bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of hexagonal boron nitride impurities in boron nitride nanotubes via FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Harrison Haley , Lamb Jason T. , Nowlin Kyle S. , Guenthner Andrew J. , Ghiassi Kamran B. , Kelkar Ajit D. , Alston Jeffrey R.
Published: March 2019

The peak ratio of in-plane versus out-of-plane FTIR absorbance is proportional to weight% of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) in boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and can be used to quantify the purity of synthesized BNNTs.
Top-down fabrication of ordered arrays of GaN nanowires by selective area sublimation
Authors: Fernández-Garrido Sergio , Auzelle Thomas , Lähnemann Jonas , Wimmer Kilian , Tahraoui Abbes , Brandt Oliver
Published: March 2019

We demonstrate the top-down fabrication of ordered arrays of GaN nanowires by selective area sublimation of pre-patterned GaN(0001) layers.
Photoinduced photoluminescence enhancement in self-assembled clusters of formamidinium lead bromide perovskite nanocrystals
Authors: Ghimire Sushant , Nair Vijayakumar C. , Muthu Chinnadurai , Yuyama Ken-ichi , Vacha Martin , Biju Vasudevanpillai
Published: March 2019

Delayed recombination of photogenerated charge carriers or excitons is accomplished in self-assemblies of perovskite nanocrystals.
Access to P-chiral phosphine oxides by enantioselective allylic alkylation of bisphenols
Authors: Yang Guo-Hui , Li Yao , Li Xin , Cheng Jin-Pei
Published: March 2019

A biscinchona alkaloid-catalyzed AAA reaction for the construction of P-stereogenic center compounds was developed.
A rapid and adaptable lipidomics method for quantitative UPLC-mass spectrometric analysis of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholinein vitro, and in cells
Authors: Stephenson Daniel J. , MacKnight H. Patrick , Hoeferlin L. Alexis , Park Margaret A. , Allegood Jeremy C. , Cardona Christopher L. , Chalfant Charles E.
Published: March 2019

Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) are highly prevalent phospholipids in mammalian membranes.
Tridecaptin-inspired antimicrobial peptides with activity against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Ballantine Ross D. , McCallion Conor E. , Nassour Elie , Tokajian Sima , Cochrane Stephen A.
Published: March 2019

New tridecaptin analogues are cheaper to make and retain strong Gram-negative activity.
Correction: Towards efficient initiators for two-photon induced polymerization: fine tuning of the donor/acceptor properties
Authors: Holzer Brigitte , Lunzer Markus , Rosspeintner Arnulf , Licari Giuseppe , Tromayer Maximilian , Naumov Sergej , Lumpi Daniel , Horkel Ernst , Hametner Christian , Ovsianikov Aleksandr , Liska Robert , Vauthey Eric , Fröhlich Johannes
Published: March 2019

Correction for ‘Towards efficient initiators for two-photon induced polymerization: fine tuning of the donor/acceptor properties’ by Brigitte Holzer et al., Mol. Syst. Des. Eng., 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c8me00101d.
Synthesis of α′′-Fe16N2ribbons with a porous structure
Authors: Liu Jinming , Guo Guannan , Zhang Fan , Wu Yiming , Ma Bin , Wang Jian-Ping
Published: March 2019

The microstructure of FeCuB ribbons (∼20 μm thick) was modified to fabricate α′′-Fe16N2at a temperature as low as 160 °C.
Single-atomic-site cobalt stabilized on nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped carbon for selective oxidation of primary alcohols
Authors: Ji Shufang , Chen Yuanjun , Zhang Zedong , Cheong Weng-Chon , Liu Zirui , Wang Dingsheng , Li Yadong
Published: March 2019

Single-atomic-site Co stabilized on nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped carbon exhibits superior performance for the oxidation of substituted primary alcohols.
An interfacially polymerized self-healing organo/hydro copolymer with shape memory
Authors: Wang Binshuai , Zhai Wenzhong , Fan Jun-Bing , Xu Jun , Zhao Wenpeng , Feng Xianqi
Published: March 2019

An interfacially polymerized organo/hydro copolymer with rapid self-healing and shape memory was demonstrated.
Highly stretchable multi-walled carbon nanotube/thermoplastic polyurethane composite fibers for ultrasensitive, wearable strain sensors
Authors: He Zuoli , Zhou Gengheng , Byun Joon-Hyung , Lee Sang-Kwan , Um Moon-Kwang , Park Byeongjin , Kim Taehoon , Lee Sang Bok , Chou Tsu-Wei
Published: March 2019

In this manuscript, we report a novel highly sensitive wearable strain sensor based on a highly stretchable multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) fiber obtained via a wet spinning process.
The rational design of sandwich-like MnO2–Pd–CeO2 hollow spheres with enhanced activity and stability for CO oxidation
Authors: Zhang Jian , Li Tong , Wang Chang-An , Luo Jing-Li
Published: March 2019

The synthesis process of sandwich-like MnO2–Pd–CeO2 hollow spheres.
DFT mechanistic investigation into phenol dearomatization mediated by an iodine(iii) reagent
Authors: Ganji Babak , Ariafard Alireza
Published: March 2019

