bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An ultra-thin polarization independent quad-band microwave absorber-based on compact metamaterial structures for EMI/EMC applications
Authors: Mishra Naveen , Kumari Khusboo , Chaudhary Raghvendra Kumar
Published: April 2018

In this paper, a compact metamaterial inspired ultra-thin polarization independent quad-band microwave absorber for electromagnetic interference (EMI)/ electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) applications have been discussed. The proposed absorber structure offers four different absorption peaks having absorptivity of 97.02, 94.07, 91.72, and 98.20% at 3.40, 8.23, 9.89, and 11.80 GHz, respectively. Due to the four-fold symmetry of the designed unit cell, the proposed absorber structure shows polarization independent behavior. In addition to above, the absorption curve for the designed structure has been also analyzed under different angles of incidence for both transverse electric and transverse magnetic polarization states. In order to confirm the metamaterial behavior of the proposed absorber unit cell, dispersion plot has been studied. Further, input impedance plot, electric field, and surface current distribution plot have been discussed to explain the absorption mechanism of the proposed absorber structure. The designed absorber unit cell shows compactness of 0.136 λ0 × 0.136 λ0 with the ultra-thin thickness of 0.0113 λ0, where λ0 (free space wavelength) corresponds to the lowest absorption peak of 3.40 GHz. In order to calculate the measured value of absorptivity, the designed absorber structure has been fabricated. Further, it has been observed that simulated and measured results perfectly match with each other. The ultra-thin and compact nature of the proposed absorber structure suggests its potential use in the field of various EMI/EMC applications.
Effects of Low-Dose Applications of 2,4-D and Dicamba on Watermelon
Authors: Culpepper A. Stanley , Sosnoskie Lynn M. , Shugart John , Leifheit Nicole , Curry Michael , Gray Thomas
Published: April 2018

The commercial release of crops with engineered resistance to 2,4-D and dicamba will alter the spatial and temporal use of these herbicides. This, in turn, has elicited concerns about off-target injury to sensitive crops. In 2014 and 2015, studies were conducted in Tifton, GA, to describe how herbicide (2,4-D and dicamba), herbicide rate (1/75 and 1/250 field use), and application timing (20, 40, and 60 DAP) influence watermelon injury, vine development, yield, and the accumulation of herbicide residues in marketable fruit. In general, greater visual injury and reductions in vine growth, relative to the non-treated check, were observed when herbicide applications were made before watermelon plants had begun to flower. Although the main effects of herbicide and rate were less influential than the timing of applications with respect to plant development, the 1/75 rates were more injurious than the 1/250 rates; dicamba was more injurious than 2,4-D. In 2014, the 1/75 and 1/250 rates of each herbicide reduced marketable fruit numbers 13 to 20%, but only for the 20 DAP application. The 1/75 rate of each herbicide when applied at either 20 or 40 DAP reduced the number of fruit harvested per plot in 2015. Dicamba residues were detected in marketable fruit when the 1/75 rate in 2014 and 2015 and the 1/250 rate in 2015 was applied to plants at 40 or 60 DAP. Residues of 2,4-D were detected in 2015 when the 1/75 and 1/250 rates were applied at 60 DAP. Across both years, the maximum level of residue detected was 0.030 ppm. While early season injury may reduce watermelon yields, herbicide residue detection is more likely in marketable fruit when an off-target contact incident occurs closer to harvest.
DNA-induced synthesis of biomimetic enzyme for sensitive detection of superoxide anions released from live cell
Authors: Ding Ailing , Wang Bin , Ma Xiaoqing , Diao Jianglin , Zheng Jiushang , Chen Jiucun , Li Changming
Published: April 2018

In this work, we successfully fabricate a rapid, sensitive sensor for the detection of superoxide anions O2˙−based on graphene/DNA/Mn3(PO4)2biomimetic enzyme.
Nanoindentation and deformation behaviors of silicon covered with amorphous SiO2: a molecular dynamic study
Authors: Chen Juan , Shi Junqin , Wang Yunpeng , Sun Jiapeng , Han Jing , Sun Kun , Fang Liang
Published: April 2018

Force–indentation depth curves and cross-section snapshots of phase transformation evolution of silicon under various film thickness (H).
A rapid potentiometric titration method for measuring low-level chemical oxygen demand in organic wastewater containing synthetic phenothiazine dyes
Authors: Cao Xiaojuan , Zhou Min , Ma Yongjun , Liu Fen , Yang Ning , Xie Yun
Published: April 2018

An advanced sample treatment by combining microwave-assisted oxidation with two-step wet-chemical digestion for low-level COD analysis in dye-containing wastewater was developed.
Engineering crystalline CoOOH anchored on an N-doped carbon support as a durable electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zeng Liming , Cui Xiangzhi , Shi Jianlin
Published: April 2018

A novel electrocatalyst of crystalline CoOOH anchored on an N-doped carbon support is constructed via a facile approach. CoOOH@NC-175/300 demonstrates much higher ORR activity than those with either nitrogen-doping or CoOOH anchoring in an N-undoped carbon support, which can be attributed to Co–Nx, C–N species and even the CoOOH species.
Unraveling aminophosphine redox mechanisms for glovebox-free InP quantum dot syntheses
Authors: Laufersky Geoffry , Bradley Siobhan , Frécaut Elian , Lein Matthias , Nann Thomas
Published: April 2018

