bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Indices for Predicting Facial Nerve Outcome following the Resection of Large Acoustic Neuromas
Authors: Grahnke Kurt , Garst Jonathan , Martin Brendan , Leonetti John , Anderson Douglas
Published: July 2017

This study analyzes the simple ratio of anterior-to-posterior extension of large (>2.5 cm) acoustic neuromas relative to the internal auditory canal (ICA; anterior–posterior [A/P] index) as a tool for predicting risk of facial nerve (FN) injury. In total, 105 patients who underwent microsurgical resection for large acoustic neuromas were analyzed retrospectively. House–Brackmann (HB) scores were assessed immediately postoperatively, at 1 month, and at 1 year. Lateral–medial, inferior–superior, A/P, and maximum diameters were measured from preoperative magnetic resonance images. These measurements and the A/P index were analyzed using univariable and multivariable statistical models to assess relationship to FN outcomes. The retrosigmoid, translabyrinthine, and combined approaches were used, and the extent of resection was evaluated. For every 1 standard deviation increase in the A/P index, a patient was 3.87 times more likely have a higher postoperative HB score (p < 0.0001). Accordingly, for every 1-mm increase anterior to the IAC, a patient was 16% more likely have a higher postoperative HB score (p < 0.001). After controlling for tumor size, a patient was still 3.82 times more likely have a higher postoperative HB score for every 1 standard deviation increase in the A/P index (p < 0.0001). While larger tumor size trended toward worse postoperative HB scores, it was not statistically significant. Our prognostic index may be useful to assess the risk of FN injury preoperatively for large acoustic neuromas, while also providing information about the tumor–nerve relationship.
Predictive Characteristics of Elevated 1-Hour Glucose Challenge Test Results for Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Lai Yinglei , Landon Mark , Ramin Susan , Casey Brian , Wapner Ronald , Varner Michael , Thorp John , Sciscione Anthony , Catalano Patrick , Harper Margaret , Saade George , Caritis Steve , Sorokin Yoram , Peaceman Alan , Tolosa Jorge , Tita Alan ,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network
Published: July 2017

Objective The objective was to estimate the optimal screen-positive 1-hour 50 g glucose challenge test (GCT) threshold for gestational diabetes (GDM) and predictive characteristics of increasing screen-positive GCT threshold values (135–199 mg/dL) for GDM.

Study Design It is a secondary analysis of a multicenter mild GDM study. At 24 to 30 weeks' gestation, women with elevated GCT (135–199 mg/dL) completed a diagnostic 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). A novel change-point analysis method was used to compare the GDM rates for the adjacent GCT values, delineating categories of changing risk such that values within categories have equal risk for GDM. Positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values for GDM were computed for increasing GCT cut-offs.

Results In 7,280 women with both GCT (135–199 mg/dL) and OGTT results, 4 GDM risk-equivalent GCT categories were identified with escalations at 144, 158, and 174 mg/dL (all p-values <0.05). The PPV for GDM increased from 33 to 64% as GCT increased from 135 to 199 mg/dL, while the NPV decreased from 80 to 67%. PPVs were only 20% and 61% for risk-equivalent categories of 135 to 143 mg/dL and 174 to 199 mg/dL, respectively.

Conclusion Elevated GCT cut-off values between 135 and 143 mg/dL may carry equivalent GDM risk. No threshold GCT value <199 mg/dL alone sufficiently predicts GDM.
Unklarer Zusammenhang zwischen Plattfuß und Kniebeschwerden
bzw. Knieverletzungen
Authors: Schomacher Jochen , Eckl Kristina
Published: July 2017

Die beim Plattfuß auftretende Valgusbewegung des Rückfußes kann zu vermehrtem
mechanischen Stress im Knie führen. Die möglichen Auswirkungen sind in der
Literatur unklar beschrieben.

Diese Arbeit suchte anhand einer systematischen Literaturanalyse nach
Zusammenhängen zwischen dem Plattfuß und Funktionsstörungen im Kniegelenk. 9
Studien zeigten einen Zusammenhang zwischen Funktionsstörungen bzw.
degenerativen Veränderungen am Kniegelenk und einem Pes planus auf, 7 Studien
fanden keinen solchen Zusammenhang. Die methodische Qualität der Studien reichte
nach dem Strobe-Instrument von 37,50–68,75 %, ihr Evidenzlevel lag bei 3. Eine
Metaanalyse konnte aufgrund der Unterschiede zwischen den Studien nicht
durchgeführt werden.

