bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drought-induced shift in tree response to climate in floodplain forests of Southeastern Europe
Authors: Mikac Stjepan , Žmegač Anja , Trlin Domagoj , Paulić Vinko , Oršanić Milan , Anić Igor
Published: November 2018

Floodplain forests are the most rapidly disappearing ecosystem in the world, especially in temperate regions of Europe where anthropogenic influence has been pronounced throughout history. Research on primeval forests is crucial to further our understanding of their natural dynamics and interaction with climate but is limited by the lack of such preserved forests. The aim of this study was to investigate how a primeval floodplain forest in Southeastern Europe has responded to climate variability during the last 250 years through comparison of tree growth and climate, canopy disturbance and recruitment dynamic of two dominant tree species with different tolerances to flooding/drought. Our analysis revealed induced stress caused by several consecutive severe drought events in the 1940s, which led to a significant increase in sensitivity to increasing temperatures and decreasing river water levels. This trend is particularly pronounced in pedunculate oak. Age structure analysis revealed one larger episode of oak regeneration culminating after periods of intense growth release. Such period co-occurs with summer drought, which is part of a complex system of natural disturbances and a significant natural driver of the cyclical regeneration of primeval oak ecosystems.
A versatile method for the UVA-induced cross-linking of acetophenone- or benzophenone-functionalized DNA
Authors: Jakubovska Jevgenija , Tauraitė Daiva , Meškys Rolandas
Published: November 2018

Bioconjugation, biosensing, bioimaging, bionanomaterials, etc., are only a few examples of application of functionalized DNA. Since base-modified nucleic acids contribute not only to a broad range of biotechnological fields but also to the understanding of various cellular processes, it is crucial to design novel modifications with unique properties. Here, we demonstrate the utilization of N4-cytidine modified oligonucleotides, which contain reactive acetophenone (AP) or benzophenone (BP) groups, for the UV-induced cross-linking. We find that terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated 3′-tailing using AP/BP-containing modified nucleotides generates photoactive DNA, suitable for a straightforward covalent cross-linking with both interacting proteins and a variety of well-known solid polymeric supports. Moreover, we show that AP/BP-functionalization of nucleic acid molecules induces an efficient cross-linking upon exposure to UVA light. Our findings reveal that 3′-tailed single-stranded DNA bearing AP/BP-moieties is easily photoimmobilized onto untreated polystyrene, polypropylene, polylactate, polydimethylsiloxane, sol-gel and borosilicate glass substrates. Furthermore, we demonstrate that such immobilized DNA probes can be further used for successful hybridization of complementary DNA targets. Our results establish novel N4-cytosine nucleobase modifications as photoreactive labels and suggest an effortless approach for photoimmobilization of nucleic acids.
Water drainage from Kushiro Coal Mine decreased on the day of all M ≥ 7.5 earthquakes and increased thereafter
Authors: Fujii Yoshiaki , Ichihara Yoshihisa , Matsumoto Hiroyuki , Kodama Jun-Ichi , Fukuda Daisuke , Dassanayake Anjula B. N.
Published: November 2018

The amount of water drainage from Kushiro Coal Mine in Hokkaido, Japan decreased on the day of all M ≥ 7.5 earthquakes with epicenters within 300 km of the mine during the monitoring period and increased after these earthquakes. This is a valuable finding which would give us a clue to understand pre- and post-seismic rockmass behaviors and contribute for progress in earthquake prediction in future.
Enhancing the antimicrobial and antifungal activities of a coloring extract agent rich in betacyanins obtained from Gomphrena globosa L. flowers
Authors: Roriz Custódio Lobo , Barros Lillian , Prieto M. A. , Ćirić Ana , Soković Marina , Morales Patricia , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R.
Published: November 2018

Gomphrena globosa flower extracts were optimized to achieve high antimicrobial and antifungal activities: 10.8 min, 410.5 W, 57.8% of ethanol, and 5 g L−1 solid–liquid ratio.
Materials and design of nanostructured broadband light absorbers for advanced light-to-heat conversion
Authors: Kim Jong Uk , Lee Sori , Kang Seung Ji , Kim Tae-il
Published: November 2018

Recent progress in light-to-heat conversion materials and their structural design for light-driven applications are reviewed.
Reliable and quantitative SERS detection of dopamine levels in human blood plasma using a plasmonic Au/Ag nanocluster substrate
Authors: Phung Viet-Duc , Jung Won-Sik , Nguyen Thuy-An , Kim Jong-Hoon , Lee Sang-Wha
Published: November 2018

Accurate and rapid blood-based detection of dopamine levels can aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases related to dopaminergic dysfunction.
Long-distance transmission of broadband near-infrared light guided by a semi-disordered 2D array of metal nanoparticles
Authors: Kim Hyounguk , Jung Kinam , Yeo Seon Ju , Chang Wonseok , Kim Jeong Je , Lee Kwanil , Kim Young Dong , Han Il Ki , Kwon S. Joon
Published: November 2018

Plasmonic metal nanoparticles with controlled disorder can serve as an efficient planar waveguide for delivering NIR signals over 100 μm.
Atom-economical, room-temperature, and high-efficiency synthesis of polyamides via a three-component polymerization involving benzoxazines, odorless isocyanides, and water
Authors: Zhang Jie , Shi Wei , Liu Qiao , Chen Tinglu , Zhou Xinyu , Yang Chang , Zhang Kesong , Xie Zhengfeng
Published: November 2018

