bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of Patients with Symptomatic Low von Willebrand Factor from Those with Asymptomatic Low von Willebrand Factor
Authors: Grabowski Eric F. , Van Cott Elizabeth M. , Bornikova Larissa , Boyle Daniel C. , Silva Raisa Lomanto
Published: May 2020

Background Accurate diagnosis of symptomatic low von Willebrand factor (VWF) remains a major challenge in von Willebrand disease (VWD). However, present tests do not adequately take into account flow forces that, at very high shear rates, reveal a weakness in the VWF-platelet glycoprotein glycoprotein Ib bond in normal subjects. The degree of this weakness is greater in symptomatic, but not asymptomatic, low VWF.

Objective The aim of this study is to distinguish patients with symptomatic low VWF (levels in the 30–50 IU/dL range) from those with asymptomatic low VWF and normal subjects.

Methods We measured platelet adhesion (PA)/aggregation in our novel microfluidic flow system that permits real-time assessment of PA (surface coverage) and PA/aggregation (V, aggregate volume) using epifluorescence digital videomicroscopy in flowing noncitrated whole blood at 4,000 second−1. Blood samples from 24 low VWF patients and 15 normal subjects were collected into plastic tubes containing 4 U/mL enoxaparin. MetaMorph software was used to quantify rates of PA and V increase.

Results Rates of PA increase showed a bimodal distribution, with values for 16/24 patients (Group I) all below the 2.5th percentile of normal, and values for 8/24 patients (Group II) similar to controls. Bleeding scores (mean ± standard error) were 5.50 ± 0.45 versus 2.75 ± 0.45 (p = 0.00077), and 10 clinically significant bleeding events were observed in seven versus zero (p = 0.0295) Group I and Group II subjects, respectively.

Conclusion The present approach may offer a definitive means to distinguish symptomatic low VWF from either asymptomatic low VWF or normal controls.
Functional Fibrinolysis Assays Reveal Different Mechanisms underlying Plasminogen Dysfunction in Ligneous Conjunctivitis
Authors: Bourrienne Marie-Charlotte , Loyau Stéphane , Faille Dorothée , de Raucourt Emmanuelle , de Mazancourt Philippe , Ho-Tin-Noé Benoît , Gabison Eric , Ajzenberg Nadine
Published: May 2020

Background Ligneous conjunctivitis (LC) is a rare disorder associated with plasminogen deficiency characterized by chronic fibrin deposits in the eyelids. All patients with plasminogen deficiency do not develop LC, whose underlying mechanisms remain unknown.

Objective We investigated whether fibrinolytic activity was correlated with phenotype and/or genotype in patients suffering from LC and their relatives.

Methods Plasminogen activity/antigen levels and PLG mutations were determined in 10 patients with LC, 17 of their asymptomatic relatives, and 10 healthy individuals used as a control group. Plasma fibrinolytic activity was evaluated using three different assays: (1) tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA) front lysis, (2) cell-based urokinase-dependent euglobulin clot lysis (ECLT) at the surface of corneal cells, and (3) urokinase-dependent plasminogen activation.

Results Plasminogen activity varied from <10 to 40% in patients, 36 to 105% in relatives, and >80% in control healthy individuals. Homozygous K19E mutation was associated with normal antigenic plasminogen levels. In front-lysis experiments, all patients had a lower fibrinolysis rate as compared with their relatives and to control individuals. The cell-based ECLT and plasminogen activation assay demonstrated that urokinase-mediated fibrinolysis was not impaired in patients with homozygous K19E mutation compared with the other mutants.

Conclusion We confirm that plasminogen levels fail to predict LC occurrence. In these conditions, t-PA clot lysis front is useful to predict clinical outcome in plasminogen deficiency. Moreover, we provide evidence that occurrence of LC overlaps quantitative and qualitative plasminogen deficiencies. The homozygous K19E mutation is associated with isolated impaired t-PA-mediated fibrinolysis compared with other mutants.
Maryland's Global Budget Revenue Model: How Do Costs and Readmission Rates Fare for Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty?
Authors: Delanois Ronald E. , Wilkie Wayne A. , Mohamed Nequesha S. , Remily Ethan A. , Pollak Andrew N. , Mont Michael A.
Published: May 2020

In 2014, Maryland implemented the Global Budget Revenue (GBR) model for cost reduction and quality improvement. This study evaluated GBR's effect on demographics and outcomes for patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by comparing Maryland to the United States (U.S.). We identified primary TKA patients in Maryland's State Inpatient Database (n = 71,022) and the National Inpatient Sample (n = 4,045,245) between 2011 and 2016 utilizing International Classification of Disease (ICD)-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes. Multiple regression was used for difference-in-difference (DID) analyses to compare the intervention cohort (Maryland) to the nonintervention cohort (U.S.) between the pre-GBR (2011–2013) and post-GBR (2014–2016) periods. After GBR implementation, there were proportionally less white, obese, morbidly obese, Medicare, and Medicaid patients with proportionally more routine discharge patients in Maryland and the U.S. (all p < 0.001). There were proportionally less home health care (HHC) patients in Maryland, but more in the U.S. (both p < 0.001). The mean lengths of stay (LOS), costs, and complications decreased for both cohorts, while charges increased for the U.S. (all p < 0.001). The DID analysis suggested Maryland saw more Asian and Medicaid patients and less obese and morbidly obese patients under GBR. The DID assessments also found decreased LOS, costs, and charges (p < 0.001 for all) for patients under GBR. As other states such as Pennsylvania and Vermont explore hospital budgets, Maryland may provide a more viable model for future health care policies that incorporate global budgets.
Statins and Major Adverse Limb Events in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pastori Daniele , Farcomeni Alessio , Milanese Alberto , Del Sole Francesco , Menichelli Danilo , Hiatt William R. , Violi Francesco
Published: May 2020

Background Statins are guidelines recommended in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) for the prevention of cardiovascular (CV) events. Comprehensive meta-data on the impact of statins on major adverse limb events (MALE) in PAD patients are lacking. We examined the association of statin use with MALE in patients with PAD.

