bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brief Computer‐Based Information Processing Measures are Linked to White Matter Integrity in Pediatric‐Onset Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Bartlett Elizabeth , Shaw Michael , Schwarz Colleen , Feinberg Charles , DeLorenzo Christine , Krupp Lauren B. , Charvet Leigh E.
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Pediatric‐onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) is a demyelinating disorder with unique clinical challenges. A brief computer‐administered cognitive screening battery measuring processing speed (Cogstate) and the Brief International Cognitive Assessment in MS (BICAMS) detect cognitive impairment in POMS. The neuroanatomic correlates of these deficits are incompletely understood. The purpose of this study is to define the neuroanatomic underpinnings of deficits identified with cognitive screening batteries in POMS.

METHODS

Participants with POMS and age‐matched healthy controls (HCs) were screened with Cogstate and BICAMS. Diffusion tensor imaging assessed region‐wise and tractography‐based fractional anisotropy (FA).

RESULTS

The POMS (n = 15) and HC (n = 21) groups were matched on age (mean ages 17.9 ± 3.2 vs. 17.8 ± 3.3 years, respectively) and on an estimate of general intellectual functioning. The Cogstate composite revealed significant slowing in POMS relative to HCs (P = .004), but the BICAMS composite did not significantly distinguish the groups (P = .10). The Cogstate composite showed moderate‐to‐strong correlations with regional FA (r = –.67 to –.82) and significantly associated with uncinate fasciculus FA following multiple comparisons correction (P = .002) in POMS. However, the BICAMS composite measure showed only weak‐to‐moderate correlations with FA in POMS (r = –.19 to –.57), with none surviving multiple comparisons correction.

CONCLUSIONS

Computer‐administered measures of cognitive processing are particularly sensitive in POMS and are closely linked to white matter FA.
The efficacy of nasal airway stent (Nastent) on obstructive sleep apnoea and prediction of treatment outcomes
Authors: Okuno Kentaro , Ono Minagi Hitomi , Ikai Kazuki , Matsumura Ai Erika , Takai Etsuko , Fukatsu Hikari , Uchida Yurika , Sakai Takayoshi
Published: October 2018

Background

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is characterised by recurrent episodes of partial or complete upper airway collapse during sleep and is highly prevalent in the general population. The nasopharyngeal airway stent (Nastent) is a specifically designed, preformed silicone tube that intends to maintain the upper airway patency during sleep and reduce snoring and sleep apnoea.

Objective(s)

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of Nastent treatment and examine predictors for Nastent treatment outcomes in patients with OSA.

Methods

Consecutive thirty patients were enrolled in this study. Cephalometric radiographs were obtained to analyse the pharyngeal and craniofacial morphology. Before and after Nastent treatment, we evaluated OSA using a portable sleep study.

Results

Twenty‐nine subjects completed this study. There were significant decreases in the respiratory event index (REI) (22.4 ± 14.1 to 15.7 ± 10.4, P < 0.01) and a significant increase in the lowest SpO2 (81.9 ± 7.5 to 86.6 ± 4.8, P < 0.01) by Nastent treatment. Subjects were divided into responders and non‐responders based on reduction in REI of >50% compared with baseline REI. We evaluated the ratio of inferior airway width and middle airway width (IAW/MAW) on cephalograms as the index of the narrowest airway site. The IAW/MAW was significantly higher in responders than in non‐responders (1.4 ± 0.9 vs 0.9 ± 0.4, P < 0.01) and predicted treatment responders with high accuracy (sensitivity: 90.9%, specificity: 88.9%, when IAW/MAW was set at 1.10).

Conclusions

The Nastent device improved OSA, and a narrower velopharynx than hypopharynx predicted treatment response with a good sensitivity and specificity.
Transcranial direct‐current stimulation reduces nociceptive behaviour in an orofacial pain model
Authors: Scarabelot Vanessa L. , de Oliveira Carla , Medeiros Liciane F. , de Macedo Isabel C. , Cioato Stefania G. , Adachi Lauren Naomi S. , Paz Ana Helena , de Souza Andressa , Caumo Wolnei , Torres Iraci L. S.
Published: October 2018

Background

Transcranial direct‐current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive method of brain stimulation suggested as a therapeutic tool for pain and is related to the reversal of maladaptive plasticity associated with chronic pain.

Objectives

This study investigated the effect of tDCS, a non‐pharmacological therapy, on local mechanical hyperalgesia, and remote thermal hyperalgesia in rats submitted to orofacial inflammatory pain model, by facial von Frey and hot plate tests, respectively. In addition, we evaluated levels of BDNF, NGF, IL‐10 and IL‐6 in the brainstem and blood serum of these animals at 24 hours and 7 days after the end of tDCS treatment.

Methods

Rats were subjected to temporomandibular joint pain and treated with tDCS. The animals were divided into control, pain and pain + treatment groups. Mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were evaluated at baseline, 7 days after administration of complete Freund's adjuvant, and immediately, 24 hours, and 7 days after the tDCS treatment. Neuroimmunomodulators levels were determined by ELISA. Statistical analyses were performed by (GEE)/Bonferroni (behavioural tests), three‐way ANOVA/SNK (neurochemical tests) and Kruskal‐Wallis (histological analysis).

