bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiphoton photoelectron circular dichroism of limonene with independent polarization state control of the bound-bound and bound-continuum transitions
Authors: Beaulieu S. , Comby A. , Descamps D. , Petit S. , Légaré F. , Fabre B. , Blanchet V. , Mairesse Y.
Published: October 2018

Photoionization of randomly oriented chiral molecules with circularly polarized light leads to a strong forward/backward asymmetry in the photoelectron angular distribution. This chiroptical effect, referred to as Photoelectron Circular Dichroism (PECD), was shown to take place in all ionization regimes, from single photon to tunnel ionization. In the Resonance Enhanced Multiphoton Ionisation (REMPI) regime, where most of the table-top PECD experiments have been performed, understanding the role of the intermediate resonances is currently the subject of experimental and theoretical investigations. In an attempt to decouple the role of bound-bound and bound-continuum transitions in REMPI-PECD, we photoionized the (+)-limonene enantiomer using two-color laser fields in [1 + 1′] and [2 + 2′] ionization schemes, where the polarization state of each color can be controlled independently. We demonstrate that the main effect of the bound-bound transition is to break the sample isotropy by orientation-dependent photoexcitation, in agreement with recent theoretical predictions. We show that the angular distribution of PECD strongly depends on the anisotropy of photoexcitation to the intermediate state, which is different for circularly and linearly polarized laser pulses. On the contrary, the helicity of the pulse that drives the bound-bound transition is shown to have a negligible effect on the PECD.
Non-statistical intermolecular energy transfer from vibrationally excited benzene in a mixed nitrogen-benzene bath
Authors: Paul Amit K. , West Niclas A. , Winner Joshua D. , Bowersox Rodney D. W. , North Simon W. , Hase William L.
Published: October 2018

A chemical dynamics simulation was performed to model experiments [N. A. West et al., J. Chem. Phys. 145, 014308 (2016)] in which benzene molecules are vibrationally excited to 148.1 kcal/mol within a N2-benzene bath. A significant fraction of the benzene molecules are excited, resulting in heating of the bath, which is accurately represented by the simulation. The interesting finding from the simulations is the non-statistical collisional energy transfer from the vibrationally excited benzene C6H6* molecules to the bath. The simulations find that at ∼10−7 s and 1 atm pressure there are four different final temperatures for C6H6* and the bath. N2 vibration is not excited and remains at the original bath temperature of 300 K. Rotation and translation degrees of freedom of both N2 and C6H6 in the bath are excited to a final temperature of ∼340 K. Energy transfer from the excited C6H6* molecules is more efficient to vibration of the C6H6 bath than its rotation and translation degrees of freedom, and the final vibrational temperature of the C6H6 bath is ∼453 K, if the average energy of each C6H6 vibration mode is assumed to be RT. There is no vibrational equilibration between C6H6* and the C6H6 bath molecules. When the simulations are terminated, the vibrational temperatures of the C6H6* and C6H6 bath molecules are ∼537 K and ∼453 K, respectively. An important question is the time scale for complete energy equilibration of the C6H6* and N2 and C6H6 bath system. At 1 atm and 300 K, the experimental V-T (vibration-translation) relaxation time for N2 is ∼10−4 s. The simulation time was too short for equilibrium to be attained, and the time for complete equilibration of C6H6* vibration with translation, rotation, and vibration of the bath was not determined.
Thermally stimulated nonlinear vibration of rectangular single-layered black phosphorus
Authors: Zhang Yiqing , Wang Lifeng
Published: October 2018

Black phosphorus (BP), a novel material with wide potential applications, has recently attracted considerable attention. In this study, the nonlinear thermal vibrational behavior of single-layered BP (SLBP) is investigated using a nonlinear orthotropic plate model (OPM) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The dynamic equation for the nonlinear orthotropic plate considering large deflections and thermal stress is obtained. The stationary probability density of the nonlinear thermally stimulated vibrational behavior of SLBP is presented based on the nonlinear OPM for both the pre-buckling and post-buckling cases. For the post-buckling case, the time histories of SLBP with different damping ratios are obtained by nonlinear OPM using the fourth-order Runge–Kutta algorithm. As the damping ratio increases, one equilibrium position jumps to the other more frequently. The time histories of the SLBP at different temperatures are gotten by nonlinear OPM and MD simulations. The MD results indicate that the nonlinear OPM can predict the nonlinear thermally stimulated vibrational behavior of SLBP well.
Dispersion relation of longitudinal oscillation in relativistic plasmas with nonextensive distribution
Authors: Qiu Hui-Bin , Liu San-Qiu
Published: October 2018

