bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspiration cytology of a scalp lump
Authors: Bharani V. , Kumar R. , Dey P.
Published: May 2018

Unusual lesions presenting as lumps on the skin can be diagnosed with some confidence by cytology. We describe the cytological features of an uncommon tumor on the scalp.
Alemtuzumab vs anti‐thymocyte globulin in patients transplanted from an unrelated donor after a reduced intensity conditioning
Authors: Robin Marie , Raj Kavita , Chevret Sylvie , Gauthier Jordan , de Lavallade Hugues , Michonneau David , McLornan Donal , Peffault de Latour Régis , Potter Victoria , Kulasekararaj Austin , Sicre de Fontbrune Flore , Pagliuca Antonio , Yakoub‐Agha Ibrahim , Socié Gérard , Mufti Ghulam J.
Published: May 2018

Objective

Relapse and graft‐vs‐host disease (GVHD) are still the main complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, especially in the setting of reduced intensity regimen (RIC) and unrelated donor. We compared here anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) or alemtuzumab as GVHD prophylaxis in patients with myeloid disease transplanted after RIC and from an unrelated donor.

Method

ATG and alemtuzumab patients have been matched by age, gender, HLA matching, comorbidities and cytogenetics risk (119 patients in each group).

Results

After matching, we found that ATG decreased the risk of relapse (HR: 0.55, P = .0049) and improved relapse‐free survival (RFS, HR: 0.70, P = .042). The improved RFS with ATG was more pronounced in CMV‐positive patients but was not influenced by disease risk. Regarding overall survival, GVHD‐free relapse‐free survival and transplant‐related mortality, the risk was similar using ATG or alemtuzumab.

Conclusion

Even if GVHD risk is lowered by alemtuzumab use, it does not translate in better outcome due to higher risk of relapse.
Analysis of the intragranular microstructure in ceramic nanocomposites and their effect on the mechanical properties
Authors: Luo Junting , Luo Shuyi , Zhang Chunxiang , Xue Yahong , Chen Guoqing
Published: May 2018

The formation of intragranular microstructure in Al2O3/ZrO2 and Si2N2O/Si3N4 nanocomposites was analyzed, and the effect of intragranular microstructure on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites was investigated. Results suggest 3 requisite conditions for the formation of intragranular microstructure and the role of intracrystalline glass phase and scar microstructure. In case of Al2O3/ZrO2, the intragranular microstructure leads to the formation of transgranular fracture, which in turn improves the mechanical properties via strengthening and toughening. On the other hand, in case of Si3N4/Si2N2O nanocomposites, intragranular microstructure reduces the possibility of bridging, pulling out, and crack deflection, thereby leading to the deterioration of strength and toughness. Based on these results, we can conclude that the formation of intragranular microstructure does not necessarily improve the mechanical properties in all kinds of materials. Rather, the effect of intragranular microstructure on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites is related to the strengthening and toughing mechanism of matrix materials.
High permittivity (1−x)Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3‐xPbMg1/3Nb2/3O3 ceramics for high‐temperature‐stable capacitors
Authors: Hu Fanting , Chen Xuefeng , Peng Ping , Cao Fei , Dong Xianlin , Wang Genshui
Published: May 2018

(1−x)Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3‐xPbMg1/3Nb2/3O3[(1−x)BNT‐xPMN] ceramics have been fabricated via a conventional solid‐state method for compositions x ≤ 0.3. The microstructure, phase structure, ferroelectric, and dielectric properties of ceramics were systematically studied as high‐temperature capacitor materials. XRD pattern certified perovskite phase with no secondary phase in all compositions. As PMN concentration increased, the phase of (1−x)BNT‐xPMN ceramics transformed from ferroelectric to relaxor gradually at room temperature, with prominent enhancement of dielectric temperature stability. For the composition x = 0.2, the temperature coefficient of capacitance (TCC) was <15% in a wide temperature range from 56 to 350°C with high relative permittivity (>3300) and low dielectric loss (<0.02) at 150°C, which indicated promising future for (1−x)BNT‐xPMN system as high‐temperature stable capacitor materials.
Effect of chemical inhomogeneity on domains and ferroelectric properties of Fe‐modified 0.77Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–0.23SrTiO3
Authors: Cho Jeong‐Ho , Jeong Seung‐Jae , Kim Sung‐Won , Jeon Chang‐Jun , Jeong Young‐Hun , Yun Ji‐Sun , Hong Youn‐Woo , Paik Jong‐Hoo
Published: May 2018

Lead‐free 0.77(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3–0.23Sr(Ti1−xFex)O3 (x = 0, 0.04) (BNT–23STFx) was prepared using a conventional solid‐state reaction route. The effects of Fe‐modification on the chemical homogeneity from a μm scale perspective, the core‐shell domains structures, and the ferroelectric properties were investigated. The chemical homogeneity was analyzed using energy dispersive X‐ray mapping in scanning transmission electron microscopy mode, and the field‐dependent behaviors of strain and polarization were obtained to determine the ferroelectric properties. Substituting Fe3+ for Ti4+ resulted in completely different electrical behavior and properties, despite similar XRD patterns and microstructures. The Fe‐substitution promoted the mobility of Sr2+ ions in the BNT phase and, as a consequence, the chemical homogeneity increased and the core‐domains collapsed. Extending the ceramic processing, such as milling time and sintering time, affected domain distribution and compositional inhomogeneity, which led to a gradual transformation from ferroelectric to relaxor.
Queering Family Scholarship: Theorizing from the Borderlands
Authors: Acosta Katie L.
Published: May 2018

