bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 14‐ka Record of Dust Input and Phytoplankton Regime Changes in the Subtropical NE Pacific: Oceanic and Terrestrial Processes Linked by Teleconnections at Suborbital Scales
Authors: Arellano‐Torres Elsa , Álvarez‐Covelli Catalina , Kasper‐Zubillaga Juan José , Lozano‐García María del Socorro
Published: December 2018

We study shifts in phytoplankton proxies linked to terrigenous inputs and teleconnections in a core from Soledad Basin, Gulf of Ulloa, NW Mexico, spanning the end of the deglaciation and the Holocene. We used biogenic opal (% opal), organic carbon (% total organic carbon [TOC]), and inorganic carbon (% CaCO3) as proxies of productivity and opal/TOC and CaCO3/TOC ratios as proxies of nutrient uptake and C‐export by siliceous and carbonate organisms. We reconstructed terrestrial inputs and identified authigenic gypsum. Based on opal/TOC and CaCO3/TOC ratios, we found periodic changes of ~0.5, 1.1–1.8 ka cycle in phytoplankton proxies exporting siliceous and carbonate skeletal debris to the sediments. An increase in carbonate organisms occurred during 14–8.7 ka, corresponding to reduced El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)‐like variability, in parallel to the northward displacement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and an overall negative phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). An increase in siliceous organisms occurred between 6 and 3 ka, coincident with strong ENSO‐like conditions, southern migration of ITCZ, and less intense but more frequent positive PDO‐hydrological variability. Grain size analyses show significant amounts of fine fraction (dust <6.6 μm) present during the early‐ to mid‐Holocene in agreement to extreme weather on land, with episodes of eolian and fluvial transport to the sea. The ENSO‐like variations influenced biological C‐export producers on a scale of 1.1–1.8 ka, but PDO‐related variability is uncertain. We suggest that Holocene drivers for phytoplankton successions are changes in insolation, ITCZ migration, California Current upwelling, nutrient inputs by advection, and terrestrial sources.
Cretaceous to Middle Cenozoic Exhumation History of the Cordillera de Domeyko and Salar de Atacama Basin, Northern Chile
Authors: Henriquez Susana , DeCelles Peter G. , Carrapa Barbara
Published: December 2018

Spatiotemporal patterns of deformation and exhumation in the central Andes are key parameters for reconstructing the kinematic history of the orogenic belt. Previous studies of the retroarc thrust belt document overall eastward propagation of deformation since the late Eocene, but the amount and timing of exhumation during the early phase of Andean orogeny remains largely unconstrained, particularly in the modern forearc region. In order to determine the timing and amount of exhumation prior to the late Eocene, we employed a multidating approach combining zircon U‐Pb geochronology with apatite fission track and apatite (U‐Th)/He thermochronology. We focus on the low‐temperature cooling history of the Cordillera de Domeyko thrust belt and synorogenic deposits in the Salar de Atacama basin. Our results show Late Cretaceous to Oligocene cooling and exhumation in the Cordillera de Domeyko. The distribution of cooling ages in the forearc indicates three periods of exhumation: ~86–65, ~65–50, and 50–28 Ma. The amount of cooling was variable in space and time but requires total exhumation of ~2.5–3.3 km of rocks above major structures in the thrust belt. Regional unconformities in the Salar de Atacama basin correlate with periods of eastward migration of the orogenic front at ~65 Ma and ~50–40 Ma. Pulses of deformation at the front of the thrust belt alternated with periods of out‐of‐sequence hinterland deformation and exhumation. Overall, our data show that shortening in the central Andes commenced during the Late Cretaceous (as early as ~86 Ma) and that deformation (shortening) and exhumation were coupled in space and time.
A Gravity Study of the Longmenshan Fault Zone: New Insights Into the Nature and Evolution of the Fault Zone and Extrusion‐Style Growth of the Tibetan Plateau Since 40 Ma
Authors: Jiang Xiaodian , Li Zheng‐Xiang , Li Chaoyang , Gong Wei
Published: December 2018

The Longmenshan Fault Zone (LFZ) is a tectonic boundary between the Tibetan Plateau and the Sichuan Basin of the South China Block. Knowledge of the nature and history of the LFZ is important for understanding the growth of continental plateaus and mechanisms for major earthquakes along their margins, as exemplified by the magnitude 7.9 M Wenchuan earthquake of 12 May 2008. Flexural modeling of new and existing gravity survey data along three transects, combined with published seismic reflection profiles and earthquake focal mechanism data, indicates that the central‐northern LFZ is a lithospheric‐scale fault zone that has low elastic strength but with strong episodic dextral transpressional motions. In contrast, the southern LFZ is a crustal‐scale thrust zone dominated by shallow‐angle thrust motion of the Tibetan Plateau over a moderately stiff South China Block. In conjunction with the record of Cenozoic basin erosion in the western Sichuan Basin and a regional kinematic analysis, we suggest that the lithospheric‐scale LFZ started 40 Myr ago and became an external boundary of a northeasterly directed extrusion‐style plateau growth, predominantly through crustal thrusting and thickening.
Deep Convolutional Encoder‐Decoder Networks for Uncertainty Quantification of Dynamic Multiphase Flow in Heterogeneous Media
Authors: Mo Shaoxing , Zhu Yinhao , Zabaras Nicholas , Shi Xiaoqing , Wu Jichun
Published: December 2018

