bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-93 promotes the tumorigenesis of osteosarcoma by targeting TIMP2
Authors: Zhang Hua , Zhang Jidong , Meng Fanrui , Zhu Hanzhong , Yan Hongyu , Guo Yunliang , Zhang Shandi
Published: August 2019

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent primary bone malignancy and affects adolescents and young adults. Recently dysregulation of miRNAs has received more attention because of its extensive role in OS carcinogenesis. This research was designed to verify how microRNA-93 (miR-93) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2) be involved in OS development. At first, the levels of miR-93 and its predictive target gene TIMP2 were detected in OS and osteoblast cell lines, and 62 pairs OS and adjacent non-OS specimens by real-time PCR and western blot. Then, viability, invasion, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of OS cell lines were examined when overexpressed or knocked down miR-93, or overexpressed TIMP2. Finally, the interaction between miR-93 and TIMP2 was evaluated using mutation, gain, and loss experiment. Our data indicated that miR-93 was increased while TIMP2 was decreased in both OS cell lines and tissues. MiR-93 high-expression and TIMP2 low-expression were related with poor overall survival and prognosis of OS patients. Overexpression or knockdown experiment indicated that miR-93 enhanced OS cell viability, invasion, and EMT expression. TIMP2 could inhibit OS cell viability, invasion, and EMT expression. Further, miR-93 directly targeted TIMP2 and negatively regulated TIMP2 level in OS cells. And up-regulation of TIMP2 reversed the effects of miR-93 in OS. Finally, miR-93 regulated the oncogenic functions in OS cells by regulating the expression of TIMP2. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that miR-93 may exert an oncogenic function while TIMP2 may act as a tumor suppressor on OS.
MiR-16-5p inhibits breast cancer by reducing AKT3 to restrain NF-κB pathway
Authors: Ruan Liwei , Qian Xiaojun
Published: August 2019

Background: Breast cancer endangers the life of women and has become the major cause of deaths among them. MiRNAs are found to exert a regulatory effect on the migration, proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer cells. This research aims at investigating the miR-16-5p expression and its effect on the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Methods: Their clinical data were analyzed with qRT-PCR. CCK8, EdU and Transwell was performed to explore the function of miR-16-5p in cell migration and proliferation of breast cancer cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assay, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were carried out to explore the relation between miR-16-5p and AKT3. Results: It was discovered that miR-16-5p was lowly expressed in breast cancer patients. Meanwhile, breast cancer patients with under-expressed miR-16-5p had a lower survival rate than those with highly expressed miR-16-5p. Furthermore, decreased miR-16-5p in cell and animal models enhanced migration and proliferation of breast cancer cells, stimulated cell cycle and reduced cell apoptosis. Finally, we found miR-16-5p restrained the NF-κB pathway and decreased AKT3 gene, thereby suppressing the breast cancer development. Conclusion: It can be seen that miR-16-5p exhibits a low expression in breast cancer tissues, which can inhibit breast cancer by restraining the NF-κB pathway and elevating reducing AKT3.
Targeting the apicoplast in malaria
Authors: Biddau Marco , Sheiner Lilach
Published: August 2019

Malaria continues to be one of the leading causes of human mortality in the world, and the therapies available are insufficient for eradication. Severe malaria is caused by the apicomplexan parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Apicomplexan parasites, including the Plasmodium spp., are descendants of photosynthetic algae, and therefore they possess an essential plastid organelle, named the apicoplast. Since humans and animals have no plastids, the apicoplast is an attractive target for drug development. Indeed, after its discovery, the apicoplast was found to host the target pathways of some known antimalarial drugs, which motivated efforts for further research into its biological functions and biogenesis. Initially, many apicoplast inhibitions were found to result in ‘delayed death’, whereby parasite killing is seen only at the end of one invasion-egress cycle. This slow action is not in line with the current standard for antimalarials, which seeded scepticism about the potential of compounds targeting apicoplast functions as good candidates for drug development. Intriguingly, recent evidence of apicoplast inhibitors causing rapid killing could put this organelle back in the spotlight. We provide an overview of drugs known to inhibit apicoplast pathways, alongside recent findings in apicoplast biology that may provide new avenues for drug development.
Phosphoinositides in the control of lysosome function and homeostasis
Authors: Ebner Michael , Koch Philipp Alexander , Haucke Volker
Published: August 2019

Lysosomes are the main degradative compartments of mammalian cells and serve as platforms for cellular nutrient signaling and sterol transport. The diverse functions of lysosomes and their adaptation to extracellular and intracellular cues are tightly linked to the spatiotemporally controlled synthesis, turnover and interconversion of lysosomal phosphoinositides, minor phospholipids that define membrane identity and couple membrane dynamics to cell signaling. How precisely lysosomal phosphoinositides act and which effector proteins within the lysosome membrane or at the lysosomal surface recognize them is only now beginning to emerge. Importantly, mutations in phosphoinositide metabolizing enzyme cause lysosomal dysfunction and are associated with numerous diseases ranging from neurodegeneration to cancer. Here, we discuss the phosphoinositides and phosphoinositide metabolizing enzymes implicated in lysosome function and homeostasis and outline perspectives for future research.
Stellar mass–halo mass relation for the brightest central galaxies of X-ray clusters since z ∼ 0.65
Authors: Erfanianfar G. , Finoguenov A. , Furnell K. , Popesso P. , Biviano A. , Wuyts S. , Collins C. A. , Mirkazemi M. , Comparat J. , Khosroshahi H. , Nandra K. , Capasso R. , Rykoff E. , Wilman D. , Merloni A. , Clerc N. , Salvato M. , Chitham J. I. , Kelvin L. S. , Gozaliasl G. , Weijmans A. , Brownstein J. , Egami E. , Pereira M. J. , Schneider D. P. , Kirkpatrick C. , Damsted S. , Kukkola A.
Published: August 2019

