bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Population-Based Epidemiologic Study of Female Sexual Dysfunction Risk in Mainland China: Prevalence and Predictors
Authors: Zhang Chunni , Tong Jiali , Zhu Lan , Zhang Lei , Xu Tao , Lang Jinghe , Xie Yu
Published: October 2017

Background

Epidemiologic data on female sexual dysfunction in China are sparse.

Aim

To assess the prevalence of risk of female sexual dysfunction in mainland China and its regional and sociodemographic variations and physiologic, pathologic, and behavioral risk factors.

Methods

A survey of the general female population was conducted in mainland China from February 2014 through January 2016. Women were randomly selected using multistage, stratified, cluster sampling. The prevalence rate of sexual dysfunction, as measured by the Female Sexual Function Index and a score lower than 23.45 as the cutoff threshold, was determined. Multivariate logistical regression models were used to examine the effects of sociodemographic, physiologic, pathologic, and behavioral factors on women’s risk of experiencing sexual dysfunction and domain-specific sexual problems.

Outcomes

The questionnaire on sexual dysfunction was completed by 25,446 women 20 to 70 years old.

Results

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women 20 to 70 years old in mainland China was estimated at 29.7% (99% CI = 28.9–30.4), with large regional variations. The prevalence rates of potential domain-specific sexual problems were 21.6% (99% CI = 20.9–22.2) for low desire, 21.5 (99% CI = 20.8–22.2) for arousal disorder, 18.9% (99% CI = 18.3–19.6) for lubrication disorder, 27.9% (99% CI = 27.2–28.7) for orgasm disorder, and 14.1% (99% CI = 13.6–14.7) for sexual pain. Higher educational attainment and urban residency were associated with a decreased risk of sexual dysfunction. Women of ethnic minorities (or non-Han ethnicity) had fewer reports of sexual dysfunction than women of Han ethnicity (odds ratio = 0.67, 99% CI = 0.47–0.97). Diabetes, cancers, pelvic inflammatory disease, and pelvic organ prolapse significantly increased the reports of sexual dysfunction.

Clinical Translation

This survey provided the prevalence and risk factors of female sexual dysfunction in China, information that could be useful for potential prevention and clinical treatment.

Strengths and Limitations

This is the first large-scale, nationally based epidemiologic study of female sexual dysfunction in mainland China. The limitations of the study design included an overpowered study caused by the large sample, the under-representation of younger and unmarried women, and no information on the women’s partners, their values and knowledge, and detailed medical conditions.

Conclusions

The prevalence rate of female sexual dysfunction in mainland China was modest overall, although variations existed across regions and social groups.
Sexual Dysfunction in Primary Care: An Exploratory Descriptive Analysis of Medical Record Diagnoses
Authors: Heiden-Rootes Katie M. , Salas Joanne , Gebauer Sarah , Witthaus Matthew , Scherrer Jeffrey , McDaniel Kristin , Carver Dasha
Published: October 2017

Background

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SDx) diagnoses in primary care settings is not well known, which is a concern because of the high prevalence of comorbid chronic health conditions in patients diagnosed with SDx.

Aim

To explore the relation of SDx diagnosis, chronic health conditions, and prescription medications commonly associated with SDx for men and women in primary care using medical records diagnoses.

Methods

Exploratory descriptive analyses were used to interpret secondary data from a primary care patient database. The database included patient data from 3 family and internal medicine clinics in the St Louis metropolitan area from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2015. Analysis included key demographic variables, chronic illness, and health conditions of hypertension, pain, prostate disorder, menopause, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and associated medications. Analysis of the database yielded 30,627 adult patients (men: n = 12,097, mean age = 46.8 years, 65.6% white race; women: n = 18,530, mean age = 46.6 years, 59.2% white race) with significant comorbid associations between SDx and other chronic illness, health conditions, and medication prescription.

Results

Depression, anxiety, pain, hypertension, diabetes, and psychotropic medication use were significantly associated with SDx for men and women. Examination of specific SDx diagnoses showed erectile dysfunction to be significantly associated with all tested variables for men. For women, pain-related SDx diagnoses were associated more with chronic illness, health conditions, and medication use than were psychosexual SDx diagnoses (eg, orgasm), except for menopause. Prevalence varied by sex, with a higher prevalence rate of any SDx for men (13.5%) than for women (1.0%), although sex comparisons were not part of the analytics.

Clinical Translation

This study suggests the diagnosis of SDx is closely associated with other common chronic illness and health conditions and could go underdiagnosed in women in primary care.

Strengths and Limitations

The cross-sectional nature of the study limits the ability to draw causal conclusions related to the nature of the associated conditions with SDx diagnoses. The generalizability of the findings also might be limited given the specific demographic or health makeup of the St Louis area where the study was conducted.

