bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and risk factors of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among pregnant women in Mongolia
Authors: Hikita Naoko , Haruna Megumi , Matsuzaki Masayo , Sasagawa Emi , Murata Minoru , Oidovsuren Otgontogoo , Yura Ariunaa
Published: November 2017

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of smoking and secondhand smoking (SHS) among pregnant women in Darkhan-Uul Province, Mongolia, using urinary cotinine (UC) levels, and clarified the factors related to SHS exposure. It targeted pregnant women who underwent antenatal health check-ups from November 2015 to January 2016. Self-administered questionnaires and urine samples were used to collect data. Using UC levels as the criterion, it was found that the prevalence of smokers (>100 ng/ml) among 493 pregnant women was 11.8%, while SHS exposure (≥5 ng/ml) among nonsmokers was 44.8%. Older and highly educated women had lower odds of SHS exposure (p = 0.006 and 0.002, respectively). Furthermore, nonsmoking pregnant women from homes where smoking was permitted had higher odds of SHS exposure compared to women from homes where smoking was not permitted. These results suggest that community guidance programs, such as home smoking cessation that include families, are necessary.
Stanene-hexagonal boron nitride heterobilayer: Structure and characterization of electronic property
Authors: Khan Asir Intisar , Chakraborty Trisha , Acharjee Niloy , Subrina Samia
Published: November 2017

The structural and electronic properties of stanene/hexagonal boron nitride (Sn/h-BN) heterobilayer with different stacking patterns are studied using first principle calculations within the framework of density functional theory. The electronic band structure of different stacking patterns shows a direct band gap of ~30 meV at Dirac point and at the Fermi energy level with a Fermi velocity of ~0.53 × 106 ms−1. Linear Dirac dispersion relation is nearly preserved and the calculated small effective mass in the order of 0.05mo suggests high carrier mobility. Density of states and space charge distribution of the considered heterobilayer structure near the conduction and the valence bands show unsaturated π orbitals of stanene. This indicates that electronic carriers are expected to transport only through the stanene layer, thereby leaving the h-BN layer to be a good choice as a substrate for the heterostructure. We have also explored the modulation of the obtained band gap by changing the interlayer spacing between h-BN and Sn layer and by applying tensile biaxial strain to the heterostructure. A small increase in the band gap is observed with the increasing percentage of strain. Our results suggest that, Sn/h-BN heterostructure can be a potential candidate for Sn-based nanoelectronics and spintronic applications.
Resistance mutations of Pro197, Asp376 and Trp574 in the acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) affect pigments, growths, and competitiveness of Descurainia sophia L
Authors: Zhang Yongzhi , Xu Yufang , Wang Shipeng , Li Xuefeng , Zheng Mingqi
Published: November 2017

D. Sophia is one of the most problematic weed species infesting winter wheat in China, and has evolved high resistance to tribenuron-methyl. Amino acid substitutions at site of Pro197, Asp376 and Trp574 in acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) were mainly responsible for D. sophia resistance to tribenuron-methyl. In this study, D. sophia plant individually homozygous for specific AHAS mutation (Pro197Leu, Pro197His, Pro197Ser, Pro197Thr, Asp376Glu and Trp574Leu) were generated. In addition, the effects of resistance mutations on pigments, growths and competitiveness of susceptible (S) and resistant (R) plants of D. sophia were investigated. The results indicated the R plants carrying Pro197Leu or Pro197His or Asp376Glu or Trp574Leu displayed stronger competitiveness than S plants. The adverse effects on R plants aggravated with the increase of R plants proportion, which made the R plants against domination the weed community in absent of herbicide selection. Therefore, these resistance mutation have no obvious adverse effects on the pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid), relative growth rates (RGR), leaf area ratio (LAR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) of R plants.
Young onset type 2 diabetic patients might be more sensitive to metformin compared to late onset type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Li Feng-fei , Liu Bing-li , Yin Guo-ping , Zhang Dan-feng , Zhai Xiao-fang , Chen Mao-yuan , Su Xiao-fei , Wu Jin-dan , Ye Lei , Ma Jian-hua
Published: November 2017

It is unknown whether YOD (young onset diabetes) and LOD (late onset diabetes) require similar insulin doses for intensive insulin therapy with a metformin add-on to achieve glycemic control. We analyzed data from our two previously performed randomized, controlled open-label trials. Patients were randomized to receive either continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy or CSII combined with metformin therapy for 4 weeks. The studies concentrated on the differences in the insulin doses used for the two groups. We included 36 YOD (age < 40 yrs) and 152 LOD (age > 40 yrs) patients. YOD patients who received metformin combined with CSII therapy required significantly lower insulin doses to maintain euglycemic control compared to patients with LOD. A multivariate analysis, controlled for gender and the fasting blood concentration, was performed to determine the significance of the differences between groups, particularly with respect to the total and basal insulin doses. There was a trend toward improvement in β-cell function and insulin resistance in terms of ΔHOMA-B and ΔHOMA-IR in patients with YOD compared to those with LOD. Newly diagnosed T2D patients with YOD required significantly lower insulin doses, particularly basal insulin doses, to maintain glycemic control compared to the LOD patients.
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery versus total disc replacement: A comparative study with minimum of 10-year follow-up
Authors: Yang Si-Dong , Zhu Yan-Bo , Yan Suo-Zhou , Di Jun , Yang Da-Long , Ding Wen-Yuan
Published: November 2017

