bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dimensionality Reduction and Network Inference for Climate Data Using δ‐MAPS: Application to the CESM Large Ensemble Sea Surface Temperature
Authors: Falasca Fabrizio , Bracco Annalisa , Nenes Athanasios , Fountalis Ilias
Published: April 2019

A framework for analyzing and benchmarking climate model outputs is built upon δ‐MAPS, a recently developed complex network analysis method. The framework allows for the possibility of highlighting quantifiable topological differences across data sets, capturing the magnitude of interactions including lagged relationships and quantifying the modeled internal variability, changes in domains properties and in their connections over space and time. A set of four metrics is proposed to assess and compare the modeled domains shapes, strengths, and connectivity patterns. δ‐MAPS is applied to investigate the topological properties of sea surface temperature from observational data sets and in a subset of the Community Earth System Model (CESM) Large Ensemble focusing on the past 35 years and over the 20th and 21st centuries. Model ensemble members are mapped in a reduced metric space to quantify internal variability and average model error. It is found that network properties are on average robust whenever individual member or ensemble trends are removed. The assessment identifies biases in the CESM representation of the connectivity patterns that stem from too strong autocorrelations of domains signals and from the overestimation of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation amplitude and its thermodynamic feedback onto the tropical band in most members.
Building a Casimir metrology platform with a commercial MEMS sensor
Authors: Stange Alexander , Imboden Matthias , Javor Josh , Barrett Lawrence K. , Bishop David J.
Published: April 2019

The Casimir Effect is a physical manifestation of quantum fluctuations of the electromagnetic vacuum. When two metal plates are placed close together, typically much less than a micron, the long wavelength modes between them are frozen out, giving rise to a net attractive force between the plates, scaling as d−4 (or d−3 for a spherical-planar geometry) even when they are not electrically charged. In this paper, we observe the Casimir Effect in ambient conditions using a modified capacitive micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) sensor. Using a feedback-assisted pick-and-place assembly process, we are able to attach various microstructures onto the post-release MEMS, converting it from an inertial force sensor to a direct force measurement platform with pN (piconewton) resolution. With this system we are able to directly measure the Casimir force between a silver-coated microsphere and gold-coated silicon plate. This device is a step towards leveraging the Casimir Effect for cheap, sensitive, room temperature quantum metrology.
Area socioeconomic status is independently associated with esophageal cancer mortality in Shandong, China
Authors: Kou Kou , Baade Peter David , Guo Xiaolei , Gatton Michelle , Cramb Susanna , Lu Zilong , Fu Zhentao , Chu Jie , Xu Aiqiang , Sun Jiandong
Published: April 2019

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a leading cause of cancer death in China. Within Shandong Province, a geographic cluster with high EC mortality has been identified, however little is known about how area-level socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with EC mortality in this province. Multilevel models were applied to EC mortality data in 2011–13 among Shandong residents aged 40+ years. Area-level SES factors consisted of residential type (urban/rural) of the sub-county-level units (n = 262) and SES index (range: 0–10) of the county-level units (n = 142). After adjustment for age and sex, residents living in rural areas had a 22% (95% CI: 13–32%) higher risk of dying from EC than those in urban areas. With each unit increase in the SES index, the average risk of dying from EC reduced by 10% (95% CI: 3–18%). The adjustment of area-level SES variables had little impact on the risk ratio of EC mortality between the high-mortality cluster and the rest of Shandong. In conclusion, rural residence and lower SES index are strongly associated with elevated risks of EC death. However, these factors are independent of the high mortality in the cluster area of Shandong. The underlying causes for this geographic disparity need to be further investigated.
Skipping breakfast is associated with adiposity markers especially when sleep time is adequate in adolescents
Authors: Forkert Elsie C. O. , Moraes Augusto Cesar Ferreira De , Carvalho Heráclito Barbosa , Manios Yannis , Widhalm Kurt , González-Gross Marcela , Gutierrez Angel , Kafatos Anthony , Censi Laura , De Henauw Stefaan , Moreno Luis A.
Published: April 2019

Adolescence is a critical stage of development and has an important influence on energy balance-related behaviours (EBRBs). When adolescents are associated with obesity it can lead to increased cardiometabolic risk. Here we assess if EBRBs adopted by adolescents included in a subsample are associated with markers of total and abdominal adiposity in a multicentre European study, Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA-CSS) and a Brazilian study, Brazilian Cardiovascular Adolescent Health (BRACAH study), and whether sleep duration influence the association between skipping breakfast, physical activity and sedentary behaviours, with total and abdominal obesity (AO). Multilevel linear regression models using fixed and random intercepts were used to analyse the association between markers of obesity and EBRBs. Skipping breakfast was the prevalent behaviour in association with obesity among European and Brazilian boys besides European girls, even after stratification by sleep time. Moreover, European boys who slept properly and skipped breakfast had an increased waist circumference (WC), while body mass index (BMI) increased in Brazilian boys. Among Brazilian boys less sleep was protective for total obesity (β = −0.93 kg/m2; 95% CI: −1.80; −0.07). European girls when they were more sedentary, showed an increase in WC, especially for those who reported they slept adequately. Skipping breakfast was associated with total and AO in adolescents independent of sleep duration.
Urbanisation modulates plant-pollinator interactions in invasive vs. native plant species
Authors: Buchholz Sascha , Kowarik Ingo
Published: April 2019

