bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of mitochondrial genomic instability in yeast by the mitochondrial recombinase Mhr1
Authors: Ling Feng , Bradshaw Elliot , Yoshida Minoru
Published: April 2019

Mitochondrial (mt) DNA encodes factors essential for cellular respiration, therefore its level and integrity are crucial. ABF2 encodes a mitochondrial DNA-binding protein and its null mutation (Δabf2) induces mtDNA instability in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mhr1 is a mitochondrial recombinase that mediates the predominant form of mtDNA replication and acts in mtDNA segregation and the repair of mtDNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs). However, the involvement of Mhr1 in prevention of mtDNA deletion mutagenesis is unknown. In this study we used Δabf2 mhr1-1 double-mutant cells, which lose mitochondrial function in media containing fermentable carbon sources, to investigate whether Mhr1 is a suppressor of mtDNA deletion mutagenesis. We used a suppresivity assay and Southern blot analysis to reveal that the Δabf2 mutation causes mtDNA deletions rather than an mtDNA-lacking (ρ0) phenotype, and observed that mtDNA deletions are exacerbated by an additional mhr1-1 mutation. Loss of respiratory function due to mtDNA fragmentation occurred in ∆mhr1 and ∆abf2 mhr1-1 cells. However, exogenous introduction of Mhr1 into Δabf2 mhr1-1 cells significantly rescued respiratory growth, suggesting that Mhr1-driven homologous mtDNA recombination prevents mtDNA instability.
EpiRank: Modeling Bidirectional Disease Spread in Asymmetric Commuting Networks
Authors: Huang Chung-Yuan , Chin Wei-Chien-Benny , Wen Tzai-Hung , Fu Yu-Hsiang , Tsai Yu-Shiuan
Published: April 2019

Commuting network flows are generally asymmetrical, with commuting behaviors bi-directionally balanced between home and work locations, and with weekday commutes providing many opportunities for the spread of infectious diseases via direct and indirect physical contact. The authors use a Markov chain model and PageRank-like algorithm to construct a novel algorithm called EpiRank to measure infection risk in a spatially confined commuting network on Taiwan island. Data from the country’s 2000 census were used to map epidemic risk distribution as a commuting network function. A daytime parameter was used to integrate forward and backward movement in order to analyze daily commuting patterns. EpiRank algorithm results were tested by comparing calculations with actual disease distributions for the 2009 H1N1 influenza outbreak and enterovirus cases between 2000 and 2008. Results suggest that the bidirectional movement model outperformed models that considered forward or backward direction only in terms of capturing spatial epidemic risk distribution. EpiRank also outperformed models based on network indexes such as PageRank and HITS. According to a sensitivity analysis of the daytime parameter, the backward movement effect is more important than the forward movement effect for understanding a commuting network’s disease diffusion structure. Our evidence supports the use of EpiRank as an alternative network measure for analyzing disease diffusion in a commuting network.
Scale invariance of BMP signaling gradients in zebrafish
Authors: Huang Yan , Umulis David M
Published: April 2019

In both vertebrates and invertebrates, spatial patterning along the Dorsal-ventral (DV) embryonic axis depends on a morphogen gradient of Bone Morphogenetic Protein signaling. Scale invariance of DV patterning by BMPs has been found in both vertebrates and invertebrates, however the mechanisms that regulate gradient scaling remain controversial. To obtain quantitative data that can be used to address core questions of scaling, we introduce a method to tune the size of zebrafish embryos by reducing varying amounts of vegetal yolk. We quantified the BMP signaling gradient in wild-type and perturbed embryos and found that the system scales for reductions in cross-sectional perimeter of up to 30%. Furthermore, we found that the degree of scaling for intraspecies scaling within zebrafish is greater than that between Danioninae species.
Corrective saccades influence velocity judgments and interception
Authors: Goettker Alexander , Brenner Eli , Gegenfurtner Karl R. , de la Malla Cristina
Published: April 2019

In daily life we often interact with moving objects in tasks that involve analyzing visual motion, like catching a ball. To do so successfully we track objects with our gaze, using a combination of smooth pursuit and saccades. Previous work has shown that the occurrence and direction of corrective saccades leads to changes in the perceived velocity of moving objects. Here we investigate whether such changes lead to equivalent biases in interception. Participants had to track moving targets with their gaze, and in separate sessions either judge the targets’ velocities or intercept them by tapping on them. We separated trials in which target movements were tracked with pure pursuit from trials in which identical target movements were tracked with a combination of pursuit and corrective saccades. Our results show that interception errors are shifted in accordance with the observed influence of corrective saccades on velocity judgments. Furthermore, while the time at which corrective saccades occurred did not affect velocity judgments, it did influence their effect in the interception task. Corrective saccades around 100 ms before the tap had a stronger effect on the endpoint error than earlier saccades. This might explain why participants made earlier corrective saccades in the interception task.
CO2 flux emissions from the Earth’s most actively degassing volcanoes, 2005–2015
Authors: Aiuppa Alessandro , Fischer Tobias P. , Plank Terry , Bani Philipson
Published: April 2019

