bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction between helium and intrinsic point defects in 3C-SiC single crystal
Authors: Sun Dan , Li Ruihuan , Ding Jianhua , Zhang Pengbo , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhao Jijun
Published: June 2017

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a candidate structural material for fission and fusion reactors as well as an important wide band-gap semiconductor for electronic devices. Using first-principles calculations, we systemically investigate the energetics and stability of helium (He) atoms and intrinsic point defects inside single-crystalline 3C-SiC. We find that the formation energy of interstitial He is lower than those of point defects. Inside 3C-SiC, the He-C interaction is stronger than He-Si. Hence, the interstitial He atom in the Si tetrahedral site has a stronger interaction with the six C atoms in the second nearest neighbor than the four nearest neighboring Si atoms. For interstitial He atoms, the equilibrium He-He distance is about 1.81 Å with a weak attraction of 0.09 eV. According to the binding energies of Hen (n = 2–4) clusters, He interstitials can form He bubbles without involving other types of structural defects. Moreover, a Si (C) monovacancy can accommodate up to 11 (9) He atoms. The Hen clusters trapped in the Si or C monovacancy induce large internal pressure in the order of magnitude of GPa and thus facilitate the creation of a new vacancy at the nearby lattice site.
Making the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction visible
Authors: Hrabec A. , Belmeguenai M. , Stashkevich A. , Chérif S. M. , Rohart S. , Roussigné Y. , Thiaville A.
Published: June 2017

Brillouin light spectroscopy is a powerful and robust technique for measuring the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in thin films with broken inversion symmetry. Here, we show that the magnon visibility, i.e., the intensity of the inelastically scattered light, strongly depends on the thickness of the dielectric seed material—SiO2. By using both, analytical thin-film optics and numerical calculations, we reproduce the experimental data. We therefore provide a guideline for the maximization of the signal by adapting the substrate properties to the geometry of the measurement. Such a boost-up of the signal eases the magnon visualization in ultrathin magnetic films, speeds-up the measurement and increases the reliability of the data.
Design of instantaneous liquid film thickness measurement system for conductive or non-conductive fluid with high viscosity
Authors: Yu Yongxin , Ma Ling , Ye Hongyu , Zheng Yizhong , Ma Yuzhen
Published: June 2017

In the paper, a new capacitive sensor with a dielectric film coating was designed to measure the thickness of the liquid film on a flat surface. The measured medium can be conductive or non-conductive fluid with high viscosity such as silicone oil, syrup, CMC solution and melt. With the dielectric film coating, the defects caused by the humidity in a capacitor can be avoided completely. With a excitation frequency 0-20kHz, the static permittivity of capacitive sensor is obtained and stable when small thicknesses are monitored within the frequency of 0-3kHz. Based on the measurement principle, an experimental system was designed and verified including calibration and actual measurement for different liquid film thickness. Experimental results showed that the sensitivity, the resolution, repeatability and linear range of the capacitive sensor are satisfied to the liquid film thickness measurement. Finally, the capacitive measuring system was successfully applied to the water, silicone oil and syrup film thickness measurement.
Two-color monochromatic x-ray imaging with a single short-pulse laser
Authors: Sawada H. , Daykin T. , McLean H. S. , Chen H. , Patel P. K. , Ping Y. , Pérez F.
Published: June 2017

Simultaneous monochromatic crystal imaging at 4.5 and 8.0 keV with x-rays produced by a single short-pulse laser is presented. A layered target consisting of thin foils of titanium and copper glued together is irradiated by the 50 TW Leopard short-pulse laser housed at the Nevada Terawatt Facility. Laser-accelerated MeV fast electrons transmitting through the target induce Kα fluorescence from both foils. Two energy-selective curved crystals in the imaging diagnostic form separate monochromatic images on a single imaging detector. The experiment demonstrates simultaneous two-color monochromatic imaging of the foils on a single detector as well as Kα x-ray production at two different photon energies with a single laser beam. Application of the diagnostic technique to x-ray radiography of a high density plasma is also presented.
A low-power reversible alkali atom source
Authors: Kang Songbai , Mott Russell P. , Gilmore Kevin A. , Sorenson Logan D. , Rakher Matthew T. , Donley Elizabeth A. , Kitching John , Roper Christopher S.
Published: June 2017

An electrically controllable, solid-state, reversible device for sourcing and sinking alkali vapor is presented. When placed inside an alkali vapor cell, both an increase and decrease in the rubidium vapor density by a factor of two are demonstrated through laser absorption spectroscopy on 10–15 s time scales. The device requires low voltage (5 V), low power (<3.4 mW peak power), and low energy (<10.7 mJ per 10 s pulse). The absence of oxygen emission during operation is shown through residual gas analysis, indicating that Rb is not lost through chemical reaction but rather by ion transport through the designed channel. This device is of interest for atomic physics experiments and, in particular, for portable cold-atom systems where dynamic control of alkali vapor density can enable advances in science and technology.
In-situ X-ray diffraction study of hydrogen absorption and desorption processes in Pd thin films: Hydrogen composition dependent anisotropic expansion and its quantitative description
Authors: Harumoto Takashi , Ohnishi Yusuke , Nishio Keishi , Ishiguro Takashi , Shi Ji , Nakamura Yoshio
Published: June 2017

