bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell studies of hybridized carbon nanofibers containing bioactive glass nanoparticles using bone mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Zhang Xiu-Rui , Hu Xiao-Qing , Jia Xiao-Long , Yang Li-Ka , Meng Qing-Yang , Shi Yuan-Yuan , Zhang Zheng-Zheng , Cai Qing , Ao Yin-Fang , Yang Xiao-Ping
Published: December 2016

Bone regeneration required suitable scaffolding materials to support the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone-related cells. In this study, a kind of hybridized nanofibrous scaffold material (CNF/BG) was prepared by incorporating bioactive glass (BG) nanoparticles into carbon nanofibers (CNF) via the combination of BG sol-gel and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) electrospinning, followed by carbonization. Three types (49 s, 68 s and 86 s) of BG nanoparticles were incorporated. To understand the mechanism of CNF/BG hybrids exerting osteogenic effects, bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) were cultured directly on these hybrids (contact culture) or cultured in transwell chambers in the presence of these materials (non-contact culture). The contributions of ion release and contact effect on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation were able to be correlated. It was found that the ionic dissolution products had limited effect on cell proliferation, while they were able to enhance osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in comparison with pure CNF. Differently, the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation were both significantly promoted in the contact culture. In both cases, CNF/BG(68 s) showed the strongest ability in influencing cell behaviors due to its fastest release rate of soluble silicium-relating ions. The synergistic effect of CNF and BG would make CNF/BG hybrids promising substrates for bone repairing.
Low temperature magneto-morphological characterisation of coronene and the resolution of previously observed unexplained phenomena
Authors: Potticary Jason , Boston Rebecca , Vella-Zarb Liana , Few Alex , Bell Christopher , Hall Simon R.
Published: December 2016

The polyaromatic hydrocarbon coronene has been the molecule of choice for understanding the physical properties of graphene for over a decade. The modelling of the latter by the former was considered to be valid, as since it was first synthesised in 1932, the physical behaviour of coronene has been determined extremely accurately. We recently discovered however, an unforeseen polymorph of coronene, which exists as an enantiotrope with the previously observed crystal structure. Using low-temperature magnetisation and crystallographic measurements, we show here for the first time that the electronic and magnetic properties of coronene depend directly on the temperature at which it is observed, with hysteretic behaviour exhibited between 300 K and 100 K. Furthermore we determine that this behaviour is a direct result of the appearance and disappearance of the newly-discovered polymorph during thermal cycling. Our results not only highlight the need for theoretical models of graphene to take into account this anomalous behaviour at low temperatures, but also explain puzzling experimental observations of coronene dating back over 40 years.
Band-inverted gaps in InAs/GaSb and GaSb/InAs core-shell nanowires
Authors: Luo Ning , Huang Guang-Yao , Liao Gaohua , Ye Lin-Hui , Xu H. Q.
Published: December 2016

The [111]-oriented InAs/GaSb and GaSb/InAs core-shell nanowires have been studied by the 8 × 8 Luttinger-Kohn "Equation missing" Hamiltonian to search for non-vanishing fundamental gaps between inverted electron and hole bands. We focus on the variations of the band-inverted fundamental gap, the hybridization gap, and the effective gap with the core radius and shell thickness of the nanowires. The evolutions of all the energy gaps with the structural parameters are shown to be dominantly governed by the effect of quantum confinement. With a fixed core radius, a band-inverted fundamental gap exists only at intermediate shell thicknesses. The maximum band-inverted gap found is ~4.4 meV for GaSb/InAs and ~3.5 meV for InAs/GaSb core-shell nanowires, and for the GaSb/InAs core-shell nanowires the gap persists over a wider range of geometrical parameters. The intrinsic reason for these differences between the two types of nanowires is that in the shell the electron-like states of InAs is more delocalized than the hole-like state of GaSb, while in the core the hole-like state of GaSb is more delocalized than the electron-like state of InAs, and both favor a stronger electron-hole hybridization.
Evaluation of methylations and external/internal standard quantification of lipids using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Qin Yang , Shunhe Wang , Haiqin Chen , Zhennan Gu , Hao Zhang , Wei Chen , Yong Q. Chen
Published: December 2016

A method for rapid and efficient fatty acid derivatization was proposed and as for the quantification, it was found that the results of the external standard method were as good as those of the internal standard method.
High-resolution sub-cellular imaging by correlative NanoSIMS and electron microscopy of amiodarone internalisation by lung macrophages as evidence for drug-induced phospholipidosis
Authors: Jiang Haibo , Passarelli Melissa K. , Munro Peter M. G. , Kilburn Matt R. , West Andrew , Dollery Colin T. , Gilmore Ian S. , Rakowska Paulina D.
Published: December 2016

Correlative NanoSIMS and EM imaging of amiodarone-treated macrophages shows the internalisation of the drug at a sub-cellular level.
Design strategies for SCR catalysts with improved N2 selectivity: the significance of nano-confining effects by titanate nanotubes
Authors: Chen Xiongbo , Wang Penglu , Fang Ping , Wang Haiqiang , Cen Chaoping , Zeng Wenhao , Wu Zhongbiao
Published: December 2016

