bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The History of Cinema: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Nowell-Smith Geoffrey
Published: December 2017

Cinema was the first, and arguably the greatest, of the industrialized art forms that dominated the cultural life of the 20th century. It continues to adapt and grow as new technologies and viewing platforms become available, and remains an integral cultural and aesthetic entertainment experience for people the world over. Cinema developed against the backdrop of the two world wars, and over the years has seen smaller wars, revolutions, and profound social changes, with its history reflecting this. The History of Cinema: A Very Short Introduction looks at the defining moments of the industry, from silent to sound, black and white to colour, and considers its genres from intellectual art house to mass-market entertainment.
The Immune System: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Klenerman Paul
Published: December 2017

The Immune System: A Very Short Introduction describes the immune system and how it works in health and disease. It focuses on the human immune system, considering how it evolved, and the basic rules that govern its behaviour. The immune system comprises a series of organs, cells, and chemical messengers that work together as a team to provide defence against infection. These components are discussed along with the critical signals that trigger them and how they exert their protective effects, including innate and adaptive responses. The consequences of too little immunity (immunodeficiency), caused for example by HIV/AIDS, and too much, leading to auto-immune and allergic diseases, are also considered.
Modern India: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Jeffrey Craig
Published: December 2017

India has become one of the world’s emerging powers, rivalling China in terms of global influence. Yet people still know relatively little about the economic, social, political, and cultural changes unfolding in India today. To what extent are people benefiting from the economic boom? Does caste still exist in India? How is India’s culture industry responding to technological change? Modern India: A Very Short Introduction looks at the exciting world of change in contemporary India. It provides a recent history of the nation, investigating the contradictions that are plaguing modern India and the manner in which people, especially young people, are actively remaking the country in the 21st century.
To increase trust, change the social design behind aggregated biodiversity data
Authors: Franz Nico M , Sterner Beckett W
Published: December 2017

Growing concerns about the quality of aggregated biodiversity data are lowering trust in large-scale data networks. Aggregators frequently respond to quality concerns by recommending that biologists work with original data providers to correct errors ‘at the source.’ We show that this strategy falls systematically short of a full diagnosis of the underlying causes of distrust. In particular, trust in an aggregator is not just a feature of the data signal quality provided by the sources to the aggregator, but also a consequence of the social design of the aggregation process and the resulting power balance between individual data contributors and aggregators. The latter have created an accountability gap by downplaying the authorship and significance of the taxonomic hierarchies—frequently called ‘backbones’—they generate, and which are in effect novel classification theories that operate at the core of data-structuring process. The Darwin Core standard for sharing occurrence records plays an under-appreciated role in maintaining the accountability gap, because this standard lacks the syntactic structure needed to preserve the taxonomic coherence of data packages submitted for aggregation, potentially leading to inferences that no individual source would support. Since high-quality data packages can mirror competing and conflicting classifications, i.e. unsettled systematic research, this plurality must be accommodated in the design of biodiversity data integration. Looking forward, a key directive is to develop new technical pathways and social incentives for experts to contribute directly to the validation of taxonomically coherent data packages as part of a greater, trustworthy aggregation process.
Evaluation of a novel infra-red endoscopy system in the assessment of early neoplasia in Barretts esophagus: pilot study from a single center
Authors: Ortiz-Fernandez-Sordo J , Sami S S , Mansilla-Vivar R , Subramanian V , Mannath J , Telakis E , Ragunath K
Published: December 2017

Infrared endoscopy (IRE) has been shown to be useful in detecting submucosal (SM) invasion in early gastric cancer. Its role in the endoscopic assessment of Barrett's neoplasia has not been reported to date. We aimed in this study to evaluate the role of IRE in the detection and characterization of early neoplastic lesions within Barrett's esophagus (BE). The secondary aim was to explore its usefulness for the assessment of the presence of submucosal invasion in these early neoplastic Barrett's lesions. We included in the study patients with dysplastic BE who were referred to our institution for endoscopic therapy of a previously diagnosed early Barrett's neoplasia. An examination with white light high resolution endoscopy (HRE) and near IRE after intravenous injection of indocyanine green was performed for all patients using an infrared endoscope prototype. Staining on IRE and correlation with final histological staging by endoscopic mucosal resection/surgery or histological diagnosis on mapping biopsies was analyzed. A total of 23 patients were enrolled in our study: 17 of them with 19 visible lesions and 6 patients with flat BE and no lesions. Staining on IRE was noted in 18 cases: 17 (94%) had at least high grade dysplasia (HGD). No stain was noted in 7 cases: final histology was <HGD in 5 (71%) and ≥HGD in 2 (29%). There was statistically significant difference between cases with no stain and any staining on IRE with regard to the presence of ≥HGD [2/7 (29%) vs. 17/18 (94%) P = 0.0022]. Stain was reported as faint in 12 and dense in 6. All 6 cases with dense staining had at least HGD. We concluded that IRE can provide additional information to the currently available white light endoscopy for detecting early neoplastic lesions within BE. IRE also allows detecting HGD and most advanced histology in BE. Usefulness of IRE to detect submucosal involvement in early Barrett's neoplastic lesions needs to be assessed further in larger cohort studies.
Recent developments in genetics and medically-assisted reproduction: from research to clinical applications†‡
Authors: Harper J C , Aittomäki K , Borry P , Cornel M C , de Wert G , Dondorp W , Geraedts J , Gianaroli L , Ketterson K , Liebaers I , Lundin K , Mertes H , Morris M , Pennings G , Sermon K , Spits C , Soini S , van Montfoort A P A , Veiga A , Vermeesch J R , Viville S , Macek M ,   on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology and European Society of Human Genetics
Published: December 2017

