bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The implication of the hyperbolic discount model for the annuitisation decisions
Authors: Chen Anran , Haberman Steven , Thomas Stephen
Published: February 2019

The low demand for immediate annuities at retirement has been a long-standing puzzle. We show that a hyperbolic discount model can explain this behaviour and results in the attractiveness of long-term deferred annuities. With a set of benchmark assumptions, we find that retirees would be willing to pay a much higher price than the actuarial fair price for annuities with longer deferred periods. Moreover, if governments were to introduce a pre-commitment device which requires pensioners to make annuitisation decisions around 10 years before retirement, the take up rate of annuities could become higher.
The 19 September 2017 (Mw7.1) Intermediate‐Depth Mexican Earthquake: A Slow and Energetically Inefficient Deadly Shock
Authors: Mirwald Aron , Cruz‐Atienza Víctor M. , Díaz‐Mojica John , Iglesias Arturo , Singh Shri K. , Villafuerte Carlos , Tago Josué
Published: February 2019

We investigate dynamic source parameters of the Mw7.1 Puebla‐Morelos intermediate‐depth earthquake (h = 57 km) of 19 September 2017, which devastated Mexico City. Our simple, elliptical source model, coupled with a new Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm, revealed rupture propagation within the subducted Cocos plate, featuring a high stress drop (Δτ = 14.9±5.6 MPa) and a remarkably low radiation efficiency (ηr = 0.16 ± 0.09). Fracture energy was large (G = (1.04 ± 0.3) × 1016 J), producing a slow dissipative rupture (Vr/Vs = 0.34 ± 0.04) with scaling‐consistent radiated energy (Er = (1.8 ± 0.9)·1015 J) and energy‐moment ratio (Er/M0 = 3.2 × 10−5). About 84% of the available potential energy for the dynamic rupture was dissipated in the focal region, likely producing friction‐induced melts in the fault core of 0.2–1.2 cm width due to heat production (700–1200 °C temperature rise). Such source features seem to be a universal signature of intermediate‐depth earthquakes.
Carboxydotrophy potential of uncultivated Hydrothermarchaeota from the subseafloor crustal biosphere
Authors: Carr Stephanie A , Jungbluth Sean P , Eloe-Fadrosh Emiley A , Stepanauskas Ramunas , Woyke Tanja , Rappé Michael S , Orcutt Beth N
Published: February 2019

The exploration of Earth’s terrestrial subsurface biosphere has led to the discovery of several new archaeal lineages of evolutionary significance. Similarly, the deep subseafloor crustal biosphere also harbors many unique, uncultured archaeal taxa, including those belonging to Candidatus Hydrothermarchaeota, formerly known as Marine Benthic Group-E. Recently, Hydrothermarchaeota was identified as an abundant lineage of Juan de Fuca Ridge flank crustal fluids, suggesting its adaptation to this extreme environment. Through the investigation of single-cell and metagenome-assembled genomes, we provide insight into the lineage’s evolutionary history and metabolic potential. Phylogenomic analysis reveals the Hydrothermarchaeota to be an early-branching archaeal phylum, branching between the superphylum DPANN, Euryarchaeota, and Asgard lineages. Hydrothermarchaeota genomes suggest a potential for dissimilative and assimilative carbon monoxide oxidation (carboxydotrophy), as well as sulfate and nitrate reduction. There is also a prevalence of chemotaxis and motility genes, indicating adaptive strategies for this nutrient-limited fluid-rock environment. These findings provide the first genomic interpretations of the Hydrothermarchaeota phylum and highlight the anoxic, hot, deep marine crustal biosphere as an important habitat for understanding the evolution of early life.
Citrullination mediated by PPAD constrains biofilm formation in P. gingivalis strain 381
Authors: Vermilyea Danielle M. , Ottenberg Gregory K. , Davey Mary E.
Published: February 2019

Porphyromonas gingivalis is the only known human-associated prokaryote that produces a peptidylarginine deiminase (PPAD), a protein-modifying enzyme that is secreted along with a number of virulence factors via a type IX secretion system (T9SS). While the function of PPAD in P. gingivalis physiology is not clear, human peptidylarginine deiminases are known to convert positively charged arginine residues within proteins to neutral citrulline and, thereby, impact protein conformation and function. Here, we report that the lack of citrullination in a PPAD deletion mutant (Δ8820) enhances biofilm formation. More Δ8820 cells attached to the surface than the parent strain during the early stages of biofilm development and, ultimately, mature Δ8820 biofilms were comprised of significantly more cell–cell aggregates and extracellular matrix. Imaging by electron microscopy discovered that Δ8820 biofilm cells secrete copious amounts of protein aggregates. Furthermore, gingipain-derived adhesin proteins, which are also secreted by the T9SS were predicted by mass spectrometry to be citrullinated and citrullination of these targets by wild-type strain 381 in vitro was confirmed. Lastly, Δ8820 biofilms contained more gingipain-derived adhesin proteins and more gingipain activity than 381 biofilms. Overall, our findings support the model that citrullination of T9SS cargo proteins known to play a key role in colonization, such as gingipain-derived adhesin proteins, is an underlying mechanism that modulates P. gingivalis biofilm development.
Novel insights into P450 BM3 interactions with FDA-approved antifungal azole drugs
Authors: Jeffreys Laura N. , Poddar Harshwardhan , Golovanova Marina , Levy Colin W. , Girvan Hazel M. , McLean Kirsty J. , Voice Michael W. , Leys David , Munro Andrew W.
Published: February 2019