Surrogate strategies are used widely for uncertainty quantification of groundwater models in order to improve computational efficiency. However, their application to dynamic multiphase flow problems is hindered by the curse of dimensionality, the saturation discontinuity due to capillarity effects, and the time dependence of the multi‐output responses. In this paper, we propose a deep convolutional encoder‐decoder neural network methodology to tackle these issues. The surrogate modeling task is transformed to an image‐to‐image regression strategy. This approach extracts high‐level coarse features from the high‐dimensional input permeability images using an encoder and then refines the coarse features to provide the output pressure/saturation images through a decoder. A training strategy combining a regression loss and a segmentation loss is proposed in order to better approximate the discontinuous saturation field. To characterize the high‐dimensional time‐dependent outputs of the dynamic system, time is treated as an additional input to the network that is trained using pairs of input realizations and of the corresponding system outputs at a limited number of time instances. The proposed method is evaluated using a geological carbon storage process‐based multiphase flow model with a 2,500‐dimensional stochastic permeability field. With a relatively small number of training data, the surrogate model is capable of accurately characterizing the spatiotemporal evolution of the pressure and discontinuous CO2 saturation fields and can be used efficiently to compute the statistics of the system responses.
Investigating Abiotic Drivers for Vertical and Temporal Heterogeneities of Cyanobacteria Concentrations in Lakes Using a Seasonal In Situ Monitoring Station
Authors: Wilkinson A. A. , Hondzo M. , Guala M.
Published: December 2018

Harmful algal blooms (HAB) are ubiquitous ecological and public health hazards because they are composed of potentially toxic freshwater microorganisms called cyanobacteria. The abiotic drivers for toxic HAB are investigated using a research station deployed in a eutrophic lake in Minnesota in 2016. This research station provides full‐depth water quality (hourly) and meteorological conditions monitoring (5 min) at the sampling site. Water quality monitoring provides chemical, physical, and biological measurements, that is, phycocyanin concentration, a photosynthetic pigment distinct to cyanobacteria. The high cyanobacteria biovolume (BV) in the epilimnion observed in mid‐July persisted until late September when it was distributed uniformly throughout the water column. A scaling relationship was developed among BV heterogeneity, thermal stratification stability, and surface water temperature. This relationship was verified in a dimictic lake the following year. The proposed scaling relationship is relevant to sampling protocols of HAB as it informs if the sample depth is representative of the entire water column. During the strongly stratified period, BV accumulated above the thermocline and in the photic zone, with distinct peaks forming occasionally both near the water surface and at locations with photosynthetically active radiation approximately equal to 10 μE/m2s. Our observations suggest that the temporal/vertical variability of cyanobacteria BV is strongly influenced by lake dynamics, thermal structure, seasonal temperature variation, and light availability. These observations demonstrate that cyanobacteria tend to move and accumulate in specific warm water layers, confined by the thermocline and determined by well‐defined light conditions.
Niclosamide activates the NLRP3 inflammasome by intracellular acidification and mitochondrial inhibition
Authors: Thi Tran Uyen , Kitami Toshimori
Published: December 2018

The NLRP3 inflammasome is unique among pattern recognition receptors in using changes in cellular physiology as a mechanism for sensing host danger. To dissect the physiological network controlling inflammasome activation, we screened for small-molecule activators and suppressors of IL-1β release in macrophages. Here we identified niclosamide, a mitochondrial uncoupler, as an activator of NLRP3 inflammasome. We find that niclosamide inhibits mitochondria and induces intracellular acidification, both of which are necessary for inflammasome activation. Intracellular acidification, by inhibiting glycolysis, works together with mitochondrial inhibition to induce intracellular ATP loss, which compromises intracellular potassium maintenance, a key event to NLRP3 inflammasome activation. A modest decline in intracellular ATP or pH within an optimal range induces maximum IL-1β release while their excessive decline suppresses IL-1β release. Our work illustrates how energy metabolism converges upon intracellular potassium to activate NLRP3 inflammasome and highlights a biphasic relationship between cellular physiology and IL-1β release.
Characterisation of thin boron-doped diamond films using Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics
Authors: Knittel Peter , Stach Robert , Yoshikawa Taro , Kirste Lutz , Mizaikoff Boris , Kranz Christine , Nebel Christoph E.
Published: December 2018

A non-destructive chemometric method to determine thickness and boron concentration of as-deposited, thin, heavily doped diamond films by Raman microscopy.
Universal nanothin silk coatings via controlled spidroin self-assembly
Authors: Zha R. Helen , Delparastan Peyman , Fink Tanner D. , Bauer Joschka , Scheibel Thomas , Messersmith Phillip B.
Published: December 2018

Biomimetic spidroin self-assembly allows formation of substrate-independent one-pot nanothin silk coatings.
Rational design of two-dimensional covalent tilings using a C6-symmetric building block via on-surface Schiff base reaction
Authors: Lu Cheng , Li Yang , Wang Li-Mei , Yan Hui-Juan , Chen Long , Wang Dong
Published: December 2018