Two leading European professional societies, the European Society of Human Genetics and the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology, have worked together since 2004 to evaluate the impact of fast research advances at the interface of assisted reproduction and genetics, including their application into clinical practice. In September 2016, the expert panel met for the third time. The topics discussed highlighted important issues covering the impacts of expanded carrier screening, direct-to-consumer genetic testing, voiding of the presumed anonymity of gamete donors by advanced genetic testing, advances in the research of genetic causes underlying male and female infertility, utilisation of massively-parallel sequencing in preimplantation genetic testing and non-invasive prenatal screening, mitochondrial replacement in human oocytes, and additionally, issues related to cross-generational epigenetic inheritance following IVF and germline genome editing. The resulting paper represents a consensus of both professional societies involved.
A comparison of VMS and AIS data: the effect of data coverage and vessel position recording frequency on estimates of fishing footprints
Authors: Shepperson Jennifer L , Hintzen Niels T , Szostek Claire L , Bell Ewen , Murray Lee G , Kaiser Michel J
Published: December 2017

Understanding the distribution of fishing activity is fundamental to quantifying its impact on the seabed. Vessel monitoring system (VMS) data provides a means to understand the footprint (extent and intensity) of fishing activity. Automatic Identification System (AIS) data could offer a higher resolution alternative to VMS data, but differences in coverage and interpretation need to be better understood. VMS and AIS data were compared for individual scallop fishing vessels. There were substantial gaps in the AIS data coverage; AIS data only captured 26% of the time spent fishing compared to VMS data. The amount of missing data varied substantially between vessels (45–99% of each individuals' AIS data were missing). A cubic Hermite spline interpolation of VMS data provided the greatest similarity between VMS and AIS data. But the scale at which the data were analysed (size of the grid cells) had the greatest influence on estimates of fishing footprints. The present gaps in coverage of AIS may make it inappropriate for absolute estimates of fishing activity. VMS already provides a means of collecting more complete fishing position data, shielded from public view. Hence, there is an incentive to increase the VMS poll frequency to calculate more accurate fishing footprints.
That’s Not How I Remember It: Willfully Ignorant Memory for Ethical Product Attribute Information
Authors: Reczek Rebecca Walker , Irwin Julie R , Zane Daniel M , Ehrich Kristine R
Published: December 2017

This research documents a systematic bias in memory for ethical attribute information: consumers have better memory for an ethical attribute when a product performs well on the attribute versus when a product performs poorly on the attribute. Because consumers want to avoid emotionally difficult ethical information (e.g., child labor) but believe they should remember it in order to do the right thing, the presence of negative ethical information in a choice or evaluation produces conflict between the want and should selves. Consumers resolve this conflict by letting the want self prevail and forgetting or misremembering the negative ethical information. A series of studies establishes the willfully ignorant memory effect, shows that it holds only for ethical attributes and not for other attributes, and provides process evidence that it is driven by consumers allowing the want self to prevail in order to avoid negative feelings associated with the conflict. We also ameliorate the effect by reducing the amount of pressure exerted by the should self. Lastly, we demonstrate that consumers judge forgetting negative ethical information as more morally acceptable than remembering but ignoring it, suggesting that willfully ignorant memory is a more morally acceptable form of coping with want/should conflict.
OGLE-2014-SN-073 as a fallback accretion powered supernova
Authors: Moriya Takashi J , Terreran Giacomo , Blinnikov Sergei I
Published: December 2017

We investigate the possibility that the energetic Type II supernova OGLE-2014-SN-073 is powered by a fallback accretion following the failed explosion of a massive star. Taking massive hydrogen-rich supernova progenitor models, we estimate the fallback accretion rate and calculate the light-curve evolution of supernovae powered by the fallback accretion. We find that such fallback accretion powered models can reproduce the overall observational properties of OGLE-2014-SN-073. It may imply that some failed explosions could be observed as energetic supernovae like OGLE-2014-SN-073 instead of faint supernovae as previously proposed.
Brain Stem Cavernous Malformations: Operative Nuances of a Less-Invasive Resection Technique
Authors: Singh Harminder , Elarjani Turki , da Silva Harley Brito , Shetty Rakshith , Kim Louis , Sekhar Laligam N
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Different operative techniques are reported for the resection of brainstem cavernous malformations (BSCMs). The senior author has previously reported on a less-invasive technique of entering the brain stem with piecemeal removal of BSCMs, especially the deep-seated ones.