High-efficiency three-component polymerization involving benzoxazines, odorless isocyanides, and water to synthesize polyamide derivatives at room temperature was reported here.
Preparation and characterization of a multistimuli-responsive photoluminescent monomer and its corresponding polymer
Authors: Li Qiangjun , Yuan Yongjie , He Lifang , Liu Shenglan , Zhang Hailiang
Published: November 2018

A novel multistimuli-responsive photo-luminescent monomer and its corresponding polymer were prepared.
An AC electrothermal self-circulating system with a minimalist process to construct a biomimetic liver lobule model for drug testing
Authors: Mi Shengli , Li Baihan , Yi Xiaoman , Xu Yuanyuan , Du Zhichang , Yang Shuaitao , Li Wei , Sun Wei
Published: November 2018

Liver-on-chip, due to its precision and low cost for constructingin vitromodels, has tremendous potential for drug toxicity testing and pathological studies.
Synthesis of six-membered spirooxindolesviaa chiral Brønsted acid-catalyzed asymmetric intramolecular Friedel–Crafts reaction
Authors: Chen Hui-Xuan , Zhang Yaqi , Zhang Yuyang , He Xuefeng , Zhang Zhen-Wei , Liang Hao , He Wenhuan , Jiang Xiaoding , Chen Xiangmeng , Qiu Liqin
Published: November 2018

A chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed asymmetric intramolecular Friedel–Crafts reaction for the synthesis of 3′,4′-dihydro-2′H-spiro[indoline-3,1′-pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazin]-2-ones.
Nano-imprinting of refractive-index-matched indium tin oxide sol–gel in light-emitting diodes for eliminating total internal reflection
Authors: Kim Sungjoo , Yoo Chul Jong , Park Jae Yong , Baek Sangwon , Cho Won Seok , Lee Jong-Lam
Published: November 2018

Refractive-index (RI)-matched nanostructures are implemented in GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for enhancing light output efficiency.
Structural characteristics, analytical techniques and interactions with organic contaminants of dissolved organic matter derived from crop straw: a critical review
Authors: Wang Bin , Liu Chang , Chen Yuwei , Dong Faqin , Chen Shu , Zhang Di , Zhu Jingping
Published: November 2018

Analytical techniques for structural characteristics of dissolved organic matter derived from crop straw (CDOM), and the effect of CDOM on the fate and transport of organic contaminants (OCs).
Molecular dynamics derived life times of active substrate binding poses explainKMof laccase mutants
Authors: Mehra Rukmankesh , Meyer Anne S. , Kepp Kasper P.
Published: November 2018

Molecular dynamics derived life times of reactive poses and MMGBSA substrate affinities explain trends in experimentalKMfor laccases.
Study on the blockage mechanism of carbon dioxide hydrate slurry and its microscopic particle characteristics
Authors: Lv Xiaofang , Li Wenqing , Shi Bohui , Zhou Shidong
Published: November 2018

In order to better understand the process of carbon dioxide hydrate formation and blockage, a series of experiments were performed in a high pressure hydrate experimental loop which has been constructed.
One step synthesis of high-efficiency AgBr–Br–g-C3N4composite catalysts for photocatalytic H2O2productionviatwo channel pathway
Authors: Wang Yunke , Hu Shaozheng , Li Qiang , Gu Guizhou , Zhao Yanfeng , Liang Hongyu , Li Wei
Published: November 2018

In this work, a two-component modified AgBr–Br–g-C3N4composite catalyst with outstanding photocatalytic H2O2production ability is synthesized.
A nitroalkane-based approach to one-pot three-component synthesis of isocryptolepine and its analogs with potent anti-cancer activities
Authors: Aksenov Nicolai A. , Aksenov Alexander V. , Kornienko Alexander , De Carvalho Annelise , Mathieu Véronique , Aksenov Dmitrii A. , Ovcharov Sergei N. , Griaznov Georgii D. , Rubin Michael
Published: November 2018

An improved one-pot three-component synthesis involving electrophilically activated nitroalkanes allowed for efficient preparation of indoloquinolines with potent anticancer activities.
Selective utilization of methoxy groups in lignin for N-methylation reaction of anilines
Authors: Mei Qingqing , Shen Xiaojun , Liu Huizhen , Liu Hangyu , Xiang Junfeng , Han Buxing
Published: November 2018

Methoxy groups in lignin were selectively valorised as a methyl source for the N-methylation reaction of amines.
Do water's electrons care about electrolytes?
Authors: Pohl Marvin N. , Muchová Eva , Seidel Robert , Ali Hebatallah , Sršeň Štěpán , Wilkinson Iain , Winter Bernd , Slavíček Petr
Published: November 2018

Ions have a profound effect on the geometrical structure of liquid water and an aqueous environment is known to change the electronic structure of ions.
Syntheses of defined sulfated oligohyaluronans reveal structural effects, diversity and thermodynamics of GAG–protein binding
Authors: Köhling Sebastian , Blaszkiewicz Joanna , Ruiz-Gómez Gloria , Fernández-Bachiller María Isabel , Lemmnitzer Katharina , Panitz Nydia , Beck-Sickinger Annette G. , Schiller Jürgen , Pisabarro M. Teresa , Rademann Jörg
Published: November 2018

High binding affinities of GAG toward extracellular regulatory proteins are governed by recognition diversity, sulfation pattern, length, and anomeric functionalization.
Embryonic brass: pseudo two electron Cu/Zn clusters
Authors: Banh Hung , Hornung Julius , Kratz Thilo , Gemel Christian , Pöthig Alexander , Gam Franck , Kahlal Samia , Saillard Jean-Yves , Fischer Roland A.
Published: November 2018