The theory and application of nonextensive statistical mechanics (NESM) have underwent rapid development since the nonextensive entropy is put forward in 1988; its tentacles are almost throughout all areas of physics and has been a huge success. The nonextensive distribution function, however, as a basic part of NESM theory and application foundation, suffers a controversy: two different mathematical definitions of nonextensive distributions. Here, we show that the one dimensional nonextensive distribution function has the form of [1+(1−q)x2]1q−1. We are starting from the nonextensive entropy, derive the nonextensive distribution function adopting the Maxwellian method, and prove the correctness of the form, and illustrate the physical meaning of the nonextensive parameter q as the fractal dimension when the Euclidean dimension is one. Furthermore, we derive the three-dimensional distribution function and the relativistic nonextensive distribution function, which perfect the theory of NESM and lay a solid application foundation of the NESM. We use the relativistic nonextensive distribution function to investigate the dispersion relations of relativistic longitudinal oscillation in nonextensive plasma and obtain the analytical expression of long wave dispersion relations under the ultra-relativistic case and the complete numerical dispersion curves. These results under an extensive limit reproduce Maxwellian statistical results. The proposed theory provides a method to measure the dimension of a plasma system, which may greatly promote our understanding for complex nonlinear plasma systems and thus, promote the understanding and solving of nonlinear problems such as turbulence, chaos, and soliton. This work also is the application foundation of nonextensive statistical mechanics to high energy physics such as relativistic plasma, M-theory, and so on in physical and mathematical aspects.
Localization of the eigenmode of the drift-resistive plasma by zonal flow
Authors: Kim Chang-Bae , Min Byunghoon , An Chan-Yong
Published: October 2018

The mode structure of the linearly growing mode in the resistive-drift plasma is studied by the Hasegawa-Wakatani model with a sinusoidally forced zonal flow V. The parallel compression by the resistive current and the particle transport may drive the perturbations unstable. The linearly growing eigenstate characteristically maintains a positive phase difference between the electric potential and the generalized potential vorticity. The profile of the most unstable mode exhibits an asymmetry regarding the zonal flow: It is found that the mode is localized around where V is fast, thereby large curvature of V, in the direction of the electron diamagnetic drift.
Voltage control of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in (Co/Pt)3/Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 multiferroic heterostructures at room temperature
Authors: Peng Bin , Feng Mengmeng , Zhang Yijun , Zhou Ziyao , Hu Zhongqiang , Liu Ming
Published: October 2018

Voltage control of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in ferromagnetic/ferroelectric multiferroic heterostructures is a promising method to enable high density and low power perpendicular magnetic information storage. In this study, we successfully achieved large voltage tuning of PMA at room temperature in (Co/Pt)3/Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 (PZN-PT) multiferroic heterostructures. Voltage tuning of magnetic anisotropy and the magnetoelectric coupling effect has been qualitatively studied by ferromagnetic resonance, and the multiferroic heterostructure could be reversibly flipped between two distinct PMA states under zero or high electric fields. During the linear piezo-strain response of PZN-PT, the multiferroic heterostructures exhibit small magnetoelectric coupling and the electric field-induced magnetic anisotropy field was about 295 Oe. During the electric field-induced phase transition of PZN-PT, voltage tuning of PMA enhanced more than two times that of the first linear region and the electric field-induced magnetic anisotropy field increased to 634 Oe. Finally, this magnetoelectric coupling was enhanced to 672 Oe by applying 12 kV/cm, corresponding to a large magnetoelectric coupling coefficient up to 56 Oe·cm/kV. Benefiting from the giant strain response during voltage-induced phase transition in PZN-PT, voltage tuning of PMA in those multiferroic heterostructures is a promising candidate for power-efficient magnetic memories.
The influence of time delay in a chaotic cancer model
Authors: Khajanchi Subhas , Perc Matjaž , Ghosh Dibakar
Published: October 2018

The tumor-immune interactive dynamics is an evergreen subject that continues to draw attention from applied mathematicians and oncologists, especially so due to the unpredictable growth of tumor cells. In this respect, mathematical modeling promises insights that might help us to better understand this harmful aspect of our biology. With this goal, we here present and study a mathematical model that describes how tumor cells evolve and survive the brief encounter with the immune system, mediated by effector cells and host cells. We focus on the distribution of eigenvalues of the resulting ordinary differential equations, the local stability of the biologically feasible singular points, and the existence of Hopf bifurcations, whereby the time lag is used as the bifurcation parameter. We estimate analytically the length of the time delay to preserve the stability of the period-1 limit cycle, which arises at the Hopf bifurcation point. We also perform numerical simulations, which reveal the rich dynamics of the studied system. We show that the delayed model exhibits periodic oscillations as well as chaotic behavior, which are often indicators of long-term tumor relapse.
Diazocarbonyl derivatives of amino acids: unique chiral building blocks for the synthesis of biologically active compounds
Authors: Zarezin Danil P. , Nenajdenko Valentine G.
Published: October 2018

This review deals with applications of chiral α-amino diazoketones, α-amino acid derivatives, in the synthesis of various biologically active compounds. General approaches to the synthesis of chiral α-amino diazoketones, including the Arndt – Eistert reaction, acylation of trimethylsilyldiazomethanes, etc., are discussed. Due to the presence of three functional groups, these building blocks can be used to produce a wide range of organic compounds with potential physiological activity, ranging from various heterocyclic compounds to peptidomimetics. Methods for the synthesis of β-amino acid-containing peptides and depsipeptides, amino acid derivatives and heterocyclic compounds with three- to seven-membered rings are considered.