Conclusion

The high comorbidity of SDx with mental health, chronic pain and illnesses, and medication use adds to the growing evidence that sexual health and functioning are essential components of overall well-being and holistic care for men and women.
Psychobiological Correlates of Vaginismus: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Maseroli Elisa , Scavello Irene , Cipriani Sarah , Palma Manuela , Fambrini Massimiliano , Corona Giovanni , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario , Vignozzi Linda
Published: October 2017

Background

Evidence concerning the determinants of vaginismus (V), in particular medical conditions, is inconclusive.

Aim

To investigate, in a cohort of subjects consulting for female sexual dysfunction, whether there is a difference in medical and psychosocial parameters between women with V and women with other sexual complaints.

Methods

A series of 255 women attending our clinic for female sexual dysfunction was consecutively recruited. V was diagnosed according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision criteria. Lifelong and acquired V cases were included.

Outcomes

Patients underwent a structured interview and physical, gynecologic, laboratory, and clitoral ultrasound examinations; they completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire, the Female Sexual Distress Scale–Revised (FSDS), and the Body Uneasiness Test.

Results

V was diagnosed in 20 patients (7.8%). Women with V were significantly younger than the rest of the sample (P < .05). No differences were found for traditional risk factors such as a history of sexual abuse, relational parameters, or gynecologic diseases or for newly investigated parameters (ie, neurologic, hormonal, and metabolic alterations). Women with V showed significantly higher histrionic-hysterical symptoms and traits (as detected by MHQ-H score; P < .05) compared with subjects with other sexual complaints. When the scores of all MHQ subscales were simultaneously introduced in a logistic model, the association between V and MHQ-H score was confirmed (P = .013). Women with V also showed higher FSFI pain and FSDS total scores, even after adjusting for age (P < .05). In an age-adjusted model, FSDS total score increased as a function of the years of duration of V (P = .032) but not as a function of its severity. All observations were confirmed in a case-control study (ratio = 1:3).

Clinical Implications

Our data demonstrate that some novel contributors of V should be investigated, namely histrionic-hysterical traits. This psychological comorbidity could offer valuable insights for intervention and managing complications.

Strengths and Limitations

This is the first study to assess the role of many metabolic and hormonal parameters as potential determinants of V. The main limitation is its exploratory and cross-sectional nature; our data need to be confirmed in larger, more systematic analyses.

Conclusion

V was associated with histrionic-hysterical traits, FSFI pain domain, and sex-related distress. A history of abuse, relational parameters, gynecologic diseases, and hormonal and metabolic alterations do not seem to play a role in the development of V.
Bioresorbable Materials and Their Application in Electronics
Authors: Huang Xian
Published: October 2017

Bioresorbable electronics that can dissolve away in aqueous environments and generate biologically safe products offer a revolutionary solution to replace the built-to-last electronics predominantly used in implanted devices and electronic gadgets. Their use can reduce the risk of surgical complications by minimizing the number of necessary surgeries, and prevent production of electronic waste by allowing rapid device recycling. This Element presents bioresorbable materials such as metals, polymers, inorganic compounds, and semiconductors that have been used to construct electronic devices, and analyzes their unique dissolution behaviors and biological effects. These materials are combined to yield representative devices including passive and active components and functional systems.
The Mesolithic-Neolithic Transition and the Chronology of the “elm decline”: A Case Study from Yorkshire and Humberside, United Kingdom
Authors: Griffiths Seren , Gearey Benjamin R
Published: October 2017

The Neolithic in Britain saw the first appearance of domestic plant and animal resources, pottery, polished stone axes, monuments, and new house structures. With the introduction of domesticates and associated subsistence strategies, the Neolithic represents a significant change in human–environment interaction. Other changes have been observed in the palynological record of Britain in the early fourth millennium cal BC, including the elm decline, and archaeologists and paleobotanists have long discussed the degree of human involvement in this. This paper presents the first Bayesian statistical analysis of the elm decline using the case study of the east of Yorkshire and Humberside and key sites in west Yorkshire, and evidence for the last hunter-gatherer Mesolithic material culture and the first Neolithic material culture record. This region is critical because it is the only area of Britain and Ireland where we have robust and accurate published estimates for the timing of the latest Mesolithic activity and timing for the earliest Neolithic activity. Unpacking this perceived chronological correlation between the elm decline and the start of the Neolithic is critical to understanding the scale of human–environment modification at this time, and the nature of the first Neolithic societies in Britain.
Banks’ Internal Capital Markets and Deposit Rates
Authors: Ben-David Itzhak , Palvia Ajay , Spatt Chester
Published: October 2017

It is commonly believed that deposit rates are determined primarily by supply: Depositors require higher deposit rates from risky banks, thereby creating market discipline. An alternative perspective is that market discipline is limited (e.g., due to deposit insurance and/or enhanced capital regulation) and that internal demand for funding by banks determines rates. Using branch-level deposit rate data, we find little evidence for market discipline as rates are similar across bank capitalization levels. In contrast, banks’ loan growth has a causal effect on deposit rates; for example, branches’ deposit rates are correlated with loan growth in other states in which their bank has some presence, suggesting internal capital markets help reallocate the bank’s funding.
Eltahir Receives 2017 Hydrologic Sciences Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: October 2017