Copper oxides confined into titanate nanotubes show differential redox properties, exhibiting better N2 selectivity than those loaded on titania particles.
Medium-chain fatty acids reduce serum cholesterol by regulating the metabolism of bile acid in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Liu Yinghua , Zhang Yong , Zhang Xinsheng , Xu Qing , Yang Xueyan , Xue Changyong
Published: December 2016

Hypercholesterolemia is one of the important risk factors of atherosclerosis (AS).
Controllable synthesis of functional nanoparticles by microfluidic platforms for biomedical applications – a review
Authors: Ma Junping , Lee Simon Ming-Yuen , Yi Changqing , Li Cheuk-Wing
Published: December 2016

This review summarizes the development of microfluidic systems for engineering nanoparticles and their applications in imaging, biosensing, drug delivery and theranostics.
Discovery of new dual binding TNKS inhibitors of Wnt signaling inhibition by pharmacophore modeling, molecular docking and bioassay
Authors: Pu Yinglan , Zhang Shuqun , Chang Zhe , Zhang Yunqin , Wang Dong , Zhang Li , Li Yan , Zuo Zhili
Published: December 2016

Discovery of novel dual site TNKS inhibitors by pharmacophore modeling, molecular docking and bioassay.
Comparisons among Mg, Zn, Sr, and Si doped nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan composites for load-bearing bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Ran Jiabing , Jiang Pei , Sun Guanglin , Ma Zhe , Hu Jingxiao , Shen Xinyu , Tong Hua
Published: December 2016

The Si-doped hydroxyapatite/chitosan composite has advantages over Mg, Zn, and Sr doped hydroxyapatite/chitosan composites in terms of bone tissue engineering.
Hybrid polymeric nanoprobes for folate receptor-targeted photoacoustic imaging in vivo
Authors: Li Yihong , Song Yuanhui , Chen Waner , Xu Qien , Liu Zhe
Published: December 2016

Nanoprobes against cancer: to serve in the early detection and precise diagnosis of breast cancers in terms of nanomedicine, novel hybrid polymeric nanoprobes (PBCA-MB@CS-FA) were fabricated and applied to folate receptor-targeted photoacoustic (PA) imaging.
Supramolecular silk from a peptide hydrogel
Authors: Zhan Jie , Cai Yanbin , Ji Shenglu , Shang Yuna , Gao Jie , Yang Zhimou
Published: December 2016

A macroscopic silk-like fiber consisting of aligned nanotubes from a self-assembled peptide hydrogel is generated using a simple and fast method.
A powerful “one-pot” tool for fabrication of AIE-active luminescent organic nanoparticles through the combination of RAFT polymerization and multicomponent reactions
Authors: Wan Qing , Jiang Ruming , Mao Liucheng , Xu Dazhuang , Zeng Guangjian , Shi Yingge , Deng Fengjie , Liu Meiying , Zhang Xiaoyong , Wei Yen
Published: December 2016

Luminescent organic nanoparticles with high water dispersibility, strong fluorescence and aggregation-induced emission characteristics were fabricated.
Cross-linked perforated honeycomb membranes with improved mechanical and chemical properties
Authors: Zhong Qi-Zhi , Zhang Li-Wei , Ou Yang , Wu Bai-Heng , Wan Ling-Shu , Xu Zhi-Kang
Published: December 2016

Robust and self-standing honeycomb-patterned membranes are prepared by both the rapid vapor diffusion cross-linking of S2Cl2 and thiol–ene click chemistry.
Quasi-planar diazadithio and diazodiseleno[8]circulenes: synthesis, structures and properties
Authors: Xiong Xiaodong , Deng Chun-Lin , Li Zhiming , Peng Xiao-Shui , Wong Henry N. C.
Published: December 2016

Diazadithio and diazadiseleno[8]circulenes were synthesized in good yields through a non-pyrolytic cyclization starting from nitrogen-bridged tetraphenylene.
Bifunctional Cr3+ modified ion exchange resins as efficient reusable catalysts for the production and isolation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from glucose
Authors: Ravasco Joao M. J. M. , Coelho Jaime A. S. , Simeonov Svilen P. , Afonso Carlos A. M.
Published: December 2016

Cr3+ modified readily available cation exchange resins were prepared and explored as heterogeneous bifunctional catalysts for dehydration of glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in tetraethyl ammonium bromide (TEAB)/water as reaction medium.
Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction with back extraction using an immiscible organic solvent for determination of benzodiazepines in water, urine, and plasma samples
Authors: Ghambarian Mahnaz , Tajabadi Fateme , Yamini Yadollah , Esrafili Ali
Published: December 2016

A novel DLLME method with a back extraction step using two immiscible organic solvents for obtaining higher clean-up than the conventional DLLME method.
High fat diet induces alterations to intraepithelial lymphocyte and cytokine mRNA in the small intestine of C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Robles E. Franco , Vázquez V. Pérez , Emiliano J. Ramírez , Amaro R. González , Briones S. López
Published: December 2016

The aim of this work was to investigate the possible effect of high fat diet (HFD) induced obesity on iIEL subsets and their cytokine mRNA levels in C57BL/6 mice.
Structural and kinetic changes to small-pore Cu-zeolites after hydrothermal aging treatments and selective catalytic reduction of NOxwith ammonia
Authors: Albarracin-Caballero Jonatan D. , Khurana Ishant , Di Iorio John R. , Shih Arthur J. , Schmidt Joel E. , Dusselier Michiel , Davis Mark E. , Yezerets Aleksey , Miller Jeffrey T. , Ribeiro Fabio H. , Gounder Rajamani
Published: December 2016

