bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the advantages of intensity-modulated proton therapy: experimental validation of biological effects using two different beam intensity-modulation patterns
Authors: Ma Duo , Bronk Lawrence , Kerr Matthew , Sobieski Mary , Chen Mei , Geng Changran , Yiu Joycelyn , Wang Xiaochun , Sahoo Narayan , Cao Wenhua , Zhang Xiaodong , Stephan Clifford , Mohan Radhe , Grosshans David R. , Guan Fada
Published: February 2020

In current treatment plans of intensity-modulated proton therapy, high-energy beams are usually assigned larger weights than low-energy beams. Using this form of beam delivery strategy cannot effectively use the biological advantages of low-energy and high-linear energy transfer (LET) protons present within the Bragg peak. However, the planning optimizer can be adjusted to alter the intensity of each beamlet, thus maintaining an identical target dose while increasing the weights of low-energy beams to elevate the LET therein. The objective of this study was to experimentally validate the enhanced biological effects using a novel beam delivery strategy with elevated LET. We used Monte Carlo and optimization algorithms to generate two different intensity-modulation patterns, namely to form a downslope and a flat dose field in the target. We spatially mapped the biological effects using high-content automated assays by employing an upgraded biophysical system with improved accuracy and precision of collected data. In vitro results in cancer cells show that using two opposed downslope fields results in a more biologically effective dose, which may have the clinical potential to increase the therapeutic index of proton therapy.
Publisher Correction: Generalization of the small-world effect on a model approaching the Erdős–Rényi random graph
Authors: Maier Benjamin F.
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Investigating cone photoreceptor development using patient-derived NRL null retinal organoids
Authors: Kallman Alyssa , Capowski Elizabeth E. , Wang Jie , Kaushik Aniruddha M. , Jansen Alex D. , Edwards Kimberly L. , Chen Liben , Berlinicke Cynthia A. , Joseph Phillips M. , Pierce Eric A. , Qian Jiang , Wang Tza-Huei , Gamm David M. , Zack Donald J.
Published: February 2020

Photoreceptor loss is a leading cause of blindness, but mechanisms underlying photoreceptor degeneration are not well understood. Treatment strategies would benefit from improved understanding of gene-expression patterns directing photoreceptor development, as many genes are implicated in both development and degeneration. Neural retina leucine zipper (NRL) is critical for rod photoreceptor genesis and degeneration, with NRL mutations known to cause enhanced S-cone syndrome and retinitis pigmentosa. While murine Nrl loss has been characterized, studies of human NRL can identify important insights for human retinal development and disease. We utilized iPSC organoid models of retinal development to molecularly define developmental alterations in a human model of NRL loss. Consistent with the function of NRL in rod fate specification, human retinal organoids lacking NRL develop S-opsin dominant photoreceptor populations. We report generation of two distinct S-opsin expressing populations in NRL null retinal organoids and identify MEF2C as a candidate regulator of cone development.
A simple scheme for finding magnetic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules
Authors: Valentim A. , Bocan G. A. , Fuhr J. D. , García D. J. , Giri G. , Kumar M. , Ramasesha S.
Published: February 2020

We introduce a simple computational procedure to screen large sets of molecules and identify likely candidates to exhibit magnetism. We consider small molecules that combine azulenes and naphthalenes and find two new magnetic molecules.
DFT simulation of the X-ray diffraction pattern of aluminum-ion-intercalated graphite used as the cathode material of the aluminum-ion battery
Authors: Li Jiang , Liu Qinghua , Flores Raul Abram , Lemmon John , Bligaard Thomas
Published: February 2020

Many breakthroughs have been achieved in rechargeable aluminum-ion battery technologies in recent years.
Influence of Er3+ concentration and Ln3+ on the Judd–Ofelt parameters in LnOCl (Ln = Y, La, Gd) phosphors
Authors: Yu Chunfeng , Chen Baojiu , Zhang Xizhen , Li Xiangping , Zhang Jinsu , Xu Sai , Yu Hongquan , Sun Jiashi , Cao Yongze , Xia Haiping
Published: February 2020

We investigated the dependence of Judd–Ofelt parameters of Er3+ on the Er3+ doping concentration and Ln3+ in the host.
Comparison of modeled and measured indoor air trichloroethene (TCE) concentrations at a vapor intrusion site: influence of wind, temperature, and building characteristics
Authors: Shirazi Elham , Hawk Gregory S. , Holton Chase W. , Stromberg Arnold J. , Pennell Kelly G.
Published: February 2020

There is a lack of vapor intrusion (VI) models that reliably account for weather conditions and building characteristics, especially at sites where active alternative pathways, such as sewer connections and other preferential pathways, are present.
Participatory science for coastal water quality: freshwater plume mapping and volunteer retention in a randomized informational intervention
Authors: Jennings Wiley C. , Cunniff Sydney , Lewis Kate , Deres Hailey , Reineman Dan R. , Davis Jennifer , Boehm Alexandria B.
Published: February 2020