Die teils widersprüchlichen Ergebnisse könnten darauf hinweisen, dass der
Plattfuß nicht zwingend zu Kniebeschwerden bzw. -verletzungen führt, sondern
einer von vielen (Risiko-)Faktoren für solche Veränderungen ist. Insgesamt ergab
sich in den 16 gefundenen Beobachtungsstudien kein klarer Zusammenhang zwischen
dem Plattfuß und Beschwerden bzw. Verletzungen am Kniegelenk.
Ab initio velocity-field curves in monoclinic β-Ga2O3
Authors: Ghosh Krishnendu , Singisetti Uttam
Published: July 2017

We investigate the high-field transport in monoclinic β-Ga2O3 using a combination of ab initio calculations and full band Monte Carlo (FBMC) simulation. Scattering rate calculation and the final state selection in the FBMC simulation use complete wave-vector (both electron and phonon) and crystal direction dependent electron phonon interaction (EPI) elements. We propose and implement a semi-coarse version of the Wannier-Fourier interpolation method [Giustino et al., Phys. Rev. B 76, 165108 (2007)] for short-range non-polar optical phonon (EPI) elements in order to ease the computational requirement in FBMC simulation. During the interpolation of the EPI, the inverse Fourier sum over the real-space electronic grids is done on a coarse mesh while the unitary rotations are done on a fine mesh. This paper reports the high field transport in monoclinic β-Ga2O3 with deep insight into the contribution of electron-phonon interactions and velocity-field characteristics for electric fields ranging up to 450 kV/cm in different crystal directions. A peak velocity of 2 × 107 cm/s is estimated at an electric field of 200 kV/cm.
Correlation between structure and Rayleigh parameters in the lead-free piezoceramic (1-x)Ba(Ti0.88 Sn0.12)O3-x(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3
Authors: Abebe Mulualem , Brajesh Kumar , Ranjan Rajeev
Published: July 2017

Composition dependent Rayleigh and structural analysis was carried out on lead-free piezoceramics (1-x)(BaTi0.88Sn0.12)-x(Ba0.7Ca0.3) TiO3 at room temperature. The system exhibits a tetragonal (P4 mm) structure for x > 0.21, rhombohedral (R3m) for x < 0.13, and orthorhombic (Amm2) for 0.13 < x < 0.21. Rayleigh analysis suggests that the irreversible contribution to the dielectric response is enhanced in the single phase orthorhombic compositions in the vicinity of the R3m-Amm2 and Amm2-P4mm phase boundaries, and not in compositions exhibiting phase coexistences (x = 0.12 and 0.22). We also found a correspondence between the irreversible Rayleigh parameter and the coercive field in this system.
Dopant driven tunability of dielectric relaxation in MxCo(1-x)Fe2O4 (M: Zn2+, Mn2+, Ni2+) nano-ferrites
Authors: Datt Gopal , Abhyankar A. C.
Published: July 2017

Nano-ferrites with tunable dielectric and magnetic properties are highly desirable in modern electronics industries. This work reports the effect of ferromagnetic (Ni), anti-ferromagnetic (Mn), and non-magnetic (Zn) substitution on cobalt-ferrites' dielectric and magnetic properties. The Rietveld analysis of XRD data and the Raman spectroscopic study reveals that all the samples are crystallized in the Fd-3m space group. The T2g Raman mode was observed to split into branches, which is due to the presence of different cations (with different vibrational frequencies) at crystallographic A and B-sites. The magnetization study shows that the MnCoFe2O4 sample has the highest saturation magnetization of 87 emu/g, which is attributed to the presence of Mn2+ cations at the B-site with a magnetic moment of 5 μB. The dielectric permittivity of these nanoparticles (NPs) obeys the modified Debye model, which is further supported by Cole-Cole plots. The dielectric constant of MnCoFe2O4 ferrite is found to be one order higher than that of the other two ferrites. The increased bond length of the Mn2+-O2- bond along with the enhanced d-d electron transition between Mn2+/Co2+⇋Fe3+ cations at the B-site are found to be the main contributing factors for the enhanced dielectric constant of MnCoFe2O4 ferrite. We find evidence of variable-range hopping of localized polarons in these ferrite NPs. The activation energy, hopping range, and density of states NEF, of these polarons were calculated using Motts' 1/4th law. The estimated activation energies of these polarons at 300 K were found to be 288 meV, 426 meV, and 410 meV, respectively, for the MnCoFe2O4, NiCoFe2O4, and ZnCoFe2O4 ferrite NPs, while the hopping range of these polarons were found to be 27.14 Å, 11.66 Å, and 8.17 Å, respectively. Observation of a low dielectric loss of ∼0.04, in the frequency range of 0.1–1 MHz, in these NPs makes them potential candidates for energy harvesting devices in the modern electronics industry.
Formation of embedded plasmonic Ga nanoparticle arrays and their influence on GaAs photoluminescence
Authors: Kang M. , Jeon S. , Jen T. , Lee J.-E. , Sih V. , Goldman R. S.
Published: July 2017

We introduce a novel approach to the seamless integration of plasmonic nanoparticle (NP) arrays into semiconductor layers and demonstrate their enhanced photoluminescence (PL) efficiency. Our approach utilizes focused ion beam-induced self-assembly of close-packed arrays of Ga NPs with tailorable NP diameters, followed by overgrowth of GaAs layers using molecular beam epitaxy. Using a combination of PL spectroscopy and electromagnetic computations, we identify a regime of Ga NP diameter and overgrown GaAs layer thickness where NP-array-enhanced absorption in GaAs leads to enhanced GaAs near-band-edge (NBE) PL efficiency, surpassing that of high-quality epitaxial GaAs layers. As the NP array depth and size are increased, the reduction in spontaneous emission rate overwhelms the NP-array-enhanced absorption, leading to a reduced NBE PL efficiency. This approach provides an opportunity to enhance the PL efficiency of a wide variety of semiconductor heterostructures.
Li+ solvation and kinetics of Li+–BF4−/PF6− ion pairs in ethylene carbonate. A molecular dynamics study with classical rate theories
Authors: Chang Tsun-Mei , Dang Liem X.
Published: July 2017

