bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recombinant attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium with heterologous expression of the Salmonella Choleraesuis O-polysaccharide: high immunogenicity and protection
Authors: Zhao Xinxin , Dai Qinlong , Zhu Dekang , Liu Mafeng , Chen Shun , Sun Kunfeng , Yang Qiao , Wu Ying , Kong Qingke , Jia Renyong
Published: July 2017

Non-typhoidalSalmonellaare associated with gastrointestinal disease worldwide and invasive disease in Africa. We constructed novel bivalent vaccines through the recombinant expression of heterologous O-antigens fromSalmonellaCholeraesuis inSalmonellaTyphimurium. A recombinant Asd+plasmid pCZ1 with the clonedSalmonellaCholeraesuis O-antigen gene cluster was introduced into three constructedSalmonellaTyphimurium Δasdmutants: SLT11 (ΔrfbP), SLT12 (ΔrmlB-rfbP) and SLT16 (ΔrfbP∆pagL::TTaraCPBADrfbP). Immunoblotting demonstrated that SLT11 (pCZ1) and SLT12 (pCZ1) efficiently expressed the heterologous O-antigen. In the presence of arabinose, SLT16 (pCZ1) expressed both the homologous and heterologous O-antigens, whereas in the absence of arabinose, SLT16 (pCZ1) mainly expressed the heterologous O-antigen. We deleted thecrp/cyagenes in SLT12 (pCZ1) and SLT16 (pCZ1) for attenuation purposes, generating the recombinant vaccine strains SLT17 (pCZ1) and SLT18 (pCZ1). Immunization with either SLT17 (pCZ1) or SLT18 (pCZ1) induced specific IgG against the heterologous O-antigen, which mediated significant killing ofSalmonellaCholeraesuis and provided full protection against a lethal homologous challenge in mice. Furthermore, SLT17 (pCZ1) or SLT18 (pCZ1) immunization resulted in 83% or 50% heterologous protection againstSalmonellaCholeraesuis challenge, respectively. Our study demonstrates that heterologous O-antigen expression is a promising strategy for the development of multivalentSalmonellavaccines.
Prediction of soil cadmium distribution across a typical area of Chengdu Plain, China
Authors: Li Qiquan , Wang Changquan , Dai Tianfei , Shi Wenjiao , Zhang Xin , Xiao Yi , Song Weiping , Li Bing , Wang Yongdong
Published: July 2017

A suitable method and appropriate environmental variables are important for accurately predicting heavy metal distribution in soils. However, the classical methods (e.g., ordinary kriging (OK)) have a smoothing effect that results in a tendency to neglect local variability, and the commonly used environmental variables (e.g., terrain factors) are ineffective for improving predictions across plains. Here, variables were derived from the obvious factors affecting soil cadmium (Cd), such as road traffic, and were used as auxiliary variables for a combined method (HASM_RBFNN) that was developed using high accuracy surface modelling (HASM) and radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) model. This combined method was then used to predict soil Cd distribution in a typical area of Chengdu Plain in China, considering the spatial non-stationarity of the relationships between soil Cd and the derived variables based on 339 surface soil samples. The results showed that HASM_RBFNN had lower prediction errors than OK, regression kriging (RK) and HASM_RBFNNs, which didn’t consider the spatial non-stationarity of the soil Cd-derived variables relationships. Furthermore, HASM_RBFNN provided improved detail on local variations. The better performance suggested that the derived environmental variables were effective and HASM_RBFNN was appropriate for improving the prediction of soil Cd distribution across plains.
Determination of critical cooling rates in metallic glass forming alloy libraries through laser spike annealing
Authors: Bordeenithikasem Punnathat , Liu Jingbei , Kube Sebastian A. , Li Yanglin , Ma Tianxing , Scanley B. Ellen , Broadbridge Christine C. , Vlassak Joost J. , Singer Jonathan P. , Schroers Jan
Published: July 2017

The glass forming ability (GFA) of metallic glasses (MGs) is quantified by the critical cooling rate (RC). Despite its key role in MG research, experimental challenges have limited measured RC to a minute fraction of known glass formers. We present a combinatorial approach to directly measure RC for large compositional ranges. This is realized through the use of compositionally-graded alloy libraries, which were photo-thermally heated by scanning laser spike annealing of an absorbing layer, then melted and cooled at various rates. Coupled with X-ray diffraction mapping, GFA is determined from direct RC measurements. We exemplify this technique for the Au-Cu-Si system, where we identify Au56Cu27Si17 as the alloy with the highest GFA. In general, this method enables measurements of RC over large compositional areas, which is powerful for materials discovery and, when correlating with chemistry and other properties, for a deeper understanding of MG formation.
Assessment of a novel bile solubility test and MALDI-TOF for the differentiation of Streptococcus pneumoniae from other mitis group streptococci
Authors: Slotved Hans-Christian , Facklam Richard R. , Fuursted Kurt
Published: July 2017

