bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder in Children
Authors: Sharon Denise , Walters Arthur Scott , Simakajornboon Narong
Published: July 2019

Introduction Restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) have been studied more than any other sleep-related movement disorder in the pediatric population. A common feature to both, periodic limb movements, occurs in many other disorders and also in reportedly healthy children and adolescents. In this review, we discuss the different types of limb movements as it pertains to pediatric RLS and PLMD and provides an update on these disorders.

Methods A literature search was performed with the following inclusion criteria: English publication, limb movements, leg movements, periodic limb movements of sleep, periodic limb movements during wake, PLMD, RLS, with each of the modifiers, children, pediatric, and adolescents. Identified publications were reviewed and their reference lists were searched for additional relevant publications.

Results A total of 102 references were included in this review. These included epidemiological studies, prospective and retrospective studies, case series, observational data, reviews, and consensus guidelines. A critical summary of these findings is presented.

Conclusion The limited evidence-based data support the importance of evaluating limb movements in the context of the clinical symptomatology presented by the child or the adolescent. Further research is needed to (1) better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms resulting in periodic limb movements as encountered in the pediatric PLMD or RLS patient and their impact on the overall health and well-being, (2) develop objective diagnostic criteria for RLS and differentiate it from its “mimics” in the pediatric population, and (3) establish evidence-based guidelines for treatment.
Treatment Strategies in Crohn's-Associated Rectovaginal Fistula
Authors: DeLeon Michelle F. , Hull Tracy L.
Published: July 2019

Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) is a rare, but dreaded complication of Crohn's disease (CD) that is exceedingly difficult to manage. Treatment algorithms range from observation and medical therapy to local surgical repair and proctectomy. The multitude of surgical options and lack of consensus between experts speak to the complexity and shortcomings encountered to correct this disease process surgically. The key to successful management of these fistulae therefore rests on a multidisciplinary approach between the patient, gastroenterologists, and surgeons, with open communication about expectations and goals of care. In this article, we review the management of CD-associated RVF with an emphasis on surgical technique.
Minimally Invasive Surgery in Complex Crohn's Disease
Authors: Sapci Ipek , Gorgun Emre
Published: July 2019

Minimally invasive approaches are safe, feasible, and often recommended as the initial choice in the surgical management of Crohn's disease. However, a consensus has not been reached as the ideal approach in the surgical treatment of complex and recurrent Crohn's disease. Laparoscopy may provide advantages such as shorter length of stay and decreased postoperative pain and result in less adhesion formation in patients with complex disease. Robotic techniques may be beneficial in selected patients for completion proctectomy, providing better visualization in the narrow pelvis and increased dexterity. Decision of surgical technique should be made on a case-by-case basis.
Hepatitis B Virus–Hepatocyte Interactions and Innate Immune Responses: Experimental Models and Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Thomas Emmanuel , Baumert Thomas F.
Published: July 2019

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of liver disease and cancer worldwide. While current therapeutic approaches can efficiently control viral infection, efficient curative antivirals are absent. The understanding of virus–hepatocyte interactions and sensing of viral infection is an important prerequisite for the development of novel antiviral therapies for cure. Hepatocyte intrinsic innate immunity provides a rapid first line of defense to combat viral infection through the upregulation of antiviral and inflammatory genes. However, the functional relevance of many of these antiviral signaling pathways in the liver and their role in HBV pathogenesis is still only partially understood. The recent identification of intracellular RNA and DNA sensing pathways and their involvement in disease biology, including viral pathogenesis and carcinogenesis, is currently transforming our understanding of virus–host interactions. Here the authors review the current knowledge on intrinsic antiviral innate immune responses including the role of viral nucleic acid sensing pathways in the liver. Since HBV has been designated as a “stealth virus,” the study of the impact of HBV on signaling pathways in the hepatocyte is of significant interest to understand viral pathogenesis. Characterizing the mechanism underlying these HBV–host interactions and targeting related pathways to enhance antiviral innate responses may open new strategies to trigger noncytopathic clearance of covalently closed circular DNA to ultimately cure patients with chronic HBV infection.
Study of Nutrient Foramina in Human Typical Long Bones of Lower Limb
Authors: Parmar Ajay , Maheria Pankaj , Shah Kanan
Published: July 2019

Background and Aim Nutrient foramina form important landmarks on human bones as they form portal of entry for nutrient artery. Nutrient artery is an important source of blood supply for a growing bone. Different parameters of nutrient foramina are important in various procedures such as vascularized bone grafting, tumor resections, fracture repair, and other surgical procedures in orthopedics. The objective of the present study was to report the number, position, direction, size, and foraminal index of nutrient foramen in the femur, tibia, and fibula.

Materials and Methods The present study analyzed the location, direction, size, and the number of nutrient foramina in the diaphysis of 180 long bones of the lower limbs of adults: 60 femurs, 60 tibiae, and 60 fibulae.

Result The location of the nutrient foramina is predominant on the posterior aspect of the lower limb long bones. Single nutrient foramen found in the tibia (100%), femur (48.3%), and fibula (60%) may represent as a single source of blood supply. The majority of the femur (50%) and few fibulae (5%) had a double nutrient foramen. The mean foraminal index for the lower limb bones was 40.5% for the left and 38.2% for the right side of the femur, 31.69% for the left and 32.3% for the right side of the tibia, and 32.7% for the left and 31.7% for the right side of the fibula.