This study presents a novel framework for estimating safe swimming distances at beaches and is the first participatory environmental science study to experimentally test strategies for increasing volunteer retention.
Impact of bromide exposure on natural organochlorine loss from coastal wetland soils in the Winyah Bay, South Carolina
Authors: Schlesinger Danielle R. , Myneni Satish C. B.
Published: February 2020

Naturally formed halogenated organic compounds are common in terrestrial and marine environments and play an important role in the halogen cycle.
Microalgae: a sustainable adsorbent with high potential for upconcentration of indium(iii) from liquid process and waste streams
Authors: Nicomel Nina Ricci , Otero-Gonzalez Lila , Arashiro Larissa , Garfí Marianna , Ferrer Ivet , Van Der Voort Pascal , Verbeken Kim , Hennebel Tom , Du Laing Gijs
Published: February 2020

Unmodified microalgal biomass grown on wastewater works as an effective and selective indium biosorbent even at low pH values.
Monitoring protein-metal binding by 19F NMR – a case study with the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 1
Authors: Rydzik Anna M. , Brem Jürgen , Chandler Shane A. , Benesch Justin L. P. , Claridge Timothy D. W. , Schofield Christopher J.
Published: February 2020

19F protein labeling enables monitoring of metal binding to the active site of NDM-1.
Near-infrared ratiometric self-assembled theranostic nanoprobe: imaging and tracking cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Tian Xinwei , Li Zhao , Ding Ning , Zhang Jiahang
Published: February 2020

A novel near-infrared ratiometric fluorescent theranostic nanoprobe is applied for real-time fluorescence tracking and imaging cancer therapy in vivo and in situ.
Dynamics of propene and propane in ZIF-8 probed by solid-state 2H NMR
Authors: Khudozhitkov Alexander E. , Arzumanov Sergei S. , Kolokolov Daniil I. , Freude Dieter , Stepanov Alexander G.
Published: February 2020

On the basis of 2H NMR spin relaxation analysis, the motional mechanism for propene and propane within a ZIF-8 framework is elucidated and microscopic translational diffusion characteristics for these hydrocarbons have been estimated.
Efficient access to fluorescent benzofuro[3,2-b]carbazoles via TFA-promoted cascade annulations of sulfur ylides, 2-hydroxy-β-nitrostyrenes and indoles
Authors: Chen Wenteng , Luo Feng , Wu You , Cen Jie , Shao Jiaan , Yu Yongping
Published: February 2020

An efficient, TFA-promoted cascade annulation of sulfur ylides, 2-hydroxy-β-nitrostyrenes and indoles was established.
Multivariate analysis of inline benchtop NMR data enables rapid optimization of a complex nitration in flow
Authors: Sagmeister Peter , Poms Johannes , Williams Jason D. , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: February 2020

Multivariate analysis is applied to inline benchtop NMR data for a complex nitration in flow. This rapid quantification enables reaction optimization using advanced techniques in flow, such as design of experiments and dynamic experimentation.
Molecular engineering of acceptors to control aggregation for optimized nonfullerene solar cells
Authors: Yang Linqiang , Hu Zhenghao , Zhang Zhuohan , Cao Jinru , Wang Hongtao , Yu Jiangsheng , Zhang Fujun , Tang Weihua
Published: February 2020

Dual molecular engineering of alkyl side chains and halogen accepting ends of asymmetric fused-ring acceptors has been proposed for controlling aggregation for optimize organic solar cells (OSCs).
Theoretical investigation of nonvolatile electrical control behavior by ferroelectric polarization switching in two-dimensional MnCl3/CuInP2S6 van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Li Zheng , Zhou Baozeng
Published: February 2020

A model of atom-thick multiferroic memory whose data writing depends on ferroelectric CuInP2S6 and data reading is based on different electric signals induced by magnetoelectrical coupling.
Identifying risk effectors involved in neonatal hypoglycemia occurrence
Authors: Zhao Tian , Liu Qiying , Zhou Man , Dai Wei , Xu Yin , Kuang Li , Ming Yaqiong , Sun Guiyu
Published: February 2020

Hypoglycemia is a common metabolic condition in neonatal period, but severe and persistent hypoglycemia can cause neurological damage and brain injury. The aim of the present study was to analyze the risk factors of neonatal hypoglycemia in clinic. A total of 135 neonatal hypoglycemia infants and 135 healthy infants were included in the present study. The differences in birth weight between neonatal hypoglycemia group and healthy control group were analyzed via t test. The associations between neonatal blood sugar level and relevant characteristic factors were explored using χ2 test. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze risk factors related to the incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia. The results showed that the average birth weight was matched in neonatal hypoglycemia group and healthy control group. Neonatal blood sugar level of the infants was significantly associated with born term, birth weight, feed, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and hypothermia (all P<0.05). Besides, logistic regression analysis showed that babies’ born term (odds ratio (OR) = 2.715, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.311–5.625), birth weight (OR = 1.910, 95% CI: 1.234–2.955), improper feeding (OR = 3.165, 95% CI: 1.295–7.736) and mother’s GDM (OR = 2.184, 95% CI: 1.153–4.134) were high risk factors for neonatal hypoglycemia. The incidence of hypoglycemia in infants was significantly associated with various clinical factors. And monitoring these risk factors is one of important measures to reduce long-term neurological damage caused by neonatal hypoglycemia.
Taking Care of Preschool Children Who Experience Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Haarbauer-Krupa Juliet , Brink Michael
Published: February 2020