Results

Transcranial direct‐current stimulation reduced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia (P < 0.01). We observed interaction between factors (pain and treatment) increasing brainstem BDNF (P < 0.01) and NGF (P < 0.05) levels. Furthermore, we found an increase in IL‐6 and IL‐10 levels in the brainstem at 24 hours and 7 days after tDCS, respectively.

Conclusion

We showed that tDCS reduces thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia induced by orofacial pain until 7 days after treatment. These findings demonstrate that tDCS was effective in the control of orofacial inflammatory pain.
A generalized multistage approach to oral and nasal intubation in infants with Pierre Robin sequence: A retrospective review
Authors: Templeton T. Wesley , Goenaga‐Díaz Eduardo J. , Runyan Christopher M. , Kiell Eleanor P. , Lee Amy J. , Templeton Leah B.
Published: October 2018

Background

Airway management in children with Pierre Robin sequence in the infantile period can be challenging and frequently requires specialized approaches.

Aims

The aim of this study was to review our experience with a multistage approach to oral and nasal intubation in young infants with Pierre Robin sequence.

Methods

After IRB approval, we reviewed 13 infants with Pierre Robin sequence who underwent a multistage approach to intubation in the operating room for mandibular distractor or gastrostomy tube placement. All patients underwent awake placement of either an LMA‐Classic™ #1 or ProSeal™ laryngeal mask airway size #1. General anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane, and patients were relaxed with rocuronium. The laryngeal mask airway was replaced with an air‐Q® 1.0. Children were then intubated through the air‐Q® 1.0 using a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope. In cases that required a nasotracheal tube, the oral tube was left in place while a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope loaded with a similar internal diameter nasal Ring‐Adair‐Elwyn (RAE) tube was introduced into the nares. Once the scope was in proximity to the glottis, the oral tube was removed and the patient was intubated with the nasal RAE over the fiberscope.

Results

All 13 patients with Pierre Robin sequence were successfully intubated. We observed no periods of desaturation during placement and induction with the LMA‐Classic™ or ProSeal™ laryngeal mask airway except in one patient who was in extremis in the neonatal intensive care unit and required emergent transport to the operating room with the laryngeal mask airway in place. We observed several brief periods of desaturation during the apneas associated with fiberoptic intubation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we were able to use a ventilation‐driven, multistaged approach using the unique properties of different supraglottic airways to facilitate oral and nasal intubation in 13 infants with Pierre Robin sequence.
Human Capital Migration: A Longitudinal Perspective
Authors: Kooiman Niels , Latten Jan , Bontje Marco
Published: October 2018

Based on micro‐level administrative data this paper aims to identify the role of internal migration in shaping regional and inter‐urban contrasts in human capital stocks in the Netherlands. We follow birth cohort 1979 from age 16 until age 35 and compare spatial trajectories between university graduates(‐to‐be) and their lower educated peers. We conclude that, in a context of dominating rural‐to‐urban migration flows, the highest educated(‐to‐be) are more than others attracted to metropolitan core areas and the Randstad. Second, we aim to test whether this urban preference may be prompted by spatial variation in socio‐economic progression by comparing changes in the relative wage position of employees in different spatial settings. Metropolitan settings and the Randstad in general are found to function more than other regions as socio‐economic escalators during the first phase of the labour career. However, these effects appear to be equal among educational groups.
Pain, balance, grip strength and gait parameters of older adults with and without post‐chikungunya chronic arthralgia
Authors: Forechi Ludimila , Silveira‐Nunes Gabriela , Barbosa Michelle Almeida , Barbosa Érika Guerrieri , Santos Denise Leite dos , Vieira Edgar Ramos , Barbosa Alexandre Carvalho
Published: October 2018

Objective

To compare the levels of pain, grip strength, balance and gait in older adults with and without post‐Chikungunya chronic arthralgia (PCCA).

Methods

Sixty‐two older adults, 30 with and 32 without PCCA participated in the study. Pain level was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Gait during a 10‐m walk was assessed using inertial sensors. Semi‐static balance was assessed during an eyes‐closed bipedal balance test on a force platform, and grip strength was assessed using a hand dynamometer.

Results

Participants with PCCA presented severe levels of pain (VAS > 7.5), poorer balance, lower grip strength, walked slower, with lower cadence and stride length and higher stride time and stride length variability than participants without PCCA (P < 0.001 for all variables).

Conclusions

Older adults with PCCA had high levels of pain, impaired balance and gait and lower grip strength compared to older adults without PCCA.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura relapse induced by acute hepatitis E transmitted by cryosupernatant plasma and successfully controlled with ribavirin
Authors: Riveiro‐Barciela Mar , Bes Marta , Quer Josep , Valcarcel David , Piriz Sofia , Gregori Josep , Llorens Meritxell , Salcedo María‐Teresa , Piron Maria , Esteban Rafael , Buti Maria , Sauleda Silvia
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) can be transmitted by transfusion of any type of blood component, but there are few data on the potential risk of transmitting this virus and the associated complications. We provide evidence that HEV can be transmitted by cryosupernatant plasma, and that HEV infection can act as a trigger for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A patient with a history of TTP treated with plasmapheresis 2 months previously developed jaundice and a TTP exacerbation with purpura, thrombocytopenia, schistocytes, and undetectable ADAMTS‐13 activity. He was diagnosed with acute hepatitis E and treated with ribavirin. TTP remitted with remission of HEV infection.

