bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the electron to ion mass ratio on unstable systems in particle-in-cell simulations
Authors: Moreno Q. , Dieckmann M. E. , Ribeyre X. , Jequier S. , Tikhonchuk V. T. , d'Humières E.
Published: June 2018

The evolution of the Buneman and two-stream instabilities driven by a cold dilute mildly relativistic electron beam is studied as a function of the ion-to-electron mass ratio. The growth rates of both instabilities are comparable for the selected parameters if the realistic ion-to-electron mass ratio is used and the Buneman instability outgrows the two-stream instability for an artificially reduced mass ratio. Particle-in-cell simulations show that both instabilities grow independently during their linear growth phase. The much lower saturation amplitude of the Buneman instability implies that it saturates first even if the linear growth rates of both instabilities are equal. The electron phase space holes it drives coalesce. Their spatial size increases in time and they start interacting with the two-stream mode, which results in the growth of electrostatic waves over a broad range of wave numbers. A reduced ion-to-electron mass ratio results in increased ion heating and in an increased energy loss of the relativistic electron beam compared to that in a simulation with the correct mass ratio.
Integration of external electric fields in molecular dynamics simulation models for resistive switching devices
Authors: Gergs T. , Dirkmann S. , Mussenbrock T.
Published: June 2018

Resistive switching devices emerged a huge amount of interest as promising candidates for non-volatile memories as well as artificial synapses due to their memristive behavior. The main physical and chemical phenomena which define their functionality are driven by externally applied voltages and the resulting electric fields. Although molecular dynamics simulations are widely used in order to describe the dynamics on the corresponding atomic length and time scales, there is a lack of models which allow for the actual driving force of the dynamics, i.e., externally applied electric fields. This is due to the restriction of currently applied models to solely conductive, non-reactive, or insulating materials, with thicknesses on the order of the potential cutoff radius, i.e., 10 Å. In this work, we propose a generic model, which can be applied in particular to describe the resistive switching phenomena of metal-insulator-metal systems. It has been shown that the calculated electric field and force distribution in case of the chosen example system Cu/a-SiO2/Cu are in agreement with the fundamental field theoretical expectations.
Effect of amorphization-mediated plasticity on the hydrogen-void interaction in ideal lattices under hydrostatic tension
Authors: Zhao Kai , He Jianying , Ringdalen Inga Gudem , Zhang Zhiliang
Published: June 2018

A thermodynamic model is derived to study the void nucleation in ideal lattices under hydrostatic tension loading and predicts that the plasticity has to be initiated before homogeneous nucleation of voids. Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to evaluate the mechanical behavior of Ni specimens with and without hydrogen charged. The results show that in both cases dislocations are generated before the nucleation of voids, and the insertion of hydrogen atoms does not alter the void nucleation significantly. The fact that the mechanical property is not sensitive on hydrogen is attributed to the formation of an amorphous shell around the voids.
The accuracy of collision cross sections in particle modeling on copper vacuum arcs
Authors: Yang Wei , Zhou Qianhong , Yang Wenyuan , Dong Ye , Dong Zhiwei
Published: June 2018

Direct Simulation Monte Carlo and Particle-in-Cell (DSMC-PIC) method is a powerful tool in studying metal vapor vacuum arcs (VA). However, the collision cross sections (Xs) for metal atoms/ions are not evaluated yet, compared to the already developed databases for gas discharges. The Xs are subject to uncertainties which influence the accuracy and predictive ability of particle models. In this paper, the common electrode material copper (Cu) is taken as an example for survey of Xs. Various experimental data, theoretical calculation, and analytical fitting formula are reviewed. The electron-impact Cu elastic, excitation, and ionization Xs are found to have an overall uncertainty within 15%. The Cu-Cu+ resonant charge-exchange Xs are not as accurate as that of e-Cu collision. The Cu-Cu interaction Xs by variable hard sphere model requires further validation. Based on the evaluated Xs, the mean free path and collision frequency are derived in copper VA plasmas, and compared to the Debye length and plasma frequency, respectively. The influences of those spatial and time scales are discussed in developing DSMC-PIC codes for modeling of copper VA.
Comparative catalytic and bacteriostatic properties of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using three kinds of polysaccharide
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xu Wei , Li Juan , Liu Huan , Li Yingying , Lou Yucui , Huang Lu , Jin Weiping
Published: June 2018

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were biosynthesized using konjac glucomannan (KGM), κ-carrageenan (CRG) and inulin as reducing and capping agent through one-spot method. The structure and morphology of Ag NPs were investigated using UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared and X-ray powder diffraction. The catalysis and antibacterial properties were also evaluated. Results showed that Ag NPs fabrication was influenced by the incubation temperature and polysaccharide category. CRG displayed a stronger reduction of Ag+ than KGM, and the lowest was inulin. A High incubation temperature promoted the reduction of Ag NPs. As for Ag100 NPs, the kapp of Ag NPs based on CRG, inulin, and KGM were 5.80×10-2 s-1, 2.14×10-2 s-1, and 2.16×10-2 s-1 respectively. Bacteriostatic test showed excellent antimicrobial activity of Ag NPs for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Thus, natural polysaccharide could be effective reducing and stabilizing agents for Ag NPs biosynthesis. The excellent antibacterial and catalytic properties may facilitate their use in medical, food, and biological applications.
Effect of next-generation sequencing in preimplantation genetic testing on live birth ratio
Authors: Liss Joanna , Pastuszek Ewa , Pukszta Sebastian , Hoffmann Eva , Kuczynski Waldemar , Lukaszuk Aron , Lukaszuk Krzysztof
Published: June 2018