A DFT investigation of aminophosphine conversion mechanisms revealed the reliance on zinc salts for InP nanoparticle formation.
Ligand removal and photo-activation of CsPbBr3 quantum dots for enhanced optoelectronic devices
Authors: Moyen Eric , Kanwat Anil , Cho Sinyoung , Jun Haeyeon , Aad Roy , Jang Jin
Published: April 2018

Annealing removes CsPbBr3 QD surface ligands, and their ligand free surface is smoothened by photo-activation, increasing the performances of optoelectronic devices.
Metal-free C(sp2)–H functionalization of azoles: K2CO3/I2-mediated oxidation, imination, and amination
Authors: Das Ranajit , Banerjee Mainak , Rai Rakesh Kumar , Karri Ramesh , Roy Gouriprasanna
Published: April 2018

We report metal-free one-pot C2−H oxidation, imination, and amination of several azoles from azolium salts by using a commercially available simple and efficient reagent combination K2CO3/I2.
Reversible-addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) mediated depolymerization of brush polymers
Authors: Flanders Michael J. , Gramlich William M.
Published: April 2018

Brush polymers synthesized by reversible-addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization undergo controlled depolymerization when heated as dictated by polymerization thermodynamics.
Rapid transformation of heterocyclic building blocks into nanoporous carbons for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Ashourirad Babak , Demir Muslum , Smith Ryon A. , Gupta Ram B. , El-Kaderi Hani M.
Published: April 2018

Zinc chloride activated benzimidazole derived carbons (ZBIDCs) with optimal textural and chemical properties exhibit remarkable and stable performance in supercapacitor applications.
Fluorescent probes for the detection of magnesium ions (Mg2+): from design to application
Authors: Liu Min , Yu Xia , Li Ming , Liao Naixuan , Bi Anyao , Jiang Yueping , Liu Shao , Gong Zhicheng , Zeng Wenbin
Published: April 2018

Herein, progress in intracellular magnesium detection with fluorescent probes is critically summarized in this work.
Construction of histidine-containing hydrocarbon stapled cell penetrating peptides for in vitro and in vivo delivery of siRNAs
Authors: Hyun Soonsil , Choi Yoonhwa , Lee Ha Neul , Lee Changki , Oh Donghoon , Lee Dong-Ki , Lee Changjin , Lee Yan , Yu Jaehoon
Published: April 2018

A hydrocarbon stapled peptide, LKH-stEK, promotes delivery of nanomolar siRNAs leading to efficient gene silencing in mouse skin.
Growth of Au and ZnS nanostructures via engineered peptide and M13 bacteriophage templates
Authors: Chung Sungwook , Chung Woo-Jae , Wang Debin , Lee Seung-Wuk , De Yoreo James J.
Published: April 2018

Directed nucleation of Au and ZnS nanopatterns is performed on templates comprised of functional peptides and M13 bacteriophage.
Nickel-Schiff base decorated graphene for simultaneously enhancing the electroconductivity, fire resistance, and mechanical properties of a polyurethane elastomer
Authors: Wei Wen-Chao , Deng Cong , Huang Sheng-Chao , Wei Yun-Xia , Wang Yu-Zhong
Published: April 2018

Excellent electroconductivity, fire resistance, and mechanical properties are several important indexes for electromagnetic shielding sealing materials.
Arbeits- und Weiterbildungsbedingungen deutscher Assistenzärztinnen und -ärzte in internistischer Weiterbildung: eine zweite bundesweite Befragung durch die Nachwuchsgruppen von DGIM und BDI
Authors: Raspe Matthias , Vogelgesang Anja , Fendel Johannes , Weiß Cornelius , Schulte Kevin , Rolling Thierry
Published: April 2018

Hintergrund Die Zeit der ärztlichen Weiterbildung ist der Grundstein für die Karriereentwicklung junger Internisten und für die Aufrechthaltung einer hochwertigen ärztlichen Versorgung. Bereits 2014 haben die Nachwuchsgruppen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Innere Medizin (DGIM) und des Berufsverbandes Deutscher Internisten (BDI) eine Befragung ihrer jungen Mitglieder durchgeführt und wesentliche Konfliktfelder beschrieben. Mit dieser überarbeiteten Folgeuntersuchung soll ein aktualisiertes Abbild der Konflikte im Arbeitsleben junger Ärzte erstellt und eine Verlaufsbeurteilung ermöglicht werden. Ein neuer Schwerpunkt ist das Spannungsfeld von Beruf und Familie.

Methoden Ende 2016 wurde eine webbasierte Befragung aller bei DGIM und BDI organisierten Weiterbildungsassistenten durchgeführt. Dafür wurde der Fragebogen von 2014 modifiziert und um Items zur Untersuchung des Spannungsfeldes von Familie und Beruf ergänzt. Zusätzlich wurde erneut das Modell beruflicher Gratifikationskrisen eingesetzt.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt konnten 1587 Fragebögen ausgewertet werden. Im Vergleich zu 2014 ergeben sich keine wesentlichen Änderungen. Die psychosoziale Arbeitsbelastung unter den Teilnehmern ist weiterhin sehr hoch. Ein strukturiertes Weiterbildungscurriculum und qualitativ hochwertige Weiterbildungsgespräche sind mit einer geringeren Ausprägung psychosozialer Arbeitsbelastung und einer höheren Zufriedenheit im Beruf assoziiert. Die Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Familie wird von der Mehrheit der Teilnehmer mit Kind(ern) als unzureichend empfunden. Das betrifft insbesondere Frauen.