The isoelectronic M7 clusters [Cu3Zn4](Cp*)5 and {[Cu2Zn5](Cp*)5}+ were isolated as unique species pushing the boundaries of the Wade–Mingos rules.
Porous NiCoP in situ grown on Ni foam using molten-salt electrodeposition for asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Huang Zhihan , Li Xiaoqin , Xiang Xinxin , Gao Taotao , Zhang Yajie , Xiao Dan
Published: November 2018

The molten-salt electrodeposition method is applied for the construction of porous NiCoP for the first time.
Stabilization of all-solid-state Li–S batteries with a polymer–ceramic sandwich electrolyte by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Liang Jianneng , Sun Qian , Zhao Yang , Sun Yipeng , Wang Changhong , Li Weihan , Li Minsi , Wang Dawei , Li Xia , Liu Yulong , Adair Keegan , Li Ruying , Zhang Li , Yang Rong , Lu Shigang , Huang Huan , Sun Xueliang
Published: November 2018

After progressive charge/discharge, LATP without an ALD coating was dramatically reduced while the ALD protected LATP showed significantly enhanced stability.
Continuous and scalable fabrication of stable and biocompatible MOF@SiO2 nanoparticles for drug loading
Authors: Hu Gaofei , Yang Lili , Li Yina , Wang Leyu
Published: November 2018

A novel thermal-assisted microfluidic system was developed for the continuous and scalable production of drug@MOFs@SiO2 nanoparticles for in vivo anti-tumor therapy.
Why are S–F and S–O non-covalent interactions stabilising?
Authors: Thorley Karl J. , McCulloch Iain
Published: November 2018

Dipole alignment of substituents greatly affects the torsional potential between neighbouring rings in conjugated organic materials.
Luminescence tuning and single-phase white light emitters based on rare earth ions doped into a bismuth coordination network
Authors: Cunha C. S. , Köppen M. , Terraschke H. , Friedrichs G. , Malta O. L. , Stock N. , Brito H. F.
Published: November 2018

Luminescence-tuneable multicolour of coordination network materials by changing the doping concentration of the RE3+double-doped [Bi(HPyr)] anhydrous matrix.
How do polymer molecular weights influence the luminescence properties of metal-containing polymers? A case study of platinum(ii) complex end-functionalized polymers
Authors: He Qun , Wang Chen , Xiao Jie , Wang Yongyue , Zhou Yufeng , Zheng Nan , Zhang Bin , Bu Weifeng
Published: November 2018

Poly (ethylene glycol)s (PEGs) terminated with platinum(ii) complexes show dramatically blue-shifted emission bands and sharply increased luminescence quantum yields with increasing molecular weights of PEGs.
Enhanced open circuit voltage of small molecule acceptors containing angular-shaped indacenodithiophene units for P3HT-based organic solar cells
Authors: Huang Hongyan , Xiao Bo , Huang Chengting , Zhang Jing , Liu Shuli , Fu Nina , Zhao Baomin , Qin Tianshi , Zhou Erjun , Huang Wei
Published: November 2018

The effects of the geometric shape of l-IDT and a-IDT subunits on the thermal, optical, electrochemical and film-forming properties, the charge mobility and the photovoltaic performance of the resulting acceptors were investigated.
Highly flexible biodegradable cellulose nanofiber/graphene heat-spreader films with improved mechanical properties and enhanced thermal conductivity
Authors: Chen Yapeng , Hou Xiao , Kang Ruiyang , Liang Yun , Guo Liangchao , Dai Wen , Nishimura Kazuhito , Lin Cheng-Te , Jiang Nan , Yu Jinhong
Published: November 2018

A highly flexible cellulose nanofiber/graphene composite film with metal-like thermal conductivity and outstanding strength was fabricated via simple vacuum-assisted filtration.
Human Voice as a Measure of Mental Load Level
Authors: Boyer Stanislas , Paubel Pierre-Vincent , Ruiz Robert , El Yagoubi Radouane , Daurat Agnès
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine a reliable and efficient set of acoustic parameters of the human voice able to estimate individuals' mental load level. Implementing detection methods and real-time analysis of mental load is a major challenge for monitoring and enhancing human task performance, especially during high-risk activities (e.g., flying aircraft).

Method

The voices of 32 participants were recorded during a cognitive task featuring word list recall. The difficulty of the task was manipulated by varying the number of words in each list (i.e., between 1 and 7, corresponding to 7 mental load conditions). Evoked pupillary response, known to be a useful proxy of mental load, was recorded simultaneously with speech to attest variations in mental load level during the experimental task.

Results

Classic features (fundamental frequency, its standard deviation, number of periods) and original features (frequency modulation and short-term variation in digital amplitude length) of the acoustic signals were predictive of memory load condition. They varied significantly according to the number of words to recall, specifically beyond a threshold of 3–5 words to recall, that is, when memory performance started to decline.

