bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rationally designed peptide-based inhibitor of Aβ42 fibril formation and toxicity: a potential therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Horsley John R. , Jovcevski Blagojce , Wegener Kate L. , Yu Jingxian , Pukala Tara L. , Abell Andrew D.
Published: May 2020

Amyloid beta peptide (Aβ42) aggregation in the brain is thought to be responsible for the onset of Alzheimer's disease, an insidious condition without an effective treatment or cure. Hence, a strategy to prevent aggregation and subsequent toxicity is crucial. Bio-inspired peptide-based molecules are ideal candidates for the inhibition of Aβ42 aggregation, and are currently deemed to be a promising option for drug design. In this study, a hexapeptide containing a self-recognition component unique to Aβ42 was designed to mimic the β-strand hydrophobic core region of the Aβ peptide. The peptide is comprised exclusively of D-amino acids to enhance specificity towards Aβ42, in conjunction with a C-terminal disruption element to block the recruitment of Aβ42 monomers on to fibrils. The peptide was rationally designed to exploit the synergy between the recognition and disruption components, and incorporates features such as hydrophobicity, β-sheet propensity, and charge, that all play a critical role in the aggregation process. Fluorescence assays, native ion-mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS) and cell viability assays were used to demonstrate that the peptide interacts with Aβ42 monomers and oligomers with high specificity, leading to almost complete inhibition of fibril formation, with essentially no cytotoxic effects. These data define the peptide-based inhibitor as a potentially potent anti-amyloid drug candidate for this hitherto incurable disease.
Dehydroeffusol inhibits hypoxia-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in non-small cell lung cancer cells through the inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Wei Haitao , Zhang Feng , Wang Jiali , Zhao Min , Hou Tao , Li Li
Published: May 2020

Dehydroeffusol (DHE) is a phenanthrene compound that possesses anti-tumor activity. However, the effect of DHE on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been investigated previously. Therefore, the objective of our study was to explore the role of DHE in NSCLC and the underlying mechanism. Our results showed that DHE significantly inhibited the cell viability of A549 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner under normoxic condition. Moreover, A549 cells were more sensitive to DHE under hypoxic condition compared with the A549 cells cultured in normoxic condition. Hypoxia-induced increased migration and invasion abilities were mitigated by DHE in A549 cells. Treatment of DHE caused increased E-cadherin expression and decreased N-cadherin expression in hypoxia-induced A549 cells. DHE also suppressed hypoxia-induced increase in both protein and mRNA levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression in A549 cells. Furthermore, DHE inhibited hypoxia-induced activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in A549 cells. The inhibitory effect of DHE on hypoxia-induced EMT was reversed by LiCl, which is an activator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that DHE prevented hypoxia-induced EMT in NSCLC cells by inhibiting the activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, suggesting that DHE might serve as a therapeutic target for the NSCLC metastasis.
Feedback control for deep brain stimulation for motor disorders
Authors: McDermott Hugh J. , Sinclair Nicholas C.
Published: May 2020

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for many people living with Parkinson's disease (PD). Although the primary treatment for PD is based on medications, disease progression eventually leads to inadequate symptom control. DBS provides benefits by alleviating motor dysfunctions such as muscle rigidity and tremor. DBS devices deliver electric pulse trains into specific brain regions via implanted electrodes. Existing DBS systems usually provide continuous stimulation with constant settings of parameters such as the amount of charge delivered per pulse. However, PD is characterised by fluctuations in the severity and frequency of impairments. DBS would be improved if stimulation settings were adjusted automatically in response to each patient's ever‐changing needs. This requires a device incorporating sensing of signals that estimate the severity of motor impairment linked to an adaptive control algorithm that optimises therapeutic stimulation. Several types of signals are candidates for this function. Spontaneous local field potentials recorded by the DBS electrodes have shown promise in some experimental studies of adaptive DBS. More recently, DBS‐evoked potentials have been reported. In particular, evoked resonant neural activity has properties including a larger amplitude than spontaneous potentials, suggesting it may be a suitable feedback signal to control adaptive DBS.
Fault coil location of inter‐turn short‐circuit for direct‐drive permanent magnet synchronous motor using knowledge graph
Authors: Lv Ke , Gao Caixia , Si Jikai , Feng Haichao , Cao Wenping
Published: May 2020