The hydrogen absorption/desorption processes of (111)-textured and normal palladium (Pd) thin films of thickness ranging from 8 to 48 nm are investigated using X-ray diffractometry. The one-dimensional expansion of Pd lattice due to the substrate clamping is observed at the low hydrogen composition phase while both out-of-plane and in-plane expansions are detected at the high hydrogen composition phase. Accordingly, using a biaxial Poisson’s ratio, an anisotropic expansion factor is proposed for describing such phenomenon quantitatively and the hydrogen composition dependence on this factor is investigated.
Exact analytical theory for inverse tunneling of free vacuum electrons into a solid
Authors: Zhang Peng , Pan Tony
Published: June 2017

This paper presents an exact analytical theory for the inverse tunneling of free vacuum electrons through a triangular potential barrier into a metal. It is found that the inverse tunneling probability is the same as that of the field emission of electrons from metal into vacuum, for the same incident electron energy, metal properties (work function, Fermi energy), and applied electric field strength. For incident electrons with velocities not normal to the vacuum-metal interface, the three-dimensional (3D) oblique tunneling is equivalent to the one-dimensional (1D) normal tunneling, by considering only the longitudinal energy of the electrons normal to the vacuum-metal interface.
Mio-Pliocene aridity in the south-central Andes associated with Southern Hemisphere cold periods
Authors: Amidon William H. , Fisher G. Burch , Burbank Douglas W. , Ciccioli Patricia L. , Alonso Ricardo N. , Gorin Andrew L. , Silverhart Perri H. , Kylander-Clark Andrew R. C. , Christoffersen Michael S.
Published: June 2017

Significance

This paper identifies two periods of enhanced aridity that are synchronous with faunal turnovers in southern South America. Close temporal coincidence with marine climate proxies suggests a period of latest Miocene aridity was associated with a global glacial period and the expansion of C4 vegetation. We thus argue that continental aridity in the south-central Andes is associated with cold periods at high southern latitudes and propose a model to link global and regional (continental) climate via shifting of the Southern Hemisphere westerlies. This paper also provides an example of how10Be paleo-erosion rates can be used as a climate proxy and demonstrates how10Be and36Cl can be combined to reduce uncertainties associated with this method.
Host-secreted antimicrobial peptide enforces symbiotic selectivity in
Medicago truncatula
Authors: Wang Qi , Yang Shengming , Liu Jinge , Terecskei Kata , Ábrahám Edit , Gombár Anikó , Domonkos Ágota , Szűcs Attila , Körmöczi Péter , Wang Ting , Fodor Lili , Mao Linyong , Fei Zhangjun , Kondorosi Éva , Kaló Péter , Kereszt Attila , Zhu Hongyan
Published: June 2017

Significance

Nitrogen is a limiting factor for plant growth. Most crops obtain their nitrogen through the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, which is costly, and also causes environmental pollution. Legumes, however, have the unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbioses with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Although legumes can be nodulated by indigenous soil bacteria, nitrogen fixation efficiency differs significantly depending on host and bacterial genotypes. Understanding the genetic mechanisms that underlie this specificity will allow for optimizing symbiotic partnerships with improved symbiotic performance. We report that specific nodule-specific cysteine-rich (NCR) peptides negatively regulate symbiotic persistence in a strain-specific manner in
Medicago truncatula
. This finding offers a strategy to improve nitrogen fixation efficiency through selection or manipulation of
NCR
alleles that favor specific bacterial strains.
A recruiting protein of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase controls metabolic flux toward chlorophyll biosynthesis in rice
Authors: Zhou Fei , Wang Cheng-Yuan , Gutensohn Michael , Jiang Ling , Zhang Peng , Zhang Dabing , Dudareva Natalia , Lu Shan
Published: June 2017

Significance

As the largest class of natural products found in all living organisms, terpenoids play essential roles in plant growth, development, respiration, photosynthesis, and environmental interactions. Geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP), a precursor for several terpenoid metabolic branches including chlorophyll, carotenoid, and gibberellin biosynthesis, is produced by GGPP synthase (GGPPS) in plastids. We discovered that rice GGPPS recruiting protein (GRP), which forms a heterodimer with the only plastidic GGPPS, controls GGPPS dimerization state and enhances its catalytic properties. By interacting with GGPPS, GRP determines its allocation from stroma to thylakoid membranes, where the heterodimer exists in a complex with chlorophyll biosynthetic proteins. GGPPS recruitment to thylakoids by GRP represents a mechanism directing metabolic flux toward a specific product in the terpenoid metabolic network.
Systems-guided forward genetic screen reveals a critical role of the replication stress response protein ETAA1 in T cell clonal expansion
Authors: Miosge Lisa A. , Sontani Yovina , Chuah Aaron , Horikawa Keisuke , Russell Tiffany A. , Mei Yan , Wagle Mayura V. , Howard Debbie R. , Enders Anselm , Tscharke David C. , Goodnow Christopher C. , Parish Ian A.
Published: June 2017