In this article, I explore the potential in producing queerer intersectional family scholarship for the advancement of theory. I offer an analysis of the ways queer theory enriches family scholarship while remaining critical of how its inattention to race as an identity category has limited its potential and scholarly theorizing across difference. I highlight queer Latinx family research to illustrate some of the nuance that is missing in scholarship that centers only a White middle‐class subject. I suggest that scholars take note of how queer feminists of color have approached building theory in the flesh. I offer that queerer intersectional family scholarship should occur from the borderlands. Doing so furthers an important goal in queerer family scholarship: to better attend to lived experience and develop a more intersectional theory.
Determinants of intra‐firm trade: Evidence from foreign affiliates in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Blanas Sotiris , Seric Adnan
Published: May 2018

By exploiting a unique sample of foreign affiliates in Sub‐Saharan Africa, we study previously examined and unexamined firm‐level determinants of intra‐firm trade. We document that foreign affiliates engaging in intra‐firm trade are relatively few and that the majority of these also engage in trade at arm's length, which accounts for an important fraction of their total trade. The identified firm‐level determinants of intra‐firm trade are consistent with property rights and intangible asset theories of the multinational firm, with international production hierarchy theories, as well as with theories of complex FDI and of multinational activity under credit constraints.
Mitoprotection preserves the renal vasculature in porcine metabolic syndrome
Authors: Eirin Alfonso , Hedayat Ahmad F. , Ferguson Christopher M. , Textor Stephen C. , Lerman Amir , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: May 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

We hypothesized that chronic mitoprotection would decrease renal vascular remodelling and dysfunction in swine metabolic syndrome.

What is the main finding and its importance?

This study shows that experimental metabolic syndrome exerts renal microvascular and endothelial cell mitochondrial injury, which were attenuated by mitoprotection, underscoring the contribution of mitochondrial injury to the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome‐induced vascular damage.

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) induces intrarenal microvascular disease, which may involve mitochondrial injury. The mitochondrial cardiolipin‐targeting peptide elamipretide (ELAM) improves the microcirculation in post‐stenotic kidneys, but its ability to attenuate MetS‐induced renal vascular damage is unknown. We hypothesized that chronic treatment with ELAM would decrease renal vascular remodelling and function in swine MetS. Pigs were studied after 16 weeks of diet‐induced MetS, MetS treated for the last 4 weeks with daily injections of ELAM (0.1 mg kg−1), and lean control (Lean) animals (n = 6 each). Single‐kidney regional perfusion, blood flow and glomerular filtration rate were measured with multi‐detector computed tomography (CT). Peritubular capillary (PTC) endothelial cell (EC) mitochondrial density and cardiolipin content were assessed in situ, as were PTC‐EC apoptosis and oxidative stress. The spatial density of PTCs (Haematoxylin and Eosin staining) and renal microvessels (micro‐CT), and renal artery endothelial function (organ bath) were characterized. Regional perfusion and serum creatinine were preserved in MetS pigs, but renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate were higher compared with Lean. Mitochondrial density and cardiolipin content were diminished in MetS PTC‐ECs, but improved in ELAM‐treated pigs, as did PTC density. Elamipretide also attenuated PTC‐EC oxidative stress and apoptosis. Furthermore, ELAM improved renal microvascular density, decreased microvascular remodelling and restored endothelial nitric oxide expression and endothelium‐dependent relaxation of renal artery segments. In conclusion, MetS‐induced mitochondrial alterations might contribute to renal PTC and microvascular loss and might impair renal artery endothelial function in pigs. Mitoprotection with ELAM preserved a hierarchy of renal vessels, underscoring its potential to ameliorate renal vascular injury in MetS.
Assessment of Mechanical Characteristics of Ankle-Foot Orthoses
Authors: Wach Amanda , McGrady Linda , Wang Mei , Silver-Thorn Barbara
Published: May 2018

Recent designs of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) have been influenced by the increasing demand for higher function from active individuals. The biomechanical function of the individual and device is dependent upon the underlying mechanical characteristics of the AFO. Prior mechanical testing of AFOs has primarily focused on rotational stiffness to provide insight into expected functional outcomes; mechanical characteristics pertaining to energy storage and release have not yet been investigated. A pseudostatic bench testing method is introduced to characterize compressive stiffness, device deflection, and motion of solid-ankle, anterior floor reaction, posterior leaf spring, and the intrepid dynamic exoskeletal orthosis (IDEO) AFOs. Each of these four AFOs, donned over a surrogate limb, were compressively loaded at different joint angles to simulate the foot-shank orientation during various subphases of stance. In addition to force–displacement measurements, deflection of each AFO strut and rotation of proximal and supramalleolar segments were analyzed. Although similar compressive stiffness values were observed for AFOs designed to reduce ankle motion, the corresponding strut deflection profile differed based on the respective fabrication material. For example, strut deflection of carbon-fiber AFOs resembled column buckling. Expanded clinical test protocols to include quantification of AFO deflection and rotation during subject use may provide additional insight into design and material effects on performance and functional outcomes, such as energy storage and release.
Characterizing the HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist Device Outflow Using Particle Image Velocimetry
Authors: Rowlands Grant W. , Good Bryan C. , Deutsch Steven , Manning Keefe B.
Published: May 2018