Inter‐turn short‐circuit fault (ISF) degrades its reliability and may cause serious catastrophes for direct‐drive permanent magnet synchronous motor (DDPMSM). Fault location technology can reduce maintenance time, increase the mean time between failure (MTBF), and then improve the reliability of DDPMSM. Hence, an intelligent fault locating system for DDPMSM is proposed in this paper. This system proposes a knowledge graph (KG) based diagnostic tool for detection and location of the fault coil. First, the fault model of the DDPMSM with multiple branches parallel winding is established, which is used to analyze the fault characteristics of motor. Second, the BDC and BRC are proposed as the fault indicator. The effectiveness and robustness of fault indicator are analyzed. Then, the KG system are designed and established according to the relationship between fault indicator and location of fault coil. Finally, the system is tested by data under different fault and operation conditions. The test results showed that the proposed fault locating system can detect and locate the fault coil in early stage. The minimum ratio of shorted turns to branch turns that can be detected is 0.52%. The minimum ratio of shorted turns to branch turns that can be located is 6.25%.
Influence of design parameters on the field current of the tooth harmonic excitation system
Authors: Xia Yonghong , Zhong Shihua , Zhou Lin , Wen Zijian , Chen Ying , Zhang Jingming
Published: May 2020

This study proposes a brushless hybrid excitation permanent magnet synchronous generator (HEPMSG) with rotor tooth harmonic winding. The rotor tooth harmonic electromotive force (EMF), induced by the inherent tooth harmonic magnetic field in the air gap, will provide the field current for the rotor field winding after the rectification. The structure and principle of the machine are introduced, and the generation mechanism of the rotor tooth harmonic EMF is analysed. The influence of design parameters on the rotor field current provided by the tooth harmonic excitation system is discussed. The performance of the tooth harmonic excitation is calculated and analysed for different design parameters including stator slot width, air‐gap length, tooth harmonic winding turns, skewed stator slot and magnetic saturation, and the optimal design parameters of the HEPMSG are obtained. One HEPMSG prototype with rotor tooth harmonic winding was developed, and five different working conditions of the tooth harmonic excitation system were tested. The maximum field current is obtained by comparing the connection mode of the tooth harmonic winding.
Improved practical method for low‐inertia VSC‐HVDC stability analysis in weak system
Authors: Li Baohong , Chen Shi , Liu Tianqi
Published: May 2020

The physical mechanism of the instability of the low‐inertia voltage source converter (VSC) caused by the phase‐locked loop (PLL) in a weak system is clearly revealed in a simplified way. Based on the complex torque method, the joint influence of the PLL and the system strength on the VSC is studied through the defined key stable component. To keep the VSC stable, the value of the key stable component must be positive. The component is decided by AC voltage, short‐circuit‐ratio (SCR), reactive power, and PLL parameters. Improper PLL parameters and weak AC system could make the key stable component negative. To keep the VSC stable in a weak system, the PLL parameters can be adjusted according to the curve of the key stable component, which means suitably decreasing kp and increasing ki. Finally, simulations are implemented to validate the theory, which matches well with the findings.
Lead compounds in bottom sediments of the Seversky Donets floodplain
Authors: Burachevskaya Marina , Nevidomskaya Dina , Tsitsuashvili Victoria , Rajput Vishnu , Bren Dmitry
Published: May 2020

Investigations on heavy metals in water bodies are extremely important in a comprehensive assessment when the anthropogenic activities disturb the natural environment. The present paper studies the composition of Pb compounds in highly contaminated bottom sediments of a natural settling basin of a chemical plant at the Atamanskoye lake in the floodplain of the Seversky Donets River by sequential fractionation. The predominance of the residual Pb fraction, which is represented by layered silicates (hydromuscovite, montmorillonite, kaolinite) is shown. Organic matter and Fe-Mn (hydr)oxides also play an important role in metal interaction. High mobility of Pb is noted, which associated with imposing high environmental risks in the studied area.
Dangerous geodynamic processes of the Eastern Orenburg
Authors: Nesterenko Maksim , Tsviak Aleksey , Kapustina Olga , Nesterenko Aleksey , Nikiforov Sergey
Published: May 2020

The article raises a problem of dangerous geodynamic processes taking place in the eastern part of Orenburg region. The analysis of subsoil geodynamic state of Orenburg region is completed. Effective monitoring of geodynamic processes in the eastern part of Orenburg region using a seismological network is proposed and justified. Seismic events with a magnitude of ML> 2.0 are confidently recorded on this territory as well as subsidence of land surface reaching 50 cm per year. According to long-term monitoring of seismic events in the eastern part of the Orenburg region, a repetition schedule of seismic events was constructed. It allowed us to make a conclusion of the reason for increased geodynamic activity in this region is high technogenic load on geological environment. To study abnormally high seismic activity in the East Orenburg region, it is necessary to create a seismological network of 3-4 seismic stations in the territory of seismic activity in the Gaysky and Novooorsky districts near the cities of Orsk and Gai, Iriklinskaya State District Power Station and Iriklinskoye Reservoir. This will help to identify seismic activity causes and sources, level of danger, help to develop measures for reducing seismicity and increase the security of specific objects of society, industry and energy.
Distribution of heavy metals in anthropogenic soils: on the example of the industrial zone of Moscow
Authors: Latushkina Elena , Oleynik Anna
Published: May 2020