Based on long-term follow-ups, this study was designed to investigate the incidence and risk factors for postoperative adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or total disc replacement (TDR) in treating cervical degenerative diseases. Between January 2000 and December 2005, 108 cases undergoing ACDF and 78 undergoing TDR, were enrolled into this study. All medical records were retrospectively collected. Every patient was followed up at least 10 years. Outcome assessment included visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI) score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and radiographic parameters. Consequently, thirty-eight (35.2%) of 108 cases suffered from ASD in ACDF group, and 26 (33.3%) of 78 cases in TDR group. There was no statistical difference between the two groups regarding ASD incidence, VAS/NDI/JOA score, recovery rate. Logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR = 2.86, 95% CI, 1.58–4.14) and preoperative segmental lordosis (OR = 1.90, 95% CI, 1.05–3.20) were risk factors associated with increased odds of ASD regardless of surgical procedures. On the other hand, preoperative overall lordosis (OR = 0.54, 95% CI, 0.26–0.82) was most likely protective. In conclusion, advanced age and preoperative segmental lordosis were identified as risk factors for postoperative ASD, while preoperative overall lordosis proves to be a protective factor.
Bidirectional Electron-Transfer in Polypeptides with Various Secondary Structures
Authors: Han Ping , Guo Ruiyou , Wang Yefei , Yao Lishan , Liu Chengbu
Published: November 2017

The protein-mediated bidirectional electron transfer (ET) is the foundation of protein molecular wire, and plays an important role in the rapid detection of oxo-guanine-adenine DNA mismatches by MutY glycosylase. However, the influences of structural transitions on bidirectional ET are still not clear. In this work, the modified through-bond coupling (MTBC) model was further refined to correlate the structural transition and ET rate more quantitatively. With this model, various polyglycine structures (310-helix, α-helix, β-sheets, linear, polyproline helical I and II) were studied to explore the influences of structural transitions on bidirectional ET. It was found that the HOMO-LUMO gaps (ΔE) in CN (from the carboxyl to amino terminus) direction are much lower than that in opposite direction, except for polypro I. However, with the equal tunneling energy, the differences between bidirectional ET rates are slight for all structures. In structural transitions, we found that the ET rates are not only affected by the Ramachandran angles, but also correlated to the alignment of C = O vectors, the alignment of peptide planes and the rearrangement of other structure factors. The detailed information can be used to rationalize the inhomogeneous ET across different protein structures and design more efficient protein molecular wires.
Exploring Voluntary Vaccinating Behaviors using Evolutionary N-person Threshold Games
Authors: Shi Benyun , Wang Weihao , Qiu Hongjun , Chen Yu-Wang , Peng Shaoliang
Published: November 2017

Understanding individuals’ voluntary vaccinating behaviors plays essential roles in making vaccination policies for many vaccinepreventable diseases. Usually, individuals decide whether to vaccinate through evaluating the relative cost of vaccination and infection according to their own interests. Mounting evidence shows that the best vaccine coverage level for the population as a whole can hardly be achieved due to the effects of herd immunity. In this paper, taking into consideration the herd immunity threshold, we present an evolutionary N-person threshold game, where individuals can dynamically adjust their vaccinating strategies and their payoffs depend nonlinearly on whether or not the herd immunity threshold is reached. First, in well-mixed populations, we analyze the relationships at equilibrium among the fraction of vaccinated individuals, the population size, the basic reproduction number and the relative cost of vaccination and infection. Then, we carry out simulations on four types of complex networks to explore the evolutionary dynamics of the N-person threshold game in structured populations. Specifically, we investigate the effects of disease severity and population structure on the vaccine coverage for different relative costs of vaccination and infection. The results and findings can offer new insight into designing incentive-based vaccination policies for disease intervention and control.
Water Soluble Self-Aggregates Induced Green Emission of Biocompatible Citric Acid-PEG Hyper Branched Polymer
Authors: Mani Gajendiran , Kyobum Kim , Sengottuvelan Balasubramanian
Published: November 2017

An aliphatic citric acid–PEG hyper-branched polymer (CPHP) with a π-bond on the polymer backbone was synthesized by a single- step melt reaction in which the polymerization and π-bond formation occur simultaneously. The chemical structure of CPHP was confirmed by FTIR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and MALDI-TOF mass spectral analyses. Aggregates are generally found to disperse in any solvent but the CPHP aggregates were soluble in water due to their hybrid nature. The π-bond in the aconitate unit induces green emission by CH/π interaction while the PEG unit of CPHP increases its solubility in water. The soluble aggregates induced green emission (SAIE) of the CPHP was investigated by UV-Visible absorption and emission spectra, time- correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) and zeta potential measurements. The fluorescence life time (τf) increased from 4.93 to11.38 ns with an increase in CPHP concentration. The fluorescence quantum yield (Φf) of CPHP can be altered by varying the concentration of CPHP.
Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation Does Not Modify the Functional Deficits or Axonopathy Induced by Nigrostriatal α-Synuclein Overexpression
Authors: Fischer D. Luke , Manfredsson Fredric P. , Kemp Christopher J. , Cole-Strauss Allyson , Lipton Jack W. , Duffy Megan F. , Polinski Nicole K. , Steece-Collier Kathy , Collier Timothy J. , Gombash Sara E. , Buhlinger Daniel J. , Sortwell Caryl E.
Published: November 2017

Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) protects dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) against 6-OHDA and MPTP. We evaluated STN DBS in a parkinsonian model that displays α-synuclein pathology using unilateral, intranigral injections of recombinant adeno-associated virus pseudotype 2/5 to overexpress wildtype human α-synuclein (rAAV2/5 α-syn). A low titer of rAAV2/5 α-syn results in progressive forelimb asymmetry, loss of striatal dopaminergic terminal density and modest loss of SNpc dopamine neurons after eight weeks, corresponding to robust human-Snca expression and no effect on rat-Snca, Th, Bdnf or Trk2. α-syn overexpression increased phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 (p-rpS6) in SNpc neurons, a readout of trkB activation. Rats received intranigral injections of rAAV2/5 α-syn and three weeks later received four weeks of STN DBS or electrode implantation that remained inactive. STN DBS did not protect against α-syn-mediated deficits in forelimb akinesia, striatal denervation or loss of SNpc neuron, nor did STN DBS elevate p-rpS6 levels further. ON stimulation, forelimb asymmetry was exacerbated, indicating α-syn overexpression-mediated neurotransmission deficits. These results demonstrate that STN DBS does not protect the nigrostriatal system against α-syn overexpression-mediated toxicity. Whether STN DBS can be protective in other models of synucleinopathy is unknown.
In situ synthesis of Bi nanoflakes on Ni foam for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Liubin , Wang Chenchen , Li Fujun , Cheng Fangyi , Chen Jun
Published: November 2017

Bi nanoflakes are in situ produced on Ni foam via a replacement reaction and work as a binder-free anode for high-performance SIBs.
Effects of inorganic additives on polymorphs of glycine in microdroplets
Authors: Ding Li , Zong Shanghong , Dang Leping , Wang Zhanzhong , Wei Hongyuan
Published: November 2017

Sodium chloride plays an important role in the selectivity of glycine polymorphs and results in an increased nucleation percentage in microdroplets.
Reaction mechanism of hydrogen evolution catalysed by Co and Fe complexes containing a tetra-dentate phosphine ligand – a DFT study
Authors: Zhang Ya-Qiong , Liao Rong-Zhen
Published: November 2017

The mechanism of proton reduction by mononuclear Co and Fe complexes has been elucidated by density functional calculations.
Nanoparticles grown from methanesulfonic acid and methylamine: microscopic structures and formation mechanism
Authors: Xu Jing , Finlayson-Pitts Barbara J. , Gerber R. Benny
Published: November 2017

A cage-like nano-size (MSA–MA)4 cluster.
Luminescence and energy transfer in β-NaGdF4:Eu3+,Er3+ nanocrystalline samples from a room temperature synthesis
Authors: Tessitore Gabriella , Mudring Anja-Verena , Krämer Karl W.
Published: November 2017

β-NaGdF4:Eu3+,Er3+ nanoparticles were synthesized at room temperature. The synthesis is robust, easily scalable, and convenient. It is suitable for the whole lanthanide series.
Electrochemical fabrication of shape-controlled Cu2O with spheres, octahedrons and truncated octahedrons and their electrocatalysis for ORR
Authors: Zhang Xiaofeng , Zhang Yi , Huang Huodi , Cai Jiannan , Ding Kaining , Lin Shen
Published: November 2017

Morphology-controlled synthesis of Cu2O is achieved by potentiostatic electrodeposition and it is used as an electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction.
Chlorogenic acids and the acyl-quinic acids: discovery, biosynthesis, bioavailability and bioactivity
Authors: Clifford Michael N. , Jaganath Indu B. , Ludwig Iziar A. , Crozier Alan
Published: November 2017

This review is focussed upon the acyl-quinic acids, the most studied group within theca.400 chlorogenic acids so far reported.
Introduction of inorganic nano-particles into a polymer matrix to restrain the initiation and propagation of electrical trees in the corona condition
Authors: Shang Chunyu , Du Yanqiu , Kang Hui
Published: November 2017

In the corona condition, the initiation and propagation of electrical trees in a polymer matrix originates from the field enhancement effect.
Synthesis of polypyrrole nanoparticles and their applications in electrically conductive adhesives for improving conductivity
Authors: Wen Jiayue , Tian Yanhong , Mei Zhipeng , Wu Weizhen , Tian Yanqing
Published: November 2017

An innovative application of doping conjugated-polypyrrole nanoparticles (PPy NPs) into electrical conductive adhesives (ECAs) to prepare low electrical resistivity interconnecting materials.
KISS1gene suppresses metastasis of nasopharyngeal cancerviaactivation of the ERK1/2 pathway
Authors: Li Tingting , Sun Qian , Zhou Yan , He Zelai , Liu Hao , Xiang Ping , Xi Jin , Zhang Xiazi , Jiang Hao
Published: November 2017

We first describe the metastasis suppression function and mechanism ofKISS1and its receptor gene in nasopharyngeal cancer.
Red phosphor based on Eu3+-isoelectronically doped Ba2SiO4 obtained via sol–gel route for solid state lightning
Authors: Bispo Airton G. , Ceccato Diego A. , Lima Sergio A. M. , Pires Ana. M.
Published: November 2017

Ba2SiO4:Eu3+ red phosphor with high quantum efficiency synthesized via sol–gel route as a candidate to white LEDs component is introduced. An approach for the 0–0 Eu3+ transition anomalous emission due to Eu3+–O2− associates is also provided.
Simultaneous removal of heavy metals and biodegradation of organic matter with sediment microbial fuel cells
Authors: Wu M. S. , Xu X. , Zhao Q. , Wang Z. Y.
Published: November 2017