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are implanted in patients with a diseased ventricle to maintain peripheral perfusion as a bridge-to-transplant or as destination therapy. However, some patients with continuous flow VADs (e.g., HeartMate II (HMII)) have experienced gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, in part caused by the proteolytic cleavage or mechanical destruction of von Willebrand factor (vWF), a clotting glycoprotein. in vitro studies were performed to measure the flow located within the HMII outlet cannula under both steady and physiological conditions using particle image velocimetry (PIV). Under steady flow, a mock flow loop was used with the HMII producing a flow rate of 3.2 L/min. The physiological experiment included a pulsatile pump operated at 105 BPM with a ventricle filling volume of 50 mL and in conjunction with the HMII producing a total flow rate of 5.0 L/min. Velocity fields, Reynolds normal stresses (RNSs), and Reynolds shear stresses (RSSs) were analyzed to quantify the outlet flow's potential contribution to vWF degradation. Under both flow conditions, the HMII generated principal Reynolds stresses that are, at times, orders of magnitude higher than those needed to unfurl vWF, potentially impacting its physiological function. Under steady flow, principal RNSs were calculated to be approximately 500 Pa in the outlet cannula. Elevated Reynolds stresses were observed throughout every phase of the cardiac cycle under physiological flow with principal RNSs approaching 1500 Pa during peak systole. Prolonged exposure to these conditions may lead to acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AvWS), which is accompanied by uncontrollable bleeding episodes.
Electrodeposition of metallic Cu from CuCl gas source transported into ionic liquid in a vacuum
Authors: Sato Yosuke , Maruyama Shingo , Matsumoto Yuji
Published: May 2018

The authors propose a new electrochemical process combined with vapor-phase deposition. In this process, an ionic liquid (IL) layer of ∼20-μm thickness is used as the electrolyte and then coated on a patterned electrode substrate. The desired source material to electro-deposit is then introduced into the IL layer by vapor deposition in a vacuum under the control of applied electrode potential. In this work, the authors have demonstrated that metallic Cu was electrodeposited in IL by depositing CuCl from the gas phase. At negative electrode potentials versus Cu, CuCl was able to be reduced to metallic Cu, while CuCl remained as-deposited at positive electrode potentials versus Cu. The current density during the electrodeposition was found to strongly correlate with the vapor deposition rate of CuCl at an electrode potential of −0.7 V versus Cu. This suggests that the rate-limiting step in this overpotential region was the vapor deposition rate of CuCl. The rate could then be used to directly modulate the size and density of metallic Cu crystal grains.
Investigation of top gate GaN thin-film transistor fabricated by DC magnetron sputtering
Authors: Chen Rongsheng , Deng Sunbin , Liu Yuan , Liu Yurong , Li Bin , Wong Man , Kwok Hoi-Sing
Published: May 2018

Top-gate thin-film transistors (TFTs) with an n-type GaN thin film active channel layer have been fabricated and characterized. At a substrate temperature of 550 °C, rather than room temperature, the GaN thin films deposited by the reactive direct current magnetron sputtering technique have an average grain size of 25 nm. Without high temperature postannealing process, the proposed GaN TFTs exhibit good electrical performance with a field effect mobility of 2.5 cm2/V s, a threshold voltage of 4.5 V, an on/off current ratio of 1.5 × 105, and a subthreshold swing of 0.7 V/decade. The proposed GaN thin film is promising for TFT active channel application in active-matrix display.
Copper-induced recrystallization and interdiffusion of CdTe/ZnTe thin films
Authors: Samoilenko Yegor , Abbas Ali , Michael Walls J. , Wolden Colin A.
Published: May 2018

ZnTe is commonly employed as a buffer layer between CdTe and the metallization layer at the back contact of state-of-the-art CdTe solar cells. Here, the critical role of Cu in catalyzing recrystallization and interdiffusion between CdTe and ZnTe layers during back contact activation is presented. Several CdTe/ZnTe:Cu thin-film samples were prepared with varying levels of copper loading and annealed as a function of temperature and time. The samples were characterized by x-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The results show that stress is present in the as-deposited bilayers and that negligible interdiffusion occurs in the absence of Cu. The presence of Cu facilitates rapid interdiffusion, predominantly via Cd migration into the ZnTe phase. Zn migration into CdTe is limited to areas around defects and grain boundaries. Ternary CdxZn1-xTe interlayers are formed, and the extent of alloy formation ranges from 0.08 < x < 0.5 throughout the whole ZnTe layer. The level of Cu loading controls the composition of the CuxTe clusters observed, while their size and migration is a function of annealing conditions.
Remote plasma atomic layer deposition of silicon nitride with bis(dimethylaminomethyl-silyl)trimethylsilyl amine and N2 plasma for gate spacer
Authors: Jang Woochool , Kim Hyunjung , Kweon Youngkyun , Jung Chanwon , Cho Haewon , Shin Seokyoon , Kim Hyunjun , Lim Kyungpil , Jeon Hyeongtag , Lim Heewoo
Published: May 2018

The silicon nitride (SiNx) atomic layer deposition with bis(dimethylaminomethylsilyl)-trimethylsilyl amine precursor and N2 remote plasma was investigated. The process window ranged from 250 to 400 °C, and the growth rate was about 0.38 ± 0.02 Å/cycle. The physical, chemical, and electrical characteristics of the SiNx thin films were examined as a function of deposition temperature and plasma power. Based on the results of spectroscopic ellipsometry and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the growth rate and state of binding energy showed little difference depending on the plasma power. The better film properties such as leakage current density and etch resistance were obtained at higher deposition temperatures and higher plasma power. High wet etch resistance (wet etch rate of ∼2 nm/min) and low leakage current density (∼10−8 A/cm2) were obtained. The step coverage, examined by transmission electron microscopy, was about 80% on a trench with an aspect ratio of 4.5.
Performance evaluation of an active headrest considering non-stationary broadband disturbances and head movement
Authors: Buck Jan , Jukkert Sergej , Sachau Delf
Published: May 2018

