bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An emerging Janus MoSeTe material for potential applications in optoelectronic devices
Authors: Yang Xiaoyong , Singh Deobrat , Xu Zhitong , Wang Ziwei , Ahuja Rajeev
Published: September 2019

Motivated by the extraordinary physical and chemical properties of Janus transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) due to the change of the crystal field originating from their asymmetry structures, the electronic and optical properties of the MoSeTe monolayer in 2H and 1T phases are systematically studied by first-principles calculations, and a detailed comparison with the parental MoSe2 and MoTe2 monolayer is made.
Wnt/β-catenin signaling as a useful therapeutic target in hepatoblastoma
Authors: Sha Ying-Li , Liu Shuang , Yan Wen-Wen , Dong Bo
Published: September 2019

Hepatoblastoma is a malignant tumor in the liver of children that generally occurs at the age of 2–3 years. There have been ample evidence from the preclinical as well as clinical studies suggesting the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hepatoblastoma, which is mainly attributed to the somatic mutations in the exon 3 of β-catenin gene. There is increased translocation of β-catenin protein from the cell surface to cytoplasm and nucleus and intracellular accumulation is directly linked to the severity of the cancer. Accordingly, the alterations in β-catenin and its target genes may be used as markers in the diagnosis and prognosis of pediatric live tumors. Furthermore, scientists have reported the therapeutic usefulness of inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hepatoblastoma and this inhibition of signaling has been done using different methods including short interfering RNA (siRNA), miRNA and pharmacological agents. Wnt/β-catenin works in association with other signaling pathways to induce the development of hepatoblastoma including Yes-associated protein (YAP)1 (YAP-1), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) 1 (mTOR-1), SLC38A1, glypican 3 (GPC3), nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), epidermal growth factor receptor, ERK1/2, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), regenerating islet-derived 1 and 3 α (REG1A and 3A), substance P (SP)/neurokinin-1 receptor and PARP-1. The present review describes the key role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the development of hepatoblastoma. Moreover, the role of other signaling pathways in hepatoblastoma in association with Wnt/β-catenin has also been described.
A Clinical Approach to Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Speech and Swallow in an Acute Rehabilitation Facility
Authors: Howard Melissa M. , Rosario Emily R.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is a widely used treatment modality for dysphagia therapy despite the inconclusive evidence of its effectiveness. Our objective was to complete a retrospective review to analyze the results of NMES with our patient population in an acute rehabilitation facility. In this clinical focus article, we briefly review the current literature on NMES, discuss a clinical protocol of NMES use in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, and discuss the need for future research in this area.

Conclusions

As with much of the NMES literature, we observed improvement in the ability to swallow following a cerebrovascular accident and traumatic brain injury when a combination of swallowing therapy and NMES treatment was used. Although this combination works for our patients to improve swallow function, the impact of swallow therapy alone remains unclear. Further investigative research to clarify NMES protocols and patient population is needed to optimize results. Therefore, a large randomized clinical trial would be beneficial to clearly define the role of NMES in recovery of swallowing ability following a brain injury.
CHANG-ES
Authors: Mora-Partiarroyo Silvia Carolina , Krause Marita , Basu Aritra , Beck Rainer , Wiegert Theresa , Irwin Judith , Henriksen Richard , Stein Yelena , Vargas Carlos J. , Heesen Volker , Walterbos René A. M. , Rand Richard J. , Heald George , Li Jiangtao , Kamieneski Patrick , English Jayanne
Published: September 2019

Aims.NGC 4631 is an interacting galaxy that exhibits one of the largest, gaseous halos observed among edge-on galaxies. We aim to examine the synchrotron and cosmic-ray propagation properties of its disk and halo emission with new radio continuum data.

Methods.Radio continuum observations of NGC 4631 were performed with theKarl G. JanskyVery Large Array atC-band (5.99 GHz) in the C and D array configurations, and atL-band (1.57 GHz) in the B, C, and D array configurations. Complementary observations of NGC 4631 with the Effelsberg telescope were performed at 1.42 and 4.85 GHz. The interferometric total intensity data were combined with the single-dish Effelsberg data in order to recover the missing large-scale total power emission. The thermal and nonthermal components of the total radio emission were separated by estimating the thermal contribution through the extinction-corrected Hαemission. The Hαradiation was corrected for extinction using a linear combination of the observed Hαand 24μm data.

Results.NGC 4631 has a global thermal fraction at 5.99 (1.57) GHz of 14 ± 3% (5.4 ± 1.1%). The mean scale heights of the total emission in the radio halo (thick disk) at 5.99 (1.57) GHz are 1.79 ± 0.54 kpc (1.75 ± 0.27 kpc) and have about the same values for the synchrotron emission. The total magnetic field of NGC 4631 has a mean strength of ⟨Beq⟩≃9 μG in the disk, and a mean strength of ⟨Beq⟩≃7 μG in the halo. We also studied a double-lobed background radio galaxy southwest of NGC 4631, which is an FR II radio galaxy according to the distribution of spectral index across the lobes.

Conclusions.From the halo scale heights we estimated that the radio halo is escape-dominated with convective cosmic ray propagation, and conclude that there is a galactic wind in the halo of NGC 4631.
The X-ray properties of z > 6 quasars: no evident evolution of accretion physics in the first Gyr of the Universe
Authors: Vito F. , Brandt W. N. , Bauer F. E. , Calura F. , Gilli R. , Luo B. , Shemmer O. , Vignali C. , Zamorani G. , Brusa M. , Civano F. , Comastri A. , Nanni R.
Published: September 2019

Context. X-ray emission from quasars (QSOs) has been used to assess supermassive black hole accretion properties up to z ≈ 6. However, at z >  6 only ≈15 QSOs are covered by sensitive X-ray observations, preventing a statistically significant investigation of the X-ray properties of the QSO population in the first Gyr of the Universe.

