bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliable Detection of Implicit Waveform-Specific Learning in Continuous Tracking Task Paradigm
Authors: Yang Limin , Wan Feng , Nan Wenya , Zhu Frank , Hu Yong
Published: September 2017

Implicit waveform-specific (IWS) learning during a typical continuous tracking task paradigm has been reported for decades, as evidenced by better tracking improvement on the repeated segment of a specific target waveform than random segments. However, the occurrence of the IWS learning in such a task paradigm has been challenged by several unsuccessful results in recent literature. This research concerns reliable detection of the induced IWS learning and to this end, proposes to use the similarity between the cursor and the target along the direction corresponding to the waveform pattern as the performance measure. A 3-day experiment designed with full examination on IWS learning including a practice phase, an immediate test phase and a consolidation test phase after 24 hours was conducted to validate the feasibility and sensitivity of the Pearson’s correlation coefficient on the vertical movementrvin this study. Experiment results indicate thatrvis more sensitive in detecting the IWS learning in all phases compared to the conventional root mean square error (RMSE) performance measure. The findings confirm the importance of the performance measure in implicit learning research and the similarity measure in accordance with the waveform could be promising for waveform-specific learning detection in this paradigm.
Interleukin-6 blockade attenuates lung cancer tissue construction integrated by cancer stem cells
Authors: Ogawa Hiroyuki , Koyanagi-Aoi Michiyo , Otani Kyoko , Zen Yoh , Maniwa Yoshimasa , Aoi Takashi
Published: September 2017

In the present study, we successfully generated lung cancer stem cell (CSC)-like cells by introducing a small set of transcription factors into a lung cancer cell line. In addition to properties that are conventionally referred to as CSC properties, the lung induced CSCs exhibited the ability to form lung cancer-like tissuesin vitrowith vascular cells and mesenchymal stem cells, which showed structures and immunohistological patterns that were similar to human lung cancer tissues. We named them “lung cancer organoids”. We found that interleukin-6 (IL-6), which was expressed in the lung induced CSCs, facilitates the formation of lung cancer organoids via the conversion of mesenchymal stem cells into alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-positive cells. Interestingly, the combination of anti-IL-6 antibody and cisplatin could destroy the lung cancer organoids, while cisplatin alone could not. Furthermore, IL-6 mRNA-positive cancer cells were found in clinical lung cancer samples. These results suggest that IL-6 could be a novel therapeutic target in lung cancer.
Retention of Mitochondria in Mature Human Red Blood Cells as
the Result of Autophagy Impairment in Rett Syndrome
Authors: Sbardella Diego , Tundo Grazia Raffaella , Campagnolo Luisa , Valacchi Giuseppe , Orlandi Augusto , Curatolo Paolo , Borsellino Giovanna , D’Esposito Maurizio , Ciaccio Chiara , Di Cesare Silvia , Pierro Donato Di , Galasso Cinzia , Santarone Marta Elena , Hayek Joussef , Coletta Massimiliano , Marini Stefano
Published: September 2017

Rett Syndrome (RTT), which affects approximately 1:10.000 live births,
is a X-linked pervasive neuro-developmental disorder which is caused, in the vast
majority of cases, by a sporadic mutation in the Methyl-CpG-binding protein-2
(MeCP2) gene. This is a transcriptional activator/repressor with presumed
pleiotropic activities. The broad tissue expression of MeCP2 suggests that it may be
involved in several metabolic pathways, but the molecular mechanisms which provoke
the onset and progression of the syndrome are largely unknown. In this paper, we
report that primary fibroblasts that have been isolated from RTT patients display a
defective formation of autophagosomes under conditions of nutrient starvation and
that the mature Red Blood Cells of some RTT patients retain mitochondria. Moreover,
we provide evidence regarding the accumulation of the p62/SQSTM1 protein and
ubiquitin-aggregated structures in the cerebellum of Mecp2 knockout mouse model (Mecp2−/y) during transition from the non-symptomatic to the
symptomatic stage of the disease. Hence, we propose that a defective autophagy could
be involved in the RTT clinical phenotype, which introduces new molecular
perspectives in the pathogenesis of the syndrome.
Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 Is Associated with Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Cai Rongrong , Huang Rong , Han Jing , Sun Haixia , Sun Jie , Xia Wenqing , Tian Sai , Dong Xue , Shen Yanjue , Wang Shaohua
Published: September 2017

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a low-grade chronic inflammatory diseases, which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cognitive decline. We aim to evaluate associations between inflammatory markers and the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in T2DM. This study of 140 diabetic patients involved 71 with MCI and 69 controls. Clinical parameters, neuropsychological tests, high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) mass and activity were measured. The results showed significantly higher plasma hsCRP, IL-6, Lp-PLA2 mass and activity in MCI group compared to controls. In T2DM with MCI, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score was positively correlated with education level and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), but inversely correlated with age, glycosylated hemoglobin, intima-media thickness (IMT), hsCRP, IL-6, and Lp-PLA2 mass and activity. Correlation analysis showed that both plasma Lp-PLA2 mass and activity were positively correlated with total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and IMT but negatively associated with MoCA score. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated higher hsCRP, Lp-PLA2 mass, Lp-PLA2 activity, and lower HDL-c to be independent risk factors increasing the possibility of MCI in T2DM. In conclusion, plasma Lp-PLA2 and hsCRP were found to be associated with the risk of MCI among T2DM patients.
Enhanced skyrmion stability due to exchange frustration
Authors: von Malottki S. , Dupé B. , Bessarab P. F. , Delin A. , Heinze S.
Published: September 2017