An application of active noise control (ANC) is the active headrest, using actuators (loadspeakers), sensors (microphones), and a controller to create a local zone of quiet around the occupants head. In this paper, the attenuation performance of various ANC-algorithms for active headrests known from literature is evaluated considering non-stationary broadband disturbances and head movement. Numerical studies are performed to determine the optimal plant models and parameters for the ANC-algorithms. Based on the findings of the numerical studies, several real-time experiments are conducted with and without head tracking examining the distribution of the 10 dB zone of quiet and the attenuation at the occupants ear using either a head mounted microphone technique, the remote microphone technique, the virtual microphone technique, or the virtual microphone control method. It is found that none of the algorithms using a virtual sensing technique can produce a 10 dB zone of quiet for all considered non-stationary broadband disturbances and head movement. For the algorithm using a head mounted microphone, it is possible to form a 10 dB zone of quiet, but placing a microphone at the ear is not feasible in most situations.
Quantum spin Hall insulator with a large bandgap, Dirac fermions, and bilayer graphene analog
Authors: Krishtopenko Sergey S. , Teppe Frédéric
Published: May 2018

We propose a new III–V semiconductor system hosting a large-gap quantum spin Hall insulator and unconventional metal states.
Thermodynamic limit for synthesis of metastable inorganic materials
Authors: Aykol Muratahan , Dwaraknath Shyam S. , Sun Wenhao , Persson Kristin A.
Published: May 2018

Amorphous forms serve as thermodynamic upper bounds on the free energy scale for synthesis of metastable crystalline polymorphs.
The role of electron irradiation history in liquid cell transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Moser Trevor H. , Mehta Hardeep , Park Chiwoo , Kelly Ryan T. , Shokuhfar Tolou , Evans James E.
Published: May 2018

New nanofluidic LC-TEM devices enable controlling and understanding electron irradiation history effects on liquid samples.
Negative-pressure polymorphs made by heterostructural alloying
Authors: Siol Sebastian , Holder Aaron , Steffes James , Schelhas Laura T. , Stone Kevin H. , Garten Lauren , Perkins John D. , Parilla Philip A. , Toney Michael F. , Huey Bryan D. , Tumas William , Lany Stephan , Zakutayev Andriy
Published: May 2018

Mixing materials with different crystal structures leads to new phases that otherwise would require negative pressure to be made.
Incidence of Acute Kidney Injury among Patients Treated with Piperacillin-Tazobactam or Meropenem in Combination with Vancomycin
Authors: Rutter W. Cliff , Burgess David S.
Published: May 2018

Acute kidney injury (AKI) increases during empirical antimicrobial therapy with the combination of piperacillin-tazobactam (TZP) and vancomycin (VAN) compared to the number of incidences with monotherapy or the combination of cefepime and VAN. Limited data regarding the impact of meropenem (MEM) combined with VAN exist. This study examined the AKI incidence among patients treated with MEM plus VAN (MEM+VAN) or TZP+VAN. Data were collected from the University of Kentucky Center for Clinical and Translational Science Enterprise Data Trust from September 2007 through October 2015. Adults without previous renal disease who received MEM+VAN or TZP+VAN for at least 2 days were included. AKI was assessed using risk, injury, failure, loss, and end-stage (RIFLE) criteria. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was utilized to control for differences between groups. In total, 10,236 patients met inclusion criteria, with 9,898 receiving TZP+VAN and 338 receiving MEM+VAN. AKI occurred in 15.4% of MEM+VAN patients and in 27.4% of TZP+VAN patients (
P
< 0.001). TZP+VAN was associated with increased AKI compared to the level with MEM+VAN (odds ratio [OR], 2.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.82 to 3.52), after controlling for confounders. Use of MEM+VAN should be considered an appropriate alternative therapy to TZP+VAN if nephrotoxicity is a major concern. The results of this study demonstrate that judicial use of TZP+VAN for empirical coverage of infection is needed.
Novel Mutations Associated with Clofazimine Resistance in Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , Chen Jiazhen , Zhang Shuo , Shi Wanliang , Zhang Wenhong , Zhu Min , Zhang Ying
Published: May 2018

