bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the optimisation strategy of short‐circuit current limitation based on quantum genetic algorithm
Authors: Yang Jianlin , Ji Yuan , Guo Mingxing , Qiao Weidong , Fei Fei , Zhang Mengyao
Published: January 2019

With the expansion of urban power grid, short‐circuit current issue becomes more important. This study proposes an effective approach to optimise short‐circuit current limiting measure configuration. Before applying short‐circuit current limiting measures, the Ward equivalence is utilised to reduce power grid's scale so as to reduce the computational work in short‐circuit current limiting measure configuration optimisation. In order to balance the current‐limiting performance and the economic costs of short‐circuit current limiting measures, a multi‐objective model for optimising short‐circuit current limiting measure configuration is proposed. A quantum genetic algorithm‐based solving method for the optimisation model is proposed. Finally, the proposed approach is verified by the simulations on an actual power grid.
Research on the internal modal decouping control of VSC‐MTDC
Authors: Song Shuai , Sun Ling
Published: January 2019

As a new type of HVDC technology based on voltage source converter, VSC‐MTDC has many technical advantages and broad application prospects. The paper describes a mathematical model of VSC‐HVDC system in dq synchronous rotating coordinate system, but the currents of active and reactive are coupling. Here, the use of internal control principle to achieve a decoupling of the current inner loop, independence control of active and reactive power, the inner current loop controller is designed and the basis of the controller parameter setting indicators is given. Moreover, the proposed strategy was simulated by MATLAB. The results show that the method can achieve decoupling control of active and reactive power and have good dynamic quality and robustness, which verify the correctness and validity of the control strategy in a three‐terminal VSC‐HVDC.
Surgical tool tracking based on two CNNs: from coarse to fine
Authors: Zhao Zijian , Voros Sandrine , Chen Zhaorui , Cheng Xiaolin
Published: January 2019

The current convolution neural network (CNN)‐based methods suffer from mass computation and low frame rate without special acceleration, they cannot be applied in some real applications. The authors propose a coarse to fine method for surgical tool tracking based on CNNs. Two CNNs are designed for the coarse and fine locations of the surgical tool. The coarse CNN is a classification network of 10 classes, and the fine CNN is a regression network for the tool tip area. The spatial and temporal context updating makes two CNNs cooperating together for the whole tracking process of surgical tool. The authors validate their method in the experiments with eight datasets, where there are two ex vivo datasets and six in vivo datasets, as well as comparing their method with other four methods in terms of accuracy and speed of tracking. The ex vivo and in vivo experiments demonstrate that the method gives consideration to both accuracy and speed, and provides a good accuracy and a high frame rate of tracking. For the future research of multi‐tool tracking, the design of new regression CNN with the output of tensor will be focused, which contains multiple tools' labels and tracking information.
Secular spin-axis dynamics of exoplanets
Authors: Saillenfest M. , Laskar J. , Boué G.
Published: January 2019

Context. Seasonal variations and climate stability of a planet are very sensitive to the planet obliquity and its evolution. This is of particular interest for the emergence and sustainability of land-based life, but orbital and rotational parameters of exoplanets are still poorly constrained. Numerical explorations usually realised in this situation are therefore in heavy contrast with the uncertain nature of the available data.

Aims. We aim to provide an analytical formulation of the long-term spin-axis dynamics of exoplanets, linking it directly to physical and dynamical parameters, but still giving precise quantitative results if the parameters are well known. Together with bounds for the poorly constrained parameters of exoplanets, this analysis is designed to enable a quick and straightforward exploration of the spin-axis dynamics.

Methods. The long-term orbital solution is decomposed into quasi-periodic series and the spin-axis Hamiltonian is expanded in powers of eccentricity and inclination. Chaotic zones are measured by the resonance overlap criterion. Bounds for the poorly known parameters of exoplanets are obtained from physical grounds (rotational breakup) and dynamical considerations (equipartition of the angular momentum deficit).

Results. This method gives accurate results when the orbital evolution is well known. The detailed structure of the chaotic zones for the solar system planets can be retrieved from simple analytical formulas. For less-constrained planetary systems, the maximal extent of the chaotic regions can be computed, requiring only the mass, the semi-major axis, and the eccentricity of the planets present in the system. Additionally, some estimated bounds of the precession constant allow to classify which observed exoplanets are necessarily out of major spin-orbit secular resonances (unless the precession rate is affected by the presence of massive satellites).
Rise and fall of molecular clouds across the M 33 disk
Authors: Corbelli Edvige , Braine Jonathan , Giovanardi Carlo
Published: January 2019

