bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrodeposition of nanometer-thick epitaxial films of silver onto single-crystal silicon wafers
Authors: Chen Qingzhi , Switzer Jay A.
Published: January 2019

Silver films were deposited epitaxially for the first time onto low-index, single-crystal silicon wafers through an electrochemical method in an aqueous silver acetate bath.
Balanced dual‐mode SIW filter
Authors: Chu Peng , Wu Ke
Published: January 2019

This Letter proposes a balanced dual‐mode substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) filter for the first time. Based on dual‐mode square SIW cavities, perturbation vias, and balanced ports, the quasi‐elliptic differential mode response with improved selectivity as well as high‐performance common mode suppression can be obtained conveniently. Resonator number decrease and compact size can also be available.
Approach for classifying direct PCs applied to AC motor drives
Authors: Vafaie Mohammad Hossein , Mirzaeian Dehkordi Behzad
Published: January 2019

So far, various categorisations have been proposed for segregating predictive controllers (PCs). However, these categorisations have some shortcomings which lead to improper segregation of PCs. In this study, a new categorisation is proposed for more precise segregation of PCs applied to AC motor drives. In this categorisation, PCs are categorised based on existence or the absence of a cost function, number of voltage vectors applied to motor in each control cycle, and prediction horizon. Basic concepts, operating principles, and important characteristics of each category are explained in depth. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of each category are identified by conducting various experimental tests.
Modelling of a thermo‐electric energy management system including heat pumps for an off‐grid system
Authors: Sigrist Lukas , Fernández Jose Maria , Lobato Enrique , Rouco Luis , Saboya Inmaculada , Diez Luis
Published: January 2019

This study presents a thermo‐electric model to implement the energy management system (EMS) of an off‐grid system. The EMS is formulated as a unit commitment problem where thermal and electrical components are dispatched simultaneously to minimise system operation costs. Particular attention is paid to the operation of heat pumps. The model contemplates a variable coefficient of performance (COP) of heat pumps. COP is different for the cold water and hot water circuit and depends on the output temperatures of the heat pump and the heat pump operation mode. Furthermore, the heat pumps’ ability to switch operation modes is also considered as well as the limitation of heat pumps to operate when hot water thermal energy storage is nearly full. The developed model has been successfully applied to an existing off‐grid system at Norvento Enerxia's headquarters in Spain by simulating its operation during a winter week. The impact of modelling multi‐mode operation of heat pumps with variable COP has been compared with single‐mode operations with either fixed or variable COP. The proposed integrated approach of solving the electrical and thermal dispatch simultaneously has also been compared with a sequential resolution of first the thermal and then the electrical dispatch.
Biomass based Rankine cycle, ORC and gasification system for electricity generation for isolated communities in Bonfim city, Brazil
Authors: Torres Pedro J. Pacheco , José Venturini Osvaldo , Palacio José C. Escobar , Costa Silva Rafael A. , Grillo Renó Maria Luiza
Published: January 2019

In Brazil, specify in isolated areas, the connection to the conventional electric energy distribution grid becomes restrictied due to financial and geographical factors. Then the main option for supplying the energy demand is fossil fuel driven thermal systems. With the purpose of providing an alternative option for power generation, this study presents an analysis of biomass‐based energy systems for isolated communities, in special Bonfim city, in Roraima state. The technologies applied were conventional Rankine cycle, organic Rankine cycle (ORC) and gasification system with an internal combustion engine. All systems are operated with agricultural wastes (rice straw and rice husk). The modelled systems produced electricity with a conversion efficiency of 10.78, 17.78 and 14% for ORC, conventional Rankine cycle and gasification systems, respectively. With these results and with a production of 35,667 tons of waste per year, the systems can supply the energetic demand of Bonfim city (536.40 kW). With relation to costs, currently the generation costs in isolated communities of Bonfim city are in a range of 390.31–475.85 US$/MWh. The proposed cases have a generation costs of 197.11 US$/MWh (conventional Rankine cycle), 324.77 US$/MWh (ORC) and 336.49 US$/MWh (gasification system).
Power module with large short‐term current capability by using phase change material
Authors: Shao Weihua , Ran Li , Jiang Huaping , Kastha Debaprasad , Bajpai Prabodh , Wu Ruizu , Mawby Philip A. , Zeng Zheng
Published: January 2019

There has been the desire for power electronic converters, which integrate renewable generation to the grid, to provide short‐circuit (SC) current for a few seconds to drive relay protection and/or support voltage recovery following fault clearance. This has not been possible for the demanded current is significantly greater than the rating. Without proper thermal management, the junction temperature will rise quickly, resulting in thermal breakdown. In this article, a power module with extended safe operating area (SOA) is proposed and optimized to provide SC current. The proposed power module takes advantage of the heat absorption ability of phase change material (PCM) to constrain the junction temperature from rising quickly. To avoid unacceptably reducing thermal conduction, the PCM is combined with a metal framework. Thermal models are proposed to analyse the transient response and optimise the design. The phase change effect of the PCM is verified through simulation and experiment. It is demonstrated that when the junction temperature of the device is controlled below the limit, the SOA can be extended. Optimization of power module design is carried out in a particular case study in which simulation results are used to show the practicability and possibility of using the proposed concept.
Coordination control of hybrid AC/DC microgrid
Authors: Liang Beiming , Kang Li , He Jianzong , Zheng Fenglei , Xia Yunfeng , Zhang Zhaoyun , Zhang Zhi , Liu Guozhong , Zhao Yang
Published: January 2019