Mycobacterium abscessus
is a major nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pathogen and is responsible for about 80% of all pulmonary infections caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria. Clofazimine is an effective drug active against
M. abscessus
, but the mechanism of resistance to clofazimine in
M. abscessus
is unknown. To investigate the molecular basis of clofazimine resistance in
M. abscessus
, we isolated 29
M. abscessus
mutants resistant to clofazimine and subjected them to whole-genome sequencing to identify possible mutations associated with clofazimine resistance. We found that mutations in the MAB_2299c gene (which encodes a possible transcriptional regulatory protein), MAB_1483, and MAB_0540 are most commonly associated with clofazimine resistance. In addition, mutations in MAB_0416c, MAB_4099c, MAB_2613, MAB_0409, and MAB_1426 were also associated with clofazimine resistance but less frequently. Two identical mutations which are likely to be polymorphisms unrelated to clofazimine resistance were found in MAB_4605c and MAB_4323 in 13 mutants. We conclude that mutations in MAB_2299c, MAB_1483, and MAB_0540 are the major mechanisms of clofazimine resistance in
M. abscessus
. Future studies are needed to address the role of the identified mutations in clofazimine resistance in
M. abscessus
. Our findings have implications for understanding mechanisms of resistance to clofazimine and for rapid detection of clofazimine resistance in this organism.
Crown-of-Thorns Sea Star Acanthaster cf. solaris Has Tissue-Characteristic Microbiomes with Potential Roles in Health and Reproduction
Authors: Høj Lone , Levy Natalie , Baillie Brett K. , Clode Peta L. , Strohmaier Raphael C. , Siboni Nachshon , Webster Nicole S. , Uthicke Sven , Bourne David G.
Published: May 2018

Outbreaks of coral-eating crown-of-thorns sea stars (CoTS;
Acanthaster
species complex) cause substantial coral loss; hence, there is considerable interest in developing prevention and control strategies. We characterized the microbiome of captive CoTS and assessed whether dysbiosis was evident in sea stars during a disease event. Most tissue types had a distinct microbiome. The exception was female gonads, in which the microbiomes were highly variable among individuals. Male gonads were dominated (>97% of reads) by a single
Mollicutes
-related operational taxonomic unit (OTU). Detailed phylogenetic and microscopy analysis demonstrated the presence of a novel
Spiroplasma
-related bacterium in the spermatogenic layer. Body wall samples had high relative abundance (43 to 64% of reads) of spirochetes, likely corresponding to subcuticular symbionts reported from many echinoderms. Tube feet were characterized by
Hyphomonadaceae
(24 to 55% of reads). Pyloric cecal microbiomes had high alpha diversity, comprising many taxa commonly found in gastrointestinal systems. The order
Oceanospirillales
(genera
Endozoicomonas
and
Kistimonas
) was detected in all tissues. A microbiome shift occurred in diseased individuals although differences between tissue types were retained. The relative abundance of spirochetes was significantly reduced in diseased individuals.
Kistimonas
was present in all diseased individuals and significantly associated with diseased tube feet, but its role in disease causation is unknown. While
Arcobacter
was significantly associated with diseased tissues and
Vibrionaceae
increased in diversity, no single OTU was detected in all diseased individuals, suggesting opportunistic proliferation of these taxa in this case. This study shows that CoTS have tissue-characteristic bacterial communities and identifies taxa that could play a role in reproduction and host health.

IMPORTANCE
Coral-eating crown-of-thorns sea stars (CoTS;
Acanthaster
species complex) are native to the Indo-Pacific, but during periodic population outbreaks they can reach extreme densities (>1,000 starfish per hectare) and function as a pest species. On the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, CoTS have long been considered one of the major contributors to coral loss. There has been significant investment in a targeted control program using lethal injection, and there is interest in developing additional and complementary technologies that can increase culling efficiencies. The biology of CoTS has been studied extensively, but little is known about their associated microbiome. This cultivation-independent analysis of the CoTS microbiome provides a baseline for future analyses targeting the functional role of symbionts, the identification of pathogens, or the development of reproduction manipulators.
STEAM: Using the Arts to Train Well-Rounded and Creative Scientists
Authors: Segarra Verónica A. , Natalizio Barbara , Falkenberg Cibele V. , Pulford Stephanie , Holmes Raquell M.
Published: May 2018

While the demand for a strong STEM workforce continues to grow, there are challenges that threaten our ability to recruit, train, and retain such a workforce in a way that is effective and sustainable and fosters innovation. One way in which we are meeting this challenge is through the use of the arts in the training of scientists. In this Perspectives article, we review the use of the arts in science education and its benefits in both K–12 and postsecondary education. We also review the use of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) programs in science outreach and the development of professional scientists.
A Call for Programmatic Assessment of Undergraduate Students’ Conceptual Understanding and Higher-Order Cognitive Skills
Authors: Cleveland Lacy M. , McCabe Thomas M. , Olimpo Jeffrey T.
Published: May 2018

In response to empirical evidence and calls for change, individual undergraduate biology instructors are reforming their pedagogical practices. To assess the effectiveness of these reforms, many instructors use course-specific or skill-specific assessments (e.g., concept inventories). We commend our colleagues’ noble efforts, yet we contend that this is only a starting point. In this Perspectives article, we argue that departments need to engage in reform and programmatic assessment to produce graduates who have both subject-matter knowledge and higher-order cognitive skills. We encourage biology education researchers to work collaboratively with content specialists to develop program-level assessments aimed at measuring students’ conceptual understanding and higher-order cognitive skills, and we encourage departments to develop longitudinal plans for monitoring their students’ development of these skills.
“Everyone Was Nice…But I Was Still Left Out”: An Interview Study About Deaf Interns’ Research Experiences in STEM
Authors: Majocha Megan , Davenport Zachary , Braun Derek C. , Gormally Cara
Published: May 2018

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) undergraduate research experiences improve success, persistence, and promote a feeling of belonging to a community. Like their hearing peers, deaf STEM majors often participate in undergraduate research experiences. However, deaf students typically interact with hearing faculty lacking experience with deaf students and awareness of Deaf culture, which unintentionally impacts their research experiences. This interview study sought to understand deaf students’ research experiences and their relationships with hearing mentors. Findings indicate that lack of awareness of Deaf culture and lack of communication access impact students’ experiences. We make recommendations on improving deaf students’ research experiences.
QR Code Lecture Activity as a Tool for Increasing Nonmajors Biology Students’ Enjoyment of Interaction with Their Local Environment
Authors: Smith Margaret , Segura-Totten Miriam , West Kelly
Published: May 2018

