bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced compatibility, morphology, rheological and mechanical properties of carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/chloroprene rubber/graphene nanocomposites: effect of compatibilizer and graphene content
Authors: Azizli Mohammad Javad , Rezaeinia Sheida , Rezaeeparto Katayoon , Mokhtary Masoud , Askari Fahimeh
Published: March 2020

Elastomeric nanocomposites were prepared from carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/chloroprene rubber (XNBR/CR), graphene and a glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)-grafted XNBR (XNBR-g-GMA) compatibilizer by using a two-roll mill.
Highly sensitive turn-off fluorescent detection of cyanide in aqueous medium using dicyanovinyl-substituted phenanthridine fluorophore
Authors: Manickam Saravanakumar , Iyer Sathiyanarayanan Kulathu
Published: March 2020

Herein, the turn-off fluorescence sensor of 2-((4′-(7,8,13,14-tetrahydrodibenzo[a,i]phenanthridin-5-yl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)methylene)malanonitrile (7) was developed for the recognition of CN−ions and studied using different spectroscopic techniques.
Effects of generation number, spacer length and temperature on the structure and intramolecular dynamics of siloxane dendrimer melts: molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Kurbatov Andrey O. , Balabaev Nikolay K. , Mazo Mikhail A. , Kramarenko Elena Yu.
Published: March 2020

The structure and properties of two homologous series of polysiloxane dendrimer melts are studied by extensive atomistic molecular dynamics simulations.
Nature inspired solid–liquid phase amphibious adhesive
Authors: Chipara Alin Cristian , Brunetto Gustavo , Ozden Sehmus , Haspel Henrik , Kumbhakar Partha , Kukovecz Ákos , Kónya Zoltán , Vajtai Robert , Chipara Mircea , Galvao Douglas S. , Tiwary Chandra Shaker , Ajayan Pulickel M.
Published: March 2020

Here we report a new class of bio-inspired solid–liquid adhesive, obtained by simple mechanical dispersion of PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) (solid spheres) into PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) (liquid).
Electrophoretic origin of long-range repulsion of colloids near water/Nafion interfaces
Authors: Esplandiu Maria J. , Reguera David , Fraxedas Jordi
Published: March 2020

The Nafion exclusion zone formation has been investigated by evaluating experimentally and with simulations the electrophoretic and chemiphoretic contributions of multi-ionic diffusiophoresis.
Mesoporous carbon confined intermetallic nanoparticles as highly durable electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zhao Weiyue , Ye Yuekun , Jiang Wenjie , Li Jing , Tang Haibo , Hu Jinsong , Du Li , Cui Zhiming , Liao Shijun
Published: March 2020

An effective strategy was demonstrated to develop a highly durable catalyst prototype that combines superfine Pt-based intermetallic nanoparticles with mesoporous carbon.
Atomic-scale identification of influencing factors of sodium dendrite growth on different current collectors
Authors: Li Mengting , Sun Bing , Ao Zhimin , An Taicheng , Wang Guoxiu
Published: March 2020

In the process of Na ion plating on SWCNTs and Cu/Al current collector surfaces, SWCNTs exhibit the highest electron transfer ability and the most stable electron configuration, inducing the instability of the Na dimer, but favour the presence of evenly distributed Na adatoms.
Correction: Machine-learning-assisted screening of pure-silica zeolites for effective removal of linear siloxanes and derivatives
Authors: Lin Shiru , Wang Yekun , Zhao Yinghe , Pericchi Luis R. , Hernández-Maldonado Arturo J. , Chen Zhongfang
Published: March 2020

Correction for ‘Machine-learning-assisted screening of pure-silica zeolites for effective removal of linear siloxanes and derivatives’ by Shiru Lin et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020, 8, 3228–3237.
The NLRP3 inflammasome regulates adipose tissue metabolism
Authors: Barra Nicole G. , Henriksbo Brandyn D. , Anhê Fernando F. , Schertzer Jonathan D.
Published: March 2020

Adipose tissue regulates metabolic homeostasis by participating in endocrine and immune responses in addition to storing and releasing lipids from adipocytes. Obesity skews adipose tissue adipokine responses and degrades the coordination of adipocyte lipogenesis and lipolysis. These defects in adipose tissue metabolism can promote ectopic lipid deposition and inflammation in insulin-sensitive tissues such as skeletal muscle and liver. Sustained caloric excess can expand white adipose tissue to a point of maladaptation exacerbating both local and systemic inflammation. Multiple sources, instigators and propagators of adipose tissue inflammation occur during obesity. Cross-talk between professional immune cells (i.e. macrophages) and metabolic cells (i.e. adipocytes) promote adipose tissue inflammation during metabolic stress (i.e. metaflammation). Metabolic stress and endogenous danger signals can engage pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) of the innate immune system thereby activating pro-inflammatory and stress pathways in adipose tissue. The Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome can act as a metabolic danger sensor to a wide range of pathogen- and damage-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs and DAMPs). Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome facilitates caspase-1 dependent production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome can promote inflammation and pyroptotic cell death, but caspase-1 is also involved in adipogenesis. This review discusses the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in adipose tissue immunometabolism responses relevant to metabolic disease. Understanding the potential sources of NLRP3 activation and consequences of NLRP3 effectors may reveal therapeutic opportunities to break or fine-tune the connection between metabolism and inflammation in adipose tissue during obesity.
A novel frameshift mutation in ubiquitin-specific protease 26 gene in a patient with severe oligozoospermia
Authors: Li Leilei , Xi Qi , Zhang Hongguo , Fei Jia , Jiang Yuting , Li Linlin , Liu Ruizhi , Wang Ruixue , Zhang Guirong
Published: March 2020