The key intermediate for the oxidative dearomatization of phenols by phenyliodine(iii) diacetate (PIDA) was found to be a dearomatized phenolate species.
Correction: Liquid flow-induced electricity in carbon nanomaterials
Authors: Pei Junxian , Huang Jun , Huang Zhi , Liu Kang
Published: March 2019

Correction for ‘Liquid flow-induced electricity in carbon nanomaterials’ by Junxian Pei et al., Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2019, 3, 599–610.
Integrated electromagnetic braking/driving control of electric vehicles using fuzzy inference
Authors: Chen Yu‐Chan , Tu Chia‐Hung , Lin Chun‐Liang
Published: March 2019

Although the antilock braking system (ABS) has been commonly used in electric vehicles (EVs), most of the vehicles still use the traditional hydraulic‐based disc brake in which the driving and the braking systems are two individual modules. A novel integrated driving and braking control system with an ABS for EVs was developed, and an electric scooter was used as the experimental object. While braking, the motor acts as a generator. The autonomously generated inertial energy was used to generate a reverse magnetic braking torque and realise an antilock braking control with fast response. Compared with the existing regenerative and short‐circuit braking methods, the proposed method uses back electromotive force to yield a reverse magnetic braking torque in a sophisticated manner. In the proposed method, a capacitor‐aided regenerative braking strategy was used in an antilock braking controller. For the ABS control design, the slip ratio was maintained within an optimal range for obtaining the best tyre–road surface adhesion using a fuzzy slip ratio controller to prevent the wheel from skidding during emergency braking. For real‐world verification, the electric scooter was subjected to various on‐road tests to examine the performance of the proposed method.
Research on Numerical Calculation for Aerodynamic Characteristics Analysis of Ducted Fan
Authors: Deng Yangping , Mi Baigang , Zhang Yan
Published: March 2019

By taking a typical ducted fan system model as the research object, the unsteady aerodynamics calculation method is established based on slide dynamic mesh technology. After the experimental validation of calculation method, the influence factors of viscous effect, tip clearance and propeller disk location are analyzed based on numerical calculation. The research results show that, the viscous effect embodies the boundary layer interactions between propeller tip and duct, and the calculation accuracy can be improved by considering viscous effect; the tip clearance determines the influence effect of propeller, and the decreasing of tip clearance leads to the increasing of duct thrust; the propeller disk location determines the flow quality and tip clearance, a reasonable location must bring the optimal fairing effect and ensures the tip clearance meeting the design requirements.
Research on Improved Method of Schlick Model Based on BRDF Measurement
Authors: Yang Yao , Ma Wanchao , Wang Zhe , Zhang Kai , Miao Xikui
Published: March 2019

In simulating an infrared scene, the Schlick model uses a commonly-used bidirectional reflection distributional function(BRDF) model. Through simulation and BRDF measurement, this paper points out that the Schlick model is in better agreement with the actual output when the emerging zenith angle is smaller than the incident zenith angle. But when the emerging zenith angle is a certain angle larger than the incident zenith angle, the output of the function value may increase with the increasing emerging zenith angle and may not be in agreement with the actual output. In this paper, a new improved Schlick model is proposed, and a cosine compensation function is designed based on Lambert reflection principle. When the zenith angle is larger than the incident zenith angle, which guarantees the monotonous decreasing of the output of the function through the compensation function when the emerging zenith angle is larger than the incident zenith angle. The results on comparison with experimental data show that the improved Schlick model is basically in agreement with experimental results. The results on comparison with the heightened illumination effect of the fighters model show that the heightened illumination effect produced with the improved Schlick model is superior to that produced with the original Schlick model.
Better Big Data Store for Real-Time Processing of Modern MRO System Via Transaction Key Groups
Authors: Tang Xiaochun , Zhou Jiawen
Published: March 2019

Aim. MRO2 system is a data management platform. It has the ability to manage and store all kinds of data in the product's lifecycle, that is both the mass storage capacity and the scalability are required. For the existing big-data stores for MRO2 systemeither only focus on the storage problem, or only do the scalability issue. In this paper, a two-layer data management model is proposed, in which the top layer uses the memory storage for scalability and the bottom layer uses the distributed key-value storage for mass storage. By adding a middle layer of the key group between the application and the KV storage system, the keys for real-time processing are combined to cache in a node. It satisfies the characteristics of the real-time application and improves the dynamic scalability. The present protocol of the dynamic key groups for real-time distributed computation for MRO2 system is explained in detail. And then the protocol for creating and deleting key groups is introduced. The third topic is an implement of a big-data store for supporting MRO2 system. In this topic, the delay times for creating and deleting the dynamic transaction groups to estimation are used. Finally, the experiments to appraise the present method are done. The response time of the present method is quite efficient in comparison with the other methods to be used inbig data storage systems.
Experiments on High Temperature Mechanical Properties and Stress Distribution Laws on Strain Isolation Pad
Authors: Kong Bin , Yang Jiayong , Wang Man , Zhang Qingmao , Huang Jie , Yao Weixing
Published: March 2019