The hybrid AC/DC microgrid is considered to be the more and more popular in power systems as increasing DC loads. In this study, it is presented that a hybrid AC/DC microgrid is modelled with some renewable energy sources (e.g. solar energy, wind energy), typical storage facilities (e.g. batteries), and AC, DC load, and also the power could be transformed smoothly between the AC and DC sub‐grids by the bidirectional AC/DC converter. Meanwhile, coordination control strategies are proposed for power balance under various operations. In grid‐connected mode, the U–Q (DC bus voltage and reactive) or PQ method is adopted for the bidirectional AC/DC converter according to the amount of exchange power between AC and DC system in order to improve the DG utilisation efficiency, protecting the converter and maintain the stable operation of the system. In islanded mode, V/F control is applied to stabilising the entire system voltage and frequency, achieving the power balance between the AC and DC systems. Finally, these control strategies are verified by simulation with the results showing that the control scheme would maintain stable operation of the hybrid AC/DC microgrid.
Study on the optimisation of the end fittings of the DC disconnector
Authors: Li Jindi , Ding Yujian , Lv Fangcheng , Yao Xiuyuan , Mao Yan
Published: January 2019

The disconnector is the key electrical equipment in DC field. In China, the ±1100 kV DC project uses the indoor DC field, where the switching impulse withstand voltage of the disconnector influences the clearance a lot. To improve the switching impulse withstand level of the ±1100 kV disconnector, first of all, the switching impulse test was carried out on the disconnector with traditional double‐balanced ring structure and the 50% switching impulse discharge voltage was obtained. By analysing the discharge path, it is found that the grading ring did not effectively shield the upper part of the disconnector. Therefore, the structure of the end fittings of the disconnector was changed to the structure of the mushroom head. The electric field simulation was performed on the optimised shield，it is shown that the maximum field strength is lower than the control field strength. Then the switching impulse test was carried out on the optimised disconnector, it was found that the 50% impact discharge voltage was above 2400 kV which met the engineering requirements.
Sediment deposition model of grading electrode in water cooling circuit of HVDC converter valve
Authors: Song Xiaoning , Cheng Yijie , Gao Bing , Fan Yang , He Tingting , Ran Jia
Published: January 2019

The converter valve is one of the core equipment in high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) system, and the cooling system is often used for heat dissipation. However, the cooling system is the weakest component of converter valve, mainly contributed by grading electrode sediment. Here, an electrochemical‐diffusion coupling model is built to investigate the sediment deposition behaviour of grading electrode, in which the electrode reaction, electric field, and the fluid flow field are considered. First, the deposition mechanism is investigated in terms of measured results and charged ions motion characteristic. Then, the electrochemical‐diffusion coupling model is proposed to study the sediment deposition behaviour on the electrode surface. Results indicate that the maximum sediment thickness and concentration are occurred in the tip section of electrode surface. In addition, the proposed mode is verified by the actual measurement results, which achieved from different connecting way converter valve tower. It is proved that the simulated results has a good coincidence with measured results. Finally, the influence of potential level and temperature on the electrode grading deposition are discussed. Results indicated that the sediments is proportional to the voltage level. In addition, the temperature can promote the deposition rate.
Arid1a is essential for intestinal stem cells through Sox9 regulation
Authors: Hiramatsu Yukiko , Fukuda Akihisa , Ogawa Satoshi , Goto Norihiro , Ikuta Kozo , Tsuda Motoyuki , Matsumoto Yoshihide , Kimura Yoshito , Yoshioka Takuto , Takada Yutaka , Maruno Takahisa , Hanyu Yuta , Tsuruyama Tatsuaki , Wang Zhong , Akiyama Haruhiko , Takaishi Shigeo , Miyoshi Hiroyuki , Taketo Makoto Mark , Chiba Tsutomu , Seno Hiroshi
Published: January 2019

Inactivating mutations ofArid1a, a subunit of the Switch/sucrose nonfermentable chromatin remodeling complex, have been reported in multiple human cancers. Intestinal deletion ofArid1ahas been reported to induce colorectal cancer in mice; however, its functional role in intestinal homeostasis remains unclear. We investigated the functional role of Arid1a in intestinal homeostasis in mice. We found that intestinal deletion ofArid1aresults in loss of intestinal stem cells (ISCs), decreased Paneth and goblet cells, disorganized crypt-villous structures, and increased apoptosis in adult mice. Spheroids did not develop from intestinal epithelial cells deficient forArid1a. Lineage-tracing experiments revealed thatArid1adeletion in Lgr5+ISCs leads to impaired self-renewal of Lgr5+ISCs but does not perturb intestinal homeostasis. The Wnt signaling pathway, including Wnt agonists, receptors, and target genes, was strikingly down-regulated inArid1a-deficient intestines. We found that Arid1a directly binds to theSox9promoter to support its expression. Remarkably, overexpression ofSox9in intestinal epithelial cells abrogated the above phenotypes, althoughSox9overexpression in intestinal epithelial cells did not restore the expression levels of Wnt agonist and receptor genes. Furthermore,Sox9overexpression permitted development of spheroids fromArid1a-deficient intestinal epithelial cells. In addition, deletion ofArid1aconcomitant withSox9overexpression in Lgr5+ISCs restores self-renewal inArid1a-deleted Lgr5+ISCs. These results indicate that Arid1a is indispensable for the maintenance of ISCs and intestinal homeostasis in mice. Mechanistically, this is mainly mediated by Sox9. Our data provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying maintenance of ISCs and intestinal homeostasis.
Learning the space-time phase diagram of bacterial swarm expansion
Authors: Jeckel Hannah , Jelli Eric , Hartmann Raimo , Singh Praveen K. , Mok Rachel , Totz Jan Frederik , Vidakovic Lucia , Eckhardt Bruno , Dunkel Jörn , Drescher Knut
Published: January 2019