Ubiquitin-specific protease 26 (USP26) encodes a predicted protein containing his- and cys- domains that are conserved among deubiquitinating enzymes. USP26 is specifically expressed in testis tissue and is a potential infertility gene. In the present study, we performed genetic testing related to spermatogenesis impairment in a patient with idiopathic severe oligozoospermia to identify the cause. The patient underwent clinical examination and reproductive hormone testing. Genes associated with male infertility, including USP26, were assessed by targeted exome sequencing. A novel frameshift mutation, c.2195delT (p.Phe732Serfs*14), was identified in USP26. This frameshift mutation was located in residue 732 of USP26 gene, leading to loss of the conserved deubiquitinating enzyme His-domain and producing a truncated protein of 744 amino acids. Bioinformatics analysis revealed this mutation to be pathogenic. A novel framshift mutation c.2195delT (p.Phe732Serfs*14) in USP26 gene was reported to be associated with male infertility in a Chinese patient with severe oligozoospermia.
Implementation of hybrid SSA–SA based three‐degree‐of‐freedom fractional‐order PID controller for AGC of a two‐area power system integrated with small hydro plants
Authors: Nayak Jyoti Ranjan , Shaw Binod , Sahu Binod Kumar
Published: March 2020

In this work, a comparative study is analysed between the fractional‐order controllers such as fractional‐order proportional–integral–derivative (FOPID), two‐degree‐of‐freedom proportional–integral–derivative (DOF FOPID) and 3DOF FOPID, and conventional controllers such as proportional–integral–derivative (PID), 2DOF PID and 3DOF PID employed in automatic generation control (AGC) in power system. The proposed 3DOF FOPID controller is validated as superior one among all other controllers. The gains of all the controllers are optimally plucked by novel salp swarm algorithm (SSA). Further, hybrid salp swarm algorithm–simulated annealing (hSSA‐SA) algorithm is introduced to enhance the proficiency of 3DOF FOPID controller by sensibly plucking the gain parameters. The proposed approaches are implemented in a two‐area thermal‐hydro‐diesel system. Small hydro plants (SHPs) of similar characteristics are enforced in both areas with their dynamic responses by conceding frequency deviations of each area. Further, sensitivity and robustness analysis of the system with and without SHP are observed by varying some important parameters of the system. Finally, the supremacy of three novel approaches (fractional based controllers, hSSA‐SA and SHP) is substantiated gracefully.
Accretion in low-mass members of the Orion Nebula Cluster with young transition disks
Authors: de Albuquerque R. M. G. , Gameiro J. F. , Alencar S. H. P. , Lima J. J. G. , Sauty C. , Melo C.
Published: March 2020

Context.Although the Orion Nebula Cluster is one of the most studied clusters in the solar neighborhood, the evolution of the very low-mass members (M* < 0.25 M⊙) has not been fully addressed due to their faintness.

Aims.Our goal is to verify if some young and very low-mass objects in the Orion Nebula Cluster show evidence of ongoing accretion using broadband VLT/X-shooter spectra.

Methods.For each target, we determined the corresponding stellar parameters, veiling, observed Balmer jump, and accretion rates. Additionally, we searched for the existence of circumstellar disks through available on-line photometry.

Results.We detected accretion activity in three young stellar objects in the Orion Nebula Cluster, two of them being in the very low-mass range. We also detected the presence of young transition disks with ages between 1 and 3.5 Myr.
Search for non-thermal X-ray emission in the colliding wind binary Cygnus OB2 #8A
Authors: Mossoux E. , Pittard J. M. , Rauw G. , Nazé Y.
Published: March 2020

Aims. Cyg OB2 #8A is a massive O-type binary displaying strong non-thermal radio emission. Owing to the compactness of this binary, emission of non-thermal X-ray photons via inverse Compton scattering is expected.

Methods. We first revised the orbital solution for Cyg OB2 #8A using new optical spectra. We then reduced and analysed X-ray spectra obtained with XMM-Newton, Swift, INTEGRAL, and NuSTAR.

Results. The analysis of the XMM-Newton and Swift data allows us to better characterise the X-ray emission from the stellar winds and colliding winds region at energies below 10 keV. We confirm the variation of the broad-band light curve of Cyg OB2 #8A along the orbit with, for the first time, the observation of the maximum emission around phase 0.8. The minimum ratio of the X-ray to bolometric flux of Cyg OB2 #8A remains well above the level expected for single O-type stars, indicating that the colliding wind region is not disrupted during the periastron passage. The analysis of the full set of publicly available INTEGRAL observations allows us to refine the upper limit on the non-thermal X-ray flux of the Cyg OB2 region between 20 and 200 keV. Two NuSTAR observations (phases 0.028 and 0.085) allow us to study the Cyg OB2 #8A spectrum up to 30 keV. These data do not provide evidence of the presence of non-thermal X-rays, but bring more stringent constraints on the flux of a putative non-thermal component. Finally, we computed, thanks to a new dedicated model, the anisotropic inverse Compton emission generated in the wind shock region. The theoretical non-thermal emission appears to be compatible with observational limits and the kinetic luminosity computed from these models is in good agreement with the unabsorbed flux observed below 10 keV.
Kernel-phase analysis: Aperture modeling prescriptions that minimize calibration errors
Authors: Martinache Frantz , Ceau Alban , Laugier Romain , Kammerer Jens , N’Diaye Mamadou , Mary David , Cvetojevic Nick , Lopez Coline
Published: March 2020

Context. Kernel phase is a data analysis method based on a generalization of the notion of closure phase, which was invented in the context of interferometry, but it applies to well corrected diffraction dominated images produced by an arbitrary aperture. The linear model upon which it relies theoretically leads to the formation of observable quantities robust against residual aberrations.