OBJECTIVE

To present a larger series of these lesions, emphasizing the approach to the brain stem via case selection. We discuss the nuances of the less-invasive operative technique through case illustrations and intraoperative videos.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 46 consecutive cases of BSCMs, with their clinical and radiographic data, was performed. Nine cases were selected to illustrate 7 different operative approaches, and discuss surgical nuances of the less-invasive technique unique to each.

RESULTS

Postoperative morbidity, defined as an increase in modified Rankin Scale, was observed in 5 patients (10.9%). A residual BSCM was present in 2 patients (4.3%); both underwent reoperation to remove the remainder. At follow-up of 31.1 ± 27.8 mo, 3 patients experienced recurrence (6.5%). Overall, 65% of our patients improved, 20% stayed the same, and 11% worsened postsurgery. Two patients died, yielding a mortality of 4.3%.

CONCLUSION

Using the less-invasive resection technique for piecemeal BSCM removal, in appropriately selected patients, has yielded comparable to improved patient outcomes over existing large series. In our experience, lateral, anterolateral, and posterolateral approaches are favorable over direct midline (dorsal or ventral) approaches. A thorough understanding of brain-stem safe-entry zones, in conjunction with appropriate approach selection, is key to a good outcome in challenging cases.
Operative Nuances of Stereotactic Leksell Frame-Based Depth Electrode Implantation
Authors: Joswig Holger , Benson Carolyn M , Parrent Andrew G , MacDougall Keith W , Steven David A
Published: December 2017

Background

For intracranial electroencephalographic monitoring, stereotactically implanted depth electrodes are increasingly used at epilepsy centers around the world.

Objective

To identify pearls and pitfalls from our experience with stereotactic Leksell (Elekta AB, Stockhom, Sweden) frame-based depth electrode implantation.

Methods

An intraoperative video of the implantation technique was recorded.

Results

A detailed description and a video on how to implant depth electrodes using the stereotactic Leksell frame is provided.

Conclusion

Neurosurgeons implanting depth electrodes for intracranial electroencephalographic monitoring might find the technical nuances and caveats described in this technical note useful for their practice.
Hypervascular Vestibular Schwannomas: Clinical Characteristics, Angiographical Classification, and Surgical Considerations
Authors: Teranishi Yu , Kohno Michihiro , Sora Shigeo , Sato Hiroaki , Nagata Osamu
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

There is a rare type of vestibular schwannoma, scarcely discussed in the literature, known as a hypervascular vestibular schwannoma (HVS).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate its biological characteristics, angiographical classification, surgical outcomes, and the significance for surgical consideration, using a large series of this clinical entity.

METHODS

The definition for HVS in this study was the tumor stain from the vertebrobasilar system (VBS) in angiography. The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 36 patients who were angiographically diagnosed with HVS and underwent surgery between 2008 and 2015. Their biological findings and their surgical outcomes were compared with non-HVS subjects. With regard to the tumor feeders and AV shunt, we classified HVS into 5 types.

RESULTS

HVS occurred more commonly in younger subjects (mean: 39.4 yr), as a larger solid tumor with multiple flow voids (mean: 34.1 mm), and involved higher levels of cerebrospinal fluid protein (mean: 202 mg/dl) and a higher MIB1-index (mean: 4.3%). The average resection rate for these 36 cases was 95.3%, and recurrence was seen in 6 cases (16.7%). Compared with non-HVS, the extent of tumor resection was significantly lower, and the recurrence rate was significantly higher. Especially in HVS type 2B (the tumor stain is fed by the VBS and the external carotid artery, with an arteriovenous shunt from the VBS), the recurrence-free survival duration was significantly shorter compared with other HVS types and non-HVS, and HVS type 2B exhibited an identifiable risk factor for recurrence.

CONCLUSION

HVS have the distinct clinical characteristics compared with those of non-HVS subjects.
Genetic and Physical Mapping of a Putative Leymus mollis-Derived Stripe Rust Resistance Gene on Wheat Chromosome 4A
Authors: Chao Kaixiang , Yang Jinye , Liu Huan , Jing Jinxue , Li Qiang , Wang Baotong , Ma Dongfang
Published: December 2017

Wheat stripe rust is one of the most damaging diseases of wheat worldwide. The wheat-Leymus mollis introgression line M8664-3 exhibits all-stage resistance to Chinese stripe rust races. Genetic analysis of stripe rust resistance was performed by crossing M8664-3 with the susceptible line Mingxian169. Analysis of the disease resistance of F2 and F2:3 populations revealed that its resistance to Chinese stripe rust race 33 (CYR33) is controlled by a single dominant gene, temporarily designated as YrM8664-3. Genetic and physical mapping showed that YrM8664-3 is located in bin 4AL13-0.59-0.66 close to 4AL12-0.43-0.59 on chromosome 4AL and is flanked by single-nucleotide polymorphism markers AX111655681 and AX109496237 with genetic distances of 5.3 and 2.3 centimorgans, respectively. Resistance spectrum and position analyses indicated that YrM8664-3 may be a novel gene. Molecular detection using the markers linked to YrM8664-3 with wheat varieties commonly cultivated and wheat-L. mollis-derived lines showed that YrM8664-3 is also present in other wheat-L. mollis introgression lines but absent in commercial common wheat cultivars. Thus, YrM8664-3 is a potentially valuable source of stripe rust resistance for breeding.
Plantar fasciitis
Authors: Luffy Lindsey , Grosel John , Thomas Randall , So Eric
Published: December 2017