To in situ remediate rivers polluted by organic matter and heavy metals, lab-scale sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) were operated under different conditions.
Multi-shape memory effect of polyimides with extremely high strain
Authors: Yao Jianan , Zhang Zhao , Wang Chunbo , Ma Shengqi , Li Tianqi , Zhao Xiaogang , Wang Daming , Zhou Hongwei , Chen Chunhai
Published: November 2017

Polyimides exhibited high strain and multi-shape memory properties with the synergistic effects of physical and chemical crosslinks.
Dissipative instabilities in a partially ionised prominence plasma slab
Authors: Mather J.F. , Ballai I. , Erdélyi R.
Published: November 2017

This study deals with the dissipative instability that appears in a compressible partially ionised plasma slab embedded in a uniform magnetic field, modelling the state of the plasma in solar prominences. In the partially ionised plasma, the dominant dissipative effect is the Cowling resistivity. The regions outside the slab (modelling the solar corona) are fully ionised, and the dominant mechanism of dissipation is viscosity. Analytical solutions to the extended magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations are found inside and outside of the slab and solutions are matched at the boundaries of the slab. The dispersion relation is derived and solutions are found analytically in the slender slab limit, while the conditions necessary for the appearance of the instability is investigated numerically for the entire parameter space. Our study is focussed on the effect of the compressibility on the generation and evolution of instabilities. We find that compressibility reduces the threshold of the equilibrium flow, where waves can be unstable, to a level that is comparable to the internal cusp speed, which is of the same order of flow speeds that are currently observed in solar prominences. Our study addresses only the slow waves, as these are the most likely perturbations to become unstable, however the time-scales of the instability are found to be rather large ranging from 105–107 s. It is determined that the instability threshold is further influenced by the concentration of neutrals and the strength of the viscosity of the corona. Interestingly, these two latter aspects have opposite effects. Our numerical analysis shows that the interplay between the equilibrium flow, neutrals and dispersion can change considerably the nature of waves. Despite employing a simple model, our study confirms the necessity of consideration of neutrals when discussing the stability of prominences under solar conditions.
Prenatal Megacystis – Is Prediction of Outcome and Renal Function Possible?
Authors: Tschannen Regina , Gobet Rita , Wisser Josef
Published: November 2017

Objective To assess prenatal prognostic criteria for fetuses with megacystis in order to counsel parents.

Methods In a retrospective observational study at a single tertiary referral center, we assessed the clinical course of 53 fetuses with megacystis cared for at the Department of Obstetrics of the University Hospital Zurich between 1995 and 2008 and followed them up for 2 to 12 years. We determined fetal karyotype, amniotic fluid volume and fetal urinary biochemistry as prenatal prognostic factors. The renal function of survivors was grouped according to age-related creatinine values. Using logistic regression analysis, gestational age-dependent discrimination curves and corresponding ROC curves for fetal urine, beta-2 microglobulin, osmolarity and chloride were calculated.

Results 43 out of 53 fetuses underwent vesicocentesis, and spontaneous remission occurred in 3 fetuses. 15 fetuses survived, termination of pregnancy was requested in 23 cases, and 12 neonatal and 3 intrauterine deaths were observed. Reduced amniotic fluid volume showed a significant (p = 0.0027) increase of impaired renal function or perinatal death. Discrimination between survivors and non-survivors was complete for fetal urine beta-2 microglobulin with an area under the curve (AUC) of 1.0. For fetal urine osmolarity and fetal urinary chloride, the AUC was 0.81 and 0.76, respectively.

Conclusion The assessment of prognosis for fetal megacystis should include fetal k
aryotyping, determination of amniotic fluid and assessment of fetal urine biochemistry. Gestational age-dependent regression lines disclose clinically relevant discrimination and can be used as selection criteria for fetal interventions and parental counselling.
Von der Anstaltsfamilie zur therapeutischen Gemeinschaft
Authors: Beyer Christof , Rotzoll Maike
Published: November 2017

Zur Rolle der Pflegenden im Entwicklungsprozess psychiatrischer Institutionen Folgen Sie unseren Autoren auf einer spannenden
Zeitreise durch die Psychiatriepflege und lesen, wie sich die Rolle der Pflegenden in den letzten zwei Jahrhunderten verändert hat.
Validating bowel preparation scales
Authors: Heron Valérie , Parmar Robin , Ménard Charles , Martel Myriam , Barkun Alan
Published: November 2017

Background and study aim Few scales assessing bowel preparation quality have been validated, and direct between-scale comparisons remain scarce. The aim of the study was to compare inter- and intra-rater reliability, predictive abilities for clinical outcomes, and ease of use for each scale.

Methods Colonoscopy video recordings highlighting five colonic segments after washing were viewed independently by three physicians, and cleanliness was evaluated using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS), the Chicago Bowel Preparation Scale (CBPS), and the Harefield Cleansing Scale (HCS) in randomized order. Kappa or intraclass correlations quantified intra- and inter-rater reliability. Ease of use was evaluated (1 – 10 scale, 1 = easy), as were associations between scores, adenoma detection, and adequacy of preparation to exclude lesions ≥ 5 mm.

Results Among 83 colonoscopy videos, indications included screening or surveillance in 72.3 %. Mean (± SD) scores of the respective three raters were 5.17 ± 1.57, 6.49 ± 1.48, and 5.12 ± 1.21 for BBPS, and 23.73 ± 6.01, 28.39 ± 5.47, and 24.75 ± 5.83 for CBPS, while successful HCS scores (grade A or B) were given for 76 %, 89 %, and 63 % of examinations. Intra-rater reliability ranges were 0.88 – 1.00, 0.83 – 1.00, and 0.62 – 1.00 for BBPS, CBPS, and HCS, respectively. Similarly, inter-rater reliability ranges were 0.50 – 0.79, 0.64 – 0.83, and 0.28 – 0.52, respectively. Sources of disagreement included varying rater strictness, which was possibly most marked for preparations rated as intermediate. Overall, associations between preparation scores and adenoma detection lacked statistical significance.