This study assesses a novel bile solubility test and MALDI-TOF for the differentiation of Streptococcus pneumoniae from other mitis group streptococci, including differentiation of S. pneumoniae from Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae. Eighty-four species verified mitis group isolates were subjected to our bile solubility test (which measures and calculates the differences of absorbance in the test tube containing 10% sodium deoxycholate versus a blank control tube, after incubation for 10 minutes at 36 °C using a spectrophotometer) and MALDI-TOF MS (both the standard result output and by visual spectra evaluation). Applying a calculated optimal cut-off absorbance-value of 2.1, differentiated S. pneumoniae from all but one other mitis group streptococci (one S. mitis isolate generated an OD-value above 2.1). MALDI-TOF score value identification identified correctly 46 S. pneumoniae and 4 S. pseudopneumoniae but misidentified 16 other mitis group strains. Visual spectra evaluation correctly identified all S. pneumoniae and S. pseudopneumoniae strains but misidentified 13 other mitis group strains. The bile solubility test based on spectrophotometric reading described in this study can differentiate S. pneumoniae from other Streptococcus species. Combining the bile solubility test and the MALDI-TOF spectra results provide a correct identification of all S. pneumoniae and S. pseudopneumoniae isolates.
Sensing of NO2 with zirconium hydroxide via frequency-dependent electrical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Harris Coleman R. , Soliz Jennifer R. , Klevitch Andrew D. , Bartz Michael J. , Rossin Joseph A. , Fountain Augustus W. , Hauser Adam J. , Peterson Gregory W.
Published: July 2017

Zirconium hydroxide has been investigated as a candidate nitrogen dioxide dielectric sensor using impedance spectroscopy analysis.
Terminal vs. bridging coordination of CO and NO ligands after decarbonylation of [W2Cp2(μ-PR2)(CO)3(NO)] complexes (R = Ph, Cy). An experimental and computational study
Authors: Alvarez M. Angeles , García M. Esther , García-Vivó Daniel , Rueda M. Teresa , Ruiz Miguel A. , Toyos Adrián , Vega M. Fernanda
Published: July 2017

Photolysis of the title complexes yields κ1:η2-CO-bridged derivatives, and not their unsaturated κ1:κ1-NO-bridged isomers, despite their similar thermodynamic stability.
Environmental analysis of perovskites and other relevant solar cell technologies in a tandem configuration
Authors: Celik Ilke , Phillips Adam B. , Song Zhaoning , Yan Yanfa , Ellingson Randy J. , Heben Michael J. , Apul Defne
Published: July 2017

A PKSn,Pb/PKPb tandem was found to be the most promising PV technology for lowering the environmental impacts from solar PVs.
One-pot synthesis, anti-tumor evaluation and structure–activity relationships of novel 25-OCH3-PPD derivatives
Authors: Qu Fan-Zhi , Zhao Chen , Cao Jia-Qing , Zhang Yan , Zhao Yu-Qing
Published: July 2017

Based on the fact that 25-OCH3-PPD, a natural ginsengenin isolated from the leaves of Panax ginseng, is a promising lead compound, novel 25-OCH3-PPD derivatives were synthesized to find more potent anti-tumor agents by a simple and facile synthetic method.
Thermodynamically self-organized hole transport layers for high-efficiency inverted-planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Kim Wanjung , Kim Soyeon , Chai Sung Uk , Jung Myung Sun , Nam Jae Keun , Kim Jung-Hyun , Park Jong Hyeok
Published: July 2017

Thermodynamic phase separation of hole transport layer can be demonstrated by tuning the PSS/PEDOT ratio without any post-treatment, which affects the optical, electronic and electrical properties of PEDOT:PSS layer.
Electrodeposited high strength, thermally stable spectrally selective rhenium nickel inverse opals
Authors: Zhang Runyu , Cohen Joseph , Fan Shanhui , Braun Paul V.
Published: July 2017

We demonstrate the first 3D ReNi inverse opal formed using low temperature electrodeposition and report superior material properties that could be interesting for applications under harsh environments.
Insights into the role of 3-O-sulfotransferase in heparan sulfate biosynthesis
Authors: Meneghetti Maria Cecília Zorél , Gesteira Ferreira Tarsis , Tashima Alexandre Keiji , Chavante Suely F. , Yates Edwin Alexander , Liu Jian , Nader Helena Bonciani , Lima Marcelo A.
Published: July 2017

Tree structure for the biosynthesis of 3-O-sulfated glucosamine.
Fluorescent probes for hydrogen polysulfides (H2Sn, n > 1): from design rationale to applications
Authors: Gupta Neha , Reja Shahi Imam , Bhalla Vandana , Kumar Manoj
Published: July 2017

Hydrogen polysulfides (H2Sn, n > 1) are gaining much research interest due to their involvement in signaling and cytoprotection. The present review highlights recent advances in the design of fluorescent probes for the detection of H2Sn along with the fundamental challenges and future prospects in this field.
Fabrication of p-ZnO:Na/n-ZnO:Na homojunction by surface pulsed laser irradiation
Authors: Yang Xiaopeng , Xu Xiang , Liu Feng , Zhang Liqiang , Ji Ziwu , Chen Qifeng , Cao Bingqiang
Published: July 2017

An ingenious method of preparation of ZnO homojunctions for on-chip integration purposes is proposed, by local multiple pulse laser irradiating (MPLI) ZnO:Na film (NZO).
Exploring the preferential interaction of quercetin with VEGF promoter G-quadruplex DNA and construction of a pH-dependent DNA-based logic gate
Authors: Bhattacharjee Snehasish , Sengupta Pradeep K. , Bhowmik Sudipta
Published: July 2017

The plant flavonoid quercetin (Que) binds more efficiently to VEGF G-quadruplex DNA (G4–DNA) compared to double stranded DNA as well as other G4–DNAs.
Enhancements inside and outside the junctions of Ag colloidal dimers
Authors: Yoon Hyeokjin , Suh Jung Sang
Published: July 2017