We present the brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs) catalog for SPectroscoic IDentification of eROSITA Sources (SPIDERS) DR14 cluster program value-added catalog. We list the 416 BCGs identified as part of this process, along with their stellar mass, star formation rates (SFRs), and morphological properties. We identified the BCGs based on the available spectroscopic data from SPIDERS and photometric data from SDSS. We computed stellar masses and SFRs of the BCGs on the basis of SDSS, WISE, and GALEX photometry using spectral energy distribution fitting. Morphological properties for all BCGs were derived by Sersic profile fitting using the software package SIGMA in different optical bands (g,r,i). We combined this catalog with the BCGs of galaxy groups and clusters extracted from the deeper AEGIS, CDFS, COSMOS, XMM-CFHTLS, and XMM-XXL surveys to study the stellar mass–halo mass relation using the largest sample of X-ray groups and clusters known to date. This result suggests that the mass growth of the central galaxy is controlled by the hierarchical mass growth of the host halo. We find a strong correlation between the stellar mass of BCGs and the mass of their host halos. This relation shows no evolution since z ∼ 0.65. We measure a mean scatter of 0.21 and 0.25 for the stellar mass of BCGs in a given halo mass at low (0.1 <  z <  0.3) and high (0.3 <  z <  0.65) redshifts, respectively. We further demonstrate that the BCG mass is covariant with the richness of the host halos in the very X-ray luminous systems. We also find evidence that part of the scatter between X-ray luminosity and richness can be reduced by considering stellar mass as an additional variable.
Incorporating astrochemistry into molecular line modelling via emulation
Authors: de Mijolla D. , Viti S. , Holdship J. , Manolopoulou I. , Yates J.
Published: August 2019

In studies of the interstellar medium in galaxies, radiative transfer models of molecular emission are useful for relating molecular line observations back to the physical conditions of the gas they trace. However, doing this requires solving a highly degenerate inverse problem. In order to alleviate these degeneracies, the abundances derived from astrochemical models can be converted into column densities and fed into radiative transfer models. This ensures that the molecular gas composition used by the radiative transfer models is chemically realistic. However, because of the complexity and long running time of astrochemical models, it can be difficult to incorporate chemical models into the radiative transfer framework. In this paper, we introduce a statistical emulator of the UCLCHEM astrochemical model, built using neural networks. We then illustrate, through examples of parameter estimations, how such an emulator can be applied to real and synthetic observations.
Spectral and orbital survey of medium-sized meteoroids
Authors: Matlovič Pavol , Tóth Juraj , Rudawska Regina , Kornoš Leonard , Pisarčíková Adriana
Published: August 2019

Aims. We investigate the spectra, material properties, and orbital distribution of millimeter- to decimeter-sized meteoroids. Our study aims to distinguish the characteristics of populations of differently sized meteoroids and reveal the heterogeneity of identified meteoroid streams. We verify the surprisingly large ratio of pure iron meteoroids on asteroidal orbits detected among mm-sized bodies.

Methods. Emission spectra and multi-station meteor trajectories were collected within the AMOS network observations. The sample is based on 202 meteors of −1 to −14 magnitude, corresponding to meteoroids of mm to dm sizes. Meteoroid composition is studied by spectral classification based on relative intensity ratios of Na, Mg, and Fe and corresponding monochromatic light curves. Heliocentric orbits, trajectory parameters, and material strengths inferred from empirical KB and PE parameters were determined for 146 meteoroids.

Results. An overall increase of Na content compared to the population of mm-sized meteoroids was detected, reflecting weaker effects of space weathering processes on larger meteoroids. The preservation of volatiles in larger meteoroids is directly observed. We report a very low ratio of pure iron meteoroids and the discovery of a new spectral group of Fe-rich meteors. The majority of meteoroids on asteroidal orbits were found to be chondritic. Thermal processes causing Na depletion and physical processes resulting in Na-rich spectra are described and linked to characteristically increased material strengths. Numerous major and minor shower meteors were identified in our sample, revealing various degrees of heterogeneity within Halley-type, ecliptical, and sungrazing meteoroid streams. Our results imply a scattered composition of the fragments of comet 2P/Encke and 109P/Swift-Tuttle. The largest disparities were detected within α-Capricornids of the inactive comet 169P/NEAT and δ-Aquarids of the sungrazing 96P/Machholz. We also find a spectral similarity between κ-Cygnids and Taurids, which could imply a similar composition of the parent objects of the two streams.
Research on Aerodynamic Shape Design Scheme of a Distributed Propeller Transport Aircraft and Its Slipstream Effect
Authors: Yang Xiaochuan , Li Wei , Wang Yuntao , Wang Hao , Yue Hao , Huang Jiangtao
Published: August 2019