Conclusions

Some acoustic parameters of the human voice could be an appropriate and efficient means for detecting mental load levels.
Precise frequency division algorithm for residual aperture‐variant motion compensation in synthetic aperture radar
Authors: Lu Qianrong , Huang Penghui , Gao Yesheng , Liu Xingzhao
Published: November 2018

The effects of complicated motion error on synthetic aperture radar have been analysed. A precise frequency‐division is proposed based on the precise angle‐frequency relation. The proposed method completely compensates the residual aperture‐variant motion and can be integrated into the traditional image formation algorithms directly. Both the simulated data and real airborne data have been applied to validate this method.
Identification of power quality events: selection of optimum base wavelet and machine learning algorithm
Authors: Hafiz Faizal , Swain Akshya , Naik Chirag , Abecrombie Scott , Eaton Andrew
Published: November 2018

This study comprehensively investigates power quality (PQ) identification problem and proposes the optimum combination of base wavelet and machine learning algorithm (MLA) which would yield the highest classification accuracy. Although this problem has been studied by various researchers in the recent past, the selection of appropriate base wavelet and MLA, which would give better classification accuracy, have received comparatively less attention. This study bridges this gap by investigating the classification performance of 110 wavelets and 7 well‐known MLAs across various noise levels using over 3500 PQ events generated as per IEEE Standard 1159. The results of this investigation demonstrate that the choice of base wavelet does significantly affect the classification performance. Further, it was observed that a single base wavelet does not provide optimum performance across all MLAs at various noise levels. In contrast, each MLA gives the maximum accuracy with a distinct base wavelet. The robustness of MLA against noise is studied which establishes that the simple MLAs, such as decision tree and Naive‐Bayes, are more robust against noise compared to the other intricate MLAs. Finally, several recommendations are drawn for the selection of base wavelet and MLA which yields the best possible accuracy.
A Complex Cross Link between the Tendons of Flexor Hallucis Longus and Flexor Digitorum Longus
Authors: Sirasanagandla Srinivasa , Taranikanti Varna , Jetti Raghu
Published: November 2018

Anatomical variations involving the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) and flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendons are clinically important because of their significant role in reconstructive surgeries of tibialis posterior tendon insufficiencies and Achilles tendinopathies. Harvesting of grafts from these complex variations of FDL and FHL are surgically challenging. In the present case, we report a complex structural cross link between the FDL and FHL associated with morphological variations of the first lumbrical and flexor digitorum accessorius (FDA) attachments. A connecting slip from FHL was found to be inserted into the FDL tendon of the second toe. The FDA was inserted into the fibular side of the connecting slip of the FHL as well as into the FDL tendons of the third and fourth toes. The first lumbrical took origin from the tibial side of FHL connecting slip and from the tibial side of FDL tendon for second toe.
Minimally Invasive Surgery in Mitral Valve Endocarditis
Authors: Fleißner Felix , Salman Jawad , Naqizadah Jamshid , Avsar Murat , Meier Julia , Warnecke Gregor , Kühn Christian , Cebotari Serghei , Ziesing Stefan , Haverich Axel , Tudorache Igor
Published: November 2018

Background To minimize the surgical damage, minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) has become the therapy of choice. However, this approach is technically more challenging, especially in endocarditis. The data on MIMVS in endocarditis are scarce, we therefore retrospectively analyzed the result at our institute.

Methods From January 2011 and July 2017, 420 MIMVS were performed, out of which 44 (10%) were for endocarditis. Mean age was 55 ± 17 years and 41% (n = 18) were male.

Results Euroscore II was 7.3 (range: 2–38). Operation times, cardiopulmonary bypass times, and clamp times were 230 (±77), 158 (±56), and 84 (±39) minutes, respectively. Seven cases (16%) were cardiac redo operations. Mitral valve repair and replacement was performed in 46 (n = 20) and 54% (n = 24) of patients, respectively. Overall in-hospital mortality, apoplexy, and reoperation rates (all for bleeding) were 7 (n = 3), 0 (n = 0), and 11% (n = 5), respectively. New onset of dialysis was required in three patients (7%). No patient developed superficial wound infection. Overall intensive care unit and hospital stay was 3 (±3) and 24 (±32) days, respectively.

Conclusion MIMVS can be performed with acceptable outcome and low perioperative morbidity in patients with mitral valve endocarditis. Especially absence of any postoperative wound infections and low rate of endocarditis recurrence; use of MIMVS must be encouraged as an eligible approach in most cases.
Perinatal Protein Undernutrition and Cardiovascular System: A Systematic Review
Authors: Xavier José , Antonio Erivaldo , Oliveira Lisiane , de Souza Sandra , de Medeiros Juliana , Lima Lavínia , de Carvalho Fraga Carlos , da Silva Miguel Rafael
Published: November 2018

The present study is a systematic review of the literature that aimed to characterize the profile in animal models used to study perinatal protein malnutrition correlating with the cardiovascular system and the implications of malnutrition to the heart. Therefore, an extensive search was conducted in the PubMed, BVS, and SciELO databases, using combinations of the descriptors protein malnutrition, pregnancy, heart, lactation, and cardiovascular system. A total of 247 articles were found, but after excluding duplicities and applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, only 12 papers remained. The analysis of the results shows that the diet used in the studies has a protein content of between 17 and 22% for the control animals, and of between 0 and 9% for the animals submitted to perinatal protein malnutrition. The main morphofunctional changes observed in the cardiovascular system are related to high blood pressure, increased apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, and reduction in the absolute size of the heart, among other ultrastructural and molecular changes.
Suspensionplasty using Anchors and Non-Absorbable Sutures for Rhizarthrosis
Authors: Ribak Samuel , de Carvalho Giovanna , de Oliveira Ricardo
Published: November 2018

Objective To analyze the clinical and radiographic results of patients with rhizarthrosis who underwent surgical treatment for resection of the trapezium bone using a fixation system with anchors and a non-absorbable suture.