SERS signal enhancements inside and outside the junctions of the dimers were experimentally calculated.
Photo-responsive liquid crystalline epoxy networks with exchangeable disulfide bonds
Authors: Li Yuzhan , Zhang Yuehong , Rios Orlando , Keum Jong K. , Kessler Michael R.
Published: July 2017

Disulfide exchange and thiol–disulfide interchange reactions allow for reprocessing and recycling of azobenzene-based liquid crystalline networks.
Comparison of anticancer activity and antioxidant activity between cyanidin-3-O-glucoside liposomes and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside in Caco-2 cells in vitro
Authors: Liang Tisong , Guan Rongfa , Wang Zhe , Shen Haitao , Xia Qile , Liu Mingqi
Published: July 2017

In this study, we compared the antioxidant activities of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) and C3G liposomes.
Improvement of performance of a ductile/brittle polymer system by graphite nanoplatelets: effect of component coupling
Authors: Kelnar Ivan , Kratochvíl Jaroslav , Kaprálková Ludmila , Nevoralová Martina , Janata Miroslav , Fortelný Ivan , Zhigunov Alexander , Dybal Jiří
Published: July 2017

The upgrade of a PA/PS system based on the combination of reactive compatibilization of polymer components and their coupling with carbon nanoplatelets.
Bimetallic copper and zinc-catalyzed oxidative cycloaddition of 3-aminopyridazines and nitriles: a direct synthesis of 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-b]pyridazines via C–N and N–N bond-forming process
Authors: Mu Qiu-Chao , Lv Ji-Yuan , Chen Mu-Yi , Bai Xing-Feng , Chen Jing , Xia Chun-Gu , Xu Li-Wen
Published: July 2017

One-pot formation of 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-b]pyridazine derivatives is presented in this manuscript, in which the targets are offered via cooperative Cu(i)/Zn(ii)-catalyzed tandem C–N addition and I2/KI-mediated intramolecular N–N bond formation.
Alternating magnetic field mediated micro reaction system for palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions
Authors: Kim Hee Jae , Choi Jinseop , Choe Jaehoon , Song Kwang Ho , Lee Sunwoo
Published: July 2017

A continuous flow reaction system in which a palladium magnetic catalyst was immobilized and vibrated by an alternating induced magnetic field was developed.
Selective and confined growth of transition metal dichalcogenides on transferred graphene
Authors: Lu Fei , Karmakar Arka , Shahi Simran , Einarsson Erik
Published: July 2017

We demonstrate confinement of CVD grown MoS2 to a patterned graphene area, forming a vertically stacked 2D heterostructure.
A simplified characterization of S-adenosyl-l-methionine-consuming enzymes with 1-Step EZ-MTase: a universal and straightforward coupled-assay for in vitro and in vivo setting
Authors: Burgos Emmanuel S. , Walters Ryan O. , Huffman Derek M. , Shechter David
Published: July 2017

Methyltransferases useS-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) to deposit methyl marks. The 1-Step EZ-MTase coupled assay is a simple tool to study many of these epigenetic ‘writers’.
Disentangling defects and sound modes in disordered solids
Authors: Wijtmans Sven , Manning M. Lisa
Published: July 2017

Adding an artificial potential to simulations of disordered solids isolates localized excitations from phonon-like modes in the vibrational spectrum. These structural defects predict locations and displacements in particle rearrangements.
A dissipative particle dynamics simulation study on phase diagrams for the self-assembly of amphiphilic hyperbranched multiarm copolymers in various solvents
Authors: Tan Haina , Yu Chunyang , Lu Zhongyuan , Zhou Yongfeng , Yan Deyue
Published: July 2017

This work discloses for the first time the self-assembly phase diagrams of amphiphilic hyperbranched multiarm copolymers in various solvents by dissipative particle dynamics simulations.
Influences of Phonological Context on Tense Marking in Spanish–English Dual Language Learners
Authors: Combiths Philip N. , Barlow Jessica A. , Potapova Irina , Pruitt-Lord Sonja
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The emergence of tense-morpheme marking during language acquisition is highly variable, which confounds the use of tense marking as a diagnostic indicator of language impairment in linguistically diverse populations. In this study, we seek to better understand tense-marking patterns in young bilingual children by comparing phonological influences on marking of 2 word-final tense morphemes.

Method

In spontaneous connected speech samples from 10 Spanish–English dual language learners aged 56–66 months (
M
= 61.7,
SD
= 3.4), we examined marking rates of past tense
-ed
and third person singular
-s
morphemes in different environments, using multiple measures of phonological context.

Results

Both morphemes were found to exhibit notably contrastive marking patterns in some contexts. Each was most sensitive to a different combination of phonological influences in the verb stem and the following word.