Elfatih Eltahir will receive the 2017 Hydrologic Sciences Award at the 2017 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, to be held 11–15 December in New Orleans, La. The award is for “outstanding contributions to the science of hydrology over a career, with an emphasis on the past five years.”
ASH1L histone methyltransferase regulates the handoff between damage recognition factors in global-genome nucleotide excision repair
Authors: Balbo Pogliano Chiara , Gatti Marco , Rüthemann Peter , Garajovà Zuzana , Penengo Lorenza , Naegeli Hanspeter
Published: October 2017

Global-genome nucleotide excision repair (GG-NER) prevents ultraviolet (UV) light-induced skin cancer by removing mutagenic cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs). These lesions are formed abundantly on DNA wrapped around histone octamers in nucleosomes, but a specialized damage sensor known as DDB2 ensures that they are accessed by the XPC initiator of GG-NER activity. We report that DDB2 promotes CPD excision by recruiting the histone methyltransferase ASH1L, which methylates lysine 4 of histone H3. In turn, methylated H3 facilitates the docking of the XPC complex to nucleosomal histone octamers. Consequently, DDB2, ASH1L and XPC proteins co-localize transiently on histone H3-methylated nucleosomes of UV-exposed cells. In the absence of ASH1L, the chromatin binding of XPC is impaired and its ability to recruit downstream GG-NER effectors diminished. Also, ASH1L depletion suppresses CPD excision and confers UV hypersensitivity. These findings show that ASH1L configures chromatin for the effective handoff between damage recognition factors during GG-NER activity.
Periodic squeezing in a polariton Josephson junction
Authors: Adiyatullin Albert F. , Anderson Mitchell D. , Flayac Hugo , Portella-Oberli Marcia T. , Jabeen Fauzia , Ouellet-Plamondon Claudéric , Sallen Gregory C. , Deveaud Benoit
Published: October 2017

The use of a Kerr nonlinearity to generate squeezed light is a well-known way to surpass the quantum noise limit along a given field quadrature. Nevertheless, in the most common regime of weak nonlinearity, a single Kerr resonator is unable to provide the proper interrelation between the field amplitude and squeezing required to induce a sizable deviation from Poissonian statistics. We demonstrate experimentally that weakly coupled bosonic modes allow exploration of the interplay between squeezing and displacement, which can give rise to strong deviations from the Poissonian statistics. In particular, we report on the periodic bunching in a Josephson junction formed by two coupled exciton-polariton modes. Quantum modeling traces the bunching back to the presence of quadrature squeezing. Our results, linking the light statistics to squeezing, are a precursor to the study of nonclassical features in semiconductor microcavities and other weakly nonlinear bosonic systems.
Mutation accumulation under UV radiation in Escherichia coli
Authors: Shibai Atsushi , Takahashi Yusuke , Ishizawa Yuka , Motooka Daisuke , Nakamura Shota , Ying Bei-Wen , Tsuru Saburo
Published: October 2017

Mutations are induced by not only intrinsic factors such as inherent molecular errors but also by extrinsic mutagenic factors such as UV radiation. Therefore, identifying the mutational properties for both factors is necessary to achieve a comprehensive understanding of evolutionary processes both in nature and in artificial situations. Although there have been extensive studies on intrinsic factors, the mutational profiles of extrinsic factors are poorly understood on a genomic scale. Here, we explored the mutation profiles of UV radiation, a ubiquitous mutagen, in Escherichia coli on the genomic scale. We performed an evolution experiment under periodic UV radiation for 28 days. The accumulation speed of the mutations was found to increase so that it exceeded that of a typical mutator strain with deficient mismatch repair processes. The huge contribution of the extrinsic factors to all mutations consequently increased the risk of the destruction of inherent error correction systems. The spectrum of the UV-induced mutations was broader than that of the spontaneous mutations in the mutator. The broad spectrum and high upper limit of the frequency of occurrence suggested ubiquitous roles for UV radiation in accelerating the evolutionary process.
Plant Ethylene Sensing and Signalling
Authors: Bakshi Arkadipta , Binder Brad M.
Published: October 2017

Ethylene is a gaseous hormone produced by plants that influences many important processes in plants including growth, development, and responses to stresses. The signal-transduction pathway for ethylene has been defined in plants and first involves the binding of ethylene to receptors that contain a copper cofactor. These receptors are located in the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum where they interact with other proteins to initiate signalling that leads to alterations in transcription and ethylene responses. This chapter summarizes what is known about ethylene signalling and the role of copper ions in receptor function. The occurrence of ethylene receptors in nonplant species is also discussed.
Achieving efficient photodynamic therapy under both normoxia and hypoxia using cyclometalated Ru(ii) photosensitizer through type I photochemical process
Authors: Lv Zhuang , Wei Huanjie , Li Qing , Su Xianlong , Liu Shujuan , Zhang Kenneth Yin , Lv Wen , Zhao Qiang , Li Xianghong , Huang Wei
Published: October 2017