Aims. We present new Chandra observations of a sample of 10 z >  6 QSOs, selected to have virial black-hole mass estimates from Mg II line spectroscopy $ \left(\log\frac{M_{\mathrm{BH}}}{M_\odot}=8.5{-}9.6\right) $. Adding archival X-ray data for an additional 15 z >  6 QSOs, we investigate the X-ray properties of the QSO population in the first Gyr of the Universe. In particular, we focus on the LUV − LX relation, which is traced by the αox parameter, and the shape of their X-ray spectra.

Methods. We performed photometric analyses to derive estimates of the X-ray luminosities of our z >  6 QSOs, and thus their αox values and bolometric corrections (Kbol = Lbol/LX). We compared the resulting αox and Kbol distributions with the results found for QSO samples at lower redshift, and ran several statistical tests to check for a possible evolution of the LUV − LX relation. Finally, we performed a basic X-ray spectral analysis of the brightest z >  6 QSOs to derive their individual photon indices, and joint spectral analysis of the whole sample to estimate the average photon index.

Results. We detect seven of the new Chandra targets in at least one standard energy band, while two more are detected discarding energies E >  5 keV, where background dominates. We confirm a lack of significant evolution of αox with redshift, which extends the results from previous works up to z >  6 with a statistically significant QSO sample. Furthermore, we confirm the trend of an increasing bolometric correction with increasing luminosity found for QSOs at lower redshifts. The average power-law photon index of our sample (⟨Γ⟩ = 2.20−0.34+0.39 and ⟨Γ⟩ = 2.13−0.13+0.13 for sources with < 30 and > 30 net counts, respectively) is slightly steeper than, but still consistent with, typical QSOs at z = 1 − 6.

Conclusions. All of these results indicate a lack of substantial evolution of the inner accretion-disk and hot-corona structure in QSOs from low redshift to z >  6. Our data hint at generally high Eddington ratios at z >  6.
Gas shells and magnetic fields in the Orion-Eridanus superbubble
Authors: Joubaud T. , Grenier I. A. , Ballet J. , Soler J. D.
Published: September 2019

Aims. The Orion-Eridanus superbubble has been blown by supernovae and supersonic winds of the massive stars in the Orion OB associations. It is the nearest site at which stellar feedback on the interstellar medium that surrounds young massive clusters can be studied. The formation history and current structure of the superbubble are still poorly understood, however. It has been pointed out that the picture of a single expanding object should be replaced by a combination of nested shells that are superimposed along the line of sight. We have investigated the composite structure of the Eridanus side of the superbubble in the light of a new decomposition of the atomic and molecular gas.

Methods. We used H I 21 cm and CO (J = 1−0) emission lines to separate coherent gas shells in space and velocity, and we studied their relation to the warm ionised gas probed in Hα emission, the hot plasma emitting X-rays, and the magnetic fields traced by dust polarised emission. We also constrained the relative distances to the clouds using dust reddening maps and X-ray absorption. We applied the Davis–Chandrasekhar–Fermi method to the dust polarisation data to estimate the plane-of-sky components of the magnetic field in several clouds and along the outer rim of the superbubble.

Results. Our gas decomposition has revealed several shells inside the superbubble that span distances from about 150–250 pc. One of these shells forms a nearly complete ring filled with hot plasma. Other shells likely correspond to the layers of swept-up gas that is compressed behind the expanding outer shock wave. We used the gas and magnetic field data downstream of the shock to derive the shock expansion velocity, which is close to ~20 km s−1. Taking the X-ray absorption by the gas into account, we find that the hot plasma inside the superbubble is over-pressured compared to plasma in the Local Bubble. The plasma comprises a mix of hotter and cooler gas along the lines of sight, with temperatures of (3–9) and (0.3 − 1.2) × 106 K, respectively. The magnetic field along the western and southern rims and in the approaching wall of the superbubble appears to be shaped and compressed by the ongoing expansion. We find plane-of-sky magnetic field strengths from 3 to 15 μG along the rim.
Different linear and non-linear form of trapezoidal neutrosophic numbers, de-neutrosophication techniques and its application in time-cost optimization technique, sequencing problem
Authors: Chakraborty Avishek , Mondal Sankar Prasad , Mahata Animesh , Alam Shariful
Published: September 2019

In this research article, we envisage the neutrosophic number from various distinct rational perspectives & viewpoints to give it a look of a conundrum. We focused & analysed various types of linear and non-linear generalized trapezoidal neutrosophic numbers which serves an indispensable role for uncertainty concept related problem. We also introduce the idea of de-neutrosofication for trapezoidal neutrosophic number using an influx of different logical & innovative methods by which we move with a manifesto to convert a neutrosophic number into a crisp number. Using this concept of de-neutrosophication, we analyze some real-life problem like networking Crash model problem and job-sequencing problem of operation research field when the numbers are in trapezoidal neutrosophic ambience. We also compare our specified result with previously defined score and accuracy function and try to present some interesting and better result without any possible fiasco. This noble thought will help us to solve a plethora of daily life problems in neutrosophic arena.
Comparison of Unilateral and Bilateral Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation Using Minimally Invasive Anchorage
Authors: Salman Süleyman , Babaoglu Bülent , Kumbasar Serkan , Bestel Melih , Ketenci Gencer Fatma , Tuna Güray , Besimoglu Berhan , Yüksel Semra , Uçar Elif
Published: September 2019

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a newly developed anchoring system for unilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation (USSLF) and bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation (BSSLF) procedures.