Conclusion The present study provides information on the number, size, position, and direction of nutrient foramina of the femur, tibia, and fibula bones.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Parental Stress: Findings from a National, Prospective TSC Surveillance Study
Authors: Ebrahimi-Fakhari Daniel , Hussong Justine , Flotats-Bastardas Marina , Ebrahimi-Fakhari Darius , Zemlin Michael , von Gontard Alexander , Meyer Sascha
Published: July 2019

Aim To assess the role of the TAND (tuberous sclerosis complex [TSC] associated neuropsychiatric disorders) checklist as a screening tool for neuropsychiatric pathology, to evaluate behavioral and psychiatric symptoms and related parental stress in children with TSC, and to analyze associations between parental stress, TAND findings, and TSC pathology.

Method This is a prospective cohort study including 22 individuals from a national TSC surveillance study in Germany using demographic and clinical data, the TAND checklist, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and the Parenting Stress Index (PSI).

Results Mean (standard deviation) age at follow-up was 4 years (3 years 9 months), and 13/22 of patients were male. Seventeen children had epilepsy (focal: 9; generalized: 4; infantile spasms: 4). Developmental delay was diagnosed in 12/22 patients. The most prevalent TAND items were anxiety and mood swings in 10/22 children. At least one TAND item was reported by 17/22 patients, internalizing symptoms by 10/22, and externalizing symptoms by 11/22. In contrast, only one patient had a clinically relevant score in the CBCL scales. Of 22 parents, 12 reported clinically relevant parental stress due to both child and parenting factors. Higher total parental stress was associated with a higher TAND externalizing score (r = 0.49; p = 0.028) and TAND total score (r = 0.51; p = 0.016), a higher CBCL total score (r = 0.59; p = 0.005), and the number of antiepileptic drugs (r = 0.50; p = 0.017). Developmental delay was correlated with child stress factors (r = 0.48; p = 0.023).

Interpretation The TAND checklist appears to be a promising screening tool for neuropsychiatric problems in very young children with TSC. Parental stress in children with TSC is modified by TSC-related pathology, both neuropsychiatric and neurological.
Improved Population-Based Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation by Compliance with the Simple ABC (Atrial Fibrillation Better Care) Pathway for Integrated Care Management: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Yoon Minjae , Yang Pil-Sung , Jang Eunsun , Yu Hee Tae , Kim Tae-Hoon , Uhm Jae-Sun , Kim Jong-Youn , Sung Jung-Hoon , Pak Hui-Nam , Lee Moon-Hyoung , Joung Boyoung , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: July 2019

Background An integrated care approach might be of benefit for clinical outcomes of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This study evaluated whether compliance with the Atrial fibrillation Better Care (ABC) pathway for integrated care management (“A” Avoid stroke; “B” Better symptom management; “C” Cardiovascular risk and Comorbidity optimization) would improve population-based clinical outcomes in a nationwide AF cohort.

Methods and Results From the Korea National Health Insurance Service database, a total of 204,842 nonvalvular AF patients were enrolled between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2015. Patients that fulfilled all criteria of the ABC pathway were defined as the “ABC” group, and those who did not were the “Non-ABC” group.

Over a mean follow-up of 6.2 ± 3.5 years, the ABC pathway compliant group had lower rates of all-cause death (0.80 vs. 2.72 per 100 person-years, p < 0.001) and the composite outcome of “death, ischemic stroke, major bleeding, and myocardial infarction” (2.34 vs. 5.92 per 100 person-years, p < 0.001) compared with the Non-ABC compliant group. Adjusted Cox multivariable regression showed that the ABC group had a significantly lower risk of all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78–0.86) and the composite outcome (adjusted HR 0.86; 95% CI, 0.83–0.89). With the increasing numbers of ABC pathway criteria fulfilled, the risk of all-cause death and composite outcome were progressively lowered.

Conclusion In the first study of a nationwide population cohort, we show that compliance with the simple ABC pathway is associated with improved clinically relevant outcomes of patients with AF. Given the high health care burden associated with AF, such a streamlined holistic approach to AF management should be implemented, to improve the care of such patients.
Research on high-frequency small-load fatigue testing device driven by piezoelectric actuator
Authors: Zeng Xiangli , Wu Yue , Yang Zhigang , Shen Yanhu , Ma Lei
Published: July 2019

A novel small-load fatigue testing device whose actuation resource is the piezoelectric material is proposed. The procedure of energy conversion and motion transfer is analyzed in detail. In the experiment by which the characteristic of the fatigue testing device is tested, the testing device works at resonance and the amplitude of the output could be up to 6.3 mm and output force is in the range of 0.6–2.5 N when the actuation frequency is higher than 100 Hz. The article presents the details of a piezoelectric device that is superior not only in smaller output force and higher testing frequency but also in high resolution, quick response, small scale, no noise, and anti-electromagnetic interference. The research about this kind of testing device benefits increasing the testing efficiency and development of a new material.
Photochemically patterned metal nanoparticle strontium barium niobate surfaces with tunable wettability, enhanced Raman scattering, and fluorescence emission
Authors: Barnes Eftihia , Soblosky Lauren , Alberts Erik M. , Johnson LaShaundra , Guy Joseph G. M. , Kumar Amit
Published: July 2019