Background

Children ages 5 years and younger have the highest incidence of emergency department visits for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and are most at risk for the effects of a TBI. Because they are not yet enrolled in formal school, there is not a direct pathway from health care to school that can offer a pathway for monitoring and care. The purpose of this article is to describe existing literature on preschool children with TBI and illustrate a model of care in the community for this population.

Method

Literature review and model program description were performed in this study.

Findings

Preschool children are typically seen annually for well visits by their pediatricians who can inquire about a TBI history and make appropriate referrals. Children in this age group are likely to be enrolled in day care and preschool settings where screenings and evaluations are conducted for parent and teacher concerns. A current model operating in Pennsylvania and Colorado is promising for identifying and serving children. Additional resources in existing systems can also help children obtain school supports.

Discussion

Children who experience a TBI prior to formal school entry are most likely to be in existing systems of health care and preschool/day care that can ask about a child's TBI history and screen for the impact of the TBI. Speech-language pathologists, who serve many existing systems where preschool children attend school and day care, can play a critical role in assessment and needs identification for preschool children.
Lessons Learned From Coaching Postsecondary Students With Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Kennedy Mary R. T.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this clinical focus article is to provide speech-language pathologists with a brief update of the evidence that provides possible explanations for our experiences while coaching college students with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Method

The narrative text provides readers with lessons we learned as speech-language pathologists functioning as cognitive coaches to college students with TBI. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but rather to consider the recent scientific evidence that will help our understanding of how best to coach these college students.

Conclusion

Four lessons are described. Lesson 1 focuses on the value of self-reported responses to surveys, questionnaires, and interviews. Lesson 2 addresses the use of immediate/proximal goals as leverage for students to update their sense of self and how their abilities and disabilities may alter their more distal goals. Lesson 3 reminds us that teamwork is necessary to address the complex issues facing these students, which include their developmental stage, the sudden onset of trauma to the brain, and having to navigate going to college with a TBI. Lesson 4 focuses on the need for college students with TBI to learn how to self-advocate with instructors, family, and peers.
The binary content of multiple populations in NGC 3201
Authors: Kamann S. , Giesers B. , Bastian N. , Brinchmann J. , Dreizler S. , Göttgens F. , Husser T.-O. , Latour M. , Weilbacher P. M. , Wisotzki L.
Published: February 2020

We investigate the binary content of the two stellar populations that coexist in the globular cluster NGC 3201. Previous studies of binary stars in globular clusters have reported higher binary fractions in their first populations (P1, having field-like abundances) compared to their second populations (P2, having anomalous abundances). This is interpreted as evidence for the latter forming more centrally concentrated. In contrast to previous studies, our analysis focusses on the cluster centre, where comparable binary fractions between the populations are predicted because of short relaxation times. However, we find that even in the centre of NGC 3201, the observed binary fraction of P1 is higher (23.1 ± 6.2)% compared to (8.2 ± 3.5)% in P2. Our results are difficult to reconcile with a scenario in which the populations only differ in their initial concentrations, but instead suggests that the populations also formed with different fractions of binary stars.
Impact of the convective mixing-length parameter α on stellar metallicity
Authors: Song N. , Alexeeva S. , Sitnova T. , Wang L. , Grupp F. , Zhao G.
Published: February 2020

Context. Mixing-length theory is used to treat stellar convection. As a simulation in one-dimensional stellar atmospheres models, the mixing-length parameter α is calibrated from the Sun and then applied to other stars. However, there is no strong evidence to suggest that α should be the same for stars of different evolutionary stages.

Aims. We evaluate the impact of the α value on the metallicity of different types of stars and investigate the correlation between the metallicity discrepancy (Δ[Fe∕H]) and stellar parameters (Teff, log g).

Methods. We selected ten well-studied field stars and one open cluster of nine members for which high-resolution and high signal-to-noise spectra are available. The model atmospheres were calculated with the code MAFAGS-OS. We derived iron abundances from Fe I and Fe II lines both under local thermodynamic equilibrium and non-LTE conditions using a spectrum synthesis method. After deriving [Fe/H] for each line, we calculated Δ[Fe∕H] with two different α values, fixed solar-calibrated α, and α obtained for each star individually. Finally, we investigated the correlation between Δ[Fe∕H] caused by revised α with stellar parameters.