Material and Methods Ninety-three patients with pelvic prolapse who were treated surgically with the Anchorsure System® between 2013 and 2018 were included in the study. USSLF was performed in 52 patients (group 1), and BSSLF was performed in 41 patients (group 2). Pelvic organ prolapse was assessed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively.

Results There were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 with regard to age, parity, and demographic characteristics. Anatomical improvement rates were similar, irrespective of the type of SSLF used. No bleeding requiring blood transfusion or organ injuries occurred in any patient. Three patients in the group that received BSSLF developed small asymptomatic cystoceles (grade 1 to 2); there was no recurrence of rectoceles or enteroceles. Mild cystocele was found in 1 patient from the USSLF group. There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to the recurrence of cystocele. Recurrence of vaginal vault prolapse was found in 2 patients from the USSLF group (3.84%). There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to recurrence. Febrile morbidity, clinical outcomes, blood loss, duration of operation, intraoperative complications, and length of hospital stay were similar for the two groups.

Conclusions Unilateral and bilateral SSLF techniques produce similar clinical outcomes. USSLF and BSSLF performed using the new anchoring system are safe and effective methods to treat pelvic organ prolapse.
Monozentrische, retrospektive, vergleichende Studie zur Sicherheit und Effektivität der Wundheilungsmodulation mit Bevacizumab nach kombinierter Kataraktoperation mit CyPass-Stent-Implantation
Authors: Höh Helmut , Holland Ulrike , Medra Ahmed
Published: September 2019

Hintergrund Aufgrund des bekannten positiven Effekts der Wundheilungsmodulation mit Bevacizumab (Avastin®) bei Trabekulektomie wurde in einer retrospektiven Studie die Sicherheit und Wirksamkeit der Wundmodulation mit Avastin nach kombinierter Kataraktoperation mit CyPass-Stent-Implantation untersucht.

Methode Retrospektiv wurden die prä-, intra- und postoperativen Daten nach 3 und 6 Monaten bei 484 Augen mit kombinierter Operation erhoben (n = 187 ohne Avastin, n = 297 mit Avastin). Sicherheitskriterien waren intraoperative Komplikationen und postoperative spaltlampenmikroskopische Befunde. Wirksamkeitskriterien waren Augeninnendruck (IOD) und Anzahl drucksenkender Medikamente.

Ergebnisse Bezüglich der Alters- und Geschlechtsverteilung, der frühpostoperativen Fibrinreaktion, der Augeninnendruck- und Medikationssenkung unterscheiden sich die beiden Gruppen (mit und ohne Avastin) nicht statistisch signifikant. In der Avastin-Gruppe zeigten sich 3 Monate postoperativ statistisch signifikant weniger Irisgewebsreaktionen als in der Vergleichsgruppe (Chi-Quadrat-Test: p = 0,02, n = 47/128); nach 6 Monaten noch ein leichter Trend (Chi-Quadrat-Test: p = 0,15, n = 45/125). Weitere Trends zugunsten der Avastin-Gruppe wurden für die Versagerquote mit 2 gegenüber 6% nach 3 Monaten (Chi-Quadrat-Test: p = 0,103, n = 50/130) bzw. 4 und 10% nach 6 Monaten (Chi-Quadrat-Test: p = 0,106, n = 50/130) und für den Anteil der Augen ohne ergänzende drucksenkende Medikation mit 86 gegenüber 74% bzw. 68 vs. 56% (Chi-Quadrat-Test: 3 Monate: p = 0,053; 6 Monate: p = 0,12; n = 50/130) ermittelt. Für den Anteil der Augen, der postoperativ ohne ergänzende
drucksenkende Medikation die Druckschwelle von ≤ 21 mmHg erreicht, zeigte sich 3 Monate postoperativ mit 85 gegenüber 74% (Chi-Quadrat-Test: p = 0,099, n = 50/130) und nach 6 Monaten mit 65 gegenüber 54% ebenfalls ein starker Trend zugunsten der Avastin-Gruppe (Chi-Quadrat-Test: p = 0,11, n = 50/130).

Schlussfolgerung Die Eingabe von Avastin in die Vorderkammer ist sicher, reduziert die Gewebsreaktionen der Iris und verbessert bis zu 6 Monate postoperativ die Effektivität in klinisch begrenztem Umfang.
Invasive Lidinfektionen durch β-hämolysierende Streptokokken der Serogruppe A
Authors: Raber Florian Philipp , Frank Katrin , Spellerberg Barbara , Werner Jens Ulrich , Lang Gabriele E. , Lang Gerhard K.
Published: September 2019

Hintergrund Invasive Weichteilinfektionen durch Streptokokken sind schnell fortschreitende und potenziell lebensbedrohliche Infektionserkrankungen. Diese können auch das Augenlid betreffen. Aufgrund aggressiver Virulenzfaktoren und der Synthese von Exotoxinen kann es zu Komplikationen wie der periorbitalen nekrotisierenden Fasziitis (PONF) und dem Streptokokken-Toxic-Shock-Syndrom (STSS) kommen. Anhand von 4 Patienten mit invasiven Lidinfektionen wird das Krankheitsbild charakterisiert.