The global carbon dioxide (CO2) flux from subaerial volcanoes remains poorly quantified, limiting our understanding of the deep carbon cycle during geologic time and in modern Earth. Past attempts to extrapolate the global volcanic CO2 flux have been biased by observations being available for a relatively small number of accessible volcanoes. Here, we propose that the strong, but yet unmeasured, CO2 emissions from several remote degassing volcanoes worldwide can be predicted using regional/global relationships between the CO2/ST ratio of volcanic gases and whole-rock trace element compositions (e.g., Ba/La). From these globally linked gas/rock compositions, we predict the CO2/ST gas ratio of 34 top-degassing remote volcanoes with no available gas measurements. By scaling to volcanic SO2 fluxes from a global catalogue, we estimate a cumulative “unmeasured” CO2 output of 11.4 ± 1.1 Mt/yr (or 0.26 ± 0.02·1012 mol/yr). In combination with the measured CO2 output of 27.4 ± 3.6 Mt/yr (or 0.62 ± 0.08·1012 mol/yr), our results constrain the time-averaged (2005–2015) cumulative CO2 flux from the Earth’s 91 most actively degassing subaerial volcanoes at 38.7 ± 2.9 Mt/yr (or 0.88 ± 0.06·1012 mol/yr).
Evolutionary expression differences of creatine synthesis-related genes: Implications for skeletal muscle metabolism in fish
Authors: Borchel Andreas , Verleih Marieke , Kühn Carsten , Rebl Alexander , Goldammer Tom
Published: April 2019

The creatine/phosphocreatine system is the principal energy buffer in mammals, but is scarcely documented in fish. We measured the gene expression of major enzymes of this system, glycine amidinotransferase (GATM), guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase (GAMT) and muscle-type creatine kinase (CKM) in kidney, liver, and muscle tissues of fish and mammals. CKM was expressed strongly in the muscles of all examined species. In contrast, GATM and GAMT were strongly expressed in the muscle tissue of fish, but not of mammals. This indicates that creatine synthesis and usage are spatially separated in mammals, but not in fish, which is supported by RNA-Seq data of 25 species. Differences in amino acid metabolism along with methionine adenosyltransferase gene expression in muscle from fishes but not mammals further support a central metabolic role of muscle in fish, and hence different organization of the creatine/phosphocreatine biosynthesis system in higher and lower vertebrates.
Associations of physical activity and sedentary time with body composition in Brazilian young adults
Authors: Silva Bruna Gonçalves C. da , Silva Inácio Crochemore M. da , Ekelund Ulf , Brage Soren , Ong Ken K. , De Lucia Rolfe Emanuella , Lima Natália Peixoto , Silva Shana Ginar da , França Giovanny V. Araújo de , Horta Bernardo Lessa
Published: April 2019

The findings of studies on the association between physical activity and adiposity are not consistent, and most are cross-sectional and used only self-reported measures. The aims of this study were to evaluate: 1) independent and combined cross-sectional associations of objectively-measured physical activity and sedentary time with body composition outcomes at 30 years, and 2) prospective associations of changes in self-reported physical activity from 23 to 30 years with the same outcomes in participants from the 1982 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort. Body mass index, waist circumference, visceral abdominal fat, fat mass index, and android/gynoid fat ratio were the outcomes. 3,206 participants were analysed. In cross-sectional analyses, higher objectively-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with lower body mass index (β = 0.017, 95%CI: −0.026; −0.009), waist circumference (β = −0.043, 95%CI: −0.061; −0.025), visceral abdominal fat (β = −0.006, 95%CI: −0.009; −0.003), and fat mass index (β = −0.015, 95%CI: −0.021; −0.009), independent of sedentary time. Sedentary time was independently associated only with higher fat mass index (β = 0.003, 95%CI: 0.001; 0.005). In longitudinal analyses, using self-reported measure, adiposity was lower among those who were consistently active or who became active. Adiposity was similar among the “became inactive” and “consistently inactive” subjects. Our findings suggest metabolic benefits from engagement in physical activity throughout young adulthood, with stronger associations on concurrent levels.
Influence of Structure on Electronic Charge Transport in 3D Ge Nanowire Networks in an Alumina Matrix
Authors: Ray Nirat , Gupta Nikita , Adhikary Meghadeepa , Nekić Nikolina , Basioli Lovro , Dražić Goran , Bernstorff Sigrid , Mičetić Maja
Published: April 2019

We demonstrate formation of material consisting of three-dimensional Germanium nanowire network embedded in an insulating alumina matrix. A wide range of such nanowire networks is produced using a simple magnetron sputtering deposition process. We are able to vary the network parameters including its geometry as well as the length and width of the nanowires. The charge transport in these materials is shown to be related to the nanowire surface per unit volume of the material, α. For low values of α, transport is characterized by space charge limited conduction and a drift of carriers in the extended states with intermittent trapping-detrapping in the localized states. For large values of α, charge transport occurs through hopping between localized electronic states, similar to observations in disorder-dominated arrays of quantum dots. A crossover between these two mechanisms is observed for the intermediate values of α. Our results are understood in terms of an almost linear scaling of the characteristic trap energy with changes in the nanowire network parameters.
Development of a fluorescence-based method for the rapid determination of Zika virus polymerase activity and the screening of antiviral drugs
Authors: Sáez-Álvarez Yanira , Arias Armando , del Águila Carmen , Agudo Rubén
Published: April 2019