Aims. In practice, the detection limits that have been reported thus far seem to be dominated by systematic errors induced by calibration biases that were not sufficiently filtered out by the kernel projection operator. This paper focuses on the impact the initial modeling of the aperture has on these errors and introduces a strategy to mitigate them, using a more accurate aperture transmission model.

Methods. The paper first uses idealized monochromatic simulations of a nontrivial aperture to illustrate the impact modeling choices have on calibration errors. It then applies the outlined prescription to two distinct data sets of images whose analysis has previously been published.

Results. The use of a transmission model to describe the aperture results is a significant improvement over the previous type of analysis. The thus reprocessed data sets generally lead to more accurate results, which are less affected by systematic errors.

Conclusions. As kernel-phase observing programs are becoming more ambitious, accuracy in the aperture description is becoming paramount to avoid situations where contrast detection limits are dominated by systematic errors. The prescriptions outlined in this paper will benefit from any attempt at exploiting kernel phase for high-contrast detection.
Evolution of supersonic downflows in a sunspot
Authors: Nelson C. J. , Krishna Prasad S. , Mathioudakis M.
Published: March 2020

Context. Supersonic downflows have been observed in transition region spectra above numerous sunspots, however, little research has been conducted to date into how persistent these signatures are within sunspots on timescales longer than a few hours.

Aims. We aim to analyse the lead sunspot of AR 12526 to infer the properties and evolution of supersonic downflows occurring within it using high-spatial and spectral resolution data.

Methods. We analysed 16 large, dense raster scans sampled by the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph. These rasters tracked the lead sunspot of AR 12526 across the solar disc at discrete times between 27 March 2016 and 2 April 2016, providing spectral profiles from the Si IV, O IV, Mg II, and C II lines. Additionally, we studied one sit-and-stare observation acquired on 1 April 2016 centred on the sunspot to analyse the evolution of supersonic downflows on shorter timescales.

Results. Supersonic downflows are variable within this sunspot both in terms of spatial structuring and velocities. Thirteen of the 16 raster scans display some evidence of supersonic downflows in the Si IV 1394 Å line co-spatial to a sustained bright structure detected in the 1400 Å slit-jaw imaging channel; a peak velocity of 112 km s−1 is recorded on 29 March 2016. Evidence for supersonic downflows in the O IV 1401 Å line is found in 14 of these rasters; the spatial structuring in this line often differs from that inferred from the Si IV 1394 Å line. Only one example of a supersonic downflow is detected in the C II 1335 Å line and no downflows are found in the Mg II 2796 Å lines at these locations. In the sit-and-stare observations, no dual flow is initially detected, however, a supersonic downflow develops after approximately 60 min. This downflow accelerates from 73 km s−1 to close to 80 km s−1 in both the Si IV 1394 Å and O IV 1401 Å lines over the course of 20 min before the end of the observation.

Conclusions. Supersonic downflows are found in the Si IV 1394 Å line in 13 of the 16 rasters studied in this work. The morphology of these downflows evolved over the course of both hours and days and was often different in the Si IV 1394 Å and O IV 1401 Å lines. These events were found co-spatial to a bright region in the core of the Si IV 1394 Å line, which appeared to form at the footpoints of coronal fan loops. Our results indicate that one raster is not enough to conclusively draw inferences about the properties of supersonic downflows within a sunspot during its lifetime.
Investigation of mean monthly maximum temperature of Thailand using mapping analysis method: A case study of summer 1987 to 2019
Authors: Phumkokrux Nutthakarn , Rukveratham Somkamon
Published: March 2020

This study aims to study distribution of air temperature characteristics and to analyse the trend of mean monthly maximum temperature changed in summer of Thailand from 1987 to 2019. The study was performed by gathering the temperature data from 83 meteorological stations around Thailand. The study focused on the months February to May in the years 1987 to 2019. Then, distribution of air temperature characteristics maps and graph of each month in each year are created to analyse the distribution and trend of mean monthly maximum temperature over the past 33 years. The results showed that, for every year, the mean monthly maximum temperature increased from February to April and decreased in May. Moreover, the maps presented that the air temperature in the western of Thailand was higher than the eastern of Thailand. Furthermore, the temperature trend illustrated that the mean monthly maximum temperature of all months in summer was increasing, especially May. Totally, the trend of the air temperature in summer was rising by 0.0087°C per year.
Promoting natural fiber from bark of Hibiscus tiliaceus as rope to reduce marine pollution from microplastic fiber yield from synthetic rope
Authors: Surata I Wayan , Nindhia Tjokorda Gde Tirta , Marsetio Widagdo Dwiki
Published: March 2020