Cu in aged zeolites changes structure during SCR.
Enhanced visible light photoelectrocatalytic activity over CuxZn1−xIn2S4@TiO2 nanotube array hetero-structures
Authors: Wu Zhi , Gong Cheng , Yu Jiangdong , Sun Lan , Xiao Wang , Lin Changjian
Published: December 2016

Ultrathin CuxZn1−xIn2S4 nanosheet modified TNTA photoanodes constructed by a solvothermal reaction exhibited excellent visible light photoelectrocatalytic H2 generation efficiency and stability.
Resonant doping in BiCuSeO thermoelectrics from first principles
Authors: Shen Jiahong , Yu Hulei , Pei Yanzhong , Chen Yue
Published: December 2016

Effective band structures showing the resonant states in In- and Tl-doped BiCuSeO.
Nondegenerate two-photon absorption properties of a newly synthesized carbazole derivative
Authors: Chen Shu , Zheng Yong-Chao , Zheng Mei-Ling , Dong Xian-Zi , Jin Feng , Zhao Zhen-Sheng , Duan Xuan-Ming
Published: December 2016

Nondegenerate two-photon absorption of a newly carbazole derivative is reported, demonstrating its potential use in a two-color two-photon laser scanning microscope.
Multi-substituted deep-blue emitting carbazoles: a comparative study on photophysical and electroluminescence characteristics
Authors: Konidena Rajendra Kumar , Justin Thomas K. R. , Sahoo Snehasis , Dubey Deepak Kumar , Jou Jwo-Huei
Published: December 2016

A series of deep-blue emitting carbazoles featuring various degrees of 2,3,6,7-substitutions with triphenylamine or carbazole have been synthesized and characterized.
A Retrospective Examination of the Effect of Diabetes on Sensory Processing in Older Adults
Authors: Humes Larry E.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine retrospectively the impact of diabetes mellitus on auditory, visual, and tactile processing in older adults.

Method

Fourteen (10.4%) of a sample of 135 older adults self-reported the presence of diabetes mellitus in a study of sensory and cognitive processing across the adult lifespan. In this study, the performance of the subgroup with diabetes on a number of psychophysical sensory-processing measures was compared with that of the 121 older adults without diabetes. Measures of sensory processing focused on temporal processing and threshold sensitivity in each of 3 sensory modalities: hearing, vision, and touch.

Results

The subgroup of older adults with diabetes differed significantly (
p
< .05) from the larger group without diabetes only for measures of auditory temporal-order and temporal-masking identification tasks.

Conclusion

This retrospective study provides additional evidence in support of higher level auditory-processing deficits in older adults with a positive history of diabetes mellitus.
Measurement of the X-ray proper motion in the south-east rim of RX J1713.7−3946
Authors: Acero Fabio , Katsuda Satoru , Ballet Jean , Petre Robert
Published: December 2016

We report on the first proper motion measurement in the supernova remnant RX J1713.7−3946 using the XMM-Newton X-ray telescope on a 13 yr time interval. This expansion measurement is carried out in the south-east region of the remnant, where two sharp filament structures are observed. For the outermost filament, the proper motion is 0.75+0.05-0.06 ± 0.069syst arcsec yr-1 which is equivalent to a shock speed of ~3500 km s-1 at a distance of 1 kpc. In contrast with the bright north-west region, where the shock is interacting with the border of the cavity, the shock in the south-east region is probably expanding in the original ambient medium carved by the progenitor and can be used to derive the current density at the shock and the age of the remnant. In the case where the shock is evolving in a wind profile (ρ ∝ r− s, s = 2) or in a uniform medium (s = 0), we estimate an age of ~2300 yr and ~1800 yr respectively for an ejecta power-law index of n = 9. The specific case of an ejecta power-law index of n = 7, and s = 0, yields an age of ~1500 yr, which would reconcile RX J1713.7−3946 with the historical records of SN 393. In all scenarios, we derive similar upstream densities of the order of 0.01 cm-3, compatible with the lack of thermal X-rays from the shocked ambient medium.
Videobrille und Magnesium-Implantate: cdgw-Zukunftspreis für HappyMed und Syntellix
Authors: Gaede Kirsten
Published: December 2016

Eine Videobrille, mit der Patienten während einer OP (lokalnarkotisiert) oder einer Chemotherapie Filme sehen können, und Schrauben und Pins, die im Körper vollständig abgebaut werden – diese beiden Innovationen sind in Berlin mit dem Zukunftspreis des Clubs der Gesundheitswirtschaft (cdgw) ausgezeichnet worden.
Klare Vorgaben fehlen
Authors: Rybak Christian
Published: December 2016

Derzeit erarbeitet der G-BA Kriterien für die Vergabe von Sicherstellungszuschlägen. Der erste Beschlussentwurf lässt noch viele Fragen offen.
Big Data: Die Bescherung Beginnt
Authors: König Romy
Published: December 2016