Methods We performed a systematic review (registered at PROSPERO: number CRD42019137111) and metanalysis of studies retrieved from PubMed (via MEDLINE) and Cochrane (CENTRAL) databases addressing the impact of statin on MALE including amputation and graft occlusion/revascularization. Secondary endpoints were all-cause death, composite CV endpoints, CV death, and stroke.

Results We included 51 studies with 138,060 PAD patients, of whom 48,459 (35.1%) were treated with statins. The analysis included 2 randomized controlled trials, 20 prospective, and 29 retrospective studies. Overall, 11,396 MALE events, 21,624 deaths, 4,852 composite CV endpoints, 4,609 CV deaths, and 860 strokes were used for the analysis. Statins reduced MALE incidence by 30% (pooled hazard ratio [HR]: 0.702; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.605–0.815) and amputations by 35% (HR: 0.654; 95% CI: 0.522–0.819), all-cause mortality by 39% (pooled HR: 0.608, 95% CI: 0.543–0.680), CV death by 41% (HR: 0.594; 95% CI: 0.455–0.777), composite CV endpoints by 34% (pooled HR: 0.662; 95% CI: 0.591–0.741) and ischemic stroke by 28% (pooled HR: 0.718; 95% CI: 0.620–0.831).

Conclusion Statins reduce the incidence of MALE, all-cause, and CV mortality in patients with PAD. In PAD, a high proportion of MALE events and deaths could be prevented by implementing a statin prescription in this patient population.
Partial Gyrus Rectus Resection as a Technique to Improve the Exposure to the Anterior Communicating Artery Complex through the Junctional Triangle: A Quantitative Study
Authors: Valli Daniel , Zhao Xiaochun , Belykh Evgenii , Sun Qing , Lawton Michael T. , Preul Mark C.
Published: May 2020

Objective The junctional triangle, formed by the distal A1 anterior cerebral artery (ACA) segment, the proximal A2 ACA segment, and the medial surface of gyrus rectus (GR), is a corridor of access to superiorly and posteriorly projecting anterior communicating artery (AComA) aneurysms that is widened by GR retraction or resection. Exposure of the AComA complex through the junctional triangle after GR resection has not been previously quantitatively evaluated.

Design GR resection extent and increase in artery exposure through the junctional triangle were assessed in this study.

Setting This study was conducted in the laboratory with a pterional approach, exposing the AComA complex.

Participants Ten sides of five cadaveric heads were considered.

Main Outcome Measures Exposure extent of ipsilateral and contralateral A1, A2, and AComA and accessibility of branches coming off the AComA complex were measured before and after GR resection. The GR was resected until sufficient bilateral A2 and contralateral A1 exposures were achieved. GR resection span was measured.

Results The mean (standard deviation) resected span of GR was 7 ± 3.9 mm. After GR resection, the exposed span of the ipsilateral A2 increased from 2 ± 0.7 mm to 4 ± 1.1 mm (p = 0.001); contralateral A2 exposure increased from 3 ± 1.5 mm to 4 ± 1.1 mm (p = 0.03). Contralateral recurrent artery of Heubner (RAH) and orbitofrontal artery were accessible in five and eight specimens, respectively, before GR resection and in all 10 after resection.

Conclusion GR resection improves exposure of bilateral A2 segments through the junctional triangle. Exposure improvement is greater for the ipsilateral A2 than contralateral A2. The junctional triangle concept is enhanced by partial GR resection during surgery for superior and posterior AComA aneurysms.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Hypofractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenoma
Authors: Sherry Alexander D. , Khattab Mohamed H. , Xu Mark C. , Kelly Patrick , Anderson Joshua L. , Luo Guozhen , Chambless Lola B. , Cmelak Anthony J. , Attia Albert
Published: May 2020

Objectives Hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HSRT) in two to five fractions may offer patients with large nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) with chiasm involvement a safe and effective treatment over a single week. However, little has been reported regarding this novel approach.

Design We compared the feasibility, outcomes, and toxicity of single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery and HSRT.

Setting This study was conducted at a tertiary academic referral center.

Participants After approval by the institutional review board, we performed a retrospective cohort study of patients treated at our institution with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and HSRT for NFPA. Selection for SRS or HSRT was based on clinicopathologic factors including tumor size and cavernous sinus invasion at the discretion of the treating physician.

Main Outcome Measures Local control, endocrinopathy, and radiation-associated toxicity were evaluated by binary logistic regression and Cox's proportional hazards regression.