Material und Methode Bei allen Patienten erfolgte eine Fotodokumentation, Bildgebung, Labor- und Abstrichdiagnostik sowie eine intravenöse antibiotische Therapie gemäß den Empfehlungen des Robert Koch-Instituts sowie des lokalen Infektiologieboards.

Ergebnisse Bei allen Patienten wurde Streptococcus pyogenes im Abstrich kulturell nachgewiesen. Das Antibiogramm zeigte eine Sensibilität gegenüber den gängigen intravenösen Antibiotika. Das Zeitintervall zwischen Symptombeginn und Vorstellung in der Klinik betrug zwischen 2 Tagen und 1 Woche. Alle Patienten wiesen bei Aufnahme hohe systemische Entzündungsparameter auf: Pat. 1: CRP 259 mg/l, Leukozyten 20,1 Giga/l; Pat. 2: CRP 375 mg/l, Leukozyten 15,6 Giga/l; Pat. 3: CRP 378 mg/l, Leukozyten 38,7 Giga/l; Pat. 4: CRP 483 mg/l, Leukozyten 1,7 Giga/l; Normwerte: CRP < 5 mg/l, Leukozyten 4,4 – 11,3 Giga/l. Bei den Pat. 2 und 3 wurde aufgrund der rasch fortschreitenden Nekrosen im Bereich von Kutis und Subkutis und der systemischen Toxizität eine periorbitale nekrotisierende Fasziitis diagnostiziert. Die Pat. 3 und 4 erfüllten die Diagnosekriterien eines STSS. Die Pat. 2, 3 und 4 mussten, trotz unverzüglich begonnener intravenöser antibiotischer Therapie, mit einer Sepsis auf eine Intermediate Care Unit bzw. Intensivstation verlegt werden. Bei Pat. 3 erfolgte ein chirurgisches Wunddébridement während des Aufenthaltes. Dank eines interdisziplinären Managements (Augenheilkunde, Infektiologie, HNO, Innere und Intensivmedizin) konnten schlussendlich alle Patienten in deutlich gebessertem Allgemeinzustand aus unserer stationären Behandlung entlassen werden.

Schlussfolgerung Invasive Streptokokkeninfektionen stellen eine Herausforderung im klinischen Alltag eines Ophthalmologen dar. Ein interdisziplinäres Management sowie ein sofortiger Beginn einer hochdosierten intravenösen antibiotischen Therapie sind für den Therapieerfolg entscheidend.
Nahrungsergänzungsmittel und „Lifestyle“
Authors: Christof Deborah , Gamulescu Maria Andreea
Published: September 2019

Aktuell ist eine Therapie der nicht exsudativen altersabhängigen Makuladegeneration (AMD) – im Gegensatz zu der exsudativen Form – nicht möglich. Eine präventive Wirkung und ein verlangsamtes Fortschreiten der Erkrankung erhoffen sich viele Betroffene von den sich auf dem Markt befindenden Nahrungsergänzungsmitteln. Die darin enthaltenen Stoffe sollen das oxidative Milieu im Bereich der äußeren Netzhaut reduzieren und so den Zellschaden und damit die Progression der AMD verlangsamen. Die ARED-Studien (ARED: Age-Related Eye Disease) untersuchten bestimmte dieser Nahrungsergänzungsmittel auf ihre Wirksamkeit, das Risiko des Fortschreitens der AMD in die Spätformen zu vermindern. Sie sind die einzigen interventionellen groß angelegten, prospektiven, randomisierten und kontrollierten klinischen Studien und werden immer wieder als Basis für die Nahrungsergänzung bei der AMD herangezogen. In diesem Artikel soll die Rationale für die Verwendung bestimmter Inhaltsstoffe der AREDS-Nahrungsergänzungsmittel besprochen und die Ergebnisse der ARED-Studien kritisch beleuchtet werden. Weiterhin soll der moderne Begriff des „Lifestyle“ im Kontext der AMD als weitere Möglichkeit der Einflussnahme jedes Einzelnen auf die Progression der Erkrankung thematisiert und diskutiert werden.
Neuroophthalmologische Überlegungen zu Meningeomen der vorderen Sehbahn
Authors: Wilhelm Helmut , Honegger Jürgen Bernd , Paulsen Frank
Published: September 2019

Meningeome sind langsam wachsende Tumoren, die entweder durch Sehverschlechterung oder Doppelbilder symptomatisch werden oder aber zufällig entdeckt werden. Nicht jedes Meningeom bedarf der Behandlung. Diese besteht entweder in der neurochirurgischen Entfernung oder, wenn inoperabel, in der Strahlentherapie. Ob dies notwendig ist, richtet sich bei Meningeomen der vorderen Sehbahn hauptsächlich nach dem augenärztlichen Befund. Dieser kann und muss mittels OCT und klinischer Würdigung des Gesamtbilds auch Aussagen zur Prognose machen. Diese Arbeit gibt einen Überblick über die Überlegungen, die bei Meningeomen der vorderen Sehbahn anzustellen sind. Sie beruht im Wesentlichen auf eigenen Erfahrungen.
Laparoscopic Myomectomy for the Removal of Large Uterine Myomas
Authors: Sano Rikiya , Suzuki Soichiro , Shiota Mitsuru
Published: September 2019

Laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) is a minimally invasive surgery. However, several complications may occur in cases of extremely large myomas. For example, it can be difficult to acquire a full visual field, and the operation is limited by both technical and physiological restrictions. In addition, the volume of intraoperative bleeding is often increased in comparison to typically sized myomas; therefore, surgical indications are limited for technical reasons and for ensuring safety of the patient. Suturing and ligation techniques, which are indispensable in LM, are difficult procedures to perform. If clinicians are not confident in performing these procedures or experience difficulty in controlling bleeding, then they can alternatively choose to make a small incision in the abdominal wall and perform a procedure called laparoscopically assisted myomectomy.

