bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thyroid Related Quality of Life in Elderly with Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Improvement on Levothyroxine is Distinct from that in Young Patients (TSAGE)
Authors: Recker Stefanie , Voigtländer Richard , Viehmann Anja , Dunschen Karin , Kerp Helena , Frank-Raue Karin , Leidig-Bruckner Gudrun , Graf Dieter , Lederbogen Sebastian , Dietrich Johannes W. , Görges Rainer , Brabant Georg , Völker Uwe , Watt Torquil , Zwanziger Denise , Moeller Lars Christian , Führer Dagmar
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate in a longitudinal approach whether levothyroxine (LT4) substitution has a different impact on quality of life (QoL) and thyroid related QoL in younger (<40 years) and older subjects (>60 years) with elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations. The study included male and female patients with newly diagnosed, untreated subclinical hypothyroidism defined by TSH>8 mU/l. Patients were recruited throughout Germany from 2013–2016 and evaluated by clinical assessment, blood sampling and questionnaires for health related QoL and thyroid-disease thyroid-related QoL (ThyPRO) at time of diagnosis and six months after initiation of LT4 treatment. We found significantly lower QoL in both young and old patients with subclinical hypothyroidism compared to age-matched healthy individuals. Higher scores on follow-up were found in all patients irrespective of age, indicating better QoL on LT4 therapy. Analysis of the ThyPRO questionnaire showed that old patients experienced less Emotional Susceptibility, Tiredness, and Impaired Day Life on LT4, while young patients reported less Cognitive Complaints, Emotional Susceptibility, and Impaired Day Life compared to baseline assessment. Hypothyroidism with TSH concentrations>8 mU/l is associated with impairment in general and ThyPRO QoL in young and old age. Older patients benefited from LT4 therapy and remarkably show similar degree of improvement as younger patients, albeit with some thematic variation in ThyPRO QoL. Our data confirm current recommendations on initiation of LT4 substitution and suggest that this should not be withheld in elderly with TSH concentration above 8–10 mU/l.
Abstehende Ohren: Otoplastik wirkt sich positiv auf
psychosoziale Probleme aus
Authors: Lindemann Jörg
Published: September 2019

Sirin S et al. Psychosocial effects of otoplasty in adult patients: a prospective
cohort study. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2019: 276: 1533–1539

Die operative Korrektur abstehender Ohren ist der häufigste ästhetische
Eingriff im Alter unter 18 Jahren. Der psychosoziale Nutzen: Weniger Ängste,
ein höheres Selbstwertgefühl und eine bessere Körperbildwahrnehmung. Ob
Erwachsene gleichermaßen profitieren, ist bislang nur unzureichend
untersucht. Eine Studie der türkischen Universität Kocaeli ist dieser Frage
nachgegangen.
Physikalische Therapie in der Rehabilitation entzündlich-rheumatischer Erkrankungen
Authors: Dischereit Gabriel , Lange Uwe
Published: September 2019

Trotz beeindruckender Weiterentwicklungen pharmakotherapeutischer Möglichkeiten in den vergangenen Jahren und einem großen zur Verfügung stehenden Armamentarium an Wirksubstanzen haben Patienten mit entzündlich-rheumatischen Erkrankungen häufig einen erheblichen Rehabilitationsbedarf. Dies ist zum einen darauf zurückzuführen, dass viele entzündlich-rheumatische Erkrankungen einen chronischen Verlauf aufweisen und nicht selten zu Funktions- und Strukturdefiziten am Bewegungssystem führen. Zum anderen wird selbst unter einer modernen immunmodulierenden Therapie nur bei einem Teil der Patienten eine langfristige Remission erzielt, sodass die Gelenkdestruktionen und damit die Funktionseinschränkungen häufig weiter voranschreiten. Im Fokus der rehabilitativen Interventionen stehen daher eine Verbesserung von Gelenkfunktion und -stabilität, ein Aufbau von Muskelkraft und -ausdauer sowie Schmerzreduktion und Entzündungsdämpfung. Je nach Krankheitsbild müssen aber auch sensible und motorische Störungen sowie (psycho)vegetative Dysregulationen und Adaptationsprozesse adressiert werden. Bei Patienten mit entzündlich-rheumatischen Erkrankungen gehört neben einem Erhalt bzw. einer Verbesserung von Gelenkfunktion und posturaler Kontrolle auch ein Erhalt bzw. eine Verbesserung der Gesamtmobilität zu den primären Rehabilitationszielen. Der folgende Artikel fokussiert auf die aktuelle Evidenz physikalischer Therapiemaßnahmen im Rahmen der Rehabilitationsbehandlung bei entzündlich-rheumatischen Erkrankungen.
Iron-Catalyzed C–H Sulfonylmethylation of Indoles in Water–PEG400
Authors: Lu Shuai , Zhu Yu-Shen , Yan Ke-Xin , Cui Tian-Wei , Zhu Xinju , Hao Xin-Qi , Song Mao-Ping
Published: September 2019

An iron-catalyzed C–H sulfonylmethylation of indoles in water–PEG400 has been developed using p-toluenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide. This protocol enables direct regioselective construction of Csp2–Csp3 bond at the C3 position of indoles with a broad range of substrate compatibility in moderate to good yields, which is cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
(Y)ears of Freedom? Customized Splints in Microtia Reconstruction to Maintain Cephloauricular Angle
Authors: Shanmugam S. Sridevi , Venkataraman Janhavi
Published: September 2019

Background Maintaining ear projection and preservation of cephaloauricular sulcus from obliteration following graft contracture is a challenge following staged microtia reconstruction. Authors have designed simple, effective, and easy-to-use splints to ensure improved aesthetic outcomes and patient compliance.