Schlussfolgerung Auf Basis dieser Befragung bestehen weiterhin gravierende und System-relevante Belastungen im Arbeitsleben junger Ärzte in internistischer Weiterbildung, die Anpassungen der Arbeits- und Weiterbildungsbedingungen dringlich erfordern. Insbesondere das Potenzial von Frauen in der Medizin muss über eine bessere Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf in Zukunft stärker genutzt werden.
Lipofibromatous Hamartoma of the Palmar Cutaneous Branch of the Median Nerve
Authors: Hoellwarth Jason , Goitz Robert
Published: April 2018

Background Lipofibromatous hamartoma (LFH) is a benign tumor of peripheral nerves, most commonly reported in the median nerve, and often associated with carpal tunnel symptoms. There have been nearly 200 reported cases of LFH in the median nerve, but to the authors’ knowledge, this 10-year-old girl represents the first case report involving the palmar cutaneous branch.

Methods An excisional biopsy of the mass was performed via a standard midline palmar incision. The tumor was found encapsulating the palmar cutaneous branch, and thus it was sacrificed.

Results The incision healed without issue, but the patient reported numbness in the palm of her hand as was expected.

Conclusion LFH is a benign tumor, although it can cause symptoms due to mass effect. If the diagnosis is uncertain or a patient is symptomatic, excisional biopsy can be performed even if involving a cutaneous nerve.
Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Hand and Wrist: Epidemiology and Management Challenges
Authors: Nicholson S. , Milner R. , Ragbir M.
Published: April 2018

Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) of the hand and wrist are rare and confer a unique set of management challenges. We present a 15-year review and discussion of the epidemiology, tumor characteristics, treatment, and reconstructive strategies for such cases presenting to our regional sarcoma service. Three case examples are described. Of 218 STSs of the upper limb, 17 involved the hand or wrist. Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial, and myxofibrosarcoma were the most common ones. Two patients required amputation for recurrence. Eight patients required flap reconstruction, of which five were free flaps with no failures or wound healing complications. Two-year overall survival rate was 92%. Local recurrence occurred in 12%. Limb-sparing surgery is possible in most patients, although there is often a degree of functional loss due to the surgical resection, and complex multistage reconstruction may be required. These lesions are still often incidental or unexpected findings when patients are treated for a presumed benign swelling. Clinicians treating localized swellings of the hand and wrist should maintain vigilance toward the possibility of a sarcoma diagnosis, to avoid delays in definitive treatment.
Risk Factors for Higher-than-Expected Residual Rivaroxaban Plasma Concentrations in Real-Life Patients
Authors: Schedler Andreas , Jetter Alexander , Seifert Burkhardt , Spahn Donat , Stein Philipp , Studt Jan-Dirk , Kaserer Alexander
Published: April 2018

Introduction Rivaroxaban (RXA) is a direct oral factor Xa (Xa) antagonist with a short half-life and a fast onset and offset of effect. Before elective surgery, discontinuation is recommended with an interval of at least > 24 hours. In clinical practice, this is, however, not always sufficient to achieve a residual RXA plasma concentration deemed appropriate for surgery, defined as ≤ 50 mcg/L. Our study aimed at identifying factors associated with a higher-than-expected residual RXA plasma concentration in a large group of real-life patients.

Materials and Methods This retrospective single-centre study included all patients taking RXA between 2012 and 2016 where RXA plasma concentration was determined by pharmacodynamic anti-Xa assay (518 measurements in 368 patients). Medical records were reviewed. Residual RXA plasma concentrations were then compared with expected values according to a pharmacokinetic model.

Results Residual RXA plasma concentration was significantly higher-than-expected in patients with atrial fibrillation, impaired kidney function (glomerular filtration rate [GFR] < 60 mL/min), CYP3A4-, CYP2J2- and PGP-inhibitory co-medication including amiodarone. Impaired kidney function (odds ratio [OR], 2.22, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30–3.78, p = 0.003) and concomitant amiodarone intake (OR, 1.97, 95% CI, 1.04–3.72, p = 0.036) were significantly associated with RXA plasma concentrations > 50 mcg/L at 24 to 48 hours after the last RXA intake.

Conclusion In our group of real-life patients, impaired kidney function (GFR < 60 mL/min) and co-medication with amiodarone were independently associated with higher-than-expected residual RXA plasma concentrations. In these patients, standard intervals of RXA discontinuation may not always be sufficient before elective surgery and routine pre-operative determination of the residual RXA concentration could be advisable.
Clinical Determinants of Thrombin Generation Measured in Presence and Absence of Platelets—Results from the Gutenberg Health Study
Authors: Schulz Andreas , Spronk Henri , Beicht Aline , Laubert-Reh Dagmar , van Oerle Rene , Arnold Natalie , Prochaska Jürgen , Blettner Maria , Beutel Manfred , Pfeiffer Norbert , Münzel Thomas , Lackner Karl , ten Cate Hugo , Wild Philipp , Panova-Noeva Marina
Published: April 2018

