bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arachnoid Cyst—Institutional Experience
Authors: Singaravelu Madhan , Ramakrishnan Selvaraj , Gopalakrishnan Lakhmipathy
Published: April 2019

Background Arachnoid cysts are benign, non-neoplastic fluid collections within the arachnoid mater layer of the meninges. The etiology and significance of arachnoid cysts are poorly understood. Although they frequently represent incidental findings on central nervous system imaging, a wide variety of conditions have been attributed to their presence. The aim of this study is to ascertain the clinical presentation, location, and clinical course of patients with arachnoid cysts in the institution.

Methods The authors analyzed the clinical presentation, radiologic images, and clinical course of 16 patients presented over a period of 6 months from August 2017 to January 2018.

Results Of these 16 patients, 11 were adults and 5 were pediatric patients. Of these, seven were female and the remaining nine were male. Three patients presented with seizures, seven with headache, two with developmental delay, one with hydrocephalus, one with giddiness, one with hard of hearing, and one with bulging posterior fontanelle. Of these, 6 underwent surgery and 10 were managed conservatively.

Conclusion Arachnoid cysts (non-neoplastic lesions) that produce symptoms through mass effect and obstructive hydrocephalus need surgical management, whereas a large percentage of cysts that are asymptomatic can be managed conservatively. The various surgical options available are marsupialization, cystoperitoneal shunt, ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, and endoscopic fenestration. Microsurgery and endoscopy both allow for rapid decompression of the cyst and restoration of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation, whereas shunting tends to produce greater reduction in cyst size. Timing of presentation also decides upon the treatment options. Patients presenting late after the establishment of neurocognitive decline may not benefit from surgery and can be managed conservatively. A detailed genetic study may aid in the evolution of newer prevention and management options. Currently, most pediatric neurosurgeons prefer to avoid shunting, if possible. However, treatment paradigms are operator dependent and produce comparable outcomes.
VO2 Max Improvement of 96% in a Non-Elite Recreational Athlete over 24 Months
Authors: Laury Daniel , Tehrany Armin
Published: April 2019

VO2 max is a measure of athletic performance and is generally considered an excellent health parameter for athletic performance testing. Various methods are used to generate such a result generally using a treadmill or cycle ergometer. Improvements have been shown through training. The upper limit of such improvement has been difficult to find in the literature in part because testing often starts with individuals already at a superior level of performance. As genetics may play a significant role in an individual's VO2 max, training can only contribute a portion of the result. Humans have a range of maximal oxygen utilization with upper limits approaching 100 mL/kg. This case report demonstrates a 96% improvement over time secondary to selective intense training. The intent was to document objectively amelioration of the VO2 max using a defined protocol on standardized testing equipment. This may lead to more efficient training of individuals desiring performance improvement.
Embolotherapy for Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Nadolski Gregory , Soulen Michael
Published: April 2019

The most frequent solid organ involved in metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (NET) is the liver. Hepatic metastases occur during the lifetime of 46% to 93% of patients with NETs. Intra-arterial embolotherapies are palliative and should be used for patients with unresectable disease not amenable to resection or ablation. The most widely accepted indications for liver embololization for NET metastases are progression of unresectable hepatic metastases threatening liver function and palliation of hormone-related symptoms uncontrolled by somatostatin analogues. This article will discuss patient selection and administration of all embolotherapies currently used for palliation of neuroendocrine liver metastases.
Noise-induced tipping under periodic forcing: Preferred tipping phase in a non-adiabatic forcing regime
Authors: Chen Yuxin , Gemmer John A. , Silber Mary , Volkening Alexandria
Published: April 2019

We consider a periodically forced 1D Langevin equation that possesses two stable periodic solutions in the absence of noise. We ask the question: is there a most likely noise-induced transition path between these periodic solutions that allows us to identify a preferred phase of the forcing when tipping occurs? The quasistatic regime, where the forcing period is long compared to the adiabatic relaxation time, has been well studied; our work instead explores the case when these time scales are comparable. We compute optimal paths using the path integral method incorporating the Onsager–Machlup functional and validate results with Monte Carlo simulations. Results for the preferred tipping phase are compared with the deterministic aspects of the problem. We identify parameter regimes where nullclines, associated with the deterministic problem in a 2D extended phase space, form passageways through which the optimal paths transit. As the nullclines are independent of the relaxation time and the noise strength, this leads to a robust deterministic predictor of the preferred tipping phase in a regime where forcing is neither too fast nor too slow.
Design of an adaptive stator for bundled piezo-walk motors
Authors: Chang Jing Jing , Liao Xin Xin , Zhou Yan Ning , Feng Zhi Hua
Published: April 2019