Significance

Most living systems, from individual cells to tissues and swarms, display collective self-organization on length scales that are much larger than those of the individual units that drive this organization. A fundamental challenge is to understand how properties of microscopic components determine macroscopic, multicellular biological function. Our study connects intracellular physiology to macroscale collective behaviors during multicellular development, spanning five orders of magnitude in length and six orders of magnitude in time, using bacterial swarming as a model system. This work is enabled by a high-throughput adaptive microscopy technique, which we combined with genetics, machine learning, and mathematical modeling to reveal the phase diagram of bacterial swarming and that cell–cell interactions within each swarming phase are dominated by mechanical interactions.
PET imaging of microglia by targeting macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R)
Authors: Horti Andrew G. , Naik Ravi , Foss Catherine A. , Minn Il , Misheneva Varia , Du Yong , Wang Yuchuan , Mathews William B. , Wu Yunkou , Hall Andrew , LaCourse Catherine , Ahn Hye-Hyun , Nam Hwanhee , Lesniak Wojciech G. , Valentine Heather , Pletnikova Olga , Troncoso Juan C. , Smith Matthew D. , Calabresi Peter A. , Savonenko Alena V. , Dannals Robert F. , Pletnikov Mikhail V. , Pomper Martin G.
Published: January 2019

Significance

[11C]CPPC [5-cyano-N-(4-(4-[11C]methylpiperazin-1-yl)-2-(piperidin-1-yl)phenyl)furan-2-carboxamide] is a PET radiotracer specific for CSF1R, a microglia-specific marker. This compound can be used as a noninvasive tool for imaging of reactive microglia, disease-associated microglia and their contribution to neuroinflammation in vivo. Neuroinflammation is posited to be an underlying pathogenic feature of a wide variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. [11C]CPPC may also be used to study specifically the immune environment of malignancies of the central nervous system and to monitor potential adverse neuroinflammatory effects of immunotherapy for peripheral malignancies. This PET agent will be valuable in the development of new therapeutics for neuroinflammation, particularly those targeting CSF1R, not only by providing a noninvasive, repeatable readout in patients but also by enabling measurement of drug target engagement.
Noncontiguous operon is a genetic organization for coordinating bacterial gene expression
Authors: Sáenz-Lahoya S. , Bitarte N. , García B. , Burgui S. , Vergara-Irigaray M. , Valle J. , Solano C. , Toledo-Arana A. , Lasa I.
Published: January 2019

Significance

In bacteria, functionally related genes are often cotranscribed in a single mRNA molecule under the same upstream promoter, forming a polycistronic operon unit. With this strategy, bacteria guarantee that production of all proteins related to a specific cellular process is simultaneously switched on or off. Here, we report the identification of a transcriptional organization consisting in operons that contain a gene(s) that is transcribed in the opposite direction to the rest of the genes of the operon. As a consequence, the resulting mRNA is fully complementary to the operon transcript. This genetic arrangement leads to mutual regulation of the overlapping transcripts expression and, thus, provides an additional strategy for coordinating the expression of functionally related genes within an operon.
Global increase in DNA methylation during orange fruit development and ripening
Authors: Huang Huan , Liu Ruie , Niu Qingfeng , Tang Kai , Zhang Bo , Zhang Heng , Chen Kunsong , Zhu Jian-Kang , Lang Zhaobo
Published: January 2019

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mark involved in many biological processes. The genome of the climacteric tomato fruit undergoes a global loss of DNA methylation due to active DNA demethylation during the ripening process. It is unclear whether the ripening of other fruits is also associated with global DNA demethylation. We characterized the single-base resolution DNA methylomes of sweet orange fruits. Compared with immature orange fruits, ripe orange fruits gained DNA methylation at over 30,000 genomic regions and lost DNA methylation at about 1,000 genomic regions, suggesting a global increase in DNA methylation during orange fruit ripening. This increase in DNA methylation was correlated with decreased expression of DNA demethylase genes. The application of a DNA methylation inhibitor interfered with ripening, indicating that the DNA hypermethylation is critical for the proper ripening of orange fruits. We found that ripening-associated DNA hypermethylation was associated with the repression of several hundred genes, such as photosynthesis genes, and with the activation of hundreds of genes, including genes involved in abscisic acid responses. Our results suggest important roles of DNA methylation in orange fruit ripening.
Experimental demonstration of quantum pigeonhole paradox
Authors: Chen Ming-Cheng , Liu Chang , Luo Yi-Han , Huang He-Liang , Wang Bi-Ying , Wang Xi-Lin , Li Li , Liu Nai-Le , Lu Chao-Yang , Pan Jian-Wei
Published: January 2019