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging pathogen that has been associated with large numbers of cases of severe neurologic disease, including Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly. Despite its recent establishment as a serious global public health concern there are no licensed therapeutics to control this virus. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to develop methods for the high-throughput screening of antiviral agents. We describe here a fluorescence-based method to monitor the real-time polymerization activity of Zika virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). By using homopolymeric RNA template molecules, de novo RNA synthesis can be detected with a fluorescent dye, which permits the specific quantification and kinetics of double-strand RNA formation. ZIKV RdRp activity detected using this fluorescence-based assay positively correlated with traditional assays measuring the incorporation of radiolabeled nucleotides. We also validated this method as a suitable assay for the identification of ZIKV inhibitors targeting the viral polymerase using known broad-spectrum inhibitors. The assay was also successfully adapted to detect RNA polymerization activity by different RdRps, illustrated here using purified RdRps from hepatitis C virus and foot-and-mouth disease virus. The potential of fluorescence-based approaches for the enzymatic characterization of viral polymerases, as well as for high-throughput screening of antiviral drugs, are discussed.
Assessment of the toxicity and biodegradation of amino acid-based ionic liquids
Authors: Wu Shuanggen , Li Fenfang , Zeng Liangbin , Wang Chaoyun , Yang Yuanru , Tan Zhijian
Published: April 2019

This work evaluates the biodegradability, antimicrobial toxicity, and phytotoxicity of a series of amino acid-based ionic liquids (AAILs) with different cations and amino acid anions.
Mapping binary copolymer property space with neural networks
Authors: Wilbraham Liam , Sprick Reiner Sebastian , Jelfs Kim E. , Zwijnenburg Martijn A.
Published: April 2019

We map the property space of binary copolymers to understand how copolymerisation can be used to tune the optoelectronic properties of polymers.
Alkylation of isobutane and isobutene catalyzed by trifluoromethanesulfonic acid-taurine deep eutectic solvents in polyethylene glycol
Authors: Yu Feng-Li , Gu Yu-Long , Gao Xun , Liu Qi-Chun , Xie Cong-Xia , Yu Shi-Tao
Published: March 2019

A [TfOH]3[TAU]/PEG-200 catalytic system used for isobutane/isobutene alkylation to prepare alkylate gasoline exhibits excellent C8 selectivity and recyclability.
Cobalt pincer complexes for catalytic reduction of nitriles to primary amines
Authors: Schneekönig Jacob , Tannert Bianca , Hornke Helen , Beller Matthias , Junge Kathrin
Published: April 2019

An efficient cobalt pincer type complex catalyzes the hydrogenation of nitriles to amines under mild conditions with high yields.
An eight-coordinate ytterbium complex with a hexagonal bipyramid geometry exhibiting field-induced single-ion magnet behaviour
Authors: Zhao Wen , Cui Huihui , Chen Xiao-Yun , Yi Gangji , Chen Lei , Yuan Aihua , Luo Cheng-Lin
Published: March 2019

An eight-coordinate YbIII(NO3)3(tBu3PO)2 complex with ideal D3h symmetry represent the first report of YbIII-SIM based on a hexagonal bipyramidal geometry.
A bipolar triphenylamine-dibenzothiophene S,S-dioxide hybrid compound for solution-processable single-layer green OLEDs and as a host for red emitters
Authors: Jiang Qinglin , Xu Yuwei , Yu Tiancheng , Qiu Xu , Zhao Ruiyang , Zhao Duokai , Zheng Nan , Hu Dehua , Xie Zengqi , Ma Yuguang
Published: March 2019

A bipolar triphenylamine-dibenzothiophene S,S-dioxide hybrid compound for solution-processable single-layer green OLEDs and as a host for red emitters.
Growth of Zn0.5Cd0.5S/α-Ni(OH)2 heterojunction by a facile hydrothermal transformation efficiently boosting photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Zhang Lijun , Wang Guorong , Jin Zhiliang
Published: March 2019

A rationally designed/constructed catalyst with α-Ni(OH)2 over Zn–Cd–S shows enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution attributed to the interface providing a fast charge transfer channel and reducing the photo-generated carrier recombination probability.
Controllable synthesis of MoS2@MoO2 nanonetworks for enhanced NO2 room temperature sensing in air
Authors: Ikram Muhammad , Liu Lujia , Liu Yang , Ullah Mohib , Ma Laifeng , Bakhtiar Syed ul Hasnain , Wu Hongyuan , Yu Haitao , Wang Ruihong , Shi Keying
Published: April 2019

MoS2@MoO2 with controllable morphology fabricated via a one-step CVD method showed enhanced NO2 sensing performance at room temperature in air.
Two-dimensional Blue-AsP monolayers with tunable direct band gap and ultrahigh carrier mobility show promising high-performance photovoltaic properties
Authors: Cai Xinyong , Chen Yuanzheng , Sun Bai , Chen Jiao , Wang Hongyan , Ni Yuxiang , Tao Li , Wang Hui , Zhu Shouhui , Li Xiumei , Wang Yanchao , Lv Jian , Feng Xiaolei , Redfern Simon A. T. , Chen Zhongfang
Published: March 2019

Novel 2D Blue-AsP sheets show promising high-performance photovoltaic properties.
Zn(OTf)2-catalyzed access to symmetrical and unsymmetrical bisindoles from α-keto amides
Authors: Muthukumar Alagesan , Rao Gollapalli Narasimha , Sekar Govindasamy
Published: April 2019

Zn(OTf)2-catalyzed synthesis of symmetrical 3,3′-bisindolyl acetamides (BIAs) from α-keto amides was developed. The process was extended to the synthesis of unsymmetrical BIAs.
Photorearrangement of dihetarylethenes as a tool for the benzannulation of heterocycles
Authors: Lvov Andrey G. , Kavun Alexey M. , Kachala Vadim V. , Lyssenko Konstantin A. , Shirinian Valerii Z.
Published: April 2019