Photochemically patterned metal nanoparticle Strontium Barium Niobate (SBN) surfaces are shown to exhibit tunable surface wettability which depends on the UV photodeposition time and the type of deposited metal nanoparticle, namely, silver or gold. Taking advantage of plasmonic properties of noble metal nanoparticles, we demonstrate enhanced Raman scattering and fluorescence emission of a probe molecule from the metal nanoparticle SBN surfaces. Further, ferroelectric lithography enables the creation of stable oppositely polarized ferroelectric domains, at the microscale, giving rise to spatially distinct metal particle deposition patterns and corresponding Raman responses. The results clearly demonstrate that metal nanoparticle/SBN surfaces suitable for enhanced chemical sensing can be designed using ferroelectric lithography and could have implications for realization of microfluidic or liquid droplet-based Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) sensors.
Thermally-enhanced current gain of quantum-well heterojunction bipolar transistor
Authors: Chang Yun-Hsuan , Chou Yung-Lin , Chang Shu-Wei , Wu Chao-Hsin
Published: July 2019

We investigate the current gain of quantum-well heterojunction bipolar transistors (QW-HBTs) under different operation temperatures. It is experimentally shown that the introduction of a QW into the base region of HBTs results in an increasing current gain with the temperature, which is a behavior opposite to that of typical HBTs. An enhancement of current gain around 226% is observed as the temperature of QW-HBT is raised from 35 to 95 °C. This unusual trend is mainly attributed to the shorter escape time of electrons in the QW at the higher temperature. A modified charge-control model based on thermionic emissions of electrons in the QW region is constructed to model this temperature-dependent phenomenon, and the result agrees well with our experimental observations.
Fine-time measurement circuit based on 180° phase-shifted clock sampling in time-to-digital converters
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Jianli , Zhao Jufeng , Cui Guangmang
Published: July 2019

Dead time is an important parameter in time-to-digital converters, which is the significant time measure circuit. To reduce the dead time, this note proposes a new fine-time measurement circuit. In this configuration, two clocks having a phase difference of 180° are used to sample the signals passing through the delay chain, and their average is taken as the final measurement result. The experimental results demonstrate that the dead time of the proposed circuit is observed to be 1.25 ns at 800 MHz clock and the circuit logic resource consumption of the proposed circuit is reduced by approximately 25% compared to other methods.
Online error compensation of moving-base rotating accelerometer gravity gradiometer
Authors: Yu Mingbiao , Cai Tijing
Published: July 2019

Imperfections in the factors of a rotating accelerometer gravity gradiometer (RAGG), such as accelerometer mounting errors, circuit gain mismatch, accelerometer linear scale factor imbalances, and accelerometer second-order error coefficients, make the RAGG susceptible to its own motion. These motion errors easily cause saturation of the RAGG so that it is unable to work normally. In this study, we propose a scheme for continually adjusting the linear scale factors or mounting angles of the accelerometers to reduce motion sensitivity and for generating a compensation signal based on an analytical model of the RAGG, to compensate motion errors. A numerical model of the RAGG is used to simulate a real imperfect RAGG to allow an online error compensation experiment to be performed. In the experiment, the mean and standard deviation of the air turbulence are 100 mg and 20 mg (1 g = 9.81 m/s2), respectively, and those of the angular velocity are 100 deg/h and 50 deg/h. It takes about 15 min for the RAGG online error compensation system to achieve convergence. In the converged state, the motion noise density of the RAGG is about 1 E/√Hz and scale factor balances of the order of 10−9 g/g are maintained. These experimental results suggest that the proposed online error compensation method is valid.
Luminescence spatial characteristics of ZnSe:Fe
Authors: Gladilin Andrey , Chentsov Semen , Uvarov Oleg , Nikolaev Sergey , Krivobok Vladimir , Kalinushkin Viktor
Published: July 2019

Two types of thermal-diffusion-based technological routes have been realized to obtain ZnSe:Fe plates demanded for laser application in the mid-IR spectral range. For the technological routes used, the iron doping process is shown to lead to the formation of auxiliary luminescence bands including (1) luminescence of residual tetrahedral donors and acceptors; (2) unknown bound exciton line located at 459 nm; (3) broad bands with maxima at 490, 520, 670, and 820 nm; and (4) IR band at 960 nm previously assigned to centers related to transition metals. Using the measurements of photoluminescence under conditions of two-photon excitation and measurements of low-temperature microphotoluminescence, the intensity profiles of the bands have been shown to be uncorrelated with the concentration profile of the optically active (Fe2+) iron. This trend does not depend on the technological routes used. Thus, heavily Fe doped areas, as well as adjacent regions in ZnSe:Fe plates produced by thermal-diffusion-based techniques, contain auxiliary centers governing luminescence in visible and near IR spectral ranges. These centers are not directly related to the optically active (Fe2+) iron.
A phonon wave packet study of thermal energy transport across functionalized hard-soft interfaces
Authors: Wei Xingfei , Luo Tengfei
Published: July 2019