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in the United States. Many treatments are available and differ in efficacy and cost. This article discusses the theorized causes for plantar fasciitis and various treatments.
Basic calcium phosphate crystal-associated musculoskeletal syndromes: an update
Authors: Rosenthal Ann K.
Published: December 2017

Purpose of review

Basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystals are associated with two important musculoskeletal syndromes. Deposition of BCP crystals in tendons, bursae, and other soft tissues around joints causes calcific periarthritis, whereas intra-articular BCP crystals contribute to osteoarthritis and cause the highly destructive arthritis known as Milwaukee Shoulder Syndrome. The epidemiology and natural history of these syndromes are poorly understood, and because the pathogenesis remains unclear, few targeted therapies are available. I will review new developments in this field.

Recent findings

I will discuss a case collection of calcific periarthritis of the hip, and evidence-based management strategies for shoulder calcific periarthritis that might be applied to calcific periarthritis at other locations. I will summarize several recent articles addressing mechanisms of crystal formation and identifying pathways through which BCP crystals produce tissue damage and explore some newly identified risk factors for pathologic mineralization.

We are making slow, but steady progress in understanding the clinical presentation of calcific periarthritis in sites other than the shoulder. A growing appreciation of the mechanisms through which BCP crystals mediate tissue damage should lead to the development of novel management strategies for these common musculoskeletal syndromes.
Cell-based immunotherapy in gynecologic malignancies
Authors: Schaar Bruce , Krishnan Venkatesh , Tallapragada Supreeti , Dorigo Oliver
Published: December 2017

Purpose of review

To provide an overview of the principles, safety and efficacy of adoptive cell therapy (ACT) in solid tumors particularly in gynecological cancers.

Recent findings

Efforts to target solid tumors using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and genetically modified T cells have shown promising efficacy in some patients. Two food and drug administration approvals for the treatment of leukemia are the first gene therapies available for cancer treatment in the United States.

Genetic engineering of antitumor immunity using T cells has the potential to target specific tumor-associated antigens and overcome obstacles to successful immunotherapy like immune-suppressive factors in the tumor microenvironment.
Abduction in Proximal Hamstring Tendon Avulsion Injury Mechanism: A Report on 3 Athletes
Authors: van der Made Anne D. , Peters Rolf W. , Verheul Claire , Maas Mario , Kerkhoffs Gino M.
Published: December 2017

Proximal hamstring tendon avulsions are typically sustained during forced hip hyperflexion combined with knee extension. We present 3 cases of athletes with a proximal hamstring tendon avulsion caused by an alternative injury mechanism that also involves a considerable hip abduction component (flexion-abduction injury mechanism). All cases had at least one concurrent injury of the medial thigh muscles, either on the ipsilateral or contralateral side. The 2 elite athletes with this injury mechanism returned to sport at preinjury level relatively quickly. A history of the flexion-abduction mechanism should raise suspicion of a hamstring tendon avulsion with concomitant injury of the medial thigh muscles. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol should include both legs, and any concurrent injury may need to be addressed as well. In future studies, it would be interesting to investigate whether injury mechanism holds prognostic value in proximal hamstring tendon avulsions.
Impact of Clavicle Fractures on Return to Play and Performance Ratings in NFL Athletes
Authors: Vora Darshan , Baker Matthew , Pandarinath Rajeev
Published: December 2017

Objective:

Clavicle fractures in the National Football League (NFL) have gained significant attention because of their impact on high profile athletes; however, little has been published on the overall impact of these injuries. This study sought to determine the time to return to play and quantitative impact on athletic performance after clavicle fractures in NFL athletes.

Design:

Retrospective Cohort Study; Level of evidence, 3.

Setting:

Retrospective cohort study of NFL athletes based on published injury reports and player statistics.

Participants:

This study consisted of 17 NFL athletes who sustained a clavicle fracture from 1998 to 2015 and returned to the field after the injury during the study period. Three athletes were excluded from performance analysis because of not playing for the entire season after injury. Control groups consisted of position-matched NFL athletes who competed in the 2013 NFL season without an identified clavicle injury.

Main Outcome Measures:

Median time to return to play after a clavicle fracture and the impact on player performance rating.

Results:

Athletes returned to the competition after a median of 3.47 months after injury and missed a median of 8 games. There was no statistically significant impact on athletic performance after returning to play.

