bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermoelectric properties of p-type cubic and rhombohedral GeTe
Authors: Xing Guangzong , Sun Jifeng , Li Yuwei , Fan Xiaofeng , Zheng Weitao , Singh David J.
Published: May 2018

We investigate the electronic and thermoelectric properties of GeTe in both cubic and rhombohedral phases. We find that cubic GeTe has an electronic structure with a narrow band gap that is unfavorable at high temperature, where the cubic phase is normally stable. However, cubic GeTe has electronic features that may lead to p-type performance superior to the normal rhombohedral phase at lower temperature. This is explained in part by the combination of light and heavy band character that is very effective in obtaining high thermopower and conductivity. In addition, the valence band edge carrier pockets in cubic GeTe possess the largest anisotropy among cubic IV-VI analogs. These effects are stronger than the effect of band convergence in the rhombohedral structure. The results suggest further study of stabilized cubic GeTe as a thermoelectric.
Thin-film nano-thermogravimetry applied to praseodymium-cerium oxide films at high temperatures
Authors: Schröder Sebastian , Fritze Holger , Bishop Sean , Chen Di , Tuller Harry L.
Published: May 2018

High precision measurements of oxygen nonstoichiometry δ in thin film metal oxides MaOb±δ at elevated temperatures and controlled oxygen partial pressures pO2 are reported with the aid of resonant microbalances. The resonant microbalances applied here consisted of y-cut langasite (La3Ga5SiO14) and CTGS (Ca3TaGa3Si2O14) piezoelectric resonators, operated in the thickness shear mode at ∼5 MHz. Measurements of variations in δ of Pr0.1Ce0.9O2-δ (PCO) films are reported for the oxygen partial pressure range from 10−8 bar to 0.2 bar at 700 °C, and these results were found to be in good agreement with previously reported oxygen nonstoichiometry δ data derived from chemical capacitance studies. The PCO thin-films were deposited via pulsed laser deposition on both sides of the resonators, whose series resonance frequency was tracked, converted into mass changes and, finally, into nonstoichiometry. The nonstoichiometry was observed to reach a plateau as the oxygen partial pressure dropped below about 10−5 bar, the behavior being attributed to the full reduction of Pr to the trivalent state. These resonators enable stable operation up to temperatures above 1000 °C, thereby maintaining high mass resolution suitable for determining oxygen nonstoichiometry variations in thin films deposited on such resonators. For the given experimental conditions, a mass resolution of ∼50 ng was achieved at 700 °C with the CTGS resonator.
Tutorial: Determination of thermal boundary resistance by molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Liang Zhi , Hu Ming
Published: May 2018

Due to the high surface-to-volume ratio of nanostructured components in microelectronics and other advanced devices, the thermal resistance at material interfaces can strongly affect the overall thermal behavior in these devices. Therefore, the thermal boundary resistance, R, must be taken into account in the thermal analysis of nanoscale structures and devices. This article is a tutorial on the determination of R and the analysis of interfacial thermal transport via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In addition to reviewing the commonly used equilibrium and non-equilibrium MD models for the determination of R, we also discuss several MD simulation methods which can be used to understand interfacial thermal transport behavior. To illustrate how these MD models work for various interfaces, we will show several examples of MD simulation results on thermal transport across solid-solid, solid-liquid, and solid-gas interfaces. The advantages and drawbacks of a few other MD models such as approach-to-equilibrium MD and first-principles MD are also discussed.
Low temperature cured poly-siloxane passivation for highly reliable a-InGaZnO thin-film transistors
Authors: Yoshida Naofumi , Bermundo Juan Paolo , Ishikawa Yasuaki , Nonaka Toshiaki , Taniguchi Katsuto , Uraoka Yukiharu
Published: May 2018

Low temperature processable passivation materials are necessary to fabricate highly reliable amorphous InGaZnO (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFT) on organic substrates for flexible device applications. We investigated 3 types of poly-siloxane (Poly-SX) passivation layers fabricated by a solution process and cured at low temperatures (180 °C) for a-IGZO TFTs. This passivation layer greatly improves the stability of the a-IGZO device even after being subjected to positive (PBS) and negative bias stress (NBS). The field effect mobility (μ) of MePhQ504010 passivated on the TFT reached 8.34 cm2/Vs and had a small threshold voltage shift of 0.9 V after PBS, −0.8 V after NBS without the hump phenomenon. Furthermore, we analyzed the hydrogen and hydroxide states in the a-IGZO layer by secondary ion mass spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to determine the cause of excellent electrical properties despite the curing performed at a low temperature. These results show the potential of the solution processed Poly-SX passivation layer for flexible devices.
Cryopreservation of epididymal and ejaculated bull spermatozoa
Authors: Raseona A. M. , Rammutla T. L. , Kalobo K. , Barry D. M.
Published: May 2018