Results. For FGK dwarf stars, the Δ[Fe∕H] caused by the α correction is less than 0.02 dex, while for turn-off and giant stars, the Δ[Fe∕H] values are no more than 0.03 dex, which are lower than typical uncertainties in metallicity. For main-sequence stars, Δ[Fe∕H] versus Teff and Δ[Fe∕H] versus log g are well fit by linear relations.
Association between Emotional State Changes in Infertile Couples and Outcome of Fertility Treatment
Authors: Gabnai-Nagy Erika , Bugán Antal , Bodnár Béla , Papp Gábor , Nagy Beáta Erika
Published: February 2020

Aims Infertility and its treatment are associated with considerable psychological distress for infertile couples. The aim of our study was to explore to what extent positive and negative affectivity and a predisposition to depression and anxiety appear in infertile couples during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. We also aimed to explore how the emotional state of couples changed during IVF in relation to treatment outcomes.

Method In our longitudinal study, 174 people (87 couples) were followed up during treatment by means of questionnaires. Their emotional state was assessed with PANAS, BDI-R, and STAI at the beginning of treatment, before embryo transfer, and before taking a pregnancy test. Couples who achieved pregnancy after treatment were included in the successful group (n = 82), while those who did not were included in the unsuccessful group (n = 92).

Results We found more favorable emotional states in IVF couples compared to patient populations and the average population. In successful IVF couples, positive affectivity decreased, and negative affectivity increased in women until the time of embryo transfer. This was accompanied by an increase in positive affectivity in men, which remained until the time of the pregnancy test and provided emotional support to their partner. These results were confirmed by changes in the levels of depression.

Conclusion Our study suggests the importance of couplesʼ emotional dynamics for having a child and an association between couplesʼ emotional reactions during IVF cycles and treatment success.
Wideband tunable infrared topological plasmon polaritons in dimerized chains of doped-silicon nanoparticles
Authors: Wang B. X. , Zhao C. Y.
Published: February 2020

We investigate the topological plasmon polaritons (TPPs) in one-dimensional dimerized doped silicon nanoparticle chains, as an analogy of the topological edge states in the Su–Schrieffer–Heeger model. The photonic band structures are analytically calculated by taking all near-field and far-field dipole–dipole interactions into account. For longitudinal modes, it is demonstrated that the band topology can be well characterized by the complex Zak phase irrespective of the lattice constant and doping concentration. By numerically solving the eigenmodes of a finite system, it is found that a dimerized chain with a nonzero complex Zak phase supports nontrivial topological eigenmodes localized over both edges. By changing the doping concentration of Si, it is possible to tune the resonance frequency of the TPPs from far-infrared to near-infrared, and the localization lengths of the edge modes are also modulated accordingly. In addition, it is shown that a higher working temperature can lead to significantly smaller decay rates. Since these TPPs are highly protected modes that can achieve a strong confinement of electromagnetic waves and are also immune to impurities and disorder, they can provide a potentially tunable tool for robust and enhanced light–matter interactions in the infrared spectrum.
Reversible intermolecular-coupled-intramolecular (RICI) proton transfer occurring on the reaction-radius a of 2-naphthol-6,8-disulfonate photoacid
Authors: Pines Ehud , Pines Dina , Gajst Oren , Huppert Dan
Published: February 2020

Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence techniques were employed to study the excited-state proton transfer (ESPT) from a reversibly dissociating photoacid, 2-naphthol-6,8-disulfonate (2N68DS). The reaction was carried out in water and in acetonitrile–water solutions. We find by carefully analyzing the geminate recombination dynamics of the photobase–proton pair that follows the ESPT reaction that there are two targets for the proton back-recombination reaction: the original O− dissociation site and the SO3− side group at the 8 position which is closest to the proton OH dissociation site. This observation is corroborated in acetonitrile-water mixtures of χwater < 0.14, where a slow intramolecular ESPT occurs on a time scale of about 1 ns between the OH group and the SO3− group via H-bonding water. The proton-transferred R*O− fluorescence band in mixtures of χwater < 0.14 where only intramolecular ESPT occurs is red shifted by about 2000 cm−1 from the free R*O− band in neat water. As the water content in the mixture increases above χwater = 0.14, the R*O− fluorescence band shifts noticeably to the blue region. For χwater > 0.23 the band resembles the free anion band observed in pure water. Concomitantly, the ESPT rate increases when χwater increases because the intermolecular ESPT to the solvent (bulk water) gradually prevails over the much slower intramolecular via the water-bridges ESPT process.
Interaction of the H2S molecule with molecular hydrogen: Ab initio potential energy surface and scattering calculations
Authors: Dagdigian Paul J.
Published: February 2020

The potential energy surface describing the interaction of H2S with molecular hydrogen has been computed through explicitly correlated coupled cluster calculations including single, double, and (perturbative) triple excitations [CCSD(T)-F12a], with the assumption of fixed molecular geometries. The computed points were fit to an analytical form suitable for time-independent quantum scattering calculations of rotationally inelastic cross sections and rate coefficients. Representative sets of energy dependent state-to-state rotationally inelastic cross sections and rate coefficients are presented and discussed.
Two-dimensional Janus layers offer unique, promising quantum characteristics
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: February 2020