Significance

T cells are required for control of many intracellular infections, and a critical component of T cell immunity is the proliferative expansion of effector T cells upon stimulation. Using a forward-based genetic screen, we identify the mouse
Etaa1
gene as critically important for T cell proliferative expansion after vaccination and during infection. Consistent with recent findings that ETAA1 prevents DNA damage during proliferation, our data demonstrate elevated DNA damage within
Etaa1
-deficient effector T cells, which likely leads to cell death. This phenotype is restricted to effector T cell proliferation, with T cell development and other immune parameters remaining normal. Thus, ETAA1 may represent a novel drug target to selectively suppress pathological T cell responses in transplantation or autoimmunity.
Family-transmitted stress in a wild bird
Authors: Noguera José C. , Kim Sin-Yeon , Velando Alberto
Published: June 2017

Significance

Different environmental stimuli can lead animals to go into an emergency state and experience stress; but can an individual notice the stress experienced by other members of its social group and develop a similar physiological reaction? We demonstrate that such a form of cross-over of stress can actually occur in wild animal populations. Gull chicks that grew up with experimentally stressed siblings showed increased secretion of stress hormones. In the short term the cross-over of stress seemed to be favorable, improving chicks’ antipredator behavior, but in the long term the chicks grew slowly and attained a reduced adult size, showed increased accumulation of cell damage, and developed a poor-quality juvenile plumage. The cross-over of stress can be an important but complex selective force.
Vestibular profile of type 1 versus type 2 chronic diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ibraheem Ola Abdallah , Ramadan Hassaan Mohammad , Mousa Mayada Mohamed
Published: June 2017

Objective:

The present study aimed to describe and compare the vestibular profile of a random sample of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Study design:

Forty-five adult patients with DM were divided into three groups; group I: type 1 DM (n = 15), group II: type 2 DM treated with oral hypoglycaemic (n = 15), and group III: type 2 DM treated with insulin (n = 15). Diagnosis of vestibular disorders based on detailed history, Dizziness Handicap Inventory, clinical, and laboratory vestibular evaluation using videonystagmography test battery, electrocochleography, and cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential test. The study addressed the vestibular test results of the three diabetic groups and compared them. It also clarified the effect of different diabetic characteristics (clinical and laboratory) on the outcome of vestibular testing.

Results:

Vestibular disorders prevalence of 64.4% was estimated in diabetic patients with a higher prevalence was found in diabetic group III (86.7%) followed by group I (66.7%) then group II (40%). Vestibular function was significantly impaired in the insulin controlled DM compared to the orally controlled, and in the dizziness complainers compared to the non-complainers.

Conclusions:

A relatively high prevalence of vestibular dysfunctions were detected in DM. Diabetic patients treated with insulin, mainly those with type 2 DM, exhibited more involvement of the vestibular system owing to the long standing hyperglycemia with subsequent degenerative insults, microvascular lesions, and electrolyte imbalance. These changes could happen longtime prior to the onset of vestibular manifestations. Thus, early and routine vestibular assessment in diabetic patients is recommended even in absence of dizziness.
Agricultural Cost Sharing and Water Quality in the Chesapeake Bay: Estimating Indirect Effects of Environmental Payments
Authors: Fleming Patrick
Published: June 2017

This article analyzes the effect of agricultural cost sharing for cover crops on the acres of three conservation practices. A survey of farmers from Maryland is used to estimate the direct effect of cover crop cost sharing on the acres of cover crops, and the indirect effect of cover crop cost sharing on the acres of two other practices: conservation tillage and contour/strip cropping. A two‐stage simultaneous equation approach is used to correct for voluntary self‐selection into cost‐sharing programs, and to account for substitution effects among conservation practices. Using model parameters from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Chesapeake Bay Program, the estimated effects of cost sharing are then translated to pollution reduction in order to quantify water quality benefits. The results indicate that the large cover crop cost sharing effort in Maryland had considerable effects on cover crop acreage, substantially reducing nitrogen and phosphorus runoff. Moreover, after accounting for the indirect effects on conservation tillage, the cost per pound of phosphorus abatement in the Chesapeake Bay decreased by between 60–67%.
Comprehensive analysis of microorganisms accompanying human archaeological remains
Authors: Philips Anna , Stolarek Ireneusz , Kuczkowska Bogna , Juras Anna , Handschuh Luiza , Piontek Janusz , Kozlowski Piotr , Figlerowicz Marek
Published: June 2017

Metagenome analysis has become a common source of information about microbial communities that occupy a wide range of niches, including archaeological specimens. It has been shown that the vast majority of DNA extracted from ancient samples come from bacteria (presumably modern contaminants). However, characterization of microbial DNA accompanying human remains has never been done systematically for a wide range of different samples. We used metagenomic approaches to perform comparative analyses of microorganism communities present in 161 archaeological human remains. DNA samples were isolated from the teeth of human skeletons dated from 100 AD to 1200 AD. The skeletons were collected from 7 archaeological sites in Central Europe and stored under different conditions. The majority of identified microbes were ubiquitous environmental bacteria that most likely contaminated the host remains not long ago. We observed that the composition of microbial communities was sample-specific and not correlated with its temporal or geographical origin. Additionally, traces of bacteria and archaea typical for human oral/gut flora, as well as potential pathogens, were identified in two-thirds of the samples. The genetic material of human-related species, in contrast to the environmental species that accounted for the majority of identified bacteria, displayed DNA damage patterns comparable with endogenous human ancient DNA, which suggested that these microbes might have accompanied the individual before death. Our study showed that the microbiome observed in an individual sample is not reliant on the method or duration of sample storage. Moreover, shallow sequencing of DNA extracted from ancient specimens and subsequent bioinformatics analysis allowed both the identification of ancient microbial species, including potential pathogens, and their differentiation from contemporary species that colonized human remains more recently.
Commercial rodent diets differentially regulate autoimmune glomerulonephritis, epigenetics and microbiota in MRL/lpr mice
Authors: Edwards Michael R , Dai Rujuan , Heid Bettina , Cecere Thomas E , Khan Deena , Mu Qinghui , Cowan Catharine , Luo Xin M , Ahmed S Ansar
Published: June 2017

