bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
500 Years After Apollo
Authors: Winters Jeffrey
Published: July 2019

The Moon landing in 1969 was a cause for worldwide awe, by the 500th anniversary in 2469 space technologies may be so commonplace and so critical to human society that it will be impossible for anyone alive to fully appreciate the triumph. This article looks at technologies such as space elevators, power satellites, and rotating space settlements--both in their current state of development and their future potential.
Kinetostatic Analysis and Actuation Strategy of a Planar Tensegrity 2-X Manipulator
Authors: Furet Matthieu , Wenger Philippe
Published: July 2019

A planar tensegrity manipulator made of two X-mechanisms in series is studied in this paper. Contrary to a classical 2-R linkage, the proposed architecture does not contain elements subject to bending and it can be driven with remote actuation and cables in an antagonistic way. Accordingly, it is an interesting candidate for the design of lightweight manipulators with variable stiffness suitable for safe interactions. On the other hand, its kinematics is more challenging because of a variable instantaneous center of rotation of the X-mechanisms. First, the inverse kinematic problem is solved using an adequate methodology, the singularities are determined, and the workspace shape is analyzed as a function of the design parameters. Then, two actuation schemes are studied and the wrench feasible workspace is analyzed for each of them. The second actuation scheme provides a larger wrench feasible workspace and allows for stiffness control.
Multistable Morphing Mechanisms of Nonlinear Springs
Authors: Aza Chrysoula , Pirrera Alberto , Schenk Mark
Published: July 2019

Compliant mechanisms find use in numerous applications in both microscale and macroscale devices. Most of the current compliant mechanisms base their behavior on beam flexures. Their range of motion is thus limited by the stresses developed upon deflection. Conversely, the proposed mechanism relies on elastically nonlinear components to achieve large deformations. These nonlinear elements are composite morphing double-helical structures that are able to extend and coil like springs, yet, with nonlinear stiffness characteristics. A mechanism consisting of such structures, assembled in a simple truss configuration, is explored. A variety of behaviors is unveiled that could be exploited to expand the design space of current compliant mechanisms. The type of behavior is found to depend on the initial geometry of the structural assembly, the lay-up, and other characteristics specific of the composite components.
Acute Exercise and Anxiety Reduction: Does the Environment Matter?
Authors: McAuley Edward , Mihalko Shannon L. , Bane Susan M.
Published: July 2019

This study was designed to examine whether the exercise environment affected individuals’ anxiety responses. Participants either sat quietly (control) or exercised in either a laboratory or a setting of their own choosing. State anxiety measures were assessed at baseline, during activity, and following 15 minutes of rest after activity. Analyses indicated that the exercising conditions significantly reduced anxiety, whereas the control condition did not. Additional analyses indicated that anxiety increased from baseline during exercise and then was reduced upon exercise cessation. The implications of these findings for the examination of acute exercise effects on psychological function are discussed.
Clustering of Sedentary Behaviors and Physical Activity among Youth: A Cross-National Study
Authors: Marshall Simon J. , Biddle Stuart J.H. , Sallis James F. , McKenzie Thomas L. , Conway Terry L.
Published: July 2019

Few studies have attempted to describe patterns of sedentary behavior among children and examine how these relate to patterns of physical activity. A group of 2,494 youth aged 11–15 years from the USA and UK completed a physical activity checklist. Low intercorrelations between sedentary behaviors suggest youth sedentariness is multifaceted and cannot be represented accurately by any one behavior such as TV viewing. Cluster analysis identified three groups of young people, differentiated by the level and type of sedentary behavior and physical activity. Physical activity and sedentary behavior are not two sides of the same coin. Further study should examine the health-related outcomes associated with sedentary behavior and the modifiable determinants of these behaviors among young people.
Cellular response to moderate chromatin architectural defects promotes longevity
Authors: Yu Ruofan , Sun Luyang , Sun Yu , Han Xin , Qin Lidong , Dang Weiwei
Published: July 2019

A unique transcriptional response to chromatin architecture changes leads to TOR inhibition and longevity.
The origin of pointing: Evidence for the touch hypothesis
Authors: O’Madagain Cathal , Kachel Gregor , Strickland Brent
Published: July 2019

From infancy to adulthood, pointing gestures are produced and interpreted as though they originate in touch.
Challenges to capture the big five personality traits in non-WEIRD populations
Authors: Laajaj Rachid , Macours Karen , Pinzon Hernandez Daniel Alejandro , Arias Omar , Gosling Samuel D. , Potter Jeff , Rubio-Codina Marta , Vakis Renos
Published: July 2019

Commonly used personality questions fail to capture the intended personality traits in surveys in low- and middle-income countries.
Inhibition of natriuretic peptide receptor 1 reduces itch in mice
Authors: Solinski Hans Jürgen , Dranchak Patricia , Oliphant Erin , Gu Xinglong , Earnest Thomas W. , Braisted John , Inglese James , Hoon Mark A.
Published: July 2019

Natriuretic peptide receptor 1 inhibition with small molecules has therapeutic effects in mouse models of acute and chronic itch.
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Intravenous Durlobactam and Sulbactam in Subjects with Renal Impairment and Healthy Matched Control Subjects
Authors: O’Donnell John , Preston Richard A. , Mamikonyan Grigor , Stone Emily , Isaacs Robin
Published: July 2019