A type I Ru(ii) photosensitizer retained an excellent PDT effect under hypoxia through the formation of highly-oxidative hydroxyl radicals under light irradiation.
Mitochondrial DNA density homeostasis accounts for a threshold effect in a cybrid model of a human mitochondrial disease
Authors: Aryaman Juvid , Johnston Iain G. , Jones Nick S.
Published: October 2017

Mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in a wide array of devastating diseases, but the heterogeneity and complexity of the symptoms of these diseases challenges theoretical understanding of their causation. With the explosion of omics data, we have the unprecedented opportunity to gain deep understanding of the biochemical mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction. This goal raises the outstanding need to make these complex datasets interpretable. Quantitative modelling allows us to translate such datasets into intuition and suggest rational biomedical treatments. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, we use a recently published large-scale dataset and develop a descriptive and predictive mathematical model of progressive increase in mutant load of the MELAS 3243A>G mtDNA mutation. The experimentally observed behaviour is surprisingly rich, but we find that our simple, biophysically motivated model intuitively accounts for this heterogeneity and yields a wealth of biological predictions. Our findings suggest that cells attempt to maintain wild-type mtDNA density through cell volume reduction, and thus power demand reduction, until a minimum cell volume is reached. Thereafter, cells toggle from demand reduction to supply increase, up-regulating energy production pathways. Our analysis provides further evidence for the physiological significance of mtDNA density and emphasizes the need for performing single-cell volume measurements jointly with mtDNA quantification. We propose novel experiments to verify the hypotheses made here to further develop our understanding of the threshold effect and connect with rational choices for mtDNA disease therapies.
Regulated intramembrane proteolysis: emergent role in cell signalling pathways
Authors: McCarthy Aonghus J. , Coleman-Vaughan Caroline , McCarthy Justin V.
Published: October 2017

Receptor signalling events including those initiated following activation of cytokine and growth factor receptors and the well-characterised death receptors (tumour necrosis factor receptor, type 1, FasR and TRAIL-R1/2) are initiated at the cell surface through the recruitment and formation of intracellular multiprotein signalling complexes that activate divergent signalling pathways. Over the past decade, research studies reveal that many of these receptor-initiated signalling events involve the sequential proteolysis of specific receptors by membrane-bound proteases and the γ-secretase protease complexes. Proteolysis enables the liberation of soluble receptor ectodomains and the generation of intracellular receptor cytoplasmic domain fragments. The combined and sequential enzymatic activity has been defined as regulated intramembrane proteolysis and is now a fundamental signal transduction process involved in the termination or propagation of receptor signalling events. In this review, we discuss emerging evidence for a role of the γ-secretase protease complexes and regulated intramembrane proteolysis in cell- and immune-signalling pathways.
Vulnerable transmission line identification using ISH theory in power grids
Authors: Wenli Fan , Xuemin Zhang , Shengwei Mei , Shaowei Huang , Wei Wei , Lijie Ding
Published: October 2017

Vulnerable transmission lines are key points of cascading failures and blackouts. While the vulnerable transmission line identification is challenging due to the complexity of power system. This study puts forward a vulnerable transmission line identification method using the improved structural hole theory (named ISH method) in correlation networks, in which the interactive strengths among transmission lines under N  − 1 check are considered. This method converts the vulnerable transmission line identification in power grids into key node evaluation in correlation networks. Since weighted state and structure correlation networks reflect the changes of transmission lines in operation states and topology structures before and after N  − 1 check, this method is more accurate than other methods based on static complex grid. Besides, this method is very efficient for only local information is used when calculating the constraint coefficient of each node by means of the ISH theory. Numerical simulations on the IEEE‐39 bus system and a regional grid of China verify the validity and accuracy of the ISH method by comparing with other methods.
Energy saving estimation in distribution network with smart grid‐enabled CVR and solar PV inverter
Authors: Singh Shailendra , Singh Shiv P.
Published: October 2017

Estimation of energy savings in distribution network through smart grid‐enabled conservation of voltage reduction (CVR) approach has been investigated in this study. To achieve higher‐energy savings, CVR operation has been carried out with deeper voltage reduction in association with photovoltaic (PV) system while keeping the node voltages within acceptable limits. The additional reactive power support has been injected by PV inverters. The injected reactive power has been controlled by droop characteristics method. Besides, the moving cloud transient effect has been incorporated in PV power output. To evaluate the energy savings, the volt‐VAR control operation has been carried out in three different modes such as without CVR, only CVR, and CVR with PV system on the modified unbalanced IEEE 123 node test system. The test system and control algorithms have been developed and simulated in open distribution system simulator interfaced with MATLAB. From simulation results, it has been demonstrated that higher‐energy savings and peak load demand reduction can be achieved through smart grid‐enabled CVR and PV system in comparison with the only CVR with proper voltage regulation.
Improved side information generation algorithm based on naive Bayesian theory for distributed video coding
Authors: Cao Ying , Sun Lijuan , Han Chong , Guo Jian
Published: October 2017