Materials and Methods This is a prospective study over 3 years including 8 patients of both sexes aged 6 to 12 years. Custom-made ear splints were designed separately for females and males and used to maintain ear projection. Projection of the ear was measured postoperatively and at follow-up using goniometer and photographic records. Outcome was assessed in terms of cephaloauricular angle, conchal depth, pain, cost-effectiveness, splint retention period, and aesthetics.

Results and Conclusion Maximal follow-up was 2 years. The splint effectively maintained ear projection of more than 30 degrees. Patient compliance was optimal, and no major complications were associated with its prolonged use.
Postpartum Patient Navigation and Postpartum Weight Retention
Authors: Kominiarek Michelle A. , Summerlin Sydney , Martinez Noelle G. , Yee Lynn M.
Published: September 2019

Objective This study aimed to evaluate postpartum weight retention (PPWR) among women who participated in a postpartum patient navigation (PN) program.

Study Design English-speaking pregnant or postpartum women receiving publicly-funded prenatal care at a hospital-based clinic were invited to receive PN services through 12 weeks postpartum. Women were eligible for this analysis if height and weight values were available. Weights at 4 to 12 weeks and up to 12 months postpartum were compared in PN and non-PN historical-control groups and analyzed as mean PPWR (difference from prepregnancy weight) and categorically as PPWR > 5kg.

Results Among the 311 women, 152 participated in the PN program and 159 were historical controls. There were no differences in age, race and ethnicity, prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), nulliparity, and preterm birth between the groups (p > 0.05). At 4 to 12 weeks postpartum, mean PPWR (4.0 ± 6.7 vs. 2.7 ± 6.3 kg, p = 0.06) and PPWR > 5 kg (61/144 [42%] vs. 50/145 [34%], p = 0.15) did not differ between groups. Similarly, up to 12 months postpartum, mean PPWR (4.5 ± 7.1 vs. 5.0 ± 7.5 kg, p = 0.59) and PPWR > 5 kg (22/50 [44%] vs. 30/57 [53%], p = 0.55) did not differ between groups.

Conclusion Although PN is a promising intervention to improve women's health care utilization and other associated health outcomes, in this particular navigation program, participation was not associated with PPWR at 4 to 12 weeks and up to 12 months postpartum.
Anatomy of Landsmeer Ligaments—Redefined
Authors: Balakrishnan T. M. , Subbaraj Harsha , Jaganmohan J.
Published: September 2019

Introduction Landsmeer ligaments play a significant role in synchronizing the movements of the two distal phalanges of the fingers. However, there is considerable controversy in descriptions of its anatomy, function, presence, and clinical applications.

Aim To ascertain and redefine the detailed anatomy of Oblique Retinacular (ORL) and Transverse Retinacular ligaments (TRL) and their applied features.

Materials and Methods Anatomical dissection study was conducted in 100 cadaveric fingers in 42 cadavers (28 fresh specimens and remaining preserved specimens) under loupe magnification. The whole dorsal digital expansion with attached fibrous flexor sheath was dissected and specimen was examined after thorough saline wash. The dimensions, course, attachment, and configuration were noted in each specimen. The statistical mean was obtained for thickness of the ligaments. The measurements were made using a caliper at the level of the mid proximal phalanx, volar to the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, and dorsal to the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint.

Results By anatomical dissection we have found the following:

• The ORL was deep to the TRL.

• The ORL had got a check rein effect at the PIP joint, in such a way that extension of the PIP joint causes extension of the DIP joint.

• The ORL criss-crossed volar to the A3 pulley of fibrous flexor sheath and formed a good hammock for the PIP joint. This criss-crossing anatomical feature was found in all dissected fingers as an additional normal anatomical feature complementing the classical description of Landsmeer.

• Variations in configuration of the Landsmeer ligaments were observed among various fingers.

• The Landsmeer ligament was never absent as reported by several studies.

Conclusion Contrary to several studies, the ORL was omnipresent in all dissected fingers with considerable variations in dimensions. Complementing the classical description of Landsmeer, we found that there was an additional normal criss-cross anatomical feature of the ORL in all fingers volar to A3 pulley and deep to the TRL. Also, the TRL was present in all the fingers.
Infrapatellar Fat Pad Resection or Preservation during Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yao Benjamin , Samuel Linsen T. , Acuña Alexander J. , Faour Mhamad , Roth Alexander , Kamath Atul F. , Mont Michael A.
Published: September 2019