The present study analysed live birth ratios in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles where embryo ploidy status was determined with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) using next-generation sequencing (NGS). PGT was performed on trophectoderm cells biopsied at the blastocyst stage. The present prospective cohort study included 112 women undergoing frozen embryo transfer, with NGS PGT. The control group consisted of 85 patients who underwent the IVF procedure with FET planned for a subsequent cycle. The live birth rate per cycle was higher by ~18.5 percentage points in the investigated compared with control group (42.0% vs 23.5% respectively; P = 0.012). The differences between the study and control groups were also significant for clinical pregnancy (42.0% vs 23.5% respectively; P = 0.012), implantation (41.2% vs 22.2% respectively; P = 0.001) and pregnancy loss rates (9.6% vs 28.6% respectively; P = 0.027). The results show that PGT NGS is a useful method for embryo selection and it may be implemented in routine clinical practice with propitious results.
Constructing a constructicon for German
Authors: Boas Hans C. , Ziem Alexander
Published: June 2018

This chapter discusses a number of important issues underlying and motivating the development of a constructicon for German. More specifically, it presents an overview of some typologically interesting facets of German syntax such as word order, topological fields, case, and passives. Taking a contrastive view of some German constructions and their English counterparts, this chapter shows under what circumstances existing entries from the Berkeley constructicon for English can be reused to create corresponding entries in a German constructicon. Of particular interest in this context are the notions of idiomaticity, abstraction, and the continuum of constructional correspondence. Finally, this chapter introduces ongoing constructicographic efforts to create a constructicon for German. To document the current status of the project, both the methodology and the workflow guiding the German Constructicon project (GCon) are illustrated.
The dative experiencer of Spanish gustar
Authors: Melis Chantal , Flores Marcela
Published: June 2018

This paper focuses on the dative experiencer of Spanish gustar ‘to please, like’, which replaced
an older nominative experiencer. The syntactic shift calls for attention since it goes against the well-established diachronic
tendency for oblique arguments to be eliminated in favor of nominative subjects (cf. English like). We find a partial explanation in the existence of a dative marking pattern on which gustar could model its behavior and try to identify the semantic and pragmatic factors that played a role in
motivating the extension of the non-nominative experiencer to gustar. Our analysis confirms that
lexical items retain traces of their source meaning which continue to shape subsequent developments, and that specific
discourse contexts are instrumental in generating processes of change.1
Postverbal subjects of unaccusative verbs in the history of Portuguese
Authors: Eide Kristine Gunn
Published: June 2018

In this paper, I trace a word order change from Old Portuguese (OP) to Modern European Portuguese (MEP) that affected subjects
of unaccusative verbs and argue that these subjects lost their object-like position along two different paths: subjects that
contain old information follow the same development as subjects of transitive verbs, while new information subjects develop
independently. In OP they retained more of their object-like properties, while MEP subjects of unaccusatives pattern more
closely with subjects of transitive verbs.
Variation and the use of discourse markers in 16th-century Spanish
Authors: Pountain Christopher J.
Published: June 2018

This study aims to account for the differing uses and frequency profiles of a variety of discourse markers (DMs) in four
roughly contemporaneous 16th-century Spanish texts which are contrasting in nature.1 Such
a methodology complements previous studies which have used large heterogeneous corpora, in that it controls the variables of
authorship and text-type as well as allowing for a closer philological appraisal of the data. It is able to show not only that
the presence, absence or frequency of a particular DM is determined by the tenor and field of the text, as well as by its
characteristic discourse type, but also that when DMs are variant exponents of the same function, they may also act as social
indicators.
'New wave' revolution in city-focused, closed environment food production.
Authors: Mathews J. A.
Published: June 2018

A new wave of city-focused food production, variously known as 'plant factories' (vegetable factories or fruit factories), or 'vertical farming' or simply as 'closed environment agriculture' (CEA) is sweeping the world. As opposed to open-air agriculture, with its vulnerability to seasonal disturbances, its high dependence on water and chemicals as fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, all with uncontrolled run-off, the new approach is based on contained systems, utilizing renewable resources and recycling, and producing sustainable yields that can scale up to cope with surging urbanization and growth in global population. This article reviews the developments worldwide in CEA and identifies the main features, which are fivefold: (1) producing more with less, (2) continuously, (3) with clean practices, (4) in a controlled environment and (5) with an urban focus. The article develops an argument as to why the new wave resembles manufacturing more than traditional agriculture, and enjoys cost and efficiency gains that are likely to prove decisive in competition with traditional food production methods, particularly as the wave diffuses beyond leafy vegetables to encompass fruit vegetables, fruits, berries, fish and seafood and eventually staple crops starting with rice.
Carbon pricing for climate change mitigation.
Authors: Timilsina G. R.
Published: June 2018