We carried out deep searches for CO line emission in the outer disk of M 33, at R >  7 kpc, and examined the dynamical conditions that can explain variations in the mass distribution of the molecular cloud throughout the disk of M 33. We used the IRAM-30 m telescope to search for CO lines in the outer disk toward 12 faint mid-infrared (MIR) selected sources and in an area of the southern outer disk hosting MA1, a bright HII region. We detect narrow CO lines at the location of two MIR sources at galactocentric distances of about 8 kpc that are associated with low-mass young stellar clusters, and at four locations in the proximity of MA1. The paucity of CO lines at the location of weak MIR-selected sources probably arises because most of them are not star-forming sites in M 33, but background sources. Although very uncertain, the total molecular mass of the detected clouds around MA1 is lower than expected given the stellar mass of the cluster, because dispersal of the molecular gas is taking place as the HII region expands. The mean mass of the giant molecular clouds (GMCs) in M 33 decreases radially by a factor 2 from the center out to 4 kpc, then it stays constant until it drops at R >  7 kpc. We suggest that GMCs become more massive toward the center because of the fast rotation of the disk, which drives mass growth by coalescence of smaller condensations as they cross the arms. The analysis of both HI and CO spectral data gives the consistent result that corotation of the two main arms in this galaxy is at a radius of 4.7 ± 0.3 kpc, and spiral shock waves become subsonic beyond 3.9 kpc. Perturbations are quenched beyond 6.5 kpc, where CO lines have been detected only around sporadic condensations associated with UV and MIR emission.
The discovery of a Li/Na-rich giant star in Omega Centauri: formed from the pure ejecta of super-AGB stars?
Authors: Mucciarelli A. , Monaco L. , Bonifacio P. , Salaris M. , Fu X. , Villanova S.
Published: January 2019

We report the discovery of two Li-rich giant stars (fainter than the red giant branch (RGB) bump) in the stellar system Omega Centauri using GIRAFFE-FLAMES spectra. These two stars have A(Li) = 1.65 and 2.40 dex and they belong to the main population of the system ([Fe/H] = –1.70 and –1.82, respectively). The most Li-rich of them (#25664) has [Na/Fe] = +0.87 dex, which is ~0.5 dex higher than those measured in the most Na-rich stars of Omega Centauri of similar metallicity. The chemical abundances of Li and Na in #25664 can be qualitatively explained by deep extra mixing efficient within the star during its RGB evolution or by super-asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars with masses between ~7 and 8 M⊙. In the latter scenario, this Li/Na-rich star could be formed from the pure ejecta of super-AGB stars before the dilution with pristine material occurs, or, alternatively, be part of a binary system having experienced mass transfer from the companion when this latter evolved through the super-AGB phase. In both these cases, the chemical composition of this unique object could allow to look for the first time at the chemical composition of the gas processed in the interior of super-AGB stars.
Sur les bases phonétiques des primitives phonologiques
Authors: Burov Ivaylo
Published: January 2019

Cet article s’interroge sur les bases phonétiques des théories traitant de la structure interne des segments. Il porte un regard sur la naissance et le développement de l’idée que le phonème n’est pas le constituant ultime de la chaîne phonique indissociable en unités plus petites, mais le produit de l’association d’une liste finie de paramètres universels appelés différemment par les divers modèles : traits, éléments, gestes. La rupture avec la conception « atomique » du phonème et l’élaboration des théories des primitives phonologiques vont cependant de pair avec une complication du formalisme et une hermétisation de la phonologie par son isolement de la phonétique.
A historical overview and annotated bibliography of the studies on the Arabic grammatical tradition in al-Andalus
Authors: Binaghi Francesco
Published: January 2019

Arabic grammatical studies in al-Andalus have never drawn much attention in the two fields of Arabic grammatical thought and al-Andalus. However, a tradition of studies goes back to the beginning of the 20thcentury and, after some notable contributions between the 1980s and the 2000s, it is now witnessing a renewal in interest and approaches.

The present historical overview and annotated bibliography of relevant research up until mid-2018 aims at providing a comprehensive, chronologically organised state of the art, which will help to identify new trends and possibilities for further research, thus facilitating future contributions to this field.
Besoins énergétiques à l’échelle des projets d’aménagement urbain : du modèle à la décision, quels verrous ?
Authors: Colombert Morgane
Published: January 2019

De nombreux outils et méthodes sont aujourd’hui développés ou en cours de développement pour accompagner la transition énergétique et climatique à l’échelle de l’aménagement urbain. Agir à cette échelle nécessite de comprendre quels sont les leviers « physiques » qui auront un impact évident sur la capacité d’un aménagement urbain à répondre positivement aux contraintes énergétiques et climatiques mais également de comprendre les mécanismes décisionnels, les jeux d’acteurs, qui agiront sur ces leviers « physiques ». Plusieurs verrous limitent une prise en compte de l’enjeu énergétique au sein des projets d’aménagement urbain. Un premier verrou concerne le développement massif et pluriel des modèles traitant de l’énergie en ville mais dont l’opérationnalité reste à démontrer. Le deuxième verrou concerne la capacité des outils développés à répondre aux besoins des concepteurs et décideurs. Le troisième verrou abordé dans cet article concerne la place non stratégique de l’énergie à l’échelle du projet d’aménagement.
Multiplicative ergodicity of Laplace transforms for additive functional of Markov chains
Authors: Hervé Loïc , Louhichi Sana , Pène Françoise
Published: January 2019

This article is motivated by the quantitative study of the exponential growth of Markov-driven bifurcating processes [see Hervé et al., ESAIM: PS 23 (2019) 584–606]. In this respect, a key property is the multiplicative ergodicity, which deals with the asymptotic behaviour of some Laplace-type transform of nonnegative additive functional of a Markov chain. We establish a spectral version of this multiplicative ergodicity property in a general framework. Our approach is based on the use of the operator perturbation method. We apply our general results to two examples of Markov chains, including linear autoregressive models. In these two examples the operator-type assumptions reduce to some expected finite moment conditions on the functional (no exponential moment conditions are assumed in this work).
Ces projets qui veulent révolutionner la fusion nucléaire
Authors: Coullet Amaury , Capdevila Jean-Marc , Hurel Tristan
Published: January 2019