With the continuous development and widespread attention of electric propulsion technology in traditional transportation fields such as automobiles and trains, the distributed propeller propulsion technology applied to electric or hybrid electric medium and small scale aircrafts has become a new topic in aviation research. This paper presents a preliminary design scheme of a distributed propeller electric propulsion transport aircraft firstly. Then, based on Reynolds average N-S equations, combined with the SA turbulence model, and replaced the real distributed propellers with simplified disk model, the aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft with and without slipstream under the condition of low speed and high thrust at low altitude are analyzed. Finally, the effects of pressure distribution, pitching moment characteristics and wing flow on distributed propellers are studied in detailed. The results show that the lift and drag of the aircraft with slipstream are both larger than without slipstream and with slipstream effect, the pitching moment of the wing decreases, the pitching moment of the tail increases. When the tail is far away or completely inside the region of slipstream, the difference of pitching moment of the tail with and without slipstream is little, and the difference is obvious as the tail is only partially in the region of slipstream; When the diameter of distributed propellers is far larger than the wing thickness, more propeller power is used to shove air flow away from the surface area of the wing, and resulting in an insignificant increase in the coefficient of lift.
Study on Underwater Performance of Underwater Transducer Manufactured by 1-1-3 Piezoelectric Composite
Authors: Du Haibo , Qin Lei , Zhong Chao , Wang Likun
Published: August 2019

A novel kind of underwater transducer with trapezoidal matching layer manufactured by 1-1-3 piezoelectric composite has been proposed to improve the underwater performance of high frequency transducer. In this paper, the finite element method has been used to analyze the influence of the matching layer on the electrical properties of the composite materials and vibration displacement of the radiation area. Two kinds of underwater transducers with and without matching layers have been fabricated. The experimental results show that the transmission voltage response of the underwater transducer with matching layer reaches 169.4 dB at 360 kHz, and the receiving voltage sensitivity reaches-190 dB, the bandwidth is up to 70 kHz and the maximum sound source level is 208 dB. Comparing with transducer without matching layer, the transmission voltage response is increased by 3.8 dB. Meanwhile the sound source level is increased by 6 dB. The received bandwidth is increased by 1.45 times.
Assessment of Aerial Target Threat Based on Genetic Algorithm Optimizing Fuzzy Recurrent Wavelet Neural Network
Authors: Chen Xia , Liu Zilong , Liang Hongli
Published: August 2019

In target threat assessment of air combat, the evaluation system model is usually nonlinear and the assessment which is difficult to obtain also has some uncertain information. In order to effectively solve these problems, the Single-hidden-layer Fuzzy Recurrent Wavelet Neural Network Optimized by Genetic Algorithm (GA-SLFRWNN) is presented in this paper. In this new method, the influence factors for assessment and the ambiguity of their information are first analyzed. The RWNN are embed in the back part of FNN (fuzzy neural network) for the purpose of enhancing self-learning ability. Then GA is used to optimize the initial parameters of the model and the optimal learning rate based on Lyapunov theory is proposed. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm improves the stability of the evaluation system, accelerates the convergence speed and enhances the prediction accuracy compared with the FNN and SLFRWNN.
Myografie
Authors: Bischoff Christian , Mattler Wilhelm Schulte
Published: August 2019

Trotz des Vordringens der Bildgebung und der enormen Fortschritte der molekulargenetischen Diagnostik hat die Elektromyografie mit der (konzentrischen) Nadelelektrode einen festen Stellenwert in der Diagnostik und Differenzialdiagnostik neuromuskulärer Erkrankungen. Dies gilt insbesondere für die Frühdiagnostik (z. B. ALS, axonale PNP), den Nachweis einer axonalen Schädigung, von myotonen Serien, die Diagnostik von Myopathien, die zeitliche Zuordnung neurogener Schädigungen, die Differenzierung peripherer vs. zentraler Parese, und die frühzeitige Erfassung einer Reinnervation.
Die melancholisch-wahnhafte Depression als Störung des Antriebs
Authors: Bürgy Martin
Published: August 2019

Die Unterscheidung zwischen melancholischer und nichtmelancholischer Depression ist unverändert bedeutsam bei der Klassifikation und Differenzierung depressiver Störungen. Bei der Melancholie scheint es sich um eine psychopathologische und biologisch fundierte Einheit zu handeln, die als Störung des Antriebs beschrieben werden kann und die ihre äußerste Zuspitzung im depressiven Wahn findet. Die Pathogenese verläuft von der melancholisch prädisponierten Persönlichkeit, meist dem Typus melancholicus, über psychomotorische Hemmung und Depersonalisation bis in den depressiven Wahn. Wahn entsteht aus der Angst, dass die Realisierung grundlegender menschlicher Werte, des Daseins für andere oder für Ideale, der Gesundheit und der Existenzsicherung, hoffnungslos geworden ist. Dieses Verständnis erleichtert nicht nur die schwierige Diagnostik und den empathischen Beistand zum Kranken, sondern hat auch unmittelbar Konsequenzen für eine qualifizierte Behandlung der melancholisch-wahnhaften Depression.
Phytotherapie im Schafspelz
Authors: Stern Cornelia
Published: August 2019