The course and severity of lupus in spontaneous murine lupus models varies among laboratories, which may be due to variations in diet, housing and/or local environmental conditions. In this study, we investigated the influence of common rodent diets while keeping other factors constant. Female lupus-prone MRL/lpr (MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/J) mice were subjected to the same housing conditions and given one of the three diets: Teklad 7013 containing isoflavone-rich soy and alfalfa, Harlan 2018 isoflavone-rich soy-based diet or Research Diets Inc. D11112226 (RD) purified-ingredients diet containing casein and no phytoestrogens. While the total caloric intake was similar among all three treatment groups, mice fed on the 2018 diet developed higher levels of proteinuria and mice fed on either 7013 or 2018 developed higher levels of glomerular immune complex deposition. Remarkably, mice fed the RD diet had markedly decreased proteinuria with diminished C3, total IgG, IgG1 and IgG3 immune complex deposition, along with reduced CD11b+ cellular infiltration into the glomeruli. The type of diet intake also influenced cytokine production, fecal microbiota (increased Lachnospiraceae in mice fed on 2018), altered microRNAs (miRNAs; higher levels of lupus-associated miR-148a and miR-183 in mice fed on 7013 and/or 2018) and altered DNA methylation. This is the first study to comprehensively compare the cellular, molecular and epigenetic effects of these commercial diets in murine lupus.
Is the dust-to-gas ratio constant in molecular clouds?
Authors: Tricco Terrence S. , Price Daniel J. , Laibe Guillaume
Published: June 2017

We perform numerical simulations of dusty, supersonic turbulence in molecular clouds. We model 0.1, 1 and 10 μm sized dust grains at an initial dust-to-gas mass ratio of 1:100, solving the equations of combined gas and dust dynamics where the dust is coupled to the gas through a drag term. We show that, for 0.1 and 1 μm grains, the dust-to-gas ratio deviates by typically 10–20 per cent from the mean, since the stopping time of the dust due to the gas drag is short compared to the dynamical time. Contrary to previous findings, we find no evidence for orders of magnitude fluctuation in the dust-to-gas ratio for ∼0.1 μm grains. Larger, 10 μm dust grains may have dust-to-gas ratios increased by up to an order of magnitude locally. Both small (0.1 μm) and large (≳1 μm) grains trace the large-scale morphology of the gas; however, we find evidence for ‘size-sorting’ of grains, where turbulence preferentially concentrates larger grains into dense regions. Size-sorting may help to explain observations of ‘coreshine’ from dark clouds and why extinction laws differ along lines of sight through molecular clouds in the Milky Way compared to the diffuse interstellar medium.
Patients with High Pelvic Tilt Achieve the Same Clinical Success as Those with Low Pelvic Tilt After Minimally Invasive Adult Deformity Surgery
Authors: Uribe Juan S , Januszewski Jacob , Wang Michael , Anand Neel , Okonkwo David O , Mummaneni Praveen V , Nguyen Stacie , Zavatsky Joseph , Than Khoi , Nunley Pierce , Park Paul , Kanter Adam S , La Marca Frank , Fessler Richard , Mundis Gregory M , Eastlack Robert K ,   Minimally Invasive Surgery Section of the International Spine Study Group
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Pelvic tilt (PT) is a compensatory mechanism for adult spinal deformity patients to mitigate sagittal imbalance. The association between preop PT and postop clinical and radiographic outcomes has not been well studied in patients undergoing minimally invasive adult deformity surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes in adult spinal deformity patients with high and low preoperative PT treated surgically using less invasive techniques.

METHODS

Retrospective case-control, institutional review board-approved study. A multicenter, minimally invasive surgery spinal deformity patient database was queried for 2-yr follow-up with complete radiographic and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) data. Hybrid surgery patients were excluded. Inclusion criteria were as follows: age > 18 and either coronal Cobb angle > 20, sagittal vertical axis > 5 cm, pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) > 10 or PT > 20. Patients were stratified by preop PT as per Schwab classification: low (PT< 20), mid (PT 20-30), or high (>30). Postoperative radiographic alignment parameters (PT, PI, LL, Cobb angle, sagittal vertical axis) and HRQOL data (Visual Analog Scale Back/Leg, Oswestry Disability Index) were evaluated and analyzed.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-five patients had complete 2-yr outcomes data, and 64 patients met inclusion criteria (25 low, 21 mid, 18 high PT). High PT group had higher preop PI-LL mismatch (32.1 vs 4.7; P < .001). At last follow-up, 76.5% of patients in the high PT group had continued PI-LL mismatch compared to 34.8% in the low PT group (P < .006). There was a difference between groups in terms of postop changes of PT (–3.9 vs 1.9), LL (8.7 vs 0.5), and PI-LL (–9.5 vs 0.1). Postoperatively, HRQOL data (Oswestry Disability Index and Visual Analog Scale) were significantly improved in both groups (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Adult deformity patients with high preoperative PT treated with minimally invasive surgical techniques had less radiographic success but equivalent clinical outcomes as patients with low PT.
Does Financial Education Impact Financial Literacy and Financial Behavior, and If So, When?
Authors: Kaiser Tim , Menkhoff Lukas
Published: June 2017

