bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Vitamin D Levels and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Asian Indians is Independent of Obesity
Authors: Gupta A. , Aslam M. , Rathi S. , Mishra B. , Bhardwaj S. , Jhamb R. , Madhu S.
Published: March 2018

Background A large proportion of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in India are non-obese. Asian-Indian subjects with diabetes have been shown to have low vitamin D levels. Whether low vitamin D levels and T2DM in Asian-Indians is attributable to the associated obesity as in caucasians is unclear. Hence we studied the association of vitamin D levels and T2DM in Asian-Indians with or without obesity.

Methods Total of 213 subjects were recruited in four groups, group 1-Non-obese diabetic, group 2-Non-obese non-diabetic, group 3-Obese diabetic and group 4-Obese non-diabetic. Subjects recruited under various groups were matched for age and sex. Anthropometry, skin-fold thickness, fasting and postprandial plasma glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin, lipids and vitamin D levels were measured in all study subjects and were compared between the groups.

Results Mean age of study population was 41.23±7.43 years. Mean BMI in groups 1,2,3 and 4 was 21.34±1.41, 20.53±2.27, 27.72±2.94 and 27.62±3.37 kg/m2 respectively. Overall 64.3% study subjects had vitamin D deficiency and 27.7% had insufficient vitamin D levels. Significantly lower vitamin D levels were found in diabetic groups 1 and 3 compared to non-diabetic groups 2 and 4. No significant difference was observed in vitamin D levels between groups 1 and 3. Similarly, no significant difference was observed in vitamin D levels between groups 2 and 4. Vitamin D levels did not show any significant correlation with BMI, waist or body fat.

Conclusion Vitamin D levels do not appear to be related to obesity in diabetic as well non-diabetic Asian-Indian individuals.
Bullöses Pemphigoid
Authors: Bündner Martin
Published: March 2018

Es wird die homöopathische Behandlung eines bullösen Pemphigoids1 mit Phosphorus vorgestellt, die mehrfach aufgrund interkurrenter Erkrankungen unterbrochen werden muss. Diese akuten Therapien erfolgen teilweise durch andere, dem jeweiligen Zustand entsprechende Mittel, teilweise durch das dann jeweils passende Phosphorus, wobei das chronische Mittel dann gleichzeitig das akute Mittel ist.

Die Behandlung des Pemphigoids ist erschwert durch eigenwillige Dosierung der Medikation durch den Patienten, sowohl bezüglich der homöopathischen Arznei als auch der noch bestehenden chemischen Präparate.

Es wird postuliert, dass neben den Heringʼschen Regeln auch die Rückwärtsentwicklung des Schweregrades von Erkrankungen Hinweise auf einen regelrechten Heilungsverlauf gibt.
Weisheitszähne in der Kieferorthopädie
Authors: Neuner Hemma
Published: March 2018

50% der Menschen mit dritten Molaren haben Probleme mit diesen. Das Vorhandensein von Weisheitszähnen muss in der kieferorthopädischen Planung berücksichtig werden. Es gibt viele unterschiedliche Aspekte zum Thema Weisheitszähne: Agenesie, Retention, Zahnverlagerung, Malokklusion, Autotransplantation, Klase-III- Entwicklung, um einige zu erwähnen. Für Patient und Behandler besonders interessant ist auch die Rolle der Weisheitszähne in Zusammenhang mit einer Frontengstand-Entwicklung. Leider gibt es eine sehr kontroverse Datenlage und weitere qualitativ hochwertige Studien zu diesem Thema sind notwendig.
Entanglement of a class of non-Gaussian states in disordered harmonic oscillator systems
Authors: Abdul-Rahman Houssam
Published: March 2018

For disordered harmonic oscillator systems over the d-dimensional lattice, we consider the problem of finding the bipartite entanglement of the uniform ensemble of the energy eigenstates associated with a particular number of modes. Such an ensemble defines a class of mixed, non-Gaussian entangled states that are labeled, by the energy of the system, in an increasing order. We develop a novel approach to find the exact logarithmic negativity of this class of states. We also prove entanglement bounds and demonstrate that the low energy states follow an area law.
The role of entropic potential in voltage activation and K+ transport through Kv 1.2 channels
Authors: Wawrzkiewicz-Jałowiecka Agata , Grzywna Zbigniew J.
Published: March 2018

