bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction between Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Growth Promotion and Tuber Inulin Content of Helianthus tuberosus L
Authors: Nacoon Sabaiporn , Jogloy Sanun , Riddech Nuntavun , Mongkolthanaruk Wiyada , Kuyper Thomas W. , Boonlue Sophon
Published: March 2020

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) could interact synergistically because PSB solubilize sparingly available phosphorous compounds into orthophosphate that AMF can absorb and transport to the host plant. Little is known about the interactions between these two groups in terms of promoting Jerusalem artichoke, Helianthus tuberosus L., which is widely planted by farmers because of its high inulin content. Production depends mainly on synthetic fertilizers as source of plant nutrients. This study aimed to isolate and characterize PSB and investigate the effects of co-inoculation of AMF and PSB on plant performance and inulin accumulation. Isolate UDJA102x89-9, identified as Klebsiella variicola (KV), showed phosphate-solubilizing ability and produced high amounts of several organic acids in vitro and of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The experiment combined KV and two AMF species (Glomus multisubtensum (GM) and Rhizophagus intraradices (RI)). Co-inoculation of KV with RI, in combination with rock phosphate, showed the largest increases in plant growth and tuber inulin content, compared both to an unfertilized and fertilized control. This result would reveal whether the phosphate solubilization and IAA property of the PSB in vitro played a significant role in changing plant growth and production, and the available P was subsequently taken up and transported to plant roots by AMF. The high combined effect may have the potential for use by farmers in the future as a biofertilizer for inulin production by Helianthus tuberosus L.
Biphasic changes in β-cell mass around parturition are accompanied by increased serotonin production
Authors: Takahashi Masaya , Miyatsuka Takeshi , Suzuki Luka , Osonoi Sho , Himuro Miwa , Miura Masaki , Katahira Takehiro , Wakabayashi Yuka , Fukunaka Ayako , Nishida Yuya , Fujitani Yoshio , Takeda Satoru , Mizukami Hiroki , Itakura Atsuo , Watada Hirotaka
Published: March 2020

Pancreatic β-cell mass is known to be considerably altered during pregnancy and after parturition in rodents and humans. While β-cell mass increases during pregnancy and starts to return toward its original level after parturition, the cellular mechanisms by which β-cell mass during this period is regulated remains unclear. To address this issue in mice, we quantified β-cell mass and investigated the mechanisms underlying its regulation throughout the perinatal and postpartum period. The increased β-cell size and proliferation during pregnancy were significantly reduced shortly after parturition, whereas there was no evidence of β-cell reprogramming or increased apoptosis. Direct RNA sequencing of islets from pregnant and postpartum mice demonstrated dynamic changes in gene expression patterns, showing robust downregulation of cell cycle-related genes 1 day after parturition, and the reupregulation of serotonin metabolism-related genes at postpartum day 7. Serotonin synthesis was activated only in lactating females, accompanied by increased β-cell mass. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that β-cell mass is decreased shortly after parturition owing to reduced β-cell size and proliferation, and is subsequently increased, in association with lactation and serotonin biosynthesis.
A 62K genic-SNP chip array for genetic studies and breeding applications in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.)
Authors: Singh Sangeeta , Mahato Ajay K. , Jayaswal Pawan K. , Singh Nisha , Dheer Meenakshi , Goel Preeti , Raje Ranjeet S. , Yasin Jeshima K. , Sreevathsa Rohini , Rai Vandna , Gaikwad Kishor , Singh Nagendra K.
Published: March 2020

Pigeonpea is the second most important pulse legume crop for food and nutritional security of South Asia that requires accelerated breeding using high throughput genomic tools. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are highly suitable markers for this purpose because of their bi-allelic nature, reproducibility and high abundance in the genome. Here we report on development and use of a pigeonpea 62 K SNP chip array ‘CcSNPnks’ for Affymetrix GeneTitan® platform. The array was designed after filtering 645,662 genic-SNPs identified by re-sequencing of 45 diverse genotypes and has 62,053 SNPs from 9629 genes belonging to five different categories, including 4314 single-copy genes unique to pigeonpea, 4328 single-copy genes conserved between soybean and pigeonpea, 156 homologs of agronomically important cloned genes, 746 disease resistance and defense response genes and 85 multi-copy genes of pigeonpea. This fully genic chip has 28.94% exonic, 33.04% intronic, 27.56% 5′UTR and 10.46% 3′UTR SNPs and incorporates multiple SNPs per gene allowing gene haplotype network analysis. It was used successfully for the analysis of genetic diversity and population structure of 95 pigeonpea varieties and high resolution mapping of 11 yield related QTLs for number of branches, pod bearing length and number of seeds per pod in a biparental RIL population. As an accurate high-density genotyping tool, ‘CcSNPnks’ chip array will be useful for high resolution fingerprinting, QTL mapping and genome wide as well as gene-based association studies in pigeonpea.
Objective activity tracking in spine surgery: a prospective feasibility study with a low-cost consumer grade wearable accelerometer
Authors: Stienen Martin N. , Rezaii Paymon G. , Ho Allen L. , Veeravagu Anand , Zygourakis Corinna C. , Tomkins-Lane Christy , Park Jon , Ratliff John K. , Desai Atman M.
Published: March 2020