Flavocytochrome P450 BM3 is a natural fusion protein constructed of cytochrome P450 and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase domains. P450 BM3 binds and oxidizes several mid- to long-chain fatty acids, typically hydroxylating these lipids at the ω-1, ω-2 and ω-3 positions. However, protein engineering has led to variants of this enzyme that are able to bind and oxidize diverse compounds, including steroids, terpenes and various human drugs. The wild-type P450 BM3 enzyme binds inefficiently to many azole antifungal drugs. However, we show that the BM3 A82F/F87V double mutant (DM) variant binds substantially tighter to numerous azole drugs than does the wild-type BM3, and that their binding occurs with more extensive heme spectral shifts indicative of complete binding of several azoles to the BM3 DM heme iron. We report here the first crystal structures of P450 BM3 bound to azole antifungal drugs – with the BM3 DM heme domain bound to the imidazole drugs clotrimazole and tioconazole, and to the triazole drugs fluconazole and voriconazole. This is the first report of any protein structure bound to the azole drug tioconazole, as well as the first example of voriconazole heme iron ligation through a pyrimidine nitrogen from its 5-fluoropyrimidine ring.
Tailoring the robust superhydrophobic silicon textures with stable photodetection properties
Authors: Hsiao Min , Chen Kai-Yu , Chen Chia-Yun
Published: February 2019

Surface hydrophobicity of silicon with sound durability under mechanical abrasion is highly desirable for practical needs. However, the reported micro-pyramid/nanowires structures suffer from the saturation characteristics of contact angle at around 132 degree, which impede the promotions toward reaching the state of superhydrophobicity. The present study focuses on the realization of two-scale silicon hierarchical structures prepared with the facile, rapid and large-area capable chemical etching methods without the need of lithographic patterning. The designed structures, with the well combination of microscale inverted pyramids and nanowire arrays, dramatically lead to the increased wetting angle of 157.2 degree and contact-angle hysteresis of 9.4 degree. In addition, the robustness test reveals that these hierarchical textures possess the narrow contact-angle change of 4 degree responding to the varied pH values, and maintain a narrow deviation of 2 degree in wetting angle after experiencing the abrasion test. Moreover, the highly stable photodetection characteristics of such two-scale structures were identified, showing the reliable photocurrents with less than 3% of deviation under wide range of environmental humidity. By adopting a simple chemical treatment, the wetting control is demonstrated for reliable transition of superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity.
Exocrine tissue-driven TFF2 prevents apoptotic cell death of endocrine lineage during pancreas organogenesis
Authors: Hirata Koji , Kodama Sota , Nakano Yasuhiro , Minaki-Nakagawa Yasuko , Aoyama Yoshiki , Sakikubo Morito , Goto Toshihiko , Yoshida Masahiro , Masui Toshihiko , Yamamoto Takuya , Uemoto Shinji , Kawaguchi Yoshiya
Published: February 2019

During embryogenesis, exocrine and endocrine pancreatic tissues are formed in distinct regions within the branched ductal structure in mice. We previously reported that exocrine-specific inactivation of Pdx1 by Elastase-Cre caused not only hypoplastic exocrine formation but also substantial endocrine defects resulting in diabetic phenotype, indicating the existence of an exocrine-driven factor(s) that regulates proper endocrine development. In this study, we identified Trefoil Factor 2 (TFF2) as an exocrine gene expressed from embryonic day 16.5 to adulthood in normal mice but significantly less in our Pdx1 mutants. Using in vitro explant culture of embryonic pancreatic tissue, we demonstrated that TFF2 prevented the apoptosis of insulin-producing cells but that antagonizing CXCR4, a known TFF2 receptor, suppressed this anti-apoptotic effect in the mutants. Furthermore, the antagonist in normal pancreatic tissue accelerated the apoptosis of insulin-producing cells, indicating that the TFF2/CXCR4 axis maintains embryonic insulin-producing cells in normal development. TFF2 also suppressed the apoptosis of Nkx6.1+ endocrine precursors in mutant pancreata, but this effect was unperturbed by the CXCR4 antagonist, suggesting the existence of an unknown receptor for TFF2. These findings suggest TFF2 is a novel exocrine factor that supports the survival of endocrine cells in the multiple stages of organogenesis through distinct receptors.
Physical-chemical measurement method development for self-assembled, core-shell nanoparticles
Authors: Farkas Natalia , Scaria Puthupparampil V. , Woodle Martin C. , Dagata John A.
Published: February 2019

Improvements in dimensional metrology and innovations in physical-chemical characterization of functionalized nanoparticles are critically important for the realization of enhanced performance and benefits of nanomaterials. Toward this goal, we propose a multi-technique measurement approach, in which correlated atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering, high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy measurements are used to assess molecular and structural properties of self-assembled polyplex nanoparticles with a core-shell structure. In this approach, measurement methods are first validated with a model system consisting of gold nanoparticles functionalized with synthetic polycationic branched polyethylenimine macromolecules. Shell thickness is measured by atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering, and the polyelectrolyte uptake determined by chromatographic separation and mass spectrometric analysis. Statistical correlation between size, structure and stability provide a basis for extending the methods to more complex self-assembly of nucleic acids and macromolecules via a condensation reaction. From these size and analytical chemical measurements, we obtain a comprehensive spatial description of these assemblies, obtain a detailed interpretation of the core-shell evolution, and identify regions of the parameter space where stable, discrete particle formation occurs.
Computational and spectroscopic analysis of interaction between food colorant citrus red 2 and human serum albumin
Authors: Wu Di , Wang Jinqiu , Liu Dayu , Zhang Yin , Hu Xia
Published: February 2019