Sulbactam-durlobactam is being developed for the treatment of infections caused by
Acinetobacter baumannii
, including those caused by multidrug- and carbapenem-resistant isolates. This was a phase 1 study to evaluate the effects of various degrees of renal impairment, including subjects with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis (HD), on the pharmacokinetics and safety profile of durlobactam (also known as ETX2514) and sulbactam after single intravenous (i.v.) dose administration.
Genome Sequences of Three Cluster C Mycobacteriophages, Bipolarisk, Bread, and FudgeTart
Authors: Bowder Dane M. , Gannon Brandon W. , Grint Kathryn J. , Iltz Jason T. , Koch Teryn M. , Mahnke Kaitlyn S. , Murnan Brea D. , Osborn Alexandria M. , Schreiber Danielle M. , Su Grace L. , Troester Jaime G. , Doyle Erin L.
Published: July 2019

Three mycobacteriophages, Bipolarisk, Bread, and FudgeTart, were isolated from enriched soil samples found in Crete, NE. All three phages are lytic, belong to subcluster C1, and infect
Mycobacterium smegmatis
mc
2
155. The structures of the three genomes are similar, with slight variations in gene number and content.
Complete Genome Assembly of an Auritidibacter ignavus Isolate Obtained from an Ear Infection in Switzerland and a Comparison to Global Isolates
Authors: Seth-Smith H. M. B. , Goldenberger D. , Bernard K. A. , Bernier A.-M. , Egli A.
Published: July 2019

We present the whole-genome sequence of an isolate of
Auritidibacter ignavus
, associated with ear infections. This complete assembly was compared to genomes of four global isolates, which revealed a high diversity within the species.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Related Coronavirus from Kenyan Bats
Authors: Tao Ying , Tong Suxiang
Published: July 2019

We identified a strain of betacoronavirus BtKY72/
Rhinolophus
sp./Kenya/2007 (here BtKY72) from rectal swab samples in Kenyan bats. This paper reports the complete genomic sequence of BtKY72, which is closely related to BtCoV/BM48-31/Bulgaria/2008, a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-related virus from
Rhinolophus
bats in Europe.
Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli BE104, an MC4100 Derivative Lacking the Methionine Reductive Pathway
Authors: Anton Brian P. , Morgan Richard D. , Ezraty Benjamin , Manta Bruno , Barras Frédéric , Berkmen Mehmet
Published: July 2019

In this announcement, we present the complete annotated genome sequence of an
Escherichia coli
MC4100 mutant strain, BE104. This strain has several methionine sulfoxide reductase gene deletions, making it ideal for studying enzymes that alter the redox state of methionine.
Are submarine landslides an underestimated hazard on the western North Atlantic passive margin?
Authors: Normandeau Alexandre , Campbell D. Calvin , Piper David J.W. , Jenner Kimberley A.
Published: July 2019

The western North Atlantic passive margin is considered relatively stable, with few slope instabilities recognized during the Holocene. However, new multibeam bathymetry mapping and sediment core acquisition off eastern Canada indicate that previously unidentified, large, submarine landslide events occurred during the Late Holocene, between 4 and 1.5 ka. The recognition of these new gravitational events, in addition to the well-known C.E. 1929 Grand Banks earthquake-induced landslide, indicates that approximately one large landslide event per 1000 years has occurred offshore eastern Canada within the past 4000 years, a much shorter recurrence interval than hitherto reported. This Late Holocene recurrence rate is also similar to active margins around the world and is likely due to the under-consolidation and resultant instability of Scotian Slope sediments attributable to high glacial sedimentation rates. The discovery of these new Late Holocene landslides was made possible through detailed examination of cores recovered from the lower slope. These results demonstrate that submarine landslide hazard has been underestimated on the western North Atlantic margin—home to significant submarine infrastructure and proximal to a large coastal population.
Dosage reduction and discontinuation of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis: protocol for a pragmatic, randomised controlled trial (the BIOlogical Dose OPTimisation (BIODOPT) trial)
Authors: Uhrenholt Line , Schlemmer Annette , Hauge Ellen-Margrethe , Christensen Robin , Dreyer Lene , Suarez-Almazor Maria E , Kristensen Salome
Published: July 2019

Introduction

The The BIOlogical Dose OPTimisation (BIODOPT) trial is a pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled, open-label, parallel-group, equivalence study designed to evaluate tapering of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in sustained clinical remission or low disease activity (LDA). Traditionally, these patients maintain standard dosage of bDMARD lifelong; however, recent studies indicate that a significant proportion of patients in sustained remission or LDA can taper their bDMARD and maintain stable disease activity. Thus, this trial aims to evaluate whether a disease activity-guided tapering strategy for bDMARDs will enable a significant dosage reduction while maintaining disease activity compared with usual care. From the individual patient’s standpoint as well as from a societal perspective, it would be advantageous if bDMARDs could be reduced or even discontinued while maintaining disease activity.

Methods and analysis

A total of 180 patients with RA, PsA or axSpA treated with bDMARDs and in clinical remission/LDA during the past 12 months will be enrolled from four centres in Denmark. Patients will be randomised in a ratio of 2:1 to either disease activity-guided tapering of bDMARDs (intervention group) or continuation of bDMARDs as usual care (control group).

