bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observation of a topologically protected state in a magnetic domain wall stabilized by a ferromagnetic chemical barrier
Authors: Ruiz-Gómez Sandra , Foerster Michael , Aballe Lucia , Proenca Mariana P. , Lucas Irene , Prieto José Luis , Mascaraque Arantzazu , de la Figuera Juan , Quesada Adrián , Pérez Lucas
Published: November 2018

The precise control and stabilization of magnetic domain walls is key for the development of the next generation magnetic nano-devices. Among the multitude of magnetic configurations of a magnetic domain wall, topologically protected states are of particular interest due to their intrinsic stability. In this work, using XMCD-PEEM, we have observed a topologically protected magnetic domain wall in a ferromagnetic cylindrical nanowire. Its structure is stabilized by periodic sharp alterations of the chemical composition in the nanowire. The large stability of this topologically protected domain wall contrasts with the mobility of other non-protected and non-chiral states also present in the same nanowire. The micromagnetic simulations show the structure and the conditions required to find the topologically protected state. These results are relevant for the design of future spintronic devices such as domain wall based RF oscillators or magnetic memories.
Increased sporulation underpins adaptation of Clostridium difficile strain 630 to a biologically–relevant faecal environment, with implications for pathogenicity
Authors: Ternan Nigel George , Moore Nicola Diana , Smyth Deborah , McDougall Gordon James , Allwood James William , Verrall Susan , Gill Christopher Ian Richard , Dooley James Stephen Gerard , McMullan Geoff
Published: November 2018

Clostridium difficile virulence is driven primarily by the processes of toxinogenesis and sporulation, however many in vitro experimental systems for studying C. difficile physiology have arguably limited relevance to the human colonic environment. We therefore created a more physiologically–relevant model of the colonic milieu to study gut pathogen biology, incorporating human faecal water (FW) into growth media and assessing the physiological effects of this on C. difficile strain 630. We identified a novel set of C. difficile–derived metabolites in culture supernatants, including hexanoyl– and pentanoyl–amino acid derivatives by LC-MSn. Growth of C. difficile strain 630 in FW media resulted in increased cell length without altering growth rate and RNA sequencing identified 889 transcripts as differentially expressed (p < 0.001). Significantly, up to 300–fold increases in the expression of sporulation–associated genes were observed in FW media–grown cells, along with reductions in motility and toxin genes’ expression. Moreover, the expression of classical stress–response genes did not change, showing that C. difficile is well–adapted to this faecal milieu. Using our novel approach we have shown that interaction with FW causes fundamental changes in C. difficile biology that will lead to increased disease transmissibility.
Correlation between genomic index lesions and mpMRI and 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT imaging features in primary prostate cancer
Authors: Kesch Claudia , Radtke Jan-Philipp , Wintsche Axel , Wiesenfarth Manuel , Luttje Mariska , Gasch Claudia , Dieffenbacher Svenja , Pecqueux Carine , Teber Dogu , Hatiboglu Gencay , Nyarangi-Dix Joanne , Simpfendörfer Tobias , Schönberg Gita , Dimitrakopoulou-Strauss Antonia , Freitag Martin , Duensing Anette , Grüllich Carsten , Jäger Dirk , Götz Michael , Grabe Niels , Schweiger Michal-Ruth , Pahernik Sascha , Perner Sven , Herpel Esther , Roth Wilfried , Wieczorek Kathrin , Maier-Hein Klaus , Debus Jürgen , Haberkorn Uwe , Giesel Frederik , Galle Jörg , Hadaschik Boris , Schlemmer Heinz-Peter , Hohenfellner Markus , Bonekamp David , Sültmann Holger , Duensing Stefan
Published: November 2018

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA)- positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT)-imaging of prostate cancer (PCa) are emerging techniques to assess the presence of significant disease and tumor progression. It is not known, however, whether and to what extent lesions detected by these imaging techniques correlate with genomic features of PCa. The aim of this study was therefore to define a genomic index lesion based on chromosomal copy number alterations (CNAs) as marker for tumor aggressiveness in prostate biopsies in direct correlation to multiparametric (mp) MRI and 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT imaging features. CNA profiles of 46 biopsies from five consecutive patients with clinically high-risk PCa were obtained from radiologically suspicious and unsuspicious areas. All patients underwent mpMRI, MRI/TRUS-fusion biopsy, 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT and a radical prostatectomy. CNAs were directly correlated to imaging features and radiogenomic analyses were performed. Highly significant CNAs (≥10 Mbp) were found in 22 of 46 biopsies. Chromosome 8p, 13q and 5q losses were the most common findings. There was an strong correspondence between the radiologic and the genomic index lesions. The radiogenomic analyses suggest the feasibility of developing radiologic signatures that can distinguish between genomically more or less aggressive lesions. In conclusion, imaging features of mpMRI and 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT can guide to the genomically most aggressive lesion of a PCa. Radiogenomics may help to better differentiate between indolent and aggressive PCa in the future.
Comparison of Prognostic Accuracy of the quick Sepsis-Related Organ Failure Assessment between Short- & Long-term Mortality in Patients Presenting Outside of the Intensive Care Unit – A Systematic Review & Meta-analysis
Authors: Tan Toh Leong , Tang Ying Jing , Ching Ling Jing , Abdullah Noraidatulakma , Neoh Hui-Min
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare the ability of the qSOFA in predicting short- (≤30 days or in-hospital mortality) and long-term (>30 days) mortality among patients outside the intensive care unit setting. Studies reporting on the qSOFA and mortality were searched using MEDLINE and SCOPUS. Studies were included if they involved patients presenting to the ED with suspected infection and usage of qSOFA score for mortality prognostication. Data on qSOFA scores and mortality rates were extracted from 36 studies. The overall pooled sensitivity and specificity for the qSOFA were 48% and 86% for short-term mortality and 32% and 92% for long-term mortality, respectively. Studies reporting on short-term mortality were heterogeneous (Odd ratio, OR = 5.6; 95% CI = 4.6–6.8; Higgins’s I2 = 94%), while long-term mortality studies were homogenous (OR = 4.7; 95% CI = 3.5–6.1; Higgins’s I2 = 0%). There was no publication bias for short-term mortality analysis. The qSOFA score showed poor sensitivity but moderate specificity for both short and long-term mortality, with similar performance in predicting both short- and long- term mortality. Geographical region was shown to have nominal significant (p = 0.05) influence on qSOFA short-term mortality prediction.
Amelioration of diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice treated with tibetan medicine formula Siwei Jianghuang Decoction Powder extract
Authors: Lai Xianrong , Tong Dong , Ai Xiaopeng , Wu Jiasi , Luo Yu , Zuo Fang , Wei Zhicheng , Li Yanqiao , Huang Wanyi , Wang Wenqian , Jiang Qing , Meng Xianli , Zeng Yong , Wang Ping
Published: November 2018