Skyrmions are localized, topologically non-trivial spin structures which have raised high hopes for future spintronic applications. A key issue is skyrmion stability with respect to annihilation into the ferromagnetic state. Energy barriers for this collapse have been calculated taking only nearest neighbor exchange interactions into account. Here, we demonstrate that exchange frustration can greatly enhance skyrmion stability. We focus on the prototypical film system Pd/Fe/Ir(111) and use an atomistic spin model parametrized from first-principles calculations. We show that energy barriers and critical fields of skyrmion collapse as well as skyrmion lifetimes are drastically enhanced due to frustrated exchange and that antiskyrmions are metastable. In contrast an effective nearest-neighbor exchange model can only account for equilibrium properties of skyrmions such as their magnetic field dependent profile or the zero temperature phase diagram. Our work shows that frustration of long range exchange interactions – a typical feature in itinerant electron magnets – is a route towards enhanced skyrmion stability even in systems with a ferromagnetic ground state.
Using computer simulation models to investigate the most promising microRNAs to improve muscle regeneration during ageing
Authors: Proctor Carole J. , Goljanek-Whysall Katarzyna
Published: September 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression through interactions with target sites within mRNAs, leading to enhanced degradation of the mRNA or inhibition of translation. Skeletal muscle expresses many different miRNAs with important roles in adulthood myogenesis (regeneration) and myofibre hypertrophy and atrophy, processes associated with muscle ageing. However, the large number of miRNAs and their targets mean that a complex network of pathways exists, making it difficult to predict the effect of selected miRNAs on age-related muscle wasting. Computational modelling has the potential to aid this process as it is possible to combine models of individual miRNA:target interactions to form an integrated network. As yet, no models of these interactions in muscle exist. We created the first model of miRNA:target interactions in myogenesis based on experimental evidence of individual miRNAs which were next validated and used to make testable predictions. Our model confirms that miRNAs regulate key interactions during myogenesis and can act by promoting the switch between quiescent/proliferating/differentiating myoblasts and by maintaining the differentiation process. We propose that a threshold level of miR-1 acts in the initial switch to differentiation, with miR-181 keeping the switch on and miR-378 maintaining the differentiation and miR-143 inhibiting myogenesis.
Terahertz spectroscopy of anisotropic materials using beams with rotatable polarization
Authors: Mosley C. D. W. , Failla M. , Prabhakaran D. , Lloyd-Hughes J.
Published: September 2017

We introduce a polarization-resolved terahertz time-domain spectrometer with a broadband (0.3–2.5 THz), rotatable THz polarization state, and which exhibits minimal change in the electric field amplitude and polarization state upon rotation. This was achieved by rotating an interdigitated photoconductive emitter, and by detecting the orthogonal components of the generated THz pulse via electro-optic sampling. The high precision (<0.1°) and accuracy (<1.0°) of this approach is beneficial for the study of anisotropic materials without rotating the sample, which can be impractical, for instance for samples held in a cryostat. The versatility of this method was demonstrated by studying the anisotropic THz optical properties of uniaxial and biaxial oxide crystals. For uniaxial ZnO and LaAlO3, which have minimal THz absorption across the measurement bandwidth, the orientations of the eigenmodes of propagation were conveniently identified as the orientation angles that produced a transmitted THz pulse with zero ellipticity, and the birefringence was quantified. In CuO, a multiferroic with improper ferroelectricity, the anisotropic THz absorption created by an electromagnon was investigated, mapping its selection rule precisely. For this biaxial crystal, which has phonon and electromagnon absorption, the polarization eigenvectors exhibited chromatic dispersion, as a result of the monoclinic crystal structure and the frequency-dependent complex refractive index.
Universal analytical modeling of plasmonic nanoparticles
Authors: Yu Renwen , Liz-Marzán Luis M. , García de Abajo F. Javier
Published: September 2017

Analytical expressions are applied to calculate the plasmonic spectra of nanoparticles with arbitrary morphology, in excellent agreement with experimental data.
Uracil-bearing poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline): Hg(ii)-selective control of its thermoresponsiveness
Authors: Nam Jaehyuk , Jung Yongseok , Jang Woo-Dong
Published: September 2017

A poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline)-containing mercury ion (Hg2+)-responsive uracil moiety (U-PiPOx-U) was synthesized and it exhibited thermoresponsiveness in its aqueous solution.
Probing photoinduced electron-transfer in graphene–dye hybrid materials for DSSC
Authors: Guarracino Paola , Gatti Teresa , Canever Nicolò , Abdu-Aguye Mustapha , Loi Maria Antonietta , Menna Enzo , Franco Lorenzo
Published: September 2017

A triphenylamine dye covalently linked to reduced graphene oxide efficiently promotes unidirectional electron transfer to N-doped TiO2 under photoexcitation.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as model solutes for carbon nanomaterials in ionic liquids
Authors: Bordes Émilie , Costa Anabela J. L. , Szala-Bilnik Joanna , Andanson Jean-Michel , Esperança José M. S. S. , Gomes Margarida F. Costa , Lopes José N. Canongia , Pádua Agílio A. H.
Published: September 2017

The aim of this work is to understand the details of the interactions of ionic liquids with carbon nanomaterials (graphene and nanotubes) using polyaromatic compounds as model solutes.
Comparison study on separation of morin: ultrasound assisted molecularly imprinted polymeric nanoparticles-solid phase extractionversussolidification of floating organic-drop assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction
Authors: Mayahi Jamileh , Rajabi Hamid Reza
Published: September 2017