Conclusions

These findings extend existing evidence from monolingual speakers for the influence of word-final phonological context on morpheme production to a bilingual population. Further, novel findings not yet attested in previous research support an expanded consideration of phonological context in clinical decision making and future research related to word-final morphology.
Modified group search optimisation‐based comparative performance evaluation of thyristor controlled series capacitor‐based fractional order damping controllers to improve load frequency control performance in restructured environment
Authors: Morsali Javad , Zare Kazem , Hagh Mehrdad Tarafdar
Published: July 2017

This study compares fractional order phase lead‐lag controller, fractional order proportional‐integral‐derivative (FOPID), and tilt‐integral‐derivative controllers as thyristor controlled series capacitor (TCSC)‐based damping controller to improve load frequency control (LFC) performance in a restructured power system. To prepare an efficient ancillary service, a precise formulation for participation of TCSC in tie‐line power flow exchange is presented which is compared with the earlier Taylor‐based approximated model. The controller parameters are adjusted by employing different evolutionary algorithms. To obtain realistic results under a competitive environment, a diverse‐GENCOs multi‐DISCOs power system with the generation rate constraint and governor dead‐band effects, communication time delay, bilateral contracts, and pool‐co transactions is taken into account. Non‐linear time‐domain simulations demonstrate that the FOPID‐based TCSC damping controller in coordination with an integral‐type simple LFC can most effectively suppress the area frequency and tie‐line power oscillations. Further investigations are performed for uncontracted higher order step and random load demands treated as contract violation scenarios to confirm the superiority of the proposed fractional order controllers‐based TCSC–LFC over the Taylor‐based TCSC–LFC. The sensitivity analysis is done for a wide range of loading condition and system parameters to compare the robustness of the considered controllers.
Sarcoidosis-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Shlobin Oksana , Baughman Robert
Published: July 2017

Sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SAPH) is found in 5 to 20% of sarcoidosis patients. Elevated pulmonary artery pressure may be due to multiple factors, including vasculocentric, parenchymal, and mechanical, as well as comorbidities such as cardiac sarcoidosis and sleep apnea. Most SAPH patients have fibrotic lung disease, but SAPH may be present in those without advanced parenchymal lung disease. Several features have been shown to suggest SAPH, including reduced DLCO, shortened 6-minute walk distance, with or without desaturation, and the presence of increased pulmonary artery to aorta ratio on CT scanning. Echocardiography remains an important tool for the evaluation of SAPH but may both over- or underestimate the severity of pulmonary artery pressure. Right heart catheterization remains the definitive test to make the diagnosis. There have been several reports on the value of different modalities of treating SAPH. These include prospective clinical trials and one double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial. Evidence-based guidelines for treatment of SAPH are discussed in this review.
Congenital Toxoplasmosis: The Unknown Disease Burden of Pregnant Women in Southeast Asia
Authors: Torres Mario , Salibay Steven , Nissapatorn Veeranoot , Salibay Cristina
Published: July 2017

Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) is caused by Toxoplasma gondii which is an Apicomplexa parasite that requires a cat for its sexual cycle and a wide array of warm-blooded animals, including man for its asexual cycle. CT develops due to vertical transmission of the parasite from an infected mother to the child. It is in this manner when the unborn child becomes susceptible to infection. The literature review revealed that 26.0% of infants born from T. gondii infected mother are subclinically infected at birth and 10.0% are either mildly or severely clinically affected, while 3.0% of neonates die. Predominant manifestation of CT is encephalomyelitis, initiated by formation of microglial nodules in the brain. However, the most remarkable classical triad signs of toxoplasmosis are hydrocephalus or microcephalus, intracranial calcification, and retinochoroiditis. Hence, this review focused on the risks of the child from developing CT, the role of the pregnant women on the transmission of the parasite, and the risks of acquiring the parasite by the expectant mothers from Southeast Asia vis-à-vis transmitting the same to the unborn child. Likewise, this review also included the methods used for the diagnosis of CT and its importance in early detection and management of the disease by assessing practical means of controlling the incidence and preventing further transmission of the parasite.
Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxocara canis Infection in Children (2–15 Years Old) Referred to Health Centers of Lorestan Province, Iran
Authors: Mahmoudvand Hossein , Ebrahimzadeh Farzad , Mirhosseini Mojgan , Faraji Mojgan , Taee Nadereh
Published: July 2017

This study aims to evaluate the seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxocara canis infection in children (2–15 years old) referred to health centers of Lorestan province, Iran. This cross-sectional study was performed from August 2016 to March 2017 on 316 children. All serum samples were tested using the commercially available anti IgG-Toxocara kit (IBL, Germany) according to manufacturer's instructions. Of the 316 children, 14 (4.4%) tested seropositive for anti-T.canis IgG antibody. The variables used to evaluate association between risk factors and status of anti-T. canis IgG antibodies were age, gender, area of residence, eosinophilia, contact with dogs, and consumption of raw or unwashed vegetables and fruits. Risk factors that were significantly related to T. canis seropositivity included living in rural regions (p = 0.018) and contact with dogs (p = 0.001). However, other demographic and risk factors did not demonstrate any association with T. canis seropositivity. To conclude, we found that T. canis infection is prevalent among children (2–15 years old) referred to health centers of Lorestan province, Iran with an overall seroprevalence rate of 4.4%. These findings may be a warning for health centers to pay special attention to toxocariasis among children (2–15 years old) and design screening programs for its prevention.
Outcomes of an Early Protocol for Dependent Conditioning in Lower Extremity Microsurgical Free Flaps
Authors: Seth Akhil , Diamond Shawn , Iorio Matthew
Published: July 2017

Background Free tissue transfer is integral to traumatic, oncologic, and diabetic lower limb reconstruction. However, limited data exist on postoperative dependent conditioning or “dangling.” We report our experience utilizing an early pathway for fasciocutaneous flap dangles.

Methods Lower extremity microsurgical reconstructions from December 2014 to December 2016 were reviewed. Postoperative pathway included tissue oximetry and Doppler monitoring. On postoperative day 2, dangling started at 5 minutes three times daily with monitoring for flap congestion, signal loss, or persistent oximetry drop. Dangles were increased daily by 5 minutes per dangle to 20 minutes three times daily.