The bibliography includes 226 references.
Got to burn to learn: the effect of fuel load on grassland fire behaviour and its management implications
Authors: Cruz Miguel G. , Sullivan Andrew L. , Gould James S. , Hurley Richard J. , Plucinski Matt P.
Published: October 2018

The effect of grass fuel load on fire behaviour and fire danger has been a contentious issue for some time in Australia. Existing operational models have placed different emphases on the effect of fuel load on model outputs, which has created uncertainty in the operational assessment of fire potential and has led to end-user and public distrust of model outcomes. A field-based experimental burning program was conducted to quantify the effect of fuel load on headfire rate of spread and other fire behaviour characteristics in grasslands. A total of 58 experimental fires conducted at six sites across eastern Australia were analysed.
We found an inverse relationship between fuel load and the rate of spread in grasslands, which is contrary to current, untested, modelling assumptions. This result is valid for grasslands where fuel load is not a limiting factor for fire propagation. We discuss the reasons for this effect and model it to produce a fuel load effect function that can be applied to operational grassfire spread models used in Australia. We also analyse the effect of fuel load on flame characteristics and develop a model for flame height as a function of rate of fire spread and fuel load.
Screen media use and ADHD-related behaviors: Four decades of research
Authors: Beyens Ine , Valkenburg Patti M. , Piotrowski Jessica Taylor
Published: October 2018

The diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children and adolescents has increased considerably over the past decades. Scholars and health professionals alike have expressed concern about the role of screen media in the rise in ADHD diagnosis. However, the extent to which screen media use and ADHD are linked remains a point of debate. To understand the current state of the field and, ultimately, move the field forward, we provide a systematic review of the literature on the relationship between children and adolescents’ screen media use and ADHD-related behaviors (i.e., attention problems, hyperactivity, and impulsivity). Using the Differential Susceptibility to Media effects Model as a theoretical lens, we systematically organize the existing literature, identify potential shortcomings in this literature, and provide directions for future research. The available evidence suggests a statistically small relationship between media and ADHD-related behaviors. Evidence also suggests that individual child differences, such as gender and trait aggression, may moderate this relationship. There is a clear need for future research that investigates causality, underlying mechanisms, and differential susceptibility to the effects of screen media use on ADHD-related behaviors. It is only through a richer empirical body that we will be able to fully understand the media–ADHD relationship.
Natural molecules induce and synergize to boost expression of the human antimicrobial peptide β-defensin-3
Authors: Sechet Emmanuel , Telford Erica , Bonamy Clément , Sansonetti Philippe J. , Sperandio Brice
Published: October 2018

Significance

Defensins are antimicrobial peptides exhibiting antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity. They are expressed by epithelial cells at the intestinal mucosal surface where they play a crucial role in the host intestinal homeostasis. Therefore, approaches aiming to boost their expression represent a promising therapeutic strategy to treat infections and dysbiosis-driven diseases in humans at a time of increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance.
Unique size-dependent nanocatalysis revealed at the single atomically precise gold cluster level
Authors: Zhang Yuwei , Song Ping , Chen Tiankai , Liu Xiaodong , Chen Tao , Wu Zhemin , Wang Yong , Xie Jianping , Xu Weilin
Published: October 2018

Significance

Here, by real-time monitoring with single-molecule fluorescence microscopy the size-dependent catalytic process of individual Au clusters at single-turnover resolution, we study the size-dependent catalytic behaviors of gold (Au) clusters at the single-cluster level, and then observe the strong unique size effect on the catalytic properties of individual Au clusters, in both catalytic product formation and dissociation processes. Such a unique size effect on the nanocatalysis could be attributed intrinsically to the size-dependent electronic structure of Au clusters, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the catalytic mechanism of Au particles.
Coordination of cell migration mediated by site-dependent cell–cell contact
Authors: Li David , Wang Yu-li
Published: October 2018

Significance

Cell–cell contact-mediated responses play a key role in coordinating cell migration. The conventional view has emphasized repulsive responses, based primarily on studies of head-on collisions. Using micropatterned substrates to facilitate various modes of collision, we report that cells migrate toward their neighbors upon contact with tails. This response, referred to as contact following of locomotion (CFL), is found with both epithelial and mesenchymal cells and is reminiscent of the behavior of
Dictyostelium discoideum
during stream formation. Pharmacological studies implicate the Wnt signaling pathway, and suggest that CFL is necessary for collective migration. CFL may thus represent a critical aspect of diverse biological phenomena that involve collective migration, such as wound healing, tissue development, and metastasis.
HEIP1 regulates crossover formation during meiosis in rice
Authors: Li Yafei , Qin Baoxiang , Shen Yi , Zhang Fanfan , Liu Changzhen , You Hanli , Du Guijie , Tang Ding , Cheng Zhukuan
Published: October 2018

Significance

Crossovers (COs) ensure the accurate segregation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis. Failure to create the right number of crossovers may lead to unequal distribution of genetic materials to daughter cells and sterility. CO proteins, which specially localize to crossover sites during meiosis, play critical roles in CO formation. Here, we identify a CO protein in rice, named HEI10 Interaction Protein 1 (HEIP1), which is conserved in higher plants. Our results reveal its possible molecular mechanism for CO control in meiosis.
Adult spinal motoneurons change their neurotransmitter phenotype to control locomotion
Authors: Bertuzzi Maria , Chang Weipang , Ampatzis Konstantinos
Published: October 2018