Significance

We have demonstrated the quantum pigeonhole paradox with three single photons. The effect of variable-strength quantum measurement is experimentally analyzed order by order and a transition of violation of the pigeonhole principle is observed. We find that the different kinds of measurement-induced entanglement are responsible for the photons’ abnormal collective behavior in the paradox. The experimental violation of pigeonhole principle presents a challenge to the fundamental counting principle of nature.
Crystal structure of the WD40 domain dimer of LRRK2
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Fan Ying , Ru Heng , Wang Li , Magupalli Venkat Giri , Taylor Susan S. , Alessi Dario R. , Wu Hao
Published: January 2019

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a large multidomain protein with both a Ras of complex (ROC) domain and a kinase domain (KD) and, therefore, exhibits both GTPase and kinase activities. Human genetics studies have linked LRRK2 as a major genetic contributor to familial and sporadic Parkinson’s disease (PD), a neurodegenerative movement disorder that inflicts millions worldwide. The C-terminal region of LRRK2 is a Trp-Asp-40 (WD40) domain with poorly defined biological functions but has been implicated in microtubule interaction. Here, we present the crystal structure of the WD40 domain of human LRRK2 at 2.6-Å resolution, which reveals a seven-bladed WD40 fold. The structure displays a dimeric assembly in the crystal, which we further confirm by measurements in solution. We find that structure-based and PD-associated disease mutations in the WD40 domain including the common G2385R polymorphism mainly compromise dimer formation. Assessment of full-length LRRK2 kinase activity by measuring phosphorylation of Rab10, a member of the family of Rab GTPases known to be important kinase substrates of LRRK2, shows enhancement of kinase activity by several dimerization-defective mutants including G2385R, although dimerization impairment does not always result in kinase activation. Furthermore, mapping of phylogenetically conserved residues onto the WD40 domain structure reveals surface patches that may be important for additional functions of LRRK2. Collectively, our analyses provide insights for understanding the structures and functions of LRRK2 and suggest the potential utility of LRRK2 kinase inhibitors in treating PD patients with WD40 domain mutations.
Branching of hydraulic cracks enabling permeability of gas or oil shale with closed natural fractures
Authors: Rahimi-Aghdam Saeed , Chau Viet-Tuan , Lee Hyunjin , Nguyen Hoang , Li Weixin , Karra Satish , Rougier Esteban , Viswanathan Hari , Srinivasan Gowri , Bažant Zdeněk P.
Published: January 2019

Significance

Development of a realistic model of fracking would allow better control. It should make it possible to optimize various parameters such as the history of pumping, its rate or cycles, changes of viscosity, etc. This could lead to an increase of the percentage of gas extraction from the deep shale strata, which currently stands at about 5% and rarely exceeds 15%.
Trap Cropping in South Asia: Concepts, Limitations, and Future Strategy
Authors: Tiwari S , Pudasaini R , Kafle L , Bhattarai S , Ali M P , Babar T K , Sharma S , Shrestha G , Reddy G V P
Published: January 2019

Cultural methods are some of the most widely adopted approaches in integrated pest management. Trap cropping is based on the principle of using a relatively more preferred crop species to keep the pest away from the main crop and reduce pest damage. This technique has tremendous potential to keep the pest below the economic damage threshold and can be used for pest management in organic farming. Furthermore, trap crops can be linked to habitat management and conservation biological control to improve multiple ecosystem services in an agroecosystem. While trap cropping is one of the most common cultural pest management control methods in subsistence farming in South Asia, it has not yet become common in conventional agriculture, nor has this practice been well documented in this region. This work broadly reviews the most relevant literature related to trap cropping used in pest management in this region. Regional cooperation for knowledge-sharing and research collaborations, motivating farmers to promote organic farming, along with increased research and policy interventions to favor sustainable agriculture have been done to promote this pest management practice in South Asia.
EBIC: an open source software for high-dimensional and big data analyses
Authors: Orzechowski Patryk , Moore Jason H
Published: January 2019

Motivation

In this paper, we present an open source package with the latest release of Evolutionary-based BIClustering (EBIC), a next-generation biclustering algorithm for mining genetic data. The major contribution of this paper is adding a full support for multiple graphics processing units (GPUs) support, which makes it possible to run efficiently large genomic data mining analyses. Multiple enhancements to the first release of the algorithm include integration with R and Bioconductor, and an option to exclude missing values from the analysis.

Results

Evolutionary-based BIClustering was applied to datasets of different sizes, including a large DNA methylation dataset with 436 444 rows. For the largest dataset we observed over 6.6-fold speedup in computation time on a cluster of eight GPUs compared to running the method on a single GPU. This proves high scalability of the method.

Availability and implementation

The latest version of EBIC could be downloaded from http://github.com/EpistasisLab/ebic. Installation and usage instructions are also available online.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The impact of bicycle helmet legislation on cycling fatalities in Australia
Authors: Olivier Jake , Boufous Sofiane , Grzebieta Raphael
Published: January 2019

Background

Australian bicycle helmet laws were first introduced in Victoria in July 1990 and the remaining Australian states, Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory by July 1992. Previous research on helmet legislation has focused on changes in helmet wearing and bicycle-related head injury. Although it is generally accepted that bicycle helmets can reduce the risk of fatality due to head injury, there has been little research assessing the impact of helmet legislation on cycling fatalities.

