bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction: The design of Janus black phosphorus quantum dots@metal–organic nanoparticles for simultaneously enhancing environmental stability and photodynamic therapy efficiency
Authors: Zhang Da , Lin Ziguo , Lan Shanyou , Sun Haiyan , Zeng Yongyi , Liu Xiaolong
Published: October 2019

Correction for ‘The design of Janus black phosphorus quantum dots@metal–organic nanoparticles for simultaneously enhancing environmental stability and photodynamic therapy efficiency’ by Da Zhang et al., Mater. Chem. Front., 2019, 3, 656–663.
Textures of the tumour microenvironment
Authors: Di Martino Julie S , Mondal Chandrani , Bravo-Cordero Jose Javier
Published: October 2019

In this review, we present recent findings on the dynamic nature of the tumour microenvironment (TME) and how intravital microscopy studies have defined TME components in a spatiotemporal manner. Intravital microscopy has shed light into the nature of the TME, revealing structural details of both tumour cells and other TME co-habitants in vivo, how these cells communicate with each other, and how they are organized in three-dimensional space to orchestrate tumour growth, invasion, dissemination and metastasis. We will review different imaging tools, imaging reporters and fate-mapping strategies that have begun to uncover the complexity of the TME in vivo.
Speech Deterioration of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Before and After Diagnosis: A Case Study of a Newscaster
Authors: Watkins Emily , Thompson Austin , Kim Yunjung
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This case study traced speech deterioration in an individual before and after the time of diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Our participant was diagnosed with spinal-onset, familial ALS in 2017. The speaker's occupation, a professional newscaster for 37 years, allowed a retrospective examination of her speech during news segments over 37 months around the diagnosis, including prediagnosis.

Method

A total of 6 time points were selected to track auditory-perceptual and acoustic speech deterioration (2 years, 14 months, and 7 months prior to diagnosis; the month of diagnosis; and 7 months and 12 months after diagnosis). For perceptual ratings, 2 experts in motor speech disorders rated 17 speech dimensions on a 7-point scale. Four acoustic parameters were chosen for measurement: articulation rate, utterance duration, second formant frequency slope, and acoustic vowel space. Additionally, kinematic data were obtained from 1 time-point (8 months postdiagnosis) and descriptively compared to the movement of other individuals with ALS and to healthy speakers.

Results

As expected, both perceptual and acoustic results indicated a decline in the selected speech measures as the disease progressed. More interestingly, the measures showed a consistent curvilinear appearance in which the speech parameters exhibit an improvement until immediately before and around the diagnosis, followed by sudden, drastic deterioration. Kinematic results indicated a greater degree of movement and speed compared to healthy speakers, probably due to the speaker's occupation.

Conclusions

Based on the findings, the time around diagnosis is considered a critical period with respect to speech deterioration in ALS wherein a dynamic, increasing–decreasing pattern of changes occur. This finding appears to reflect the patient's compensatory strategies and the speech deficits associated with bulbar involvement.
Techno‐economic comparison of rooftop‐mounted PVs and small wind turbines: a case study for Brussels
Authors: Deltenre Quentin , De Troyer Tim , Runacres Mark C.
Published: October 2019

As rooftops in cities are mostly underused, they have a large potential for decentralised electricity production. In that context, photovoltaic (PV) panels have proven to be an effective solution. Meanwhile, the market of small wind turbines is increasing, and some building owners have already installed one or more units on their roof. While the economic comparison between PV panels and wind turbines has already largely been addressed, in general, the space constraint of a rooftop has never been taken into account. In this work, the authors propose a methodology to compare the energy production and the return on investment both for rooftop‐mounted PV panels and wind turbines. The comparison is made for relatively tall buildings (≥60 m) with good wind conditions (≥5 m/s annual mean wind speed). Using a brute‐force approach, this study presents the results of the methodology applied to a case study: the Brussels Region. On tall rooftops, considering the space already taken by other installations and assuming an average wind speed of 5 m/s, small building‐mounted wind turbines are shown to produce more energy than PV panels. Nevertheless, their return on investment is always lower than that of the PV panels.
Assessment of subsynchronous oscillations in AC grid‐connected VSC systems with type‐4 wind turbines
Authors: Sainz Luis , Monjo Lluis , Cheah‐Mane Marc , Liang Jun
Published: October 2019

Converters are the key for increasing the development of renewable energy generation but their dynamic interaction with the grid has an important impact on stability. Oscillatory instabilities in different grid‐connected converter systems at several frequency ranges are reported. In particular, sub and supersynchronous oscillatory instabilities in AC power systems with type‐3 and type‐4 wind turbine generators (WTGs) were recently registered at several wind farm areas. A number of works based on eigenvalue analysis and frequency domain approaches are carried out to analyse this new stability issue and more research is going on to analyse in detail the electric and control parameters that may affect this phenomenon. This study contributes analysing in detail the influence of system parameters on the subsynchronous oscillations (SSOs) in AC power systems with type‐4 WTGs. This study is based on a new approach for subsynchronous stability assessment which could also be used for analysing other types of SSOs (e.g. subsynchronous control interactions between doubly‐fed induction generators and series‐compensated networks) as well as supersynchronous oscillations. A representative example of weak AC grids with type‐4 WTGs is used to illustrate the contributions of the study. Results are validated with PSCAD/EMTDC time‐domain simulations.
Model predictive virtual power control of brushless doubly‐fed induction generator for fast and smooth grid synchronisation
Authors: Wei Xinchi , Cheng Ming , Luo Rensong , Xu Litong , Zhu Jianguo
Published: October 2019