Considerations of how to improve postoperative outcomes for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have included preservation of the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP). Although the IPFP is commonly resected during TKA procedures, there is controversy regarding whether resection or preservation should be implemented, and how this influences outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate how IPFP resection and preservation impacts postoperative flexion, pain, Insall-Salvati Ratio (ISR), Knee Society Score (KSS), patellar tendon length (PTL), and satisfaction in primary TKA. PubMed, EBSCO host, and SCOPUS were queried to retrieve all reports evaluating IPFP resection or preservation during TKA, which resulted into 488 studies. Two reviewers independently reviewed these articles for eligibility based on pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eleven studies were identified for final analysis, which reported on 11,996 cases. Patient demographics, type of surgical intervention, follow-up duration, and clinical outcome measures were collected and analyzed. Complete resection was implemented in 3,723 cases (31%), partial resection in 5,458 cases (45.5%), and preservation of the IPFP in 2,815 cases (23.5%). Clinical outcome measures included PTL (5 studies), knee flexion (4 studies), pain (6 studies), KSS (3 studies), ISR (3 studies), and patient satisfaction (1 study). No differences were found following IPFP resection for patient satisfaction (p = 0.98), ISR (p > 0.05), and KSS (p > 0.05). There was mixed evidence for PTL, pain, and knee flexion following IPFP resection versus preservation. Studies of shorter follow-up intervals suggested improved pain following resection, while reports of longer follow-up times indicated that resection resulted in increased pain. Given the mixed data available from the current literature, we were unable to conclude that one surgical technique can definitively be considered superior over the other. More extensive research, including randomized controlled trials, is required to better elucidate potential differences between the surgical handling choices. Future studies should focus on patient conditions in which one technique would be best indicated to establish guidelines for best surgical outcomes in those patients.
Mid-Term Evaluation of the Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty in Patients with BMI of 40 or Greater
Authors: Seth Akshay , Dobransky Johanna , Albishi Waleed , Dervin Geoffrey F.
Published: September 2019

Limited evidence is available on mid-term follow-up for patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 receiving a unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). The primary objective of this study was to investigate survival of the UKA in patients with BMI ≥ 40. Secondary objectives were to assess functional and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). Survival analysis with endpoint revision of any component for any reason was conducted using Kaplan–Meier technique on 121 knees (103 patients) that underwent UKA with Oxford Phase 3 implant (Oxford Knee, Biomet, Swindon, United Kingdom) between September 2001 and March 2014 by seven surgeons. Survivorship differences were compared using Log Rank (Mantel-Cox) tests, and Cox Proportional Hazard Model was used to assess predictors of failure. Preoperative PROMs were compared at 2 and 5 years postoperatively using paired t-tests. Mean age of patients was 58 years (43–75), mean BMI 43 kg/m2 (40–51), and mean follow-up 7 years (2 months to 15 years). Survival rate for the whole cohort was 92% at 2 years and 86% at 5 years. Females had a significantly higher revision rate than males (p = 0.043). A total of 19 knees required revision (16 to TKA, 2 polyethylene liner exchanges, and 1 femoral component and liner revision). With respect to PROMs, there was a significant improvement at 2 and 5 years (p < 0.001) on 4 of 5 knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score subscales. The mid-term survival rate for the Oxford UKA in patients with morbid obesity is similar to that of other nondesigner patient series with BMI ≥ 30, which provides further evidence for the safety of the implant in this patient population with significant improvements on PROMs at short and mid-term follow-up.
The equitable presentation for the quantum group νq(sl2)
Authors: Liu Junli , Xu Qiuli , Jiang Wei
Published: September 2019

We introduce a new Hopf algebra Aq(sl2), consider the equitable presentation of the quantum group νq(sl2), and prove that the algebra νq(sl(2)) is a homomorphic image of Aq(sl2). We also give some properties of the equitable generators of νq(sl2).
Semi-classical Monte Carlo study of the impact of contact geometry and transmissivity on quasi-ballistic nanoscale Si and In0.53Ga0.47As n-channel FinFETs
Authors: Bhatti Aqyan A. , Crum Dax M. , Valsaraj Amithraj , Register Leonard F. , Banerjee Sanjay K.
Published: September 2019

The effects of contact geometry and specific contact resistivity on In0.53Ga0.47As (InGaAs) and silicon (Si) nanoscale (18 nm channel length) n-channel FinFETs performance, and the effects of models thereof, are studied using a quantum-corrected semiclassical Monte Carlo method. Saddle/slot, raised source and drain (RSD), and reference end contacts are modeled. Both ideal perfectly injecting and absorbing contacts and those with more realistic specific contact resistivities are considered. Far-from-equilibrium degenerate statistics, quantum-confinement effects on carrier distributions in real-space and among energy valleys and on scattering, and quasiballistic transport are modeled. Silicon ⟨110⟩ channel and Si ⟨100⟩ channel FinFETs, multivalley InGaAs channel FinFETs with conventionally reported InGaAs energy valley offsets, and reference idealized Γ-valley-only InGaAs (Γ-InGaAs) channel FinFETs are simulated. Among our findings, InGaAs channel FinFETs are highly sensitive to modeled contact geometry and specific contact resistivity and to the band structure model, while Si channel FinFETs showed still significant but much less sensitivity to the contact models. For example, for idealized unity transmissivity contacts, Γ-InGaAs channel FinFETs performed best for all contact geometries, at least in terms of transconductance, and end contacts provided the best performance for all considered channel materials. For realistic contact resistivities, however, the results are essentially reversed. Silicon channel FinFETs performed best for all contact geometries, and saddle/slot and RSD contacts outperformed end contacts.
Experimental investigation on the reduction in antenna coil current during the E to H mode transition in an inductively coupled plasma
Authors: Moon Jun-Hyeon , Moon Ho-Jun , Chung Chin-Wook
Published: September 2019

