bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vesicovaginal fistulas in the developed world: An analysis of disease characteristics, treatments, and complications of surgical repair using the ACS‐NSQIP database
Authors: Theofanides Marissa C. , Sui Wilson , Sebesta Elisabeth M. , Onyeji Ifeanyi , Matulay Justin T. , Chung Doreen E.
Published: October 2016

Aims

To analyze patient characteristics, complications, and surgical trends in vesicovaginal fistulas (VVF) from a national database.

Methods

Current Procedural Terminology was used to identify patients undergoing VVF repair from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) database. Characteristics and treatments were identified. Logistic regression was used to identify characteristics associated with complications.

Results

From 2006 to 2013, 200 patients underwent VVF repair. Mean age was 50.3 ± 12.3 years. A large proportion of patients were overweight (72%) and recent smokers (30%). Predominant comorbidities were heart disease (29%) and type 2 diabetes (9.5%). Of all VVF repairs, 65% were repaired vaginally. Concomitant procedures included hysterectomy (n = 6), reconstructive flaps (n = 13), and slings (n = 2). Post‐operative complications occurred in 15% of patients. The most common complication was urinary tract infection (8%) followed by blood transfusion (3%). Compared to the vaginal approach, abdominal VVF repairs had higher overall morbidity (22% vs 7% P = 0.003), longer length of stay (3.5 ± 2.3 vs 1.6 ± 2 days P = 0.00) and were more likely to be associated with sepsis (4.3% vs 0% P = 0.02), blood transfusion (7.1% vs 0.8% P = 0.017), and readmission (10.1% vs 0.8% P = 0.003). In multivariate analysis, abdominal approach was a significant predictor of complications within 30 days (P = 0.03, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

In the US VVF remains a rare entity. Over half of VVFs were repaired vaginally. The occurrence of serious complications is low. A vaginal approach appears to be associated with fewer complications.
Long‐term treatment with the beta‐3 adrenoceptor agonist, mirabegron ameliorates detrusor overactivity and restores cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in obese mice
Authors: Calmasini Fabiano B. , de Oliveira Mariana G. , Alexandre Eduardo C. , da Silva Fábio H. , da Silva Carmem P.V. , Candido Tuany Z. , Antunes Edson , Mónica Fabíola Z.
Published: October 2016

Aims

To evaluate the effects of the beta‐3 adrenoceptor agonist, mirabegron in a mouse model of detrusor overactivity induced by obesity.

Methods

C57BL/6 male mice were fed with standard chow or high‐fat diet for 12 weeks. Lean and obese mice were treated orally with mirabegron (10 mg/kg/day) from the last 2 weeks of diet. Cystometric evaluations, functional assays, protein expression for phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) measurement were carried out.

Results

In obese mice the body weight, epididymal fat mass, fasting glucose, and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were higher (P < 0.001) than in the lean mice. A reduction of 34% and 54% and an increase of 35% in the epididimal fat, LDL, and HDL levels (P < 0.05), respectively, were observed in the obese group treated with mirabegron, whereas no changes were seen in the lipid profile from lean mice. Obese group showed irregular micturition pattern, characterized by significant increases in frequency and non‐void contractions. Carbachol, potassium chloride, and electrical‐field stimulation induced detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) contractions, which were greater in bladders from obese mice than from lean mice. Two‐week treatment with mirabegron restored all the contractile response alterations in the DSM. Basal intracellular levels of cAMP were reduced (68%), whereas PDE4 protein expression was increased (54%) in bladder from obese mice. Mirabegron restored the cAMP levels in obese bladder, without changing the PDE4 expression.

Conclusion

Mirabegron was able to completely restore the urinary alterations seen in the bladder from obese mice.
Interrelation between inhomogeneity and cyclability in O3‐NaFe1/2Co1/2O2
Authors: Amaha Kaoru , Kobayashi Wataru , Akama Shota , Mitsuishi Kazutaka , Moritomo Yutaka
Published: November 2016

O3‐NaFe1/2Co1/2O2 shows initial capacity of 160 mAh/g and an average operating voltage of 3.1 V (vs. Na) with good cyclability, and is a promising candidate of the cathode materials for sodium‐ion secondary batteries (SIBs). Here, we found that the cyclability of the slowly‐cooled sample is much worse than that of quenched one, even though the former sample keeps the O3‐type structure. The energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) images suggest that the slow‐cooled sample (Nax Fe1–yCoy O2) is inhomogeneous in the Fe concentration (1 – y), perhaps triggered by the Na deficiency (1 – x). We ascribed the poor cyclability in the slowly‐cooled sample to the concentration inhomogeneity (Δy). The Δy is further responsible for the fluctuation of the lattice constants (a and c), as revealed by the Williamson–Hall plot. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Semi‐global output feedback control for nonlinear systems with uncertain time‐delay and output function
Authors: Xie Xue‐Jun , Li Zhan‐Jie , Zhang Kemei
Published: November 2016

This paper considers semi‐global output feedback control for more general nonlinear systems with unknown time‐delay and output function whose derivative is unbounded from above. By introducing a new observer and using the backstepping design method and the Razumikhin stability theorem, an output feedback controller is constructed to achieve a semi‐global stability. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐order sliding‐mode observer for linear time‐varying systems with unknown inputs
Authors: Galván‐Guerra R. , Fridman L. , Dávila J.
Published: November 2016