The main aim of this work was to gain insight into the binding properties between a food colorant, citrus red 2 (CR), and human serum albumin (HSA), which is the predominant protein in blood plasma. Here, computer simulations and multiple spectroscopies were applied to predict and characterize the interaction between CR and HSA. Docking and molecular dynamics presented a stable binding configuration with low fluctuations. Fluorescence spectroscopy and lifetime results suggested that the CR–HSA combination undergoes static quenching mechanism with binding constant of 105 L/mol. Displacement analysis showed the binding of CR at site I of HSA, which agrees with the docking results. The binding process occured spontaneously and was mainly driven by electrostatic interactions. Synchronous fluorescence and circular dichroism measurements demonstrate the changes in the microenvironment residues and α-helix contents of HSA induced by CR. The computational and experimental techniques are complementary to clearly understand the food colorant transportation and bioaccumulative toxicity in the human body.
Hexagonal germanium formation at room temperature using controlled penetration depth nano-indentation
Authors: Dushaq Ghada , Nayfeh Ammar , Rasras Mahmoud
Published: February 2019

Thin Ge films directly grown on Si substrate using two-step low temperature growth technique are subjected to low load nano-indentation at room temperature. The nano-indentation is carried out using a Berkovich diamond tip (R ~ 20 nm). The residual impressions are studied usingex-situRaman Micro-Spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy combined system, and Transmission Electron Microscopy. The analysis of residual indentation impressions and displacement-load curves show evidence of deformation by phase transformation at room temperature under a critical pressure ranging from 4.9GPa–8.1GPa. Furthermore, the formation of additional Ge phases such as r8-Ge, hd-Ge, and amorphous Ge as a function of indentation depth have been realized. The inelastic deformation mechanism is found to depend critically on the indentation penetration depth. The non-uniform spatial distribution of the shear stress depends on the indentation depth and plays a crucial role in determining which phase is formed. Similarly, nano-indentation fracture response depends on indentation penetration depth. This opens the potential of tuning the contact response of Ge and other semiconductors thin films by varying indentation depth and indenter geometry. Furthermore, this observed effect can be reliably used to induce phase transformation in Ge-on-Si with technological interest as a narrow band gap material for mid-wavelength infrared detection.
Perspectives on the expansion of human precision oncology and genomic approaches to sea turtle fibropapillomatosis
Authors: Duffy David J. , Martindale Mark Q.
Published: February 2019

Our recent Communications Biology research article revealed the genomic drivers and therapeutic vulnerabilities of sea turtle fibropapillomatosis tumors. Fibropapillomatosis is a debilitating tumorous disease afflicting populations of green sea turtles globally. While a virus is involved in the development of this disease, it is increasingly understood that the key trigger is linked to anthropogenic disturbances of the environment. The specific environmental co-trigger(s) has yet to be functionally confirmed. Here we outline the next steps required to advance our understanding of this enigmatic disease, to enable us to more effectively clinically combat it and to ultimately tackle its environmental co-trigger to halt and hopefully reverse the spread of fibropapillomatosis.
Tetrazolyl and dinitromethyl groups with 1,2,3-triazole lead to polyazole energetic materials
Authors: Liu Yingle , He Chunlin , Tang Yongxing , Imler Gregory H. , Parrish Damon A. , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: February 2019

A class of polyazole energetic compounds (combination of tetrazolyl, dinitromethyl and triazole) was obtained from 4,5-dicyanotriazole.
TBAI-catalyzed selective synthesis of sulfonamides and β-aryl sulfonyl enamines: coupling of arenesulfonyl chlorides and sodium sulfinates with tert-amines
Authors: Jiang Hongmei , Tang Xiaoyue , Xu Zhihui , Wang Huixian , Han Kang , Yang Xiaolan , Zhou Yuanyuan , Feng Yong-Lai , Yu Xian-Yong , Gui Qingwen
Published: February 2019

A simple, practical and metal-free method for the synthesis of title compounds via the selective cleavage of C–N and C–H bonds through the iodine-catalyzed oxidation of arenesulfonyl chlorides and sodium sulfinates with tert-amines.
A novel method for the highly efficient biotransformation of genistein from genistin using a high-speed counter-current chromatography bioreactor
Authors: Wang Daijie , Khan Muhammad Shafiq , Cui Li , Song Xiangyun , Zhu Heng , Ma Tianyu , Li Xiaoyu , Sun Rong
Published: February 2019

Genistein, an important soybean isoflavone compound, has gained attention for its significant properties.
Physical aging and compressed exponential behaviors in a model soft colloidal system
Authors: Li Qi , Peng Xiaoguang , McKenna Gregory B.
Published: February 2019

Compressed exponentialg2(t) does not require super-diffusive MSD behavior.
Entropy production in thermal phase separation: a kinetic-theory approach
Authors: Zhang Yudong , Xu Aiguo , Zhang Guangcai , Gan Yanbiao , Chen Zhihua , Succi Sauro
Published: February 2019