Methods Fifteen patients with a mean age of 60.26 years old were studied. Fourteen patients had type III rhizarthrosis and 1 had type II rhizarthrosis, according to the Eaton-Littler classification. Data on the professional activity, affected side, and hand dominance were collected and evaluated for the presence of pain, degree of joint movement of the radial abduction of the thumb, opposition, and palmar grip strength. The upper limb function was assessed using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. The patients were subjected to pre and postoperative radiographic examinations, by which the scaphoid-first metacarpal height was measured using the oblique view of the hand. Suspensionplasty by fixation was then performed using a system of two 2.0 mm threaded bone anchors and a 2.0 mm Ethibond (Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, NJ, USA) suture wire. Finally, the trapezium bone was resected.

Results The mean follow-up duration was 21.50 ± 5.02 months. The patients showed a mean score of 1.6 in the final evaluation using the visual analog scale. The degree of joint movement of the abduction of the thumb was on average 61.67° postoperatively and 59.73° preoperatively. There was an improvement in thumb opposition and a significant improvement in the upper limb function, as assessed using the Quick DASH method. The scaphoid-first metacarpal height had a proximal migration of ∼ 50% in the postoperative radiographs. The mean time to return to daily living activities was 20.7 days, 24.7 days to practical life activities, and 101.3 days to work activities. There was no correlation between the level of professional activity and the incidence of the disease.

Conclusions Trapeziectomy and suspensionplasty, using an anchorage system and a non-absorbable suture, shows a significant improvement in pain, opposition, and function of the affected upper limb, and is efficient for the surgical treatment of rhizarthrosis. It allows for a rapid return to daily living activities with a low risk for complications.
Understanding if, How, and Why Women with Prior Spontaneous Preterm Births are Treated with Progestogens: A National Survey of Obstetrician Practice Patterns
Authors: Gallagher Jack , Gudeman Jennifer , Heap Kylee , Vink Joy , Carroll Susan
Published: November 2018

Objective In 2017, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) Guideline Committee reaffirmed that 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) to prevent preterm birth (PTB) is underutilized. We sought to determine what drove progestogen treatment choice of obstetricians managing pregnant women with histories of 1+ singleton spontaneous PTBs (< 37 weeks) who then delivered singleton gestations within the previous 12 months.

Subjects We recruited a nationally representative random sample of obstetricians to abstract medical records of study-qualified patients. Of the 423 study-qualified physicians contacted, 358 (85%) participated; 56 (16%) maternal fetal medicine specialists and 302 (84%) general obstetrician/gynecologists (OB/GYNs) extracted data from 991 eligible patient charts.

Results Almost three-fourths of patients (73.6%) were treated with 17-OHPC; 18.6% received vaginal progesterone, and 11.8% were not treated. Key drivers of physicians' choice to (1) prescribe branded 17-OHPC were “FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval” (52% relative influence [RI]) and “SMFM guidelines” (24% RI); (2) prescribe vaginal progesterone were “ease of administration” (32% RI) and “shortened cervix” (16% RI); and (3) not provide prophylaxis were “patient not informed of risk” (35% RI) and “no shortened cervix” (29% RI).

Conclusion Study findings support SMFM's contention of continued 17-OHPC underutilization to prevent PTB. Need for additional physician education merits assessment along with appropriate follow-up actions.
Bilayer MoS2 quantum dots with tunable magnetism and spin
Authors: Yang Hongping , Ouyang Wengen , Yan Xingxu , Li Zuocheng , Yu Rong , Yuan Wenjuan , Luo Jun , Zhu Jing
Published: November 2018

Defects can alter the electronic, magnetic and spintronic properties of single- and few-layer MoS2 which are two-dimensional semiconductors with nonzero bandgaps. Here we discover by first-principles calculations with density functional theory that stacking faults with different rotational angles in bilayer MoS2 quantum dots modulate quantitatively the magnetism of the dots and the distributions of the spins and energy levels in their electronic structures. Our results suggest an avenue to design and tailor MoS2 quantum dots for electronics, optoelectronics, magnetics and spintronics.
Impedance spectroscopy of Bi-rich BiFeO3: Twin thermal-activations
Authors: Das Sadhan Chandra , Katiyal Sumant , Shripathi T.
Published: November 2018

Transport measurements data are presented on bismuth-rich BiFeO3 ceramic, synthesized by a solid state method. Conductivity isotherms were analyzed using Jonscher’s empirical power-law frequency dependence. Monotonically increasing frequency-exponent n(T) over 413–593 K indicates a small polaron tunnelling mechanism for the charge transport. Distinct linear regimes observed in the Arrhenius σdc vs. T−1 plot suggest that two different charge-carriers/conductivity-relaxations prevail above and below ∼490 K. Twin Arrhenius regimes of ac-conductivity also exhibit a sharp “transition” at 510 K, from the pinned-dipole/hopping-anion dynamics to the free-dipole/oscillating-ions response at higher temperatures. Furthermore, a concurrent behavior-change of the locus traced out by the charge-hopping frequency ωh [with σ(ωh) = 2σdc] also designates 510 K as delineating two different transport characteristics in the adjacent temperature regimes.
Symmetry in electron and ion dispersion in 1D Vlasov-Poisson plasma
Authors: Trivedi Pallavi , Ganesh Rajaraman
Published: November 2018