Thermal transport across hard-soft interfaces is critical to many applications, such as polymer composites, solar thermal evaporation, and photothermal cancer therapy. In this work, we use wave packets (WP) in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study the phonon energy transmission coefficients (ETCs) across different Au-self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-organic liquid interfaces. Three types of thiol SAMs with different terminal groups and chain length heterogeneities are studied, including “-CH3,” “-COOH,” and “hetero” SAMs. Two types of organic liquids, hexamine and hexane, are investigated. When the liquid changes from hexamine to hexane, the Au-CH3 SAM-liquid interfaces show similar ETCs across different phonon modes, since the interactions between nonpolar SAM and different liquids are similar, while the ETCs across the Au-CH3 SAM-liquid interfaces are much higher than those involving bare Au-liquid interfaces. Due to the -COOH functionalization, the Au-COOH SAM-hexamine interface shows the highest ETCs for all phonon modes compared to the other interfaces, which explains why its interfacial thermal conductance (ITC) is also the highest. We find that the Au-hetero-SAM-hexamine interface has higher ETCs in the longitudinal acoustic (LA) modes than the Au-CH3 SAM-hexamine interface; as a result, the ITC of the Au-hetero-SAM-hexamine interface is slightly higher. The ETCs calculated in our WP simulations can interpret the ITCs calculated from our previous MD simulations. Using the mode-resolved ETCs, the ITC contributions for each phonon mode are also calculated. We find that the LA modes play an important role in thermal transport across Au-SAM-liquid interfaces. Results from this WP study will help design interfaces with desirable thermal transport properties.
Dopant profiling in p-i-n GaN structures using secondary electrons
Authors: Alugubelli Shanthan R. , Fu Houqiang , Fu Kai , Liu Hanxiao , Zhao Yuji , Ponce Fernando A.
Published: July 2019

We show that secondary electrons in a scanning electron microscope can provide important information about spatial dopant distribution in p-i-n GaN structures, with the highest contrast observed for a primary electron beam accelerating voltage in the range of 1 to 2 kV. The current through the specimen is used to determine the total backscattered and secondary electron yield. We establish a correlation between the secondary electron emission intensity and the doping characteristics of the material. The secondary electron emission intensity was found to be highest for p-type GaN, intermediate for n-type GaN, and lowest for undoped GaN. Specimen currents are found to have a strong correlation with the Mg concentration in p-GaN films. The contrast associated with dopants is shown to depend on experimental parameters such as primary electron beam voltage, total electron beam exposure, and specimen surface history. This technique can serve as a powerful tool for the development and characterization of thin films for GaN power electronics.
Selective and confined epitaxial growth development for novel nano-scale electronic and photonic device structures
Authors: Šuran Brunelli Simone Tommaso , Markman Brian , Goswami Aranya , Tseng Hsin-Ying , Choi Sukgeun , Palmstrøm Chris , Rodwell Mark , Klamkin Jonathan
Published: July 2019

Selectively growing epitaxial material in confined dielectric structures has been explored recently as a pathway to integrate highly mismatched materials on silicon substrates. This approach involves the fabrication of a channel-like structure of dielectric material that from the growth atmosphere reaches down to a small exposed area of the substrate where subsequent growth via metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) initiates. The technique, referred to as template assisted selective epitaxy, can also enable the development of novel nanoscale photonic and electronic device structures because of its ability to allow epitaxy to progress in a direction, final size, and aspect ratio defined by the dielectric template, and allows integration of horizontal heterojunction inside the channel. To date, most confined epitaxy work has been detailed on silicon. Due to the reduced chemical and thermal stability of InP compared to Si, additional steps for surface preparation are required. In this work, two different fabrication routes are described on InP substrates: one involving amorphous silicon as a sacrificial layer and deposited SiO2 as top oxide, while the other involves spin coated photoresist and hydrogen-silsesquioxane sourced SiOx. Both routes, leading to similar template structures, are demonstrated and discussed. Homoepitaxy of InP in both types of templates and the integration of an InAs horizontal heterojunction are demonstrated via MOCVD. An increase in growth rate with decreasing template length, increasing template width, and decreasing pattern density is observed.
Principles of enantio-selective excitation in three-wave mixing spectroscopy of chiral molecules
Authors: Leibscher Monika , Giesen Thomas F. , Koch Christiane P.
Published: July 2019

Three-wave mixing spectroscopy of chiral molecules, which exist in left-handed and right-handed conformations, allows for enantioselective population transfer despite random orientation of the molecules. This is based on constructive interference of the three-photon pathways for one enantiomer and the destructive one for the other. We prove here that three mutually orthogonal polarization directions are required to this end. Two different dynamical regimes exist to realize enantioselective population transfer, and we show that they correspond to different phase conditions in the three-wave mixing. We find the excitation scheme used in current rotational three-wave mixing experiments of chiral molecules with C1 symmetry to be close to optimal and discuss the prospects for rovibrational three-wave mixing experiments of axially chiral molecules. Our comprehensive study allows us to clarify earlier misconceptions in the literature.
Bird’s total collision energy model: 4 decades and going strong
Authors: Gimelshein Sergey F. , Wysong Ingrid J.
Published: July 2019