En parallèle des grands programmes internationaux sur la fusion nucléaire, dont ITER est le fer de lance, un écosystème se développe de manière accélérée ces dernières années autour de start-up et d’entreprises, soutenu par des politiques incitatives et l’évolution des mentalités en faveur de la lutte contre le changement climatique. De l’un de ces projets, essentiellement concentrés en Amérique du Nord, pourrait émerger la technologie qui commercialisera le premier kWh de fusion nucléaire.
Deutschsprachige Validierung des Body-Q – standardisiertes
PRO-Messinstrument nach bariatrischen und körperformenden
Eingriffen
Authors: Hermann Natalie , Klassen Anne , Luketina Rosalia , Vogt Peter M. , Busch Kay Hendrik
Published: January 2019

Die Beurteilung der Lebensqualität-Veränderung mittels Patientenfeedback ist eine
der wichtigsten Informationsquellen zur Qualitätssteigerung körperformender
und/oder postbariatrischer Eingriffe. Standardisierte Messmethode ist dabei von
außerordentlicher Bedeutung. BODY-Q (A. Klassen et al.) ist ein vielseitiges
valides Messinstrument und umfasst auf insgesamt 26 Skalen die Beurteilung des
äußeren Erscheinungsbildes einzelner Körperregionen, die psychosozialen bzw.
gesellschaftlichen Aspekte, die Funktionalität und Einschränkungen im Alltag
sowie die Zufriedenheit mit dem medizinischen Personal und der Behandlung. All
diese Aspekte werden zum ersten Mal in einem Prozess objektiviert und
letztendlich quantifiziert. Jede Skala beinhaltet vier bis 10 Aussagen, welche
von Patienten zu vier möglichen Ausprägungen zugeordnet werden können. BODY-Q
wurde entsprechend den Richtlinien der ISPOR-Organisation (International Society
for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research) kreiert und zahlreichen
psychometrischen Tests unterzogen. BODY-Q zeigte konsistente Ergebnisse und
wurde somit zu einem standardisierten PRO-Messinstrument (Patient Related
Outcome) zur Beurteilung der Lebensqualität nach postbariatrischen und/oder
körperformenden Eingriffen.

Zwecks internationaler Anwendbarkeit bestehen Richtlinien zur sprachlichen
Validierung solcher Messinstrumente. Diese sind durch eine der Organisationen
der ISPOR-Gesellschaft etabliert worden. Folgend diesen Richtlinien erfolgte die
sprachliche Validierung in den Niederlanden, Dänemark, Finnland und Polen. In
dieser Arbeit führten wir die sprachliche Validierung des BODY-Q zu Deutsch
unter Anwendung der entsprechenden Richtlinien durch. Hierbei entstand aus einer
Rohfassung der Übersetzung die Rückübersetzung in die Original-Sprache Englisch,
welche von den Originalautoren kommentiert wurde. Diese Kommentare wurden
berücksichtigt und mehrfache Patienteninterviews wurden geführt, um die
Anwendbarkeit des Messinstrumentes ohne inhaltliche Missverständnisse zu
erreichen.

Angestrebt wird eine internationale Zusammenarbeit mit der Möglichkeit der
Erstellung großer und einheitlicher Patientenkohorten, um hierdurch
aussagekräftigere Ergebnisse zu generieren, welche wiederum der Verbesserung der
Behandlungsqualität in der Plastischen Chirurgie dienen.
Does the Duration and Severity of Symptoms Have an Impact on Relief of Symptoms after Carpal Tunnel Release?
Authors: Masud Mehreen , Rashid Mamoon , Malik Saleem , Ibrahim Khan Muhommad , Sarwar Saad-ur-Rehman
Published: January 2019

Rationale Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most frequently encountered compressive neuropathy of the upper limb. The treatment of CTS ranges from conservative management to carpal tunnel release. Many patients with misconception about the potential morbidity and with the hope of successful conservative treatment delay the surgical release of carpal tunnel. This delay results in reduced recovery of sensory and motor median nerve function.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of preoperative duration and severity of symptom on the outcome of carpal tunnel surgery.

Method It included 45 cases of CTS, all treated with limited access open carpal tunnel release. The duration of symptoms (i.e., pain, numbness, tingling, waking up at night because of pain/numbness, difficulty in grasping small objects, and their preoperative severity) was noted using Boston CTS questionnaire. To investigate the outcome, patients were divided into three groups based on their duration of symptoms.

Result Group1: The severity of symptoms was reduced to normal in a short period of time in patients who presented with duration of symptoms less than 6 months. Group 2: Patients in whom symptoms lasted for 6 to 12 months had reduced or delayed recovery of hand function as compared with first group. Group 3: Patients who had symptoms for more than 12 months had incomplete recovery of grip strength. Return to normal function took the longest time (median: 16 weeks) in this group.