Using our polarizable force-field models and employing classical rate theories of chemical reactions, we examine the ethylene carbonate (EC) exchange process between the first and second solvation shells around Li+ and the dissociation kinetics of ion pairs Li+–[BF4] and Li+–[PF6] in this solvent. We calculate the exchange rates using transition state theory and correct them with transmission coefficients computed by the reactive flux, Impey, Madden, and McDonald approaches, and Grote-Hynes theory. We found that the residence times of EC around Li+ ions varied from 60 to 450 ps, depending on the correction method used. We found that the relaxation times changed significantly from Li+–[BF4] to Li+–[PF6] ion pairs in EC. Our results also show that, in addition to affecting the free energy of dissociation in EC, the anion type also significantly influences the dissociation kinetics of ion pairing.
Hysteresis compensation of the Prandtl-Ishlinskii model for piezoelectric actuators using modified particle swarm optimization with chaotic map
Authors: Long Zhili , Wang Rui , Fang Jiwen , Dai Xufei , Li Zuohua
Published: July 2017

Piezoelectric actuators invariably exhibit hysteresis nonlinearities that tend to become significant under the open-loop condition and could cause oscillations and errors in nanometer-positioning tasks. Chaotic map modified particle swarm optimization (MPSO) is proposed and implemented to identify the Prandtl-Ishlinskii model for piezoelectric actuators. Hysteresis compensation is attained through application of an inverse Prandtl-Ishlinskii model, in which the parameters are formulated based on the original model with chaotic map MPSO. To strengthen the diversity and improve the searching ergodicity of the swarm, an initial method of adaptive inertia weight based on a chaotic map is proposed. To compare and prove that the swarm’s convergence occurs before stochastic initialization and to attain an optimal particle swarm optimization algorithm, the parameters of a proportional-integral-derivative controller are searched using self-tuning, and the simulated results are used to verify the search effectiveness of chaotic map MPSO. The results show that chaotic map MPSO is superior to its competitors for identifying the Prandtl-Ishlinskii model and that the inverse Prandtl-Ishlinskii model can provide hysteresis compensation under different conditions in a simple and effective manner.
Atomic layer deposition on porous powders with in situ gravimetric monitoring in a modular fixed bed reactor setup
Authors: Strempel V. E. , Naumann d’Alnoncourt R. , Driess M. , Rosowski F.
Published: July 2017

A modular setup for Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) on high-surface powder substrates in fixed bed reactors with a gravimetric in situ monitoring was developed. The design and operation are described in detail. An integrated magnetically suspended balance records mass changes during ALD. The highly versatile setup consists of three modular main units: a dosing unit, a reactor unit, and a downstream unit. The reactor unit includes the balance, a large fixed bed reactor, and a quartz crystal microbalance. The dosing unit is equipped with a complex manifold to deliver gases and gaseous reagents including three different ALD precursors, five oxidizing or reducing agents, and two purge gas lines. The system employs reactor temperatures and pressures in the range of 25-600 °C and 10−3 to 1 bar, respectively. Typically, powder batches between 100 mg and 50 g can be coated. The capabilities of the setup are demonstrated by coating mesoporous SiO2 powder with a thin AlOx (submono) layer using three cycles with trimethylaluminium and H2O. The self-limiting nature of the deposition has been verified with the in situ gravimetric monitoring and full saturation curves are presented. The process parameters were used for a scale-up in a large fixed bed reactor. The samples were analyzed with established analytics such as X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption, transmission electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry.
Structure and polarization near the Li+ ion in ethylene and propylene carbonates
Authors: Pollard Travis P. , Beck Thomas L.
Published: July 2017

Research on fundamental interactions in Li-ion batteries is accelerating due to the importance of developing batteries with enhanced energy and power densities while maintaining safety. Improving electrode materials and controlling the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase during the first battery charge have been the main focus areas for research. Ion-solvent interactions in the electrolyte are also of great importance in tuning solvation and transport properties, however. Here we present ab initio density functional theory simulations of a Li+ ion in ethylene and propylene carbonates. The aim is to obtain a detailed analysis of local solvation structure and solvent polarization near the ion and in the bulk. The results indicate the significance of molecular polarization for developing accurate solvation models. The simulations illustrate the substantial differences between ion solvation in water and in organic materials.
Extensions to the charge exchange recombination spectroscopy diagnostic suite at ASDEX Upgrade
Authors: McDermott R. M. , Lebschy A. , Geiger B. , Bruhn C. , Cavedon M. , Dunne M. , Dux R. , Fischer R. , Kappatou A. , Pütterich T. , Viezzer E. ,   ASDEX Upgrade Team
Published: July 2017