Results Twenty-six patients underwent lower extremity reconstruction and completed an early dangling protocol with anterolateral thigh (n = 23, 88.5%) or medial sural artery perforator (MSAP, n = 3, 11.5%) flaps. Average age and body mass index (BMI) were 53.6 years and 28.6, respectively. Infection (n = 16), trauma (n = 13), exposed hardware (n = 12), and malignancy (n = 3) were common etiologies with most wounds below the knee (n = 23). Flaps were primarily taken on one perforator (n = 17) with an end-to-end arterial (n = 18) and two venous (n = 16) anastomoses. With an 8.7-month follow-up, partial and complete flap loss rates were each 3.8% (n = 1). Mean hospital stay was 7.9 days (range: 6–12 days) with 84.6% (n = 22) of patients on ambulatory care with assistance on discharge.

Conclusion Lower extremity microsurgical reconstruction can be performed safely and effectively utilizing a standardized postoperative care and dangling pathway. An early, cautious dangle protocol does not increase complications but affords decreased hospital stays and early flap conditioning. In the absence of complicating factors, such as vascular insufficiency, utilizing a defined protocol in these complex patients allows for enhanced, consistent care.
Long-Term Outcome and Secondary Operations after Proximal Row Carpectomy or Four-Corner Arthrodesis
Authors: Williams John , Weiner Hadley , Tyser Andrew
Published: July 2017

Background Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) and four-corner arthrodesis (FCA) are common surgical procedures used to treat degenerative wrist conditions; however, complications and failures can occur.

Purpose This study aimed to investigate and compare the long-term rate of secondary surgeries including conversion to total wrist arthrodesis in patients who underwent PRC or FCA.

Materials and Methods A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent PRC or FCA in the past 20 years at a tertiary referral institution and associated Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital was performed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, surgical indications, and associated complications were tabulated. Patients were contacted via phone to obtain additional follow-up information regarding any additional surgeries, 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (quickDASH) scores, hand dominance, and occupational data.

Results A total of 123 wrists made up the final dataset. Sixty-two wrists treated with PRC and 61 wrists treated with FCA were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 8.2 years. We did not find a significant difference in the rate of conversion to total wrist arthrodesis between the PRC (14.5%) and FCA (19.5%, p = 0.51) cohorts. Secondary operations were significantly greater in the FCA group (34.4%) compared with the PRC group (16.1%, p = 0.02). Females were 2.6 times more likely than males to undergo secondary operations when controlling for surgical procedure and smoking status (p = 0.04). We did not detect a significant difference in VAS pain or in quickDASH scores between the two groups (p = 0.35, 0.48, respectively).

Conclusion PRC and FCA have comparable patient reported outcomes and wrist arthrodesis conversion rates at a mean follow-up of 8.2 years. In contrast, the FCA patient group had a significantly higher rate of secondary operations, including those for nonunion, symptomatic hardware, and other implant-related issues, when combined with wrist arthrodesis conversion.

Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic study.
Unexpected Inflammation in the Sympathetic Ganglia in Thromboangiitis Obliterans
Authors: Farzadnia Mahdi , Ravari Hassan , Masoudian Mitra , Valizadeh Narges , Fazeli Bahare
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to inspect more closely the microscopic and molecular sympathetic ganglia histology in thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO). The paraffin block and frozen RNAlater-treated tissue of the lumbar sympathetic ganglia of 19 TAO Caucasian male patients were evaluated. The gene expression of cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) and cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8) markers in the frozen RNAlater-treated sympathetic ganglia tissues were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Unexpectedly, lymphocyte infiltration was observed in all of the histological sections, ranging from scattered to moderate lymphocyte infiltration. In seven patients, five of them underwent below-knee amputation, neutrophil infiltration was observed in addition to lymphocyte infiltration. The gene expression of the CD8 marker in all of the samples with the expression of CD4 markers in only four tissue samples was demonstrated. The expression of CD8 in comparison to CD4 was approximately 4.37-fold changes using Pfaffle method. It appears that inflammation of the sympathetic ganglia plays a role in the pathophysiology of TAO and its outcome. Sympathetic ganglia inflammation may be responsible for general vasoconstriction, vascular inflammation, and the increased risk of thrombotic events, by activating the platelets. The dominant infiltration of T cytotoxic lymphocytes and neutrophils in sympathetic ganglia may probably support the idea of possible intracellular infectious pathogen trigger for TAO and consequently infiltration of pathogen-specific T cells into the sympathetic ganglia in TAO.
The Effect of Blood Transfusion on Outcomes in Aortic Surgery
Authors: Velasquez Camilo , Singh Mrinal , Bin Mahmood Syed , Brownstein Adam , Zafar Mohammad , Saeyeldin Ayman , Ziganshin Bulat , Elefteriades John
Published: July 2017

The use of blood transfusion in cardiac surgery varies widely. The beneficial effects of blood products are offset by an increase in morbidity and mortality. Despite multiple studies showing an association between blood product exposure and adverse short- and long-term events, it is difficult to determine causality. Nevertheless, the implication is sufficient to warrant the search for alternative strategies to reduce the use of blood products while providing a standard of care that optimizes postoperative outcomes. Aortic surgery, in particular, is associated with an increased risk of bleeding requiring a blood transfusion. There is a paucity of evidence within aortic surgery regarding the deleterious effects of blood products. Here, we review the current evidence regarding patient outcomes after blood transfusion in cardiac surgery, with special emphasis on aortic surgery.
Bedeutung der ERBB-Rezeptorfamilie beim Urothelkarzinom der Harnblase: mRNA-Expression und prognostische Relevanz
Authors: Erben Philipp , Wezel Felix , Wirtz Ralph , Martini Thomas , Stein Doron , Weis Cleo-Aaron , Hartmann Arndt , Bolenz Christian
Published: July 2017