The E to H mode transition is one of the most interesting phenomena in inductively coupled plasmas, and there is substantial evidence to show that the mode transition occurs. During the E–H mode transition, in a certain discharge condition such as low driving frequencies and high pressures, a decrease in the antenna coil current has been observed. The decrease in the coil current during the E to H mode transition at high pressures is investigated in a cylindrical inductively coupled plasma. The condition for the decrease in the coil current is derived and is analyzed through the comparison of the slopes of dissipated power and transferred power against the electron density. In addition, it is found that the electron density jump appears simultaneously with the current decrease. In order for the coil current to decrease, the slope of the dissipated power to the plasma against the electron density must be smaller than that of the transferred power, and this can be satisfied when the contribution of multistep ionization is considered in the dissipated power.
On a new nitrogen sX hydrate from ice XVII
Authors: Massani B. , Conway L. J. , Hermann A. , Loveday J.
Published: September 2019

Recently, a new gas hydrate structure has been discovered. This structure, sX, is unique in a sense that it is so far the only gas hydrate with chiral channels. It is formed by hydrogen-water or carbon dioxide-water mixtures at pressures above 0.300 GPa, and it has been shown that it is the only clathrate hydrate that is refillable with hydrogen. This property makes it a possible storage material for gases. By analyzing neutron diffraction data and calculations based on density-functional theory, we show that sX is also refillable with nitrogen; the guest:host ratio will be shown to be 2.6(3). Furthermore, we report sX’s decomposition behavior and give evidence that it undergoes several transitions into the exotic hydrates sH and sIII that have not been observed at these pressure and temperature conditions—before forming the stable nitrogen hydrate sII.
Local strong solution for a class of non-Newtonian fluids with heat-conducting and state function
Authors: Zhang Yunliang , Guo Zhidong
Published: September 2019

The aim of this paper is to discuss the model for a class of non-Newtonian fluids with heat-conducting and state function. Temperature and velocity are estimated by using different methods, respectively. Furthermore, the existence and uniqueness of local strong solutions for the model are proved.
Assessing relationships between self-diffusion coefficient and viscosity in Ni-Al alloys based on the pair distribution function
Authors: Cao Qi-Long , Tu Fang , Xue Ling , Wang Fan-Hou
Published: September 2019

Based on the pair distribution function g(r), molecular dynamics simulations on NiAl and Ni3Al melts were carried out to investigate the relationships between self-diffusion coefficient and viscosity. The self-diffusion coefficients of Ni in melts and the viscosity of melts were calculated using the Einstein relation and Green-Kubo equation, respectively. Our result shows that there is a crossover in the self-diffusion coefficient and viscosity from high-temperature Arrhenius behavior to low-temperature non-Arrhenius behavior, and the crossover is accompanied by the breakdown of Stokes-Einstein relation (SER) and the onset of fractional Stokes-Einstein relation. The breakdown temperature of SER is nearly twice the glass-transition temperature and much higher than the mode-coupling critical temperature for both NiAl and Ni3Al melts. Further analyses based on g(r) suggest that temperature dependences of the pair correlation entropy and the partial pair correlation entropy of components may be used as probes for testing the validity of Stokes-Einstein relation and predicting its breakdown temperature.
Mid-wavelength infrared photo response and band alignment for sensitized PbSe thin films
Authors: Jang Moon-Hyung , Litwin Peter M. , Yoo Sung-Shik , McDonnell Stephen J. , Dhar Nibir K. , Gupta Mool C.
Published: September 2019

PbSe thin films were deposited using the chemical bath deposition method and sensitized with iodine for enhanced IR photoconductivity. After sensitization, PbSe films showed a high photoresponse of 44.7% in terms of resistance change in the midinfrared wavelength range (3–5 μm). To investigate the origin of high photoresponse in sensitized PbSe films, the bandgap, work function, and valence band maximum were measured by photoluminescence (PL) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy secondary cutoff and valence spectra. Infrared photoluminescence spectra showed a PbSe bandgap of 0.29 eV. Visible PL spectra showed a PbI2 bandgap of 2.41 eV. Work functions of as-grown PbSe and PbI2 in sensitized PbSe were determined to be 4.30 eV and 4.50 eV, respectively. An Ag/PbSe/Ag band diagram shows a measured barrier height of 0.25 eV at the PbSe/Ag interface due to Fermi level pinning. When the Ag/PbI2/PbSe/PbI2/Ag structure is biased and exposed to midwavelength infrared illumination, the electron flow is limited due to high barriers at the interfaces. Therefore, the only hole can flow after charge separation such that the electrical resistance of PbSe film is dramatically reduced. The measured bandgap, work function, and valence band maximum along with measured barrier height for metal contacts should help in providing the understanding of the charge transport mechanism in PbSe photoconductors.
Tunable AC/DC converter using graphene-germanium barristor based half-wave rectifier
Authors: Heo Sunwoo , Kwon Min Gyu , Lee Ho-In , Kim Cihyun , Kim Seung Mo , Chang Kyoung Eun , Lee Yongsu , Lee Byoung Hun
Published: September 2019

Tunable DC voltage control circuit based on a half-wave rectifier was developed using a graphene–germanium barristor. The output DC voltage level could be modulated at 30–100% of the peak voltage by controlling the Schottky barrier height between graphene and germanium using a gate bias. Owing to the simple and low-temperature integration process, this device can be used for a variable DC power supply in monolithically integrated circuits or flexible devices.
Magnetic nanotechnology for circulating tumor biomarkers screening: Rational design, microfluidics integration and applications
Authors: Hao Nanjing , Zhang John X. J.
Published: September 2019