Pollination is a key ecological process, and invasive alien plant species have been shown to significantly affect plant-pollinator interactions. Yet, the role of the environmental context in modulating such processes is understudied. As urbanisation is a major component of global change, being associated with a range of stressors (e.g. heat, pollution, habitat isolation), we tested whether the attractiveness of a common invasive alien plant (Robinia pseudoacacia, black locust) vs. a common native plant (Cytisus scoparius, common broom) for pollinators changes with increasing urbanisation. We exposed blossoms of both species along an urbanisation gradient and quantified different types of pollinator interaction with the flowers. Both species attracted a broad range of pollinators, with significantly more visits for R. pseudoacacia, but without significant differences in numbers of insects that immediately accessed the flowers. However, compared to native Cytisus, more pollinators only hovered in front of flowers of invasive Robinia without visiting those subsequently. The decision rate to enter flowers of the invasive species decreased with increasing urbanisation. This suggests that while invasive Robinia still attracts many pollinators in urban settings attractiveness may decrease with increasing urban stressors. Results indicated future directions to deconstruct the role of different stressors in modulating plant-pollinator interactions, and they have implications for urban development since Robinia can be still considered as a “pollinator-friendly” tree for certain urban settings.
Finding intersections between electronic excited state potential energy surfaces with simultaneous ultrafast X-ray scattering and spectroscopy
Authors: Kjær Kasper S. , Van Driel Tim B. , Harlang Tobias C. B. , Kunnus Kristjan , Biasin Elisa , Ledbetter Kathryn , Hartsock Robert W. , Reinhard Marco E. , Koroidov Sergey , Li Lin , Laursen Mads G. , Hansen Frederik B. , Vester Peter , Christensen Morten , Haldrup Kristoffer , Nielsen Martin M. , Dohn Asmus O. , Pápai Mátyás I. , Møller Klaus B. , Chabera Pavel , Liu Yizhu , Tatsuno Hideyuki , Timm Cornelia , Jarenmark Martin , Uhlig Jens , Sundstöm Villy , Wärnmark Kenneth , Persson Petter , Németh Zoltán , Szemes Dorottya Sárosiné , Bajnóczi Éva , Vankó György , Alonso-Mori Roberto , Glownia James M. , Nelson Silke , Sikorski Marcin , Sokaras Dimosthenis , Canton Sophie E. , Lemke Henrik T. , Gaffney Kelly J.
Published: April 2019

Combined X-ray free-electron laser techniques pinpoints loci of intersections between potential energy surfaces of a photo-excited 3d transition-metal centered molecule.
Temperature-controlled ionic liquid dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction combined with fluorescence detection of ultra-trace Hg2+ in water
Authors: Hui Yun , Xiong Chenyu , Bian Chao , Gui Shilang , Tong Jianhua , Li Yang , Gao Chengyao , Huang Yanyan , Tang William C. , Xia Shanhong
Published: April 2019

Significant efforts have been devoted to developing trace-level quantification of Hg2+.
A type I Bi2S3@ZnS core–shell structured photocatalyst for the selective photoelectrochemical sensing of Cu2+
Authors: Xi Jiajia , Wang Hao , Zhang Bihong , Hu Xiaopeng , Zhao Faqiong , Zeng Baizhao
Published: April 2019

A novel type I core/shell structured Bi2S3@ZnS photocatalyst was synthesized and it showed good sensitivity and selectivity for Cu2+ detection.
A novel alkaline phosphatase assay based on the specific chromogenic interaction between Fe3+ and ascorbic acid 2-phosphate
Authors: Wang Linjie , Ye Kun , Pan Jianming , Song Hongwei , Niu Xiangheng
Published: April 2019

A new alkaline phosphatase sensing strategy based on the specific chromogenic interaction between ferric ion and ascorbic acid 2-phosphate was proposed.
Photochemical mechanism of 1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one: electronic structure calculations and nonadiabatic surface-hopping dynamics simulations
Authors: Xia Shu-Hua , Che Meng , Liu Yan , Zhang Yan , Cui Ganglong
Published: April 2019

The photochemical mechanism of 1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one is studied by combined static electronic structure calculations and nonadiabatic surface-hopping dynamics simulations.
The effect of methylation on the intrinsic photophysical properties of simple rhodamines
Authors: Kung Jocky C. K. , Forman Adam , Jockusch Rebecca A.
Published: April 2019

Gas-phase studies of progressively methylated rhodamines display unexpected photophysical trends that are obscured in solution, revealing key solvent effects.
Assessing the performance of MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA methods. 9. Prediction reliability of binding affinities and binding poses for protein–peptide complexes
Authors: Weng Gaoqi , Wang Ercheng , Chen Fu , Sun Huiyong , Wang Zhe , Hou Tingjun
Published: April 2019

Determination of protein–peptide interactions is critical to gain an in-depth understanding of the protein–protein interaction network. Computational approaches, especially MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA, are powerful tools to predict the binding affinities and identify the correct binding poses for protein–peptide systems.
Experimental and computational studies on copper–cerium catalysts supported on nitrogen-doped porous carbon for preferential oxidation of CO
Authors: Wang Qi , Zhang Hao , Wu Jinfang , Tuya Naren , Zhao Yuansong , Liu Shangpeng , Dong Yajun , Li Ping , Xu Yiming , Zeng Shanghong
Published: April 2019