The impact of the Internet on education has been recognized for decades, and as technology advances, the ways in which students can access Internet content is ever increasing. Most students have some kind of portable smart device with which they access Internet content without the locational constraints of a desktop computer. This mobility has prompted abundant literature suggesting ways that Quick Response Codes (QR codes), a kind of two dimensional barcode, could be used to advance student learning. However, very few studies have tested the usefulness of QR codes in undergraduate science classes. We report on our development of a campus “scavenger hunt” activity using QR codes. We found that this activity develops application skills of the concepts of native and invasive species and enjoyment of coverage of content relative to traditional lecture in a nonmajors Environmental Science class at a four-year teaching institution.
Clicker Student Response Systems: Dedicated Physical Devices or Web-Enabled Systems that Allow Student to Bring Their Own Device (BYOD)
Authors: Jandu Narveen
Published: May 2018

The implementation of clickers and clicker questions into classroom teaching is a well-established active-learning technique that provides more interactive classrooms and engages students with course content. Throughout the years, however, the actual clickers themselves have undergone an evolution from physical hand-held devices to web-based applications. This review explores the general advantages and disadvantages of two-main clicker styles, dedicated physical devises and web enabled clickers.
Key Concepts in Developmental Psychology and Science Pedagogy Help Undergraduates in High School Science Outreach
Authors: Segarra Verónica A. , Tillery Mariann
Published: May 2018

Science outreach often requires undergraduates to assume new roles as teachers, science communicators, role models, and mentors. Transitioning into these roles is a rewarding part of science outreach but can be daunting and challenging for students at this educational stage. We have created developmental psychology and science pedagogy primers to help ease these transitions for undergraduates. Students used these primers to learn about their audience before science outreach. Students also had the opportunity to converse with one another about the material provided in these primers during the planning stages of the outreach process. We find that becoming familiar with key concepts in developmental psychology and science pedagogy helps undergraduates get the most out of their science outreach experiences.
A Simple and Effective Method for Extracting Potential Mutagens from Sediment Samples in the Classroom Laboratory Setting
Authors: Durán Catalina , Blanco Valentina , Piccini Claudia , Zunino Pablo , Rodríguez Eliana
Published: May 2018

We describe a simple and effective method for the extraction of potential mutagens from sediment samples. This method is straightforward and does not require expensive laboratory equipment, thus enabling instructors to analyze the presence of mutagenic substances in a conventional classroom setting. Additionally, we found that students felt encouraged to add the Ames test to the list of analyses they traditionally employ with sediment samples. This link between the environment and the Ames test provided an authentic learning context for students, bridging the gap between the "real-world" and the classroom laboratory, and thus making the educational experience more engaging and meaningful.
Statins Suppress Ebola Virus Infectivity by Interfering with Glycoprotein Processing
Authors: Shrivastava-Ranjan Punya , Flint Mike , Bergeron Éric , McElroy Anita K. , Chatterjee Payel , Albariño César G. , Nichol Stuart T. , Spiropoulou Christina F.
Published: May 2018

Ebola virus (EBOV) infection is a major public health concern due to high fatality rates and limited effective treatments. Statins, widely used cholesterol-lowering drugs, have pleiotropic mechanisms of action and were suggested as potential adjunct therapy for Ebola virus disease (EVD) during the 2013–2016 outbreak in West Africa. Here, we evaluated the antiviral effects of statin (lovastatin) on EBOV infection
in vitro
. Statin treatment decreased infectious EBOV production in primary human monocyte-derived macrophages and in the hepatic cell line Huh7. Statin treatment did not interfere with viral entry, but the viral particles released from treated cells showed reduced infectivity due to inhibition of viral glycoprotein processing, as evidenced by decreased ratios of the mature glycoprotein form to precursor form. Statin-induced inhibition of infectious virus production and glycoprotein processing was reversed by exogenous mevalonate, the rate-limiting product of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, but not by low-density lipoprotein. Finally, statin-treated cells produced EBOV particles devoid of the surface glycoproteins required for virus infectivity. Our findings demonstrate that statin treatment inhibits EBOV infection and suggest that the efficacy of statin treatment should be evaluated in appropriate animal models of EVD.

IMPORTANCE
Treatments targeting Ebola virus disease (EVD) are experimental, expensive, and scarce. Statins are inexpensive generic drugs that have been used for many years for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and have a favorable safety profile. Here, we show the antiviral effects of statins on infectious Ebola virus (EBOV) production. Our study reveals a novel molecular mechanism in which statin regulates EBOV particle infectivity by preventing glycoprotein processing and incorporation into virus particles. Additionally, statins have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Since inflammation and dysregulation of the immune system are characteristic features of EVD, statins could be explored as part of EVD therapeutics.
Conservation of Mannan Synthesis in Fungi of the Zygomycota and Ascomycota Reveals a Broad Diagnostic Target
Authors: Burnham-Marusich Amanda R. , Hubbard Breeana , Kvam Alexander J. , Gates-Hollingsworth Marcellene , Green Heather R. , Soukup Eric , Limper Andrew H. , Kozel Thomas R.
Published: May 2018