Two-dimensional covalent triangular, rhombille and semi-regular tilings are constructed successfully using C6-symmetric building blocks via on-surface Schiff base reaction.
Attenuation of neuroblastoma cell growth by nisin is mediated by modulation of phase behavior and enhanced cell membrane fluidity
Authors: Prince Ashutosh , Tiwari Anuj , Ror Pankaj , Sandhu Padmani , Roy Jyoti , Jha Suman , Mallick Bibekanand , Akhter Yusuf , Saleem Mohammed
Published: December 2018

Antimicrobial peptide mediated fluidization of cancer membrane reduces cancer cell growth.
Ultrathin CdS shell-sensitized hollow S-doped CeO2 spheres for efficient visible-light photocatalysis
Authors: Zheng Ning-Chao , Ouyang Ting , Chen Yibo , Wang Zhu , Chen Di-Yun , Liu Zhao-Qing
Published: December 2018

By virtue of the systematic effects of S-doping on CeO2 and the ultrathin shell structure of CdS, the CeO2−xSx@CdS nanocomposite exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity under visible-light illumination for both H2 evolution (rate up to 1147.2 μmol g−1 h−1) and RhB degradation (efficiency reached 99.8%) as compared to CeO2, CeO2−xSx, and CdS.
On the border between localization and delocalization: tris(iminoxolene)titanium(iv)
Authors: Marshall-Roth Travis , Yao Kun , Parkhill John A. , Brown Seth N.
Published: December 2018

An air-stable tris(iminoxolene)titanium(iv) complex is a ground state singlet best described as intermediate between fully localized and fully delocalized.
Efficient X-ray scintillating lead(ii)-based MOFs derived from rigid luminescent naphthalene motifs
Authors: Lu Jian , Xin Xue-Huan , Lin Yang-Jie , Wang Shuai-Hua , Xu Jian-Gang , Zheng Fa-Kun , Guo Guo-Cong
Published: December 2018

The synergistic effects of heavy metal Pb(ii) centers and rigid organic ligands afford Pb(ii)-based MOF scintillator candidates for X-ray detection.
One-step assembly of zein/caseinate/alginate nanoparticles for encapsulation and improved bioaccessibility of propolis
Authors: Zhang Hao , Fu Yuying , Xu Yujuan , Niu Fuge , Li Zeya , Ba Chujie , Jin Bing , Chen Guowen , Li Xiaomeng
Published: December 2018

Propolis loaded zein/caseinate/alginate nanoparticles were fabricated using a facile one-step procedure without using organic solvents and sophisticated equipment.
In situ formation of defect-engineered N-doped TiO2 porous mesocrystals for enhanced photo-degradation and PEC performance
Authors: Kang Xiaolan , Song Xue-Zhi , Liu Sihang , Pei Mingzhu , Wen Wen , Tan Zhenquan
Published: December 2018

N-Doped oxygen defective N/TiO2−x mesocrystal nanocubes were prepared from NH4TiOF3 mesocrystals by a facile crystal topotactic transformation strategy. The products exhibited high photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic degradation performance under visible light illumination.
Atomic layer deposition of Co3O4nanocrystals on N-doped electrospun carbon nanofibers for oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions
Authors: Khalily Mohammad Aref , Patil Bhushan , Yilmaz Eda , Uyar Tamer
Published: December 2018

We demonstrated atomic layer deposition of highly monodisperse Co3O4nanocrystals on N-doped electrospun carbon nanofibers (Co@nCNFs) as bifunctional electrocatalysts for the ORR and OER.
Amino- and sulfo-bifunctionalized hyper-crosslinked organic nanotube frameworks as efficient catalysts for one-pot cascade reactions
Authors: Meng Guojie , Gao Shengguang , Liu Ying , Zhang Li , Song Chunmei , Huang Kun
Published: December 2018

The synthesis of amino- and sulfo-bifunctionalized hyper-crosslinked organic nanotube frameworks for one-pot cascade reactions was reported for the first time.
Biosynthesis of the RiPP trojan horse nucleotide antibiotic microcin C is directed by the N-formyl of the peptide precursor
Authors: Dong Shi-Hui , Kulikovsky Alexey , Zukher Inna , Estrada Paola , Dubiley Svetlana , Severinov Konstantin , Nair Satish K.
Published: December 2018

The N-formyl moiety of the peptide precursor directs the biosynthesis of the RiPP trojan horse nucleotide antibiotic McC.
Pd-catalyzed γ-arylation of γ,δ-unsaturated O-carbamates via an unusual haptotropic rearrangement
Authors: Royal Titouan , Baudoin Olivier
Published: December 2018

An unusual γ-selectivity was observed in the arylation of α-zincated γ,δ-unsaturated O-carbamates, which arose from the haptotropic rearrangement of the palladium–diene intermediate.
Peeling an elastic film from a soft viscoelastic adhesive: experiments and scaling laws
Authors: Perrin Hugo , Eddi Antonin , Karpitschka Stefan , Snoeijer Jacco H. , Andreotti Bruno
Published: December 2018

The functionality of adhesives relies on their response under the application of a load.
Highly bright and stable electroluminescent devices with extraordinary stretchability and ultraconformability
Authors: Xie Peile , Mao Jie , Luo Yingwu
Published: December 2018

A stretchable, conformable and stable alternating current electroluminescent device having a record maximum luminance of 450 cd m−2and a stretchability of 500% is reported.
Gesundheitskongress des Westens: Du bist der Pilot deines Lebens
Authors: Dorner Carola
Published: December 2018