Manche Heilpflanzen sind nicht als Phyto-Präparat verkehrsfähig, weil sie keine Monographie erhalten haben. Gründe hierfür sind etwa das Fehlen von Studien oder erhöhte Toxizität. Pflanzliche Urtinkturen und homöopathische Tiefpotenzen enthalten stoffliche Bestandteile der Ausgangspflanze. Deshalb kann man sie nicht nur nach dem Simile-Prinzip, sondern auch nach phytotherapeutischen Prinzipien verordnen. Manche unverdünnt toxischen Heilpflanzen wie das Adonisröschen sind in Tiefpotenzen erhältlich, die gesundheitlich unbedenklich, aber noch phytotherapeutisch wirksam sind. Daher lohnt sich der Blick auf Homöopathika, falls kein Phytotherapeutikum erhältlich ist.
Kaffee: Multitalent mit schlechtem Image?
Authors: Nieber Karen
Published: August 2019

Kaffee galt lange Zeit als gesundheitsschädlich. Doch die Forschung zeigt, dass er, in Maßen genossen, sogar viele gesundheitsfördernde Effekte haben kann
Development of a Selective Adsorbing Material for Binding of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Herbal Extracts, Based on Molecular Group Imprinting
Authors: Kopp Thomas , Abdel-Tawab Mona , Khoeiklang Martin , Mizaikoff Boris
Published: August 2019

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are secondary plant constituents that became a subject of public concern because of their hepatotoxic, pneumotoxic, genotoxic, and cytotoxic effects. Due to disregardful harvesting and/or contamination with pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing plants, there is a high risk of ingesting these substances with plant extracts or natural products. The limit for the daily intake was set to 0.007 µg/kg body weight. If contained in an extract, cleanup methods may help to minimize the pyrrolizidine alkaloid concentration. For this purpose, a material for depleting pyrrolizidine alkaloids in herbal preparations was developed based on the approach of molecular imprinting using monocrotaline. Molecular imprinted polymers are substances with specific binding characteristics, depending on the template used for imprinting. By means of group imprinting, only one molecule is used for creating selective cavities for many molecular pyrrolizidine alkaloid variations. Design of Experiment was used for the development using a 25 screening plan resulting in 64 polymers (32 MIPs/32 NIPs). Rebinding trials revealed that the developed material can compete with common cation exchangers and is more suitable for depleting pyrrolizidine alkaloids than C18- material. Matrix trials using an extract from Chelidonium majus show that there is sufficient binding capacity for pyrrolizidine alkaloids (80%), but the material is lacking in selectivity towards pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the presence of other alkaloids with similar functional groups such as berberine, chelidonine, and coptisine. Beyond this interaction, the selectivity could be proven for other structurally different compounds on the example of chelidonic acid.
Gibt es in Ihrem Fachgebiet
Authors: Matejka Rainer , Chopra Ananda Samir , Roemer Franziska
Published: August 2019

3 Fachleute - 3 Behandlungsmethoden
Enantioselective Intramolecular Dearomative Lactonization of Naphthols Catalyzed by Planar Chiral Iodoarene
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhao Cun-Yuan , Wang Yi-Ping , Zheng Wen-Hua
Published: August 2019

A series of planar chiral iodoarenes based on [2.2]paracyclophane was synthesized. An efficient asymmetric intramolecular oxidative lactonization of naphthols enabled by a combination of these chiral iodoarenes and mCPBA as oxidant is reported. This reaction proceeds under mild conditions, allowing the formation of spirolactones bearing a tetrasubstituted stereocenter in moderate yields and good enantioselectivity.
Herpesvirus Infections of the Central Nervous System
Authors: Bharucha Tehmina , Houlihan Catherine F. , Breuer Judith
Published: August 2019

There are over 200 herpesvirus species, of which 10 affect humans. Each of these 10 herpesviruses has a unique clinical syndrome, but common to all is their ability to cause infection and pathology in the central nervous system. In this article, we discuss the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, treatment, sequelae, and availability of vaccination of each of the following herpesviruses: herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, varicella zoster virus, human cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus 6A, 6B, and 7, Epstein–Barr virus, human herpesvirus 8, and simian herpesvirus B.
Imaging in Encephalitis
Authors: Venkatesan Arun , Jagdish Balaji
Published: August 2019

Despite recent advances in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for infectious and autoimmune encephalitis, the management of patients with suspected or confirmed encephalitis poses a great challenge to physicians. Neuroimaging, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scanning, can play a crucial role in substantiating the diagnosis of encephalitis and eliminating clinical mimics of encephalitis from consideration. Moreover, characteristic neuroimaging patterns can aid in defining specific infectious and autoimmune etiologies. Volumetric and functional MRI, in particular, are being increasingly used to characterize outcomes following encephalitis and can shed light on brain reorganization and function after the acute phase of disease has resolved. Here, we discuss the uses of structural, functional, and PET neuroimaging in the clinical assessment of the acute and recovery phases of encephalitis.
Central Nervous System Opportunistic Infections
Authors: Agnihotri Shruti P.
Published: August 2019