Using a Vlasov-Poisson model which treats both electrons and ions on the same physics footing or symmetrically in terms of kinetics, we demonstrate perhaps for the first time that the hitherto separate normal mode branches of electrons (or “Thumb curve”) and ions (or the “Teardrop curve”) are “continuously” connected branches of a general symmetric dispersion. Our findings are obtained using a dispersion relation analysis and verified using a driven nonlinear Vlasov Poisson solver. A simple explanation is suggested in terms of the real part of the plasma dispersion function obtained for arbitrary ratios of ion to electron masses and temperatures. It is demonstrated that the “Thumb” and “Teardrop” curves are recovered from the general symmetric dispersion at appropriate limits.
The aromatic universe
Authors: Candian Alessandra , Zhen Junfeng , Tielens Alexander G. G. M.
Published: November 2018

The rich molecular structures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons—essentially planar flakes of fused benzene rings—and their fullerene cousins are revealed through their vibrational and electronic spectra.
Discovery of a recovering climax Acropora community in Kanton Lagoon in the remote Phoenix Islands Protected Area
Authors: Mangubhai Sangeeta , Nand Yashika , Rotjan Randi
Published: November 2018

A thermal stress that started in 2002 and peaked at 21 degree heating weeks resulted in near-100% mortality of corals in Kanton Lagoon. An expedition in 2015 documented a 52.8% recovery of hard corals in the lagoon. Despite temperatures reaching as high as 30.5°C there was almost no bleaching of Acropora stands within the lagoon, suggesting that recovering species are more resistant to thermal stress.
Spatial variation in soil organic carbon and nitrogen at two field sites under crop and pasture rotations in southern New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Conyers Mark , Orchard Beverley , Orgill Susan , Oates Albert , Poile Graeme , Hayes Richard , Hawkins Peter , Xu Binbin , Jia Yan , van der Rijt Vince , Li Guangdi
Published: November 2018

Estimating the likely variance in soil organic carbon (OC) at the scale of farm fields or smaller monitoring areas is necessary for developing sampling protocols that allow temporal change to be detected. Given the relatively low anticipated soil OC sequestration rates (<0.5 Mg/ha.0.30 m/year) for dryland agriculture it is important that sampling strategies are designed to reduce any cumulative errors associated with measuring soil OC. The first purpose of this study was to evaluate the spatial variation in soil OC and nitrogen (N), in soil layers to 1.50 m depth at two monitoring sites (Wagga Wagga and Yerong Creek, 0.5 ha each) in southern New South Wales, Australia, where crop and pasture rotations are practiced. Four variogram models were tested (linear, spherical, Gaussian and exponential); however, no single model dominated across sites or depths for OC or N. At both sites, the range was smallest in surface soil, and on a scale suggesting that sowing rows (stubble) may dominate the pattern of spatial dependence, whereas the longer ranges appeared to be associated with horizon boundaries. The second purpose of the study was to obtain an estimate of the population mean with 1%, 5% and 10% levels of precision using the calculated variance. The number of soil cores required for a 1% precision in estimation of the mean soil OC or N was impractical at most depths (>500 per ha). About 30 soil cores per composite sample to 1.50 m depth, each core being at least 10 m apart, would ensure at least an average of 10% precision in the estimation of the mean soil OC at these two sites, which represent the agriculture of the region.
Sensitive economic personae and functional human beings
Authors: Dewandre* Nicole , Gulyás Orsolya
Published: November 2018

This study is aimed at unveiling the implicit assumptions underlying the language of EU policy-making, drawing on Hannah Arendt’s critique of modernity. It conducts a critical metaphor analysis of strategic EU policy documents from 1985 to 2014 to reveal the extent to which EU policy-making, by relentlessly focusing on the ‘competitiveness, growth, and jobs’ narrative, relies on modern conceptual frameworks. These are characterized by the prominence of rationality and causality, at the expense of sense of purpose, reality and meaning, which is revealed through the validation of four metaphorical keys. These are (i) sensitive inversion, i.e. economic agents are sensitive and humans are functional; (ii) size matters, i.e. big is better than small and one is better than many; (iii) deficit framing, i.e. potential is locked and present is broken/future is bright; and (iv) speed is of the essence, i.e. the world moves fast and we must hurry up.
Mechanical adhesion of SiO2 thin films onto polymeric substrates
Authors: Ho C. , Alexis J. , Dalverny O. , Balcaen Y. , Dehoux A. , Châtel S. , Faure B.
Published: November 2018

Quantification of adhesion between a 200 nm silicon dioxide layer and a 4.5 μm thick polymeric coating was performed by analysing the SiO2 buckle morphologies generated under compressive stress. Impacts of mechanical properties of SiO2 layers, as well as a surface pretreatment on adhesion, are shown. Interfacial toughness of both configurations are assessed using the Hutchinson and Suo model, which involves buckle dimensions determined in situ by an optical profilometer, and elastic modulus Ef, of the SiO2 thin films, characterised by nanoindentation. The surface pretreatment led to initiation of buckling at a higher strain. The same trend is observed for a layer with a lower stiffness and residual stress.
Central charges of T-dual branes for toric varieties
Authors: Fang Bohan
Published: November 2018

Given any equivariant coherent sheaf

L

\mathcal {L}

on a compact semi-positive toric orbifold

X

\mathcal {X}

, its SYZ T-dual mirror dual is a Lagrangian brane in the Landau-Ginzburg mirror. We prove that the oscillatory integral of the equivariant superpotential in the Landau Ginzburg mirror over this Lagrangian brane is the genus-zero

1
1

-descendant Gromov-Witten potential with a Gamma-type class of

L

\mathcal {L}

inserted.
The Relationships Between Physical Performance, Activity Levels, and Falls in Older Men
Authors: Orwoll Eric S , Fino Nora F , Gill Thomas M , Cauley Jane A , Strotmeyer Elsa S , Ensrud Kristine E , Kado Deborah M , Barrett-Connor Elizabeth , Bauer Douglas C , Cawthon Peggy M , Lapidus Jodi ,   Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study Research Group
Published: November 2018

Background

Physical performance and activity have both been linked to fall risk, but the way they are jointly associated with falls is unclear. We investigated how these two factors are related to incident falls in older men.

