bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Central Diabetes Insipidus Caused by Arginine Vasopressin Gene Mutation: Report of a Novel Mutation and Review of Literature
Authors: Feldkamp Lara L.I. , Kaminsky Elke , Kienitz Tina , Quinkler Marcus
Published: July 2020

Familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus (FNDI) is an autosomal dominant
hereditary disorder characterized by severe polydipsia and polyuria that
usually presents in early childhood. In this study, we describe a new
arginine vasopressin (AVP) gene mutation in an ethnic German family with
FNDI and provide an overview of disease-associated AVP-gene mutations that
are already described in literature. Three members of a German family with
neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus were studied. Isolated DNA from
peripheral blood samples was used for mutation analysis by sequencing the
whole coding region of AVP-NPII gene. Furthermore, we searched the
electronic databases MEDLINE (Pubmed) as well as HGMD, LOVD-ClinVar, db-SNP
and genomAD in order to compare our cases to that of other patients with
FNDI. Genetic analysis of the patients revealed a novel heterozygote
missense mutation in exon 2 of the AVP gene (c.274T>G), which has
not yet been described in literature. We identified reports of more than 90
disease-associated mutations in the AVP gene in literature. The novel
mutation of the AVP gene seems to cause FNDI in the presented German family.
Similar to our newly detected mutation, most mutations causing FNDI are
found in exon 2 of the AVP gene coding for neurophysin II. Clinically, it is
important to think of FNDI in young children presenting with polydipsia and
polyuria.
Fünf Jahre PLEURATUMOR-Register der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Thoraxchirurgie
Authors: Markowiak Till , Hofmann Hans-Stefan , Ried Michael
Published: July 2020

Hintergrund Seit dem 01.01.2015 dokumentiert das deutschlandweite „PLEURATUMOR-Register der DGT“ die wichtigsten Parameter von thoraxchirurgisch behandelten Patienten mit primären und sekundären malignen Pleuraerkrankungen. Sowohl Erst- als auch Rezidiverkrankungen sollen in dieser Onlinedatenbank erfasst werden. Ein besonderer Schwerpunkt des Registers liegt auf der Dokumentation von Patienten mit einer Pleurakarzinose, einem malignen Pleuramesotheliom und Tumoren des Thymus mit pleuraler Aussaat.

Material und Methoden Im März 2020 erfolgte eine strukturierte Auswertung aller bis einschließlich Dezember 2019 dokumentierten Patienten in der Datenbank.

Ergebnisse Zu diesem Zeitpunkt nahmen 33 Abteilungen/Kliniken am PLEURATUMOR-Register teil. Es wurden bisher 670 Patienten erfasst. Von diesen Datensätzen waren 522 Fälle vollständig und bei 516 dieser Patienten wurde eine Operation durchgeführt. Im Jahr 2017 wurden bisher die meisten Patienten vollständig dokumentiert (n = 135; 26,2%), im Jahr 2019 waren es 72 (14%). Mit 317 gelisteten Patienten (61,4%) war die Pleurakarzinose die am häufigsten erfasste pleurale Tumorerkrankung, gefolgt vom malignen Pleuramesotheliom (n = 175; 33,9%) sowie dem pleural metastasierten Thymom/Thymuskarzinom (n = 11; 2,1%). Der Großteil der Patienten (n = 499; 96,7%) wurde aufgrund einer Erstmanifestation behandelt. Der am häufigsten dokumentierte Eingriff war die VATS-Talkumpleurodese (n = 204; 39,5%). Bei 69 Patienten (13,4%) führte man im Anschluss an eine zytoreduktive Operation eine hypertherme intrathorakale Chemotherapie durch. Postoperative Komplikationen traten bei 107
Patienten (20,7%) auf, in 35 Fällen (6,8%) war eine operative Revision erforderlich. Die 30-Tage-Letalität betrug insgesamt 8,3% (n = 43).

Schlussfolgerung Durch die konsequente Dateneingabe der teilnehmenden Kliniken konnte bereits eine repräsentative Datenmenge an pleuralen Tumorerkrankungen erfasst werden. Zukünftig erhoffen wir uns eine konsequente und möglichst vollständige Fortführung der Dateneingabe sowie die Initiierung von registerbasierten Studien.
Brustwandrekonstruktion mittels Polypropylennetz: eine monozentrische 8-jährige Analyse
Authors: Schroeder-Finckh Alexander , Lopez-Pastorini Alberto , Galetin Thomas , Stoelben Erich , Koryllos Aris
Published: July 2020

Einleitung Brustwandresektionen für die Behandlung von malignen Erkrankungen benötigen häufig eine Rekonstruktion des Defektes. Wir berichten über unsere monozentrische, 8-jährige Erfahrung in Brustwandrekonstruktion mithilfe eines monofilen Polypropylennetzes. Ziel unserer retrospektiven Analyse war die Erkennung von materialbezogenen Komplikationen und der Vergleich mit der vorhandenen Literatur.

Material und Methoden Einschlusskriterium in unserer retrospektiven Kohorte war eine Brustwandvollexzision und Rekonstruktion mittels Polypropylennetzes bei hauptsächlich onkologischem Indikationsspektrum (z. B. Sarkome, Metastasen, Lungenkarzinome mit Infiltration der Brustwand) im Zeitraum Januar 2008 bis Januar 2017. Primäre Endpunkte waren materialbezogene Komplikationen: lokale Infektion, Serom, Materialmigration, Netzexplantation und Brustwandinstabilität. Sekundäre Endpunkte waren folgende postoperative Komplikationen: Pneumonie, Acute respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), Nachblutung und prolongierte postoperative Beatmung (> 24 h postoperativ).