The present study was undertaken to assess viability of frozen–thawed bull semen collected from the bull’s ejaculate and cauda epididymis. A total of 30 ejaculates were collected from three bulls twice per week for 5 weeks (Control). Caudal epididymis were collected from slaughtered beef cattle of unknown origin from the local abattoir. Caudal epididymal sperm was recovered immediately after slaughtering (EP-0 h) and after cooling at 5°C for 24 h (EP-24). The epididymal and ejaculated samples were each pooled together before being extended with Triladyl. Diluted samples per treatment were loaded into a 0.25-mL French straw and cooled to 5°C in 4 h. Cooled straws were placed 4 cm above liquid nitrogen to freeze for 10 min. Frozen straws were immersed into LN2 and kept for 7 days at −196°C. Samples were analysed immediately after dilution and post-thawing using the computer aided sperm analysis for sperm motility rate, viability and acrosome defects. The highest sperm motility rates were observed with EJ-0 h before and after cryopreservation. However, the difference in sperm motility parameters between EP-0 h and EP-24 h evaluated before and after freezing was not significant (P > 0.05). Furthermore, no significant difference in live cells mean values was observed between the three samples on freezing (P > 0.05). In relation to spermatozoa acrosome defects, there was no significant difference observed among the three samples before and on freezing (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the results from the present study revealed that cooling of epididymides at 5°C for 24 h before the recovery of sperm cells was efficient in preserving epididymal sperm viability. However, ejaculated bull spermatozoa had higher sperm motility and viability rate than epididymal sperm.
A tangled sward – on becoming a grassland ecologist over the millennium
Authors: McIntyre Sue
Published: May 2018

This essay describes the career and professional development of the author in the field of plant ecology between the 1970s and early 2000s. Early experiences of under- and postgraduate training reveal the similarity between the late 20th century, and the present-day, in the struggle to obtain a career and stable employment. I describe the booming development of conservation ecology as applied in production landscapes together with the collapse of support for this work two decades later. However, continuity in my research has been provided by the enduring themes of plant functional types and grassland conservation. The experience of second wave feminism and its translation into gender issues in the workplace is also considered. Finally, tips are provided on professional development, collaborations, research strategies, professional practice, writing and communication.
Effects of extending the length of pro-oestrus in an oestradiol- and progesterone-based oestrus synchronisation program on ovarian function, uterine environment and pregnancy establishment in beef heifers
Authors: de la Mata J. J. , Núñez-Olivera R. , Cuadro F. , Bosolasco D. , de Brun V. , Meikle A. , Bó G. A. , Menchaca A.
Published: May 2018

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a strategy for extending pro-oestrus (the interval between luteolysis and ovulation) in an oestrus synchronisation protocol (named J-Synch) in beef heifers on follicular growth, sexual steroid concentrations, the oestrogen receptor ERα and progesterone receptors (PR) in the uterus, insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1 and pregnancy rates. In Experiment 1, heifers treated with the new J-Synch protocol had a longer pro-oestrus period than those treated with the conventional protocol (mean (± s.e.m.) 93.7 ± 12.9 vs 65.0 ± 13.7 h respectively; P < 0.05). The rate of dominant follicle growth from the time of progesterone device removal to ovulation was greater in heifers in the J-Synch than conventional group (P < 0.05). Luteal area and serum progesterone concentrations were greater in the J-Synch Group (P < 0.05) for the 12 days after ovulation. Progesterone receptor (PGR) staining on Day 6 after ovulation in the uterine stroma was lower in the J-Synch than conventional group (P < 0.05), and the expression of PR gene (PGR) and IGF1 gene tended to be lower in J-Synch-treated heifers (P < 0.1). In Experiment 2 (n = 2349), the pregnancy rate 30–35 days after fixed-time AI (FTAI) was greater for heifers in the J-Synch than conventional group (56.1% vs 50.7% respectively). In conclusion, our strategy for extending pro-oestrus (i.e. the J-Synch protocol) significantly improves pregnancy establishment in beef heifers. This improvement was related to an increased rate of growth of the dominant ovulatory follicle, greater progesterone concentrations during the ensuing luteal phase and different uterine patterns of PGR and IGF1, which may have favoured embryo development and pregnancy establishment.
Hamartin regulates cessation of mouse nephrogenesis independently of Mtor
Authors: Volovelsky Oded , Nguyen Thi , Jarmas Alison E. , Combes Alexander N. , Wilson Sean B. , Little Melissa H. , Witte David P. , Brunskill Eric W. , Kopan Raphael
Published: May 2018

Significance

Mammals form the final numbers of nephrons, the functional units of their kidneys, before or within a few days after birth. This initial endowment declines throughout life without the ability to replace nephrons lost to injury. Therefore, humans with low nephron numbers (such as premature infants) have higher rates of kidney disease in adulthood. Here we report that partial reduction in hamartin activity within mouse renal progenitors can lead to a significant increase in nephron numbers in newborns. Nephrogenesis was prolonged by at least a day and correlated with higher engraftment rates in the developing niche in a stem cell engraftment assay. We provide evidence that this phenotype is independent of the inhibitory effect of hamartin on the Mtor complex.
Distributed and dynamic intracellular organization of extracellular information
Authors: Granados Alejandro A. , Pietsch Julian M. J. , Cepeda-Humerez Sarah A. , Farquhar Iseabail L. , Tkačik Gašper , Swain Peter S.
Published: May 2018