Opportunistic infections of the central nervous system are classically associated with immunosuppression arising from infection with human immunodeficiency virus and with various hematologic malignancies. However, over the past few years, they are increasingly associated with transplantation and various immunosuppressive treatments used to treat autoimmune diseases. They cause significant morbidity and mortality and remain a diagnostic challenge due to the absence of typical signs and symptoms of infection and mimicry by various noninfectious causes. The pathogens associated with these infections are often commonly found pathogens of low virulence in immunocompetent hosts and include various bacteria, parasites, fungi, or viruses. These infections can present as various clinical syndromes, including meningitis, encephalitis, space-occupying lesions, stroke-like presentations, or even neoplastic manifestations. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy can be seen in patients with multiple sclerosis on various new immunomodulatory drugs in addition to patients with human immunodeficiency virus, transplantation, or hematologic malignancies, and is characterized by multifocal white matter lesions. Human herpesvirus-6 causes severe encephalitis in transplant recipients, known as posttransplantation acute limbic encephalitis. Neoplastic manifestations like Epstein–Barr virus-associated primary central nervous system lymphoma and posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorders are particularly challenging to diagnose and manage. Modern diagnostic techniques, including advanced imaging techniques like magnetic resonance spectroscopy, use of polymerase chain reaction, and metagenomic sequencing, can be helpful in early recognition of pathogens. Treatment of most of these involves lowering of immunosuppression when possible and use of specific antimicrobial agents when available. Improved outcomes can be seen when early diagnosis is made.
Neurologic Infections in Travelers
Authors: Sharma Malveeka , Zunt Joseph R.
Published: August 2019

This review will provide an outline of the neurological complications of specific parasitic, bacterial, and viral infectious diseases that can affect the international traveler. We will discuss the epidemiology, life cycle, ecology, clinical manifestation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Fungal Infections of the Central Nervous System
Authors: Jia Dan Tong , Thakur Kiran
Published: August 2019

Fungal central nervous system infections present in a myriad of clinical manifestation and remain a significant diagnostic challenge. Presenting symptoms, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, conventional fungal serum markers and imaging correlates of disease are seldom sensitive or specific; fungal culture growth or histopathologic analysis are often required for definitive diagnoses but limited by feasibility. Novel diagnostic tools (such as the cryptococcal antigen and next-generation sequencing) have increased diagnostic potency when available but require further studies to define their utility.

Invasive fungal infections are an emerging health threat in the setting of increased immunomodulatory treatments, advancements in transplant medicine and increased world-wide travel. Therefore, strong clinical suspicion from epidemiologic clues, clinical progression and presence of CNS dissemination risk factors must be exercised to pursue broad diagnostic workups and rapidly initiate medical and surgical management. This article will describe the epidemiology, clinical presentations, diagnostic approach and therapeutic interventions for fungal infections in the central nervous system.
How to Achieve an Accurate Anatomical Femoral Tunnel Technique in ACL Reconstruction in the Early Years of Your Consultancy? Femoral Offset Aimer Technique: Consistent and Reproducible Technique
Authors: Ellapparadja Pregash , Joseph Ignatius , Selvaratnam Veenesh
Published: August 2019

Femoral tunnel malposition is the most common reason for failure of primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. There are several methods to identify the anatomical location of femoral footprint. Femoral offset aimer technique is one such technique which is easy to use and reliable. It is an ideal technique for junior and inexperienced surgeons to recreate the femoral tunnel in its anatomical footprint. The senior author (P.E.) has been using this technique for 30 consecutive cases in his first year of independent practice during his consultancy without any major intraoperative complications. The author describes this technique in this article with tips and tricks which will especially guide the junior and inexperienced surgeons to avoid running into intraoperative problems while drilling the femoral tunnel.
Stem Cells and Plastic Surgery
Authors: Agrawal Nikhil A. , Zavlin Dmitry , Louis Matthew R. , Reece Edward M.
Published: August 2019

Pluripotent stem cells can help recreate a variety of different tissues. Stem cells are already in use in a variety of ways in the medical field but plastic surgeons have particular interest because of the constant need to produce additional tissue or mold existing tissue. More and more commercial products are being marketed with far-reaching goals and some with proven and promising results. In this article, the authors discuss the basic science behind stem cells and the theories on how they work. They then discuss some active uses of stem cells that should be understood by all plastic surgeons. The reader should then have an understanding and basis to evaluate new technologies and commercial products as they develop.
Parasitic Infections of the Nervous System
Authors: Garcia Hector H. , Nath Avindra , Del Brutto Oscar H.
Published: August 2019

Parasitic infections of the central nervous system are much more common than suspected, although most infections are asymptomatic. For example, parasites like the ubiquitous protozoa Toxoplasma gondii or the nematode larvae Toxocara canis infect significant proportions of the human population. Other parasitic infections such as malaria and neurocysticercosis are widespread in developing countries and become major causes of neurological morbidity in these regions as well in immigrants and travelers. This article reviews parasitic pathogens causing neurological morbidity and mortality, including an extensive list of less common parasitic infections of the human nervous system.
Abdominal Myomectomy for Huge Uterine Myomas with Intra-arterial Balloon Occlusion: Approach to Reduce Blood Loss
Authors: Takeda Satoru , Ota Tsuyoshi , Kaneda Hiroshi , Terao Yasuhisa , Kuwatsuru Ryohei
Published: August 2019