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are commonly used to estimate disability of patients with spinal degenerative disease. Emerging technological advances present an opportunity to provide objective measurements of activity. In a prospective, observational study we utilized a low-cost consumer grade wearable accelerometer (LCA) to determine patient activity (steps per day) preoperatively (baseline) and up to one year (Y1) after cervical and lumbar spine surgery. We studied 30 patients (46.7% male; mean age 57 years; 70% Caucasian) with a baseline activity level of 5624 steps per day. The activity level decreased by 71% in the 1st postoperative week (p < 0.001) and remained 37% lower in the 2nd (p < 0.001) and 23% lower in the 4th week (p = 0.015). At no time point until Y1 did patients increase their activity level, compared to baseline. Activity was greater in patients with cervical, as compared to patients with lumbar spine disease. Age, sex, ethnic group, anesthesia risk score and fusion were variables associated with activity. There was no correlation between activity and PROMs, but a strong correlation with depression. Determining activity using LCAs provides real-time and longitudinal information about patient mobility and return of function. Recovery took place over the first eight postoperative weeks, with subtle improvement afterwards.
Force accuracy rather than high stiffness is associated with faster learning and reduced falls in human balance
Authors: Cherif Amel , Loram Ian , Zenzeri Jacopo
Published: March 2020

Balance requires the centre of mass to be maintained within the base of support. This can be achieved by minimising position sway (stiffness control: SC) or minimising force error (force accuracy control: FAC). Minimising sway reduces exploration of system properties, whereas minimising force error maximizes accurate mapping of the force vs position. We hypothesise that (i) FAC is associated with faster learning and fewer falls whereas (ii) SC is not. Fifteen participants used myoelectric signals from their legs to maintain balance of an actuated, inverted pendulum, to which they were strapped. Using challenging perturbations, participants were trained to maintain balance without falling within five sessions and tested before (PRE) and after (POST) training. We quantified FAC as ‘change (POST-PRE) in correlation of force with position’ and SC as ‘change in sway’. PRE training, five measures (sway, acceleration, co-contraction, effort, falls) showed no correlation with either FAC or SC. POST training, reduced fall rate, effort and acceleration correlated with FAC metric. SC correlated only with reduced sway. Unlike sway minimisation, development of force accuracy was associated with learning and reduced falls. These results support that accurate force estimation allowing movement is more relevant than stiffness to improve balance and prevent falls.
Changes in patient admissions after the 2015 Earthquake: a tertiary hospital-based study in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Moitinho de Almeida Maria , Schlüter Benjamin-Samuel , van Loenhout Joris Adriaan Frank , Thapa Sunil Singh , Kumar K. C. , Singh Ravikant , Guha-Sapir Debarati , Mahara Deepak Prakash
Published: March 2020

Literature on earthquake impact on hospital admissions is lacking, particularly in low-resource settings. Our aim was to study the pattern of admissions before and after the 2015 earthquake in a tertiary hospital in Nepal. We used routine hospital data from 9,596 admissions, and defined four periods: pre-earthquake (pre-EQ), acute (EQ1), post-acute (EQ2), and post-earthquake (post-EQ). We compared length of hospital stay (LOS) across the study periods using negative binomial regressions. We used logistic regressions to study changes in probability of admission for diagnostic categories, and Generalized Additive Models to model the difference in number of admissions compared to pre-EQ baseline. LOS was longer in EQ1 than during pre-EQ, in particular for injury-related admissions. In EQ1, the odds of injury admissions increased, while they decreased for the majority of other diagnoses, with the odds of pregnancy-related admissions remaining low until post-EQ. The number of admissions dropped in EQ1 and EQ2, and returned to pre-EQ trends in post-EQ, accumulating 381 admissions lost (CI: 206–556). Our findings suggest that hospital disaster plans must not only foresee injury management after earthquakes, but also ensure accessibility, in particular for pregnant women, and promote a quick return to normality to prevent additional negative health outcomes.
Monocular and Binocular Temporal Visual Perception of Infantile Nystagmus
Authors: Moshkovitz Avital , Lev Maria , Polat Uri
Published: March 2020

Contrast sensitivity is mostly used as a tool for testing aspects of visual functions. Infantile nystagmus is a pathological phenomenon that affects the spatial-temporal visual functions due to spontaneous oscillating movements of the eyes. We examined the spatial-temporal aspects of nystagmus perception, aiming to investigate the mechanisms underlying the deterioration of their visual performance. We tested the monocular and binocular contrast sensitivity of nystagmus and normally sighted subjects by measuring contrast detection of a Gabor target with spatial frequencies slightly above the cutoff threshold of each subject (nystagmus ~3; controls = 9cpd; presentation times 60–480 ms). The dominant eye of nystagmus revealed large differences over the non-dominant eye, highlighting the superiority of the dominant over the non-dominant eye in nystagmus. In addition, binocular summation mechanism was impaired in majority of the nystagmus subjects. Furthermore, these differences are not attributed to differences in visual acuity. Moreover, the visual performance in nystagmus continue to improve for longer presentation time compared with controls and was longer in the poor eye. Since the results are not due to differences in eye movements and strabismus, we suggest that the differences are due to developmental impairment in the visual system during the critical period.
Efficacy of three-dimensionally printed polycaprolactone/beta tricalcium phosphate scaffold on mandibular reconstruction
Authors: Lee Sanghoon , Choi Dami , Shim Jin-Hyung , Nam Woong
Published: March 2020