The primary objective is the difference between the two groups in the proportion of patients who have reduced their inclusion dosage of bDMARDs to 50% or less while maintaining stable disease activity at 18 months follow-up.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is approved by the ethics committee of Northern Jutland, Denmark (N-20170073) and by the Danish Medicine Agency. Patient research partner KHH contributed to refinement of the protocol and approved the final manuscript. Results will be disseminated through publication in international peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

2017-001970-41; Pre-results.
Learning from mistakes on social media
Authors: Edwards Sarah , Roland Damian
Published: July 2019

Background

Clinicians in the emergency care specialties often access information via social media (SM) to supplement their learning. The rapid and user-centred dissemination of information via SM speeds knowledge translation and means unnoticed errors may propagate quickly. East Midlands Emergency Medicine Educational Media is a UK web-based resource that produces emergency medicine-related learning materials. In October 2018, we inadvertently shared two sets of incorrect learning materials via SM because of a non-intentional mistake. We highlight how these errors were perpetuated and then corrected.

Method

In October 2018, two separate posts were published on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Reddit. One was an incorrect ECG where a paced rhythm was published instead of an ECG of hypocalcaemia; the other was incorrect information contained within an infographic. We reviewed the analytics of the posts, on each of the SM platforms.

Results

The ECG mistake was picked up on Facebook 40 hours after posting by a follower. The infographic mistake was picked up on Reddit, within 3 hours. Despite these mistakes, and their correction, they continued to be shared on both Twitter and Facebook. The posts reached over 15 000 people.

Conclusion

Highlighting errors in educational content shared on SM is rarely reported in academic literature. We feel disclosure, and adding an update to the post is the best methodology to amend errors. We invite debate on a strategy to elucidate the number of errors in medical educational resources shared via SM and strategies on how to correct and improve them.
Progression of aortic root dilatation and aortic valve regurgitation after the arterial switch operation
Authors: van der Palen Roel L F , van der Bom Teun , Dekker Annika , Tsonaka Roula , van Geloven Nan , Kuipers Irene M , Konings Thelma C , Rammeloo Lukas A J , Ten Harkel Arend D J , Jongbloed Monique R M , Koolbergen Dave R , Mulder Barbara J M , Hazekamp Mark G , Blom Nico A
Published: July 2019

Objective

To study neo-aortic growth and the evolution of neo-aortic valve regurgitation (AR) in patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) after arterial switch operation (ASO) from newborn to adulthood and to identify patients at risk.

Methods

Neo-aortic dimensions (annulus/root/sinotubular junction) and neo-aortic valve regurgitation were assessed serially in 345 patients with TGA who underwent ASO between 1977 and 2015. Linear mixed-effect models were used to assess increase of neo-aortic dimensions over time and to identify risk factors for dilatation. Risk factor analysis for AR by using time-dependent Cox regression models.

Results

After a rapid increase in the first year after ASO and proportional growth in childhood, neo-aortic dimensions continue to increase in adulthood without stabilisation. Annual diameter increase in adulthood was 0.39±0.06, 0.63±0.09 and 0.54±0.11 mm for, respectively, neo-aortic annulus, root and sinotubular junction, all significantly exceeding normal growth. AR continues to develop over time: freedom from AR ≥moderate during the first 25 years post-ASO was 69%. Risk factors for root dilatation were complex TGA anatomy (TGA-ventricular septal defect (VSD), double outlet right ventricle with subpulmonary VSD) and male gender. Risk factors for AR ≥moderate were: complex TGA anatomy and neo-aortic growth. Per millimetre increase in aortic root dimension, there was a 9% increase in the hazard of AR ≥moderate. Bicuspid pulmonary valve did not relate to the presence of root dilatation or AR.

Conclusion

After ASO, neo-aortic dilatation proceeds beyond childhood and is associated with an increase in AR incidence over time. Careful follow-up of the neo-aortic valve and root function is mandatory, especially in males and in patients with complex TGA anatomy.
Psychosocial stress and bone loss among postmenopausal women: results from the Women’s Health Initiative
Authors: Follis Shawna L , Bea Jennifer , Klimentidis Yann , Hu Chengcheng , Crandall C J , Garcia David O , Shadyab Aladdin H , Nassir Rami , Chen Zhao
Published: July 2019

Background

Bone loss is a major public health concern with large proportions of older women experiencing osteoporotic fractures. Previous research has established a relationship between psychosocial stressors and fractures. However, few studies have investigated bone loss as an intermediary in this relationship. This study investigates whether social stress is associated with bone loss during a 6-year period in postmenopausal women.

Methods

Data from 11 020 postmenopausal women from the USA was used to examine self-reported psychosocial stress in relation to change in bone mineral density (BMD) measured at the femoral neck, lumbar spine and total hip. Linear regression models were used to examine associations between social measures of psychosocial stress (social strain, social functioning and social support) and per cent change in BMD over 6 years.