Ergebnisse In einem Zeitraum von 8 Jahren wurden insgesamt 202 Brustwandresektionen in unserer Klinik durchgeführt. Davon wurden 138 Defekte mithilfe eines Polypropylennetzes rekonstruiert. Mit einer Rate von 12,3% war die Pneumonie die häufigste postoperative Komplikation. In 5,7% der Fälle entwickelte sich ein Wundserom, das die Anlage einer Redon-Sogdrainage notwendig machte. In 3 Fällen (2,1%) wurde eine lokale Wundinfektion mikrobiologisch bestätigt. In einem dieser Fälle musste das Rekonstruktionsmaterial entfernt werden. Die 30-Tage-Mortalität betrug 1,4% mit 2 postoperativen Todesfällen. Eine Materialmigration oder Brustwandinstabilität mit paradoxem Atembewegungsmuster wurden in keinem Fall dokumentiert.

Fazit Die Brustwandrekonstruktion mittels Polypropylen ist eine komplikationsarme Technik. Die hier aufgezeigte niedrige Rate an lokalen Infektionen, Materialexplantationen sowie Brustkorbinstabilität kann ein hilfreicher Entscheidungsfaktor für den operierenden Thoraxchirurgen auf der Suche nach dem geeigneten Rekonstruktionsmaterial sein.
Medikolegale Aspekte des medizinischen Kinderschutzes in der präklinischen Notfallmedizin – eine Befragung der Berliner Notärzte
Authors: Peters Sybille , Beneker Jörg , Hartwig Sven
Published: July 2020

Hintergrund Notärzte können im Rettungsdienst jederzeit mit einem (Verdachts)Fall von Kindesmisshandlung konfrontiert werden. Relevanz und Schwierigkeiten im Umgang mit diesem sind Ziel der Untersuchung.

Methoden 445 Berliner Notärzte erhielten per E-Mail einen Link zu einem teilstandardisierten Fragebogen zur Erfassung der Häufigkeit von (Verdachts)Fällen von Kindesmisshandlung im subjektiven Erleben der Notärzte im Jahr 2018, zu Schwierigkeiten im Umgang mit diesen sowie zu Voraussetzungen für einen medizinischen Kinderschutz.

Ergebnisse Die Rücklaufquote betrug 21,1%. 55,9% der Notärzte sahen 2018 mindestens einen (Verdachts)Fall von Kindesmisshandlung. Schwierigkeiten im Umgang mit diesen benennen 95,7%.

Diskussion Die Ergebnisse zeigen, Notärzte sind in ihren Einsätzen mit Kindesmisshandlungen konfrontiert. Der Erwerb medizinrechtlicher und diagnostisch-medizinischer Kenntnisse kann die Handlungssicherheit der Notärzte stärken.
Cardiovascular Biomarkers and Calculated Cardiovascular Risk in
Orally Treated Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Is There a Link?
Authors: Markova Aleksandra , Boyanov Mihail , Bakalov Deniz , Kundurdjiev Atanas , Tsakova Adelina
Published: July 2020

The aim of the study was to test the correlation of serum levels of
asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), endothelin 1 (ET-1), N-terminal brain
natriuretic pro-peptide (NT-proBNP), and placental growth factor (PIGF-1)
with estimated cardiovascular (CV) risk. The study group was composed of 102
women and 67 men with type 2 diabetes, having their glycemic and metabolic
parameters assessed. All were on oral antidiabetic drugs. Serum levels of
NT-proBNP and PIGF-1 were measured by electro-hemi-luminescence on an
Elecsys 2010 analyzer. Enzymatic immunoassays were used for ADMA and ET-1.
The Framingham Risk Score (FRS), the UKPDS 2.0 and the ADVANCE risk engines
were used to calculate cardiovascular risks while statistical analysis was
performed on SPSS. Levels of PIGF-1 showed no correlation with the
calculated CV risks. The same was true for ADMA, except for a weak
correlation with the UKPDS-based 10-year risk for stroke (Pearsons’s
R=0.167, p=0.039). Plasma levels of ET-1 were correlated
with the UKPDS-based 10-year risk for stroke (R=0.184,
p=0.032) and fatal stroke (R=0.215, p=0.012) only.
NT-proBNP was significantly correlated with all CV risk calculations:
ADVANCE-based 4-yr risk (Spearman’s Rho=0.521,
p<0.001); UKPDS-based 10-year risk for: CHD (Rho=0.209,
p=0.01), fatal CHD (Rho=0.282, p<0.001), stroke
(Rho=0.482, p<0.001), fatal stroke (Rho=0.505,
p<0.001); and 10-year FRS risk (Rho=0.246, p=0.002).
In conclusion, ADMA and PIGF-1 did not seem useful in stratifying CV risk
while ET-1 is linked to the risk of stroke, and NT-proBNP to all CV risk
estimations.
Endemic Fungi Presenting as Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Review
Authors: Azar Marwan M. , Malo Joshua , Hage Chadi A.
Published: July 2020