Synthetic ropes are popular for application in marine boat as docking, anchor, tow, and sailing. The advantages of synthetic ropes are waterproof, strong and durable, can be designed for sinks or floats and able to stretches. Synthetic ropes are stronger, more resistant to rotting than ropes created from natural fibers. Synthetic ropes also possess certain disadvantages of slipperiness, and can be damaged more easily by UV light. Synthetic ropes is recognizes as a source of microplastic fiber pollutant in marine area. In this work a bark of Hibiscus tiliaceus three is introduced as candidate source of natural fiber for rope to reduce number of microplastic fiber pollutant from synthetic rope. The bark was taken from a trunk with diameter around 20 cm. The bark was immersed in water for 7 days and subsequently was soaked in 5% NaOH solution for 2 hours. Fiber obtained then was dried. It was prepared 7 valid single fiber samples. The average of tensile strength of single fiber obtained by using this method is found around 44.604 MPa. The average of Modulus elasticity E is found 365.864 MPa. The failure strain is found 11.6 %.
Concentration of copper (Cu) in tinfoil barb fish (Barbonymus schwanenfeldii) of Kuantan River and Pinang River, Pahang, Malaysia
Authors: Yaakub Nadzifah , Choong Shu Qi , Rohalin Wan Marlin
Published: March 2020

The study was conducted to determine of copper (Cu) in muscle tissue of Tinfoil Barn Fish (Barbonymus schwanenfeldii) and surface water at Kuantan River and Pinang River, Pahang. The study also determine the water quality parameters and water quality index (WQI). The fish was caught by using gill net and the were digest using acid digestion method and analysed by Inductive Coupled Plasma Micro Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The mean concentration of Cu in fish muscle was 0.5070 ± 0.01748 mg/kg for Kuantan River and 0.4732 ± 0.01807mg/kg for Pinang River which below the permissible limit set by Malaysia Food Act (MFA) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Cu concentration were 0.0052 ± 0.0004390 mg/kg in Kuantan River and 0.0017 ± 0.00006669 mg/kg in Pinang River. The level of Cu in both rivers were not harmful to the fish as the concentrations are below the permissible limit set by US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and National Water Quality Standard (NWQS). There was no significant difference (p < 0.05) in the concentration of muscle tissue for Cu between rivers. In contrast, there showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the concentration of Cu in water between rivers. Kuantan River and Pinang River have been classified in Class II according to the Department of Environment (DOE) that the water must require conventional treatment for water supply purpose.
Application of integral method for investigating the boriding kinetics of AISI 316 steel
Authors: Zouzou Chaima , Keddam Mourad
Published: March 2020

The present work is dealing with the modelling of boriding kinetics of AISI 316 steel in the temperature range 1123–1273 K. A diffusion model based on the integral method was used in order to investigate the kinetics of formation of FeB and Fe2B layers and that of diffusion zone formed on AISI 316 steel by considering the presence of boride incubation times. By using a particular solution of the resulting differential algebraic system, the diffusion coefficients in FeB, Fe2B and diffusion zone (DZ) were estimated as well as the corresponding values of activation energies. Finally, this present diffusion model has been experimentally validated for two additional boriding conditions (1243 K for 3 and 5 h of treatment). A good concordance was observed between the experimental and the simulated results in terms of layers’ thicknesses.
Sonografie in der Diagnostik traumatischer
Nervenläsionen
Authors: Pöschl Peter
Published: March 2020

Die möglichst frühzeitige und präzise Klassifikation
einer traumatischen peripheren Nervenläsion ist für ein
optimales Reinnervations-Ergebnis von großer Bedeutung.
Üblicherweise finden hierfür die Methoden der Neurophysiologie
Verwendung, die die Funktion eines betroffenen Nervs erfassen. Einer solchen
rein funktionellen Untersuchung entgehen jedoch einige wichtige Aspekte
traumatischer Nervenläsionen, unter anderem die Beurteilung der
Kontinuität eines Nervs, die Entwicklung eines
Kontinuitätsneuroms, der Bezug zu Knochenfragmenten oder zu
Osteosynthesematerial und das Erkennen von Mehretagenläsionen. Dies
gelingt nur mithilfe eines morphologischen Verfahrens wie der Sonografie. Sie
ist daher eine sehr wertvolle Methode für die Beurteilung von
traumatischen Nervenläsionen.
Paradigmenwechsel im Verständnis der akuten Nierenschädigung bei chronischer Leberinsuffizienz: Von der Pathophysiologie zur Definition von Krankheitsentitäten
Authors: Scurt Florian Gunnar , Bose Katrin , Canbay Ali , Mertens Peter R. , Chatzikyrkou Christos
Published: March 2020

Seit den ersten Beschreibungen von Patienten mit Aszites und fortgeschrittener Leberzirrhose durch Helvig und Schutz in den 1930er- und weiteren Obduktionsstudien von Hecker und Sherlock in den 1960er-Jahren wird das gleichzeitige Vorliegen einer Nierenfunktionsstörung als hepatorenales Syndrom (HRS) bezeichnet. Forschungsarbeiten der letzten Jahre liefern Hinweise, dass insbesondere systemische Entzündungsreaktionen einen kritischen Punkt in der Pathogenese der dekompensierten Leberzirrhose darstellen und maßgeblich an der Entstehung eines akut-auf-chronischen Leberversagens (ACLF) und einer Nierenfunktionsstörung beteiligt sind.