In this article, an observer for linear time variant systems affected by unknown inputs is suggested. The proposed observer combines the deterministic least squares filter and the high‐order sliding‐mode differentiator to provide exact state reconstruction in spite of bounded unknown inputs and system instability. The cascade structure of the algorithm provides a correct state reconstruction for the class of linear time variant systems that satisfy the structural property of strong observability. Simulations illustrate the performance of the proposed algorithm. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and Performance Evaluation of a Pyrrolidinyl Peptide Nucleic‐Acid‐Based Displacement Probe as a DNA Sensor
Authors: Boonlua Chalothorn , Charoenpakdee Chayan , Vilaivan Tirayut , Praneenararat Thanit
Published: November 2016

A new displacement probe based on pyrrolidinyl peptide nucleic acid was designed and evaluated for DNA sequence recognition. The probe was prepared by combining an N‐terminally fluorophore‐modified pyrrolidinyl peptide nucleic acid (Flu‐ or TMR‐acpcPNA) and a 3’‐Dabcyl‐modified DNA as a quencher. Fluorescence studies showed that the fluorophore in the acpcPNA strand was efficiently quenched by the quencher strand. After some optimisation, the fluorescence was significantly restored upon the addition of the complementary DNA target, while the fluorescence stayed at a low level with the addition of mismatched DNA. Even with double‐stranded DNA analytes, the high specificity of the PNA‐based displacement probes allowed unambiguous discrimination between complementary and single mismatched DNA targets. Furthermore, immobilisation of the probes onto agarose resin could also recognise only the complementary DNA, thereby demonstrating its potential as a practical DNA sensor.
Role of Hydrogen Bond in the Solvation Behavior of the Binary Mixtures Containing Fluorocarbon Alcohol Molecules and Chloroform: An Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Biswas Biswajit , Mondal Saptarsi , Singh Prashant C.
Published: November 2016

Fluorocarbon containing alcohol molecules are important due to their unusual but important physicochemical properties. We have investigated solvatochromic as well as hydrogen bond behavior of weakly interacting binary mixtures of chloroform (CHCl3) with the fluorocarbon containing alcohols namely, 2‐fluoroethanol (MFE) and 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol (TFE) as well as compared them with ethanol (ETH)‐CHCl3 binary mixture. UV‐Vis study depicts that the particular composition (χETH ∼0.6) of the binary mixtures of CHCl3 with ETH and MFE solvate probes more efficiently as compared to the respective counterparts, whereas, the probes are preferably solvated by the TFE as compared to solvent mixtures in the case of TFE‐CHCl3 binary mixture. NMR, IR as well as theoretical calculations establish that CHCl3 forms the C−H…O hydrogen bonded clusters with ETH and MFE whereas TFE‐CHCl3 binary mixture are connected predominantly through C−H…F hydrogen bond. The dipole of probe molecules perturbs the weaker C−H…F hydrogen bond present in the TFE‐CHCl3 binary mixture resulting in the preferential solvation by the TFE, whereas, the comparatively stronger C−H…O hydrogen bonded species is preserved in the binary mixtures of CHCl3 with ETH and MFE which leads to the favorable solvation by the binary mixtures of CHCl3 with ETH and MFE. Further, analytical solvent exchange models have been used to substantiate the solvation behavior of the probe molecules in the CHCl3 binary mixtures with ETH and TFE.
Experiences among Women with Positive Prenatal Expanded Carrier Screening Results
Authors: Rothwell Erin , Johnson Erin , Mathiesen Amber , Golden Kylie , Metcalf Audrey , Rose Nancy C. , Botkin Jeffrey R.
Published: October 2016

The offering and acceptance of expanded carrier screening is increasing among pregnant women including women without an increased risk based on race, ethnicity or family history. The chances of a positive screening test have been reported to be as high as 24 % when multiple conditions are screened. Yet, little is known about the way these tests are offered and how patients are affected by a positive test result. To explore this area of genetic testing, interviews (n = 17) were conducted among women who received positive expanded carrier results in the context of obstetric care. A content analysis was conducted on the transcript data from the interviews. Outcomes of this research suggest that educational interventions are needed to improve maternal understanding of positive carrier screening results. Most of the participants in this study confused the results with other prenatal screening test options. In addition, the way the results were discussed varied greatly, and influenced participants’ thoughts about reproductive decisions that led to a range of emotional uncertainty. Our data suggests that genetic counseling improved participants’ understanding of positive results. More research is needed to further understand if our results are consistent within a larger, more diverse sample, and to explore how to best provide education about expanded carrier screening.
Peer victimization in adolescence: Concordance between measures and associations with global and daily internalizing problems☆
Authors: Pouwels J. Loes , Lansu Tessa A.M. , Cillessen Antonius H.N.
Published: October 2016

This study aimed to shed further light on what is measured by self‐, peer‐, and daily diary‐reports of victimization in adolescence. First, the concordance between self‐, peer‐, and daily diary‐reports of victimization was assessed. Participants were 188 Dutch adolescents (43% male, Mage = 16.07 years, SD = .84) who participated in a classroom assessment and daily diary assessment (5 consecutive school days). Peer‐reports (15%) and self‐reports (13%) yielded higher prevalence rates than diary‐reports (3%). Second, associations of self‐ and peer‐reported victimization with self‐, peer‐, and daily diary‐reported internalizing problems were examined. Due to its low prevalence, diary‐reported victimization could not be related to internalizing. The association of self‐ and peer‐reported victimization with internalizing problems varied by informant (self‐ vs. peer‐reported internalizing) and problem type (interpersonal vs. intrapersonal). Self‐ and peer‐reported victimization were positively associated with daily internalizing affect. Results indicate that self‐, peer‐, and daily diary‐reports tap into different aspects of victimization.
Macular cherry red spot is an important diagnostic marker in children with myoclonic epilepsies
Authors: Kekatpure Minal , Vinayan K. , Nampoothiri Sheela , Pillai Gopal , Kumar Anand
Published: October 2016