This study presents a model predictive virtual power control (MPVPC) method for brushless doubly‐fed induction generator (BDFIG) during the grid synchronisation process. Predictive virtual power model is developed for the first time based on the defined virtual power and state‐space equation of BDFIG. The control characteristics of virtual power are analysed to explain clearly how to realise grid synchronisation condition through the control of virtual power. The MPVPC controller is then designed to unify the control structure during the transition from the grid synchronisation mode to the grid connected mode, and only flux feedback needs to be changed between these two modes. The consistency between theoretical analysis and actual performance is confirmed by the results of both numerical simulation and experimental tests. As demonstrated, the proposed MPVPC controller can achieve fast and smooth grid synchronisation and excellent decoupled control of active power and reactive power.
Real‐time implementation of battery bank charge–discharge based on neural inverse optimal control
Authors: Lopez‐Garcia Tania B. , Sanchez Edgar N. , Ruiz‐Cruz Riemann
Published: October 2019

In a renewable energy generation system, the batteries are one of the main components for energy storage. To maximise the useful life of batteries, it is important to ensure a safe and effective rate in the process of battery charging and discharging. To control these processes, different electronic circuits can be used, of which, the most commonly implemented is the DC–DC buck–boost converter. Two different topologies with their corresponding controllers are needed because the energy transfer is bidirectional. This work develops a unique neural inverse optimal controller with online identification for both charge and discharge processes of the battery bank. The main feature of the proposed controller is that it does not present dependence on the converter parameter variations; for this reason, it can be applied for systems with different power requirements without considerable changes in its application. This study discusses the development and real‐time operation of a neural controller based on the inverse optimal control algorithm for charge–discharge of a battery bank.
Update Lungenarterienembolie
Authors: Stimpfle Fabian , Geisler Tobias
Published: October 2019

Die korrekte Behandlung der Lungenarterienembolie beginnt mit einer frühzeitigen multimodalen Einschätzung des Risikos unter Berücksichtigung der klinischen Vorhersagekraft, Laborparametern und bildmorphologischen Risikomerkmalen. Während die Lysetherapie hauptsächlich Patienten mit Schocksituation vorbehalten ist, kann sie bei ausgewählten stabilen Patienten mit intermediär hohem Risiko und vertretbarem Blutungsrisiko ebenfalls in Betracht gezogen werden. Im Niedrigrisikobereich ist eine ambulante Behandlung vertretbar. Neue Aspekte umfassen auch den Einsatz von kathetergestützen Reperfusionsmaßnahmen, sowie Algorithmen, um das Langzeitrezidivrisiko als auch die Entwicklung einer chronisch thrombembolischen pulmonalen Hypertonie frühzeitig zu erkennen. Der Vorteil der verlängerten Sekundärprophylaxe nach Lungenarterienembolie ist bei bestimmten Patienten durch Anwendung von klinischen Vorhersagemodellen und auch im Bereich der Tumorerkrankungen durch aktuelle Studiendaten belegt worden. Dieser Übersichtsartikel dient als Update unter Berücksichtigung der aktuellen Entwicklung und liefert Perspektiven über derzeit laufende Studien zur Klärung von offenen Fragen in der Behandlung der Lungenarterienembolie.
Intermediate Dose Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin for Thrombosis Prophylaxis: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Eck Ruben J. , Bult Wouter , Wetterslev Jørn , Gans Reinold O.B. , Meijer Karina , Keus Frederik , van der Horst Iwan C.C.
Published: October 2019

Different doses of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) are registered and used for thrombosis prophylaxis. We assessed benefits and harms of thrombosis prophylaxis with a predefined intermediate-dose LMWH compared with placebo or no treatment in patients at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). We performed a systematic review with meta-analyses and trial sequential analyses (TSA) following The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Medline, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Embase were searched up to December 2018. Trials were evaluated for risk of bias and quality of evidence was assessed following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Seventy randomized trials with 34,046 patients were included. Eighteen (26%) had overall low risk of bias. There was a small statistically significant effect of LMWH on all-cause mortality (risk ratio [RR]: 0.96; TSA-adjusted confidence interval [TSA-adjusted CI]: 0.94–0.98) which disappeared in sensitivity analyses excluding ambulatory cancer patients (RR: 0.99; TSA-adjusted CI: 0.84–1.16). There was moderate-quality evidence for a statistically significant beneficial effect on symptomatic VTE (odds ratio [OR]: 0.59; TSA-adjusted CI: 0.53–0.67; number needed to treat [NNT]: 76; 95% CI: 60–106) and a statistically significant harmful effect on major bleeding (Peto OR: 1.66; TSA-adjusted CI: 1.31–2.10; number needed to harm [NNH]: 212; 95% CI: 142–393). There were no significant intervention effects on serious adverse events. The use of intermediate-dose LMWH for thrombosis prophylaxis compared with placebo or no treatment was associated with a small statistically significant reduction of all-cause mortality that disappeared in sensitivity analyses excluding trials that evaluated LMWH for anticancer treatment. Intermediate-dose LMWH provides benefits in terms of VTE prevention while it increases major bleeding.
Use of New Technologies in Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Jones Glyn E. , King Victor A. , Yoo Aran , Abu-Ghname Amjed , Rammos Charalambos K.
Published: October 2019