The tile is the main heat insulation part of a thermal protection system, and is attached to the outer surface of an orbiter through a strain isolation pad (SIP). In order to study its high temperature mechanical properties and stress distribution, experiments on flatwise tension, flatwise compression and flatwise shear are conducted in the environments of the room temperature of 23±2℃ and the 300℃ high temperature. The load-displacement curve, elasticity modulus and failure strain of the SIP are measured and calculated. Compared with the experimental results under the room temperature, the tension, compression and shear elasticity modulus of the SIP in the 300℃ high temperature environment fall by 9.68%, 9.24% and 8.73% respectively, and the tension and shear failure strain of the SIP in the 300℃ high temperature environment fall by 11.59% and 12.81% respectively. So, the high temperature causes the decrease of the stiffness and strength of the SIP. Its stress distribution is studied with the experimental results. Under the influence of tension, compression and shear force, the stress distribution of the SIP shows trends of low middle and high edge. Besides, shear stress and normal stress are produced under shear force, and the normal stress is tensile at one side and compressed at the other side. The above analysis shows that the edge of the SIP is high in stress and easy to damage.
Research on Airspace Planning for Stand-off and Compound Jamming
Authors: Wang Qinghao , Yao Dengkai , Zhao Guhao , Wang Hongwei
Published: March 2019

A radar adopts anti-jamming techniques such as side lobe cancellation and moving target indication, resulting in the worsening of the effects of single active jamming and passive jamming. Therefore a compound jamming strategy was proposed and can effectively respond to the anti-jamming device of the new radar. The conditions for the use of this strategy were defined. Based on the military airspace planning principles, taking into account human error, wind and other errors, the specific process of airspace planning was elaborated. Taking into account the effects of compound jamming and the safety of a jammer, an airspace model for stand-off and compound jamming was established. The Whale Optimization Algorithm (WAO) with Tent chaotic sequence was used to solve the model and the airspaces with different preferences were planned. The simulation results show that the model is scientific and effective. The optimization ability of the WOA of with tent chaotic sequence is better than WAO. In addition, the planning direction is quite different in Simulation 1 and Simulation 2, with a maximum of 99°. The compound jamming for stand-off jamming in airspace planning is more flexible and has more advantages in multiple military planning airspaces.
Analysis of Mode Ⅲ Interface Fracture for Magneto-Electro-Elastic Materials
Authors: Zhou Zhenhuan , Xu Wang , Deng Zichen , Xu Xinsheng , Xu Chenghui
Published: March 2019

A novel finite element discretized symplectic method is developed for analyzing interface fracture of magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) materials under anti-plane loads. The overall cracked body is meshed by conventional finite elements and divided into a finite size singular region near the crack tip (near field) and a regular region far away from the crack tip (far field). In the near field, a based-Hamiltonian model is introduced to find the analytical series expressions, and the large number nodal unknowns are condensed into a small set of the undetermined coefficients of the symplectic series by a transformation. The nodal unknowns in the far field remain unchanged. The stress, electric and magnetic intensity factors, energy release rates (ERRs) and explicit expressions of singular field variables in the near field are simultaneously obtained without any processing.
Research on the Modeling and Simulation of Optimal Dynamic Aerial Ammunition Scheduling and Transportation
Authors: Tian Dehong , He Jianmin , Qi Jie , Sun Haixin
Published: March 2019

To optimize the aerial ammunition scheduling and transportation, both the synergy among all departments of aerial ammunition support system and uncertain factors, such as traffic and attack situations, are taken into consideration in the model. The traffic and attack situations of roads are quantified as crossing time through the model so that the optimization can be simplified into multi-source shortest path problem. Then the optimal transport path of aerial ammunition and combination of storages can be determined by the improved Floyd-Warshall algorithm. Simulation result shows that the dynamic aerial ammunition scheduling and transportation model proposed in this paper is more suitable than traditional model in changing the decision according to the real-time fighting, so as to provide more reliable guarantee of troops.
Plankton community responses to environmentally-relevant agrochemical mixtures
Authors: del Arco Ana , Guerrero Francisco , Jiménez-Gómez Francisco , Parra Gema
Published: March 2019

Chemicals do not occur alone in the environment but most ecotoxicological assessments target the effect of single chemicals on aquatic communities and the establishment of legal limits is based on them. The present study assesses how plankton communities respond to single and mixture treatments of copper sulphate and ammonium nitrate where both agrochemical concentrations are below legal limits. Twenty-five microcosms were used to assess the effects of four treatments (n = 5): (1) low nitrate (L) of 25 mg L−1; (2) high nitrate (H) of 50 mg L−1; (3) copper treatment (CU) of 0.04 mg L−1of copper; and (4) interaction treatment (I) of 50 mg L−1of nitrate applied together with 0.04 mg L−1of copper, and the controls (C). Plankton abundance, phytoplankton biovolume and zooplankton community structure (changes in the diversity and richness) were used as structural endpoints, and oxygen production and litter decomposition as functional indicators. Overall, results show no effect on the plankton community exposed to agrochemical under legal limits in single neither in mixture treatments. Only by the end of the experiment, total zooplankton abundance shows differences between interaction treatment (I) and the rest of the treatments and controls. Concretely, the interaction treatment suggests how a nutrient enhancement from ammonium nitrate addition may counterbalance the toxic effect of copper sulphate on zooplankton, most likely as a result of higher phytoplankton availability that positively influences zooplankter survival. Both drastic and subtle effects on communities are relevant for disentangling how chemicals interact under European current legal limits.
Three-dimensional stress-based topology optimization using SIMP method
Authors: Gebremedhen Hailu Shimels , Woldemicahel Dereje Engida , Hashim Fakheruldin M.
Published: March 2019