Conclusion This study suggests that patients who present late have delayed/incomplete relief of symptoms after carpal tunnel release.
Long-Term Treatment with Thrombomodulin Improves Functional Outcomes after Cerebral Ischemia Even if Administration is Delayed
Authors: Nakano Takafumi , Nakamura Yoshihiko , Matsuyama Kiyoshi , Irie Keiichi , Yasumura Mako , Hirata Yurie , Yamasaki Motoki , Misumi Kanae , Yamashita Yuta , Myose Takayuki , Matsuo Koichi , Sano Kazunori , Kamimura Hidetoshi , Ishikura Hiroyasu , Egawa Takashi , Mishima Kenichi
Published: January 2019

Our previous study indicated that recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (rhsTM) could attenuate brain damage when administered as a bolus in the cerebral ischaemic early phase. Then, we considered that treatment with rhsTM may show therapeutic effects even when administered in the ischaemic delayed phase, because rhsTM has an action of inhibiting high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) as a late mediator of lethal systemic inflammation. This study was performed to investigate the effects of delayed treatment with rhsTM on ischaemic brain damage induced by high HMGB1 level in mice subjected to 4-hour middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). One day after MCAO, rhsTM was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 1 or 5 mg/kg once a day for 7 days. Neurological score, motor coordination and HMGB1 levels were measured 1, 3 and 7 days after MCAO. The presence of activated microglia was evaluated 7 days after MCAO. Systemic HMGB1 levels increased 1 to 7 days after MCAO and were higher at 7 days compared with day 1. At the same time, survival rate decreased, and activated microglia increased in the infarct area. Treatment with rhsTM improved neurological score, motor coordination, survival and prevented brain damage. Moreover, rhsTM decreased both HMGB1 level and number of activated M1 microglia. The results of this study indicated that rhsTM improved functional outcomes via inhibition of HMGB1 up-regulation and M1 microglial activation in the cerebral ischaemic delayed phase. rhsTM may become a new therapeutic agent with a wide therapeutic time window in patients with cerebral ischaemia.
Management of Jugular Bulb Injuries during Endoscopic Ear Surgery: Our Experience
Authors: Ferri Gaetano , Fermi Matteo , Alicandri-Ciufelli Matteo , Villari Domenico , Presutti Livio
Published: January 2019

Objectives The main objective of this article is to describe endoscopic management of intraoperative massive bleeding from jugular bulb injury during exclusively transcanal endoscopic procedures for middle ear pathologies.

Design Case series with chart review.

Setting Tertiary referral center.

Participants We retrospectively reviewed two patients who experienced jugular bulb injury during endoscopic transcanal approach for glomus tympanicum and chronic otitis media. The surgical videos and charts were carefully investigated and analyzed.

Main Outcome Measures Feasibility and suitability of exclusive endoscopic management of jugular bulb bleeding and description of surgical maneuvers that should be performed to obtain safe and effective hemostasis.

Results In both patients, jugular bulb bleeding was progressively controlled by means of exclusive endoscopic approach with no need to convert to microscopic approach. None of the cases required a second surgeon helping in keeping the endoscope during hemostatic maneuvers. Both patients had a normal postoperative period with no recurrence of hemorrhage.

Conclusions Endoscopic management of jugular bulb bleeding is feasible by using the technique described with reasonable efficacy and with no additional risk or morbidity to the procedure. Knowledge of anatomy and its variants, preoperative evaluation of imaging, and the ability of the surgeon to adapt the surgical technique to the specific case are recommended to prevent vascular complications during endoscopic ear surgery.
CSF Rhinorrhea Following Medical Treatment for Prolactinoma: Management and Challenges
Authors: Arimappamagan Arivazhagan , Sadashiva Nishanth , Kandregula Sandeep , Shukla Dhaval , Somanna Sampath
Published: January 2019

Objective Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea following medical management of prolactinoma is a rare complication. We evaluated the clinical background of this condition, identify potential risk factors, and discuss the management options and challenges involved.

Methodology We retrospectively reviewed clinical details of patients who were treated for CSF leaks among patients treated for prolactinoma between 2013 and 2017.

Results Seven patients were treated for CSF rhinorrhea in the context of prolactinoma, with the age range between 24 and 56 years. Six patients had CSF leak following initiation of cabergoline, while one patient presented with CSF rhinorrhea. The time of onset of leak following medical treatment ranged from 14 days to 5 years. The mean preoperative serum prolactin level was 12,638 ng/mL (range: 1,000–26,287 ng/mL). All patients underwent repair of skull base defect. (four endoscopic, two microscopic, and one bifrontal craniotomy). The site of defect in the majority of patients was the sellar floor. Two patients who were initially managed with acetazolamide alone, eventually required surgical repair. Three patients were cured of CSF leak with a single procedure. Three patients had to undergo re-exploration and endoscopic repair after their first surgery failed. Two patients required lumboperitoneal (LP) shunt after a failed endoscopic transsphenoidal repair.

Conclusion Surgical management for medically-induced CSF rhinorrhea is necessary; however, it can pose significant issues. Endoscopic repair of the defect should be considered at the earliest. Multiple surgical procedures are often required because of skull base erosion. LP shunt can be considered if CSF leak persists following multiple surgeries.
Retrospective Review Analysis of Interventional Radiologic Endovascular Coil Embolization versus Neurosurgical Clipping in Management of Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Mohan Abhinav Amarnath , Banode Pankaj , Dhomne Sachin
Published: January 2019

Background Ruptured intracranial aneurysm and nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are synonyms and indicators of a high-risk medical emergency. They can be treated either with endovascular approach with interventional radiological (IR) coil embolization or by neuro-surgical (NS) approach by clipping with each having their own merits and demerits and time-tested applications either requiring perioperative expectant management to prevent or curb complications of SAH or post-procedure aiming to achieve better patient outcomes. We conducted this retrospective study to analyze and gain experience from our past cases managed at tertiary care super specialty center and serve as baseline study to implement further studies and have insight for future trends in rural hospital setup in management of critical cases aimed to improve and upscale clinical outcomes in these patients.