Outcomes after mastectomy and prosthetic-based breast reconstruction have improved immensely since the development of the first tissue expander and breast implant in the 1960s. One major factor contributing to our improved outcomes over the past two decades is the increasing availability and improvement of perfusion assessment technology. Instrumental methods now exist which allow surgeons to assess tissue viability intraoperatively, and provide actionable, objective data that augments clinical assessment. In this article, the authors detail two commercially available, state-of-the-art technologies that surgeons may use to assist in mastectomy flap assessment and facilitate the reconstructive process.
Measurement of High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin in Pulmonary Embolism: Useful Test or a Clinical Distraction
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Favaloro Emmanuel J. , Kavsak Peter
Published: October 2019

The ability to predict death or other unfavorable outcomes after an acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is challenging, with current available risk score models having relatively unsatisfactory prognostic performance in this area. For example, the simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI), the most frequently used stratification tool, misclassifies a significant percentage of low- and high-risk patients. This gap in care, along with the increasing clinical availability of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) laboratory tests and the recent emphasis on detecting myocardial injury, may foster further evaluation of hs-cTn testing in patients with acute PE. Our analysis of the current scientific literature on hs-cTn in patients with acute PE identified that hs-cTn testing may provide valuable information for predicting future adverse outcomes and mortality, independently from baseline clinical risk assessment. Although the risk of an adverse event is indeed higher in patients with higher sPESI scores, cTns retain their prognostic value also in those at low risk, suggesting that a combination of hs-cTn with sPESI may provide an incremental value over assessment of either variable alone. Accordingly, the future development of updated risk stratification models, with the inclusion of laboratory tests such as hs-cTn, may represent an enhanced approach for risk stratification in patients with acute PE. Additional research, however, is needed to verify whether the combination of cTns, specifically as measured with hs-cTn assays, with other biomarkers may further improve the current capacity to efficiently manage patients with acute PE.
Venous Thromboembolism and Renal Impairment: Insights from the SWIss Venous ThromboEmbolism Registry (SWIVTER)
Authors: Spirk David , Sebastian Tim , Banyai Martin , Beer Jürg H. , Mazzolai Lucia , Baldi Thomas , Aujesky Drahomir , Hayoz Daniel , Engelberger Rolf P. , Kaeslin Thomas , Korte Wolfgang , Escher Robert , Husmann Marc , Mollet Annette , Szucs Thomas D. , Kucher Nils
Published: October 2019

Renal impairment (RI) has increased substantially over the last decades. In the absence of data from confirmatory research, real-life data on anticoagulation treatment and clinical outcomes of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with RI are needed. In the SWIss Venous ThromboEmbolism Registry (SWIVTER), 2,062 consecutive patients with objectively confirmed VTE were enrolled. In the present analysis, we compared characteristics, initial and maintenance anticoagulation, and adjusted 90-day clinical outcomes of those with (defined as estimated creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min) and without severe RI. Overall, 240 (12%) patients had severe RI; they were older, and more frequently had chronic and acute comorbidities. VTE severity was similar between patients with and without severe RI. Initial anticoagulation in patients with severe RI was more often performed with unfractionated heparin (44 vs. 24%), and less often with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) (52 vs. 61%) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs; 4 vs. 12%). Maintenance anticoagulation in patients with severe RI was more frequently managed with vitamin K antagonists (70 vs. 60%) and less frequently with DOAC (12 vs. 21%). Severe RI was associated with increased risk of 90-day mortality (9.2 vs. 4.2%, hazard ratio [HR]: 2.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.41–3.65), but with similar risk of recurrent VTE (3.3 vs. 2.8%, HR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.57–2.52) and major bleeding (2.1 vs. 2.0%, HR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.41–2.68). In patients with severe RI, the use of LMWH versus any other treatment was associated with reduced mortality (HR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.14–0.94; p = 0.036) and similar rate of major bleeding (HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.17–2.00; p = 0.39). Acute or chronic comorbidities rather than VTE severity or recurrence may explain increased early mortality in patients with severe RI. The higher rate of VTE recurrence, specifically fatal events, than major bleeding reinforces the need for effective anticoagulation in VTE patients with severe RI.
A general decay estimate for the nonlinear transmission problem of weak viscoelastic equations with time-varying delay
Authors: Liu Zhiqing , Gao Cunchen , Fang Zhong Bo
Published: October 2019