Results A total of 45 patients with mean follow-up of 5 years were enrolled including 26 patients treated by HSRT with mean follow-up of 3 years and 19 patients treated by SRS with median follow-up of 6 years. Clinicopathologic characteristics were balanced between cohorts. Local failure at last follow-up was 5% in the SRS cohort and 8% in the HSRT cohort, and rates of post-SRS endocrinopathy were similar between each cohort. Late complications including radionecrosis, visual deficit, and secondary malignancy were minimal in either cohort.

Conclusions HSRT is an appropriate treatment strategy for patients with NFPAs, particularly for optic pathway preservation in the setting of large tumors with chiasm involvement. Further studies are needed to optimize fractionated approaches and patient selection.
The validity of Rodrik’s conclusion on real exchange rate and economic growth: factor priority evidence from feature selection approach
Authors: Seraj Mehdi , Bahramian Pejman , Alhassan Abdulkareem , Shahabad Rasool Dehghanzadeh
Published: May 2020

The undesirable effect of poor exchange rate policy on economic growth has been firmly established in the literature using various parametric methods of econometric techniques. However, less is known about the prioritization of the exchange rate as a determinant of economic growth using a nonparametric approach. Thus, this study introduced machining learning approach (feature selection, particle swarm optimization—PSO, and genetic algorithm—GA techniques) to evaluate the relative primacy of the exchange rate for sustainable economic growth in Germany, South Africa, and Slovakia using Rodrik model with time series data from 1990 to 2016. The study reveals that GDP per capita is the most crucial variable for economic growth in Germany and South Africa whereas, in Slovakia, the real exchange rate takes precedence over all other determinants of economic growth. That is, exchange rate takes precedence over other factors as a determinant of economic growth in an economy (Slovakia) with the high rate of trade openness while income per capita is the most important determinant of economic growth in economies (Germany and South Africa) with a relatively lower rate of trade openness. This partly supports Rodrik’s conclusion. We, therefore, recommend that highly opened economies should focus on viable exchange rate policies, such as undervaluation of currency to enhance sustained economic growth. On the other hand, relatively less open economies should focus on policies that improve income per capita rather than exchange rate policies.
Minimal and complete set of descriptors for IR-absorption spectra of liquid H2–D2 mixtures
Authors: Grössle Robin , Bornschein Beate , Kraus Alexander , Mirz Sebastian , Wozniewski Sebastian
Published: May 2020

The IR spectra of liquid hydrogen isotopologues (Q2 = H2, D2, T2, HD, HT, DT) are dominated by the interaction induced absorption. Therefore, the complexity tremendously increases with the number of different isotopologues in the sample. As we aim for a system independent calibration of IR absorption spectroscopy against all six isotopologues and three ortho–para ratios, we need a minimal and complete set of descriptors to predict the spectra and to decrease the needed calibration effort. For this, we grouped the absorption lines into three groups: absorption on monomers, phonons, and molecular dimers. In particular, molecular dimers contribute to the absolute number of absorption lines in the spectra of mixed isotopologues. To develop and test the set of descriptors, we make use of three spectra: a pure H2 sample, a pure D2 sample, and a mixed H2–D2 sample. We show a detailed analysis of these three spectra in the first and second vibrational branch in the range from 2000 cm−1 to 9000 cm−1. The set of descriptors found within this work can be used to identify and predict all lines in this range for liquid H2–D2mixtures.
Magnetic field impact on the laser heating in MagLIF
Authors: Carpenter K. R. , Mancini R. C. , Harding E. C. , Harvey-Thompson A. J. , Geissel M. , Weis M. R. , Hansen S. B. , Peterson K. J. , Rochau G. A.
Published: May 2020

Prior to implosion in Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF), the fuel is heated to temperatures on the order of several hundred eV with a multi-kJ, multi-ns laser pulse. We present two laser heated plasma experiments, relevant to the MagLIF preheat stage, performed at Z with beryllium liners filled with deuterium and a trace amount of argon. In one experiment, there is no magnetic field and, in the other, the liner and fuel are magnetized with an 8.5 T axial magnetic field. The recorded time integrated, spatially resolved spectra of the Ar K-shell emission are sensitive to electron temperature Te. Individual analysis of the spatially resolved spectra produces electron temperature distributions Te(z) that are resolved along the axis of laser propagation. In the experiment with magnetic field, the plasma reaches higher temperatures and the heated region extends deeper within the liner than in the unmagnetized case. Radiation magnetohydrodynamics simulations of the experiments are presented and post-processed. A comparison of the results from experimental and simulated data reveals that the simulations underpredict Te in both cases but the differences are larger in the case with magnetic field.
Identification of light sources using machine learning
Authors: You Chenglong , Quiroz-Juárez Mario A. , Lambert Aidan , Bhusal Narayan , Dong Chao , Perez-Leija Armando , Javaid Amir , León-Montiel Roberto de J. , Magaña-Loaiza Omar S.
Published: May 2020

The identification of light sources represents a task of utmost importance for the development of multiple photonic technologies. Over the last decades, the identification of light sources as diverse as sunlight, laser radiation, and molecule fluorescence has relied on the collection of photon statistics or the implementation of quantum state tomography. In general, this task requires an extensive number of measurements to unveil the characteristic statistical fluctuations and correlation properties of light, particularly in the low-photon flux regime. In this article, we exploit the self-learning features of artificial neural networks and the naive Bayes classifier to dramatically reduce the number of measurements required to discriminate thermal light from coherent light at the single-photon level. We demonstrate robust light identification with tens of measurements at mean photon numbers below one. In terms of accuracy and number of measurements, the methods described here dramatically outperform conventional schemes for characterization of light sources. Our work has important implications for multiple photonic technologies such as light detection and ranging, and microscopy.
A wave packet picture of exciton–exciton annihilation: Molecular dimer dynamics
Authors: Süß J. , Engel V.
Published: May 2020

