bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction: Two-terminal DSSC/silicon tandem solar cells exceeding 18% efficiency
Authors: Kwon Jeong , Im Min Ji , Kim Chan Ul , Won Sang Hyuk , Kang Sung Bum , Kang Sung Ho , Choi In Taek , Kim Hwan Kyu , Kim In Ho , Park Jong Hyeok , Choi Kyoung Jin
Published: November 2016

Correction for ‘Two-terminal DSSC/silicon tandem solar cells exceeding 18% efficiency’ by Jeong Kwon et al., Energy Environ. Sci., 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c6ee02296k.
Irreversible phase transition in BiVO4 nanostructures synthesized by a polyol method and enhancement in photo degradation of methylene blue
Authors: Nikam Swati , Joshi Satyawati
Published: November 2016

Structure and bonding in metal oxides has been studied extensively using Raman vibrational spectroscopy and is found to provide complementary information to the crystallographic observations.
Pattern recognition for cytotoxicity mode of action (MOA) of chemicals by using a high-throughput real-time cell analyzer
Authors: Chen Jiao , Pan Tianhong , Chen Shan , Zou Xiaobo
Published: November 2016

Slope and entropy are extracted from the relative normalized cell index collected from RTCA. Then the median value is selected to denote the main mode of actin (MoA) of chemical. Hierarchical cluster is used for pattern recognition of MoA.
The impact of gas slug flow on microfiltration performance in an airlift external loop tubular membrane reactor
Authors: Wu Yun , Wang Jie , Zhang Hongwei , Ngo Huu Hao , Guo Wenshan , Zhang Nan
Published: November 2016

Under low gas-velocity, the cake layer gradually formed. Then high gas-velocity scoured the cake layer, which obstructed the cake layer's formation.
Electrodepositing technique for improving the performance of crystalline and amorphous carbonaceous anodes for MFCs
Authors: Mohamed Hend Omar , Obaid M. , Yasin Ahmed S. , Kim Jun Hee , Barakat Nasser A. M.
Published: November 2016

The properties and cost of anode materials are essential factors affecting the microbial fuel cell (MFC) performance.
Hydrophilic polymer/polypyrrole/graphene oxide nanosheets with different performances in electrocatalytic applications to simultaneously determine dopamine and ascorbic acid
Authors: Mao Hui , Ji Chunguang , Liu Meihong , Sun Ying , Liu Daliang , Wu Shuyao , Zhang Yu , Song Xi-Ming
Published: November 2016

Hydrophilic polymers functionalized polypyrrole/graphene oxide nanosheets were successfully synthesized and presented different performance for simultaneous determination to DA and AA.
Polystyrene–mesoporous diatomite composites produced by in situ activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Khezri Khezrollah
Published: November 2016

Effect of mesoporous diatomite platelets on the ARGET ATRP of styrene and improvement of thermal properties are investigated.
CeO2 nanodots decorated ketjen black for high performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Qian Xinye , Jin Lina , Zhu Lin , Yao Shanshan , Rao Dewei , Shen Xiangqian , Xi Xiaoming , Xiao Kesong , Qin Shibiao
Published: November 2016

A CeO2 nanodots decorated ketjen black composite was fabricated by a simple wet impregnation method and used as the host of sulfur for a lithium–sulfur battery.
The effect of substituted benzene dicarboxylic acid linkers on the optical band gap energy and magnetic coupling in manganese trimer metal organic frameworks
Authors: Asha K. S. , Reber Arthur C. , Ahmed N. , Nath R. , Khanna Shiv N. , Mandal Sukhendu
Published: November 2016

The optical band gap energy and magnetism of a series of Mn based compounds were tuned through linker modification.
Kinetic and thermodynamic studies of the interaction between activating and inhibitory Ly49 natural killer receptors and MHC class I molecules
Authors: Romasanta Pablo N. , Curto Lucrecia M. , Sarratea María B. , Noli Truant Sofía , Antonoglou María B. , Fernández Lynch María J. , Delfino José M. , Mariuzza Roy A. , Fernández Marisa M. , Malchiodi Emilio L.
Published: November 2016

Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system that eliminate virally infected or malignantly transformed cells. NK cell function is regulated by diverse surface receptors that are both activating and inhibitory. Among them, the homodimeric Ly49 receptors control NK cell cytotoxicity by sensing major histocompatibility complex class I molecules (MHC-I) on target cells. Although crystal structures have been reported for Ly49/MHC-I complexes, the underlying binding mechanism has not been elucidated. Accordingly, we carried out thermodynamic and kinetic experiments on the interaction of four NK Ly49 receptors (Ly49G, Ly49H, Ly49I and Ly49P) with two MHC-I ligands (H-2Dd and H-2Dk). These Ly49s embrace the structural and functional diversity of the highly polymorphic Ly49 family. Combining surface plasmon resonance, fluorescence anisotropy and far-UV circular dichroism (CD), we determined that the best model to describe both inhibitory and activating Ly49/MHC-I interactions is one in which the two MHC-I binding sites of the Ly49 homodimer present similar binding constants for the two sites (∼106 M–1) with a slightly positive co-operativity in some cases, and without far-UV CD observable conformational changes. Furthermore, Ly49/MHC-I interactions are diffusion-controlled and enthalpy-driven. These features stand in marked contrast with the activation-controlled and entropy-driven interaction of Ly49s with the viral immunoevasin m157, which is characterized by strong positive co-operativity and conformational selection. These differences are explained by the distinct structures of Ly49/MHC-I and Ly49/m157 complexes. Moreover, they reflect the opposing roles of NK cells to rapidly scan for virally infected cells and of viruses to escape detection using immunoevasins such as m157.
Droplet millifluidics for kinetic study of transketolase
Authors: Pinsolle A. , Charmantray F. , Hecquet L. , Sarrazin F.
Published: November 2016

We present a continuous-flow reactor at the millifluidic scale coupled with an online, non-intrusive spectroscopic monitoring method for determining the kinetic parameters of an enzyme, transketolase (TK) used in biocatalysis for the synthesis of polyols by carboligation. The millifluidic system used is based on droplet flow, a well-established method for kinetic chemical data acquisition. The TK assay is based on the direct quantitative measurement of bicarbonate ions released during the transketolase-catalysed reaction in the presence of hydroxypyruvic acid as the donor, thanks to an irreversible reaction: bicarbonate ions react with phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) in the presence of PEP carboxylase as the first auxiliary enzyme. The oxaloacetate formed is reduced to malate by NADH in the reaction catalysed by malate dehydrogenase as the second auxiliary enzyme. The extent of oxidation of NADH was measured by spectrophotometry at 340 nm. This system gives a direct, quantitative, generic method to evaluate the TK activity versus different substrates. We demonstrate the accuracy of this strategy to determine the enzymatic kinetic parameters and to study the substrate specificity of a thermostable TK from thermophilic microorganism Geobacillus stearothermophilus, offering promising prospects in biocatalysis. Millifluidic systems are useful in this regard as they can be used to rapidly evaluate the TK activity towards various substrates, and also different sets of conditions, identifying the optimal operating environment while minimizing resource consumption and ensuring high control over the operating conditions.
Generation of a diffuse brush-shaped plasma plume using a dielectric barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Li Xuechen , Chu Jingdi , Jia Pengying , Zhang Qi , Zhang Chunyan , Dong Lifang
Published: November 2016

With argon used as working gas, a barrier discharge device composed of two diverging wire electrodes is developed to generate a diffuse brush-shaped plasma plume outside a wedged gap. The parameter range for plume generation and its discharge characteristics are studied through electrical and optical methods. The spatial and temporal evolution is implemented by fast photography to investigate the formation mechanism of the plume. At a lower voltage, it is found that the large-scale plume is a superposition of micro-discharge filaments gliding along the argon flow direction, which operate in a glow discharge regime. However, streamer-discharge branches appear stochastically on the gliding micro-discharge filaments under an overvoltage. Results also indicate that the plasma is in a non-equilibrium condition.
Relaxation of liquid bridge after droplets coalescence
Authors: Zheng Jiangen , Shi Haiyang , Chen Guo , Huang Yingzhou , Wei Hua , Wang Shuxia , Wen Weijia
Published: November 2016

We investigate the relaxation of liquid bridge after the coalescence of two sessile droplets resting on an organic glass substrate both experimentally and theoretically. The liquid bridge is found to relax to its equilibrium shape via two distinct approaches: damped oscillation relaxation and underdamped relaxation. When the viscosity is low, damped oscillation shows up, in this approach, the liquid bridge undergoes a damped oscillation process until it reaches its stable shape. However, if the viscous effects become significant, underdamped relaxation occurs. In this case, the liquid bridge relaxes to its equilibrium state in a non-periodic decay mode. In depth analysis indicates that the damping rate and oscillation period of damped oscillation are related to an inertial-capillary time scale τc. These experimental results are also testified by our numerical simulations with COMSOL Multiphysics.
Combination Computing of Support Vector Machine, Support Vector Regression and Molecular Docking for Potential Cytochrome P450 1A2 Inhibitors
Authors: Chen Xi , Qiao Lian-sheng , Cai Yi-lian , Zhang Yan-ling , Li Gong-yu
Published: November 2016