Bundled piezoelectric motors combine several actuators to achieve high output power. However, mutual interference between the actuators leads to reduction in working efficiency. This work presents an adaptive stator that can reduce the mutual interference in bundled piezowalk motors. The stator consists of leaf springs for improving motor contact condition and proof masses that serve as an inertial body for maintaining high output force. Parameters of the proof masses and leaf springs are analyzed, and the working zone of the stator is discussed. A prototype of a linear motor with the designed adaptive stator is fabricated and tested. The maximum speed of a six-leg motor is 103 mm/s, and the stall force is approximately 1.2 N, driven with sinusoidal waveforms of 25Vpp at 30 kHz. Mutual interference between actuators is reduced remarkably with the adaptive stator. A comparison of six- and four-leg motors proves that motor performance has a linear relationship with the number of actuators, thereby indicating the potential of increasing output capability with additional actuators.
Energy storage performances regulated by layer selection engineering for doping in multi-layered perovskite relaxor ferroelectric films
Authors: Tang Zhehong , Chen Jieyu , Yang Bo , Zhao Shifeng
Published: April 2019

BaLaxBi4−xTi4O15 relaxor ferroelectric films with multilayered perovskite structure were prepared by the sol-gel method. Structural tunability is realized by layer selection engineering for La doping, which consequently regulates the energy storage performances. As x ≤ 0.2, Bi3+ is substituted by La3+ at perovskite-like layers, which increases the disorder degree of A-site cations and depresses the defects, it results in a high energy storage density of 44.7 J/cm3 and an energy storage efficiency of 60.1% in BaLa0.2Bi3.8Ti4O15 films under an applied electric field of 1667 kV/cm. While continuing to increase x, La3+ tends to enter (Bi2O2)2+ high resistance layers, which decreases the insulating properties and results in the reduction of the energy storage density. Moreover, good fatigue resistance after 108 polar switching and excellent thermal stability from −30 to 150 °C for energy storage performances are obtained by layer selection for La doping. This layer selection engineering for rare-earth doping provides an approach to regulate the energy storage performances in multilayered perovskite relaxor ferroelectric films.
Complex wavefront reconstruction with single-pixel detector
Authors: Liu Ruifeng , Zhao Shupeng , Zhang Pei , Gao Hong , Li Fuli
Published: April 2019

Wavefront sensing is an essential tool in wide research areas. However, the auxiliary reference beam and the pixel-array detector are indispensable in most of the wavefront sensing schemes. Here, we introduce a method to simultaneously measure the amplitude and the phase of an unknown complex wavefront using a single-pixel detector. A checkerboard pattern is used to sample the complex field and the reference beam, which makes sure that our scheme is free from the intensity distribution of the unknown complex amplitude field. In the experiments, various complex fields with discretized pixels of 64 × 64 and 128 × 128 at the corresponding pixel size of 109.44 × 109.44 μm2 and 54.72 × 54.72 μm2 are reconstructed. Using a high-speed digital micromirror device, we implement the complex wavefront reconstruction of 32 × 32 pixels with a frame rate of 6 Hz.
Pulsed thermal deposition of binary and ternary transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers and heterostructures
Authors: Mutz Niklas , Meisel Tino , Kirmse Holm , Park Soohyung , Severin Nikolai , Rabe Jürgen P. , List-Kratochvil Emil , Koch Norbert , Koch Christoph T. , Blumstengel Sylke , Sadofev Sergey
Published: April 2019

The application of transition metal dichalcogenides in optoelectronic, photonic, or valleytronic devices requires the growth of continuous monolayers, heterostructures, and alloys of different materials in a single process. We present a facile pulsed thermal deposition method which provides precise control over the number of layers and the composition of two-dimensional systems. The versatility of the method is demonstrated on ternary monolayers of Mo1−xWxS2 and on heterostructures combining metallic TaS2 and semiconducting MoS2 layers. The fabricated ternary monolayers cover the entire composition range of x = 0…1 without phase separation. Bandgap engineering and control over the spin–orbit coupling strength are demonstrated by absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Vertical heterostructures are grown without intermixing. The formation of clean and atomically abrupt interfaces is evidenced by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Since both the metal components and the chalcogen are thermally evaporated, complex alloys and heterostructures can thus be prepared.
Deviation from capillary number scaling of nonlinear viscous fingering formed by the injection of Newtonian surfactant solution
Authors: Tsuzuki Reiko , Tanaka Ryohei , Ban Takahiko , Nagatsu Yuichiro
Published: April 2019

An experimental study of immiscible viscous fingering (VF), formed during the injection of surfactant solutions into viscous oil in a radial Hele-Shaw cell, in which both fluids are Newtonian, is described. VF in such a system is related to the enhanced oil recovery method known as surfactant flooding and to the recovery of residual nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) in aquifers. Previous studies show that, for a given viscosity contrast, immiscible VF formed by Newtonian fluids is dominated by the capillary number, which is defined as the ratio between the viscous force and the interfacial tension, and that the finger width decreases with increasing capillary number. However, in the present study, phenomena contrary to these rules were observed: wider fingers occurred in the surfactant solution system compared to those in the water system, in the nonlinear stage of VF evolution, despite the fact that the capillary number had the same value for both systems. In addition, even though the surfactant system had a higher capillary number than the water system, wider surfactant fingers were observed. A possible mechanism explaining this is discussed by comparing with previous studies regarding VF with surfactants. The present study indicates that the capillary number does not control the nonlinear VF width in the surfactant system. Our results and discussion can be used to contribute to the establishment of well-controlled processes for surfactant flooding and the recovery of residual NAPL in aquifers.
The boundary layer flow induced above the torsional motion of a disk
Authors: Turner M. R. , Weidman Patrick
Published: April 2019