The tendency of a plasma sample to generate thrombin, a central enzyme in blood coagulation, might be an important indicator of prothrombotic risk linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the presence of platelets may be a critical determinant. Clinical data, laboratory markers and thrombin generation (TG), investigated in both platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-free plasma (PFP) at 1 pM TF, were available in 407 individuals from the Gutenberg Health Study. Given the well-known effect of anticoagulants on TG, subjects taking anticoagulants (n = 15) have been excluded resulting in 392 subjects for further analysis. Lag time, endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and peak height were the investigated parameters of a TG curve. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to identify TG determinants. Mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet count were both negatively associated to lag time and positively to peak height (MPV, β:6.35 [2.66; 10.0]; platelet count, β:0.111 [0.054; 0.169]) in PRP only. C-reactive protein was positively associated with lag time and ETP in both PRP and PFP, with a stronger effect on ETP in PRP (PRP, β:76.7 [47.5; 106]; PFP, β:34.8 [10.3; 59.2]). After adjustment for fibrinogen, the relation between CRP and ETP was attenuated in PRP and PFP. Of the traditional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs), obesity was positively associated to TG in PRP only. Our findings support that TG, particularly in PRP, relates to traditional CVRFs in a representative sample from a population-based study. Assessment of procoagulant activity in a platelet-dependent manner by TG is a promising tool for assessing individual risk for CVD.
Hypobaric Hypoxia Causes Elevated Thrombin Generation Mediated by FVIII that is Balanced by Decreased Platelet Activation
Authors: Ninivaggi Marisa , Konings Joke , Moorlag Martijn , Huskens Dana , Remijn Jasper , Bloemen Saartje , Lancé Marcus , De Laat Bas , Kicken Cécile
Published: April 2018

Introduction Epidemiological studies suggest that hypobaric hypoxia at high altitude poses a risk for developing venous thromboembolism. The cause of this observed hypercoagulability remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of hypobaric hypoxia at 3,883 m above sea level on thrombin generation and platelet activation.

Methods After complying with medical ethical procedures, 18 participants were recruited, of whom 1 had to leave the study prematurely due to mild acute mountain sickness. Blood was drawn first at 50 m above sea level and second at 3,883 m altitude after gradual acclimatization for 6 days. Thrombin generation was measured in whole blood, platelet-rich plasma and platelet-poor plasma. Platelet activation was assessed using a whole blood flow-cytometric assay. Coagulation factor levels, D-dimer levels and markers of dehydration and inflammation were measured.

Results Hypobaric hypoxia at 3,883 m altitude caused increased thrombin generation, measured as peak height and endogenous thrombin potential, in whole blood, platelet-rich and platelet-poor plasma without or at low tissue factor concentration. The elevated thrombin generation was mediated by increased factor VIII levels and not caused by dehydration or inflammation. In contrast, spontaneous and agonist-induced platelet activation was decreased at high altitude.

Conclusion Hypobaric hypoxia causes increased factor VIII-mediated thrombin generation. The hypercoagulability was balanced by decreased platelet activation. These findings may explain why venous, and not arterial thrombotic events occur more frequently at high altitude.
Hodgkin-Lymphom – Update 2018
Authors: Fuchs Michael
Published: April 2018

Was ist neu?

Diagnostik Die präzise Stadienbestimmung ist zur Festlegung der Erstlinientherapie unbedingt erforderlich. Wann immer möglich sollte eine PET-CT zum Staging erfolgen. Die Knochenmarkbiopsie kann wegfallen, sofern ein Befall des Knochenmarks mittels PET-CT ausgeschlossen werden kann.

Erstlinientherapie Für frühe und intermediäre Stadien ist die Kombination aus Chemo- und Strahlentherapie der Standard. Ein Weglassen der Strahlentherapie führt zu einer Erhöhung der Rezidivrate. Für jüngere Patienten mit fortgeschrittenen Stadien ist die PET-adaptierte Chemotherapie der neue Standard. Die Anzahl der Zyklen richtet sich dabei nach dem Ergebnis der PET nach 2 Zyklen Chemotherapie. Die Strahlentherapie kann auf die Patienten beschränkt werden, die nach Ende der Chemotherapie noch PET-positive Reste haben.

Rezidivtherapie Eine Erhaltungstherapie mit Brentuximab Vedotin ist für Patienten mit einem erhöhten Rezidivrisiko nach autologer Stammzelltransplantation aufgrund des verbesserten progressionsfreien Überlebens eine zusätzliche Möglichkeit. Die neu zugelassenen PD-1-Inhibitoren Nivolumab oder Pembrolizumab stellen für ein Rezidiv nach Vortherapie mit Brentuximab Vedotin den neuen Standard dar.
Horror and the Gothic’s utility as a cultural resource and critical tool
Authors: Browning John Edgar
Published: April 2018