Siwei Jianghuang Decoction Powder (SWJH) documented originally in the Four Medical Tantras-Blue Glaze exhibited beneficial effects on diabetic nephropathy (DN) via combined synergistically action of multiple formula components including Curcumae longae Rhizoma, Berberidis dictyophyllae Cortex, Phyllanthi Fructus and Tribuli Fructus. This study investigated the effects of SWJH on DN in db/db mice and possible underlying mechanisms. The ten weeks old db/db mice treated with SWJH by intra-gastric administration once a day for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, body weight, water and food intake of mice were recorded. The level of fasting blood glucose (FBG) was measured. Serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urine microalbumin (UMAlb), serum uric acid (UA) and urinary albumin excretion (UAE) were detected. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to test serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were used to test mRNA and protein expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), VEGF and TGF-β1 in kidney tissue. SWJH treatment significantly reduced the levels of FBG, Scr, BUN, UMAlb, UA and UAE and retarded renal fibrosis. SWJH treatment further significantly reduced serum TGF-β1 level and downregulated the expression of HIF-1α, VEGF and TGF-β1 at both mRNA and protein levels. Principal component analysis and partial least squares regression and hierarchical cluster analysis demonstrated that SWJH treatment significantly ameliorated renal damage in DN mice. These consequences suggested that SWJH formulations were effective in the treatment of DN through regulating the HIF-1α, VEGF and TGF-β1 overexpression.
Insights into the Role of Plasma in Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition of Titanium Dioxide Thin Films
Authors: Kang Seongchan , Mauchauffé Rodolphe , You Yong Sung , Moon Se Youn
Published: November 2018

In this work, the effect of plasma on the chemistry and morphology of coatings deposited by Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (AP-PECVD) is investigated. To do so, plasma deposited amorphous titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films are compared to thin films deposited using Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition (AP-CVD) not involving the use of plasma. We focus here on the effect and the interest of plasma in the AP-PECVD process over AP-CVD for low substrate temperature deposition. The advantages of AP-PECVD over AP-CVD are often suggested in many articles however no direct evidence of the role of the plasma for TiO2 deposition at atmospheric pressure was reported. Hence, herein, the deposition via both methods is directly compared by depositing coatings with and without plasma using the same CVD reactor. Through the control of the plasma parameters, we are able to form low carbon coatings at low temperature with a deposition rate twice faster than AP-CVD, clearly showing the interest of plasma. Plasma enhanced methods are promising for the deposition of coatings at industrial scale over large surface and at high rate.
No evidence for kin protection in the expression of sickness behaviors in house mice
Authors: Lopes Patricia C. , Block Per , Pontiggia Alice , Lindholm Anna K. , König Barbara
Published: November 2018

When infected, animals change their behaviors in several ways, including by decreasing their activity, their food and water intake, and their interest in social interactions. These behavioral alterations are collectively called sickness behaviors and, for several decades, the main hypotheses put forward to explain this phenomenon were that engaging in sickness behaviors facilitated the fever response and improved the likelihood of host survival. However, a new hypothesis was recently proposed suggesting that engaging in sickness behaviors may serve to protect kin. We tested this kin protection hypothesis by combining a field and a laboratory experiment in house mice. In both experiments, we induced sickness behaviors by administration of a pro-inflammatory agent. In the field experiment, we then collected genetic data and assessed whether relatedness affected the intensity of sickness behaviors. In the lab experiment, we manipulated relatedness in small social groups and assessed whether having a closely related individual (a sibling) in the group altered social interactions or visits to common resources (such as food and water containers) once immune-challenged. Our results do not support the kinship protection hypothesis and therefore advance our understanding of why such an apparently costly set of behavioral changes would be evolutionarily maintained.
Risk Of Human Dietary Exposure To Organochlorine Pesticide Residues In Fruits From Ghana
Authors: Forkuoh Frederick , Boadi Nathaniel Owusu , Borquaye Lawrence Sheringham , Afful Samuel
Published: November 2018