The transmission of waves over a body composed of two different materials is considered in this paper. One component is a simple elastic part, while the other is a weak viscoelastic component with time-varying delay and damping effect. Besides, one part of the boundary is controlled by a nonlinear memory source term, while the other part is clamped. Under the influence of time-varying delay and damping effect, we derive a general decay estimate of the energy when the memory kernels in the internal weak viscoelasticity and boundary source decay simultaneously.
Feedback compensated 10 kW solid-state pulsed power amplifier at 352 MHz for particle accelerators
Authors: Duc L. Hoang , Jobs M. , Lofnes T. , Ruber R. , Olsson J. , Dancila D.
Published: October 2019

This paper presents the first results of an in-house developed low-level radio frequency (LLRF) system and a 10 kW solid state power amplifier (SSPA). The design approach for the SSPA is based on eight resonant single-ended kilowatt modules combined using a planar Gysel combiner. Each of the single-ended modules is based on a two-stepped impedance resonant matching, allowing for harmonic suppression, simple design for massive production, and high-performance design. A design methodology to tune SSPA modules for optimum combining efficiency is presented thoroughly in the time domain. We characterize the power droop due to capacitor banks in the time domain. In open loop of compensation, it is about 1 kW within the pulse of peak value 10 kW and a duration of 3.5 ms. This may lead to the beam instability of the accelerator as particles are not provided with the same energy during the pulse. By incorporating our LLRF system, it is demonstrated that the objective of amplitude and phase stability is satisfied, as required in the European Spallation Source proton accelerator. The presented design also offers the advantages of compact form factor, low complexity, and better performance. In closed loop compensation, the variation of amplitude (pulse droop) is measured on the order of 20 W, which is equivalent to 0.2% at 10 kW peak output power.
Influence of Pb vs Ga solvents during liquid phase epitaxy on the optical and electrical properties of GaSbBi layers
Authors: Sharma Akant Sagar , Das Subhasis , Gazi Sanowar Alam , Dhar S.
Published: October 2019

We have investigated the influence of Pb vs Ga solvents during the liquid phase epitaxial growth of GaSbBi layers on the overall physical, optical, and electrical properties of the material. 10 K photoluminescence (PL) measurements show narrower PL linewidths in layers grown from the Pb solvent compared to that obtained for layers grown under similar conditions using Ga as the solvent. This is an indication of the improved crystalline quality of the material grown from the Pb solvent. GaSbBi layers grown from Pb solvents show a reduction of the carrier concentration by over one order of magnitude than that measured in the corresponding materials grown from Ga solvents. Detailed analysis of the core level transitions, revealed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, indicates the generation of a lesser number of VGa and antisite GaSb defects responsible for the residual hole concentration in GaSb and GaSbBi layers grown from Pb solvents than in the same materials grown using Ga as the solvent. This is suggested as the main reason for the observed reduction of carrier concentration in the layers grown from the Pb solvent.
Effect of viscosity on two-dimensional single-mode Rayleigh-Taylor instability during and after the reacceleration stage
Authors: Hu Ze-Xi , Zhang You-Sheng , Tian Baolin , He Zhiwei , Li Li
Published: October 2019

In this paper, two-dimensional (2D) single-mode Rayleigh-Taylor instability with a low Atwood number (A = 0.15) at different Reynolds (Re) numbers (100 ≤ Re ≤ 10 000) is simulated, and the evolution of the bubble velocity and the bubble vorticity at different viscosities (or equivalently Re) after the quasisteady stage is investigated in detail. Special attention is paid for flows with a medium Reynolds number (200 ≲ Re ≲ 1000), and two new findings are summarized as follows: (1) At the reacceleration stage, we found that the vorticity near the bubble head is linearly inhibited by the viscosity. Based on this discovery, the dimensionless relationship between the vorticity intensity, viscosity, and time is formulated. (2) After the reacceleration stage, we found a new deceleration-acceleration stage, in which the bubble velocity is decelerated and accelerated repeatedly. This stage occurs because the vorticity near the bubble head is first decreased due to the inhibition of viscosity and then increased again when a pair of new Kelvin-Helmholtz instability-induced vortices approaches the bubble head. Consequently, the bubble velocity decelerates and accelerates correspondingly.
Three-dimensional stability of current sheets supported by electron pressure anisotropy
Authors: Le A. , Stanier A. , Daughton W. , Ng J. , Egedal J. , Nystrom W. D. , Bird R.
Published: October 2019

The stability of electron current sheets embedded within the reconnection exhaust is studied with a 3D fully kinetic particle-in-cell simulation. The electron current layers studied here form self-consistently in a reconnection regime with a moderate guide field, are supported by electron pressure anisotropy with the pressure component parallel to the magnetic field direction larger than the perpendicular components, and extend well beyond electron kinetic scales. In 3D, in addition to drift instabilities common to nearly all reconnection exhausts, the regime considered also exhibits an electromagnetic instability driven by the electron pressure anisotropy. While the fluctuations modulate the current density on small scales, they do not break apart the general structure of the extended electron current layers. The elongated current sheets should therefore persist long enough to be observed both in space observations and in laboratory experiments.
Speeding-up ab initio molecular dynamics with hybrid functionals using adaptively compressed exchange operator based multiple timestepping
Authors: Mandal Sagarmoy , Nair Nisanth N.
Published: October 2019

Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations using hybrid density functionals and plane waves are of great interest owing to the accuracy of this approach in treating condensed matter systems. On the other hand, such AIMD calculations are not routinely carried out since the computational cost involved in applying the Hartree–Fock exchange operator is very high. In this work, we make use of a strategy that combines adaptively compressed exchange operator formulation and multiple time step integration to significantly reduce the computational cost of these simulations. We demonstrate the efficiency of this approach for a realistic condensed matter system.
Distribution and conservation of known secondary metabolite biosynthesis gene clusters in the genomes of geographically diverse Microcystis aeruginosa strains
Authors: Pearson Leanne A. , Crosbie Nicholas D. , Neilan Brett A.
Published: October 2019

The cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa has been linked to toxic blooms worldwide. In addition to producing hepatotoxic microcystins, many strains are capable of synthesising a variety of biologically active compounds, including protease and phosphatase inhibitors, which may affect aquatic ecosystems and pose a risk to their use. This study explored the distribution, composition and conservation of known secondary metabolite (SM) biosynthesis gene clusters in the genomes of 27 M. aeruginosa strains isolated from six different Köppen–Geiger climates. Our analysis identified gene clusters with significant homology to nine SM biosynthesis gene clusters spanning four different compound classes: non-ribosomal peptides, hybrid polyketide–non-ribosomal peptides, cyanobactins and microviridins. The aeruginosin, microviridin, cyanopeptolin and microcystin biosynthesis gene clusters were the most frequently observed, but hybrid polyketide–non-ribosomal peptide biosynthesis clusters were the most common class overall. Although some biogeographic relationships were observed, taxonomic markers and geography were not reliable indicators of SM biosynthesis cluster distribution, possibly due to previous genetic deletions or horizontal gene transfer events. The only cyanotoxin biosynthesis gene cluster identified in our screening study was the microcystin synthetase (mcy) gene cluster, suggesting that the production of non-microcystin cyanotoxins by this taxon, such as anatoxin-a or paralytic shellfish poison analogues, is either absent or rare.
Living myofibroblast–silicon composites for probing electrical coupling in cardiac systems
Authors: Rotenberg Menahem Y. , Yamamoto Naomi , Schaumann Erik N. , Matino Laura , Santoro Francesca , Tian Bozhi
Published: October 2019

Traditional bioelectronics, primarily comprised of nonliving synthetic materials, lack cellular behaviors such as adaptability and motility. This shortcoming results in mechanically invasive devices and nonnatural signal transduction across cells and tissues. Moreover, resolving heterocellular electrical communication in vivo is extremely limited due to the invasiveness of traditional interconnected electrical probes. In this paper, we present a cell–silicon hybrid that integrates native cellular behavior (e.g., gap junction formation and biosignal processing) with nongenetically enabled photosensitivity. This hybrid configuration allows interconnect-free cellular modulation with subcellular spatial resolution for bioelectric studies. Specifically, we hybridize cardiac myofibroblasts with silicon nanowires and use these engineered hybrids to synchronize the electrical activity of cardiomyocytes, studying heterocellular bioelectric coupling in vitro. Thereafter, we inject the engineered myofibroblasts into heart tissues and show their ability to seamlessly integrate into contractile tissues in vivo. Finally, we apply local photostimulation with high cell specificity to tackle a long-standing debate regarding the existence of myofibroblast–cardiomyocyte electrical coupling in vivo.
Quantum discord of two-qutrit system under quantum-jump-based feedback control*
Authors: Wang Chang , Fang Mao-Fa
Published: October 2019

This paper studies quantum discord of two qutrits coupled to their own environments independently and coupled to the same environment simultaneously under quantum-jump-based feedback control. Our results show that spontaneous emission, quantum feedback parameters, classical driving, initial state, and detection efficiency all affect the evolution of quantum discord in a two-qutrit system. We find that under the condition of designing proper quantum-jump-based feedback parameters, quantum discord can be protected and prepared. In the case where two qutrits are independently coupled to their own environments, classical driving, spontaneous emission, and low detection efficiency have negative effect on the protection of quantum discord. For different initial states, it is found that the evolution of quantum discord under the control of appropriate parameters is similar. In the case where two qutrits are simultaneously coupled to the same environment, the classical driving plays a positive role in the generation of quantum discord, but spontaneous emission and low detection efficiency have negative impact on the generation of quantum discord. Most importantly, we find that the steady discord depends on feedback parameters, classical driving, and detection efficiency, but not on the initial state.
Depolarization field in relaxor-based ferroelectric single crystals under one-cycle bipolar pulse drive*
Authors: Chen Chuan-Wen , Xiang Yang , Tang Li-Guo , Cui Lian , Lin Bao-Qing , Du Wei-Dong , Cao Wen-Wu
Published: October 2019