In this article, we describe the process of effectively using LM in cases with giant myomas.
From Platelet-Rich Plasma to Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin: Biological Achievements and Clinical Advances in Modern Surgery
Authors: Caruana Andrea , Savina Daniele , Macedo José Paulo , Soares Sandra Clara
Published: September 2019

In the past 20 years, the platelet concentrates have evolved from first-generation products, i.e., platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and plasma rich in growth factors to the second-generation products such as leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) and advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF). These autologous products with a higher leukocyte inclusion and flexible fibrin mesh act as a scaffold to increase cellular migration in the angiogenic, osteogenic, and antimicrobial potential of these biomaterials in tissue regeneration. In the second-generation platelet concentrates, the protocols are easier, cheaper, and faster with an entire physiological fibrin matrix, resulting in a tridimensional mesh, not as rigid as one of the first generations. This allows the slow release of molecules over a longer period of time and triggers the healing and regenerative process at the site of injury. The potential of A-PRF to mimic the physiology and immunology of wound healing is also due to the high concentration of growth factors released as follows: vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-β, and anti-inflammatory cytokines that stimulate tissue cicatrization, vessels formation, and bone cell proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, the number of neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages is higher releasing important chemotactic molecules such as chemokine ligand-5 and eotaxin. Thus, L-PRF and A-PRF have been used, especially in implantology, periodontology, and maxillofacial surgery. Future clinical applications include tissue regeneration/grafts, ulcers/skin necrosis in the diabetic patient and others, plastic surgery, and even musculoskeletal lesions.
A blade pitching approach for vertical axis wind turbines based on the free vortex method
Authors: Zhao Zhenzhou , Su Decheng , Wang Tongguang , Xu Bofeng , Wu Hao , Zheng Yuan
Published: September 2019

This paper presents a variable pitch (VP) approach for a vertical axis wind turbine running at rated or higher tip speed ratios (TSRs) in order to improve the blade aerodynamic performance at the azimuth angle with a low angle of attack (AoA) and the peak power coefficient (Cp) of the wind turbine. The four largest pitch angles occurred in each quadrant in the proposed VP approach, whereas the two largest pitch angles occurred at azimuth angles of 90° and 270° n the traditional VP approaches. The free vortex model was used to predict the aerodynamic performances of the blades in the proposed VP approach and the fixed pitch (FP) blade at the designed TSR. The circulation of different vortices, the AoA, the induced velocity, and the lift coefficient obtained from the modeling results were compared for the different methods. The results indicated differences in the strength of the bound vortex and the shed vortex between the VP and FP blades at different azimuth positions. The range of the largest AoAs in the VP blade was in two big scopes, whereas the largest AoAs in the FP blade occurred only at two azimuth positions. The torque and the Cp increased at different azimuth angles, and similar trends of the AoA were observed in the azimuth angle range of 0°–360°. The differences between the VP and FP blades provided in-depth information on the performance of the proposed VP approach. The integration of the proposed VP approach and the traditional approach provides a VP strategy to control the pitch angle of the blade based on the azimuth angles and the TSRs and results in better self-starting ability at low TSRs and greater Cp at various TSRs.
Field shaping and electron acceleration by center-depressed laser beams
Authors: Wang W. , Xia L. , Xiong J. , Fang Z. H. , An H. H. , Xie Z. Y. , Pei W. B. , Fu S. Z.
Published: September 2019

Technology that could shape laser beams either spatially or temporally would open up new research avenues. In this letter, a center-depressed laser beam is proposed for shaping the longitudinal electric force and the phase-velocity distribution, which play important roles in direct laser acceleration (also known as vacuum laser acceleration). The propagation of this laser beam is described analytically by the coherent superposition of two fundamental-mode Gaussian laser beams that differ in phase by π initially. A longitudinal electric force and a subluminous-wave phase-velocity region exist simultaneously in the center-depressed part of the laser beam. Three-dimensional particle simulations solving the relativistic Newton–Lorentz equation show that electrons injected into the center of the laser beam can be strongly accelerated.
Absolute Seebeck coefficient of thin platinum films
Authors: Kockert M. , Mitdank R. , Zykov A. , Kowarik S. , Fischer S. F.
Published: September 2019

The influence of size effects on the thermoelectric properties of thin platinum films is investigated and compared to the bulk. Structural properties, like the film thickness and the grain size, are varied. We correlate the electron mean free path with the temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity and the absolute Seebeck coefficient SPt of platinum. A measurement platform was developed as a standardized method to determine SPt and show that SPt,film is reduced compared to SPt,bulk. Boundary and surface scattering reduce the thermodiffusion and the phonon drag contribution to SPt,film by nearly the same factor. We discuss in detail on behalf of a model, which describes the temperature dependence of the absolute Seebeck coefficient, the influence of size effects of electron-phonon and phonon-phonon interaction on SPt.
Surface-vacancy-induced metallicity and layer-dependent magnetic anisotropy energy in Cr2Ge2Te6
Authors: Song Changsheng , Liu Xin , Wu Xiaoping , Wang Jingjing , Pan Jiaqi , Zhao Tingyu , Li Chaorong , Wang Jiqing
Published: September 2019