RESULTS

Traceback to determine the source of the infection showed that 1 cryosupernatant plasma among the 99 different blood components used for the patient's last plasmapheresis was positive for HEV RNA, with an estimated viral load of 5000 to 10,000 IU/mL. Phylogenetic analysis proved the transfusion‐transmitted route of acute hepatitis E.

CONCLUSION

In a patient with TTP, acute HEV infection transmitted by cryosupernatant plasma may trigger exacerbation of TTP, which can be controlled on remission of HEV infection with ribavirin.
Long‐term monitoring of virus antibody titers in human intravenous immunoglobulin lots derived from donors in Japan
Authors: Onodera Hiroyuki , Nakagawa Risa , Nakagawa Hitoshi , Urayama Takeru , Haino Katsuyuki , Yunoki Mikihiro
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) contains immunoglobulin G against various viruses, except those that have been screened, such as human immunodeficiency and hepatitis C viruses. Antivirus titers reflect the serostatus of the blood donor population in the collection region and are of clinical interest.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

During the past 10 years, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella‐zoster, hepatitis A and B, Epstein‐Barr, and human respiratory syncytial viruses; human parainfluenza viruses 1, 2, and 3; human herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2; human herpesvirus 6; cytomegalovirus (CMV); human adenoviruses (HAdVs) 1, 2, 3, 7, and 11; human parvovirus B19; and human echovirus 9 and 11 titers in IVIG lots have been measured by a commercial testing facility. A viral neutralizing assay for CMV has been used at our facility. Herein, we summarize the measurements and results of a regression analysis of the trends in virus antibody titers.

RESULTS

IVIG lots contained significant titers against all of the above viruses, except for HAdV 7. Three patterns—stable, increasing, and decreasing—were observed, without any drastic changes. Although these trends reflect the seroprevalence in Japan, the titers were not obviously affected by the cycle of epidemics. On the other hand, the prevalence data suggest that titers against hepatitis A virus and other viruses will decrease in the near future, although they are currently stable.

CONCLUSION

Monitoring the titer of IVIG lots and seroprevalence of donor populations is important for anticipating future changes in virus antibody titers of IVIG lots and can provide useful information of clinical interest.
Leptin acts in the carotid bodies to increase minute ventilation during wakefulness and sleep and augment the hypoxic ventilatory response
Authors: Caballero‐Eraso Candela , Shin Mi‐Kyung , Pho Huy , Kim Lenise J , Pichard Luis E. , Wu Zhi‐Juan , Gu Chenjuan , Berger Slava , Pham Luu , Yeung Ho‐Yee (Bonnie) , Shirahata Machiko , Schwartz Alan R. , Tang Wan‐Yee (Winnie) , Sham James S. K. , Polotsky Vsevolod Y.
Published: October 2018

Key points

Leptin is a potent respiratory stimulant.

A long functional isoform of leptin receptor, LepRb, was detected in the carotid body (CB), a key peripheral hypoxia sensor. However, the effect of leptin on minute ventilation (VE) and the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) has not been sufficiently studied.

We report that LepRb is present in approximately 74% of the CB glomus cells.

Leptin increased carotid sinus nerve activity at baseline and in response to hypoxia in vivo.

Subcutaneous infusion of leptin increased VE and HVR in C57BL/6J mice and this effect was abolished by CB denervation.

Expression of LepRb in the carotid bodies of LepRb deficient obese db/db mice increased VE during wakefulness and sleep and augmented the HVR.

We conclude that leptin acts on LepRb in the CBs to stimulate breathing and HVR, which may protect against sleep disordered breathing in obesity.

Leptin is a potent respiratory stimulant. The carotid bodies (CB) express the long functional isoform of leptin receptor, LepRb, but the role of leptin in CB has not been fully elucidated. The objectives of the current study were (1) to examine the effect of subcutaneous leptin infusion on minute ventilation (VE) and the hypoxic ventilatory response to 10% O2 (HVR) in C57BL/6J mice before and after CB denervation; (2) to express LepRb in CB of LepRb‐deficient obese db/db mice and examine its effects on breathing during sleep and wakefulness and on HVR. We found that leptin enhanced carotid sinus nerve activity at baseline and in response to 10% O2 in vivo. In C57BL/6J mice, leptin increased VE from 1.1 to 1.5 mL/min/g during normoxia (P < 0.01) and from 3.6 to 4.7 mL/min/g during hypoxia (P < 0.001), augmenting HVR from 0.23 to 0.31 mL/min/g/Δ (P < 0.001). The effects of leptin on VE and HVR were abolished by CB denervation. In db/db mice, LepRb expression in CB increased VE from 1.1 to 1.3 mL/min/g during normoxia (P < 0.05) and from 2.8 to 3.2 mL/min/g during hypoxia (P < 0.02), increasing HVR. Compared to control db/db mice, LepRb transfected mice showed significantly higher VE throughout non‐rapid eye movement (20.1 vs. −27.7 mL/min respectively, P < 0.05) and rapid eye movement sleep (16.5 vs 23.4 mL/min, P < 0.05). We conclude that leptin acts in CB to augment VE and HVR, which may protect against sleep disordered breathing in obesity.
Visual response properties of neurons in the superficial layers of the superior colliculus of awake mouse
Authors: De Franceschi Gioia , Solomon Samuel G.
Published: October 2018

Key points

In rodents, including mice, the superior colliculus is the major target of the retina, but its visual response is not well characterized.