We analyze the entropic effects of inner pore geometry changes of Kv 1.2 channel during membrane depolarization and their implications for the rate of transmembrane transport of potassium ions. We base this on the idea that spatial confinements within the channel pore give rise to entropic barriers which can both effectively affect the stability of open macroconformation and influence channel’s ability to conduct the potassium ions through the membrane. First, we calculate the differences in entropy between voltage-activated and resting states of the channel. As a template, we take a set of structures of channel pore in an open state at different membrane potentials generated in our previous research. The obtained results indicate that tendency to occupy open states at membrane depolarization is entropy facilitated. Second, we describe the differences in rates of K+ transport through the channel pore at different voltages based on the results of appropriate random walk simulations in entropic and electric potentials. The simulated single channel currents (I) suggest that the geometry changes during membrane depolarization are an important factor contributing to the observed flow of potassium ions through the channel. Nevertheless, the charge distribution within the channel pore (especially at the extracellular entrance) seems most prominent for the observed I/Imax relation at a qualitative level at analyzed voltages.
Tuning charge transfer in the LaTiO3/RO/LaNiO3 (R = rare-earth) superlattices by the rare-earth oxides interfaces from a first-principles calculation
Authors: Yao Fen , Zhang Lifang , Meng Junling , Liu Xiaojuan , Zhang Xiong , Zhang Wenwen , Meng Jian , Zhang Hongjie
Published: March 2018

We investigate the internal charge transfer at the isopolar interfaces in LaTiO3/RO/LaNiO3 (R = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Lu) superlattices by means of density functional theory calculations. The charge transfer from Ti sites to Ni sites in all superlattices is induced by the electronegativity difference between the elements Ti and Ni, and the lanthanide oxides interfaces can modulate the amount of charge transfer. Comparison of the perovskite heterostructures with the different rare-earth interfaces shows that increasing the deviations of bond angles from 180.0° and the oxygen motions near the interfaces enhance charge transfer. The 4f electrons themselves of rare-earth elements have faint influences on charge transfer. In addition, the reasons why our calculated 4f states of Sm and Tm elements disagree with the experimental systems have been provided. It is hoped that all the calculated results could be used to design new functional nanoelectronic devices in perovskite oxides.
Dual-frequency sound-absorbing metasurface based on visco-thermal effects with frequency dependence
Authors: Ryoo H. , Jeon W.
Published: March 2018

We investigate theoretically an acoustic metasurface with a high absorption coefficient at two frequencies and design it from subwavelength structures. We propose the use of a two-dimensional periodic array of four Helmholtz resonators in two types to obtain a metasurface with nearly perfect sound absorption at given target frequencies via interactions between waves emanating from different resonators. By considering how fluid viscosity affects acoustic energy dissipation in the narrow necks of the Helmholtz resonators, we obtain effective complex-valued material properties that depend on frequency and on the geometrical parameters of the resonators. We furthermore derive the effective acoustic impedance of the metasurface from the effective material properties and calculate the absorption spectra from the theoretical model, which we compare with the spectra obtained from a finite-element simulation. As a practical application of the theoretical model, we derive empirical formulas for the geometrical parameters of a metasurface which would yield perfect absorption at a given frequency. While previous works on metasurfaces based on Helmholtz resonators aimed to absorb sound at single frequencies, we use optimization to design a metasurface composed of four different Helmholtz resonators to absorb sound at two distinct frequencies.
Photoinduced nonequilibrium dynamics in charge ordered materials
Authors: Zhu Linghua , Seman Tsezar F. , van Veenendaal Michel , Ahn Keun Hyuk
Published: March 2018