Geometric characteristics improve the synergy between Cu2+/Cu+ and Ce4+/Ce3+ couples.
Extractive/catalytic oxidative mechanisms over [Hnmp]Cl·xFeCl3 ionic liquids towards the desulfurization of model oils
Authors: Hao Yun , Hao Ying-juan , Ren Jie , Wu Biao , Wang Xiao-jing , Zhao Dishun , Li Fa-tang
Published: April 2019

A highly efficient extractant of an FeCl3-based ionic liquid is prepared and its extractive/catalytic oxidative mechanisms for sulfur removal are proposed.
A mitochondria-oriented fluorescent probe for ultrafast and ratiometric detection of HSO3− based on naphthalimide–hemicyanine
Authors: Shen Ronghua , Qian Ying
Published: April 2019

The chemodosimeter was a FRET-based probe for detecting HSO3− selectively.
A new and different insight into the promotion mechanisms of Ga for the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to methanol over a Ga-doped Ni(211) bimetallic catalyst
Authors: Tang Qingli , Ji Wenchao , Russell Christopher K. , Zhang Yulong , Fan Maohong , Shen Zhemin
Published: April 2019

The hydrogenation of CO2 to CH3OH is one of the most promising technologies for the utilization of captured CO2 in the future.
B31− and B32−: chiral quasi-planar boron clusters
Authors: Chen Qiang , Chen Teng-Teng , Li Hai-Ru , Zhao Xiao-Yun , Chen Wei-Jia , Zhai Hua-Jin , Li Si-Dian , Wang Lai-Sheng
Published: April 2019

Chiral boat-like B31− (C1, I and II) and B32− (C2, VI and VII) are characterized in a joint experimental and theoretical investigation, with a chair-like intermediate (Ci, VIII) also observed for B32− as a minor isomer.
Fusion-dependent formation of lipid nanoparticles containing macromolecular payloads
Authors: Kulkarni Jayesh A. , Witzigmann Dominik , Leung Jerry , van der Meel Roy , Zaifman Josh , Darjuan Maria M. , Grisch-Chan Hiu Man , Thöny Beat , Tam Yuen Yi C. , Cullis Pieter R.
Published: April 2019

Neutralization of the pH (and ionizable lipid) drives the fusion of precursor vesicles into the electron-dense core structures attributed to lipid nanoparticles.
Intrinsic limits of defect-state photoluminescence dynamics in functionalized carbon nanotubes
Authors: He Xiaowei , Sun Liuyang , Gifford Brendan J. , Tretiak Sergei , Piryatinski Andrei , Li Xiaoqin , Htoon Han , Doorn Stephen K.
Published: April 2019

Environmental isolation of covalently functionalized carbon nanotubes enables evaluation of near-intrinsic values for defect-state radiative lifetime and dephasing time.
Nanophase graphene frameworks
Authors: Liu Jinxin , Wang Luyang , Da Yumin , Li Liang , Ruan Xuefeng , Zeng Mengqi , Fu Lei
Published: April 2019

Nanophase graphene frameworks assembled by interconnected domains exhibit drastically elevated durability of graphene towards physical and chemical destruction.
Cobalt-catalyzed cyclization with the introduction of cyano, acyl and aminoalkyl groups
Authors: Hori Hiroto , Arai Shigeru , Nishida Atsushi
Published: April 2019

An efficient synthesis of carbo- and heterocycles using CC, CO and CN bonds under cobalt catalysis is described.
Acid catalysed rearrangement of isobenzofurans to angularly fused phthalides
Authors: Chinta Bhavani Shankar , Gandhi Soniya , Baire Beeraiah
Published: April 2019

An acid catalysed, cascade process for the construction of angularly fused polycyclic phthalides from isobenzofurans via a simultaneous ring closing–ring opening cascade has been reported. This approach serves as a greener alternative for the angularly fused polycyclic phthalides.
Topochemical polymerization of hierarchically ordered diacetylene monomers within the block copolymer domains
Authors: Krishnan Deepthi , Raj R B Amal , Gowd E. Bhoje
Published: April 2019

Effect of annealing conditions on the hierarchical ordering of PCDA monomers within the block copolymer supramolecules and their subsequent topochemical polymerization.
On the cost of academic methodologies
Authors: Berger Olivier , Winters Karen R. , Sabourin Axel , Dzyuba Sergei V. , Montchamp Jean-Luc
Published: April 2019

Synthetic methodologies can be easily compared using the Cost of Academic Methodologies (CAM) parameter, which estimates the cost of making a mole of a product.
Multiplexed immunophenotyping of circulating exosomes on nano-engineered ExoProfile chip towards early diagnosis of cancer
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhou Xin , Zeng Yong
Published: April 2019

An integrated, 3D nano-engineered exosome profiling platform (ExoProfile chip) was developed to afford ultrasensitive, multiplexed detection of a panel of surface protein markers on circulating exosomes with a minuscular volume of plasma.
Ionic liquid cations as methylation agent for extremely weak chalcogenido metalate nucleophiles
Authors: Peters Bertram , Santner Silke , Donsbach Carsten , Vöpel Pascal , Smarsly Bernd , Dehnen Stefanie
Published: April 2019