Lange hinkten deutsche Krankenhäuser bei Big Data hinterher. Doch jetzt planen die ersten‚ ihren Datenschatz für die Patientenbehandlung zu nutzen – darunter auch die Uniklinik Gießen-Marburg und das Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus.
Serie: Innovative IT-Projekte: Uniklinik Essen: Künstliche Intelligenz in der Diagnostik
Authors: Doelfs Guntram
Published: December 2016

Im April startete die Uniklinik Essen ein zukunftsträchtiges Forschungsprojekt: Seither treten Radiologen bei der Diagnostik von seltenen Lungenerkrankungen gegen eine Software an, die selbstständig mittels Künstlicher Intelligenz CT-Daten analysiert und daraus Diagnosen ableitet. Erste Ergebnisse zeigen: Der virtuelle Kollege hilft, die Diagnosegenauigkeit zu verbessern.
Hygiene: Kampf gegen Krankenhauskeime
Authors: Mewis Dirk
Published: December 2016

Vor allem in Krankenhäusern müssen präventive Maßnahmen ergriffen werden, um immungeschwächte Patienten zu schützen. Denn viele Ansteckungen sind vermeidbar.
Ersatzteile: Textilien, wo man sie nicht vermutet
Authors: Mewis Dirk
Published: December 2016

Technisches Gewebe lässt sich in verschiedenen Formen im menschlichen Körper einsetzen. Forscher arbeiten daran, textile Ersatzteile reif für die medizinische Praxis zu machen.
Saving Tendons on Distal Radius Fractures: A Simple Surgical Pearl to Prevent FPL Tendon Conflict with Volar Locking Plates
Authors: Ruggiero Gustavo
Published: December 2016

Injury to the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon is one of the most frequent complications when fixing distal radius fractures with the volar locking plates. The author proposed a simple surgical technique providing a reliable soft tissue protection to prevent friction on the FPL with the volar locking plate, using a flap of the FCR sheath sutured to attachments of the volar capsule on the lunate buttress facet of the distal radius.
Narcolepsy without Cataplexy Mimicking Psychiatric Illness
Authors: Serajee Fatema , Ueda Keisuke
Published: December 2016

Hallucinations can be seen in pediatric population with various kinds of illnesses including psychiatric disorders and sleep disorders. As psychiatry disorders and sleep disorders share common symptoms, it is difficult to differentiate. We report a case of narcolepsy without cataplexy in a 12-year-old girl who was initially diagnosed with psychiatric illnesses from excessive sleepiness and visual and auditory hallucinations. She did not improve with antipsychotic medication but responded well to stimulant medication. We emphasize the importance of having narcolepsy in differential diagnoses for hallucinations in pediatric population.
Interspecies co-use of southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) burrows
Authors: Thornett Elizabeth , Ostendorf Bertram , Taggart David A.
Published: December 2016

Burrows can provide refuge for both burrowing and non-burrowing species within harsh environments through protection from climatic extremes, water loss and predation. In Australia, however, despite having a rich diversity of burrowing mammals, little is known about the use of burrows by non-burrowing species. This study aimed to identify the extent of co-use of southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) burrows on Wedge Island off the coast of South Australia. Burrow use was monitored using 34 motion-activated cameras placed outside wombat burrows between March and September 2015. Eleven species were found to use burrows, with six commensal species observed using burrows on numerous occasions. These included two mammal species (black-footed rock-wallaby, Petrogale lateralis pearsoni; brush-tailed bettong, Bettongia penicillata), three reptile species (peninsula dragon, Ctenophorus fionni; southern sand-skink, Liopholis multiscutata; White’s skink, Liopholis whitii), and one avian species (little penguin, Eudyptula minor). The most common species observed using burrows was the black-footed rock-wallaby, which was recorded using burrows 1795 times. Observations of wombats using burrows were made 1674 times. The prevalent use of burrows on Wedge Island by species other than wombats is an observation with potentially important and broad ecological, conservation, and management implications across Australia’s arid and semiarid zones.
Empathy at the confluence of neuroscience and empirical literary studies
Authors: Burke Michael , Kuzmicova Anezka , Mangen Anne , Schilhab Theresa
Published: December 2016

The objective of this article is to review extant empirical studies of empathy in narrative reading in light of (a) contemporary literary theory, and (b) neuroscientific studies of empathy, and to discuss how a closer interplay between neuroscience and literary studies may enhance our understanding of empathy in narrative reading. An introduction to some of the philosophical roots of empathy is followed by tracing its application in contemporary literary theory, in which scholars have pursued empathy with varying degrees of conceptual precision, often within the context of embodied/enactive cognition. The presentation of empirical literary studies of empathy is subsequently contextualized by an overview of psychological and neuroscientific aspects of empathy. Highlighting points of convergence and divergence, the discussion illustrates how findings of empirical literary studies align with recent neuroscientific research. The article concludes with some prospects for future empirical research, suggesting that digitization may contribute to advancing the scientific knowledge of empathy in narrative reading.
Urban Air Pollution in Iran
Authors: Hosseini Vahid , Shahbazi Hossein
Published: December 2016

Urban air pollution is a major health risk in several large Iranian cities. Transportation, extensive use of fossil fuels, outdated urban fleets of gasoline and diesel vehicles, industrial sources within and close to the city boundaries and natural dust are major contributing factors. Starting with Tehran, emission inventories and mathematical air pollution models are being developed. Air quality is being monitored and reported to the public, though data availability and validity remain a challenge. While national and local air pollution mitigation plans are in place, progress remains slow, coordination is weak, and sources of funding are limited.
Climate and the Chronology of Iranian History
Authors: Mikhail Alan
Published: December 2016