Magnetic nanotechnology represents a major and promising frontier with great potential to significantly advance the field of liquid biopsies. The last decade has witnessed considerable progress in the research and development of magnetic nanosystems for circulating tumor biomarkers screening. With the emergence of microfluidics, both rational design of magnetic nanomaterials from microfluidic reactors and efficient magnetic screening of circulating tumor biomarkers from microfluidic chips become available. This review focuses on recent advances of magnetic nanoparticles for the screening of circulating tumor biomarkers including circulating tumor cells, exosomes, and nucleic acids. We summarize the established conventional magnetic nanosystems for circulating tumor biomarkers screening, highlight microfluidic reactors-enabled magnetic nanoparticles synthesis, and discuss the emerging roles of microfluidic chips in magnetic screening of circulating tumor biomarkers. In addition, the current challenges and opportunities are provided for guiding future studies.
Nondestructive high-throughput screening of nanopore geometry in porous membranes by imbibition
Authors: Cencha Luisa G. , Huber Patrick , Kappl Michael , Floudas George , Steinhart Martin , Berli Claudio L. A. , Urteaga Raul
Published: September 2019

A fluid dynamic model for imbibition into closed-end, axisymmetric pores having diameters that change as a function of the pore depth is presented. Despite the fact that liquid invasion into nonbranched closed-end pores is characterized by a wealth of different transient and/or metastable nonequilibrium stages related to precursor film formation, we show that a simple hydraulic model accounting for geometry- and air compression-induced deviations from classical Lucas-Washburn dynamics precisely describes the imbibition dynamics except at the late stage. The model was validated by laser interferometry experiments with submillisecond temporal resolution. Imbibition of three simple liquids (isopropanol, ethanol, and hexane) into self-ordered anodic alumina membranes containing arrays of parallel closed-end nanopores characterized by slight conicity was studied. The model provides an improved description of nanoscale fluid dynamics and allows geometric characterization of nanoporous membranes by their imbibition kinetics accounting for the back pressure of the compressed gas. Thus, a precise calibration of porous membranes with simple liquids becomes possible, and changes in the mean pore diameter as a function of the pore depth can be assessed.
Sensitive current sensor based on Fe73.5Cu1Nb3Si13.5B9/Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 composite with a tunable magnetic flux concentrator
Authors: Ou Zhengyu , Zhou Hai , Yang Aichao , Lu Caijiang , Zhu Renren , Gao Hongli
Published: September 2019

This paper presents a sensitive current sensor based on magnetoelectric composite Fe73.5Cu1Nb3Si13.5B9/Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 with a tunable magnetic concentrator. The concentrator with a movable magnetic plate can enable the DC bias magnetic field (Hdc) to become tunable to meet the needed optimal Hdc of Fe73.5Cu1Nb3Si13.5B9/Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 and to reduce the magnetoresistance of the magnetic loop. Furthermore, the sensor’s resonant frequency is adjustable to improve the sensitivity for measuring current at different frequencies. From experiments, the proposed sensor has a sensitivity of ∼246.71 mV/A and a linearity of ∼0.98% at 50 Hz current. The results indicate that the proposed current sensor is ideally suited for current-monitoring.
A phase-field-based lattice Boltzmann modeling of two-phase electro-hydrodynamic flows
Authors: Liu Xi , Chai Zhenhua , Shi Baochang
Published: September 2019

In this paper, a simple and accurate lattice Boltzmann (LB) model based on phase-field theory is developed to study the two-phase electro-hydrodynamics flows. In this model, three LB equations are utilized to solve the Allen-Cahn equation for the phase field, the Poisson equation for the electric potential, and the Navier-Stokes equation for the flow field. To test the proposed model, the deformation of a single droplet under a uniform electric field is considered. It is found that under a small deformation, the results are in good agreement with the previous work. For a large deformation, however, the theoretical results would give a large deviation, while the present results are close to the available numerical work.
Photovoltaic, photo-impedance, and photo-capacitance effects of the flexible (111) BiFeO3 film
Authors: Xie Zhongshuai , Yang Yuxi , Fang Liang , Wang Yaojin , Ding Xifeng , Yuan Guoliang , Liu Jun-Ming
Published: September 2019

Ferroelectric polarization allows a depolarization electric field to separate electron-hole pairs excited by lights, and thus, the photovoltaic properties of ABO3-type films on a hard SrTiO3 or Si substrate have been extensively studied recently. However, there are a few reports on the photocapacitance and photoimpedance of these oxide films, especially on flexible substrates. In this work, the strong photovoltaic, giant photocapacitance, and photoimpedance effects were observed in the flexible (111) BiFeO3 films with natural downward polarization. The flexible mica/SrRuO3/BiFeO3/Au cells show a maximum photovoltaic efficiency at 150 °C, a 95.5% decrease in photoimpedance effects, and a 316% increase in photocapacitance effects under 405-nm-wavelength light illumination at 25 °C. Most importantly, these properties do not show obvious degradation when the device is bent to 3 mm radius for 104 times. This work is of vital importance for us to develop new flexible photoelectronic devices.
Strange interfacial molecular dynamics
Authors: Krapf Diego , Metzler Ralf
Published: September 2019