Imidazolium-based ionic liquids served to selectively methylate terminal chalcogenide ligands of chalcogenidometalate clusters [Sn10S16O4(SMe)4]4−, [Mn4Sn4Se13(SeMe)4]6−, and [Hg6Te10(TeMe)2]6−.
Growth of curved crystals: competition between topological defect nucleation and boundary branching
Authors: Ma Long , Liu Xuepeng , Soh Ai-kah , He Linghui , Wu Changzheng , Ni Yong
Published: April 2019

Sketch of competing topological defect nucleation and boundary branching in curved crystal growth driven by curvature induced stress.
Rational design and fabrication of an alkali-induced O/W emulsion stabilized with cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs): implication for eco-friendly and economic oil recovery application
Authors: Wei Bing , Ning Jian , Mao Runxue , Wang Yuanyuan , Xu Xingguang , Bai Mingxing
Published: April 2019

An alkali-induced oil in water (O/W) emulsion stabilized with cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) was designed to advance the development of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies.
Albumin enhances PTX delivery ability of dextran NPs and therapeutic efficacy of PTX for colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Zhang Ruhe , Huang Jun , Luo Moucheng , Chen Xuewen , Kang Yang , Wu Jun
Published: April 2019

The nanoassemblies of Dex6k–BSA–PTX and the pH-responsive drug release for anti-tumor applicationsin vivo.
Bio-inspired sensing and actuating materials
Authors: Zhao Qilong , Wang Yunlong , Cui Huanqing , Du Xuemin
Published: April 2019

Biological systems contain various amazing examples that can display adaptive and active behaviors in response to external stimuli.
Generation of photoclinometric DTMs for application to transient changes on the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko
Authors: Tang Y. , Birch S. P. D. , Hayes A. G. , Kirk R. , Kutsop N. , Vincent J.-B. , Squyres S.
Published: April 2019

Context. The wide spatial and temporal coverage of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P) by the Rosetta mission has revealed a surface created by scattered large-scale changes and numerous small-scale changes. The many small-scale changes are of particular interest because they are unexpected and ubiquitous. As their topographic relief is often smaller than one meter, which is below the resolution of any shape models, we need higher resolution topography to analyze them properly.

Aims. We describe a photoclinometry method that is able to retrieve surface elevations for a single OSIRIS image of the surface of 67P. With this method, we can provide accurate measures, along with error estimates, of the centimeter-scale topography of observed transient changes.

Methods. Photoclinometry, or shape-from-shading, estimates heights by examining the light reflection of the surface as dictated by a photometric model under a specified set of viewing geometries. Assuming a standard photometric model for 67P, we can recreate the shading of a surface under specified viewing geometries. The output is a high-resolution height map that matches the original image pixel by pixel. We then provide estimates of the error in the retrieved heights and ensure that our method is valid with a series of checks.

Results. We generate digital terrain models (DTMs) with a vertical resolution comparable to or smaller than the pixel scale. This allows us to accurately measure changes in the surface topography on centimeter scales. We find that most changes within the smooth terrains involve the transport or removal of material thinner than one meter.
Gaia GraL: Gaia DR2 gravitational lens systems
Authors: Wertz O. , Stern D. , Krone-Martins A. , Delchambre L. , Ducourant C. , Gråe Jørgensen U. , Dominik M. , Burgdorf M. , Surdej J. , Mignard F. , Teixeira R. , Galluccio L. , Klüter J. , Djorgovski S. G. , Graham M. J. , Bastian U. , Wambsganss J. , Boehm C. , LeCampion J.-F. , Slezak E.
Published: April 2019

We report the spectroscopic confirmation and modeling of the quadruply imaged quasar GRAL 113100–441959, the first gravitational lens (GL) to be discovered from a machine learning technique that only relies on the relative positions and fluxes of the observed images without considering colour informations. Follow-up spectra obtained with Keck/LRIS reveal the lensing nature of this quadruply imaged quasar with redshift zs = 1.090 ± 0.002, but show no evidence of the central lens galaxy. Using the image positions and G-band flux ratios provided by Gaia Data Release 2 as constraints, we modeled the system with a singular power-law elliptical mass distribution (SPEMD) plus external shear, to different levels of complexity. We show that relaxing the isothermal constraint of the SPEMD does not lead to statistically significant different results in terms of fitting the lensing data. We thus simplified the SPEMD to a singular isothermal ellipsoid to estimate the Einstein radius of the main lens galaxy θE = 0.″851, the intensity and position angle of the external shear (γ,θγ) = (0.044, 11.°5), and we predict the lensing galaxy position to be (θgal,1, θgal,2) = (−0.″424, −0.″744) with respect to image A. We provide time delay predictions for pairs of images, assuming a plausible range of lens redshift values zl between 0.5 and 0.9. Finally, we examine the impact on time delays of the so-called source position transformation, a family of degeneracies existing between different mass density profiles that reproduce most of the lensing observables equally well. We show that this effect contributes significantly to the time delay error budget and cannot be ignored during the modeling. This has implications for robust cosmography applications of lensed systems. GRAL 113100–441959 is the first in a series of seven new spectroscopically confirmed GLs discovered from Gaia Data Release 2.
Unexpectedly strong effect of supergranulation on the detectability of Earth twins orbiting Sun-like stars with radial velocities
Authors: Meunier N. , Lagrange A.-M.
Published: April 2019

Context. Magnetic activity and surface flows at different scales pertub radial velocity measurements. This affects the detectability of low-mass exoplanets.