The usual view of exciton–exciton annihilation (EEA) processes in molecular aggregates is based on locally excited states of the monomer units. However, the corresponding localized configurations can only be assumed if the system is in a coherent superposition of eigenstates, i.e., a wave packet. We study a molecular dimer and focus on the characterization of EEA by a wave packet motion induced in the system by ultrashort pulse excitation. Here, coherences that appear are destroyed by dissipation processes. We discuss the influence of interband and intraband relaxation on the dynamics. The states that participate in the annihilation process are directly accessible by fifth-order optical two-dimensional spectroscopy. Such spectra are calculated, and spectral features are related to the annihilation process.
Design of multichannel potentiostat for remote and longtime monitoring of glucose concentration during yeast fermentation
Authors: Abdullah Saad , Serpelloni Mauro , Sardini Emilio
Published: May 2020

This paper presents the design of a wireless portable and multichannel potentiostat for remote monitoring in enclosed environments for long-time applications. In this paper, the proposed potentiostat is tested for monitoring the glucose concentration during the fermentation of yeast in real time for more than 24 h. The potentiostat is powered by a USB-connected battery and operated through a Bluetooth using a LabVIEW designed data monitoring and control panel. The potentiostat is capable of performing cyclic voltammetry or chronoamperometry on six biosensors simultaneously and gives the real-time response using Bluetooth connection. The potentiostat has a common counter electrode and reference electrode connection to all biosensors and independent working electrodes for all biosensors. The potentiostat was tested and validated by comparing the results obtained by a commercial potentiostat. The tests performed for monitoring the glucose concentration during the fermentation process showed a current detection limit of 180 nA and reported a standard deviation of ±2% for anodic and cathodic current peaks for cyclic voltammetry measurements when compared with the commercially available device. This study enables the novel method of monitoring the fermentation process wirelessly for days.
Experimental investigation of energy harvesting behind a bluff body
Authors: Latif Usman , Uddin Emad , Abdullah Chaudhary , Ali Zaib , Sajid Muhammad , Akhtar Khalid , Shah Samiur Rehman
Published: May 2020

The effect of base suction on flapping and energy harvesting through the piezoelectric membrane in the wake of a cylindrical bluff body is studied in this paper by carrying out a series of wind tunnel experiments. The effect of S/D (ratio of the distance between the cylinder and membrane to the cylinder diameter), L/D (ratio of the membrane length to the cylinder diameter), and flow speed on the flapping dynamics and energy generation from the polyvinylidene fluoride membrane placed behind the bluff body was studied. Different flapping modes were found from optimal coupling to fully deformed. The flapping motion of the membrane was determined by using a high-speed camera, and an oscilloscope was used for the measurement of the generated voltages. Also, the flapping dynamics and output voltages were extensively studied in the sub and post-critical regions by varying the S/D ratio, L/D ratio, and flow velocity. An increase of 38% in energy harvesting is observed when the piezomembrane was placed at L/D = 1 and S/D = 2 with free stream velocity U = 10 m/s. An increase or decrease in voltages is attributed to the observation that the amount of harvested energy changes by varying the stated parameters. Optimum energy can be harvested by fine-tuning of flow and geometrical parameters and adjusting the piezoelectric flag in the specified range.
Numerical investigation of aero-optical effects of flow past a flat-windowed cylindrical turret
Authors: Tian Ren-Zhi , Xu He-Yong , Dong Qing-Li , Ye Zheng-Yin
Published: May 2020

Improved delayed detached eddy simulation is performed to investigate aero-optical distortions induced by Mach 0.5 flow over a cylindrical turret with a flat window at a Reynolds number of Re = 5.9 × 105 based on the turret radius. Optical wave-front distortions and associated far-field intensities at elevation angles of 90°, 100°, and 120° are calculated using the geometric ray-tracing method and Fourier optics theory, respectively. The time-averaged properties of the flow fields and the optical distortions are compared with the experimental results, and reasonable agreements are obtained. It is shown that large-scale coherent structures significantly increase the optical distortions and, consequently, degrade the optical performance in terms of the far-field intensity level, while the optical effects of the attached turbulent boundary layers and separation bubbles are trivial and negligible. Very little difference is observed in both instantaneous and statistical optical results calculated with and without defocus and astigmatism components, indicating the adequacy of the removing piston and tilt components for aiding in the design of adaptive optical systems. Both co-flow and blowing jet fluid control methods are introduced with a steady mass flow to alleviate wave-front distortions, and preliminary simulations demonstrate the practicability of these fluid control methods in suppressing the optical distortions. It is shown that both the active control methods are competent to reduce the overall wave-front root-mean-square of the optical path difference.
32-Channel transmit beamformer with high timing resolution for high-frequency ultrasound imaging systems
Authors: Sheng Duo , Chan Sheng-Min , Lin Chun-Wei , Huang Chih-Chung
Published: May 2020