The objectives of this present study were to assess the level of organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in fruits and to determine the potential health risks associated with the exposure to these pesticides. A total of 120 fruits (watermelon, pineapple, and banana) were collected from five communities and a local market within the Mampong Municipality and analyzed for organochlorine pesticide residues. The results showed that the concentrations ranged from not detectable (ND)–48.22 ng/g for DDTs, ND–19.03 ng/g for HCHs, ND–4.10 ng/g for CHLs, ND–22.84 ng/g for Aldrin, and ND–11.53 ng/g for other OCPs. Levels of methoxychlor, Aldrin and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) exceeded the maximum residue limits in watermelon. Estimated health risk revealed that Aldrin in watermelon could pose potential toxicity to the consumer. Estimated average daily intake for Aldrin was above the acceptable average daily intake.
Tandem catalysis induced by hollow PdO: highly efficient H2generation coupled with organic dye degradationviasodium formate reforming
Authors: Zhu Xiaohui , Du Leilei , Guo Ziwei , Chen Shuang , Wu Biling , Liu Xiangdong , Yan Xiaoqing , Takeuchi Nobuyuki , Kobayashi Hisayoshi , Li Renhong
Published: November 2018

A unique tandem catalytic system by coupling H2production with organic dye degradation is achieved by hollow PdO.
Molybdenum carbide promotion on Fe–N-doped carbon nanolayers facilely prepared for enhanced oxygen reduction
Authors: Xu Yida , Chen Teng , Wang Tao , Yang Jie , Zhu Yan , Ding Weiping
Published: November 2018

A nanocomposite derived from monolithic Fe2(MoO4)3 with in situ embedded Mo2C promoting the ORR process on Fe–N–C layers.
Controlled p-type substitutional doping in large-area monolayer WSe2crystals grown by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Pandey Sushil Kumar , Alsalman Hussain , Azadani Javad G. , Izquierdo Nezhueyotl , Low Tony , Campbell Stephen A.
Published: November 2018

Controlled doping of the p-type 2D material tungsten diselenide, done with niobium substitution for tungsten on the crystal lattice, can tune 2D transistor characteristics.
Protic additives or impurities promote imine reduction with pinacolborane
Authors: Huchenski Blake S. N. , Speed Alexander W. H.
Published: November 2018

We report here that addition of stoichiometric amounts of alcohols or water to mixtures of imines and pinacolborane promote reduction reactions.
Design, synthesis and characterization of novel chromone based-copper(ii) antitumor agents with N,N-donor ligands: comparative DNA/RNA binding profile and cytotoxicity
Authors: Arjmand Farukh , Afsan Zeenat , Roisnel Thierry
Published: November 2018

New chromone-based Cu(ii) tRNA targeted complexes 1–3 as potential anticancer agents have been synthesized and thoroughly characterized.
Optimized cesium and potassium ion-exchanged zeolites A and X granules for biogas upgrading
Authors: Narang Kritika , Fodor Kristina , Kaiser Andreas , Akhtar Farid
Published: November 2018

Ion exchange of binderless zeolite A and X granules leads to high CO2/CH4 selectivity and CO2 uptake capacity.
Carbon-supported Ni nanoparticles for efficient CO2 electroreduction
Authors: Jia Mingwen , Choi Changhyeok , Wu Tai-Sing , Ma Chen , Kang Peng , Tao Hengcong , Fan Qun , Hong Song , Liu Shizhen , Soo Yun-Liang , Jung Yousung , Qiu Jieshan , Sun Zhenyu
Published: November 2018

Carbon-coated Ni nanoparticles supported on N-doped carbon enable efficient electroreduction of CO2 to CO comparable to single Ni sites.
Two-photon fluorescence imaging reveals a Golgi apparatus superoxide anion-mediated hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion signalling pathway
Authors: Zhang Wen , Zhang Jiao , Li Ping , Liu Jihong , Su Di , Tang Bo
Published: November 2018

We developed a two-photon fluorescence probe for the dynamic and reversible detection of O2˙− levels in the Golgi apparatus.
Membrane nanotube pearling restricted by confined polymers
Authors: Yan Zengshuai , Li Shixin , Luo Zhen , Xu Yan , Yue Tongtao
Published: November 2018

Combining dissipative particle dynamics simulations, free energy calculations, and a force analysis, we propose and demonstrate that the membrane nanotube pearling can be restricted by confined polymers.
Enabling highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation and organics degradation via a perovskite solar cell-assisted semiconducting nanocomposite photoanode
Authors: Liu Xueqin , Wang Yang , Cui Xun , Zhang Meng , Wang Bing , Rager Matthew , Shu Zhu , Yang Yingkui , Li Zhen , Lin Zhiqun
Published: November 2018

Perovskite solar cell-assisted CdS/TiO2 nanorod array photoanode yields highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation and organics degradation.
BSA-modified poly(pyrrole-3-carboxylic acid) nanoparticles as carriers for combined chemo-photothermal therapy
Authors: Bi Xuexin , Su Huiling , Shi Wei , Liu Xin , He Zi , Zhang Xiuming , Sun Yanan , Ge Dongtao
Published: November 2018

Homogenous poly(pyrrole-3-carboxylic acid) nanoparticles with high near-infrared absorption and abundant functional groups were fabricated using a facile reverse microemulsion method.
Developing a pH-sensitive Al(OH)3layer-mediated UCNP@Al(OH)3/Au nanohybrid for photothermal therapy and fluorescence imagingin vivo
Authors: Chen Jian , Zhang Dongya , Zou Yan , Wang Zhongjie , Hao Mingcong , Zheng Meng , Xue Xue , Pan Xiaoxi , Lu Yiqing , Wang Jiefei , Shi Bingyang
Published: November 2018