We study the nonequilibrium dynamics of photoinduced phase transitions in charge ordered (CO) systems with a strong electron-lattice interaction and analyze the interplay between electrons, periodic lattice distortions, and a phonon thermal reservoir. Simulations based on a tight-binding Hamiltonian and Boltzmann equations reveal partially decoupled oscillations of the electronic order parameter and the periodic lattice distortion during CO melting, which becomes more energy efficient with lower photon energy. The cooling rate of the electron system correlates with the CO gap dynamics, responsible for an order of magnitude decrease in the cooling rate upon the gap reopening. We also find that the time-dependent frequency of coherent oscillation reflects the dynamics of the energy landscape, such as transition between single-well and double-well, which sensitively depends on the photon energy and the pump fluence. The results demonstrate the intricate nonequilibrium dynamics in CO materials.
Cryogenic scintillation properties of n-type GaAs for the direct detection of MeV/c2 dark matter
Authors: Derenzo S. , Bourret E. , Hanrahan S. , Bizarri G.
Published: March 2018

This paper is the first report of n-type GaAs as a cryogenic scintillation radiation detector for the detection of electron recoils from interacting dark matter (DM) particles in the poorly explored MeV/c2 mass range. Seven GaAs samples from two commercial suppliers and with different silicon and boron concentrations were studied for their low temperature optical and scintillation properties. All samples are n-type even at low temperatures and exhibit emission between silicon donors and boron acceptors that peaks at 1.33 eV (930 nm). The lowest excitation band peaks at 1.44 eV (860 nm), and the overlap between the emission and excitation bands is small. The X-ray excited luminosities range from 7 to 43 photons/keV. Thermally stimulated luminescence measurements show that n-type GaAs does not accumulate metastable radiative states that could cause afterglow. Further development and use with cryogenic photodetectors promises a remarkable combination of large target size, ultra-low backgrounds, and a sensitivity to electron recoils of a few eV that would be produced by DM particles as light as a few MeV/c2.
Enhanced thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline Bi2Te3 core fibers with preferentially oriented nanosheets
Authors: Sun Min , Qian Qi , Tang Guowu , Liu Wangwang , Qian Guoquan , Shi Zhenguo , Huang Kaimin , Chen Dongdan , Xu Shanhui , Yang Zhongmin
Published: March 2018

Bi2Te3-based materials have been reported to be one of the best room-temperature thermoelectric materials, and it is a challenge to substantially improve their thermoelectric properties. Here novel Bi2Te3 core fibers with borosilicate glass cladding were fabricated utilizing a modified molten core drawing method. The Bi2Te3 core of the fiber was found to consist of hexagonal polycrystalline nanosheets, and polycrystalline nanosheets had a preferential orientation; in other words, the hexagonal Bi2Te3 lamellar cleavage more tended to be parallel to the symmetry axis of the fibers. Compared with a homemade 3-mm-diameter Bi2Te3 rod, the polycrystalline nanosheets’ preferential orientation in the 89-μm-diameter Bi2Te3 core increased its electrical conductivity, but deduced its Seebeck coefficient. The Bi2Te3 core exhibits an ultrahigh ZT of 0.73 at 300 K, which is 232% higher than that of the Bi2Te3 rod. The demonstration of fibers with oriented nano-polycrystalline core and the integration with an efficient fabrication technique will pave the way for the fabrication of high-performance thermoelectric fibers.
Design of an optomechanical filter based on solid/solid phoxonic crystals
Authors: Moradi Pedram , Bahrami Ali
Published: March 2018

We simulate a phoxonic crystal which shows complete phononic and TM-polarized photonic bandgaps. The constituent materials are tungsten and polymethyl methacrylate, and we obtained these bandgaps with a filling factor of only 28%, which is very compatible with the fabrication method. A cavity was then defined that selects narrow passbands of optical and elastic waves. In order to maximize the quality factor, a defect rod is added in the output waveguide. The final structure filters an optical wavelength of 840 nm (with corresponding frequency of 357 THz) and an elastic frequency of 3.6703 GHz. Simulations are done by using finite element, plane wave expansion, and finite difference time domain methods.
Structural, vibrational, and electronic topological transitions of Bi1.5Sb0.5Te1.8Se1.2 under pressure
Authors: Kim Joon-Seok , Juneja Rinkle , Salke Nilesh P. , Palosz Witold , Swaminathan Venkataraman , Trivedi Sudhir , Singh Abhishek K. , Akinwande Deji , Lin Jung-Fu
Published: March 2018