The computational approaches of support vector machine (SVM), support vector regression (SVR) and molecular docking were widely utilized for the computation of active compounds. In this work, to improve the accuracy and reliability of prediction, the strategy of combining the above three computational approaches was applied to predict potential cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) inhibitors. The accuracy of the optimal SVM qualitative model was 99.432%, 97.727%, and 91.667% for training set, internal test set and external test set, respectively, showing this model had high discrimination ability. The R2 and mean square error for the optimal SVR quantitative model were 0.763, 0.013 for training set, and 0.753, 0.056 for test set respectively, indicating that this SVR model has high predictive ability for the biological activities of compounds. According to the results of the SVM and SVR models, some types of descriptors were identified to be essential to bioactivity prediction of compounds, including the connectivity indices, constitutional descriptors and functional group counts. Moreover, molecular docking studies were used to reveal the binding poses and binding affinity of potential inhibitors interacting with CYP1A2. Wherein, the amino acids of THR124 and ASP320 could form key hydrogen bond interactions with active compounds. And the amino acids of ALA317 and GLY316 could form strong hydrophobic bond interactions with active compounds. The models obtained above were applied to discover potential CYP1A2 inhibitors from natural products, which could predict the CYPs-mediated drug-drug interactions and provide useful guidance and reference for rational drug combination therapy. A set of 20 potential CYP1A2 inhibitors were obtained. Part of the results was consistent with references, which further indicates the accuracy of these models and the reliability of this combinatorial computation strategy.
Diffusion of Nanoparticles in Semidilute Polymer Solutions: A Multiparticle Collision Dynamics Study
Authors: Li Shu-xian , Jiang Hui-jun , Hou Zhong-huai
Published: November 2016

The diffusion of nanoparticles immersed in semidilute polymer solutions is investigated by a hybrid mesoscopic multiparticle collision dynamics method. Effects of polymer concentration and hydrodynamic interactions among polymer monomers are focused. Extensive simulations show that the dependence of diffusion coefficient D on the polymer concentration c agrees with Phillies equation D-exp (−αcδ) with a scaling exponent δ≈0.97 which coincides with the experimental one in literature. For increasing nanoparticle size, the scaling prefactor α increases monotonically while the scaling exponent always keeps fixed. Moreover, we also study the diffusion of nanoparticle without hydrodynamic interactions and find that mobility of the nanoparticle slows down, and the scaling exponent is obviously different from the one in experiments, implying that hydrodynamic interactions play a crucial role in the diffusion of a nanoparticle in semidilute polymer solutions.
Working Condition Real-Time Monitoring Model of Lithium Ion Batteries Based on Distributed Parameter System and Single Particle Model
Authors: Huang Liang , Yao Chang
Published: November 2016

Lithium ion batteries are complicated distributed parameter systems that can be described preferably by partial differential equations and a field theory. To reduce the solution difficulty and the calculation amount, if a distributed parameter system is described by ordinary differential equations (ODE) during the analysis and the design of distributed parameter system, the reliability of the system description will be reduced, and the systemic errors will be introduced. Studies on working condition real-time monitoring can improve the security because the rechargeable LIBs are widely used in many electronic systems and electromechanical equipment. Single particle model (SPM) is the simplification of LIB under some approximations, and can estimate the working parameters of a LIB at the faster simulation speed. A LIB modelling algorithm based on PDEs and SPM is proposed to monitor the working condition of LIBs in real time. Although the lithium ion concentration is an unmeasurable distributed parameter in the anode of LIB, the working condition monitoring model can track the real time lithium ion concentration in the anode of LIB, and calculate the residual which is the difference between the ideal data and the measured data. A fault alarm can be triggered when the residual is beyond the preset threshold. A simulation example verifies that the effectiveness and the accuracy of the working condition real-time monitoring model of LIB based on PDEs and SPM.
Trends and predictors of recent HIV testing over 22 years among a clinic sample of men who have sex with men in South Australia
Authors: Li Bin , Bi Peng , Ward Alison , Bell Charlotte , Fairley Christopher K.
Published: November 2016

Background
Increasing the frequency of HIV testing is crucial for effective HIV prevention and care. The aim of the present study was to determine whether there has been a change in HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) at the South Australia Specialist Sexual Health (SASSH) clinic over the past two decades. Methods: Computerised medical records of MSM who attended the SASSH at their first visit between 1994 and 2015 were used to determine whether HIV testing had changed among MSM. First HIV tests in each calendar year and return tests within 12 months were analysed. Factors associated with recent HIV testing were also examined. Results: There were 24 036 HIV tests conducted among 8163 individual MSM over the study period. The proportion of newly registered MSM who reported ever being tested for HIV declined (Ptrend = 0.030), the proportion who reported recent HIV testing did not change (Ptrend = 0.955) and the proportion who have had current HIV testing increased (Ptrend = 0.008). The proportion of MSM who returned to the clinic for HIV testing within 12 months did not change (Ptrend >0.05), with less than 40% of MSM returning for HIV testing. Factors independently associated with recent HIV testing included MSM aged ≥20 years, (odds ratio (OR) 1.79; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.53–2.10), higher education (OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.12–1.45), non-Caucasian (African OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.30–2.17), having multiple sex partners (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.29–1.69), having had sex interstate (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.42–1.82) or overseas (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.33–1.76) and injecting drug use (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.29–1.88). Conclusions: HIV testing rate among MSM attending SASSH was suboptimal. New approaches are needed to increase the uptake and early detection of HIV infection among the high-priority MSM population.
Red cells’ dynamic morphologies govern blood shear thinning under microcirculatory flow conditions
Authors: Lanotte Luca , Mauer Johannes , Mendez Simon , Fedosov Dmitry A. , Fromental Jean-Marc , Claveria Viviana , Nicoud Franck , Gompper Gerhard , Abkarian Manouk
Published: November 2016