A pH-responsive and hydrophilic Al(OH)3mediating layer makes possible the promising integration of photothermal therapy and fluorescence imaging based on upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs).
Evidencing size-dependent cooperative effects on spin crossover nanoparticles following their HS→LS relaxation
Authors: Delgado Teresa , Enachescu Cristian , Tissot Antoine , Hauser Andreas , Guénée Laure , Besnard Céline
Published: November 2018

The size dependence of the relaxation mechanism after photo-excitation through the Light-Induced Excited Spin-State Trapping (LIESST) effect of [Fe(pz)Pt(CN)4] micro- and nanoparticles is evidenced experimentally and simulated in the framework of the mechanoelastic model.
Dual nature of exciplexes: exciplex-forming properties of carbazole and fluorene hybrid trimers
Authors: Guzauskas Matas , Volyniuk Dmytro , Tomkeviciene Ausra , Pidluzhna Anna , Lazauskas Algirdas , Grazulevicius Juozas Vidas
Published: November 2018

Two exciplexes were detected for the first time for the known exciplex-forming system consisting of electron donating 1,3-bis(N-carbazolyl)benzene and electron accepting 2,4,6-tris[3-(diphenylphosphinyl)phenyl]-1,3,5-triazine.
Correction: In situ formation of CsPbBr3/ZnO bulk heterojunctions towards photodetectors with ultrahigh responsivity
Authors: Shen Yalong , Wei Chao , Ma Lianbo , Wang Shalong , Wang Xiong , Xu Xiaobao , Zeng Haibo
Published: November 2018

Correction for ‘In situ formation of CsPbBr3/ZnO bulk heterojunctions towards photodetectors with ultrahigh responsivity’ by Yalong Shen et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c8tc04374d.
Speech Impairment in Boys With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Terband Hayo , Spruit Manon , Maassen Ben
Published: November 2018

Background

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a highly prevalent spectrum of patterns of congenital defects resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol. Approximately 90% of the cases involve speech impairment. Yet, to date, no detailed symptom profiles nor dedicated treatment plans are available for this population.

Purpose

This study set out to chart the speech and speech motor characteristics in boys with FASD to profile the concomitant speech impairment and identify possible underlying mechanisms.

Method

Ten boys with FASD (4.5–10.3 years old) and 26 typically developing children (4.1–8.7 years old; 14 boys, 12 girls) participated in the study. Speech production and perception, and oral motor data were collected by standardized tests.

Results

The boys with FASD showed reduced scores on all tasks as well as a deviant pattern of correlations between production and perception tasks and intelligibility compared with the typically developing children. Speech motor profiles showed specific problems with nonword repetition and tongue control.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that the speech impairment in boys with FASD results from a combination of deficits in multiple subsystems and should be approached as a disorder rather than a developmental delay. The results suggest that reduced speech motor planning/programming, auditory discrimination, and oral motor abilities should be considered in long-term, individually tailored treatment.
The Accuracy of Smartphone Sound Level Meter Applications With and Without Calibration
Authors: Serpanos Yula C. , Renne Brittany , Schoepflin Janet R. , Davis Diane
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the accuracy of smartphone sound level meter applications (SLMAs) with calibration features across stimulus levels and for ambient room noise measures in the clinical setting.

Method

The accuracy of 3 iOS-based smartphone SLMAs (SLMA1: Analyzer [Version 2.7.2, DSP Mobile], SLMA2: Sound Level Meter Pro [Version 2.2, Mint Muse LLC], and SLMA3: SPL Meter [Version 9.3, Andrew Smith, Studio Six Digital]), using a single smartphone device (iPhone 6S Model A1688, iOS 9.3.4, Apple), was evaluated with and without calibration using a 1000-Hz narrowband noise (NBN) and white noise (WN) stimuli over a range of sound levels (20–100 dB) and in ambient noise measures of 8 speech and hearing room environments. A simultaneous and corresponding SLMA and Type 1 sound level meter (SLM) measure per condition were documented with a photo image; each condition was replicated 5 times. Mean SLMA and SLM measures were compared. SLMA measures were considered accurate if within ± 2 dB of the SLM.

Results

Measures of NBN and WN signals using these SLMAs were accurate at levels above 40–50 dB when calibrated. NBN and WN signals using some SLMAs were significantly (
p
< .05) more accurate with calibration at levels > 40 to 50 dB. SLMA measures with or without calibration adjustment were inaccurate and overestimated room ambient noise levels < 50 dB.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that some SLMAs are accurate for measuring NBN and WN stimuli within the range of 50–100 dB in sound-treated environments when calibrated. However, outcomes indicated that some SLMAs, even with calibration, overestimated low ambient noise levels and may not accurately verify quiet room environments < 50 dB for clinical services. These results should not be generalized for all smartphone types, and continued research on SLMAs using next-generation smartphone devices is warranted.
Confidence evaluation for blind analysis of LFM/BPSK hybrid signals based on extreme value theory
Authors: Guobing Hu , Pinjiao Zhao , Zhengyu Chen , Ronghua Luo
Published: November 2018