The boundary layer flow above a disk in torsional motion with azimuthal velocity proportional to rm is investigated for all values of m ≥ 1; here, r is the radial coordinate measured from the center of the disk. The resulting flow is a fully three-dimensional exact solution to the steady, axisymmetric boundary layer equations in the form of similarity solutions. We compute wall shear stresses in the radial and azimuthal directions as a function of the torsional exponent m, as well as the flow induced in the far field. The large m asymptotics of the problem are computed and compared with numerical solutions. The induced radial velocity profiles have a “wall-jet” structure, and it is found that both the radial and azimuthal velocity components become confined close to the surface of the disk as m increases.
van der Waals interactions in DFT using Wannier functions without empirical parameters
Authors: Silvestrelli Pier Luigi , Ambrosetti Alberto
Published: April 2019

A new implementation is proposed for including van der Waals (vdW) interactions in Density Functional Theory (DFT) using the Maximally Localized Wannier Functions (MLWFs), which is free from empirical parameters. With respect to the previous DFT/vdW-WF2 method, in the present DFT/vdW-WF2-x approach, the empirical, short-range, damping function is replaced by an estimate of the Pauli exchange repulsion, also obtained by the MLWF properties. Applications to systems contained in the popular S22 molecular database and to the case of an Ar atom interacting with graphite and comparison with reference data indicate that the new method, besides being more physically founded, also leads to a systematic improvement in the description of vdW-bonded systems.
Low pass filtering mechanism enhancing dynamical robustness in coupled oscillatory networks
Authors: Bera Bidesh K.
Published: April 2019

A network that consists of a set of active and inactive nodes is called a damaged network and this type of network shows an aging effect (degradation of dynamical activity). This dynamical deterioration affects the normal functioning of the network and also its performance. Therefore, it is necessary to design a proper mechanism to avoid undesired dynamical activity like degradation. In this work, an efficient mechanism, called the low pass filtering technique, is proposed to enhance the dynamical activity of damaged networks of coupled oscillators. Using this mechanism, the dynamic behavior of the damaged network of coupled active and inactive dynamical units is improved and the network survivability is ensured. Because a minor deviation of the controlling parameter is sufficient to restore the oscillatory behavior when the entire network undergoes an aging transition. Even when the whole network degrades due to the deterioration of each node, the larger values of the interaction strength and the controlling parameter play a key role in favor of the revival of dynamic activity in the entire network. Our proposed mechanism is very simple and effective to recover the dynamic features of a damaged network. The effectiveness of this technique has been testified in globally coupled and Erdős Rényi random networks of Stuart–Landau oscillators.
Enhanced and highly tunable Goos-Hänchan shifts at a nanocomposite-graphene interface
Authors: Din Rafi Ud , Zeng Xiaodong , Ahmad Iftikhar , Ge Guo-Qin
Published: April 2019

Graphene, as well as nanocomposite materials (NCMs), reveal some striking optical properties, and photonic devices based on the composition of these two elements may display superior performance. In this article, we investigate Goos–Hänchen (GH) shifts for the reflected and the transmitted part of a light field incident on a geometry containing graphene sandwiched between an Ag-SiO2 composite film and a dielectric. Apart from the fact that the Ag-nanoparticles in the NCM and the graphene are both highly absorbing in the visible spectrum, we observe huge lateral shifts in this case. We further demonstrate that the sign as well as magnitude of these shifts can be efficiently adjusted by tuning, either individually or simultaneously, a number of controlling parameters corresponding to different media in the present model. This high order tunability of the GH shifts using this model can be useful to design highly accurate sensors and optical switches.
Stephanie Eisenbarth: Discovering the bigger picture
Authors: Houston Stephanie
Published: April 2019

Stephanie Eisenbarth is an Associate Professor in the Immunology Faculty at Yale University. Her work has shown that the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Dock8 plays a role in the migration of a specific dendritic cell subset, and that when Dock8 is missing, some dendritic cells can no longer prime CD4+ T cells. Stephanie’s laboratory now focuses on understanding how T cell–driven pathology is initiated. We chatted with Stephanie to find out about her journey in science.
Tracking nitroxyl-derived posttranslational modifications of phospholamban in cardiac myocytes
Authors: Mundiña-Weilenmann Cecilia Beatriz , Mattiazzi Alicia
Published: April 2019

Mundiña-Weilenmann and Mattiazzi examine new work revealing the mechanism by which nitroxide modifies uptake of Ca2+ into the SR.
Localization for the one-dimensional Anderson model via positivity and large deviations for the Lyapunov exponent
Authors: Bucaj Valmir , Damanik David , Fillman Jake , Gerbuz Vitaly , VandenBoom Tom , Wang Fengpeng , Zhang Zhenghe
Published: April 2019