The article presents the results of the assessment of the distribution of heavy metals content in anthropogenic transformed soils of the industrial zone of Moscow. Excesses of norms are shown, geochemical associations are obtained. The work proved to exceed the maximum permissible concentrations of cadmium, lead, copper, nickel, zinc, arsenic for eleven test sites per 13.95 hectares of industrial zone in 57% of the obtained empirical data on the content of pollutants in the soil. In the investigated area, the contents of lead, copper, nickel and zinc are not uniformly distributed and are within wide range. No excess of the norm was recorded for mercury. The isolation of two geochemical associations of manmade genesis is justified. One association includes cadmium lead, copper, and zinc with the system-forming element copper. The other consists of nickel and mercury.
Impact of black yeasts on the durability of polyurethane foam in tropical conditions in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thu Hoai , Do Thi Thu Hong , Ngo Cao Cuong , Do Tat Thinh , Sereda V.N.
Published: May 2020

Polyurethane (PU) is a material that is widely used in industries. However, tropical climatic conditions in Vietnam often make the durability of PU lower than temperate climatic conditions. One of the causes of this problem is the biodegradation of microorganisms. In this study, biological characteristics of black yeast on PU is evaluated, thereby, initially assessing the impact of black yeast on the durability of PU in tropical conditions. Ten strains of black yeast were isolated from used PU foam samples in Vietnam. These black yeast strains were tested for enzyme activity including: urease activity, protease activity, polyurethanase activity. There were two strains selected to identify based on sequence analysis of the ITS1/ITS2 region, they belong to genusAureobasidium. VN1Y3 was strain selected for biodegradability testing of PU foam samples. After 28 days of testing, the PU foam samples that have been infected with black yeasts have a change compared to the control in terms of color, surface, tensile strength, elongation. Research results have showed the impact of black yeast on the durability of PU.
Identifying priority management of Ecuadorian forests based on the environmental integrated assessment
Authors: Llerena Silvia , Arias Priscila , Cueva Jhonn , Almeida Georgina , Salazar Cristian
Published: May 2020

Anthropogenic impacts, such as deforestation, soil erosion, and carbon dioxide emissions, have a negative influence over global warming due to the increase of CO2 levels in the atmosphere. The sustainable forest management is a way to mitigate climate change owing to the carbon storage capacity of forests. This study highlights the priority of forest management according to the integrated assessment of carbon storage under anthropogenic impacts in the administrative units of Ecuador. In the obtained map, the provinces Guayas, Esmeraldas, and Manabí showed the highest values of 25, 22.85 and 19.9, respectively, followed by two Amazon provinces, Morona Santiago and Sucumbíos. Therefore, we concluded that deforestation, soil erosion, and carbon dioxide emissions were more pronounced on the coast mainly due to agriculture and livestock activities and the forests in these provinces must have priority management. This analysis is useful for planning environmental practices in order to increase carbon storage as a strategy of mitigation for global warming.
Cognitive analysis of the socio-ecological and economic system of the region for choosing a sustainable development strategy (on the example of oil-producing regions of Russia)
Authors: Ledashcheva Tatiana , Pinaev Vladimir
Published: May 2020

To correspond with Strategy of Russian regional development and sustainable development aims, in the article we propose to base strategy development on the results of modelling and analysis of socioenvironmental-economic region systems in the form of oriented graphs. Authors developed model for oil exploring regions Urals Federal district, based on open source data and lacking information is identified, as well as types and ways of it’s gathering for completion of the modelling process.
Segetal complex – pioneer stages of syntrophic communities in the Meshchovskiy Opole of the non-Chernozem Zone of Russia
Authors: Burlutskiy Valeriy A. , Mazurov Vladimir N. , Peliy Alexander F. , Semeshkina Polina S. , Borodina Ekaterina S. , Diop Ameth
Published: May 2020

In the conditions placor soil Meshchovskiy Opole the Central economic region of the Nonchernozem zone of the Russian Federation on agro-gray forest middle loamy soils defined by the main species composition of segetal complex field agrophytocenoses in the structure of five fields grain and grain-grass crop rotation in the limit of syntaxon Stellarietea mediae R. Tx. et al. ex von Rochow 1951. The combinations of weed and field species specific to field crops are established and the influence of minimization of basic tillage is shown, including No-till, and applying calculated norms of mineral fertilizers (NPK) on the dynamics of the species composition and number of the main components of the segetal complex is shown. The original synanthropic plant communities on the fallow lands of Meshchovsky Opole develop from the segetal complex of previous agrophytocenoses. The core of the cenoflora is represented by 104 species of higher herbage plants from 29 families. Synanthropic communities have a low species saturation – 8 species per 100 m2 and a projection coverage of 57.6%. In acesite territories the advantage is given to the types of anemochory edificatory. Phytomass of secondary phytocenoses without comprehensive measures to improve their floristic composition cannot be used for bulk feed production
Comparative analysis of the application of educational technologies for sustainable development
Authors: Sokolova Lyudmila I. , Ermakov Dmitry S.
Published: May 2020