Significance

To thrive in diverse environments, cells must represent extracellular change intracellularly despite stochastic biochemistry. Here, we introduce a quantitative framework for investigating the organization of information within a cell. Combining single-cell measurements of intracellular dynamics with a scalable methodology for estimating mutual information between time series and a discrete input, we demonstrate that extracellular information is encoded in the dynamics of the nuclear localization of transcription factors and that information is lost with alternative static statistics. Any one transcription factor is usually insufficient, but the collective dynamics of multiple transcription factors can represent complex extracellular change. We therefore show that a cell’s internal representation of its environment can be both distributed across diverse proteins and dynamically encoded.
Global patterns of protection of elevational gradients in mountain ranges
Authors: Elsen Paul R. , Monahan William B. , Merenlender Adina M.
Published: May 2018

Significance

Mountain ranges constitute biodiversity hotspots, and montane species are shifting their ranges in elevation in response to climate change. Protecting elevational gradients can help fully capture montane biodiversity patterns and facilitate species range shifts. We map the protection of elevational gradients for mountain ranges worldwide to reveal where elevational protection is needed and may be optimized. Most of the world’s mountain ranges are narrowly protected and lack elevational distributions needed to preserve biodiversity. This could undermine the effectiveness of protected areas (PAs) under climate change. Strategic planning is required to prioritize elevational gradients in future PA establishment; otherwise, protecting roughly half of all mountainous area will be required to protect just 17% of land across nearly all elevational gradients.
Synergy between Fe and Ni in the optimal performance of (Ni,Fe)OOH catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Xiao Hai , Shin Hyeyoung , Goddard William A.
Published: May 2018

Significance

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a key component to applications of electrochemistry in energy and environment, but the reaction mechanism for OER on a best-performing catalyst, the Fe-doped NiOOH [(Ni,Fe)OOH], is under debate. Using advanced quantum mechanics (QM) methods, we find that the (Ni,Fe)OOH systems feature synergy between Fe and Ni, in which the two components assume the two different key functionalities needed for OER, forming an active O radical and catalyzing the O–O coupling, respectively. It is this synergy that delivers the optimal performance of (Ni,Fe)OOH for driving the OER. This suggests a strategy to further improve the (Ni,Fe)OOH-type OER catalysts, i.e., separately screening for the best component for each key functionality.
Electrochemical trapping of metastable Mn
3+
ions for activation of MnO
2
oxygen evolution catalysts
Authors: Morgan Chan Zamyla , Kitchaev Daniil A. , Nelson Weker Johanna , Schnedermann Christoph , Lim Kipil , Ceder Gerbrand , Tumas William , Toney Michael F. , Nocera Daniel G.
Published: May 2018

Significance

Manganese oxide films are desirable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts due to their stability in acidic solutions and viability as earth-abundant materials. Enhanced catalytic activity of MnO
2
incorporated with Mn
3+
provides an imperative for understanding the structural and electronic effects giving rise to the superior OER catalysis. We show that (
i
) Mn
3+
is stabilized kinetically in tetrahedral sites and (
ii
) its presence strains the oxide lattice, leading to a favorable disposition of oxide-based vs. metal-based energy levels that favors enhanced OER activity. The results herein offer a design concept of exploiting ion-induced lattice strain for creating superior metal oxide OER catalysts.
Extant fold-switching proteins are widespread
Authors: Porter Lauren L. , Looger Loren L.
Published: May 2018

Significance

It is commonly thought that each globular protein has a single 3D structure, or fold, that fosters its function. In contrast, recent studies have identified several fold-switching proteins whose secondary structures can be remodeled in response to cellular stimuli. Although thought to be rare, we found 96 literature-validated fold-switching proteins by exhaustively searching the database of protein structures [Protein Data Bank (PDB)]. Characterizing these proteins led us to hypothesize that their abundance may be underrepresented in the PDB. Thus, we developed a computational method that identifies fold-switching proteins and used it to estimate that 0.5–4% of PDB proteins switch folds. These results suggest that proteins switch folds with significant frequency, which has implications for cell biology, genomics, and human health.
PaleoceneIpomoea(Convolvulaceae) from India with implications for an East Gondwana origin of Convolvulaceae
Authors: Srivastava Gaurav , Mehrotra Rakesh C. , Dilcher David L.
Published: May 2018

Significance

The origin of the worldwide-distributed morning glory family (Convolvulaceae) has been a matter of debate. The fossil record from late Eocene sediments of North America argues for a Laurasian origin that is in contrast to a molecular phylogenetic study that favors an East Gondwana origin. This report of fossilIpomoeafrom the late Paleocene of India supports the current molecular phylogenetic conclusions of an East Gondwana origin for Convolvulaceae.
Abrupt global-ocean anoxia during the Late Ordovician–early Silurian detected using uranium isotopes of marine carbonates
Authors: Bartlett Rick , Elrick Maya , Wheeley James R. , Polyak Victor , Desrochers André , Asmerom Yemane
Published: May 2018