This article offers a chronology of climate events in Iran over the last millennium to challenge traditional chronologies of the Iranian past based on politics, war, and economics. Using insights gleaned from the historiography of climate in Iran, and from neighboring regions, especially the Ottoman Empire, four episodes of climate cooling show how climate-induced environmental processes affected more people for longer in Iran than did the policies of the empires ostensibly ruling over them. Thus, the article aims to put climate more squarely on the agenda of historians of Iran so that the conjectures advanced here can be confirmed, revised, or discarded through future empirical research. Moreover, the article seeks to bring Iran into wider conversations in environmental and global history.
Article Commentary: “Alcoholic” or “Person with Alcohol use Disorder”? Applying Person-First Diagnostic Terminology in the Clinical Domain
Authors: Robinson Sean M.
Published: December 2016

A recent publication by Broyles et al. has recommended extending the use of diagnostically accurate, person-first language (e.g., “person with alcohol use disorder”) as an alternative to non-diagnostic, idiosyncratic terms (e.g., “addict”, “alcoholic”) when describing individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) in academic publications. Given the high levels of stigma towards individuals with SUDs in both the public and professional community alike, however, the present commentary advocates for extending the use of appropriate terminology in the description of individuals with SUDs beyond the academic arena- i.e., clinical charting. The use of potentially stigmatizing idiomatic terms and descriptions (e.g., “clean”, “dirty”) in clinical charting is discussed with respect to: a) the lingering problem of the treatment utilization gap, b) modern conceptualizations of stigma and labelling among individuals with SUDs, as well as c) the emerging concept of structural stigma and how institutional standards (or lack thereof) may inadvertently contribute to the perpetuation of providers’ negative attitudes and beliefs. The negative implications of SUD-related stigma on quality of patient care are also discussed, and possible barriers to the successful adoption of the above approach are considered. A number of possible benefits from the successful adoption of person-first, patient-centered, diagnostically appropriate labelling standards within clinical notes are hypothesized, including improved alignment with patient-centered care models, institutional values, and professional ethics, as well as reductions in institutional stigma. A number of recommendations to facilitate adoption of are offered.
Atmospheric air pollutants: CO in Nitrogen, 5 μmol/mol
Authors: Konopelko L A , Pankratov V V , Pankov A A , Ivahnenko B V , Efremova O V , Bakovec N V , Mironchik A M , Aleksandrov V V
Published: December 2016

This article presents the report on the COOMET supplementary comparison "Atmospheric air pollutants: CO in Nitrogen, 5 μmol/mol".

Carbon monoxide (CO) is present in atmosphere due to different natural and anthropogenic sources. CO is a toxic gas and in concentrations higher than (3-5) μmol/mol it is hazardous to human health.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Generalized Ostrowski type inequalities for local fractional integrals
Authors: Sarikaya Mehmet , Budak Hüseyin
Published: December 2016

First, we establish the generalized Ostrowski inequality for local fractional integrals on fractal setsRαR^{\alpha }(0>α≤1)\left ( 0>\alpha \leq 1\right )of real line numbers. Secondly, we obtain some new inequalities using the generalized convex function on fractal setsRαR^{\alpha }.
Almost sure invariance principle for sequential and non-stationary dynamical systems
Authors: Haydn Nicolai , Nicol Matthew , Török Andrew , Vaienti Sandro
Published: December 2016

We establish almost sure invariance principles, a strong form of approximation by Brownian motion, for non-stationary time-series arising as observations on dynamical systems. Our examples include observations on sequential expanding maps, perturbed dynamical systems, non-stationary sequences of functions on hyperbolic systems as well as applications to the shrinking target problem in expanding systems.
Noncommutative bispectral Darboux transformations
Authors: Geiger Joel , Horozov Emil , Yakimov Milen
Published: December 2016

We prove a general theorem establishing the bispectrality of noncommutative Darboux transformations. It has a wide range of applications that establish bispectrality of such transformations for differential, difference and

q
q

-difference operators with values in all noncommutative algebras. All known bispectral Darboux transformations are special cases of the theorem. Using the methods of quasideterminants and the spectral theory of matrix polynomials, we explicitly classify the set of bispectral Darboux transformations from rank one differential operators and Airy operators with values in matrix algebras. These sets generalize the classical Calogero–Moser spaces and Wilson’s adelic Grassmannian.
Reducibility of 1-d Schrödinger equation with time quasiperiodic unbounded perturbations. I
Authors: Bambusi Dario
Published: December 2016

We study the Schrödinger equation on

R

\mathbb {R}

with a polynomial potential behaving as

x

2
l

x^{2l}

at infinity,

1
≤
l
∈

N

1\leq l\in \mathbb {N}

, and with a small time quasiperiodic perturbation. We prove that if the symbol of the perturbation grows at most like

(

ξ
2

+

x

2
l

)

β

/

(
2
l
)

(\xi ^2+x^{2l})^{\beta /(2l)}

, with

β
>
l
+
1

\beta >l+1

, then the system is reducible. Some extensions including cases with

β
=
2
l

\beta =2l

are also proved. The result implies boundedness of Sobolev norms. The proof is based on pseudodifferential calculus and KAM theory
The Delta Conjecture at 𝑞=1
Authors: Romero Marino
Published: December 2016