In Wyner–Ziv (WZ) video coding, side information (SI), which is a decoder estimation of the original frame, plays a key role in overall compression performance. Many researchers have focused on SI in the past decade to develop efficient SI generation algorithms. In this study, the authors propose an algorithm combined with naive Bayesian theory to create a generic model that can complete the generation of SI in the WZ video coding framework. The proposed scheme first utilises samples to build the initial model, after which the algorithm filters the samples and models according to the threshold . Then, the algorithm takes the filtered samples and models as conditions to build the generic model. Finally, the proposed scheme completes the generation of SI with the motion vectors obtained from the generated model. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieves better rate‐distortion performance and improves peak signal‐to‐noise ratio by up to 0.5 and 2 dB compared with state‐of‐the‐art techniques.
Negative group velocity in resistive lossy left‐handed transmission lines
Authors: Barroso Joaquim J. , Oliveira José Edimar B. , Coutinho Olympio L. , Hasar Ugur C.
Published: October 2017

This study reports on negative group velocities in a lumped transmission line, where capacitors and inductors connected to resistors are placed in the series and shunt branches of the periodic line, respectively. The propagation characteristics of the left‐handed transmission line are examined along with two methods. The first method consists of analysing the lumped‐element ladder network by solving in the time domain a system of differential equations derived from the Kirchhoff's voltage and current laws. In the second method, transmission matrix of the unit cell is applied to obtain the dispersion diagram from which the time group delay induced by the periodic network is derived as a function of frequency. Also, non‐analytical input signals are considered, whereby transient effects occur at both ends of modulated half‐sine wave packets propagating under negative group delay (NGD) regime of the left‐handed line. NGD effects arise from ohmic dissipation due to the resistors which establish a frequency range in which NGD propagation is allowed. This finding is numerically demonstrated by injecting into the line modulated Gaussian wave packets, for which the negative time delays determined from the numerical solution of circuit equations and from the dispersion relation are in good agreement.
Modulation classification method for frequency modulation signals based on the time–frequency distribution and CNN
Authors: Zhang Juan , Li Yong , Yin Junping
Published: October 2017

Signal modulation classification is an important research subject in both military and civilian field. This study proposed a novel blind modulation classification method based on the time–frequency distribution and convolutional neural network (CNN). This is the first attempt to treat the time–frequency map as a picture and use an outstanding (CNN‐based) algorithm in computer vision area for signal recognition. The combination offers a novel feature extraction strategy, to some extent, which also conforms to intuition. Simulation results show that the method proposed in this study is efficient and robust and enables a high degree of automation for extracting features, training weights and making decisions. Additionally, a remarkable performance emerges with small samples and repeated training, which distinguishes this method from many other classification methods.
Improved target direction‐of‐arrival estimation using multiple adjacent beams for airborne phased array scanning radar
Authors: Wang Juan , Wang Tong , Wu Jianxin
Published: October 2017

In order to avoid straddling loss, airborne phased array scanning radar transmits beams with small step angle, and then the same target can be detected again and again in multiple adjacent beams through azimuth scanning. Therefore, considering its long‐range surveillance and high revisit rate, the authors may assume that the azimuth angle of the same target almost keeps unchanged during multiple beams. Furthermore, they can also model the target complex amplitude from each beam as an unknown deterministic signal with amplitude and phase difference that accounts for the antenna pattern and sampling starting time. A direction‐of‐arrival estimation algorithm that utilises multiple beams to obtain an accurate target angle is proposed. The signal model that jointly considers received data from multiple adjacent beams is introduced, and the maximum likelihood (ML) estimation of target angle in noise and jamming sceneries is obtained. The performance of proposed method is investigated through Monte‐Carlo simulations and compared with both the Cramer–Rao lower bound and with conventional ML technique that utilises one beam. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the presented algorithm.
Single‐site source localisation using scattering data
Authors: Samizadeh Nikoo Mohammad , Behnia Fereidoon
Published: October 2017

Passive localisation of non‐cooperative targets through their electromagnetic emissions is an attractive issue. This localisation task can be carried out using multitude of receiver sites being linked together. This multiplicity, however, brings about difficulties in organising and coordinating the sites. One can even claim that the method is no longer passive considering the necessary communication links between the sites. On the other hand, single‐site localisation methods basically overcome these difficulties eliminating the need for inter‐site communications. In this study, a single‐site localisation method is presented and analysed. This method is applicable to scenarios with a large known object which plays the role of an electromagnetic wave scatterer. The single receiver site receives both direct and scattered waves through two different antenna systems and analyses them to localise the target. Electromagnetic simulation using the finite‐difference time‐domain method was applied to the problem showing good agreement with the theoretical results. The present study also investigates the effects of noise on the accuracy of localisation. Some of the important practical considerations of the method, like the electromagnetic modelling of the dominant scatterer, are also discussed.
Metrological intercomparison of six terrestrial laser scanning systems
Authors: González‐Jorge Higinio , Rodríguez‐Gonzálvez Pablo , Shen Yueqian , Lagüela Susana , Díaz‐Vilariño Lucía , Lindenbergh Roderik , González‐Aguilera Diego , Arias Pedro
Published: October 2017