Entropy production during the process of thermal phase-separation of multiphase flows is investigated by means of a discrete Boltzmann kinetic model.
Boosting the supercapacitor performance of activated carbon by constructing overall conductive networks using graphene quantum dots
Authors: Qing Yan , Jiang Yuting , Lin He , Wang Luxiang , Liu Anjie , Cao Yali , Sheng Rui , Guo Yong , Fan Chengwei , Zhang Su , Jia Dianzeng , Fan Zhuangjun
Published: February 2019

The capacitive energy storage performance of activated carbon can be significantly improved by embedding graphene quantum dots owing to the formation of overall conductive networks.
In situgeneration of supported palladium nanoparticles from a Pd/Sn/S chalcogel and applications in 4-nitrophenol reduction and Suzuki coupling
Authors: Shan Xinyao , Sui Ning , Liu Wengang , Liu Manhong , Liu Jian
Published: February 2019

A one-stepin situroute to obtain well-defined and size-controllable Pd nanoparticles was reported and employed for catalytic applications.
Hierarchical structural designs of ion exchange membranes for flow batteries
Authors: Yue Xiujun , He Qian , Lim Hee-Dae , Liu Ping
Published: February 2019

A hierarchically structured composite ion exchange membrane is developed to solve the trade-off between conductivity and selectivity.
Physicochemical implications of alkoxide “mixing” in polyoxovanadium clusters for nonaqueous energy storage
Authors: VanGelder Lauren E. , Schreiber Eric , Matson Ellen M.
Published: February 2019

Mixtures of vanadate clusters improve solubility and electrochemical stability of polynuclear charge carriers.
Facile synthesis of Co/Pd supported by few-walled carbon nanotubes as an efficient bidirectional catalyst for improving the low temperature hydrogen storage properties of magnesium hydride
Authors: Liu Meijia , Xiao Xuezhang , Zhao Shuchun , Chen Man , Mao Jianfeng , Luo Bosang , Chen Lixin
Published: February 2019

Catalytic doping is important for enhancing the hydrogen storage performance of metal hydrides, but it is challenging to develop a single catalyst to enhance both hydrogen desorption and absorption to a certain degree.
End-functional polyolefins for block copolymer synthesis
Authors: Goring Paul D. , Morton Colin , Scott Peter
Published: February 2019

Block copolymers containing polyolefin (red) and polar (blue) segments may be synthesised via end-functionalised polyolefins from metal-catalysed routes.
Reversible O–H bond activation by an intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair
Authors: Vasko Petra , Fuentes M. Ángeles , Hicks Jamie , Aldridge Simon
Published: February 2019

The interactions of the O–H bonds in alcohols, water and phenol with dimethylxanthene-derived frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) have been probed.
Correction: Ferrocene-appended pharmacophores: an exciting approach for modulating the biological potential of organic scaffolds
Authors: Singh Amandeep , Lumb Isha , Mehra Vishu , Kumar Vipan
Published: February 2019

Correction for ‘Ferrocene-appended pharmacophores: an exciting approach for modulating the biological potential of organic scaffolds’ by Amandeep Singh et al., Dalton Trans., 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c8dt03440k.
Correction: Unveiling the helicity switching mechanism of a rigid two-tiered stacked architecture
Authors: Liu Peng , Duan Yafei , Bian Xihui , Tan Xiaoyao
Published: February 2019

Correction for ‘Unveiling the helicity switching mechanism of a rigid two-tiered stacked architecture’ by Peng Liu et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 1501–1508.
Surface nitrogen-modified 2D titanium carbide (MXene) with high energy density for aqueous supercapacitor applications
Authors: Tian Yapeng , Que Wenxiu , Luo Yangyang , Yang Chenhui , Yin Xingtian , Kong Ling Bing
Published: February 2019

Nitrogen related functional groups modify the surface characteristics of Ti3C2Txto make significant contribution to the intercalation-pseudocapacitance of supercapacitors.
Low‐rank approximation‐based tensor decomposition model for subspace clustering
Authors: Su Yuting , Bai Xu , Jian Pu , Jing Peiguang , Zhang Jing
Published: February 2019

To better explore the underlying intrinsic structure of tensorial data, in this Letter, the authors propose a low‐rank approximation‐based tensor decomposition (LRATD) algorithm for subspace clustering. LRATD aims to seek a low‐dimensional intrinsic core tensor representation by projecting the original tensor into a subspace spanned by projection matrices. Different from traditional approaches that impose additional constraints on basis matrices to further eliminate the influence of data noise or corruption, they directly add a low‐rank regulariser on the core tensor to encourage more robust feature representation. Noticeably, they develop an accelerated proximal gradient algorithm to solve the problem of LRATD. Experimental results demonstrate the excellent performance compared with state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Neural network–based methodology to study effects of oil properties on induction period evaluated from response of oil‐paper insulation employing mineral oil, ester, and mixture
Authors: Dutta Saurabh , Banerjee Chandra Madhab , Baral Arjit , Chatterjee Biswendu , Dalai Sovan , Chakravorti Sivaji
Published: February 2019