Conclusion:

Although clavicle fractures did have a significant impact on athletes because of lost playing time, there was no statistically significant difference in player performance after the injury when compared with a control group.
The Association Between Local Economic Conditions and Opioid Prescriptions Among Disabled Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Zhou Chao , Yu Ning Neil , Losby Jan L.
Published: December 2017

Background:

This paper concerns public health crises today—the problem of opioid prescription access and related abuse. Inspired by Case and Deaton’s seminal work on increasing mortality among white Americans with lower education, this paper explores the relationship between opioid prescribing and local economic factors.

Objective:

We examined the association between county-level socioeconomic factors (median household income, unemployment rate, Gini index) and opioid prescribing.

Subjects:

We used the complete 2014 Medicare enrollment and part D drug prescription data from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services to study opioid prescriptions of disabled Medicare beneficiaries without record of cancer treatment, palliative care, or end-of-life care.

Measures and Research Design:

We summarized the demographic and geographic variation, and investigated how the local economic environment, measured by county median household income, unemployment rate, Gini index, and urban-rural classification correlated with various measures of individual opioid prescriptions. Measures included number of filled opioid prescriptions, total days’ supply, average morphine milligram equivalent (MME)/day, and annual total MME dosage. To assess the robustness of the results, we controlled for individual and other county characteristics, used multiple estimation methods including linear least squares, logistic regression, and Tobit regression.

Results and Conclusions:

Lower county median household income, higher unemployment rates, and less income inequality were consistently associated with more and higher MME opioid prescriptions among disabled Medicare beneficiaries. Geographically, we found that the urban-rural divide was not gradual and that beneficiaries in large central metro counties were less likely to have an opioid prescription than those living in other areas.
The Value of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio for Detecting Early-onset Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Can Emrah , Hamilcikan Şahin , Can Ceren
Published: December 2017

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between neonate early-onset sepsis (EOS) and the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) of term neonates.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective observational study was conducted with term neonates diagnosed with EOS compared with 44 healthy controls. Exclusion criteria were prematurity, postmaturity, small or large for gestational age according to week of pregnancy, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, chorioamnionitis, congenital major anomalies, and cyanotic congenital heart disease.

Results:

A total of 122 term neonates were included in the study. Of these, 78 were diagnosed with EOS and 44 were healthy controls. Tachycardia and apnea with bradycardia were the most common clinical signs of the onset of EOS in neonates in the EOS group. This group had significantly higher neutrophil counts, axillary temperatures, NLRs, PLRs, C-reactive proteins, and procalcitonin levels compared with the control group. There was a positive association between neutrophil counts, NLR, and PLR in the EOS group. An NLR of 6.76 was determined as the predictive cutoff value of neonate EOS (sensitivity 97.4%; specificity 100%; area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve 0.99; P=0.001). A PLR of 94.05 was determined as the predictive cutoff value of neonate EOS (sensitivity 97.4; specificity 100%; area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve 0.93; P=0.001).

Conclusions:

NLRs and PLRs were positively correlated with EOS in term neonates, and these ratios can be used as diagnostic adjunct tests for neonate EOS workups.
Detectable Concentrations of Inhaled Tobramycin in Critically Ill Children Without Cystic Fibrosis: Should Routine Monitoring Be Recommended?
Authors: Miller Jamie L. , Lepa Trisha M. , Ranallo Courtney , Chaaban Hala , Skrepnek Grant H. , Johnson Peter N.
Published: December 2017

Objectives:

To determine the percentage of detectable tobramycin troughs and acute kidney injury in critically ill children without cystic fibrosis on inhaled therapy.

Design:

Historic cohort.

Setting:

Academic hospital.

Patients:

Forty children less than 18 years receiving inhaled tobramycin across 6.5 years.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

The primary objective was to determine the percentage of detectable tobramycin troughs greater than or equal to 0.5 µg/mL. Secondary objectives included a comparison of acute kidney injury in children with and without detectable troughs. Twenty-two (55%) had trough concentrations obtained. Ten of these (45.5%) had detectable concentrations, with a median of 0.85 µg/mL (interquartile range, 0.5–2.0). There was no statistical significance between the detectable and nondetectable groups in age, gender, and method of administration. However, patients in the detectable group tended to be younger than nondetectable group and more likely to have a tracheotomy. There was a clinically significant decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate in the detectable trough group.

Conclusions:

Detectable troughs were noted in almost half of patients with concentrations obtained. A clinically significant decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate was noted in patients with detectable concentrations. Continued work should be directed to better understand outcomes and monitoring in children requiring inhaled tobramycin.
Unexpected Blooming Artifact in Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Ramasamy Akilesh , Madhan Balasubramanian , Krishnan Balasubramanian
Published: December 2017