„Der Druck nimmt zu: Zeit für mutige Veränderungen“, das ist das Motto beim Gesundheitskongress des Westens am 26. und 27. März 2019 in Köln. Wir haben zwei Männer gefragt, die sich mit mutigen Entscheidungen auskennen: Kai Brüning von apoAsset und den Piloten Philip Keil. Beide sind Keynote-Speaker beim Kongressauftakt.
BMC-Kongress 2019: Gesundheit in einer Gesellschaft des längeren Lebens
Authors: Krause Justine
Published: December 2018

Der demografische Wandel ist schon lange in aller Munde, doch die relevanten Themen Gesundheitsversorgung, Wohnen, Pflege, Digitalisierung, Behinderung und Einsamkeit werden immer noch zu isoliert voneinander betrachtet. Grund genug für den BMC, die Themen beim Kongress 2019 mit dem Thema „Gesundheit in einer Gesellschaft des längeren Lebens“ integriert anzugehen.
Lieferengpässe: Wenn der Hersteller plötzlich nicht mehr liefert
Authors: Kucera Martin
Published: December 2018

Immer mehr Kliniken klagen in jüngster Zeit über Lieferabrisse bei Medizinprodukten. Das Problem könnte sich ähnlich entwickeln wie die Medikamentenengpässe, fürchten Experten. Die Gründe dafür sind vielfältig und teilweise hausgemacht. Sicher ist: In Zukunft werden sich Krankenhausbetreiber öfter darauf einstellen müssen.
Patient-Empowerment: „Die Medizin muss zum Patienten passen.“
Authors: Rößing Sabine
Published: December 2018

Herausgefordert durch die digitale Konkurrenz entdeckt die Gesundheitswirtschaft die Patientenperspektive neu und stellt sich auf Veränderungen in ihren Prozessen ein.
Künstliche Intelligenz in der Integrierten Versorgung: Potenzial für den Durchbruch sektorenübergreifender Versorgungsmodelle?
Authors: Meyer Michael
Published: December 2018

Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) wird den Arzt in seiner Arbeit unterstützen, aber nicht ersetzen: KI-Algorithmen werden helfen, diagnostische Fehler zu vermeiden, die klinischen Arbeitsschritte sektorenübergreifend zu beschleunigen und die sachgerechte Leistungsabrechnung zu optimieren. In der Integrierten Versorgung kann dies zu einer gesteigerten Produktivität und zu einer datengetriebenen Arbeitswelt führen.
Three-Dimensional Computer-Assisted Surgical Planning and Use of Three-Dimensional Printing in the Repair of a Complex Articular Femoral Fracture in a Dog
Authors: Lam Griselda , Kim Sun-Young
Published: December 2018

Objective The main purpose of this study was to describe the use and benefits of 3-dimensional (3D) computer-assisted surgical planning (CASP) and printing in a complex articular fracture repair in a dog.

Study Design Case report.

Animals Client-owned dog.

Results One dog with a closed, severely comminuted, distal femoral supracondylar and bicondylar fracture underwent a preoperative computed tomography scan. Three-dimensional CASP was performed using computer-aided design software. Three-dimensional CASP allowed for visualization of the fracture fragments and virtual surgery, including reduction of the fragments and implant placement. A 3D model of the affected femur was printed and a bone plate was pre-contoured to the model. Intraoperative fracture reduction and stabilization were performed without complications. Postoperative radiographs revealed successful execution of the planned procedure. Subsequent radiographs and clinical examination indicated that bone healing was achieved with return to normal function of the limb. Three-dimensional CASP and the printed 3D model allowed for improved understanding of the anatomical relationship between fracture fragments, preoperative implant selection and contouring, and the ability to practice fracture reduction and implant placement preoperatively. The model was also used for client education, and to teach students and residents.

Conclusion Three-dimensional CASP and printed models are valuable tools in the preoperative planning of complex fracture repairs, educating clients and teaching students and residents.
Recurrence Rate after Endoscopic vs. Open Approaches for Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Reyes Camilo , Bentley Heather , Gelves J. Alejandro , Solares C. Arturo , Byrd J. Kenneth
Published: December 2018

Context The effect on recurrence rate between patients with juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA), treated by an endoscopic versus open approach, has not been well established.

Objective A meta-analysis of the available literature concerning recurrence rate in patients who underwent surgery for JNA.

Methods A retrospective meta-analysis of studies analyzing recurrence rate after endoscopic or open surgery for patients with JNA was performed using the DerSimonian–Laird random-effects method. English and non-English articles were reviewed using Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases.

Results Among nine studies, including 362 patients from 1981 to 2015, with a mean follow-up of 49.4 months, a total of 89 patients (24.5%) had recurrence. Our analysis revealed a total effect size of −0.16 in favor of endoscopic approach (−0.25 to −0.06, CI [confidence interval] 95%). When analyzing tumor by stage (Radkowski's IA–IIIB n = 299), the endoscopic approach proved to be superior independent of tumor stage (2 vs. 17% for tumors stage IA–IIA, and 26 vs. 32% for tumor stage IIB–IIIB for endoscopic and open approaches respectively; p < 0.05). The endoscopic approach has a statistical significant lower recurrence rate in patients without intracranial compromise when compared with the open approach (13 vs. 28%; p < 0.02). No statistical difference was seen in patients with intracranial compromise (p = 0.5)