The photochemical rearrangement of dihetarylethenes is a powerful tool for the benzannulation of heterocycles, providing a wide scope of benzannulated heterocycles and N-, S-, C-, and O-substituents in the newly formed benzene ring.
Alcohol-based PISA in batch and flow: exploring the role of photoinitiators
Authors: Zaquen Neomy , Azizi Wan A. A. W. , Yeow Jonathan , Kuchel Rhiannon P. , Junkers Tanja , Zetterlund Per B. , Boyer Cyrille
Published: April 2019

Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) via PhotoRAFT (photoinduced reversible addition–fragmentation radical transfer) was investigated in polar solvents via continuous flow reactors.
Controlled synthesis of uniform multilayer hexagonal boron nitride films on Fe2B alloy
Authors: Shi Zhiyuan , Lu Guangyuan , Yang Peng , Wu Tianru , Yin Weijun , Zhang Chao , Jiang Ren , Xie Xiaoming
Published: April 2019

CVD growth of large scale and high quality multilayer h-BN.
Application and testing of a framework for characterizing the quality of scientific reasoning in chemistry students' writing on ocean acidification
Authors: Moon Alena , Moeller Robert , Gere Anne Ruggles , Shultz Ginger V.
Published: April 2019

Science educators recognize the need to teach scientific ways of knowing and reasoning in addition to scientific knowledge. However, characterizing and assessing scientific ways of knowing and reasoning is challenging. Writing-to-learn offers one way of eliciting and supporting students’ reasoning; further, writing serves to externalize and make traceable students’ reasoning. For this reason, it is a useful formative assessment of scientific reasoning. The utility hinges on researchers’ ability to understand what students can do and think from their writing. Given the challenges in assessing students’ writing, this research offers an adapted framework for assessing students’ scientific reasoning evident in writing. This work will introduce an adapted framework and show an application to general chemistry students’ argumentative writing about ocean acidification. We provide evidence that this framework can be used to validly estimate the quality of students’ reasoning. We argue that this framework offers some affordances that overcome challenges reported in the literature. It serves to define scientific reasoning in a domain-general way by breaking it down into its components, but in a way that can produce a composite score that tells us about how students reason using chemistry content. Further, the framework provides a way to characterize the scientific accuracy of students’ reasoning that can inform instructors’ treatment of alternative conceptions.
Robust power control based on hierarchical game for hybrid access femtocell networks
Authors: Liu Zhixin , Wang Weimin , Yuan Yazhou , Li Xinbin , Guan Xinping
Published: March 2019

Femtocell network is regarded as the potential and effective technique to improve the capacity and coverage of traditional cellular networks. One of the challenges is how to access the network and manage the interference among different users. Compared with other access strategies, hybrid access strategy allows femtocell base stations (FBSs) to provide preferential access to femtocell users (FUEs) while other users can access nearby FBS with specific restrictions. In this paper, a robust downlink power control scheme is studied in two‐tier femtocell networks, where femtocells share the same frequency with macrocell. A hierarchical game framework that takes the different users' requirements into consideration is constructed. In addition, as the link gains are actually uncertain in dynamic environment, probabilistic constraints are used to describe the uncertainty. Then two sub‐problems are obtained to maximise the sum rate of macrocell and femtocells, respectively and guarantee the quality of service (QoS) of different users. To tackle the nonlinear and nonconvex optimization problem, successive convex approximation is introduced. And the practical iterative power allocation algorithm is provided. Finally, numerical results show that the proposed scheme is effective in aspect of energy saving and QoS guarantee under dynamic environment.
Design of NW TFET biosensor for enhanced sensitivity and sensing speed by using cavity extension and additional source electrode
Authors: Soni Deepak , Sharma Dheeraj
Published: March 2019

A planer structure of a tunnel field effect transistor (TFET) faces many consequences of fabrication complexity and less controllability of the gate electrode over the channel. Therefore, in this Letter nanowire TFET (NW TFET) is presented for the biosensing application. For this purpose, a new design approach of NW TFET has been presented to overcome the issues of planer structure TFET and for improving sensitivity and sensing speed of the biosensor. In this concern, an addition electrode is placed around the source region and the cavity, which is generally created in the oxide region under the gate electrode, is extended towards the source oxide region. Thus, due to the presence of source electrode, additional holes are accumulated in the source surface region and forming a plasma layer of holes. Hence, abruptness at source/channel junction is created. So as the biomolecules enter into the cavity, the large variation is observed in electrostatic properties of the device due to different properties (dielectric/charge) of the biomolecules. These variations reflect as improved sensitivity of the biomolecule detector. Further to this, because of the supplementary source electrode, abrupt source/channel junction provides lower subthreshold swing, which reduces the response time of the device and increases the sensing speed of biomolecules detection.
The XXL Survey
Authors: Guglielmo V. , Poggianti B. M. , Vulcani B. , Maurogordato S. , Fritz J. , Bolzonella M. , Fotopoulou S. , Adami C. , Pierre M.
Published: March 2019