The focus of this work is the total collision energy model of chemical reactions, derived through the application of the collision theory in pioneer work of Bird in 1977–1978. Several aspects of the model, such as the inclusion of the internal degrees of freedom, the detailed balance, and some numerical limitations, are considered. The use of the model for exchange and dissociation reactions, its connection to other chemistry models of the direct simulation Monte Carlo method, and the applicability to different problems of rarefied gas dynamics are discussed.
Characteristics of liquefied soil motion in wavy environment
Authors: Cao Ruichen , Wang Shuya , Xu Guohui , Lv Xianqing
Published: July 2019

The soil on a seabed will fluctuate with the waves after liquefaction. In this paper, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology General Circulation Model (MITgcm) is applied to investigate the particle movement of the liquefied soil. In the model, viscosity and other parameters were appropriately adjusted to simulate the motion of liquefied soil. The simulated results are consistent with the experimental results. When compared with the theory of Stokes wave, the model is more accurate as the viscosity is taken into consideration. The aforementioned results demonstrate that the MITgcm can be applied successfully to simulate the liquefied soil.
A new perspective on metal particles enhanced MoS2 photocatalysis in hydrogen evolution: Excited electric field by surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Wang Haining , Cui Liting , Chen Sian , Guo Min , Lu Shanfu , Xiang Yan
Published: July 2019

The hot electrons induced by surface plasmon resonance and transferred from metal particles to MoS2 nanosheets have been reported as the mechanism for metal particles enhanced MoS2 photocatalysis in hydrogen evolution, which provides new strategies to design novel non-platinum catalysts for hydrogen generation. In this study, we propose a new perspective to understand metal particles enhanced MoS2 photocatalysis for hydrogen evolution by a combined electrodynamic and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The electrodynamic calculation reveals that the electric field could be excited around Au NPs during a surface plasmon resonance process, depending on the position and distance away from the NPs. Meanwhile, the DFT calculation shows the electric field would influence the charge and adsorption energy of the hydrogen atom on the MoS2 surface, which will affect the hydrogen evolution catalysis process of a MoS2-Au NPs system. Therefore, the excited electric field should be another reason for the enhanced photocatalysis of MoS2, other than the “hot electrons” mechanism.
Temperature and rate effects in ramp-wave compression freezing of liquid water
Authors: Nissen E. J. , Dolan D. H.
Published: July 2019

Quasi-isentropic compression of liquid water beyond 5 GPa rapidly creates ice VII on 1–10 ns time scales. The onset of this phase transition can be modified by changing the initial temperature of the liquid sample and/or the compression rate. These effects were studied using the Sandia Thor-64 pulsed power machine. Increasing the initial temperature pushes freezing above the previously reported 7 GPa metastable limit. Slower compression allows freezing to occur below the metastable limit, though the compression rate has a greater effect at an elevated temperature than at room temperature.
Trehalose-induced slowdown of lysozyme hydration dynamics probed by EDLS spectroscopy
Authors: Corezzi Silvia , Paolantoni Marco , Sassi Paola , Morresi Assunta , Fioretto Daniele , Comez Lucia
Published: July 2019

We use extended depolarized light scattering spectroscopy to study the dynamics of water in a lysozyme-trehalose aqueous solution over a broad time scale, from hundreds to fractions of picoseconds. We provide experimental evidence that the sugar, present in the ternary solution in quantity relevant for biopreservation, strongly modifies the solvation properties of the protein. By comparing aqueous solutions of lysozyme with and without trehalose, we show that the combined action of sugar and protein produces an exceptional dynamic slowdown of a fraction of water molecules around the protein, which become more than twice slower than in the absence of trehalose. We speculate that this ultraslow water may be caged between the sugar and protein surface, consistently with a water entrapment scenario. We also demonstrate that the dynamics of these water molecules gets slower and slower upon cooling. On the basis of these findings, we believe such ultraslow water close to the lysozyme is likely to be involved in the mechanism of bioprotection.
Fluidity enhancement of hard-to-fluidize nanoparticles by mixing with hydrophilic nanosilica and fluid catalytic cracking particles: Experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Tahmasebpoor Maryam , Rahimvandi Noupoor Yaghoub , Badamchizadeh Parastoo
Published: July 2019

As a low-cost method, hydrophilic SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) coarse particles were used as assistant materials to improve the fluidity of Al2O3 and TiO2 hard-to-fluidize nanopowders. To decrease the strong electrostatic forces between the hydrophilic nanopowders, prepared samples were fluidized in the presence of methanol vapor. Results revealed that the amount of SiO2 NPs, increased from 5 to 50 wt. %, has a beneficial effect on the fluidization quality of the binary (hard-to-fluidize NPs + SiO2) and ternary (hard-to-fluidize NPs + SiO2 + FCC) mixtures. However, the amount of FCC particles when it varied from 15 to 30 wt. % in the ternary mixtures should meet the optimal point, beyond which the fluidization quality was declined due to the segregation phenomenon. The laboratory results showed that the cost-effective ternary samples fluidized more homogeneously with higher bed expansions compared to the binary samples. In this regard, (Al2O3 + 20 wt. % SiO2) + 15 wt. % FCC and (TiO2 + 20 wt. % SiO2) + 15 wt. % FCC ternary samples were proposed as the alternatives of Al2O3 + 50 wt. % SiO2 and TiO2 + 50 wt. % SiO2 binary mixtures, respectively.
Analysis on microstructure and wear resistance of TiC particles reinforced 1Cr12Ni3Mo2V matrix composites processed by laser stereo forming
Authors: Ma Wanli , Tao Fenghe , Jia Changzhi , Men Xiangdong
Published: July 2019