Methods

In 2,741 men (78.8 ± 5 years), we evaluated the associations between activity and physical performance and how they jointly contributed to incident falls. Activity was assessed by accelerometry. Physical performance was measured by gait speed, dynamic balance (narrow walk), chair stand time, grip strength, and leg power. Falls were ascertained by tri-annual questionnaires.

Results

Men were grouped into four categories based on activity and performance levels. The greatest number of falls (36%–43%) and the highest fall rate (4.7–5.4/y among those who fell) (depending on the performance test) occurred in men with low activity/low performance, but most falls (57%–64%) and relatively high fall rates (3.0–4.35/y) occurred in the other groups (low activity/high performance, high activity/high performance and high activity/low performance; 70% of men were in these groups). There were interactions between activity, performance (gait speed, narrow walk), and incident falls (p = .001–.02); predicted falls per year were highest in men with low activity/low performance, but there was also a peak of predicted falls in those with high activity.

Conclusions

In community-dwelling older men, many falls occur in those with the lowest activity/worst physical performance but fall risk is also substantial with better activity and performance. Activity/physical performance assessments may improve identification of older men at risk of falls, and allow individualized approaches to prevention.
Changes in Physical Functioning as Short-Term Predictors of Mortality
Authors: Andrasfay Theresa
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Both performance-based and self-reported measures of physical functioning are predictors of mortality. There has been relatively little research examining whether their changes predict mortality. This study examines whether 5-year changes in performance-based and self-reported measures of functioning predict subsequent mortality.

Method

Data are from the 2006 wave of the Social Environment and Biomarkers of Aging Study, 2011 wave of the Taiwan Longitudinal Study of Aging, and mortality follow-up through 2015. Gompertz proportional hazard models predict mortality from changes in ability to complete performance-based tests and changes in performance-based and self-reported functioning.

Results

Incident inability to complete at least one performance-based test of functioning is associated with twice the risk of subsequent 4-year mortality. Conditional on the baseline measurement, a one standard deviation (SD) decline in grip strength is associated with a 61% increased risk of 4-year mortality; a one-SD decline in walking speed and a one-SD increase in self-reported limitations are both associated with around a 40% increased risk of 4-year mortality. Conditional on the most recent measurement of functioning, prior change is not significantly associated with subsequent mortality.

Discussion

Repeated measures of performance-based and self-reported functioning are valuable in that they provide an updated measurement of functioning.
Image Transfer and Visual Friction: Staging Palestine in the National Socialist Spectacle
Authors: Grossmann Rebekka
Published: November 2018

This article highlights modes of image transfer between photographers in Palestine and photo agencies and editors in 1930s Europe. It argues that Jewish photographers—who had shaped the central European photographic and photojournalistic scene before 1933, and were now excluded from it—continued to influence the international news and press market through their works. Palestine, a place to which several of these journalists fled, had been known in the European spectacle as the timeless ‘Holy Land’; now, through political upheavals, it entered the news. The photographic documents of the clashes between Arabs, Jews, and British troops during the 1930s and taken by German-Jewish photographers in exile became valuable commodities internationally and entered a plethora of national markets, including that of National Socialist Germany. Many of the photographers who had been banned from the German photojournalistic scene in fact remained part of the visual discourse negotiated in German illustrated newspapers. The experience of exile of the photographers and photo agents involved in the international image transfer of photographs from Palestine can be seen as a catalyst for the contingencies in international photo trade, the loss of control of news photographs, and ultimately the crossing of the aesthetic and artistic borders of National Socialist Germany, which were believed to be closed to outside influences. The various views and the ways in which they were used trigger questions about the nature of the photographic gaze and the possibility or impossibility of distorting visual content via textual frameworks in photo essays and newspaper articles.
Sex-Dependent Effects of 2,2′,3,5′,6-Pentachlorobiphenyl on Dendritic Arborization of Primary Mouse Neurons
Authors: Keil Kimberly P , Sethi Sunjay , Lein Pamela J
Published: November 2018

Early life exposures to environmental contaminants are implicated in the pathogenesis of many neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). These disorders often display sex biases, but whether environmental neurotoxicants act in a sex-dependent manner to modify neurodevelopment is largely unknown. Since altered dendritic morphology is associated with many NDDs, we tested the hypothesis that male and female primary mouse neurons are differentially susceptible to the dendrite-promoting activity of 2,2′,3,5′,6-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 95). Hippocampal and cortical neuron-glia co-cultures were exposed to vehicle (0.1% dimethylsulfoxide) or PCB 95 (100 fM–1 μM) from day in vitro 7–9. As determined by Sholl analysis, PCB 95-enhanced dendritic growth in female but not male hippocampal and cortical neurons. In contrast, both male and female neurons responded to bicuculline with increased dendritic complexity. Detailed morphometric analyses confirmed that PCB 95 effects on the number and length of primary and nonprimary dendrites varied depending on sex, brain region and PCB concentration, and that female neurons responded more consistently with increased dendritic growth and at lower concentrations of PCB 95 than their male counterparts. Exposure to PCB 95 did not alter cell viability or the ratio of neurons to glia in cultures of either sex. These results demonstrate that cultured female mouse hippocampal and cortical neurons are more sensitive than male neurons to the dendrite-promoting activity of PCB 95, and suggest that mechanisms underlying PCB 95-induced dendritic growth are sex-dependent. These data highlight the importance of sex in neuronal responses to environmental neurotoxicants.
Seeing From the Eyes of the Beholder: A Pilot Program for Learning Through Reflection in Graduate Nursing Education
Authors: Marrocco Geraldine F. , Ginzburg Ekaterina , Feder Shelli L.
Published: November 2018