Induction period evaluated from time domain dielectric response of oil‐paper insulation (OPI) contains information related to heat dissipating property of oil. In the present paper, effect of aging sensitive oil properties on the value of induction period is investigated. Three types of dielectric liquids (pure mineral oil, synthetic ester, mixture of synthetic ester, and mineral oil) are considered for the present work. A neural network (NN) is used for modelling the non‐linear relationship between induction period and various oil properties. The trained network is subsequently used to study the influence of various oil properties on induction period.
Comprehensive comparison and analysis of non‐inverting buck boost and conventional buck boost converters
Authors: Weng Xing , Xiao Xiang , He Weibin , Zhou Yongyan , Shen Yu , Zhao Wei , Zhao Zhengming
Published: February 2019

The non‐inverting buck boost (NIBB) converter has attracted significant attention in recent years, as it shares ground between input and output, and the voltage stress of switches is lower. In order to investigate the differences between NIBB and conventional buck boost converters, a comprehensive comparison and analysis of these two converters were conducted in terms of their operation principles, which includes multi‐mode control strategy and dual‐edge modulation here, and also the characteristics of switches and passive components in the two converters were analysed. The results show that NIBB is better than conventional buck boost circuit in these aspects of electrical stress, power loss, cost, passive component volume, and so on. Two prototypes for the two converters with 10 kW/20 kHz were designed and simulated, respectively, for verifying the results. Analytical and simulated results confirmed the conclusions.
Improved droop control strategy of energy storage converter under grid‐side power fluctuation
Authors: Zhang Chi , Zeng Jie , Hu Yifan , Meng Jinling , Zhang Wei , Pei Xingyu , Guo Zongbao
Published: February 2019

In recent years, energy storage technology is widely used in distribution networks. It can significantly improve stability and power quality of the grid. An improved droop control strategy for energy power storage converter is proposed here, which based on complex filter, dividing the voltage into positive and negative sequence components in the αβ ‐axis. This method has small amount of calculation and easy realisation. This strategy can improve the output power quality of energy power storage converter. Finally, it proved that the improved voltage control strategy can effectively shorten the time of voltage recovery in the case of the power fluctuation of the contact line, and provide reference for other access storage power distribution network operation control through MATLAB/Simulink simulation.
Loss reduction analysis and control of AC‐voltage‐boosted FBSM MMC by injecting second harmonic circulating current
Authors: Xiang Muchao , Hu Jiabing , He Zhiyuan
Published: February 2019

Reducing the power loss and handling short‐circuit faults in HVDC systems are crucial for economical and reliable operation of modular multilevel converters (MMC). This paper proposes a loss reduction method for AC voltage‐boosted FBSM‐MMC by controlling the second harmonic component in the circulating current. The relationship between converter loss and second harmonic circulating current (SHCC) is first derived for AC voltage‐boosted FBSM‐MMC. From the analysis, it can be seen that the converter loss can be reduced by injecting the optimal SHCC into the arm current. The topology comparison between traditional FBSM‐MMC and AC voltage‐boosted FBSM‐MMC is carried out to show the benefit of this method. Simulation results using PSCAD/EMTDC confirm the feasibility and validity of the proposed loss reduction method for AC voltage‐boosted FBSM‐MMC.
Effect of young's modulus of porcine ligamentum flavum on the epidural needle insertion
Authors: Naemura Kiyoshi , Matsumoto Yoshikazu , Saito Hideya
Published: February 2019

In order to predict how much the human ligamentum flavum will be deformed and tented during insertion of an epidural needle, experiments with the porcine spines were done to check the effect of Young's modulus of the porcine ligamentum flavum. Porcine ligamentum flavums were harvested with vertebral bones and trimmed in rectangle shape. The epidural needle was inserted at 0.8 mm/s with a linear actuator from perpendicular to stretch direction of the specimens. Reaction force as insertion resistance with a load cell and side view of the specimen and the needle as deformation of the ligamentum flavum with a CCD camera were recorded synchronously. As results, width of vertebral bones related the maximum deformation, while no relation was observed between width of vertebral bones and the maximum insertion force. Young's modulus affected the maximum insertion force. Human ligamentum flavum has longer width of vertebral bones and larger Young's modulus. Thus, larger maximum deformation and higher maximum insertion force for the human ligamentum flavum were predicted.
Data assimilation using particle filter for real‐time identification of organ properties
Authors: Nakano Sojuro , Miura Satoshi , Victor Parque , Torisaka Ayako , Miyashita Tomoyuki
Published: February 2019