Intercomparison among six terrestrial laser scanner systems focused on the measurement of small elements ( < 0.5 m) is performed. Phase shift (PS) and time of flight (ToF) scanners are considered. Two standard artefacts containing three‐dimensional printing spheres and steps of variable height are used for the experiment. Results show errors between −4.5 and 3.5 mm in the measurement of distances between step planes. The most stable systems for measuring small elements seem the Leica C10, Faro Photon and Riegl LMS Z390i. The quality of the results is linked to the overall quality of the system rather than the specific technology used for range measurement (PS or ToF) which does not appear to be a determining factor.
Controlling ZnO/poly(N ‐vinylcarbazole) hybrid morphology via surface modification of ZnO quantum dots for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Moghaddam Elaheh , Youzbashi Amir A. , Kazemzadeh Asghar
Published: October 2017

Hybrid organic–inorganic photovoltaic devices have not lived up to their potential because of poor interface properties. The work tries to improve charge transfer in the interface of organic–inorganic hybrid films of poly (N ‐vinylcarbazole) and ZnO quantum dots (QDs) via surface modification of ZnO and investigation of its effect on morphology of hybrid films. Two types of molecules having identical surface attachment and different terminated groups were used: 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and phenyltriethoxysilane (PhTES). Hybrid film characteristics were investigated by use of UV absorption and photoluminescence spectral measurements and transmission electron microscopy. The results demonstrated that the both modifications, although different in effectiveness, enhanced polymer ordering and decreased phase separation problem of the hybrid films. Then, photovoltaic performance of modified and unmodified films was compared by measuring their photocurrent density‐applied voltage (J –V) curves. It was indicated that the photocurrent density increased in modified devices; however, they were performed differently so that the PhTES‐modified device was revealed better than APTES‐modified device. This work may provide a useful guideline to achieve low‐cost hybrid UV switches or photodetectors.
Hydrothermal synthesis of shape‐controlled SnO as anode material for Li‐ion batteries
Authors: Cheng Yayi , Huang Jianfeng , Li Jiayin , Cao Liyun , Qi Hui
Published: October 2017

The high purity of stannous oxide (SnO) materials with various structures were synthesised using a facile hydrothermal method. Different SnO structures with cross, block, and shell were obtained by controlling pH value and surfactant during the hydrothermal reaction. As anode for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), the crossed SnO displays superior cycling and rate capability in comparison with the block and shell liked SnO. The difference could be attributed to the special morphology of crossed SnO that shows small particle size, high crystallinity, and good structural stability. All the results suggest that controlling structure is an effective way to improve the electrochemical performances of SnO anode material in LIBs.
Harvesting the decay energy of 26Al to drive lightning discharge in protoplanetary discs
Authors: Johansen Anders , Okuzumi Satoshi
Published: October 2017

Chondrules in primitive meteorites likely formed by recrystallisation of dust aggregates that were flash-heated to nearly complete melting. Chondrules may represent the building blocks of rocky planetesimals and protoplanets in the inner regions of protoplanetary discs, but the source of ubiquitous thermal processing of their dust aggregate precursors remains elusive. Here we demonstrate that escape of positrons released in the decay of the short-lived radionuclide 26Al leads to a large-scale charging of dense pebble structures, resulting in neutralisation by lightning discharge and flash-heating of dust and pebbles. This charging mechanism is similar to a nuclear battery where a radioactive source charges a capacitor. We show that the nuclear battery effect operates in circumplanetesimal pebble discs. The extremely high pebble densities in such discs are consistent with conditions during chondrule heating inferred from the high abundance of sodium within chondrules. The sedimented mid-plane layer of the protoplanetary disc may also be prone to charging by the emission of positrons, if the mass density of small dust there is at least an order of magnitude above the gas density. Our results imply that the decay energy of 26Al can be harvested to drive intense lightning activity in protoplanetary discs. The total energy stored in positron emission is comparable to the energy needed to melt all solids in the protoplanetary disc. The efficiency of transferring the positron energy to the electric field nevertheless depends on the relatively unknown distribution and scale-dependence of pebble density gradients in circumplanetesimal pebble discs and in the protoplanetary disc mid-plane layer.
Visible spectroscopy of the Sulamitis and Clarissa primitive families: a possible link to Erigone and Polana
Authors: Morate David , de León Julia , De Prá Mário , Licandro Javier , Cabrera-Lavers Antonio , Campins Humberto , Pinilla-Alonso Noemí
Published: October 2017