Methods

An interrupted time series approach was used to assess the impact of bicycle helmet legislation on yearly-aggregated rates of bicycle-related fatalities per population from 1971 to 2016.

Results

Immediately following bicycle helmet legislation, the rate of bicycle fatalities per 1 000 000 population reduced by 46% relative to the pre-legislation trend [95% confidence interval (CI): 31, 58]. For the period 1990–2016, we estimate 1332 fewer cycling fatalities (95% CI: 1201, 1463) or an average of 49.4 per year (95% CI: 44.5, 54.2). Reductions were also observed for pedestrian fatalities; however, bicycle fatalities declined by 36% relative to pedestrian fatalities (95% CI: 12, 54).

Conclusions

In the absence of robust evidence showing a decline in cycling exposure following helmet legislation or other confounding factors, the reduction in Australian bicycle-related fatality appears to be primarily due to increased helmet use and not other factors.
Can Agents with Causal Misperceptions be Systematically Fooled?
Authors: Spiegler Ran
Published: January 2019

An agent forms estimates (or forecasts) of individual variables conditional on some observed signal. His estimates are based on fitting a subjective causal model—formalized as a directed acyclic graph, following the “Bayesian networks” literature—to objective long-run data. I show that the agent’s average estimates coincide with the variables’ true expected value (for any underlying objective distribution) if and only if the agent’s graph is perfect—that is, it directly links every pair of variables that it perceives as causes of some third variable. This result identifies neglect of direct correlation between perceived causes as the kind of causal misperception that can generate systematic prediction errors. I demonstrate the relevance of this result for economic applications: speculative trade, manipulation of a firm’s reputation, and a stylized “monetary policy” example in which the inflation-output relation obeys an expectational Phillips Curve.
CNS Melioidosis in a Traveler Returning from Cabo, Mexico
Authors: Donahue Matthew A , Newcomb Geoffrey , Spinella Sara , Prasad Paritosh , Liesveld Jane , Egan Cristina T , Smith Glenda L , Newman Alexandra P , Bower William A , Blaney David D , Gee Jay E , Elrod Mindy G , Chuang Sally , Babu Tara M
Published: January 2019

Melioidosis is caused by the gram-negative bacillus Burkholderia pseudomallei, endemic to northern Australia and Southeast Asia. We present a patient who traveled to Mexico, returned to the United States, and developed progressive manifestations of melioidosis, culminating as central nervous system disease. Standard therapy was contraindicated, and a prolonged intensive phase was employed.
Increased Mortality Among Carbapenemase-Producing Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Carriers Who Developed Clinical Isolates of Another Genotype
Authors: Chen Wen Kai , Yang Yong , Tan Ban Hock
Published: January 2019

Background

Carbapenemase production by carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CP-CRE) is encoded by a variety of genes on mobile genetic elements. Patients colonized by 1 genotype of CP-CRE may be subsequently infected by another genotype of CP-CRE. We sought to determine whether CP-CRE carriers who developed infection with another genotype had a higher mortality risk.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using collected data from January 2012 to December 2016. Clinical isolates of CP-CRE were analyzed among the CP-CRE carriers who had developed an infection during their stay in the hospital. Comparison was made between CP-CRE carriers who developed clinical isolates of another genotype and those whose clinical isolates were of the same CP-CRE genotype that they were originally colonized with. The primary outcome analyzed was the 14-day mortality rate.

Results

A total of 73 CP-CRE carriers who had developed infection were analyzed. Ten (15.4%) of the carriers who developed an infection with clinical isolates of the same CP-CRE genotype died within 14 days, whereas 5 (62.5%) of those who developed an infection with clinical isolates of a different genotype died. This represented a 6-fold increase (adjusted relative risk, 6.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.75–23.06; P = .005) in the 14-day mortality rate.

Conclusions

CP-CRE carriers who developed clinical isolates of another genotype are at risk of increased mortality. This is a novel finding that is of interest to health care organizations worldwide, with profound implications for infection control measures, such as patient and staff cohorting.
The Economic Burden and Impact on Quality of Life of Herpes Zoster and Postherpetic Neuralgia in Individuals Aged 50 Years or Older in Italy
Authors: Matthews Sean , De Maria Antonio , Passamonti Marco , Ristori Giovanni , Loiacono Idalba , Puggina Anna , Curran Desmond
Published: January 2019

Background

To estimate the health care resource utilization, costs, and impact on quality of life (QoL) of herpes zoster (HZ) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in adults aged ≥50 years in Italy.

Methods

This was a prospective, observational, multicenter, community physician–based surveillance study (NCT01772160) in Italy. Health-related QoL data were collected using the EuroQoL-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) and Zoster Brief Pain Inventory (ZBPI) questionnaires. Both questionnaires were assessed at days 0 (HZ rash onset), 15, 30, 60, and 90 for all patients, and monthly thereafter for patients who developed PHN. Resource utilization was recorded for 3 months post–HZ onset and 9 months for PHN patients. Costs from both payer and societal perspectives were estimated and were composed of direct medical costs (general practitioner/specialist visits, procedures, hospitalizations, medications), work loss by patient/caregiver, and transport costs.