This paper presents a 32-channel high timing resolution transmit-beamforming circuit for use in high-frequency ultrasound imaging systems. Conventional transmit-beamforming circuits are typically implemented using field-programmable gate array (FPGA) chips. However, it is difficult for FPGAs to provide high timing resolution to meet the beamforming requirements of high-frequency ultrasound imaging systems. The proposed transmit-beamforming design can generate stable and suitable delays to excite 32-channel array transducer elements without variations in the process, voltage, and temperature. In addition, the proposed low-complexity architecture can maintain the duty cycle of long prorogation signals with low hardware cost to meet the timing requirements of a large channel number array transducer. The proposed designed transmit beamformer uses 0.18-µm CMOS technology for a 30-MHz high-frequency linear array, and the simulation results show that the proposed transmit-beamforming application-specific integrated circuit can achieve a maximum time delay of 619.5 ns with a time resolution of 617 ps.
Laser-heated capillary discharge plasma waveguides for electron acceleration to 8 GeV
Authors: Gonsalves A. J. , Nakamura K. , Benedetti C. , Pieronek C. V. , Steinke S. , Bin J. H. , Bulanov S. S. , van Tilborg J. , Geddes C. G. R. , Schroeder C. B. , Daniels J. , Tóth Cs. , Obst-Huebl L. , van den Berg R. G. W. , Bagdasarov G. , Bobrova N. , Gasilov V. , Korn G. , Sasorov P. , Leemans W. P. , Esarey E.
Published: May 2020

A plasma channel created by the combination of a capillary discharge and inverse Bremsstrahlung laser heating enabled the generation of electron bunches with energy up to 7.8 GeV in a laser-driven plasma accelerator. The capillary discharge created an initial plasma channel and was used to tune the plasma temperature, which optimized laser heating. Although optimized colder initial plasma temperatures reduced the ionization degree, subsequent ionization from the heater pulse created a fully ionized plasma on-axis. The heater pulse duration was chosen to be longer than the hydrodynamic timescale of ≈1 ns, such that later temporal slices were more efficiently guided by the channel created by the front of the pulse. Simulations are presented which show that this thermal self-guiding of the heater pulse enabled channel formation over 20 cm. The post-heated channel had lower on-axis density and increased focusing strength compared to relying on the discharge alone, which allowed for guiding of relativistically intense laser pulses with a peak power of 0.85 PW and wakefield acceleration over 15 diffraction lengths. Electrons were injected into the wake in multiple buckets and times, leading to several electron bunches with different peak energies. To create single electron bunches with low energy spread, experiments using localized ionization injection inside a capillary discharge waveguide were performed. A single injected bunch with energy 1.6 GeV, charge 38 pC, divergence 1 mrad, and relative energy spread below 2% full-width half-maximum was produced in a 3.3 cm-long capillary discharge waveguide. This development shows promise for mitigation of energy spread and future high efficiency staged acceleration experiments.
Carrier mobilities of (001) cadmium arsenide films
Authors: Goyal Manik , Salmani-Rezaie Salva , Pardue Tyler N. , Guo Binghao , Kealhofer David A. , Stemmer Susanne
Published: May 2020

We investigate (001)-oriented films of the topological semimetal cadmium arsenide (Cd3As2) grown by molecular beam epitaxy on lattice-matched III–V AlxIn1−xSb buffer layers. Magnetotransport studies and analysis of thin film microstructures are used to determine the influence of dislocations on their carrier mobilities. We show that only a minority of the threading dislocations present in the buffer layers extend into the Cd3As2 films. Threading dislocations are shown to reduce the mobilities of carriers residing in the topological surface states, while bulk transport was unaffected by a change in the dislocation density across an order of magnitude. Thick (001) Cd3As2 films exhibit electron mobilities of up to 41 000 cm2 V−1 s−1 at 2 K. The results provide insights into the influence of extended defects on the transport properties of a prototype topological semimetal.
Charge carrier density, mobility, and Seebeck coefficient of melt-grown bulk ZnGa2O4 single crystals
Authors: Boy Johannes , Handwerg Martin , Mitdank Rüdiger , Galazka Zbigniew , Fischer Saskia F.
Published: May 2020

The temperature dependence of the charge carrier density, mobility, and Seebeck coefficient of melt-grown, bulk ZnGa2O4 single crystals was measured between 10 K and 310 K. The electrical conductivity at room temperature is about σ = 286 S/cm due to a high electron concentration of n = 3.26 × 1019 cm−3 caused by unintentional doping. The mobility at room temperature is μ = 55 cm2/V s, whereas the scattering on ionized impurities limits the mobility to μ = 62 cm2/Vs for temperatures lower than 180 K. The Seebeck coefficient relative to aluminum at room temperature is SZnGa2O4−Al=(−125±2) μV/K and shows a temperature dependence as expected for degenerate semiconductors. At low temperatures, around 60 K, we observed the maximum Seebeck coefficient due to the phonon drag effect.
Toward adequate control of internal interfaces utilizing nitrile-based electrolytes
Authors: Krause C. H. , Röring P. , Röser S. , Diddens D. , Thienenkamp J. H. , Cekic-Laskovic I. , Brunklaus G. , Winter M.
Published: May 2020