Unexpected foreign bodies are occasionally discovered during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These are often present unknown to the patient, missed during routine pre-MRI screening and result in unnecessary delay during MRI. The authors present a patient with traumatically embedded foreign body in the scalp that escaped pre-MRI screening and caused susceptibility artifacts during brain MRI. The object was surgically removed to allow the imaging to be completed. Patients with suspicion or history of facial trauma or with dental restorations are referred to concerned specialists for compatibility of hardware, restorations and for assessing risks during MRI due to these. This patient is presented as a reminder for clinicians to probe further during anamnesis and have a high index of suspicion for foreign bodies that may be present even after trivial injuries.
The Hybrid Technical Management of Large and Complicated Traumatic Arteriovenous Fistula of Preauricular Region
Authors: Guo Jian , Zhan Rucai , Ren Yong , Meng Xiangjing , Liu Rengli , Li Guijie , Wang Dong , Sun Jinlong
Published: December 2017

Background:

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is defined as an abnormal communication between the high flow arterial system and the low flow venous network, which directly connects the arterial feeding vessels and the near draining veins without normal intervening capillary bed. Arteriovenous fistula incurs in preauricular region is exceeding rare. Most of these fistulae occur as a result of an iatrogenic injury, the volume is small, feeding and draining vessels of feeding and draining are simple, and can be cured easily. However, the treatment of the large and complicated AVF after incidental trauma in preauricular region is a challenge even for senior neurosurgeon. In this study, the authors discuss the management of a traumatic AVF through combined therapeutic method of surgical ligation and transarterial embolization. It is fed by ipsilateral superficial temporal artery, internal maxillary artery, posterior auricular artery, and their accessory branches and is drained by ipsilateral common facial vein and external jugular vein. Also the etiology, clinical manifestations, pathology, diagnosis, and management are summarized.

Conclusion:

Large and complicated traumatic AVF in preauricular region is rare, often due from an injury in maxillofacial region, combined therapy needed.
Numerical simulations of targeted delivery of magnetic drug aerosols in the human upper and central respiratory system: a validation study
Authors: Kenjereš Saša , Tjin Jimmy Leroy
Published: December 2017

In the present study, we investigate the concept of the targeted delivery of pharmaceutical drug aerosols in an anatomically realistic geometry of the human upper and central respiratory system. The geometry considered extends from the mouth inlet to the eighth generation of the bronchial bifurcations and is identical to the phantom model used in the experimental studies of Banko
et al.
(2015
Exp. Fluids
56
, 1–12 (
doi:10.1007/s00348-015-1966-y
)). In our computer simulations, we combine the transitional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) and the wall-resolved large eddy simulation (LES) methods for the air phase with the Lagrangian approach for the particulate (aerosol) phase. We validated simulations against recently obtained magnetic resonance velocimetry measurements of Banko
et al.
(2015
Exp. Fluids
56
, 1–12. (
doi:10.1007/s00348-015-1966-y
)) that provide a full three-dimensional mean velocity field for steady inspiratory conditions. Both approaches produced good agreement with experiments, and the transitional RANS approach is selected for the multiphase simulations of aerosols transport, because of significantly lower computational costs. The local and total deposition efficiency are calculated for different classes of pharmaceutical particles (in the 0.1 μm≤
d
p
≤10 μm range) without and with a paramagnetic core (the shell–core particles). For the latter, an external magnetic field is imposed. The source of the imposed magnetic field was placed in the proximity of the first bronchial bifurcation. We demonstrated that both total and local depositions of aerosols at targeted locations can be significantly increased by an applied magnetization force. This finding confirms the possible potential for further advancement of the magnetic drug targeting technique for more efficient treatments for respiratory diseases.
Theoretical, thermodynamic and electrochemical analysis of biotin drug as an impending corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 15% hydrochloric acid
Authors: Xu Xihua , Singh Ambrish , Sun Zhipeng , Ansari K. R. , Lin Yuanhua
Published: December 2017

The corrosion mitigation efficiency of biotin drug for mild steel in 15% hydrochloric acid was thoroughly investigated by weight loss and electrochemical methods. The surface morphology was studied by the contact angle, scanning electrochemical microscopy, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy methods. Quantum chemical calculation and Fukui analysis were done to correlate the experimental and theoretical data. The influence of the concentration of inhibitor, immersion time, temperature, activation energy, enthalpy and entropy has been reported. The mitigation efficiency of biotin obtained by all methods was in good correlation with each other. Polarization studies revealed that biotin acted as a mixed inhibitor. The adsorption of biotin was found to obey the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Surface studies showed the hydrophobic nature of the steel with inhibitor and vindicated the formation of a film on the metal surface that reduced the corrosion rate.
Hovering in the heat: effects of environmental temperature on heat regulation in foraging hummingbirds
Authors: Powers Donald R. , Langland Kathleen M. , Wethington Susan M. , Powers Sean D. , Graham Catherine H. , Tobalske Bret W.
Published: December 2017