A comparison study between SPE-MIP-NPs and SFOD-DLLME was presented for separation and preconcentration of morin from aqueous media.
Double-anchoring organic dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells: the opto-electronic property and performance
Authors: Li Yuanchao , Song Peng , Yang Yanhui , Ma Fengcai , Li Yuanzuo
Published: September 2017

A series of A–D–π–D–A multi-anchoring organic dyes (MA-201–MA-206) with different core spacers was designed to investigate optoelectronic properties and to develop utility for solar cells.
Magnetically recoverable graphene-based nanocomposite material as an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of propargylamines via A3coupling reaction
Authors: Hussain Najrul , Das Manash R.
Published: September 2017

The magnetically separable Au NPs–Fe3O4–rGO catalyst provides a robust and efficient route for the A3coupling reaction of secondary amines, terminal alkynes and aldehyde with tolerance of diverse functional groups for the synthesis of propargylamine in high yields.
Bio-derived polymers for coating applications: comparing poly(limonene carbonate) and poly(cyclohexadiene carbonate)
Authors: Stößer Tim , Li Chunliang , Unruangsri Junjuda , Saini Prabhjot K. , Sablong Rafaël J. , Meier Michael A. R. , Williams Charlotte K. , Koning Cor
Published: September 2017

Two fully bio-based polycarbonates, poly(limonene carbonate) and poly(cylcohexadiene carbonate), were post-functionalized via thiol–ene reactions and tested as future coating materials.
Amphiphilic acrylamide block copolymer: RAFT block copolymerization and monolayer behaviour
Authors: Yamamoto Shunsuke , Miyashita Tokuji , Mitsuishi Masaya
Published: September 2017

Amphiphilic acrylamide block copolymer, synthesized by RAFT polymerization, takes a stable monolayer formation with phase-separated structures at the air–water interface.
Unexpected stable stoichiometries and superconductivity of potassium-rich sulfides
Authors: Li Ying , Jin Xilian , Cui Tian , Zhuang Quan , Zhang Die , Meng Xing , Bao Kuo , Liu Bingbing , Zhou Qiang
Published: September 2017

Various stoichiometric structures of KxS (x = 1–4) systems are widely investigated up to 100 GPa.
Synergistic action of TiO2 particles and surfactants on the foamability and stabilization of aqueous foams
Authors: Cao Huiying , Zhang Xuan , Ding Baiyong , Wang Long , Lu Naiyan
Published: September 2017

Small particles can be activated via a synergistic effect with surfactants and adsorbed to the air–water interface to generate and stabilize foams, which has been applied extensively to develop new materials and techniques.
Nanomolar small-molecule detection using a genetically encoded129Xe NMR contrast agent
Authors: Roose B. W. , Zemerov S. D. , Dmochowski I. J.
Published: September 2017

Genetically encoded magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents enable non-invasive detection of specific biomarkersin vivo.
Biocompatibility and anti-calcification of a biological artery immobilized with naturally-occurring phytic acid as the crosslinking agent
Authors: Wang Xu , Wen Kaili , Yang Xu , Li Li , Yu Xixun
Published: September 2017

Phytic acid is introduced as a biological crosslinker to fix natural arteries; the fixed tissues possess rapid endothelialization and excellent anticalcification properties.
Versatile H2O2-driven mixed aerogel synthesis from CdTe and bimetallic noble metal nanoparticles
Authors: Wendt R. , Märker B. , Dubavik A. , Herrmann A.-K. , Wollgarten M. , Rakovich Y. P. , Eychmüller A. , Rademann K. , Hendel T.
Published: September 2017

We present a versatile synthetic pathway towards hybrid aerogels built up by joint gelation of CdTe and noble metal nanoparticles (Au, Pd and bimetallic Au/Pd) using a mild H2O2treatment.
Structure and photoluminescence evolution of nanodots during pyrolysis of citric acid: from molecular nanoclusters to carbogenic nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Li Hai-Bei , Shi Lijuan , Meng Xianrui , Wang Yunjing , Chen Xin , Xu Hao , Zhang Wenkai , Fang Xiaomin , Ding Tao
Published: September 2017

Dynamic rheological measurements indicate that supra-molecules, polymers and carbogenic nanoparticles are generated successively during pyrolysis of citric acid based nanodots.
Single‐port and multi‐port frequency‐dependent network equivalents with numerically stable branches
Authors: Moghimi Haji Moosa , Xu Wilsun , Geng Guangchao
Published: September 2017

This study proposes new methods for finding frequency‐dependent network equivalents of power systems. Since stability of the time‐domain solution is a major concern, additional constraints are added to ensure the stability in both single‐port and multi‐port network equivalents. For single‐port problem, an equivalent circuit consisting of only passive elements is estimated to ensure passivity and, consequently, stability of the time‐domain solution. For multi‐port case, additional stable branches are added to fit the frequency response data with high accuracy while maintaining stability of the equivalent. Several case studies are considered to evaluate the performance of the proposed approaches. The simulation results prove the efficacy of the proposed methods for finding stable equivalent circuits with high accuracy.
Refraktiver Linsenaustausch
Authors: Hengerer Fritz , Conrad-Hengerer Ina
Published: September 2017