Two-dimensional van der Waals materials have attracted considerable attention because of their promising applications in spintronic devices. This paper reports on first-principles calculations of the electronic structure and ferromagnetism of Cr2Ge2Te6 with surface Ge vacancies. These vacancies are found to remove the bandgap and induce metallicity in Cr2Ge2Te6 that persists with decreasing Ge-vacancy concentration. Meanwhile, the Ge vacancies cause an unexpected sharp increase in the magnetic anisotropy energy compared to that of perfect Cr2Ge2Te6. More importantly, how thickness affects the magnetic anisotropy energy is studied to show that the latter oscillates upon increasing the number of layers, thereby switching between the out-of-plane and in-plane magnetization directions. The present findings regarding a surface-vacancy-tuned bandgap and magnetism controlled by the layer thickness in a two-dimensional van der Waals magnet could lead to potential applications in next-generation magnetic memory storage, sensors, and spintronics.
Susceptibility of two-dimensional resonance Raman spectroscopies to cascades involving solute and solvent molecules
Authors: Cheshire Thomas P. , Moran Andrew M.
Published: September 2019

Two-dimensional resonance Raman (2DRR) spectroscopies have been used to investigate the structural heterogeneity of ensembles and chemical reaction mechanisms in recent years. Our previous work suggests that the intensities of artifacts may be comparable to the desired 2DRR response for some chemical systems and experimental approaches. In a type of artifact known as a “cascade,” the four-wave mixing signal field radiated by one molecule induces a four-wave mixing process in a second molecule. We consider the susceptibility of 2DRR spectroscopy to various types of signal cascades in the present work. Calculations are conducted using empirical parameters obtained for a molecule with an intramolecular charge-transfer transition in acetonitrile. For a fully impulsive pulse sequence, it is shown that “parallel” cascades involving two solute molecules are generally more intense than that of the desired 2DRR response when the solute’s mode displacements are 1.0 or less. In addition, we find that the magnitudes of parallel cascades involving both solute and solvent molecules (i.e., a solute-solvent cascade) may exceed that of the 2DRR response when the solute possesses small mode displacements. It is tempting to assume that solute-solvent cascades possess negligible intensities because the off-resonant Raman cross sections of solvents are usually 4–6 orders of magnitude smaller than that of the electronically resonant solute; however, the present calculations show that the difference in solute and solvent concentrations can fully compensate for the difference in Raman cross sections under common experimental conditions. Implications for control experiments and alternate approaches for 2DRR spectroscopy are discussed.
Experimental setup combining in situ hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and real-time surface X-ray diffraction for characterizing atomic and electronic structure evolution during complex oxide heterostructure growth
Authors: Eres Gyula , Rouleau C. M. , Lu Q. , Zhang Z. , Benda E. , Lee Ho Nyung , Tischler J. Z. , Fong D. D.
Published: September 2019

We describe the next-generation system for in situ characterization of a complex oxide thin film and heterostructure growth by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) using synchrotron hard X-rays. The system consists of a PLD chamber mounted on a diffractometer allowing both real-time surface X-ray diffraction (SXRD) and in situ hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). HAXPES is performed in the incident X-ray energy range from 4 to 12 keV using a Scienta EW4000 electron energy analyzer mounted on the PLD chamber fixed parallel with the surface normal. In addition to the standard application mode of HAXPES for disentangling surface from bulk properties, the increased penetration depth of high energy photoelectrons is used for investigation of the electronic structure changes through thin films grown deliberately as variable thickness capping layers. Such heterostructures represent model systems for investigating a variety of critical thickness and dead layer phenomena observed at complex oxide interfaces. In this new mode of operation, in situ HAXPES is used to determine the electronic structure associated with unique structural features identified by real-time SXRD during thin film growth. The system is configured for using both laboratory excitation sources off-line and on-line operation at beamline 33-ID-D at the Advanced Photon Source. We illustrate the performance of the system by preliminary scattering and spectroscopic data on oxygen vacancy ordering induced perovskite-to-brownmillerite reversible phase transformation in La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 films capped with oxygen deficient SrTiO3−δ (100) layers of varying thickness.
Self-assembly of Janus disks confined in a slit
Authors: Baran Ł. , Borówko M. , Rżysko W. , Patrykiejew A.
Published: September 2019

Using Monte Carlo simulations, we investigate the self-organization of Janus disks confined in two-dimensional slits. Janus particles are modeled as circles composed of attractive and repulsive parts. We consider the slits with identical walls and slits with competing walls (the so-called Janus-like pores). We investigate how the system morphology depends on the slit width, density, and temperature. Different unique orientationally ordered structures are found. The mechanism of formation of these structures is discussed in detail. We show that the anisotropic interactions between the confined molecules, the nature of the “walls,” and the slit size strongly affect the self-organization.
Quantum anomalous Hall effect with Landau levels in nonuniformly strained silicene
Authors: Lan Tian-Bao , Xu Yong , Tan Hui , Wang Jun , Liu Jun-Feng
Published: September 2019

We propose a quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) effect with Landau levels in silicene under a nonuniform strain. By applying both a perpendicular electric field and an exchange field, silicene enters a valley-polarized phase first. Then, an arc-shaped strain is used to drive the silicene to a quantum anomalous Hall effect. Landau levels and edge states are numerically obtained in the band structure of a zigzag ribbon. Two-terminal conductance and four-terminal Hall conductance exhibit correspondence plateaus that are robust against nonmagnetic and magnetic impurities. This scheme provides a new platform to search for QAH phases at high temperatures and with multiple edge channels.
Dry forests of the Galápagos: a comparative assessment of a World Heritage Site
Authors: Gillespie Thomas W. , Keppel Gunnar , Robinson Chelsea M. , Rivas-Torres Gonzalo
Published: September 2019