These materials have different features on each side, leading to unusual and promising quantum applications.
Optical variations turn molecules into a diverse array of logical operators
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: February 2020

By changing its excitation and emission wavelengths, a molecular system can be tuned to function as different types of logic gates.
Mining gold from implicit models to improve likelihood-free inference
Authors: Brehmer Johann , Louppe Gilles , Pavez Juan , Cranmer Kyle
Published: February 2020

Simulators often provide the best description of real-world phenomena. However, the probability density that they implicitly define is often intractable, leading to challenging inverse problems for inference. Recently, a number of techniques have been introduced in which a surrogate for the intractable density is learned, including normalizing flows and density ratio estimators. We show that additional information that characterizes the latent process can often be extracted from simulators and used to augment the training data for these surrogate models. We introduce several loss functions that leverage these augmented data and demonstrate that these techniques can improve sample efficiency and quality of inference.
Non-isothermal β grain growth behaviour of pure titanium under laser quenching
Authors: Zong Xiao , Li Zhuo , Li Jing , Cheng Xu , Tang Haibo , Wang Huaming
Published: February 2020

The primary understanding of laser-induced non-isothermal prior β grain growth behaviour of titanium alloys is given by adopting laser quenching on pure titanium. Results indicate that the prior β grains grow obviously within the limited laser interaction time. By establishing a finite element model combined with numerical approximations, the growth activation energy of prior β grain under laser-induced non-isothermal condition is determined as 44.4 kJ/mol, which is comparable to that under isothermal conditions. Grain boundary migration behaviour of pure titanium under laser-induced non-isothermal conditions is the same as that under isothermal conditions, but the prior β grain growth kinetics is largely accelerated due to the high heat input from the laser beam.
Placental tissue of greenhouse muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) contains more gamma-aminobutyric acid with antioxidant capacity than the fleshed pulp
Authors: Toyoizumi Tomoyasu , Ohba Seiji , Takano-Ishikawa Yuko , Ikegaya Atsushi , Nakajima Teruko
Published: February 2020

Our previous study revealed that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in Earl’s muskmelon is more concentrated in the inner than the outer parts of the fruit. Here, the GABA and antioxidant capacity of the placental tissue of muskmelon, which is considered waste, were evaluated for possible use as a source of bioactive compounds. The concentrations of GABA and related substances in the placental tissue were significantly higher than in the fleshed pulp, whereas glutamic acid and sugar levels were significantly lower. The two sites showed no difference in GAD activity. Furthermore, the placental site showed high antioxidant capacities based on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and oxygen radical absorbance capacity for hydrophilic compounds assays compared with the fleshed pulp, because of the higher levels of total phenolic and L-ascorbic acids. Therefore, the placental tissue of muskmelons may be useful for developing functional foods, which would also reduce the amount of residues during muskmelon processing.
Dynamical dimerization phase in Jaynes–Cummings lattices
Authors: Peña Rubén , Torres Felipe , Romero Guillermo
Published: February 2020

We report on an emergent dynamical phase of a strongly-correlated light–matter system, which is governed by dimerization processes due to short-range and long-range two-body interactions. The dynamical phase is characterized by the spontaneous symmetry breaking of the translational invariance and appears in an intermediate regime of light–matter interaction between the resonant and dispersive cases. We describe the quench dynamics from an initial state with integer filling factor of a finite-sized array of coupled resonators, each doped with a two-level system, in a closed and open scenario. The closed system dynamics has an effective Hilbert space description that allows us to demonstrate and characterize the emergent dynamical phase via time-averaged quantities, such as fluctuations in the number of polaritons per site and linear entropy. We prove that the dynamical phase is governed by intrinsic two-body interactions and the lattice topological structure. In the open system dynamics, we show evidence about the robustness of dynamical dimerization processes under loss mechanisms. Our findings can be used to determine the light–matter detuning range, where the dimerized phase emerges.
Entropy behavior for isolated systems containing bounded and unbounded states: latent heat at the inflection point
Authors: Flores J C , Palma-Chilla L
Published: February 2020

Systems like the Morse oscillator with potential energies that have a minimum and states that are both bounded and extended are considered in this study in the microcanonical statistical ensemble. In the binding region, the entropy becomes a growing function of the internal energy and has a well-defined inflection point corresponding to a temperature maximum. Consequently, the specific heat supports negative and positive values around this region. Moreover, focusing on this inflection point allows to define the critical energy and temperature, both evaluated analytically and numerically. Specifically, the existence of this point is the signature of a phase transition, and latent heat dynamics occur to accomplish the transition. The conditions established below apply to a large variety of potentials, including molecular ones, and have relevance for physics, chemistry, and engineering sciences. As a specific application, we show that the inflection point for the H
2 molecule occurs at −1.26 [eV].
Simulated nanoparticle assembly using protoparticles (SNAP)
Authors: Opletal George , Golebiewski Maciej , Barnard Amanda S
Published: February 2020

