerve blocks. A total of 100 consecutive patients were reviewed, 50 received Fem + Sci nerve blocks and 50 received IPACK + ACB blocks preoperatively. There were no differences in the two groups with respect to surgical technique, implant type, postoperative pain, and physical therapy protocols. Differences in opioid requirements, length of stay (LOS), distance walked, and common knee scoring systems were analyzed. Among them, 62% IPACK + ACB patients were discharged on postoperative day 1 compared with 14% in the Fem + Sci group (p < 0.0001). The IPACK + ACB patients had a shorter LOS (mean 1.48 days vs. 2.02 days, p < 0.001), ambulated further on postoperative day 0 (mean 21.4 feet vs. 5.3 feet, p < 0.001), and required less narcotics the day after surgery (mean, 15.7 vs. 24.0 morphine equivalents p < 0.0001) and at 2 weeks (mean, 6.2 vs. 9.3 morphine equivalents, p = 0.025). The use of this combination IPACK and ACB demonstrated improved early ambulation with a decrease in opioid use and length of stay compared with a femoral and sciatic motor nerve block in patients undergoing primary TKA.
Reliability based optimal DG planning for a meshed distribution network
Authors: Meera P. S. , Hemamalini S.
Published: November 2019

Distributed generation (DG) sources are becoming more popular nowadays because of their technoeconomic and environmental benefits. These benefits are maximized only when the DG sources are properly planned and installed in the distribution networks. Several studies have been carried out in this field considering various objectives and constraints, for single as well as multiple DG placement and sizing. In this paper, an optimization methodology based on particle swarm optimization is used for the optimal planning of multiple DG sources in a meshed distribution network. The solution consists of the possible DG locations, DG capacities, and its operating power factor. The objectives considered are the improvement of reliability indices namely the system average interruption frequency index and system average interruption duration index, reduction of real power loss, and voltage profile improvement. Unlike other works, reliability evaluation is done considering many realistic constraints and it is used as one of the criteria for DG planning. Reliability indices are evaluated using the encoded Markov cut set algorithm. The real power loss and the voltage index are obtained by means of a simple load flow technique. The stochastic nature of the renewable DG output and the load are taken into account during the reliability evaluation along with islanding probability. The optimal planning of DG sources is done for bus 4 of the Roy billinton test system consisting of seven feeders, 102 nodes, and 106 components. Optimal planning for solar based DG sources is done considering three different load models namely residential, commercial, and mixed load.