While cultural theory elitists have tended to write off familiar monsters as little more than cheap fads of mass culture, popular culturists often embrace them as effective barometers capable of measuring and, at times, even predicting collective sentiments and anxieties. Yet frequently ignored in this disciplinary clash is the notion that monstrous figures also serve as excellent case studies for a much broader issue: the argument for Popular Culture Studies as a pertinent division of cultural theory. This article argues that popular culture can and does respond to public needs, that consumers do indeed show the capacity for resisting cultural indoctrination and can, at times, even directly influence it. Of this there are, perhaps, no better examples than the vampire and zombie, figures who in one form or another have served primarily as maleficent beings until 21st century culture transmuted them into heroes and harbingers of social change.
Silicon foil solar cells on low cost supports
Authors: Bellanger P. , Slaoui A. , Roques S. , Ulyashin A. G. , Debucquoy M. , Straboni A. , Sow A. , Salinesi Y. , Costa I. , Serra J. M.
Published: April 2018

In this work, we report recent results of solar cells fabricated on silicon foils obtained by the Stress induced LIft-off Method (SLIM)-cut technique using an epoxy stress-inducing layer. Indeed, the use of silicon foils for the production of solar cells offers the ability to reduce material costs while allowing potentially a higher conversion efficiency. We show experimentally that silicon foil thicknesses between 40 and 140 μm can be tuned by changing the thickness of the epoxy. Standalone silicon foil based solar cells have been realized, and conversion efficiencies of 12.5% and 13.8% have been measured using 55 μm and 120 μm thick foils, respectively. In view of potential industrialization, mechanical support must be used during solar cells and module fabrication to avoid silicon foil breakage. Two different supporting substrates were therefore tested: an aluminum sheet and a sintered silicon substrate. Conversion efficiencies of 10.9% and 12.1% were obtained using 40 μm and 90 μm thick silicon foils on a polished Al substrate. Finally, a promising result of 13.1% was obtained after mini-module fabrication from 6 SLIM-cut solar cells (100 μm thick silicon foils) on the sintered silicon substrate using the i-cell concept.
Translocation of a vesicle through a narrow hole across a membrane
Authors: Khunpetch Petch , Man Xingkun , Kawakatsu Toshihiro , Doi Masao
Published: April 2018

We study the translocation process of a vesicle through a hole in a solid membrane separating two chambers by using the Onsager principle. By considering the stretching energy of the vesicle and the driving force due to pressure difference, we derive a free energy that shows clearly a decrease in the energy barrier as the pressure difference between two sides of the membrane increases. The difference between the reaction path obtained from the string method and the actual kinetic paths obtained from the Onsager principle is discussed when the friction parameter changes. The translocation time decreases as the pressure difference increases or the initial size of the vesicle decreases.
Modelling of NSTX hot vertical displacement events using M3D-C1
Authors: Pfefferlé D. , Ferraro N. , Jardin S. C. , Krebs I. , Bhattacharjee A.
Published: April 2018

The main results of an intense vertical displacement event (VDE) modelling activity using the implicit 3D extended MHD code M3D-C1 are presented. A pair of nonlinear 3D simulations are performed using realistic transport coefficients based on the reconstruction of a so-called NSTX frozen VDE where the feedback control was purposely switched off to trigger a vertical instability. The vertical drift phase is solved assuming axisymmetry until the plasma contacts the first wall, at which point the intricate evolution of the plasma, decaying to large extent in force-balance with induced halo/wall currents, is carefully resolved via 3D nonlinear simulations. The faster 2D nonlinear runs allow to assess the sensitivity of the simulations to parameter changes. In the limit of perfectly conducting wall, the expected linear relation between vertical growth rate and wall resistivity is recovered. For intermediate wall resistivities, the halo region contributes to slowing the plasma down, and the characteristic VDE time depends on the choice of halo temperature. The evolution of the current quench and the onset of 3D halo/eddy currents are diagnosed in detail. The 3D simulations highlight a rich structure of toroidal modes, penetrating inwards from edge to core and cascading from high-n to low-n mode numbers. The break-up of flux-surfaces results in a progressive stochastisation of field-lines precipitating the thermalisation of the plasma with the wall. The plasma current then decays rapidly, inducing large currents in the halo region and the wall. Analysis of normal currents flowing in and out of the divertor plate reveals rich time-varying patterns.
Dynamic stability of nano-fibers self-assembled from short amphiphilic A6D peptides
Authors: Nikoofard Narges , Maghsoodi Fahimeh
Published: April 2018

Self-assembly of A6D amphiphilic peptides in explicit water is studied by using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. It is observed that the self-assembly of randomly distributed A6D peptides leads to the formation of a network of nano-fibers. Two other simulations with cylindrical nano-fibers as the initial configuration show the dynamic stability of the self-assembled nano-fibers. As a striking feature, notable fluctuations occur along the axes of the nano-fibers. Depending on the number of peptides per unit length of the nano-fiber, flat-shaped bulges or spiral shapes along the nano-fiber axis are observed at the fluctuations. Analysis of the particle distribution around the nano-fiber indicates that the hydrophobic core and the hydrophilic shell of the nano-structure are preserved in both simulations. The size of the deformations and their correlation times are different in the two simulations. This study gives new insights into the dynamics of the self-assembled nano-structures of short amphiphilic peptides.
Effects of dielectric inhomogeneity on electrostatic twist rigidity of a helical biomolecule in Debye-Hückel regime
Authors: Rezaie-Dereshgi Amir , Mohammad-Rafiee Farshid
Published: April 2018