Abdominal myomectomy for a huge myomas, especially uterine cervical myoma, is difficult because of risks, such as intraoperative bleeding or injury to adjacent organs. Therefore, understanding of the positional relationships among a huge myoma, especially cervical or intraligamental myoma, and the vascular plexuses in the right and left cardinal ligaments is important for prevention of massive bleeding during myomectomy. While sufficiently performing preoperative assessment with pelvic examination, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), etc., surgeons should always keep in mind how they can reduce the blood loss volume, while safely and surely performing resections. For a cervical myoma of the uterus and giant uterine leiomyoma that leave no intrapelvic space and prevent palpation and identification of the uterine arteries and the internal iliac arteries, surgery can be performed safely by preoperatively placing balloon catheters in the internal iliac arteries. Hemostaic strategies for myomectomy and tips of subsequent pregnancy following myomectomy are also described.
Long-Term Outcomes for Arthroscopic Thermal Treatment for Scapholunate Ligament Injuries
Authors: Burn Matthew B. , Sarkissian Eric J. , Yao Jeffrey
Published: August 2019

Background Arthroscopic electrothermal treatment of low-grade Geissler's scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) tears has shown clinical benefit at short-term follow-up.

Questions/Purpose This study aims to evaluate the long-term functional outcomes in patients undergoing this treatment.

Patients and Methods A retrospective review of all patients treated between 2005 and 2013 was performed. Patients were excluded with less than 5 years of follow-up, the presence of static SLIL injuries, prior wrist surgery, and concomitant denervation. Symptom resolution, return to activity, postoperative complications, range of motion, grip strength, and subsequent treatment were recorded. Each patient completed Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), Modified Mayo Wrist (MMW), and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaires.

Results Nine patients underwent treatment for Geissler's grade I, II, and III SLIL injuries with a mean 7 years (range: 5–11 years) of follow-up. Mean grip strength was 99% of the nonsurgical extremity. Wrist motion was near symmetric with a mean of 76 (±14), 74 (±8), 21 (±13), and 40 degrees (±13) for wrist flexion, extension, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation. QuickDASH improved significantly by a mean 39 points (50 (preoperative)–11 [postoperative], p = 0.009). Postoperative MMW and PRWE scores were 83 and 14, respectively. Visual analog scale (VAS) score was 1.4. A total of 90% was returned to their preinjury level of function or higher.

Conclusions Arthroscopic electrothermal treatment of low-grade Geissler's SLIL tears demonstrates excellent objective and subjective outcomes at a minimum 5-year follow-up, providing evidence that this is an effective, safe, and, most importantly, durable-therapeutic modality.

Level of Evidence This is a Level IV, case series study.
Retrospective Analysis of Short-Term Respiratory Outcomes of Three Different Steroids Used in Clinical Practice in Intubated Preterm Infants
Authors: Nath Sfurti , Reynolds Anne Marie , Lakshminrusimha Satyan , Ma ChangXing , Hudak Mark L. , Ryan Rita M.
Published: August 2019

Objective This study aimed to compare short-term respiratory outcomes of three steroids (dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, and methylprednisolone) to facilitate extubation by improving respiratory status in preterm infants.

Study Design This is a retrospective, single-center, cohort study of 98 intubated preterm infants ≤346/7 weeks' gestation, admitted to a 64-bed, level III neonatal intensive care unit at the Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, between 2006 and 2012, who received a short course of low-dose steroids for lung disease after first week of life.

Results Study infants received dexamethasone (34%), hydrocortisone (44%), or methylprednisolone (22%) based on clinical team preference. By day 7 after initiation of steroids, extubation occurred in 59, 44, and 41%, respectively, in infants on dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, and methylprednisolone (p = 0.3). The mean respiratory severity score (RSS = fraction of inspired oxygen × mean airway pressure), a quantitative measure of respiratory status, decreased by 44% for all infants and by 59% in the dexamethasone group by day 7.

Conclusion Steroids improved short-term respiratory outcomes in all infants (RSS and extubation); by day 7, dexamethasone treatment was associated with the greatest decrease in RSS. Additional prospective, randomized trials of short-course low-dose steroids are warranted to substantiate these findings to guide clinical decision making and in evaluating differential steroid effects on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Properties of monomeric Aβ42 probed by different sampling methods and force fields: Role of energy components
Authors: Krupa Pawel , Quoc Huy Pham Dinh , Li Mai Suan
Published: August 2019