Significance

The Late Ordovician mass extinction (LOME) terminated one of the greatest biodiversity radiations in Earth history eliminating ∼85% of marine animals, and it is coincident with the first major glaciation of the Phanerozoic. To evaluate LOME origins, we use uranium isotopes from marine limestones as a proxy for global-ocean redox conditions. Our results provide evidence of an abrupt global-ocean anoxic event coincident with the LOME onset and its continuation after the biologic recovery, through peak glaciation, and the following early Silurian deglaciation. These results also provide evidence for widespread ocean anoxia initiating and continuing during icehouse conditions.
C-4 sterol demethylation enzymes distinguish bacterial and eukaryotic sterol synthesis
Authors: Lee Alysha K. , Banta Amy B. , Wei Jeremy H. , Kiemle David J. , Feng Ju , Giner José-Luis , Welander Paula V.
Published: May 2018

Significance

Sterols are essential eukaryotic lipids that can be preserved as steroids in sedimentary rocks for billions of years. Because eukaryotes are the predominant modern day producers of these lipids, fossilized sterols are used as geological biomarkers for the presence of specific eukaryotes in ancient environments. Sterol lipids are also produced by a few bacteria, but the biosynthesis and function of sterols in bacteria are not as well-understood. In this study, we used a combination of bioinformatics and lipid analyses to identify bacterial sterol synthesis proteins. Our results indicate that bacteria have evolved distinct aspects of the sterol synthesis pathway independent of eukaryotes and show that exploring sterol physiology in bacteria can provide insight into this geologically relevant pathway.
Time-dependent view of an isotope effect in electron-nuclear nonequilibrium dynamics with applications to N
2
Authors: Ajay Jayanth S. , Komarova Ksenia G. , Remacle Francoise , Levine R. D.
Published: May 2018

Significance

Wide-range isotopic anomalies found in extraterrestrial sources suggest that we seek better mechanistic insights on photochemical processes induced by far UV radiation. To be able to follow the process, we simulate the progress in time of an N
2
molecule excited by an ultrafast pulse in the vacuum UV (VUV). Such a short pulse necessarily initiates a nonstationary state of the molecule that we follow in silico. In the VUV, N
2
is pumped to a valence excited and Rydberg states. The ultrashort pulse creates a coherent combination of these electronic states, localized in the Franck–Condon region, leading to a dynamical isotope effect.
Mutations in a subfamily of abscisic acid receptor genes promote rice growth and productivity
Authors: Miao Chunbo , Xiao Lihong , Hua Kai , Zou Changsong , Zhao Yang , Bressan Ray A. , Zhu Jian-Kang
Published: May 2018

Significance

Climate change is challenging plant agriculture and our ability to manage food security. Crop growth and yield are controlled by several phytohormones and their overlapping signal networks. We report here an unexpected aspect of the abscisic acid (ABA) signal network that directly impacts rice productivity. Simultaneously mutating the genes encoding the ABA receptors pyrabactin resistance 1-like 1 (PYL1), PYL4, and PYL6 causes improved growth and increased grain yield in rice. Our work thus reveals an important role of these ABA receptors in growth control and a genetic strategy to improve rice yield.
Spirituality and the Health-Care Professional
Authors: Olsen Cyrus P.
Published: May 2018

The Church and the clinic, theology and medicine, mutually support one another when the good of the other is justly pursued within an organic context of interdependency. In the midst of rapid change in health care, Catholic health-care workers have much to offer the industry as they bring their spirituality of interdependency into their work environments. Due attention to spiritual nourishment received in the Church via the Eucharist is thus encouraged if Catholic health care is to have the leavening impact it is intended to have in culture. After revisiting Pope John Paul II's social encyclical Laborem exercens (On Human Work, 1981), a spirituality of work is offered for Catholic health-care professionals with particular focus on the Eucharist. Accordingly, this essay presents a theology of the Eucharist that shows how Catholics are bound closely together so that the poverty attending loneliness can be lessened and our mutual efforts at enhancing health may be strengthened. The Church and the clinic, theology and medicine, mutually support one another when the good of the other is justly pursued within an organic context of interdependency bolstered by the Eucharist.

Our vocation is unity. Our affliction is to be in a state of duality, and affliction due to an original contamination of pride and of injustice…. Love is thus the right physician for our original illness…. We have lost this unity, we whose religion should be the most incarnate of any. We must recover it.

—Simone Weil
A new model struts its stuff
Authors: Sedwick Caitlin
Published: May 2018

JGP paper presents a model for studying cyclic nucleotide–modulated channels.
Bio-knowledge-based filters improve residue–residue contact prediction accuracy
Authors: Wozniak P P , Pelc J , Skrzypecki M , Vriend G , Kotulska M
Published: May 2018

Motivation

Residue–residue contact prediction through direct coupling analysis has reached impressive accuracy, but yet higher accuracy will be needed to allow for routine modelling of protein structures. One way to improve the prediction accuracy is to filter predicted contacts using knowledge about the particular protein of interest or knowledge about protein structures in general.

Results

We focus on the latter and discuss a set of filters that can be used to remove false positive contact predictions. Each filter depends on one or a few cut-off parameters for which the filter performance was investigated. Combining all filters while using default parameters resulted for a test set of 851 protein domains in the removal of 29% of the predictions of which 92% were indeed false positives.