Aims. In these flows, the effect of supergranulation is not as well characterized as the other flows, and we wish to estimate its effect on the detection of Earth-like planets in the habitable zone of Sun-like stars.

Methods. We produced time series of radial velocities due to oscillations, granulation, and supergranulation, and estimated the detection limit for a G2 star and a period of 300 days. We also studied in detail the behavior of the power when the signal of a 1 MEarth planet was superposed on the signal from the stellar flows.

Results. We find that the detection rate does not reach 100% except for the supergranulation level we assume, which is still optimistic, and for an excellent sampling.

Conclusions. We conclude that with current knowledge, it is a very challenging task to find Earth twins around Sun-like stars with our current capabilities.
The origin of very massive stars around NGC 3603
Authors: Kalari V. M. , Vink J. S. , de Wit W. J. , Bastian N. J. , Méndez R. A.
Published: April 2019

The formation mechanism of the most massive stars in the Universe remains an unsolved problem. Are they able to form in relative isolation in a manner similar to the formation of solar-type stars, or do they necessarily require a clustered environment? In order to shed light on this important question, we study the origin of two very massive stars (VMS): the O2.5If*/WN6 star RFS7 (∼100M⊙), and the O3.5If* star RFS8 (∼70M⊙), found within ∼53 and 58 pc, respectively, of the Galactic massive young cluster NGC 3603, usingGaiadata. The star RFS7 is found to exhibit motions resembling a runaway star from NGC 3603. This is now the most massive runaway star candidate known in the Milky Way. Although RFS8 also appears to move away from the cluster core, it has proper-motion values that appear inconsistent with being a runaway from NGC 3603 at the 3σlevel (but with substantial uncertainties due to distance and age). Furthermore, no evidence for a bow-shock or a cluster was found surrounding RFS8 from available near-infrared photometry. In summary, whilst RFS7 is likely a runaway star from NGC 3603, making it the first VMS runaway in the Milky Way, RFS8 is an extremely young (∼2 Myr) VMS, which might also be a runaway, but this would need to be established from future spectroscopic and astrometric observations, as well as precise distances. If RFS 8 was still not found to meet the criteria for being a runaway from NGC 3603 from such future data, this would have important ramifications for current theories of massive star formation, as well as the way the stellar initial mass function is sampled.
Meatal Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysm with AICA-PICA Complex: Endovascular Coiling and Parent Artery Preservation
Authors: Londhe Shrikant , Gupta Vipul , Parthasarathy Rajsrnivias , Ganie Hilal Ahmad
Published: April 2019

Secondary stroke prevention requires early initiation of antiplatelet; therefore, stroke mimics need to be ruled out particularly in circumstances when antiplatelet therapy can be of disastrous consequences. A 54-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department with symptoms of sudden-onset deviation of angle of mouth to the right side, left eye ptosis, and occipital headache for past 4-hour duration. Neurologic examination revealed right-sided gaze-dependent torsional nystagmus and left lower motor neuron facial weakness. An embolic posterior circulation stroke secondary to vertebral artery dissection was suspected. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) did not show any acute infarcts, and careful review of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) scans showed hemorrhage in the fourth ventricle. Subsequent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was done, which showed left anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) aneurysm involving its intrameatal segment with AICA-posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) complex. Retrospective review of computed tomographic (CT) angiography images showed small aneurysm in the internal auditory meatus, which is difficult to discern secondary to adjacent bony structure and smaller size of the aneurysm. The patient underwent endovascular coiling of the aneurysm with preservation of the parent artery. Our experience concluded that these clinical features suggest remote subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to the ruptured of AICA intrameatal segment aneurysm with left facial nerve paralysis and peripheral cochlear vestibular changes secondary to either compression (mechanical or pulsations of the aneurysm sac) or ischemia of vestibular apparatus. The neurointerventionist should consider the possibility of aneurysmal rupture, especially in cases of atypical location of hemorrhage and no signs of infarct on neuroimaging of posterior circulation stroke.
Fluoroscopic and Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement: Regional Variation and Their Prevalence
Authors: Khalid Syed , Wu Rita , Gazal Ayoolamide , Tasse Jordan , Tabriz David , Madassery Sreekumar , Turba Ulku , Arslan Bulent
Published: April 2019

Objective This study aims to assess the regional variation and overall longitudinal prevalence of approaches to gastrostomy tube placement in patients covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

Background Gastrostomy tubes are most commonly inserted endoscopically given the approaches’ demonstrated safety, success, and patient outcomes as compared with laparoscopic approaches. Recently, the growth of interventional radiology services has provided patients with an alternative percutaneous approach. The safety and efficacy of this approach as opposed to endoscopic approaches has yet to be determined.

Methods From 2005 to 2014, Medicare Standard Analytic Files derived from Medicare parts A and B, which contain 100% of inpatient and outpatient facility records billed to Medicare, were retrospectively analyzed. Age, sex, year of placement, region, comparative quarterly ratio, regional cost variation, and overall financial cost were compared between both cohorts.

Results Our population included a total of 336,021 patients; of those, 30,327 patients underwent fluoroscopic guided procedures, and 305,694 patients underwent endoscopic procedures. Age (p < 0.001), region (p = 0.043), and year of placement (p < 0.001) varied significantly between these populations. Fluoroscopic-guided procedures were found to have a statistically significantly lower average cost of treatment compared with endoscopic gastrostomies ($2,018.62 vs. $2,471.33, respectively, p = 0.03).