Significance

Our work reveals rich RBCs’ dynamic morphologies which govern blood shear thinning under microcirculatory flow conditions, contrary to the current paradigm assuming steady RBC orientation and membrane circulation. Our results suggest that any pathological change in RBCs’ local rheology will impact the onset of these morphological transitions and should play a key role in pathological blood flow.
Jenny Lind, Harriet Grote and Elite Music Patronage in Early Victorian London
Authors: Thom Wium Matildie
Published: November 2016

This article explores the patronage relationship between Harriet Grote and Jenny Lind during the latter's visits to London in 1847, 1848 and 1849. Aiming to highlight the often neglected affective dimensions of individual music patronage in this period, it discusses Grote's activities as Lind's agent and chaperone as well as her efforts to support Lind in more personal ways and to create a home-like environment for her. It is argued that Grote's varied roles as Lind's patron should be interpreted in the context of an intense personal interest in the singer, and are characterized by a complex combination of public and private types of support. These, in turn, correspond to public and private music practice as settings for patronage, revealing the interdependence of these two modes of music-making in the period, especially in the case of elite music culture.
Novel probabilistic models of spatial genetic ancestry with applications to stratification correction in genome-wide association studies
Authors: Bhaskar Anand , Javanmard Adel , Courtade Thomas A , Tse David
Published: November 2016

Motivation

Genetic variation in human populations is influenced by geographic ancestry due to spatial locality in historical mating and migration patterns. Spatial population structure in genetic datasets has been traditionally analyzed using either model-free algorithms, such as principal components analysis (PCA) and multidimensional scaling, or using explicit spatial probabilistic models of allele frequency evolution. We develop a general probabilistic model and an associated inference algorithm that unify the model-based and data-driven approaches to visualizing and inferring population structure. Our spatial inference algorithm can also be effectively applied to the problem of population stratification in genome-wide association studies (GWAS), where hidden population structure can create fictitious associations when population ancestry is correlated with both the genotype and the trait.

Results

Our algorithm Geographic Ancestry Positioning (GAP) relates local genetic distances between samples to their spatial distances, and can be used for visually discerning population structure as well as accurately inferring the spatial origin of individuals on a two-dimensional continuum. On both simulated and several real datasets from diverse human populations, GAP exhibits substantially lower error in reconstructing spatial ancestry coordinates compared to PCA. We also develop an association test that uses the ancestry coordinates inferred by GAP to accurately account for ancestry-induced correlations in GWAS. Based on simulations and analysis of a dataset of 10 metabolic traits measured in a Northern Finland cohort, which is known to exhibit significant population structure, we find that our method has superior power to current approaches.

Availability and Implementation

Our software is available at https://github.com/anand-bhaskar/gap.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Hitomi observations of Perseus support heating by mixing
Authors: Hillel Shlomi , Soker Noam
Published: November 2016

We compare the velocity dispersion of the intracluster medium (ICM) of the Perseus cluster of galaxies as observed by the Hitomi X-ray telescope to our three-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations of jet-inflated bubbles in cluster cooling flows and conclude that the observations support the mixing-heating mechanism of the ICM. In the mixing-heating mechanism, the ICM is heated by mixing of hot bubble gas with the ICM. This mixing is caused by vortices that are formed during the inflation process of the bubble. Sound waves and turbulence are also excited by the vortices, but they contribute less than 20 per cent to the heating of the ICM. Shocks that are excited by the jets contribute even less.
An Immuno-Suppressive Aphid Saliva Protein Is Delivered into the Cytosol of Plant Mesophyll Cells During Feeding
Authors: Mugford Sam T. , Barclay Elaine , Drurey Claire , Findlay Kim C. , Hogenhout Saskia A.
Published: November 2016

Herbivore selection of plant hosts and plant responses to insect colonization have been subjects of intense investigations. A growing body of evidence suggests that, for successful colonization to occur, (effector/virulence) proteins in insect saliva must modulate plant defense responses to the benefit of the insect. A range of insect saliva proteins that modulate plant defense responses have been identified, but there is no direct evidence that these proteins are delivered into specific plant tissues and enter plant cells. Aphids and other sap-sucking insects of the order Hemiptera use their specialized mouthparts (stylets) to probe plant mesophyll cells until they reach the phloem cells for long-term feeding. Here, we show, by immunogold-labeling of ultrathin sections of aphid feeding sites, that an immuno-suppressive aphid effector localizes in the cytoplasm of mesophyll cells near aphid stylets but not in cells further away from aphid feeding sites. In contrast, another aphid effector protein localizes in the sheaths composed of gelling saliva that surround the aphid stylets. Thus, insects deliver effectors directly into plant tissue. Moreover, different aphid effectors locate extracellularly in the sheath saliva or are introduced into the cytoplasm of plant cells.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2016 The Author(s). This is an open-access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Recommendations for Self-Report Outcome Measures in Vulvodynia Clinical Trials
Authors: Pukall Caroline F. , Bergeron Sophie , Brown Candace , Bachmann Gloria , Wesselmann Ursula
Published: November 2016