Results

High social stress was associated with decreased BMD over 6 years. After adjustment for confounders, each point higher in social strain was associated with 0.082% greater loss of femoral neck BMD, 0.108% greater loss of total hip BMD and 0.069% greater loss of lumbar spine BMD (p<0.05). Low social functioning and low social support were associated with greater decreases in femoral neck BMD, and low social functioning was associated with greater decreases in total hip BMD.

Conclusion

The findings provide evidence for an association between high social stress and greater bone loss over 6 years of follow-up. In agreement with the prior literature, the findings for social strain and social functioning suggest that poor quality of social relationships may be associated with bone loss in postmenopausal women.
UK medical support to non-combatant evacuation operations
Authors: Nordmann Giles , Aye Maung N , Reavley P
Published: July 2019

This review presents the UK Defence Medical Services’ involvement in non-combatant evacuation operations (NEOs) in the last two decades. It examines the key medical lessons identified from those operations from publications and witness statements, and discusses key aspects that medical commanders and clinicians should consider in the future, particularly preparation, training and equipping personnel and units for future NEOs. The majority of those UK medical assets that are likely to deploy on NEOs have little or no NEO training and are ill equipped to deal with the common non-battlefield casualties seen in NEOs. Medical management of the elderly, paediatrics, chronic disease and infectious diseases are particular capability gaps.
What is the most appropriate treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis?
Authors: Walker Abigail , Philpott Carl , Hopkins Claire
Published: July 2019

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common, treatable disease that affects approximately 11% of British adults. It places an enormous burden on patients, with significant detriment to their quality of life, and the health service as it consumes vast numbers of both primary and secondary care resources. However, there is considerable variability in treatment strategies and prescribing practices. This review summarises the key recommendations from landmark guidelines in the treatment of CRS and critically appraises the evidence for treatment.
Evaluation of alfaxalone and dexmedetomidine for intramuscular restraint in European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus)
Authors: Bellini Luca , Pagani Gaia , Mollo Antonio , Contiero Barbara , Loretti Enrico , Gelli Donatella
Published: July 2019

The European hedgehogs may require the use of chemical restraint for clinical examination because of their tendency to roll up as a defensive behaviour. This study evaluated the effects of alfaxalone combined with dexmedetomidine for restraint of hedgehogs undergoing pre‐release health checks and atipamezole for recovery.

Twenty hedgehogs received alfaxalone 2 mg/kg and dexmedetomidine 0.05 mg/kg intramuscularly in the quadriceps. If the righting reflex was still present, both drugs were administered at half of the initial doses. A semiquantitative scale scored sedation; clinical variables evaluated included pulse rate, respiratory rate, arterial haemoglobin oxygen saturation, end‐tidal CO2 and body temperature.

The righting reflex disappeared between 141 and 880 seconds. Overweight animals required one additional injection to achieve adequate relaxation. Pulse rate decreased during the procedure and increased after atipamezole administration. Respiratory rate and end‐tidal CO2 did not change statistically throughout the procedure but one hedgehog showed haemoglobin oxygen saturation lower than 90%. Recovery after atipamezole was smooth and complete. Body temperature decreased over time.

The sedation protocol may represent an effective combination to restrain European hedgehogs and atipamezole provides a rapid antagonism. Additional sedatives administration may be required in overweight animals and an external source of oxygen should be available.
Analysis of helical soil-nailed walls under static and seismic conditions
Authors: Sharma Mahesh , Choudhury Deepankar , Samanta Manojit , Sarkar Shantanu , Annapareddy V.S. Ramakrishna
Published: July 2019

The present study investigates the behaviour of helical soil-nailed wall in a dry cohesionless medium under static and seismic conditions. Initially, results from laboratory pullout tests are used to develop a pullout capacity equation, which is subsequently used for stability analysis of helical soil-nailed wall. A detailed parametric study is conducted to evaluate the effect of angle of internal friction of soil, nail inclination, vertical spacing of nails, number of nails, helix size, number of helices, and the face angle on the stability of the soil-nailed wall. Results from the present method are compared and validated with similar existing methods available in the literature. The results suggest that for the given input parameters, the factor of safety (FoS) values from the present method are lower than the pseudo-static and pseudo-dynamic values. Further, the study clearly highlights the significance of input excitation frequency on the FoS of helical soil-nailed walls. In addition, the effects of strain-dependent dynamic properties (shear modulus and damping ratio) on the stability of helical soil-nailed walls are studied using the newly proposed equivalent linear analysis approach. The results computed from the proposed linear and equivalent linear analysis are also compared and discussed in detail.
Comparative effects of low zinc oxide dose with or without probiotics relative to high zinc oxide dose on the performance, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, and noxious gases emission in weaned piglets
Authors: Shi Huan , Upadhaya Santi Devi , Kim In Ho
Published: July 2019