Conclusion The BBPS and CBPS showed the best inter- and intra-rater reliability, and the BBPS was considered the easiest to use. Further studies are needed to determine an optimal adequacy threshold for these scales, with the goal of predicting clinical outcomes and determining the appropriate interval to the next colonoscopy.
Effekt von Muskeltranspositionen nach dem Hummelsheim-Prinzip mit und ohne zeitgleiche Rücklagerung des M. rectus internus
Authors: Hedergott Andrea , Wild Dana , Fricke Julia , Neugebauer Antje
Published: November 2017

Hintergrund Wir berichten über Ergebnisse einer modifizierten Muskeltransposition nach dem Hummelsheim-Prinzip mit und ohne einzeitige M.-rectus-internus-Rücklagerung bei unilateralen Abduzensparesen/-paralysen. Der Einfluss von Paresedauer, Schielwinkelgröße und präoperativer Abduktionsfähigkeit auf die Auswahl und Effektivität der Verfahren wird untersucht.

Patienten und Methoden Retrospektiv wurden die Daten von 29 konsekutiven Patienten mit unilateraler Abduzensparese/-paralyse ausgewertet, bei denen im Zeitraum von 2001 – 2012 zur Korrektur des Schielwinkels erstmals eine modifizierte Muskeltransposition nach dem Hummelsheim-Prinzip (HUM: n = 21) oder diese Operation kombiniert mit einer zeitgleichen M.-rectus-internus-Rücklagerung (HUM+I: n = 8) durchgeführt wurde. Die Operationen fanden frühestens 9 Monate nach Paresebeginn statt (HUM: von 9 – 98, Median 19, Mittelwert [MW] 30 Monate; HUM+I: von 12 – 65, Median 25, MW 29 Monate).

Ergebnisse Präoperativ betrug der Schielwinkel (Ferne) im Median für die HUM-Gruppe 27,0° (von 20,0 – 45,0; MW 28,1°), für die HUM+I-Gruppe 30,5° (von 21,8 – 50,0; MW 33,4°). Die mediane präoperative Abduktion betrug in der HUM-Gruppe − 1,6 mm vor Mittellinie (von − 8,0 bis + 1,2; MW − 1,8 mm), in der HUM+I-Gruppe − 3,0 mm vor Mittellinie (von − 10,0 bis − 1,0; MW − 4,1 mm). Postoperativ betrug der Schielwinkel (Fernblick) im Median für die HUM-Gruppe 0° (von − 11,3 bis + 20,0; MW 0,1°), für die HUM+I-Gruppe − 2,3° (von − 11,3 bis + 12,0; MW − 2,1°). Die mediane postoperative Abduktion betrug in der HUM-Gruppe 1,0 mm (von 0 bis + 3,0; MW + 1,1 mm), in der HUM+I-Gruppe 1,1 mm (von − 1,2 bis + 3,0; MW + 0,9 mm). Der Effekt der Schielwinkelveränderung war in der HUM-Gruppe im Median 27,0° (von 9,1 – 45,0; MW 28,0°), in der HUM+I-Gruppe 36,8° (von 25,2 – 41,4; MW 35,5°). Die Abduktion verbesserte sich im Median in der HUM-Gruppe um 2,5 mm (von 0 – 11,0; MW + 2,9 mm), in der HUM+I-Gruppe um 4,6 mm (von 2,4 – 8,8; MW + 5,0 mm). Die Effektstärke fiel in der HUM-Gruppe in Abhängigkeit von der Paresedauer ab, während in der HUM+I-Gruppe eine Zunahme der Effektstärke mit längerer Paresedauer zu verzeichnen war.

Schlussfolgerung Bei unilateralen Abduzensparalysen steigert die einzeitige M.-rectus-internus-Rücklagerung den Effekt einer Operation nach dem Hummelsheim-Prinzip. Die Paresedauer ist ein relevanter Parameter zur Auswahl eines isolierten oder mit M.-rectus-internus-Rücklagerung kombinierten Eingriffs.
Transparent perovskite light-emitting diodes by employing organic-inorganic multilayer transparent top electrodes
Authors: Liang Junqing , Guo Xiaoyang , Song Li , Lin Jie , Hu Yongsheng , Zhang Nan , Liu Xingyuan
Published: November 2017

Perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have attracted much attention in the past two years due to their high photoluminescence quantum efficiencies and wavelength tuneable characteristics. In this work, transparent PeLEDs (TPeLEDs) have been reported with organic-inorganic multilayer transparent top electrodes that have more convenient control of the organic/electrode interface. By optimizing the thickness of the MoO3 layer in the top electrode, the best average transmittance of 47.21% has been obtained in the TPeLED in the wavelength range of 380–780 nm. In addition, the TPeLED exhibits a maximum luminance of 6380 cd/m2, a maximum current efficiency (CE) of 3.50 cd/A, and a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 0.85% from the bottom side together with a maximum luminance of 3380 cd/m2, a maximum CE of 1.47 cd/A, and a maximum EQE of 0.36% from the top side. The total EQE of the TPeLED is about 86% of that of the reference device, indicating efficient TPeLED achieved in this work, which could have significant contribution to PeLEDs for see-through displays.
Macro-spin modeling and experimental study of spin-orbit torque biased magnetic sensors
Authors: Xu Yanjun , Yang Yumeng , Luo Ziyan , Xu Baoxi , Wu Yihong
Published: November 2017