Symptomatic myoclonus is the major presenting feature of a small but very important and genetically diverse group of rare disorders included under the umbrella of progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME) and progressive myoclonus ataxia (PMA) syndromes. These disorders often require extensive investigations to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. We present a case series highlighting the importance of a detailed fundoscopic eye examination; particularly when occurring in conjunction with a clinical history of myoclonus, developmental regression and other systemic features in clinching an etiologic diagnosis of storage disorder, specifically, gangliosidosis and sialidosis in children with suspected progressive myoclonus epilepsies. The causes of macular cherry red spot (CRS) on fundoscopic examination are limited and in a given child may provide an important clue for narrowing the differential diagnoses and finally making an accurate diagnosis. Current literature on symptomatic myoclonus, cherry red spot and their occurrence in PME/PMA syndromes is also reviewed.
The Colombian Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative (API) Registry
Authors: Rios‐Romenets Silvia , Lopez Hugo , Lopez Liliana , Hincapie Liliana , Saldarriaga Amanda , Madrigal Lucia , Piedrahita Francisco , Navarro Alex , Acosta‐Uribe Juliana , Ramirez Laura , Giraldo Margarita , Acosta‐Baena Natalia , Sánchez Sebastián , Ramos Claudia , Muñoz Claudia , Baena Ana , Alzate Diana , Ospina Paula , Langbaum Jessica B. , Cho William , Tariot Pierre N. , Paul Robert , Reiman Eric M. , Lopera Francisco
Published: October 2016

The Colombian Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative (API) Registry is a collaborative project among the Neurosciences Group of Antioquia, the Banner Alzheimer's Institute, and Genentech. The main goal is to provide a source of interested research participants and data to support the API‐Colombia Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease Trial and help find treatments to delay or prevent the clinical onset of Alzheimer's disease.
Aberrant β‐catenin expression in urothelial carcinomas in blackfoot disease‐endemic areas
Authors: Chen Yi‐Ting , Wu Chun‐Chieh , Liu Xuan‐Ping , Chai Chee‐Yin
Published: November 2016

Arsenic is a well‐known toxic element and carcinogenic agent. The aim of this study was to investigate p63, E‐cadherin, and β‐catenin proteins in urothelial carcinoma (UC) in both arsenic contaminated areas [so‐called blackfoot disease (BFD) area] and non‐BFD areas. The expressions of p63, E‐cadherin, and β‐catenin proteins in 20 UC cases of blackfoot disease and 22 UC cases in non‐BFD areas were detected using immunohistochemical methods. The results revealed a high p63 expression in 20 (47.6%) UC cases and high E‐cadherin expression in six (14.3%) UC cases. Expressions of p63 and E‐cadherin showed no significant correlations with clinicopathologic parameters. However, all 20 BFD cases and 12 of 22 (54.5%) non‐BFD cases showed aberrant β‐catenin expression. Ten out of 22 (45.5%) non‐BFD cases also had normal membranous immunoreactivity. The β‐catenin staining pattern significantly differed between cases in endemic and nonendemic areas of BFD (p = 0.001). Tumor sites also significantly correlated with β‐catenin expression (p = 0.044). In addition, membranous localization of β‐catenin was lower in UC from BFD‐endemic areas compared with those from non‐BFD endemic areas. In conclusion, it is suggested that relocalization of β‐catenin from membrane to cytoplasm may be involved in the tumorigenesis of UC from BFD‐endemic areas.
Proton acceleration in three-dimensional non-null magnetic reconnection
Authors: Akbari Z. , Hosseinpour M. , Mohammadi M. A.
Published: November 2016

In a three-dimensional non-null magnetic reconnection, the process of magnetic reconnection takes place in the absence of a null point where the magnetic field vanishes. By randomly injecting a population of 10 000 protons, the trajectory and energy distribution of accelerated protons are investigated in the presence of magnetic and electric fields of a particular model of non-null magnetic reconnection with the typical parameters for the solar corona. The results show that protons are accelerated along the magnetic field lines away from the non-null point only at azimuthal angles where the magnitude of the electric field is strongest and therefore particles obtain kinetic energies of the order of thousands of MeV and even higher. Moreover, the energy distribution of the population depends strongly on the amplitude of the electric and magnetic fields. Comparison shows that a non-null magnetic reconnection is more efficient in accelerating protons to very high GeV energies than a null-point reconnection.
Clouds in Climate Models of a Simulated Water-Covered Earth
Authors: Wheeling Kate
Published: October 2016

Researchers use aquaplanet experiments to zero in on the effects of small-scale processes in the tropics that cause discrepancies between climate models.
Lopez Receives 2016 Space Physics and Aeronomy Richard Carrington Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: October 2016