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of low-dose zinc oxide (ZnO) supplemented with or without probiotic complex compared with pharmacological ZnO (3000 mg kg−1) on the performance, digestibility, blood metabolites, fecal Lactobacillus and enterobacteria counts of weaned piglets. One-hundred and twenty crossbred piglets were randomly allocated to three treatments based on their initial body weight (BW). Treatments consisted of corn–soybean-meal-based basal diet supplemented with 3000 mg kg−1 ZnO as positive control (ZH), basal diet supplemented with 300 mg kg−1 ZnO as negative control (ZL), and ZL + 0.1% probiotic complex (ZLP). At the end of the experiment, fecal samples were collected by direct rectal massage to determine nutrient digestibility, Lactobacillus and enterobacteria counts, and gas emission, whereas blood samples were taken via jugular venipuncture for determination of blood metabolites. The BW of piglets at week 6, and the average daily gain (ADG) at week 6 and during overall period were higher (P < 0.05) in pigs fed ZH diet compared with those fed ZL diet. The supplementation of ZLP increased the ADG during week 6 and overall making it comparable with ZH diet (P < 0.05). However, other parameters described above were comparable with ZH in pigs fed ZLP diet.
Investigation of partially bonded fiber-reinforced elastomeric isolators (PB-FREIs) with nominal vertical tensile loads
Authors: Van Engelen Niel C. , Tait Michael J. , Konstantinidis Dimitrios
Published: July 2019

Unbonded fiber-reinforced elastomeric isolators (FREIs) were initially proposed as a potential low-cost alternative to conventional steel-reinforced elastomeric isolators (SREIs). FREIs are similar to SREIs but comparatively lightweight as the steel components from SREIs have been replaced with polymer fibers in FREIs. Subsequent experimental investigations identified that unbonded FREIs have desirable characteristics for seismic isolation due to the unbonded application and fiber reinforcement. The unbonded application removes mechanical fasteners, relying on friction to transfer horizontal loads, further reducing the cost. However, the unbonded application also introduces limitations, being susceptible to slip in certain loading conditions and being incapable of resisting tensile forces. In this paper, the concept of partially bonded FREIs (PB-FREIs), a proposed solution to these limitations, is further investigated experimentally with nominal vertical tensile loads. It is shown that PB-FREIs can achieve similar properties to an unbonded FREI with a vertical compressive load.
Influence of crop residues and nitrogen fertilizer on soil water repellency and soil hydrophobicity under long-term no-till
Authors: Miller J.J. , Owen M.L. , Ellert B.H. , Yang X.M. , Drury C.F. , Chanasyk D.S.
Published: July 2019

Crop residues and N fertilizer under no-till may increase soil water repellency (SWR) and soil hydrophobicity, but few studies have examined these two treatment factors and their interaction. A laboratory study was conducted using a long-term (since 1999) field experiment on a clay loam soil to determine the effect of three crop residues and two N fertilizer levels on SWR and soil hydrophobicity under no-till within the Dark Brown soil zone of the semi-arid Canadian prairies. The three residue treatments were residues removed from soil (Rx0), residues returned to soil (Rx1), and residues supplemented to soil (Rx2). The two fertilizer N treatments were 0 (N0) and 45 kg N ha−1 (N1). Surface (0–10 cm) soil samples were taken in the spring of 2017 after 17 yr. Laboratory measurements were conducted on air-dried and sieved (<2 mm) soil to determine SWR using the repellency index method (RI), soil organic C, hydrophobic CH and hydrophilic CO functional groups, and soil hydrophobicity (CH/CO ratio). Mean RI values ranged from 2.19 to 2.75, indicating subcritical (RI > 1.95) SWR. Similar (P > 0.05) RI values were found for the three residue and two N fertilizer treatments, but the trend was for greater RI with increased residue addition (by 12%–26%) and N fertilizer (by 8%). Soil hydrophobicity was significantly greater by 47%–82% for straw returned or supplemented than straw removed treatments, and by 33% for fertilized than unfertilized treatments. Overall, greater residues and N fertilizer had no effect on SWR, but significantly increased soil hydrophobicity.
First-principles investigations of the stability and electronic properties of fluorinated Janus MoSSe monolayer
Authors: Tang Mei , Zhang Fuchun , Chen Shanjun , Song Yi , Tian Yonghong , Xiong Yan , Wu Qingfeng , Fan Qiang , Gao Shufang , Feng Shiquan , Xiao Yi , Mwankemwa Nsajigwa , Li Song , Zhang Weibin
Published: July 2019

The stability and electronic structures of fluorinated Janus MoSSe (MoSSe-Fx, x = 0–16) were investigated by the first-principles method. Energetically, the Setop site of Janus MoSSe is the most favorable site for F-adsorption. Based on the adsorption, binding and formation energy analysis, it seems the fluorinated Janus MoSSe is stable. The analysis of the electronic density distribution and orbital hybrid shows that the fluorinated Janus MoSSe forms stable structure as well. Then, the electronic structure and work function change with the concentration of F atoms analyzed. With the increase of adsorbed F atoms, the bandgap of Janus MoSSe-Fx decreases from 1.456 (pristine case, [Formula: see text]) to 1.073[Formula: see text]eV (semi-fluorinated case, [Formula: see text]), and changes from direct to indirect bandgap semiconductor. It is noteworthy that there are some additional doping levels near the valence band after F adsorbed, which originated from the F 2[Formula: see text] doping states. The charge population analysis shows that electrons transfer was from Se to F atoms. It is worth noting that the charge on F atom (MoSSe-F16) is two times more than Se atoms in pristine Janus MoSSe (MoSSe-F0). As a result, the built-in electric field pointed from Mo to F atoms is enhanced, resulting in the tremendous increase of the work function for fluorinated Janus MoSSe. The work function changes from 5.22[Formula: see text]eV ([Formula: see text]) in pristine case to 8.30[Formula: see text]eV after semi-fluorinated ([Formula: see text]). Therefore, due to the adjustable work function and built-in electric field, the fluorinated Janus MoSSe monolayer shows better properties for applications in the piezoelectric device, optoelectronic device or photocatalyst.
The past, the present, and the future of fitness tracking
Authors: Khurana Rushil
Published: July 2019

