bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Double Negative Differential Transconductance Characteristic: From Device to Circuit Application toward Quaternary Inverter
Authors: Lim Ji‐Hye , Shim Jaewoo , Kang Beom‐Seok , Shin Gicheol , Kim Hyeongjun , Andreev Maksim , Jung Kil‐Su , Kim Kwan‐Ho , Choi Jae‐Woong , Lee Yoonmyung , Park Jin‐Hong
Published: September 2019

Multi‐valued logic (MVL) computing, which uses more than three logical states, is a promising future technology for handling huge amounts of data in the forthcoming “big data” era. The feasibility of MVL computing depends on the development of new concept devices/circuits beyond the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. This is because many CMOS devices are required to implement basic MVL functions, such as multilevel NOT, AND, and OR. In this study, a novel MVL device is reported with a complementarily controllable potential well, featuring the negative differential transconductance (NDT) phenomenon. This NDT device implemented on the WS2–graphene–WSe2 van der Waals heterostructure is evolved to a double‐NDT device operating on the basis of two consecutive NDT phenomena via structural engineering and parallel device configuration. This double‐NDT device is intensively analyzed via atomic force microscopy, kelvin probe force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and temperature‐dependent electrical measurement to gain a detailed understanding of its operating mechanism. Finally, the operation of a quaternary inverter configured with the double‐peak NDT device and a p‐channel transistor through Cadence circuit simulation is theoretically demonstrated.
Surface Reconstruction Limited Conductivity in Block‐Copolymer Li Battery Electrolytes
Authors: Sutton Preston , Bennington Peter , Patel Shrayesh N. , Stefik Morgan , Wiesner Ulrich B. , Nealey Paul F. , Steiner Ullrich , Gunkel Ilja
Published: September 2019

Solid polymer electrolytes for lithium batteries promise improvements in safety and energy density if their conductivity can be increased. Nanostructured block‐copolymer electrolytes specifically have the potential to provide both good ionic conductivity and good mechanical properties. This study shows that the previously neglected nanoscale composition of the polymer electrolyte close to the electrode surface has an important effect on impedance measurements, despite its negligible extent compared to the bulk electrolyte. Using standard stainless steel blocking electrodes, the impedance of lithium salt‐doped poly(isoprene‐b‐styrene‐b‐ethylene oxide) (ISO) exhibits a marked decrease upon thermal processing of the electrolyte. In contrast, covering the electrode surface with a low molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) brush results in higher and more reproducible conductivity values, which are insensitive to the thermal history of the device. A qualitative model of this effect is based on the hypothesis that ISO surface reconstruction at the different electrode surfaces leads to a change in the electrostatic double layer, affecting electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. As a main result, PEO‐brush modification of electrode surfaces is beneficial for the robust electrolyte performance of PEO‐containing block‐copolymers and may be crucial for their accurate characterization and use in Li‐ion batteries.
Orientation Engineering in Low‐Dimensional Crystal‐Structural Materials via Seed Screening
Authors: Li Kanghua , Chen Chao , Lu Shuaicheng , Wang Chong , Wang Siyu , Lu Yue , Tang Jiang
Published: September 2019

The orientation of low‐dimensional crystal‐structural (LDCS) films significantly affects the performance of photoelectric devices, particularly in vertical conducting devices such as solar cells and light‐emitting diodes. According to film growth theory, the initial seeds determine the final orientation of the film. Ruled by the minimum energy principle, lying (chains or layers parallel to the substrate) seeds bonding with the substrate through van der Waals forces are easier to form than standing (chains or layers perpendicular to the substrate) seeds bonding with the substrate by a covalent bond. Utilizing high substrate temperature to re‐evaporate the lying seeds and preserve the standing seeds, the orientation of 1D crystal‐structural Sb2Se3 is successfully controlled. Guided by this seed screening model, highly [211]‐ and [221]‐oriented Sb2Se3 films on an inert TiO2 substrate are obtained; consequently, a record efficiency of 7.62% in TiO2/Sb2Se3 solar cells is achieved. This universal model of seed screening provides an effective method for orientation control of other LDCS films.
3D Printing of Magnetoresponsive Polymeric Materials with Tunable Mechanical and Magnetic Properties by Digital Light Processing
Authors: Lantean Simone , Barrera Gabriele , Pirri Candido Fabrizio , Tiberto Paola , Sangermano Marco , Roppolo Ignazio , Rizza Giancarlo
Published: September 2019

Digital light processing is used for printing magnetoresponsive polymeric materials with tunable mechanical and magnetic properties. Mechanical properties are tailored, from stiff to soft, by combining urethane‐acrylate resins with butyl acrylate as the reactive diluent. The magnetic response of the printed samples is tuned by changing the Fe3O4 nanoparticle loading up to 6 wt%. Following this strategy, magnetoresponsive active components are fabricated with programmable complex functions using external magnetic fields. Different objects are printed exhibiting varying stiffness and magnetic responses, probing different kinds of movements, such as rolling, translation, stretching, shape‐shifting, and folding/unfolding.
Manipulation of Multi‐Level Quantum Systems via Unsharp Measurements and Feedback Operations
Authors: Ran Du , Shan Wu‐Jiang , Shi Zhi‐Cheng , Yang Zhen‐Biao , Song Jie , Xia Yan
Published: September 2019