A key question asked when faced with an infection, an infestation, or environmental damage is whether it is a fungus. Identification of fungi as the cause of the problem can lead to remediation or treatment. Zygomycetes and ascomycetes account for the vast majority of fungal causes of human, animal, and plant disease, large-scale biodiversity loss, agricultural spoilage, and contamination of water-damaged buildings. These studies revealed the conservation of a common cell wall structural component of zygomycetes and ascomycetes to be a diagnostic target applicable to multiple pathogenic fungi and have leveraged that insight for practical use. Monoclonal antibodies reactive with this pan-fungal structure were produced and used to construct immunoassays (including ELISA and lateral flow assay) for detection of a broad range of pathogenic fungi.
High Rate of Infection by Only Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus in Amerindians
Authors: Vargas-Robles Daniela , Magris Magda , Morales Natalia , de Koning Maurits N. C. , Rodríguez Iveth , Nieves Tahidid , Godoy-Vitorino Filipa , Sánchez Gloria I. , Alcaraz Luis David , Forney Larry J. , Pérez María-Eglée , García-Briceño Luis , van Doorn Leen-Jan , Domínguez-Bello María Gloria
Published: May 2018

The role of HPV type distribution on the disparity of cervical cancer (CC) incidence between human populations remains unknown. The incidence of CC in the Amazonas State of Venezuela is higher than the national average. In this study, we determined the diversity of known HPV types (the viral agent of CC) in Amerindian and mestizo women living in the Venezuelan Amazonas State. Understanding the ecological diversity of HPV in populations undergoing lifestyle transformations has important implication on public health measures for cervical cancer prevention.
XYZ States at BESIII
Authors: Yin Junhao
Published: May 2018

The BESIII experiment have collected about 9 [Formula: see text] luminosity data samples above 3.8 GeV. Recent result on the XYZ states, which are also called exotic states, from BESIII experiment is presented in this talk, including the measurement of resonance parameters of vector [Formula: see text] states, the establishment of two isospin triplets of [Formula: see text] states, and the determination of spin-parity of [Formula: see text].
Hadron Form Factors at BESIII
Authors: Meng Zhaoxia
Published: May 2018

Form factors of hadron provide fundamental information about its structure and dynamics. They constitute a rigorous test of non-perturbative QCD as well as of phenomenological models. Based on data samples collected with BESIII detector at BEPCII collider, born cross section of [Formula: see text] and proton effective form factors are measured at 12 center-of-mass energies between 2.2324 and 3.671 GeV. The ratio [Formula: see text]s are extracted by fitting polar angle distribution of proton for data samples with large statistics. For data between 3.773 and 4.6 GeV, we use initial state radiation (ISR) method to study [Formula: see text] by tagged or un-tagged ISR photon, where the pair cross section, effective form factors and [Formula: see text]s are obtained from proton pair threshold to about 3 GeV. For [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], the pair cross section and [Formula: see text] form factors are measured near threshold. With data scanned in 2015 from 2-3.08 GeV, charged Kaon pair cross section and form factors are measured at 21 center-of-mass energies.
Searching Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay with Gerda Phase II
Authors: Agostini M. , Bakalyarov A.M. , Balata M. , Barabanov I. , Baudis L. , Bauer C. , Bellotti E. , Belogurov S. , Bettini A. , Bezrukov L. , Bode T. , Brudanin V. , Brugnera R. , Caldwell A. , Cattadori C. , Chernogorov A. , Comellato T. , D’Andrea V. , Demidova E.V. , Di Marco N. , Domula A. , Doroshkevich E. , Egorov V. , Falkenstein R. , Gangapshev A. , Garfagnini A. , Giordano M. , Gooch C. , Grabmayr P. , Gurentsov V. , Gusev K. , Hahne C. , Hakenmüller J. , Hegai A. , Heisel M. , Hemmer S. , Hiller R. , Hofmann W. , Holl P. , Hult M. , Inzhechik L.V. , Ioannucci L. , Csáthy J. Janicskó , Jochum J. , Junker M. , Kazalov V. , Kermaidic Y. , Kihm T. , Kirpichnikov I.V. , Kirsch A. , Kish A. , Klimenko A. , Kneißl R. , Knöpfle K.T. , Kochetov O. , Kornoukhov V.N. , Kuzminov V.V. , Laubenstein M. , Lazzaro A. , Lindner M. , Lippi I. , Lubashevskiy A. , Lubsandorzhiev B. , Lutter G. , Macolino C. , Majorovits B. , Maneschg W. , Marissens G. , Miloradovic M. , Mingazheva R. , Misiaszek M. , Moseev P. , Nemchenok I. , Nisi S. , Panas K. , Pandola L. , Pelczar K. , Pullia A. , Ransom C. , Reissfelder M. , Riboldi S. , Rumyantseva N. , Sada C. , Sala E. , Salamida F. , Schmitt C. , Schneider B. , Schreiner J. , Schulz O. , Schweisshelm B. , Schwingenheuer B. , Schönert S. , Schütz A-K. , Seitz H. , Selivanenko O. , Shevchik E. , Shirchenko M. , Simgen H. , Smolnikov A. , Stanco L. , Vanhoefer L. , Vasenko A.A. , Veresnikova A. , von Sturm K. , Wagner V. , Wegmann A. , Wester T. , Wiesinger C. , Wojcik M. , Yanovich E. , Zhitnikov I. , Zhukov S.V. , Zinatulina D. , Zschocke A. , Zsigmond A.J. , Zuber K. , Zuzel G.
Published: May 2018