Many functional properties of particle system rely on collective behaviour and the type of superstructures formed when thousands of particles come together. Self-assembly, agglomeration and aggregation depend sensitively on the size and shape of particles present, as well as the size distribution and the mixtures of shapes within a given sample, which makes simulation of these superstructures and their properties challenging. Here we present a new, flexible, software package for the simulations of ordered and disorder aggregates of faceted polyhedral particle from the nanoscale to the micron-scale, which is capable of including size distributions and mixtures of multiple particle shapes defined by the User, subject to additional User-defined interactions. Following relaxation using molecular dynamics a number of characterisation tools are provided, including interfacial probabilities and distribution functions. The software is applicable to a range of problems from nanoparticle assembly to additive manufacturing.
Placing the hybrid origin of the asexual Amazon molly (Poecilia formosa) based on historical climate data
Authors: Costa Gabriel C , Schlupp Ingo
Published: February 2020

Asexual hybrids are important model organisms for addressing questions in evolution and ecology, especially for understanding the role of hybridization in speciation. They are rare in nature and several hypotheses have been suggested to explain this. We use an asexual fish, the Amazon molly (Poecilia formosa), to establish the area in which it was formed via hybridization 125 000 years ago. Using species distribution models and climate models for the Last Interglacial (LIG) we found that model projections to the LIG show a similar map to the present climate model and parental species potentially overlapped in a relatively small area near Tampico, Mexico. This makes P. formosa one of a few hybrid species for which we know the parental species, the time of hybridization, and likely the place of hybridization. Based on the small area of overlap, our data is in agreement with the idea that asexual hybrids may be rare not because they are evolutionary dead ends but are formed rarely.
‘A distant and whiggish country’: the Conservative party and Scottish elections, 1832–47*
Authors: Hutchison Gary D
Published: February 2020

This article examines the role of the Scottish Conservative party in shaping the underlying culture of Scottish politics in the 1830s and 1840s, utilizing numerous collections of private papers, newspapers, memoirs and legal texts. It focuses on the party’s experiences of electioneering rituals, and its innovative electoral registration activities. It then examines the effects of its creation of illegitimate ‘fictitious’ votes, and of its diverse methods for influencing electors. In doing so, it puts ‘party’ at the heart of a notably distinctive and fast-evolving Scottish political culture, and challenges assumptions that this culture was overwhelmingly whiggish in character and inspiration.
Generic Quantum Metric Rigidity
Authors: Chirvasitu Alexandru
Published: February 2020

We introduce the coherent algebra of a compact metric measure space by analogy with the corresponding concept for a finite graph. As an application we show that upon topologizing the collection of isomorphism classes of compact metric measure spaces appropriately, the subset consisting of those with trivial compact quantum automorphism group is of 2nd Baire category. The latter result can be paraphrased as saying that “most” compact metric measure spaces have no (quantum) symmetries; in particular, they also have trivial ordinary (i.e., classical) automorphism group.
A Genome-Wide Perspective on the Persistence of Red Wolf Ancestry in Southeastern Canids
Authors: Heppenheimer Elizabeth , Brzeski Kristin E , Hinton Joseph W , Chamberlain Michael J , Robinson Jacqueline , Wayne Robert K , vonHoldt Bridgett M
Published: February 2020

The red wolf (Canis rufus), a legally recognized and critically endangered wolf, is known to interbreed with coyotes (Canis latrans). Declared extirpated in the wild in 1980, red wolves were reintroduced to northeastern North Carolina nearly a decade later. Interbreeding with coyotes was thought to be restricted to a narrow geographic region adjacent to the reintroduced population and largely believed to threaten red wolf recovery. However, red wolf ancestry was recently discovered in canids along the American Gulf Coast, igniting a broader survey of ancestry in southeastern canid populations. Here, we examine geographic and temporal patterns of genome-wide red wolf ancestry in 260 canids across the southeastern United States at over 164 000 SNP loci. We found that red wolf ancestry was most prevalent in canids sampled from Texas in the mid-1970s, although non-trivial amounts of red wolf ancestry persist in this region today. Further, red wolf ancestry was also observed in a subset of coyotes inhabiting North Carolina, despite management efforts to limit the occurrence of hybridization events. Lastly, we found no evidence of substantial red wolf ancestry in southeastern canids outside of these 2 admixture zones. Overall, this study provides a genome-wide survey of red wolf ancestry in canids across the southeastern United States, which may ultimately inform future red wolf restoration efforts.
The radio properties of high-excitation radio galaxies with intermediate radio powers
Authors: Pierce J C S , Tadhunter C N , Morganti R
Published: February 2020