Das HRS ist nur ein Aspekt des Spektrums der Nierenschädigung in Zirrhosepatienten. Die fortgeschrittene chronische Lebererkrankung per se bzw. ihre Ätiologie, aber auch weitere begleitende komorbide systemische Erkrankungen bzw. deren Komplikationen wie Diabetes, Adipositas und Hypertonie können direkt zu parenchymatösen Veränderungen (z. B. Gallensäurenephropathie, ischämische Tubulusepithelzellnekrose, diabetische Nephropathie, Glomerulonephritiden assoziiert mit Hepatitis B und C usw.) führen. Diese Art der Nierenschädigung wird deskriptiv als Non-HRS-AKI bezeichnet.

In der vorliegenden Übersicht konzentrieren wir uns auf die neue Definition, Klassifikation und die zugrunde liegenden pathophysiologischen Mechanismen für das HRS, HRS-AKI und Non-HRS-AKI und untersuchen in dieser Hinsicht den diagnostischen und prognostischen Stellenwert neuerer Serum- und Urinmarker.
Kasuistik eines dyshidrotischen Handekzems bei Atopie
Authors: Albrecht Daniela
Published: March 2020

Beschrieben wird der Fall eines dyshidrotischen Ekzems an beiden Handflächen mit zahlreichen zusammenstehenden weißen Bläschen und Jucken. Nach Übersetzung der Symptomatik in die Repertoriumssprache fällt die Wahl auf Rhus venenata. Die Symptome werden anhand der Literatur verifiziert.
A Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Infection Successfully Treated with Intraventricular
Coadministration of Tigecycline and Colistin
Authors: Kara Tuğçe Tural , Kocaoglu Murat
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a systemic inflammatory disorder
characterized by uncontrolled histiocytic proliferation, hemophagocytosis,
macrophage activation, and up-regulation of inflammatory cytokines (Grom AA.,
Current opinion in rheumatology 2003; 15: 587–590). HLH is usually divided
into two types: primary (familial) HLH and secondary (reactive) HLH. Primary HLH is
associated with primary immune deficiencies in which specific gene mutations play an
important role, such as perforin defects.
Sex Differences in Cardiac AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Following
Exhaustive Exercise
Authors: Brown Kevin D. , Waggy Edward D. , Nair Sreejayan , Robinson Timothy J. , Schmitt Emily E. , Bruns Danielle R , Thomas D.Paul
Published: March 2020

Ischemic heart disease presents with significant differences between sexes.
Endurance exercise protects the heart against ischemic disease and also
distinctly impacts male and female patients through unidentified mechanisms,
though some evidence implicates 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).
The purpose of this investigation was to assess the impact of training and sex
on cardiac AMPK activation following exhaustive exercise. AMPK activation was
measured in trained and sedentary mice of both sexes. Trained mice ran on a
treadmill at progressively increasing speeds and duration for 12 weeks. Trained
and sedentary mice of both sexes were euthanized immediately following
exhaustive exercise and compared to sedentary controls. Endurance training
elicited adaptations indicative of aerobic adaptation including higher max
running velocities and cardiac hypertrophy with no differences between males and
females. AMPK activity was higher in male compared to females, and trained
exhibited higher AMPK activity compared to sedentary mice. In response to
training, male mice activated AMPK more robustly than female mice. Chronic
exercise training increases the ability to activate cardiac AMPK in response to
exhaustive exercise in a sex-specific manner. Understanding the interaction
between exercise and sex is vital for use of exercise as medicine for heart
disease in both men and women.
Prospective evaluation of 25-gauge Franseen needles for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy of solid pancreatic masses
Authors: Inoue Tadahisa , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Takahara Taishi , Ibusuki Mayu , Kitano Rena , Kobayashi Yuji , Ohashi Tomohiko , Nakade Yukiomi , Sumida Yoshio , Ito Kiyoaki , Yoneda Masashi
Published: March 2020

Background and study aims The ideal puncture needle for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided sampling is maneuverable and easy to puncture with, and can obtain sufficient material in almost one pass. The novel 25-gauge Franseen needle may provide a good balance between maneuverability and sample yield.

Patients and methods Between July 2017 and December 2018, 116 patients with solid pancreatic masses were prospectively enrolled and investigated. We evaluated the diagnostic yield associated with using the 25-gauge Franseen needle for EUS-guided sampling of pancreatic masses.

Results The technical success rate was 100 % (116/116). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for malignancy were 98 % (105/107), 100 % (9/9), 100 % (105/105), 82 % (9/11), and 98 % (114/116), respectively. Cumulative sensitivities for malignancy were 87 % (93/107) on pass 1, 97 % (104/107) on pass 2, and 98 % (105/107) on pass 3, respectively, with no increase in sensitivity after 4 or more. An adequate specimen for histological assessment was obtained in 79 % (92/116) of cases. Multivariate logistic analyses showed that lesion size smaller than 13 mm was a risk factor for failure of obtaining an adequate specimen for histological assessment (P = 0.010)

Conclusions The novel 25-gauge Franseen needle showed excellent diagnostic yield for solid pancreatic masses. However, its ability to obtain an adequate specimen for histological assessment may still be insufficient, especially when dealing with small lesions.
(Geschlossene) besondere Wohnformen als unverzichtbarer Teil der regionalen Verbundstrukturen in Deutschland?
Authors: Steinhart Ingmar , Jenderny Sarah , Schreiter Julia
Published: March 2020

Ziel der Studie Beschreibung der bundesweiten Wohnsituation in stationären Einrichtungen der Eingliederungshilfe für Menschen mit seelischen Behinderungen.