We provide a complete and self-contained proof of spectral and dynamical localization for the one-dimensional Anderson model, starting from the positivity of the Lyapunov exponent provided by Fürstenberg’s theorem. That is, a Schrödinger operator inℓ2(Z)\ell ^2(\mathbb {Z})whose potential is given by independent, identically distributed (i.i.d.) random variables almost surely has pure point spectrum with exponentially decaying eigenfunctions, and its unitary group exhibits exponential off-diagonal decay, uniformly in time. We also explain how to obtain analogous statements for extended CMV matrices whose Verblunsky coefficients are i.i.d., as well as for half-line analogues of these models.
A Linguistic Specification of Aesthetic Judgments
Authors: Briesen Jochen
Published: April 2019

This paper aims to delineate the class of aesthetic judgments linguistically. The main idea is that aesthetic judgments can be specified by a certain set of assertibility conditions—i.e., by norms that govern appropriate speech-acts. This idea is spelled out in detail and defended against various objections. The suggestion leads to an interesting account of aesthetic judgments that is theoretically fruitful: it provides the basis for a non-circular and satisfying characterization of the whole domain of aesthetic research and it marks an important linguistic difference between aesthetic judgments and judgments of personal taste.
A Quantitative General Population Job Exposure Matrix for Occupational Daytime Light Exposure
Authors: Vested Anne , Schlünssen Vivi , Burdorf Alex , Andersen Johan H , Christoffersen Jens , Daugaard Stine , Flachs Esben M , Garde Anne Helene , Hansen Åse Marie , Markvart Jakob , Peters Susan , Stokholm Zara , Vestergaard Jesper M , Vistisen Helene T , Kolstad Henrik Albert
Published: April 2019

High daytime light levels may reduce the risk of affective disorders. Outdoor workers are during daytime exposed to much higher light intensities than indoor workers. A way to study daytime light exposure and disease on a large scale is by use of a general population job exposure matrix (JEM) combined with national employment and health data. The objective of this study was to develop a JEM applicable for epidemiological studies of exposure response between daytime light exposure, affective disorders, and other health effects by combining expert scores and light measurements. We measured light intensity during daytime work hours 06:00–17:59 for 1–7 days with Philips Actiwatch Spectrum® light recorders (Actiwatch) among 695 workers representing 71 different jobs. Jobs were coded into DISCO-88, the Danish version of the International Standard Classification of Occupations 1988. Daytime light measurements were collected all year round in Denmark (55–56°N). Arithmetic mean white light intensity (lux) was calculated for each hour of observation (n = 15,272), natural log-transformed, and used as the dependent variable in mixed effects linear regression models. Three experts rated probability and duration of outdoor work for all 372 jobs within DISCO-88. Their ratings were used to construct an expert score that was included together with month of the year and hour of the day as fixed effects in the model. Job, industry nested within job, and worker were included as random effects. The model estimated daytime light intensity levels specific for hour of the day and month of the year for all jobs with a DISCO-88 code in Denmark. The fixed effects explained 37% of the total variance: 83% of the between-jobs variance, 57% of the between industries nested in jobs variance, 43% of the between-workers variance, and 15% of the within-worker variance. Modeled daytime light intensity showed a monotonic increase with increasing expert score and a 30-fold ratio between the highest and lowest exposed jobs. Building construction laborers were based on the JEM estimates among the highest and medical equipment operators among the lowest exposed. This is the first quantitative JEM of daytime light exposure and will be used in epidemiological studies of affective disorders and other health effects potentially associated with light exposure.
Etiology of Pulmonary Infections in Human Immunodeficiency Virus–infected Inpatients Using Sputum Multiplex Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Maartens Gary , Griesel Rulan , Dube Felix , Nicol Mark , Mendelson Marc
Published: April 2019

Background

There are limited data on the etiology of respiratory infections in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected patients in resource-limited settings.

Methods

We performed quantitative multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Pneumocystis jirovecii and common bacterial and viral respiratory pathogens on sputum samples (spontaneous or induced) from a prospective cohort study of HIV-infected inpatients with World Health Organization danger signs and cough. Mycobacterial culture was done on 2 sputum samples, blood cultures, and relevant extrapulmonary samples.

Results

We enrolled 284 participants from 2 secondary-level hospitals in Cape Town, South Africa: median CD4 count was 97 cells/μL, 64% were women, and 38% were on antiretroviral therapy. One hundred forty-eight had culture-positive tuberculosis, 100 had community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), 26 had P. jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), and 64 had other diagnoses. Probable bacterial infection (>105 copies/mL) was detected in 133 participants; the prevalence was highest in those with CAP (52%). Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae were the commonest bacterial pathogens detected; atypical bacteria were uncommon. Viruses were detected in 203 participants; the prevalence was highest in those with PJP (85%). Human metapneumovirus was the commonest virus detected. Multiple coinfections were commonly detected.