The electrostatic interactions play a crucial role in biological systems. Here we consider an impermeable dielectric molecule in the solvent with a different dielectric constant. The electrostatic free energy in the problem is studied in the Debye-Hückel regime using the analytical Green function that is calculated in the paper. Using this electrostatic free energy, we study the electrostatic contribution to the twist rigidity of a double stranded helical molecule such as a DNA and an actin filament. The dependence of the electrostatic twist rigidity of the molecule to the dielectric inhomogeneity, structural parameters, and the salt concentration is studied. It is shown that, depending on the parameters, the electrostatic twist rigidity could be positive or negative.
Note: Microelectrode-shielding tip for scanning probe electron energy spectroscopy
Authors: Huang Wei , Li Zhean , Xu Chunkai , Liu Jian , Xu Chunye , Chen Xiangjun
Published: April 2018

We report a novel microelectrode-shielding tip (ME tip) for scanning probe electron energy spectroscopy (SPEES). The shielding effect of this tip is studied through comparing the detection efficiency with the normal tip by both experiment and simulation. The results show that the backscattering count rate detected by the SPEES instrument using the normal tip begins to decrease as the tip approaches to the sample surface within 21 μm, while that using the ME tip only starts to drop off within 1 μm. This indicates that the electron energy spectra can be measured with the ME tip at a much closer tip-sample distance. Furthermore, it is also demonstrated that the ME tip can be used to obtain topography of the sample surface in situ simultaneously.
Numerical simulation on reasonable hole-sealing depth of boreholes for gas extraction
Authors: Zhao Dan , Pan Jingtao
Published: April 2018

To overcome the low efficiency of extracting gas in coal reservoirs with a low gas permeability, some boreholes were drilled for gas extraction in No. 2 coal reservoir of Wangjialing Coalmine in Shanxi Province, China and reasonably sealed. Aiming at shortfalls such as rapid attenuation of volume for extracted gas as well as low gas permeability when using boreholes in the No. 2 coal reservoir, the traditional COMSOL MultiphysicsMT Earth Science Module was used to couple the three governing equations (Darcy-Brinkman–Navier-Stokes) for fluids. On this basis, numerical simulation on the seepage law along the directions of roadways and boreholes was carried out. The simulation results indicated that when the hole-sealing length was within the width range of fractures in roadways, the negative pressure not only led the gas in surrounding rock masses to flow to the boreholes, but also made the air flow in roadways to permeate into coal walls. As a result, gas and air flows both entered into the boreholes through the loosening zone containing fractures, resulting in seepage of air in roadway to the boreholes. The seepage velocity along the roadway direction under condition with a hole-sealing length of 12 m was obviously slower than that when the hole-sealing length was 8 m. While, the method by simply increasing the length of the hole-sealing section for boreholes failed to effectively stop the air flow in roadways from permeating into the coal wall and then entering the boreholes. Moreover, the increase in the hole-sealing length brought about much more difficulties to the hole-sealing construction. So, the method is not operable in practical condition of the coal mine. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the traditional hole-sealing technology based on foamed macromolecular materials which are mainly made of polyurethane (PU) and use the fluid wall-type hole-sealing technology based on solid-liquid coupling. Then, the effects of gas extraction before and after using the fluid wall-type hole-sealing technology based on solid-liquid coupling to increase the hole-sealing length to 12 m were compared. The comparison results revealed that the pure extraction amount of gas from a single borehole in the No. 2 coal reservoir of Wangjialing Coalmine was improved by 4∼6 times. In addition, the concentration of extracted gas increased from less than 1% under the traditional hole-sealing mode to 20%∼25%, with an increase of more than 20 times. The extraction effect of the No. 2 coal reservoir of the coal mine was significantly enhanced by employing the fluid-wall-type hole-sealing technology based on solid-liquid coupling.
Studies of small-scale plasma inhomogeneities in the cusp ionosphere using sounding rocket data
Authors: Chernyshov Alexander A. , Spicher Andres , Ilyasov Askar A. , Miloch Wojciech J. , Clausen Lasse B. N. , Saito Yoshifumi , Jin Yaqi , Moen Jøran I.
Published: April 2018

Microprocesses associated with plasma inhomogeneities are studied on the basis of data from the Investigation of Cusp Irregularities (ICI-3) sounding rocket. The ICI-3 rocket is devoted to investigating a reverse flow event in the cusp F region ionosphere. By numerical stability analysis, it is demonstrated that inhomogeneous-energy-density-driven (IEDD) instability can be a mechanism for the excitation of small-scale plasma inhomogeneities. The Local Intermittency Measure (LIM) method also applied the rocket data to analyze irregular structures of the electric field during rocket flight in the cusp. A qualitative agreement between high values of the growth rates of the IEDD instability and the regions with enhanced LIM is observed. This suggests that IEDD instability is connected to turbulent non-Gaussian processes.
Noise adds a twist to the story of a mysterious motion
Authors: Majors J. H.
Published: April 2018

A simple dynamical model shows how noise might cause a particle in an optical trap, otherwise expected to remain stationary, to develop a winding motion whose phase angle grows linearly over long times.
Calorimetry, chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of sugarcane treated with calcium hydroxide
Authors: Dias Alexandre M. , Ítavo Luís C. V. , Damasceno Júlio C. , Ítavo Camila C. B. F. , Santos Geraldo T. , Echeverria Diego M. S. , Gomes Eva N. O. , Junges Luciana
Published: April 2018