Despite worldwide knowledge of the importance of the Galápagos archipelago, there is little comparative plot data from the forests in the dry regions. We examined patterns of woody plant (≥2.5cm diameter at breast height (DBH)) species richness and structure using Gentry’s transect method (0.1ha) on the three largest islands in the Galápagos. We identified the conservation status of woody plants within the dry forest region, assessed forest cover and change in the region, and compared field results to other tropical dry forests in the Pacific. Of the 22 species encountered (11 native, 11 endemic), there were no non-native species and only one threatened species. Isabela, Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal have similar overall levels of species, genera, family and liana richness per site, but significantly different tree species richness, density and tree height per transect. Geospatial databases identified 51 species (native 40%, endemic 60%) of woody plants (≥2.5cm DBH) within the dry forest region of the Galápagos and 13 species (10 from the genus Scalesia) on the IUCN Red List. There is an estimated 551.97km2 of dry forest in the Galápagos and there has been little change (<0.01%) in forest cover from 2000 to 2015. Dry forests of the Galápagos have similar levels of species richness to Hawaii and the Marquesas but contain lower densities, basal areas and tree heights than other dry forests in the Pacific. These dry forests appear to be the best preserved and protected tropical dry forest in the Pacific.
Habitat preferences of reintroduced banteng (Bos javanicus) into the Salakphra Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand
Authors: Chaiyarat Rattanawat , Youngpoy Namphung , Kongsurakan Praeploy , Nakbun Seree
Published: September 2019

Abstract ContextLarge forest-dwelling mammals are highly sensitive to habitat structure. Thus, understanding the responses of reintroduced banteng (Bos javanicus d’Alton 1823) to their habitat is important for ensuring the sustainability of a reintroduction program. AimsThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the habitat preferences of banteng after reintroduction into the Salakphra Wildlife Sanctuary in Thailand on the basis of fieldwork conducted between January 2015 and November 2017. MethodsSeven banteng individuals bred at the Khao Nampu Nature and Wildlife Education Center were systematically reintroduced into the Salakphra Wildlife Sanctuary in 2015 (four individuals) and 2016 (three individuals). The banteng individuals were tracked via radio-collars and camera-traps. The maximum-entropy method (MaxEnt) and multiple logistic regressions (MLR) were used to identify habitat preferences. Kernel-density estimates (KDE) and a minimum convex polygon (MCP) were used to estimate the area of the habitat used. Key resultsIn total, 407 radio-signal locations showed that the MaxEnt habitat-preference models classified the banteng as associated with distance from villages and salt licks (regularised training gain of >1.0). Multiple logistic regressions form 32 camera-trap locations classified the banteng as associated with low elevations far from villages, guard stations and roads in a flat area (no aspect). The two methods for estimating habitat use provided similar results and showed that the reintroduced banteng used a wider range of habitat in the dry than in the wet season. ConclusionsThe results from the present study suggest that the reintroduced banteng individuals prefer low elevations and flat areas without human activity. ImplicationsThese findings are important for possible translocations elsewhere.
What network motifs tell us about resilience and reliability of complex networks
Authors: Dey Asim K. , Gel Yulia R. , Poor H. Vincent
Published: September 2019

Significance

Networks provide useful models for many natural and manmade phenomena, such as transportation, financial, and social–ecological systems. This paper addresses network motifs as a mechanism for understanding resilience of such networks. The significance of this work can be viewed through an important example—namely, power-grid networks, constituting a core component of modern critical infrastructures. While most existing approaches focus on the analysis of global network characteristics, recent studies suggest that resilience of power grids may also be intrinsically connected to higher-order geometric features such as network motifs. Here, a systematic data-driven approach is developed that sheds light on the role of local topology and geometry in vulnerability of power grids and other complex networks.
The nucleosome core particle remembers its position through DNA replication and RNA transcription
Authors: Schlissel Gavin , Rine Jasper
Published: September 2019

Nucleosomes are the fundamental structural unit of chromatin. In addition to stabilizing the DNA polymer, nucleosomes are modified in ways that reflect and affect gene expression in their vicinity. It has long been assumed that nucleosomes can transmit memory of gene expression through their covalent posttranslational modifications. An unproven assumption of this model, which is essential to most models of epigenetic inheritance, is that a nucleosome present at a locus reoccupies the same locus after DNA replication. We tested this assumption by nucleating a synthetic chromatin domain in vivo, in which ∼4 nucleosomes at an arbitrary locus were covalently labeled with biotin. We tracked the fate of labeled nucleosomes through DNA replication, and established that nucleosomes present at a locus remembered their position during DNA replication. The replication-associated histone chaperones Dpb3 and Mcm2 were essential for nucleosome position memory, and in the absence of both Dpb3 and Mcm2 histone chaperone activity, nucleosomes did not remember their position. Using the same approach, we tested the model that transcription results in retrograde transposition of nucleosomes along a transcription unit. We found no evidence of retrograde transposition. Our results suggest that nucleosomes have the capacity to transmit epigenetic memory across mitotic generations with exquisite spatial fidelity.
Checkpoint signaling and error correction require regulation of the MPS1 T-loop by PP2A-B56
Authors: Hayward Daniel , Bancroft James , Mangat Davinderpreet , Alfonso-Pérez Tatiana , Dugdale Sholto , McCarthy Julia , Barr Francis A. , Gruneberg Ulrike
Published: September 2019