Ramon E. Lopez will receive the 2016 Space Physics and Aeronomy Richard Carrington Award at the 2016 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, to be held 12–16 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award is given in recognition of significant and outstanding impact on students' and the public's understanding of our science through education and/or outreach activities.
Komar Receives 2016 Basu United States Early Career Award for Research Excellence in Sun-Earth Systems Science
Authors:   AGU
Published: October 2016

Colin Komar will receive the 2016 Basu United States Early Career Award for Research Excellence in Sun-Earth Systems Science at the 2016 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, to be held 12–16 December in San Francisco, Calif. This award is given annually to one early-career scientist (no more than 3 years post-degree) from the United States in recognition of significant work that shows the focus and promise of making outstanding contributions to research in Sun-Earth systems science that further the understanding of both plasma physical processes and their applications for the benefit of society.
Thirteen Ghoulish Place-Names Across the Globe
Authors: Wendel JoAnna , Kumar Mohi
Published: October 2016

Feeling devilish this Halloween? Open a map.
Infiltrating monocytes in liver injury and repair
Authors: Brempelis Katherine J , Crispe Ian N
Published: November 2016

Noninfectious liver injury causes many acute and chronic liver diseases around the globe, and particularly in developed nations. Bone marrow‐derived monocytes infiltrate the damaged liver tissue and are a critical component of the innate immune response that may drive injury resolution or host death in the short term or chronic inflammation, fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in the long term. Monocytes often play dual roles in liver injury—both perpetuating inflammation and promoting resolution of inflammation and fibrosis. Thus, we will address the role that monocytes play in different experimental forms of noninfectious liver injury; considering in particular the importance of the transition from inflammatory Ly6Chi monocytes to pro‐resolution Ly6Clo monocyte‐derived macrophages and the consequences of this transition for disease progression and resolution.
Diffusion of Charged Species in Liquids
Authors: del Río J. A. , Whitaker S.
Published: November 2016

In this study the laws of mechanics for multi-component systems are used to develop a theory for the diffusion of ions in the presence of an electrostatic field. The analysis begins with the governing equation for the species velocity and it leads to the governing equation for the species diffusion velocity. Simplification of this latter result provides a momentum equation containing three dominant forces: (a) the gradient of the partial pressure, (b) the electrostatic force, and (c) the diffusive drag force that is a central feature of the Maxwell-Stefan equations. For ideal gas mixtures we derive the classic Nernst-Planck equation. For liquid-phase diffusion we encounter a situation in which the Nernst-Planck contribution to diffusion differs by several orders of magnitude from that obtained for ideal gases.
Tsunamis caused by submarine slope failures along western Great Bahama Bank
Authors: Schnyder Jara S.D. , Eberli Gregor P. , Kirby James T. , Shi Fengyan , Tehranirad Babak , Mulder Thierry , Ducassou Emmanuelle , Hebbeln Dierk , Wintersteller Paul
Published: November 2016

Submarine slope failures are a likely cause for tsunami generation along the East Coast of the United States. Among potential source areas for such tsunamis are submarine landslides and margin collapses of Bahamian platforms. Numerical models of past events, which have been identified using high-resolution multibeam bathymetric data, reveal possible tsunami impact on Bimini, the Florida Keys, and northern Cuba. Tsunamis caused by slope failures with terminal landslide velocity of 20 ms−1 will either dissipate while traveling through the Straits of Florida, or generate a maximum wave of 1.5 m at the Florida coast. Modeling a worst-case scenario with a calculated terminal landslide velocity generates a wave of 4.5 m height. The modeled margin collapse in southwestern Great Bahama Bank potentially has a high impact on northern Cuba, with wave heights between 3.3 to 9.5 m depending on the collapse velocity. The short distance and travel time from the source areas to densely populated coastal areas would make the Florida Keys and Miami vulnerable to such low-probability but high-impact events.
Ultra-low activities of a common radioisotope for permission-free tracking of a drosophilid fly in its natural habitat
Authors: Arthofer Wolfgang , Decristoforo Clemens , Schlick-Steiner Birgit C. , Steiner Florian M.
Published: November 2016

Knowledge of a species’ ecology, including its movement in time and space, is key for many questions in biology and conservation. While numerous tools for tracking larger animals are available, millimetre-sized insects are averse to standard tracking and labelling procedures. Here, we evaluated the applicability of ultra-low, permission-exempt activities of the metastable isomer of the radionuclide Technetium-99 for labelling and field detection of the mountain fly Drosophila nigrosparsa. We demonstrate that an activity of less than 10 MBq is sufficient to label dozens of flies and detect single individuals using standard radiation protection monitors. The methodology presented here is applicable to many small-sized, low-mobility animals as well as independent from light and weather conditions and visual contact with the target organism.
High Performance Palladium Supported on Nanoporous Carbon under Anhydrous Condition
Authors: Yang Zehui , Ling Ying , Zhang Yunfeng , Xu Guodong
Published: November 2016