The recently proposed quantum control method called self‐fulfilling prophesy is investigated in multi‐level cases, based on a sequence of measurement‐feedback operations. The feedback operation is elaborately designed with respect to the eigenstates of the density matrix of the target state and its post‐measurement state. This design procedure is suitable for the generation of any predefined coherent superpositions of multiple quantum states and elicitation of desired quantum dynamics. For the sake of clearness, arbitrarily prescribed superposition states in three‐ and four‐level systems are prepared, and quantum dynamics achieved as desired. The simulation results indicate that the scheme tolerates modest imprecisions of feedback operation and is robust against sudden perturbations. Thus, the scheme enables new insight on quantum manipulations in a variety of multi‐level systems to be achieved.
Meta‐analysis of the difference of medians
Authors: McGrath Sean , Sohn Hojoon , Steele Russell , Benedetti Andrea
Published: September 2019

We consider the problem of meta‐analyzing two‐group studies that report the median of the outcome. Often, these studies are excluded from meta‐analysis because there are no well‐established statistical methods to pool the difference of medians. To include these studies in meta‐analysis, several authors have recently proposed methods to estimate the sample mean and standard deviation from the median, sample size, and several commonly reported measures of spread. Researchers frequently apply these methods to estimate the difference of means and its variance for each primary study and pool the difference of means using inverse variance weighting. In this work, we develop several methods to directly meta‐analyze the difference of medians. We conduct a simulation study evaluating the performance of the proposed median‐based methods and the competing transformation‐based methods. The simulation results show that the median‐based methods outperform the transformation‐based methods when meta‐analyzing studies that report the median of the outcome, especially when the outcome is skewed. Moreover, we illustrate the various methods on a real‐life data set.
Droplet Evaporation on a Hydrophilic Mesh Considering Their Sunken Shapes in Holes
Authors: Yang Qiang , Ding Yanliang , Xu Xiao , Lu Hao , Wang Hualin , Liu Honglai
Published: September 2019

The evolution of droplet shapes on a hydrophilic copper mesh was studied by using high‐speed microscopic imaging technology. When a water droplet wets a hydrophilic mesh, the liquid‐vapor interface initially adopts a convex shape, named as the “first darkness”. Then, as the water evaporates, the liquid‐vapor interface flattens, and then it gradually adopts a concave shape; meanwhile, a “second darkness” forms. Taking the shapes of droplets sunken in holes into consideration, the quantitative liquid‐vapor interface area was acquired. The evaporation coefficient becomes lower and more reasonable when considering the area increase due to the pentahedron sunken liquid in the holes. A speculation was employed to understand the observed evaporation behavior and the overprediction of the evaporation coefficient.
Inhomogeneous Distribution of Cationic Surfactants around Anionic Molecular Clusters
Authors: Gao Yunyi , Chen Jiahui , Zhang Tong , Szymanowski Jennifer E. S. , Burns Peter C. , Liu Tianbo
Published: September 2019

An interesting phenomenon is reported when uranyl peroxide nanoclusters U60 (Li48+mK12(OH)m[UO2(O2)(OH)]60 (H2O)n, m≈20 and n≈310) interact with a small number of cationic surfactant molecules. Cationic surfactant molecules do not distribute evenly around the U60 clusters during the interaction as expected. Instead, a small fraction of U60 clusters attract almost all the surfactant molecules, leading to the self‐assembly into supramolecular structures by using surfactant–U60 complexes as building locks, and later further aggregate and precipitate based on hydrophobic interaction, whereas the rest of the clusters remained unbounded soluble macroions in bulk dispersion. This phenomenon nicely demonstrates a unique feature of macroion solutions. Considering that Debye–Hückel approximation is no longer valid in such solutions, the competition between the local electrostatic interaction and hydrophobic interaction becomes important to regulate the solution behaviors of macroions.
Formal Lossen Rearrangement/Alkenylation or Annulation Cascade of Heterole Carboxamides with Alkynes Catalyzed by CpRhIII Complexes with Pendant Amides
Authors: Yamada Takayuki , Shibata Yu , Tanaka Ken
Published: September 2019

It has been established that a cyclopentadienyl (Cp) RhIII complex with two aryl groups and a pendant amide moiety catalyzes the formal Lossen rearrangement/alkenylation cascade of N‐pivaloyl heterole carboxamides with internal alkynes, leading to alkenylheteroles. Interestingly, the use of sterically demanding internal alkynes afforded not the alkenylation but the [3+2] annulation products ([5,5]‐fused heteroles). In these reactions, the pendant amide moiety of the CpRhIII complex may accelerate the formal Lossen rearrangement. The use of five‐membered heteroles may deter reductive elimination to form strained [5,5]‐fused heteroles; instead, protonation proceeds to give the alkenylation products. Bulky alkyne substituents accelerate the reductive elimination to allow the formation of the [5,5]‐fused heteroles.
Redox‐Neutral Metal‐Free Three‐Component Carbonylative Dearomatization of Pyridine Derivatives with CO2
Authors: Cerveri Alessandro , Pace Stefano , Monari Magda , Lombardo Marco , Bandini Marco
Published: September 2019