Topological insulators have been the subject of intense research interest due to their unique surface states that are topologically protected against scattering or defects. However, the relationship between the crystal structure and topological insulator state remains to be clarified. Here, we show the effects of hydrostatic pressure on the structural, vibrational, and topological properties of the topological insulator Bi1.5Sb0.5Te1.8Se1.2 up to 45 GPa using X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy in a diamond anvil cell, together with first-principles theoretical calculations. Two pressure-induced structural phase transitions were observed: from ambient rhombohedral R3¯m phase to a monoclinic C2/m phase at ∼13 GPa, and to a disordered I4/mmm phase at ∼22 GPa. In addition, the alloy undergoes several electronic transitions within the R3¯m phase: indirect to direct bulk band gap transition at ∼5.8 GPa, bulk gap closing with an appearance of Dirac semimetal (DSM) state at ∼8.2 GPa, and to a trivial semimetal state at ∼12.1 GPa. Anomalies in c/a ratio and Raman full width at half maximum that coincide with the DSM phase suggest the contribution of electron-phonon coupling to the transition. Compared to binary end members Bi2Te3, Bi2Se3, and Sb2Te3, the structural phase transition and anomaly were observed at higher pressures in Bi1.5Sb0.5Te1.8Se1.2. These results suggest that the topological transitions are precursors to the structural phase transitions.
An action principle for action-dependent Lagrangians: Toward an action principle to non-conservative systems
Authors: Lazo Matheus J. , Paiva Juilson , Amaral João T. S. , Frederico Gastão S. F.
Published: March 2018

In this work, we propose an action principle for action-dependent Lagrangian functions by generalizing the Herglotz variational problem to the case with several independent variables. We obtain a necessary condition for the extremum equivalent to the Euler-Lagrange equation and, through some examples, we show that this generalized action principle enables us to construct simple and physically meaningful action-dependent Lagrangian functions for a wide range of non-conservative classical and quantum systems. Furthermore, when the dependence on the action is removed, the traditional action principle for conservative systems is recovered.
Simplified approach to the mixed time-averaging semiclassical initial value representation for the calculation of dense vibrational spectra
Authors: Buchholz Max , Grossmann Frank , Ceotto Michele
Published: March 2018

We present and test an approximate method for the semiclassical calculation of vibrational spectra. The approach is based on the mixed time-averaging semiclassical initial value representation method, which is simplified to a form that contains a filter to remove contributions from approximately harmonic environmental degrees of freedom. This filter comes at no additional numerical cost, and it has no negative effect on the accuracy of peaks from the anharmonic system of interest. The method is successfully tested for a model Hamiltonian and then applied to the study of the frequency shift of iodine in a krypton matrix. Using a hierarchic model with up to 108 normal modes included in the calculation, we show how the dynamical interaction between iodine and krypton yields results for the lowest excited iodine peaks that reproduce experimental findings to a high degree of accuracy.
Linear stability analysis of detonations via numerical computation and dynamic mode decomposition
Authors: Kabanov Dmitry I. , Kasimov Aslan R.
Published: March 2018

We introduce a new method to investigate linear stability of gaseous detonations that is based on an accurate shock-fitting numerical integration of the linearized reactive Euler equations with a subsequent analysis of the computed solution via the dynamic mode decomposition. The method is applied to the detonation models based on both the standard one-step Arrhenius kinetics and two-step exothermic-endothermic reaction kinetics. Stability spectra for all cases are computed and analyzed. The new approach is shown to be a viable alternative to the traditional normal-mode analysis used in detonation theory.
Minimizing performance degradation induced by interfacial recombination in perovskite solar cells through tailoring of the transport layer electronic properties
Authors: Xu Liang , Molaei Imenabadi Rouzbeh , Vandenberghe William G. , Hsu Julia W. P.
Published: March 2018

The performance of hybrid organic-inorganic metal halide perovskite solar cells is investigated using one-dimensional drift-diffusion device simulations. We study the effects of interfacial defect density, doping concentration, and electronic level positions of the charge transport layer (CTL). Choosing CTLs with a favorable band alignment, rather than passivating CTL-perovskite interfacial defects, is shown to be beneficial for maintaining high power-conversion efficiency, due to reduced minority carrier density arising from a favorable local electric field profile. Insights from this study provide theoretical guidance on practical selection of CTL materials for achieving high-performance perovskite solar cells.
The anisotropic effective damping of thickness-dependent epitaxial Co2FeAl films studied by spin rectification
Authors: Chen Zhendong , Kong Wenwen , Mi Kui , Chen Guilin , Zhang Peng , Fan Xiaolong , Gao Cunxu , Xue Desheng
Published: March 2018