We use a weight-preserving, sign-reversing involution to find a combinatorial expansion ofΔeken\Delta _{e_k} e_natq=1q=1in terms of the elementary symmetric function basis. We then use a weight-preserving bijection to prove the Delta Conjecture of Haglund, Remmel, and Wilson atq=1q=1. The method of proof provides a variety of structures which can compute the inner product ofΔeken|q=1\Delta _{e_k} e_n|_{q=1}with any symmetric function.
Perturbation of H3K27me3-Associated Epigenetic Processes Increases Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation
Authors: Iwakawa Hidekazu , Carter Benjamin C. , Bishop Brett C. , Ogas Joe , Gelvin Stanton B.
Published: December 2016

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is a core technology for basic plant science and agricultural biotechnology. Improving transformation frequency is a major goal for plant transgenesis. We previously showed that T-DNA insertions in some histone genes decreased transformation susceptibility, whereas overexpression of several Arabidopsis H2A and H4 isoforms increased transformation. Overexpression of several histone H2B and H3 isoforms had little effect on transformation frequency. However, overexpression of histone H3-11 (HTR11) enhanced transformation. HTR11 is a unique H3 variant that lacks lysine at positions 9 and 27. The modification status of these lysine residues in canonical H3 proteins plays a critical role in epigenetic determination of gene expression. We mutated histone H3-4 (HTR4), a canonical H3.3 protein that does not increase transformation when overexpressed, by replacing either or both K9 and K27 with the amino acids in HTR11 (either K9I, K27Q, or both). Overexpression of HTR4 with the K27Q but not the K9I substitution enhanced transformation. HTR4K27Q was incorporated into chromatin, and HTR4K27Q overexpression lines exhibited deregulated expression of H3K27me3-enriched genes. These results demonstrate that mutation of K27 in H3.3 is sufficient to perturb H3K27me3-dependent expression in plants as in animals and suggest a distinct epigenetic role for histone HTR11. Further, these observations implicate manipulation of H3K27me3-dependent gene expression as a novel strategy to increase transformation susceptibility.
Using In-Training Evaluation Report (ITER) Qualitative Comments to Assess Medical Students and Residents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hatala Rose , Sawatsky Adam P. , Dudek Nancy , Ginsburg Shiphra , Cook David A.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

In-training evaluation reports (ITERs) constitute an integral component of medical student and postgraduate physician trainee (resident) assessment. ITER narrative comments have received less attention than the numeric scores. The authors sought both to determine what validity evidence informs the use of narrative comments from ITERs for assessing medical students and residents and to identify evidence gaps.

Method

Reviewers searched for relevant English-language studies in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and ERIC (last search June 5, 2015), and in reference lists and author files. They included all original studies that evaluated ITERs for qualitative assessment of medical students and residents. Working in duplicate, they selected articles for inclusion, evaluated quality, and abstracted information on validity evidence using Kane’s framework (inferences of scoring, generalization, extrapolation, and implications).

Results

Of 777 potential articles, 22 met inclusion criteria. The scoring inference is supported by studies showing that rich narratives are possible, that changing the prompt can stimulate more robust narratives, and that comments vary by context. Generalization is supported by studies showing that narratives reach thematic saturation and that analysts make consistent judgments. Extrapolation is supported by favorable relationships between ITER narratives and numeric scores from ITERs and non-ITER performance measures, and by studies confirming that narratives reflect constructs deemed important in clinical work. Evidence supporting implications is scant.

Conclusions

The use of ITER narratives for trainee assessment is generally supported, except that evidence is lacking for implications and decisions. Future research should seek to confirm implicit assumptions and evaluate the impact of decisions.
Teaching Today in the Practice Setting of the Future: Implementing Innovations in Graduate Medical Education
Authors: Kim Jung G. , Morris Carl G. , Ford Paul
Published: December 2016

Problem

Implementing an innovation, such as offering new types of patient–physician encounters through the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model while maintaining Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accreditation standards (e.g., patient encounter minimums for trainees), is challenging.

Approach

In 2009, the Group Health Family Medicine Residency (GHFMR) received an ACGME Program Experimentation and Innovation Project (PEIP) exception that redefined the minimum Family Medicine Resident Review Committee requirement to 1,400 face-to-face visits and 250 electronic visits (1 electronic visit defined as 3 secure message or telephone encounters). The authors report GHFMR residents’ continuity clinic encounters, specifically volume, from 2006 through 2013 via pre- and post-PCMH implementation. They discuss the implications for leaders of high-performing practices who desire to innovate while maintaining accreditation.

Outcomes

Post-PCMH residents had 20% more overall patient contact. The largest change in care delivery method included a large increase in secure messages between patients and residents. Pre-PCMH residents had more face-to-face encounters; however, post-PCMH residents had more contact for all types of patient care encounters (face-to-face, secure messaging, and telephone) per hour of clinic time.