Structural topology optimization problems have been formulated and solved to minimize either compliance or weight of a design domain under volume or stress constraints. The introduction of three-dimensional analysis is a more realistic approach to many applications in industry and research, but most of the developments in stress-based topology optimization are two-dimensional. This article presents an extension of two-dimensional stress-based topology optimization into three-dimensional using SIMP method. The article includes a mathematical model for three-dimensional stress-based topology optimization problems and sensitivity analysis. The article also includes finite element analysis used to compute stress induced in the design domains. The developed model is validated using benchmark problems and the results are compared with three-dimensional compliance-based formulation. From the results, it was clear that the developed model can generate optimal topologies that can sustain applied loads under the boundary conditions defined.
Trabecular Bone Score, Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism 2 Years After Parathyroidectomy
Authors: Miguel Gonzalo , Carranza Federico , Rodríguez Juan , Ramos Mercedes , Pablos David , Herrero Eduardo , Díaz-Guerra Guillermo
Published: March 2019

Following a parathyroidectomy there is a bone mineral density (BMD) improvement in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. However, data of bone microarchitecture are scarce. Trabecular bone score (TBS) estimates bone microarchitecture and could provide valuable information in those patients. The aim of this study is to assess TBS changes 2 years after successful surgery in a group of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and correlate these results with changes in BMD and bone turnover markers. This is a prospective study including 32 patients. In all participants BMD and TBS were measured, before and 24 months after surgery. Biochemical data: serum calcium, PTH, 25-OH-vitamin D, beta-crosslaps, bone alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin. 25 female and 7 male patients, mean age 64.6±12.4 years, were included in the study. At baseline, BMD was low at: lumbar spine (T-score −2.19±1.31), total hip (−1.33±1.12), femoral neck (−1.75±0.84), and distal one-third radius (−2.74±1.68). Baseline TBS showed partially degraded microarchitecture (1.180±0.130). After parathyroidectomy lumbar spine BMD increased significantly (5.3±13.0%, p<0.05), as well as total hip (3.8±8.8%, p<0.05). There was an increase in TBS, but this was not significant. There was a correlation between TBS and BAP at baseline (rs=0.73; p<0.01) and TBS and BAP 2 years after surgery (rs=0.57, p<0.05). Although bone density improves 2 years after surgery in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and there is a restoration of bone turnover markers, TBS is not completely restored. These results remark the necessity of longer periods of study, to confirm if bone microarchitecture could be completely restored after surgery.
Synthesis and Characterization of Acridinium Dyes for Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: White Alexander , Wang Leifeng , Nicewicz David
Published: March 2019

Photoredox catalysis is a rapidly evolving platform for synthetic methods development. The prominent use of acridinium salts as a sustainable option for photoredox catalysts has driven the development of more robust and synthetically useful versions based on this scaffold. However, more complicated syntheses, increased cost, and limited commercial availability have hindered the adoption of these catalysts by the greater synthetic community. By utilizing the direct conversion of a xanthylium salt into the corresponding acridinium as the key transformation, we present an efficient and scalable preparation of the most synthetically useful acridinium reported to date. This divergent strategy also enabled the preparation of a suite of novel acridinium dyes, allowing for a systematic investigation of substitution effects on their photophysical properties.
Clinical and Laboratory Features of Patients with Acquired Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Fourteen Years of the Milan TTP Registry
Authors: Mancini Ilaria , Pontiggia Silvia , Palla Roberta , Artoni Andrea , Valsecchi Carla , Ferrari Barbara , Mikovic Danijela , Peyvandi Flora ,   for the Italian Group of TTP Investigators
Published: March 2019

Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare thrombotic microangiopathy caused by the immune-mediated severe deficiency of ADAMTS13. We hereby report the demographic and disease-related data of acquired TTP patients recorded in the Milan TTP Registry (www.ttpdatabase.org). We performed a cross-sectional study of 302 individuals enrolled in our registry for an acute episode of acquired TTP occurred between 2002 and 2015 (female 77%; median age at onset 40 years, interquartile range: 30–50). Twenty per cent of patients had concomitant autoimmune disorders. Among potential triggers of acute episodes, infections were the most prevalent (27%), followed by estroprogestinics use and pregnancy (5 and 4% of women, respectively). At presentation, systemic (72%), bleeding (68%) and neurological (43%) symptoms were the most frequent, whereas a lower prevalence of renal (18%) and cardiovascular (10%) signs and symptoms was observed. Almost all acute events were treated by plasma exchange and steroids, and 15% by rituximab. Exacerbation of acute TTP occurred in 15% of events. The TTP-related mortality was 5%. In survivors, the median number of plasma exchange procedures to remission was 9 (interquartile range: 6–14), longer for first events than relapses (median difference 3, 95% confidence interval: 2–4). Of 251 survivors of the first TTP episode with at least a 6-month follow-up, 55% had a relapse. In conclusion, acquired TTP is a severe disease with highly variable clinical presentation, usually requiring a long hospitalization. The Milan TTP Registry represents a powerful tool to improve our knowledge and management of acquired TTP.
Transferrin Saturation Inversely Correlates with Platelet Function
Authors: Barale Cristina , Senkeev Rouslan , Napoli Franca , De Gobbi Marco , Guerrasio Angelo , Morotti Alessandro , Russo Isabella
Published: March 2019