Methodik Bundesweite quantitative Erhebung von Struktur- und Prozessdaten von Heimen mittels Online-Fragebogen, durchgeführt im Rahmen der „ZIPHER“-Studie (Zwangsmaßnahmen im Psychiatrischen Hilfesystem – Erfassung und Reduktion).

Ergebnisse Es wurde ein Rücklauf von 20 % erzielt, insgesamt konnten 11 881 offene und 1268 geschlossene Plätze erfasst werden. Die Daten zeigen einen Mangel an regionaler Versorgung, an passgenauen Angeboten im Anschluss an das stationäre Wohnen und von Alternativen zur geschlossenen Unterbringung.

Schlussfolgerung Die Lösung der Problematiken geschlossener Heime liegt nicht dort, sondern primär vor der Aufnahme, d. h. in der Steuerung durch die Gemeindepsychiatrie insgesamt sowie in der personenbezogenen Ausgestaltung und Refinanzierung ihrer Unterstützungsangebote im Rahmen einer Versorgungsverpflichtung.
Telelecture Educational Series in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Hakimi Amir A. , Dunn Brandyn S. , Sharma Giriraj K. , Bhandarkar Naveen D. , Wong Brian J-F.
Published: March 2020

We sought to evaluate the usefulness of a monthly telelecture educational series in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery for resident education and to identify potential areas for improvement. A monthly series of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery telelectures were hosted at our institution between 2016 and 2018. A web-based survey was sent to 13 residents and 7 invited faculty presenters. Resident survey questions included rating of presentation topics, interface, networking opportunities, and educational value. Faculty survey questions included satisfaction, temporal convenience, likelihood of future telelecture participation, and likelihood of telelecture series implementation at speaker's home institution. The survey response rate was 100%. All of the residents expressed satisfaction with topics presented, lecture duration, perceived enhancement of education, and overall satisfaction with the telelecture series. 46% of residents indicated that the telelecture format limited networking opportunities. 72% of faculty reported they would participate in a future telelecture, and 86% indicated interest in integrating telelectures into their home institution educational curriculum. Live virtual telelectures effectively allow experienced facial plastic surgeons to share their operative techniques and management pearls in an interactive and practical format. This is a contemporary solution to bridging knowledge gaps between expert facial plastic surgeons from all corners of the world and the next generation of surgeons.
Influence of electric charge on numerical simulation of eddy current testing signals due to a conductive crack when using multi-media element
Authors: Li Xudong , Jomdecha Cherdpong , Chen Zhenmao
Published: March 2020

The multi-media finite element (MME) treating the discontinuity of the conductivity within the element was proposed by authors for fast simulation of the eddy current testing (ECT) signals of a conductive crack such as a stress corrosion crack. However, in the cases when eddy current consists of a large component perpendicular to the crack surface, the simulation accuracy is sometimes not very good because of the appearance of electric charge on the crack surface. In this paper, the influences of the surface electric charge on the implementation of the numerical method and on the simulation of the ECT signals were analyzed theoretically. A series of numerical analyses were designed to investigate the scope of feasibility of the MME. The simulation accuracy of the MME for different probe orientations and crack shapes was discussed based on the analysis of the distribution of the surface charge.
Representation of solutions for Sturm–Liouville eigenvalue problems with generalized fractional derivative
Authors: Ozarslan Ramazan , Bas Erdal , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: March 2020

We analyze fractional Sturm–Liouville problems with a new generalized fractional derivative in five different forms. We investigate the representation of solutions by means of ρ-Laplace transform for generalized fractional Sturm–Liouville initial value problems. Finally, we examine eigenfunctions and eigenvalues for generalized fractional Sturm–Liouville boundary value problems. All results obtained are compared with simulations in detail under different α fractional orders and real ρ values.
Improving the out-coupling efficiency of polymer light-emitting diodes with soft nanoimprinted random corrugated structures
Authors: Liu Mengjiao , Wang Yuzhu , Wang Jiong , Qin Yue , Liu Chenyang , Chen Yuehua , Deng Lingling , Li Ruiqing , Zhang Xinwen , Huang Wei
Published: March 2020

A simple method is demonstrated in this study by applying random corrugated structures into the polymer emitting layer via soft nanoimprint technology to enhance the light out-coupling efficiency of polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs). The device with the random corrugated structures presents high efficiency and stable emission close to the Lambertian pattern. Compared with the flat device, about 52% efficiency enhancement is achieved in the PLEDs with the random corrugated structures, which can be understood by extraction of waveguide mode and surface plasmon polariton mode losses simultaneously. With these advantages, the simple random corrugated structures have the potential to stimulate the development of low-cost and large-area flexible PLEDs with high efficiency in the applications of solid-state light sources and full-color displays.
Principle and performance of orbital angular momentum communication of acoustic vortex beams based on single-ring transceiver arrays
Authors: Li Xinjia , Li Yuzhi , Ma Qingyu , Guo Gepu , Tu Juan , Zhang Dong
Published: March 2020