Next Steps

The ACGME PEIP exception, allowing the incorporation of the PCMH, facilitated an increase in patient access and immersed residents in primary care innovation (namely, practicing in a PCMH model during graduate medical education training). The next steps are to assess the effect of the PCMH on resident learning and clinical outcomes and to continue residents’ access to training that keeps pace with today’s health care delivery needs.
Predatory Publishing: An Emerging Threat to the Medical Literature
Authors: Harvey H. Benjamin , Weinstein Debra F.
Published: December 2016

The quality of medical literature is increasingly threatened by irresponsible publishing, leading to rising retraction rates, irreproducible results, and a flood of inconsequential publications that distract readers from more meaningful scholarship. “Predatory publishers” offer rapid publication with loose peer review, exploiting a system in which faculty seek longer bibliographies to achieve academic promotion. In this Commentary, the authors highlight some of the evidence that this problem exists and suggest actions to address it. Recommendations for protecting the medical literature include preventing predatory journals from being indexed by the National Library of Medicine; encouraging academic promotions committees to ensure that they prioritize value over volume of publications and that faculty understand that priority; excluding publications from predatory journals on curricula vitae and requiring that retractions are included; developing sanctions for repeated retractions or duplicate publications; and convening an expert panel to better elucidate this problem and determine strategies to combat it.
Embedding a Palliative Approach in Nursing Care Delivery
Authors: Sawatzky Richard , Porterfield Pat , Roberts Della , Lee Joyce , Liang Leah , Reimer-Kirkham Sheryl , Pesut Barb , Schalkwyk Tilly , Stajduhar Kelli , Tayler Carolyn , Baumbusch Jennifer , Thorne Sally
Published: December 2016

A palliative approach involves adapting and integrating principles and values from palliative care into the care of persons who have life-limiting conditions throughout their illness trajectories. The aim of this research was to determine what approaches to nursing care delivery support the integration of a palliative approach in hospital, residential, and home care settings. The findings substantiate the importance of embedding the values and tenets of a palliative approach into nursing care delivery, the roles that nurses have in working with interdisciplinary teams to integrate a palliative approach, and the need for practice supports to facilitate that embedding and integration.
Practical Discourse Revisited
Authors: Padgett Stephen M.
Published: December 2016

Three early papers by Janice Thompson—Practical Discourse, Critical Scholarship, and Hermeneutic Inquiry—are examined in reference to the historical context of the time (1985-1990), and implications for current scholarship. Hermeneutic philosophy has been neglected in recent years, overshadowed by its weaker cousin phenomenology. I argue that renewed attention to hermeneutics would help us focus on the “situatedness” of nursing scholars, the class politics of academia, and a better balance in interpretative work between faith and suspicion. Critical hermeneutics also offers a more robust understanding of praxis and phronesis, and links to pragmatism and social studies of science.
Advancing Nursing Science Through Community Advisory Boards
Authors: Gonzalez-Guarda Rosa M. , Jones Emily J. , Cohn Elizabeth , Gillespie Gordon L. , Bowen Felesia
Published: December 2016

The movement toward community-engaged research is well aligned with nursing's strong tradition of engaging individuals, families, and communities in designing and evaluating nursing care. As such, nurse scientists should consider engaging the recipients of care in the research process. Community advisory boards are a common way in which communities are engaged in research. The purpose of this article is to provide a framework for effectively working with community advisory boards in diverse communities that is informed by evidence and experiences of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nurse Faculty Scholars. Recommendations can serve as a blueprint for nurse scientists as they engage communities in research promoting health equity.
Connecting Police Violence With Reproductive Health
Authors: Premkumar Ashish , Nseyo Onouwem , Jackson Andrea V.
Published: December 2016

Since the police-involved deaths of Michael Brown and Freddie Gray, activists have argued for connecting police violence with reproductive justice. We argue that systematic violence, including police violence, should be evaluated in relation to reproductive health outcomes of individual patients and communities. Beyond emphasizing the relationship between violence and health outcomes, both qualitative and epidemiologic data can be used by activists and caregivers to effectively care for individuals from socially marginalized communities.
Feasibility and Outcomes of Fetoscopic Tracheal Occlusion for Severe Left Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Belfort Michael A. , Olutoye Oluyinka O. , Cass Darrell L. , Olutoye Olutoyin A. , Cassady Christopher I. , Mehollin-Ray Amy R. , Shamshirsaz Alireza A. , Cruz Stephanie M. , Lee Timothy C. , Mann David G. , Espinoza Jimmy , Welty Stephen E. , Fernandes Caraciolo J. , Ruano Rodrigo
Published: December 2016

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate feasibility and initial outcomes of fetoscopic tracheal occlusion for severe diaphragmatic hernia compared with a historical cohort who had not received fetal tracheal occlusion.

METHODS:

Outcomes in a prospective observational cohort who underwent fetoscopic tracheal occlusion for severe fetal left diaphragmatic hernia without associated anomalies were compared with our historical nontreated cohort of matched fetuses of similar severity. Fetuses were classified using the same ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging methodology—prospectively in the fetoscopic tracheal occlusion group and retrospectively in the historical nontreated cohort. Obstetric and postnatal outcomes were evaluated and compared.