Materials and Methods Study comprised patients belonging to either of two groups, depending on the management they underwent. Analysis was done by using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results The overall study population consisted of 29.83% males and 70.18% females in this study. The overall mean age was found to be 47.33 years (standard deviation [SD] 15.68 years). In IR group, the pre- and post-procedure modified Fisher's scale (MFS) values were 53 and 50, respectively, in 31 cases, whereas the same in NS group were 43 and 53, respectively, in 23 cases. The difference change in MFS for pre- to post-procedure in IR group was small (3) and showed decreasing trend (from 53 to 50 as well as in individual Fisher grade) whereas that in NS group was big (10) and showed increasing trends (from 43 to 53 as well as in the individual Fisher grade).

Conclusion Endovascular coil embolization is the surgery of choice for management of intracranial aneurysm and is minimally invasive procedure with favorable comparative outcomes on MFS than NS clipping group in our study. We recommend undertaking further prospective comparative study, incorporating our study principles and observations with inclusion of prospective clinical scale—modified Rankin's scale (MRS).
The total secondary electron yield of a conductive random rough surface
Authors: Ye Ming , Feng Peng , Li Yun , Wang Dan , He Yongning , Cui Wanzhao
Published: January 2019

One problem with current 3D printed microwave components is that they usually have more surface roughness than components manufactured with traditional machining processes. To estimate the multipactor threshold of 3D printed microwave components, it is important to evaluate the total secondary electron yield (TSEY) of the random rough surface. In this work, taking copper as an example, we conduct TSEY simulations for random rough surfaces. First, we generate both isotropic and anisotropic Gaussian type random rough surfaces; then, the dependence of the TSEY on both the roughness and correlation length is studied using Monte-Carlo simulations. Results show that when the root-mean-square roughness increases from 0 to 30 μm, the maximum TSEY increases slowly at first and then decreases rapidly. In other words, roughness can also enhance and not just suppress the TSEY. The results can be interpreted as follows: for a relatively smooth/rough surface, the TSEY enhancement/suppression induced by oblique incidence/a shadowing effect plays a dominant role. Simulation results also show that correlation length has a notable effect on the TSEY. Furthermore, for anisotropic surfaces, the azimuthal angle also influences the TSEY. Compared with currently published work, we provide an optional evaluation method for the TSEY of random rough surfaces. The predictions in this work not only confirm existing observations (the TSEY suppression effect) but also present new predictions (the TSEY enhancement effect and the azimuthal angle effect).
Study of M-band X-ray preheating effect on shock propagation via streaked optical pyrometer system at SG-III prototype lasers
Authors: Zhang Chen , Liu Hao , Duan Xiaoxi , Liu Yonggang , Zhang Huan , Sun Liang , Ye Qing , Yang Weiming , Wang Feng , Yang Jiamin , Jiang Shaoen , Wang Zhebin , Ding Yongkun
Published: January 2019

The M-band X-ray (1.6–4.4 keV) preheating and shock temperature of aluminum (Al) foil coated on a thick polystyrene (CH) layer is experimentally measured using a streaked optical pyrometer system (SOP) in the SG-III prototype laser facility for the first time. Multi-group hydrodynamic simulation captures the main characteristics of rear surface emission. Compared with the unpreheated target with bromine (Br) doped, M-band X-rays have a large impact on shock propagation inside the undoped target. Preheating changes target the initial state and generate a broader shock front, resulting in drastic variation in rear surface emission features. By comparing sensitivity analysis in the simulation and experimental uncertainty range, it is found that the SOP measurement could achieve valuable information on the shock transition time and unique emission profile, offering reliable boundary and benchmarks for simulation and analysis. Proper evaluation on the radiation source, including both the flux and the spectrum, and material opacities is essential for data interpretation. This study could promote our understanding and predictive capability required for inertial confinement fusion studies.
A network’s gender composition and communication pattern predict women’s leadership success
Authors: Yang Yang , Chawla Nitesh V. , Uzzi Brian
Published: January 2019

Significance

Graduate programs increasingly place women directly into leadership positions. For men, centrality in the school-wide student network predicts job-rank placement. Women’s placement is also predicted by centrality and the presence of a distinctive inner circle of women in their network. The inner circle of high-placing women displays an unusual network duality: The network has cliquish ties among women, but each woman is connected to a separate set of third-party contacts. This dual connectivity of strong and weak ties appears to provide simultaneous access to gender-related tacit information important for women’s success as well as diverse job-market data needed for successful job search and negotiations.
Rhomboidal Pt(II) metallacycle-based NIR-II theranostic nanoprobe for tumor diagnosis and image-guided therapy
Authors: Sun Yue , Ding Feng , Zhou Zhixuan , Li Chonglu , Pu Maoping , Xu Yuling , Zhan Yibei , Lu Xiaoju , Li Haibing , Yang Guangfu , Sun Yao , Stang Peter J.
Published: January 2019