The confidence evaluation of a blind analysis for a hybrid modulation scheme combining binary phase shift keying (BPSK) with linear frequency modulation (LFM) signals is derived herein to statistically decide whether an individual processing result is correct by using only the observed signal and analysis results, including modulation identification and corresponding parameter estimations. They formulate the problem using a binary hypothesis, where the null hypothesis states that modulation recognition is correct, and the errors of parameter estimates are all less than some particular metrics (i.e. the analysis result is confident). An auxiliary signal is constructed by using the identified modulation model and corresponding estimated parameters. The modified correlation spectrum between the observed and auxiliary signals is computed accordingly. The spectrum does not exhibit any peaks under the null hypothesis (H0) but does under the alternative hypothesis. This provides the basis of a useful discriminating feature for verifying the confidence of the analysis result. They prove that the extreme values of the modified correlation spectrum under H0 have a Gumbel distribution. A goodness‐of‐fit test based on the Kolmogorov–Smirnov is used to perform a confidence evaluation of the analysis result of the LFM/BPSK signal. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated in extensive joint simulation experiments.
Efficient bandwidth‐aware routing for underwater cognitive acoustic sensor networks
Authors: Tran‐Dang Hoa , Kim Dong‐Seong
Published: November 2018

This study proposes a routing algorithm to enhance throughput and spectrum utilisation efficiency for underwater cognitive acoustic sensor networks (UCASNs). In a UCASN, each cognitive acoustic (CA) user would sense the medium to detect available spectrum resources. However, CA users have no exact knowledge about the communication mechanism of the primary users (PUs) such as sonar users or sonar interference sources. In addition, because of the frequency‐dependent attenuation, the available frequencies in water are severely limited and are still underutilised. Therefore, by analysing the behaviour of the CA users based on the ON–OFF process in the primary channel, an optimisation problem is derived to maximising the spectrum utilisation taking into account the bandwidth requirement of CA users. In this way, an efficient routing algorithm for UCASNs is proposed to enable throughput improvement of the network while reducing interference to PUs. Finally, simulation results are shown to verify the effectiveness of the authors proposed scheme.
Extrasolar planets and brown dwarfs around AF-type stars
Authors: Borgniet S. , Lagrange A.-M. , Meunier N. , Galland F. , Arnold L. , Astudillo-Defru N. , Beuzit J.-L. , Boisse I. , Bonfils X. , Bouchy F. , Debondt K. , Deleuil M. , Delfosse X. , Desort M. , Díaz R. F. , Eggenberger A. , Ehrenreich D. , Forveille T. , Hébrard G. , Loeillet B. , Lovis C. , Montagnier G. , Moutou C. , Pepe F. , Perrier C. , Pont F. , Queloz D. , Santerne A. , Santos N. C. , Ségransan D. , da Silva R. , Sivan J. P. , Udry S. , Vidal-Madjar A.
Published: November 2018

Context.The impact of stellar mass on the properties of giant planets is still not fully understood. Main-sequence (MS) stars more massive than the Sun remain relatively unexplored in radial velocity (RV) surveys, due to their characteristics which hinder classical RV measurements.

Aims.Our aim is to characterize the close (up to ~2 au) giant planet (GP) and brown dwarf (BD) population around AF MS stars and compare this population to stars with different masses.

Methods.We used the SOPHIEspectrograph located on the 1.93 m telescope at Observatoire de Haute-Provence to observe 125 northern, MS AF dwarfs. We used our dedicated SAFIRsoftware to compute the RV and other spectroscopic observables. We characterized the detected substellar companions and computed the GP and BD occurrence rates combining the present SOPHIEsurvey and a similar HARPSsurvey.

Results.We present new data on two known planetary systems around the F5-6V dwarfs HD 16232 and HD 113337. For the latter, we report an additional RV variation that might be induced by a second GP on a wider orbit. We also report the detection of 15 binaries or massive substellar companions with high-amplitude RV variations or long-term RV trends. Based on 225 targets observed with SOPHIEand/or HARPS, we constrain the BD frequency within 2–3 au around AF stars to be below 4% (1σ). For Jupiter-mass GPs within 2–3 au (periods ≤103days), we find the occurrence rate to be 3.7−1+3% around AF stars with masses <1.5M⊙, and to be ≤6% (1σ) around AF stars with masses >1.5M⊙. For periods shorter than 10 days, we find the GP occurrence rate to be below 3 and 4.5% (1σ), respectively. Our results are compatible with the GP frequency reported around FGK dwarfs and are compatible with a possible increase in GP orbital periods with stellar mass as predicted by formation models.
Convective cells in Betelgeuse: imaging through spectropolarimetry
Authors: López Ariste A. , Mathias P. , Tessore B. , Lèbre A. , Aurière M. , Petit P. , Ikhenache N. , Josselin E. , Morin J. , Montargès M.
Published: November 2018

Aims. We assess the ability to image the photosphere of red supergiants and, in particular Betelgeuse, through the modelling of the observed linear polarization in atomic spectral lines. We also aim to analyse the resulting images over time, to measure the size and dynamics of the convective structures in these stars.

Methods. Rayleigh scattering polarizes the continuum and spectral lines depolarize it. This depolarization is seen as a linear polarization signal parallel to the radial direction on the stellar disk. Integrated over the disk, it would result in a null signal, except if brightness asymmetries/inhomogeneities are present. This is the basic concept behind our imaging technique. Through several tests and comparisons, we have tried to assess and extend its validity, and to determine what can be learnt unambiguously through it.

Results. The several tests and comparisons performed prove that our technique reliably retrieves the salient brightness structures in the photosphere of Betelgeuse, and should be relevant to other red supergiants. For Betelgeuse, we demonstrate that these structures we infer are convective cells, with a characteristic size of more than 60% of the stellar radius. We also derive the characteristic upflow and downflow speeds, 22 and 10 km s−1, respectively. We find weak magnetic fields concentrated in the downflow lanes in between granules, similar to the quiet sun magnetism. We follow those convective structures in time. Changes happen on timescales of 1 week, but individual structures can be tracked over 4 yr of observations.