A new core charge exchange recombination spectroscopy diagnostic has been installed in the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak that is capable of measuring the impurity ion temperature, toroidal rotation, and density on both the low field side (LFS) and high field side (HFS) of the plasma. The new system features 48 lines-of-sight (LOS) with a radial resolution that varies from ±2 cm on the LFS down to ±0.75 cm on the HFS and has sufficient signal to run routinely at 10 ms and for special circumstances down to 2.5 ms integration time. The LFS-HFS ion temperature profiles provide an additional constraint on the magnetic equilibrium reconstruction, and the toroidal rotation frequency profiles are of sufficiently high quality that information on the poloidal velocity can be extracted from the LFS-HFS asymmetry. The diagnostic LOS are coupled to two flexible-wavelength spectrometers such that complete LFS-HFS profiles from two separate impurities can be imaged simultaneously, albeit with reduced radial coverage. More frequently, the systems measure the same impurity providing very detailed information on the chosen species. Care has been taken to calibrate the systems as accurately as possible and to include in the data analysis any effects that could lead to spurious temperatures or rotations.
Solid-state repetitive generator with a gyromagnetic nonlinear transmission line operating as a peak power amplifier
Authors: Gusev A. I. , Pedos M. S. , Rukin S. N. , Timoshenkov S. P.
Published: July 2017

In this work, experiments were made in which gyromagnetic nonlinear transmission line (NLTL) operates as a peak power amplifier of the input pulse. At such an operating regime, the duration of the input pulse is close to the period of generated oscillations, and the main part of the input pulse energy is transmitted only to the first peak of the oscillations. Power amplification is achieved due to the voltage amplitude of the first peak across the NLTL output exceeding the voltage amplitude of the input pulse. In the experiments, the input pulse with an amplitude of 500 kV and a half-height pulse duration of 7 ns is applied to the NLTL with a natural oscillation frequency of ∼300 MHz. At the output of the NLTL in 40 Ω coaxial transmission line, the pulse amplitude is increased to 740 kV and the pulse duration is reduced to ∼2 ns, which correspond to power amplification of the input pulse from ∼6 to ∼13 GW. As a source of input pulses, a solid-state semiconductor opening switch generator was used, which allowed carrying out experiments at pulse repetition frequency up to 1 kHz in the burst mode of operation.
Low noise current preamplifier for qPlus sensor deflection signal detection in atomic force microscopy at room and low temperatures
Authors: Huber Ferdinand , Giessibl Franz J.
Published: July 2017

The resolution of frequency modulation atomic force microscopy is limited by instrumental noise. When using a qPlus sensor, the deflection detector noise is the dominant noise contribution. It can be reduced by improving the preamplifier used to amplify the sensor deflection signal. We present a simple single-stage differential preamplifier which outperforms previous designs known to us by at least a factor of two in the deflection noise density. We show specific versions of this preamplifier to use in ambient conditions, in ultra-high vacuum at room temperature, and at 4.2 K. Furthermore, we compare the thermal peak analysis and the frequency shift noise density method as a means to determine the deflection noise density. We note that this preamplifier can also be used for any current-generating sensors such as other piezoelectric sensors and photodiodes, but, in this paper, we restrict our analysis to qPlus sensors.
A contactless positioning system for monitoring discontinuities in three dimensions with geological and geotechnical applications
Authors: Rinaldi-Montes Natalia , Rowberry Matt , Frontera Carlos , Baroň Ivo , Garcés Javier , Blahůt Jan , Pérez-López Raúl , Pennos Christos , Martí Xavi
Published: July 2017

In this paper, a contactless positioning system is presented which has been designed to monitor the kinematic behavior of mechanical discontinuities in three dimensions. The positioning system comprises a neodymium magnet, fixed on one side of a discontinuity, and a magnetoresistive sensing array, fixed on the opposing side. Each of the anisotropic magnetoresistive sensors in the sensing array records the magnetic field along three orthogonal directions. The positioning system intrinsically generates compact data packages which are transmitted effectively using a range of standard wireless telecommunication technologies. These data are then modeled using a global least squares fitting procedure in which the adjustable parameters are represented by the position and orientation of the neodymium magnet. The instrumental resolution of the positioning system can be tuned depending on the strength of the magnetic field generated by the neodymium magnet and the distance between the neodymium magnet and the magnetoresistive sensing array. For a typical installation, the displacement resolution is shown to be circa 10 μm while the rotation resolution is circa 0.1°. The first permanently deployed positioning system was established in June 2016 to monitor the behavior of an N-S trending fault located at the contact between the eastern Alps and the Vienna Basin. The robust design of the positioning system is demonstrated by the fact that no interruptions in the broadcasted data streams have occurred since its installation. It has a range of potential applications in many areas of basic and applied research including geology, geotechnical engineering, and structural health monitoring.
Overlap junctions for high coherence superconducting qubits
Authors: Wu X. , Long J. L. , Ku H. S. , Lake R. E. , Bal M. , Pappas D. P.
Published: July 2017

Fabrication of sub-micron Josephson junctions is demonstrated using standard processing techniques for high-coherence, superconducting qubits. These junctions are made in two separate lithography steps with normal-angle evaporation. Most significantly, this work demonstrates that it is possible to achieve high coherence with junctions formed on aluminum surfaces cleaned in situ by Ar plasma before junction oxidation. This method eliminates the angle-dependent shadow masks typically used for small junctions. Therefore, this is conducive to the implementation of typical methods for improving margins and yield using conventional CMOS processing. The current method uses electron-beam lithography and an additive process to define the top and bottom electrodes. Extension of this work to optical lithography and subtractive processes is discussed.
Experimental and numerical studies on carbon dioxide decomposition in atmospheric electrodeless microwave plasmas
Authors: Sun Hojoong , Lee Jungwun , Do Hyungrok , Im Seong-kyun , Soo Bak Moon
Published: July 2017