Conclusions

Sputum multiplex PCR could become a useful diagnostic tool for bacterial respiratory infections in HIV-infected inpatients, but its value is limited as quantitative cutoffs have only been established for a few bacterial pathogens and validation has not been done in this patient population. We found a high prevalence of respiratory viruses, but it is unclear whether these viruses were causing infection as there are no accepted quantitative PCR cutoffs for diagnosing respiratory viral infections.
A query theory account of a discrete choice experiment under oath
Authors: Kemper Nathan P , Popp Jennie S , Nayga Rodolfo M
Published: April 2019

One limitation of stated-preference methods is the formation of hypothetical bias. To address this, the honesty oath has been used as an ex ante technique to reduce hypothetical bias. Our study provides a query account of the honesty oath in a discrete-choice experiment setting by using Query Theory to examine the mechanism behind the effectiveness of the honesty oath. Our results show that the honesty oath can change the content and order of queries; potentially reducing hypothetical bias in discrete choice experiments. The study suggests the potential usefulness of Query Theory in examining thought processes of respondents in valuation studies.
The relative importance of sub-populations to the Gulf of Maine stock of Atlantic cod
Authors: Dean Micah J , Elzey Scott P , Hoffman William S , Buchan Nicholas C , Grabowski Jonathan H
Published: April 2019

Discriminating among sympatric sub-populations is critical not only for the investigation of fish population structure, but also for effective fishery management. The Gulf of Maine stock of Atlantic cod contains two genetically distinct sub-populations whose spawning grounds overlap in space, but not season. Lack of a practical tool for discriminating between these spring and winter spawners has thus far prevented addressing metapopulation structure in stock assessments and fishery management plans. To address this issue, we developed a simple approach to discriminate between the sympatric sub-populations that relies on internal otolith structures. Using a logistic regression model fit to training data (n = 577) and evaluated through cross-validation, we correctly classified individuals with 81% accuracy and predicted the overall sub-population mixture within 1%. Applying the model to a broader population dataset (n = 1642) revealed that spring-spawned cod are more concentrated within closed fishing areas and therefore experience a lower mortality rate. However, despite dominating older age classes and comprising a large fraction of the spawning stock, these spring cod contribute little to recruitment. This apparent sub-population difference in the stock–recruitment relationship has important consequences for assessment models and the success of management measures designed to rebuild the stock.
Prospective Assessment of Cytomegalovirus Immunity in High-Risk Donor-Seropositive/Recipient-Seronegative Liver Transplant Recipients Receiving Either Preemptive Therapy or Antiviral Prophylaxis
Authors: Limaye Ajit P , Green Margaret L , Edmison Bradley C , Stevens-Ayers Terry , Chatterton-Kirchmeier Sam , Geballe Adam P , Singh Nina , Boeckh Michael
Published: April 2019

The differential impact of preemptive therapy (PET) and antiviral prophylaxis (AP) on development of cytomegalovirus (CMV)–specific neutralizing antibody (nAb) and T-cell responses have not previously been directly compared in high-risk donor-seropositive/recipient-seronegative (D+R−) organ transplant recipients. We prospectively assessed T-cell and nAb responses 3 months after transplantation in cohorts of high-risk D+R− liver transplant recipients who received either PET (n = 15) or AP (n = 25) and a control group of CMV-seropositive transplant recipients (R+) (AP; n = 24). CMV phosphoprotein 65 (pp65)– and immediate early protein 1–specific multifunctional T-cell responses were determined by means of intracellular cytokine staining and nAbs against BADrUL131-Y4 CMV in adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line-19 human epithelial cells; nAbs were detected in 8 of 12 (67%) in the PET group, none of 17 in the AP group, and 20 of 22 (91%) in the R+ group. Multifunctional CD8 and CD4 T-cell responses to pp65 were generally similar between PET and R+ groups, and lower for the AP group; multifunctional CD4 responses were similar across all groups. Among D+R− liver transplant recipients, PET was associated with the development of greater nAb and multifunctional CD8 T-cell responses compared with AP, providing a potential mechanism to explain the relative protection against late-onset disease with PET. Future studies are needed to define specific immune parameters predictive of late-onset CMV disease with AP.
Susceptibility of Different Instars of Striacosta albicosta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Vip3A, a Bacillus thuringiensis (Bacillaceae: Bacillales) Protein
Authors: Farhan Yasmine , Smith Jocelyn L , Schaafsma Arthur W
Published: April 2019

Striacosta albicosta (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important pest of corn, Zea mays L. in the Great Lakes region, which can be controlled by transgenic corn expressing Vip3A protein from Bacillus thuringiensis. To inform insect resistance management, the susceptibility, survival, and development of first, third, and fifth instar S. albicosta to Vip3A was determined using protein-overlay and corn tissue bioassays. Tissue bioassays were also used to determine the quantity of corn tissues with and without Vip3A-expression consumed by various instars. In diet bioassays, third and fifth instars were significantly less susceptible to Vip3A compared with first instars; however, no significant difference was observed in susceptibility of older instars. In tissue bioassays, survival was lowest for larvae fed Vip3A-expressing tissues, ranging from 0 to 21%, however, developmental measures of larvae fed Vip3A-expressing tissues did not differ from those fed artificial diet or tissues of other Bt events. Consumption of Vip3A × Cry1Ab tissues did not differ from that of Cry1Ab for each instar. Estimated Vip3A exposure of first instars ranged from 3 to 57 times higher than the concentration required for 99% mortality (LC99) based on the product of the reported Vip3A expression in transgenic corn tissues and the consumption observed in tissue bioassays; however, the estimated exposure of third and fifth instars to Vip3A was lower than their respective LC99. These findings suggest that first instar S. albicosta maybe exposed to a high dose of Vip3A under field conditions; however, Vip3A-expression in corn may not be high dose against older instars, increasing the risk of resistance development.
Susceptibility of North Dakota Hessian Fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) to 31 H Genes Mediating Wheat Resistance
Authors: Anderson Kirk M , Harris Marion O
Published: April 2019