Conclusion The use of an endoscopic approach to treat JNA has a significantly lower recurrence rate when compared with open approaches. Independent of disease stage, an endoscopic approach should be the standard of care to surgically treat JNA. For cases with intracranial compromise, either approach can be used for surgical resection.
Challenges and Limitations of Clinical Trials on Labor Induction: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Viteri Oscar , Sibai Baha
Published: December 2018

Induction of labor is a common obstetric procedure performed in nearly a quarter of all deliveries in the United States. Pharmacological (prostaglandins, oxytocin) and/or mechanical methods (balloon catheters) are commonly used for labor induction; however, there is ongoing debate as to which method is the safest and most effective. This narrative review discusses key limitations of published trials on labor induction, including the lack of well-designed randomized controlled trials directly comparing specific methods of induction, heterogeneous trial populations, and wide variation in the protocols used and outcomes reported. Furthermore, the majority of published trials were underpowered to detect significant differences in the most clinically relevant efficacy and safety outcomes (e.g., cesarean delivery, neonatal mortality). By identifying the limitations of labor induction trials, we hope to highlight the importance of quality published data to better inform guidelines and drive evidence-based treatment decisions.
Diagnostic Errors in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Case Series
Authors: Shafer Grant , Suresh Gautham
Published: December 2018

Diagnostic errors remain understudied in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The few available studies are primarily autopsy-based, and do not evaluate diagnostic errors that did not result in the patient's death. This case series presents 10 examples of nonlethal diagnostic errors in the NICU—classified according to the component of the diagnostic process which led to the error. These cases demonstrate the presence of diagnostic error in the NICU and highlight the need for further research on this important topic.
A Novel De Novo Frameshift Mutation in KAT6A Identified by Whole Exome Sequencing
Authors: Alazaizeh Wafa , Alkhateeb Asem
Published: December 2018

Intellectual disability is a common condition with multiple etiologies. The number of monogenic causes has increased steadily in recent years due to the implementation of next generation sequencing. Here, we describe a 2-year-old boy with global developmental delay and intellectual disability. The child had feeding difficulties since birth. He had delayed motor skills and muscular hypotonia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse white matter loss and thinning of the corpus callosum. Banded karyotype and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) array were normal. Whole exome sequencing revealed a novel de novo frameshift mutation c.3390delA (p.Lys1130Asnfs*4) in KAT6A gene (NM_006766.4). The heterozygous mutation was confirmed by Sanger sequencing in the patient and its absence in his parents. KAT6A that encodes a histone acetyltransferase has been recently found to be associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder autosomal dominant mental retardation 32 (OMIM: no. 616268). Features of this disorder are nonspecific, which makes it difficult to characterize the condition based on the clinical symptoms alone. Therefore, our findings confirm the utility of whole exome sequencing to quickly and reliably identify the etiology of such conditions.
Resurfacing of Two Separate Digital Defects Using a Single Fascial Free Flap with Neosyndactylization
Authors: Herrera Fernando , Horton Karen , Brennan Ryan , Buncke Gregory , Buntic Rudolph
Published: December 2018

We report a case of a 20-year-old patient who sustained a mutilating crush injury to the left-hand index and ring finger volar surface measuring 5 × 6 cm from the distal end of the proximal phalanx to the fingertips. After thorough debridement and stabilization of the skeletal injury, a radial forearm fascia only free flap measuring 6 × 7 cm was used to resurface the distal soft tissue volar defect of two adjacent fingers. Digital nerve grafting was also required, and this was done using autologous nerve graft from the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve. This thin fascia only flap allows for stable soft tissue coverage and provides a gliding surface for the underlying tendons. The neosyndactylized digits were safely divided at 3-month follow-up, and excellent functional and aesthetic results were achieved. The radial forearm fascia is a thin, durable, and pliable tissue that is based on the radial artery as a vascular pedicle. We consider this free fascial flap as a valuable option for coverage of multiple complex distal digit injuries using a single flap and highly recommend its use.
Stain-free LED scanning lifetime imaging system for diabetes modified tissue matrices
Authors: Zou Luwei , Liu Rui , Hashem Suhaib , Lo Joe Fujiou
Published: December 2018

In contrast to labor intensive and destructive histological techniques, intrinsic autofluorescence lifetimes of extra cellular matrix proteins can provide label-free imaging of tissue modifications in diseases, including the diabetic ulcers. However, decoupling the complex mixture of tissue fluorophores requires costly and complicated fluorescent lifetime instrumentation. Furthermore, a list of autofluorescent and fluorogenic proteins must be characterized to profile their changes during disease progression. Towards these goals, an imaging system based on frequency domain light-emitting diode (LED) modulation was designed and demonstrated, using off-the-shelf components in a low complexity design. The system was operated by coupling and imaging fluorescence intensities using a pair of objectives. The system’s scanning and signal acquisition performances were optimized with respect to etendues. To study fluorescent proteins in diabetic ulcers, lifetimes from purified and pentosidine modified collagen I, collagen III, and elastin were measured. Pentosidine measurements showed a decrease in autofluorescent lifetimes while elevated collagen III in diabetic ulcers showed increased lifetimes. These lifetimes, plus future protein measurements enabled by our system, can serve as standards for developing a biophotonic model of diabetic ulcers. As a proof-of-concept, a 3 cm × 3 cm diabetic foot ulcer was imaged using the developed system. Phasor analysis was applied to aid the interpretation of lifetime images. As a result, a compact biophotonic imaging system targeting diabetic tissue was achieved, towards making the technique accessible for clinical histology.
Tutorial: Hysteresis during the reactive magnetron sputtering process
Authors: Strijckmans K. , Schelfhout R. , Depla D.
Published: December 2018