Results

A total of 391 patients with HZ were included, of whom 40 developed PHN. The mean ZBPI worst pain score was 5.7 at day 0, reducing to 2.6 at day 30 and 0.7 by day 90. Patients with PHN had a mean worst pain score of 5.7 at day 90. We estimated an overall disutility associated with HZ of 0.134. The mean cost per HZ patient from a payer/societal perspective was €153/€298, respectively, and the mean cost per HZ patients who developed PHN was €176/€426, respectively.

Conclusions

HZ is associated with impaired QoL and substantial health care resource use, highlighting the need for preventive strategies. This could reduce the disease burden for the patient and health care system.

ClinicalTrials.gov study registry

NCT01772160.
Proximal Branches of the Anterior Cerebral Artery: Anatomic Study and Applications to Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery
Authors: Najera Edinson , Truong Huy Q , Belo Joao T Alves , Borghei-Razavi Hamid , Gardner Paul A , Fernandez-Miranda Juan
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

The endoscopic endonasal approach is a surgical alternative for midline anterior skull base tumors. A detailed understanding of the proximal anterior cerebral artery (ACA) branches’ anatomy from an endonasal perspective is essential for avoiding vascular complications.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate, from an endonasal perspective, the anatomic variations of the ACA and its proximal branches, specifically the recurrent artery of Heubner (RAH), and the fronto-orbital (FOA) and frontopolar (FPA) arteries.

METHODS

We study the origin, course, branching pattern, diameter, and relationship between the proximal ACA branches and the optic apparatus and olfactory tract in 25 head specimens.

RESULTS

The RAH was present in all hemispheres and originated within 3 ± 1.5 mm of the AcomA, with a 0.4 ± 0.1 mm diameter. Based on its relationship with the A1 segment, we observed three RAH courses: anterior (40%), superior (22%), and posterior (38%). The FOA was present in all cases, a mean of 6 ± 4 mm from the AcomA, with a 0.7 ± 0.4 mm diameter. The FOA arose mainly from the A2 (70%), with three courses in relation to the olfactory tract: crossing its proximal third (54%), crossing its middle third (31%), and running parallel to it along the gyrus rectus (15%). The FPA was present in 92% of the hemispheres, a mean of 10 ± 5 mm from the AcomA, always arising from the A2 and coursing anteriorly within the interhemispheric fissure towards the frontal pole.

CONCLUSION

The RAH, FOA, and FPA can be differentiated by origin, course, and destination using the A1 segment, olfactory tract, and interhemispheric fissure, respectively, as surgical landmarks.
Transsylvian, Carotid-Oculomotor Triangle Approach for Resection of a Rapidly Enlarging Midbrain-Pontine Cavernous Malformation: 3-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Sorenson Thomas J , Hughes Joshua D , Lanzino Giuseppe , Rangel Castilla Leonardo
Published: January 2019

Cavernous malformations (CM) of the anterior midbrain are best reached through an orbitozygomatic (OZ) approach with removal of the orbital rim and wide Sylvian fissure dissection. Our surgical video demonstrates this approach to resect a ruptured CM in a 36-yr-old woman who presented with headaches, left face and left arm paresthesias/weakness, and right-sided partial oculomotor nerve (CN III) palsy. Initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a midbrain CM, and the patient was managed conservatively. However, 1 wk later, she presented again with worsened left arm and leg weakness and complete CN III palsy. Seven Tesla MRI demonstrated a larger hematoma, and the CM with new mass effect and upper pons extension. The patient underwent a right modified OZ craniotomy and Sylvian fissure split under guidance of intraoperative neuronavigation and with neuromonitoring. The carotid-oculomotor triangle and the Liliequist membrane were dissected to access the midbrain, and CN III was identified and followed posteriorly to the midbrain. Confirmed with neuronavigation, a longitudinal incision of the midbrain was performed, and the CM was encountered. The hematoma and CM were debulked and removed in a piece-meal fashion, leaving hemosiderin-stained brain intact to prevent unnecessary additional damage to the midbrain. Postoperative MRI confirmed gross-total resection, and the patient's weakness recovered substantially. In this video, we demonstrate that the brainstem is no longer forbidden surgical territory, and show how the use of neuronavigation for surgical planning, positioning, and approach, in addition to the understanding of safe entry zones and meticulous microsurgical technique have made safe and effective surgery on the brainstem possible.
The Superior Hypophyseal Arteries: Anatomical Study with an Endoscopic Endonasal Perspective
Authors: Doglietto Francesco , Prevedello Daniel Monte-Serrat , Belotti Francesco , Ferrari Marco , Lancini Davide , Schreiber Alberto , Raffetti Elena , La Rocca Giuseppe , Rigante Mario , Lauretti Liverana , Hirtler Lena , Buffoli Barbara , Nicolai Piero , Fontanella Marco Maria , Rodella Luigi , Gentili Fred , Tschabitscher Manfred
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

The use of high-definition endoscopes in extended transsphenoidal approaches to the suprasellar area has significantly improved visualization of its vascularization.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically examine the superior hypophyseal arteries (SHAs) anatomy from an endonasal endoscopic perspective.