Availability and implementation

All data and scripts are available at http://comprec-lin.iiar.pwr.edu.pl/FPfilter/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Celebrity endorsed music videos: innovation to foster youth health promotion
Authors: Macnab A J , Mukisa R
Published: May 2018

There are calls for innovation in health promotion and for current issues to be presented in new and exciting ways; in addition to creating engaging messages, novel ways to deliver health messaging are needed, especially where youth are the key target audience. When pupils in WHO Health Promoting Schools were asked what health messages would resonate with them, they also identified celebrities as the ‘messengers’ they would be particularly likely to listen to. Expanding on these discussions, the pupils quoted celebrity-recorded music videos containing health and lifestyle messaging as an example of where they had learned from celebrities. Their ability to sing phrases from the songs and repeat key health messages they contained indicated the videos had commanded attention and provided knowledge and perspectives that had been retained. We located on YouTube the video titles the pupils identified and evaluated the content, messaging and production concepts these celebrity-recorded music videos incorporated. All are good examples of the health promotion genre known as education entertainment, where educational content is intentionally included in professionally produced entertainment media to impart knowledge, create favorable attitudes and impact future behaviors. The importance of this genre is growing in parallel with the burgeoning influence of social media. Music videos resonate with youth, and celebrity recordings combine young people’s love of music with their fascination for the aura of celebrity. Hence, producing videos that combine an effective health message with celebrity endorsement offers potential as an innovative conduit for health promotion messaging among youth.
Thermographic cameras reveal high levels of crepuscular and nocturnal shore-based recreational fishing effort in an Australian estuary
Authors: Taylor S M , Blight S J , Desfosses C J , Steffe A S , Ryan K L , Denham A M , Wise B S
Published: May 2018

Although recreational fishing at night is a popular activity, crepuscular and nocturnal fishing effort and catches are often unaccounted for in fisheries assessments. Here, we present a method for estimating 24-h shore-based recreational fishing effort involving the analysis of data from dual-lens thermographic cameras. Cameras were installed at three sites along the foreshore in Peel-Harvey Estuary, a Ramsar Wetland in Western Australia. Stratified random sampling was used to select days for image analysis between March 2015 and February 2016 and examination of images enabled fishing effort to be calculated for the 12-month period. Crepuscular recreational fishing effort at the three sites ranged between 4.5% and 11.3% and nocturnal recreational fishing effort ranged between 6.1% and 26.9% of total recreational fishing effort. Crepuscular and nocturnal recreational fishing were more prevalent between November and March and occurred on both weekdays and weekend days. The majority of recreational fishers identified from the day-time images (96.5%) were targeting blue swimmer crabs (Portunus armatus) using scoop nets. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that most crepuscular and nocturnal activity involved the same method of fishing. The results demonstrate that restricting onsite recreational fishing surveys to daylight hours can lead to large underestimates of total fishing effort and total recreational catches within a fishery. Our method can easily be applied to other fisheries to justify the inclusion of night-time onsite sampling and to design cost-effective sampling strategies.
Error estimates of finite element method for semilinear stochastic strongly damped wave equation
Authors: Qi Ruisheng , Wang Xiaojie
Published: May 2018

In this paper we consider a semilinear stochastic strongly damped wave equation driven by additive Gaussian noise. Following a semigroup framework we establish existence, uniqueness and space-time regularity of a mild solution to such equation. Unlike the usual stochastic wave equation without damping the underlying problem with space-time white noise (Q = I) allows for a mild solution with a positive order of regularity in multiple spatial dimensions. Further, we analyze a spatio-temporal discretization of the problem, performed by a standard finite element method (FEM) in space and a well-known linear implicit Euler scheme in time. The analysis of the approximation error forces us to significantly enrich existing error estimates of semidiscrete and fully discrete FEMs for the corresponding linear deterministic equation. The main results show optimal convergence rates in the sense that the orders of convergence in space and in time coincide with the orders of the spatial and temporal regularity of the mild solution, respectively. Numerical examples are finally included to confirm our theoretical findings.
On Cogrowth, Amenability, and the Spectral Radius of a Random Walk on a Semigroup
Authors: Gray Robert D , Kambites Mark
Published: May 2018

We introduce two natural notions of cogrowth for finitely generated semigroups —one local and one global — and study their relationship with amenability and random walks. We establish the minimal and maximal possible values for cogrowth rates, and show that nonmonogenic-free semigroups are exactly characterised by minimal global cogrowth. We consider the relationship with cogrowth for groups and with amenability of semigroups. We also study the relationship with random walks on finitely generated semigroups, and in particular the spectral radius of the associated Markov operators (when defined) on $\ell _2$-spaces. We show that either of maximal global cogrowth or the weak Følner condition suffices for the spectral radius to be at least $1$; since left amenability implies the weak Følner condition, this represents a generalisation to semigroups of one implication of Kesten’s Theorem for groups. By combining with known results about amenability, we are able to establish a number of new sufficient conditions for (left or right) amenability in broad classes of semigroups. In particular, maximal local cogrowth left implies amenability in any left reversible semigroup, while maximal global cogrowth (which is a much weaker property) suffices for left amenability in an extremely broad class of semigroups encompassing all inverse semigroups, left reversible left cancellative semigroups and left reversible regular semigroups.
Simultaneous monitoring of transcription and translation in mammalian cell-free expression in bulk and in cell-sized droplets
Authors: Wang Shue , Majumder Sagardip , Emery Nicholas J , Liu Allen P
Published: May 2018