Due to the high cost of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs), replacing platinum (Pt) with some inexpensive metal was carried out. Here, we deposited palladium nanoparticles (Pd-NPs) on nanoporous carbon (NC) after wrapping by poly[2,2′-(2,6-pyridine)-5,5′-bibenzimidazole] (PyPBI) doped with phosphoric acid (PA) and the Pd-NPs size was successfully controlled by varying the weight ratio between Pd precursor and carbon support doped with PA. The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) fabricated from the optimized electrocatalyst with 0.05 mgPd cm−2 for both anode and cathode sides showed a power density of 76 mW cm−2 under 120 °C without any humidification, which was comparable to the commercial CB/Pt, 89 mW cm−2 with 0.45 mgPt cm−2 loaded in both anode and cathode. Meanwhile, the power density of hybrid MEA with 0.45 mgPt cm−2 in cathode and 0.05 mgPd cm−2 in anode reached 188 mW cm−2. The high performance of the Pt-free electrocatalyst was attributed to the porous structure enhancing the gas diffusion and the PyPBI-PA facilitating the proton conductivity in catalyst layer. Meanwhile, the durability of Pd electrocatalyst was enhanced by coating with acidic polymer. The newly fabricated Pt-free electrocatalyst is extremely promising for reducing the cost in the high-temperature PEFCs.
Spatiotemporal neurodynamics of automatic temporal expectancy in 9-month old infants
Authors: Mento Giovanni , Valenza Eloisa
Published: November 2016

Anticipating events occurrence (Temporal Expectancy) is a crucial capacity for survival. Yet, there is little evidence about the presence of cortical anticipatory activity from infancy. In this study we recorded the High-density electrophysiological activity in 9 month-old infants and adults undergoing an audio-visual S1–S2 paradigm simulating a lifelike “Peekaboo” game inducing automatic temporal expectancy of smiling faces. The results indicate in the S2-preceding Contingent Negative Variation (CNV) an early electrophysiological signature of expectancy-based anticipatory cortical activity. Moreover, the progressive CNV amplitude increasing across the task suggested that implicit temporal rule learning is at the basis of expectancy building-up over time. Cortical source reconstruction suggested a common CNV generator between adults and infants in the right prefrontal cortex. The decrease in the activity of this area across the task (time-on-task effect) further implied an early, core role of this region in implicit temporal rule learning. By contrast, a time-on-task activity boost was found in the supplementary motor area (SMA) in adults and in the temporoparietal regions in infants. Altogether, our findings suggest that the capacity of the human brain to translate temporal predictions into anticipatory neural activity emerges ontogenetically early, although the underlying spatiotemporal cortical dynamics change across development.
Correction: Enhanced upconversion luminescence and modulated paramagnetic performance in NaGdF4:Yb,Er by Mg2+ tridoping
Authors: Zhao Shuwen , Liu Wei , Xue Xianya , Yang Yushi , Zhao Zhiyong , Wang Youfa , Zhou Bin
Published: November 2016

Correction for ‘Enhanced upconversion luminescence and modulated paramagnetic performance in NaGdF4:Yb,Er by Mg2+ tridoping’ by Shuwen Zhao et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 81542–81551.
AgBr tetradecahedrons with co-exposed {100} and {111} facets: simple fabrication and enhancing spatial charge separation using facet heterojunctions
Authors: Bao Shenyuan , Wang Zhiqiang , Gong Xueqing , Zeng Cuiyun , Wu Qiangfang , Tian Baozhu , Zhang Jinlong
Published: October 2016

The solar energy conversion efficiency of semiconductor materials is closely related to the separation rate of photogenerated charge carriers.
Characterization and properties of Zn/Co zeolitic imidazolate frameworks vs. ZIF-8 and ZIF-67
Authors: Zhou Kui , Mousavi Bibimaryam , Luo Zhixiong , Phatanasri Shophot , Chaemchuen Somboon , Verpoort Francis
Published: October 2016

A novel Zn/Co zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) has been constructed which demonstrates better gas adsorption (CO2, CH4 and N2) and catalytic (CO2 conversion) properties compared with ZIF-8 and ZIF-67.
Growth of vertically aligned Co3S4/CoMo2S4 ultrathin nanosheets on reduced graphene oxide as a high-performance supercapacitor electrode
Authors: Yang Xijia , Sun Haiming , Zan Ping , Zhao Lijun , Lian Jianshe
Published: November 2016

Ultrathin Co3S4/CoMo2S4 nanosheets vertically aligned on rGO sheets are prepared through a facile one-step hydrothermal method for supercapacitors.
Achieving a solar power conversion efficiency exceeding 9% by modifying the structure of a simple, inexpensive and highly scalable polymer
Authors: Kini Gururaj P. , Lee Sang Kyu , Shin Won Suk , Moon Sang-Jin , Song Chang Eun , Lee Jong-Cheol
Published: October 2016

The synthesized conjugated polymer with optimized molecular design was simple, cost-effective and compatible for large-scale synthesis and exhibited high efficiency,i.e., >9%.
Size dependence of optical and mechanical properties of Si3N4nanobelts controlled by flow rates
Authors: Dong Shun , Hu Ping , Zhang Xinghong , Cheng Yuan , Zhang Dongyang , Yan Liwen , Chen Guiqing
Published: October 2016

The size dependence of tunable optical and flexible mechanical properties of Si3N4nanobelts.
Numerical study of electrical transport in co-percolative metal nanowire-graphene thin-films
Authors: Gupta Man Prakash , Kumar Satish
Published: November 2016