It has been demonstrated that development of three-dimensional printing technology has supported the researchers and surgeons to apply the bone tissue engineering to the oromandibular reconstruction. In this study, poly caprolactone/beta tricalcium phosphate (PCL/β-TCP) scaffolds were fabricated by multi-head deposition system. The feasibility of the three-dimensionally (3D) -printed PCL/β-TCP scaffolds for mandibular reconstruction was examined on critical-sized defect of canine mandible. The scaffold contained the heterogeneous pore sizes for more effective bone ingrowth and additional wing structures for more stable fixation. They were implanted into the mandibular critical-sized defect of which periosteum was bicortically resected. With eight 1-year-old male beagle dogs, experimental groups were divided into 4 groups (n = 4 defects per group, respectively). (a) no further treatment (control), (b) PCL/β-TCP scaffold alone (PCL/TCP), (c) PCL/β-TCP scaffold with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) (PCL/TCP/BMP2) and (d) PCL/β-TCP scaffold with autogenous bone particles (PCL/TCP/ABP). In micro-computed tomography, PCL/TCP/BMP2 and PCL/TCP/ ABP groups showed significant higher bone volume in comparison to Control and PCL/TCP groups (P < 0.05). In histomorphometric analysis, a trend towards more bone formation was observed in PCL/TCP/BMP2 and PCL/TCP/ABP groups, but the results lacked statistical significance (P = 0.052). Within the limitations of the present study, 3D-printed PCL/β-TCP scaffolds showed acceptable potential for oromandibular reconstruction.
Foreign DNA detection by high-throughput sequencing to regulate genome-edited agricultural products
Authors: Itoh Takeshi , Onuki Ritsuko , Tsuda Mai , Oshima Masao , Endo Masaki , Sakai Hiroaki , Tanaka Tsuyoshi , Ohsawa Ryo , Tabei Yutaka
Published: March 2020

Although the advent of several new breeding techniques (NBTs) is revolutionizing agricultural production processes, technical information necessary for their regulation is yet to be provided. Here, we show that high-throughput DNA sequencing is effective for the detection of unintended remaining foreign DNA segments in genome-edited rice. A simple k-mer detection method is presented and validated through a series of computer simulations and real data analyses. The data show that a short foreign DNA segment of 20 nucleotides can be detected and the probability that the segment is overlooked is 10−3 or less if the average sequencing depth is 30 or more, while the number of false hits is less than 1 on average. This method was applied to real sequencing data, and the presence and absence of an external DNA segment were successfully proven. Additionally, our in-depth analyses also identified some weaknesses in current DNA sequencing technologies. Hence, for a rigorous safety assessment, the combination of k-mer detection and another method, such as Southern blot assay, is recommended. The results presented in this study will lay the foundation for the regulation of NBT products, where foreign DNA is utilized during their generation.
Development and structural determination of an anti-PrPC aptamer that blocks pathological conformational conversion of prion protein
Authors: Mashima Tsukasa , Lee Joon-Hwa , Kamatari Yuji O. , Hayashi Tomohiko , Nagata Takashi , Nishikawa Fumiko , Nishikawa Satoshi , Kinoshita Masahiro , Kuwata Kazuo , Katahira Masato
Published: March 2020

Prion diseases comprise a fatal neuropathy caused by the conversion of prion protein from a cellular (PrPC) to a pathological (PrPSc) isoform. Previously, we obtained an RNA aptamer, r(GGAGGAGGAGGA) (R12), that folds into a unique G-quadruplex. The R12 homodimer binds to a PrPC molecule, inhibiting PrPC-to-PrPSc conversion. Here, we developed a new RNA aptamer, r(GGAGGAGGAGGAGGAGGAGGAGGA) (R24), where two R12s are tandemly connected. The 50% inhibitory concentration for the formation of PrPSc (IC50) of R24 in scrapie-infected cell lines was ca. 100 nM, i.e., much lower than that of R12 by two orders. Except for some antibodies, R24 exhibited the lowest recorded IC50 and the highest anti-prion activity. We also developed a related aptamer, r(GGAGGAGGAGGA-A-GGAGGAGGAGGA) (R12-A-R12), IC50 being ca. 500 nM. The structure of a single R12-A-R12 molecule determined by NMR resembled that of the R12 homodimer. The quadruplex structure of either R24 or R12-A-R12 is unimolecular, and therefore the structure could be stably formed when they are administered to a prion-infected cell culture. This may be the reason they can exert high anti-prion activity.
Author Correction: Modulation of in vitro Brain Endothelium by Mechanical Trauma: Structural and Functional Restoration by Poloxamer 188
Authors: Inyang Edidiong , Abhyankar Vinay , Chen Bo , Cho Michael
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Studies on the synthesis and properties of nitramino compounds based on tetrazine backbones
Authors: Zhang Shiyu , Cheng Guangbin , Yang Hongwei
Published: March 2020

A series of novel energetic compounds based on tetrazine-trazole and their energetic salts were synthesized. Neutral compound4exhibited satisfactory performance and these compounds are potential candidates for secondary explosives and propellants.
Thermo-responsive plasmonic systems: old materials with new applications
Authors: Ding Tao , Baumberg Jeremy J.
Published: March 2020

Thermo-sensitive plasmonic system made of Au and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) are exploited for various applications from optical tuning and chemical sensing to microfluidics and nanoactuation.
Chiral expression of co-crystallizing poly(thiophene)-block-poly(selenophene) copolymers
Authors: Timmermans Birgitt , Koeckelberghs Guy
Published: March 2020

In this research, the chiral expression of co-crystallizing block copolymers is investigated for the first time.
N-Carbamylglutamate and l-arginine supplementation improve hepatic antioxidant status in intrauterine growth-retarded suckling lambs
Authors: Zhang Hao , Jin Yaqian , Wang Mengzhi , Loor Juan J. , Wang Hongrong
Published: March 2020