In endemic areas, dimorphic fungal infections due to Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitidis, and Coccidioides posadasii/immitis account for up to 30% of cases of community-acquired pneumonia. Because respiratory manifestations are often indistinguishable from common bacterial causes of pneumonia, the diagnosis of pulmonary histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, and coccidioidomycosis is often delayed and associated with antibiotics overuse. In addition to being highly endemic to certain regions of North America, dimorphic fungi have global significance due to established areas of endemicity in all six inhabited continents, an increasingly interconnected world of travelers and transported goods, and a changing epidemiology as a result of global heating and anthropomorphic land utilization. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, and treatment strategies for histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, and coccidioidomycosis.
Melioidosis: A Neglected Cause of Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Virk Harjeet Singh , Mukhopadhyay Chiranjay , Wiersinga W. Joost
Published: July 2020

Melioidosis, caused by the facultative intracellular gram-negative pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei, is an emerging cause of community-acquired pneumonia across the tropics. The majority of patients present with pneumonia with or without sepsis, but localized and asymptomatic infection is also well recognized. Recent modeling and epidemiological studies have demonstrated the widespread presence of B. pseudomallei in otherwise unrecognized regions with a predicted mortality of 90,000 deaths worldwide. Innovative environmental studies are also uncovering how hydrodynamic, pedology, fauna, and weather events influence geographic distribution and incidence of melioidosis cases. Of concern is the changes associated with global warming, which will be conducive to B. pseudomallei in combination with the global diabetes pandemic. In fact, over 80% of patient developing melioidosis have underlying comorbidities. For this great mimicker, culture remains the mainstay of diagnosis and despite availability of other assays, challenges still remain in reducing time to diagnosis and avoiding misdiagnosis. With institution of timely antimicrobials such as ceftazidime and supportive intensive care, overall mortality can be reduced to 10%, although this can still be as high as 50% in poorly resourced areas. Promise is on the horizon with the first human vaccine trials being planned for 2021. Meanwhile new multiomics techniques are giving us a better understanding of the role of virulence and host–pathogen interactions on patient outcomes.
Bridge Plate Design Effects on Yield and Fatigue in Distal Radius Fracture Model
Authors: Ilyas Asif M. , Hayward Gerald M. , Harris Jonathan A. , Wang Wenhai , Bucklen Brandon S.
Published: July 2020

Background Bridge plating for distal radius fractures is indicated for complex fractures with comminution, extensive articular involvement, and/or cases requiring immediate weight bearing. Bridge plate fixation of distal radius fractures is a well-documented treatment method; however, failures have been reported with repetitive loading through the bridged distal radius fracture. Plate design is implicated as a cause of plate fracture in select clinical studies but few mechanical tests comparing bridge plate designs have been reported. This study sought to determine the impact of plate design on bridge plates intended to allow for immediate weight-bearing.

Methods Axial static (n = 3) and dynamic testing (n = 3) was performed on three distraction plates designs: bridge plate 1 (BP1) with central holes, bridge plate 2 (BP2) without central holes, and locking compression plate (BP3). Plates were loaded in axial compression with a simulated 10-mm fracture gap.

Results Significant static load differences were noted between all groups. Static load to failure for BP1, BP3, and BP2 were 240 ± 5 N, 398 ± 9 N, and 420 ± 3 N, respectively (p < 0.05). BP1 was the only plate series that failed during dynamic testing; all other plates achieved 100,000 cycles. Failure mode was a fracture occurring through the central screw hole of BP1. Finite element analysis demonstrated the effects of central screw holes on stress, strain, and plastic deformation under loading.

Conclusion Unused screw holes are the mechanical weak points; plates designed without these central screw holes are expected to survive greater load values. The threshold for clinical importance will need to be determined by future studies.
Multi-heterostructured spin-valve junction of vertical FLG/MoSe2/FLG
Authors: Khan Muhammad Farooq , Rehman Shania , Rehman Malik Abdul , Rehman Sagar Rizwan Ur , Kim Deok-kee , Waseem Khalil H. M. , Shinde Pragati A. , Hassan Najam ul , Sharma Pradeep Raj , Eom Jonghwa , Chan Jun Seong
Published: July 2020

Two-dimensional (2D) layered materials and their heterostructures have opened a new avenue for next-generation spintronic applications, benefited by their unique electronic properties and high crystallinity with an atomically flat surface. Here, we report magnetoresistance of vertical magnetic spin-valve devices with multi-layer (ML) MoSe2 and its heterostructures with few-layer graphene (FLG). We employed a micro-fabrication procedure to form ultraclean ferromagnetic–non-magnetic–ferromagnetic interfaces to elucidate the intrinsic spin-transferring mechanism through both an individual material and combinations of 2D layered materials. However, it is revealed that the polarity of tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) is independent of non-magnetic spacers whether the spin valve is composed of a single material or a hybrid structure, but it strongly depends on the interfaces between ferromagnetics (FMs) and 2D materials. We observed positive spin polarizations in ML-MoSe2 and FLG/ML-MoSe2/FLG tunnel junctions, whereas spin-valve devices comprised of FLG/ML-MoSe2 showed a reversed spin polarization and demonstrated a negative TMR. Importantly, in Co/FLG/ML-MoSe2/FLG/NiFe devices, the polarization of spin carriers in the FM/FLG interface remained conserved during tunneling through MoSe2 flakes in spin-transferring events, which is understandable by Julliere’s model. In addition, large TMR values are investigated at low temperatures, whereas at high temperatures, the TMR ratios are deteriorated. Furthermore, the large values of driving ac-current also quenched the amplitude of TMR signals. Therefore, our observations suggest that the microscopic spin-transferring mechanism between ferromagnetic metals and 2D materials played a momentous role in spin-transferring phenomena in vertical magnetic spin-valve junctions.
Role of bonding nature on the temperature dependent erosion behavior of solid materials: A detailed high temperature Raman spectroscopic analysis
Authors: Bonu Venkataramana , Praveen Kumar V. , Narayana Chandrabhas , Barshilia Harish C.
Published: July 2020