In the past decade, high-sensitivity radio surveys have revealed that the local radio active galactic nucleus population is dominated by moderate-to-low power sources with emission that is compact on galaxy scales. High-excitation radio galaxies (HERGs) with intermediate radio powers (22.5 < log (L1.4 GHz) < 25.0 W Hz−1) form an important sub-group of this population, since there is strong evidence that they also drive multiphase outflows on the scales of galaxy bulges. Here, we present high-resolution Very Large Array observations at 1.5, 4.5, and 7.5 GHz of a sample of 16 such HERGs in the local universe (z < 0.1), conducted in order to investigate the morphology, extent, and spectra of their radio emission in detail, down to sub-kpc scales. We find that the majority (56 per cent) have unresolved structures at the limiting angular resolution of the observations (∼0.3 arcsec). Although similar in the compactness of their radio structures, these sources have steep radio spectra and host galaxy properties that distinguish them from local low-excitation radio galaxies that are unresolved on similar scales. The remaining sources exhibit extended radio structures with projected diameters ∼1.4–19.0 kpc and a variety of morphologies: three double-lobed; two large-scale diffuse; one jetted and ‘S-shaped’; one undetermined. Only 19 per cent of the sample therefore exhibit the double-lobed/edge-brightened structures often associated with their counterparts at high and low radio powers: radio-powerful HERGs and Seyfert galaxies, respectively. Additional high-resolution observations are required to investigate this further, and to probe the ≲300 pc scales on which some Seyfert galaxies show extended structures.
A Challenging Case of Domestically Acquired Leprosy in the Southern United States
Authors: Mohan Shruthi , Fairley Jessica K
Published: February 2020

Hansen’s disease (HD) is rare in the United States, but a steady number of cases are diagnosed annually, especially in southern areas where armadillos are present. Challenges associated with erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), a complication of multibacillary leprosy, call for novel regimens. We present a case of a man with recalcitrant ENL from HD likely acquired in the United States. He required a combination of 4 drugs to control chronic ENL.
The long-term optical activity of the propellers AE Aquarii and AR Scorpii
Authors: Šimon Vojtěch
Published: February 2020

This analysis of the long-term optical activity of the propellers AE Aqr and AR Sco uses data from the Catalina Real-time Transient Survey, DASCH, and AAVSO. The site and character of the emissions from the phenomena caused by the magnetic field of the white dwarf (WD) vary from system to system. The histogram of intensities of the ensemble of flares of AE Aqr suggests that the long-term activity consists of a large variety of the peak magnitudes of the flares, with the probability of their detection gradually decreasing with increasing intensity. Any increase of activity only leads to an increase of the number of blobs of the transferring matter. We also detected a season with a transient decrease or even a cessation of the mass outflow from the donor to the lobe of the WD. The very strong orbital modulation of AR Sco is most stable in the phases of the extrema of brightness for about a century; its minor changes suggest that the trailing side of the synchrotron-emitting region is more unstable than the leading side.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of the NARO World Rice Core Collection (WRC) as the Basis for Diversity and Association Studies
Authors: Tanaka N , Shenton M , Kawahara Y , Kumagai M , Sakai H , Kanamori H , Yonemaru J , Fukuoka S , Sugimoto K , Ishimoto M , Wu J , Ebana K
Published: February 2020

Genebanks provide access to diverse materials for crop improvement. To utilize and evaluate them effectively, core collections, such as the World Rice Core Collection (WRC) in the Genebank at the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, have been developed. Because the WRC consists of 69 accessions with a high degree of genetic diversity, it has been used for >300 projects. To allow deeper investigation of existing WRC data and to further promote research using Genebank rice accessions, we performed whole-genome resequencing of these 69 accessions, examining their sequence variation by mapping against the Oryza sativa ssp. japonica Nipponbare genome. We obtained a total of 2,805,329 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 357,639 insertion–deletions. Based on the principal component analysis and population structure analysis of these data, the WRC can be classified into three major groups. We applied TASUKE, a multiple genome browser to visualize the different WRC genome sequences, and classified haplotype groups of genes affecting seed characteristics and heading date. TASUKE thus provides access to WRC genotypes as a tool for reverse genetics. We examined the suitability of the compact WRC population for genome-wide association studies (GWASs). Heading date, affected by a large number of quantitative trait loci (QTLs), was not associated with known genes, but several seed-related phenotypes were associated with known genes. Thus, for QTLs of strong effect, the compact WRC performed well in GWAS. This information enables us to understand genetic diversity in 37,000 rice accessions maintained in the Genebank and to find genes associated with different phenotypes.

The sequence data have been deposited in DNA Data Bank of Japan Sequence Read Archive (DRA) (Supplementary Table S1).
Two New Drugs for Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Aschenbrenner Diane S.
Published: February 2020

Two drugs, voxelotor (Oxbryta) and crizanlizumab-tmca (Adakveo), have been approved to treat sickle cell disease.

The most common adverse effects of voxelotor are diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, rash, and fever. Hypersensitivity reactions are also possible.