The low-inclination (i< 8∘) primitive asteroid families in the inner main belt, that is, Polana-Eulalia, Erigone, Sulamitis, and Clarissa, are considered to be the most likely sources of near-Earth asteroids (101955) Bennu and (162173) Ryugu. These two primitive NEAs will be visited by NASA OSIRIS-REx and JAXA Hayabusa 2 missions, respectively, with the aim of collecting samples of material from their surfaces and returning them back to Earth. In this context, the PRIMitive Asteroid Spectroscopic Survey (PRIMASS) was born, with the main aim to characterize the possible origins of these NEAs and constrain their dynamical evolution. As part of the PRIMASS survey we have already studied the Polana and Erigone collisional families in previously published works. The main goal of the work presented here is to compositionally characterize the Sulamitis and Clarissa families using visible spectroscopy. We have observed 97 asteroids (64 from Sulamitis and 33 from Clarissa) with the OSIRIS instrument (0.5-0.9μm) at the 10.4 m Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC). We found that about 60% of the sampled asteroids from the Sulamitis family show signs of aqueous alteration on their surfaces. We also found that the majority of the Clarissa members present no signs of hydration. The results obtained here show similarities between Sulamitis-Erigone and Clarissa-Polana collisional families.
Subcutaneous Panniculitis-Like T-Cell Lymphoma Presenting as a Local Inflammation of a Thigh in an 8-Month-Old Child
Authors: Gizewska-Kacprzak Kaja , Karpinska-Kaczmarczyk Katarzyna , Ociepa Tomasz
Published: October 2017

During infancy, skin inflammation is usually treated in basic pediatric care. In this study, we present a case of an 8-month-old girl with a 2-month history of an inflammation of the thigh treated locally by ointments and oral antibiotics in basic and dermatological care. The patient had a history of fever, sweating, and failure to thrive. The lactate dehydrogenase was elevated up to 869 U/L with low C-reactive protein (1.04 mg/L). Magnetic resonance imaging of the thigh reassured the diagnosis of local inflammation. Intravenous antibiotic caused mild local improvement, but the episodes of high fever sustained. The patient was transferred to our pediatric surgery department for treatment and surgical biopsy of the lesion. Histopathological examination confirmed a subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma, which is a rare cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma representing less than 1% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, uncommon in children. The patient was introduced to a chemotherapy protocol EURO-LB 2002 with good response. In a skin lesion that is associated with systemic symptoms and responding untypically to antibiotic treatment malignancy should be considered and biopsy not be postponed.
Safety and Feasibility of Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain at 1.5 Tesla in Patients with Temporary Transmyocardial Pacing Leads
Authors: Homsi Rami , Mellert Fritz , Luechinger Roger , Thomas Daniel , Doerner Jonas , Luetkens Julian , Schild Hans , Naehle Claas
Published: October 2017

Background Temporary transmyocardial pacing leads (TTPLs) represent an absolute contraindication to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of MRI at 1.5 Tesla (T) using a transmit/receive (T/R) head coil in patients with TTPL.

Methods TTPLs (220 cm, Osypka TME, Dr. Osypka GmbH, Rheinfelden, Germany) were implanted in a phantom and exposed to conditions of a 1.5 T brain examination using a T/R head coil. Temperature changes at the lead tip were continuously recorded. A total of 28 patients with TTPL and an urgent indication for a brain MRI underwent MRI at 1.5 T with vital sign monitoring. A T/R head coil was used to minimize radiofrequency exposure of the TTPL. Before and immediately after the MRI scan, TTPL lead impedance, pacing capture threshold (PCT), signal slope, and sensing were measured. Serum troponin I was determined before and after MRI to detect thermal myocardial injury.

Results In vitro, the maximum temperature increase from radiofrequency-induced heating of the TTPL tip was < 1°C. In vivo, no complications, such as heating sensations, dizziness, unexpected changes in heart rate or rhythm, or other unusual signs or symptoms were observed. No significant changes in the lead impedance, PCT, signal slope, or sensing were recorded. There were no increases of serum troponin I after the MRI examination.