Transcription and translation are two critical processes during eukaryotic gene expression that regulate cellular activities. The development of mammalian cell-free expression (CFE) systems provides a platform for studying these two critical processes in vitro for bottom-up synthetic biology applications such as construction of an artificial cell. Moreover, real-time monitoring of the dynamics of synthesized mRNA and protein is key to characterize and optimize gene circuits before implementing in living cells or in artificial cells. However, there are few tools for measurement of mRNA and protein dynamics in mammalian CFE systems. Here, we developed a locked nucleic acid (LNA) probe for monitoring transcription in a HeLa-based CFE system in real-time. By using this LNA probe in conjunction with a fluorescent reporter protein, we were able to simultaneously monitor mRNA and protein dynamics in bulk reactions and cell-sized single-emulsion droplets. We found rapid production of mRNA transcripts that decreased over time as protein production ensued in bulk reactions. Our results also showed that transcription in cell-sized droplets has different dynamics compared to the transcription in bulk reactions. The use of this LNA probe in conjunction with fluorescent proteins in HeLa-based mammalian CFE system provides a versatile in vitro platform for studying mRNA dynamics for bottom-up synthetic biology applications.
Acellular Flowable Matrix in the Treatment of Tunneled or Cavity Ulcers in Diabetic Feet: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Campitiello Ferdinando , Mancone Manfredi , Della Corte Angela , Guerniero Raffaella , Canonico Silvestro
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVE:

The authors aimed to explore the feasibility and safety of an advanced, acellular, flowable wound matrix (FWM) in patients with diabetes-related cavity or tunnel lesions involving deep structures.

METHODS:

Patients with diabetic foot ulcers were hospitalized at the General and Geriatric Surgery Unit of the University of Campania in Naples, Italy, between March 2015 and December 2015. Twenty-three patients with tunneled or cavity ulcers were treated. The lesions were filled with the FWM. Surgical wound edges were either approximated with stitches or left to heal by secondary intention.

MAIN RESULTS:

After 6 weeks, 78.26% of patients completely healed after a single application of the FWM. The healing time for all healed wounds was 30.85 ± 12.62 days, or 26.11 ± 5.43 days in patients for whom wound edges were approximated by stitches, and 57.66 ± 3.05 days in the patients who healed by secondary intention (P = .01). Permanent tissue regeneration was observed in a high percentage of patients, and shorter healing time was achieved. Study authors observed a low rate of complications such as major amputation and increased hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS:

The FWM seems ideal for tunneled and cavity ulcers with irregular geometry. This new porous matrix allows closure of the lesion while reducing healing time and demolition surgery.
Osteomyelitis: A Context for Wound Management
Authors: Groll Mary E. , Woods Timothy , Salcido Richard
Published: May 2018

This educational activity reviews the pathogenesis of osteomyelitis and discusses practical considerations for diagnosis, treatment, and functional rehabilitation of pediatric and adult patients with osteomyelitic wounds. Antibiotic, surgical, and adjunctive treatments will be addressed. Emphasis is placed on consulting with infectious disease specialists and using evidence-based guidelines for antibiotic prescribing.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

To provide an overview of osteomyelitis.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES:

After completing this continuing education activity, you should be able to:

1. Distinguish the pathogenesis of osteomyelitis in children and adults.

2. Identify practical considerations for diagnosis and evidence-based treatment of osteomyelitis.
Development of a Novel Self-administered Cognitive Assessment Tool and Normative Data for Older Adults
Authors: Monsch Raphael J. , Burckhardt Amélie C. , Berres Manfred , Thomann Alessandra E. , Ehrensperger Michael M. , Steiner Luzius A. , Goettel Nicolai
Published: May 2018

Background:

Preexisting cognitive impairment in surgical patients is one of the leading risk factors for adverse cognitive outcomes such as postoperative delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction. We developed a self-administered tablet computer application intended to assess the individual risk for adverse postoperative cognitive outcomes. This cross-sectional study aimed to establish normative data for the tool.

Materials and Methods:

Healthy volunteers aged 65 years and above were administered the Mini-Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale, and Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease-Neuropsychological Assessment Battery to assess cognitive health. All subjects completed the tablet computer application without assistance. Primary outcome measure was the test performance. Regression models were built for each cognitive domain score with the covariates age, sex, and education in cognitively healthy subjects. Demographically adjusted standard scores (z-scores) were computed for each subtest.

Results:

A total of 283 participants (155 women, 128 men) were included in the final analysis. Participants’ age was 73.8±5.2 years (mean±SD) and their level of education was 13.6±2.9 years. Mini-Mental State Examination score was 29.2±0.9 points, Geriatric Depression Scale score was 0.4±0.7 points, and Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease-Neuropsychological Assessment Battery total score was 98.7±5.7 points. Older age was associated with poorer performance in the visual recognition task and in Trail Making Test B (P<0.05 after Bonferroni-Holm adjustments).