The gym of the future will be the quintessence of truly invisible ubiquitous technology that automatically recognizes and tracks the workout progress of each person
Body-positive computing as a means to counteract normative biases in fitness trackers
Authors: Spiel Katta
Published: July 2019

Fitness trackers are rigidly defining what it means to be healthy and who "counts" as healthy. Body-positive computing can provide an alternative that allows people to engage with technologies more on their terms.
Superhuman sports --- a testing ground for augmenting our senses
Authors: Kunze Kai , Lukosch Stephan
Published: July 2019

This article reviews recent developments in superhuman sports with regard to extending the human body and augmenting the playing field, and gives an outlook on future research directions.
Reducing DRAM Refresh Rate Using Retention Time Aware Universal Hashing Redundancy Repair
Authors: Choi Kyu Hyun , Jun Jaeyung , Kim Minseong , Kim Seon Wook
Published: July 2019

As the device capacity of Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) increases, refresh operation becomes a significant contributory factor toward total power consumption and memory throughput of the device. To reduce the problems associated with the refresh operation, a multi-rate refresh technique that changes the refresh period based on the retention time of DRAM cells has been proposed. Unfortunately, the multi-rate refresh technique has a scalability issue, because the additional storage and logic overhead on a memory controller increases as the device capacity increases. In this article, we propose a novel redundancy repair technique to increase the refresh period of DRAM by using a universal hashing technique. Our redundancy repair technique efficiently repairs both hard faults, which occur during the manufacturing process, and weak cells that have short retention time using the remaining spare elements after the process. Also, our technique solves the Variable Retention Time problem by repairing weak cells at boot time by exploiting the Built-in self-repair (BISR) technique and Error Correction Code. Our technique outperforms a conventional BISR redundancy repair with very little hardware overhead, and ensure reliability with more extended refresh period in the entire system. In particular, our experimental results show that our BISR technique achieves 100% repair rate at a 384ms refresh period in 1.0e-6 hard fault BER configuration, and reduces the refresh energy consumption by 83.9% compared to the 64ms refresh and 12% compared to the conventional multi-rate refresh technique for the state-of-the-art 4Gb device.
Differential activation of lumbar and sacral motor pools during walking at different speeds and slopes
Authors: Dewolf A. H. , Ivanenko Y. P. , Zelik K. E. , Lacquaniti F. , Willems P. A.
Published: July 2019

Organization of spinal motor output has become of interest for investigating differential activation of lumbar and sacral motor pools during locomotor tasks. Motor pools are associated with functional grouping of motoneurons of the lower limb muscles. Here we examined how the spatiotemporal organization of lumbar and sacral motor pool activity during walking is orchestrated with slope of terrain and speed of progression. Ten subjects walked on an instrumented treadmill at different slopes and imposed speeds. Kinetics, kinematics, and electromyography of 16 lower limb muscles were recorded. The spinal locomotor output was assessed by decomposing the coordinated muscle activation profiles into a small set of common factors and by mapping them onto the rostrocaudal location of the motoneuron pools. Our results show that lumbar and sacral motor pool activity depend on slope and speed. Compared with level walking, sacral motor pools decrease their activity at negative slopes and increase at positive slopes, whereas lumbar motor pools increase their engagement when both positive and negative slope increase. These findings are consistent with a differential involvement of the lumbar and the sacral motor pools in relation to changes in positive and negative center of body mass mechanical power production due to slope and speed.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, the spatiotemporal maps of motoneuron activity in the spinal cord were assessed during walking at different slopes and speeds. We found differential involvement of lumbar and sacral motor pools in relation to changes in positive and negative center of body mass power production due to slope and speed. The results are consistent with recent findings about the specialization of neuronal networks located at different segments of the spinal cord for performing specific locomotor tasks.
Heterosynaptic facilitation of mechanical nociceptive input is dependent on the frequency of conditioning stimulation
Authors: van den Broeke E. N. , Gousset S. , Bouvy J. , Stouffs A. , Lebrun L. , van Neerven S. G. A. , Mouraux A.
Published: July 2019