Sugarcane is a source of roughage in animal feeding. It presents high production per unit of cultivated area, relatively easy cultivation and low cost of production per hectare, and better quality and a high dry matter (DM) yield in periods when forage is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) in sugarcane forage on chemical composition, in vitro digestibility values of DM, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF), and kinetics of thermal decomposition processes of weight loss and heat flow. Sugarcane was collected close to the ground and 50-kg heaps of the fresh material were formed and mixed with four doses of Ca(OH)2 (0, 8, 16 and 24 g kg–1 sugarcane). Concentrations of NDF and ADF decreased linearly with increasing amount of Ca(OH)2, whereas concentration of hemicellulose increased linearly. In vitro digestibilities of DM, NDF and ADF were enhanced in a quadratic manner with increasing amounts of Ca(OH)2. The release of heat, measured by ΔH, increased linearly with increased Ca(OH)2 levels, likely due to enhanced digestibility of the fibre components. Weight loss decreased linearly between 272.2°C and 397.7°C with increased amounts of Ca(OH)2 added to sugarcane, likely due to changes in cellulose structure, which became denser and thermodynamically more stable than native cellulose following the alkaline treatment. Calcium hydroxide changed chemical composition and digestibility of the fibrous fraction of sugarcane, resulting in better nutritional value. The greatest release of heat and highest in vitro digestibility of fibre were observed when adding 15.2 g Ca(OH)2 kg–1 sugarcane; therefore, this dose is recommended to enhance the nutritive value of sugarcane as ruminant feed.
Expression of ENPP3 in human cyclic endometrium: a novel molecule involved in embryo implantation
Authors: Chen Qianqian , Xin Aijie , Qu Ronggui , Zhang Wenbi , Li Lu , Chen Junling , Lu Xiang , Gu Yongwei , Li Jing , Sun Xiaoxi
Published: April 2018

Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase–phosphodiesterase 3 (ENPP3), a protein detected in the human uterus, has been found to play an important role in the development and invasion of tumours. It was recently discovered that ENPP3 was upregulated during the window of implantation in the human endometrium but its functional relevance remains elusive. The objective was to determine ENPP3 expression in human endometrium and its roles in endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation. ENPP3 expression was analysed using immunohistochemistry and western blot assay. The effects of ENPP3 on embryo implantation were evaluated using a BeWo cell (a human choriocarcinoma cell line) spheroid attachment assay and BeWo cells were dual cultured with Ishikawa cells transfected with lentiviral vectors (LV5-NC or LV5-ENPP3) to mimic embryo implantation in a Transwell model. The effects of endometrial ENPP3 on factors related to endometrial receptivity were also determined. The results showed that ENPP3 was expressed in human endometrial epithelial cells and its expression levels changed during the menstrual cycle, peaking in the mid-secretory phase, corresponding to the time of embryo implantation. The overexpression of endometrial ENPP3 not only increased the embryo implantation rate but also had positive effects on the expression of factors related to endometrial receptivity in human endometrial cells. The results indicate that ENPP3 levels undergo cyclic changes in the endometrium and affect embryo adhesion and invasion via altering the expression of implantation factors in the human endometrium. Therefore, ENPP3 may play an important role in embryo implantation and may be a unique biomarker of endometrial receptivity.
The Intangible Heritage of the Anthropocene: The Toponymic Revolution in the Human Age
Authors: Capra Gian Franco , Ganga Antonio
Published: April 2018

Although the Anthropocene has been approached from numerous perspectives, scholars have not as yet considered an interesting point of view. Indeed, one of the most important intangible inheritances of the Anthropocene is detectable in the deep influence on a very common, though extremely complex, “performative practice” that each one of us regularly and (often) unconsciously enacts in everyday life. Place names or toponyms are the final repository of an impressive accumulation of knowledge acquired by indigenous peoples, through long histories of conflict and interaction with their surrounding environment. During the Anthropocene, a massive toponymic revolution has modified and still characterizes several places in the world due to the considerable environmental and socio-economic changes imposed by human activities. Some worldwide cases will be presented and discussed to illustrate the importance, intensity, and pervasiveness of these Anthropocene-related human activities, as driving forces determining this unexpected and underrated revolution.
Jung’s Compensatory Ethical Theory
Authors: Beebe John
Published: April 2018

The author, reviewing a book on Jung’s moral psychology by the psychoanalyst Dan Merkur, concludes that Jung’s idea of a divergence in aim between conscious and unconscious creates in the psyche a conflict of duties, toward the ego and its persona, on the one hand, and toward the self and its soul, on the other. An individual mind can reconcile this conflict only by ethical position-taking, which is arrived at through moral effort that fosters a growth of consciousness but is never without ambivalence and uncertainty as to the principles that have informed it. Jung’s idea that the unconscious is there to compensate for any ethical position taken by the conscious mind is echoed by contemporary psychoanalytic notions of collaboration between superego and ego in producing moral stances. Merkur is praised for recognizing Jung’s priority at countering Freud’s position that the unconscious cannot think about the ethical conflicts that are experienced by the ego.
Jung and ‘Africans’: a critical and contemporary review of some of the issues
Authors: Samuels Andrew
Published: April 2018