Significance

An intriguing feature of the nervous system is its plasticity—the remarkable lifelong capacity to change and adapt in light of intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli. Among the many different adaptive mechanisms that occur within the nervous system, changes in neurotransmission form an important plasticity-bestowing mechanism in the reconfiguration of neuronal circuits. Here, we reveal that physical activity and spinal cord injury can switch the neurotransmitter phenotype of the fast axial motoneurons to coexpress glutamate. Furthermore, our study shows that the adult vertebrate spinal motoneurons corelease glutamate alongside ACh in neuromuscular junctions to regulate motor behaviors. Thus, our findings suggest that fast motoneuron glutamatergic respecification enables a motor function-enhancing mechanism in vertebrates.
FtsZ filaments have the opposite kinetic polarity of microtubules
Authors: Du Shishen , Pichoff Sebastien , Kruse Karsten , Lutkenhaus Joe
Published: October 2018

Significance

FtsZ is the founding member of the prokaryotic tubulin family. It assembles into single-stranded filaments that coalesce to form the Z ring that drives bacterial cell division in most bacteria. FtsZ filaments undergo cooperative assembly and display treadmilling behavior. Here we investigate the kinetic polarity of FtsZ filaments by studying the toxicity of longitudinal interface mutants of FtsZ and find that bottom-face mutants are extremely toxic. This toxicity combined with a conformational switch induced during assembly reveals the kinetic polarity of FtsZ filaments, the basis for cooperative assembly, and explains the basis for other inhibitors of FtsZ assembly. It is likely that all members of the FtsZ/tubulin superfamily employ an assembly-induced conformational switch to generate kinetic polarity, which could be revealed by the same approach used here.
Measures of single- versus multiple-round translation argue against a mechanism to ensure coupling of transcription and translation
Authors: Chen Menglin , Fredrick Kurt
Published: October 2018

Significance

It has been appreciated for decades that translation can strongly impact transcription in bacteria. A popular view is that RNA polymerase and the lead ribosome tend to be physically coupled, explaining how translation can influence transcription. Here, we investigate this model by comparing single- versus multiple-round translation of genes in six representative operons of
Escherichia coli
. Our data lend no support for a mechanism to ensure or promote coupling between RNA polymerase and the lead ribosome, implying that in these cases any physical coupling occurs stochastically. This work provides important insight on a fundamental aspect of gene expression in bacteria.
Effect of rotation speed on mechanical properties and microstructure of friction stir spot welding (FSSW) Al 5052 - Steel SS400
Authors: Rojikin Setiyo , Muhayat Nurul , Triyono
Published: October 2018

In this study, the effect of welding parameter such as rotational speed on the mechanical properties and microstructure of friction stir spot welded Al 5052 and SS400 sheet have been investigated. The rotation speed of 1250, 1600, 2000 rpm and the dwell time of 10, were applied to fabricate the friction stir spot welded joint. The microstructure of the joint was observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The tensile shear load was measured using by universal testing machine. Base on the microstructure observation showed that the thickness of IMC increases due to the increase of rotational speed. The Maximum thickness of IMCs reached 7.15 µm at 2000 rpm. The result of the tensile shear test showed that the rotational speed is affecting the mechanical properties. The increase of tool rotation speed from 1250 up to 1600 rpm caused the increase of tensile shear load, however further increase up to at 2000 rpm resulted in the decrease of the shear tensile load. The highest shear tensile load reaches 2810.07 N at 1600 rpm.
Analysis of process variables on biodiesel transesterification reaction using Taguchi Method
Authors: Kurniasih E , Pardi P
Published: October 2018

Continuous process for biodiesel production using homogeneous catalysts finds many constraints. Heterogeneous catalysts are the solution for the production of continuous biodiesel. One of the heterogeneous catalysts is zeolite/KIO3. Determination of operating conditions for heterogeneous catalysts, especiallyzeolite/KIO3 is required to obtain appropriate process conditions in order to the continuous system. The Taguchi method is one of experimental design that focuses on the variable approach to product quality improvement by control operation condition. Taguchi method is designed using 4 independent variables with 2 levels (4x2), which are temperature, mole ratio, time reaction and heterogeneous catalyst ratio. The Taguchi method can provide an analysis of the influence of each process variable significantly. This study aims to determine optimal operating conditions for the production of biodiesel with the KIO3 heterogeneous catalyst. Biodiesel is synthesized by esterification (pre-treatment) and transesterification following the Taguchi method. The source of triglyceride is crude palm oil while the alkyl source comes from methanol. Based on the result of analysis Taguchi method known that all process variables have an effect to transesterification reaction. But, variable temperature and reactant mole ratio give the most significant influence and show the interaction with p-value value 0.000 (temperature) and p-value 0.001(reactant mole ratio).Thus, for the production of biodiesel using the KIO3 heterogeneous catalyst obtained optimal operation conditions at temperature 65°C, mole ratio 1:6, time reaction 120 minutes and heterogeneous catalyst ratio at 5% (w/w). ANOVA gave result decided to reject Ho, and decided the reaction model influence by the variable process.
Fuzzy Lookup Table Controller (FLTC) via Center Average De-fuzzifier (CAD) with a New Efficient Heaviside Search Algorithm (HSA) for Lookup Table Implementation
Authors: Wang Chi-Hsu , Hor Kar-Chun , Chen Wei-Chuan
Published: October 2018