The most common adverse effects of crizanlizumab-tmca are back pain, nausea, fever, and arthralgia. Serious adverse effects include infusion-related reactions and interference with automated platelet counts.
Standardizing the Frequency of Neurologic Assessment After Acute Stroke
Authors: Wells-Pittman Jennifer , Gullicksrud Angela
Published: February 2020

The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is considered the standard for assessing neurologic status after an acute stroke. Currently, there is no guideline for when this assessment should be completed, nor is there consensus on how frequently or for how long.

We initiated a quality improvement project that sought first to determine when and how often nurses at a variety of institutions in our multisite health care system completed the NIHSS assessment and then to identify the minimum frequency at which nurses should complete the assessment. After reviewing the literature and current practices and observing internal and external benchmarks, we set a new standard for all institutions in the system to follow.

The new assessment frequency was based on patient condition and level of care, although that frequency would change if a patient showed new or worsening neurologic changes. The new standard was successfully implemented at all the primary and comprehensive certified stroke centers in our network. Ongoing monitoring confirmed that the frequency of NIHSS assessment met the needs of our patients and ensured staff adherence to the new practice.
Shift Work Adversely Affects Mental Health
Authors: Rosenberg Karen
Published: February 2020

According to this study:

Shift workers, especially women, are at increased risk for poor mental health, particularly regarding symptoms of depression.
Snap Linked to Lower Mortality
Authors: Rosenberg Karen
Published: February 2020

According to this study:

Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is associated with a population-wide reduction of one to two percentage points in the risk of mortality.
Promoting Readiness for Residency: Embedding Simulation-Based Mastery Learning for Breaking Bad News Into the Medicine Subinternship
Authors: Vermylen Julia H. , Wayne Diane B. , Cohen Elaine R. , McGaghie William C. , Wood Gordon J.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

It is challenging to add rigorous, competency-based communication skills training to existing clerkship structures. The authors embedded a simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) curriculum into a medicine subinternship to demonstrate feasibility and determine the impact on the foundational skill of breaking bad news (BBN).

Method

All fourth-year students enrolled in a medicine subinternship at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine from September 2017 through August 2018 were expected to complete a BBN SBML curriculum. First, students completed a pretest with a standardized patient using a previously developed BBN assessment tool. Learners then participated in a 4-hour BBN skills workshop with didactic instruction, focused feedback, and deliberate practice with simulated patients. Students were required to meet or exceed a predetermined minimum passing standard (MPS) at posttest. The authors compared pretest and posttest scores to evaluate the effect of the intervention. Participant demographic characteristics and course evaluations were also collected.

Results

Eighty-five students were eligible for the study, and 79 (93%) completed all components. Although 55/79 (70%) reported having personally delivered serious news to actual patients, baseline performance was poor. Students’ overall checklist performance significantly improved from a mean of 65.0% (SD = 16.2%) items correct to 94.2% (SD = 5.9%; P < .001) correct. There was also statistically significant improvement in scaled items assessing quality of communication, and all students achieved the MPS at mastery posttest. All students stated they would recommend the workshop to colleagues.

Conclusions

It is feasible to embed SBML into a required clerkship. In the context of this study, rigorous SBML resulted in uniformly high levels of skill acquisition, documented competency, and was positively received by learners.
Pediatric Medial Epicondyle Fracture Management: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pezzutti Dante , Lin James S. , Singh Satbir , Rowan Mallory , Balch Samora Julie
Published: February 2020

Background:

There remains controversy surrounding the treatment of pediatric medial epicondyle fractures. This systematic review examines the existing literature with the aim to elucidate optimal management strategies.

Methods:

A systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was executed. All data collection was completed by August 01, 2018. Functional outcomes, diagnostic imaging, athlete management, union rates, ulnar nerve symptoms, surgical methods, surgical positioning, and posttreatment protocols were categorized and recorded. Frequency-weighted mean values were calculated with associated SDs.

Results:

Thirty-seven studies with 1022 patients met the inclusion criteria. Functional outcomes for patients were mostly good following operative and nonoperative management. The most common complication was a slight loss of elbow extension (7.6±5.9 degrees) and flexion (13.3±5.8 degrees). Operative treatment was associated with higher union rates than nonoperative management (700/725, 96% vs. 69/250, 28%; P<0.001). Standard diagnostic imaging techniques to measure displacement were unreliable with a newly proposed axial view having high inter-rater and intrarater reliability. The most common surgical method used was open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wires. Whereas surgical management of patients with associated ulnar nerve symptoms led to symptom resolution, nonoperative management occasionally led to the development of these symptoms. Elbow range of motion was initiated at ~2.8±1.4 (range, 0 to 8 wk) weeks after surgery and 3.4±1.2 (range, 3 to 5 wk) weeks without surgery (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

Although there is still no consensus on treatment of pediatric medial epicondyle fractures, both operative and nonoperative approaches result in good outcomes.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—therapeutic