The agricultural landscape of North Dakota is changing. Corn and soybean are now commonplace, but once were rare. Spring sown wheat Triticum aestivum L. and durum wheat Triticum turgidum spp. durum continue to be dominant, but more winter-sown wheat is expected in the future. The presence of wheat in the landscape throughout much of the year will benefit populations of the Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say), which occurs throughout the state, sometimes in large numbers. Hessian fly is unusual among crop pests for which resources for plant resistance are well developed. On wheat genotypes expressing a single effective H resistance gene, 100% of larvae die before exhibiting any growth. Over 35 H genes in the public domain are available for crossing into elite cultivars. We explored the effectiveness of 31 Hessian fly resistance genes for a North Dakota Hessian fly population. Six genes—H4, H15, H21, H23, H26, and H29—caused 100% larval mortality. Seven others caused at least 80% mortality. Experimental data were used to address three additional questions. Do adult females avoid laying eggs on plants that will kill their offspring: Are neonate larvae able to detect resistance that will end up killing them? Do all 31 genes confer equal protection against larval-induced growth deficits? North Dakota wheat breeders have the necessary tools to create highly resistant wheat cultivars. So far, H genes have been deployed singly in cultivars. Advances in plant breeding will enable gene stacking, a more durable strategy over time.
The Radically Routine Rohingya Case
Authors: Akhavan Payam
Published: April 2019

The campaign of atrocities against Myanmar’s Rohingya minority is among the most pressing human rights challenges of our times. However, since Myanmar is not a party to the Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), proponents of international justice have been forced to pursue accountability through creative means. On 6 September 2018, the Pre-Trial Chamber of the ICC ruled that the Court had jurisdiction over some of the atrocities. Despite having been initiated in the territory of a non-state party (Myanmar), the Court held that the crime of deportation — that is, forced displacement across an international boundary — has been completed on the territory of a state party, namely Bangladesh. This unprecedented backdoor to The Hague has stirred considerable controversy, both in diplomatic and academic circles. Yet, just how radical is the deportation theory upheld in this Decision? It would seem that the exercise of territorial jurisdiction over crimes with transboundary elements is a rather routine and unremarkable practice among states and, by extension, with respect to the ICC. It is trite law that deportation — like human trafficking and similar crimes — is initiated in the territory of one state and completed in the territory of another state. Considered in this light, the so-called Rohingya case at the ICC is radically routine.
Natural Variation in Flower Color and Scent in Populations of Eruca sativa (Brassicaceae) Affects Pollination Behavior of Honey Bees
Authors: Barazani Oz , Erez Tal , Ogran Ariel , Hanin Nir , Barzilai Michal , Dag Arnon , Shafir Sharoni
Published: April 2019

Plants of Eruca sativa Mill. (Brassicaceae) from desert and Mediterranean populations in Israel differ in flower color and size. In the desert habitat, the population has higher abundance of flowers with cream color and longer petals, whereas in the Mediterranean habitat, the population has higher abundance of flowers with yellow and shorter petals. Choice experiments with honey bee foragers (Apis mellifera Linn., Apidae, Hymenoptera), the main pollinator in the natural habitat in Israel, confirmed that they are more attracted to the yellow flower morph than to the cream one. A proboscis extension response test indicated that honey bees are able to discriminate between flower scents of the desert and Mediterranean populations. Considering the advantage of plants of the yellow morph in attracting pollinators, we further tested in a common garden experiment whether these possess higher fitness than plants of the desert population. Indeed, a significant association was found between flower color and fruit set, and seed mass. In general, our results provide evidence for ecotypic differentiation between populations imposed by pollinators. The advantage of the yellow color morph in attracting pollinators may explain its dominance among plants of the Mediterranean population. We discuss why the cream color morph may be dominant in the desert habitat, considering the possibility of different pollinators, tradeoffs between traits, or pleiotropy.
Rapid-Stretch Injury to Peripheral Nerves: Histologic Results
Authors: Warner Wesley S , Yeoh Stewart , Light Alan , Zhang Jie , Mahan Mark A
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Although most severe peripheral nerve injuries result from high-speed mechanisms, there is no laboratory model to replicate this clinical condition.

OBJECTIVE

To qualitatively and quantitatively describe microanatomical injury of rapid stretch.