Methods to control internal interfaces in lithium ion batteries often require sophisticated procedures to deposit coating layers or introduce interphases, which are typically difficult to apply. This particularly holds for protection from parasitic reactions at the current collector, which reflects an internal interface for the electrode composite material and the electrolyte. In this work, electrolyte formulations based on aliphatic cyclic nitriles, cyclopentane-1-carbonitrile and cyclohexane-1-carbonitrile, are introduced that allow for successful suppression of aluminum dissolution and control of internal interfaces under application-relevant conditions. Such nitrile-based electrolytes show higher intrinsic oxidative and thermal stabilities as well as similar capacity retentions in lithium nickel–manganese–cobalt oxide LiNi3/5Mn1/5Co1/5O2 (NMC622)||graphite based full cells compared to the state-of-the-art organic carbonate-based electrolytes, even when bis(trifluoro-methane)sulfonimide lithium salt is utilized. Moreover, the importance of relative permittivity, degree of ion dissociation, and viscosity of the applied electrolyte formulations for the protection of current collector interfaces is emphasized.
Simulation of dynamic characteristics for ELM filaments on EAST tokamak using BOUT++
Authors: Wu Y. B. , Xia T. Y. , Zhong F. C. ,   EAST Team
Published: May 2020

To study the dynamic characteristics of filamentary structure during the edge-localized mode (ELM) burst on the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak, the BOUT++ six-field two-fluid model is used to simulate the temporal and spatial evolutions of the ELM filaments. In the peak gradient region at the outer mid-plane, the radial speed of filaments is changed frequently and varied from 0.11 km/s to 0.79 km/s, and the poloidal speed oscillates in the range of 0.61–0.85 km/s. The width of the ELM filaments is increased from 7.76 mm to 26.7 mm and grows rapidly to 41.99 mm from t = 0.2717 ms to 0.2831 ms after the start of the burst. After that, the width decreases gradually and stabilizes at 25–30 mm when it comes to the saturation phase. Further research indicates that the filament propagation speed is increased during their outward movement. The width gradually decreases when the filaments move outward, and it is proportional to electron temperature (Te) perturbation. All the results are consistent with the experimental data presented by Chen et al., IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci. 47, 799 (2019).
Solenoid actuated driver valve for high repetition rate shock tubes
Authors: Tranter Robert S. , Sikes Travis
Published: May 2020

A high speed, high pressure solenoid actuated valve has been developed for use as a driver section for automated shock tubes. The valve is based on a prior design, and significant improvements in the design of the valve are described. The new design retains the performance of prior versions of the valve and creates very reproducible reaction conditions in the shock tube, which are illustrated by several thousand experiments. In addition, the longevity of the valve is improved, failures are reduced, and the maintenance and manufacture of the valve are simplified.
Non-local viscosity from the Green–Kubo formula
Authors: Duque-Zumajo D. , de la Torre J. A. , Español Pep
Published: May 2020

We study through MD simulations the correlation matrix of the discrete transverse momentum density field in real space for an unconfined Lennard-Jones fluid at equilibrium. Mori theory predicts this correlation under the Markovian approximation from the knowledge of the non-local shear viscosity matrix, which is given in terms of a Green–Kubo formula. However, the running Green–Kubo integral for the non-local shear viscosity does not have a plateau. By using a recently proposed correction for the Green–Kubo formula that eliminates the plateau problem [Español et al., Phys. Rev. E 99, 022126 (2019)], we unambiguously obtain the actual non-local shear viscosity. The resulting Markovian equation, being local in time, is not valid for very short times. We observe that the Markovian equation with non-local viscosity gives excellent predictions for the correlation matrix from a time at which the correlation is around 80% of its initial value. A local in space approximation for the viscosity gives accurate results only after the correlation has decayed to 40% of its initial value.
Future probiotic foods
Authors: Ho Van T T , Turner Mark S
Published: May 2020

Foods containing edible probiotic bacteria, most commonly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, form a multi-billion-dollar industry worldwide. Currently marketed foods containing probiotics are mostly dairy based with yoghurts and fermented milks dominating the industry. Alternative foods as carriers of probiotics are being examined to reduce or eliminate lactose intolerance issues. Food categories including fruit juices, cheese, chocolate and even beer have been shown to be suitable for probiotic delivery. In addition, technologies such as encapsulation in food-grade alginate gels have allowed for improved probiotic survival in certain foodstuffs. We have explored the use of ready-to-eat vegetables such as baby spinach as carriers for commercial probiotics and found that high dose (>8 log CFU/g) can be achieved without having negative effects on appearance, taste or aroma. Leafy greens as well as other foods and beverages may be suitable probiotic containing new food products in the future.
Current perspectives and applications in plant probiotics
Authors: Walker Robert , Otto-Pille Carl , Gupta Sneha , Schillaci Martino , Roessner Ute
Published: May 2020

As agriculture and food security face unprecedented challenges, emerging agricultural innovations and existing practices require ongoing examination in the context of sustainability. In this review, we focus on the use of probiotic microorganisms for improved plant production. As plants are enormously diverse, emphasis is placed on the fundamental sites of plant-microbe interactions regarding benefits and challenges encountered when altering the microbiome of these locations. The soil, the external plant epidermis, and internal plant tissue are considered in discussion regarding the type of plant probiotic application. Plant probiotics range from broader soil beneficial microorganisms (such as Trichoderma spp.) through to specialised epiphytes and endophytes (such as root nodule bacteria). As each site of interaction affects plant growth differently, potential outcomes from the introduction of these exogenous microorganisms are discussed with regard to plant productivity. Finally, recommendations regarding regulation and future use of plant probiotics are points of consideration throughout this review.
Probiotics for cultured freshwater fish
Authors: Melo-Bolívar Javier Fernando , Ruiz-Pardo Ruth Yolanda , Hume Michael E , Sidjabat Hanna E , Villamil-Diaz Luisa Marcela
Published: May 2020