RESULTS:

Between January 2004 and June 2015, 218 fetuses with diaphragmatic hernia were evaluated. Twenty (9%) fetuses had severe left diaphragmatic hernia (lung–head ratio 1.0 or less and liver herniation), of which 9 of 20 were managed without tracheal occlusion. Eleven were offered the procedure and in 10, it was successful. Mean (±standard deviation) gestational age was 27.9±1.1 weeks at attempted balloon placement, 34.1±1.1 weeks at removal, and 35.3±2.2 weeks at delivery. One patient required an ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure at delivery to remove the balloon. There were no maternal complications or fetal deaths. All neonates underwent postnatal repair with a patch. The 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year survival rates were significantly higher in our treated cohort than in our nontreated historical cohort (80% compared with 11%, risk difference 69%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 38–100%, P=.01; 70% compared with 11%, risk difference 59%, 95% CI 24–94%, P=.02; and 67% compared with 11%, risk difference 56%, 95% CI 19–93%, P=.04, respectively) with reduced need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (30% compared with 70%, risk difference 40%, 95% CI 10–79%, P=.05).

CONCLUSION:

Fetoscopic tracheal occlusion is feasible and is associated with improved postnatal outcomes in severe left diaphragmatic hernia.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:

ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00881660.
Consensus Bundle on Prevention of Surgical Site Infections After Major Gynecologic Surgery
Authors: Pellegrini Joseph E. , Toledo Paloma , Soper David E. , Bradford William C. , Cruz Deborah A. , Levy Barbara S. , Lemieux Lauren A.
Published: December 2016

Surgical site infections are the most common complication of surgery in the United States. Of surgeries in women of reproductive age, hysterectomy is one of the most frequently performed, second only to cesarean birth. Therefore, prevention of surgical site infections in women undergoing gynecologic surgery is an ideal topic for a patient safety bundle. The primary purpose of this safety bundle is to provide recommendations that can be implemented into any surgical environment in an effort to reduce the incidence of surgical site infection. This bundle was developed by a multidisciplinary team convened by the Council on Patient Safety in Women's Health Care. The bundle is organized into four domains: Readiness, Recognition and Prevention, Response, and Reporting and Systems Learning. In addition to recommendations for practice, each of the domains stresses communication and teamwork between all members of the surgical team. Although the bundle components are designed to be adaptable to work in a variety of clinical settings, standardization within institutions is encouraged.
Treatment of a Pregnant Patient in a Persistent Vegetative State
Authors: Romagano Matthew P. , Scorza William E. , Lammers Stephen E. , Dorr Carole , Smulian John C.
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND:

Brain injury leading to a persistent vegetative state during pregnancy involves difficult medical and ethical decisions.

CASE:

A 21-year-old multigravid woman entered a persistent vegetative state at 20 1/7 weeks of gestation after cardiac arrest with postanoxic brain injury from a suspected drug overdose. The clinical disciplines responsible for her case formed a collaborative care plan involving ventilator, nutrition, and medication support of the mother and regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound testing. A planned delivery by cesarean at term resulted in a good neonatal outcome.

CONCLUSION:

There is no standardized management plan for obstetric care in a persistent vegetative state. This case illustrates a successful multidisciplinary approach that may be useful as a template in similar situations.
Effects of Calcium, Vitamin D, and Hormone Therapy on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Schnatz Peter F. , Jiang Xuezhi , Aragaki Aaron K. , Nudy Matthew , O'Sullivan David M. , Williams Mark , LeBlanc Erin S. , Martin Lisa W. , Manson JoAnn E. , Shikany James M. , Johnson Karen C. , Stefanick Marcia L. , Payne Martha E. , Cauley Jane A. , Howard Barbara V. , Robbins John
Published: December 2016

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze the treatment effect of calcium+vitamin D supplementation, hormone therapy, both, and neither on cardiovascular disease risk factors.

METHODS:

We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial among Women's Health Initiative (WHI) participants. The predefined primary outcome was low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).

RESULTS:

Between September 1993 and October 1998, a total of 68,132 women aged 50–79 years were recruited and randomized to the WHI–Dietary Modification (n=48,835) and WHI–Hormone Therapy trials (n=27,347). Subsequently, 36,282 women from WHI–Hormone Therapy (16,089) and WHI–Dietary Modification (n=25,210) trials were randomized in the WHI–Calcium+Vitamin D trial to 1,000 mg elemental calcium carbonate plus 400 international units vitamin D3 daily or placebo. Our study group included 1,521 women who participated in both the hormone therapy and calcium+vitamin D trials and were in the 6% subsample of trial participants with blood sample collections at baseline and years 1, 3, and 6. The average treatment effect with 95% confidence interval, for LDL-C, compared with placebo, was −1.6, (95% confidence interval [CI] −5.5 to 2.2) mg/dL for calcium+vitamin D alone, −9.0 (95% CI −13.0 to −5.1) mg/dL for hormone therapy alone, and −13.8 (95% CI −17.8 to −9.8) mg/dL for the combination. There was no evidence of a synergistic effect of calcium+vitamin D+hormone therapy on LDL-C (P value for interaction=.26) except in those with low total intakes of vitamin D, for whom there was a significant synergistic effect on LDL (P value for interaction=.03).

CONCLUSION:

Reductions in LDL-C were greater among women randomized to both calcium+vitamin D and hormone therapy than for those randomized to either intervention alone or to placebo. The treatment effect observed in the calcium+vitamin D+hormone therapy combination group may be additive rather than synergistic. For clinicians and patients deciding to begin calcium+vitamin D supplementation, current use of hormone therapy should not influence that decision.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:

ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00000611.