In a meta-analysis of 126 impact evaluation studies, we find that financial education significantly impacts financial behavior and, to an even larger extent, financial literacy. These results also hold for the subsample of randomized experiments (RCTs). However, intervention impacts are highly heterogeneous: financial education is less effective for low-income clients as well as in low- and lower-middle–income economies. Specific behaviors, such as the handling of debt, are more difficult to influence and mandatory financial education tentatively appears to be less effective. Thus, intervention success depends crucially on increasing education intensity and offering financial education at a “teachable moment.”
Prediction of Short-Distance Aerial Movement of Phakopsora pachyrhizi Urediniospores Using Machine Learning
Authors: Wen L. , Bowen C. R. , Hartman G. L.
Published: June 2017

Dispersal of urediniospores by wind is the primary means of spread for Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the cause of soybean rust. Our research focused on the short-distance movement of urediniospores from within the soybean canopy and up to 61 m from field-grown rust-infected soybean plants. Environmental variables were used to develop and compare models including the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, zero-inflated Poisson/regular Poisson regression, random forest, and neural network to describe deposition of urediniospores collected in passive and active traps. All four models identified distance of trap from source, humidity, temperature, wind direction, and wind speed as the five most important variables influencing short-distance movement of urediniospores. The random forest model provided the best predictions, explaining 76.1 and 86.8% of the total variation in the passive- and active-trap datasets, respectively. The prediction accuracy based on the correlation coefficient (r) between predicted values and the true values were 0.83 (P < 0.0001) and 0.94 (P < 0.0001) for the passive and active trap datasets, respectively. Overall, multiple machine learning techniques identified the most important variables to make the most accurate predictions of movement of P. pachyrhizi urediniospores short-distance.
Rate of and Risk Factors for Intermediate-Term Reoperation After Ankle Fracture Fixation: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Pincus Daniel , Veljkovic Andrea , Zochowski Thomas , Mahomed Nizar , Ogilivie-Harris Darrell , Wasserstein David
Published: June 2017

Objective:

Establish baseline rates of and risk factors for reoperation within 1 or 2 years of ankle open reduction internal fixation (ORIF).

Design:

Retrospective, population-based cohort study.

Setting:

Two hundred two hospitals in Ontario, Canada (approximate population 13.6 million in 2014).

Patients/Participants:

Forty five thousand four hundred forty-four patients who underwent ankle ORIF performed by 710 different surgeons between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 2011.

Main Outcome Measurements:

Intermediate-term reoperation because of isolated implant removal, repeat ORIF, irrigation and debridement (I&D) for infection, or amputation. Multivariable logistic regression related potential prognostic factors (patient, provider, and injury) to reoperation.

Results:

There were 8906 patients who underwent at least one subsequent operation (19.6%). The most common procedure was isolated implant removal (18.1%); odds of removal being higher for females [odds ratio (OR), 1.53; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.45–1.62; P < 0.001]. N = 674 patients (1.5%) underwent reoperation for another reason. The odds of repeat ORIF and I&D infection were greater for open fractures (OR 2.17; 95% CI, 1.22–3.86; P = 0.008 and OR 3.12; 95% CI, 1.94–5.03; P < 0.001). Odds of amputation was highest for diabetics (OR 7.42; 95% CI, 3.73–14.86; P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Isolated implant removal accounts for the vast majority of intermediate-term reoperations after ankle ORIF. Reoperation for other reasons (repeat ORIF, I&D, or amputation) was extremely rare, even among the highest risk patients. Concerns regarding reoperation for these reasons should not preclude operative treatment in any patient, provider, or injury group we considered.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Effect of Concomitant Elbow Injuries on the Outcomes of Radial Head Arthroplasty: A Cohort Comparison
Authors: Strelzow Jason A. , Athwal George S. , MacDermid Joy C. , Grewal Ruby , Faber Kenneth J. , Drosdowech Darren , King Graham J.W.
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

To compare physical impairments and patient-reported outcomes in patients after simple and complex elbow injuries who were treated with radial head arthroplasty.

Design:

Prospective.

Setting:

Quaternary upper extremity referral hospital.

Patients/Participants:

148 patients with isolated elbow trauma and no previous injury to the elbow were prospectively enrolled after radial head arthroplasty for an acute unreconstructable fracture. Injury patterns were classified as simple or complex based on the presence or absence of associated elbow fractures and/or dislocation.

Intervention:

Radial head arthroplasty.

Main Outcome Measurements:

Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation (PREE), Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, range of motion (ROM), and Biodex measurements.

Results:

At a minimum 1-year follow-up PREE and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, and ROM and strength values were similar. Forty-four patients evaluated at a mean of 7 years demonstrated no effect of injury pattern on clinical outcomes at any time point. Continued statistical improvements in PREE, supination ROM, and flexion ROM at medium term compared with earlier follow-up were observed. Eight patients required secondary surgery, 2 in the simple injury group and 6 complex injury patients.