It must be admitted that education is the necessary requirement, and educational technologies are the important tools of implementation for sustainable development. This study is based on a comparative and pedagogical approach. Having used the content analysis method we have considered the data of national reports (2018) from 31 countries on implementing the Strategy of education for sustainable development (ESD) of UNECE (sub-indicator 2.1.3) and defined pedagogical technologies applied at different levels of formal, non-formal and informal education. Besides, the rating of technologies according to the frequency of their usage for 0–8 levels has been made. The revealed differences we explain by age-related psychological features of students and pupils, as well as the national peculiarities of educational systems. Moreover, a brief overview about additional educational technologies and methods that are outside the framework of the current ones (non-formal and informal education in particular) has been prepared. The results of experts’ survey in Russian Federation carried out in 2019 have been introduced. The general evaluation of progress in the field of ESD with the 3-point scale (0.7; in progress) and estimation of indicator 2.1 (0.9; in progress) has been defined. We also characterised the revealed educational-methodical achievements.
Implementation trajectories of environmental education for sustainable development in formal, non-formal and informal education based on eduScrum project management methodology
Authors: Ryazanova Natalya , Naumov Vladimir , Kamennykh Natalia
Published: May 2020

The aim of the study is to study approaches to localization of the topic of SDG in higher education in Russia and some tracks for implementation of environmental education for sustainable development (EESD). The objectives were: to formulate a goal setting for each of the approaches; to develop a methodology for the introduction of the SDG ideology into EESD; to implement the personal and collective role of research team members in working on the project; to create effective collaborations and introduce an interdisciplinary approach; to be able to present the results obtained in a visual and analytical form; to expand the professional outlook of environmentalists, to form a worldview based on the development of competencies for sustainable development. The research methodology in formal education was based on the hypothesis that modern environmental education should be based on the triad of SDG clusters, and all didactic units of university programs should be filled with this ideology. The information approach was implemented through the introduction of project laboratory technologies, case studies and youth models. Strategically, the higher education institutions participating in the experiment developed a methodology for tracking higher education for sustainable development and introduced methods for working with the subjects of SDG.
Legal aspect of the implementation of the UN sustainable development goals in the field of environmental management in Russia
Authors: Mukhlynina Maria , Vedysheva Natalia
Published: May 2020

Based on the analysis of strategic documents and other regulatory legal acts, the authors of the article attempt to consider a number of issues of the state environmental policy of the Russian Federation designed to contribute to the implementation of the UN sustainable development goals in the field of environmental management. The opinion is expressed that a successful environmental policy in the implementation of the UN sustainable development goals is possible only with a systematic approach to the implementation of environmental legislation. The authors analyze the measures, undertaken by the Russian Federation in the use and protection of forests and water resources, in terms of their effectiveness and draw a number of conclusions.
Renewable energy as a factor of sustainable development and regulation of ecological problems in Africa
Authors: Nefedova Liudmila , Solovyev Alexander , Rafikova Yulie , Solovyev Dmitriy
Published: May 2020

The analysis of the main directions of renewable energy in Africa, as a factor in sustainable development and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is performed. The ecological problems of the modern and prospective development of the energy complex of African countries are considered. For African countries the issue of ensuring reliable and environmentally friendly access to electricity for the population is extremely acute. It is shown, that the electricity demand for industry in Sub-Saharan Africa the most problematic region is growing on a very large scale. The construction of new large coal-fired thermal power plants in the required volumes will lead to serious environmental and climatic consequences. The study of regional data allowed us to conclude that PV solar systems are of priority importance for increasing people’s access to electricity in rural SubSaharan Africa. Based on numerous materials from international energy structures the estimates and calculations of volumes of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions due to the use of renewable energy sources as an alternative to carbon fuel are carried out. The study has shown that of particularly great importance for reducing CO2 emissions in Kenya is the development of geothermal energy.
Uncertainty visualization using maps for nuclear and radiological emergencies
Authors: Nagy A. , Perko T. , Müller T. , Raskob W. , Benighaus L.
Published: May 2020

Visual uncertainty representation and communication during nuclear and radiological emergencies face empirical and theoretical challenges. The work carried out focuses on visualisation of uncertainties as a decision support and communication tool. We represent uncertainty visually through maps and visual robustness indicators. An interdisciplinary approach was applied where both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to validate and test the tools developed in 6 different occasions/countries. The principles for building effective uncertainty representation and communication tools are presented. It is important to note that the visual approach offers a great opportunity to represent uncertainty to experts in the field of emergency planning especially in the nuclear/radiological one.
Keratoconus and Ectatic Disease: Evolving Criteria for Diagnosis
Authors: Belin Michael Wellington
Published: May 2020

The approach to corneal ectatic disease has changed dramatically over the last decade with advances in both diagnosis and treatment. Newer treatments, such as corneal cross-linking, have the potential to slow or stop the progression of the disease, but benefit from earlier identification of the disease than had previously been possible or required. The continued use of older diagnostic criteria and ambiguous terminology can lead to erroneous study conclusions that may not be applicable to patients with true pathology.
Dresdener Network Osteoporosis
Authors: Fülling Tim , Bula Philipp , Defèr Alexander , Bonnaire Felix Alois
Published: May 2020