METHODS

The sciatic nerves of 36 Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to rapid-stretch nerve injury, using fixed-direction strain produced via constrained weight drop applied to an intact nerve. Nerve injury severity was categorized by biomechanical parameters. Injury to nerve microarchitecture was quantified with serial longitudinal sectioning, with specific focus on the endoneurium, perineurium, and epineurium.

RESULTS

Four grades of stretch injury severity were determined by mathematical cluster analysis: sham, elastic stretch, inelastic stretch, and stretch rupture. Two patterns of injury to endoneurial architecture were quantified: loss of fiber undulation (straightened fibers) and rupturing of individual fibers (“microruptures”). Straightening of nerve fibers was the earliest accommodation to stretch injury and accounted for elongation during elastic stretch. Microruptures were distributed along the length of the nerve and were more severe and involved greater volume of the nerve at higher biomechanical severity. Epineurium and perineurium disruption increased in frequency with progressive injury severity, yet did not predict transition from one injury grade to another (P = .3), nor was it a hallmark of severe injury. Conversely, accumulation of microruptures provided strong correlation to nerve injury severity (Pearson's R = .9897) and progression to mechanical failure.

CONCLUSION

Nerve architecture is injured in a graded fashion during stretch injury, which likely reflects tissue biomechanics. This study suggests new considerations in the theoretical framework of nerve stretch trauma.
Outcomes with acyclovir treatment in herpes simplex encephalitis after surgery for solid CNS tumors: a case report and systematic review of the literature
Authors: Yari Niloofar , Benardete Ethan Alexander , Chen Wencong , Ambe Solomon Neba , Fonkem Ekokobe
Published: April 2019

Background

Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) occurring within 30 days after neurosurgery for solid CNS tumors is underrecognized and underreported but remains important because of high morbidity and mortality. We present the case of a 41-year-old woman who had HSE after craniopharyngioma surgery, and delayed recognition and treatment led to a poor outcome. Subsequently, we review reported HSE cases after neurosurgery for solid CNS tumors and describe outcomes after treatment with and without acyclovir.

Methods

A literature search was performed for cases meeting the above criteria. Information was gathered regarding patient demographics, tumor types, symptoms, diagnostic workup, therapy, and outcomes.

Results

Eighteen cases were studied. Encephalopathy, fever, and seizures were the most common symptoms. A majority of patients (78%) received IV acyclovir, with a 79% survival rate with treatment. Mortality rate was 100% in untreated cases. The median time to starting acyclovir was 17 postoperative days (range, 8-53 days). Most patients received steroids, but its use was not associated with a specific outcome.

Conclusions

HSE may develop following neurosurgical resection, and the threshold for suspicion of this condition should be extremely low in a patient who shows compatible symptoms (encephalopathy, fever, or seizures) or does not recover as planned. Moreover, in case of suspicion of HSE, acyclovir should be promptly started until infection can be definitely ruled out. A delay in diagnosis of HSE and failure to treat may result in severe morbidity as well as mortality. This observation may warrant further study.
Tumor-related neurocognitive dysfunction in patients with diffuse glioma: a retrospective cohort study prior to antitumor treatment
Authors: van Kessel Emma , Emons Michelle A C , Wajer Irene H , van Baarsen Kirsten M , Broekman Marike L , Robe Pierre A , Snijders Tom J , Van Zandvoort Martine J E
Published: April 2019

Background

Impairments in neurocognitive functioning (NCF) frequently occur in glioma patients. Both the tumor and its treatment contribute to these impairments. We aimed to quantify NCF in glioma patients before treatment and to investigate which factors influence NCF.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study in diffuse glioma patients according to STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) criteria. All patients had undergone neuropsychological assessment as part of routine clinical care, before awake surgery. We studied “overall NCF” and NCF in 5 neurocognitive domains separately. For “overall NCF” and per domain, we performed analyses at 2 different levels of outcome measures: (1) group level: mean cognitive functioning of the study sample, and (2) individual level: the percentage of impaired patients. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses to investigate which factors were associated with the occurrence of cognitive impairments.

Results

From our cohort of glioma patients (2010-2016), 168 patients met all the inclusion criteria. All cognitive domains were significantly affected at the group level. The percentages of neurocognitive impairments (–2SD) were highest for Executive Functioning, Psychomotor Speed, and Memory (26.5%, 23.2%, and 19.3%, respectively). Patients with high-grade glioma were affected more severely than patients with low-grade glioma. Tumor volume, isocitrate dehydrogenase status, WHO grade, and histology were associated with the occurrence of domain-specific impairments.