High-frequency burstlike electrical conditioning stimulation (HFS) applied to human skin induces an increase in mechanical pinprick sensitivity of the surrounding unconditioned skin (a phenomenon known as secondary hyperalgesia). The present study assessed the effect of frequency of conditioning stimulation on the development of this increased pinprick sensitivity in humans. In a first experiment, we compared the increase in pinprick sensitivity induced by HFS, using monophasic non-charge-compensated pulses and biphasic charge-compensated pulses. High-frequency stimulation, traditionally delivered with non-charge-compensated square-wave pulses, may induce a cumulative depolarization of primary afferents and/or changes in pH at the electrode-tissue interface due to the accumulation of a net residue charge after each pulse. Both could contribute to the development of the increased pinprick sensitivity in a frequency-dependent fashion. We found no significant difference in the increase in pinprick sensitivity between HFS delivered with charge-compensated and non-charge-compensated pulses, indicating that the possible contribution of charge accumulation when non-charge-compensated pulses are used is negligible. In a second experiment, we assessed the effect of different frequencies of conditioning stimulation (5, 20, 42, and 100 Hz) using charge-compensated pulses on the development of increased pinprick sensitivity. The maximal increase in pinprick sensitivity was observed at intermediate frequencies of stimulation (20 and 42 Hz). It is hypothesized that the stronger increase in pinprick sensitivity at intermediate frequencies may be related to the stronger release of substance P and/or neurokinin-1 receptor activation expressed at lamina I neurons after C-fiber stimulation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Burstlike electrical conditioning stimulation applied to human skin induces an increase in pinprick sensitivity in the surrounding unconditioned skin (a phenomenon referred to as secondary hyperalgesia). Here we show that the development of the increase in pinprick sensitivity is dependent on the frequency of the burstlike electrical conditioning stimulation.
The amnestic agent anisomycin disrupts intrinsic membrane properties of hippocampal neurons via a loss of cellular energetics
Authors: Scavuzzo C. J. , LeBlancq M. J. , Nargang F. , Lemieux H. , Hamilton T. J. , Dickson C. T.
Published: July 2019

The nearly axiomatic idea that de novo protein synthesis is necessary for long-term memory consolidation is based heavily on behavioral studies using translational inhibitors such as anisomycin. Although inhibiting protein synthesis has been shown to disrupt the expression of memory, translational inhibitors also have been found to profoundly disrupt basic neurobiological functions, including the suppression of ongoing neural activity in vivo. In the present study, using transverse hippocampal brain slices, we monitored the passive and active membrane properties of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons using intracellular whole cell recordings during a brief ~30-min exposure to fast-bath-perfused anisomycin. Anisomycin suppressed protein synthesis to 46% of control levels as measured using incorporation of radiolabeled amino acids and autoradiography. During its application, anisomycin caused a significant depolarization of the membrane potential, without any changes in apparent input resistance or membrane time constant. Anisomycin-treated neurons also showed significant decreases in firing frequencies and spike amplitudes, and showed increases in spike width across spike trains, without changes in spike threshold. Because these changes indicated a loss of cellular energetics contributing to maintenance of ionic gradients across the membrane, we confirmed that anisomycin impaired mitochondrial function by reduced staining with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride and also impaired cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV) activity as indicated through high-resolution respirometry. These findings emphasize that anisomycin-induced alterations in neural activity and metabolism are a likely consequence of cell-wide translational inhibition. Critical reevaluation of studies using translational inhibitors to promote the protein synthesis dependent idea of long-term memory is absolutely necessary.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Memory consolidation is thought to be dependent on the synthesis of new proteins because translational inhibitors produce amnesia when administered just after learning. However, these agents also disrupt basic neurobiological functions. We show that blocking protein synthesis disrupts basic membrane properties of hippocampal neurons that correspond to induced disruptions of mitochondrial function. It is likely that translational inhibitors cause amnesia through their disruption of neural activity as a result of dysfunction of intracellular energetics.
Optimal Offering and Operating Strategies for Wind‐Storage System Participating in Spot Electricity Markets with Progressive Stochastic‐Robust Hybrid Optimization Model Series
Authors: Wang Yuwei , Zhao Huiru , Li Peng
Published: July 2019

With the increase of wind power installed capacity and the development of energy storage technologies, it is gradually accepted that integrating wind farms with energy storage devices to participate in spot electricity market (EM) is a promising way for improving wind power uncertainty accommodation and bringing considerable profit. Hence, research on reasonable offering and operating strategies for integrated wind farm‐energy storage system (WF‐ESS) under spot EM circumstances has important theoretical and practical significance. In this paper, a newly progressive stochastic‐robust hybrid optimization model series is proposed for yielding such strategies. In the day‐ahead stage, day‐ahead and balancing prices uncertainties are formulated by applying joint stochastic scenarios, and real‐time available wind power uncertainties are modeled by using the seasonal auto‐regression (AR) based dynamic uncertainty set. Then, the first model of this model series is established and utilized for cooptimizing both the day‐ahead offering and nominal real‐time operating strategies. In the balancing stages, wind power uncertainty set and balancing prices stochastic scenarios are dynamically updated with the newly realized data. Then, each model from the remaining of this model series is established and utilized period by period for obtaining the optimal balancing/real‐time offering/operating strategies adjusted from the nominal ones. Robust optimization (RO) in this progressive framework makes the operation of WF‐ESS dynamically accommodate wind power uncertainties while maintaining relatively low computational complexity. Stochastic optimization (SO) in this progressive framework makes the WF‐ESS avoid pursuing profit maximization strictly under the worst‐case scenarios of prices uncertainties. Moreover, by adding a risk‐aversion term in form of conditional value at risk (CVaR) into the objective functions of this model series, the optimization models additionally provide flexibility in reaching a trade‐off between profit maximization and risk management. Simulation and profit comparisons with other existing methods validate the scientificity, feasibility, and effectiveness of applying our proposed model series.
Side Effects of Dental Metal Implants: Impact on Human Health (Metal as a Risk Factor of Implantologic Treatment)
Authors: Přikrylová Jana , Procházková Jarmila , Podzimek Štěpán
Published: July 2019