Background The association between iron overload (IO) and risk of cardiovascular disease is controversial. Epidemiological studies have found a significant negative association of transferrin (Tf) saturation and cardiovascular events suggesting that higher body iron possibly confer a protective effect towards developing cardiovascular events. The biological mechanisms of this phenomenon are unknown.

Objective This article investigates the role of IO on platelet reactivity.

Materials and Methods This study was a prospective case–control study comparing 45 patients with IO, mostly characterized by the HFE gene mutations C282Y and/or H63D, with 32 healthy controls. We evaluated: (1) platelet aggregation in both platelet-rich plasma and whole blood, (2) platelet membrane expression of the activation marker CD62P, (3) activation of platelet signalling phosphoinositide 3-kinase /Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinases (Erk)-1/2 pathways, (4) a pattern of in vivo platelet activation markers, and (5) iron biomarker predictors of platelet reactivity.

Results IO patients had significantly lower platelet aggregability, expression of CD62P and phosphorylation amounts of pAkt and pErk-2 in response to agonists. Furthermore, patients with higher Tf saturation levels were characterized by lower circulating levels of sCD40L, PDGF-BB and thromboxane B2. Platelet aggregation and activation parameters inversely correlated with Tf saturation and the stepwise multivariate regression analysis underlined the role of Tf saturation in predicting platelet reactivity. We also found that in vitro platelet exposure to diferric Tf, but not to iron-depleted TF, dose-dependently inhibited platelet function in all investigated subjects.

Conclusion Tf saturation is inversely associated with platelet reactivity and this could explain, at least in part, the association of high Tf and lower risk of cardiovascular diseases in IO.
Are Joint Surgeons Being Adequately Compensated for Single-Component versus Double-Component Revision TKA? An Analysis of Relative Value Units
Authors: Malik Azeem Tariq , Scharschmidt Thomas J. , Li Mengnai , Jain Nikhil , Khan Safdar N.
Published: March 2019

Relative value units (RVUs) are used for ensuring that physicians are appropriately reimbursed based on case complexity. While past research has elucidated that surgeons are reimbursed at a higher rate for primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) versus revision TKA, no study has explored differences in reimbursements between single-component and double-component revisions, considering a double-component revision is likely to require more effort/skill as compared with single-component revision. The 2015 to 2016 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program files were queried using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for single-component revision TKA (CPT-27486) and double-component revision TKA (CPT-27487). A total of 1,962 single-component and 4,184 double component revisions were performed during this period. Total RVUs, RVU/min, and dollar amount/min were calculated for each case. The mean RVU was 21.12 and 27.11 for single-component and double-component revision TKAs, respectively. A statistically significant difference was noted in mean operative time (single component = 100.44 vs. double component = 144.29; p < 0.001) between the two groups. Single-component revision had a significantly higher mean RVU/min (0.267) versus double-component revision (0.223). The reimbursement amounts calculated for single-component versus double-component revisions were per minute ($9.58/min vs. $8.00/min), per case ($962.22 vs. $1,154.32), and per day ($5,773.32 vs. $4,617.28) with a projected annualized cost difference of $184,966. Orthopaedic surgeons are reimbursed at a higher rate for single-component revision TKAs as compared with double-component revision TKAs, despite the higher complexity and longer operative times required in the latter. The study highlights the need for a change in the RVUs for either double-component or single-component revision to ensure reimbursement per unit time is adequate for performing a complex case such as double-component revision TKA.
Improved Dynamics of Thoracic Cage and Exercise Capacity after Nuss Repair for Pectus Excavatum
Authors: Yeh Shu-Wei , Yang Mei-Chen , Chang Yi-Wei , Hsu Yu-Ting , Tzeng I-Shiang , Cheng Yeung-Leung
Published: March 2019

Background Pectus excavatum (PE) reduces the dynamics of the thoracic cage, with a negative impact on exercise capacity. We aimed to evaluate the effects of Nuss repair for PE on the dynamics of the thoracic cage and exercise capacity in adults.

Methods This was a prospective observational study of 46 adults (mean age, 26.2 years) who underwent PE correction using the Nuss procedure between September 2016 and August 2017. Cirtometry was used to obtain measures of thoracic cage circumference at two levels (axillary level [AL] and xyphoid level [XL]), at the end points of inspiration and expiration. Circumference measures were obtained before surgery and at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Exercise capacity was also evaluated using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). The association between the 6MWT data and cirtometry measures was evaluated using Pearson's correlation.