Conclusions:

This study provides normative data for a novel self-administered tablet computer application that is ultimately designed to measure the individual risk for adverse postoperative cognitive outcomes in elderly patients.
Glasgow Coma Scale Score Fluctuations are Inversely Associated With a NIRS-based Index of Cerebral Autoregulation in Acutely Comatose Patients
Authors: Healy Ryan J. , Zorrilla-Vaca Andres , Ziai Wendy , Mirski Marek A. , Hogue Charles W. , Geocadin Romergryko , Radzik Batya , Palmisano Caitlin , Rivera-Lara Lucia
Published: May 2018

Background:

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is an essential coma scale in critical care for determining the neurological status of patients and for estimating their long-term prognosis. Similarly, cerebral autoregulation (CA) monitoring has shown to be an accurate technique for predicting clinical outcomes. However, little is known about the relationship between CA measurements and GCS scores among neurological critically ill patients. This study aimed to explore the association between noninvasive CA multimodal monitoring measurements and GCS scores.

Methods:

Acutely comatose patients with a variety of neurological injuries admitted to a neurocritical care unit were monitored using near-infrared spectroscopy–based multimodal monitoring for up to 72 hours. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2), cerebral oximetry index (COx), GCS, and GCS motor data were measured hourly. COx was calculated as a Pearson correlation coefficient between low-frequency changes in rScO2and mean arterial pressure. Mixed random effects models with random intercept was used to determine the relationship between hourly near-infrared spectroscopy–based measurements and GCS or GCS motor scores.

Results:

A total of 871 observations (h) were analyzed from 57 patients with a variety of neurological conditions. Mean age was 58.7±14.2 years and the male to female ratio was 1:1.3. After adjusting for hemoglobin and partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood, COx was inversely associated with GCS (β=−1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.94 to −0.31,P=0.007) and GCS motor score (β=−1.06, 95% CI, −2.10 to −0.04,P=0.04). In contrast rScO2was not associated with GCS (β=−0.002, 95% CI, −0.01 to 0.01,P=0.76) or GCS motor score (β=−0.001, 95% CI, −0.01 to 0.01,P=0.84).

Conclusions:

This study showed that fluctuations in GCS scores are inversely associated with fluctuations in COx; as COx increases (impaired autoregulation), more severe neurological impairment is observed. However, the difference in COx between high and low GCS is small and warrants further studies investigating this association. CA multimodal monitoring with COx may have the potential to be used as a surrogate of neurological status when the neurological examination is not reliable (ie, sedation and paralytic drug administration).
How Do Hearing Aid Owners Respond to Hearing Aid Problems?
Authors: Bennett Rebecca J. , Laplante-Lévesque Ariane , Eikelboom Robert H.
Published: May 2018

Background:

Although hearing aids can improve hearing and communication, problems that arise following the acquisition of hearing aids can result in their disuse. This study aimed to gather perspectives of hearing aid owners and hearing health care clinicians about how hearing aid owners respond to problems that arise following hearing aid fitting, and then use these perspectives to generate a conceptual framework to better understand these responses.

Methods:

Seventeen hearing aid owners and 21 hearing health care clinicians generated, sorted, and rated statements regarding how hearing aid owners respond to problems associated with hearing aid use. Concept mapping was used to identify key themes and to develop a conceptual framework.

Results:

Participants identified four concepts regarding how hearing aid owners respond to problems associated with hearing aids: (1) Seeking External Help; (2) Problem Solving; (3) Putting Up with Problems; and (4) Negative Emotional Response. Participants described behaviors of the clinician and significant others that influenced their decision to seek help for hearing aid problems. Participants recognized that these behaviors could either have a helpful or unhelpful impact.

Conclusions:

Despite the ongoing support offered to clients after they acquire hearing aids, they are hesitant to seek help from their clinician and instead engage in a myriad of helpful and unhelpful behaviors in response to problems that arise with their hearing aid. Previous positive or negative experiences with the clinic, clinician, or significant other influenced these actions, highlighting the influential role of these individuals’ in the success of the rehabilitation program. The data generated from this study suggests that clinicians could improve hearing aid problem resolution by providing technical and emotional support, including to significant others, and promoting client empowerment and self-management.
Comparing Two Hearing Aid Fitting Algorithms for Bimodal Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Vroegop Jantien L. , Homans Nienke C. , van der Schroeff Marc P. , Goedegebure André
Published: May 2018

Objectives:

To investigate the possible advantage of the use of a dedicated bimodal hearing aid fitting formula, the Adaptive Phonak Digital Bimodal (APDB), compared with a frequently used standard hearing aid fitting formula, the NAL-NL2. We evaluated the effects of bimodal hearing aid fitting on provided hearing aid gain and on bimodal auditory functioning in a group of experienced bimodal cochlear implant (CI) users. A second aim of our study was to determine the effect of broadband loudness balancing on the prescribed gain of those two fitting formulas.