At high temperature (greater than 40°C) endotherms experience reduced passive heat dissipation (radiation, conduction and convection) and increased reliance on evaporative heat loss. High temperatures challenge flying birds due to heat produced by wing muscles. Hummingbirds depend on flight for foraging, yet inhabit hot regions. We used infrared thermography to explore how lower passive heat dissipation during flight impacts body-heat management in broad-billed (Cynanthus latirostris, 3.0 g), black-chinned (Archilochus alexandri, 3.0 g), Rivoli's (Eugenes fulgens, 7.5 g) and blue-throated (Lampornis clemenciae, 8.0 g) hummingbirds in southeastern Arizona and calliope hummingbirds (Selasphorus calliope, 2.6 g) in Montana. Thermal gradients driving passive heat dissipation through eye, shoulder and feet dissipation areas are eliminated between 36 and 40°C. Thermal gradients persisted at higher temperatures in smaller species, possibly allowing them to inhabit warmer sites. All species experienced extended daytime periods lacking thermal gradients. Broad-billed hummingbirds lacking thermal gradients regulated the mean total-body surface temperature at approximately 38°C, suggesting behavioural thermoregulation. Blue-throated hummingbirds were inactive when lacking passive heat dissipation and hence might have the lowest temperature tolerance of the four species. Use of thermal refugia permitted hummingbirds to tolerate higher temperatures, but climate change could eliminate refugia, forcing distributional shifts in hummingbird populations.
13
C and
15
N assimilation and organic matter translocation by the endolithic community in the massive coral
Porites lutea
Authors: Sangsawang Laddawan , Casareto Beatriz Estela , Ohba Hideo , Vu Hung Manh , Meekaew Aussanee , Suzuki Toshiyuki , Yeemin Thamasak , Suzuki Yoshimi
Published: December 2017

Corals evolved by establishing symbiotic relationships with various microorganisms (the zooxanthellae, filamentous algae, cyanobacteria, bacteria, archaea, fungi and viruses), forming the ‘coral holobiont'. Among them, the endolithic community is the least studied. Its main function was considered to be translocation of photo-assimilates to the coral host, particularly during bleaching. Here, we hypothesize that (i) endolithic algae may show similar primary production rates in healthy or bleached corals by changing their pigment ratios, and therefore that similar production and translocation of organic matter may occur at both conditions and (ii) diazotrophs are components of the endolithic community; therefore, N
2
fixation and translocation of organic nitrogen may occur. We tested these hypotheses in incubation of
Porites lutea
with
13
C and
15
N tracers to measure primary production and N
2
fixation in coral tissues and endoliths. Assimilation of the
13
C atom (%) was observed in healthy and bleached corals when the tracer was injected in the endolithic band, showing translocation in both conditions. N
2
fixation was found in coral tissues and endolithic communities with translocation of organic nitrogen. Thus, the endolithic community plays an important role in supporting the C and N metabolism of the holobiont, which may be crucial under changing environmental conditions.
Anxiety-like behaviour increases safety from fish predation in an amphipod crustacea
Authors: Perrot-Minnot Marie-Jeanne , Banchetry Loan , Cézilly Frank
Published: December 2017

Anxiety is an emotional state generally expressed as sustained apprehension of the environment and elevated vigilance. It has been widely reported in vertebrates and, more recently, in a few invertebrate species. However, its fitness value remains elusive. We investigated anxiety-like behaviour and its consequences in an amphipod crustacean, using electric shock as aversive stimuli, and pharmacological assays. An anxiety-like state induced by electric shocks in
Gammarus fossarum
was expressed through increased sheltering behaviour in the absence of predation risk, thereby showing the pervasive nature of such behavioural response. Increasing the number of electric shocks both increased refuge use and delayed behavioural recovery. The behavioural effect of electric shock was mitigated by pre-treatment with LY354740, a metabotropic glutamate receptor group II/III agonist. Importantly, we found that this modulation of decision-making under an anxiety-like state resulted in an increased survival to predation in microcosm experiments. This study confirms the interest in taking an evolutionary view to the study of anxiety and calls for further investigation on the costs counterbalancing the survival benefit of an elevated anxiety level evidenced here.
Humans strategically shift decision bias by flexibly adjusting sensory evidence accumulation
Authors: Kloosterman Niels A. , de Gee Jan Willem , Werkle-Bergner Markus , Lindenberger Ulman , Garrett Douglas D. , Fahrenfort Johannes Jacobus
Published: December 2017

Decision bias is traditionally conceptualized as an internal reference against which sensory evidence is compared. Instead, we show that individuals implement decision bias by shifting the rate of sensory evidence accumulation towards a decision bound. Participants performed a target detection task while we recorded EEG. We experimentally manipulated participants’ decision criterion for reporting targets using different stimulus-response reward contingencies, inducing either a liberal or a conservative bias. Drift diffusion modeling revealed that a liberal strategy biased sensory evidence accumulation towards target-present choices. Moreover, a liberal bias resulted in stronger midfrontal pre-stimulus 2-6 Hz (theta) power and suppression of pre-stimulus 8—12 Hz (alpha) power in posterior cortex. The alpha suppression in turn mediated the output activity of visual cortex, as expressed in 59—100 Hz (gamma) power. These findings show that observers can intentionally control cortical excitability to strategically bias evidence accumulation towards the decision bound that maximizes their reward.
Metabolic and Hormonal Alterations Induced by Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Authors: Seridi Loqmane , Leo Gregory C. , Dohm G. Lynis , Pories Walter J. , Lenhard James
Published: December 2017