Electrodeless microwave plasmas in carbon dioxide at atmospheric pressure have been studied for carbon dioxide decomposition. Plasma optical emission spectroscopy has been conducted to measure ro-vibrational temperatures of the plasma. It is found that the temperature reaches 6200 K at the plasma center and there is little difference between the trans-rotational and vibrational temperatures. Kinetic simulations considering the trans-rotational, vibrational, and electron temperatures separately are also conducted to investigate the details of the plasma decomposition of carbon dioxide. As observed in the measurements, the kinetic simulation demonstrated that the difference between the trans-rotational and vibrational temperatures is negligible, and all the carbon dioxide within the plasma is found to be decomposed into carbon monoxide and atomic oxygen, as a result of the extremely high temperatures of the plasma. The carbon monoxide and oxygen then recombine as the temperature decreases, forming mostly carbon dioxide at the reactor exit. From the results, although the electrons in the microwave plasma selectively populate the molecules' vibrational states, the fast relaxation of these excited vibrational states raises the gas temperature instead of resulting in accumulative vibrational excitation for the efficient decomposition of carbon dioxide.
Breakdown of antiferromagnet order in polycrystalline NiFe/NiO bilayers probed with acoustic emission
Authors: Lebyodkin M. A. , Lebedkina T. A. , Shashkov I. V. , Gornakov V. S.
Published: July 2017

Magnetization reversal of polycrystalline NiFe/NiO bilayers was investigated using magneto-optical indicator film imaging and acoustic emission techniques. Sporadic acoustic signals were detected in a constant magnetic field after the magnetization reversal. It is suggested that they are related to elastic waves excited by sharp shocks in the NiO layer with strong magnetostriction. Their probability depends on the history and number of repetitions of the field cycling, thus testifying the thermal-activation nature of the long-time relaxation of an antiferromagnetic order. These results provide evidence of spontaneous thermally activated switching of the antiferromagnetic order in NiO grains during magnetization reversal in ferromagnet/antiferromagnet (FM/AFM) heterostructures. The respective deformation modes are discussed in terms of the thermal fluctuation aftereffect in the Fulcomer and Charap model which predicts that irreversible breakdown of the original spin orientation can take place in some antiferromagnetic grains with disordered anisotropy axes during magnetization reversal of exchange-coupled FM/AFM structures. The spin reorientation in the saturated state may induce abrupt distortion of isolated metastable grains because of the NiO magnetostriction, leading to excitation of shock waves and formation of plate (or Lamb) waves.
Broadly expressed repressors integrate patterning across orthogonal axes in embryos
Authors: Koromila Theodora , Stathopoulos Angelike
Published: July 2017

Significance

Molecular mechanisms that establish the body plans of multicellular animals are not fully understood. This study was focused on two key transcription factors, Runt (Run) and Suppressor of Hairless [Su(H)], that act on particular enhancers within
cis
-regulatory systems. We showed these factors impact anterior-posterior and dorsal-ventral patterning by supporting enhancers to coordinate their action. These repressors can simultaneously regulate pattering across orthogonal axes and act as a counterbalance to the action of ubiquitous activators such as Zelda. Shared use of broad transcription factors, like Su(H)/Run, across axes may help to integrate patterning throughout the embryo and support robust development. Roles for broadly expressed repressors in the regulation of enhancer timing is likely a conserved mechanism of action in higher animals.
De novo peptide sequencing by deep learning
Authors: Tran Ngoc Hieu , Zhang Xianglilan , Xin Lei , Shan Baozhen , Li Ming
Published: July 2017

Significance

Our method, DeepNovo, introduces deep learning to de novo peptide sequencing from tandem MS data, the key technology for protein characterization in proteomics research. DeepNovo achieves major improvement of sequencing accuracy over state of the art methods and subsequently enables complete assembly of protein sequences without assisting databases. Our model is retrainable to adapt to any sources of data and provides a complete end-to-end training and prediction solution, an important feature given the growing massive amount of data. Our study also presents an innovative approach to combine deep learning and dynamic programming to solve optimization problems.
Inhibition of complement C5 protects against organ failure and reduces mortality in a baboon model of
Escherichia coli
sepsis
Authors: Keshari Ravi Shankar , Silasi Robert , Popescu Narcis Ioan , Patel Maulin Mukeshchandra , Chaaban Hala , Lupu Cristina , Coggeshall K. Mark , Mollnes Tom Eirik , DeMarco Steven J. , Lupu Florea
Published: July 2017