In the present study, extracellular recordings from single nerve cells in the superficial layers of the superior colliculus were made in awake, head‐restrained mice, and their responses to visual stimuli were measured.

It was found that these neurons show brisk, highly sensitive and short latency visual responses, a preference for black over white stimuli, and diverse responses to moving patterns.

At least five broad classes can be defined by variation in functional properties among units.

The results of the present study demonstrate that eye movements have a measurable impact on visual responses in awake animals and show how they may be mitigated in analyses.

The mouse is an increasingly important animal model of visual function in health and disease. In mice, most retinal signals are routed through the superficial layers of the midbrain superior colliculus, and it is well established that much of the visual behaviour of mice relies on activity in the superior colliculus. The functional organization of visual signals in the mouse superior colliculus is, however, not well established in awake animals. We therefore made extracellular recordings from the superficial layers of the superior colliculus in awake mice, while the animals were viewing visual stimuli including flashed spots and drifting gratings. We find that neurons in the superficial layers of the superior colliculus of awake mouse generally show short latency, brisk responses. Receptive fields are usually ‘ON–OFF’ with a preference for black stimuli, and are weakly non‐linear in response to gratings and other forms of luminance modulation. Population responses to drifting gratings are highly contrast sensitive, with a robust response to spatial frequencies above 0.3 cycles degree−1 and temporal frequencies above 15 Hz. The receptive fields are also often speed‐tuned or direction‐selective. Analysis of the response across multiple stimulus dimensions reveals at least five functionally distinct groups of units. We also find that eye movements affect measurements of receptive field properties in awake animals, and show how these may be mitigated in analyses. Qualitatively similar responses were obtained in urethane‐anaesthetized animals, although receptive fields in awake animals had higher contrast sensitivity, shorter visual latency and a stronger response to high temporal frequencies.
High Frequency Measurement of Temperature and Composition Spots With LITGS
Authors: De Domenico Francesca , Shah Priyav , Lowe Steven M. , Fan Luming , Ewart Paul , Williams Benjamin A. O. , Hochgreb Simone
Published: October 2018

Temperature and composition spots in a turbulent flow are detected and time-resolved using laser-induced thermal grating spectroscopy (LITGS). A 355 nm wavelength particle image velocimetry laser is operated at 0.5–1 kHz to generate the thermal grating using biacetyl as an absorber in trace amounts. In an open laminar jet, a feasibility study shows that small (≃ 3%) fluctuations in the mean flow properties are well captured with LITGS. However, corrections of the mean flow properties by the presence of the trace biacetyl are necessary to properly capture the fluctuations. The actual density and temperature variation in the flow are determined using a calibration procedure validated using a laminar jet flow. Finally, traveling entropy and composition spots are directly measured at different locations along a quartz tube, obtaining good agreement with expected values. This study demonstrates that LITGS can be used as a technique to obtain instantaneous, unsteady temperature and density variations in a combustion chamber, requiring only limited optical access.
Evaluation of the Laser-Induced Thermotherapy Treatment Effect of Breast Cancer Based on Tissue Viscoelastic Properties
Authors: Chen Jiayao , Zhou Bin , Qiu Suhao , Ma Shengyuan , Lee Chung-Hao , Aggarwal Ankush , Zeng Jianfeng , Gao Mingyuan , Feng Yuan , Li Dan , Shan Hong
Published: October 2018

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has been emerging as an effective, minimally invasive approach to treat cancers. However, a method to quantitatively evaluate the treatment effect after laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) is needed. In this study, we used 808 nm laser radiation with three different power densities to treat the breast cancer tissue from 4T1 cell lines in a mouse model. The viscoelastic properties of the treated cancer tissues were characterized by a two-term Prony series using a ramp-hold indentation method. We observed that instantaneous shear modulus G0 was significantly higher for the treated cancer tissues than that of the untreated tissue when treated with a power density of 1.5 W/cm2, but significantly lower with a power density of 2.5 W/cm2. The long-term shear modulus G∞ was also significantly higher for the cancer tissue at 1.5 W/cm2, compared to the untreated tissue. The treatment effects were verified by estimating the cell apoptosis rate using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Our results indicate that the viscoelastic properties of the tissue could potentially be used as biomarkers for evaluating the LITT treatment effect. In addition, we also observed a strain-independent behavior of the treated cancer tissue, which provided useful information for applying in vivo imaging method such as magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) for treatment evaluation based on biomechanical properties.
Impacts of Dilution on Hydrogen Combustion Characteristics and NOx Emissions
Authors: Resende P. R. , Afonso Alexandre , Pinho Carlos , Ayoobi Mohsen
Published: October 2018