Carbon pricing, which includes carbon tax, emission trading systems and carbon offset mechanisms, is the main economic instrument to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions responsible for global climate change. The academic literature on carbon pricing is rich due to hundreds of studies carried out over the last four decades. Its implementation in practice is limited. However, over the last few years, particularly after the Paris Climate Agreement, carbon pricing has attracted much attention from national/sub-national governments, the corporate world and international development communities. More than 80 countries who signed the Paris Climate Agreement are considering carbon pricing as a potential option to achieve their GHG mitigation targets. This paper briefly introduces carbon pricing concept, major issues related to it, key messages produced by the rich literature and status of its implementation in practice around the world.
Relationship between organizational socialization and attitudes and behaviours in volunteers: the importance of organizational justice / Relación entre la socialización organizacional y las actitudes y conductas en el voluntariado: la importancia de la justicia organizacional
Authors: Aranda Mercedes , Marcos Alexandra , Topa Gabriela
Published: June 2018

This study explores the influences of organizational socialization on the intention to stay and innovative behaviours using a two-time design with a sample ( N = 308) of volunteers who provide advice and guidance. Furthermore, it analyses the mediating role of perceptions of organizational justice on the relationships between socialization and results. Our findings support the proposed hypotheses; that is, they showed that the higher the organizational socialization, the higher the intention to stay and the more innovative behaviour shown by the volunteers, and that both effects are mediated by the perceived organizational justice. The practical implications are discussed.
NQO1 inhibits the TLR-dependent production of selective cytokines by promoting IκB-ζ degradation
Authors: Kimura Akihiro , Kitajima Masayuki , Nishida Kyoko , Serada Satoshi , Fujimoto Minoru , Naka Tetsuji , Fujii-Kuriyama Yoshiaki , Sakamato Satoshi , Ito Takumi , Handa Hiroshi , Tanaka Takashi , Yoshimura Akihiko , Suzuki Harumi
Published: June 2018

NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) protects cells against oxidative stress and toxic quinones. In this study, we found a novel role of NQO1 in suppressing Toll-like receptor (TLR)–mediated innate immune responses. NQO1-deficient macrophages selectively produced excessive amounts of IL-6, IL-12, and GM-CSF on LPS stimulation, and the deletion of NQO1 in macrophages exacerbated LPS-induced septic shock. NQO1 interacted with the nuclear IκB protein IκB-ζ, which is essential for the TLR-mediated induction of a subset of secondary response genes, including IL-6, and promoted IκB-ζ degradation in a ubiquitin-dependent manner. We demonstrated that PDLIM2, known as the ubiquitin E3 ligase, participates in NQO1-dependent IκB-ζ degradation. NQO1 augmented the association between PDLIM2 and IκB-ζ, resulting in increased IκB-ζ degradation. Collectively, this study describes a mechanism of the NQO1–PDLIM2 complex as a novel and important regulator in the innate immune signaling and suggests the therapeutic potential of NQO1 in TLR-mediated inflammation and disorders.
A20 and ABIN-1 team up against intestinal epithelial cell death
Authors: Cadwell Ken
Published: June 2018

A20 and its binding partner ABIN-1 are genetically linked to inflammatory diseases. In this issue of JEM, Kattah et al. (https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20180198) demonstrate that simultaneous deletion in a mouse model leads to instantaneous cell death in the intestinal epithelium and mortality.
RNA/DNA structures recognized by RNase H2
Authors: Kojima Kenji , Baba Misato , Tsukiashi Motoki , Nishimura Takuto , Yasukawa Kiyoshi
Published: June 2018

Ribonuclease H (RNase H) [EC 3.1.26.4] is an enzyme that specifically degrades RNA from RNA/DNA hybrids. Since its discovery in 1969, the enzyme has been extensively studied for its catalytic mechanism and physiological role. RNase H has been classified into two major families, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 enzymes are designated RNase HI in prokaryotes and RNase H1 in eukaryotes, while Type 2 enzymes are designated RNase HII in prokaryotes and RNase H2 in eukaryotes. Type 2 enzymes are able to cleave the 5′-phosphodiester bond of one ribonucleotide embedded in a DNA double strand. Recent studies have shown that RNase H2 is involved in excision of a single ribonucleotide embedded in genomic DNA and removal of an R-loop formed in cells. It is also involved in double-strand break of DNA and its repair. In this review, we aim to outline the structures recognized by RNase H2.
runibic: a Bioconductor package for parallel row-based biclustering of gene expression data
Authors: Orzechowski Patryk , Pańszczyk Artur , Huang Xiuzhen , Moore Jason H
Published: June 2018

Motivation

Biclustering is an unsupervised technique of simultaneous clustering of rows and columns of input matrix. With multiple biclustering algorithms proposed, UniBic remains one of the most accurate methods developed so far.