We reported a systematic study of spin-orbit torque biased magnetic sensors based on NiFe/Pt bilayers through both macro-spin modeling and experiments. The simulation results show that it is possible to achieve a linear sensor with a dynamic range of 0.1–10 Oe, power consumption of 1 μW–1mW, and sensitivity of 0.1–0.5 Ω/Oe. These characteristics can be controlled by varying the sensor dimension and current density in the Pt layer. The latter is in the range of 1 × 105–107 A/cm2. Experimental results of fabricated sensors with selected sizes agree well with the simulation results. For a Wheatstone bridge sensor comprising of four sensing elements, a sensitivity up to 0.548 Ω/Oe, linearity error below 6%, and detectivity of about 2.8 nT/√Hz were obtained. The simple structure and ultrathin thickness greatly facilitate the integration of these sensors for on-chip applications. As a proof-of-concept experiment, we demonstrate its application in detection of current flowing in an on-chip Cu wire.
Statistical mechanics of transport processes in active fluids: Equations of hydrodynamics
Authors: Klymko Katherine , Mandal Dibyendu , Mandadapu Kranthi K.
Published: November 2017

The equations of hydrodynamics including mass, linear momentum, angular momentum, and energy are derived by coarse-graining the microscopic equations of motion for systems consisting of rotary dumbbells driven by internal torques. In deriving the balance of linear momentum, we find that the symmetry of the stress tensor is broken due to the presence of non-zero torques on individual particles. The broken symmetry of the stress tensor induces internal spin in the fluid and leads us to consider the balance of internal angular momentum in addition to the usual moment of momentum. In the absence of spin, the moment of momentum is the same as the total angular momentum. In deriving the form of the balance of total angular momentum, we find the microscopic expressions for the couple stress tensor that drives the spin field. We show that the couple stress contains contributions from both intermolecular interactions and the active forces. The presence of spin leads to the idea of balance of moment of inertia due to the constant exchange of particles in a small neighborhood around a macroscopic point. We derive the associated balance of moment of inertia at the macroscale and identify the moment of inertia flux that induces its transport. Finally, we obtain the balances of total and internal energy of the active fluid and identify the sources of heat and heat fluxes in the system.
Upper frequency limit depending on potential shape in a QD-based single electron pump
Authors: Ahn Ye-Hwan , Hong Changki , Ghee Young-Seok , Chung Yunchul , Hong Young-Pyo , Bae Myung-Ho , Kim Nam
Published: November 2017

Our quantum-dot (QD) electron pump has uniqueness in design in that the QD potential shape can be manipulated, especially its potential depth can be controlled by a plunger gate. We find that there exist strong correlations between the potential depth of the QD and the upper frequency limit, fm, when the modulating microwave power is fixed. As the depth of the QD potential is deepened, fm shows decreasing characteristics while the flatness of the 1st current plateau is increased. We have semi-quantitatively analyzed these correlations by using the notion of so-called “non-adiabatic Coulomb blockade gap energy,” ΔELU. We find that ΔELU parameter being under control by a plunger gate is proportional to the pumping frequency f.
On electron heating in a low pressure capacitively coupled oxygen discharge
Authors: Gudmundsson J. T. , Snorrason D. I.
Published: November 2017

We use the one-dimensional object-oriented particle-in-cell Monte Carlo collision code oopd1 to explore the charged particle densities, the electronegativity, the electron energy probability function, and the electron heating mechanism in a single frequency capacitively coupled oxygen discharge, when the applied voltage amplitude is varied. We explore discharges operated at 10 mTorr, where electron heating within the plasma bulk (the electronegative core) dominates, and at 50 mTorr, where sheath heating dominates. At 10 mTorr, the discharge is operated in a combined drift-ambipolar and α-mode, and at 50 mTorr, it is operated in the pure α-mode. At 10 mTorr, the effective electron temperature is high and increases with increased driving voltage amplitude, while at 50 mTorr, the effective electron temperature is much lower, in particular, within the electronegative core, where it is roughly 0.2–0.3 eV, and varies only a little with the voltage amplitude.
Phosphate and Phosphonate-Based Ionic Liquids as New Additives in Foeniculum vulgare Essential Oil Extraction
Authors: Pistelli Luisa , Reidel Rose Vanessa Bandeira , Margari Piero , Chiappe Cinzia
Published: November 2017

The effect of the addition of four different halide-free ionic liquids (ILs) during the maceration step on Foeniculum vulgare essential oil (EO) extraction by hydrodistillation was investigated. The EO yields and their chemical composition were also evaluated, as well as the possibility of reusing the IL aqueous solutions. Although all the investigated ILs were able to increase EO yields, 1,3-dimethylimidazolium dimethylphosphate (IL1) showed the best performance. In particular, the 1 : 1 IL1–water mixture increased the EO yield by ~40 %, even after three reuses, maintaining practically the same volatile profile.
Effect of exogenous progesterone on embryo size and ewe uterine gene expression in an ovine ‘dam size' model of maternal constraint
Authors: Fermin Lisanne M. , Pain Sarah J. , Morel Patrick C. H. , Gedye Kristene R. , Kenyon Paul R. , Blair Hugh T.
Published: November 2017