Probiotic products are viewed as an alternative to the use of antibiotics in freshwater fishes farming. Probiotic organisms include bacteria, yeast, and filamentous fungi offering different benefits to fish including growth promotion, inhibition of pathogen colonisation, and improvement of nutrient digestion, water quality, and stress tolerance, as well as enhancement of reproduction. For these reasons, this review aims to identify the main trends in probiotic amendment in freshwater fishes. Strategies to incorporate the probiotic strains in the fish feed or pellets to allow optimal viability of the strains as they reach the fish gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are crucial in probiotic research and commercial applications for freshwater fish.
Estimating the deep replicability of scientific findings using human and artificial intelligence
Authors: Yang Yang , Youyou Wu , Uzzi Brian
Published: May 2020

Significance

After years of urgent concern about the failure of scientific papers to replicate, an accurate, scalable method for identifying findings at risk has yet to arrive. We present a method that combines machine intelligence and human acumen for estimating a study’s likelihood of replication. Our model—trained and tested on hundreds of manually replicated studies and out-of-sample datasets —is comparable to the best current methods, yet reduces the strain on researchers’ resources. In practice, our model can complement prediction market and survey replication methods, prioritize studies for expensive manual replication tests, and furnish independent feedback to researchers prior to submitting a study for review.
Structural basis of nanobody recognition of grapevine fanleaf virus and of virus resistance loss
Authors: Orlov Igor , Hemmer Caroline , Ackerer Léa , Lorber Bernard , Ghannam Ahmed , Poignavent Vianney , Hleibieh Kamal , Sauter Claude , Schmitt-Keichinger Corinne , Belval Lorène , Hily Jean-Michel , Marmonier Aurélie , Komar Véronique , Gersch Sophie , Schellenberger Pascale , Bron Patrick , Vigne Emmanuelle , Muyldermans Serge , Lemaire Olivier , Demangeat Gérard , Ritzenthaler Christophe , Klaholz Bruno P.
Published: May 2020

Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) is a picorna-like plant virus transmitted by nematodes that affects vineyards worldwide. Nanobody (Nb)-mediated resistance against GFLV has been created recently, and shown to be highly effective in plants, including grapevine, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Here we present the high-resolution cryo electron microscopy structure of the GFLV–Nb23 complex, which provides the basis for molecular recognition by the Nb. The structure reveals a composite binding site bridging over three domains of one capsid protein (CP) monomer. The structure provides a precise mapping of the Nb23 epitope on the GFLV capsid in which the antigen loop is accommodated through an induced-fit mechanism. Moreover, we uncover and characterize several resistance-breaking GFLV isolates with amino acids mapping within this epitope, including C-terminal extensions of the CP, which would sterically interfere with Nb binding. Escape variants with such extended CP fail to be transmitted by nematodes linking Nb-mediated resistance to vector transmission. Together, these data provide insights into the molecular mechanism of Nb23-mediated recognition of GFLV and of virus resistance loss.
Hydrogen deuterium exchange defines catalytically linked regions of protein flexibility in the catechol
O
-methyltransferase reaction
Authors: Zhang Jianyu , Balsbaugh Jeremy L. , Gao Shuaihua , Ahn Natalie G. , Klinman Judith P.
Published: May 2020

Human catechol
O
-methyltransferase (COMT) has emerged as a model for understanding enzyme-catalyzed methyl transfer from
S
-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) to small-molecule catecholate acceptors. Mutation of a single residue (tyrosine 68) behind the methyl-bearing sulfonium of AdoMet was previously shown to impair COMT activity by interfering with methyl donor–acceptor compaction within the activated ground state of the wild type enzyme [J. Zhang, H. J. Kulik, T. J. Martinez, J. P. Klinman,
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.
112, 7954–7959 (2015)]. This predicts the involvement of spatially defined protein dynamical effects that further tune the donor/acceptor distance and geometry as well as the electrostatics of the reactants. Here, we present a hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX)-mass spectrometric study of wild type and mutant COMT, comparing temperature dependences of HDX against corresponding kinetic and cofactor binding parameters. The data show that the impaired Tyr68Ala mutant displays similar breaks in Arrhenius plots of both kinetic and HDX properties that are absent in the wild type enzyme. The spatial resolution of HDX below a break point of 15–20 °C indicates changes in flexibility across ∼40% of the protein structure that is confined primarily to the periphery of the AdoMet binding site. Above 20 °C, Tyr68Ala behaves more like WT in HDX, but its rate and enthalpic barrier remain significantly altered. The impairment of catalysis by Tyr68Ala can be understood in the context of a mutationally induced alteration in protein motions that becomes manifest along and perpendicular to the primary group transfer coordinate.
The evolutionary history of extinct and living lions
Authors: de Manuel Marc , Barnett Ross , Sandoval-Velasco Marcela , Yamaguchi Nobuyuki , Garrett Vieira Filipe , Zepeda Mendoza M. Lisandra , Liu Shiping , Martin Michael D. , Sinding Mikkel-Holger S. , Mak Sarah S. T. , Carøe Christian , Liu Shanlin , Guo Chunxue , Zheng Jiao , Zazula Grant , Baryshnikov Gennady , Eizirik Eduardo , Koepfli Klaus-Peter , Johnson Warren E. , Antunes Agostinho , Sicheritz-Ponten Thomas , Gopalakrishnan Shyam , Larson Greger , Yang Huanming , O’Brien Stephen J. , Hansen Anders J. , Zhang Guojie , Marques-Bonet Tomas , Gilbert M. Thomas P.
Published: May 2020