The influence of dietary supplementation of l-arginine (Arg) or N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) on the hepatic antioxidant status in intrauterine-growth-retarded (IUGR) suckling lambs remains unclear.
An effective hydroxylation route for a highly sensitive glucose sensor using APTES/GOx functionalized AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor
Authors: Liu Jun , Zhang Heqiu , Xue Dongyang , Ahmad Aqrab ul , Xia Xiaochuan , Liu Yang , Huang Huishi , Guo Wenping , Liang Hongwei
Published: March 2020

A highly sensitive glucose sensor based on AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) has been fabricated.
Developing visible-light-induced dynamic aromatic Schiff base bonds for room-temperature self-healable and reprocessable waterborne polyurethanes with high mechanical properties
Authors: Fan Wuhou , Jin Yong , Shi Liangjie , Zhou Rong , Du Weining
Published: March 2020

Visible-light-induced dynamic aromatic Schiff base bond was developed for waterborne polyurethanes, which possess a desirable room-temperature self-healability and excellent mechanical properties (tensile stress: 14.32 MPa; toughness: 64.80 MJ m−3).
Visible-light-induced ligand-free RuCl3 catalyzed C–H phosphorylation in water
Authors: Gou Xue-Ya , Zhang Bo-Sheng , Wang Xin-Gang , Shi Wei-Yu , Liu Hong-Chao , An Yang , Zhang Zhe , Liang Yong-Min
Published: March 2020

Visible-light-induced C–H phosphorylation of para-CAr–H and heteroarenes was realized using cost-effective RuCl3 as a catalyst.
Sporormielones A–E, bioactive novel C–C coupled orsellinic acid derivative dimers, and their biosynthetic origin
Authors: Chen Guo-Dong , Hu Dan , Huang Mei-Juan , Tang Jia , Wang Xiao-Xia , Zou Jian , Xie Jun , Zhang Wei-Guang , Guo Liang-Dong , Yao Xin-Sheng , Abe Ikuro , Gao Hao
Published: March 2020

Sporormielones A–E, novel C–C coupled orsellinic acid derivative dimers containing tricyclic cores with a dimethylcyclopentenone unit, were isolated from Sporormiella sp., and their plausible biosynthetic mechanism was proposed.
(100)-Oriented gallium oxide substrate for metal organic vapor phase epitaxy for ultraviolet emission
Authors: Li Weijiang , Guo Liang , Zhang Shengnan , Hu Qiang , Cheng Hongjuan , Wang Junxi , Li Jinmin , Wei Tongbo
Published: March 2020

High-quality low-stress GaN and MQWs emitting in the UV region were grown on (100) β-Ga2O3 by MOVPE using a pulsed-flow method.
Intrinsic nature of photocatalysis by comparing with electrochemistry
Authors: Nosaka Yoshio , Nosaka Atsuko Y.
Published: March 2020

The kinetics of photocatalysis was discussed based on the calculated surface electric field, the limited electron transfer frequency and the irreversibility.
Alumina grafted SBA-15 sustainable bifunctional catalysts for direct cross-coupling of benzylic alcohols to diarylmethanes
Authors: Rajendran Chandran , Satishkumar Govindaswamy , Lang Charlotte , Gaigneaux Eric M.
Published: March 2020

AlSBA-15 catalysts possessing Brønsted acid and Lewis acid–base bifunctionalities catalyze the direct arylation of benzyl alcohols to diarylmethanes with an 85% product yield through C–O bond activation.
Pilot-scale ozone/biological activated carbon treatment of reverse osmosis concentrate: potential for synergism between nitrate and contaminant removal and potable reuse
Authors: Zhang Zhong , King Jacob F. , Szczuka Aleksandra , Chuang Yi-Hsueh , Mitch William A.
Published: March 2020

Reverse osmosis treatment for potable reuse can reduce the cost for removing nitrate and contaminants from wastewater prior to discharge.
A novel ratiometric fluorescent probe based on thienocoumarin and its application for the selective detection of hypochlorite in real water samples and in vivo
Authors: Shi Lei , Yu Huijuan , Zeng Xianqing , Yang Sheng , Gong Shengzhao , Xiang Hua , Zhang Kai , Shao Guang
Published: March 2020

A novel ratiometric fluorescent probe based on thieno[3,2-c]coumarin has been prepared for sensing hypochlorite, which could exhibit a large emission shift and a 338-fold emission ratio (I470/I640).
Fischer–Tropsch synthesis using a cobalt catalyst supported on graphitic carbon nitride
Authors: Oliaei Torshizi Hasan , Nakhaei Pour Ali , Mohammadi Ali , Zamani Yahya
Published: March 2020

The nitrogen atoms in a g-C3N4support improved cobalt reduction in a prepared Co/g-C3N4catalyst.
Tantalum oxide nanoparticles as versatile contrast agents for X-ray computed tomography
Authors: Chakravarty Shatadru , Hix Jeremy M. L. , Wiewiora Kaitlyn A. , Volk Maximilian C. , Kenyon Elizabeth , Shuboni-Mulligan Dorela D. , Blanco-Fernandez Barbara , Kiupel Matti , Thomas Jennifer , Sempere Lorenzo F. , Shapiro Erik M.
Published: March 2020

Radiopaque tantalum oxide (TaOx) nanoparticles can be fabricated with a variety of surface chemistries enabling the use of computed tomography to image a vast array of important biolgical phenomena and nanoparticle delivery schemes.
Recent progress in (hetero)arene cation radical-based heteroarene modification
Authors: Cui Hai-Lei
Published: March 2020