Based on the laser stereo forming technology, the 1Cr12Ni3Mo2V matrix composite specimens with different TiC particles (volume fraction of 0%, 10% and 20%) have been made by controlling the iron-base powder and TiC powder feeding rate. The phase analyses have been carried out based on the specimens with different TiC particles. And the microstructure of each specimen has been analysed and compared. The formation mechanism has been discussed, and the hardness of different specimens has been tested, and then the friction and wear properties of each specimen have been analysed. The results show that TiC particles and 1Cr12Ni3Mo2V stainless steel are well combined by the laser stereo forming technology. TiC exists mainly in two ways, one is TiC which is not completely decomposed, and the other is TiC which is newly precipitated. Compared to 0% and 10% TiC, 20% TiC has better hardness and wear resistance. The main occurrence of 0% TiC is abrasive wear and adhesive wear, while 1Cr12Ni3Mo2V composites of 10% TiC and 20% TiC particles are mainly adhesive wear and oxidative wear.
Impact of in situ acid generation and iodine sequestration on the chlorite-iodide clock reaction
Authors: Panzarasa Guido , Dufresne Eric R.
Published: July 2019

Acid generators, such as cyclic esters, have recently emerged as powerful modulators of clock reactions. Here, we show that a transient pH burst emerges when δ-gluconolactone is coupled to the chlorite-iodide reaction. The timing and strength of the bursts depend on the concentration of the cyclic ester and can be further modulated by sequestration of iodine by tetrabutylammonium cations or α-cyclodextrin. These findings could be useful for the design of new, transient pH- and complexation-driven self-assembly systems, as well as for analytical purposes.
An integrated instrument of DUV-IR photoionization mass spectrometry and spectroscopy for neutral clusters
Authors: Zhang Hanyu , Wu Haiming , Jia Yuhan , Geng Lijun , Luo Zhixun , Fu Hongbing , Yao Jiannian
Published: July 2019

We have developed an integrated instrument combining deep ultraviolet laser ionization mass spectrometry (DUV-LIMS) and infrared multiphoton dissociation (IR-MPD) spectroscopy, abbreviated as DUV-IR. The 177.3 nm DUV laser (7 eV single-photon energy) has short pulse duration (15 ps) and appropriate pulse energy (∼20 µJ), which is found to be highly efficient for low-fragment photoionization of neutral metal clusters and molecules. A home-made cluster source is designed with an adjustable formation channel suitable for the generation of different cluster series. The well-aligned components of the reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer, as well as the coaxial design of DUV laser and molecular beam, bring forth high sensitivity and high resolution of the DUV-LIMS. Taking these advantages, well-resolved neutral Vn (n = 1–43) and (Benzene)n (n = 1–25) clusters have been generated free of fragmentation. In addition to the generation and detection of neutral clusters, a fast-flow reaction tube is also designed downstream of the cluster source allowing to study their reactivity. In particular, a broad-range tunable IR laser (1.3–16 µm) is coupled with the DUV laser to attain IR-MPD spectroscopic analysis. This integrated system offers a general protocol to prepare various clusters to study their gas-phase reactivity and to determine their structures.
Accurate measurement of nanomechanical motion in a fiber-taper nano-optomechanical system
Authors: Zheng Huadan , Qiu Weiqia , Gu Xiaohang , Zhang Yu , Zhu Wenguo , Huang Bincheng , Lu Huihui , Guan Heyuan , Xiao Yi , Zhong Yongchun , Fang Junbin , Luo Yunhan , Zhang Jun , Yu Jianhui , Tittel Frank , Chen Zhe
Published: July 2019

The hybrid systems that couple optical and mechanical degrees of freedom in nanoscale devices offer an unprecedented opportunity and development in laboratories worldwide. A nano-optomechanical (NOM) system that converts energy directly/inversely between optics and mechanics opens an approach to control the behavior of light and light-driven mechanics. An accurate measurement of the mechanical motion of a fiber-taper NOM system is a critical challenge. In this work, an optical microscope was used to measure the nanoscale mechanical motion of the fiber taper by introducing white light interference. The resolution of mechanical motion monitoring achieved 0.356 nm with an optomechanical efficiency of >20 nm/μW. This paper describes an approach to characterize NOM transducers between optical and mechanical signals in both classical and quantum fields.
Ceria-embedded nickel oxide electrodes may improve sustainable energy storage
Authors: Johnson-Groh Mara
Published: July 2019

A new method creating 3D hybrid electrodes could improve the ability of supercapacitors to store energy.
Strategies to improve access to and uptake of dental care by people experiencing homelessness in Australia: a grey literature review
Authors: Goode Jacqueline , Hoang Ha , Crocombe Leonard
Published: July 2019