Exploiting a sample of galaxies drawn from the XXL-North multiwavelength survey, we present an analysis of the stellar population properties of galaxies at 0.1 ≤ z ≤ 0.5, by studying galaxy fractions and the star formation rate (SFR)–stellar mass (M⋆) relation. Furthermore, we exploit and compare two parametrisations of environment. When adopting a definition of “global” environment, we consider separately cluster virial (r ≤ 1r200) and outer (1r200 <  r ≤ 3r200) members and field galaxies. We also distinguish between galaxies that belong or do not belong to superclusters, but never find systematic differences between the two subgroups. When considering the “local” environment, we take into account the projected number density of galaxies in a fixed aperture of 1 Mpc in the sky. We find that regardless of the environmental definition adopted, the fraction of blue or star-forming galaxies is the highest in the field or least dense regions and the lowest in the virial regions of clusters or highest densities. Furthermore, the fraction of star-forming galaxies is higher than the fraction of blue galaxies, regardless of the environment. This result is particularly evident in the virial cluster regions, most likely reflecting the different star formation histories of galaxies in different environments. Also the overall SFR–M⋆ relation does not seem to depend on the parametrisation adopted. Nonetheless, the two definitions of environment lead to different results as far as the fraction of galaxies in transition between the star-forming main sequence and the quenched regime is concerned. In fact, using the local environment the fraction of galaxies below the main sequence is similar at low and high densities, whereas in clusters (and especially within the virial radii) a population with reduced SFR with respect to the field is observed. Our results show that the two parametrisations adopted to describe the environment have different physical meanings, i.e. are intrinsically related to different physical processes acting on galaxy populations and are able to probe different physical scales.
Neue Leitlinien zur Myokardrevaskularisation: Antithrombotische Therapie
Authors: Harris Maria-Theresa , Gonska Bernd-Dieter
Published: April 2019

Leitlinien stellen Werkzeuge dar, die den Prozess zur Entscheidungsfindung einer zufriedenstellenden Gesundheitsversorgung unterstützen. Diese Hilfsmittel bedürfen einer kontinuierlichen Aktualisierung, um den Fortschritten und Entwicklungen in der Medizin gerecht zu werden. Die 2018 erschienene Leitlinienaktualisierung zur Myokardrevaskularisation umfasste unter anderem die Thematik der antithrombotischen Therapie. Änderungen betreffen Patienten mit Vorhofflimmern (VHF) und begleitender Plättchenhemmertherapie, bei welchen die Bevorzugung von einem direkten oralen Antikoagulans (DOAK) gegenüber einem Vitamin-K-Antagonisten (VKA) bzw. die Wahl einer höheren Dabigatrandosis (150 mg vs. 110 mg) empfohlen wird. Des Weiteren wurde die Relevanz von Plättchenfunktionstests thematisiert. Die Leitlinien sehen eine mögliche Plättchenhemmerstufentherapie bei Patienten mit einem akuten Koronarsyndom (ACS) zur Blutungsminimierung vor. Dabei kann eine Deeskalation von höher potenten auf niedriger potente P2Y12-Hemmer in Abhängigkeit eines Plättchenfunktionstests erfolgen. Der Bivalirudineinsatz verliert bei ACS-Patienten an Bedeutung und erfährt ein downgrading. Schlussendlich kann die Gabe von intravenösen antithrombotischen Medikamenten wie einem Glykoprotein-IIb/IIIa-Hemmer (bei ACS-Patienten) und Cangrelor (bei einer Koronarintervention) in Betracht gezogen werden.
Precisión diagnóstica de la radiografía para la medición de túneles óseos en reconstrucción de ligamento cruzado anterior
Authors: Ronco Juanjosé , González Xabier , Sagasti Ignacio , Bralic Diego , Iglesias Agustín , Aguayo Gonzalo , Lavín Gonzalo
Published: April 2019

Objetivo Determinar la precisión diagnóstica de las radiografías de rodilla para la medición de los diámetros de los túneles tibiales y femorales en reconstrucción de ligamento cruzado anterior (RLCA).

Materiales y Pacientes Estudio retrospectivo de precisión diagnóstica en pacientes con antecedentes de RLCA. Inclusión: RLCA realizada en el mismo centro, con el mismo equipo quirúrgico, entre 2011 y 2015; uso de cualquier tipo de injerto y de fijación; estudiados con radiografía (Rx) y tomografía computada (TC) durante postop en el mismo centro. Exclusión: desfase Rx-TC > 6 meses; cirugía entre estudios radiológicos. Análisis de túneles por 3 especialistas (OsiriX). La precisión diagnóstica consideró la TC como gold standard. Se midieron las diferencias inter e intra-observador, y las variables que interfirieron en las mediciones.

Resultados 22 pacientes cumplieron los criterios de selección, determinando 528 mediciones en total (Rx y TC, fémur y tibia, 3 observadores, 2 tiempos). No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la medición de los túneles femorales (p = 0.8986), pero sí en cuanto a los diámetros tibiales (p = 0.0001). El análisis de precisión diagnóstica determinó una sobrevaloración de los diámetros óseos al usar la radiografía (10,5% en fémur, 10% en tibia). Hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas inter-observador tanto en Rx como en TC (observador más joven con el resto); sin diferencias intra-observador.