Objectives:

Vulvodynia (idiopathic chronic vulvar pain) is a prevalent condition associated with significant and negative impacts in many areas of function. Despite the increased research interest in vulvodynia in recent years, recommendations for outcome measures for use in clinical trials are missing. The purpose of this paper, therefore, was to provide recommendations for outcome measures for vulvodynia clinical trials so that consistent measures are used across trials to facilitate between-study comparisons and the conduct of large multicenter trials, and to improve measurement of the multiple dimensions of vulvodynia.

Methods:

Given that provoked vestibulodynia (PVD)—characterized by provoked pain localized to the vaginal opening—is the most common subtype of vulvodynia and the current main focus of clinical trials, this paper focused on recommended outcome measures in PVD clinical trials. The framework used to guide the selection of outcome measures was based on the one proposed by the Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT).

Results:

The IMMPACT framework provided a well-suited guideline for outcome measure recommendations in PVD clinical trials. However, given the provoked presentation of PVD and the significant impact it has on sexuality, modifications to some of the IMMPACT recommendations were made and specific additional measures were suggested.

Discussion:

Measures that are specific to vulvovaginal pain are ideal for adoption in PVD clinical trials, and many such measures currently exist that allow the relevant IMMPACT domains to be captured.
Activated Protein C Drives the Hyperfibrinolysis of Acute Traumatic Coagulopathy
Authors: Davenport Ross A. , Guerreiro Maria , Frith Daniel , Rourke Claire , Platton Sean , Cohen Mitchell , Pearse Rupert , Thiemermann Chris , Brohi Karim
Published: November 2016

Background

Major trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with hemorrhage accounting for 40% of deaths. Acute traumatic coagulopathy exacerbates bleeding, but controversy remains over the degree to which inhibition of procoagulant pathways (anticoagulation), fibrinogen loss, and fibrinolysis drive the pathologic process. Through a combination of experimental study in a murine model of trauma hemorrhage and human observation, the authors’ objective was to determine the predominant pathophysiology of acute traumatic coagulopathy.

Methods

First, a prospective cohort study of 300 trauma patients admitted to a single level 1 trauma center with blood samples collected on arrival was performed. Second, a murine model of acute traumatic coagulopathy with suppressed protein C activation via genetic mutation of thrombomodulin was used. In both studies, analysis for coagulation screen, activated protein C levels, and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) was performed.

Results

In patients with acute traumatic coagulopathy, the authors have demonstrated elevated activated protein C levels with profound fibrinolytic activity and early depletion of fibrinogen. Procoagulant pathways were only minimally inhibited with preservation of capacity to generate thrombin. Compared to factors V and VIII, proteases that do not undergo activated protein C–mediated cleavage were reduced but maintained within normal levels. In transgenic mice with reduced capacity to activate protein C, both fibrinolysis and fibrinogen depletion were significantly attenuated. Other recognized drivers of coagulopathy were associated with less significant perturbations of coagulation.

Conclusions

Activated protein C–associated fibrinolysis and fibrinogenolysis, rather than inhibition of procoagulant pathways, predominate in acute traumatic coagulopathy. In combination, these findings suggest a central role for the protein C pathway in acute traumatic coagulopathy and provide new translational opportunities for management of major trauma hemorrhage.
Elastic stable intramedullary nailing in paediatric forearm fractures: the rate of open reduction and complications
Authors: Makki Daoud , Matar Hosam E. , Webb Mark , Wright David M. , James Leroy A. , Ricketts David M.
Published: November 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of open reduction and complications of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) in treating unstable diaphyseal forearm fractures in children. We performed a retrospective review of a consecutive series of 102 paediatric patients with a mean age of 9 years (range: 7–14 years) who underwent ESIN of unstable closed forearm fractures at three different centres. Closed reduction of one or both bones was achieved in 68 (67%) patients and open reduction was required in 34 (33%) patients. The rate of open reduction in single-bone fractures (52.2%) was significantly higher than that in both-bone fractures (27.8%) (P=0.04, Fisher’s exact test). All the fractures united within 3 months. There were six refractures following nail removal. Five patients had superficial wound infections. Seven patients developed neuropraxia of the sensory branch of the radial nerve. All resolved spontaneously within 3 months of the surgery. ESIN is an effective technique in treating unstable diaphyseal forearm fractures. The need for open reduction should be decided promptly following failed attempts of closed reduction. Single-bone fractures are more likely to require open reduction than both-bone fractures. The radius should be reduced and stabilized first. If open reduction is required, this should be performed through a volar approach rather than a dorsal one.
TOPICAL APRACLONIDINE REDUCES PAIN AFTER INTRAVITREAL INJECTIONS
Authors: Lagstein Oded , Ben-Artzi Noa , Achiron Asaf , Nemet Achia , Khreish Maroun , Bartov Elisha , Burgansky-Eliash Zvia
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy of topical apraclonidine in reducing pain and subconjunctival hemorrhage (SCH) after intravitreal injections (IViT).