Die operative Entfernung der eigenen Linse mit anschließender Implantation einer Kunstlinse ist ein etabliertes Verfahren in der refraktiven Chirurgie. Der Artikel beschreibt die unterschiedlichen Verfahren und Intraokularlinsensysteme unter Berücksichtigung der aktuellen Empfehlungen der Kommission für Refraktive Chirurgie. Auf die Komplikationsmöglichkeiten der einzelnen Techniken und Intraokularlinsen wird in den Unterabschnitten hingewiesen.
Fokale Therapie bei Prostatakrebs
Authors: Schostak Martin
Published: September 2017

Das klinische Bild des „Männerorgans“ Prostata als homogene Drüse hat sich sehr lange kaum verändert. Das offenbar stets multifokale Wachstum
eines Prostatakrebses untermauerte die klinische Annahme, die Drüse könne nur als Ganzes betrachtet werden. Die multiparametrische
Kernspintomografie (mpMRT) hat die heutige Sichtweise auf den Prostatakrebs radikal verändert. Wir sind jetzt in der Lage, zum einen
überflüssige Biopsien zu vermeiden, zum anderen eine topografische Zuordnung und gezielte Biopsie, (z. B. MRT-gesteuert) festgestellter
Krebsherde durchzuführen. Das eröffnet ein großes therapeutisches Spektrum von Active Surveillance (AS) über fokale Therapieverfahren (FT)
bis zur besonders organschonenden Standardtherapie. In diesem Artikel wird der aktuelle Stand der Forschung rund um die Fokale Therapie
dargestellt.
Presbyopiekorrektur mittels Laserchirurgie
Authors: Pajic Bojan , Massa Horace , Eskina Erika
Published: September 2017

Trotz verschiedener Behandlungsansätze der Presbyopiebehandlung bleibt dieser Teil der refraktiven Chirurgie eine Herausforderung. Die multifokale Intraokularlinse zeigt befriedigende physikalische Eigenschaften, allerdings bleibt die postoperative Zielrefraktion komplex im Sinne einer nicht immer ganz präzisen postoperativen Zielrefraktion mit Rest- oder induziertem Astigmatismus, unkorrigierter Asphärizität und Aberration. Als weitere Presbyopieverfahren werden heute die Monovision, korneale Inlays und die PresbyLASIK angewendet.
Band alignment of two-dimensional metal monochalcogenides MXs (M=Ga,In; X=S,Se,Te)
Authors: Sun Huazheng , Wang Zhan , Wang Yong
Published: September 2017

Monolayer metal monochalcogenides MXs (M=Ga,In; X=S,Se,Te) form a new class of two-dimensional semiconductors with indirect band gaps, and their band alignment information is investigated via first principles calculations. The dependence of band gap, valence-band maximum, conduction band minimum, and charge transfer on the M or X element has been obtained and can be understood from the orbital analysis of the band edges. Potential applications of metal monochalcogenides to design van der Waals heterostructures and catalyse the photo-splitting reaction of water have been discussed.
A looped-tube traveling-wave engine with liquid pistons
Authors: Hyodo H. , Tamura S. , Biwa T.
Published: September 2017

This report describes the operation of a liquid piston engine that uses thermoacoustic spontaneous oscillations of liquid and gas columns connected in series to form a loop. Analysis of the analogous mass-spring model and the numerical calculation based on hydrodynamic equations shows that the natural mode oscillations of the system allow the working gas to execute a Stirling thermodynamic cycle. Numerical results of the operating temperature difference were confirmed from experimentally obtained results.
Oscillator versus prefundamental representations. II. Arbitrary higher ranks
Authors: Boos Hermann , Göhmann Frank , Klümper Andreas , Nirov Khazret S. , Razumov Alexander V.
Published: September 2017

We find the ℓ-weights and the ℓ-weight vectors for the highest ℓ-weight q-oscillator representations of the positive Borel subalgebra of the quantum loop algebra Uq(L(sll+1)) for arbitrary values of l. Having this, we establish the explicit relationship between the q-oscillator and prefundamental representations. Our consideration allows us to conclude that the prefundamental representations can be obtained by tensoring q-oscillator representations.
Two-dimensional straightness measurement based on optical knife-edge sensing
Authors: Wang Chen , Zhong Fenghe , Ellis Jonathan D.
Published: September 2017

Straightness error is a parasitic translation along a perpendicular direction to the primary displacement axis of a linear stage. The parasitic translations could be coupled into other primary displacement directions of a multi-axis platform. Hence, its measurement and compensation are critical in precision multi-axis metrology, calibration, and manufacturing. This paper presents a two-dimensional (2D) straightness measurement configuration based on 2D optical knife-edge sensing, which is simple, light-weight, compact, and easy to align. It applies a 2D optical knife-edge to manipulate the diffraction pattern sensed by a quadrant photodetector, whose output voltages could derive 2D straightness errors after a calibration process. This paper analyzes the physical model of the configuration and performs simulations and experiments to study the system sensitivity, measurement nonlinearity, and error sources. The results demonstrate that the proposed configuration has higher sensitivity and insensitive to beam’s vibration, compared with the conventional configurations without using the knife-edge, and could achieve ±0.25 μm within a ±40 μm measurement range along a 40 mm primary axial motion.
Oblique beams interference for mode selection in multimode silicon waveguides
Authors: Signorini Stefano , Borghi Massimo , Mancinelli Mattia , Bernard Martino , Ghulinyan Mher , Pucker Georg , Pavesi Lorenzo
Published: September 2017