An observation of neutrinoless double beta ([Formula: see text]) decay would allow to shed light onto the nature of neutrinos. Gerda (GERmanium Detector Array) aims to discover this process in a background-free search using [Formula: see text]Ge. The experiment is located at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS) of the Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN) in Italy. Bare, isotopically enriched, high purity germanium detectors are operated in liquid argon. Gerda follows a staged approach. In Phase II 35.6 kg of enriched germanium detectors are operated since December 2015. The application of active background rejection methods, such as a liquid argon scintillation light read-out and pulse shape discrimination of germanium detector signals, allows to reduce the background index to the intended level of [Formula: see text] cts/(keV⋅kg⋅yr). No evidence for the [Formula: see text] decay has been found in 23.2 kg⋅yr of Phase II data, and together with data from Phase I the up-to-date most stringent half-life limit for this process in [Formula: see text]Ge has been established, at a median sensitivity of 5.8⋅10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]yr the 90[Formula: see text]% C.L. lower limit is 8.0⋅10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]yr.
Limits on Heavy Neutrinos at NA48/2 and NA62
Authors: Bician Lubos
Published: May 2018

Large samples of charged kaon decays have been collected by the NA48/2 (2003-2004), the NA62-R[Formula: see text] (2007) and the NA62 (2015) experiments at CERN SPS. This proceedings summarizes upper limits on heavy neutrino production measured by these experiments. The results from the 2015 data analysis at the NA62 experiment are preliminary.
Observational Role of Dark Matter in f(R) Models for Structure Formation
Authors: Verma Murli Manohar , Yadav Bal Krishna
Published: May 2018

The fixed points for the dynamical system in the phase space have been calculated with dark matter in the [Formula: see text] gravity models. The stability conditions of these fixed points are obtained in the ongoing accelerated phase of the universe, and the values of the Hubble parameter and Ricci scalar are obtained for various evolutionary stages of the universe. We present a range of some modifications of general relativistic action consistent with the [Formula: see text]CDM model. We elaborate upon the fact that the upcoming cosmological observations would further constrain the bounds on the possible forms of [Formula: see text] with greater precision that could in turn constrain the search for dark matter in colliders.
The Role of the Isospin 3/2 Component in Elastic Neutron-Deuteron Scattering and in the Deuteron Breakup Reaction
Authors: Witała H. , Golak J. , Skibiński R. , Topolnicki K. , Kamada H.
Published: May 2018

We discuss the importance of the three-nucleon isospin [Formula: see text] component in elastic neutron-deuteron scattering and in the deuteron breakup reaction. The contribution of this amplitude originates from charge-independence breaking of the nucleon-nucleon potential. We study the magnitude of that contribution to the elastic scattering and breakup observables, taking the Av18 nucleon-nucleon potential alone or combined with the Urbana IX three-nucleon force as well as the locally regularized chiral N4LO nucleon-nucleon potential alone or supplemented by the chiral N2LO three-nucleon force. We find that the isospin [Formula: see text] component is important for the breakup reaction and the proper treatment of charge-independence breaking in this case requires the inclusion of the [Formula: see text] state with isospin [Formula: see text]. For neutron-deuteron elastic scattering the [Formula: see text] contributions are insignificant and charge-independence breaking can be accounted for by neglecting [Formula: see text] component and using the effective t-matrix generated with the so-called [Formula: see text] rule.
Measurement of the Higgs Boson Mass in the H → ZZ∗→ 4ℓ and H → γγ Channels with s = 13TeV pp Collisions Using the ATLAS Detector
Authors: Bruscino N.
Published: May 2018

The mass of the Higgs boson is measured in the [Formula: see text] and in the [Formula: see text] decay channels with [Formula: see text]fb[Formula: see text] of proton-proton collision data from the Large Hadron Collider at a center-of-mass energy of [Formula: see text] TeV recorded by the ATLAS detector in 2015 and 2016. The measured value in the [Formula: see text] channel is [Formula: see text]GeV, while the measured value in the [Formula: see text] channel is [Formula: see text]GeV. The two results have a compatibility of [Formula: see text]. The combined measurement from a simultaneous fit to the invariant mass distributions in the two channels is [Formula: see text]GeV.
Searches for Direct Pair Production of Third Generation Squarks with the ATLAS Detector
Authors: Meloni Federico
Published: May 2018

This document summarises recent ATLAS results for searches for third generation squarks using 36.1 [Formula: see text] of LHC proton-proton collision data collected at [Formula: see text] TeV. Despite the absence of experimental evidence, weak scale supersymmetry remains one of the best motivated and studied Standard Model extensions. Supersymmetry can naturally solve the Standard Model hierarchy problem by preventing a large fine-tuning in the Higgs sector: a typical natural SUSY spectrum contains light third generation squarks (stops and sbottoms). Both R-Parity conserving and R-Parity violating scenarios are considered. The searches involve final states including jets, missing transverse momentum, electrons or muons. Simplified models predicting pair production of third generation squarks have been excluded at 95% CL up to about one TeV in the most favourable scenarios.
Search for K+ → π+νν̄ and Future Searches for Exotic Processes at NA62
Authors: Corvino Michele
Published: May 2018

NA62 is a fixed target experiment at CERN with the main goal of measuring the Branching Ratio of the decay [Formula: see text] at 10% precision level. It also searches for exotic particles such as invisible vector bosons or axion-like particles. First preliminary results of a subset of 2016 data sample are shown.