Methods:

A prospective, randomized, double-blinded study. Thirty-nine patients were examined twice, at each monthly IViT of 1.25 mg/0.05 mL bevacizumab. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either topical apraclonidine 0.5% or placebo to the treated eye, 30 minutes before the first IViT. At their second IViT, the intervention was switched. Thirty minutes after the injection, SCH size was measured by a slit lamp, and pain was assessed by the numerical rating scale (NRS-11).

Results:

Mean pain score was 1.69 (SD ±1.44) in the apraclonidine group and 3.28 (SD ±2.27) in the control group (P < 0.001). Phakic patients had a greater pain reduction after topical apraclonidine (P < 0.001). Subconjunctival hemorrhage incidence was 41% in the apraclonidine group and 51.3% in the control group (P = 0.503). Mean SCH size was 1.71 mm2 (SD ±5.83) in the apraclonidine group and 3.25 mm2 (SD ±6.41) in the control group (P = 0.253). After topical apraclonidine, there was a smaller reduction in SCH size in patients with choroidal neovascularization or hypertension (P = 0.003 and 0.044, respectively), and a greater reduction in phakic patients (P = 0.048).

Conclusion:

Topical apraclonidine 0.5%, administered 30 minutes before IViT, significantly decreased pain by a factor of 1.94. It did not decrease the incidence or size of SCH in the entire cohort, but only in several subpopulations.
SPONTANEOUS CLOSURE OF A MACULAR HOLE AFTER FOUR FAILED VITRECTOMIES IN THE SETTING OF NF-1
Authors: Wannamaker Kendall W. , Sharpe Robert A. , Kylstra Jan A.
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

To present the case of a patient who developed spontaneous closure of an idiopathic macular hole after four failed attempts at surgical closure.

Methods:

This is a retrospective case review of the medical record of a single patient. No statistical analysis was performed. The patient is a 71-year-old white woman with neurofibromatosis Type 1 who presented to the retina clinic of one of the authors.

Results:

The patient underwent four vitrectomies with long acting gas by two surgeons over the course of 2 years. After each surgery, the hole either did not close or it closed and then reopened within 1 year. Five months after the last surgery (1 year after the hole last reopened), the patient presented with improved vision and spontaneous closure of the macular hole. The hole has remained closed since then.

Conclusion:

This case demonstrates that spontaneous closure of a macular hole, associated with excellent visual recovery, can occur after multiple surgical failures. We propose that enhanced scar formation due to neurofibromatosis Type 1 was responsible for both the numerous failures following initially successful surgery (centrifugal traction) and for the spontaneous closure (centripetal traction).
“HEADS UP” DIGITALLY ASSISTED SURGICAL VIEWING FOR RETINAL DETACHMENT REPAIR IN A PATIENT WITH SEVERE KYPHOSIS
Authors: Skinner Cassandra C. , Riemann Christopher D.
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

To describe the surgical approach with a screen-based “heads up” digital viewing technology for the successful repair of a retinal detachment in a patient with severe kyphosis.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

An 89-year-old man with vision loss in the left eye from a macula-involving retinal detachment of 4 weeks was scheduled for pars plana vitrectomy and retinal detachment repair. The patient had severe thoracic kyphosis, causing a fixed spinal flexion that presented a significant challenge to traditional intraoperative positioning and management. Surgery was performed using the NGENUITY system for primary surgical viewing, the surgeon operating heads up, and the patient in Trendelenburg position. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Visual acuity improved to 20/80 and the retina remained attached with 11 weeks of follow-up.