Nanowires-dispersed polycrystalline graphene has been recently explored as a transparent conducting material for applications such as solar cells, displays, and touch-screens. Metal nanowires and polycrystalline graphene play synergetic roles during the charge transport in the material by compensating for each other's limitations. In the present work, we develop and employ an extensive computational framework to study the essential characteristics of the charge transport not only on an aggregate basis but also on individual constituents' levels in these types of composite thin-films. The method allows the detailed visualization of the percolative current pathways in the material and provides the direct evidence of current crowding in the 1-D nanowires and 2-D polygraphene sheet. The framework is used to study the effects of several important governing parameters such as length, density and orientation of the nanowires, grain density in polygraphene, grain boundary resistance, and the contact resistance between nanowires and graphene. We also present and validate an effective medium theory based generalized analytical model for the composite. The analytical model is in agreement with the simulations, and it successfully predicts the overall conductance as a function of several parameters including the nanowire network density and orientation and graphene grain boundaries. Our findings suggest that the longer nanowires (compared to grain size) with low angle orientation (<40°) with respect to the main carrier transport direction provide significant advantages in enhancing the conductance of the polygraphene sheet. We also find that above a certain value of grain boundary resistance (>60 × intra-grain resistance), the overall conductance becomes nearly independent of grain boundary resistance due to nanowires. The developed model can be applied to study other emerging transparent conducting materials such as nanowires, nanotubes, polygraphene, graphene oxide, and their hybrid nanostructures.
Rotating leaks in the stadium billiard
Authors: Appelbe B.
Published: November 2016

The open stadium billiard has a survival probability, P(t), that depends on the rate of escape of particles through the leak. It is known that the decay of P(t) is exponential early in time while for long times the decay follows a power law. In this work, we investigate an open stadium billiard in which the leak is free to rotate around the boundary of the stadium at a constant velocity, ω. It is found that P(t) is very sensitive to ω. For certain ω values P(t) is purely exponential while for other values the power law behaviour at long times persists. We identify three ranges of ω values corresponding to three different responses of P(t). It is shown that these variations in P(t) are due to the interaction of the moving leak with Marginally Unstable Periodic Orbits (MUPOs).
Nanometer-Scale Chemistry of a Calcite Biomineralization Template: Implications for Skeletal Composition and Nucleation
Authors: Branson Oscar , Bonnin Elisa A. , Perea Daniel E. , Spero Howard J. , Zhu Zihua , Winters Maria , Hönisch Bärbel , Russell Ann D. , Fehrenbacher Jennifer S. , Gagnon Alexander C.
Published: October 2016

Significance

Many marine organisms build complex CaCO
3
shells, which record an archive of past climate in their trace chemistry. Organic–mineral interactions are a crucial, poorly understood aspect of shell formation, which may alter shell composition and bias climate records. We map the chemistry of an organic template preserved within a type of shell that is widely used in studies of past climate. We find that the organic template embedded within this shell is enriched in Na and Mg, and can locally influence shell composition. Atom-scale maps of template chemistry offer a detailed view of the chemical interactions at an organic mineral template, and suggest that elements other than Ca
2+
may be important in defining the energetics of CaCO
3
nucleation during biomineralization.
BMP-SMAD-ID promotes reprogramming to pluripotency by inhibiting p16/INK4A-dependent senescence
Authors: Hayashi Yohei , Hsiao Edward C. , Sami Salma , Lancero Mariselle , Schlieve Christopher R. , Nguyen Trieu , Yano Koyori , Nagahashi Ayako , Ikeya Makoto , Matsumoto Yoshihisa , Nishimura Ken , Fukuda Aya , Hisatake Koji , Tomoda Kiichiro , Asaka Isao , Toguchida Junya , Conklin Bruce R. , Yamanaka Shinya
Published: October 2016

Significance

The development of iPSCs provides unprecedented opportunities for life sciences, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine. The efficiency of iPSC generation is quite low: typically less than 1% of human primary somatic cells that have received reprogramming factors turn into iPSCs. Previous studies revealed that cellular senescence was a major barrier to iPSC generation. In this study using human FOP mutant cells, we provide evidence that the BMP-SMAD-ID signaling suppressed p16/INK4A-mediated cellular senescence during the early phase in iPSC generation. These results are unexpected because BMP-SMAD signaling has negative effects on the self-renewal of human iPSCs. Here, we show that a human natural mutation increases the efficiency of iPSC generation.
CO
2
-fixing one-carbon metabolism in a cellulose-degrading bacterium
Clostridium thermocellum
Authors: Xiong Wei , Lin Paul P. , Magnusson Lauren , Warner Lisa , Liao James C. , Maness Pin-Ching , Chou Katherine J.
Published: October 2016

Significance

High carbon yield in the bioengineering of heterotrophic bacteria is hindered by carbon loss to CO
2
production. We provide evidence showing
Clostridium thermocellum
, a cellulose-degrading bacterium and a model consolidated bioprocessing organism, can fix CO
2
while growing predominantly on cellobiose, a cellulose-derived disaccharide. By adding
13
C-bicarbonate to the bacterial culture and tracking
13
C-labeled metabolites, we discovered active reductive one-carbon (C1) metabolism in this bacterium. We further identified critical enzymes responsible for fixing CO
2
and channeling the fixed carbon to the C1 metabolic pathway. Our findings pave the way to future engineering of this bacterium to use cellulose and CO
2
simultaneously as a means to improve microbial carbon efficiency that is constrained by theoretical limitation and to reduce CO
2
in the environment.
Impact of interventions and the incidence of ebola virus disease in Liberia—implications for future epidemics
Authors: Kirsch Thomas D , Moseson Heidi , Massaquoi Moses , Nyenswah Tolbert G , Goodermote Rachel , Rodriguez-Barraquer Isabel , Lessler Justin , Cumings Derek A T , Peters David H
Published: October 2016

To better understand the impact of national and global efforts to contain the Ebola virus disease epidemic of 2014–15 in Liberia, we provide a detailed timeline of the major interventions and relate them to the epidemic curve.