The TBD (1,3,5‐triazabicyclodec‐5‐ene) assisted three‐component carbonylation of pyridine‐2‐methanamines is documented by means of CO2 as a benign CO surrogate. The redox‐neutral methodology enables the realization of densely functionalized imidazo‐pyridinones in high yields (up to 93 %) and excellent chemoselectivity. Combined computational and experimental investigations revealed an unprecedented RCOCl/TBD concerted electrophilic activation of carbon dioxide.
Biosynthesis of a Tricyclo[6.2.2.02,7]dodecane System by a Berberine Bridge Enzyme‐Like Aldolase
Authors: Li Hang , Hu Jinyu , Wei Haochen , Solomon Peter S. , Stubbs Keith A. , Chooi Yit‐Heng
Published: September 2019

The aldol reaction is one of the most fundamental stereocontrolled carbon–carbon bond‐forming reactions and is mainly catalyzed by aldolases in nature. Despite the fact that the aldol reaction has been widely proposed to be involved in fungal secondary metabolite biosynthesis, a dedicated aldolase that catalyzes stereoselective aldol reactions has only rarely been reported in fungi. Herein, we activated a cryptic polyketide biosynthetic gene cluster that was upregulated in the fungal wheat pathogen Parastagonospora nodorum during plant infection; this resulted in the production of the phytotoxic stemphyloxin II (1). Through heterologous reconstruction of the biosynthetic pathway and in vitro assay by using cell‐free lysate from Aspergillus nidulans, we demonstrated that a berberine bridge enzyme (BBE)‐like protein SthB catalyzes an intramolecular aldol reaction to establish the bridged tricyclo[6.2.2.02,7]dodecane skeleton in the post‐assembly tailoring step. The characterization of SthB as an aldolase enriches the catalytic toolbox of classic reactions and the functional diversities of the BBE superfamily of enzymes.
Determination method of Volt‐Var and Volt‐Watt curve for smart inverters applying optimization of active/reactive power allocation for each inverter
Authors: Yamane Keisuke , Orihara Dai , Iioka Daisuke , Aoto Yuki , Hashimoto Jun , Goda Tadahiro
Published: September 2019

In recent years, the smart inverter that is an advanced inverter has been investigated as a solution to voltage problem in the distribution network in which a lot of photovoltaic(PV)s are introduced Among multiple functions of the smart inverter, voltage‐reactive power control (Volt‐Var) and voltage‐active power control (Volt‐Watt) have been attracted attention because of their effectiveness. However, the problem is how to determine optimal curves setting of Volt‐Var and Volt‐Watt. In this paper, we suggest the determination method of optimal Volt‐Var and Volt‐Watt curves, and verify the effectiveness of the optimal curves on distribution network.
Induction of Lysosome‐associated Protein Transmembrane 4 Beta via Sulfatase 2 Enhances Autophagic Flux in Liver Cancer Cells
Authors: Ha Yeonjung , Fang Yong , Romecin Duran Paola A. , Tolosa Ezequiel J. , Moser Catherine D. , Fernandez‐Zapico Martin E. , Roberts Lewis R.
Published: September 2019

Autophagy has been shown to be a key cellular event controlling tumor growth in different neoplasms including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although this biological role of autophagy has been clearly established, the mechanism underlying its regulation remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate a role of sulfatase 2 (SULF2), a 6‐O‐endosulfatase modulating various growth factors and cytokine‐related signaling pathways controlling tumor cell proliferation and survival, in the regulation of autophagy in HCC cells. SULF2 increased autophagosome formation, shown by increased LC3B‐II protein and green fluorescent protein–LC3 puncta. Increased fusion between autophagosomes and lysosomes/lysosomal enzymes, higher expression of lysosomal membrane protein, and an increase in autolysosomes were also shown by western blot, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy of SULF2‐expressing cells, indicating enhanced autophagic flux. In contrast, RNA‐interference silencing of SULF2 in Huh7 cells induced lysosomal membrane permeabilization with diffuse cytosolic staining of cathepsin D and punctate staining of galectin‐3. Analysis of the mechanism showed that inhibition of lysosome‐associated protein transmembrane 4 beta (LAPTM4B), a gene induced by SULF2, resulted in decreased autophagosome formation, decreased fusion between autophagosomes and lysosomes, and increased lysosomal membrane permeabilization. Interestingly, down‐regulation of LAPTM4B also phenocopies the knockdown of SULF2, significantly reducing cell viability and colony formation. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a role for SULF2 in the regulation of autophagic flux that is mediated through LAPTM4B induction in HCC cells, and provide a foundation for future translational efforts targeting autophagy in liver malignancies.
Radical Mediated Aza‐Pauson‐Khand Reaction of Acetylenes, Imines, and CO Leading to Five‐Membered Unsaturated Lactams
Authors: Fukuyama Takahide , Okada Takuma , Nakashima Nao , Ryu Ilhyong
Published: September 2019

Formal [2+2+1] cycloaddition reaction involving acetylenes, aromatic imines, and CO was achieved by radical chain reaction, which gave five‐membered unsaturated lactams in modest to good yields. When we used 5‐chloropentyne, sequential carbonylation took place accompanied with double annulation events to give a cyclohexanone‐fused lactam in excellent stereoselectivity.
MicroRNAs in acute pancreatitis: From pathogenesis to novel diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Yang Yi , Huang Qilin , Luo Chen , Wen Yi , Liu Ruohong , Sun Hongyu , Tang Lijun
Published: September 2019