Combustion characteristics at small scales have been studied continuously due to the potential applications in portable power devices. It is known that heat release impacts at small scales result in different flame behavior as compared to conventional scales. The impacts of geometry, stoichiometry, flow rates, wall temperatures, etc., are widely studied in the literature. However, dilution impacts still need to be further studied due to its important role on controlling the flame behavior and subsequent pollutants emissions at these scales. In this work, premixed hydrogen/air combustion is simulated at an axis-symmetric microchannel (with diameter D = 0.8 mm and length L = 10 mm), where detailed chemical kinetics are implemented in simulations (32 species and 173 reactions). The heat transfer on the wall is considered by imposing a hyperbolic temperature profile on the wall, where the wall temperature increases from 300 K at the inlet to 1300 K at the outlet. With this setup, a range of equivalence ratios including a typical fuel-lean regime (ϕ = 0.7), stoichiometric regime (ϕ = 1.0), and two cases at an ultra-rich regime (ϕ = 2.0 and ϕ = 3.0) are investigated. For each equivalence ratio, excess dilution (using N2) is introduced to the mixture, and its impact is compared with other cases. With that, the impacts of dilution variations on the combustion characteristics of premixed hydrogen/air are investigated for different equivalence ratios. More specifically, several incidents such as flame dynamics, flame stabilization, extinctions, and NOx emissions are studied for the aforementioned operating conditions.
Experimental and Analytical Characterization of Alternative Aviation Fuel Sprays Under Realistic Operating Conditions
Authors: Corber Andrew , Rizk Nader , Chishty Wajid Ali
Published: October 2018

The National Jet Fuel Combustion Program (NJFCP) is an initiative being led by the Office of Environment & Energy at the FAA, to streamline the ASTM jet fuels certification process for alternative aviation fuels. To accomplish this, the program has identified specific applied research tasks in several areas. The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is contributing to the NJFCP in the areas of sprays and atomization and high altitude engine performance. This paper describes work pertaining to atomization tests using a reference injection system. The work involves characterization of the injection nozzle, comparison of sprays and atomization quality of various conventional and alternative fuels, and uses the experimental data to validate spray correlations. The paper also briefly explores the application viability of a new diagnostic system that has the potential to reduce test time in characterizing sprays. Measurements were made from ambient up to 10 bar pressures in NRC's High Pressure Spray Facility using optical diagnostics including laser diffraction, phase Doppler anemometry (PDA), LIF/Mie imaging and laser sheet imaging to assess differences in the atomization characteristics of the test fuels. A total of nine test fluids including six NJFCP fuels and three calibration fluids were used. The experimental data were then used to validate semi-empirical models, developed through years of experience by engine original equipment manufacturers, and modified under the NJFCP, for predicting droplet size and distribution. The work offers effective tools for developing advanced fuel injectors, and generating data that can be used to significantly enhance multidimensional combustor simulation capabilities.
Improvement of Steam Turbine Stage Efficiency by Controlling Rotor Shroud Leakage Flows—Part I: Design Concept and Typical Performance of a Swirl Breaker
Authors: Shibata Takanori , Fukushima Hisataka , Segewa Kiyoshi
Published: October 2018

In high and intermediate pressure (HIP) steam turbines with shrouded blades, it is well known that shroud leakage losses contribute significantly to overall losses. Shroud leakage flow with a large tangential velocity creates a significant aerodynamic loss due to mixing with the mainstream flow. In order to reduce this mixing loss, two distinct ideas for rotor shroud exit cavity geometries were investigated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses and experimental tests. One idea was an axial fin placed from the shroud downstream casing to reduce the axial cavity gap, and the other was a swirl breaker placed in the rotor shroud exit cavity to reduce the tangential velocity of the leakage flow. In addition to the conventional cavity geometry, three types of shroud exit cavity geometries were designed, manufactured, and tested using a 1.5-stage air model turbine with medium aspect ratio blading. Test results showed that the axial fin and the swirl breaker raised turbine stage efficiency by 0.2% and 0.7%, respectively. The proposed swirl breaker was judged to be an effective way to achieve highly efficient steam turbines because it not only reduces the mixing losses but also improves the incidence angle distribution onto the downstream blade row. This study is presented in two papers. The basic design concept and typical performance of the proposed swirl breaker are presented in this part I, and the effect of axial distance between a swirl breaker and rotor shroud on efficiency improvement is discussed in part II [8].
Effect of thermal annealing and chemical treatments on secondary electron emission properties of atomic layer deposited MgO
Authors: Prodanovic´ Violeta , Chan Hong Wah , Mane Anil U. , Elam Jeffrey W. , Minjauw Matthias M. , Detavernier Christophe , van der Graaf Harry , Sarro Pasqualina M.
Published: October 2018

This study reports on the secondary electron emission (SEE) performance of atomic layer deposited MgO films, with thicknesses in the range from 5 to 25 nm, for the application in the Timed Photon Counter. In this novel, photodetector MgO is utilized as a material for the fabrication of ultrathin transmission dynodes (tynodes). Two different types of PECVD silicon oxide films are applied on top of MgO, in order to protect it against etching steps in the fabrication of tynodes and also as a prevention against aging. Applicability of these two materials as capping films is evaluated in terms of achieved secondary electron yield (SEY) of MgO after their removal. Emission of secondary electrons is known to depend on numerous physical and chemical properties of the material, such as surface roughness and chemical composition. On that account, morphological and structural properties of modified MgO are determined by atomic force microscope and x-ray photoelectron spectrometer and linked to the changes in SEE behavior. The authors demonstrate that the application of a suitable capping layer followed by its removal provides an SEY of 6.6, as opposed to the value of 4.8 recorded from the as-deposited MgO film. Furthermore, in a following experiment, they showed that annealing of MgO films at high temperatures (up to 1100 °C) significantly improved the secondary electron emission, elevating the SEY to 7.2.
Preparation of Ga-terminated negative electron affinity-GaAs (100) surface by HCl-isopropanol treatment for nanoanalysis by scanning tunneling microscopy
Authors: Fukuzoe Ryutaro , Hirao Masayuki , Yamanaka Daichi , Iwabuchi Youta , Iijima Hokuto , Meguro Takashi
Published: October 2018