The motion underlying contact interactions that are vital for biology has farther-reaching implications than previously thought.
Hyperspectral inversion of Suaeda salsa biomass under different types of human activity in Liaohe Estuary wetland in north-eastern China
Authors: Dou Zhiguo , Li Youzhi , Cui Lijuan , Pan Xu , Ma Qiongfang , Huang Yilan , Lei Yinru , Li Jing , Zhao Xinsheng , Li Wei
Published: September 2019

Human activities alter the growth of coastal wetland vegetation. In the present study, we used a spectrometer and hyperspectral data to determine and compare the biomass of Suaeda salsa in a coastal wetland under protective and destructive activities. Using typical discriminants, the hyperspectral data of Suaeda salsa were distinguished under the influence of two kinds of human activity, and the accuracy of the inversion model of biomass was established following improved differentiation of the data under the influence of human activities. The original spectral reflectance and vegetation index were selected, and the biomass-inversion model was established by linear regression and partial least-squares regression. The model established by partial least-squares regression had a good precision (R2>0.85, RMSE%<5.6%). Hyperspectral technology can accurately show plant biomass and the indirect effects of interference by human activities of different intensity on coastal wetlands. The accuracy of the models can be improved by distinguishing the vegetation patterns under the influence of different types of human activity, and then constructing the biomass models. This study provides technical support for the use of quantitative remote sensing-based methods to monitor the fragile ecology of coastal wetlands under the influence of human activities.
Epidemiology of gonorrhoea: a global perspective
Authors: Kirkcaldy Robert D. , Weston Emily , Segurado Aluisio C. , Hughes Gwenda
Published: September 2019

Although understanding the local epidemiology of gonorrhoea is critical for local efforts, understanding the multinational epidemiology may support development of national and international prevention and control policies and strategies. In this paper, current epidemiology of gonorrhoea is reviewed through an international lens and with a focus on selected populations. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that ~87 million new gonococcal infections occurred among people aged 15–49 years in 2016. Gonorrhoea rates are rising in many countries. Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, racial or ethnic minorities, Indigenous populations and sex workers appear to bear disproportionate burdens of gonorrhoea. International travel can facilitate spread of gonorrhoea, including resistant strains, across international borders. Critical gaps in epidemiological knowledge are highlighted, including data on gonorrhoea among transgender persons and the burden of extragenital gonorrhoea. Even as further data are gathered, action — informed by currently available data — is needed now to confront this growing international threat.
Good timing: evaluating anuran activity and detectability patterns in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Pereira-Ribeiro Juliane , Ferreguetti Atilla Colombo , Bergallo Helena Godoy , Rocha Carlos Frederico Duarte
Published: September 2019

Abstract
ContextAnimal activity patterns throughout the day constitute an important dimension of their ecological niche, and may have ecological and evolutionary implications; for an organism to be active during the day or night period, a series of conditions requiring different anatomical, physiological and behavioural adaptations must be met.
AimsTo study the anuran community in an area of Atlantic Forest in Brazil, to evaluate the species activity period as well as the diurnal and nocturnal detection probabilities of anurans, and to relate these activities to environmental variables such as air temperature, relative humidity and precipitation.
MethodsThe anurans were sampled along 21 plot transects in the diurnal period and during a nocturnal period, with temperature and relative humidity measured in each plot. Species were considered predominantly diurnal or nocturnal if 35% or more individuals were recorded during one of these periods. Anuran detectability was estimated using single-season occupancy models, relating to environmental variables.
Key resultsOf the individuals recorded, 12% were recorded during diurnal sampling and 88% were recorded during nocturnal sampling, with Ololygon agilis being the only species considered diurnal. The probability of detection was affected by only two variables (period and humidity).
ConclusionsThe anuran community in the study area was essentially nocturnal, with only one species that could be considered diurnal. Additionally, detectability was higher at night, with humidity being the most important variable affecting species detection.
ImplicationsSurveys can be planned under climatic conditions that positively influence the probabilities of detection to improve the effectiveness of monitoring species and/or anurans community.
Structural basis for power stroke vs. Brownian ratchet mechanisms of motor proteins
Authors: Hwang Wonmuk , Karplus Martin
Published: September 2019

Two mechanisms have been proposed for the function of motor proteins: The power stroke and the Brownian ratchet. The former refers to generation of a large downhill free energy gradient over which the motor protein moves nearly irreversibly in making a step, whereas the latter refers to biasing or rectifying the diffusive motion of the motor. Both mechanisms require input of free energy, which generally involves the processing of an ATP (adenosine 5′-triphosphate) molecule. Recent advances in experiments that reveal the details of the stepping motion of motor proteins, together with computer simulations of atomistic structures, have provided greater insights into the mechanisms. Here, we compare the various models of the power stroke and the Brownian ratchet that have been proposed. The 2 mechanisms are not mutually exclusive, and various motor proteins employ them to different extents to perform their biological function. As examples, we discuss linear motor proteins Kinesin-1 and myosin-V, and the rotary motor F
1
-ATPase, all of which involve a power stroke as the essential element of their stepping mechanism.
Chestnut-crowned babbler calls are composed of meaningless shared building blocks
Authors: Engesser Sabrina , Holub Jennifer L. , O’Neill Louis G. , Russell Andrew F. , Townsend Simon W.
Published: September 2019