Conclusions. The measured characteristics of the convection in Betelgeuse confirm the predictions of numerical simulations in both the strong, supersonic upflows and the size of the convective cells. They also concur in the presence of weak magnetic fields that are completely dominated by the convective flows and constrained to the dark lanes of down-flowing plasma.
Can Sonographic Fetal Biometry Predict Adverse Perinatal Outcome?
Authors: Pretscher Jutta , Schwenke Eva , Baier Friederike , Kehl Sven , Schneider Michael , Stumpfe Florian , Schmid Matthias , Beckmann Matthias , Mayr Andreas , Schild Ralf , Faschingbauer Florian
Published: November 2018

Objective To evaluate the association of sonographic fetal biometry (sonographic head circumference (soHC), sonographic abdominal circumference (soAC), estimated fetal weight (EFW)) with mode of delivery and adverse perinatal outcome.

Methods Singleton pregnancies with a gestational age ≥ 37 weeks and an ultrasound examination with complete biometric parameters within 7 days before delivery were retrospectively included. The association between soHC, soAC, EFW and fetal (5-min Apgar < 7, pH < 7.1, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, shoulder dystocia (ShD)) and maternal (obstetric intervention (OI): caesarean or vaginal operative delivery, obstetric anal sphincter injury syndrome (OASIS), postpartum hemorrhage (pph)) adverse outcomes were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results 12 396 women were included and 3479 (28.07 %) needed an OI. Multivariate analyses demonstrated significant contributions for the prediction of OI by soHC and soAC, whereas EFW did not reach significance. The highest OR was shown for soHC (1087, p < 0.001). ShD occurred in 73 (0.59 %) of the deliveries. Multivariate analyses showed that significant contributions for the prediction of ShD were provided only by soAC (OR 1460, p = 0.007). For the other maternal and neonatal adverse outcome parameters, no significant association with the biometric measurements could be demonstrated in the multivariate analyses. The overall detection rates for the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome by the different biometric parameters and EFW were poor.

Conclusion Obstetric management decisions should not be based solely on measurements of biometric parameters or EFW.
Impact of Brain Fatty Acid Signaling on Peripheral Insulin Action in Mice
Authors: Neschen Susanne , Wu Moya , Fuchs Christiane , Kondofersky Ivan , Theis Fabian J. , de Angelis Martin Hrabě , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Sartorius Tina
Published: November 2018

Aims and Methods Glucose homeostasis and energy balance are under control by peripheral and brain processes. Especially insulin signaling in the brain seems to impact whole body glucose homeostasis and interacts with fatty acid signaling. In humans circulating saturated fatty acids are negatively associated with brain insulin action while animal studies suggest both positive and negative interactions of fatty acids and insulin brain action. This apparent discrepancy might reflect a difference between acute and chronic fatty acid signaling. To address this question we investigated the acute effect of an intracerebroventricular palmitic acid administration on peripheral glucose homeostasis. We developed and implemented a method for simultaneous monitoring of brain activity and peripheral insulin action in freely moving mice by combining radiotelemetry electrocorticography (ECoG) and euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps. This method allowed gaining insight in the early kinetics of brain fatty acid signaling and its contemporaneous effect on liver function in vivo, which, to our knowledge, has not been assessed so far in mice.

Results Insulin-induced brain activity in the theta and beta band was decreased by acute intracerebroventricular application of palmitic acid. Peripherally it amplified insulin action as demonstrated by a significant inhibition of endogenous glucose production and increased glucose infusion rate. Moreover, our results further revealed that the brain effect of peripheral insulin is modulated by palmitic acid load in the brain.

Conclusion These findings suggest that insulin action is amplified in the periphery and attenuated in the brain by acute palmitic acid application. Thus, our results indicate that acute palmitic acid signaling in the brain may be different from chronic effects.
S3-Leitlinie Polytrauma – Was muss der Notarzt wissen?
Authors: Helm Matthias , Kulla Martin , Hossfeld Björn
Published: November 2018

In diesem Beitrag wird auf die für den Notarzt und Rettungsdienst relevanten Empfehlungen der aktuell gültigen S3-Leitlinie Polytrauma/Schwerverletztenversorgung anhand des gültigen ABCDE-Schemas eingegangen, die im Jahr 2016 aktualisiert worden war.
Evidence for a Role of ACTN3 R577X Polymorphism in Football Player’s Career Progression
Authors: Coelho Daniel , Pimenta Eduardo , Rosse Izinara , de Castro Bruno , Becker Lenice , de Oliveira Emerson , Carvalho Maria , Garcia Emerson
Published: November 2018

The aim was to investigate a possible role of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism in a Brazilian football player’s career progression. 2 questions were formulated: 1. Does ACTN3 polymorphism affect the probability of an individual being a professional football player? 2. Does this polymorphism affect the progression of the athlete throughout his career? The study included 353 players from first division Brazilian football clubs in the following categories: under-14 (U-14), U-15, U-17, U-20, and professional (PRO). The control group (CON) was composed of 100 healthy non-athletes. The chi-squared test was used to assess differences between the allele and genotype frequencies. Comparing football categories, the XX genotype was less frequent among professional players than in the U-20 (p<0.05) or the U-15 category (p<0.05). The RX genotype also presented more frequently in the PRO category than the U-14 category (p<0.05). Moreover, a trend towards a higher frequency of the RX genotype and a lower frequency of the XX genotype was observed in the professional category compared to U-20. These results suggest that the genotype in the ACTN3 polymorphism affects the probability of a football player progressing throughout his career and becoming professional, meaning that playing football selects against the ACTN3 XX genotype.
Musculoskeletal Imaging: Current Practice and Future Directions
Authors: Adams Niamh , Walsh John , Hynes John , Eustace Sarah , Kavanagh Eoin , Farrell Terence
Published: November 2018