Conclusions:

Concomitant elbow injuries do not affect the longer term outcomes of patients with unreconstructable radial head fractures requiring radial head arthroplasty. Patient outcomes continued to improve beyond 2 years of follow-up.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The early radiological effects of Dega and Pemberton osteotomies on hip development in children aged 4–8 years with developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Sarikaya Baran , Sipahioglu Serkan , Sarikaya Zeynep B. , Bozkurt Celal , Altay Mehmet A. , Isikan Ugur E.
Published: June 2017

We aimed to investigate the early radiological effects of Dega and Pemberton iliac osteotomies that were performed in patients aged 4–8 years with developmental dysplasia of the hip on development of hip joint. Dega osteotomy or Pemberton osteotomy was performed in 76 hips of 58 patients because of developmental dysplasia of the hip between September 2011 and June 2015 and were evaluated retrospectively. Of a total of 76 hips, Pemberton osteotomy was performed on 39 (19 unilateral) and Dega osteotomy was performed on 37 (21 unilateral). In all hips, the acetabular index, acetabular depth ratio, centre-edge angle of Wiberg, and Reimer’s index values were recorded preoperatively and at the final follow-up. We measured the surface areas of the femoral head ossific nucleus in patients with unilateral dysplastic hips and compared results before both osteotomy procedures and at the final follow-up. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of the acetabular index and acetabular depth ratio values (P>0.05) preoperatively and at the final follow-up, but the mean centre-edge angle of Wiberg and Reimer’s index values showed significant statistical differences in favor of the Dega procedure (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in favor of the Pemberton procedure when the mean ratio of the surface area of the femoral head ossific nucleus on the dysplastic side in relation to the normal side was compared preoperatively (P=0.042) and at the final follow-up (P=0.027) in unilateral hips. Although Dega and Pemberton osteotomies produce satisfactory radiological outcomes at early stages in children aged 4–8 years with developmental dysplasia of the hip, a higher rate in the surface area of the femoral head ossific nucleus was observed in the Pemberton osteotomy group, which also had a lower mean age than the Dega osteotomy group.
The role of hormone therapy in the management of severe postpartum depression in patients with Turner syndrome
Authors: Shea Alison K. , Wolfman Wendy
Published: June 2017

Objective:

Premature ovarian failure associated with Turner syndrome presents clinicians with a vast range of health concerns, including infertility, cardiovascular disease, and decreased bone mineral density, in addition to psychological sequelae. Hormone therapy is paramount in managing these complications, but the additional needs in the postpartum period for those who are able to carry out a successful pregnancy have not been described.

Methods:

We present a case of severe postpartum depression (PPD) with psychotic features in a patient with Turner syndrome, which presented at 4 weeks after the birth of her first child via egg donation

Results:

We describe the case of a previously well 32-year-old patient with an 46 X, i(Xq) karyotype, who went through a 4-week intensive inpatient treatment course for PPD, requiring electroconvulsant therapy for persistent infanticidal and suicidal ideation. It was hypothesized that an estrogen-depleted state secondary to premature ovarian insufficiency and lactation may have been more pronounced during her postpartum course when hormone levels dramatically decrease. To buffer the dramatic drop in sex steroid levels postpartum for her second pregnancy, she was immediately started on estrogen and progesterone replacement, and did not experience any change in mood or similar psychiatric disturbance during this postpartum course. Four years after the PPD episode, her mood remains stable.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the complex interplay between ovarian steroids, depletion of their levels, and psychiatric sequelae. The postpartum period represents a particularly vulnerable time for patients with premature ovarian insufficiency, which requires very close monitoring and early replacement of depleted hormone levels.
Long-term sertraline treatment and depression effects on carotid artery atherosclerosis in premenopausal female primates
Authors: Silverstein-Metzler Marnie G. , Justice Jamie N. , Appt Susan E. , Groban Leanne , Kitzman Dalane W. , Carr John Jeffrey , Register Thomas C. , Shively Carol A.
Published: June 2017

Objective:

Atherosclerosis developed during premenopausal years predicts postmenopausal atherosclerosis burden. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, recently approved for hot flushes, have been associated with increased ischemic stroke risk in several observational studies; however, effects on carotid artery atherosclerosis, a strong predictor of future vascular events, are unknown.

Methods:

The effects of chronic administration of a commonly prescribed SSRI, sertraline HCl, on atherosclerosis in the carotid artery was assessed in a placebo-controlled, longitudinal, randomized study of premeonopausal depressed and nondepressed cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis; n = 42). Physiologic and behavioral phenotypes were evaluated at baseline and after 18 months of oral sertraline (20 mg/kg, n = 21) or placebo (n = 21). Carotid artery atherosclerosis was measured post mortem via histomorphometry.

Results:

Atherosclerosis extent in the right common carotid artery, on average, was 60% greater in sertraline-treated depressed monkeys compared with all other groups (P = 0.028). The results of linear regression analyses suggested that sertraline and depression effects on atherosclerosis were not mediated by their effects on behavioral and physiological risk factors.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that chronic SSRI treatment is associated with the progression of carotid artery atherosclerosis, which may increase the risk for future vascular events, particularly in depressed women. The underlying mechanism remains to be determined, but does not appear to be related to SSRI effects on traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
Menopausal transition in Southern Europe: comparative study of women in Serbia and Portugal
Authors: Dotlic Jelena , Pimenta Filipa , Kovacevic Nikolina , Leal Isabel , Maroco Joao , Utian Wulf , Gazibara Tatjana
Published: June 2017

Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess and compare general menopausal quality of life in Serbia and Portugal.