Conclusion This study demonstrates an increasing prevalence of fluoroscopically placed gastrostomy tubes as compared with those placed endoscopically.
Long-Term Results of Universal 2 Total Wrist Arthroplasty
Authors: Zijlker H. J. A. , Ritt M. J. P. F. , IJsselstein C. B.
Published: April 2019

Background The Universal 2 is a widely used total wrist implant that aims to maintain function of the wrist.

Purpose Promising mid-term results of the Universal 2 total wrist implant are described in the literature. This study evaluates the long-term results in terms of implant survival and patient satisfaction.

Patients and Methods Patients who received a Universal 2 implant between 2004 and 2009 were retrospectively identified through a database search. Clinical outcome and complications of the implant were assessed by examination of the patient's medical records, X-rays, and a questionnaire, consisting of the Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation questionnaire (PRWHE) and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaires and additional questions.

Results Twenty-five patients (26 wrists) were included in this study. Twenty-one (81%) Universal 2 implants remained in situ after a mean follow-up of 11 years. Moderate PRWHE (44) and QuickDASH (41) scores were found in these cases. Five Universal 2 implants failed and were converted to a total wrist arthrodesis after a mean period of 9.2 years due to distal component loosening (n = 3), recurrent luxation (n = 1), or recurrent synovitis (n = 1). Twenty-three (92%) patients were (very) satisfied with the Universal 2 implant.

Conclusion The Universal 2 demonstrates a high (81%) implant survival with a high patient satisfaction after a mean follow-up of 11 years. Prospective studies of the Universal 2 implant are necessary to objectify improvement in wrist function and to provide a better comparison to other fourth generation wrist implants.
Madelung's Deformity of the Wrist—Current Concepts and Future Directions
Authors: Babu Satish , Turner Joseph , Seewoonarain Sheena , Chougule Sanjay
Published: April 2019

Madelung's deformity of the wrist arises from premature closure of the medial and volar aspect of the distal radial physis. True Madelung deformities reveal the presence of a “Vickers” ligament which is a short, volar, radioulnar ligament. Clinically, patients report increasing deformity, pain, and poor range of motion. Radiological features include increased radial inclination, volar tilt of the distal radius, and a positive ulnar variance. Surgical intervention usually comprises either a “Vickers” ligament release and distal radius physiolysis or a radial dome osteotomy. In future, EOS Imaging could aid diagnosis by providing more detailed images of the deformity while minimizing radiation exposure. Furthermore, three-dimensional printing and computer-navigated deformity correction could revolutionize management by facilitating simulation training, expediting surgery, and reducing intraoperative error.
Magnesium Bioabsorbable Screw Fixation of Radial Styloid Fractures: Case Report
Authors: Turan Adil , Kati Yusuf Alper , Acar Baver , Kose Ozkan
Published: April 2019

Background Several types of fixation materials may be used for the radial styloid fractures such as Kirschner wire fixation, screw fixation, volar plate fixation, and fragment-specific radial buttress plate fixation. However, each of these fixation techniques has certain complications usually related to either the surgical dissection or the application of fixation and symptomatic permanent hardware. Implant removal secondary to irritation of prominent screw heads or bulky plates is not uncommon after radial styloid fracture fixation.

Case Description Herein, two patients with an isolated radial styloid fracture who were treated with bioabsorbable magnesium (alloy: MgYREZr) screws are presented. In both patients, the fracture union was achieved without any complication and need for implant removal.

Literature Review This is the first report on the use of magnesium screws for this indication.

Clinical Relevance Magnesium bioabsorbable compression screw fixation may be an alternative solution that eliminates removal operations due to symptomatic hardware in radial styloid fractures.
Impact of Screw Length on Proximal Scaphoid Fracture Biomechanics
Authors: Patel Samik , Giugale Juan , Tiedeken Nathan , Debski Richard E. , Fowler John R.
Published: April 2019

Background Proximal scaphoid fractures display high nonunion rates and increased revision cases. Waist fracture fixation involves maximizing screw length within the cortex; however, the optimal screw length for proximal scaphoid fractures remains unknown.

Purpose The main purpose of this article is to compare stiffness and ultimate load for proximal scaphoid fracture fixation of various headless compression screw lengths.

Methods Eighteen scaphoids underwent an osteotomy simulating a 7 mm oblique proximal fracture. Screws of three lengths (10, 18, and 24 mm) were randomly assigned for fixation. Each specimen underwent cyclic loading with stiffness calculated during the last loading cycle. Specimens that withstood cyclic loading were loaded to failure.

Results No significant difference in stiffness between screw lengths was found. Ultimate load was significantly impacted by the screw length. A significant difference in ultimate load between a 10 and 24 mm screw was found; however, no significant difference occurred in ultimate load between an 18 and 24 mm screw.

Conclusions No significant difference in stiffness between all groups could be due to similarities in purchase in the proximal aspect. The 10 mm screw withstanding less ultimate load compared to the 24 mm screw could be due to the 10 mm screw gaining less purchase on either side of the fracture site compared to the 24 mm screw. Lack of significant difference in ultimate load between the 18 and 24 mm screw could be occurring because the fracture site is closer to the 18 mm screw midpoint, as distal threads are engaged closer to the fracture.