Objectives The poor oral health of Australians experiencing homelessness negatively affects their quality of life. Better oral health is associated with having annual dental check-ups. Because there is limited peer-reviewed literature describing strategies that improve access to and uptake of dental care by homeless people, in this study we searched the grey literature to discover what strategies are used. Methods The Informit database and Google and Bing search engines were searched using the keywords ‘homeless and oral and dental services’. Bing and Google were searched unrestricted by site and Google was searched for sites ending in ‘org.au’. Searches were restricted to Australia from June 2008 to June 2018. The first 300 websites were read, and those describing or linking to pages describing a strategy that improved access to or uptake of dental care were included in the study. The content of the webpages was evaluated and summarised, with common strategies reported as a narrative description. Results Nineteen programs were described. Common strategies were providing free care, in-reach care, outreach care and the need to work closely with support organisations. Conclusions To improve access to and uptake of dental care by people experiencing homelessness, dental services need to be free and organised in collaboration with support organisations. What is known about the topic? The peer-reviewed literature describing strategies used to improve access to and uptake of dental care by people experiencing homelessness in Australia is limited. The authors could only locate two such studies, one based in Melbourne and one in Brisbane. Both programs had a similar aim, but used different strategies to achieve it, suggesting a lack of consensus about the best way to encourage dental visiting by people experiencing homelessness. What does this paper add? This paper used the grey literature to describe common strategies used in Australia to improve access to and uptake of dental care by people experiencing homelessness. What are the implications for practitioners? Dental service providers aiming to increase access to and uptake of dental care by people experiencing homelessness need to work collaboratively with support organisations and provide care free of charge.
The interrelationship between torpor expression and nest site use of western and eastern pygmy-possums (Cercartetus spp.)
Authors: Turner James M.
Published: July 2019

Physiology and behaviour are closely linked, making knowledge of the interaction between species’ energetics and activities important when attempting to understand how animals function in the wild. I examined torpor use by western pygmy-possums (Cercartetus concinnus) and eastern pygmy-possums (C. nanus) in relation to nest site characteristics and movement patterns. In coastal mallee heath in winter, C. concinnus nested beneath leaf litter at the base of dead Banksia ornata, where they employed torpor on 69% of observed days. In warm temperate sclerophyll forest, C. nanus nested in tree hollows of Eucalyptus spp. and used torpor on 64% of days in winter and 10% in summer. Torpor was used in nest sites that were buffered from outside temperature extremes. Both species frequently reused nest sites and while C. nanus was more likely to employ torpor in a previously used site, site familiarity did not influence torpor use for C. concinnus. Additionally, C. nanus was more likely to use torpor in hollows with a higher relative thickness in both seasons. No relationship was found between range size and the number of tracking days or capture body mass, though sample sizes were small. I suggest that the thermal attributes of nest sites influence torpor use for both species and this is likely vital for maintaining a positive energy balance, stressing the importance of preserving habitat with ample potential nest sites for conservation management.
Gas phase formation of c-SiC
3
molecules in the circumstellar envelope of carbon stars
Authors: Yang Tao , Bertels Luke , Dangi Beni B. , Li Xiaohu , Head-Gordon Martin , Kaiser Ralf I.
Published: July 2019

Significance

Since the detection of methylidyne (CH) in deep space over 80 y ago, about 200 molecules and molecular ions from molecular hydrogen to fullerenes have been observed in interstellar and circumstellar environments, but the synthesis of organosilicon molecules has remained largely elusive. Exploiting silicon tricarbide (c-SiC
3
) as a benchmark, we provide evidence from laboratory experiments, electronic structure calculations, and astrochemical modeling that organosilicon species can be synthesized via distinct chemistries in the inner and outer envelope of carbon stars like IRC+10216 via bimolecular reactions followed by photochemical dehydrogenation to bare silicon carbon molecules. These mechanisms are of fundamental significance to facilitate an understanding how carbon and silicon chemistries can be coupled to synthesize organosilicon molecules in the universe.
An unbiased approach elucidates variation in (
S
)-(+)-linalool, a context-specific mediator of a tri-trophic interaction in wild tobacco
Authors: He Jun , Fandino Richard A. , Halitschke Rayko , Luck Katrin , Köllner Tobias G. , Murdock Mark H. , Ray Rishav , Gase Klaus , Knaden Markus , Baldwin Ian T. , Schuman Meredith C.
Published: July 2019

Plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) mediate many interactions, and the function of common VOCs is especially likely to depend on ecological context. We used a genetic mapping population of wild tobacco,
Nicotiana attenuata
, originating from a cross of 2 natural accessions from Arizona and Utah, separated by the Grand Canyon, to dissect genetic variation controlling VOCs. Herbivory-induced leaf terpenoid emissions varied substantially, while green leaf volatile emissions were similar. In a field experiment, only emissions of linalool, a common VOC, correlated significantly with predation of the herbivore
Manduca sexta
by native predators. Using quantitative trait locus mapping and genome mining, we identified an (
S
)-(+)-linalool synthase (
NaLIS
). Genome resequencing, gene cloning, and activity assays revealed that the presence/absence of a 766-bp sequence in
NaLIS
underlies the variation of linalool emissions in 26 natural accessions. We manipulated linalool emissions and composition by ectopically expressing linalool synthases for both enantiomers, (
S
)-(+)- and (
R
)-(−)-linalool, reported to oppositely affect
M. sexta
oviposition, in the Arizona and Utah accessions. We used these lines to test ovipositing moths in increasingly complex environments. The enantiomers had opposite effects on oviposition preference, but the magnitude of the effect depended strongly both on plant genetic background, and complexity of the bioassay environment. Our study reveals that the emission of linalool, a common VOC, differs by orders-of-magnitude among geographically interspersed conspecific plants due to allelic variation in a linalool synthase, and that the response of a specialist herbivore to linalool depends on enantiomer, plant genotype, and environmental complexity.
Cell-autonomous FLT3L shedding via ADAM10 mediates conventional dendritic cell development in mouse spleen
Authors: Fujita Kohei , Chakarov Svetoslav , Kobayashi Tetsuro , Sakamoto Keiko , Voisin Benjamin , Duan Kaibo , Nakagawa Taneaki , Horiuchi Keisuke , Amagai Masayuki , Ginhoux Florent , Nagao Keisuke
Published: July 2019

Conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) derive from bone marrow (BM) precursors that undergo cascades of developmental programs to terminally differentiate in peripheral tissues. Pre-cDC1s and pre-cDC2s commit in the BM to each differentiate into CD8α
+
/CD103
+
cDC1s and CD11b
+
cDC2s, respectively. Although both cDCs rely on the cytokine FLT3L during development, mechanisms that ensure cDC accessibility to FLT3L have yet to be elucidated. Here, we generated mice that lacked a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) 10 in DCs (
Itgax
-cre ×
Adam10
-fl/fl; ADAM10
∆DC
) and found that ADAM10 deletion markedly impacted splenic cDC2 development. Pre-cDC2s accumulated in the spleen with transcriptomic alterations that reflected their inability to differentiate and exhibited abrupt failure to survive as terminally differentiated cDC2s. Induced ADAM10 ablation also led to the reduction of terminally differentiated cDC2s, and restoration of Notch signaling, a major pathway downstream of ADAM10, only modestly rescued them. ADAM10
∆DC
BM failed to generate cDC2s in BM chimeric mice with or without cotransferred ADAM10-sufficient BM, indicating that cDC2 development required cell-autonomous ADAM10. We determined cDC2s to be sources of soluble FLT3L, as supported by decreased serum FLT3L concentration and the retention of membrane-bound FLT3L on cDC2 surfaces in ADAM10
∆DC
mice, and by demonstrating the release of soluble FLT3L by cDC2 in ex vivo culture supernatants. Through in vitro studies utilizing murine embryonic fibroblasts, we determined FLT3L to be a substrate for ADAM10. These data collectively reveal cDC2s as FLT3L sources and highlight a cell-autonomous mechanism that may enhance FLT3L accessibility for cDC2 development and survival.
Meiotic viral attenuation through an ancestral apoptotic pathway
Authors: Gao Jie , Chau Sabrina , Chowdhury Fuad , Zhou Tina , Hossain Saif , McQuibban G. Angus , Meneghini Marc D.
Published: July 2019

Significance

A hypothesis for the paradoxical evolution of programmed cell death posits that suicide mechanisms were co-opted from processes that were originally pro-survival. Here we show that meiotically programmed mitochondrial release of the Endonuclease G (EndoG) homolog Nuc1 occurs during sporulation in budding yeast. While EndoG release is implicated in animal cell apoptotic death, we find that Nuc1 release is pro-survival, protecting spores from the detrimental consequences of unrestrained viral expression.
Insula serotonin 2A receptor binding and gene expression contribute to serotonin transporter polymorphism anxious phenotype in primates
Authors: Santangelo Andrea M. , Sawiak Steve J. , Fryer Tim , Hong Young , Shiba Yoshiro , Clarke Hannah F. , Riss Patrick J. , Ferrari Valentina , Tait Roger , Suckling John , Aigbirhio Franklin I. , Roberts Angela C.
Published: July 2019

Significance

Serotonin transporter polymorphisms within the primate-specific promoter repeat region are associated with altered emotion regulation, vulnerability to psychiatric disorders, and differences in antidepressant responsiveness. However, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms are poorly understood. Using positron emission tomography imaging, a behavioral anxiety test, and post-mortem expression measurements, we show that marmoset monkeys carrying a high anxiety-related serotonin transporter variant have reduced serotonin 2A receptor (5HT
2A
) binding and RNA expression in right posterior insula and differential sensitivity to anxiogenic effects of acute 5HT
2A
antagonism, the latter predicted by 5HT
2A
binding in adjacent right anterior insula and insula proisocortex. Our findings highlight the value of marmosets in studying gene–brain–behavior relationships and may contribute to genetic and imaging screens development in personalized medicine for treating anxiety.
Two modes ofcis-activation of switch transcription by theIgHsuperenhancer
Authors: Santos Joana M. , Braikia Fatima-Zohra , Oudinet Chloé , Dauba Audrey , Khamlichi Ahmed Amine
Published: July 2019

Significance

Immunoglobulin isotype switching plays an important role in adaptive immune responses. It requires transcription of switch regions from inducible promoters controlled by a long-range superenhancer (3′RR). Most stimuli induce more than one promoter on both chromosomes. Thus, it is unknown whether isotype (I) promoters compete for the 3′RR on the same chromosome. By performing allele-specific RT-qPCR assays, we show that the 3′RR activates promoters by either co-activation or competition and that the nature of the inducing signal plays a pivotal role in determining the activation mode. The two activation paths may have evolved to cope with different kinetics of primary immune responses.