Hintergrund Es sind widersprüchliche Ergebnisse zur (Über)-Expression der Epidermalen Wachstumsfaktoren (ERBB1 – 4) Rezeptoren beim Urothelkarzinom der Harnblase (UCB) beschrieben. EGFR (ERBB1) und HER2 (ERBB2) stellen interessante und bereits bei anderen Entitäten etablierte therapeutische Zielstrukturen dar. Wir untersuchten die Expression von ERBB 1 – 4 auf mRNA-Ebene.

Material und Methoden 94 Patienten (w = 22; m = 72; medianes Alter: 66,5 (39 – 88) wurden retrospektiv analysiert. In Zystektomiepräparaten wurde die Expression der ERBB-Familie (ERBB1 – 4) auf RNA-Ebene nach Extraktion aus Formalin-fixiertem und Paraffin-eingebettetem Gewebe bestimmt. Die Genexpression wurde mittels Partitionstest, univariable und multivariable Regressionsanalysen in Assoziation mit histopathologischen Parametern, dem rezidivfreien (RFS) und krebsspezifischen Überleben (CSS) untersucht. Das mediane Follow up betrug 28,2 Monate (0,6 – 139).

Ergebnisse Unter Verwendung des für das CSS etablierten Cut off Levels wurde eine Überexpression bei 18 % (ERBB3), 39 % (EGFR), 34 % (HER2, ERBB2), und 30 % (ERBB4) der Patienten beobachtet. In der univariablen Analyse zeigten eine hohe HER2 – (ERBB2-) Expression (p = 0,014), ein höheres pT-Stadium (p = 0,012), ein positiver pN-Status (p = 0,0002) und eine hohe ERBB4-Expression (p = 0,012) eine signifikante Assoziation mit dem RFS. Eine niedrige HER2 – (ERBB2-) Expression (p = 0,042) und ein pN0-Status (p = 0,0003) waren signifikant mit einem längeren CSS assoziiert. Ein positiver pN-Status (p = 0,0011) und eine hohe ERBB4-Expression (p = 0,0073) waren unabhängige Prognosefaktoren für ein reduziertes RFS. Ein positiver pN-Status (p = 0,0016) war ein unabhängiger Prognosefaktor für ein reduziertes CSS. 

Schlussfolgerungen Eine hohe HER2-Expression ist mit einem reduzierten krankheitsspezifischen Überleben bei Patienten mit UCB nach radikaler Zystektomie assoziiert, zeigte jedoch keinen unabhängigen Prognosewert. Weitere Studien müssen klären, welche Patienten von einer zielgerichteten Therapie gegen HER2 (ERBB2) profitieren könnten.
Behaviors of beryllium compensation doping in InGaAsP grown by gas source molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Ma Y. J. , Zhang Y. G. , Gu Y. , Xi S. P. , Chen X. Y. , Liang Baolai , Juang Bor-Chau , Huffaker Diana L. , Du B. , Shao X. M. , Fang J. X.
Published: July 2017

We report structural properties as well as electrical and optical behaviors of beryllium (Be)-doped InGaAsP lattice-matched to InP grown by gas source molecular beam epitaxy. P type layers present a high degree of compensation on the order of 1018 cm−3, and for Be densities below 9.5×1017 cm−3, they are found to be n type. Enhanced incorporation of oxygen during Be doping is observed by secondary ion mass spectroscopy. Be in forms of interstitial donors or donor-like Be-O complexes for cell temperatures below 800°C is proposed to account for such anomalous compensation behaviors. A constant photoluminescence energy of 0.98 eV without any Moss-Burstein shift for Be doping levels up to 1018 cm−3 along with increased emission intensity due to passivation effect of Be is also observed. An increasing number of minority carriers tend to relax via Be defect state-related Shockley-Read-Hall recombination with the increase of Be doping density.
Optical frequency combs generated by four-wave mixing in a dual wavelength Brillouin laser cavity
Authors: Li Qing , Jia Zhi-xu , Li Zhen-rui , Yang Yue-de , Xiao Jin-long , Chen Shao-wu , Qin Guan-shi , Huang Yong-zhen , Qin Wei-ping
Published: July 2017

We propose and demonstrate the generation of optical frequency combs via four-wave mixing in a dual wavelength Brillouin laser cavity. When pumped by two continuous-wave lasers with a varied frequency separation, dual wavelength Brillouin lasers with reduced linewidth and improved optical signal to noise ratios are generated in a direction opposite to the pump laser. Simultaneously, cavity-enhanced cascaded four-wave mixing between dual wavelength Brillouin lasers occurs in the laser cavity, causing the generation of broadband optical frequency combs with step tunable mode spacing from 40 to 1300 GHz. Compared to the cavity-less case, the number of the comb lines generated in the dual wavelength Brillouin laser cavity is increased by ∼38 times.
Proton energy behavior by variation of the target density in laser acceleration
Authors: Morita Toshimasa
Published: July 2017