Aggregation of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), such as amyloid beta peptide, can cause serious health problems, associated with disorders including Alzheimer disease. Due to the lack of a stable structure and transient nature, such proteins and peptides are often very difficult or even impossible to study using experimental approaches. Therefore, usage of computational tools can provide valuable insight into their dynamics, structural changes, and mechanism of aggregation. Because current force fields were designed to work well for standard proteins with a well-defined native structure and high conformational stability, we examined three force fields most frequently used for studies of proteins, and two variants modified for better performance for IDPs on an example of monomeric amyloid beta 42 (Aβ42) with two sampling approaches: single 10 µs long conventional molecular dynamics (CMD) trajectories and 48-replica runs using the replica exchange MD (REMD). We found that newer force fields (Amber FF14SB and CHARMM36m) provided better results than their older versions (Amber FF99SB and CHARMM36), while the specially modified version for the IDPs (FF14SB_IDPs) yielded similar results to its parent, improving sampling using CMD simulations, hence allowing to achieve a similar level of accuracy at significantly lower computational costs. With sufficient sampling, the newer force fields provided good agreement with the available experimental data. We also analyzed the physical basis of different behaviors of force fields and sampling methods, concluding that in CHARMM interactions with water play a much more important role than in Amber force fields. This explains why, in CHARMM force fields, the monomeric Aβ42 is less stable and more hydrophilic, having a greater solvent accessible surface area.
The reliability of recurrence network analysis is influenced by the observability properties of the recorded time series
Authors: Portes Leonardo L. , Montanari Arthur N. , Correa Debora C. , Small Michael , Aguirre Luis A.
Published: August 2019

Recurrence network analysis (RNA) is a remarkable technique for the detection of dynamical transitions in experimental applications. However, in practical experiments, often only a scalar time series is recorded. This requires the state-space reconstruction from this single time series which, as established by embedding and observability theory, is shown to be hampered if the recorded variable conveys poor observability. In this work, we investigate how RNA metrics are impacted by the observability properties of the recorded time series. Following the framework of Zou et al. [Chaos 20, 043130 (2010)], we use the Rössler and Duffing-Ueda systems as benchmark models for our study. It is shown that usually RNA metrics perform badly with variables of poor observability as for recurrence quantification analysis. An exception is the clustering coefficient, which is rather robust to observability issues. Along with its efficacy to detect dynamical transitions, it is shown to be an efficient tool for RNA—especially when no prior information of the variable observability is available.
Effects of stochastic parametrization on extreme value statistics
Authors: Hu Guannan , Bódai Tamás , Lucarini Valerio
Published: August 2019

Extreme geophysical events are of crucial relevance to our daily life: they threaten human lives and cause property damage. To assess the risk and reduce losses, we need to model and probabilistically predict these events. Parametrizations are computational tools used in the Earth system models, which are aimed at reproducing the impact of unresolved scales on resolved scales. The performance of parametrizations has usually been examined on typical events rather than on extreme events. In this paper, we consider a modified version of the two-level Lorenz’96 model and investigate how two parametrizations of the fast degrees of freedom perform in terms of the representation of extreme events. One parametrization is constructed following Wilks [Q. J. R. Meteorol. Soc. 131, 389–407 (2005)] and is constructed through an empirical fitting procedure; the other parametrization is constructed through the statistical mechanical approach proposed by Wouters and Lucarini [J. Stat. Mech. Theory Exp. 2012, P03003 (2012); J. Stat. Phys. 151, 850–860 (2013)]. The two strategies show different advantages and disadvantages. We discover that the agreement between parametrized models and true model is in general worse when looking at extremes rather than at the bulk of the statistics. The results suggest that stochastic parametrizations should be accurately and specifically tested against their performance on extreme events, as usual optimization procedures might neglect them.
Sub-nanosecond secondary geminate recombination in mercury halides HgX2 (X = I, Br) investigated by time-resolved x-ray scattering
Authors: Leshchev Denis , Khakhulin Dmitry , Newby Gemma , Ki Hosung , Ihee Hyotcherl , Wulff Michael
Published: August 2019

In this work, we present a detailed investigation on the recombination dynamics of mercury halides HgX2 (X = I, Br) in acetonitrile solution after UV-induced photodissociation. The study is performed by combining time-resolved wide-angle x-ray scattering (TRWAXS) and optical transient absorption spectroscopy. Up to 68% of the UV (266 nm) photodissociated HgX and X radicals that escape the solvent cage surrounding parent HgX2 recombine within a nanosecond after photodissociation. In contrast to classical primary geminate recombination, occurring on much faster time scales, we interpret the sub-nanosecond recombination channel as secondary geminate recombination (SGR), also referred to as diffusion-limited geminate recombination. The family of triatomic mercury halides therefore represents an important class of molecules to study chemical mechanisms of solvent-dependent SGR by TRWAXS. The methodology described here allows for direct mapping of the time-dependent inter-radical distance distribution function, a critical parameter for the assessment of the SGR dynamics in solution phase and solvation in general.
Interlayer modulation on the dynamic magnetic properties of L1-FePt/NM/[CoNi]5 composite film structures
Authors: Zhao Bingcheng , Xue Hongwei , Wu Guanjie , Zhu Zhendong , Ren Yang , Jin Q. Y. , Zhang Zongzhi
Published: August 2019