Here, we propose to use the interference pattern which arises from the superposition of two coherent free space tilted beams at the input facet of an optical waveguide to excite selectively a given optical mode. By tuning the period of the interference fringes, it is possible to select the excited mode in the waveguide by maximizing the overlap integral with the modal optical field. Our setup is based on a free space interferometer that is theoretically capable of selectively exciting higher order modes in a micron-sized waveguide with an average cross-talk of 37 dB and a mode selectivity higher than 90%. The system is easily reconfigurable and can be straightforwardly integrated on a chip to enhance miniaturization, compactness, and stability.
Dynamical mechanism of atrial fibrillation: A topological approach
Authors: Marcotte Christopher D. , Grigoriev Roman O.
Published: September 2017

While spiral wave breakup has been implicated in the emergence of atrial fibrillation, its role in maintaining this complex type of cardiac arrhythmia is less clear. We used the Karma model of cardiac excitation to investigate the dynamical mechanisms that sustain atrial fibrillation once it has been established. The results of our numerical study show that spatiotemporally chaotic dynamics in this regime can be described as a dynamical equilibrium between topologically distinct types of transitions that increase or decrease the number of wavelets, in general agreement with the multiple wavelets' hypothesis. Surprisingly, we found that the process of continuous excitation waves breaking up into discontinuous pieces plays no role whatsoever in maintaining spatiotemporal complexity. Instead, this complexity is maintained as a dynamical balance between wave coalescence—a unique, previously unidentified, topological process that increases the number of wavelets—and wave collapse—a different topological process that decreases their number.
Buckling analysis of stiff thin films suspended on a substrate with tripod surface relief structure
Authors: Yu Qingmin , Chen Furong , Li Ming , Cheng Huanyu
Published: September 2017

A wavy configuration is a simple yet powerful structural design strategy, which has been widely used in flexible and stretchable electronics. A buckled structure created from a prestretch-contact-release process represents an early effort. Substrates with engineered surface relief structures (e.g., rectangular islands or tripod structure) have enabled stretchability to the devices without sacrificing their electric performance (e.g., high areal coverage for LEDs/photovoltaics/batteries/supercapacitors). In particular, the substrate with a tripod surface relief structure allows wrinkled devices to be suspended on a soft tripod substrate. This minimizes the contact area between devices and the deformed substrate, which contributes to a significantly reduced interfacial stress/strain. To uncover the underlying mechanism of such a design, we exploit the energy method to analytically investigate the buckling and postbuckling behaviors of stiff films suspended on a stretchable polymeric substrate with a tripod surface relief structure. Validated by finite element analysis, the predications from such an analytical study elucidate the deformed profile and maximum strain in the buckled and postbuckled stiff thin device films, providing a useful toolkit for future experimental designs.
The importance of travelling stock reserves for maintaining high-quality threatened temperate woodlands
Authors: O'Loughlin Thea , O'Loughlin Luke S. , Michael Damian R. , Wood Jeffrey T. , Waudby Helen P. , Falcke Phillip , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: September 2017

Travelling stock reserves (TSRs) are thought to represent some of the highest-quality and least degraded remnants of threatened temperate woodland in south-eastern Australia. These public reserves have not had the same high levels of grazing pressure and other disturbances as woodland remnants on private land. Thus, TSRs are expected to be important for the protection of biodiversity in heavily cleared and modified landscapes. We tested the hypothesis that land tenure had significant effects on the quality of woodlands by comparing vegetation structural attributes between TSRs and remnant vegetation used for primary production purposes. Vegetation attributes were monitored in 155 permanent plots over 5 years in remnant temperate woodland sites in the Riverina bioregion of New South Wales. Overall, TSRs supported higher native plant species richness and were characterised by higher ground cover of native shrubs and less cover of exotic plant species than agricultural production areas. We found land tenure had significant effects on some vegetation attributes demonstrated to be important for threatened fauna. We attribute these results to TSRs having a history of lower grazing pressure compared with remnants managed for agricultural production. Our study provides empirical evidence to support the high conservation value of TSRs in formerly woodland-dominated, but now extensively cleared agricultural landscapes.
Review of patient-reported experience within Patient-Centered Medical Homes: insights for Australian Health Care Homes
Authors: O'Loughlin Mary , Mills Jane , McDermott Robyn , Harriss Linton
Published: September 2017

Understanding patient experience is necessary to advance the patient-centred approach to health service delivery. Australia’s primary healthcare model, the ‘Health Care Home’, is based on the ‘Patient-Centered Medical Home’ (PCMH) model developed in the United States. Both these models aim to improve patient experience; however, the majority of existing PCMH model evaluations have focussed on funding, management and quality assurance measures. This review investigated the scope of evidence reported by adult patients using a PCMH. Using a systematic framework, the review identified 39 studies, sourced from 33 individual datasets, which used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Patient experience was reported for model attributes, including the patient–physician and patient–practice relationships; care-coordination; access to care; and, patient engagement, goal setting and shared decision-making. Results were mixed, with the patient experience improving under the PCMH model for some attributes, and some studies indicating no difference in patient experience following PCMH implementation. The scope and quality of existing evidence does not demonstrate improvement in adult patient experience when using the PCMH. Better measures to evaluate patient experience in the Australian Health Care Home model are required.
Comparison of three methods to quantify the fire spread rate in laboratory experiments
Authors: Gould J. S. , Sullivan A. L. , Hurley R. , Koul V.
Published: September 2017