Progesterone (P4), acting via its receptor, regulates uterine function and histotroph production, which are crucial to embryo growth. This study aimed to examine exogenous P4 effects on embryo size and differential endometrial gene expression at Day 19 of gestation using a ‘dam size’ sheep model of maternal constraint. Purebred Suffolk (S, genotypically large) embryos were transferred into recipient groups of Cheviot (C, genotypically small) or Suffolk ewes that had, or had not, been pre-treated with P4 from Days 0 to 6 of pregnancy. At Day 19 S embryos were collected from four experimental groups: P4 pretreated S ewes (SP4; n = 5), untreated S ewes (SnP4; n = 15), P4 pretreated C ewes (CP4; n = 7) and untreated C ewes (CnP4; n = 21). Day-19 embryos from CP4 ewes were larger (P < 0.05) than those from CnP4 ewes and similar in size (P > 0.05) to embryos from SnP4 and SP4 ewes. Expression of mucin 1 (MUC1) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) was upregulated in uterine horns ipsilateral to the corpus luteum from CP4 ewes. Prostaglandin receptor (PGR), MUC1 and PTGS2 expression was upregulated, whilst cathepsin L (CTSL) and radical S-adenosyl methionine domain-containing 2 (RSAD2) expression was downregulated in the ipsilateral horn of SP4 ewes. This suggests that pretreating ewes with exogenous P4 may alleviate early pregnancy maternal constraint via mechanisms that alter uterine function. However, further research is required to investigate the timing of P4 administration and its impact on conception rates.
DNAJB1–PRKACA
fusion kinase interacts with β-catenin and the liver regenerative response to drive fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kastenhuber Edward R. , Lalazar Gadi , Houlihan Shauna L. , Tschaharganeh Darjus F. , Baslan Timour , Chen Chi-Chao , Requena David , Tian Sha , Bosbach Benedikt , Wilkinson John E. , Simon Sanford M. , Lowe Scott W.
Published: November 2017

Significance

Efforts to understand and treat fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC) have been confounded by a lack of models that accurately reflect the genetics and biology of the disease. Here we demonstrate that the
Dnajb1–Prkaca
gene fusion drives tumorigenesis in mice, and that fusion to DNAJB1 drives FL-HCC initiation more effectively than wild-type PRKACA overexpression. The requirement of the PRKACA kinase domain in tumor initiation establishes the potential utility of kinase inhibitors targeting the fusion. By identifying genetic and environmental factors that can enhance the consistency and aggressiveness of disease progression, we reveal biological characteristics of the disease and advance a robust platform for future preclinical studies.
Nuisance Didymosphenia geminata blooms in the Argentinean Patagonia: Status and current research trends
Authors: Manrique Julieta M. , Uyua Noelia M. , Bauer Gabriel A. , Santinelli Norma H. , M. Ayestarán Gabriela , Sala Silvia E. , Sastre A. Viviana , Jones Leandro R. , Whitton Brian A.
Published: November 2017

Large nuisance blooms of Didymosphenia geminata have become increasingly widespread in Patagonia. Although the first published account for South America was in 1964, reports of large growths in Chile and Argentina commenced around 2010. Since then, these blooms have been observed all along the Andes region to the south of parallel 42°S. General surveys are needed to help provide an explanation. Possibilities include one or more new genetic variants or responses of local populations to global environmental changes. Electron microscopy of material from the Argentinean Patagonia revealed marked differences between regions, though it is unclear how much local factors and/or variations in life cycle contribute. Thus, we are approaching the problem from a molecular perspective, which we hope will help to overcome this limitation. Initial studies showed that D. geminata seems to be highly recalcitrant to DNA extraction, thus hindering the survey of molecular markers. We have now developed an improved DNA extraction technique for Didymosphenia mats, which markedly outperforms other techniques. However, endpoint polymerase chain reaction analyses suggest the persistence of polymerase chain reaction inhibitors in the samples, highlighting the need of further improvements for quantitative studies.
A role for astroglia in prion diseases
Authors: Aguzzi Adriano , Liu Yingjun
Published: November 2017

In this issue of JEM, Krejciova et al. (https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20161547) report that astrocytes derived from human iPSCs can replicate human CJD prions. These observations provide a new, potentially very valuable model for studying human prions in cellula and for identifying antiprion compounds that might serve as clinical candidates. Furthermore, they add to the evidence that astrocytes may not be just innocent bystanders in prion diseases.
‘The Capital Object of the Public’: The 1766–7 Parliamentary Inquiry into the East India Company
Authors: Leonard Spencer A
Published: November 2017

Of all the eighteenth-century parliamentary inquiries into the post-Plassey East India Company, the most poorly understood is the first, the one that took place during, and contributed directly to, the dissolution of Chatham’s ill-fated ministry of 1766–7. Though it is now little remembered, produced no lengthy report and resulted in comparatively insignificant legislation, the 1767 inquiry held the greatest promise to change the course of imperial history. This is because it contemplated the abolition of the Company, if not as a commercial enterprise, then as a monopoly-state. In 1766–67 British politics formulated, and came closest to addressing, the post-Plassey India question in its fundamentals. Just how different was this inquiry from later eighteenth-century debates, including even that surrounding Fox’s failed bill (the only other that approaches it in significance), is indicated by the fact that parliament explicitly debated, and the Prime Minister himself supported, not simply government intrusion in, or oversight over, Company operations, but liberating Bengali society (and, indeed, British society) from the tentacles of the emerging Company state. This would have allowed for something approaching the rule of law to be established in the conquered domains. Regarding the course and dynamics of Chatham’s attempt to address the India question, much merits reconsideration. But it is clear that the ministry splintered because of Chatham’s insistence that parliament conduct a full and informed debate on the general question of the Company’s right to rule the Indian territories.
Practical uniform input-to-state stability of perturbed triangular systems
Authors: Ellouze Ines
Published: November 2017