Results The circumference at maximum inspiration increased from baseline to 3 months after surgery (p < 0.01), at both the AL (84.5 ± 4.9 vs. 88.5 ± 5.1 cm) and XL (80.1 ± 4.8 vs. 83.7 ± 5.1 cm). The 6MWT also significantly improved from baseline to 3 months after surgical correction (544.7 ± 64.1 vs. 637.3 ± 59.4 m, p < 0.01), with this improvement being correlated to the increase in thoracic circumference on maximal inspiration at both the AL and XL (0.8424 and 0.7951, respectively).

Conclusion Improved dynamics of the thoracic cage were achieved after Nuss repair for PE in adults. This increase in thoracic circumference at maximum inspiration was associated with an improvement in exercise capacity at 3 months after surgery.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery of Cavernous Sinus Meningiomas
Authors: Rueß Daniel , Fritsche Fenja , Grau Stefan , Treuer Harald , Hoevels Mauritius , Kocher Martin , Baues Christian , Ruge Maximilian I.
Published: March 2019

Objective Microsurgical resection of cavernous sinus meningiomas (CSM) is associated with a high rate of incomplete resection, recurrence, and the risk for permanent, severe cranial nerve deficits. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has evolved as alternative treatment for primary and recurrent CSM. Here, we report about the long-term clinical and radiological follow-up (FU) of a unique cohort of patients with CSM treated with LINAC or Cyberknife based SRS.

Methods In this single-center retrospective analysis, we include all patients with CSM who underwent single fraction SRS between 1993 and 2016. Clinical and radiological tumor control were evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Additionally, patient data were analyzed in terms of symptom control and incidence of side effects rated by the common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE; v4.03).

Results 116 patients (female/male = 91/25; median age, 54 years; range, 33–82 years) were included. Mean tumor volume was 5.7 ± 3.3 cm3 (range, 0.6–16.2 cm3), the median marginal dose was 12.6 Gy applied to isodose levels of 75%. Median clinical FU was 55 months (range, 3–226 months). Tumor control was 98% after 2 and 5 years and 90% after 10 years. Twelve patients (10.3%) had permanent or transient radiation related toxicity (CTCAE I–III). An improvement of symptoms was observed in 26.7% of the symptomatic patients (n = 20 of 75).

Conclusion SRS for CSM provides excellent long-term tumor and symptom control without considerable permanent side effects. Thus, SRS should be considered when counseling patients suffering from CSM.
Mechanisms of DNA hybridization: Transition path analysis of a simulation-informed Markov model
Authors: Jin Raymond , Maibaum Lutz
Published: March 2019

Complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) strands in solution reliably hybridize to form stable duplexes. We study the kinetics of the hybridization process and the mechanisms by which two initially isolated strands come together to form a stable double helix. We adopt a multi-step computational approach. First, we perform a large number of Brownian dynamics simulations of the hybridization process using the coarse-grained oxDNA2 model. Second, we use these simulations to construct a Markov state model of DNA dynamics that uses a state decomposition based on the inter-strand hydrogen bonding pattern. Third, we take advantage of transition path theory to obtain quantitative information about the thermodynamic and dynamic properties of the hybridization process. We find that while there is a large ensemble of possible hybridization pathways, there is a single dominant mechanism in which an initial base pair forms close to either end of the nascent double helix, and the remaining bases pair sequentially in a zipper-like fashion. We also show that the number of formed base pairs by itself is insufficient to describe the transition state of the hybridization process.
Continuous cell culture monitoring using a compact microplate reader with a silicone optical technology-based spatial filter
Authors: Nakashima Y. , Kounoura M. , Malasuk C. , Nakakubo K. , Watanabe N. , Iwata S. , Morita K. , Oki Y. , Kuhara S. , Tashiro K. , Nakanishi Y.
Published: March 2019

Continuous cell monitoring is very important for the maintenance and control of cell multiplication and differentiation. This paper presents a compact microplate reader that is able to continuously measure a 24-well microplate (6 × 4 wells) using the optical absorption measurement method. The 24-channel plate reader consisted of a spatial filter, light emitting diode light source, and color sensors and was similarly sized with the cell culture microwell plates. A spatial filter was previously fabricated by our group using silicone optical technology (SOT). This SOT-based spatial filter has an excellent noise reduction effect. Light reflection at the optical path interface can be absorbed and only forward light can be transmitted; accordingly, a larger S/N ratio than that of conventional optical systems is expected. The fabricated 24-channel plate reader permits real-time cell monitoring during cultivation on the clean bench and in cell culture conditions by incorporating the SOT spatial filter. Using the device, it was possible to continuously evaluate the concentration and pH of reagents in the 24 wells in real time. Moreover, cell activity and protein production were detectable using the device. These results suggest that the newly fabricated device is a promising tool for the evaluation of cell behaviors for cell management.
Passing-over leading-edge vortex: The thrust booster in heaving airfoil
Authors: Gao An-Kang , Zou Shu-Fan , Shi Yipeng , Wu J. Z.
Published: March 2019