Conclusion:

Heads up digitally assisted viewing technology may be useful or preferred for patients requiring vitreoretinal surgery in the setting of severe musculoskeletal limitations or other positioning challenges.
Hemodynamic Performance of a Novel Right Ventricular Assist Device (PERKAT)
Authors: Kretzschmar Daniel , Schulze P. Christian , Ferrari Markus W.
Published: November 2016

Acute right ventricular failure (RVF) is an increasing clinical problem and a life-threatening condition. Right ventricular assist devices represent a reasonable treatment option for patients with refractory RVF. We here present a novel percutaneously implantable device for right ventricular support. The PERKAT device is based on a nitinol stent cage, which is covered with valve-carrying foils. A flexible outlet trunk with a pigtail tip is connected to the distal part. The device is driven by an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) drive unit, which inflates/deflates a standard IABP-balloon placed within the stent cage. In-vitro evaluation was done in a liquid bath containing water or blood analog. The PERKAT device was tested in different afterload settings using two different IABP-balloons and varying inflation/deflation rates. We detected flow rates ranging from 1.97 to 3.93 L/min depending on the afterload setting, inflation/deflation rate, balloon size, and the medium used. Flow rates between water and blood analog were nearly comparable, and in the higher inflation/deflation rate settings slightly higher with water. Based on this promising in vitro data, the innovative percutaneously implantable PERKAT device has a potential to become a therapeutic option for patients with RVF refractory to medical treatment.
The Effects of Propofol and Isoflurane Sedation on the Outcomes of Surgical Patients Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Verkoyen Kai , Schildhauer Thomas A. , Strauch Justus T. , Swol Justyna
Published: November 2016

This article resurrects a historical technique using a new technology by describing the results of a retrospective, observational, single-center study that investigated the effects of propofol compared with isoflurane sedation on patient outcomes after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). No differences in patient outcomes were observed between the propofol and isoflurane groups. Nevertheless, the results of this study might improve our understanding of the effects of sedation on patient outcomes after ECMO and provide insight into the effects of spontaneous breathing during ECMO.
Impact of Zygosity in Bimodal Phenotype Distributions
Authors: Holst-Hansen Thomas , Abad Elena , Muntasell Aura , López-Botet Miguel , Jensen Mogens H. , Trusina Ala , Garcia-Ojalvo Jordi
Published: November 2016

Allele number, or zygosity, is a clear determinant of gene expression in diploid cells. But the relationship between the number of copies of a gene and its expression can be hard to anticipate, especially when the gene in question is embedded in a regulatory circuit that contains feedbacks. Here we study this question making use of the natural genetic variability of human populations, which allows us to compare the expression profiles of a receptor protein in natural killer cells between donors infected with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) with one or two copies of the allele. Crucially, the distribution of gene expression in many of the donors is bimodal, indicative of the presence of a positive feedback somewhere in the regulatory environment of the gene. Three separate gene-circuit models differing in the location of the positive feedback with respect to the gene can all reproduce well the homozygous data. However, when the resulting fitted models are applied to the hemizygous donors, only one model (the one with the positive feedback located at the level of gene transcription) reproduces the experimentally observed gene-expression profile. In that way, our work shows that zygosity can help us relate structure and function of gene regulatory networks.

Author Summary

Nearly all mammalian cells, including human cells, have two copies of each chromosome, and thus possess two potentially different copies of each gene (which might be in some cases non-functional or even absent). Naïively one might expect that two identical copies of the gene would lead to the protein being expressed at twice the rate, but many factors can alter this simple calculation. One of these factors is the existence of feedback mechanisms affecting in one way or another the regulatory circuit in which our gene of interest is embedded. Here we study the relationship between the number of gene copies and the expression of a receptor protein that plays a crucial role in the recognition of pathogens by natural killer cells, which are important elements of the innate immune system. Experimental data of virus-infected donors reveals a bimodal expression profile of this receptor, typical of a positive feedback, and a clear difference between donors with one or two copies of the gene. Mathematical modeling allows us to find the likely location of the feedback loop within the gene’s regulatory circuit, by requiring the correct model to reproduce the expression profiles of both types of donors.
T cell co-stimulatory receptor CD28 is a primary target for PD-1–mediated inhibition
Authors: Hui Enfu , Cheung Jeanne , Zhu Jing , Su Xiaolei , Taylor Marcus J. , Wallweber Heidi A. , Sasmal Dibyendu K. , Huang Jun , Kim Jeong M. , Mellman Ira , Vale Ronald D.
Published: November 2016

Programmed death-1 (PD-1) is a co-inhibitory receptor that suppresses T cell activation and is an important cancer immunotherapy target. Upon activation by its ligand PD-L1, PD-1 is thought to suppress signaling through the T cell receptor (TCR). Here, by titrating the strength of PD-1 signaling in both biochemical reconstitution systems and in T cells, we demonstrate that the coreceptor CD28 is strongly preferred over the TCR as a target for dephosphorylation by PD-1- recruited Shp2 phosphatase. We also show that PD-1 colocalizes with the costimulatory receptor CD28 in plasma membrane microclusters but partially segregates from the TCR. These results reveal that PD-1 suppresses T cell function primarily by inactivating CD28 signaling, suggesting that costimulatory pathways may play unexpected roles in regulating effector T cell function and therapeutic responses to anti-PD-L1/PD-1.
The exploration of the effective methods to evaluate the stripping ability of bacteriacide to SRB biofilm
Authors: Wu Yanan , Liu Hongfang , Zheng Bijuan , Qin Shuang , Chen Lei
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to study some effective evaluation methods for the biocide performance on sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) biofilm.