Negative electron affinity (NEA) surfaces can emit electrons by low-energy light illumination that is nearly equal to the bandgap energy of a semiconductor because NEA surfaces lower the vacuum level to below the conduction-band minimum. In particular, NEA-GaAs surfaces show distinct characteristics such as high spin polarization, low emittance, short pulsed operation, and high intensity. NEA surfaces are formed by alternating application of Cs and O2 on a clean GaAs surface. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) was used to investigate the surface states of NEA-GaAs (100) surfaces prepared using HCl-isopropanol treatment followed by annealing in an ultrahigh vacuum. The results indicated remarkable improvement in the surface quality of the GaAs (100). The authors have been studying the relationship between electron emission properties and the adsorption structures of Cs on Ga-terminated GaAs surfaces. Here, they report the first observation of NEA-Ga-terminated surfaces with Cs adsorption using STM.
Observation of long-range dipole-dipole interactions in hyperbolic metamaterials
Authors: Newman Ward D. , Cortes Cristian L. , Afshar Amir , Cadien Ken , Meldrum Al , Fedosejevs Robert , Jacob Zubin
Published: October 2018

Metamaterials mediate long-range dipole-dipole interactions between quantum emitters.
Transformation of alcohols to esters promoted by hydrogen bonds using oxygen as the oxidant under metal-free conditions
Authors: Liu Mingyang , Zhang Zhanrong , Liu Huizhen , Xie Zhenbing , Mei Qingqing , Han Buxing
Published: October 2018

Ionic liquid initiates and promotes oxidative esterification of alcohols to esters under metal-free conditions in oxygen.
Polymorphism of Polymeric Amino Acid Regions in Fungal Proteins and Correlation with Altered Echinocandin and Azole Susceptibility
Authors: Challa Krishna , Edlind Tom , Katiyar Santosh
Published: October 2018

Polymorphism of polymeric amino acid (polyX) regions within fungal proteins represents a potential mechanism for rapid genotypic adaptation to environmental pressures, including antifungal exposure. Polyglutamine (polyQ) was the most abundant repeat in the proteomes of 8 diverse fungal species and was preferentially found in regulatory proteins.
Ceftriaxone Absorption Enhancement for Noninvasive Administration as an Alternative to Injectable Solutions
Authors: Ba Boubakar , Gaudin Karen , Désiré Amélie , Phoeung Thida , Langlois Marie-Hélène , Behl Charan R. , Unowsky Joel , Patel Indravadan H. , Malick A. Waseem , Gomes Melba , White Nicholas , Kauss Tina
Published: October 2018

Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of infant mortality in developing countries because of delayed injectable treatment, making it urgent to develop noninjectable formulations that can reduce treatment delays in resource-limited settings. Ceftriaxone, available only for injection, needs absorption enhancers to achieve adequate bioavailability via nonparenteral administration.
Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Antibiotic Killing and Regrowth of Biofilm-Residing
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Müsken Mathias , Pawar Vinay , Schwebs Timo , Bähre Heike , Felgner Sebastian , Weiss Siegfried , Häussler Susanne
Published: October 2018

Biofilm-residing bacteria embedded in an extracellular matrix are protected from diverse physicochemical insults. In addition to the general recalcitrance of biofilm bacteria, high bacterial loads in biofilm-associated infections significantly diminish the efficacy of antimicrobials due to a low per-cell antibiotic concentration.
Application of electronic trigger tools to identify targets for improving diagnostic safety
Authors: Murphy Daniel R , Meyer Ashley ND , Sittig Dean F , Meeks Derek W , Thomas Eric J , Singh Hardeep
Published: October 2018

Progress in reducing diagnostic errors remains slow partly due to poorly defined methods to identify errors, high-risk situations, and adverse events. Electronic trigger (e-trigger) tools, which mine vast amounts of patient data to identify signals indicative of a likely error or adverse event, offer a promising method to efficiently identify errors. The increasing amounts of longitudinal electronic data and maturing data warehousing techniques and infrastructure offer an unprecedented opportunity to implement new types of e-trigger tools that use algorithms to identify risks and events related to the diagnostic process. We present a knowledge discovery framework, the Safer Dx Trigger Tools Framework, that enables health systems to develop and implement e-trigger tools to identify and measure diagnostic errors using comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) data. Safer Dx e-trigger tools detect potential diagnostic events, allowing health systems to monitor event rates, study contributory factors and identify targets for improving diagnostic safety. In addition to promoting organisational learning, some e-triggers can monitor data prospectively and help identify patients at high-risk for a future adverse event, enabling clinicians, patients or safety personnel to take preventive actions proactively. Successful application of electronic algorithms requires health systems to invest in clinical informaticists, information technology professionals, patient safety professionals and clinicians, all of who work closely together to overcome development and implementation challenges. We outline key future research, including advances in natural language processing and machine learning, needed to improve effectiveness of e-triggers. Integrating diagnostic safety e-triggers in institutional patient safety strategies can accelerate progress in reducing preventable harm from diagnostic errors.
Challenges of enforcing cell phone use while driving laws among police: a qualitative study
Authors: Rudisill Toni Marie , Baus Adam D , Jarrett Traci
Published: October 2018

Background

Cell phone use while driving laws do not appear to be heavily enforced in the USA. This study seeks to gain law enforcements’ perspective and learn potential barriers to cell phone law enforcement.