In this article, we present a practical uniform input-to-state stability result for perturbed triangular systems depending on a parameter. We present sufficient conditions for which each of these notions is preserved under cascade interconnection.
A Hypersensitivity-Like Response to Meloidogyne graminicola in Rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Phan Ngan Thi , De Waele Dirk , Lorieux Mathias , Xiong Lizhong , Bellafiore Stephane
Published: November 2017

Meloidogyne graminicola is a major plant-parasitic nematode affecting rice cultivation in Asia. Resistance to this nematode was found in the African rice genotypes Oryza glaberrima and O. longistaminata; however, due to interspecific hybrid sterility, the introgression of resistance genes in the widely consumed O. sativa varieties remains challenging. Recently, resistance was found in O. sativa and, here, we report for the first time the histological and genetic characterization of the resistance to M. graminicola in Zhonghua 11, an O. sativa variety. Bright-light microscopy and fluorescence observations of the root tissue of this variety revealed that the root cells surrounding the nematode displayed a hypersensitivity-like reaction with necrotic cells at early stages of infection when nematodes are migrating in the root’s mesoderm. An accumulation of presumably phenolic compounds in the nematodes’ neighboring root cells was also observed. In addition, at a later stage of infection, not only were few feeding sites observed but also the giant cells were underdeveloped, underlining an incompatible interaction. Furthermore, we generated a hybrid O. sativa population by crossing Zhonghua 11 with the susceptible O. sativa variety IR64 in order to describe the genetic background of this resistance. Our data suggested that the resistance to M. graminicola infection was qualitative rather than quantitative and, therefore, major resistance genes must be involved in this infection process. The full characterization of the defense mechanism and the preliminary study of the genetic inheritance of novel sources of resistance to Meloidogyne spp. in rice constitute a major step toward their use in crop breeding.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Service-Learning in Nursing Inventory
Authors: Nickitas Donna M. , Fealy Gerard M. , De Natale Mary L.
Published: November 2017

AIM

The aim was to develop an instrument to assess undergraduate nursing students’ experience of service-learning to reveal benefits and identify service-learning as a professional value that leads to civic and social responsibility.

BACKGROUND

Service-learning is a teaching and learning approach that integrates academic learning with experiential community-centered foci. It provides structured opportunities for reflection on broader social and cultural dimensions of health. There is no valid and reliable instrument to measure service-learning experience of nursing students.

METHOD

A psychometric evaluation was conducted through item analysis, validity, and reliability.

RESULTS

Face validity agreement was 80 percent; the content validity index was adjusted until 1 was achieved for each item. Two factors explained 58.64 percent of the total variance. Cronbach’s α was .940 for the skills subscale and .932 for the personal insight subscale.

CONCLUSION

The inventory demonstrated strong psychometric properties. Future research should focus on replication on diverse populations.
Culturally Competent Nurse Educators in Clinical Teaching
Authors: Shin Cha-Nam , Fine Julie , Chen Angela Chia-Chen
Published: November 2017

Having culturally competent nurse educators is crucial to preparing future nurses to meet the health needs of a diverse and multicultural United States population. The authors explored the perspectives of 21 clinical nurse educators on a variety of clinical nursing situations related to cultural diversity. They identified five themes that emerged from a content analysis and represented a range of perspectives. The authors recommend three strategies to be integrated into programs that will educate nursing students in providing care to a diverse patient population.
Lessons Learned From Expansion of a Public Health Nursing Doctorate in Nursing Practice Program
Authors: Tipton Nathan G. , Speck Patricia M. , Bowdre Trimika L. , Connor Pamela D.
Published: November 2017

Despite nurses’ demonstrated expertise in the public health workforce, there has been a continued erosion of public health nursing (PHN) positions in health departments and academe. The need for a strong public health infrastructure and well-educated public health workforce remains vital in meeting PHN research challenges. In response to these needs, our college of nursing undertook a six-year Health Resources and Services Administration-funded expansion of the PHN Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. This article illustrates program evaluation, lessons learned, and PHN DNP graduate and workforce outcomes related to supplying culturally diverse PHN leaders, assuring quality improvement, creating sustainable partnerships, and improving poor health outcomes.
An Innovative Approach Using Clinical Simulation to Teach Quality and Safety Principles to Undergraduate Nursing Students
Authors: Cantrell Mary Ann , Mariani Bette , Meakim Colleen
Published: November 2017

The aim of this learning experience was to enhance students’ knowledge of safety practices. A threefold approach was used, which involved viewing a prerecorded scenario in which safety practices were violated and another scenario that consistently depicted safe practice behaviors. Students then performed an environmental safety check of the physical simulated scene and then participated in a debriefing session. The conceptual basis for this project was the teaching-learning strategy “What’s Wrong With This Patient,” which requires the learner to evaluate a simulated learning environment to identify safety practices that were not followed and suggest strategies to correct these errors.
Integrating Bar-Code Medication Administration Competencies in the Curriculum
Authors: Angel Vini M. , Friedman Marvin H. , Friedman Andrea L.
Published: November 2017

This article describes an innovative project involving the integration of bar-code medication administration technology competencies in the nursing curriculum through interprofessional collaboration among nursing, pharmacy, and computer science disciplines. A description of the bar-code medication administration technology project and lessons learned are presented.