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disorder initiated by activation of pancreatic zymogens, leading to pancreatic injury and systemic inflammatory response. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important regulators of gene expression and key players in human physiological and pathological processes. Discoveries over the past decade have confirmed that altered expression of miRNAs is implicated in the pathogenesis of AP. Indeed, a number of miRNAs have been found to be dysregulated in various cell types involved in AP such as acinar cells, macrophages, and lymphocytes. These aberrant miRNAs can regulate acinar cell necrosis and apoptosis, local and systemic inflammatory response, thereby contributing to the initiation and progression of AP. Moreover, patients with AP possess unique miRNA signatures when compared with healthy individuals or those with other diseases. In view of their stability and easy detection, therefore, miRNAs have the potential to act as biomarkers for the diagnosis and assessment of patients with AP. In this review, we provide an overview of the novel cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the roles of miRNAs during the disease processes of AP, as well as the potential diagnosis and therapeutic biomarkers of miRNAs in patients with AP.
Challenges to informed consent for exome sequencing: A best–worst scaling experiment
Authors: Gore Rachel H. , Bridges John F. P. , Cohen Julie S. , Biesecker Barbara B.
Published: September 2019

As exome sequencing expands as a diagnostic tool, patients and providers have voiced concerns about communicating the breadth and scope of potential results when obtaining informed consent. This study aimed to understand how genetic counselors prioritize essential components of the informed consent process and whether counselor factors influence these decisions. Development of a best–worst scaling experiment was informed by a systematic literature review and two focus groups. In all, 11 choice sets were created using a balanced incomplete block design, where participants selected the most and least important object in each set. Mean best–worst (BW) scores were calculated to summarize the relative importance of each object, and mediation analyses assessed whether responses were associated with genetic counselor factors and attitudes. In all, 342 members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors completed the online survey. Ranking of BW scores suggests that participants prioritize collaborative decision‐making, assessing understanding and managing expectations, with the least emphasis placed on discussing technological complexities. Stratified analyses found that counselors more experienced with obtaining informed consent for exome sequencing and those reporting higher perceptions of patients’ ability to manage information rated discussing variants of uncertain significance as significantly more important (p < .05). Our results suggest that genetic counselors report intentions to prioritize individual patient needs when obtaining informed consent for exome sequencing. Professional characteristics and attitudes may influence preemptive discussion of uncertain results.
Recontacting patients for multigene panel testing in hereditary cancer: Efficacy and insights
Authors: Sawyer Lindsey , Creswick Heather , Lewandowski Raymond , Quillin John
Published: September 2019

In hereditary cancer, multigene panel testing is currently replacing older single‐gene approaches. Patients whose tests were previously uninformative could benefit from updated testing. Research suggests that patients desire to be recontacted about updated genetic testing, but few studies have tested the efficacy of recontact efforts. This study investigated the outcomes of a recontact effort in a hereditary cancer clinic and explored the impact of four different recontact letters, randomized in a 2X2 factorial design. Patients who had negative genetic testing for single genes or conditions were mailed letters inviting them to schedule an appointment to discuss updated testing. Patients were randomized to receive one of four letters and each letter emphasized different implications of updated multigene genetic testing: (a) personal medical management implications, (b) implications for family members, (c) both personal and family implications or (d) a control letter. The proportion of patients who arrived for appointments was assessed approximately 7 months after mailing along with associations with patient demographics and type of letter received. Letters were mailed to 586 patients who had initial testing between 2001 and 2015. Most patients were white (78%) and female (97%) with private insurance (65%). At 7 months, 25 patients (4.3%, 95% CI: 2.6% to 5.9%) had arrived for an appointment. Older age was significantly associated with response rate (p = .01), while type of recontact letter was not (p = .54). This study suggests that recontacting patients about updated genetic testing by mail does not yield a large response. It also suggests that personal and/or familial implications do not seem to be significant factors that determine response rate. Nevertheless, results provide meaningful information for cancer clinics about the outcomes of recontact efforts via informational letter.
Differential quantitative proteomics reveals the functional difference of two yigP locus products, UbiJ and EsrE
Authors: Tang Qiongwei , Feng Meilin , Xia Hui , Zhao Yiming , Hou Bingbing , Ye Jiang , Wu Haizhen , Zhang Huizhan
Published: September 2019

The yigP (ubiJ) locus has been shown to be associated with many phenotypic changes in Escherichia coli, while the individual function of its two products, EsrE small RNA and UbiJ protein, is still elusive. In this study, we constructed two single‐element mutants, EsrE mutant strain Mut and UbiJ mutant strain Ter, on the basis of the base substitution programs. The variable antibiotics resistance and ubiquinone (UQ, coenzyme Q) yield and the similar cell growth between mutants revealed the division of labor and collaboration of EsrE and UbiJ in JM83. Furthermore, we detected the concentration of intracellular proteins of Mut and Ter by stable isotope‐labeled quantitative proteomics. The results demonstrate that both EsrE and UbiJ are involved in the aerobic growth of E. coli, while EsrE preferentially contributes to the amino acid‐related pathway, and UbiJ is an indispensable factor in the biosynthesis of UQ. Moreover, we uncovered a potential regulatory circuit of
d‐cycloserine (DCS) that composed of EsrE, GcvA, and GcvB by proteomic analysis.
A Biocompatible Multilayer Film from an Asymmetric Picolinium‐Containing Polycation with Fast Visible‐Light/NIR‐Degradability
Authors: Zhang Hanzhi , Zhou Tongtong , Shen Jiwei , Zhang Ping , Chen Xin , Chen Yongming , Yu You
Published: September 2019