Reactive magnetron sputtering is a well-established physical vapor technique to deposit thin compound films on different substrates, ranging from insulating glass windows over wear-resistant car parts to high-responsive touch screens. In this way, the industrial and technological relevance drives the need to understand this process on a more profound level to make optimal use of it. Notwithstanding, the basic principles of the technique can be summarized on a single sheet of paper, and truly mastering and understanding the process behavior is not a simple task. One of the main reasons is the often strong non-linear response of the reactive system to changes in the operation parameters or to small system fluctuations. This aspect of reactive sputtering is embodied by the occurrence of a hysteresis in the system observables as a function of the operation parameters. It is the existence of the hysteresis that troubles optimal deposition and process control on the one hand and gives voice to the intertwined physical and chemical complexity on the other hand. The aim of this tutorial can be considered as threefold: to acquaint the reader with an insight into the concept of the hysteresis during reactive sputtering, to touch some of the possibilities to eliminate the hysteresis, and finally, to present how to control this hysteresis in a stable operative sense. To this end, the reactive magnetron sputtering process will be formulated in practical parameters and by two discriminating phenomenological global models: the original Berg model and the reactive sputtering deposition (RSD) model. The reactive sputtering of Al in an O2/Ar atmosphere under direct discharge current control will be used as a reference system. The models are able to describe the hysteresis effects, giving an insight into their origin and the possibilities to eliminate them. The discharge description can, in this context, be reduced to the current/voltage or IV-characteristic and its response to a changing target state. The tutorial concludes with the existence of a double hysteresis effect and an explanation based on the RSD model.
Prevention of trajectory crossings in proton radiography and the reconstruction of a sheath electric field
Authors: Du Bao , Wang Xiao-Fang
Published: December 2018

The sheath electric field is localized with a thickness of only several Debye lengths. It widely exists at plasma boundaries and in some cases can be very intense. Previous diagnoses of an intense, localized sheath electric field could only deliver the spatially averaged amplitude of the field. The sheath’s spatial structures remain unresolved. In this paper, we numerically demonstrate the three-dimensional reconstruction of a cylindrically symmetric sheath electric field by means of the Abel inversion in combination with a correction of the spatial dislocation in the inversion process. By employing a divergent or/and relativistic proton beam for radiography of the sheath region, it is found that the crossings of the proton trajectories can be prevented and the linearity requirement for the Abel inversion can be satisfied. A sheath electric field with an amplitude of about 1×1011 V/m and a thickness of sub-μm level is well reconstructed with a 120 MeV proton beam. The inter dependences of the reconstruction on the proton beam energy, energy spread, beam divergence, and the amplitude of the sheath are discussed.
SOC estimation with thermal and charging rate consideration using dual filter approach for lithium-ion battery
Authors: Methekar Ravi
Published: December 2018

Electric vehicles are subjected to various environmental conditions in which ambient temperature variations and high power requirements are common in the duty cycle. These factors greatly impact the state of charge of the batteries. The battery management system in the electric vehicles enables batteries to operate within a safe operating window by monitoring their states and controlling the environment. One of the important states is the state of charge, and accurate information of it is necessary to extract maximum performance from batteries with safety. An equivalent circuit model was used for representing the battery dynamics, and core temperature of the battery was modeled using the algebraic equation. Ambient temperature variation was captured through internal resistance, and a current requirement variation was captured through open circuit voltage. The fading Kalman filter was used for online estimation of the state of charge. The present technique estimates the state of charge at different C rates like 0.5, 1, and 2 C at ambient temperatures like 298, 313, and 333 K. It was found that the proposed method estimates SOC with an average root mean square error of 0.358 and a maximum percentage error of 3% SOC for all the considered charging/discharging rates and temperatures.
Analysis of trajectory similarity and configuration similarity in on-the-fly surface-hopping simulation on multi-channel nonadiabatic photoisomerization dynamics
Authors: Li Xusong , Hu Deping , Xie Yu , Lan Zhenggang
Published: December 2018

We propose an “automatic” approach to analyze the results of the on-the-fly trajectory surface hopping simulation on the multi-channel nonadiabatic photoisomerization dynamics by considering the trajectory similarity and the configuration similarity. We choose a representative system phytochromobilin (PΦB) chromophore model to illustrate the analysis protocol. After a large number of trajectories are obtained, it is possible to define the similarity of different trajectories by the Fréchet distance and to employ the trajectory clustering analysis to divide all trajectories into several clusters. Each cluster in principle represents a photoinduced isomerization reaction channel. This idea provides an effective approach to understand the branching ratio of the multi-channel photoisomerization dynamics. For each cluster, the dimensionality reduction is employed to understand the configuration similarity in the trajectory propagation, which provides the understanding of the major geometry evolution features in each reaction channel. The results show that this analysis protocol not only assigns all trajectories into different photoisomerization reaction channels but also extracts the major molecular motion without the requirement of the pre-known knowledge of the active photoisomerization site. As a side product of this analysis tool, it is also easy to find the so-called “typical” or “representative” trajectory for each reaction channel.
Acoustic holograms in contactless ultrasonic power transfer systems: Modeling and experiment
Authors: Bakhtiari-Nejad Marjan , Elnahhas Ahmed , Hajj Muhammad R. , Shahab Shima
Published: December 2018