Significance

Complement activation occurs when bacteria invade the circulating blood, leading not only to removal of the pathogen but also to inflammation, organ damage, and poor prognosis for septic patients. We used a baboon model of
Escherichia coli
bacteremia to determine the effects of a C5 inhibitor on bacteriolysis, bacteria clearance, and sepsis progression. We observed that complement-mediated bacteriolysis has a detrimental effect by inducing release of LPS and fulminant inflammation. Inhibition of C5 cleavage and subsequent formation of the lytic terminal complex C5b-9 diminished LPS release, blocked sepsis-induced inflammation, decreased the associated consumptive coagulopathy, and protected organ function. Overall, treatment with C5 inhibitor significantly improved the survival of septic baboons, suggesting a potentially important strategy to treat bacteremic sepsis.
Conceptual framework of the eco-physiological phases of insect diapause development justified by transcriptomic profiling
Authors: Koštál Vladimír , Štětina Tomáš , Poupardin Rodolphe , Korbelová Jaroslava , Bruce Alexander William
Published: July 2017

Significance

Here we reassess the conceptual framework of insect diapause as a dynamic succession of endogenously and exogenously driven changes in physiology (“physiogenesis”) by assaying the gradual dynamics in the transcriptome as insects traverse the diapause developmental program. We show the objectivity and eco-physiological relevance of the different phases of diapause development by describing unique transcriptional profiles in each phase. Accordingly, the concept should serve future researchers as a general platform for the unification of timing scales and the interpretation of various “-omics” data obtained in diverse insect species encountering different ecological situations. We argue such standardized phasing of diapause development is critical for further molecular dissection of the mechanistic basis of insect diapause.
Alcohol, Marijuana, and Opioid use Disorders: 5-Year Patterns and Characteristics of Emergency Department Encounters
Authors: Bahorik Amber L. , Satre Derek D. , Kline-Simon Andrea H. , Weisner Constance M. , Young-Wolff Kelly C. , Campbell Cynthia I.
Published: July 2017

Background

Changes in substance use patterns stemming from opioid misuse, ongoing drinking problems, and marijuana legalization may result in new populations of patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) using emergency department (ED) resources. This study examined ED admission trends in a large sample of patients with alcohol, marijuana, and opioid use disorders in an integrated health system.

Methods

In a retrospective design, electronic health record (EHR) data identified patients with ≥1 of 3 common SUDs in 2010 ( n = 17,574; alcohol, marijuana, or opioid use disorder) and patients without SUD ( n = 17,574). Logistic regressions determined odds of ED use between patients with SUD versus controls (2010–2014); mixed-effect models examined 5-year differences in utilization; moderator models identified subsamples for which patients with SUD may have a greater impact on ED resources.

Results

Odds of ED use were higher at each time point (2010–2014) for patients with alcohol (odds ratio [OR] range: 5.31–2.13, Ps < .001), marijuana (OR range: 5.45–1.97, Ps < .001), and opioid (OR range: 7.63–4.19, Ps < .001) use disorders compared with controls; odds decreased over time ( Ps < .001). Patients with opioid use disorder were at risk of high ED utilization; patients were 7.63 times more likely to have an ED visit in 2010 compared with controls and remained 5.00 (average) times more likely to use ED services. ED use increased at greater rates for patients with alcohol and opioid use disorders with medical comorbidities relative to controls ( Ps < .045).

Conclusions

ED use is frequent in patients with SUDs who have access to private insurance coverage and integrated medical services. ED settings provide important opportunities in health systems to identify patients with SUDs, particularly patients with opioid use disorder, to initiate treatment and facilitate ongoing care, which may be effective for reducing excess medical emergencies and ED encounters.
A Case of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome with Heliobacter Pylori and Preeclampsia during Pregnancy
Authors: Manning Meurer Madeline , Chakrala Kalyan , Gowda Dinesh , Burns Charles , Kelly Randall , Schlabritz-Loutsevitch Natalia
Published: July 2017

Background

The condition termed cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) was characterized a decade ago by Allen et al. and includes cyclic episodes of nausea and vomiting and the learned behavior of hot bathing in individuals with chronic cannabis abuse. During pregnancy, the differential diagnosis of this syndrome is challenging, since it can be masked by typical symptoms of early pregnancy or by hyperemesis gravidarum, a complication of early pregnancy associated with excessive nausea and vomiting.

Case description

The authors herein describe the case of a 21-year-old primigravida patient diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum at 6 weeks of gestation and with preeclampsia at 35 weeks. At 30 weeks of gestation, a drug screen was performed that was positive for cannabis; therefore, a diagnosis of CHS was made. After labor induction, the patient delivered an infant who developed normally and had a negative drug test of the umbilical cord blood. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed 9 days post delivery, with biopsies taken of the duodenal, gastric, and esophageal tissues. Moderate chronic gastritis with lymphoid aggregates and slight acute inflammation were noticed, whereas no malignancy, dysplasia, or goblet cell metaplasia was detected. A number of Helicobacter-like organisms were identified by H. pylori immunostaining.

Conclusion

Presented here is the first case reporting an association of chronic cannabis use with H. pylori colonization and preeclampsia in pregnancy, which brings to light the possible involvement of a cannabinoid-related pathway in the link between pregnancy-specific complications and bacterial colonization.
Age of Initiation, Psychopathology, and other Substance use are associated with time to use Disorder Diagnosis in Persons using Opioids Nonmedically
Authors: Schepis Ty S. , Hakes Jahn K.
Published: July 2017

Background

Nonmedical use of prescription opioids (NMUPO) is an ongoing public health challenge, as NMUPO is associated with psychopathology, other drug use, and fatal overdose. These concomitant risks are greatest in those with opioid use disorder (OUD), but the development of NMUPO-related use disorder is poorly understood. The primary aim of this study was to establish factors associated with the development of and time to OUD among persons engaged in NMUPO.