Different methods can be used to measure the time and distance of travel of a fire and thus its speed. The selection of a particular method will depend on the experimental objectives, design, scale, location (in the laboratory or field), required accuracy and resources available. In this study, measurements from ocular observation (directly by eye), visible spectrum video imagery and thermocouple instrumentation were used to compare their performance in quantifying the time of arrival and rate of spread of a fire burning across a eucalypt forest litter fuel bed in a combustion wind tunnel. All methods gave similar results, but there were some significant differences depending on the dryness of the fuel and speed of the wind.
The large-time development of the solution to an initial-value problem for the Korteweg-de Vries equation: IV. Time dependent coefficients
Authors: Leach J.
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we consider an initial-value problem for the Korteweg-de Vries equation with time dependent coefficients. The normalized variable coefficient Korteweg-de Vries equation considered is given by
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="u Subscript t Baseline plus normal upper Phi left-parenthesis t right-parenthesis u u Subscript x Baseline plus normal upper Psi left-parenthesis t right-parenthesis u Subscript x x x Baseline equals 0 comma negative normal infinity greater-than x greater-than normal infinity comma t greater-than 0 comma">

u

t

+
Φ
(
t
)
u

u

x

+
Ψ
(
t
)

u

x
x
x

=
0
,

−
∞
>
x
>
∞
,

t
>
0
,

\begin{equation*} u_{t}+ \Phi (t) u u_{x}+ \Psi (t) u_{xxx}=0, \quad -\infty >x>\infty , \quad t>0, \end{equation*}

where

x
x

and

t
t

represent dimensionless distance and time respectively, whilst

Φ
(
t
)

\Phi (t)

,

Ψ
(
t
)

\Psi (t)

are given functions of

t
(
>
0
)

t (>0)

. In particular, we consider the case when the initial data has a discontinuous expansive step, where

u
(
x
,
0
)
=

u

+

u(x,0)=u_{+}

for

x
≥
0

x \ge 0

and

u
(
x
,
0
)
=

u

−

u(x,0)=u_{-}

for

x
>
0

x>0

. We focus attention on the case when

Φ
(
t
)
=

t

δ

\Phi (t)=t^{\delta }

(with

δ
>
−

2
3

\delta >-\frac {2}{3}

) and

Ψ
(
t
)
=
1

\Psi (t)=1

. The constant states

u

+

u_{+}

,

u

−

u_{-}

(

>

u

+

>u_{+}

) and

δ
\delta

are problem parameters. The method of matched asymptotic coordinate expansions is used to obtain the large-

t
t

asymptotic structure of the solution to this problem, which exhibits the formation of an expansion wave in

x
≥

u

−

(
δ
+
1
)

t

(
δ
+
1
)

x \ge \frac {u_{-} }{(\delta +1)}t^{(\delta +1)}

as

t
→
∞

t \to \infty

, while the solution is oscillatory in

x
>

u

−

(
δ
+
1
)

t

(
δ
+
1
)

x>\frac {u_{-}}{(\delta +1)}t^{(\delta +1)}

as

t
→
∞

t \to \infty

. We conclude with a brief discussion of the structure of the large-

t
t

solution of the initial-value problem when the initial data is step-like being continuous with algebraic decay as

|

x

|

→
∞

|x| \to \infty

, with

u
(
x
,
t
)
→

u

+

u(x,t) \to u_{+}

as

x
→
∞

x \to \infty

and

u
(
x
,
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Cutaneous Cytomegalovirus Infection in an Immunocompetent Patient: Innocent Bystander or Culprit?
Authors: Grushchak Solomiya , Hutchens Kelli A. , Joy Cossette , Peterson Anthony , Speiser Jodi , Mudaliar Kumaran
Published: September 2017

We present a rare case of cutaneous cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in a nonimmunocompromised patient. A 74-year-old woman with a history of diabetes presented with an ulcer on the right lateral tibia that occurred at the site of a nerve core biopsy. Subsequent biopsy of the ulcer edge showed granulation tissue with neutrophilic inflammation. The patient underwent extensive antibiotic treatment for possible infection with weekly wound care. However, the ulceration persisted and enlarged. A repeat biopsy 1 year later showed superficial and deep mixed inflammation with an associated vasculitis. On close examination, endothelial and eccrine ducts cells showed characteristic CMV viral cytopathic changes with positivity on CMV immunohistochemical stain. Although the patient was started on valganciclovir, the ulceration did not resolve with treatment and slightly enlarged. Treatment modalities included dapsone, prednisone, weekly wound care, wound vacuum, and eventually a skin graft of the ulcer site. This case highlights the presence of CMV infection in a cutaneous ulceration in a relatively immunocompetent patient, and the lack of response to treatment raises the question whether CMV was causative, partially contributory, or simply an innocent bystander.
Language Underperformance in Young Children Who Are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing: Are the Expectations Too Low?
Authors: Meinzen-Derr Jareen , Sheldon Rose , Grether Sandra , Altaye Mekibib , Smith Laura , Choo Daniel I. , Wiley Susan
Published: September 2017

Objective:

(1) To examine language performance in the context of cognitive abilities in young children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and (2) to identify factors associated with having a language underperformance, defined as a gap between the language standard score and the nonverbal IQ (NVIQ) standard score.

Methods:

Children 6 to 82 months of age with bilateral hearing loss were enrolled. Language performance was defined as a ratio of language skills relative to cognitive abilities with language underperformance defined as a ratio of language scores to NVIQ <0.85.

Results:

Among 149 children, approximately half had hearing loss that was clinically classified as mild or moderate, and over one-third received a cochlear implant. Participants had a mean NVIQ in the average range (95.4 [20.3]). Receptive language scores were significantly lower than their NVIQ by 10.6 points (p < .0001). Among children with NVIQs 80 to 100, 62.5% had receptive scores <85 and 50% had a language underperformance (ratio <0.85). Among children with NIVQs >100, 21.1% had receptive scores <85 with 42% having a language underperformance. Children with language underperformance (n = 61, 41.5%) were more likely to have more severe levels of hearing loss, lower socioeconomic status, and be nonwhite.