The thrust generated by heaving airfoil in incompressible flow is studied both numerically and theoretically. It is found that the behaviors of leading-edge vortex (LEV) under different airfoil’s transverse velocities have an important influence on the thrust. When this velocity is small, the LEV is advected downstream regularly; however, as transverse velocity increases, the LEV can be pushed back to the leading edge again and pass over it to the opposite side of the airfoil. In cases with the LEV passing over the leading edge, the maximum transient thrust can be enhanced by several times compared with that in the single-stroke motion. The reason and critical condition for the occurrence of passing-over leading-edge vortex (PO-LEV) are found. Based on the source of the pressure Poisson equation, a near-field force theory is developed and used together with the boundary vorticity flux (BVF) theory to clarify the thrust enhancement mechanisms.
Fabrication of organic field effect transistors using directed assembled and transfer printed carbon nanotube source/drain electrodes
Authors: Chai Zhimin , Jeong Hobin , Abbasi Salman A. , Busnaina Ahmed A.
Published: March 2019

Printing processes are increasingly used in the fabrication of organic field effect transistors (OFETs) owing to their merits of low cost, low processing temperature, vacuum-free nature, and compatibility with various substrates. Among various printing processes, transfer printing is preferable because of its high resolution and pattern fidelity. Here, we fabricate OFETs using directed assembled and transfer printed carbon nanotube (CNT) source/drain electrodes. The CNT electrodes are selectively assembled on a Damascene template using an electrophoretic directed assembly based inking process and then transferred onto a polyurethane film on a silicon substrate with a high pattern fidelity. Selective inking and direct transfer without sacrificial layers or intermediate transfer steps enable a high material efficiency and a low cost of our fabrication process. The fabricated OFETs with a spin-coated 2,7-dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene semiconducting film show typical p-type behavior with an on/off ratio of approximately 105, implying great potential to use our method for practical OFET fabrication.
X-ray analysis methods for sources from self-modulated laser wakefield acceleration driven by picosecond lasers
Authors: King P. M. , Lemos N. , Shaw J. L. , Milder A. L. , Marsh K. A. , Pak A. , Hegelich B. M. , Michel P. , Moody J. , Joshi C. , Albert F.
Published: March 2019

A versatile set of methods for analyzing x-ray energy spectra and photon flux has been developed for laser plasma accelerator experiments driven by picosecond lasers. Forward fit provides extrapolated broad energy spectrum measurements, while Ross pair and differential average transmission analysis provide directly measured data points using a particular diagnostic. Combining these methods allows the measurement of x-ray energy spectra with improved confidence. We apply the methods to three diagnostics (filter wheel, stacked image plate spectrometer, and step wedge), each sensitive to a different region of x-ray energies (<40 keV, 35–100 keV, and 60–1000 keV, respectively), to characterize the analysis methods using laser-driven bremsstrahlung x-rays. We then apply the methods to measure three x-ray mechanisms, betatron, inverse Compton scattering, and bremsstrahlung, driven by a laser plasma accelerator. The analysis results in the measurement of x-ray energy spectra ranging from 10 keV to 1 MeV with peak flux greater than 1010 photons/keV/Sr. The combined analysis methods provide a robust tool to accurately measure broadband x-ray sources (keV to MeV) driven by laser plasma acceleration with picosecond, kilojoule-class lasers.
Optically reversible deformation of azobenzene particles prepared by a colloidal method
Authors: Ohdaira Yasuo , Ikeda Yuki , Oka Hisaki , Shinbo Kazunari
Published: March 2019

Optical reversibility of deformation of azobenzene particles prepared by a colloidal method is demonstrated. Linearly polarized laser light modifies the shape of the azo particles through photoisomerization of the azo molecules. We found that the oblique incidence of a single laser beam can reversibly deform the azo particles into shapes, including spherical, elliptical, and rod shapes, through simple adjustment of the polarization direction and irradiation time of the laser light. The direction of the long axis of the ellipsoid was sequentially controlled by selecting the polarization direction of obliquely incident laser light, although the normal incidence never rotated the ellipsoidal direction under any polarization direction. The reversibility of the changes in the azo particle shape was confirmed in cyclic optical deformation experiments.
Longitudinal phonon plasmon mode coupling in
β
-Ga2O3
Authors: Schubert Mathias , Mock Alyssa , Korlacki Rafał , Knight Sean , Galazka Zbigniew , Wagner Günther , Wheeler Virginia , Tadjer Marko , Goto Ken , Darakchieva Vanya
Published: March 2019

In this letter, we investigate a set of n-type single crystals of monoclinic symmetry β-Ga2O3 with different free electron concentration values by generalized far infrared and infrared spectroscopic ellipsometry. In excellent agreement with our previous model prediction, we find here by experiment that longitudinal-phonon-plasmon coupled modes are polarized either within the monoclinic plane or perpendicular to the monoclinic plane. As predicted, all modes change the amplitude and frequency with the free electron concentration. The most important observation is that all longitudinal-phonon-plasmon coupled modes polarized within the monoclinic plane continuously change their direction as a function of free electron concentration.
Superatom spin-state dynamics of structurally precise metal monolayer-protected clusters (MPCs)
Authors: Williams Lenzi J. , Herbert Patrick J. , Tofanelli Marcus A. , Ackerson Christopher J. , Knappenberger Kenneth L.
Published: March 2019