Results

In this paper we introduce a Bioconductor package called runibic with parallel implementation of UniBic. For the convenience the algorithm was reimplemented, parallelized and wrapped within an R package called runibic. The package includes: (i) a couple of times faster parallel version of the original sequential algorithm, (ii) much more efficient memory management, (iii) modularity which allows to build new methods on top of the provided one and (iv) integration with the modern Bioconductor packages such as SummarizedExperiment, ExpressionSet and biclust.

Availability and implementation

The package is implemented in R and is available from Bioconductor (starting from version 3.6) at the following URL http://bioconductor.org/packages/runibic with installation instructions and tutorial.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Intensity Specific Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Evokes an Exacerbated Burden of Neocortical Axonal Injury
Authors: Ogino Yasuaki , Vascak Michal , Povlishock John T
Published: June 2018

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) has been linked to enduring neurological damage following repetitive injury. Previously, we reported that intensity-specific, repetitive mTBI exacerbated microvascular and axonal damage in brainstem. For a more rigorous and global assessment, we assessed the burden of neocortical diffuse axonal injury (DAI) evoked by repetitive mTBI. Mice were subjected to mild central fluid percussion injuries at 1.4 and 1.6 atm with or without repetitive insult at a 3-hour interval and killed at 24 hours postinjury. Neocortical DAI within layer V was quantitatively assessed by double-labeling p-c-Jun and NeuN to identify both the axotomized and total neuronal population. Both confocal and electron microscopic findings revealed no apparent evidence of neuronal death. Repetitive mTBI of 1.6 atm group, but not of 1.4 atm group, demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of axotomized neurons. These results demonstrate that different intensities of mTBI induced different burdens of DAI after repetitive insult. Interestingly, the parallel loss of the righting reflex reflected differences in injury intensity, yet the duration of this reflex was not elongated by the repetitive insult. These data highlight some of the complex issues surrounding repetitive mTBI and its associated morbidity, mandating the need for continued exploration.
Impact of Aneurysm Multiplicity on Treatment and Outcome After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Roethlisberger Michel , Achermann Rita , Bawarjan Schatlo , Stienen Martin N , Fung Christian , D’Alonzo Donato , Maldaner Nicolai , Ferrari Andrea , Corniola Marco V , Schöni Daniel , Goldberg Johannes , Valsecchi Daniele , Robert Thomas , Maduri Rodolfo , Seule Martin A , Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Marbacher Serge , Bijlenga Philippe , Blackham Kristine A , Bucher Heiner C , Mariani Luigi , Guzman Raphael , Zumofen Daniel W ,   Swiss SOS group
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

One-third of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) have multiple intracranial aneurysms (MIA).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the predictors of outcome in aSAH patients with MIA compared to aSAH patients with a single intracranial aneurysm (SIA).

METHODS

The Swiss Study of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage dataset 2009-2014 was used to evaluate outcome in aSAH patients with MIA compared to patients with SIA with the aid of descriptive and multivariate regression analysis. The primary endpoints of this cohort study were presence of new stroke on computed tomography (CT) after aneurysm treatment, and presence of stroke on CT prior to discharge. The secondary endpoints were the clinical and the functional status, and the overall mortality at discharge and at 1 yr.

RESULTS

Among 1689 consecutive patients, 467 had MIA (prevalence: 26.4%). The incidence of stroke was higher in the MIA than in the SIA group, both after aneurysm treatment (19.3% vs 15.1%) and at discharge (24% vs 21.4%). However, the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the corresponding odds ratio (OR) in our multivariate model included 1, indicating that the detected trends did not reach statistical significance. As for the secondary endpoints, aneurysm multiplicity was found to be an independent, statistically significant predictor for occurrence of a new focal neurological deficit between admission and discharge (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.08-1.81). Yet, the MIA and SIA groups did not differ in terms of either functional outcome or overall survival.

CONCLUSION

aSAH patients with MIA have a higher short-term morbidity than patients with SIA. This excess morbidity does not worsen the functional outcome or lower overall survival.
Earth’s atmosphere’s lowest layers probed during a lunar eclipse
Authors: Kawauchi Kiyoe , Narita Norio , Sato Bun’ei , Hirano Teruyuki , Kawashima Yui , Nakamoto Taishi , Yamashita Takuya , Tamura Motohide
Published: June 2018

We report the results of detailed investigation of the Earth’s transmission spectra during the lunar eclipse on UT 2011 December 10. The spectra were taken by using the High Dispersion Spectrograph (HDS) mounted on the Subaru 8.2 m telescope with unprecedented resolution in both time and wavelength (300 s exposure time in umbra and 160000 spectral resolution, respectively). In our penumbra and umbra data, we detected the individual absorption lines of $\rm O_2$ and $\rm H_2O$ in transmission spectra and found that they became deeper as the eclipse became deeper. This indicates that the sunlight reaching the Moon passed through lower layers of the Earth’s atmosphere with time, because we monitored a given point on the Moon during the full eclipse duration. From the comparison between the observed and theoretically constructed transmission spectra, the lowest altitude at which the sunlight actually passed through the atmosphere is estimated to be about 10 km from the ground, which suggests the existence of sunlight-blocking clouds below that altitude. Our result can be a test case for future investigations of the atmospheric structure of Earth-like exoplanets via transmission spectroscopy including the refraction effect of the planetary atmosphere.
Rational engineering of photosynthetic electron flux enhances light-powered cytochrome P450 activity
Authors: Berepiki Adokiye , Gittins John R , Moore C Mark , Bibby Thomas S
Published: June 2018