Finely tuning the photodegradation behavior of the layer‐by‐layer (LbL) film from the view of controlling the chemical structure of the film‐building polymer is still a challenge in related fields. To meet this requirement, a photodegradable polymer (P1) is rationally designed for assembling a visible‐light‐degradable multilayer film with polystyrene sulfonate (PSS). Compared with similar photopolymers (P2 and P3), this asymmetric picolinium‐containing polymer can significantly enhance the degradation rate of as‐prepared LbL films; under the same degradation condition, the degradation rate of (P1/PSS)10 is 3 and 6.6 times that of (P2/PSS)10 and (P3/PSS)10, respectively. Moreover, near‐infrared light (NIR) is available for triggering the degradation of this film with the assistance of upconversion nanoparticles of YbTm@Lu. The cell cytotoxicity and cell proliferation experiments reveal that P1 is nontoxic and favorable for cell proliferation at concentrations of up to 500 μg mL−1. As for (PSS/P1)10 films, the ratio of cell number of these two samples ((PSS/P1)10 modified: photodegraded) increases dramatically and reaches about 1.67:1 after 72 h incubation. On the basis of these results, it is anticipated that P1 and this LbL film is an exceptional candidate for visible‐light/NIR degradable materials in materials and biological science, medicine, and optics.
Catalytically Selective Chemotherapy from Tumor‐Metabolic Generated Lactic Acid
Authors: Tian Zhimin , Yang Kaili , Yao Tianzhu , Li Xuhui , Ma Yuanyuan , Qu Chaoyi , Qu Xiaoli , Xu Yujing , Guo Yinhui , Qu Yongquan
Published: September 2019

Lactic acid (LA) is a powerful molecule as the metabolic driver in tumor microenvironments (TMEs). Inspired by its high intratumoral level (5–20 µmol g−1), a novel treatment paradigm via the cascade release of H2O2 and ·OH from the LA generated by tumor metabolism is developed for catalytic and pH‐dependent selective tumor chemotherapy. By utilizing the acidity and overexpression of LA within the TME, the constructed lactate oxidase (LOD)‐immobilized Ce‐benzenetricarboxylic acid (Ce‐BTC) metal organic framework enables the intratumoral generation of ·OH via a cascade reaction: 1) the in situ catalytic release of H2O2 from LA by LOD, and 2) the catalytic production of ·OH from H2O2 by Ce‐BTC with peroxidase‐like activity. Highly toxic ·OH effectively induces tumor apoptosis/death. A new strategy for selective tumor chemotherapy is provided herein.
The Significance of Microstructure and Texture on Magnetic Properties of Non‐Oriented Silicon Steel: Strip Casting versus Conventional Process
Authors: Dou Wei-Xue , Yuan Guo , Lan Meng-Fei , Zhang Yuan-Xiang , Zhu Miao-Yong
Published: September 2019

High‐performance nonoriented silicon steel can be produced by the novel strip casting process with a microstructure necessary for magnetic properties. In this regard, the significance of microstructure and texture on magnetic properties of nonoriented silicon steel are comparatively studied in strip‐casting process and conventional hot‐rolling process. The as‐cast strips are uniquely composed of fine equiaxed grains and coarse {100} columnar grains, whereas the hot‐rolled sheets are characterized by fine and uniform microstructure with random orientation. After cold rolling and recrystallization annealing, unfavorable {111} texture dominates the recrystallization texture in the conventional process because of compatible deformation effect of high density of grain boundaries. In contrast, coarse grain with pronounced {100} texture of annealed sheet is obtained via strip‐casting process, which is attributed to strong shear deformation and retention of {100} texture. Considering the synergistic benefits of texture and grain size, nonoriented silicon steel produced by strip casting exhibits superior magnetic properties with low magnetic anisotropy. The magnetic induction of nonoriented silicon steel produced by strip casting is intriguingly 0.06 T higher and the core loss is 0.4 W kg−1 lower than the conventional process. The current study provides practical guidance for processing of nonoriented silicon steel.
Vitellogenin and vitellogenin-like gene expression patterns in relation to caste and task in the ant Formica fusca
Authors: Morandin C. , Hietala A. , Helanterä H.
Published: September 2019