Conclusion:

Many children early identified with hearing loss continue to demonstrate language underperformance, defined using their cognitive potential. Language deficits have a cascading effect on social functioning in children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. This study highlights the need to understand a child's cognitive potential to adequately address language needs in existing intervention models.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA AND THE PRESENCE AND SEVERITY OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Authors: Chang Aimee C. , Fox Timothy P. , Wang Shutao , Wu Albert Y.
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods:

Three hundred seventeen patients with International Classification of Diseases diagnoses of both DR and OSA were evaluated retrospectively. Diabetic retinopathy severity and diabetic macular edema status were determined by diagnostic coding and medical records. Obstructive sleep apnea severity and additional sleep measures were obtained from overnight polysomnography. Analysis was performed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results:

After adjustment, an association was seen between DR and severe OSA (odds ratio [OR]: 2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–4.18, P = 0.019). Proliferative DR was associated with severe OSA versus no DR (OR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.12–5.14, P = 0.024) and mild nonproliferative DR (OR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.26–6.55, P = 0.012). Comparing all nonproliferative DR with proliferative DR, proliferative DR and severe OSA were associated (OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.03–4.70, P = 0.043), as well as diabetic macular edema and severe OSA (OR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.58–5.27, P = 0.001). No association was seen between DR/diabetic macular edema and secondary sleep measures.

Conclusion:

The findings suggest an increased risk of DR, proliferative DR, and diabetic macular edema in patients with severe OSA. Ophthalmologists following these patients should be aware of this association to better manage ocular sequelae of diabetes.
COMPARISON OF CORNEAL WETTING PROPERTIES OF DIFFERENT DISPERSIVE OPHTHALMIC VISCOSURGICAL DEVICES
Authors: Karaca Cagatay , Ozkose Mustafa , Unlu Metin , Sevim Duygu Gulmez , Mirza Ertugrul
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

To compare corneal wetting performances of different dispersive ophthalmic viscosurgical devices.

Methods:

Three different types of dispersive ophthalmic viscosurgical devices, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose %2 (HPMC), sodium hyaluronate %3–sodium chondroitin sulphate %4 (HACS), and sodium hyaluronate %3 (HA), were applied on corneal surfaces of 10 healthy volunteer subjects repeatedly at 3 different time points. Corneal wetting properties of the ophthalmic viscosurgical devices were compared qualitatively and quantitatively by anterior segment optical coherence tomography for 30 minutes.

Results:

Sodium hyaluronate 3% and HACS applications had a higher mean precorneal ophthalmic viscosurgical device thickness than HPMC application at all time points (seventh minute HPMC: 105.2 ± 25.3 μm, HA: 561.4 ± 115.8 μm, HACS: 481.2 ± 55 μm, P < 0.001). All HPMC applications were terminated by the 12th minute because of insufficient corneal wetting. Mean survival estimate time was significantly shortest for HPMC (11.5 ± 0.5 minutes, P < 0.001) and longest for HA (29.7 ± 0.28 minutes). It was slightly shorter for HACS (26.9 ± 0.87 minutes, P = 0.007) than the HA application.

Conclusion:

Sodium hyaluronate 3% and HACS provide superior corneal covering compared with HPMC with an effect that can be maintained up to 30 minutes. They may be an effective option for corneal wetting during long vitreoretinal surgeries with longer duration of effect and fever number of applications.
Non-IgE-mediated gastrointestinal food allergies
Authors: Biermé Priscille , Nowak-Wegrzyn Anna , Caubet Jean-Christoph
Published: September 2017

Purpose of review

We focus on recent advances regarding the epidemiology, physiopathology, diagnosis and managements of non-IgE-mediated gastrointestinal food allergies (non-IgE-GI-FAs), particularly food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES).

Recent findings

The first international FPIES diagnostic and management guidelines have been recently published. Although FPIES largely remains a diagnosis of exclusion, it may be more prevalent than previously thought. Ondansetron has emerged as a major tool for the treatment of FPIES acute reactions. Recent data also suggest an important role for innate immune cells in FPIES pathogenesis.

Despite major advances in the diagnosis and management of non-IgE-GI-FAs, particularly FPIES, the lack of specific diagnostic tests and biomarkers to guide clinical management remains challenging.
Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Yano Motoyo , Misra Sunil , Carpenter Danielle H. , Salter Amber , Hildebolt Charles F.
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The aims of this study were to assess computed tomography enhancement of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), determine correlation with histological vascularity and fibrosis, and identify a biomarker for tumor aggression.

Methods

The arterial and venous enhancement of NET was calculated on computed tomography for 56 patients. Tumor size and vascularity/fibrosis were assessed. Tumor aggression was grouped by World Health Organization and Hochwald grade and the presence of metastases. Variables were assessed for correlation. Groups were compared using t test/Wilcoxon rank sum test.

Results

Arterial enhancement and dynamic washout (r = 0.35, P = 0.02; r = 0.34, P = 0.02, respectively) correlate with vascularity. There is inverse correlation between vascularity and fibrosis (r = −0.62, P < 0.001), but no correlation between enhancement and fibrosis. Metastatic NET had less arterial (mean, −2 [standard deviationi {SD}, 27.1] Hounsfield unit [HU]; 35.7 [SD, 57.5] HU; P = 0.01) and venous (12.6 [SD, 14.4] HU; 29.2 [SD, 38.3] HU; P = 0.04) enhancement and less washout (8.5 [SD, 18.5] HU; 26.8 [SD, 30] HU, P = 0.02) compared with nonmetastatic NET. These differences were not present when comparing by tumor grade. Arterial hypoenhancement was the only significant predictor of metastases.