In this study, we exploited a modified photosynthetic electron transfer chain (PET) in the model cyanobacterium Synechococcus PCC 7002, where electrons derived from water-splitting are used to power reactions catalyzed by a heterologous cytochrome P450 (CYP1A1). A simple in vivo fluorescent assay for CYP1A1 activity was employed to determine the impact of rationally engineering of photosynthetic electron flow. This showed that knocking out a subunit of the type I NADH dehydrogenase complex (NDH-1), suggested to be involved in cyclic photosynthetic electron flow (ΔndhD2), can double the activity of CYP1A1, with a concomitant increase in the flux of electrons from photosynthesis. This also resulted in an increase in cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and the ATP/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) ratio, suggesting that expression of a heterologous electron sink in photosynthetic organisms can be used to modify the bioenergetic landscape of the cell. We therefore demonstrate that CYP1A1 is limited by electron supply and that photosynthesis can be re-engineered to increase heterologous P450 activity for the production of high-value bioproducts. The increase in cellular ATP achieved could be harnessed to support metabolically demanding heterologous processes. Furthermore, this experimental system could provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of photosynthesis.
Role of Epichloë Endophytes in Defense Responses of Cool-Season Grasses to Pathogens: A Review
Authors: Xia Chao , Li Nana , Zhang Yawen , Li Chunjie , Zhang Xingxu , Nan Zhibiao
Published: June 2018

Various cool-season grasses are infected by Epichloë endophyte, and this symbiotic relationship is always of benefit to the host grass due to an increased resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. Fungal diseases adversely affect the yield, quality, and economic benefits of rangelands, which affects the production of animal husbandry. Therefore, it is imperative to breed resistant cultivars and to better understand the role of fungal endophytes in order to protect grasses against pathogens. The present review introduces research regarding how these endophytes affect the growth of pathogens in vitro and how they change the resistance of host plants to plant diseases. From the perspective of physical defense, changes in physiological indexes, and secretion of chemical compounds, we summarize the potential mechanisms by which endophytes are able to enhance the disease resistance of a host grass. Through these, we aim to establish a solid theoretical foundation for plant disease control and disease resistance breeding by application of fungal endophytes. A broader understanding of fungal endophyte effects on hosts could create a new opportunity for managing or introducing fungal symbioses in both agronomic or non-agronomic ecosystems.
Fungicide Resistance in Botrytis cinerea Populations in California and its Influence on Control of Gray Mold on Stored Mandarin Fruit
Authors: Saito S. , Xiao C. L.
Published: June 2018

Gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea is an emerging postharvest disease affecting stored mandarin fruit in California. To develop effective control programs, fungicide sensitivities to four citrus postharvest fungicides were determined. One hundred B. cinerea isolates each in 2015 and 2016 were obtained from decayed fruit collected within packinghouses and tested for resistance to the fungicides. Sensitivity to azoxystrobin was examined based on the point mutation in the cyt b gene using PCR, while resistance to fludioxonil, pyrimethanil, and thiabendazole was examined on fungicide-amended media. For azoxystrobin, 83 and 98% of the isolates were resistant in 2015 and 2016, respectively. For pyrimethanil, 71 and 93% were resistant in 2015 and 2016, respectively. For thiabendazole, 63 and 68% were resistant in 2015 and 2016, respectively. No fludioxonil resistance was detected in both years. Five fungicide-resistant phenotypes were detected, and the most common phenotype was triple resistance to azoxystrobin, pyrimethanil, and thiabendazole, accounting for 59 and 65% in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Of the 200 B. cinerea isolates, 5, 23.5, and 62% were resistant to one, two, or three classes of fungicides, respectively. Inoculation tests were conducted to evaluate if the fungicides at label rates controlled various resistant phenotypes on fruit. Most fungicides failed to control gray mold on mandarin fruit inoculated with the respective fungicide resistant phenotypes. Our results suggest that alternative control methods need to be integrated into existing decay control programs to target this emerging disease on mandarin fruit.
Validation of a Florida Strawberry Anthracnose Fruit Rot (AFR) Warning System in Iowa
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Batzer Jean C. , Li Xun , Peres Natalia A. , Gleason Mark L.
Published: June 2018

Field validation of a disease-warning system for strawberry anthracnose fruit rot (AFR), caused by Colletotrichum acutatum sensu lato, that was originally developed for use in Florida was conducted in Iowa from 2012 to 2014. Day-neutral strawberry (cv. Tristar) was artificially inoculated with the pathogen at the start of the fruit maturation period. A factorial combination in replicated trials of two spray timing methods (the Florida warning system and prescheduled, calendar-based timing) and two fungicides (captan and pyraclostrobin) was compared, along with a nonsprayed control. The calendar-based and warning system-based treatments provided statistically equivalent control of AFR incidence compared with the nonsprayed control, and the warning system treatments required an average of 1.7 fewer fungicide sprays annually than the calendar-based treatments. Further analysis of the field data suggested that the warning system might underestimate AFR risk under high disease pressure; in these circumstances, a lower action threshold value may need to be adopted. Overall, these results indicated that the Florida warning system can be valuable for helping Midwest strawberry growers control AFR with less reliance on fungicide sprays, but it may require modification to account for periods of high inoculum pressure, subject to results of further field trials.
Outcomes of Treatment with Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound After Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: Kumagai Ken , Akamatsu Yasushi , Shunsuke Yamada
Published: June 2018

Objective:

We have retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of treatment with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) in patients who underwent opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO).