Electronic spin-state dynamics were studied for a series of Au25(SC8H9)18q and Au24Pd(SC8H9)18 monolayer-protected clusters (MPCs) prepared in a series of oxidation states, q, including q = −1, 0, +1. These clusters were chosen for study because Au25(SC8H9)18−1 is a closed-shell superatomic cluster, but Au25(SC8H9)180 is an open-shell (7-electron) system; Au25(SC8H9)18+1 and PdAu24(SC8H9)180 are isoelectronic (6-electron) closed-shell systems. Carrier dynamics for electronic fine structure spin states were isolated using femtosecond time-resolved circularly polarized transient-absorption spectroscopy (fs-CPTA). Excitation energies of 1.82 eV and 1.97 eV were chosen for these measurements on Au25(SC8H9)180 in order to achieve resonance matching with electronic fine structure transitions within the superatomic P- and D-orbital manifolds; 1.82-eV excited an unpaired Pz electron to D states, whereas 1.97-eV was resonant with transitions between filled Px and Py subshells and higher-energy D orbitals. fs-CPTA measurements revealed multiple spin-polarized transient signals for neutral (open shell) Au25(SC8H9)18, following 1.82-eV excitation, which persisted for several picoseconds; time constants of 5.03 ± 0.38 ps and 2.36 ± 0.59 ps were measured using 2.43 and 2.14 eV probes, respectively. Polarization-dependent fs-CPTA measurements of PdAu24(SC8H9)18 clusters exhibit no spin-conversion dynamics, similar to the isoelectronic Au25(SC8H9)18+1 counterpart. These observations of cluster-specific dynamics resulted from spin-polarized superatom P to D excitation, via an unpaired Pz electron of the open-shell seven-electron Au25(SC8H9)18 MPC. These results suggest that MPCs may serve as structurally well-defined prototypes for understanding spin and quantum state dynamics in nanoscale metal systems.
Model for integrated care for chronic disease in the Australian context: Western Sydney Integrated Care Program
Authors: Cheung N. Wah , Crampton Michael , Nesire Victoria , Hng Tien-Ming , Chow Clara K. ,   On behalf of the Western Sydney Integrated Care Program Investigators
Published: March 2019

Objective To describe the implementation of a model of integrated care for chronic disease in Western Sydney. This model was established on the basis of a partnership between the Local Health District and the Primary Health Network. Methods The Western Sydney Integrated Care Program (WSICP) focuses on people with type 2 diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and coronary artery disease or congestive cardiac failure. We describe the design of the program, the processes involved and some of the challenges and barriers to integration. Results Early data indicate a high uptake of services, with some evidence of a reduction in hospital admissions and presentations to the emergency department. Conclusion A model of integrated care has been successfully implemented and embedded into local practices. Preliminary data suggest that this is having an impact on the utilisation of hospital services. What is known about the topic? There is evidence that integrated models can improve cost-effectiveness and the quality of clinical care for people with chronic disease. However, most integrated models are small scale, focus on very specific populations and generally do not engage both primary care and acute hospitals. What does this paper add? This paper describes an effective partnership between state-funded hospital services in the WSLHD and the federally funded local Primary Health Network (PHN) of general practitioners. The paper outlines the design of the program and the structural, governance and clinical steps taken to embed integrated care into everyday clinical practice. In addition, preliminary results indicate a reduction in the use of hospital services by people who have received integrated care services. What are the implications for practitioners? Involvement of both primary care and the public hospital system is important for a successful and sustainable integrated care program. This is a long and challenging process, but it can lead to positive effects not just for individuals, but also for the health system as a whole.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of five Medicago varieties reveals the genetic signals underlying freezing tolerance
Authors: Xu Lijun , Tang Xuejuan , Wang Bo , Xin Xiaoping , Sun Qizhong , Li Yalu , Chen Jinqiang , Qing Gele , Guo Mingying
Published: March 2019

Medicago plants such as M. sativa (lucerne, alfalfa) are important forage all over the world. Freezing-tolerance capacity is one of the key determinants of the survival and production of Medicago. In order to explore the molecular basis underlying freezing tolerance, we sequenced the root transcriptomes of five Medicago varieties belonging to two species, M. sativa and M. varia, and compared their gene expression and molecular evolution. A range of 19.5–23.8 Gb clean bases was obtained, and de novo transcriptome assembly generated 205238–268520 unigenes. The GO (Gene Ontology) terms of basic biological processes such as binding, cell and metabolism were most represented for the unigenes. In addition, a large number of unigenes related to GO terms and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways of membrane, signalling, transcription and response to stimulus were identified in functional annotation. In total, 12455 orthologs were identified among the five Medicago varieties. Among the orthologs, many unigenes that directly related to freezing tolerance were highly expressed in all five varieties, including genes for WRKY transcription factors, calcium-binding factors, and antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and ascorbate peroxidase. Molecular evolution testing showed that the unigenes involved in membrane shared high Ka/Ks (non-synonymous/synonymous substitution rate) across all the five Medicago varieties. Positively selected genes were mainly involved in transcription regulation, metabolism and signal transduction. Our study provides a large transcriptome dataset in the Medicago genus and brings new insights into the freezing tolerance for Medicago species.