Epitaxial Co2FeAl films with the thickness varying from 26.4 nm to 4.6 nm were grown on MgO(001) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. Spin rectification was adopted to study the dynamic magnetic properties of the Co2FeAl films, considering the reported advantages of this technique with high thickness-independent sensitivity on samples. At a fixed microwave frequency, the in-plane angular dependent resonance fields and their linewidths exhibit a superposition of a uniaxial and a fourfold anisotropy for all samples. The results reveal an anisotropic damping behavior of the films. Along in-plane different azimuths of the films, frequency-dependent resonance-field linewidths were investigated. The anisotropic effective damping of the films with the thickness varying from 26.4 nm to 4.6 nm was then analyzed, which is contributed from the two-magnon scattering.
Three-beam double stimulated Raman scatterings: Cascading configuration
Authors: Rao B. Jayachander , Cho Minhaeng
Published: March 2018

Two-beam stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) has been used in diverse label-free spectroscopy and imaging applications of live cells, biological tissues, and functional materials. Recently, we developed a theoretical framework for the three-beam double SRS processes that involve pump, Stokes, and depletion beams, where the pump-Stokes and pump-depletion SRS processes compete with each other. It was shown that the net Stokes gain signal can be suppressed by increasing the depletion beam intensity. The theoretical prediction has been experimentally confirmed recently. In the previous scheme for a selective suppression of one SRS by making it compete with another SRS, the two SRS processes occur in a parallel manner. However, there is another possibility of three-beam double SRS scheme that can be of use to suppress either Raman gain of the Stokes beam or Raman loss of the pump beam by depleting the Stokes photons with yet another SRS process induced by the pair of Stokes and another (second) Stokes beam. This three-beam double SRS process resembles a cascading energy transfer process from the pump beam to the first Stokes beam (SRS-1) and subsequently from the first Stokes beam to the second Stokes beam (SRS-2). Here, the two stimulated Raman gain-loss processes are associated with two different Raman-active vibrational modes of solute molecule. In the present theory, both the radiation and the molecules are treated quantum mechanically. We then show that the cascading-type three-beam double SRS can be described by coupled differential equations for the photon numbers of the pump and Stokes beams. From the approximate solutions as well as exact numerical calculation results for the coupled differential equations, a possibility of efficiently suppressing the stimulated Raman loss of the pump beam by increasing the second Stokes beam intensity is shown and discussed. To further prove a potential use of this scheme for developing a super-resolution SRS microscopy, we present a theoretical expression and numerical simulation results for the full-width-at-half-maximum of SRS imaging point spread function, assuming that the pump and Stokes beam profiles are Gaussian and the second Stokes beam has a doughnut-shaped spatial profile. It is clear that the spatial resolution with the present 3-beam cascading SRS method can be enhanced well beyond the diffraction limit. We anticipate that the present work will provide a theoretical framework for a super-resolution stimulated Raman scattering microscopy that is currently under investigation.
Salt effects in surfactant-free microemulsions
Authors: Schöttl Sebastian , Horinek Dominik
Published: March 2018

The weakly associated micellar aggregates found in the so-called “pre-ouzo region” of the surfactant-free microemulsion water/ethanol/1-octanol are sensitive to changes in the system composition and also to the presence of additives like salt. In this work, we study the influence of two salts, sodium iodide and lithium chloride, on aggregates in water/ethanol/1-octanol by molecular dynamics simulations. In both cases, ethanol concentration in the nonpolar phase and at the interface is increased due to a salting out effect on ethanol in the aqueous pseudo-phase. In addition, minor charging of the interface as a consequence of differential adsorption of anions and cations occurs. However, this charge separation is overall weakened by the erratic surface of octanol aggregates, where polar hydroxyl groups and hydrophobic patches are both present. Furthermore, ethanol at the interface shields hydrophobic patches and reduces the preferential adsorption of iodide and lithium.
Highly anisotropic type-II nodal line state in pure titanium metal
Authors: Zhang Xiaoming , Jin Lei , Dai Xuefang , Liu Guodong
Published: March 2018