During mitosis, the formation of microtubule–kinetochore attachments is monitored by the serine/threonine kinase monopolar spindle 1 (MPS1). MPS1 is recruited to unattached kinetochores where it phosphorylates KNL1, BUB1, and MAD1 to initiate the spindle assembly checkpoint. This arrests the cell cycle until all kinetochores have been stably captured by microtubules. MPS1 also contributes to the error correction process rectifying incorrect kinetochore attachments. MPS1 activity at kinetochores requires autophosphorylation at multiple sites including threonine 676 in the activation segment or “T-loop.” We now demonstrate that the BUBR1-bound pool of PP2A-B56 regulates MPS1 T-loop autophosphorylation and hence activation status in mammalian cells. Overriding this regulation using phosphomimetic mutations in the MPS1 T-loop to generate a constitutively active kinase results in a prolonged mitotic arrest with continuous turnover of microtubule–kinetochore attachments. Dynamic regulation of MPS1 catalytic activity by kinetochore-localized PP2A-B56 is thus critical for controlled MPS1 activity and timely cell cycle progression.
Progress on the representation of women in JGP
Authors: Gordon Sharona E.
Published: September 2019

One year after implementing a policy to include at least one female reviewer for each manuscript, we review the effectiveness of our strategy.
Realization of controllable open system with NMR
Authors: Ho Le Bin , Matsuzaki Yuichiro , Matsuzaki Masayuki , Kondo Yasushi
Published: September 2019

An open quantum system is now attracting much attention because a quantum device such as quantum computers and quantum sensors is an emerging technology. Here, we present a model of the open system that shows either time-homogeneous Markovian relaxations or non-Markovian relaxations depending on its parameters that we can control. This model is fully described with the master equation that is analytically solvable. More importantly, this model can be easily realized with molecules in isotropic liquids and measured with NMR techniques.
Models and Modelling for Teacher Courses?
Authors: Borg Marks Joan
Published: September 2019

Mental modelling has been given importance in educational research by a number of prominent researchers who have claimed that models and modelling are central to understanding key concepts in science. Asking, however, by how far the several research studies conducted on mental modelling and the consequent recommendations presented thereof are being applied by teachers in the classrooms to help in the teaching and learning process, remains a relevant question that needs to be addressed. Students at all levels studying science/physics are expected to learn the basic concepts of physics and teachers are expected to teach these to students in the most effective of ways. This is a primary objective especially with students in primary schools who need to have a good basis of scientific ideas and concepts, on which to build further ideas for the understanding of physics. Teaching that looks at the mental models held by students, trying to help in the evolution of students’ ideas and visualizations of a concept, offers one way of making teaching more effective and learning more meaningful. This paper describes a short study about how the author probed students’ mental models of concepts related to simple electric circuits. The reactions from colleagues when the study was presented at a staff development course helped the author to reflect on the importance of having modules on mental models and modelling in teachers’ pre-service and in-service courses. It will be argued that including mental modelling in teacher preparation programs offers a better chance for teachers to be better informed about how scientific reasoning and understanding develop. Thus, teachers can be better prepared to probe students’ ideas and to better address problems with students’ learning, whilst improving the quality of their teaching.
Twelve-Hour Urine Collection Can Be Utilized to Estimate 24-Hour Total Urinary Nitrogen in Critically Trauma Patients
Authors: Liao Hsuan-Chieh , O’Keefe Grant , Woo Fred , Lawrence Lisa , Baird Geoffrey
Published: September 2019

Patients suffering from trauma, burns, and sepsis are frequently in a hypermetabolic state, and as the majority of urinary nitrogen comes from amino acid metabolism, the determination of total urinary nitrogen (TUN) provides an accurate measurement of all nitrogen excreted in urine and can be used as an indicator of catabolic stress. To evaluate whether time of collection influences the performance of TUN test, 12-hour urine specimens were collected from ICU trauma patients and the 12-hour results were correlated with results from 24-hour collections.

Two consecutive 12-hour urine samples were collected (06:00-18:00 hours and 18:00-06:00 hours) from surgical ICU patients. Total urinary nitrogen levels were measured in each 12-hour sample, as well as in a pooled sample (24 hours). Pyrochemiluminescence was used to determine TUN level on an Antek 9000N elemental analyzer. In this approach, the urine sample is completely oxidized at high temperature in a quartz pyrotube. Nitrogen is converted to nitric oxide (·NO), then mixed with O3 (ozone) to form nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Light is emitted and specific wavelengths between 650 and 900 nm were measured in a photomultiplier tube. The measured chemiluminescent emission is specific and proportional to the amount of nitrogen in the sample.

Fifty 12-hour urine samples from 16 patients were collected. One patient was excluded from the study due to acute renal injury during the collection period. There was no significant observed circadian effect on measured TUN. The 12-hour TUN (g/total volume) was multiplied by 2 to compare to 24-hour TUN for statistical analysis. There was strong correlation between either day or night 12-hour TUN and corresponding pooled 24-hour TUN, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.93 to 0.98 and regression slopes ranging from 0.98 to 1.01. No statistically significant difference was found between the 12-hour TUN and 24-hour TUN approaches.

A 12-hour TUN collection was overall highly predictive of 24-hour TUN collection and has the advantage of convenience of sample collection and improved clinical efficiency. Serial 12-hour urine collection is therefore preferred for monitoring nitrogen balance and adjusting protein intake for critically ill ICU patients.