A key element in the comprehensive physical exam is the patient interview in which the nurse practitioner (NP) elicits information from the patient to help guide in the discovery of a health issue. Technologies that allow the NP student to view patient interviews from the patient’s perspective may enhance interviewing techniques and promote therapeutic interview behaviors. We report the results of a pilot program for NP students enrolled in an advanced health assessment course. Student volunteers conducted interviews with patient actors. Actors wore Google Glass®, an optical head-mounted device with video-recording capabilities.
Effects of imidazoline I2 receptor agonists on reserpine-induced hyperalgesia and depressive-like behavior in rats
Authors: Siemian Justin N. , Shang Li , Seaman Robert W. , Zhu Qing , Zhang Yanan , Li Jun-Xu
Published: November 2018

Pharmacotherapies for fibromyalgia treatment are lacking. This study examined the antinociceptive and antidepressant-like effects of imidazoline I2 receptor (I2R) agonists in a reserpine-induced model of fibromyalgia in rats. Rats were treated for 3 days with vehicle or reserpine. The von Frey filament test was used to assess the antinociceptive effects of I2 receptor agonists, and the forced swim test was used to assess the antidepressant-like effects of these drugs. 2-BFI (3.2–10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), phenyzoline (17.8–56 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), and CR4056 (3.2–10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) all dose-dependently produced significant antinociceptive effects, which were attenuated by the I2R antagonist idazoxan. Only CR4056 significantly reduced the immobility time in the forced swim test in both vehicle-treated and reserpine-treated rats. These data suggest that I2R agonists may be useful to treat fibromyalgia-related pain and comorbid depression.
The Evolution of Patellofemoral Instability Surgery During the Past 25 Years
Authors: Best Matthew J. , Cosgarea Andrew J.
Published: November 2018

Surgical treatment of patellofemoral instability has evolved during the past 25 years as we developed a better appreciation of anatomy and a more sophisticated understanding of pathophysiology. Currently, most patellofemoral surgeons use soft tissue procedures like medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction to treat medial soft tissue insufficiency and tibial tuberosity or femoral osteotomy to correct substantial bony malalignment. Advances in imaging technology and computational analysis have allowed for more precise preoperative planning and outcome modeling so that the optimum operation using ≥1 of these procedures can be designed to meet the unique needs of an individual patient.
Hip Arthroscopy - State of the Art in 2018
Authors: Nathani Amit , Safran Marc R.
Published: November 2018

The field of hip arthroscopy has undergone considerable change in the past 25 years and continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Lessons from the early complications and challenges of hip arthroscopy have led to improved safety and refinement of instrumentation and techniques. The pathophysiology of hip injuries is better understood, and advances in surgical technique have helped expand indications, particularly as a shift from pathology resection to anatomic repair and reconstructive procedures has occurred. As the field has progressed, longitudinal outcome studies are now available to help judge efficacy. The purpose of this review is to highlight the past 30 years of hip arthroscopy, the current practice trends, and future directions of the field.
Ketamine Use for Complex Pain in the Palliative Care Population
Authors: Johnstone-Petty Marianne
Published: November 2018

Palliative care patients are predisposed to complex pain, including refractory pain, neuropathic pain, opioid-induced hyperalgesia, and opioid-induced neurotoxicity. Palliative care complex pain management can include use of subanesthetic parenteral ketamine. Support for subanesthetic ketamine exists from anecdotal experiences and nonrandomized studies, but there is a lack of statistically significant evidence to support or dismiss its use. Ketamine is sought for illegal, nonmedical purposes, so the lack of evidence coupled with potential for exploitation makes judicious and knowledgeable use critical. Palliative care nurse practitioners, as experts in symptom management, should evaluate and consider all potentially beneficial treatment strategies for complex pain, including novel strategies such as subanesthetic ketamine treatment. Several databases and clinical guideline repositories, along with inspection of germane articles' reference lists, were utilized to collect original research, retrospective studies, literature reviews, and case reports pertinent to the management of palliative care complex pain with parenteral ketamine. In conclusion, the evidence-based clinical decision-making process is engaged to outline a method to weigh the risks versus benefits of subanesthetic ketamine for this population of patients.
The Journey to Accreditation of a Nurse Residency Program
Authors: Nash Denise Duffy , Flowers Monica , Chatzipoulios Jamie Ann K. , Cadavid Marlly , Perez Mycell I. , Galindo-Ciocon Daisy , Moreno Martha Liliana
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this article is to describe the process from inception to accreditation of a post-baccalaureate nurse residency program between a VA Healthcare center and a university school of nursing so that other nurse educators can benefit from its development. Establishing a nurse residency program bridges the gap between education and practice and provides support to graduate nurses entering the workforce.