Design:

This prospective study used a crossover design in which two fitting methods were compared varying in basic prescription formula (NAL-NL2 or APDB fitting formula). The study consisted of a three-visit crossover design with 3 weeks between sessions. Nineteen postlingually deafened experienced bimodal CI users participated in this study. Auditory functioning was evaluated by a speech in quiet test, a speech in noise test, and a questionnaire on auditory performance.

Results:

Significant differences between the two fitting formulas were found for frequencies of 2000 Hz and above. For these frequencies, less gain was provided by the APDB fitting formula compared with NAL-NL2. For the APDB fitting formula, a higher compression ratio for frequencies of 1000 Hz and above was found compared with the NAL-NL2 fitting formula. Loudness balancing did not result in large deviations from the prescribed gain by the initial fitting formula. Bimodal benefit was found for speech perception in quiet and for speech perception in noise. No differences in auditory performance were found between the two fitting formulas for any of the auditory performance tests.

Conclusions:

The results of this study show that CI users with residual hearing at the contralateral ear can benefit from bimodal stimulation, regardless of the fitting method that was applied. Although significant differences between the output and compression ratio of the NAL-NL2 and the APDB fitting formula existed, no differences in bimodal auditory performance were observed. Therefore, NAL-NL2 or the APDB fitting prescription both seem suited for bimodal fitting purposes. Additional loudness balancing has a marginal effect on the provided hearing aid output.
Prevalence of Hearing Impairment in Mahabubnagar District, Telangana State, India
Authors: Bright Tess , Mactaggart Islay , Kuper Hannah , Murthy G. V. , Polack Sarah
Published: May 2018

Objectives:

To estimate the prevalence of hearing impairment in Mahabubnagar district, Telangana state, India.

Methods:

A population-based prevalence survey of hearing impairment was undertaken in 2014. Fifty-one clusters of 80 people aged 6 months and older were selected using probability-proportionate-to-size sampling. A two-stage hearing screening was conducted using otoacoustic emissions on all participants followed by pure-tone audiometry on those aged 4 years and older who failed otoacoustic emissions. Cases of hearing impairment were defined using the World Health Organization definition of disabling hearing impairment: a pure-tone average of thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz of ≥41 dB HL for adults and ≥31 dB HL for children based on the better ear. Possible causes of hearing impairment were ascertained by a certified audiologist. Reported hearing difficulties were also measured in this survey and compared with audiometry results.

Results:

Three thousand five hundred seventy-three people were examined (response rate 87%), of whom 52% were female. The prevalence of disabling hearing impairment was 4.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.8 to 5.3). Disabling hearing impairment prevalence increased with age from 0.4% in those aged 4 to 17 years (95% CI = 0.2 to 1.1) to 34.7% (95% CI = 28.7 to 41.1) in those aged older than 65 years. No difference in prevalence was seen by sex. Ear examination suggested that the possible cause of disabling hearing impairment was chronic suppurative otitis media for 6.9% of cases and dry perforation for 5.6% cases. For the vast majority of people with disabling hearing impairment, a possible cause could not be established. The overall prevalence of reported or proxy reported hearing impairment was 2.6% (95% CI = 2.0 to 3.4), and this ranged from 0.6% (95% CI = 0.08 to 4.4) in those aged 0 to 3 years to 14.4% (95% CI = 9.8 to 20.7) in those aged older than 65 years.

Conclusions:

Disabling hearing impairment in Telangana State is common, affecting approximately 1 in 23 people overall and a third of people aged older than 65 years. These findings suggest that there are a substantial number of individuals with hearing impairment who could potentially benefit from improved access to low-cost interventions.
Management of Simultaneous Patellar Tendon and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Ruptures—A Systematic Review of Available Literature
Authors: Matthews Alexander Handel , Fraser Ethan James , Parkinson Benjamin
Published: May 2018

Background:

Combined rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and patellar tendon (PT) is a rare injury pattern. Currently, little evidence exists to help guide management decisions for these patients.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed (MEDLINE) and Scopus (EMBASE and MEDLINE) for all articles reporting on combined rupture of the ACL and PT. The characteristic injury mechanisms, common presentation findings, and outcomes of simultaneous and staged treatment strategies were determined to provide guidance for the management of this uncommon injury pattern. An additional case report from our institution is also reported.

Results:

Overall, 17 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in our qualitative review. The mean age at injury was 30 years (range, 15–50 years). A high-energy injury with a rapid deceleration event through a flexed knee on a fixed foot is commonly described as the mechanism of injury. Anterior cruciate ligament rupture was missed on initial clinical examination in 24.1% compared with 17.2% for PT rupture. Injuries to the medial collateral ligament and menisci occured in 65.5% of cases. Outcome scores were reported in 41.4% (12/22) of patients undergoing staged or simultaneous repair. The Lysholm score postoperatively was 96 ± 3.3 for the staged group compared with 85.3 ± 18.6 for simultaneous repair. There were no clear differences between range of motion, time to return to sport, and complication rates between the groups.

Conclusions:

A high index of suspicion is required to detect concomitant ACL injuries when assessing high-energy PT ruptures. Simultaneous or staged protocols to address both injuries are safe and effective management strategies for this rare combined injury pattern.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.