Purpose On a global scale the main focus of traumatological therapy lies in the treatment of unintentional injuries or victims of violence. People of all ages and through all economic groups can be affected. Due to demographic change in Western industrial countries, however, this focus increasingly shifts towards fragility fractures. In Europe osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in advanced age. Secondary prevention programs like the Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) are becoming increasingly prevalent, especially in Anglo-American health care systems. In German orthopedic and trauma wards and hospitals, however, the FLS is still relatively uncommon. This article will examine the question whether secondary prevention programs like FLS need to be established in the German health care system. This study aims at finding out, whether in the area of a medium sized German city there is a difference regarding the initiation of osteoporosis diagnosis and therapy
between the regular aftercare by the general practitioner or the orthopedic surgeon and the aftercare by a specialist trained in osteology (Osteologe).

Materials and Methods For the open, randomized prospective study 70 patients with low energy fractures were recruited, who were older than 60 years and have been treated in our department.

Results 58 out of 70 patients have completed the study, which amounts to a follow-up of 82.9%. Limited mobility and a high degree of organizational effort were the main reasons for early termination of the study. While in the group with regular aftercare, only 2 out of 29 patients received a specific osteoporosis treatment, in group who were directly transferred to a specialist trained in osteology 17 out of 29 patients received specific treatment. After re-evaluation of group with regular aftercare in 21 out of 29 cases a specific osteoporosis treatment was recommended.

Conclusions It could be established that there is a significant diagnosis and treatment gap regarding the aftercare of patients with fractures caused by osteoporosis between general practitioners or orthopedic surgeons on the one hand and the specialists trained in osteology on the other hand. To improve the aftercare of fracture patients, cross sectoral networks with a background in geriatrics and orthopedic-trauma surgery like a FLS need to be established in the German healthcare system.
Effect of ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation applied to the femoral nerve on pain and range of motion in patients with anterior knee pain: A case study
Authors: García-Bermejo Paula , Romero-Morales Carlos , de-la-Cruz-Torres Blanca
Published: May 2020

Introduction Anterior knee pain (AKP) is one of the most frequent reasons for physical therapy consultations, remaining a difficult treatment challenge for professionals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an intervention using ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation (US-guided PNM) applied to the femoral nerve on pain and knee flexion range of motion (ROM), in patients with unilateral chronic anterior knee pain.

Methods Eight patients received a single intervention of NMP-e on the femoral nerve of the symptomatic knee. The level of pain and ROM were measured before, immediately after and 24 hours after the intervention.

Results A decrease in pain and an increase of ROM were observed after the intervention and at 24 hours. For pain values, a medium effect size was observed (ES = 0.63 ± 0.43) after the intervention, and a large effect size (ES = 1.73 ± 0.44) was found at 24h. Concerning ROM, the effect size was large at both moments (ES = − 1.30 ± 1.14; −1.76 ± 0.80, respectively).

Conclusion A single intervention of US-guided PNM on the femoral nerve produces a decrease of pain and increases the ROM, which is greater 24h after the stimulation.

Level of Evidence Level II-3.
Recent Advances on Copper-Catalyzed C–C Bond Formation via C–H Functionalization
Authors: Mejía Esteban , Almasalma Ahmad A.
Published: May 2020

Reactions that form C–C bonds are at the heart of many important transformations, both in industry and in academia. From the myriad of catalytic approaches to achieve such transformations, those relying on C–H functionalization are gaining increasing interest due to their inherent sustainable nature. In this short review, we showcase the most recent advances in the field of C–C bond formation via C–H functionalization, but focusing only on those methodologies relying on copper catalysts. This coinage metal has gained increased popularity in recent years, not only because it is cheaper and more abundant than precious metals, but also thanks to its rich and versatile chemistry.

1 Introduction

2 Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling under Thermal Conditions

2.1 C(sp3)–C(sp3) Bond Formation

2.2 C(sp3)–C(sp2) Bond Formation

2.3 C(sp2)–C(sp2) Bond Formation

2.4 C(sp3)–C(sp) Bond Formation

3 Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling under Photochemical Conditions

3.1 C(sp3)–C(sp3) Bond Formation

3.2 C(sp3)–C(sp2) and C(sp3)–C(sp) Bond Formation

4 Conclusion and Perspective
Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction for Asian Patients with Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone and Gracilis Tendon Grafts: A Matched-Control Comparison
Authors: Tajima Takuya , Yamaguchi Nami , Morita Yudai , Nagasawa Makoto , Ota Tomomi , Nakamura Yoshihiro , Yokoe Takuji , Chosa Etsuo
Published: May 2020

For anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient patients, using a single bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) graft for the double-bundle concept is one of the suitable approaches for acquiring better stability and reducing bone tunnel enlargement compared with the use of hamstring grafts. At least 10-mm width of BPTB autograft is needed to achieve this concept; however, it is larger than one-third of the patellar tendon width for small or middle physique patients. This study aimed to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of BPTB and gracilis (G) composite autografts for primary double-bundle ACL reconstruction in Asian athletes. Thirty-two Asian patients undergoing double-bundle ACL reconstruction with 7.0 to 7.5 mm of BPTB and 5.0 to 5.5 mm of G composite grafts were compared with 43 double-bundle ACL reconstruction with hamstring graft cases. The BPTB graft was used for the anteromedial bundle (AMB), with the G graft for the posterolateral bundle (PLB). Percentage of femoral bone tunnel enlargement compared with the original size was determined by computed digital radiographs on the first postoperative day and at 12 months in the anteroposterior (AP) and lateral views. Standard clinical evaluations, including the limb symmetry index (LSI), were also performed. Less PLB tunnel enlargement was found in the BPTB + G group than in the hamstring group in the AP (101.9 ± 22.9 vs.113.7 ± 20.6%, p = 0.031) and lateral views (104.4 ± 18.1 vs. 120.6 ± 23.4%, p < 0.01).There was no significant difference between the groups in 12-month postoperative clinical outcomes (Lysholm's score, Tegner's activity level scale, and International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee evaluation score).The side-to-side difference was significantly less in the BPTB + G group (0.2 ± 1.3 vs. 0.9 ± 1.1 mm, p = 0.026). Despite the small sizes of the BPTB and G grafts, there was no significant difference in the knee extensor LSI between the groups (92.9 ± 10.1 vs. 93.3 ± 12.2%, p = 0.707), whereas the knee flexor LSI was significantly higher in the BPTB + G group (97.7 ± 14.8 vs. 90.1 ± 13.3%, p = 0.033). Double-bundle ACL reconstruction with a small size BPTB and G composite graft procedure provided good clinical outcomes and significantly less femoral bone tunnel enlargement than the hamstring procedure 12 months after surgery. It is thus a useful surgical option for ACL-deficient Asian athletes. This study reflects level of evidence III.
ALK 1 Negative Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Ileum: A Rare Cause of Ileocecal Intussusception
Authors: Yagnik Vipul D.
Published: May 2020

An inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a rare tumor of mesenchymal background commonly found in the pulmonary system. It is rarely found as a primary tumor in the gastrointestinal tract. We report an unusual presentation of this rare lesion causing intussusception and intestinal obstruction in a 39-year-old male.
A hybrid magnet based scanning tunneling microscope
Authors: Wang Jihao , Geng Tao , Meng Wenjie , Huang Pengcheng , Zhao Kesen , Zhang Jing , Feng Qiyuan , Guo Tengfei , Xiang Kui , Hou Yubin , Chen Wenge , Lu Yalin , Lu Qingyou
Published: May 2020

In this paper, a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) is presented that operates in a 27.5 T magnetic field within a hybrid magnet. The coarse approach of the STM is realized by using an inertial piezoelectric motor, and the scanning is realized by using a miniature scanner, which stands alone on a sapphire base. A combined vibration isolation system consisting of a brick–rubber–brick stack and two springs is used to isolate the vibration generated from the magnet. An enclosed copper shield is used to prevent sound from entering the tip–sample junction. The sound and vibration isolation measures highly improve the stability of the STM imaging. All the materials selected to construct the STM head are nonmagnetic. The drift rates of the STM in the X–Y plane and Z direction are as low as 26.2 pm/min and 34.6 pm/min, respectively, under ambient conditions. The high performance of the homebuilt STM was demonstrated by graphite hexagonal lattice images obtained in magnet fields ranging from 0 T to 27.5 T even without the protection of a vacuum and low temperatures. As far as known, this is the first STM that operates in a hybrid magnet. It is also the first STM that can obtain graphite hexagonal lattice images in magnetic fields up to 27.5 T. Our results greatly contribute to the further STM studies under ambient conditions and ultrahigh magnetic fields.
Discrimination of a ferroelectric from a non-ferroelectric response in PFM by phase analyses at the harmonics of the applied Vac
Authors: Gervacio-Arciniega J. J. , Murillo-Bracamontes E. A. , Toledo-Solano M. , Fuentes J. , Portelles J. , Cruz-Valeriano E. , Palomino-Ovando M. A. , Ramirez-Sarabia J. A. , Hernandez-Gonzalez L. , Cruz M. P.
Published: May 2020