This review summarizes the advances in heteroarene modification via transformations of in situ generated (hetero)arene cation radicals, ranging from 2010 to 2020.
Correction: Base-catalyzed C-alkylation of potassium enolates with styrenes via a metal–ene reaction: a mechanistic study
Authors: Barham Joshua P. , Fouquet Thierry N. J. , Norikane Yasuo
Published: March 2020

Correction for ‘Base-catalyzed C-alkylation of potassium enolates with styrenes via a metal–ene reaction: a mechanistic study’ by Joshua P. Barham et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2020, DOI: 10.1039/c9ob02495f.
Fate of urea-15N as influenced by different irrigation modes
Authors: Ru Xu , Jingnan Chen , Zhiyuan Lin , Xieyong Chen , Maomao Hou , Shanshan Shen , Qiu Jin , Fenglin Zhong
Published: March 2020

Fertilizer nitrogen (N) is a main pollutant in the agricultural ecosystem, while the fate of fertilizer N influenced by different irrigation modes is not well comparatively investigated.
Magnetic and structural properties of single-phase Gd3+-substituted Co–Mg ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Abouzir El. , Elansary M. , Belaiche M. , Jaziri H.
Published: March 2020

Co0.7Mg0.3Fe1.98Gd0.02O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by coprecipitation for the first time. The nanoparticles show spinel structures with high crystalline purity and excellent magnetic properties.
Emerging applications of porous organic polymers in visible-light photocatalysis
Authors: Wang Tian-Xiong , Liang Hai-Peng , Anito Dejene Assefa , Ding Xuesong , Han Bao-Hang
Published: March 2020

Porous organic polymers are efficient photocatalysts in organic synthesis, hydrogen evolution, CO2 reduction, and degradation of organic pollutants.
Charge localization and trapping at surfaces in lead-iodide perovskites: the role of polarons and defects
Authors: Ambrosio Francesco , Meggiolaro Daniele , Mosconi Edoardo , De Angelis Filippo
Published: March 2020

Separate localization of charge carriers for pristine and flat surfaces. Bulk-like physics of defects for the MAI surface while lower formation energies and deeper energy levels for the PbI2 surface.
The role of hybrid dielectric interfaces in improving the performance of multilayer InSe transistors
Authors: Zhang Shichao , Qiu Yunfeng , Yang Huihui , Wang Dao , Hu Yunxia , Lu Xubing , Li Zhonghua , Hu PingAn
Published: March 2020

In graphene-like 2D layered semiconductor-based field-effect transistors (FETs), the device performance is strongly influenced by a semiconductor-dielectric interface.
Machine learning‐based models for spectrum sensing in cooperative radio networks
Authors: Tavares Caio Henrique Azolini , Marinello Jose Carlos , Proenca Mario Lemes , Abrao Taufik
Published: March 2020

In this study, the authors consider the application of machine learning (ML) models in cooperative spectrum sensing of cognitive radio networks (CRNs). Based on a statistical analysis of the classic energy detection scheme, the probability of detection and false alarm is derived, which depends solely on the number of samples and signal‐to‐noise ratio of the secondary users. The channel occupancy detection obtained from the established analytical techniques such as maximum ratio combining and AND/OR rules is compared to different ML techniques, including multilayer perceptron (MLP), support vector machine, and Naive Bayes, based on receiver operating characteristic and area under the curve metrics. By using standard profiling tools, they obtain the computational performance of the analysed models during the training phase, a critical step for operating in CRNs. Ultimately, the results demonstrate that the MLP ML technique presents a better trade‐off between training time and channel detection performance.
Assessing DER network cybersecurity defences in a power‐communication co‐simulation environment
Authors: Johnson Jay , Onunkwo Ifeoma , Cordeiro Patricia , Wright Brian J. , Jacobs Nicholas , Lai Christine
Published: March 2020

Increasing penetrations of interoperable distributed energy resources (DER) in the electric power system are expanding the power system attack surface. Maloperation or malicious control of DER equipment can now cause substantial disturbances to grid operations. Fortunately, many options exist to defend and limit adversary impact on these newly‐created DER communication networks, which typically traverse the public internet. However, implementing these security features will increase communication latency, thereby adversely impacting real‐time DER grid support service effectiveness. In this work, a collection of software tools called SCEPTRE was used to create a co‐simulation environment where SunSpec‐compliant photovoltaic inverters were deployed as virtual machines and interconnected to simulated communication network equipment. Network segmentation, encryption, and moving target defence security features were deployed on the control network to evaluate their influence on cybersecurity metrics and power system performance. The results indicated that adding these security features did not impact DER‐based grid control systems but improved the cybersecurity posture of the network when implemented appropriately.
Two‐step method to reduce metro transit energy consumption by optimising speed profile and timetable
Authors: Jin Bo , Sun Pengfei , Wang Qingyuan , Feng Xiaoyun
Published: March 2020

With the rising energy prices and increasing environmental awareness, the energy efficiency of metro transit system has attracted much attention in recent years. This study proposes a two‐step optimisation method to optimise speed profile and timetable, aiming to reduce the operational energy consumption of metro transit system. First, a coasting point searching algorithm is designed to reduce tractive energy consumption by optimising speed profile and running time distribution scheme. Then, a mixed‐integer linear programming model is constructed to maximise the overlap time between the accelerating and braking phases by optimising headway and dwell time, in order to improve the utilisation of regenerative braking energy (RBE). Furthermore, numerical simulations are presented based on the data from a Guangzhou Metro Line. The results show that the tractive energy consumption can be reduced by 8.46% and the utilisation of RBE can be improved by 11.6%.
Molecular dynamics approach to thin‐film liquid phase change phenomena on functionally gradient wettability surface
Authors: Thakur Md Shajedul Hoque , Islam Mahmudul , Alam Shahriar , Hasan Mohammad Nasim , Mitsutake Yuichi , Monde Masanori
Published: March 2020