Significance

The biomedical applications of fluorescent anticancer agents in the first near-IR region (NIR-I) have been hampered by problems of photostability, autofluorescence, and limited penetration depth in biological tissues. To shift the fluorescence theranostic region from the NIR-I to the longer-wavelength region for accurate cancer diagnosis and treatment, Pt(II) metallacycle-based fluorescent nanoprobe 1 with fluorescence emission in the NIR-II region is designed. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that 1 has good photostability and the ability to efficiently inhibit the growth of tumor with minimal side effects. It also improves the fluorescent imaging quality and signal-to-noise ratio for cancer theranostics. This study provides an opportunity for further design of NIR-II theranostic anticancer agents for future biomedical applications.
Cathodic arc deposition of NiCrAlY coating: oxidation behaviour and thermodynamic
Authors: Khakzadian J. , Hosseini S. H. , Zangeneh Madar K.
Published: January 2019

NiCrAlY coating was deposited on the Ni-base superalloy in the cathodic arc deposition process. The isothermal oxidation test was carried out at 1000°C in air. The cross-section of the coatings was studied by the field emission scanning microscope electron and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The formation and growth of the internal oxide were addressed during the high temperature oxidation. The outward diffusion of Ti occurred from the substrate to the coating, leading to the formation of TiO2 beneath the thermally-grown oxide scale. Thermodynamic measurements of TiO2 formation were performed and the role of the internal oxide in the formation of TiO2 was determined.
Advances in understanding DNA processing and protection at stalled replication forks
Authors: Rickman Kimberly , Smogorzewska Agata
Published: January 2019

The replisome, the molecular machine dedicated to copying DNA, encounters a variety of obstacles during S phase. Without a proper response to this replication stress, the genome becomes unstable, leading to disease, including cancer. The immediate response is localized to the stalled replisome and includes protection of the nascent DNA. A number of recent studies have provided insight into the factors recruited to and responsible for protecting stalled replication forks. In response to replication stress, the SNF2 family of DNA translocases has emerged as being responsible for remodeling replication forks in vivo. The protection of stalled replication forks requires the cooperation of RAD51, BRCA1, BRCA2, and many other DNA damage response proteins. In the absence of these fork protection factors, fork remodeling renders them vulnerable to degradation by nucleases and helicases, ultimately compromising genome integrity. In this review, we focus on the recent progress in understanding the protection, processing, and remodeling of stalled replication forks in mammalian cells.
The prognostic value of 2D strain in assessment of the right ventricle in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Seo Jongkwon , Jung In Hyun , Park Jin Hye , Kim Gwang Sil , Lee Hye Young , Byun Young Sup , Kim Byung Ok , Rhee Kun Joo
Published: January 2019

Aims

Several studies have been reported using right ventricular (RV) strain as a method for evaluating RV function in patients with various cardiovascular diseases; however, the clinical relevance of RV strain in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients with sinus rhythm is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between RV strain and adverse events in DCM patients with sinus rhythm.

Methods and results

We enrolled 143 DCM patients with sinus rhythm who had been first diagnosed, evaluated, and followed at Sanggye Paik Hospital between March 2013 and August 2017. We performed echocardiography and measured RV strain values using the apical four-chamber view. The mean age was 64.6 years. During the median follow-up period of 40.0 months, adverse cardiovascular events developed in 21 patients (14.7%). By Cox proportional hazards multivariate analysis, only RV free wall longitudinal strain (RV-FWLS) independently predicted the primary outcome. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the optimal RV-FWLS cut-off value to identify patients with an event was −16.5% (area under the curve = 0.703, P = 0.003). When we divided the subjects into two groups based on the RV-FWLS of −16.5%, patients with RV-FWLS <−16.5% showed more favourable clinical outcomes than that in those with RV-FWLS ≥−16.5% (log-rank test, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

RV-FWLS was associated with a significant prognostic impact in DCM patients with sinus rhythm.
Living alone is associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: 32 years of follow-up in the Copenhagen Male Study
Authors: Jensen Magnus T , Marott Jacob L , Holtermann Andreas , Gyntelberg Finn
Published: January 2019

Aims

As a consequence of modern urban life, an increasing number of individuals are living alone. Living alone may have potential adverse health implications. The long-term relationship between living alone and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, however, remains unclear.

Methods and results

Participants from The Copenhagen Male Study were included in 1985–86 and information about conventional behavioural, psychosocial, and environmental risk factors were collected. Socioeconomic position (SEP) was categorized into four groups. Multivariable Cox-regression models were performed with follow-up through the Danish National Registries. A total of 3346 men were included, mean (standard deviation) age 62.9 (5.2) years. During 32.2 years of follow-up, 89.4% of the population died and 38.9% of cardiovascular causes. Living alone (9.6%) was a significant predictor of mortality. Multivariable risk estimates were [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval)] 1.23 (1.09–1.39), P = 0.001 for all-cause mortality and 1.36 (1.13–1.63), P = 0.001 for cardiovascular mortality. Mortality risk was modified by SEP. Thus, there was no association in the highest SEP but for all other SEP categories, e.g. highest SEP for all-cause mortality 1.01 (0.7–1.39), P = 0.91 and 0.94 (0.6–1.56), P = 0.80 for cardiovascular mortality; lowest SEP 1.58 (1.16–2.19), P = 0.004 for all-cause mortality and 1.87 (1.20–2.90), P = 0.005 for cardiovascular mortality. Excluding participants dying within 5 years of inclusion (n = 274) did not change estimates, suggesting a minimal influence of reverse causation.