Conclusión La Rx como método diagnóstico del diámetro de túneles óseos luego de una RLCA sobreestima los valores reales, lo que empeora cuando el observador tiene menor experiencia.
Enhanced luminescence at 2.88 and 2.04 μm from Ho3+/Yb3+ codoped low phonon energy TeO2–TiO2–La2O3 glass
Authors: Gupta Gaurav , Balaji Sathravada , Biswas Kaushik , Annapurna Kalyandurg
Published: April 2019

The high phonon energy and short infrared cut-off wavelength of conventional oxide glass (or crystal) hosts are the limitations to achieve mid-infrared (MIR, λ≥2.5μm) luminescence. In present study, the luminescence performance of low phonon and non-conventional TeO2-TiO2-La2O3-based glass (TTL) host doped with Ho3+ and Ho3+/Yb3+ has been investigated, for visible to MIR range. The MIR emission band with peak at 2.88μm (Ho3+:5I6→5I7) and NIR band at 2.04μm (Ho3+:5I7→5I8) has been realized from Ho3+ singly doped TTL glass due to low phonon energy and extended transmission window of the host. Intensity of MIR and NIR emission bands have enhanced significantly in Ho3+/Yb3+: TTL glass under Yb3+ excitation, signifying an efficient Yb3+→Ho3+ energy transfer. The Judd-Ofelt analysis, on Ho3+ absorption characteristics reveals relatively better radiative transition probability (34.4s−1) and branching ratio (10.5%), which is associated to Ho3+:5I6→5I7 transition. The effective bandwidth of 2.88μm emission band is 180nm, with stimulated emission cross-section is 4.26×10-21cm2 and its gain bandwidth has been evaluated as 7.67×10-26cm3. For 2.04μm (Ho3+:5I7→5I8) emission band, the effective bandwidth of 160.5nm and gain bandwidth of 7.26×10-26cm3 have been accomplished. The non-resonant Förster-Dexter method has been applied to Ho3+/Yb3+: TTL glass on emission (donor, Yb3+) and absorption (acceptor, Ho3+) cross sections. The evaluated donor-donor (CDD) and donor-acceptor (CDA) energy transfer micro-parameters are 1.02×10-38 and 5.88×10-41cm6/s respectively while, maximum energy transfer efficiency has been 80%. In concise, Ho3+/Yb3+ codoped TeO2–TiO2–La2O3 glass host has revealed its potential for MIR to NIR photonic applications.
Transonic static aeroelastic and longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of a low-aspect-ratio swept wing
Authors: Wang Junli
Published: April 2019

Based on the CFD/CSD coupling method, the transonic static aeroelastic characteristics of the low-aspect-ratio swept wing was studied by numerical simulation. The Navier-Stokes equation was used as the fluid computational control equations. The flow field mesh deformation was performed using the Transfinite Interpolation method (TFI) method, and the data exchange on the CFD/CSD coupling interface was realized by the Constant Volume Transform (CVT) method. Based on the above method, the transonic static aeroelastic coupling calculation program was developed. The results of ONERA M6 wing static aeroelastic calculated by the coupling program were compared with wind tunnel test and reference results, and the effectiveness of the program was verified. Through numerical simulation, the influence of different angles of attack and Mach number on the static aeroelastic deformation and torsion angle of the wing are studied. Finally, by comparing the surface pressure cloud and pressure coefficient of the rigid wing and the elastic wing, the influence of static aeroelastic on the longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics and stability of the wing is mainly analyzed.
Role of the particle size of Fe nanoparticles in the capacity of FeF3 batteries
Authors: Takami Tsuyoshi , Matsui Keitaro , Senoh Hiroshi , Shikano Masahiro , Sakaebe Hikari , Fukunaga Toshiharu
Published: April 2019

Fluoride cathode materials that undergo conversion reactions such as FeF3 have attracted increasing interest owing to their high energy density. However, the ability of FeF3 to maintain a high capacity over repeated cycles and the decisive factor dominating conversion reactions have yet to be elucidated. By optimizing the choice of lithium salts and electrolyte solutions, we are able to achieve good capacity retention for an FeF3-based cathode, that is, 4.5-fold enhancement compared with a model electrode (372 mAh/g after 30 cycles). The relationship between the capacity and the particle size of the Fe nanoparticles after discharge is well explained by the order parameter description. These findings provide exciting guidelines for achieving higher capacities for FeF3 batteries.
Design of green water quality monitoring vessel based on dual operation mode
Authors: Wang Hengtao , Li Huiyuan , Zhang Yan
Published: March 2019

Aiming at the heavy workload of water quality monitoring on waters like inland rivers and lakes and the shortage of small-scale surface water quality monitoring equipment, a green water quality monitoring vessel was designed and developed based on dual operation mode from the perspective of practicability. The overall design scheme was put forward, the structure design and function development were completed, the dynamic performance analysis was carried out by using the simulation software such as Ansys, and the performance index of the water quality monitoring vessel for normal operation was obtained. Through the prototype production and launching experiments, the control and function realization of the designed water quality monitoring vessel were verified, which provided the basis for real ship application.
Neural Networks Considered Harmful
Authors: Zhang Yanwei , Wang Wenwen
Published: March 2019

System administrators agree that omniscient modalities are an interesting new topic in the field of complexity theory, and researchers concur. Given the current status of lossless information, experts shockingly desire the visualization of model checking. In this position paper, we use biomorphic information to disconfirm that the little-known random algorithm for the simulation of journaling file systems by Van Jacobson is optimal.
Structural variant analysis for linked-read sequencing data with gemtools
Authors: Greer S U , Ji H P
Published: April 2019

Linked-read sequencing generates synthetic long reads which are useful for the detection and analysis of structural variants (SVs). The software associated with 10× Genomics linked-read sequencing, Long Ranger, generates the essential output files (BAM, VCF, SV BEDPE) necessary for downstream analyses. However, to perform downstream analyses requires the user to customize their own tools to handle the unique features of linked-read sequencing data. Here, we describe gemtools, a collection of tools for the downstream and in-depth analysis of SVs from linked-read data. Gemtools uses the barcoded aligned reads and the Megabase-scale phase blocks to determine haplotypes of SV breakpoints and delineate complex breakpoint configurations at the resolution of single DNA molecules. The gemtools package is a suite of tools that provides the user with the flexibility to perform basic functions on their linked-read sequencing output in order to address even more questions.