Ion acceleration using a laser pulse irradiating a thin disk target is examined using three-dimensional and two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. A laser pulse of 620 TW, with an intensity of 5×1021 W/cm2 and a duration of 27 fs, is irradiated on to a double-layer target. Simulations are performed by varying the ion density, i.e., electron density, of the first layer with a fixed areal mass density. It is shown that the obtained proton energy increases dramatically for a certain density of the first layer, which is made of a material having a small mass over charge ratio, “light” material, such as carbon; that is, the Coulomb explosion of the target and radiation pressure acceleration act effectively above a certain density. Moreover, even for the same electron density, the reflection of the laser pulse from the first layer is small for a “light” material.
Dimension reduction techniques for the minimization of theta functions on lattices
Authors: Bétermin Laurent , Petrache Mircea
Published: July 2017

We consider the minimization of theta functions 𝜃Λ(α)=∑p∈Λe−πα|p|2 amongst periodic configurations Λ⊂Rd, by reducing the dimension of the problem, following as a motivation the case d = 3, where minimizers are supposed to be either the body-centered cubic or the face-centered cubic lattices. A first way to reduce dimension is by considering layered lattices, and minimize either among competitors presenting different sequences of repetitions of the layers, or among competitors presenting different shifts of the layers with respect to each other. The second case presents the problem of minimizing theta functions also on translated lattices, namely, minimizing (Λ,u)↦𝜃Λ+u(α), relevant to the study of two-component Bose-Einstein condensates, Wigner bilayers and of general crystals. Another way to reduce dimension is by considering lattices with a product structure or by successively minimizing over concentric layers. The first direction leads to the question of minimization amongst orthorhombic lattices, whereas the second is relevant for asymptotics questions, which we study in detail in two dimensions.
A universal order parameter for synchrony in networks of limit cycle oscillators
Authors: Schröder Malte , Timme Marc , Witthaut Dirk
Published: July 2017

We analyze the properties of order parameters measuring synchronization and phase locking in complex oscillator networks. First, we review network order parameters previously introduced and reveal several shortcomings: none of the introduced order parameters capture all transitions from incoherence over phase locking to full synchrony for arbitrary, finite networks. We then introduce an alternative, universal order parameter that accurately tracks the degree of partial phase locking and synchronization, adapting the traditional definition to account for the network topology and its influence on the phase coherence of the oscillators. We rigorously prove that this order parameter is strictly monotonously increasing with the coupling strength in the phase locked state, directly reflecting the dynamic stability of the network. Furthermore, it indicates the onset of full phase locking by a diverging slope at the critical coupling strength. The order parameter may find applications across systems where different types of synchrony are possible, including biological networks and power grids.
Food resource partitioning between two sympatric temperate wrasses
Authors: Sinopoli Mauro , Chemello Renato , Vaccaro Antonino , Milazzo Marco
Published: July 2017

The present study analysed two sympatric wrasses, Thalassoma pavo and Coris julis, with similar sizes and morphologies, that are widespread in the reef habitats of the Mediterranean and the eastern Atlantic coast. Ocean warming has induced the northward movement of T. pavo, whereas C. julis has been moving to deeper habitats. In addition, under conditions of high slope of the sea bottom, T. pavo occupies shallow habitats and C. julis is in greater abundance in deeper habitats. By investigating stomach contents and prey availability in the benthos, we assessed whether the two wrasses exploit food resources by choosing different prey within the same habitat both under co-existence and segregation conditions. The results showed that T. pavo mainly feeds on gammarids and sipunculids, whereas C. julis mainly feeds on Alvania spp. and Paguroidea. The two wrasses also showed an intrinsic partitioning of food resources, independently of the condition of co-existence or segregation and benthic prey availability in the environment. The two wrasses fall in the ‘over dispersion of resource use’ model, in which species share numerous niche dimensions in a variable manner. Our findings may contribute to exclude a greater trophic competition between these labrid species in a projected warming scenario.
Are nurses meeting the needs of men in primary care?
Authors: Lovett Del , Rasmussen Bodil , Holden Carol , Livingston Patricia M.
Published: July 2017

Meeting men’s health needs by improving healthcare service access is a key objective of comprehensive primary health care. The aims of this qualitative study were to explore the perception of nurses in men’s health services and to describe men’s expectation of the nurse. The comparative component identifies the barriers and facilitators to improved access to health services. A purposive sample of 19 nurses and 20 men was recruited from metropolitan and regional settings in the state of Victoria, Australia, and each participant was interviewed individually or as part of three focus groups. The main findings were: nurses and men were unclear on the role of the nurse in men’s health; and health promotion provided by nurses was predominantly opportunistic. Both participant groups indicated barriers to healthcare access related to: the culture and environment in general practice; limitation of Australia’s Medicare healthcare financing system; out-of-pocket costs, waiting time and lack of extended hours; and men not wanting to be perceived as complainers. Facilitators related to: positive inter-professional relations; effective communication; personal qualities; and level of preparedness of nurse education. The findings demonstrate a need for the role to be better understood by both men and nurses in order to develop alternative approaches to meeting men’s healthcare needs.
Constructing cooperative and antagonistic intercorporeality
Authors: Vine Elaine W.
Published: July 2017