The magnetization precession dynamics is systematically studied in L10-FePt/NM/[CoNi]5 exchange-coupled films using the time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect technique, where the nonmagnetic interlayer is Ta or Pt. It is demonstrated that the precession frequency f decreases dramatically with the increasing interlayer thickness of Ta (tTa) or Pt (tPt). By fitting the f ∼ H curves of different tTa with the coherent precession model including the interfacial coupling interaction, the exchange coupling strength as well as the magnetization orientations of FePt and [CoNi]5 are determined. Meanwhile, it is found the magnetic damping constant α can be modulated considerably as well by adjusting the interlayer thickness. For the Ta interlayer, the α value decreases gradually with the increase in tTa as the result of decreased coupling strength, while it shows a monotonic increasing behavior for the Pt layer. The increased α with tPt can be attributed to the enhanced spin pumping contribution from Pt, which greatly exceeds the decreasing tendency caused by the reduced interfacial coupling. This study provides deep insights into the dynamic behaviors of the exchange-coupled magnetic system, which are valuable to achieve effective control of the ultrafast magnetization dynamics for spintronic applications.
Hierarchical network of pulse coupled chemical oscillators with adaptive behavior: Chemical neurocomputer
Authors: Vanag Vladimir K.
Published: August 2019

We consider theoretically a network of pulse coupled oscillators with time delays. Each oscillator is described by the Oregonator-like model for the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction. Different groups of oscillators constitute five functional units: (1) a central pattern generator (CPG), (2) a “reader” unit that can identify dynamical modes of the CPG, (3) an antenna (A) unit that receives external signals and responds on them by generating different dynamical modes, (4) another reader unit for identification of the dynamical modes in the A unit, and (5) a decision making unit that switches the current dynamical mode of the CPG to the mode that is similar to the current mode in the A unit. We call this network a chemical neurocomputer, since chemical BZ reaction occurs in each micro-oscillator, while pulse connectivity of these cells is inspired by the brain.
Nonadiabatic simulation of singlet fission dynamics in tetracene clusters: The topology of quantum coherence in a global view
Authors: Tao Guohua
Published: August 2019

The delocalization of excitonic states and the interstate quantum coherence are of great importance in understanding fundamental mechanisms in exciton dynamics such as singlet fission. The accurate theoretical description on this key component requires dynamic simulations to be performed at the molecular level in a nonadiabatic framework. Here, we apply the recently developed nonadiabatic active state trajectory method to simulate fission dynamics in tetracene clusters of up to 10 monomers. It is shown that a global view of the topology of quantum coherence in terms of molecular details such as packing configurations, spatial delocalization of states, and the topology of coherent regime plays an important role in modulating fission dynamics, which suggests a new focus for nonadiabatic control of exciton dynamics and provides valuable dynamical information and physical insights for artificial design.
Green-Kubo measurement of liquid-solid friction in finite-size systems
Authors: Oga Haruki , Yamaguchi Yasutaka , Omori Takeshi , Merabia Samy , Joly Laurent
Published: August 2019

To characterize liquid-solid friction using molecular dynamics simulations, Bocquet and Barrat (BB) [Phys. Rev. E 49, 3079–3092 (1994)] proposed to use the plateau value of a Green-Kubo (GK) integral of the friction force. The BB method is delicate to apply in finite-size simulations, where the GK integral vanishes at long times. Here, we derive an expression for the GK integral in finite-size systems, based on a Langevin description of a coarse-grained system effectively involving a certain thickness of liquid close to the wall. Fitting this expression to GK integrals obtained from simulations of a liquid slab provides the friction coefficient and the effective thickness of the coarse-grained system. We show that the coarse-grained system for a Lennard-Jones fluid between flat and smooth solid surfaces is 2–3 molecules thick, which provides a criterion for measuring the friction coefficient independently of confinement. As compared to nonequilibrium simulations, the new approach is more accurate and removes some ambiguities of nonequilibrium measurements. Overall, we hope that this new method can be used to characterize efficiently liquid-solid friction in a variety of systems of interest, e.g., for nanofluidic applications.
Assessment of the self-consistency of electron-THF cross sections using electron swarm techniques: Mixtures of THF–Ar and THF–N2
Authors: de Urquijo J. , Casey M. J. E. , Serkovic-Loli L. N. , Cocks D. G. , Boyle G. J. , Jones D. B. , Brunger M. J. , White R. D.
Published: August 2019

The pulsed Townsend technique has been used to measure transport coefficients in mixtures of tetrahydrofuran (THF) with N2 and argon. These measurements are the first investigations of swarm transport in gas mixtures with THF, with the drift velocity and effective Townsend ionization coefficient reported for a range of reduced electric fields between 0.23 and 800 Td (1 Td = 10−21 V m2). These transport coefficients are compared with those calculated using a multiterm kinetic theory, using the cross section set developed in our previous studies [N. A. Garland et al., Phys. Rev. A 88, 062712 (2013) and M. J. E. Casey et al., J. Chem. Phys. 147, 195103 (2017)]. The swarm technique of iteratively adjusting cross sections to reproduce experimental transport measurements is subsequently utilized in this study to address the deficiencies in the earlier cross section sets, exposed by the gas mixture measurements. Refinement of the low-energy extrapolation of the quasielastic database cross section and the low-energy extrapolation and magnitude of the dissociative electron attachment cross section are detailed, as well as the adjustments to the two previously proposed neutral dissociation cross sections. These refinements were necessary in order to minimize differences between our measured and calculated transport coefficients.