Conclusions

Cognitive impairment occurs in the majority of treatment-naive glioma patients. The domains Executive Functioning, Speed, and Memory are involved most frequently. These impairments in NCF are explained not only by tumor location and volume, but also by other (biological) mechanisms.
Targeted protein delivery: carbodiimide crosslinking influences protein release from microparticles incorporated within collagen scaffolds
Authors: Tanase Constantin Edi , Qutachi Omar , White Lisa J , Shakesheff Kevin M , McCaskie Andrew W , Best Serena M , Cameron Ruth E
Published: April 2019

Tissue engineering response may be tailored via controlled, sustained release of active agents from protein-loaded degradable microparticles incorporated directly within three-dimensional (3D) ice-templated collagen scaffolds. However, the effects of covalent crosslinking during scaffold preparation on the availability and release of protein from the incorporated microparticles have not been explored. Here, we load 3D ice-templated collagen scaffolds with controlled additions of poly-(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles. We probe the effects of subsequent N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride crosslinking on protein release, using microparticles with different internal protein distributions. Fluorescein isothiocyanate labelled bovine serum albumin is used as a model protein drug. The scaffolds display a homogeneous microparticle distribution, and a reduction in pore size and percolation diameter with increased microparticle addition, although these values did not fall below those reported as necessary for cell invasion. The protein distribution within the microparticles, near the surface or more deeply located within the microparticles, was important in determining the release profile and effect of crosslinking, as the surface was affected by the carbodiimide crosslinking reaction applied to the scaffold. Crosslinking of microparticles with a high proportion of protein at the surface caused both a reduction and delay in protein release. Protein located within the bulk of the microparticles, was protected from the crosslinking reaction and no delay in the overall release profile was seen.
Hyaluronic acid-curcumin conjugate suppresses the fibrotic functions of myofibroblasts from contractive joint by the PTGER2 demethylation
Authors: Yu Dongjie , Zhuang Ze , Ren Jianhua , Hu Xuefeng , Wang Zhe , Zhang Jieyu , Luo Yuansen , Wang Kun , He Ronghan , Wang Yunbing
Published: April 2019

Joint contracture is a fibrotic complication induced by joint immobilization and trauma, which is characterized as excessive myofibroblast proliferation in joint capsule. The treatments of joint contracture are unsatisfied and patients are suffered from joint dysfunction. Our previous study has shown that curcumin can inhibit myofibroblast proliferation in vitro, but the major challenge is the low aqueous solubility and biological activity of curcumin. In this study, hyaluronic acid-curcumin (HA-Cur) conjugate was synthesized to suppress myofibroblasts in joint contracture. Cells were isolated from the joint capsules of joint contracture patients and induced to active myofibroblasts by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). The anti-fibrotic function and mechanisms of HA-Cur were investigated by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), methylation-specific PCR, western blot, transwell migration assay and proliferation assay. Results showed that 30 μM HA-Cur significantly attenuated the fibrotic functions of myofibroblast in joint contracture in vitro by regulating the methylation of prostaglandin E receptor 2 (PTGER2) and inhibiting TGF-β signaling. This may provide a mechanism for the treatment of joint contracture, and provide a molecular target PTGER2 for therapy during the pathogenesis of joint contracture.
The development of a theory-based eHealth app prototype to promote oral health during prenatal care visits
Authors: Vamos Cheryl A , Griner Stacey B , Kirchharr Claire , Green Shana M , DeBate Rita , Daley Ellen M , Quinonez Rocio B , Boggess Kim A , Jacobs Tom , Christiansen Steve
Published: April 2019

Nurse practitioners and midwives reported that an eHealth app prototype assisted in providing them with the information, motivation, and skills needed to implement the oral health guidelines into routine prenatal care visits.
Analysis of the Corneal Anterior and Posterior Surface in Patients With Peripheral Hypertrophic Subepithelial Corneal Opacification
Authors: Riedl Jana C. , Musayeva Aytan , Wasielica-Poslednik Joanna , Weyer-Elberich Veronika , Pfeiffer Norbert , Gericke Adrian
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

To characterize the corneal changes in peripheral hypertrophic subepithelial corneal opacification (PHSCO) considering elevation of the anterior and posterior corneal surface, corneal astigmatism, tear secretion, and endothelial cell density.

Methods:

Thirty-eight eyes of 22 patients with PHSCO on at least 1 eye and 38 eyes of 22 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Using the Pentacam system (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany), measurement of the anterior and posterior corneal surface was performed. In addition, the Schirmer test was conducted, and endothelial cells were counted in the central cornea with a specular microscope (SP-3000P; Topcon, Tokyo, Japan).

Results:

The mean age was 55.2±11.7 years in patients with PHSCO and 54.1±12.4 years in healthy subjects. The corneas of patients with PHSCO showed higher corneal astigmatism of both the corneal anterior and posterior surface (2.9/0.5 vs. 0.8/0.3 D, PHSCO vs. controls, P=<0.001/<0.01). The cornea was thickest in the peripheral 12-o'clock position and the peripheral superior nasal area. Remarkably, central endothelial cell density was markedly reduced in patients with PHSCO (2,372.6 cell/mm2±328.1 vs. 2,673 cells/mm2±287.6, P<0.01, PHSCO vs. controls). Also, the Schirmer test revealed lower tear secretion in patients with PHSCO (9.8±4.4 mm vs. 14.3±5.7 mm, P<0.001, PHSCO vs. controls).

Conclusion:

The astigmatism of both the anterior and posterior corneal surface is increased in patients with PHSCO. Intriguingly, tear secretion and central endothelial cell density are reduced in patients with PHSCO. These measurements may become useful to assess the impact of morphological changes on vision and to track disease progression in PHSCO.