 In addition to personal experience in the response, we systematically reviewed situation reports from the Liberian government, UN, CDC, WHO, UNICEF, IFRC, USAID, and local and international news reports to create the timeline. We extracted data on the timing and nature of activities and compared them to the timeline of the epidemic curve using the reproduction number—the estimate of the average number of new cases caused by a single case.

 Interventions were organized around five major strategies, with the majority of resources directed to the creation of treatment beds. We conclude that no single intervention stopped the epidemic; rather, the interventions likely had reinforcing effects, and some were less likely than others to have made a major impact. We find that the epidemic’s turning coincided with a reorganization of the response in August–September 2014, the emergence of community leadership in control efforts, and changing beliefs and practices in the population. Ebola Treatment Units were important for Ebola treatment, but the vast majority of these treatment centre beds became available after the epidemic curve began declining. Similarly, the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response was launched after the epidemic curve had already turned.

 These findings have significant policy implications for future epidemics and suggest that much of the decline in the epidemic curve was driven by critical behaviour changes within local communities, rather than by international efforts that came after the epidemic had turned. Future global interventions in epidemic response should focus on building community capabilities, strengthening local ownership, and dramatically reducing delays in the response.
No effect of high pCO2 on juvenile blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, growth and consumption despite positive responses to concurrent warming
Authors: Glandon Hillary L. , Miller Thomas J.
Published: October 2016

Future climate scenarios predict increases in both ocean temperature and dissolved carbon dioxide (pCO2) over the next century. Calcifying invertebrates, which depend on specific conditions of temperature and carbonate chemistry for many processes, may be especially affected by these changes. In our study, juvenile blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, were exposed to one of four temperature/pCO2 treatments (ambient/low, ambient/high, high/low, and high/high) for two complete molts. Our study is the first to examine the effect of multiple climate stressors on blue crab and therefore basic responses, including the growth per molt (GPM), inter-molt period (IMP), and food consumption, were quantified. GPM was not affected by either increased temperature or pCO2. Although increased pCO2 did not significantly influence the duration of crab IMP, crabs in warm water had significantly shorter IMP (10.6 ± 3.1 days (± SD)) than crabs in ambient water (12.5 ± 2.8 days). Increased pCO2 did not significantly affect the amount of food crabs consumed, but crabs in warm water ate significantly more food than those in ambient water. These data suggest that the impact of warming outweighs the impact of acidification in juvenile blue crab. The effects of these changes on more complex physiological parameters such as metabolism and carapace chemistry remain to be examined. Additionally, quantifying the changes to the Chesapeake Bay food web that may occur due to the observed increase in crab growth and consumption is important to ensure sustainability of this resource in the face of future climatic changes.
A Qualitative Study of Difficult Nurse-Patient Encounters in Home Health Care
Authors: Falkenstrom Mary Kate
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this study was to explore nurse-patient encounters from the perspective of the home health care registered nurse. A qualitative descriptive design was used to collect data from a purposive sample of 20 nurses from Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island currently or previously employed as a home health care nurse. Four themes and 1 interconnecting theme emerged from the data: objective language; navigating the unknown; mitigating risk; looking for reciprocality in the encounter; and the interconnecting theme of acknowledging not all nurse-patient encounters go well. Three types of encounters—constructive, nonconstructive, and destructive—were defined.
A Review and Critique of Advances in Nursing Science Articles That Focus on Sexual Health and Sexual Rights
Authors: Rew Lynn , Thurman Whitney , McDonald Kari
Published: October 2016

Sexual health and sexual rights are integral to nursing science but ignored in nursing publications. We searched Advances in Nursing Science for prevalence of these topics. Fifteen articles (1.3%) met our criteria. No nursing theories were used as frameworks, and few concrete suggestions were made for further theory development. Discussion of sociopolitical influences on sexual health and/or sexual rights was limited, mostly unrelated to health care. Information to influence nursing practice, theory development, further research, or policy across the life span, for both males and females, and for variant-gender individuals, was limited. We urge authors to contribute further to this field of discourse in nursing.
Positional Change in Displacement of Midshaft Clavicle Fractures: An Aid to Initial Evaluation
Authors: Malik Awais , Jazini Ehsan , Song Xuyang , Johal Herman , O'Hara Nathan , Slobogean Gerard , Abzug Joshua M.
Published: October 2016

Objectives:

To determine how change in position affects displacement of midshaft clavicle fractures.

Design:

Retrospective review.

Setting:

Level I Trauma Center.

Patients:

Eighty patients with displaced midshaft clavicle fractures and presence of supine and semiupright or upright chest radiographs taken within 2 weeks of each other.

Intervention:

Supine, semiupright, and upright chest radiographs.

Main Outcome Measurements:

Fracture shortening and vertical displacement on supine, semiupright, and upright radiographs.