Solid particle erosion is an unavoidable problem for gas turbine compressor blades, wind turbines, crude oil pipes, rovers in outer space, and other machine components operated in harsh conditions. Gas turbine components are usually operated in the temperature range of 100–1400 °C. However, the influence of temperature on the solid particle erosion mechanism has not been studied adequately. In this paper, the influence of temperature on the solid particle erosion properties of metals (Ti6Al4V, SS 304, Al-8011, and Ti/TiN multilayers) and non-metals (Al2O3, fused quartz, and Si) is studied. The erosion tests were conducted in the temperature range of 30–800 °C. The erosion rate of metallic and ionic solids (viz., Ti6Al4V, SS 304, Al-8011, Al2O3, and Ti/TiN multilayers with the thermal expansion coefficient α ≥ 8 μm/°C) initially decreased with increasing temperature and then increased at higher temperatures, whereas for covalently bonded materials such as fused quartz (α = 0.55 μm/°C) and Si (α = 2.6 μm/°C), the erosion rate increased with increasing temperature. As the temperature increases, it causes lattice vibrations and bond flexibility to increase the high thermal expansion coefficient materials due to their non-directional ionic or metallic bonds. It helps these materials to absorb the erodent energy without much damage, whereas the same does not happen in the case of low thermal expansion coefficient materials due to their strong directional covalent bonding. Temperature dependent Raman spectroscopic studies were carried out to understand the lattice vibrations and phase changes during heating.
Influence of layer transfer and thermal annealing on the properties of InAs-On-Insulator films
Authors: Sumita K. , Takeyasu J. , Toprasertpong K. , Takenaka M. , Takagi S.
Published: July 2020

InAs-On-Insulator (InAs-OI) structures fabricated by the Smart Cut process are promising for three-dimensional (3D) integration of complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor devices owing to the low thermal budget, high mobility, and low contact resistance. InAs-OI structures are also expected to reduce the leakage current and parallel conduction channels in InAs n-channel MOSFETs, which are serious problems. Smart Cut is a promising way to integrate III–V semiconductors on Si substrates for 3D integration. However, the electrical characterization of InAs-OI films realized by Smart Cut has not been reported yet. In addition, since InAs-OI’s crystallinity is severely degraded by passage of a large amount of H+ ions in the Smart Cut process, we need to study the effects of thermal annealing on the electrical properties of the InAs-OI layers. It is found from the annealing temperature dependence of the electron concentration and the mobility that annealing at 500 °C significantly recovers InAs-OI crystallinity. Here, bulk and interface electrical properties are separately evaluated from the InAs-OI thickness dependence on the electron concentration and the sheet conductance. As a result, fabricated InAs-OI has the electron density of (6.3 ± 1.4) × 1017 cm−3 in the bulk region for an intrinsic donor InAs wafer and the high bulk mobility of 5800 ± 900 cm2/V s, indicating the high crystallinity of InAs-OI after 500 °C annealing. Also, the reusability of donor InAs wafers without degradation of InAs-OI film quality, which is one of the most important points for Smart Cut, is demonstrated by using (111) InAs donor wafers, attributed to much smoother (111) InAs-OI surfaces after splitting than (100) InAs-OI ones.
Monte Carlo simulation study of electron yields from compound semiconductor materials
Authors: Hussain A. , Yang L. H. , Zou Y. B. , Mao S. F. , Da B. , Li H. M. , Ding Z. J.
Published: July 2020

A systematic study has been performed based on a Monte Carlo simulation for the investigation of secondary electron yields, backscattering coefficients, and total electron yields for eight compound semiconductor materials, i.e., AlN, TiN, VN, VC, GaAs, InAs, InSb, and PbS, at different incident electron energies in the range 0.1–10 keV. Our Monte Carlo simulation model is based on the Mott cross section for electron elastic scattering as calculated by a partial wave method and a dielectric functional approach to electron inelastic scattering with the full Penn algorithm. We used Palik's optical data for lower photon energies below 100 eVs and Henke's data for higher photon energies. The cascade production of secondary electrons in electron inelastic scattering and low energy is included in the simulation. The simulated results of electron backscattering coefficients are compared with the experimental data available in the literature. Considering the fact that the experimental data for these compound materials are not available, we have compared them with experimental data for elements having the nearest mean atomic numbers. The simulation predicted much larger backscattering coefficient values than the empirical Staub formula.
Patterns of decline of small mammal assemblages in vegetation communities of coastal south-east Australia: identification of habitat refuges
Authors: Wilson Barbara A. , Garkaklis Mark J.
Published: July 2020

Since European settlement Australian native mammals have experienced significant extinctions and severe declines in the range and abundance of populations. Longitudinal studies are required to identify declines and activate timely management. Population studies of native small mammal communities were conducted across the eastern Otway Ranges during 1975–2007; however, their subsequent status was unknown. We aimed to: compare the current occurrence and abundance of species and communities (2013–18) to those in previous decades across major vegetation communities (heathy woodland, low forest, sand heathland, headland scrub, coastal dunes and estuarine wetland), and identify change characteristics and management priorities. Live trapping was employed to assess mammals at 30 sites across seven vegetation communities. In total, 67% of sites exhibited large to severe decreases in abundance and only 3% of sites had more than four species compared to 27% in earlier decades. Declines occurred following wildfire and drought, with drivers likely to be multifactorial. While regional declines were significant, higher mammal abundance (two- to six-fold) and native species richness were recorded at coastal dune sites, indicating that this community provides important mammal refuges. Identification of refuges across the landscape and their protection from inappropriate fire and predators should be management priorities.
Trialling a real-time drone detection and validation protocol for the koala (
Authors: Beranek Chad T. , Roff Adam , Denholm Bob , Howell Lachlan G. , Witt Ryan R.
Published: July 2020

Remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS), or drone, technology has emerged as a promising survey method for the cryptic koala. We demonstrate an in-field protocol for wild koala RPAS surveys which provides real-time validation of thermal signatures. During 15 trial flights using a quadcopter drone (DJI Matrice 200 v2) we successfully detected and validated koala thermal signatures (n = 12) using two in-field approaches: validation by on-ground observer (n = 10) and validation using 4K footage captured and reviewed directly after the survey (n = 2). We also provide detectability considerations relative to survey time, temperature, wildlife–RPAS interactions and detection of non-target species, which can be used to further inform RPAS survey protocols.
The use of mobile lidar data and Gaofen-2 image to classify roadside trees
Authors: Wang Minye , Liu Rufei , Lu Xiushan , Ren Hongwei , Chen Min , Yu Jiayong
Published: July 2020

Roadside trees are a vital component of urban greenery and play an important role in intelligent transportation and environmental protection. Quickly and efficiently identifying the spatial distribution of roadside trees is key to providing basic data for urban management and conservation decisions. In this study, we researched the potential of data fusing the Gaofen-2 (GF-2) satellite imagery rich in spectral information and mobile light detection and ranging (lidar) system (MLS) high-precision three-dimensional data to improve roadside tree classification accuracy. Specifically, a normalized digital surface model (nDSM) was derived from the lidar point cloud. GF-2 imagery was fused with an nDSM at the pixel level using the Gram–Schmidt algorithm. Then, samples were set including roadside tree samples from lidar data extracted by random sample consensus and other objects samples from field observation using the Global Positioning System. Finally, we conducted a segmentation process to generate an object-based image and completed the roadside tree classification at object level based on a support vector machine classifier using spectral features and completed local binary pattern (CLBP) texture features. Results show that classification using GF-2 alone and using nDSM alone result in 67.34% and 69.39% overall accuracy respectively with serious misclassification. The fusion image based on GF-2 and nDSM yields 77.55% overall accuracy. This means that the fusion of multi-source data is a great improvement over individual data. After adding the CLBP texture feature to the classification procedure, the classification accuracy of the fusion image is increased to 87.76%. The addition of CLBP texture features can clearly reduce the noise . Our results indicate that the classification of urban roadside trees can be realized by the fusion of satellite data and mobile lidar data with CLBP texture feature using the target-based classification method. Results also suggest that MLS data and CLBP texture features have the potential to effectively and efficiently improve the accuracy of satellite remote sensing classification.
A modified velocity updating algorithm for a strapdown INS
Authors: Ben Yueyang , Gao Qianqian , Li Qian , Liu Xingyu
Published: July 2020

Velocity updating typically involves integration of the transformed specific force and gravity Coriolis velocity increments. If the angular rate and specific force vectors maintain fixed directions relative to a frame, updating the velocity in that frame will be straightforward. In practice, the coning angular rate and sculling specific force vectors cause a calculation error in velocity updating on the navigation frame. Thus, the development of sculling compensation algorithms for the reduction of the sculling error is necessary. In this study, a new method for the propagation of vehicle velocity is proposed. This method utilizes an auxiliary frame that slews along with the angular rate and specific force vectors, which remain fixed in the auxiliary frame. This transforms and integrates the specific force vector in this auxiliary frame such that it is error-free. Additionally, the updated velocity can be obtained by translating the above results to the navigation frame, thereby avoiding the need for sculling correction. The validity of this proposed method under the influence of a typical slewing motion was established experimentally, suggesting that it provides an efficient and accurate velocity propagation method that can be employed in aerospace applications.
On the time-independent Hamiltonian in real-time and imaginary-time quantum annealing*
Authors: Sun Jie , Lu Songfeng
Published: July 2020

We present the analog analogue of Grover’s problem as an example of the time-independent Hamiltonian for applying the speed limit of the imaginary-time Schrödinger equation derived by Okuyama and Ohzeki and the new class of energy-time uncertainty relation proposed by Kieu. It is found that the computational time of the imaginary-time quantum annealing of this Grover search can be exponentially small, while the counterpart of the quantum evolution driven by the real-time Schrödinger equation could only provide square root speedup, compared with classic search. The present results are consistent with the cases of the time-dependent quantum evolution of the natural Grover problem in previous works. We once again emphasize that the logarithm and square root algorithmic performances are generic in imaginary-time quantum annealing and quantum evolution driven by real-time Schrödinger equation, respectively. Also, we provide evidences to search deep reasons why the imaginary-time quantum annealing can lead to exponential speedup and the real-time quantum annealing can make square root speedup.
Exciton dynamics in different aromatic hydrocarbon systems*
Authors: Rutonjski Milica , Mali Petar , Radošević Slobodan , Gombar Sonja , Pantić Milan , Pavkov-Hrvojević Milica
Published: July 2020