Conclusions MRI of the brain may be performed safely at 1.5 T using a T/R head coil in case of an urgent clinical need in patients with TTPL and may be considered a feasible and safe procedure when appropriate precautionary measures are taken.
Important model protein found to fold in unexpected way by single-molecule FRET spectroscopy
Authors: Larter Raima
Published: October 2017

FRET spectroscopy reveals protein L is not a two-state folder, identifying a third state for the first time.
Salaries for female physics faculty trail those for male colleagues
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: October 2017

Gender pay gap is tangled with many aspects of physics culture.
Public health aspects of Dengue virus infection relevant to Australia
Authors: Gulholm Trine , Rawlinson William D
Published: October 2017

Dengue is endemic in over 100 countries. The disease is not endemic in Australia currently, although the mosquito vector and imported cases cause sporadic outbreaks, predominantly in Queensland. The illness dengue fever causes a spectrum of disease from asymptomatic or a minor febrile illness through to a fatal disease caused by shock from plasma leakage or haemorrhage. There is currently no specific treatment for dengue. Dengue is mainly diagnosed using serology, antigen detection and PCR. Serological diagnosis of dengue can be difficult because of cross reactions with other flaviviruses. A vaccine is available and registered in Australia, however the overall efficacy is just over 50%. Surveillance, disease recognition, outbreak control and prevention of exposure are strategies used to combat dengue in Australia.
Effect of process parameters on the quality of aluminium alloy Al5Si deposits in wire and arc additive manufacturing using a cold metal transfer process
Authors: Gomez Ortega A. , Corona Galvan L. , Deschaux-Beaume F. , Mezrag B. , Rouquette S.
Published: October 2017

A 3D print device using a cold metal transfer arc welding station to melt a metallic filler wire is developed to build aluminium part by optimising the process parameters. First tests achieved using standard pre-recorded process parameters allow to study the effect of the travel speed and the average welding power on the geometrical characteristics of mono-layer deposits and on walls built by layers superposition. Finally, a parametric study of the effect of each process parameter controlling the shape of the arc current or voltage and the filler wire feeding is carried out in order to try to improve the geometrical regularity of the deposits, and to better understand the effect of each parameter on the melting of the filler wire, its transfer on the support plate, and the geometry of the formed bead.
Using Reports of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Among Young Children to Identify Tuberculosis Transmission in New York City, 2006–2012
Authors: Slutsker Jennifer Sanderson , Trieu Lisa , Crossa Aldo , Ahuja Shama Desai
Published: October 2017

The presence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in young children indicates recent tuberculosis (TB) transmission. We reviewed surveillance reports of children with LTBI to assess whether more follow-up is needed to prevent TB in this high-risk population. Data on all children under 5 years of age who were reported by health-care providers or laboratories to the New York City Department of Health during 2006–2012 were abstracted from the TB surveillance and case management system, and those with LTBI were identified. Potential source cases, defined as any infectious TB case diagnosed in the 2 years before a child was reported and whose residence was within 0.5 miles (0.8 km) of the child’s residence, were identified. Neighborhood risk factors for TB transmission were examined. Among 3,511 reports of children under age 5 years, 1,722 (49%) had LTBI. The children were aged 2.9 years, on average, and most (64%) had been born in the United States. A potential source case was identified for 92% of the children; 27 children lived in the same building as a TB patient. Children with potential source cases were more likely to reside in neighborhoods with high TB incidence, poverty, and population density. The high proportion of children born in the United States and the young average age of the cases imply that undetected TB transmission occurred. Monitoring reports could be used to identify places where transmission occurred, and additional investigation is needed to prevent TB disease.
Fluid dynamics in heart development: effects of hematocrit and trabeculation
Authors: Battista Nicholas A , Lane Andrea N , Liu Jiandong , Miller Laura A
Published: October 2017

Recent in vivo experiments have illustrated the importance of understanding the haemodynamics of heart morphogenesis. In particular, ventricular trabeculation is governed by a delicate interaction between haemodynamic forces, myocardial activity, and morphogen gradients, all of which are coupled to genetic regulatory networks. The underlying haemodynamics at the stage of development in which the trabeculae form is particularly complex, given the balance between inertial and viscous forces. Small perturbations in the geometry, scale, and steadiness of the flow can lead to changes in the overall flow structures and chemical morphogen gradients, including the local direction of flow, the transport of morphogens, and the formation of vortices. The immersed boundary method was used to solve the two-dimensional fluid-structure interaction problem of fluid flow moving through a two chambered heart of a zebrafish (Danio rerio), with a trabeculated ventricle, at 96 hours post fertilization (hpf). Trabeculae heights and hematocrit were varied, and simulations were conducted for two orders of magnitude of Womersley number, extending beyond the biologically relevant range (0.2–12.0). Both intracardial and intertrabecular vortices formed in the ventricle for biologically relevant parameter values. The bifurcation from smooth streaming flow to vortical flow depends upon the trabeculae geometry, hematocrit, and Womersley number, $Wo$. This work shows the importance of hematocrit and geometry in determining the bulk flow patterns in the heart at this stage of development.
Prevalence and Capsular Types of Group B Streptococci Colonizing Indian Women Living in the United States
Authors: Chaudhary Manu , Rench Marcia A. , Vyas Anuja , Flores Anthony R. , Baker Carol J. , Edwards Morven S.
Published: October 2017

Group B streptococcal rectovaginal colonization prevalence in women of Indian descent living in the United States was 24.7% comparable with US rates but higher than rates reported from India. The capsular polysaccharide types were distinct in that type V was most common and 33% of group B streptococcal strains were nontypeable.