Social insect colonies are characterized by division of labour, and extensive morphological, physiological and behavioural differences between queens and workers. The storage protein vitellogenin (Vg) affects multiple aspects of social insect life histories, and has been suggested as a key player for caste differentiation and maintenance. Recently, three genes homologous to Vg have been described in the antFormica exsecta. Their role is currently unclear but their structural variation suggests variable functions. We examined the expression patterns of the conventional Vg and the three Vg-like genes using qRT-PCR in the common black antFormica fuscabetween queens and workers, between nurse and foragers workers, and across social contexts (queenless vs. queenright nests), and sampling time. As expected, we found a significant queen caste and nurse task-related increase for the conventional Vg, while Vg-like-C displayed a consistent forager-biased expression pattern. Task (forager vs. nurse) was the only factor that explained expression variation among workers in any of the studied genes. The removal of the queen did not affect expression, although the proportion of fertile nurses increased in queenless nests. The observed expression biases suggest that inFormica fusca,the ancestral duplication has led to alternative social functions for Vg-like genes across castes and tasks. To get a broader picture of the role of gene duplications in social evolution and the roles of Vg-like genes in caste differentiation and maintenance, how these genes achieve these roles at a molecular level need to be investigated further.
Superior knee self-efficacy and quality of life throughout the first year in patients who recover symmetrical muscle function after ACL reconstruction
Authors: Piussi Ramana , Beischer Susanne , Thomeé Roland , Hamrin Senorski Eric
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The aim of this study was to (1) describe psychological outcomes during the first year after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and (2) compare psychological outcomes in patients who recover symmetrical muscle function with patients who do not.

Methods

The included patients had undergone a unilateral ACL reconstruction. Patients with a re-rupture and contralateral ACL injury were excluded. Three groups, based on the results from 5 tests of muscle function 12 months after reconstruction, were created. Three validated questionnaires (the Knee Self-Efficacy Scale; the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscale “Quality of Life”; the ACL Return to Sport after Injury scale) and a single question “Have you achieved your goal with rehabilitation?” were analysed in 4 different follow-ups after ACL reconstruction (10 weeks, 4, 8 and 12 months). Means and standard deviations were analysed with standardttests and reported with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

A total of 328 patients (120 men, 37%), mean age 27.8 ± 10 years, were included. Patients who did not recover symmetrical muscle function (n = 56; 17%) at the 12-month follow-up reported inferior knee-related self-efficacy and quality of life than patients who recovered symmetrical muscle function (n = 96; 29%) at all follow-ups, except quality of life at 4 months. The proportion of patients who stated they achieved their rehabilitation goal at 12 months was 17% for the entire cohort, 24% for patients who recovered muscle function and 5% for patients who did not recover muscle function.

Conclusion

Patients who recovered strength and hop symmetry 12 months after ACL reconstruction had superior knee-related self-efficacy and greater quality of life during the whole first year after ACL reconstruction. These results can aid clinicians in the decision-making process by providing knowledge of patients who might need further attention during rehabilitation.

Level of evidence

III.
Challenges to Build up a Collaborative Landscape Management (CLM)—Lessons from a Stakeholder Analysis in Germany
Authors: Zscheischler Jana , Busse Maria , Heitepriem Nico
Published: September 2019

Traditional cultural landscapes are of special value not only for reasons of nature conservation and high species diversity but also because they intersect with the identity of local communities, support recreation and tourism, and preserve cultural heritage. Structural changes in rural areas threaten these unique sceneries and environments in Europe and worldwide. As a result, the question of how to maintain and manage cultural landscapes where economic benefits are not assured has become a priority in science and in practice. Considering this context, community-based collaborative landscape management (CLM) can be considered an innovative and promising approach. This paper presents results from a stakeholder analysis examining the preconditions and opportunities for initiating a CLM in the biosphere reserve known as ‘Spreewald’. The results indicate that due to the type of problem (landscape change)—which is characterised by complexity, beneficial linkages to a multitude of actor groups, and broad problem awareness—CLM appears to be feasible. However, other preconditions related to social relationships among actor groups, questions of legitimate coordination and the collaborative capacity of the community are not met, thus reducing the likelihood of success. To address these challenges, we discuss the potential of transdisciplinary processes (TD) to assist local communities in establishing such a collaborative problem-solving and management approach. We show that TD is highly valuable and supportive during this critical stage of emerging collaboration.
Characterization of Calcium Homeostasis in Lithium‐Treated Patients Reveals Both Hypercalcaemia and Hypocalcaemia
Authors: Meehan Adrian D. , Wallin Göran , Järhult Johannes
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Prevalence studies demonstrate that a significant proportion of lithium‐treated patients develop hypercalcaemia (3–30%). Lithium‐associated hyperparathyroidism (LHPT) is poorly defined, and calcium homeostasis may be affected in a more complicated fashion than purely by elevated PTH secretion. The current study aims to examine in detail calcium homeostasis principally with regard to lithium duration.

Methods

Medical records of 297 lithium‐treated patients (193 women, 104 men; median age 58 years) were examined, and information on gender, age, lithium treatment duration and calcium homeostasis was obtained. The median treatment duration with lithium was 16 (1.5–45) years.

Results

A total of 8504 calcium values were retrieved. Before initiation of lithium treatment, serum calcium was on average 2.33 mmol/l (2.02–2.60). During the treatment period, 178 patients (60%) remained normocalcaemic, 102 (34%) developed hypercalcaemia or were strongly suspected of LHPT, 17 (6%) had 3 or more intermittent episodes of hypocalcaemia. Forty‐one per cent of patients with suspected or confirmed LHPT had low (<4 mmol) 24‐h urine calcium levels. The success rate after 33 parathyroidectomies was 35%, hyperplasia being diagnosed in 75% of extirpated glands.