Contactless ultrasonic acoustic energy transfer (UAET) is a new technology that eliminates risks or impracticalities associated with wired electrical connections or batteries that need to be replaced on a regular basis. This technology, which is based on the reception of acoustic waves at ultrasonic frequencies by piezoelectric receivers, can be used to wirelessly charge low-power electronics. The execution and efficiency of this technology can be significantly enhanced through patterning and focusing of the transmitted acoustic energy in space to simultaneously power distributed sensors or devices. This work investigates the use of an acoustic hologram to create a multifocal pressure pattern in a plane where target receivers are located at specific focal points or regions. First, a phase-shifting hologram is designed using an iterative angular spectrum approach. Then, a multi-physics acoustic-electro-elastic model is presented for an axially vibrating cylindrical transmitter used to power multiple piezoelectric receivers, in conjunction with the hologram. Experiments are also performed to show the capability of an acoustic hologram to selectively power an array of the receivers. Both analytical and experimental results show a dramatic enhancement of power transfer to receivers exposed to a multi-focal pressure pattern created by the hologram. As a case study, a bi-focal receiver setup is investigated where one receiver is targeted. The UAET simulation predicts a doubling of the power transfer to the targeted receiver, which is verified by the proof-of-concept experiment. The effects of system parameters such as input frequency and hologram aperture size are also reported.
A simple and portable multi-channel pyrometer allowing temperature measurements down to 800 K on the microsecond scale
Authors: Montgomery J. M. , Lipp M. J. , Jenei Zs. , Meng Y. , Evans W. J.
Published: December 2018

The measurement of transient temperatures less than 1000 K for samples in laser-heated diamond anvil cells remains a challenge. Here we present the design and performance characteristics of a multi-channel pyrometer that works in the near-infrared from 1200 to 2000 nm. It has a relatively small footprint, is portable, requires only low voltage power supplies, and can report temperatures down to 800 K on the millisecond scale or faster. A single data point without averaging can be acquired in 14 µs (sampling rate of 7 kilosamples per second). In conjunction with a diamond anvil cell, the system delivers accurate and rapid measurements down to ∼830 K. The pyrometer has been successfully interfaced several times with the combined x-ray diffraction and laser heating system at the High Pressure Collaborative Access Team at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratories.
Effect of centerline distance on mixing of a Non-Newtonian fluid in a cavity with asymmetric rotors
Authors: Xu Baiping , Liu Yao , He Liang , Turng Lih-Sheng , Liu Chuntai
Published: December 2018

Mixing of highly viscous fluids in a cavity with internal moving parts is a common scenario found in many engineering applications. It provides a challenge for numerical simulations. In this paper, asymmetric rotors were designed to enhance mixing, and the effect of different centerline distances on mixing was investigated numerically. The novel rotors co-rotate at a speed ratio of 2 and hence have different geometries to meet the requirement of self-cleaning. The finite element method was used to solve the time-dependent flow, in which the mesh superposition technique was used to include the internal moving parts in the fixed meshes of the flow domain. A non-Newtonian fluid obeying the Carreau–Yasuda constitutive model was used. A standard fourth-order Runge–Kutta scheme was successfully developed to perform the particle tracking calculations. Distributive mixing was examined through the flow patterns and spatial positions of the tracked particles. The centerline distance was the key factor for controlling the gap between the rotors that influence mixing and energy consumption. Different mixing subzones alternated in sequence. On the one hand, this gap introduced a bifurcation in the intermeshing zone. On the other hand, stretching, folding, and reorientations, as well as cutting and dividing actions, were encountered in the sequence. This procedure was similar to a Baker’s transformation. By contrast, for a Newtonian fluid, mixing became worse and consumed slightly more energy.
Waveform quick positioning and zooming techniques for a faster response time mass storage data acquisition system
Authors: Zeng Hao , Ye Peng , Guo Lianping , Huang Wuhuang
Published: December 2018

Memory depth represents an oscilloscope’s capability to continuously acquire and store sampling points at the highest real-time sampling rate. Improving the memory depth is conducive to improving the system’s capability to analyze waveform details, but it will slow down the response time of the system. This paper proposes a high-speed deep memory data acquisition system with a real-time sampling rate of up to 10 GSPS and a memory depth up to 1 Gpts based on ultra-high-speed parallel sampling, waveform quick positioning and zooming, and waveform 3D mapping and display. This study focuses on the use of waveform quick positioning and zooming techniques under deep memory conditions to solve the slow response time and low waveform capture rate that are the result of improving the memory depth. This paper gives the experimental results for real-time signal data acquisition. The results show that adopting waveform quick positioning and zooming techniques achieved the following aims: significantly improved system response time, rapid positioning and display waveform details available to users, fast waveform capture rate and improved oscilloscope performance.
Recursive formulation of Madelung continuity equation leads to propagation equation
Authors: Heim D. M.
Published: December 2018