An atomistic model of functionally gradient wettability (FGW) surface for molecular dynamics (MD) simulation has been proposed and developed. Using the present model, a non‐equilibrium MD study has been conducted to investigate the effects of FGW on liquid thin film phase change characteristics over the FGW surface. A power function has been considered as the wettability governing function of the FGW surface and by varying its function parameter, various FGW surfaces have been studied. The simulation results show that the function parameter can be a significant modulation parameter for heat transfer characteristics associated with the phase transition. To gain insight into any additional heat transfer mode associated with the FGW surface, the wall heat fluxes have been compared with linear mixture rule predictions. It is found that, along with conduction heat transfer through the interface between solid FGW surface and liquid thin film, there exists convective heat transfer along the wettability gradient direction. This additional heat transfer mode, which is not present for uniformly wetted surfaces, causes significant enhancement of phase change characteristics. The results of the present MD simulation have been found consistent with macroscopic prediction based on classical thermodynamics theory.
Fix of Zn species in silicalite‐2 via a facile crystallisation process control route
Authors: Yu Qingjun , Tang Xiaolong , Yi Honghong
Published: March 2020

Zinc species were fixed in the silicalite‐2 zeolite by a crystallisation process control method. By controlling the introduction time of Zn during the crystallisation process, the distribution of Zn species in zeolite crystals can be facilely adjusted. Particularly, as Zn species were introduced after the completion of nucleation or crystal growth, crystals with structure of silica–core and Zn–silica shell will be formed. The ratio of shell to core thickness can be easily varied by adjusting the Zn feeding time as well as controlling the recrystallisation period.
Oral migration of Dirofilaria repens after creeping dermatitis
Authors: Hennocq Quentin , Helary Aloïs , Debelmas Alexandre , Monsel Gentiane , Labat Amandine , Bertolus Chloé , Martin Coralie , Caumes Eric
Published: March 2020

We report an autochthonous case of oral dirofilariasis in a 46-year-old female patient exposed in South-Eastern France. The patient first presented eyelid creeping dermatitis of one-week duration, then a sub-mucosal nodule appeared in the cheek. The entire nodule was removed surgically. Histologically, the nodule appeared as inflammatory tissue in which a worm was seen. The molecular analysis, based on cox1 and 12S sequences, identified Dirofilaria repens. Ivermectin treatment was given prior to diagnosis, while taking into consideration the most common causes of creeping dermatitis, but treatment was ineffective. The oral form of dirofilariasis is uncommon and could lead to diagnostic wandering.
Solving a time-indexed formulation for an unrelated parallel machine scheduling problem by preprocessing and cutting planes
Authors: Berghman Lotte , Spieksma Frits C.R. , T’kindt Vincent
Published: March 2020

We consider a time-indexed formulation for the unrelated parallel machine scheduling problem. We show that all polyhedral knowledge known from the single machine problem (in particular, valid inequalities) is applicable to this formulation. We present new facet-inducing valid inequalities and a preprocessing technique involving fixing variables based on reduced costs. We combine both techniques in a basic cutting-plane algorithm and test the performance of the resulting algorithm by running it on randomly generated instances.
Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Pschiebl Simone
Published: March 2020

Zu den klinisch manifesten Essstörungen nach ICD-10 gehören die Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia nervosa, Binge-Eating-Disorder, sowie nicht näher bezeichnete Essstörungen. Daneben gibt es noch weitere Vorstufen, zu denen ein „gestörtes Essverhalten“ mit exzessiven, aber noch nicht pathologischen Diäten, exzessivem Sport, selbstinduziertem Erbrechen sowie Laxanzien- und Diuretikamissbrauch zählen, sowie auch „unterschwellige Essstörungen“ als Zwischenstadium. Bei den zuletzt genannten sind die Symptome der klassischen manifesten Essstörungen weniger stark ausgeprägt oder treten weniger häufig auf 1.
Antithrombotische Therapie bei Niereninsuffizienz
Authors: Alscher Mark Dominik
Published: March 2020

Chronische Nierenerkrankungen (CKD) nehmen weltweit zu. Derzeit haben bis zu 15 % der erwachsenen Bevölkerung eine CKD. Erkrankungen wiederum, welche einer Antikoagulation bedürfen, finden sich in dieser Gruppe gehäuft, beispielsweise ein Vorhofflimmern. Bei Hämodialysepatienten findet sich dieses bei bis zu 12 % der Patienten. Auch lässt sich für diese Kombination eine erhöhte Rate von ischämischen apoplektischen Insulten demonstrieren (um das 1,6-fache gesteigert). Eine Antikoagulation bei Vorhofflimmern bei CKD ist jedoch – insbesondere bei Dialysepatienten – umstritten. Die Studienergebnisse wiederum wurden überwiegend bei Gabe von Vitamin-K-Antagonisten (VKA) erhoben. Für neuere Antikoagulantien (NOAK) sieht die Faktenlage anders aus. Es wird deshalb heute bei Notwendigkeit zur Antikoagulation bei CKD bis Stadium G4 (entsprechend Creatinin-Clearance > 15 ml/min) die Gabe von NOAK empfohlen.
Klinische Studien zur antithrombotischen Therapie kardiovaskulärer Erkrankungen
Authors: Olivier Christoph B. , Bode Christoph , Dürschmied Daniel
Published: March 2020