The focus of this paper is on what constitutes cooperative intercorporeality and what constitutes antagonistic intercorporeality in the context of rugby union, a sport that involves frequent heavy body contact. This focus is explored through the lens of how professional rugby union referees control the enactment of this professional sport on the field. The paper investigates how referees in rugby union use talk and other action (e.g. whistle, body movement and positioning in space, gesture) in controlling professional matches, that is, “doing refereeing”. It explores the construction of cooperative and antagonistic intercorporeality through a multimodal analysis of the organization and negotiation of refereeing by referees and players.
Intercorporeal (re)enaction
Authors: Evans Bryn
Published: July 2017

Sports coaching scholars increasingly understand coaching as a socio-pedagogical activity consisting of social interactions between coaches and athletes that aim to teach and improve skills and competencies. Coach feedback for the purpose of correcting player performance is a core feature of this activity, but coaching scholarship exploring the fine-grained organization of coaching corrections remains minimal. This chapter examines how correction events in basketball training are interactionally organized via participants’ mobilization of sequential embodied and linguistic resources. The analysis centres on the participants’ collaborative production and use of reenactments as a means of correcting player conduct, illuminating how the coach and players collaborate to configure an intercorporeal context that enables players to see and feel problematic performances and their correct alternatives.
White, Burke and the “literary” nature of historical controversies
Authors: Tozzi Verónica
Published: July 2017

In this article, my aim is to investigate the contributions that literary theory, as a theory of each and every type of general discursive construction, can offer to shed light on the nature of historiographical controversies, not only in relation to the difficulty of consensual resolution but to the undesirability of agreeing on a single account of the past. This diagnosis, we can assert, is general and shared; nobody argues, in social sciences and humanities, in favor of the search for a unified theory, or a single account. The question is how to account for the plurality and diversity of interpretations in conflict, and the consequences of this plurality for research itself.
Rhetorical analysis of health risk discourse
Authors: García Javier Nespereira
Published: July 2017

This paper is part of my research on public health crisis communication. I have studied the discursive strategies at play in the case of the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic within the framework of rhetoric and argumentation theory. Here, I analyse two opposing speeches given at the turning point of the 2009 pandemic crisis: the hearing in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on the management of the pandemic by WHO (World Health Organization).

The aim of my study is to highlight the rhetorical nature of public trust as the central attribute of public health institutions’ professional identity. In other words, how these factors – trust and identity – are constructed using arguments, such as the argument from authority or the precautionary principle, and the narratives that give meaning to these arguments.
The (re)construction of gender roles in the genre of song
Authors: Filardo-Llamas Laura
Published: July 2017

This chapter follows recent trends in CDA and adopts a constructivist, cognitive and multimodal approach to discourse analysis. I focus on the study of songs to analyse how discursive mechanisms are used to fight commonly held beliefs about female identity. The songs selected, taken from a wider corpus, attempt to fight domestic violence and/or try to empower women. In some of them, we can observe how a new identity is constructed while in others we observe that gender stereotypes, and the patriarchal beliefs upon which they are based, are still subtly maintained. In most cases, we can see that the songs are characterised by vague discursive constructions which are only meaningful in context.
Totallyorslightlydifferent?
Authors: Hessner Tanja , Gawlitzek Ira
Published: July 2017

Since the late twentieth century, the usage of intensifiers, such asabsolutely,veryorslightly, has been investigated in relation to gender. Whereas previous literature has widely agreed that women and men do indeed use intensifiers differently, there has been some disagreement as to which gender uses them more frequently. Taking up this discussion, this study explores authentic data provided in the Spoken BNC2014S by investigating 39 intensifiers. After establishing the ten most frequently used intensifiers by women and men, these are subcategorized and investigated for gender and age effects. The results generally support earlier findings, however, they also illustrate that there is much interindividual variation and variation regarding individual intensifiers and that there are fascinating interactions with other variables such as age.
Sociolinguistic variation at the grammatical/discourse level
Authors: Calude Andreea S.
Published: July 2017

This paper brings together the study of sociolinguistic variation and the area of grammatical analysis by investigating demonstrative cleft constructions in spoken British English such asThat’s what I wanted to talk aboutandThis is where I saw him. Using the Spoken BNC2014S, I ask whether speaker characteristics, including gender, age, education and occupation, might be correlated with the use of demonstrative clefts and with various aspects of their structure (preference for the distal or proximal demonstrative pronoun, use of negative polarity, and use of stance adverbs). Findings suggest that in British English, demonstrative cleft use is more likely to be present in the speech of male compared to female speakers, working adults in higher-skilled occupations compared to semi-skilled adults, and in adults of middle age compared to younger adults. This work shows that even highly abstract grammatical constructions can be sensitive to speaker preferences and linguistic communicative style.
Nitrocarburising of annealed and severe plastically deformed 16MnCr5 steel
Authors: Caliari D. , Timelli G. , Vanzo F.
Published: July 2017

The microstructure resulting from a gaseous multistage nitrocarburising treatment applied to a 16MnCr5 steel has been investigated to study the microstructural evolution during the process and the effects of severe plastic deformation. The depth of the compound layer and the porous zone has been measured by optical microscopy. The microstructure has been investigated by means of a scanning electron microscope equipped with both an electron backscatter diffraction detector, to assess the amount and the distribution of nitrogen nitrides, and an energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis to reveal the N diffusion depth. Finally, microhardness investigations have been carried out. The results indicate that severe plastic deformation influences the microstructure of the compound layer, the N concentration trends and the hardness profiles. The effects of severe plastic deformation lead to a greater initial diffusivity of nitrogen, a subsequent premature N saturation in the diffusion zone and an increased porous/compact-layer thickness ratio.