A type-II nodal line state, along with its unique optical, magnetic, and transport properties, was theoretically proposed and experimentally evidenced quite recently. Here, based on first-principles calculations, we report that a pure Ti metal can serve as an excellent type-II nodal line material for experimental detection. In the Ti metal, the type-II nodal line situates in a quite large momenta region with a linear energy range larger than 1.5 eV. Its surface band is quite dispersive and thus is promising to be detected in a wide energy range. The position of the nodal line in the Ti metal can be flexibly tuned by applying uniaxial strain and elemental doping. Most interestingly, the band dispersions along the nodal line are highly anisotropic in three typical directions, and therefore, strong direction-dependent transport behavior can be expected. Our findings in the Ti metal are the first proposal of a highly anisotropic type-II nodal line state in elemental materials.
Compensation and persistent photocapacitance in homoepitaxial Sn-doped β-Ga2O3
Authors: Polyakov A. Y. , Smirnov N. B. , Shchemerov I. V. , Gogova D. , Tarelkin S. A. , Pearton S. J.
Published: March 2018

The electrical properties of epitaxial β-Ga2O3 doped with Sn (1016–9 × 1018 cm−3) and grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on semi-insulating β-Ga2O3 substrates are reported. Shallow donors attributable to Sn were observed only in a narrow region near the film/substrate interface and with a much lower concentration than the total Sn density. For heavily Sn doped films (Sn concentration, 9 × 1018 cm−3), the electrical properties in the top portion of the layer were determined by deep centers with a level at Ec-0.21 eV not described previously. In more lightly doped layers, the Ec-0.21 eV centers and deeper traps at Ec-0.8 eV were present, with the latter pinning the Fermi level. Low temperature photocapacitance and capacitance voltage measurements of illuminated samples indicated the presence of high densities (1017–1018 cm−3) of deep acceptors with an optical ionization threshold of 2.3 eV. Optical deep level transient spectroscopy (ODLTS) and photoinduced current transient spectroscopy (PICTS) detected electron traps at Ec-0.8 eV and Ec-1.1 eV. For lightly doped layers, the compensation of film conductivity was mostly provided by the Ec-2.3 eV acceptors. For heavily Sn doped films, deep acceptor centers possibly related to Ga vacancies were significant. The photocapacitance and the photocurrent caused by illumination at low temperatures were persistent, with an optical threshold of 1.9 eV and vanished only at temperatures of ∼400 K. The capture barrier for electrons causing the persistent photocapacitance effect was estimated from ODLTS and PICTS to be 0.25–0.35 eV.
Ground state sign-changing solutions for fractional Kirchhoff equations in bounded domains
Authors: Luo Huxiao , Tang Xianhua , Gao Zu
Published: March 2018

We study the existence of ground state sign-changing solutions for the fractional Kirchhoff problem. Under mild assumptions on the nonlinearity, by using some new analytical skills and the non-Nehari manifold method, we prove that the fractional Kirchhoff problem possesses a ground state sign-changing solution ub. Moreover, we show that the energy of ub is strictly larger than twice that of the ground state solutions of Nehari-type. Finally, we establish the convergence property of ub as the parameter b ↘ 0. Our results generalize some results obtained by Shuai [J. Differ. Equations 259, 1256 (2015)] and Tang and Cheng [J. Differ. Equations 261, 2384 (2016)].
Degradation of pentachlorophenol as a model hazardous and recalcitrant organochlorinated pollutant using AgIII
Authors: Zamora-Garcia Ileana R. , Alatorre-Ordaz Alejandro , Ibanez Jorge G. , Torres-Elguera Julio Cesar , Wrobel Kazimierz , Gutierrez-Granados Silvia
Published: March 2018

Environmental context
Electrochemistry offers potential applications for environmental remediation. Pentachlorophenol, a highly toxic and recalcitrant halogenated compound, is degraded by a novel oxidant produced electrochemically, and the intermediates and products of the degradation are investigated. Cyclic remediation systems merit further study.