The number of operations using surgical robots are continuously increasing. To perform accurate surgeries, it is necessary to know the behaviour of intervened organs, especially their mechanical properties, which must be accurately determined. However, the physical properties of organs vary depending on age, gender, and environment, and thus, each organ exhibits particular mechanical properties. The authors propose a real‐time assimilation system that identifies organ properties. Specifically, a 2D model using the finite element method and data assimilation, which is mostly used in Earth science, allows the identification of the physical parameters of organs. Data assimilation relies on a particle filter for efficiently solving the non‐linear identification of parameters from a statics viewpoint. In addition, the semi‐implicit Euler method discretises the proposed model and improves efficiency. The proposed approach can serve to the future implementation of a real‐time and accurate framework for identifying mechanical properties of organs.
Globular clusters in the outer halo of M 31
Authors: Wang Song , Ma Jun , Liu Jifeng
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we present photometry of 53 globular clusters (GCs) in the M 31 outer halo, including the GALEX far-ultraviolet (FUV) and near-ultraviolet (NUV), SDSS ugriz, 15 intermediate-band filters of BATC, and 2MASS JHKs bands. By comparing the multicolour photometry with stellar population synthesis models, we determine the metallicities, ages, and masses for these GCs, aiming to probe the merging/accretion history of M 31. We find no clear trend of metallicity and mass with the de-projected radius. The halo GCs younger than ∼8 Gyr are mostly located at the de-projected radii around 100 kpc, but this may be due to a selection effect. We also find that the halo GCs have consistent metallicities with their spatially associated substructures, which provides further evidence of the physical association between them. Both the disc and halo GCs in M 31 show a bimodal luminosity distribution. However, we should emphasise that there are more faint halo GCs which are not seen in the disc. The bimodal luminosity function of the halo GCs may reflect a different origin or evolution environment in their original hosts. The M 31 halo GCs include one intermediate metallicity group (−1.5 < [Fe/H] < −0.4) and one metal-poor group ([Fe/H] < −1.5), while the disc GCs have one metal-rich group more. There are considerable differences between the halo GCs in M 31 and the Milky Way (MW). The total number of GCs in M 31 is approximately three times greater than in the MW, however M 31 has about six times more halo GCs than the MW. Compared to the halo GCs of M 31, those of the MW are mostly metal-poor. Both the numerous halo GCs and the higher-metallicity component are suggestive of an active merger history of M 31.
L’émergence d’une socioéconomie écologique. Lecture croisée de trois ouvrages récents
Authors: Petit Olivier
Published: February 2019

L’objectif de ce texte est de proposer, à partir d’une lecture croisée de trois ouvrages récents relevant de la socioéconomie écologique, une analyse des fondements et des thématiques principales de ce champ d’étude en cours d’émergence. Après avoir brièvement présenté l’architecture générale de chacun de ces trois livres, nous revenons sur la distinction opérée entre les nouveaux économistes des ressources, les nouveaux pragmatistes de l’environnement et les tenants de la socioéconomie écologique, pour en relever les clivages principaux. Nous développons ensuite la perspective empruntée par ce dernier courant, en exposant ses fondements ontologiques, épistémologiques et méthodologiques, puis en déclinant, à partir d’un certain nombre de thèmes structurants, les principaux enjeux et débats actuellement à l’œuvre dans ce domaine.
A Fuzzy multi-objective programming approach to develop a green closed-loop supply chain network design problem under uncertainty: Modifications of imperialist competitive algorithm
Authors: Fakhrzad Mohammad Bagher , Goodarzian Fariba
Published: February 2019

The last decade has seen a numerous studies focusing on the closed-loop supply chain. Accordingly, the uncertainty conditions as well as the green emissions of facilities are still open issues. In this paper, a new fuzzy multi-objective programming approach is to present for a production-distribution model in order to develop a multi-product, multi-period and multi-level green closed-loop supply chain network problem, which this model is formulated as multi-objective mixed linear integer programming (MOMILP). In regards to offered fuzzy multi-objective model, three conflicting goals are exited, simultaneously. The objective functions are to minimizing the total cost, minimizing the gas emissions costs due to vehicle movements between centers, and maximizing the reliability of delivery demand due to the reliability of the suppliers. To get closer to real-world applications, the parameters of model are considered by fuzzy numbers. Another novelty of proposed model is in the solution methodology. To solve the model, this study not only uses a well-known Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA) but a number of new modifications of ICA (MICA) also have been provided to address the proposed problem, which is to demonstrate the efficiency and performance of the proposed algorithm with other algorithms included: SA, ICA, ACO, GA, and PSO are compare. Finally, different analyses with a variety of problem complexity in different sizes are performed to assess the performance of algorithms as well as some sensitivity analyses on the efficiency of model are studied.
The analysis of a discrete time finite-buffer queue with working vacations under Markovian arrival process and PH-service time
Authors: Ye Qingqing , Liu Liwei , Jiang Tao , Chang Baoxian
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we study the discrete-time MAP/PH/1 queue with multiple working vacations and finite bufferN. Using the Matrix-Geometric Combination method, we obtain the stationary probability vectors of this model, which can be expressed as a linear combination of two matrix-geometric vectors. Furthermore, we obtain some performance measures including the loss probability and give the limit of loss probability as finite bufferNgoes to infinite. Waiting time distribution is derived by using the absorbing Markov chain. Moreover, we obtain the number of customers served in the busy period. At last, some numerical examples are presented to verify the results we obtained and show the impact of parameterNon performance measures.
Sodium Selenosulfate from Sodium Sulfite and Selenium Powder: An Odorless Selenylating Reagent for Alkyl Halides to Produce Dialkyl Diselenide Catalysts
Authors: Liu Yonghong , Ling Hai , Chen Chao , Xu Qing , Yu Lei , Jiang Xuefeng
Published: February 2019

Na2SeSO3, which can be generated in situ by the reaction of Na2SO3 with Se power, was found to be an odorless reagent for the selenenylation of alkyl halides to produce dialkyl diselenides. These products have been recently shown to be good catalysts for the Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of carbonyl compounds, for the selective oxidation of alkenes, or for the oxidative deoximation of oximes. By using aqueous EtOH as the solvent and avoiding the generation of a malodourous selenol intermediate, the selenylation reaction with Na2SeSO3 is much more environmentally friendly than conventional methods. Owing to the cheap and abundant starting materials and selenium reagents, our novel synthetic method reduces the production costs of dialkyl diselenides as organoselenium catalysts, thereby advancing practical applications of organoselenium-catalysis technologies.
Incision and Drainage with Daily Irrigation for the Treatment of Auricular Pseudocyst
Authors: Abdel Tawab Hazem , Tabook Salim
Published: February 2019

Introduction Pseudocyst of the pinna is a rare condition that occurs when fluid accumulates in the intercartilagenous space of the auricle. The main goal when treating this condition is to keep acceptable cosmetic results with no recurrence rate.