Methods:

In all, 1,503 women aged between 40 and 65 years from Belgrade, Serbia, and Lisbon, Portugal, were included in the study. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the Utian Quality of Life (UQOL) scale were used in data collection.

Results:

The average age of women was 50 (SD = 5.61) years. Serbian and Portuguese women differed in all sociodemographic characteristics except for body mass index (BMI) and relationship status. There were no significant differences in UQOL total score (P = 0.629) or UQOL sexual score (P = 0.396) between Serbian and Portuguese women. However, occupational (P < 0.001) and health (P = 0.003) scores were significantly higher in the Serbian sample, whereas Portuguese women had higher emotional scores (P < 0.001). Based on the total study sample, women with an average UQOL score were more highly educated, employed, non-smokers, and physically active, and more likely to obtain medical assistance for climacteric symptoms compared with women who reported lower UQOL score. In addition to these characteristics, women with a higher UQOL score had higher annual income, no recent illnesses, and optimal BMI compared with women who reported a lower UQOL score.

Conclusions:

This study showed that diverse populations of midlife women can have similar perceptions of quality of life as it encompasses broad dimensions of menopausal somatic and psychosocial symptoms, as well as habits and lifestyle. Further comparative studies using the UQOL scale are warranted to offer more information on the delicate factors influencing well-being in climacteric women worldwide.
Feasibility of the Korean-Advance Directives Among Community-Dwelling Elderly Persons
Authors: Kim Shinmi , Hong Sun Woo , Kim JinShil
Published: June 2017

A newly developed Korean-Advance Directive (K-AD) consists of a value statement, treatment directives, and proxy appointment. It remains undetermined whether K-AD is applicable to community-dwelling persons (≥ aged 60 years). Using a descriptive study design, 275 elderly persons completed the K-AD (mean age = 77.28 ± 8.24 years). The most frequent value at the end of life was comfort dying, followed by no burden to family (23.6%). Among 4 K-AD treatment options, more than half had a preference for hospice care and had reluctance with aggressive treatment choices of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (76.4%), artificial ventilation (75.6%), and tube feeding (76.4%), with one-fifth having a desire for such options. All persons provided proxies, who were predominantly descendants (77.1%), followed by spouses (17.5%). For treatment preferences, men and those with no religion were more likely to receive life-sustaining treatments. These data support the K-AD as being applicable and acceptable among community-dwelling elderly persons; awareness of the K-AD in the community setting may facilitate future application when the need occurs.
Evolutionary Analysis of the Concept of Comfort
Authors: Pinto Sara , Caldeira Sílvia , Martins José Carlos , Rodgers Beth
Published: June 2017

Although comfort is cited as an important component of nursing care, a definition that provides a firm conceptual foundation for research and nursing science is still needed, particularly in nursing classifications and taxonomies. This article provides a clear and evidence-based definition, improving research, development, and implementation of specific nursing interventions.
A 6-Year Posttreatment Follow-up of Panic Disorder Patients
Authors: Freire Rafael C. , Amrein Roman , Mochcovitch Marina D. , Dias Gisele P. , Machado Sergio , Versiani Marcio , Arias-Carrión Oscar , Carta Mauro G. , Nardi Antonio E.
Published: June 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with relapse in panic disorder (PD).

Methods

This was an observational study conducted in the outpatient clinic of a psychiatric hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In a previous study, 120 patients diagnosed as having PD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria were randomized to receive clonazepam or paroxetine. After 3 years, treatment was discontinued in patients who had achieved remission. These subjects were included in the current study and were followed up for 6 years. The follow-up assessments were made at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 years after treatment discontinuation. Assessment included the number of panic attacks per month, Clinical Global Impression–Severity, and other measures. Patients who had initiated psychotherapy or pharmacological treatment because of PD symptoms or who had Clinical Global Impression–Severity scores greater than 1 or panic attacks in the month preceding the assessment were considered relapse cases. Data were collected from January 2003 to August 2012.

Results

Eighty-five patients completed the follow-up. Cumulative relapse rates were 50% (n = 33) at 1 year and 89.4% (n = 76) at 6 years. One-year relapse rates were lower in patients previously treated with clonazepam (P = 0.001) compared with those treated with paroxetine. Low 6-year relapse rates were associated with high Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale scores before treatment (P = 0.016) and previous treatment with clonazepam.

Conclusions

Relapse is a frequent problem in PD, and long-term treatment does not protect these patients in the long run. Treatment with clonazepam predicts lower relapse when compared with paroxetine.
The Efficiency of Aggressive Hydration With Lactated Ringer Solution for the Prevention of Post-ERCP Pancreatitis
Authors: Wu Dangyan , Wan Jianhua , Xia Liang , Chen Jie , Zhu Yin , Lu Nonghua
Published: June 2017

Background:

As shown in studies, aggressive hydration during the perioperative period of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) effectively prevents post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of aggressive hydration with lactated Ringer solution at preventing PEP.