The [001]
c
-polarized (1 − x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–xPbTiO3 (PMN−PT) single crystals are widely used in ultrasonic detection transducers and underwater acoustic sensors. However, the relatively small coercive field (∼ 2 kV/cm) of such crystals restricts their application at high frequencies because the driving field will exceed the coercive field. The depolarization field can be considerably larger in an antiparallel direction than in a parallel direction with respect to polarization when the bipolar driving cycle starts. Thus, if the direction of the sine wave signal in the first half cycle is opposite to the polarization direction, then the depolarized domains can be repolarized in the second half of the sine cycle. However, if the direction of the sine wave signal in the first half of the cycle is along the polarization direction, then the change is negligible, and the domains switched in the second half of the sine cycle cannot be recovered. The design of electric driving method needs to allow the use of a large applied field to emit strong enough signals and produce good images. This phenomenon combined with the coercive field increases with the driving frequency, thereby making the PMN−PT single crystals usable for high-frequency applications. As such, the applied field can be considerably larger than the conventionally defined coercive field.
Solubility of metal oxide nanomaterials: cautionary notes on sample preparation
Authors: Avramescu M-L , Chénier M , Gardner H D , Rasmussen P E
Published: October 2019

Eight metal oxides were obtained to investigate the dissolution behaviour of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) dispersed in biologically relevant media. Identities of the metal oxide compounds, and their crystal form and size were checked using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). Methods for sonication of metal oxide nanoparticles were optimized to achieve stable stock dispersions, and methods for separation of dissolved metal ions from dispersed nanoparticles were evaluated. The results of the optimization experiments showed that each metal oxide ENM required a different combination of sonication time and power (% amplitude). Optimized values for delivered sonication energy (J/mL) ranged from 24 for CuO to 833 for ɣ-Al2O3. Centrifugation at 20000G was found to be more effective and less prone to artefacts than using commercially available ultrafiltration devices for separation of dissolved metal fraction, under these experimental conditions. XRD results indicated that the composition of two metal oxide nanopowders (Mn2O3 and Fe2O3) did not meet the manufacturers’ claims, underscoring the importance of double-checking physical-chemical properties of commercial ENMs purchased for research.
Exposure to graphene in a pilot production plant
Authors: Vaquero C. , Wendelbo R. , Egizabal A. , Gutierrez-Cañas C. , López de Ipiña J.
Published: October 2019

Workers exposure to graphene was measured in a pilot production plant. Reduced graphene oxide was produced through graphite oxidation and posterior thermal reduction. The monitoring was performed using two handheld on-line devices covering the particle size range from 10 nm to 10 μm (CPC3007 and OPS3330). Simultaneously, personal and area filter samples were collected for off line analysis, including gravimetric, elemental carbon analysis and SEM/EDX. Significant releases of particles were identified in two tasks, during the graphene oxide washing, and during its milling. However, the analysis of the particles size distribution and of their morphology suggested that the released particles were not the target nanomaterial but engine generated nanoparticles. The mass of elemental carbon in the collected filters was below the quantification limit and the calculated graphene mass concentrations were quite below the selected reference exposure limit. Overall, this work showed that worker exposure to graphene was low in this pilot plant, contributing to guarantee a safe process, prior to its industrialization.
New Therapeutic Perspective for Bladder Cancer in Dogs: Toxicological and Clinical Effects of OncoTherad Nanostructured Immunotherapy
Authors: Böckelmann P K , Tizziani S H S , Durán N , Fávaro W J
Published: October 2019

Bladder cancer (BC) comprehends around 2% of all spontaneously occurring cancers in dogs. BC treatment remains a challenge since recurrence and progression of the disease, as well as the pronounced side effects associated to the available therapeutic modalities are present. In this scenario, a new perspective is represented by OncoTherad nanostructured immunomodulator. Thus, the aims of this study were to characterize and to evaluate the efficacy and possible toxicological effects of OncoTherad intravesical immunotherapy in 6 dogs with BC. Our results demonstrated that before the first instillation of OncoTherad, all dogs presented irregular tumor mass, mixed echogenicity, and hyperechoic echotexture, with a mean tumor volume of 9.38 cm3. After 6 instillations of OncoTherad, the tumor mass reduced 62.34% of its volume in relation to the initial ultrasound. At the end of 24 instillations, the tumor mass reduced 84.54% of its volume. Hematuria was decreased throughout OncoTherad treatment, disappearing on average after the eighteenth application and not returning after the last application. OncoTherad treatment showed no signs of systemic toxicity at the proposed therapeutic dose. In conclusion, OncoTherad intravesical immunotherapy seems a safe and effective treatment option for spontaneous canine bladder cancer and may provide benefit for preventing tumor recurrence.
Analysis of Genetic Variation Among Cowpea Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Populations Evidenced from Mitochondrial and Nuclear DNA Sequences
Authors: Rattanawannee Atsalek , Wongsa Kanyanat , Duangphakdee Orawan
Published: October 2019

Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae) or cowpea aphid is a polyphagous insect pest that feeds on a variety of leguminous plants. We determined the contribution of host-associated genetic differentiation on population structure using the sequence data generated from analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome b oxidase (Cytb) and nuclear elongation factor-1 alpha (EF1-alpha) of A. craccivora collected from cultivated yardlong bean [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ssp. sesquipedalis (L.) H. Ohashi.] (Fabales: Fabaceae) and winged bean [Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) D.C.] (Fabales: Fabaceae). Phylogenetic and haplotype network analyses revealed no evidence of strong host plant or geographical clustering in both the mitochondrial and nuclear gene dataset. A moderate, low-magnitude genetic distance (FST) between host plants and geographical localities was found in this study. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that host plant and geography do not influence the structure of genetic variation in A. craccivora populations. Genetic variation between host plants at a location and host plants among locations demonstrated no consistent result for population subdivision of A. craccivora. These results suggest that geographical location and host plants do not significantly influence the genetic structure of A. craccivora, and this might be due to their high reproductive (parthenogenesis) ability and high migration (airborne) between host plants and regions of the country.
Deleterious mtDNA mutations are common in mature oocytes
Authors: Ma Hong , Hayama Tomonari , Van Dyken Crystal , Darby Hayley , Koski Amy , Lee Yeonmi , Gutierrez Nuria Marti , Yamada Satsuki , Li Ying , Andrews Michael , Ahmed Riffat , Liang Dan , Gonmanee Thanasup , Kang Eunju , Nasser Mohammed , Kempton Beth , Brigande John , McGill Trevor J , Terzic Andre , Amato Paula , Mitalipov Shoukhrat
Published: October 2019

Heritable mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are common, yet only a few recurring pathogenic mtDNA variants account for the majority of known familial cases in humans. Purifying selection in the female germline is thought to be responsible for the elimination of most harmful mtDNA mutations during oogenesis. Here we show that deleterious mtDNA mutations are abundant in ovulated mature mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos recovered from PolG mutator females but not in their live offspring. This implies that purifying selection acts not in the maternal germline per se, but during post-implantation development. We further show that oocyte mtDNA mutations can be captured and stably maintained in embryonic stem cells and then reintroduced into chimeras, thereby allowing examination of the effects of specific mutations on fetal and postnatal development.
Is the European Health Interview Survey online yet? Response and net sample composition of a web-based data collection
Authors: Braekman Elise , Charafeddine Rana , Demarest Stefaan , Drieskens Sabine , Tafforeau Jean , Van der Heyden Johan , Van Hal Guido
Published: October 2019

Background

The European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) provides cross-national data on health status, health care and health determinants. So far, 10 of the 30 member states (MS) opted for web-based questionnaires within mixed-mode designs but none used it as the sole mode. In the context of future EHIS, the response rate and net sample composition of a web-only approach was tested.

Methods

A Belgian study with a target sample size of 1000 (age: 16–85) was organized using the EHIS wave 3 model questionnaire. The sample was selected according to a multistage, clustered sampling procedure with geographical stratification. Field substitution was applied; non-participating households were replaced by similar households regarding statistical sector, sex and age. There was one reminder letter and a €10 conditional incentive.

Results

Considering all substitutions, a 16% response rate was obtained after sending one reminder. Elderly, Brussels Capital inhabitants, people living without a partner and those with a non-Belgian nationality were less responding. By design, there were no differences between the initial and final net sample regarding substitution characteristics. Nevertheless, people living without a partner, non-Belgians and lower educated people remain underrepresented.

Conclusion

There was a low response rate, particularly for some population groups. The response rate was lower than those of MS using mixed-mode designs including web, especially these comprising interviewer-based approaches. Despite the long and complex questionnaire, there was a low break off rate. So far, web-only data collection is not an acceptable strategy for population-based health surveys but efforts to increase the response should be further explored.
Long-term environmental impact on object recognition, spatial memory, and reversal learning capabilities in Cacna1c haploinsufficient rats
Authors: Braun Moria D , Kisko Theresa M , Witt Stephanie H , Rietschel Marcella , Schwarting Rainer K W , Wöhr Markus
Published: October 2019