Objective To demonstrate the superior impact of incision and drainage of auricular pseudocysts with the insertion of a catheter drain and daily irrigation as the treatment of this condition.

Methods A total of 42 patients with auricular pseudocysts were enrolled in the present study in the period between May 2011 and May 2017. All of the patients were treated with incision and drainage with compression. The average follow-up time reached ∼ 6 months in all of the cases.

Results All of the patients had satisfactory cosmetic results with no recurrence and no complications.

Conclusion Among the different methods of surgical treatment of pseudocyst of the pinna, incision and drainage with daily irrigation is a significantly efficient method both for the eradication of auricular pseudocysts and for good cosmetic results.
How Patients Use a Patient Portal: An Institutional Case Study of Demographics and Usage Patterns
Authors: Tsai Raymond , Bell Elijah , Woo Hawkin , Baldwin Kevin , Pfeffer Michael
Published: February 2019

Background Given the widespread electronic health record adoption, there is increasing interest to leverage patient portals to improve care.

Objective To determine characteristics of patient portal users and the activities they accessed in the patient portal.

Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patient portal usage at University of California, Los Angeles, Health from July 2014 to May 2015. A total dataset of 505,503 patients was compiled with 396,303 patients who did not register for the patient portal and 109,200 patients who registered for a patient portal account. We compared patients who did not register for the online portal to the top 75th percentile of users based on number of logins, which was done to exclude those who only logged in to register. Finally, to avoid doing statistical analysis on too large of a sample and overpower the analysis, we performed statistical tests on a random sample of 300 patients in each of the two groups.

Results Patient portal users tended to be older (49.45 vs. 46.22 years in the entire sample, p = 0.008 in the random sample) and more likely female (62.59 vs. 54.91% in the entire sample, p = 0.035 in the random sample). Nonusers had more monthly emergency room (ER) visits on average (0.047 vs. 0.014, p < 0.001). The most frequently accessed activity on the portal was viewing laboratory results (79.7% of users looked at laboratory results).

Conclusion There are differences between patient portal users and nonusers, and further understanding of these differences can serve as foundation for further investigation and possible interventions to drive patient engagement and health outcomes.
Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Acute Coronary Syndrome: Focus on Safety and Completeness of Revascularization
Authors: Neumann Anneke , Vöhringer Luise , Fischer Julia , Mustafi Migdat , Schneider Wilke , Krüger Tobias , Schlensak Christian
Published: February 2019

Background Emergency coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the setting of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass might be advantageous, but the role of off-pump CABG (OPCAB) remains controversial, as it has been associated with incomplete revascularization in several studies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and outcome of OPCAB surgery in ACS patients.

Methods We performed a retrospective review of ACS patients who underwent on-pump CABG (ONCAB) or OPCAB, either emergently or delayed, at our institution.

Results Between January 2015 and December 2016, a total of 205 consecutive ACS patients underwent either ONCAB (109 patients, 53.2%) or OPCAB surgery (96 patients, 46.8%). EuroSCORE II levels (5.6 ± 7.2 vs 4.9 ± 6.5, p = 0.226) and demography were comparable between groups.

A trend towards lower postoperative mortality was observed in OPCAB patients (2.1 vs 5.5%). The incidence of postoperative stroke and low cardiac output syndrome, as well as the duration of inotropic support and the need for re-sternotomy, was significantly lower in the OPCAB group (p < 0.05).

CABG performed instantly in an emergency situation was not associated with increased mortality or morbidity when compared with delayed procedures, and OPCAB surgery in emergency patients was associated with lower postoperative morbidity and shorter stays in the intensive care unit (p < 0.05).

There were no differences in completeness of revascularization between groups (median 1 [1–1.33;0.33–1.67] OPCAB versus median 1 (1–1.33;0.67–2) ONCAB, p = 0.617), even in the emergency setting.

Conclusion OPCAB surgery is safe and effective in ACS and may be considered in hemodynamically stable patients in the emergency setting.
Diagnosing Recurrent DVT of the Leg by Two Different Non–Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Direct Thrombus Imaging Techniques: A Pilot Study
Authors: Dronkers Charlotte , Klok Frederikus , van Langevelde Kirsten , Šrámek Alexandr , van Haren Guido , Huisman Menno , de Roos Albert , Kroft Lucia
Published: February 2019

Introduction Magnetic resonance direct thrombus imaging (MRDTI) is a promising technique to improve the diagnostic management of patients with a suspected ipsilateral recurrent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by direct visualization of a thrombus. Another magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique, T1-weighted turbo spin-echo spectral attenuated inversion recovery (TSE-SPAIR), has the potential to image a thrombus directly with a high spatial resolution as well. The main aim of this pilot study was to investigate if adding the TSE-SPAIR sequence to an MRDTI sequence performed in patients with suspected recurrent DVT may increase the diagnostic confidence of expert MRDTI readers.