Conclusions

Living alone was an independent risk factor for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality with more than three decades of follow-up. Individuals in middle- and lower SEPs were at particular risk. Health policy initiatives should target these high-risk individuals.
Counterfactual Scheming
Authors: Baron Sam
Published: January 2019

Mathematics appears to play a genuine explanatory role in science. But how do mathematical explanations work? Recently, a counterfactual approach to mathematical explanation has been suggested. I argue that such a view fails to differentiate the explanatory uses of mathematics within science from the non-explanatory uses. I go on to offer a solution to this problem by combining elements of the counterfactual theory of explanation with elements of a unification theory of explanation. The result is a theory according to which a counterfactual is explanatory when it is an instance of a generalized counterfactual scheme.
Big DNA as a tool to dissect an age-related macular degeneration-associated haplotype
Authors: Laurent Jon M , Fu Xin , German Sergei , Maurano Matthew T , Zhang Kang , Boeke Jef D
Published: January 2019

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in the developed world, especially in aging populations, and is therefore an important target for new therapeutic development. Recently, there have been several studies demonstrating strong associations between AMD and sites of heritable genetic variation at multiple loci, including a highly significant association at 10q26. The 10q26 risk region contains two genes, HTRA1 and ARMS2, both of which have been separately implicated as causative for the disease, as well as dozens of sites of non-coding variation. To date, no studies have successfully pinpointed which of these variant sites are functional in AMD, nor definitively identified which genes in the region are targets of such regulatory variation. In order to efficiently decipher which sites are functional in AMD phenotypes, we describe a general framework for combinatorial assembly of large ‘synthetic haplotypes’ along with delivery to relevant disease cell types for downstream functional analysis. We demonstrate the successful and highly efficient assembly of a first-draft 119kb wild-type ‘assemblon’ covering the HTRA1/ARMS2 risk region. We further propose the parallelized assembly of a library of combinatorial variant synthetic haplotypes covering the region, delivery and analysis of which will identify functional sites and their effects, leading to an improved understanding of AMD development. We anticipate that the methodology proposed here is highly generalizable towards the difficult problem of identifying truly functional variants from those discovered via GWAS or other genetic association studies.
The interaction between maternal smoking, illicit drug use and alcohol consumption associated with neonatal outcomes
Authors: Reynolds Ciara M E , Egan Brendan , Daly Niamh , McKeating Aoife , Sheehan Sharon R , Turner Michael J
Published: January 2019

Background

The adverse effects of smoking on neonatal outcomes, such as small-for-gestational-age (SGA), has been extensively studied however, the consequences of smoking combined with alcohol and/or drug use is less clear.

Methods

This retrospective observational study analyzed clinical and sociodemographic details of 40156 women who delivered a singleton baby between the years 2011 and 2015.

Results

Compared with women who had never smoked, smokers who did not engage in alcohol or drug use had an odds ratio (OR) of delivering a baby who was SGA of 3.2 (95% CI: 3.1–3.5). Smokers who used illicit drugs in isolation or in combination with alcohol during pregnancy had higher ORs for SGA (1.4, 95% CI: 1.1–1.7, P = 0.006 and 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.7, P = 0.007) compared to women who smoked but did not engage in alcohol or drug use in pregnancy. These women also delivered babies with lower mean birthweights (125 g, P < 0.001 and 181.4 g, P = 0.003) and head circumferences (0.4 cm, P < 0.001 and 0.3 cm, P = 0.048). Women who smoked and used alcohol, but not illicit drugs were not associated adverse outcomes above that of smoking in isolation.

Conclusion

Illicit drug use combined with maternal smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes above that of smoking in isolation.
Ralstonia solanacearum Species Complex: A Quick Diagnostic Guide
Authors: García Raymond O. , Kerns Jim P. , Thiessen Lindsey
Published: January 2019

Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith 1896) Yabuuchi et al. 1996 is ranked second among the top 10 most economically important plant pathogenic bacteria. The soil-borne bacterium affects over 200 plant species worldwide, including economically and nutritionally important crops, such as potato (Solanum tuberosum), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and bananas (Musa spp.). R. solanacearum is a species complex, meaning that the species is composed of strains with differential characteristics, including different metabolic requirements, centers of origin, host range, and ideal environmental conditions for infection. Its nature and the fact that it is a species complex can make R. solanacearum a difficult bacterium to work with, especially when lacking experience. Inappropriate isolation or storage of the pathogen can lead to inaccurate diagnostics or misleading conclusions. Thus, the objectives of this diagnostic guide are to provide adequate methods for isolation, storage, and identification and to discuss other relevant aspects related to this important plant pathogenic bacterium.
Identification and Characterization of a Potential Candidate Mlo Gene Conferring Susceptibility to Powdery Mildew in Rubber Tree
Authors: Qin Bi , Wang Meng , He Hai-xia , Xiao Hua-xing , Zhang Yu , Wang Li-feng
Published: January 2019