In the last few decades, piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) has been a valuable tool to analyze ferroelectric materials at nanoscale. Domain switching and phase-hysteresis loops acquired by PFM had been taken as a proof of ferroelectricity; however, these two characteristics have been observed in non-ferroelectric materials, generating uncertainty of the characterizations carried out by PFM. To resolve this problem, strategies have been developed but they are difficult to implement or still fail depending on the measurement conditions. In this work, we provide a simple method to effectively differentiate ferroelectric from non-ferroelectric signals in PFM analyses. It is based on the comparison of the phases of the PFM signals obtained at the first and the second harmonics of the contact resonant frequency of the Vac applied between the tip and the bottom electrode. To illustrate the effectiveness and simplicity of the method, analyses were conducted on a ferroelectric PZT film, a non-ferroelectric glass and SrTiO3 sample, and a KNN ceramic with ferroelectric and non-ferroelectric zones.
Fluid surface tension evaluation using capillary wave measurement with optical coherence tomography
Authors: Liu Hsiao-Chuan , Kijanka Piotr , Urban Matthew W.
Published: May 2020

The surface tension of biological fluids is an important parameter because the mechanical properties of fluids are closely linked with hematological diseases and other pathophysiologies. Capillary waves are associated with fluid mechanical properties. Here, we propose a method that utilizes the acoustic radiation force (ARF) to generate propagating waves and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure the wave motion. This ARF-OCT method is capable of evaluating the surface tension of fluids, water and porcine whole blood in this study, based on the dispersion relation of capillary waves. Two-dimensional Fourier transforms were used to decompose frequency components of wave motion images to obtain a k-space representation and estimate the wave phase velocity. The phase velocity of capillary waves was obtained from the experimental results and compared to theoretical calculations. The surface tensions of water and porcine whole blood were determined from the experimental results. We first report that capillary waves measured with OCT can be a new promising modality for measuring the surface tension of fluids. The proposed method could be used to differentiate actual pathologic fluids or blood from those taken from healthy subjects and as a biomarker in future biomedical applications.
Dielectric relaxation, magneto-dielectric coupling, and pyrocurrent anomaly in point defect controlled HoCrO3
Authors: Anusree V. K. , Neenu Lekshmi P. , Bhat Shwetha G. , Wagh Aditya A. , Das Gangadhar , Santhosh P. N.
Published: May 2020

HoCrO3, a member of the rare-earth chromate family, is known to exhibit an orthorhombic structure with Pbnm space group in bulk at room temperature. We have employed the pressure driven powder consolidation technique, spark plasma sintering, for synthesizing HoCrO3 powder-compact, which exhibits a superior quality with fewer defects over that synthesized by conventional solid-state sintering (resulting in a large reduction of charge carrier mediated extrinsic dielectric contribution). The powder compact shows magneto-dielectric coupling but does not exhibit a detectable ferroelectric phase in the range of 50 K to 300 K. Low temperature Raman spectra show structural distortions below 250 cm−1, indicating Ho ion displacements. Temperature evolution of the crystal structure using synchrotron x-ray diffraction reveals a probable structural phase transition below 240 K. Pyrocurrent measurement, together with synchrotron x-ray diffraction analysis, further points to a magneto-structural transition at 100 K.
Realizing Anderson localization of surface plasmon polaritons and enhancing their interactions with excitons in 2D disordered nanostructures
Authors: Zhu Yingying , Jing Hao , Peng Ru-Wen , Li Cheng-Yao , He Jie , Xiong Bo , Wang Mu
Published: May 2020

Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) propagating on a metal–dielectric interface suffer from inevitable energy losses originating from metals, especially in a visible regime, which degrades the quality of SPP-based devices. However, if the size of the devices is sufficiently miniaturized, we can thereby limit the propagation length of the signals and effectively circumvent the problems of large propagation losses. Anderson localization is a possible approach to squeeze SPPs. In this Letter, we experimentally demonstrate the Anderson localization of SPPs at optical frequencies in two-dimensional (2D) nanostructures. By increasing the positional disorder of the silver nanohole arrays on a glass substrate, strong 2D localization of SPPs appears with an exponentially decreased electric field, reduced propagation length, and the rapid disappearance of the autocorrelation coefficient. Moreover, we manage to realize the localized SPP-exciton interactions in the 2D disordered silver nanoarrays combined with fluorescent dye molecules. Due to the disorder in the nanoarray, the collected photoluminescence from fluorescent dye molecules is enhanced by over three orders of magnitude compared to that on the silver film without nanostructures. Our study extends Anderson localization of SPPs at the visible regime to 2D disordered systems and provides a unique way to enhance light–matter interaction in SPP-based nanodevices.
Influence of the wettability on the residual fluid saturation for homogeneous and heterogeneous porous systems
Authors: Wolf F. G. , Siebert D. N. , Surmas R.
Published: May 2020