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-two knees of 20 patients, mean age of 64 years, were treated with LIPUS after OWHTO using artificial bone substitute. LIPUS treatment was performed in 7 knees with lateral cortical fracture, 11 knees with delayed union around artificial bone substitute, 3 knees with removal of plate and bone graft due to infection, and 1 knee with revision surgery due to breakage of plate. Duration of LIPUS treatment, standing femorotibial angle (FTA), and bone union were assessed.

Results:

Duration of LIPUS treatment was 131 ± 50 days in fracture group, 293 ± 88 days in delayed union group (P < 0.05). Standing FTA at pre- and post-treatment was 168.3 ± 3.1 and 168.4 ± 2.8 degrees in fracture group, and 168.3 ± 3.0 and 169.0 ± 3.0 degrees in delayed union group. There was no case with over 3 degrees of correction loss. Bone union was confirmed in all cases and plate was removed.

Discussion:

The findings suggested that LIPUS treatment was effective in patients after OWHTO. It should be elucidated whether LIPUS shortens the time to bone union around artificial bone substitute after OWHTO.
Effect of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Bone Healing at Osteotomy Sites After Open Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: Goshima Kenichi , Sawaguchi Takeshi , Shigemoto Kenji , Iwai Sintaro , Fujita Kenji , Yamamuro Yuki
Published: June 2018

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on bone healing at osteotomy sites after open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO).

Materials and Methods:

Fifty-four patients underwent OWHTO without bone grafting. Twenty-seven cases treated with LIPUS (group L) after surgery were compared with 27 cases without LIPUS treatment (group C). We divided the osteotomy gap into the lateral hinge and 4 zones on anteroposterior radiography, and the progression of gap filling was evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months post-operatively in both groups.

Results:

In group L, the lateral hinge formed a union at 3 months postoperatively in 23 knees (85.2%). At 6 months, gap filling in 17 knees (63%) reached to zone 2. In group C, while the lateral hinge formed a union at 3 months postoperatively in 24 knees (88.9%). At 6 months, gap filling in 14 knees (51.9%) reached to zone 2. The progression of gap filling were 6.5%, 15.7%, and 29.1% (at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, respectively) in group L, while the progress levels at the same time points were 6.9%, 16.4%, and 27.3% in group C. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups.

Discussion:

LIPUS did not accelerate bone healing after OWHTO.
Ulipristal Acetate for Treatment of Symptomatic Uterine Leiomyomas: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Simon James A. , Catherino William , Segars James H. , Blakesley Rick E. , Chan Anna , Sniukiene Vilma , Al-Hendy Ayman
Published: June 2018

(Abstracted from Obstet Gynecol 2018;131:431–439)

Uterine leiomyomas are common among women of reproductive age in the United States, occurring in up to 70% of white women and more than 80% of black women. Approximately 25% to 50% of women with leiomyomas have abnormal bleeding and other clinical symptoms that interfere with daily activities and negatively affect their quality of life.
Motion Analysis in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis With Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Försth Peter , Svedmark Per , Noz Marilyn E. , Maguire Gerald Q. , Zeleznik Mike P. , Sandén Bengt
Published: June 2018

Study Design:

This was a randomized radiologic biomechanical pilot study in vivo.

Objective:

The objectives of this study was to evaluate if 3-dimensional computed tomography is a feasible tool in motion analyses of the lumbar spine and to study if preservation of segmental midline structures offers less postoperative instability compared with central decompression in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis with degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Summary of Background Data:

The role of segmental instability after decompression is controversial. Validated techniques for biomechanical evaluation of segmental motion in human live subjects are lacking.

Methods:

In total, 23 patients (mean age, 68 y) with typical symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging findings of spinal stenosis with degenerative spondylolisthesis (>3 mm) in 1 or 2 adjacent lumbar levels from L3 to L5 were included. They were randomized to either laminectomy (LE) or bilateral laminotomy (LT) (preservation of the midline structures). Documentation of segmental motion was made preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively with CT in provoked flexion and extension. Analyses of movements were performed with validated software. The accuracy for this method is 0.6 mm in translation and 1 degree in rotation. Patient-reported outcome measures were collected from the Swespine register preoperatively and 2-year postoperatively.

Results:

The mean preoperative values for 3D rotation and translation were 6.2 degrees and 1.8 mm. The mean increase in 3D rotation 6 months after surgery was 0.25 degrees after LT and 0.7 degrees after LE (P=0.79) while the mean increase in 3D translation was 0.15 mm after LT and 1.1 mm after LE (P=0.42). Both surgeries demonstrated significant improvement in patient-reported outcome measures 2 years postoperatively.