We apply a recursive approach to the continuity equation of the Madelung fluid resulting in a propagation equation for particle probability densities. This propagation equation can be used to propagate particle distributions in the presence of a Madelung pressure field. We show that the derived propagation equation goes over into the guidance equation of the de Broglie-Bohm theory in the limit of well located single particles. As an example, we propagate particles that enter the lower slit of a double-slit experiment, while the Madelung fluid enters both slits.
Predicting the failure of pulsed magnets
Authors: Qi Xin , Xiao Houxiu , Peng Tao , Han Xiaotao , Li Liang
Published: December 2018

Due to extreme operating conditions, the failure of a magnet frequently occurs in pulsed magnetic field facilities, which not only will disable magnets but also may trigger a violent explosion. Insulation failure occurs more frequently and usually before mechanical failure. Detecting the insulation failure of pulsed magnets is an important issue for pulsed high magnetic field systems. The Partial Discharge (PD) signal is usually used as an insulation monitoring tool. However, the weak PD signals are hidden in the strong dB/dt background signals, which are difficult to be separated. This paper will present a differential PD pick-up coil scheme, and the characteristics and mechanism of the PD signals are discussed based on the experimental results.
A new framework for X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy analysis from polycrystalline materials
Authors: Lewis Ronald M. , Jackson Grayson L. , Maher Michael J. , Kim Kyungtae , Lodge Timothy P. , Mahanthappa Mahesh K. , Narayanan Suresh , Bates Frank S.
Published: December 2018

We report a new analytical framework for interpreting data from X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy measurements on polycrystalline materials characterized by strong scattering intensity variations at fixed wavevector magnitude (i.e., anisotropic scattering). Currently, no analytical method exists for the interpretation of the time-dependent anisotropic scattering from such materials. The framework is applied to interrogate the dynamics of a spherical micelle-forming diblock copolymer melt below the order-disorder transition, wherein finite size grains of a micellar body-centered cubic structure produce anisotropic scattering. A wealth of analytical information is recovered from a simple measurement, including distributions of relaxation times and speeds associated with micelles within grains. The findings of this study demonstrate the efficacy of this new analytical method, which may be readily adapted for application to a variety of materials and systems.
Coherent structures in streamwise rotating channel flow
Authors: Dai Yi-Jun , Huang Wei-Xi , Xu Chun-Xiao
Published: December 2018

Direct numerical simulation and large-eddy simulation are employed to study the effects of streamwise rotation on turbulent channel flow, especially the coherent structures. Two Reynolds numbers (Re = Umh/ν = 2800 and 7000) with a wide range of rotation numbers (0 ≤ Ro = 2Ωh/Um ≤ 7.5) are considered, where Ω denotes the angular velocity of the system and Um and h are the bulk velocity and one-half of the channel height, respectively. The demand on the streamwise computational domain size increases as the rotation number increases. Flow statistics are presented and discussed. Among the near-wall quasi-streamwise vortices rotating in opposite directions, the rotation of the channel tends to promote the cyclones (vortices rotating in the same direction as the channel) and suppress the anti-cyclones, which is visualized by the conditional-sampling method. Elongated large-scale vortices, which typically form in rotating homogeneous turbulence, are observed through the conditional-sampling method. Similar to the columnar vortices in homogeneous turbulence, the elongated large-scale vortices are dominated by cyclones at Ro ∼ 1, while the dominance becomes less apparent as the rotation number further increases. When rotation is suddenly imposed to fully developed turbulent flow, the integral scale along the rotating axis increases linearly at a growth rate proportional to the rotation number. What is interesting is that the cyclones of the large-scale vortices are not completely elongated along the rotating axis but slightly tilted to the spanwise direction. The cyclones prefer to develop in the lower and upper half channels, while the anti-cyclones, if they exist, occur in the central region of the channel. This preference of the large-scale vortices in different regions contributes to the secondary flow. It is revealed that the mean shear of the channel flow may have effects on the tilting of the large-scale vortical structures and the preference of their distributions in the channel.
DFT-MD of the (110)-Co3O4 cobalt oxide semiconductor in contact with liquid water, preliminary chemical and physical insights into the electrochemical environment
Authors: Creazzo Fabrizio , Galimberti Daria Ruth , Pezzotti Simone , Gaigeot Marie-Pierre
Published: December 2018

Within the general context of the electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction of the water oxidation/electrolysis, we focus on one essential aspect of electrochemical interfaces, i.e., the comprehension of the interaction and organisation of liquid water at the (semiconductor) (110)-Co3O4 surface using density functional theory-molecular dynamics simulations. A detailed characterization of the chemical and physical properties of the aqueous interface is provided in terms of structure, dynamics, electric field, work function, and spectroscopy, as a preliminary step into the modelling of the (110)-Co3O4 aqueous surface in more relevant electrochemical conditions. The water at the aqueous B-termination is, in particular, shown more dynamical than that at the A-termination and more “undisciplined”: the water is indeed mostly an HB-acceptor with the solid, with an orientation of their dipole moments found opposite the field generated by the negative surface charge. At both aqueous interfaces, the work function is twice lower than that at the bare (non-hydroxylated) surfaces. The SFG (Sum Frequency Generation) spectroscopy is shown dominated by the water in the diffuse layer, while the SFG signal from the binding interfacial layer reflects the single orientation of water at the aqueous A-termination and the two orientations of water at the aqueous B-termination.