The influence of wettability on the residual fluid saturation is analyzed for homogeneous and heterogeneous porous systems. Several simulations under different wettability, flow rate, and heterogeneity conditions were carried out using a two-component lattice-Boltzmann method. The fluid flow driving force and initial conditions were imposed using a specific methodology that allows a clear distinction between the results obtained for immiscible displacement when the porous medium is initially saturated with one fluid (called primary) and when two fluids are filling the porous spaces (called secondary). The results show that the primary sweeping process is more effective when the displaced fluid is non-wetting. We observe that the heterogeneity has an important role for the whole process since it disturbs the fluid interfaces inducing the flow in the longitudinal and transversal directions, improving considerably the effectiveness of the primary displacement when compared with ideally homogeneous cases. We noted that for oil contact angles, θo, higher than a critical value, no residual oil is found. In all homogeneous cases, the critical value is 120°. The residual fluid increases proportionally to the capillary number for primary displacements, but it also depends on the system heterogeneity and wetting conditions. For secondary displacements in heterogeneous systems, the highest residual oil saturation is found for completely oil-wet conditions, with values ranging from 29% to 41% and tending to zero for all cases when θo > 120°. The initial water–oil distribution is found to be a determining factor in the amount of trapped oil after the waterflooding process.
Large barrier InAs quantum dots with efficient room temperature photon emission at telecom wavelengths
Authors: Hughes William D. , Savich Gregory R. , Shayan Kamran , Vamivakas A. Nick , Wicks G. W.
Published: May 2020

The effect that barrier material has on the temperature dependence of photoluminescence of InAs/AlGaInAs/InP quantum dots in the telecom C-band (∼1550 nm) is reported. Increasing Al content in the barrier material, (AlxGa1-x)0.53In0.47As, creates less temperature sensitivity and enhances the high temperature relative quantum yield. Three samples, with x = 0.51, 0.75, and 1, have room temperature relative quantum yield values of 2.0%, 3.7%, and 41.0%, respectively, when compared to low temperature values. Determination of thermal activation energies shows that the loss of relative quantum yield is due to thermal escape of holes from the quantum dots to the barrier. More aluminum-rich barriers require higher temperatures to depopulate the ground state of the quantum dots, which leads to better high temperature emission. These results can guide future designs of telecom C-band quantum dot devices.
Interface defect engineering for high-performance MOSFETs with novel carrier mobility model: Theory and experimental verification
Authors: Ishihara Takamitsu , Nakasaki Yasushi , Matsushita Daisuke , Tatsumura Kosuke , Kato Koichi
Published: May 2020

As the conventional hydrogen-termination method has a limited ability to improve the interface quality between SiO2 and its Si substrate, an alternative termination method to reduce the influence of interface states is necessary. Interface engineering using first-principles calculations to suppress the influence of interface states is proposed based on the findings that silicon with dangling bonds is their primary origin. First-principles calculations indicate that the interface states can be terminated with oxygen when incorporated into the SiO2/Si interface without additional oxidation, which generates other interface states from an appropriate oxygen-anneal process. It is experimentally shown that such an oxygen termination can be realized in slow and low-temperature annealing, and the oxygen-termination method is a promising alternative for hydrogen termination. The stronger Si–O bond introduced from the oxygen termination compared with the Si–H bonds from hydrogen termination ensures a better interface quality. As one oxygen atom terminates two silicon atoms, the oxygen-termination method can efficiently suppress the number of interface defects compared with hydrogen and fluorine termination. The mobility degradation due to the interface states was improved more from oxygen termination than from hydrogen termination because the strength of Coulomb scattering due to Si–O dipoles is reduced from the heavier oxygen mass. Theoretical predictions were verified using experiments, indicating that the oxygen-termination method under appropriately optimized annealing conditions (speed and temperature) is a promising candidate to improve the interface quality by reducing the influence of interface states.
Light driven diffusioosmotic repulsion and attraction of colloidal particles
Authors: Arya Pooja , Jelken Joachim , Feldmann David , Lomadze Nino , Santer Svetlana
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we introduce the phenomenon of light driven diffusioosmotic long-range attraction and repulsion of porous particles under irradiation with UV light. The change in the inter-particle interaction potential is governed by flow patterns generated around single colloids and results in reversible aggregation or separation of the mesoporous silica particles that are trapped at a solid surface. The range of the interaction potential extends to several times the diameter of the particle and can be adjusted by varying the light intensity. The “fuel” of the process is a photosensitive surfactant undergoing photo-isomerization from a more hydrophobic trans-state to a rather hydrophilic cis-state. The surfactant has different adsorption affinities to the particles depending on the isomerization state. The trans-isomer, for example, tends to accumulate in the negatively charged pores of the particles, while the cis-isomer prefers to remain in the solution. This implies that when under UV irradiation cis-isomers are being formed within the pores, they tend to diffuse out readily and generate an excess concentration near the colloid’s outer surface, ultimately resulting in the initiation of diffusioosmotic flow. The direction of the flow depends strongly on the dynamic redistribution of the fraction of trans- and cis-isomers near the colloids due to different kinetics of photo-isomerization within the pores as compared to the bulk. The unique feature of the mechanism discussed in the paper is that the long-range mutual repulsion but also the attraction can be tuned by convenient external optical stimuli such as intensity so that a broad variety of experimental situations for manipulation of a particle ensemble can be realized.