Conclusions

The prevalence of hypercalcaemia during lithium treatment is very high. In addition, hypocalcaemic episodes appear to occur frequently, possibly reflecting a more complicated parathyroid dysfunction than previously known. Long‐term surgical results are unsatisfactory. LHPT biochemical profile is different from that of primary hyperparathyroidism and is in some ways similar to familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia.
Contemporary European Normative Tendencies Regarding the Essence and Typology of Insurance Contracts
Authors: Fras Mariusz
Published: September 2019

In the light of different approaches to the question of regulating economic insurance law in specific legal systems, formulation of a model definition of the insurance contract, although necessary for further investigations, is merely theoretical. Specific lawmakers approach the question of specification of the content of the insurance contract at the statutory level with varying degree of consequence. Insurance relationships are a heterogeneous category, and attempts to develop uniform systematics with the use of comparative legal methods are still hindered by differences between individual legal systems. There is a lack of consistence between the distinctions adopted in private law systems and solutions characteristic of public law, which exert much influence on the market of insurance services as a part of insurance supervision.
A Self Interference Nulling Filter Using Effective Channel Information for Full Duplex Systems
Authors: Na Hyunjong , Lee Chungyong
Published: September 2019

We propose a spatial domain interference cancelation scheme for full duplex bi-directional communication systems. Although the conventional pre-processing filters, such as null space projection and minimum mean square error (MMSE), can eliminate self interference, they require the spatial dimensions more than the number of receive antennas. However, proposed scheme requires only one spatial dimension regardless of the number of receive antennas, which enables more efficient antenna allocation. Simulation results show that proposed scheme obtains higher achievable rate than the half duplex system and the MMSE filter.
Evaluation of effect factors on water quality of Karun River in downstream and lake of the Gotvand-e-Olya Dam (SW Iran)
Authors: Jahangiry Fard M. , Amanipoor H. , Battaleb-Looie S. , Ghanemi K.
Published: September 2019

Outcrop of Gachsaran evaporative formation in the lake of Gotvand-e-Olya Dam in SW IRAN has posed a major challenge in terms of water quality. In the present study, multivariate statistical analysis, ionic ratios, and Piper diagram were utilized to investigate the effect of formation dissolution on water quality. Sampling was performed two times with a time interval of 6 months. The result showed that the types of downstream samples are Cl–Na and Cl–Ca, which are affected by the dissolution of Gachsaran Formation and reverse ion exchange. Due to the transmission of the saline water to the depth and layering of reservoir, the water types in the upper levels of dam’s lake are (SO4–Ca and HCO3–Ca) and (Cl–Ca and SO4–Ca) upon the first and second sampling, respectively. In both times, the clustering of the EC, TDS, Na, and Cl parameters demonstrates the effect of halite dissolution on water quality in downstream and lake of the dam. At the first sampling, the SO4 and HCO3 parameters are in one cluster that shows increasing calcareous formation dissolution. At the second time, the grouping of the Ca and SO4 parameters shows the effect of gypsum and anhydrite dissolution on water quality. In both sampling times, the stations are grouped based on distance to the dam such that upstream stations are in one cluster. Results of principal component analysis show that data of the first-time sampling are summarized into two factors that show the effect of the formation dissolution and rainfall effect on water quality, respectively. At the second-time sampling, studied parameters are summarized in one factor. Local conditions of the studied area indicate the dominant effect of formation dissolution on water quality. The results of ionic ratios confirm the effect of geological formation on water quality in the lake and downstream of the dam. Due to the water layering, in terms of salinity in the dam’s lake, the rate and discharge of water outflow of the dam also affect the water quality in downstream.
Bulimic symptoms in a sample of college women: disentangling the roles of body size, body shame and negative urgency
Authors: Dalley Simon E. , Bron Glenda G. , Hagl Iona F. A. , Heseding Frederic , Hoppe Sabine , Wit Lotte
Published: September 2019

Purpose This study set out to disentangle the roles of body size, body shame and negative urgency on bulimic symptomatology in a sample of college women. We predicted that body shame would mediate the relationship between body size and bulimic symptomatology: with increasing body size, the greater would be the experience of body shame and, in turn, the greater the bulimic symptomatology. We also predicted that negative urgency would exacerbate this mediation pathway, and that the moderated mediation model would occur over and above current levels of depression.

Method

A convenience sample of 237 college women indicated their age, height and weight and then completed measures of body shame, negative urgency, depression and bulimic symptomatology. Bootstrap analysis was used to test the predicted moderation mediation model.

Results

The bootstrap analysis supported all predictions. Thus, with greater the increase in body size, the greater was the body shame and the more frequent bulimic symptomatology. Furthermore, negative urgency moderated the relationship between body shame and bulimic symptomatology, such that those with both higher negative urgency and body shame had more frequent bulimic symptomatology.

Conclusions

Results suggest that those college women higher in both BMI and negative urgency are likely to experience higher levels of bulimic symptoms. These women may benefit from emotion regulation interventions targeted at preventing, as well as coping effectively with, the experience of body shame.