Abstract
The use of electrochemically generated Ag(OH)4− as a strong oxidising agent was evaluated for the treatment of a model hazardous and recalcitrant organochlorinated pollutant, pentachlorophenol (PCP). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection (GC-FID) or with electron capture detection (GC-ECD), gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detection and UV-visible spectroscopy were utilised to investigate intermediates and products generated during such treatment. From these, it was deduced that dechlorination occurred first, followed by an oxidative ring opening at the C=C bond that destabilised the remaining structure and generated tetrachloro-p-benzoquinone, 2,3,5,6-tetrachlorophenol, 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (or 2,3,5-trichlorophenol), 2,4,5-trichlorophenol (or 2,3,6-trichlorophenol) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (or 3,4-dichlorophenol). In contrast to other remediation methods (e.g. incineration) no highly toxic molecules such as dioxins were generated by this novel degradation system.
Promoting human–dingo co-existence in Australia: moving towards more innovative methods of protecting livestock rather than killing dingoes (Canis dingo)
Authors: Smith Bradley P. , Appleby Robert G.
Published: March 2018

Existing methods of reducing livestock depredation are heavily biased towards lethal control. However, criticism regarding the efficacy of such practices is rising. In Australia, over 200 years of lethal control has done little to resolve the conflict between dingoes (Canis dingo) and livestock producers. That is, killing dingoes does not necessarily prevent livestock losses. Rather than continuing with lethal control programs, there is an opportunity to shift to more innovative, effective and ethical non-lethal measures of protecting livestock from attacks. Traditionally, buffer zones (areas surrounding livestock enterprises or national parks where attempts are made to eradicate all dingoes entering that zone) have been put in place as a means to limit conflict. Although seen as more strategic than indiscriminately baiting over large areas, targeting dingoes in buffer zones does not necessarily remove problem animals. In addition, dingoes from outside baited zones eventually fill any territorial voids created. In order to break this cycle, we propose amending the traditional approach, so that instead of killing dingoes in these sensitive zones, they are excluded from production areas or otherwise discouraged from interacting with livestock (what we term ‘living buffer zones’). This can, in principle, be achieved through adoption of a suite of non-lethal management approaches, including aversive conditioning, which to-date has not been widely examined. In turn, resident dingoes conditioned to avoid livestock and/or livestock areas will maintain territories that largely exclude non-resident dingoes. Occasional ingress by transient dingoes will be met by the same exclusion and aversive strategies and are likely to quickly move on if harassed by resident dingoes. Such a strategy takes advantage of our ever-increasing knowledge of dingo biology and behaviour and leverages well established principles of animal learning. By funnelling funds currently spent on killing dingoes into experimental investigations of non-lethal approaches, we conclude that significantly more livestock will actually be saved.
Innate responses to gene knockouts impact overlapping gene networks and vary with respect to resistance to viral infection
Authors: Liu Yonghong , Liu Yuanyuan , Wu Jiaming , Roizman Bernard , Zhou Grace Guoying
Published: March 2018

Significance

Analyses of 10 cell lines from which individual genes associated with innate immunity had been knocked out revealed the following: knockout of some genes is associated with increases in the expression of overlapping networks of genes and significant loss of ability to support the replication of HSV-1; knockout of other genes is associated with decreases in the expression of overlapping networks of genes and, overall, no effect on viral replication; the phenotype of cells from which a gene was deleted reflects the sum total of the effects of genes up- or down-regulated as a consequence of the deletion; and key functions associated with innate immunity are normally repressed and must be activated in response to infection.
Neuron numbers increase in the human amygdala from birth to adulthood, but not in autism
Authors: Avino Thomas A. , Barger Nicole , Vargas Martha V. , Carlson Erin L. , Amaral David G. , Bauman Melissa D. , Schumann Cynthia M.
Published: March 2018

Significance

We demonstrate that the number of mature neurons in the human amygdala increases from childhood into adulthood. This trajectory may be due to the incorporation of immature neurons from the paralaminar nucleus in the ventral amygdala. In contrast, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show an initial excess of mature neurons followed by a decline into adulthood. Our results suggest a degenerative component in ASD and highlight the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the protracted cellular development of the human amygdala for multiple psychiatric disorders.
The prevalence of human intestinal spirochetosis in Norway
Authors: Lindboe Christian F.
Published: March 2018