Methods

Data were from wave 1 of the National Epidemiologic Study on Alcohol and Related Conditions, with 1755 participants endorsing lifetime NMUPO. Analyses used sequential design-based logistic regression for DSM-IV ( Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) opioid dependence correlates, followed by Cox regression of proportional hazards for correlates (e.g., sociodemographics, age of NMUPO initiation, and psychopathology) of time to dependence in those who developed DSM-IV dependence.

Results

Earlier age of NMUPO initiation increased OUD odds (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.94–0.96) but slowed OUD development (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.04–1.06) in those who developed OUD ( n = 118), after controlling for sociodemographics, psychopathology, and ages of other drug use initiation. Psychopathology and earlier other drug use initiation were associated with higher OUD odds, but only having an alcohol use disorder was associated with shorter time to OUD.

Conclusions

Earlier NMUPO initiation is associated with increased odds of OUD, although those with early initiation had a slower progression to OUD. Programs that prevent early NMUPO initiation, which might lower rates of OUD, and/or identify the later initiators at highest risk for rapid OUD development could have great public health benefits.
Why use Group Visits for Opioid use Disorder Treatment in Primary Care? A Patient-Centered Qualitative Study
Authors: Sokol Randi , Albanese Chiara , Chaponis Deviney , Early Jessica , Maxted George , Morrill Diana , Poirier Grace , Puopolo Fran , Schuman-Olivier Zev
Published: July 2017

Background

Primary care providers are well positioned to respond to the opioid crisis by providing buprenorphine/naloxone (B/N) through shared medical appointments (SMAs). Although quantitative research has been previously conducted on SMAs with B/N, the authors conducted a qualitative assessment from the patients’ point of view, considering whether and how group visits provide value for patients.

Methods

Twenty-five participants with opioid use disorder (OUD) who were enrolled in a weekly B/N group visit at a family medicine clinic participated in either of two 1-hour-long focus groups, which were conducted as actual group visits. Participants were prompted with the question “How has this group changed you as a person?” Data were audio-recorded and professionally transcribed and analyzed using a qualitative thematic approach, identifying common communication behaviors and resulting attitudes about the value of the group visit model.

Results

Participants demonstrated several communication behaviors that support group members in their recovery, including offering direct emotional support to others struggling with difficult experiences, making an intentional effort to probe about others’ lives, venting about heavy situations, joking to lighten the mood, and expressing feelings of gratitude to the entire group. These communication behaviors appear to act as mechanisms to foster a sense of accountability, a shared identity, and a supportive community. Other demonstrated group behaviors may detract from the value of the group experience, including side conversations, tangential comments, and individual participants disproportionately dominating group time.

Conclusion

The group visit format for delivering B/N promotes group-specific communication behaviors that may add unique value in supporting patients in their recovery. Future research should elucidate whether these benefits can be isolated from those achieved solely through medication treatment with B/N and if similar benefits could be achieved in non–primary care sites.
Effects of Drinker Self-Schema on Drinking- and Smoking-Related Information Processing and Behaviors
Authors: Lee Chia-Kuie , Stein Karen F. , Corte Colleen
Published: July 2017

Background

Co-occurrence of drinking and smoking is prevalent in undergraduate students. A drinker self-schema―cognition about the self as the drinker―is a common identity in undergraduates and a well-known predictor of drinking behaviors. Given that smoking commonly occurs in the context of drinking, a drinker self-schema may be a cognitive mechanism to motivate co-occurring alcohol and tobacco use (i.e., cross-substance facilitation hypothesis). This study was to determine whether the drinker self-schema influences the processing of drinking- and smoking-related information and facilitates the co-occurrence of alcohol and tobacco use in undergraduate students who drink and smoke but do not self-identify as smokers.

Methods

This study was the second phase of a 2-phase study. Of the 330 who completed phase 1 (online survey), 99 completed the phase 2 study. Phase 2 was an in-person session that included a computerized information processing task to measure endorsements and response latencies for drinking- and smoking-related attributes, and a computerized Timeline Followback that was used to measure 90-day alcohol- and tobacco-use behaviors. The 5-item drinker self-schema scale, administered in phase 1, was used to measure the strength of the drinker self-schema.

Results

A higher drinker self-schema score was associated with more endorsements of positive attributes for drinking and smoking, fewer endorsements of negative attributes for smoking, faster processing of agreements with positive alcohol-use-related attributes, higher levels of drinking and smoking, and more days of co-occurring alcohol and tobacco use.