As the main way of underwater data transmission, acoustic communication is still limited by the low-level signal-to-noise ratio and channel capacity. The orbital angular momentum (OAM) based acoustic communication of acoustic vortex (AV) provides a new dimension to data transmission with an expanded channel capacity. Theoretical analyses and experimental measurements for the OAM communication of AV beams based on single-ring transceiver arrays are studied in air. Coaxial multi-OAM AV beams are generated with multiple topological charges encoded by the binary ASCII codes of various letters. The OAM modes of the AV beams are decoded with limited acoustic pressures detected by the single-ring receiver array around the vortex center based on the orthogonal property. It is proven that the channel capacity of the communication system can be increased effectively by the OAM modes of AVs, which are beneficial to data encryption and transmission without mutual interference of AVs of different orders. The favorable results provide theoretical bases and technical support to data transmission and OAM decoding for the OAM communication of AV beams using simplified single-ring transceiver arrays.
Three-dimensional microstructure-explicit and void-explicit mesoscale simulations of detonation of HMX at millimeter sample size scale
Authors: Miller Christopher , Olsen Daniel , Wei Yaochi , Zhou Min
Published: March 2020

Fully three-dimensional (3D) microstructure-explicit and void-explicit mesoscale simulations of the shock-to-detonation (SDT) process of pressed granular HMX (octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine) are performed. The overall size scale of the models is up to 3 × 3 × 15 mm3, with ∼30 000 grains and 206 265 voids. The models account for the heterogeneous material microstructure, constituent distribution, constituent morphology, and voids. Loading conditions considered involve piston velocities in the range of 600–1200 m/s or pressures in the range of 4–8 GPa. The focus is on analyzing the SDT process and the effects of microstructure and voids on the run-to-detonation distance (RDD). Companion two-dimensional (2D) simulations are also carried out to assess the differences between 2D and 3D. Statistically equivalent microstructure sample sets (SEMSSs) are generated and used for both 2D and 3D, allowing the prediction of the statistical and probabilistic Pop plots (PPs). The predictions are in general agreement with trends in available experimental data in the literature. It is found that both the microstructure (heterogeneous grain size, morphology, and size distribution) and voids significantly affect the RDD and the PPs. These effects are systematically delineated and quantified via the use of SEMSSs with different combinations of attributes. A recently developed probabilistic formulation for the PPs is used to characterize the results, allowing uncertainties in the relations between the shock pressure and RDD arising from material heterogeneities to be quantified. The probabilistic formulation is further used to quantify the confidence levels in the ranked order of influences of different combinations of microstructure and voids on the PPs.
Metal-to-insulator transition in Ruddlesden-Popper-type Srn+1VnO3n+1 (n = 1, 2) epitaxial thin films as a function of strain and VO2 stacking layer number
Authors: Fukuda Shintaro , Oka Daichi , Fukumura Tomoteru
Published: March 2020

A series of Ruddlesden-Popper-type Srn+1VnO3n+1 (n = 1, 2) (001) epitaxial thin films was grown on LaAlO3 and LaSrGaO4 substrates with tensile and compressive epitaxial strains, respectively. The decrease in VO2 stacking layer number n and the increase in the interlayer distance between the (VO2)n layers resulted in metal-to-insulator transition. The sheet conductance of a single (VO2)n layer in Srn+1VnO3n+1 (n = 1, 2) was close to the well-known Ioffe–Regel limit, which suggests their two-dimensional electrical conduction. From resistivity and magnetoconductance measurements, it is found that renormalized electron–electron interaction and/or the Kondo effect were enhanced with the decrease in n, and possible quantum interference effects like weak localization were induced with the increase in the interlayer distance.
Secondary instability of stationary Görtler vortices originating from first/second Mack mode
Authors: Song Runjie , Zhao Lei , Huang Zhangfeng
Published: March 2020

This work investigates the origination of the secondary instability in Görtler vortices using the linear stability theory, BiGlobal analysis, three-dimensional linear parabolized stability equations (3DLPSEs), and direct numerical simulation (DNS). The flow over a concave wall suffering from the Görtler instability and first/second Mack mode instability is selected. Furthermore, this work simulates the evolution of infinitesimal Mack mode disturbance in a flow perturbed by finite-amplitude Görtler vortices by using DNS and 3DLPSE methods. The 3DLPSE approach accurately predicts the process of Mack mode disturbance evolving into the secondary instability of Görtler vortices, and a perfect agreement with results by DNS is obtained. The results indicate that the secondary instability of stationary Görtler vortices can originate from the first/second Mack mode. The evolutions of first/second Mack mode with different spanwise wavenumbers are performed based on 3DLPSE and compared against the BiGlobal method. The results show that the shape functions and growth rates of disturbances always tend to the results of dominant modes obtained by the BiGlobal method. Because the dominant mode might shift from one to another, the overall evolution cannot be predicted only by the BiGlobal method based on a fixed mode. According to our computations, it is deduced that the Mack modes with the same frequency and symmetric characteristics would finally develop into the secondary instability with similar shapes.
Core structure and thermal transformation of the 12⟨110⟩{111} screw dislocation in aluminum
Authors: Xiang Hao , Wang Rui , Wang Shaofeng
Published: March 2020