Results:

Mean vertical displacement was 9.42 mm [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 8.07–10.77 mm], 11.78 mm (95% CI, 10.25–13.32 mm), and 15.72 mm (95% CI, 13.71–17.72 mm) in supine, semiupright, and upright positions, respectively. Fracture shortening was −0.41 mm (95% CI, −2.53 to 1.70 mm), 2.11 mm (95% CI, −0.84 to 5.07), and 4.86 mm (95% CI, 1.66–8.06 mm) in supine, semiupright, and upright positions, respectively. Change in position from supine to upright significantly increased both vertical displacement and fracture shortening (P< 0.001). In the upright position, the proportion of patients who met operative indications (fracture shortening >20 mm) was 3 times greater when compared with that in the supine position (upright 17.65%; supine 5.88%,P= 0.06). Positional changes in fracture displacement were not associated with body mass index, age, or gender.

Conclusions:

Patient position is associated with significant changes in fracture displacement. Over 3 times more patients meet operative indications when placed in the upright versus supine position. An upright chest radiograph should be obtained to evaluate midshaft clavicle fracture displacement, as it represents the physiologic stress across the fracture when considering nonoperative management.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Effect of Free and Nanoencapsulated Copaiba Oil on Monocrotaline-induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Campos Cristina , de Castro Alexandre Luz , Tavares Angela Maria Vicente , Fernandes Rafael Oliveira , Ortiz Vanessa Duarte , Barboza Tatiane Evelyn , Pereira Cláudio , Apel Miriam , da Silva Onilda Santos , Llesuy Susana , Araujo Alex Sander da Rosa , Belló-Klein Adriane
Published: October 2016

Copaiba oil comes from an Amazonian tree and has been used as an alternative medicine in Brazil. However, it has not been investigated yet in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This study was designed to test whether copaiba oil or nanocapsules containing this oil could modulate monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Male Wistar rats (170 ± 20 g) received oil or nanocapsules containing this oil (400 mg/kg) by gavage daily for 1 week. At the end of this period, a single injection of MCT (60 mg/kg i.p.) was administered and measurements were performed after 3 weeks. The animals were divided into 6 groups: control, copaiba oil, nanocapsules with copaiba oil, MCT, oil + MCT, and nanocapsules + MCT. Afterward, echocardiographic assessments were performed, and rats were killed to collect hearts for morphometry and oxidative stress. MCT promoted a significant increase in pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricle (RV) hypertrophy, and RV oxidative stress. Both oil and copaiba nanocapsules significantly reduced RV hypertrophy and oxidative stress. Pulmonary vascular resistance was reduced by copaiba oil in natura but not by nanocapsules. In conclusion, copaiba oil seems to offer protection against MCT-induced PAH. Our preliminary results suggest that copaiba oil may be an important adjuvant treatment for PAH.
Digital Analysis of Eyelid Features and Eyebrow Position Following CO2 Laser-assisted Blepharoptosis Surgery
Authors: Zheng Xiaodong , Kakizaki Hirohiko , Goto Tomoko , Shiraishi Atsushi
Published: October 2016

Background:

To compare the margin reflex distance of the upper (MRD-1) and lower (MRD-2) eyelids and the eyebrow height (EBH) in patients with involutional and hard contact lens wear--induced blepharoptosis before and after ptosis surgery.

Methods:

Sixty patients with acquired blepharoptosis were studied. Group 1 consisted of 30 patients with involutional ptosis (age, 75.8 ± 6.4 years), and group 2 consisted of 30 patients with hard contact lens wear–induced ptosis (age, 50.2 ± 7.1 years). All patients underwent bilateral, CO2 laser–assisted levator aponeurosis advancement surgery. A digital image was taken in the primary position before and 2 months after the surgery. The image was analyzed by the ImageJ (NIH, Bethesda, Md.) software. Parameters included MRD-1, MRD-2, EBH, and ocular surface area (OSA).

Results:

After surgery, all patients had a significant increase in the MRD-1 and OSA and a decrease in the EBH (all P < 0.001). The increase in MRD-1 was significantly larger in group 1 than in group 2 (P = 0.028). The decrease of EBH was significantly greater in group 1 than in group 2 (P = 0.007). Group 1 had a slight decrease in the MRD-2, but group 2 had a significant increase after surgery (P = 0.026). The change in the OSA was not significantly different between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

Digital image analyses can be used for precise measurements of the eyelid features. The disparity in the changes of eyelid and eyebrow features between the 2 groups may suggest different responses of the external eyelid muscles to surgery between cases of different etiology.
Reconstructive Approach to an Acquired Absence of Multiple Facial Components: A Case Report
Authors: Oliver Lauren N. , Chaiyasate Kongkrit
Published: October 2016

The subject of our case report is a young girl who was attacked by a raccoon when she was 5 months old. She lost the majority of her nose, her entire right ear, and part of her upper lip. She had previous attempts at reconstructive surgery with poor results. Our collective goals were to provide lifelong reconstruction without the use of synthetic implants and to organize the steps in a way that provided psychological benefit early on while allowing her to continue education and childhood activities with minimal disruptions. We approached the patient’s many problems in stages by starting with the most obvious deformity and progressing to the least severe deformity. A radial forearm free flap and a forehead flap with rib cartilage were used in stages for nasal reconstruction. An Abbé flap was utilized for lip reconstruction, and a prelaminated radial forearm free flap with a costal cartilage frame was selected to form a new ear. She had neither lasting complications nor any morbidity from her donor sites. She and her family report a drastic improvement in her self-confidence and in her interactions with her peers. A stepwise approach to reconstruction of acquired absence of multiple facial components achieves the benefit of early positive psychological results with necessary breaks from surgery to allow her normal childhood activities and education. Judicious utilization of free flaps negates the need of synthetic implants for lifelong reconstruction.