Dieser Artikel soll einen Überblick über klinische Studien des Jahres 2019 zur antithrombotischen Therapie kardiovaskulärer Erkrankungen geben. Im Jahr 2019 wurden auf den jährlichen Hauptkongressen der 3 international führenden kardiovaskulären Gesellschaften (American College of Cardiology, European Society of Cardiology und American Heart Association) 15 Studien zur antithrombotischen Therapie kardiovaskulärer Erkrankungen vorgestellt und in einer der führenden Fachzeitschriften veröffentlicht. Der Trend geht zu einer personalisierten antithrombotischen Therapie. Während eine verkürzte Dauer der Thrombozytenaggregationshemmung nach perkutaner Koronarintervention eher sicher erscheint, profitieren Patienten mit hohem individuellem ischämischen Risiko möglicherweise von einer verlängerten intensivierten antithrombotischen Therapie. Die Standardtherapie für Patienten mit Vorhofflimmern nach perkutaner Koronarintervention besteht aus einem Nicht-Vitamin-K-Antagonist oralen Antikoagulanz und einem P2Y12-Inhibitor. Nach 12 Monaten ohne neues Ereignis reicht bei den meisten dieser Patienten eine orale Antikoagulation ohne zusätzliche Thrombozytenaggregationshemmung aus. Nach Katheter-gestütztem Aortenklappenersatz kann für Patienten ohne Indikation für eine orale Antikoagulation eine Therapie mit 10 mg Rivaroxaban nicht empfohlen werden.
Robot-Assisted versus Conventional Total and Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: A Meta-analysis of Radiological and Functional Outcomes
Authors: Chin Brian Zhaojie , Tan Sharon Si Heng , Chua Kasia Chen Xi , Budiono Gideon Richard , Syn Nicholas Li-Xun , O'Neill Gavin Kane
Published: March 2020

The study aims to provide an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis comparing radiological and functional outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) using either robotic assistance or conventional methods from the latest assemblage of evidence. This study was conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and MOOSE (Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines. All studies in PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane that reported radiological and functional outcomes after TKA or UKA with either robotic or conventional methods were included in the review. Selected endpoints for random effects, pairwise meta-analysis included operative details, radiological outcomes (mechanical axis, component angle deviation, and outliers), and functional outcomes (American Knee Society Score, Knee Society Function Score, revision and complication rate, range of motion (ROM), Hospital for Special Surgery score, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index). A total of 23 studies comprising 2,765 knees were included from the initial search. Robot-assisted TKA and UKA were associated with significantly better component angle alignment accuracy (low-to-high quality evidence) at the cost of significantly greater operation time. Robot-assisted UKA was found to have significantly better short-term functional outcomes compared with conventional UKA (moderate-to-high quality evidence). Robot-assisted TKA, however, did not exhibit significantly better short- and midterm subjective knee outcome scores compared with its conventional counterpart (high-quality evidence). Robot-assisted TKA and UKA were associated with nonstatistically significant improved ROM and lesser rates of revision. Robot-assisted total and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty leads to better radiological outcomes, with no significant differences in mid- and long-term functional outcomes compared with conventional methods for the former. Larger prospective studies with mid- and long-term outcomes are required to further substantiate findings from the present study.
A philosophy of health: life as reality, health as a universal value
Authors: Saad Julian M. , Prochaska James O.
Published: March 2020

Emphases on biomarkers (e.g. when making diagnoses) and pharmaceutical/drug methods (e.g. when researching/disseminating population level interventions) in primary care evidence philosophies of health (and healthcare) that reduce health to the biological level. However, with chronic diseases being responsible for the majority of all cause deaths and being strongly linked to health behavior and lifestyle; predominantly biological views are becoming increasingly insufficient when discussing this health crisis. A philosophy that integrates biological, behavioral, and social determinants of health could benefit multidisciplinary discussions of healthy publics. This manuscript introduces a Philosophy of Health by presenting its first five principles of health. The philosophy creates parallels among biological immunity, health behavior change, social change by proposing that two general functions—precision and variation—impact population health at biological, behavioral, and social levels. This higher-level of abstraction is used to conclude that integrating functions, rather than separated (biological) structures drive healthy publics. A Philosophy of Health provides a framework that can integrate existing theories, models, concepts, and constructs.
Enhanced field-free current-induced magnetization switching by interlayer exchange coupling with insulating spacer layer
Authors: Bekele Zelalem Abebe , Lan Xiukai , Meng Kangkang , Liu Xionghua
Published: March 2020

We investigated field-free current-induced perpendicular magnetization switching in Pt/Co/AlOx/Co/Ta structures by varying the thickness of an insulating spacer layer. A field-free spin–orbit torque switching is realized through the antiferromagnetic interlayer exchange coupling (IEC) between the bottom and top Co layers or by premagnetizing the top Co layer. Significant variations in magnetic and electrical properties are ascribed to thickness dependent IEC by changing the insulating spacer layer from 1.0 to 1.9 nm. When the thickness of the spacer layer is 1.6 nm, we found the strongest IEC field of about 300 Oe and optimal field-free current-induced magnetization switching. Micromagnetic simulation validates the existence of the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI) effect and the chirality of the domain wall configuration in the stack structures, and the field-free deterministic magnetization switching is mainly induced from DMI and IEC fields.
Magnetic and magnetoelectric response of Gd doped nickel ferrite and barium titanate nanocomposites
Authors: Parida Tripta , Kumar Amritesh , Murty B. S. , Markandeyulu G.
Published: March 2020