Methods Fifteen patients with suspected acute recurrent DVT were included in this study. The TSE-SPAIR sequence was scanned directly after the MRDTI scan but not used to guide clinical decision making, and both scans were adjudicated post hoc two times separately by three independent expert MRDTI readers. Diagnostic confidence was scored on a 4-point Likert scale: (1) poor (definite diagnosis impossible), (2) fair (evaluation of major findings possible), (3) good (definite diagnosis possible), and (4) excellent (exact diagnosis possible).

Results The diagnostic confidence of expert readers increased when adding the TSE-SPAIR sequence on top of the MRDTI sequence from “good” (median, 3.0; interquartile range [IQR], 2.66–3.0) to “excellent” (median, 3.67; IQR 3.33–3.67; p = 0.001). Evaluation of the scans in the reversed order 5 months after initial reading showed similar results. Diagnostic accuracy for proximal DVT of both scan techniques was good.

Conclusion The extra TSE-SPAIR sequence may help increase diagnostic confidence of radiologists in cases of uncertain diagnosis in patients with suspected ipsilateral recurrent DVT.
4 Photocatalytic Oxidative C—C Bond Formation
Authors: Pandey G. , Laha R.
Published: February 2019

This chapter summarizes some important examples of carbon–carbon bond-forming reactions at the α-position of tertiary amines using photoredox catalysis. The photocatalytic single-electron oxidation of tertiary amines leads to the generation of an amine radical cation, from which two highly reactive and synthetically useful intermediates, iminium ions and α-aminoalkyl radicals, can be produced. Iminium ion intermediates, being electrophilic in nature, react with a range of carbon nucleophiles forming new carbon–carbon bonds. On the other hand, the α-aminoalkyl radical, an electron-rich radical, adds efficiently to electron-deficient unsaturated systems resulting in carbon–carbon bond-forming reactions. This chapter also highlights some examples of carbon–carbon bond-forming reaction by nucleophilic/radical addition to photocatalytically generated arene radical cations.
13 Flavins in Photocatalysis
Authors: Metternich J. B. , Mudd R. J. , Gilmour R.
Published: February 2019

Inspired by naturally occurring biological processes, flavins have proven to be versatile organic frameworks for a wide variety of catalytic, photochemical procedures. Grounded in the photochemical activation mechanisms that are synonymous with flavins, this chapter surveys the photophysical and structural foundations of selected examples in flavin photocatalysis.
17 Photocatalytic Carbon—Heteroatom Bond Formation
Authors: Ruffoni A. , Leonori D.
Published: February 2019

This chapter summarizes recent developments in the field of visible-light-mediated photoredox catalysis in the context of carbon–heteroatom bond formation. The discussion is organized by heteroatom, with further subgroups based on specific functionalities. Emphasis is placed on the scope and limitations of the reactions described.
18 Photocatalytic Introduction of Fluorinated Groups
Authors: Koike T. , Akita M.
Published: February 2019

Fluorinated groups are prevalent in pharmaceutical and agrochemical compounds as they significantly influence the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion properties of a molecule in biological systems. Photocatalytic radical processes enable the facile introduction of fluorinated groups into various organic skeletons. This chapter presents recent representative works and standard procedures to achieve such processes.
20 Photocatalysis in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: DiRocco D. A. , Schultz D. M.
Published: February 2019

Applications of visible-light-photocatalyzed transformations utilized throughout drug development are highlighted. Specifically, transformations that proceed on both small and large drug-like targets, provide direct access to unique derivatives, and are amenable to scale up are discussed. Moreover, several industrial–academic collaborations are presented to showcase the development of new photochemical methodologies to address current synthetic challenges.
Stiffness judgment of objects through teleoperation systems based on direct force reflection control
Authors: Liu Xia , Jiang Wei , Zhang Xiaohua
Published: February 2019

The stiffness judgment of objects is an importance project in the teleoperation systems, by which the human operator understands the objects in the environment. Furthermore, an accurate force reflection is a key factor to accurately judge the stiffness of objects. In this paper, a stiffness judgment method of objects through teleoperation systems based on direct force reflection (DFR) control is proposed. A teleoperation experimental setup has been established where haptic devices are employed as the master and slave. The operator uses the local master to control the remote slave to contact different springs which are supposed as different objects. The results show the effectiveness of the stiffness judgment of objects through teleoperation systems based on DFR.
Model for the operation of an emissive cathode in a large magnetized-plasma
Authors: Poulos M. J.
Published: February 2019

A model for the steady-state operation of an emissive cathode is presented. The cathode, biased negative with respect to a cold anode, emits electrons thermionically and is embedded within a large magnetized-plasma column. The model provides formulas for the spatial shape of the global current system, the partition of potential across the plasma–sheath system, and the effective plasma resistance. The formation of a virtual cathode is explored, and an analytical expression for the critical operating conditions is derived. The model is further developed to include the self-consistent increase in plasma temperature which results from thermionic injection. In a companion paper [S. Jin et al., Phys. Plasmas 26, 022105 (2019)], results from transport experiments in the Large Plasma Device at the University of California Los Angeles are compared with this model, and excellent quantitative agreement is achieved.