Methods

Qualitative interviews (ie, focus groups) were conducted with officers (N=19) from five West Virginia law enforcement agencies. The officers who participated were >18 years of age, sworn into their departments and employed in law enforcement for >1 year. Focus group sessions lasted 45–60 min and followed a standardised, pilot-tested script. These sessions were audio recorded and transcribed. Qualitative content analysis was employed among three researchers to determine themes surrounding enforcement.

Results

Four themes emerged including current culture, the legal system, the nature of police work and issues with prevention. Specific barriers to enforcement included cultural norms, lack of perceived support from courts/judges, different laws between states, the need for a general distracted driving law, unclear legislation, officers’ habits and perceived risk, wanting to maintain a positive relationship with the public, not being able to see the driver (impediments of vehicle design, time of day), phones having multiple functions and not knowing what drivers are actually doing, risk of crashing during traffic stops and lack of resources. Prevention activities were debated, and most felt that technological advancements implemented by cell phone manufacturers may deter use.

Conclusions

Numerous barriers to cell phone law enforcement exist. Legislation could be amended to facilitate enforcement. Prevention opportunities exist to deter cell phone use while driving.
Protective effects of helmets on bicycle-related injuries in elderly individuals
Authors: Kim Taerim , Jung Kwang Yul , Kim Kyunga , Yoon Hee , Hwang Sung Yeon , Shin Tae Gun , Sim Min Seob , Jo Ik Joon , Cha Won Chul
Published: October 2018

Objective

The increasing frequency of bicycle-related injuries is due to the growing elderly population and their increasing physical activity. This study aimed to compare the protective effects of helmets on bicycle-related injuries in elderly individuals compared with those in younger adults.

Methods

Data from the Korean emergency department–based Injury In-depth Surveillance database from eight emergency departments during 2011–2016 were retrospectively analysed. The subjects sustained injuries while riding bicycles. Cases with unknown clinical outcomes were excluded. Covariates included mechanism, place and time of injury. The primary outcome was traumatic brain injury (TBI) incidence, and the secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and severe trauma. The effects of helmets on these outcomes were analysed and differences in effects were determined using logistic regression analysis. Subsequently, the differences in the effects of helmets use between age groups were examined by using interaction analysis

Results

Of 7181 adults, 1253 were aged >65 years. The injury incidents showed a bimodal pattern with peaks around ages 20 and 50 years. Meanwhile, the helmet-wearing rate showed a unimodal pattern with its peak at age 35–40 years; it decreased consistently with age. By multivariate analysis, helmet-wearing was associated with a reduced TBI incidence (OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.57 to 0.99) and severe trauma (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.65 to 0.93). The effects of helmets increased in elderly individuals (TBI (p=0.022) and severe trauma (p=0.024)).

Conclusion

The protective effects of helmets on bicycle-related injuries are greater for elderly individuals, thus reducing TBI incidence.
Clinical audit in farm animal veterinary practice
Authors: Waine Katie , Dean Rachel , Hudson Chris , Brennan Marnie
Published: October 2018

This article, the first in a two‐part series providing practical advice for practitioners on carrying out clinical audits, discusses the preparation and initiation of clinical audit in farm animal practice. In the second article, to be published in a subsequent issue of In Practice, the stages of data collection, analysis and re‐audit will be discussed along with some of the facilitators and barriers to conducting clinical audit. Both articles are based on findings from a three‐year research project looking at the use of clinical audit in farm animal practice. The research included conducting audits using information already in existence in the practice setting, and audits focused on actively collecting information over a period of time in three farm animal practices, and a nationwide survey on the experiences and attitudes of farm animal veterinary surgeons towards clinical audit in the UK.
Efficacy of novel immunotherapy regimens in patients with metastatic melanoma with germline CDKN2A mutations
Authors: Helgadottir Hildur , Ghiorzo Paola , van Doorn Remco , Puig Susana , Levin Max , Kefford Richard , Lauss Martin , Queirolo Paola , Pastorino Lorenza , Kapiteijn Ellen , Potrony Miriam , Carrera Cristina , Olsson Håkan , Höiom Veronica , Jönsson Göran
Published: October 2018

Background

Inherited CDKN2A mutation is a strong risk factor for cutaneous melanoma. Moreover, carriers have been found to have poor melanoma-specific survival. In this study, responses to novel immunotherapy agents in CDKN2A mutation carriers with metastatic melanoma were evaluated.

Methods

CDKN2A mutation carriers that have developed metastatic melanoma and undergone immunotherapy treatments were identified among carriers enrolled in follow-up studies for familial melanoma. The carriers’ responses were compared with responses reported in phase III clinical trials for CTLA-4 and PD-1 inhibitors. From publicly available data sets, melanomas with somatic CDKN2A mutation were analysed for association with tumour mutational load.