This paper proposes an alternate interpretation of the traditional lookup table controller via the Center Average De-fuzzier (CAD) in Fuzzy Set Theory with a set of Disjoint Block Pulse Membership Functions (DBPMFs). Further, a new Heaviside Search Algorithm (HSA) is also proposed to implement the Fuzzy Lookup Table Controller (FLTC) in a more efficient way. The computation complexity of our new HSA is
O
(Σ R
i), where R
i is the number of membership functions for i
th input variable in FLTC. Whereas the average computational complexity in traditional Linear Search Algorithm (LSA) is
O
((П R
i)/2). In comparison with LSA, the HSA also reduces the complexity of coding significantly in the same order as the comparison of computation complexities between HSA and LSA. The balancing of Inverted Pendulum System (IPS) is adopted as the benchmark to show the feasibility and efficiency of this new FLTC and HSA.
European position paper on the management of patients with patent foramen ovale. General approach and left circulation thromboembolism
Authors: Pristipino Christian , Sievert Horst , D’Ascenzo Fabrizio , Louis Mas Jean , Meier Bernhard , Scacciatella Paolo , Hildick-Smith David , Gaita Fiorenzo , Toni Danilo , Kyrle Paul , Thomson John , Derumeaux Genevieve , Onorato Eustaquio , Sibbing Dirk , Germonpré Peter , Berti Sergio , Chessa Massimo , Bedogni Francesco , Dudek Dariusz , Hornung Marius , Zamorano Jose ,   joint task force of European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI), European Stroke Organisation (ESO), European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), European Association for Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology (AEPC), ESC Working group on GUCH, ESC Working group on Thrombosis, European Haematological Society (EHA), European Underwater and Baromedical Society (EUBS),   Evidence Synthesis Team, D’Ascenzo Fabrizio , Omedè Pierluigi , Ballocca Flavia , Barbero Umberto , Giordana Francesca , Gili Sebastiano , Iannaccone Mario ,   Eapci Scientific Documents and Initiatives Committee, Capodanno Davide , Valgimigli Marco , Byrne Robert ,   International Experts, Akagi Teiji , Carroll John , Dalvi Bharat , Ge Junbo , Kasner Scott , Michel-Behnke Ina , Pedra Carlos , Rhodes John , Søndergaard Lars , Thomassen Lars , Biondi-Zoccai Giuseppe G L
Published: September 2018

The presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of medical conditions; however, the subject remains controversial and no official statements have been published. This interdisciplinary paper, prepared with involvement of eight European scientific societies, aims to review the available trial evidence and to define the principles needed to guide decision making in patients with PFO. In order to guarantee a strict process, position statements were developed with the use of a modified grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) methodology. A critical qualitative and quantitative evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures was performed, including assessment of the risk/benefit ratio. The level of evidence and the strength of the position statements of particular management options were weighed and graded according to predefined scales. Despite being based often on limited and non-randomised data, while waiting for more conclusive evidence, it was possible to conclude on a number of position statements regarding a rational general approach to PFO management and to specific considerations regarding left circulation thromboembolism. For some therapeutic aspects, it was possible to express stricter position statements based on randomised trials. This position paper provides the first largely shared, interdisciplinary approach for a rational PFO management based on the best available evidence.
An overview of two open interactive computing environments useful for data science education
Authors: Hoyt Robert , Wangia-Anderson Victoria
Published: October 2018

Objective

To discuss and illustrate the utility of two open collaborative data science platforms, and how they would benefit data science and informatics education.

Methods and Materials

The features of two online data science platforms are outlined. Both are useful for new data projects and both are integrated with common programming languages used for data analysis. One platform focuses more on data exploration and the other focuses on containerizing, visualization, and sharing code repositories.

Results

Both data science platforms are open, free, and allow for collaboration. Both are capable of visual, descriptive, and predictive analytics

Discussion

Data science education benefits by having affordable open and collaborative platforms to conduct a variety of data analyses.

Conclusion

Open collaborative data science platforms are particularly useful for teaching data science skills to clinical and nonclinical informatics students. Commercial data science platforms exist but are cost-prohibitive and generally limited to specific programming languages.
Catheter-Related Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia and Septic Thrombosis: The Role of Anticoagulation Therapy and Duration of Intravenous Antibiotic Therapy
Authors: Wilson Dib Rita , Chaftari Anne-Marie , Hachem Ray Y , Yuan Ying , Dandachi Dima , Raad Issam I
Published: October 2018

Background

Catheter-related septic thrombosis is suspected in patients with persistent central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) after 72 hours of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. The clinical diagnosis and management of this entity can be challenging as limited data are available. We retrospectively studied the clinical characteristics of patients with Staphylococcus aureus catheter-related septic thrombosis and the outcomes related to different management strategies.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with CLABSI due to S. aureus who had concomitant radiographic evidence of catheter site thrombosis treated at our institution between the years 2005 and 2016. We collected data pertaining to patients’ medical history, clinical presentation, management, and outcome within 3 months of bacteremia onset.