A core component of human language is its combinatorial sound system: meaningful signals are built from different combinations of meaningless sounds. Investigating whether nonhuman communication systems are also combinatorial is hampered by difficulties in identifying the extent to which vocalizations are constructed from shared, meaningless building blocks. Here we present an approach to circumvent this difficulty and show that a pair of functionally distinct chestnut-crowned babbler (Pomatostomus ruficeps) vocalizations can be decomposed into perceptibly distinct, meaningless entities that are shared across the 2 calls. Specifically, by focusing on the acoustic distinctiveness of sound elements using a habituation-discrimination paradigm on wild-caught babblers under standardized aviary conditions, we show that 2 multielement calls are composed of perceptibly distinct sounds that are reused in different arrangements across the 2 calls. Furthermore, and critically, we show that none of the 5 constituent elements elicits functionally relevant responses in receivers, indicating that the constituent sounds do not carry the meaning of the call and so are contextually meaningless. Our work, which allows combinatorial systems in animals to be more easily identified, suggests that animals can produce functionally distinct calls that are built in a way superficially reminiscent of the way that humans produce morphemes and words. The results reported lend credence to the recent idea that language’s combinatorial system may have been preceded by a superficial stage where signalers neither needed to be cognitively aware of the combinatorial strategy in place, nor of its building blocks.
The composition of a Neandertal social group revealed by the hominin footprints at Le Rozel (Normandy, France)
Authors: Duveau Jérémy , Berillon Gilles , Verna Christine , Laisné Gilles , Cliquet Dominique
Published: September 2019

Significance

The limited knowledge we have of the size and composition of Neandertal social groups is usually based on indirect approaches using archeological or osteological data. In contrast, footprints provide more direct information about group size and composition. However, they are scarce in the fossil record, particularly for Neandertals. The discovery of 257 footprints at Le Rozel (Normandy, France) opens up a new approach for studies of the composition of Neandertal groups. By applying a morphometric method to a sample of fossil footprints made during a single brief occupation event, our analysis shows that they represent a small group with a majority of children and thus provides direct evidence of the composition of a Neandertal group.
Despite high objective numeracy, lower numeric confidence relates to worse financial and medical outcomes
Authors: Peters Ellen , Tompkins Mary Kate , Knoll Melissa A. Z. , Ardoin Stacy P. , Shoots-Reinhard Brittany , Meara Alexa Simon
Published: September 2019

People often laugh about being “no good at math.” Unrecognized, however, is that about one-third of American adults are likely too innumerate to operate effectively in financial and health environments. Two numeric competencies conceivably matter—objective numeracy (ability to “run the numbers” correctly; like literacy but with numbers) and numeric self-efficacy (confidence that provides engagement and persistence in numeric tasks). We reasoned, however, that attaining objective numeracy’s benefits should depend on numeric confidence. Specifically, among the more objectively numerate, having more numeric confidence (vs. less) should lead to better outcomes because they persist in numeric tasks and have the skills to support numeric success. Among the less objectively numerate, however, having more (vs. less) numeric confidence should hurt outcomes, as they also persist, but make unrecognized mistakes. Two studies were designed to test the generalizability of this hypothesized interaction. We report secondary analysis of financial outcomes in a diverse US dataset and primary analysis of disease activity among systemic lupus erythematosus patients. In both domains, best outcomes appeared to require numeric calculation skills and the persistence of numeric confidence. “Mismatched” individuals (high ability/low confidence or low ability/high confidence) experienced the worst outcomes. For example, among the most numerate patients, only 7% of the more numerically confident had predicted disease activity indicative of needing further treatment compared with 31% of high-numeracy/low-confidence patients and 44% of low-numeracy/high-confidence patients. Our work underscores that having 1 of these competencies (objective numeracy or numeric self-efficacy) does not guarantee superior outcomes.
Intermediate-scale horizontal isoprene concentrations in the near-canopy forest atmosphere and implications for emission heterogeneity
Authors: Batista Carla E. , Ye Jianhuai , Ribeiro Igor O. , Guimarães Patricia C. , Medeiros Adan S. S. , Barbosa Rafael G. , Oliveira Rafael L. , Duvoisin Sergio , Jardine Kolby J. , Gu Dasa , Guenther Alex B. , McKinney Karena A. , Martins Leila D. , Souza Rodrigo A. F. , Martin Scot T.
Published: September 2019

Significance

Unquantified intermediate-scale heterogeneity in VOC emissions over Amazonia may be a key contributor to the observed discrepancy between measured and modeled VOC concentrations, but in situ measurements for investigating the possibility have been lacking. The measurements presented herein quantify horizontal VOC concentration gradients over different forest subtypes at intermediate scales of several hundred meters. The results suggest that there are biases in both top-down estimates based on satellite or aircraft measurements and bottom-up approaches based on leaf or tower measurements. The results demonstrate how observations collected by UAV-enabled technologies fill a missing niche among leaf-level, tower, aircraft, and satellite scales. Information at this previously unavailable scale is needed for accurate understanding and predictions related to changing forests under climate stress.
Human papillomavirus E7 oncoprotein targets RNF168 to hijack the host DNA damage response
Authors: Sitz Justine , Blanchet Sophie Anne , Gameiro Steven F. , Biquand Elise , Morgan Tia M. , Galloy Maxime , Dessapt Julien , Lavoie Elise G. , Blondeau Andréanne , Smith Brandon C. , Mymryk Joe S. , Moody Cary A. , Fradet-Turcotte Amélie
Published: September 2019