This paper is written in the context of a debate within the Jungian clinical and academic communities on whether or not some kind of public statement is required concerning Jung’s writings about ‘Africans’, persons of colour and indigenous people. The author eschews argument in favour of such a public statement, opting instead for a ‘forensic’ discussion of the reasons why it is not a good plan to issue such a statement. By so doing, he creates a level playing field in which the ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ of a public statement may attract equal attention.
Effectiveness of Food Subsidies in Raising Healthy Food Consumption: Public Distribution of Pulses in India
Authors: Chakrabarti Suman , Kishore Avinash , Roy Devesh
Published: April 2018

This paper provides evidence on the effectiveness of one of the most common policies to improve nutrition among the poor, that is, a food subsidy. We study the case of subsidies on pulses in select Indian states and their impact on consumption and ultimately nutrition (protein intake). As a natural experiment, we use the introduction of pulses into India's Public Distribution System (PDS) where the variations in prices were brought about by the inclusion of pulses in the PDS in some states and not in others. Our difference in difference (DID) estimates show that change in the consumption of pulses because of their inclusion in the PDS, though statistically significant, was of a small order. The impact was not large enough to bring about any sizable difference in consumption of pulses or the total protein intake. The results withstand several robustness checks including randomized inference and triple differencing based on location and other consumer characteristics.
Implementation, evaluation, and recommendations for extension of AHRQ Common Formats to capture patient- and carepartner-generated safety data
Authors: Collins Sarah , Couture Brittany , Dykes Patricia , Schnipper Jeffrey , Fagan Maureen , Benneyan James , Sheikh Aziz , Bates David W , Sordo Margarita
Published: April 2018

Objectives

The Common Formats, published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, represent a standard for safety event reporting used by Patient Safety Organizations (PSOs). We evaluated its ability to capture patient-reported safety events.

Materials and methods

We formally evaluated gaps between the Common Formats and a safety concern reporting system for use by patients and their carepartners (ie friends/families) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Results

Overall, we found large gaps between Common Formats (versions 1.2, 2.0) and our patient/carepartner reporting system, with only 22–30% of the data elements matching.

Discussion

We recommend extensions to the Common Formats, including concepts that capture greater detail about the submitter and safety categories relevant to unsafe conditions and near misses that patients and carepartners routinely observe.

Conclusion

Extensions to the Common Formats could enable more complete safety data sets and greater understanding of safety from key stakeholder perspectives, especially patients, and carepartners.
Anterolateral Approach for Central Thoracic Disc Prolapse—Surgical Strategies Used to Tackle Differing Operative Findings: 3-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Patel Krunal , Budohoski Karol P , Kenyon Olivia R P , Barone Damiano G , Santarius Thomas , Kirollos Ramez W , Mannion Richard J , Trivedi Rikin A
Published: April 2018

Thoracic disc prolapses causing cord compression can be challenging. For compressive central disc protrusions, a posterior approach is not suitable due to an unacceptable level of cord manipulation. An anterolateral transthoracic approach provides direct access to the disc prolapse allowing for decompression without disturbing the spinal cord. In this video, we describe 2 cases of thoracic myelopathy from a compressive central thoracic disc prolapse. In both cases, informed consent was obtained. Despite similar radiological appearances of heavy calcification, intraoperatively significant differences can be encountered. We demonstrate different surgical strategies depending on the consistency of the disc and the adherence to the thecal sac. With adequate exposure and detachment from adjacent vertebral bodies, soft discs can be, in most instances, separated from the theca with minimal cord manipulation. On the other hand, largely calcified discs often present a significantly greater challenge and require thinning the disc capsule before removal. In cases with significant adherence to dura, in order to prevent cord injury or cerebrospinal fluid leak a thinned shell can be left, providing total detachment from adjacent vertebrae can be achieved. Postoperatively, the first patient, with a significantly calcified disc, developed a transient left leg weakness which recovered by 3-month follow-up. This video outlines the anatomical considerations and operative steps for a transthoracic approach to a central disc prolapse, whilst demonstrating that computed tomography appearances are not always indicative of potential operative difficulties.
Hormone therapy in menopausal women with fibroids: is it safe?
Authors: Srinivasan Vedhapriya , Martens Mark G.
Published: April 2018

Menopause is an important transition in the life of women. It has been estimated that by the year 2030, worldwide 1.2 billion women will be menopausal. The most bothersome symptoms of menopause are believed to be due to declines in estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. Thus, hormone therapy is an effective treatment option for menopausal women, although prolonged use of hormone therapy is associated with a slightly increased risk of breast cancer, thromboembolism, and stroke. A literature search for studies evaluating the effects of hormone therapy in menopausal women with asymptomatic fibroids demonstrated variable effects of hormone therapy on the volume and size of the fibroids. Some studies have demonstrated an increase in size of pre-existing asymptomatic fibroids and formation of new fibroids with higher doses of progestogen in combination therapy. The finding of low resistance index in uterine arteries of women with asymptomatic fibroids is associated with an increased risk of fibroid growth, and thus making the measurement of pulsatility index of uterine arteries a possible screening tool before initiating hormone therapy in menopausal women with fibroids. Although the effect of hormone treatment is variable and statistically insignificant in many cases, the newer selective estrogen receptor modulators having tissue-specific estrogen agonistic and antagonistic actions such as raloxifene have a favorable clinical profile and may be better alternatives in women with asymptomatic fibroids.