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is an effective way to lose weight and reverse type 2 diabetes. We profiled the metabolome of 18 obese patients (nine euglycemic and nine diabetics) that underwent RYGB surgery and seven lean subjects. Plasma samples from the obese patients were collected before the surgery and one week and three months after the surgery. We analyzed the metabolome in association to five hormones (Adiponectin, Insulin, Ghrelin, Leptin, and Resistin), four peptide hormones (GIP, Glucagon, GLP1, and PYY), and two cytokines (IL-6 and TNF). PCA showed samples cluster by surgery time and many microbially driven metabolites (indoles in particular) correlated with the three months after the surgery. Network analysis of metabolites revealed a connection between carbohydrate (mannosamine and glucosamine) and glyoxylate and confirms glyoxylate association to diabetes. Only leptin and IL-6 had a significant association with the measured metabolites. Leptin decreased immediately after RYGB (before significant weight loss), whereas IL-6 showed no consistent response to RYGB. Moreover, leptin associated with tryptophan in support of the possible role of leptin in the regulation of serotonin synthesis pathways in the gut. These results suggest a potential link between gastric leptin and microbial-derived metabolites in the context of obesity and diabetes.
Conformational Ensemble of RNA Oligonucleotides from Reweighted Molecular Simulations
Authors: Bottaro Sandro , Bussi Giovanni , Kennedy Scott D. , Turner Douglas H. , Lindorff-Larsen Kresten
Published: December 2017

We determine the conformational ensemble of four RNA tetranucleotides by using available nuclear magnetic spectroscopy data in conjunction with extensive atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. This combination is achieved by applying a reweighting scheme based on the maximum entropy principle. We provide a quantitative estimate for the population of different conformational states by considering different NMR parameters, including distances derived from nuclear Overhauser effect intensities and scalar coupling constants. We show the usefulness of the method as a general tool for studying the conformational dynamics of flexible biomolecules as well as for detecting inaccuracies in molecular dynamics force fields.
Routine Single Particle CryoEM Sample and Grid Characterization by Tomography
Authors: Noble Alex J. , Dandey Venkata P. , Wei Hui , Brasch Julia , Chase Jillian , Acharya Priyamvada , Tan Yong Zi , Zhang Zhening , Kim Laura Y. , Scapin Giovanna , Rapp Micah , Eng Edward T. , Rice William J. , Cheng Anchi , Negro Carl J. , Shapiro Lawrence , Kwong Peter D. , Jeruzalmi David , Georges Amédée des , Potter Clinton S. , Carragher Bridget
Published: December 2017

Single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) is often performed under the assumption that particles are freely floating away from the air-water interfaces and in thin, vitreous ice. In this study, we performed fiducial-less tomography on over 50 different cryoEM grid/sample preparations to determine the particle distribution within the ice and the overall geometry of the ice in grid holes. Surprisingly, by studying particles in holes in 3D from over 1,000 tomograms, we have determined that the vast majority of particles (approximately 90%) are adsorbed to an air-water interface. The implications of this observation are wide-ranging, with potential ramifications regarding protein denaturation, conformational change, and preferred orientation. We also show that fiducial-less cryo-electron tomography on single particle grids may be used to determine ice thickness, optimal single particle collection areas and strategies, particle heterogeneity, and de novo models for template picking and single particle alignment.
High levels of copy number variation of ampliconic genes across major human Y haplogroups
Authors: Ye Danling , Zaidi Arslan , Tomaszkiewicz Marta , Liebowitz Corey , DeGiorgio Michael , Shriver Mark D. , Makova Kateryna D.
Published: December 2017

Due to its highly repetitive nature, the human male-specific Y chromosome remains understudied. It is important to investigate variation on the Y chromosome to understand its evolution and contribution to phenotypic variation, including infertility. Approximately 20% of the human Y chromosome consists of ampliconic regions which include nine multi-copy gene families. These gene families are expressed exclusively in testes and usually implicated in spermatogenesis. Here, to gain a better understanding of the role of the Y chromosome in human evolution and in determining sexually dimorphic traits, we studied ampliconic gene copy number variation in 100 males representing ten major Y haplogroups world-wide. Copy number was estimated with droplet digital PCR. In contrast to low nucleotide diversity observed on the Y in previous studies, here we show that ampliconic gene copy number diversity is very high. A total of 98 copy-number-based haplotypes were observed among 100 individuals, and haplotypes were sometimes shared by males from very different haplogroups, suggesting homoplasies. The resulting haplotypes did not cluster according to major Y haplogroups. Overall, only three gene families (DATZ, RBMY, TSPY) showed significant differences in copy number among major Y haplogroups, and the haplogroup of an individual could not be predicted based on his ampliconic gene copy numbers. Finally, we found a significant correlation between copy number variation and individual’s height (for three gene families), but not between the former and facial masculinity/femininity. Our results suggest rapid evolution of ampliconic gene copy numbers on the human Y, and we discuss its causes.