Conclusions

Findings provide preliminary evidence to support the cross-substance facilitation hypothesis that the drinker self-schema facilitates the processing of not only drinking-related but also smoking-related stimuli and behaviors. Undergraduates who have higher drinker self-schema scores may be vulnerable to co-occurring alcohol and tobacco use.
Quantitative Testing of Buprenorphine and Norbuprenorphine to Identify Urine Sample Spiking during Office-Based Opioid Treatment
Authors: Suzuki Joji , Zinser Jennifer , Issa Mohammed , Rodriguez Claudia
Published: July 2017

Background

Patients may spike urine samples with buprenorphine during office-based opioid treatment to simulate adherence to prescribed buprenorphine, potentially to conceal diversion of medications. However, routine immunoassay screens do not detect instances of spiking, as these would simply result in a positive result. The aim of this study was to report on the experience of using quantitative urine testing for buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine to facilitate the identification of urine spiking.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of 168 consecutive patients enrolled in outpatient buprenorphine treatment at an urban academic medical setting between May 2013 and August 2014. All urine samples submitted were subjected to quantitative urine toxicology testing for buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine. Norbuprenorphine-to-buprenorphine ratio of less than 0.02 were further examined for possible spiking. Demographic and clinical variables were also extracted from medical records. Clinical and demographic variables of those who did and did not spike their urines were compared. Statistically significant variables from the univariate testing were entered as predictors of spiking in a regression analysis.

Results

A total of 168 patients were included, submitting a total of 2275 urine samples. Patients provided on average 13.6 (SD = 9.9) samples, and were in treatment for an average 153.1 days (SD = 142.2). In total, 8 samples (0.35%) from 8 patients (4.8%) were deemed to be spiked. All of the samples suspected of spiking contained buprenorphine levels greater than 2000 ng/mL, with a mean norbuprenorphine level of 11.9 ng/mL. Spiked samples were submitted by 6 patients (75.0%) during the intensive outpatient (IOP) phase of treatment, 2 patients (25.0%) during the weekly phase, and none from the monthly phase. Regression analysis indicated that history of intravenous drug use and submission of cocaine-positive urine samples at baseline were significant predictors of urine spiking.

Conclusions

Even though only a small number of patients were identified to have spiked their urine samples, quantitative testing may help identify urine spiking during office-based opioid treatment with buprenorphine.
The Development of School Libraries in Scottish Burghs Before 1872: A Preliminary Study
Authors: McLelland Dorothy
Published: July 2017

The Education (Scotland) Act of 1872 consolidated the provision of education in all types of school in all areas of the country, but particularly in urban areas, many grammar schools, high schools, and academies were already well established. Although libraries had been included from early times in such educational establishments as cathedrals and monasteries and in their subsequent grammar schools, hitherto little has been known about their existence. A preliminary survey of available sources shows that although only glimpses are sometimes afforded, there is more accessible information than was previously thought. From the seventeenth century onwards, libraries became more prevalent in a variety of urban schools, and details can be gleaned about book stocks, buildings, and finance. Following suggestions included in this basic survey, it should be possible to pursue more detailed research into aspects of their administration.
‘The Compages, the Bonds and Rivets of the Race’: W. E. Gladstone on the Keeping of Books
Authors: Scarre Geoffrey
Published: July 2017

For the great Victorian Liberal statesman and Prime Minister W. E. Gladstone, books were the ‘voices of the dead’ and ‘a main instrument of communication with the vast human procession of the other world’. Gladstone's 1890 article ‘On Books and the Housing of Them’ combines a celebration of the value and civilizing influence of books with practical suggestions for the organization of an academic library. Unlike such contemporaries as Sir Thomas Phillipps and the Earls of Crawford, Gladstone was a book-lover rather than a bibliomane, who bought books for their contents rather than their rarity or beauty. The residential library of St. Deiniol's, North Wales (now renamed Gladstone's Library), which he established towards the end of his life primarily to serve the needs of Anglican clergymen, follows the spirit of his 1890 paper and adopts many of its practical suggestions. Like Antonio Panizzi of the British Museum, his friend of many years, Gladstone was particularly concerned with the problem of how libraries could accommodate the ever-increasing number of books without becoming mere book warehouses. Gladstone's solution was to shelve books according to their ‘sociability’, so that less sociable items could be relegated to mobile shelving or other maximum-density storage areas. Libraries, for Gladstone, should be not only well-organized and efficiently run repositories of research material but friendly and welcoming centres of scholarship and meeting places for readers. In a well-run library, scholars should be able to enjoy the society of books and of one another. Gladstone's Library continues to this day to realize the high ideals set by its founder, providing to researchers the opportunity for scholarly collaboration which Gladstone though essential in the evening of the age of the solitary scholar.
The spread of prion-like proteins by lysosomes and tunneling nanotubes: Implications for neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Victoria Guiliana Soraya , Zurzolo Chiara
Published: July 2017

Progression of pathology in neurodegenerative diseases is hypothesized to be a non–cell-autonomous process that may be mediated by the productive spreading of prion-like protein aggregates from a “donor cell” that is the source of misfolded aggregates to an “acceptor cell” in which misfolding is propagated by conversion of the normal protein. Although the proteins involved in the various diseases are unrelated, common pathways appear to be used for their intercellular propagation and spreading. Here, we summarize recent evidence of the molecular mechanisms relevant for the intercellular trafficking of protein aggregates involved in prion, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s diseases. We focus in particular on the common roles that lysosomes and tunneling nanotubes play in the formation and spreading of prion-like assemblies.