METHODS

The endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal trans-tuberculum approach was performed in 19 adult, fresh and latex injected specimens. Dissections recordings were reviewed to analyze SHAs type, number, and branches, as well as internal carotid arteries (ICA) branches that vascularized optic nerves and chiasm.

RESULTS

Identification of SHAs was possible in all specimens (37/38 sides). The number of SHAs varied from 1 to 3 per side (mean: 1.7). The anterior superior hypophyseal artery was visible in almost all cases (35/37 sides) and originated at the level of the carotid cave in 18/35 specimens; number of branches ranged from 1 to 6 (mean: 3.5), directed to the optic nerve (86%), chiasm (57%), infundibulum (86%), and/or parallel to the pituitary stalk (74%). The 4 main branches and patterns, originally described by McConnell in 1953, were confirmed. The posterior superior hypophyseal artery was evident in 28/37 sides with number of branches ranging from 0 to 4 (mean: 2.1), directed to the optic chiasm (50%), optic tract (32%), infundibulum (79%), and/or pituitary stalk (36%). The surgical implications of this study, together with anatomical and clinical videos, are also briefly discussed.

CONCLUSION

SHAs constitute a complex of anterior and posterior branches that stem from the medial ICA with different patterns, vascularizing the optic apparatus and pituitary stalk.
Novel Hemicraniectomy Technique for Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction: Technical Note
Authors: Lyon Kristopher A , Patel Nitesh P , Zhang Yilu , Huang Jason H , Feng Dongxia
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DH) is the mainstay of treatment for malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMI). Although this operation significantly reduces mortality and improves functional outcomes, the conventional technique involves a reverse question mark incision starting anterior to the tragus that can injure the scalp's major blood supply, the superficial temporal artery (STA), which increases the risk of postoperative complications.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

We developed a modified DH technique to reduce surgical morbidity associated with injury to the STA, accommodate a large bone window for effective decompression, and improve operative speed. After performing hospital chart review, a total of 34 patients were found who underwent this DH technique for MMI. Of these, 22 patients had this performed for right-sided MMI and 12 patients had this performed for left-sided MMI.

CONCLUSION

In each case, our approach preserved the STA and thereby minimized the risk for ischemic necrosis of the scalp flap. Since our technique avoids dissection of the preauricular temporalis muscle, we believe operative times can be decreased while still accommodating a large bone window to allow for effective decompression of the infarcted brain parenchyma.
Proposal and Validation of a Simple Grading Scale (TRANSSPHER Grade) for Predicting Gross Total Resection of Nonfunctioning Pituitary Macroadenomas After Transsphenoidal Surgery
Authors: Mooney Michael A , Sarris Christina E , Zhou James J , Barkhoudarian Garni , Chicoine Michael R , Fernandez-Miranda Juan C , Gardner Paul A , Hardesty Douglas A , Jahnke Heidi , Kelly Daniel F , Liebelt Brandon D , Mayberg Marc R , Prevedello Daniel M , Sfondouris John , Sheehy John P , Chandler James P , Yuen Kevin C J , White William L , Little Andrew S ,   The TRANSSPHER Study Group, White William L , Little Andrew S , Sfondouris John , Liebelt Brandon D , Jahnke Heidi , Gardner Paul A , Fernandez-Miranda Juan C , Valappil Benita , Chicoine Michael R , Dacey Ralph , Zipfel Gregory , Kim Albert , Evans John , Kelly Daniel F , Barkhoudarian Garni , Heng Annie , Chandler James P , Lesniak Matt S , Bloch Orin , Amidei Christina , Yuen Kevin C J , Tongco Caryl , Mayberg Marc , Prevedello Daniel M , Hoskins Bridget , Smith Timothy R
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

A simple, reliable grading scale to better characterize nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) preoperatively has potential for research and clinical applications.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a grading scale from a prospective multicenter cohort of patients that accurately and reliably predicts the likelihood of gross total resection (GTR) after transsphenoidal NFPA surgery.

METHODS

Extent-of-resection (EOR) data from a prospective multicenter study in transsphenoidal NFPA surgery were analyzed (TRANSSPHER study; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02357498). Sixteen preoperative radiographic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tumor characteristics (eg, tumor size, invasion measures, tumor signal characteristics, and parameters impacting surgical access) were evaluated to determine EOR predictors, to calculate receiver-operating characteristic curves, and to develop a grading scale. A separate validation cohort (n = 165) was examined to assess the scale's performance and inter-rater reliability.

RESULTS

Data for 222 patients from 7 centers treated by 15 surgeons were analyzed. Approximately one-fifth of patients (18.5%; 41 of 222) underwent subtotal resection (STR). Maximum tumor diameter > 40 mm; nodular tumor extension through the diaphragma into the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, posterior fossa, or ventricle; and Knosp grades 3 to 4 were identified as independent STR predictors. A grading scale (TRANSSPHER grade) based on a combination of these 3 features outperformed individual variables in predicting GTR (AUC, 0.732). In a validation cohort, the scale exhibited high sensitivity and specificity (AUC, 0.779) and strong inter-rater reliability (kappa coefficient, 0.617).