Availability and implementation

The gemtools package is freely available for download at: https://github.com/sgreer77/gemtools.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Differential Contribution of Cortical Thickness, Surface Area, and Gyrification to Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence
Authors: Tadayon Ehsan , Pascual-Leone Alvaro , Santarnecchi Emiliano
Published: March 2019

Human intelligence can be broadly subdivided into fluid (gf) and crystallized (gc) intelligence, each tapping into distinct cognitive abilities. Although neuroanatomical correlates of intelligence have been previously studied, differential contribution of cortical morphologies to gf and gc has not been fully delineated. Here, we tried to disentangle the contribution of cortical thickness, cortical surface area, and cortical gyrification to gf and gc in a large sample of healthy young subjects (n = 740, Human Connectome Project) with high-resolution MRIs, followed by replication in a separate data set with distinct cognitive measures indexing gf and gc. We found that while gyrification in distributed cortical regions had positive association with both gf and gc, surface area and thickness showed more regional associations. Specifically, higher performance in gf was associated with cortical expansion in regions related to working memory, attention, and visuo-spatial processing, while gc was associated with thinner cortex as well as higher cortical surface area in language-related networks. We discuss the results in a framework where “horizontal” cortical expansion enables higher resource allocation, computational capacity, and functional specificity relevant to gf and gc, while lower cortical thickness possibly reflects cortical pruning facilitating “vertical” intracolumnar efficiency in knowledge-based tasks relevant mostly to gc.
Local product space and firm-level churning in exported products
Authors: Hazir Cilem Selin , Bellone Flora , Gaglio Cyrielle
Published: April 2019

This article explores the determinants of changes to the range of exports at the firm level with a focus on the role played by the firm’s local environment. It extends the model developed by Bernard et al. (2010) to a multiregional setting to account for localized externalities. The model is tested using French micro-data on monoregional manufacturing firms covering the period 2002–2007. Our main finding is that the local product space has an impact on exporters’ product-market entry and exit decisions. Firms tend to modify their exported product mix to achieve congruence with the core products of the locality. Also, firms receive higher revenue from the export of products that are more related to the core capabilities of the locality.
Utilizing in vitro DNA assembly to engineer a synthetic T7 Nanoluc reporter phage for Escherichia coli detection
Authors: Pulkkinen Elsi M , Hinkley Troy C , Nugen Sam R
Published: March 2019

Bacteria have major role in regulating human health and disease, therefore, there is a continuing need to develop new detection methods and therapeutics to combat them. Bacteriophages can be used to infect specific bacteria, which make them good candidates for detecting and editing bacterial populations. However, creating phage-based detection assays is somewhat limited by the difficulties in the engineering of phages. We present here a synthetic biology strategy to engineer phages using a simple in vitro method. We used this method to insert a NanoLuc luciferase expression cassette into the T7 phage, in order to construct the NRGp6 reporter phage. The synthetic NRGp6 phage was used to efficiently detect low concentrations of Escherichia coli from liquid culture. We envision that our approach will benefit synthetic biologists for constructing different kinds of engineered phages, and enable new approaches for phage-based therapeutics and diagnostics.
The association between obesity and self-reported current depression among adult cancer survivors residing in Brazil
Authors: Dias de Oliveira Gisele , Oancea S Cristina , Nucci Luciana B , Vogeltanz-Holm Nancy
Published: April 2019

Background

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the association between obesity and self-reported current depression (SRCD) in a population-based sample of adult Brazilian cancer survivors.

Methods

The sample for this study (N=930) was based on the 2013 Brazilian National Health Survey. SRCD was assessed using the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8). Obesity was defined as a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2. Multivariable weighted logistic regression models were conducted to investigate the association between obesity and SRCD among Brazilian adult cancer survivors.

Results

The weighted prevalence of obesity and SRCD among adult cancer survivors was 26.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 22.5 to 30.3%) and 13.7% (95% CI 10.4 to 17.1%), respectively. Overall there was no significant weighted and adjusted association between obesity and SRCD among cancer survivors (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.99 [95% CI 0.56 to 1.73]). Nevertheless, among cancer survivors of working age (18–59 y), this association was significant (AOR 2.19 [95% CI 1.28 to 3.73]) and therefore obesity is significantly associated with a 119% increase in the odds of SRCD among Brazilian adult cancer survivors of working age.