The exciton dispersion is examined in the case of four selected prototypical molecular solids: pentacene, tetracene, picene, and chrysene. The model parameters are determined by fitting to experimental data obtained by inelastic electron scattering. Within the picture that relies on Frenkel-type excitons we obtain that theoretical dispersion curves along different directions in the Brillouin zone are in good agreement with the experimental data, suggesting that the influence of charge-transfer excitons on exciton dispersion of the analyzed organic solids is not as large as proposed. In reciprocal space directions where Davydov splitting is observed we employ the upgraded version of Hamiltonian used in Materials
11, 2219 (2018).
Recent advances in generation of terahertz vortex beams and their applications*
Authors: Wang Honggeng , Song Qiying , Cai Yi , Lin Qinggang , Lu Xiaowei , Shangguan Huangcheng , Ai Yuexia , Xu Shixiang
Published: July 2020

Last decade has witnessed a rapid development of the generation of terahertz (THz) vortex beams as well as their wide applications, mainly due to their unique combination characteristics of regular THz radiation and orbital angular momentum (OAM). Here we have reviewed the ways to generate THz vortex beams by two representative scenarios, i.e., THz wavefront modulation via specific devices, and direct excitation of the helicity of THz vortex beams. The former is similar to those wavefront engineering devices in the optical and infrared (IR) domain, but just with suitable THz materials, while the latter is newly-developed in THz regime and some of the physical mechanisms still have not been explained explicitly enough though, which would provide both challenges and opportunities for THz vortex beam generation. As for their applications, thanks to the recent development of THz optics and singular optics, THz vortex beams have potentials to open doors towards a myriad of practice applications in many fields. Besides, some representative potential applications are evaluated such as THz wireless communication, THz super-resolution imaging, manipulating chiral matters, accelerating electron bunches, and detecting astrophysical sources.
Gaussian process tomography based on Bayesian data analysis for soft x-ray and AXUV diagnostics on EAST*
Authors: Chao Yan , Xu Liqing , Hu Liqun , Duan Yanmin , Wang Tianbo , Yuan Yi , Zhang Yongkuan
Published: July 2020

This work presents the Gaussian process tomography (GPT) based on Bayesian data analysis and its applications in soft x-ray (SXR) and absolute extreme ultraviolet spectroscopy (AXUV) diagnostics on experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST). This is the first application of the GPT method in the AXUV diagnostic system in fusion devices. It is found that even if only horizontal detector arrays are used to reconstruct the two-dimensional (2D) distribution of SXR and AXUV emissivity fields, the GPT method performs robustly and extremely fast, which enables the GPT method to provide real-time feedback on impurity transport and fast magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) events. By reconstructing SXR emissivity in the poloidal cross section on EAST, an m/n = 1/1 internal kink mode has been observed, and the plasma redistribution due to the kink mode is clearly visible in the reconstructions, where m is the poloidal mode number and n is the toroidal mode number. Sawtooth-like internal disruptions extended throughout the entire plasma core and mainly driven by the m/n = 2/1 mode have been acquired. During the sawtooth-like internal disruption crash phase, the conversion from an m = 2 mode to an m = 1 mode is observed. Using the reconstructed AXUV emissivity field we were able to observe the process of impurity accumulated in the plasma core and the mitigation of core impurity due to neon injection in the plasma edge. The data from all other diagnostics involved in the analysis shows that the reconstructions from AXUV measurements are reliable.
Plastic deformation mechanism transition of Ti/Ni nanolaminate with pre-existing crack: Molecular dynamics study*
Authors: Su Meng-Jia , Deng Qiong , An Min-Rong , Liu Lan-Ting
Published: July 2020

Tensile behaviors of Ti/Ni nanolaminate with model-I crack are investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. The Ti/Ni nanolaminates with center crack either in Ti layer or in Ni layer under different loading directions are utilized to systematically study the mechanical performance of the cracked material. The results indicate that pre-existing crack dramatically changes the plastic deformation mechanism of the Ti/Ni nanolaminate. Unlike the initial plastic deformation originating from the interface or weak Ti layer of the crack-free samples, the plastic behavior of cracked Ti/Ni nanolaminate first occurs at the crack tip due to the local stress concentration. Subsequent plastic deformation is dominated by the interaction between the crack and interface. The Ti/Ni interface not only impedes the movement of the initial plastic deformation carriers (dislocation, slip band, and deformation twinning) from the crack tip, but also promotes the movement of interfacial dislocations in the tension process. Microstructure evolution analysis further confirms that the plastic deformation mechanism transition is ascribed to the orientation-dependent tensile behavior at the crack tip, which is intrinsically attributed to the anisotropy of the certain crystal structure and loading direction of the cracked Ti/Ni nanolaminate. In addition, by analyzing the effects of different plastic deformation carriers on crack propagation in specific crystal, it can be discovered that the interfacial dislocations moving towards the crack tip can further promote the crack growth.
School formation characteristics and stimuli based modeling of tetra fish
Authors: Rahman S R , Sajjad I , Mansoor M M , Belden J , Murphy C T , Truscott T T
Published: July 2020