Mildew resistance locus O (Mlo) gene was first found in barley as a powdery mildew susceptibility gene, and recessive mlo alleles confer durable resistance to barley powdery mildew. To identify candidate Mlo susceptibility genes in rubber tree, HbMlo12 was cloned from rubber tree clone CATAS7-33-97, which is susceptible to powdery mildew. Protein architecture analysis showed that HbMlo12 was a typical Mlo protein with seven transmembrane domains. Protein blast search in the Arabidopsis thaliana proteome database showed that HbMlo12 shared the highest similarity with AtMlo12, with 63% sequence identity. Furthermore, HbMlo12 together with the dicot powdery mildew susceptible Mlo proteins (including AtMlo2, AtMlo6, AtMlo12, tomato SlMlo1, pepper CaMlo2, pea PsMlo1, etc.) were grouped into clade V. Subcellular localization analysis in tobacco epidermal cells revealed that HbMlo12 was localized to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. HbMlo12 was preferentially expressed in the flower and leaf of rubber tree. Moreover, its expression was significantly upregulated in response to powdery mildew inoculation. Application of exogenous ethephon caused a distinct increase in HbMlo12 expression. Additionally, HbMlo12 transcript was quickly induced by spraying salicylic acid and gibberellic acid and reached the maximum at 0.5 h after treatments. By contrast, HbMlo12 expression was downregulated by methyl jasmonate, abscisic acid, and drought stress treatments. There was no significant change in HbMlo12 expression after indole-3-acetic acid, H2O2, and wounding stimuli. Taken together, these results suggested that HbMlo12 might be a candidate Mlo gene conferring susceptibility to powdery mildew in rubber tree. The results of this study are vital in understanding Mlo gene evolution and developing new rubber tree varieties with powdery mildew resistance using reverse genetics.
Targeted Early Detection of Citrus Huanglongbing Causal Agent ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ Before Symptom Expression
Authors: Pandey Sheo Shankar , Wang Nian
Published: January 2019

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) is the most severe disease of citrus plants caused by ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ and transmitted by the insect vector Asian citrus psyllid (ACP). No effective curative measure is available against HLB. For citrus production areas without HLB or with low HLB disease incidence, removal of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ inoculum is critical to prevent HLB spread. Such a strategy requires robust early diagnosis of HLB for inoculum removal to prevent ACP acquisition and transmission of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’. However, early diagnosis of HLB is challenging, because the citrus trees remain asymptomatic for several months to years after ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ transmission by ACP. In this study, we report a new method for targeted early detection of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ in cultivar Valencia sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) before HLB symptom expression. We take advantage of the fact that ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ remains around the ACP feeding site immediately after transmission into the young flush and before flush maturation. ACPs secrete salivary sheaths at their feeding sites, which can be visualized using Coomassie brilliant blue staining owing to the presence of salivary sheaths secreted by ACP. Epifluorescence and confocal microscopy indicate the presence of salivary sheaths beneath the blue spots on ACP-fed leaves. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and conventional PCR assays are able to detect ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ in the ACP feeding surrounding areas as early as 2 to 20 days after ACP feeding. This finding lays a foundation to develop much-needed tools for early diagnosis of HLB before symptom expression, thus assisting ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ inoculum removal and preventing HLB from spreading.
Stoichiometric quantification of spatially dense assemblies with qPAINT
Authors: Baker Matthew , Nieves Daniel J , Hilzenrat Geva , Berengut Jonathon F , Gaus Katharina , Lee Lawrence K
Published: January 2019

Quantitative PAINT (qPAINT) is a useful method for counting well-separated molecules within nanoscale assemblies. But whether cross-reactivity in densely-packed arrangements perturbs measurements is unknown. Here we establish that qPAINT measurements are robust even when target molecules are separated by as little as 3 nm, sufficiently close that single-stranded DNA binding sites can interact.
Disease-causing mutations in subunits of OXPHOS complex I affect their physical interactions
Authors: Barshad Gilad , Zlotinkov-Poznianski Nicol , Gal Lihi , Schuldiner Maya , Mishmar Dan
Published: January 2019

Mitochondrial complex I (C1) is the largest multi-subunit oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) protein complex. Recent availability of a high-resolution human C1 structure, and from two non-human mammals, enabled predicting the impact of mutations on interactions involving each of the 44 C1 subunits. However, experimentally assessing the impact of the predicted interactions requires an easy and high-throughput method. Here, we created such a platform by cloning all 37 nuclear DNA (nDNA) and 7 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-encoded human C1 subunits into yeast expression vectors to serve as both 'prey' and 'bait' in the split murine dihydrofolate reductase (mDHFR) protein complementation assay (PCA). We first demonstrated the capacity of this approach and then used it to examine reported pathological OXPHOS C1 mutations that occur at subunit interaction interfaces. Our results indicate that a pathological frame-shift mutation in the MT-ND2 gene, causing the replacement of 126 C-terminal residues by a stretch of only 30 amino acids, resulted in loss of specificity in ND2-based interactions involving these residues. Hence, the split mDHFR PCA is a powerful assay for assessing the impact of disease-causing mutations on pairwise protein-protein interactions in the context of a large protein complex, thus revealing the mechanism underlying any associated pathogenicity.