Conclusions:

The 3D computed tomography technique proved to be a feasible tool in the evaluation of segmental motion in this group of older patients. There was negligible increase in segmental motion after decompressive surgery. LE with removal of the midline structures did not create a greater instability compared with when these structures were preserved.
Incidence of Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Patients on Antiprogrammed Cell Death-1 Therapy for Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Zhao Cathy Yunjia , Hwang Shelley Ji Eun , Anforth Rachael , Carlos Giuliana , Chou Shaun , Carlino Matteo , Fernández-Peñas Pablo
Published: June 2018

Systemic melanoma therapies have the potential to affect basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cuSCC) development. In this study, we aim to compare the incidence of BCC and cuSCC in patients with metastatic melanoma treated with antiprogrammed cell death-1 (anti-PD1), BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) monotherapy or dabrafenib and trametinib combination therapy (CombiDT) with a group of control patients having similar risk factors. We reviewed the records of melanoma patients on anti-PD1, BRAFi, or CombiDT, and patients from the High-Risk Melanoma Clinic, Westmead Hospital. We also performed an immunohistochemical analysis of BCCs under anti-PD1 compared with controls using PD1, PD-L1, CD3, CD8, and CD20 stains. For the results, in all, 340 patients were included; 82 on anti-PD1, 134 on BRAFi, 69 on CombiDT, and 55 controls. BRAFi had the highest incidence of BCC (12.7%), followed by CombiDT (10.1%) and anti-PD1 (2.4%). The incidence of BCC was significantly lower in patients on anti-PD1 (2.4% vs. 19.4%; P<0.001) compared with controls. Patients on anti-PD1 were 8.54 times less likely to develop BCC than the controls [hazard ratio, 0.117 (95% confidence interval, 0.026–0.526), P=0.005]. BRAFi and CombiDT showed no significant differences in BCC incidence compared with controls. BRAFi had the highest cuSCC incidence (23.9%), followed by anti-PD1 (7.3%) and CombiDT (2.9%). The incidence of cuSCC was significantly higher in patients on BRAFi (23.9% vs. 3.5%; P<0.001) compared with controls, but anti-PD1 and CombiDT showed no differences in cuSCC incidence compared with controls. Immunohistochemistry analysis of 10 BCC from under anti-PD1 and 8 BCC from controls patients showed that while all BCC had negative PD-L1 staining, the percentage of PD1 staining in anti-PD1 group is significantly lower than that of the control group (independent t test, 8% vs. 26%; P<0.001). In conclusion, our study suggests that anti-PD1 therapy decreases the incidence of BCC, as a result of the PD1/PD-L1 blockade. Future studies investigating the role of anti-PD1 in suppressing or treating BCC may be warranted.
Muir–Torre Syndrome: A Case Report in a Woman Without Personal Cancer History
Authors: Torre Kristin , Ricketts Janelle , Dadras Soheil S.
Published: June 2018

We report a case of a 68-year-old white woman presenting with 5 sebaceous neoplasms, ranging from sebaceous adenoma to sebaceoma on histopathology. Despite the lack of a personal cancer history, her multiple sebaceous neoplasms and a paternal history of colon cancer prompted testing her sebaceous adenomas for microsatellite instability (MSI) by immunohistochemistry. The results showed retained nuclear expressions of MLH1 and PMS2 while MSH2 and MSH6 proteins were absent. The tumor infiltrating lymphocytes expressed both MSH2 and MSH6, providing reliable internal positive controls. Having a high probability for MSI, she was found to be heterozygous for a germline point mutation in MSH2 gene, where a pathologic variant, c.1165C > T (p.Arg389*), determined by sequencing confirmed Muir–Torre syndrome (MTS). On further genetic counseling recommendations, one of her 2 sons was found to have colon cancer in the context of his MTS. In this article, we highlight and review the implications of MSI testing by both immunohistochemistry and sequencing as they relate to confirming the diagnosis of a suspected case of MTS.
Mothers at Risk
Authors: Van Otterloo Lucy , Connelly Cynthia , Gould Jeffrey , Abreo Anisha , Main Elliott
Published: June 2018