Clinical Relevance Maximizing screw length may not provide superior fixation biomechanically compared with fixation utilizing a 6 mm shorter screw for proximal scaphoid fractures.
Electrocardiographic Changes after Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Bhargava Pranshu , Singh Rahul
Published: April 2019

Introduction Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes after ischemic stroke are well documented. However, ECG changes after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) have been infrequently studied. In many cases, changes occur due to neurogenic causes and may be misinterpreted as primary cardiac events.

Aims This study was undertaken to study ECG changes after SICH.

Materials and Method This study included all SICH patients admitted over 1 year. Patients with intraventricular and subarachnoid hemorrhage without cerebral bleed were excluded, and those with a doubtful history of head injury were also excluded. Management was guided as per standard protocol. All patients were monitored in neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU). ECG changes were noted and analyzed.

Results Total 47 SICH patients were admitted over 1 year; 0.66% patients were found to have one or more ECG abnormalities at time of admission. A prolonged QTc interval was the most common finding (39%), followed by sinus tachycardia or bradycardia and ST-segment changes. All patients with brainstem or intraventricular bleed had changes in ECG, whereas 62% had basal ganglia (BG) bleed, 43% thalamic bleed, and 57% had cortical bleeds had ECG changes, and 0.13% of patients had concomitant echocardiographic (ECHO) changes also. The most common change in BG lesion was T inversion as well as QTc prolongation in thalamic lesions. An equal percentage of males and females had ECG changes; however, 80% of all patients were males. All patients younger than 40 years had changes on ECG, and 75% of patients in the age group of 61 to 70 were found to have changes on ECG. In one patient with intraventricular hemorrhagic, global hypokinesia was reversed after insertion of ventricular drain and normalization of intracranial pressure (ICP). Although the management of the cardiac events may remain the same, in cases in which the primary cause is neurogenic, treating this cause or lowering ICP may help in reverting ECG changes.

Conclusion ECG changes occurring after SICH need to be cautiously interpreted, as the primary cause may be neurogenic and subsequent treatment would require lowering of ICP either surgically or medically.
Surgical Management of Intracranial Epidermoid Tumors—An Institutional Review of 234 Cases
Authors: Velho Vernon , Bhide Anuj , Naik Harish , Jain Nimesh
Published: April 2019

Aim To study the demographics, clinical profile, management strategies, and treatment outcomes of intracranial epidermoid lesions.

Materials and Methods A single institutional retrospective analysis from a large institute in Western India was done of all patients operated for intracranial epidermoid tumors over a period of 20 years from January 1997 to January 2017. All patients were investigated with a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) as well as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with a diffusion-weighted imaging to confirm diagnosis of epidermoid tumor. The presenting complaints and the demographics of all patients were recorded, and all patients underwent planned surgery, with or without a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedure as per requirement. Surgery ranged from a gross total resection to a near-total resection depending on the patient, location of the lesion, and involvement of adjacent structures. All patients underwent an immediate postoperative computed tomographic (CT) scan as well as a follow-up MRI. Patients were followed up to note clinical improvement as well as documentation of all complications.

Results Total 234 patients of intracranial epidermoid tumors were operated upon in a 20-year span. Males predominated with a total number of 146 (62.4%). The most common age group was the fourth decade. The most common presentations were headache (118 patients) and neuralgia in the trigeminal distribution (82 patients). Infratentorial compartment was the most common location of the tumors (152 patients), with cerebellopontine angle being the predominant site in the posterior fossa (107 patients). Both supra- and infratentorial compartments were involved in 28 cases. Gross total excision could be achieved in 202 patients. Reoperation was required in 12 cases. The mean follow-up period was 68 months. The most common complication encountered was that of postoperative CSF leak (24 patients). We had eight cases of recurrence and six deaths in our series.

Conclusion Epidermoid tumors can arise in virtually all intracranial locations. Gross total excision of the tumor is treatment of choice and can be curative for these benign lesions. Large lesions at presentation with involvement of multiple compartments can be difficult to manage and may require bicompartmental or second look surgery. Complete excision of the capsule with preservation of adjacent neuronal and vascular structures is of utmost importance to decrease postoperative morbidity and chances of recurrence. Perioperative steroids, avoidance of intraoperative spillage, and intraoperative endoscopic assistance are recommended in all cases.
Psychosocial Impact of Brain Injury: A Review
Authors: Kumar Raj , Kumar Arushi , Singh Amit
Published: April 2019

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is known as “silent epidemic” because of lack of knowledge about it and its delayed symptoms of memory and cognitive problems. The incidence is approximately 1.4 million per year in the United States, and in the developing countries, it is approximately 341 per 100,000. In the United States, the annual productivity loss due to TBI and its delayed effects is more than $56 billion. TBIs occur mainly due to traffic accidents and falls. All the age groups are affected, but the rates are higher in men than in women. The causes vary as per the age groups as traumas affect mainly children and elderly, and traffic accidents and violence affect more of adolescents and young adults. Data from various studies indicate wide variation in the incidence and prevalence of psychiatric disorders after TBI, but they are definitely higher as compared with general population. We also noted different psychiatric disorders in post head injury cases during follow-up at our university hospital, which included depression, behavioral disorders, cognitive disorders, memory impairment, anxiety disorders, stress-related headache, vertigo, irritability and sleep disorders, etc. Therefore, this review was undertaken to assess the psychosocial impact of brain injury on an individual.
In situ measurement of temperature dependent picosecond resolved carrier dynamics in near infrared (NIR) sensitive device on action
Authors: Patwari Jayita , Chatterjee Arka , Ghadi Hemant , Sharma Hemant , Chakrabarti Subhananda , Pal Samir Kumar
Published: April 2019