Results

Eleven of 19 carriers (58%) responded to the therapy, a significantly higher frequency than observed in clinical trials (p=0.03, binomial test against an expected rate of 37%). Further, 6 of the 19 carriers (32%) had complete response, a significantly higher frequency than observed in clinical trials (p=0.01, binomial test against an expected rate of 7%). In 118 melanomas with somatic CDKN2A mutations, significantly higher total numbers of mutations were observed compared with 761 melanomas without CDKN2A mutation (Wilcoxon test, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with CDKN2A mutated melanoma may have improved immunotherapy responses due to increased tumour mutational load, resulting in more neoantigens and stronger antitumorous immune responses.
Modelling effects of root growth and decay on soil water retention and permeability
Authors: Ni J.J. , Leung A.K. , Ng C.W.W.
Published: October 2018

Plant roots can change the soil water retention curve (SWRC) and saturated permeability (ksat) of vegetated soils. However, there is no model that could capture both the effects of root growth and root decay on these soil hydraulic properties simultaneously. This note proposes a new void ratio function that can model the decrease and increase in soil void ratio due to root occupancy (upon growth) and root shrinkage (upon decay), respectively, in an unsaturated vegetated coarse-grained soil. The function requires two root parameters; namely, root volume ratio and root decay ratio, both of which can be readily measured through root excavation and image-based analysis. The new function is incorporated into a void ratio–dependent SWRC model for predicting the SWRC of vegetated soils. Similarly, the same function can be combined with the Kozeny–Carman equation for predicting ksat. The model prediction is then compared with a set of new field test data and an existing laboratory dataset for a silty sand vegetated with plant species under the family Schefflera. Good agreements are obtained between the measurements and predictions.
Effect of Lygus spp. and Botrytis spp. on faba bean (Vicia faba L.) seed quality — are there insect–pathogen interactions?
Authors: Kaur Surinder , Reid Patty , Harker K. Neil , Meers Scott , Thomas James , Chatterton Syama , Cárcamo Hector
Published: October 2018

Lygus bugs and Botrytis fungal pathogen, the causal agent of chocolate spot in faba bean, can cause necrotic spots on faba bean seeds, thereby reducing market value. The mid-pod stage is the most susceptible stage for chocolate spot development and Lygus infestation in faba beans. Therefore, we hypothesised that the concomitant presence of Lygus spp. and Botrytis spp. might increase seed necrosis. Hence, the study was conducted to determine (i) the spatial and local distribution of chocolate spot and Lygus spp. in central and southern Alberta, and (ii) the association of chocolate spot disease severity and Lygus abundance. Chocolate spot and Lygus were present in all the counties surveyed. Chocolate spot had a negative association with Lygus abundance, but only the latter was significantly associated with seed necrosis. Botrytis spp. were frequently isolated from seeds despite the lack of expression of chocolate spot on the foliage. No significant effect of Lygus abundance on Botrytis isolation from seeds was found. Therefore, seed quality losses can occur both due to the fungal pathogen and the insect, which likely occupy different niches influenced by microclimate. Economic thresholds and management strategies will be required to keep insect populations and disease progression under check.
Effects of a fall rye cover crop on weeds and productivity ofPhaseolusbeans
Authors: Flood Heather E. , Entz Martin H.
Published: October 2018

Fall-seeded rye (Secale cereale) is known to suppress weeds through physical and allelopathic properties. This study examined the effects of fall rye cover crops on weed and dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) productivity over four site–years in Manitoba. In addition to rye, we tested early versus late spring rye termination times as well as herbicide use in a factorial experiment with four replicates. In the absence of herbicides, rye reduced early-season broadleaf and grassy weed plant populations by 44%–72% and 43%–88%, respectively. Terminating rye at the four-leaf stage (∼1100 kg dry matter ha−1) provided the same level of weed suppression as termination at booting (∼3100 kg dry matter ha−1). Early rye termination increased bean plant populations (significant at three out of four sites), bean development (four out of four sites), bean biomass (two out of four sites), and bean yield (three out of four sites) compared with later termination. Lower bean yield with rye at one site–year was attributed to dry early season conditions, where rye reduced soil water content. While the rye cover crop provided multiple benefits to bean production, early termination resulted in the best agronomic outcome. Rye was beneficial to weed control even when herbicides were used.
Identifying attributes associated with brown bear (Ursus arctos) road-crossing and roadkill sites
Authors: Find’o S. , Skuban M. , Kajba M. , Chalmers J. , Kalaš M.
Published: October 2018

Habitat fragmentation caused by transportation infrastructure is an issue of growing concern worldwide. We show how secondary roads may affect landscape permeability for brown bears (Ursus arctos Linnaeus, 1758). We focused on identifying environmental variables that govern the selection of road-crossing zones by bears (crossing model). We also investigated whether variables that characterize road-crossing zones differ from those that are typical for bear–vehicle collision sites (collision model). The study area was located in north-central Slovakia. To identify road-crossing sites, we used the GPS fixes of 27 bears and identified 35 bear–vehicle collision sites from a different data set. We used mixed-effects logistic regression to model resource selection at road-crossing sites and to compare bear-crossing sites with bear-kill sites. The crossing model showed that the traffic volume with distance to forest and grassland were the most influential factors in bear selection of road-crossing sites. Results of the collision model indicated that successful road crossings by bears were located at different road sections from vehicle collisions, which differed by a traffic volume of 5000 vehicles/24 h. The outcomes of this study can facilitate improved mitigation measures on secondary roads.