Perinatal complications linked to maternal comorbidities contribute to increased healthcare utilization through an extended postpartum length of stay (LOS). Understanding factors influencing postpartum LOS may minimize the adverse effects associated with comorbidities and complications. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors with the greatest odds of increasing postpartum LOS. Linked 2008-2009 hospital discharge and birth certificate data were used to examine comorbidities and complication codes in 1 015 424 births. The overall rate for an extended LOS (vaginal: >5 days/cesarean: >6 days) was 3.63 per 1000 live births. Complications were present in 17% of pregnancies; multiple complications were seen in 1%. Chronic hypertension was associated with an extended stay for both vaginal and cesarean births (odds ratio [OR] = 5.89 [95% CI, 4.39-7.88]; OR = 3.57 [95% CI, 3.05-4.17], respectively). Puerperal infections (OR = 6.86 [95% CI, 5.73-8.21]), eclampsia (OR = 17.07 [95% CI, 13.76-21.17]), and transfusions (OR = 11.66 [95% CI, 9.20-14.75]) occurred most frequently and conferred the highest odds of an extended stay for vaginal births. Cerebrovascular conditions (OR = 15.32 [95% CI, 11.90-19.60]) and infection (OR = 15.35 [95% CI, 10.11-23.32]) conferred the highest odds of an extended LOS for cesarean births. The earlier risk factors are recognized, the sooner processes can be initiated to optimize organizational preparation, thus decreasing adverse maternal outcomes and extended hospital stays.
Differences in Postinjury Psychological Symptoms Between Collegiate Athletes With Concussions and Orthopedic Injuries
Authors: Guo Jinhong , Yang Jingzhen , Yi Honggang , Singichetti Bhavna , Stavrinos Despina , Peek-Asa Corinne
Published: June 2018

Objective:

To describe the differences in postinjury psychological symptoms among Division I collegiate student athletes who sustained concussions versus orthopedic injures and to examine the effects of injury type on postinjury psychological symptoms during the course of recovery.

Design:

A prospective cohort study with repeated measures.

Setting:

Two Big 10 Conference universities.

Participants:

Student athletes who were at least 18 years old and participated in one of 9 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I–sponsored sports during the 2007 to 2011 seasons.

Main Outcome Measures:

Baseline depressive symptoms and anxiety were measured at enrollment. On identification of an eligible injury, follow-up surveys were conducted among injured athletes at multiple intervals until the injured athlete returned to play. Depressive symptoms, anxiety, fear of return-to-play, and fear of reinjury were measured at the postinjury follow-ups.

Results:

The concussion group had significantly lower scores of fear of return-to-play (B = −0.94, P = 0.0278) and fear of reinjury (B = −1.11, P = 0.0152) compared with the orthopedic injury group. The concussion group scored higher on depressive symptoms than the orthopedic injury group at 1 month after injury (P = 0.0264), although both groups scored similarly at baseline (P = 0.9729) and at 1 week after injury (P = 0.1475).

Conclusions:

Patterns of psychological disturbance differ after concussions and orthopedic injures. Further research is warranted to identify the factors contributing to these differences and to develop effective intervention programs to prevent these symptoms.
Meta-Analysis of the Surgical and Rehabilitative Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopy in Athletes With Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors: Lovett-Carter Danielle , Jawanda Amritpal S. , Hannigan Ailish
Published: June 2018

Objectives:

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) poses a threat to athletes' capacity to compete. This review aims to estimate the rate of return to sport after hip arthroscopy for treatment of FAI as well as identify factors that may affect athletes' outcomes.

Design:

Meta-analysis.

Methods:

Four databases (EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane) were searched in July 2015 by 2 reviewers. Studies were required to include athletes who were treated with hip arthroscopy for symptomatic FAI and also report return to sport as an outcome. A validated tool was used for quality assessment and level of agreement between raters was calculated. A meta-analysis for proportions returning to sport was performed on the available data using MedCalc software. Additional outcomes were descriptively analyzed.

Results:

A total of 15 case series involving 823 patients were included in the review, with moderate to high methodological quality. 88.3% [95% confidence interval (CI), 83.4%-92.4%] of athletes returned to sport after arthroscopy and 85.3% (95% CI, 77.6%-91.6%) returned to preinjury level. All outcome measures used reported measurable improvements. Complication rates were low.

Conclusions:

The majority of athletes return to sport after hip arthroscopy for symptomatic FAI. Severity of intraarticular damage and degree of degenerative changes affect ability to return to sport. Additional validated outcome measures should be used together with return to sport. Future studies should be prospective with longer-term follow-up to provide a higher level of evidence for outcomes.
Personality and Risk Taking in Sports: A Focus on Unintentional and Intentional Head Impacts in Amateur Soccer Players
Authors: Levitch Cara F. , Ifrah Chloe , Kim Mimi , Stewart Walter F. , Lipton Richard B. , Zimmerman Molly E. , Lipton Michael L.
Published: June 2018

Objective:

In soccer, unintentional and intentional (heading) head impacts are associated with concussive symptoms and cognitive dysfunction. We examined whether personality traits were associated with these behaviors in soccer players.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting and Participants:

Participants completed study visits at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. A total of 307 adult amateur soccer players, recruited from New York City and the surrounding area, completed 737 HeadCount-2w questionnaires.

Predictor Variables:

Personality traits (intellect/imagination, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) were assessed with the Mini-International Personality Item Pool questionnaire at the baseline study visit.

Main Outcome Measures:

Participants completed an online questionnaire (HeadCount-2w) to ascertain frequency of intentional head impacts and occurrence of unintentional head impacts every 3 to 6 months. Generalized estimating equations repeated-measures regressions determined whether personality predicted unintentional and intentional impacts.

Results:

Personality traits were not associated with unintentional head impact(s) or frequency of intentional head impacts.

Conclusions:

These findings have important clinical implications, suggesting that personality is not driving the association between high levels of unintentional and intentional head impacts and worse neuropsychological functioning and concussive symptoms.