Composites of NiFe2O4 (NFO)–BaTiO3 (BTO) and NiGd0.01Fe1.99O4 (G0.01)–BTO were investigated by x-ray diffraction, magnetization, transmission electron microscopy, magnetocapacitance, and ferroelectric studies. NFO and G0.01 nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol-gel method. The crystallite size of the nanoparticles estimated from the x-ray diffraction patterns is 20–22 nm. The average crystallite sizes of NFO and G0.01 nanoparticles were estimated from the transmission electron micrographs as 26 (1) nm and 22.3 (0.3) nm, respectively. These nanoparticles were encapsulated in a BTO shell, resulting in the formation of nanocomposites. Room temperature magnetization (at 60 kOe) of G0.01 nanoparticles was found to be slightly higher than that of NFO nanoparticles, due to the larger moment of Gd3+ than that of Fe3+. Also, the magnetization of G0.01–BTO is more than that of NFO–BTO nanocomposites. The magnetoelectric effect was observed with a magnetocapacitance value of approximately −10% at 10 kHz in both the composites.
Magnetic field tunable superconducting transition in Nb/Co/Py/Nb exchange spring multilayers
Authors: Bhatia Ekta , Devine-Stoneman J. M. , Barber Zoe H. , Robinson J. W. A. , Senapati Kartik
Published: March 2020

Over the last decade, it has been shown that magnetic non-collinearity at an s-wave superconductor/ferromagnet interface is a key ingredient for spin-singlet to spin-triplet pair conversion. This has been verified in several synthetic non-collinear magnetic structures. A magnetically soft and hard ferromagnetic layer combination in a bilayer structure can function as a field tunable non-collinear magnetic structure, which may offer magnetic field tunability of singlet-to-triplet pair conversion. From magnetization measurements of Nb/Co/Py/Nb multilayers, we demonstrate a reversible enhancement of the superconducting critical temperature of 400 mK by measuring Tc with and without a non-collinear magnetic structure between Co and Py. The sensitivity of Tc in these structures offers the potential for realizing magnetic field tunable Josephson junctions in which pair conversion and Josephson critical currents are controllable using modest magnetic fields.
Direct thermal emission testing of aperiodic dielectric stack for narrowband thermal emission at mid-IR
Authors: Botros Joseph , Ali Muhammad O. , Tait R. Niall , Amaya Rony E. , Gupta Shulabh
Published: March 2020

Direct thermal testing of aperiodic all-dielectric structures is presented, and its high-Q and emissivity properties are experimentally demonstrated for carbon dioxide (CO2) gas sensing applications. Using a 7-layer dielectric stack consisting of alternating layers of silicon (Si) and silicon dioxide (SiO2), backed by a metallic ground plane, an emissivity of 0.7 and a Q-factor of 113 are achieved at 70°C. Although this structure was already proposed in the literature, this is the first time direct thermal testing is reported, thereby showing narrowband emission properties of such structures when heated above room temperatures. An all-dielectric stack is thus found to be a simple, deposition-based structure that does not require any lateral mask preparation as frequency selectivity is achieved using an aperiodic arrangement of alternating dielectrics with contrasting permittivity. Superior performance over the periodically stacked structure is also demonstrated using numerical examples.
Demonstration of a flexible scheme for two-qubit quantum computation with single photon
Authors: Yang Zhenwei , Shang Jiangwei , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: March 2020

To build a quantum computing device, which is capable of generating arbitrary input states and performing universal unitary gate operations (UUGOs), is an important goal in the field of quantum information science. However, only a few special quantum computations have been reported by now based on specific input states and well-designed information processors. Here, we demonstrate a flexible scheme for two-qubit quantum computations by employing the polarization and the spatial mode of a single photon. Two-qubit UUGOs both in free-space optics and for arbitrary pure input states consisting of separable states and entangled states are presented. Quantum state tomography and process tomography are used to characterize the fidelity of the output states and the gate operations we considered. Beyond a demonstration, we believe that our work also enriches the techniques of bulk-optics for quantum information study and has a broad application for other fundamental research.
First-principles study of hydrogen behavior near W/WC interfaces
Authors: Yang L. , Wirth B. D.
Published: March 2020

Hydrogen (H) solution, migration, and binding to vacancies near the tungsten/tungsten carbide (W/WC) interfaces based on hcp WC or bcc W (W/WCb and Wb/WC) have been studied by first-principles simulations to provide insights into the effect of C on H behavior in W exposed to C deposition in fusion reactors. The H behavior near the W/WC interfaces is related to the tensile or compressive strain due to the lattice match and interfacial effects. Near the W/WCb interface, the H solution energy in hcp WC increases approaching the interface, while it decreases from the W side to the interface. The configuration change of the W slab significantly decreases the H solution energy but has only a modest effect on the H migration energy barrier in comparison with the values in bcc W. The interface enhances the H binding to vacancies in WC layers. Both the interface and configuration adjustment of the W slab reduce the H binding to vacancies on the W side of the interface. Near the Wb/WC interface, H solution energies in both WC and W slabs weakly decrease approaching the interface. The configuration change of the WC slab significantly increases the H solution energy and binding energy to vacancies but decreases the H migration energy barrier in comparison with the values in hcp WC. The H energetics near the W/WC interfaces indicate the likelihood of H localization and diffusion in the W side of the interface, rather than diffusing through the interface into WC layers.