The evolution of the core structure and change of the Peierls stress with temperature are investigated for the 12⟨110⟩{111} screw dislocation in aluminum using the fully discrete Peierls theory. It is found that there are two different core structures and the core structure may be thermally transformed from one to the other. The critical temperature for transformation is about T∼700K. The Peierls stress at the critical temperature has the minimum σp∼0.6 MPa, which is much smaller than σp∼3 MPa at room temperature.
Controlling surface adatom kinetics for improved structural and optical properties of high indium content aluminum indium nitride
Authors: Engel Zachary , Clinton Evan A. , Matthews Christopher M. , Doolittle W. Alan
Published: March 2020

A non-traditional, for AlInN, method of controlling adatom kinetics and a low temperature growth condition were employed to improve the quality of high indium content aluminum indium nitride films. Metal-rich surfaces were used to enhance adatom mobility and compensate for the low growth temperature (Tsub ≤ 400 °C) effect of reducing surface diffusion lengths. The metal-rich approach resulted in 12 times lower x-ray diffraction full-width at half-maximum rocking curve figures of merit when compared to literature. In addition to promising photoluminescence emission, these results indicate improved structural quality over other reported approaches. AlInN films with ∼70% indium content were characterized via x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy with each technique indicating an optimal growth temperature of 350 °C. Al0.3In0.7N grown above 400 °C exhibited phase separation and a reduction in quality, while samples grown colder were predominantly single-phase and displayed improved photoluminescence at ∼1.45 eV. The photoluminescence spectra suggest emission from quantum wire-like structures with dimensions ranging from 15 to 18 nm. These low-temperature, metal-rich findings for high indium content AlInN are promising for future long-wavelength III-nitride optical devices.
Potential energy shift of the Fermi level at plasmonic structures for light-energy conversion determined by graphene-based Raman measurements
Authors: Minamimoto Hiro , Yasuda Kensuke , Zhou Ruifeng , Li Xiaowei , Yasuda Satoshi , Murakoshi Kei
Published: March 2020

Single layer graphene was used to determine the electrochemical potential of plasmonic nano-structures for photoelectrochemical energy conversions. From electrochemical Raman measurements of the graphene layer under near-infrared light, illumination has revealed the relationship between the photoenergy conversion ability and the Fermi level of the plasmonic structure. The determination is based on in situ monitoring of G and 2D Raman bands of the graphene layer on plasmonic structures. The correlation plots of G and 2D bands show the dependence on the photoconversion ability. The present electrochemical Raman measurements provide detailed understanding of the plasmon-induced charge transfer process for further developments on the ability.
Isochoric conditions enhance stability of metastable supercooled water
Authors: Powell-Palm Matthew J. , Koh-Bell Alexander , Rubinsky Boris
Published: March 2020

Supercooling has recently emerged as a highly promising, multi-scale technique for low-temperature preservation of organs and tissues, preventing damaging ice formation while requiring relatively low doses of added cryoprotectants. However, current supercooling techniques are not thermodynamically stable; mild agitations can cause rapid and destructive ice formation throughout the system, rendering them unsuitable for transportation and sharply limiting applicability outside the controlled laboratory environment. In this experimental study, we report a simple thermodynamic alteration to standard supercooling protocols, the use of constant-volume (isochoric) conditions, which substantially increases the stability of the system in the face of various macroscopic perturbations, including drop-impact, vibration, ultrasonication, and thermal fluctuation. We identify this effect as driven by a possible combination of thermodynamic and kinetic factors, including reduction of microscopic density fluctuations, elimination of the air–water interface, and significant resistance to cavitation.
High-accurate transparent boundary conditions for time-dependent quantum wave
packet method
Authors: Huang Yin , Zhao Hai-lin , Usman Syed Kazim , Ajibade Ganiyu Ayodele , Sun Zhi-gang
Published: March 2020

Complex absorbing potential is usually required in a time-dependent wave packet method to accomplish the calculation in a truncated region. Usually it works effectively but becomes inefficient when the wave function involves translational energy of broad range, particularly involving ultra-low energy. In this work, a new transparent boundary condition (TBC) is proposed for the time-dependent wave packet method. It in principle is of spectral accuracy when typical discrete variable representations are applied. The prominent merit of the new TBC is that its accuracy is insensitive to the translational energy distribution of the wave function, in contrast with the complex absorbing potential. Application of the new TBC is given to one-dimensional particle wave packet scatterings from a barrier with a potential well, which supports resonances states.
A spiking neuron constructed by the skyrmion-based spin torque nano-oscillator
Authors: Liang Xue , Zhang Xichao , Xia Jing , Ezawa Motohiko , Zhao Yuelei , Zhao Guoping , Zhou Yan
Published: March 2020

Magnetic skyrmions are particle-like topological spin configurations, which can carry binary information and thus are promising building blocks for future spintronic devices. In this work, we investigate the relationship between the skyrmion dynamics and the characteristics of injected current in a skyrmion-based spin torque nano-oscillator, where the excitation source is introduced from a point nano-contact at the center of the nanodisk. It is found that the skyrmion will move away from the center of the nanodisk if it is driven by a spin-polarized current; however, it will return to the initial position in the absence of stimulus. Therefore, we propose a skyrmion-based artificial spiking neuron, which can effectively implement the leaky-integrate-fire operation. We study the feasibility of the skyrmion-based spiking neuron by using micromagnetic simulations. Our results may provide useful guidelines for building future magnetic neural networks with ultra-high density and ultra-low energy consumption.