Results

A total of 128 patients were included. We found no significant difference in overall outcome between patients who had deep vs superficial thrombosis. Patients with superficial thrombosis were found to have a higher rate of pulmonary complications (25% vs 6%; P = .01) compared with those with deep thrombosis. Patients who received less than 28 days of intravascular antibiotic therapy had higher all-cause mortality (31 vs 5%; P = .001). A multivariate logistic regression analysis identified 2 predictors of treatment failure: ICU admission during their illness (odds ratio [OR], 2.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–6.99; P = .034) and not receiving anticoagulation therapy (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.11–0.54; P < .001).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the presence of S. aureus CLABSI in the setting of catheter-related thrombosis may warrant prolonged intravascular antimicrobial therapy and administration of anticoagulation therapy in critically ill cancer patients.
Decision-making tools: stochastic simulation model accounting for the impacts of biological variation on success of bovine embryo transfer programs1
Authors: Aherin Dustin G , Bormann Jennifer M , Heier Stamm Jessica L , MacNeil Michael D , Weaber Robert L
Published: October 2018

The objective of the project was to create an economic risk analysis tool for user-defined embryo transfer (ET) programs as an aid in decision-making. Distributions defining the biological uncertainty for many reproductive outcomes are estimated through extensive literature review and limited industry sources. Applying the Latin hypercube variation of Monte Carlo simulation, a sample value from the descriptive distribution associated with each stochastic variable is included in each iteration of the simulation. Through large numbers of iterations with dynamic combinations of variable values, the process culminates in a distribution of possible values for the net present value, annuity equivalent net present value, and return on investment associated with the modeled embryo production scenario. Two options for embryo production, multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET) and in vitro embryo production (IVP) from aspirated oocytes, are modeled. Within both MOET and IVP, the use of unsorted or sex-sorted semen is considered, as well as the exception or inclusion of follicular synchronization and/or stimulation before ovum pick-up in IVP procedures. Pretransfer embryo selection through embryo biopsy can also be accounted for when considering in vivo derived embryos. Ample opportunity exists for the commercial application of in-depth, alternative ET scenario assessment afforded through stochastic simulation methodology that the ET industry has not yet fully exploited.
Impact of dietary spray-dried bovine plasma addition on pigs infected with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus
Authors: Duffy Mark A , Chen Qi , Zhang Jianqiang , Halbur Patrick G , Opriessnig Tanja
Published: October 2018

Experimental data suggest that the addition of spray-dried plasma (SDP) to pig feed may enhance antibody responses against certain pathogens and negatively impact virus survival. The benefit of SDP on Escherichia coli infection is well documented. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of bovine SDP (BovSDP) in the pig diet on acute porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infection. A total of 16 3-wk-old conventional crossbred pigs were used and divided into three groups. Treatments included 1) a negative control group fed a commercial diet and sham inoculated with commercial liquid porcine plasma (n = 3), 2) a positive control group fed a commercial diet and inoculated with PEDV-spiked porcine plasma (PEDV; n = 8), and 3) a third group of pigs fed the commercial diet with inclusion of 5% spray-dried bovine plasma and inoculated with PEDV-spiked porcine plasma (BovSDP; n = 5). Although clinical signs associated with PEDV infection were mild in the BovSDP group, two of eight pigs in the PEDV group developed moderate clinical disease and had to be euthanized. The PEDV IgG and IgA antibody levels and prevalence rates were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the PEDV–BovSDP group compared with the PEDV group at 7 d postinoculation. The average fecal PEDV RNA shedding time was 7.2 ± 1.0 d for the PEDV–BovSDP group and 9.3 ± 1.1 d for the PEDV group with an overall time to clearance of PEDV shedding of 11 d for PEDV–BovSDP pigs and at least 14 d for PEDV pigs, which was not different (P = 0.215). The results indicate that addition of BovSDP induced an earlier anti-PEDV antibody response in pigs experimentally infected with PEDV thereby reducing clinical disease and the amount and duration of viral shedding during acute PEDV infection.
Proposal to Cut USPHS Commissioned Corps Includes Nursing Positions
Authors: Potera Carol
Published: September 2018

Move is called ‘misguided and premature.’
Ambulatory Surgery Centers: Are They Safe?
Authors: Nelson Roxanne
Published: September 2018

More than 25 million surgeries are performed each year, yet safety statistics are lacking.
Workplace Violence Training Using Simulation
Authors: Brown Robin G. , Anderson Shauna , Brunt Barbara , Enos Trish , Blough Keith , Kropp Denise
Published: September 2018