The carrier dynamics study of emerging near infrared (NIR) absorbing materials is an essential need to develop device technology toward enhanced NIR light harvesting. In this study, we have documented the design of an indigenously developed time correlated single photoncounting (TCSPC) system working in the NIR (900 nm–1700 nm) spectral region. The system is compatible to study transient photoluminescence of device samples under tunable bias voltages. The liquid nitrogen cooling and electrical heating of the sample chamber provides additional flexibility of temperature dependent study starting from −196 °C to 400 °C. As a model system to study, we have chosen a multilayer InAs/InGaAs/GaAs/AlGaAs dot in the dual well device sample as the thin film quantum dot heterostructures are of huge relevance in various NIR harvesting devices. We have investigated the detail carrier dynamics of the device sample using the transient photoluminescence upon varying temperature (80 K–300 K), varying emission energy and different bias voltages (0 V–15 V). The critical temperature (160 K) and critical bias (12 V) of achieving longest excited state lifetime has been mechanistically explained using various competing photophysical phenomena such as hole diffusion, energy relaxation, etc. The emission wavelength dependent study at below and above critical temperature further provides an insight into the dominance of carrier capture and thermal escape at the two different temperature zones. Along with the detail understanding of the carrier dynamics, the results can be helpful to get an idea of the electrical stability of the device and the operability temperature as well. The reasonable good resolution of the NIR TCSPC system and considerable good results ensure the future application of the same for other devices also.
Microcontroller based scanning transfer cavity lock for long-term laser frequency stabilization
Authors: Subhankar S. , Restelli A. , Wang Y. , Rolston S. L. , Porto J. V.
Published: April 2019

We present a compact all-digital implementation of a scanning transfer cavity lock (STCL) for long-term laser frequency stabilization. An interrupt-driven state machine is employed to realize the STCL with the capability to correct for frequency drifts in the slave laser frequency due to measured changes in the lab environmental conditions. We demonstrate an accuracy of 0.9 MHz for master laser and slave laser wavelengths of 556 nm and 798 nm as an example. The slave laser is also demonstrated to dynamically scan over a wide frequency range while retaining its lock, allowing us to accurately interrogate atomic transitions.
Physical reservoir computing based on spin torque oscillator with forced synchronization
Authors: Tsunegi Sumito , Taniguchi Tomohiro , Nakajima Kohei , Miwa Shinji , Yakushiji Kay , Fukushima Akio , Yuasa Shinji , Kubota Hitoshi
Published: April 2019

We investigated physical reservoir computing (RC) using a vortex-type spin torque oscillator (STO) as a resource of nonlinear dynamics, which is essential for processing information in time-series data. Forced synchronization was used to suppress the thermal fluctuation of the oscillation trajectory of the STO. We examined the memory property of the STO dynamics, called short-term memory (STM), by using a virtual node technique. The STM capacity increased about twofold compared with that obtained without forced synchronization. The performance index for the nonlinear transformation of the STO also increased; it was evaluated in a parity-check task. The results prove that the synchronized STO has great potential for physical RC based on nanotechnology.
Neuromorphic MEMS sensor network
Authors: Rafaie Mostafa , Hasan Mohammad H. , Alsaleem Fadi M.
Published: April 2019

This work investigates the computational potential of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) networks. In these networks, each MEMS device retains the memory of past inputs through bistability and hysteresis and receives a weighted excitatory or inhibitory feedback from other devices within the network. These interactions are shown to change the dynamics of a small network of MEMS devices to produce selective switching and limit cycles through Hopf bifurcations. Furthermore, we show that interactions within large, trained MEMS networks can be used to perform computational tasks such as object classification and tracking.
A distributed cooperative approach for unmanned aerial vehicle flocking
Authors: Jia Yongnan , Li Qing , Zhang Weicun
Published: April 2019

This paper studied the fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flocking problem from the biological point of view on the basis of the UAV model governed by the complete 12 variables. A weighted and undirected graph is applied to describe the time-variant metric interaction relationship among fixed-wing UAVs. Based on the proposed model and the communication mechanism, a distributed cooperation approach is designed to force groups of fixed-wing UAVs to collaboratively accomplish predefined tasks such as imitating a flock of birds. During the evolution process, four constraint conditions should be considered. The first one is that each UAV flies under bounded state variables, including attitude angle, velocity, and attitude angle speed. Second, one forward speed is necessary for the flight of each fixed-wing UAV. The third one concerns the aviation safety problem. Considering the real size of the fixed-wing UAV, the minimal distance between any two UAVs during the evolution process should be large enough to avoid collisions. The last constraint condition is that the lesser the adjustment time, the more likely it will be within a steady-state error margin. Four constraint conditions are skillfully taken as evaluation criteria to determine the coupling strength of the communication network. Numerical simulations are provided to validate the feasibility of the proposed approach for fixed-wing UAVs to implement the steady flight task of variable-altitude flocking and the steady flight task of invariable-altitude flocking.