Musculoskeletal (MSK) radiology plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of MSK disorders and has rapidly expanded in tandem with advances in technology and improved access to imaging. Although anatomical imaging remains the mainstay of MSK radiology, significant progress has been made in functional and molecular imaging as well as in hybrid imaging with an expanding armament of technologies becoming available or in development. A vast array of research is occurring in MSK imaging, and this review article highlights some of the most promising current and future clinical applications in development in each of the major imaging modalities. Identifying the clinical utility of these technologies in an era of rising health care costs is an important challenge for MSK radiologists.
The Impact of Aspirin on Ultrasound Markers of Uteroplacental Flow in Low-Risk Pregnancy: Secondary Analysis of a Multicenter RCT
Authors: Mulcahy Cecilia , Mone Fionnuala , McParland Peter , Breathnach Fionnuala , Cody Fiona , Morrison John J. , Higgins John , Daly Sean , Dornan Samina , Cotter Amanda , Dicker Patrick , Tully Elizabeth , Malone Fergal D. , McAuliffe Fionnuala M.
Published: November 2018

Objective This article evaluates the effect of low-dose aspirin on uterine artery (UtA) Doppler, placental volume, and vascularization flow indices in low-risk pregnancy.

Study Design In this secondary analysis of the TEST randomized controlled trial, low-risk nulliparous women were originally randomized at 11 weeks to: (1) routine aspirin 75 mg; (2) no aspirin; and (3) aspirin based upon the preeclampsia Fetal Medicine Foundation screening test. UtA Doppler, three-dimensional (3D) placental volume, and vascularization flow indices were assessed prior to and 6 weeks postaspirin commencement.

Results A total of 546 women were included (aspirin n = 192, no aspirin n = 354). Between first and second trimesters, aspirin use was not associated with a change in UtA Doppler, placental volume, or vascular flow indices. There was no significant difference in the change in UtA Doppler pulsatility index (PI) Z-scores or notching (PI Z-score –0.2 vs. –0.2, p = 0.17), nor was there a significant change in placental volume Z-score and vascular flow indices (volume Z-score change: 0.74 vs. 0.62, p = 0.34).

Conclusion Low-dose aspirin commenced at 11 weeks in low-risk women does not appear to improve uterine and placental perfusion or placental volume. Any perceived effect on uteroplacental vasculature is not reflected in changes in placental volume nor uteroplacental flow as assessed by two-dimensional and 3D ultrasound.
Normal Range for Maternal Lactic Acid during Pregnancy and Labor: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Bauer Melissa E. , Balistreri Michael , MacEachern Mark , Cassidy Ruth , Schoenfeld Robert , Sankar Keerthana , Clauw Daniel J. , Langen Elizabeth
Published: November 2018

Objective This article systematically reviews the literature to establish the normal range of lactic acid in healthy pregnant women.

Study Design Ovid MEDLINE, Embase.com, and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched to identify studies that reported maternal lactic acid in healthy pregnant women. Pooled aggregate means and two standard deviations for each time period were computed using the inverse variance weighting technique. Analyses were performed separately for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters, scheduled cesarean delivery, early labor, active labor, 2nd stage of labor, and delivery.

Results Overall, 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. There were 1,193 patients, and 2,008 observations identified. All time periods had maternal venous lactic acid aggregate means and two-standard-deviation ranges less than 4 mmol/L. Outside of labor, all ranges were less than 2 mmol/L. All labor periods had a range higher than 2 mmol/L. While the pooled ranges were less than 4 mmol/L, many individual studies reported ranges > 4 mmol/L during labor.

Conclusion This meta-analysis suggests that venous lactic acid levels can be used as a screening tool in pregnant women just as the test would be used in nonpregnant women, except that elevations may be seen during labor, especially later in labor when there is maximal skeletal muscle contraction.
Pregnancy Outcomes after Early Amniotomy among Class III Obese Gravidas Undergoing Induction of Labor
Authors: Pasko Daniel , Miller Kathryn , Jauk Victoria , Subramaniam Akila
Published: November 2018

Objective We sought to evaluate differences in pregnancy outcomes following early amniotomy in women with class III obesity (body mass index ≥40 kg/m2) undergoing induction of labor.

Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of women with class III obesity undergoing term induction of labor from January 2007 to February 2013. Early amniotomy was defined as artificial membrane rupture at less than 4 cm cervical dilation. The primary outcome was cesarean delivery. Secondary outcomes included length of labor, a maternal morbidity composite, and a neonatal morbidity composite. A subgroup analysis examined the effect of parity. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for covariates.

Results Of 285 women meeting inclusion criteria, 107 (37.5%) underwent early amniotomy and 178 (62.5%) underwent late amniotomy. Early amniotomy was associated with cesarean delivery after multivariable adjustments (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21–3.47). There were no significant differences in length of labor or maternal and neonatal morbidity between groups. When stratified by parity, early amniotomy was associated with increased cesarean delivery (aOR, 3.10; 95% CI, 1.47–6.58) only in nulliparous women.