Materials and Methods:

We searched all relevant research from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, the Web of Science, ClinicalTrial.gov, and Scopus database for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before March 2017. Reference lists from reviews or relevant articles were screened for RCTs. The primary outcomes were the incidence of PEP and the incidence of moderate to severe pancreatitis. The secondary outcomes were the incidence of hyperamylasemia and pain and the length of hospital stay. The meta-analysis was conducted using the Cochrane Program Review Manager.

Results:

Three RCTs were included in our study. On the basis of the results of the meta-analysis, the aggressive hydration group had a lower incidence of pancreatitis after ERCP [odds ratio (OR)=0.29; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.16-0.53]; a lower incidence of moderate to severe PEP (OR=0.16; 95% CI, 0.03-0.96); lower incidence of hyperamylasemia (OR=0.38; 95% CI, 0.25-0.59); lower risk of pain (OR=0.17; 95% CI, 0.08-0.38); and a shorter duration of hospital stay (standardized mean difference=−0.41; 95% CI, −0.69 to −0.14).

Conclusions:

Aggressive hydration with lactated Ringer solution can reduce the overall incidence of PEP, moderate to severe pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia, shorten the length of hospitalization and reduce pain.
Patterns of Opioid Use and Risk of Opioid Overdose Death Among Medicaid Patients
Authors: Garg Renu K. , Fulton-Kehoe Deborah , Franklin Gary M.
Published: June 2017

Background:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes Medicaid as a high-risk population for fatal opioid overdose. Further research is needed to identify factors that put Medicaid patients at increased risk.

Objective:

To determine whether patterns of opioid use are associated with risk of opioid-related mortality among opioid users.

Design:

This is a retrospective cohort study.

Patients:

In total, 150,821 noncancer pain patients aged 18–64 years with ≥1 opioid prescription, April 2006 to December 2010, Washington Medicaid.

Measures:

Average daily dose (morphine equivalents), opioid schedule/duration of action, sedative-hypnotic use.

Results:

Compared with patients at 1–19 mg/d, risk of opioid overdose death significantly increased at 50–89 mg/d [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 2.3; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.4–4.1], 90–119 mg/d (aHR, 4.0; 95% CI, 2.2–7.3), 120–199 mg/d (aHR, 3.8; 95% CI, 2.1–6.9), and ≥200 mg/d (aHR, 4.9; 95% CI, 2.9–8.1). Patients using long-acting plus short-acting Schedule II opioids had 4.7 times the risk of opioid overdose death than non-Schedule II opioids alone (aHR, 4.7; 95% CI, 3.3–6.9). Sedative-hypnotic use compared with nonuse was associated with 6.4 times the risk of opioid overdose death (aHR, 6.4; 95% CI, 5.0–8.4). Risk was particularly high for opioids combined with benzodiazepines and skeletal muscle relaxants (aHR, 12.6; 95% CI, 8.9–17.9). Even at opioid doses 1–19 mg/d, patients using sedative-hypnotics concurrently had 5.6 times the risk than patients without sedative-hypnotics (aHR, 5.6; 95% CI, 1.6–19.3).

Conclusions:

Our findings support Federal guideline-recommended dosing thresholds in opioid prescribing. Concurrent sedative-hypnotic use even at low opioid doses poses substantially greater risk of opioid overdose.
Effect of Stimulus Type and Motion on Smooth Pursuit in Adults and Children
Authors: Vinuela-Navarro Valldeflors , Erichsen Jonathan T. , Williams Cathy , Woodhouse J. Margaret
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This study presents a two-degree customized animated stimulus developed to evaluate smooth pursuit in children and investigates the effect of its predetermined characteristics (stimulus type and size) in an adult population. Then, the animated stimulus is used to evaluate the impact of different pursuit motion paradigms in children.

Methods

To study the effect of animating a stimulus, eye movement recordings were obtained from 20 young adults while the customized animated stimulus and a standard dot stimulus were presented moving horizontally at a constant velocity. To study the effect of using a larger stimulus size, eye movement recordings were obtained from 10 young adults while presenting a standard dot stimulus of different size (1° and 2°) moving horizontally at a constant velocity. Finally, eye movement recordings were obtained from 12 children while the 2° customized animated stimulus was presented after three different smooth pursuit motion paradigms. Performance parameters, including gains and number of saccades, were calculated for each stimulus condition.

Results

The animated stimulus produced in young adults significantly higher velocity gain (mean: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.90–0.96; P = .014), position gain (0.93; 0.85–1; P = .025), proportion of smooth pursuit (0.94; 0.91–0.96, P = .002), and fewer saccades (5.30; 3.64–6.96, P = .008) than a standard dot (velocity gain: 0.87; 0.82–0.92; position gain: 0.82; 0.72–0.92; proportion smooth pursuit: 0.87; 0.83–0.90; number of saccades: 7.75; 5.30–10.46). In contrast, changing the size of a standard dot stimulus from 1° to 2° did not have an effect on smooth pursuit in young adults (P > .05). Finally, smooth pursuit performance did not significantly differ in children for the different motion paradigms when using the animated stimulus (P > .05).

Conclusions

Attention-grabbing and more dynamic stimuli, such as the developed animated stimulus, might potentially be useful for eye movement research. Finally, with such stimuli, children perform equally well irrespective of the motion paradigm used.