Workplace violence in health care settings is increasing dramatically nationwide. In response, an interdisciplinary team at an Ohio health system developed and piloted a model of training to address workplace violence. The model included classroom learning, a code silver (person with a weapon or a hostage situation) simulation training, and hands-on self-defense techniques. Based on data collected in the pilot, the team revised the model to offer a more comprehensive approach; the new, revised training program is known as Violence: enABLE Yourself to Respond. The team designed four distinct five-minute simulation scenarios depicting a range of threats from “escalating behavior” to “active shooter” and enacted them with standardized participants (health care personnel trained to perform specific behaviors in educational scenarios). Immediately after each simulation, the instructors facilitated a debriefing of the participants. Participants' pre- and post-training program self-evaluations of how prepared they felt to react to violent situations, as well as experts' evaluations of the participants' performance in simulations, provided evidence of the effectiveness of the model. Analysis of the data demonstrated a statistically significant positive difference in both participants' perception of their preparedness and experts' evaluation of their performance. The combination of classroom learning and simulation training is an effective, evidence-based method to prepare employees to respond when a situation escalates to violence, including the use of a weapon. This approach was designed for acute care but can be adapted to other settings. Skills learned can be used in both personal and professional life.
First Pegfilgrastim Biosimilar Approved
Authors: Aschenbrenner Diane S.
Published: September 2018

Pegfilgrastim-jmdb (Fulphila) is the first approved pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) biosimilar. It is used to prevent infections when neutrophil counts drop as a result of chemotherapy for nonmyeloid cancers.

It is not considered interchangeable with pegfilgrastim, meaning it cannot be substituted for pegfilgrastim without consultation with the prescriber.

The most common adverse effects of pegfilgrastim-jmdb are bone pain and pain in the extremities. Serious adverse effects are also possible, including spleen rupture, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and serious allergic reactions.
HIV, Trauma, and Support: Caregiving in the Age of #MeToo
Authors: Pullen Sara D.
Published: September 2018

There is a growing body of research about the intersection of trauma and HIV/AIDS; as many as 95% of people living with HIV report severe traumatic stressors in their histories, and up to 54% meet clinical criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder. The actual event of receiving an HIV/AIDS diagnosis can be considered a traumatic stressor, which is often accompanied by an increase in chronic pain, coronary artery disease, and psychiatric comorbidities. As physical therapists, we hold in our hands not only the tools for healing bodies but also the potential to unlock stored trauma, and for bearing witness to our patients' brave moments of #MeToo. As physical therapists, how we provide support? How do we combine our tools for healing the body into those of healing the mind and heart?
Outcome Differences in Neonates Exposed In-Utero to Opioids Managed in the NICU Versus Pediatric Floor
Authors: Lembeck Amy L. , Tuttle Deborah , Locke Robert , Lawler Laura , Jimenez Pamela , Mackley Amy , Paul David A.
Published: September 2018

Objective:

The aim of the study is to determine length of stay and length of treatment in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) compared to those in the pediatric floor.

Methods:

Retrospective cohort of infants ≥34 weeks gestation admitted with diagnosis of NAS at a single regional perinatal referral center from July 2014 to October 2015. A standardized NAS protocol for both the NICU and pediatric floor, which included guidelines for the initiation of oral morphine, escalation, and weaning, was followed. Initial location of treatment, NICU or pediatric floor, was determined by physiological stability following birth. Statistical analysis included 1-way analysis of variance and chi-square. Multivariable analysis was performed using generalized linear models to account for confounding.

Results:

The study included 235 infants, 80 (34%) were cared for in the NICU. Infants in the NICU had a longer length of stay (27.1 ± 19.1 vs 14.2 ± 10.2 days, P < 0.01), and length of pharmacological treatment (18.0 ± 19.9 vs 9.0 ± 10.2 days, P < 0.01) compared to those on the pediatric floor, respectively. Forty-seven infants were transferred from the NICU to the pediatric floor for the remainder of their hospital stay with a mean time on the pediatric floor of 17.4 ± 14.5 days. After controlling for confounding, admission to the NICU was associated with an increased length of treatment of 12.6 days (95% confidence interval 8.3–16.8) and length of stay of 12.3 days (95% confidence interval 7.9–16.6).

Conclusions:

In our population, admission to the pediatric floor compared to the NICU was associated with a shorter length of stay, and a shorter length of pharmacological treatment. Our data suggest that caring for infants with NAS outside of the NICU setting has the potential to improve short-term outcomes and reduce associated costs.
Surgical Treatment of Dystrophic Scoliosis in Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Yao Ziming , Guo Dong , Li Hao , Bai Yunsong , Sun Baosheng , Zhang Xuejun , Li Chengxin , Qi Xinyu
Published: October 2018

Study Design:

This is a retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

To investigate surgical outcomes and instrumentation-related complications (IRCs) of dystrophic scoliosis associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1).

Summary of Background Data:

Surgical management, including the growing rod technique and early definitive fusion, has been recommended to avoid progression of NF-1 scoliosis. However, no study has investigated the outcomes and complications of different surgical interventions.

Materials and Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of a cohort of 59 patients diagnosed with NF-1 dystrophic scoliosis and treated surgically. All clinical and radiographic data within a 3-year follow-up period were collected. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the surgical procedure used: those who underwent initial fusion surgery were assigned to group A (n=32) and those who underwent growing rod surgery to group B (n=27).