CONCLUSION

This simple, reliable grading scale based on preoperative MRI characteristics can be used to better characterize NFPAs for clinical and research purposes and to predict the likelihood of achieving GTR.
Clipping Technique for the Repair of the Intraoperative Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage during Transsphenoidal Pituitary Tumor Surgery
Authors: Kim Eui Hyun , Moon Ju Hyung , Kim Sun Ho
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

During transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for a pituitary adenoma with a large suprasellar extension, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage commonly develops from a defect in the arachnoid recess or the arachnoid membrane.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the usefulness of a newly developed clipping technique for the repair of intraoperative CSF leakage.

METHODS

Between September 2012 and November 2016, 698 patients with pituitary adenoma were operated on with TSS. Intraoperative CSF leakage was encountered in 301 patients (43.1%). The clipping technique was used to repair CSF leakage in 144 patients: from the arachnoid recess in 100 patients and from the arachnoid membrane in 44 patients. The clipping technique used titanium clips and a newly designed clip applier. We evaluated anterior pituitary function of the patients whose CSF leakage was closed by clipping, and compared this with function in another patient group treated with different repair techniques.

RESULTS

We successfully applied clip technique in 140 out of 144 patients. This clipping technique was faster and easier for repairing CSF leakage than our previously published suture technique. In our early series, 4 patients developed unexpected CSF rhinorrhea after TSS. We found no difference in anterior pituitary function between a clipping group and others. Although titanium clip was identified on postoperative MRI, its metallic scattered artifact was very minimal and did not hinder the detection of possible remnant and recurrent tumors.

CONCLUSION

This clipping technique is a very simple and reliable method for repairing intraoperative CSF leakage when properly applied with caution.
Whatever It Takes: The Real Effects of Unconventional Monetary Policy
Authors: Acharya Viral V , Eisert Tim , Eufinger Christian , Hirsch Christian
Published: January 2019

Launched in Summer 2012, the European Central Bank’s (ECB) Outright Monetary Transactions (OMT) program indirectly recapitalized European banks through its positive impact on periphery sovereign bonds. However, the stability reestablished in the banking sector did not fully translate into economic growth. We document zombie lending by banks that remained weakly capitalized even post-OMT. In turn, firms receiving loans used these funds not to undertake real economic activity, such as employment and investment, but to build cash reserves. Creditworthy firms in industries with a high zombie firm prevalence significantly suffered from this credit misallocation, which further slowed the economic recovery.

Received March 21, 2018; editorial decision November 13, 2018 by Editor Philip Strahan. Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Systematic congruence in Polycladida (Platyhelminthes, Rhabditophora): are DNA and morphology telling the same story?
Authors: Litvaitis Marian K , Bolaños D Marcela , Quiroga Sigmer Y
Published: January 2019

Using 28S ribosomal DNA sequences, we inferred the internal relationships of the order Polycladida. We identified morphological characters for clade support when possible. Monophyletic Acotylea and Cotylea were consistently recovered. In Acotylea, the superfamilies Stylochoidea, Cryptoceloidea and Leptoplanoidea were supported, with Stylochoidea representing the most basal acotylean lineage. In Leptoplanoidea, we united genera lacking a penis armature into the new family Notocomplanidae. Gnesiocerotidae was recovered as the most basal leptoplanoid lineage, and Stylochoplanidae and Notoplanidae were paraphyletic. Among cotyleans, Cestoplanidae, Diposthus popeae + Pericelis spp., Boniniidae, Pseudocerotidae and Prosthiostomidae formed clades. Genera in Euryleptidae were monophyletic, but the family itself was recovered with low support only. The established superfamilies Pseudocerotoidea, Euryleptoidea, Periceloidea and Chromoplanoidea are not supported. Pericelis has been moved to Diposthidae and Pericelidae has been abolished. A clade of Boniniidae + Theama spp. + Chromyella sp. was supported. In Pseudocerotidae, the number of male reproductive structures unites Pseudobiceros and Thysanozoon. Tytthosoceros has been abolished, with all currently described species now placed in Phrikoceros. Our results support several additional synonymies and taxonomic corrections. This new phylogeny provides an increased understanding of relationships in the order and offers a framework for future testing of hypotheses of character evolution and life-history strategies.
Network-targeted, multi-site direct cortical stimulation enhances working memory by modulating phase lag of low frequency oscillations
Authors: Alagapan Sankaraleengam , Riddle Justin , Huang Wei Angel , Hadar Eldad , Shin Hae Won , Fröhlich Flavio
Published: January 2019

Working memory, an important component of cognitive control, is supported by the coordinated activation of a network of cortical regions in the frontal and parietal cortices. Oscillations in theta and alpha frequency bands are thought to coordinate these network interactions. Thus, targeting multiple nodes of the network with brain stimulation at the frequency of interaction may be an effective means of modulating working memory. We tested this hypothesis by identifying regions that are functionally connected in theta and alpha frequency bands and intracranially stimulating both regions simultaneously in participants undergoing invasive monitoring. We found that in-phase stimulation resulted in improvement in performance compared to sham stimulation. In contrast, anti-phase stimulation did not affect performance. In-phase stimulation resulted in decreased phase lag between regions within working memory network while anti-phase stimulation resulted in increased phase lag suggesting that shorter phase lag in oscillatory connectivity may lead to better performance. The results support the idea that phase lag may play a key role in information transmission across brain regions. More broadly, brain stimulation strategies that aim to improve cognition may be better served targeting multiple nodes of brain networks.