Level of evidence

V: cross-sectional descriptive study.
Zinc causes the death of hypoxic astrocytes by inducing ROS production through mitochondria dysfunction
Authors: Pan Rong , Liu Ke Jian , Qi Zhifeng
Published: September 2019

Cerebral ischemia triggers a cascade of events that contribute to ischemic brain damages. Zinc release and accumulation has been shown to lead to brain cell death following cerebral ischemia. However, the mechanism underlying remains to be elucidated. Our recently published work showed that suppression of mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) production significantly reduced ischemic stroke related brain damage within 6 h. Herein, we investigated the relationship between zinc accumulation and mitochondrial-derived ROS production in astrocytes after 3-h hypoxia. We found that inhibition of mitochondrial-derived ROS significantly decreased total amount of ROS generation and cell death in primary astrocytes during hypoxia when zinc was overload. In contrast, the inhibition of NADPH oxidase-derived ROS had less of an effect. Our results also showed that zinc and mitochondria were colocalized in hypoxic astrocytes. Moreover, extracellular zinc addition caused zinc accumulation in the mitochondria and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to mitochondria dysfunction. These findings provide a novel mechanism that zinc accumulation contributes to hypoxia-induced astrocytes death by disrupting mitochondria function, following cerebral ischemia.
Differences in service utilization at an urban tribal health organization before and after Alzheimer's disease or related dementia diagnosis: A cohort study
Authors: Schaefer Krista R. , Noonan Carolyn , Mosley Michael , Smith Julia , Galbreath Donna , Fenn David , Robinson Renee F. , Manson Spero M.
Published: September 2019

Introduction

The prevalence, mortality, and healthcare impact of Alaska Native and American Indian (ANAI) people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) are unknown.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study of electronic health record data that compared healthcare service utilization in patients with and without an ADRD diagnosis. Zero‐inflated negative binomial regression with robust standard errors was used to estimate utilization rates.

Results

Compared with patients without ADRD, utilization rates were similar before but higher after ADRD diagnosis. For those with diagnosed ADRD, utilization increased gradually over time with sharp upward change during the year of diagnosis.

Discussion

This is the only study quantifying changes in healthcare service utilization before and after ADRD diagnosis among ANAI people, which is crucial for tailoring geriatric care for ANAI populations.
LOGARITHMIC DE RHAM COMPARISON FOR OPEN RIGID SPACES
Authors: LI SHIZHANG , PAN XUANYU
Published: September 2019

In this note, we prove the logarithmic$p$-adic comparison theorem for open rigid analytic varieties. We prove that a smooth rigid analytic variety with a strict simple normal crossing divisor is locally$K(\unicode[STIX]{x1D70B},1)$(in a certain sense) with respect to$\mathbb{F}_{p}$-local systems and ramified coverings along the divisor. We follow Scholze’s method to produce a pro-version of the Faltings site and use this site to prove a primitive comparison theorem in our setting. After introducing period sheaves in our setting, we prove aforesaid comparison theorem.
Tertullian's Chameleon
Authors: Leyerle Blake
Published: September 2019

Tertullian's treatiseDe palliois the briefest and most difficult of the North African's works. Its purpose, ostensibly, is to advocate for a change in clothing from the toga to the pallium. This sartorial shift functions, in turn, as a metaphor for conversion to the philosophical life, which, at the end of the treatise, is revealed to be the Christian life. Towards the centre of the work, Tertullian turns to nature to support his argument, citing the example of five different animals. This essay analyses his description of the chameleon, arguing that it is a riddle: drawing on the natural historians, Tertullian paints a realistic picture of the small lizard, but at the same time, skews the description of these features to depict the philosopher. The purpose of this central sketch is to alert listeners to the nature of the speech as a guessing game, and to point to the complex identity of the speaker.
Correlates of infection withHelicobacter pyloripositive and negative cytotoxin-associated gene A phenotypes among Arab and Jewish residents of Jerusalem
Authors: Muhsen K. , Sinnereich R. , Beer-Davidson G. , Nassar H. , Abu Ahmed W. , Cohen D. , Kark J. D.
Published: September 2019

We examined the prevalence and correlates ofHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection according to cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) phenotype, a main virulence antigen, among the ethnically diverse population groups of Jerusalem. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in Arab (N= 959) and Jewish (N= 692) adults, randomly selected from Israel's national population registry in age-sex and population strata. Sera were tested forH. pyloriimmunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. Positive samples were tested for virulence IgG antibodies to recombinant CagA protein, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multinomial regression models were fitted to examine associations of sociodemographic factors withH. pyloriphenotypes.H. pyloriIgG antibody sero-prevalence was 83.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 80.0%–85.5%) and 61.4% (95% CI 57.7%–65.0%) among Arabs and Jews, respectively. AmongH. pyloripositives, the respective CagA IgG antibody sero-positivity was 42.3% (95% CI 38.9%–45.8%) and 32.5% (95% CI 28.2%–37.1%). Among Jews, being born in the Former Soviet Union, the Middle East and North Africa,vs.Israel and the Americas, was positively associated with CagA sero-positivity. In both populations, sibship size was positively associated with both CagA positive and negative phenotypes; and education was inversely associated. In conclusion, CagA positive and negative infection had similar correlates, suggesting shared sources of these twoH. pyloriphenotypes.