Lions are one of the world’s most iconic megafauna, yet little is known about their temporal and spatial demographic history and population differentiation. We analyzed a genomic dataset of 20 specimens: two
ca.
30,000-y-old cave lions (
Panthera leo spelaea
), 12 historic lions (
Panthera leo leo/Panthera leo melanochaita
) that lived between the 15th and 20th centuries outside the current geographic distribution of lions, and 6 present-day lions from Africa and India. We found that cave and modern lions shared an ancestor
ca.
500,000 y ago and that the 2 lineages likely did not hybridize following their divergence. Within modern lions, we found 2 main lineages that diverged
ca.
70,000 y ago, with clear evidence of subsequent gene flow. Our data also reveal a nearly complete absence of genetic diversity within Indian lions, probably due to well-documented extremely low effective population sizes in the recent past. Our results contribute toward the understanding of the evolutionary history of lions and complement conservation efforts to protect the diversity of this vulnerable species.
Chronic mild hypoxia accelerates recovery from preexisting EAE by enhancing vascular integrity and apoptosis of infiltrated monocytes
Authors: Halder Sebok K. , Milner Richard
Published: May 2020

While several studies have shown that hypoxic preconditioning suppresses development of the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis (MS), no one has yet examined the important clinically relevant question of whether mild hypoxia can impact the progression of preexisting disease. Using a relapsing–remitting model of EAE, here we demonstrate that when applied to preexisting disease, chronic mild hypoxia (CMH, 10% O
2
) markedly accelerates clinical recovery, leading to long-term stable reductions in clinical score. At the histological level, CMH led to significant reductions in vascular disruption, leukocyte accumulation, and demyelination. Spinal cord blood vessels of CMH-treated mice showed reduced expression of the endothelial activation molecule VCAM-1 but increased expression of the endothelial tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin, key mechanisms underlying vascular integrity. Interestingly, while equal numbers of inflammatory leukocytes were present in the spinal cord at peak disease (day 14 postimmunization; i.e., 3 d after CMH started), apoptotic removal of infiltrated leukocytes during the remission phase was markedly accelerated in CMH-treated mice, as determined by increased numbers of monocytes positive for TUNEL and cleaved caspase-3. The enhanced monocyte apoptosis in CMH-treated mice was paralleled by increased numbers of HIF-1α+ monocytes, suggesting that CMH enhances monocyte removal by amplifying the hypoxic stress manifest within monocytes in acute inflammatory lesions. These data demonstrate that mild hypoxia promotes recovery from preexisting inflammatory demyelinating disease and suggest that this protection is primarily the result of enhanced vascular integrity and accelerated apoptosis of infiltrated monocytes.
Spontaneous formation of autocatalytic sets with self-replicating inorganic metal oxide clusters
Authors: Miras Haralampos N. , Mathis Cole , Xuan Weimin , Long De-Liang , Pow Robert , Cronin Leroy
Published: May 2020

Here we show how a simple inorganic salt can spontaneously form autocatalytic sets of replicating inorganic molecules that work via molecular recognition based on the {PMo
12
} ≡ [PMo
12
O
40
]
3–
Keggin ion, and {Mo
36
} ≡ [H
3
Mo
57
M
6
(NO)
6
O
183
(H
2
O)
18
]
22–
cluster. These small clusters are able to catalyze their own formation via an autocatalytic network, which subsequently template the assembly of gigantic molybdenum-blue wheel {Mo
154
} ≡ [Mo
154
O
462
H
14
(H
2
O)
70
]
14–
, {Mo
132
} ≡ [Mo
VI
72
Mo
V
60
O
372
(CH
3
COO)
30
(H
2
O)
72
]
42–
ball-shaped species containing 154 and 132 molybdenum atoms, and a {PMo
12
}⊂{Mo
124
Ce
4
} ≡ [H
16
Mo
VI
100
Mo
V
24
Ce
4
O
376
(H
2
O)
56
(PMo
VI
10
Mo
V
2
O
40
)(C
6
H
12
N
2
O
4
S
2
)
4
]
5–
nanostructure. Kinetic investigations revealed key traits of autocatalytic systems including molecular recognition and kinetic saturation. A stochastic model confirms the presence of an autocatalytic network involving molecular recognition and assembly processes, where the larger clusters are the only products stabilized by the cycle, isolated due to a critical transition in the network.
Noncollinear phases in moiré magnets
Authors: Hejazi Kasra , Luo Zhu-Xi , Balents Leon
Published: May 2020

Significance

Moiré patterns, which result when two or more two-dimensional materials with incommensurate or rotated lattices are layered together, create controllable electronic bands that have recently been shown to induce a tremendous wealth of physical phenomena. Here we initiate the theoretical study of moiré patterns’ influence on magnetic states of localized spins. We construct a general formalism using continuum field theory and present thorough analyses in twisted bilayers of antiferromagnets and also ferromagnets, which are within the experimental reach of Van der Waals materials. Two-dimensional magnets, well known for their strong intrinsic spin fluctuations, may serve as a new platform for moiré effects and open the door to a large class of novel phenomena that were once unimaginable.