Design/methodology/approach

The most probable number method, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), three-dimensional (3D) photos and epifluorescent microscopy were used in this study.

Findings

The results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations of them to sessile SRB were greatly more than planktonic SRB. The EIS of the two biocides indicated that the biofilm exposed to higher concentrations of biocide were much more compact and flat, which perfectly coincided with the SEM, 3D photos and the epifluorescent microscopies.

Originality/value

In this paper, it, thus, appears that these methods evaluating biocide performance on the SRB biofilm were really effective by comparing the performance of bis-quaternary ammonium salt (BAQS) and tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate.
E-pH diagrams for 316L stainless steel in chloride solutions containing SO42− ions
Authors: Chandra-ambhorn Somrerk , Wachirasiri Wisarut , Lothongkum Gobboon
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to construct the E-pH diagrams for AISI 316L stainless steel in chloride solutions containing SO42− ions and therefore investigate the role of SO42− ions on pitting corrosion of stainless steel.

Design/methodology/approach

A cyclic potentiodynamic polarisation method was performed to obtain polarisation curves at different pH. From these curves, corrosion, primary passivation, pitting and repassivation potentials were determined and plotted as a function of pH giving the E-pH diagram.

Findings

The addition of SO42− ions to 10,650 ppm NaCl solution up to 3,000 ppm widened the passivation regime of the E-pH diagram mainly by shifting the pitting corrosion potential to the noble direction. This indicated the inhibiting role of SO42− on the nucleation of new pits in the transpassive region. It also stabilised the pitting corrosion potential at the pH ranging from 5 to 11. However, at pH 7, it caused the pit area to increase, implying the catalytic role of SO42− on the pit growth. Finally, it did not change the types of ions dissolved in solutions after pitting.

Practical implications

The diagrams can be used as a guideline in industries to determine the passivation regime of the AISI 316L stainless steel in chloride- and sulphate-containing solutions.

Originality/value

This paper reported the E-pH diagrams for the AISI 316L stainless steel in chloride solutions containing SO42− ions. The roles of pH and SO42− ions on pitting corrosion were innovatively discussed using a point defect model.
Demographic determinants of usefulness of e-learning tools among students of public administration
Authors: Aristovnik Aleksander , Keržič Damijana , Tomaževič Nina , Umek Lan
Published: November 2016

Purpose

In higher education, blended learning is already strongly established. The e-courses vary in their structure, assignments, prompt examinations, interaction between students and teachers, etc. Such aspects may influence the students’ perception of usefulness of blended learning. The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors which influence that feeling and to look for possible differences in perception by different subgroups of students.

Design/methodology/approach

Students in the survey evaluated 13 aspects of e-courses in which they were enrolled. From enrolment documents, additional demographic data were collected (gender, high-school grade, study programme, etc.). A multiple linear regression was used with perceived usefulness as the response variable and the 12 other e-course aspects as predictors. Further, the same regression analysis was performed on different subgroups of students based on demographical data.

Findings

The empirical results showed that the general impression regarding the e-courses, their consistency with the face-to-face teaching and the teachers’ responsiveness had a significant influence on the students’ perception of the usefulness of e-courses. Further analysis based on demographic data revealed several subgroups of students where the perception of usefulness was influenced by different aspects. The teachers’ feedback and supplementing the tutorial play an important role in higher years of study, while the general impression loses its influence.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to explore the importance of demographic determinants of perceived usefulness of e-learning tools in EAPAA (European Association of Public Administration Accreditation)-accredited undergraduate public administration programmes.
Investigating the educational value of social learning networks: a quantitative analysis
Authors: Dafoulas Georgios , Shokri Azam
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The emergence of Education 2.0 enabled technology-enhanced learning, necessitating new pedagogical approaches, while e-learning has evolved into an instrumental pedagogy of collaboration through affordances of social media. Social learning networks and ubiquitous learning enabled individual and group learning through social engagement and social distribution of knowledge. Nevertheless, these developments have not been supported with extensive studies focusing on quantifying the impact of technology-enhanced learning on students’ progress and achievement. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how a quantitative overview of Facebook’s influence on students’ progress can be incorporated in a proposed e-moderation model of teaching and learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on extending Salmon’s (2003) e-moderation model, which provides an emphasis on the theoretical perspectives that support socially situated learning environments of social networks such as Facebook. The findings revealed that students’ grades were positively influenced by the complementary use of Facebook on their courses of study.

Findings

The use of a social learning network also triggered a significant increase in student participation in learning activities delivered over Facebook.

Research limitations/implications

The main research limitations were due to the fact that a single social network was chosen for conducting the experiments. Furthermore, the investigation was narrowed down to a selected range of sessions offered to college and university students as part of their course.

Originality/value

The paper’s contribution is twofold, as it offers an original set of guidelines for conducting social learning network experiments and provides valuable quantifiable findings on the educational value of such networks.