Self-organizing motion is an important yet inadequately understood phenomena in the field of collective behavior. For birds flocks, insect swarms, and fish schools, group behavior can provide a mechanism for defense against predators, better foraging and mating capabilities and increased hydro/aerodynamic efficiency in long-distance migration events. Although collective motion has received much scientific attention, more work is required to model and understand the mechanisms responsible for school initiation and formation, and information transfer within these groups. Here we investigate schooling of black tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) fish triggered by startle stimuli in the form of approaching objects. High-speed video and tagging techniques were used to track the school and individual members. We then measured several variables including reaction times, group formation shapes, fish velocity, group density, and leadership within the group. These data reveal three things: (1) information propagates through the group as a wave, indicating that each fish is not reacting individually to the stimulus, (2) the time taken for information to transfer across the group is independent of group density, and (3) information propagates across large groups faster than would be expected if the fish were simply responding to the motion of their nearest neighbor. A model was then built wherein simulated fish have a simple ‘stimuli/escape’ vector based on a hypothetical field of vision. The model was used to simulate a group of individual fish with initial conditions, size, and stimuli similar to the biological experiments. The model revealed similar behavior to the biological experiments and provide insights into the observed patterns, response times, and wave speeds.
Osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on chitosan/gelatin scaffolds: gene expression profile and mechanical analysis
Authors: Papadogiannis Fotios , Batsali Aristea , Klontzas Michail E , Karabela Maria , Georgopoulou Anthie , Mantalaris Athanasios , Zafeiropoulos Nikolaos E , Chatzinikolaidou Maria , Pontikoglou Charalampos
Published: July 2020

In the present study we explore the extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by human bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM-MSCs) induced to undergo osteogenic differentiation within porous chitosan/gelatin (CS:Gel) scaffolds by investigating their multiple gene expression profile and mechanical behavior. Initially, the efficiency of the BM-MSCs osteogenic differentiation within the constructs was confirmed by the significant rise in the expression of the osteogenesis associated genes DLX5, RUNX2, ALP and OSC. In line with these findings, OSC and Col1A1 protein expression was also detected in BM-MSCs on the CS:Gel scaffolds at day 14 of osteogenic differentiation. We then profiled, for the first time, the expression of 84 cell adhesion and ECM molecules using PCR arrays. The arrays, which were conducted at day 14 of osteogenic differentiation, demonstrated that 49 genes including collagens, integrins, laminins, ECM proteases, catenins, thrombospondins, ECM protease inhibitors and cell-cell adhesion molecules were differentially expressed in BM-MSCs seeded on scaffolds compared to tissue culture polystyrene control. Moreover, we performed dynamic mechanical analysis of the cell-loaded scaffolds on days 0, 7 and 14 to investigate the correlation between the biological results and the mechanical behavior of the constructs. Our data demonstrate a significant increase in the stiffness of the constructs with storage modulus values of 2 MPa on day 7, compared to 0.5 MPa on day 0, following a drop of the stiffness at 0.8 MPa on day 14, that may be attributed to the significant increase of specific ECM protease gene expression such as MMP1, MMP9, MMP11 and MMP16 at this time period.
Light absorption of black carbon aerosols strongly influenced by particle morphology distribution
Authors: Wu Yu , Cheng Tianhai , Zheng Lijuan
Published: July 2020

Atmospheric black carbon (BC) is the most important aerosol contributor to global warming. However, there is a lack of understanding about the climate impact of BC aerosols because of systematic discrepancies between model and observation estimates of light absorption enhancements (Eabs) in atmospheric processes after emissions, and such discrepancies are transferred directly into large uncertainties of aerosol radiative forcing assessments. In this study, we quantify Eabs of atmospheric BC aerosols with diverse particle morphology distributions using a multi-dimensional aerosol model. We show that current widely used Mie method may overestimate BC Eabs by ∼50% because variations in particle morphology are not considered. Although absorption calculation can be improved by including complex particle morphology and heterogeneity in composition, we find that neglect of the diverse particle morphology distributions in modeling may lead to 15% ∼ 30% relative deviations on Eabs estimations of BC aerosol ensembles. The results thus imply that particle morphology distribution should be included in models to accurately represent the radiative effects of BC aerosols.
Optical properties and growth mechanism of rock-like structured black silicon
Authors: Hsiao Yu-Jen , Nagarjuna Yempati
Published: July 2020

In this study, rock-like black silicon is prepared by using plasma enhanced hot-wire chemical vapor deposition (PE-HWCVD). The average grain sizes of polysilicon for 10-min, 20-min and 40-min growth time was about 12.4, 14.3 and 15.5 nm, respectively. As the growth time increased, the surface morphology had more rock like structures all over the surface which can be seen in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Growth mechanism of developing crystalline silicon is studied along with the optical property. The results showed that the PE-HWCVD silicon have low reflectivity 6.4% better than wet etch textured silicon 12.5% in the range of 400–800 nm. The black silicon has low reflectance than the wet etch textured silicon which can be perfectly used as an anti-reflective coating substance.
Age-Specific Acute Changes in Carotid–Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity With Head-up Tilt
Authors: Pucci Giacomo , Spronck Bart , Avolio Alberto P , Tap Lisanne , Vaudo Gaetano , Anastasio Fabio , Van Den Meiracker Anton , Mattace-Raso Francesco
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Aortic stiffness as measured by carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) is known to depend on blood pressure (BP), and this dependency may change with age. Therefore, the hydrostatic BP gradient resulting from a change in body posture may elicit a cfPWV change that is age-dependent. We aimed to analyze the relationship between BP gradient—induced by head-up body tilting—and related changes in cfPWV in individuals of varying age.

METHODS

cfPWV and other hemodynamic parameters were measured in 30 healthy individuals at a head-up tilt of 0° (supine), 30°, and 60°. At each angle, the PWV gradient and resulting cfPWV were also estimated (predicted) by assuming a global nonlinear, exponential, pressure–diameter relationship characterized by a constant β0, and taking into account that (diastolic) foot-to-foot cfPWV acutely depends on diastolic BP.

