Surface tension of the two center Lennard-Jones plus point dipole fluid.

Molecular dynamics simulations are used for systematically studying the surface tension of the two center Lennard-Jones plus point dipole (2CLJD) model fluid. In a dimensionless representation, this model fluid has two parameters describing the elongation and the dipole moment. These parameters were varied in the entire range relevant for describing real fluids resulting in a grid of 38 individual models. For each model, the surface tension was determined at temperatures between 60% and 90% of the critical temperature. For completeness, the vapor pressure and the saturated densities were also determined. The latter results agree well with the literature data, whereas for the surface tension, only few data were previously available. From the present results, an empirical correlation for the surface tension of the 2CLJD model as a function of the model parameters is developed. The correlation is used to predict the surface tension of 46 2CLJD molecular models from the literature, which were adjusted to bulk properties, but not to interfacial properties. The results are compared to the experimental data. The molecular models overestimate the surface tension, and deviations between the predictions and experimental data are below 12% on average.

Obesity-stimulated aldosterone release is not related to an S1P-dependent mechanism.

Aldosterone has been identified as an important factor in obesity-associated hypertension. Here, we investigated whether sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), which has previously been linked to obesity, increases aldosterone release. S1P-induced aldosterone release was determined in NCI H295R cells in the presence of S1P receptor (S1PR) antagonists. In vivo release of S1P (100-300 µg/kgbw) was investigated in pithed, lean Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, diet-obese spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs), as well as in lean or obese Zucker rats. Aldosterone secretion was increased in NCI H295R cells by S1P, the selective S1PR1 agonist SEW2871 and the selective S1PR2 antagonist JTE013. Treatment with the S1PR1 antagonist W146 or fingolimod and the S1PR1/3 antagonist VPbib2319 decreased baseline and/or S1P-stimulated aldosterone release. Compared to saline-treated SD rats, plasma aldosterone increased by ~50 pg/mL after infusing S1P. Baseline levels of S1P and aldosterone were higher in obese than in lean SHRs. Adrenal S1PR expression did not differ between chow- or CD-fed rats that had the highest S1PR1 and lowest S1PR4 levels. S1P induced a short-lasting increase in plasma aldosterone in obese, but not in lean SHRs. However, 2-ANOVA did not demonstrate any difference between lean and obese rats. S1P-induced aldosterone release was also similar between obese and lean Zucker rats. We conclude that S1P is a local regulator of aldosterone production. S1PR1 agonism induces an increase in aldosterone secretion, while stimulating adrenal S1PR2 receptor suppresses aldosterone production. A significant role of S1P in influencing aldosterone secretion in states of obesity seems unlikely.

ls1 mardyn: The Massively Parallel Molecular Dynamics Code for Large Systems.

The molecular dynamics simulation code ls1 mardyn is presented. It is a highly scalable code, optimized for massively parallel execution on supercomputing architectures and currently holds the world record for the largest molecular simulation with over four trillion particles. It enables the application of pair potentials to length and time scales that were previously out of scope for molecular dynamics simulation. With an efficient dynamic load balancing scheme, it delivers high scalability even for challenging heterogeneous configurations. Presently, multicenter rigid potential models based on Lennard-Jones sites, point charges, and higher-order polarities are supported. Due to its modular design, ls1 mardyn can be extended to new physical models, methods, and algorithms, allowing future users to tailor it to suit their respective needs. Possible applications include scenarios with complex geometries, such as fluids at interfaces, as well as nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulation of heat and mass transfer.

Extended right pneumonectomy in an adult with a double aortic arch: a therapeutic dilemma.

We report the case of a 69-year-old man presenting with a primary right lung cancer and a complete double aortic arch. An extended right pneumonectomy was successfully performed and the patient remained well at the one-year follow-up. We discuss the surgical approach and the technical considerations imposed by this rare vascular abnormality.