Conclusions

Aggressive tumors, as determined by metastases, but not histological grade, enhance less than nonmetastatic tumors.
Acute Alcohol Consumption Directly Increases HIV Transmission Risk: A Randomized Controlled Experiment
Authors: Shuper Paul A. , Joharchi Narges , Monti Peter M. , Loutfy Mona , Rehm Jürgen
Published: September 2017

Background:

Alcohol consumption has frequently been purported as a driver of condomless sex and HIV transmission, but to date, experimental evidence for the causal risk-taking impact of alcohol among HIV-positive populations is lacking. The present experiment sought to determine whether acute alcohol consumption has a direct causal impact on condomless sex intentions among HIV-positive men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM), and to assess whether alcohol's impact differs between MSM who are HIV-positive versus HIV-negative.

Methods:

In a randomized controlled alcohol administration experiment, HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM were brought into a specialized barroom laboratory and randomly assigned to beverage consumption condition: alcohol (target blood alcohol concentration = 0.080%), placebo alcohol (target blood alcohol concentration = 0.000%), or water (control). Participants then underwent a video-based sexual arousal manipulation (sexually aroused/nonaroused) and indicated their intentions to engage in condom-protected and condomless sexual acts in a standardized paradigm. The primary outcome entailed intentions to engage in condomless receptive and condomless insertive anal sex.

Results:

A total of 282 MSM (141 HIV-positive; 141 HIV-negative) completed experimental procedures. MSM who received alcohol reported significantly stronger intentions to engage in condomless sex than those who received placebo alcohol or water (F
(1,274) = 9.43, P = 0.002). The impact of alcohol did not differ between HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM (F
(1,274) = 1.86, P = 0.174).

Conclusions:

The present investigation entailed the first risk-focused alcohol administration experiment to involve an HIV-positive sample, and results demonstrated that consuming alcohol had an independent, causal impact on intentions to engage in sexual behaviors that can result in HIV transmission. Findings strongly suggest that alcohol-focused initiatives should be incorporated into HIV prevention efforts.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Qualitative and Quantitative Computed Tomography Analysis for Diagnosis of Pathological Grade and Stage in Upper Tract Urothelial Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Mammen Suraj , Krishna Satheesh , Quon Matthew , Shabana Wael M. , Hakim Shaheed W. , Flood Trevor A. , Schieda Nicola
Published: September 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare grade and stage of upper tract urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) using computed tomography.

Materials and Methods

With institutional review board approval, 48 patients with 49 UCC (44 high grade and 5 low grade, 26 ≤ T1 and 23 ≥ T2) underwent nephroureterectomy and preoperative computed tomography between 2013 and 2015. Two blinded radiologists assessed for tumor appearance (filling defect/mass or wall thickening/stricture), margin (smooth or spiculated/irregular), texture (homogeneous, heterogeneous), hydronephrosis, and calcification. A third blinded radiologist established consensus. A fourth blinded radiologist measured size and first-order histogram texture features. Comparisons were performed using χ2 test, multivariable logistic regression, and receiver operator characteristic analysis.

Results

There was no difference in size of tumors compared by grade or stage (P = 0.80 and 0.13, respectively).

Among subjective variables, only tumor texture was significantly different between low- and high-grade UCC (P = 0.03; κ = 0.45). Tumors characterized as spiculated/irregular margin (P = 0.003; 0.30) and heterogeneous (P < 0.001; κ = 0.45) were associated with T2 disease or higher.

Entropy was greater in higher grade (6.23 ± 0.46 vs 5.72 ± 0.28) and T2 disease or higher (6.40 ± 0.33 vs 5.95 ± 0.48), (P = 0.03 and 0.02, respectively) with no differences in Kurtosis or Skewness (P > 0.05). Area under the receiver operator characteristic curve for entropy to diagnose high-grade and T2 tumors or higher was 0.83 (confidence interval, 0.64–1.0) and 0.79 (confidence interval 0.59–0.98), respectively.

Conclusions

Heterogeneity, assessed qualitatively and quantitatively, is accurate for diagnosis of higher grade and stage of disease in upper tract UCC. Spiculated/irregular margins are also associated with T2 disease or higher.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging of Lumbar Vertebras in Female Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Initial Findings
Authors: Wang Dongmei , Wang Shoufeng , Gao Yao , Zhou Zhengyang , He Jian
Published: September 2017

Objective

The purpose of this study was to characterize diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) features of lumbar vertebras in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients.

Methods

Fifty-two AIS patients and 20 healthy volunteers underwent 3-T magnetic resonance scanning including DTI sequence. The fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values on the convex and concave sides of lumbar vertebras were obtained and compared.

Results

The FA and ADC values differed significantly between the convex and concave side of lumbar vertebras in AIS (P < 0.01). The ADC values in AIS differed significantly with healthy volunteers (P < 0.01). The FA values on the convex side of L1 to L2 were significantly lower than L4 to L5 in AIS. The difference of FA values between the concave and convex sides of the apex vertebra correlated significantly with Cobb angle (r = 0.436, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The convex and concave sides of lumbar vertebras in AIS patients showed different DTI features.