Significance

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause 5% of all cancers, including cervical cancers and a growing number of oropharyngeal cancers, which are reaching epidemic proportion. While HPV oncogenes promote the acquisition of cancer hallmarks such as sustained proliferation and resistance to cell death by targeting the p53 and pRb pathways, the mechanism by which they induce genomic instability leading to cellular transformation remains largely unknown. This paper describes how the HPV oncoprotein E7 directly impedes the cellular response to DNA double-strand breaks by interacting with a previously uncharacterized domain of the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF168. As the function of RNF168 is essential for proper DNA repair, our findings reveal a mechanism by which HPV induces genomic instability and fuels cancer progression.
Lipid nanoparticle-targeted mRNA therapy as a treatment for the inherited metabolic liver disorder arginase deficiency
Authors: Truong Brian , Allegri Gabriella , Liu Xiao-Bo , Burke Kristine E. , Zhu Xuling , Cederbaum Stephen D. , Häberle Johannes , Martini Paolo G. V. , Lipshutz Gerald S.
Published: September 2019

Significance

Systemically administered lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) targeting the liver were able to express the cytoplasmic enzyme arginase 1 (ARG1) in a conditional knockout model of ARG1 deficiency. Metabolically, this resulted in maintaining normal plasma ammonia and arginine, preventing the build-up of excessive hepatic arginine, and obviated the development of guanidino compounds, a hallmark of this enzyme deficiency. Unlike controls, repeat dosing of LNPs encapsulating human codon-optimized
ARG1
messenger RNA led to long-term survival without evidence of toxicity, restoration of ureagenesis, and the ability to handle toxic ammonia loading. These findings have implications for therapy of ARG1 deficiency, which is presently inadequately treated and leads to progressive neurological decline.
Interesting identities involving weighted representations of integers as sums of arbitrarily many squares
Authors: Jang Min-Joo , Kane Ben , Kohnen Winfried , Man Siu Hang
Published: September 2019

Significance

There are many links between the areas of combinatorics (counting problems), number theory, and complex analysis. We apply a technique to study combinatorial problems via product formulas for their generating functions. We apply these to a certain class of functions for which the product formulas are particularly nice, but the approach may be applied to the study of other combinatorial problems whose generating functions are modular forms, and we believe that these may lead to a number of interesting identities in the future.
Revealing angular momentum transfer channels and timescales in the ultrafast demagnetization process of ferromagnetic semiconductors
Authors: Chen Zhanghui , Luo Jun-Wei , Wang Lin-Wang
Published: September 2019

Significance

As conventional silicon technology is close to its physical limitation, the researchers have been studying the technology for next-generation electronic devices beyond Moore’s Law. Ultrafast control of magnetic order by light provides a promising realization of such a target. However, despite 2 decades of studies, the key question remains: How does the angular momentum transfer among photon, spin, electron, and phonon subsystems? This question is critical for magnetization control. In this work, using a quantum simulation algorithm, we are able to provide direct, real-time snapshots of the ultrafast demagnetization process. This enables us to reveal the demagnetization mechanism and provide a quantum-mechanical microscopic picture for the issues regarding angular momentum transfer channels and timescales.
Three archetypical classes of macromolecular regulators of protein liquid–liquid phase separation
Authors: Ghosh Archishman , Mazarakos Konstantinos , Zhou Huan-Xiang
Published: September 2019

Significance

The assembly/disassembly of membraneless organelles, crucial for cellular functions and linked to human diseases, is delicately regulated by macromolecular components and other signals. To what extent and how macromolecular regulators affect this phase separation process are largely unknown. Here, by measuring the effects on the phase boundary and the levels of partitioning into the condensates of 2 proteins (SH3
5
and PRM
5
), we define 3 archetypical classes of macromolecular regulators. Depending on their strengths of attraction with condensate proteins, regulators either promote or suppress phase separation, and can generally be classified as volume-exclusion promotors, weak-attraction suppressors, and strong-attraction promotors. This classification provides a much needed understanding, given the numerous macromolecular species in and around membraneless organelles for exerting regulatory effects.
Mode-of-action profiling reveals glutamine synthetase as a collateral metabolic vulnerability of
M. tuberculosis
to bedaquiline
Authors: Wang Zhe , Soni Vijay , Marriner Gwendolyn , Kaneko Takushi , Boshoff Helena I. M. , Barry Clifton E. , Rhee Kyu Y.
Published: September 2019

Significance

Drug combinations are an important strategy to increase treatment efficacy, reduce drug toxicity, and suppress drug resistance. Their development, however, is often empirical. Here, we report how the secondary consequences of the drug–target interaction (mode of action) can inform the development of rational mechanism-based combinations. We focus on bedaquiline (BDQ), the newest tuberculosis drug, because of known toxicities and emerging reports of resistance. We demonstrate that in addition to inhibiting its primary target, ATP synthase, BDQ causes a secondary inhibition of glutamine biosynthesis that is not directly antimycobacterial but renders
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
hypersensitive to inhibitors of its glutamine synthetase. These studies reveal drug-induced fitness costs as a specific and potentially valuable, but underappreciated, window to rational, mechanism-based drug combinations.