Conclusions

Since both obesity and depression may lead to worse health and quality of life outcomes in this young and middle-aged population, further investigations are needed in order to establish the causality and directionality of this association.
Fit and Counterfeit: The Volatile Values of Epilepsy in Wilkie Collins’s Poor Miss Finch
Authors: Brophy Gregory
Published: March 2019

This paper explores Victorian culture’s persistent associations between epilepsy and bodily expenditure to locate the place of the epileptic body within the Victorian ‘libidinal economy’. It centres on a reading of Wilkie Collins’s Poor Miss Finch (1872) as a highly original meditation on the implications of disability and visibility. In this novel, a reclusive silversmith named Oscar Dubourg curbs his post-traumatic seizures with silver nitrate, a remedy that causes a dark-blue discoloration of the skin. Behind the narrative necessity of this device, I locate an epistemological desire to render the condition of epilepsy visibly evident by saturating (and implicitly racializing) Oscar so that the inside shows through. The sporadic visibility of epilepsy confers a radically unstable identity upon its sufferer, one represented by the fluidity and anonymity of the unshaped silver and gold plates that Oscar moulds in his workshop. These plates inspire rumours throughout the community that Oscar is a counterfeiter. Oscar’s valuable metals, along with his health, are stolen in one fell swoop; the thieves brutally attack him, precipitating his traumatic epilepsy. The silver does not disappear, then, but is transmuted into Oscar’s affliction; these shifting metaphorical values of silver can be productively read in light of Victorian discourses of pathology, not least the widespread concern about malingerers ‘counterfeiting’ epilepsy. Can an afflicted body ‘pass’ as healthy? Can healthy bodies perform affliction? These are questions that Oscar’s story raises, with the help of a twin brother who exchanges identities with him in order to retain his fiancée’s affections. Collins’s sensational marriage plot, peopled with a cast of ‘problem bodies’, pulls the novel into critical conversation with a nexus of nineteenth-century medical and eugenic discourses dedicated to the surveilling of physical difference and the ‘policing’ of legitimate and illegitimate disabilities.
Occupational stress in Remotely Piloted Aircraft System operators
Authors: Phillips A , Sherwood D , Greenberg N , Jones N
Published: March 2019

Background

Although there is currently little research data to support the contention, concerns have been raised about possible traumatic stressors inherent to Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) operator roles. Factors such as exposure to visually traumatic events compounded by long working hours and blurred boundaries between military and civilian life have been cited as potential stressors. Robust research into the well-being of RPAS operators is scarce and mostly samples US personnel.

Aims

To provide mental health and well-being data relating to UK RPAS operators.

Methods

UK RPAS operators completed mental health questionnaires to assess levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression symptoms, alcohol use and occupational functioning. Respondents were also asked about work patterns.

Results

Forty-one per cent of the sample reported potentially hazardous alcohol use. Ten per cent met psychiatric symptom criteria for moderate or severe anxiety, and 20% for moderate depressive symptoms. While there were no cases of probable PTSD, 30% of the sample reported sub-clinical PTSD symptoms likely to impair occupational functioning. Overall, 70% of the sample reported that psychological symptoms significantly impaired their functioning.

Conclusions

Compared to UK military sub-groups, RPAS operators were not at increased risk of mental health problems. However, a high proportion of the sample reported significant functional impairment, which has not been explored in other comparable studies. The most frequently highlighted work-related stressors were timing of RPAS work and operator shift patterns.
Transfeminine Spectrum Parenting: Evidence from the National Transgender Discrimination Survey
Authors: Walls N Eugene , Kattari Shanna K , Speer Stephanie Rachel , Kinney M Killian
Published: March 2019

Using data from the 2010 National Transgender Discrimination Survey, authors examined differences in likelihood of being a parent across a number of factors and described parenting experiences of those who were assigned a male sex at birth (AMAB) and who currently identify on the transfeminine spectrum (AMAB-transfeminine). Authors found that those who are AMAB-genderqueer are more likely to be parents, while those who were assigned female at birth regardless of gender identity are less likely to be parents. Among AMAB-transfeminine individuals, increases in likelihood of being a parent were found based on Latinx racial identity, being in a relationship, and with increases in age and income, whereas no significant differences were found based on educational level or disability status. Equal proportions of the AMAB-transfeminine parents reported that their relationship with their children has either stayed the same or become worse since coming out and between 16.0% and 42.0% of AMAB-transfeminine parents reported that either a judge, their ex-partner, or their children have limited their relationship. Findings underscore the importance of an intersectional understanding of the transgender community and the need for intersectional cultural responsiveness training for social workers, along with the need for family interventions and policy advocacy work.
The stomatal response to rising CO2 concentration and drought is predicted by a hydraulic trait-based optimization model
Authors: Wang Yujie , Sperry John S , Venturas Martin D , Trugman Anna T , Love David M , Anderegg William R L
Published: April 2019

Modeling stomatal control is critical for predicting forest responses to the changing environment and hence the global water and carbon cycles. A trait-based stomatal control model that optimizes carbon gain while avoiding hydraulic risk has been shown to perform well in response to drought. However, the model’s performance against changes in atmospheric CO2, which is rising rapidly due to human emissions, has yet to be evaluated. The present study tested the gain–risk model’s ability to predict the stomatal response to CO2 concentration with potted water birch (Betula occidentalis Hook.) saplings in a growth chamber. The model’s performance in predicting stomatal response to changes in atmospheric relative humidity and soil moisture was also assessed. The gain–risk model predicted the photosynthetic assimilation, transpiration rate and leaf xylem pressure under different CO2 concentrations, having a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 25%. The model also predicted the responses to relative humidity and soil drought with a MAPE of 21.9% and 41.9%, respectively. Overall, the gain–risk model had an MAPE of 26.8% compared with the 37.5% MAPE obtained by a standard empirical model of stomatal conductance. Importantly, unlike empirical models, the optimization model relies on measurable physiological traits as inputs and performs well in predicting responses to novel environmental conditions without empirical corrections. Incorporating the optimization model in larger scale models has the potential for improving the simulation of water and carbon cycles.