Conclusion Early amniotomy among class III obese women, especially nulliparous women, undergoing labor induction may be associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery.
Infantile Refsum Disease Associated with Hypobetalipoproteinemia
Authors: Matsuo Muneaki , Akutsu Tsugio , Kanazawa Naomi , Shimozawa Nobuyuki
Published: November 2018

Infantile Refsum disease (IRD) is a rare peroxisome biogenesis disorder with wide range of clinical severity. Herein, we report a mild form of IRD who had been followed as a symptomatic hypobetalipoproteinemia resembling with abetalipoproteinemia. At 6 years of age, the patient was diagnosed as having hypobetalipoproteinemia with spinocerebellar degeneration, peripheral neuropathy, retinitis pigmentosa, mild mental retardation, and sensorineural hearing loss. Although low vitamin E levels normalized after oral supplementation, the patient's clinical symptoms worsened very slowly. At 30 years of age, elevated levels of very long chain fatty acids and phytanic acid and decreased plasmalogen levels were detected in the plasma. Genetic analysis revealed a homozygous mutation of Q67R in PEX10.

Although hypocholesterolemia is relatively common in IRD, it has been overlooked so far. Since there are many similarities between IRD and abetalipoproteinemia or symptomatic hypobetalipoproteinemia, care should be taken to differentiate symptomatic hypobetalipoproteinemia from IRD.
High resistivity halide vapor phase homoepitaxial β-Ga2O3 films co-doped by silicon and nitrogen
Authors: Tadjer Marko J. , Koehler Andrew D. , Freitas Jaime A. , Gallagher James C. , Specht Matty C. , Glaser Evan R. , Hobart Karl D. , Anderson Travis J. , Kub Fritz J. , Thieu Quang T. , Sasaki Kohei , Wakimoto Daiki , Goto Ken , Watanabe Shinya , Kuramata Akito
Published: November 2018

Semi-insulating halide vapor phase epitaxial β-Ga2O3 films without intentional dopants introduced during growth are demonstrated. The sheet resistance measured in the 340–480 K range yielded 268–134 kΩ/◻ and an activation energy of 0.81 eV. Room temperature capacitance-voltage measurements at 1 MHz showed evidence of an ultra-low free carrier concentration n-type film with a free carrier concentration near flatband (VFB ∼ 4.4 V) estimated to be <1014 cm−3, resulting in a high breakdown voltage of 2380 V (3.18 MV/cm) measured on a lateral diode without field termination. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy did not reveal Fe compensating species; however, an average Si concentration of about 5 × 1015 cm−3 and an N concentration of about 2 × 1017 cm−3 were detected, suggesting that N acceptors compensated Si donors to result in a nearly intrinsic β-Ga2O3 film. Photoionization spectroscopy suggested the presence of a deep acceptor-like level located at Ec −0.23 eV.
Hierarchical visualization of materials space with graph convolutional neural networks
Authors: Xie Tian , Grossman Jeffrey C.
Published: November 2018

The combination of high throughput computation and machine learning has led to a new paradigm in materials design by allowing for the direct screening of vast portions of structural, chemical, and property spaces. The use of these powerful techniques leads to the generation of enormous amounts of data, which in turn calls for new techniques to efficiently explore and visualize the materials space to help identify underlying patterns. In this work, we develop a unified framework to hierarchically visualize the compositional and structural similarities between materials in an arbitrary material space with representations learned from different layers of graph convolutional neural networks. We demonstrate the potential for such a visualization approach by showing that patterns emerge automatically that reflect similarities at different scales in three representative classes of materials: perovskites, elemental boron, and general inorganic crystals, covering material spaces of different compositions, structures, and both. For perovskites, elemental similarities are learned that reflects multiple aspects of atom properties. For elemental boron, structural motifs emerge automatically showing characteristic boron local environments. For inorganic crystals, the similarity and stability of local coordination environments are shown combining different center and neighbor atoms. The method could help transition to a data-centered exploration of materials space in automated materials design.
Four-component relativistic range-separated density-functional theory: Short-range exchange local-density approximation
Authors: Paquier Julien , Toulouse Julien
Published: November 2018

We lay out the extension of range-separated density-functional theory to a four-component relativistic framework using a Dirac-Coulomb-Breit Hamiltonian in the no-pair approximation. This formalism combines a wave-function method for the long-range part of the electron-electron interaction with a density(-current) functional for the short-range part of the interaction. We construct for this formalism a short-range exchange local-density approximation based on calculations on a relativistic homogeneous electron gas with a modified Coulomb-Breit electron-electron interaction. More specifically, we provide the relativistic short-range Coulomb and Breit exchange energies per particle of the relativistic homogeneous electron gas in the form of Padé approximants which are systematically improvable to arbitrary accuracy. These quantities, as well as the associated effective Coulomb-Breit exchange hole, show the important impact of relativity on short-range exchange effects for high densities.
Effect of photo-irradiation on metal insulator transition in vanadium dioxide
Authors: Lee Gi Yong , Mun Bongjin Simon , Ju Honglyoul
Published: November 2018

We report a large transition temperature (TC) decrease in a VO2 thin film device under photo-irradiation. With the increasing photo-irradiation intensity (PIntensity) with a wavelength of 405 nm, the TC of the VO2 device decreased at a rate of ∼3.2×10−2°CW/cm2 and reached as low as 40.0 °C at a PIntensity of 8.4×102 W/cm2. While the change in TC is primarily due to the photothermal effect when the PIntensity is below 3.6×102 W/cm2, both the photothermal and photo-induced carrier density effects contribute to the change in TC when the PIntensity is above 6.4×102 W/cm2.