RESULTS

cfPWV significantly increased upon body tilting (8.0 ± 2.0 m/s supine, 9.1 ± 2.6 m/s at 30°, 9.5 ± 3.2 m/s at 60°, P for trend <0.01); a positive trend was also observed for heart rate (HR; P < 0.01). When the observed, tilt-induced cfPWV change measured by applanation tonometry was compared with that predicted from the estimated BP hydrostatic gradient, the difference in observed-vs.-predicted PWV change increased nonlinearly as a function of age (R2 for quadratic trend = 0.38, P < 0.01, P vs. linear = 0.04). This result was unaffected by HR tilt-related variations (R2 for quadratic trend = 0.37, P < 0.01, P vs. linear = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Under a hydrostatic pressure gradient, the pulse wave traveling along the aorta undergoes an age-related, nonlinear PWV increase exceeding the increase predicted from BP dependency.
Genomic and plumage variation in Vermivora hybrids
Authors: Baiz Marcella D , Kramer Gunnar R , Streby Henry M , Taylor Scott A , Lovette Irby J , Toews David P L
Published: July 2020

Hybrids with different combinations of traits can be used to identify genomic regions that underlie phenotypic characters important to species identity and recognition. Here, we explore links between genomic and plumage variation in Blue-winged Warbler x Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora cyanoptera x V. chrysoptera) hybrids, which have traditionally been categorized into 2 discrete types. “Lawrence’s” hybrids are yellow overall, similar to Blue-winged Warblers, but exhibit the black throat patch and face mask of Golden-winged Warblers. “Brewster’s” hybrids are similar to Golden-winged Warblers, but lack the black throat patch and face mask, and sometimes have yellow on their underparts. Previous studies hypothesized that (1) first generation hybrids are of the Brewster’s type and can be distinguished by the amount of yellow on their underparts, and that (2) the throat patch/mask phenotype is consistent with Mendelian inheritance and controlled by variation in a locus near the Agouti-signaling protein (ASIP) gene. We addressed these hypotheses using whole genome re-sequencing of parental and hybrid individuals. We found that Brewster’s hybrids had genomic hybrid index scores indicating this phenotype can arise by majority ancestry from either parental species, that their plumage varied in levels of carotenoid pigmentation, and individuals captured in multiple years grew consistently less yellow over time. Variation in carotenoid pigmentation showed little relationship with genomic hybrid index score and is thus inconsistent with previous hypotheses that first generation hybrids can be distinguished by the amount of yellow in their plumage. Our results also confirm that variation near ASIP underlies the throat patch phenotype, which we refined to an ~10–15 Kb region upstream of the coding sequence. Overall, our results support the notion that traditional categorization of hybrids as either Lawrence’s or Brewster’s oversimplifies continuous variation in carotenoid pigmentation, and its inferred underlying genetic basis, and is based primarily on one discrete trait, which is the throat patch/mask phenotype.
An in silico approach to identification, categorization and prediction of nucleic acid binding proteins
Authors: Xu Lei , Jiang Shanshan , Wu Jin , Zou Quan
Published: July 2020

The interaction between proteins and nucleic acid plays an important role in many processes, such as transcription, translation and DNA repair. The mechanisms of related biological events can be understood by exploring the function of proteins in these interactions. The number of known protein sequences has increased rapidly in recent years, but the databases for describing the structure and function of protein have unfortunately grown quite slowly. Thus, improving such databases is meaningful for predicting protein–nucleic acid interactions. Furthermore, the mechanism of related biological events, such as viral infection or designing novel drug targets, can be further understood by understanding the function of proteins in these interactions. The information for each sequence, including its function and interaction sites, were collected and identified, and a database called PNIDB was built. The proteins in PNIDB were grouped into 27 classes, such as transcription, immune system, and structural protein, etc. The function of each protein was then predicted using a machine learning method. Using our method, the predictor was trained on labeled sequences, and then the function of a protein was predicted based on the trained classifier. The prediction accuracy achieved a score of 77.43% by 10-fold cross validation.
New and validated RP-HPLC Method for Quantification of Safinamide Mesylate in Presence of Its Basic Degradate, Levodopa and Ondansetron: Application to Human Plasma
Authors: El-Kosasy Amira M , Hussein Lobna A , Mohamed Nesma M , Salama Nahla N
Published: July 2020

A simple, precise, rapid and accurate reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was developed and validated for analysis of safinamide mesylate (SAF) in presence of its basic degradate, and co-administered drugs levodopa and ondansetron. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and 20 mM potassium dihyrogen orthophosphate buffer having pH = 5 (40: 60 v/v). Quantification was achieved with ultraviolet detector at 226 nm. The linear range was 0.5–10 μg/mL with mean recovery ± SD of 99.72 ± 1.59. The peak purity of SAF in pharmaceutical preparation spiked with its degradate and co-administered drugs revealed symmetry factor (999.8) within the calculated threshold (>998.1). The suggested method was validated in compliance with the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines and statistically compared with the manufacturer HPLC method with no significant difference in terms of accuracy and precision. The assay method was successfully used to estimate SAF in tablets with good percentage recoveries. The high sensitivity (lower than Cmax of the drug 0.65 μg/mL) of the proposed HPLC method enabled the determination of SAF in presence of its basic degradate and co-administered drug, ondansetron in human plasma with acceptable accuracy. The suggested HPLC method could be used in Quality Control (QC) lab for analysis of the studied drug in pharmaceutical preparation.