Dental implants are often made of titanium alloys. Implant therapy currently promises a good long-term result without impacting health; however, its success depends on many factors. In this article, the authors focus on the most common risk factors associated with metallic surgical implants. Titanium-induced hypersensitivity can lead to symptoms of implant rejection. Corrosion and biofilm formation are additional situations in which these symptoms may occur. For medical purposes, it is important to define and discuss the characteristics of metals used in implantable devices and to ensure their biocompatibility. To avoid hypersensitivity reactions to metallic dental implants, precautionary principles for primary prevention should be established.
Integration of Model‐Based Signal Control and Queue Spillover Control for Urban Oversaturated Signalized Intersection
Authors: Xu Haitao , Chen Jing , Xu Jie
Published: July 2019

An improved model‐based predictive control approach integrating model‐based signal control and queue spillover control is proposed in this paper, which includes three modules: model‐based signal control, queue spillover identification, and spillover control to deal with the problem of traffic congestion for urban oversaturated signalized intersection. The main steps are as follows. First of all, according to the real‐time traffic flow data, the green time splits for all intersections will be solved online by the model‐based signal control controller whose optimization model is based on model‐predictive control (MPC) strategy. Second, the queue spillover identification module will be used to detect the potential queue spillover. If potential queue spillover is detected, the spillover control module will be activated to prevent vehicles from the upstream link of the link with possible spillover from entering the downstream link to avoid traffic congestion. The experiment is performed on a simulated road network. The results verify that the proposed scheme can significantly decrease the delay which reflects the overall performance of the studied intersection.
Vanillic Acid Restores Coenzyme Q Biosynthesis and ATP Production in Human Cells LackingCOQ6
Authors: Acosta Lopez Manuel J. , Trevisson Eva , Canton Marcella , Vazquez-Fonseca Luis , Morbidoni Valeria , Baschiera Elisa , Frasson Chiara , Pelosi Ludovic , Rascalou Bérengère , Desbats Maria Andrea , Alcázar-Fabra María , Ríos José Julián , Sánchez-García Alicia , Basso Giuseppe , Navas Placido , Pierrel Fabien , Brea-Calvo Gloria , Salviati Leonardo
Published: July 2019

Coenzyme Q (CoQ), a redox-active lipid, is comprised of a quinone group and a polyisoprenoid tail. It is an electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, a cofactor of other mitochondrial dehydrogenases, and an essential antioxidant. CoQ requires a large set of enzymes for its biosynthesis; mutations in genes encoding these proteins cause primary CoQ deficiency, a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of diseases. Patients with CoQ deficiency often respond to oral CoQ10supplementation. Treatment is however problematic because of the low bioavailability of CoQ10and the poor tissue delivery. In recent years, bypass therapy using analogues of the precursor of the aromatic ring of CoQ has been proposed as a promising alternative. We have previously shown using a yeast model that vanillic acid (VA) can bypass mutations ofCOQ6, a monooxygenase required for the hydroxylation of the C5 carbon of the ring. In this work, we have generated a human cell line lacking functionalCOQ6using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We show that these cells cannot synthesize CoQ and display severe ATP deficiency. Treatment with VA can recover CoQ biosynthesis and ATP production. Moreover, these cells display increased ROS production, which is only partially corrected by exogenous CoQ, while VA restores ROS to normal levels. Furthermore, we show that these cells accumulate 3-decaprenyl-1,4-benzoquinone, suggesting that in mammals, the decarboxylation and C1 hydroxylation reactions occur before or independently of the C5 hydroxylation. Finally, we show thatCOQ6isoform c (transcript NM_182480) does not encode an active enzyme. VA can be produced in the liver by the oxidation of vanillin, a nontoxic compound commonly used as a food additive, and crosses the blood-brain barrier. These characteristics make it a promising compound for the treatment of patients with CoQ deficiency due toCOQ6mutations.
The Mystery behind the Pineal Gland: Melatonin Affects the Metabolism of Cholesterol
Authors: Karolczak Kamil , Watala Cezary
Published: July 2019

Melatonin may be considered a cardioprotective agent. Since atherogenesis is partly associated with the metabolism of lipoproteins, it seems plausible that melatonin affects cardiovascular risk by modulating the metabolism of cholesterol and its subfractions. Moreover, cholesterol-driven atherogenesis can be hypothetically reduced by melatonin, mainly due to the minimalization of harmful reactions triggered in the cardiovascular system by the reactive oxygen species-induced toxic derivatives of cholesterol. In this review, we attempted to summarize the available data on the hypolipemizing effects of melatonin, with some emphasis on the molecular mechanisms underlying these reactions. We aimed to attract readers’ attention to the numerous gaps of knowledge present in the reviewed field and the essential irrelevance between the findings originating from different sources: clinical observations andin vitromechanistic and molecular studies, as well as preclinical experiments involving animal models. Overall, such inconsistencies make it currently impossible to give a reliable opinion on the action of melatonin on the metabolism of lipoproteins.