Genetic and environmental influences are thought to interact in their contribution to the etiology of major neuropsychiatric disorders. One of the best replicated findings obtained in genome-wide association studies are genetic variants in the CACNA1C gene. Here, we used our constitutive heterozygous Cacna1c rat model in combination with a four-week exposure to either post-weaning social isolation, standard housing, or social and physical environmental enrichment during the critical juvenile developmental period to observe their long-term interactive effects with Cacna1c haploinsufficiency. Our study provides evidence for a gene x environment interaction, i.e. an interplay between Cacna1c haploinsufficiency and environment during juvenile development, on object recognition, spatial memory, and reversal learning capabilities. Social and physical enrichment had a positive influence on Cacna1c+/− rats and Cacna1c+/+ littermate controls on spatial and reversal learning, while post-weaning social isolation negatively affected novel object recognition in both genotypes. Despite intact spatial learning and re-learning abilities in all groups, slight but consistent deficits were evident in Cacna1c+/− rats previously housed under standard conditions particularly during reversal learning but not Cacna1c+/− rats previously exposed to social and physical enrichment. Together, this supports the notion that Cacna1c interacts with the environment to shape disease vulnerability and associated alterations in cognitive functioning.
ZBP1 governs the inflammasome-independent IL-1α and neutrophil inflammation that play a dual role in anti-influenza virus immunity
Authors: Momota Masatoshi , Lelliott Patrick , Kubo Atsuko , Kusakabe Takato , Kobiyama Kouji , Kuroda Etsushi , Imai Yumiko , Akira Shizuo , Coban Cevayir , Ishii Ken J
Published: October 2019

Influenza A virus (IAV) triggers the infected lung to produce IL-1 and recruit neutrophils. Unlike IL-1β, however, little is known about IL-1α in terms of its mechanism of induction, action and physiological relevance to the host immunity against IAV infection. In particular, whether Z-DNA-binding protein 1 (ZBP1), a key molecule for IAV-induced cell death, is involved in the IL-1α induction, neutrophil infiltration and the physiological outcome has not been elucidated. Here, we show in a murine model that the IAV-induced IL-1α is mediated solely by ZBP1, in an NLRP3-inflammasome-independent manner, and is required for the optimal IL-1β production followed by the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). During IAV infection, ZBP1 displays a dual role in anti-IAV immune responses mediated by neutrophils, resulting in either protective or pathological outcomes in vivo. Thus, ZBP1-mediated IL-1α production is the key initial step of IAV-infected NETs, regulating the duality of the consequent lung inflammation.
TerrestrialMetagenomeDB: a public repository of curated and standardized metadata for terrestrial metagenomes
Authors: Corrêa Felipe Borim , Saraiva João Pedro , Stadler Peter F , da Rocha Ulisses Nunes
Published: October 2019

Microbiome studies focused on the genetic potential of microbial communities (metagenomics) became standard within microbial ecology. MG-RAST and the Sequence Read Archive (SRA), the two main metagenome repositories, contain over 202 858 public available metagenomes and this number has increased exponentially. However, mining databases can be challenging due to misannotated, misleading and decentralized data. The main goal of TerrestrialMetagenomeDB is to make it easier for scientists to find terrestrial metagenomes of interest that could be compared with novel datasets in meta-analyses. We defined terrestrial metagenomes as those that do not belong to marine environments. Further, we curated the database using text mining to assign potential descriptive keywords that better contextualize environmental aspects of terrestrial metagenomes, such as biomes and materials. TerrestrialMetagenomeDB release 1.0 includes 15 022 terrestrial metagenomes from SRA and MG-RAST. Together, the downloadable data amounts to 68 Tbp. In total, 199 terrestrial terms were divided into 14 categories. These metagenomes span 83 countries, 30 biomes and 7 main source materials. The TerrestrialMetagenomeDB is publicly available at https://webapp.ufz.de/tmdb.
Characteristics of Paid Malpractice Claims Among Resident Physicians From 2001 to 2015 in the United States
Authors: Glover McKinley , McGee Glen W. , Wilkinson Derek S. , Singh Harnam , Bolick Alexis , Betensky Rebecca A. , Harvey H. Benjamin , Weinstein Debra , Schaffer Adam
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Limited information exists about medical malpractice claims against physicians-in-training. Data on residents’ involvement in malpractice actions may inform perceptions about medicolegal liability and influence clinical decision-making at a formative stage. This study aimed to characterize rates and payment amounts of paid malpractice claims on behalf of resident physicians in the United States.

Method

Using data from the National Practitioner Data Bank, 1,248 paid malpractice claims against resident physicians (interns, residents, and fellows) from 2001 to 2015, representing 1,632,471 residents-years, were analyzed. Temporal trends in overall and specialty-specific paid claim rates, payment amounts, catastrophic (> $1 million) and small (< $100,000) payments, and other claim characteristics were assessed. Payment amounts were compared with attending physicians during the same time period.

Results

The overall paid malpractice claim rate was 0.76 per 1,000 resident-years from 2001 to 2015. Among 1,194 unique residents with paid claims, 95.7% had exactly 1 claim, while 4.3% had 2–4 claims during training. Specialty-specific paid claim rates ranged from 0.12 per 1,000 resident-years (pathology) to 2.96 (obstetrics and gynecology). Overall paid claim rates decreased by 52% from 2001–2005 to 2011–2015 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45, 0.59). Median inflation-adjusted payment amount was $199,024 (2015 dollars), not significantly different from payments made on behalf of attending physicians during the same period. Proportions of catastrophic (11.2%) and small (33.1%) claims did not significantly change over the study period.

Conclusions

From 2001 to 2015, paid malpractice claim rates on behalf of resident physicians decreased by 52%, while median payment amounts were stable. Resident paid claim rates were lower than attending physicians, while payment amounts were similar.