Results:

Patients in group A were older than those in group B at the initial surgery (10.4 vs. 5.8 y; P<0.001). There was no difference in the sex ratio, preoperative Cobb angle, or preoperative kyphosis angle between the 2 groups (P>0.05). The correction rate of the main curve Cobb angle was higher in group A than B (55.1% vs. 42.4%; P<0.05). The incidence of IRC was higher in group B than A (48.1% vs. 12.5%; P<0.05). Complications in group A comprised 1 case of screw pullout, 1 case of rod breakage, 1 case of adding-on phenomenon, and 1 case of proximal junctional kyphosis. Complications in group B comprised 5 cases of adding-on phenomenon, 4 cases of trunk shift, 3 cases of curve progression, 1 case of rod breakage, and 1 case of cap loosening.

Conclusions:

The use of growing rod effectively controls the spinal deformity and facilitates growth of the spine. Compared with fusion surgery, however, growing rod surgery yields a higher incidence of IRCs and lower corrective rate for scoliosis associated with NF-1.
Oral Care Protocols With Specialty Training Lead to Safe Oral Care Practices and Reduce Iatrogenic Bleeding in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients
Authors: Lucchini Alberto , Bambi Stefano , de Felippis Christian , Galazzi Alessandro , Addis Grazia , Rona Roberto , Grasselli Giacomo , Pesenti Antonio , Fumagalli Roberto , Foti Giuseppe
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Oral care, using either a mouth rinse, gel, toothbrush, or combination of them, together with aspiration of secretions, may reduce the risk of ventilator-acquired pneumonia in intubated patents. Oral care procedure in patients on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) may cause bleeding due to the systemic anticoagulation required.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of bleeding episodes during oral care in patients supported by VV-ECMO.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was performed. All patients admitted to an Italian ECMO center during 2014 were included in the study.

Results

Data from 14 patients were analyzed. The median intensive care unit length of stay was 39.0 days (interquartile range, 27.3-83.3 days), and median days on VV-ECMO was 19.5 (10.3-46.0). There were 440 ECMO days, with 1320 oral care maneuvers. In 7 patients, bleeding episodes occurred: 2 with orotracheal intubation and 5 initially managed with orotracheal intubation, thereafter via Translaryngeal tracheostomy tube (according to Fantoni’s technique). In 61 oral care procedures (4.6%), bleeding was detected during or after the maneuver, whereas the total numbers of days with at least 1 bleeding episode were 35 (8%).

The presence or absence of bleeding during ECMO days was statistically significant for international normalized ratio (1.01 [0.95-1.11] vs 1.13 [1.03-1.25], P < .0001), platelets (163 000 [93 500-229 000] vs 61 000 [91 00–100 000], P < .0001), and mouth care score (6 [5-7] vs 8 [7-9], P < .001).

Conclusion

Oral care can cause bleeding in patients on VV-ECMO. Implementation of protocols for daily oral care in patients on ECMO may reduce risks. As recommended by the literature, this category of patients should be treated in selected centers distinguished by a regular volume of ECMO activity and the presence of dedicated ECMO specialist nurses.
A Positive Psychology Intervention to Promote Health Behaviors in Heart Failure
Authors: Celano Christopher M. , Freedman Melanie E. , Beale Eleanor E. , Gomez-Bernal Federico , Huffman Jeff C.
Published: September 2018

Patients with heart failure (HF) frequently struggle to adhere to health behaviors, and psychological factors may contribute to nonadherence. We examined the feasibility and acceptability of a 10-week, positive psychology (PP)–based intervention to promote health behavior adherence in patients (N = 10) with mild to moderate HF and suboptimal health behavior adherence. Participants engaged in weekly phone sessions, completed PP exercises (e.g., writing a gratitude letter, using a personal strength), and set goals related to diet, medication adherence, and physical activity. Feasibility was assessed by the number of sessions completed, and acceptability by participant ratings of ease and utility. Preliminary efficacy was measured by changes in psychological and adherence outcomes. The intervention was feasible (87% of exercises completed) and acceptable. Furthermore, in exploratory analyses, the intervention was associated with improvements in psychological and health behavior adherence outcomes. Larger, randomized trials are needed to further investigate the utility of this intervention.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02938052.
Sustainability of a Tuberculosis Screening Program at an Adult Education Center Through Community-Based Participatory Research
Authors: Wieland Mark L. , Nigon Julie A. , Weis Jennifer A. , Espinda-Brandt Leah , Beck Dawn , Sia Irene G.
Published: September 2018

The majority of active tuberculosis (TB) cases in the United States occur through reactivation of latent TB infection among foreign-born individuals. While screening of at-risk individuals through community partnerships is recommended, it is not commonly accomplished. A community-academic partnership developed a TB-screening intervention at an adult education center serving a large foreign-born population in Rochester, Minnesota. The intervention was cocreated with grant support by diverse stakeholders through a community-based participatory research partnership. The intervention was sustained beyond the grant interval through adaptation of staffing inputs, a robust partnership with sustained dialogue around TB and operational issues, and adaptation of governance through coownership of the intervention by the adult education center and the public health department. Eight years of data demonstrate that adult education centers may be effective venues for sustaining partnerships to address TB prevention among at-risk communities.