The prevalence of human intestinal spirochetosis (HIS) was determined histologically in 402 subjects from South Norway (Kristiansand) who had undergone colorectal resections during the period June 1991–June 1996. The figures were compared with those from a previous mid-Norwegian study (Trondheim)1comprising 1205 patients with large bowel resections as well as colonoscopic mucosal biopsies examined in 1990. The studies showed a prevalence of HIS of 2.5% in mid-Norway and 3.0% in South Norway, and in both regions there was a considerable male predominance of HIS (70% and 75%, respectively). Furthermore, HIS was more often diagnosed by the pathologists in South Norway (25%) than in mid-Norway (6.5%).
Human intestinal spirochetosis:Brachyspira aalborgiand/orBrachyspira pilosicoli?
Authors: Mikosza Andrew S. J. , Hampson David J.
Published: March 2018

Intestinal spirochetosis in humans (HIS) is a condition defined by the presence of a layer of spirochetes attached by one cell end to the colorectal epithelium. The pathologic significance of HIS is uncertain, but it has been linked to chronic diarrhea and other abdominal complaints. Two anaerobic intestinal spirochete species have been associated with HIS, namelyBrachyspira pilosicoliandBrachyspira aalborgi.Brachyspira pilosicoli, which colonizes many animal species, is common (~30%) in the feces of people from developing countries, including Australian Aborigines, and in HIV+ patients and male homosexuals in Western societies. It is also commonly seen attached to the rectal mucosa of homosexual males. In other groups in Western societies both the presence of B.pilosicoliin feces and histologic HIS are uncommon (~1.5%).Brachyspira aalborgiis an extremely slow growing and fastidious spirochete, which previously had been isolated from an HIS patient in Denmark. Recent studies using polymerase chain reaction amplification of DNA from intestinal biopsies from a series of cases of HIS in the general Western population demonstrated thatB. aalborgi, rather thanB. pilosicoli, was the main spirochete species involved in these patients. This review outlines recent developments in the study of HIS and the two spirochete species, and identifies priorities for future research.
Susceptibility to pleuromutilins inBrachyspira(Serpulina)hyodysenteriae
Authors: Karlsson M. , Gunnarsson A. , Franklin A.
Published: March 2018

The pleuromutilins are the only antimicrobial agents with sufficient minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values left to treat swine dysentery in Sweden. Other antimicrobials are either not approved for use against swine dysentery or only partly active againstBrachyspira hyodysenteriae. To date, in Sweden two pleuromutilins, tiamulin and valnemulin, are authorized for use in pigs. This study includes a comparison between MICs of tiamulin and valnemulin for Swedish field isolates ofB. hyodysenteriae, as determined by broth dilution. For different isolates the MIC of tiamulin was between 0 and 8 times higher than that of valnemulin. No resistance to pleuromutilins was recorded (tiamulin MIC range 0.031–2 μg/ml, valnemulin MIC range ≤0.016–1 μg/ml).In vitrodevelopment of tiamulin resistance was also studied. TwoB. hyodysenteriaeand twoB. pilosicolistrains became resistant to tiamulin following reiterated passages on agar containing tiamulin in increasing concentrations. The resistance emerged slowly and three of the strains that went through more than 60 passages increased their tiamulin MICs from 0.031–0.25 to more than 128 μg/ml. The tiamulin MIC for oneB. hyodysenteriaestrain that went through 29 passages increased from 0.0125 to 4 μg/ml. OneB. pilosicolistrain developed cross-resistance to valnemulin; the MIC increased from 0.25 to more than 64 μg/ml. The valnemulin MIC for oneB. hyodysenteriaestrain increased from 0.031 μg/ml to 32 μg/ml. Valnemulin MIC was not determined for theB. hyodysenteriaestrain that only went through 29 passages. The valnemulin MIC of the otherB. pilosicolistrain increased from 0.031 to 4 μg/ml.
Thermoelectricity in single-molecule devices
Authors: Harzheim Achim
Published: March 2018

Harvesting waste energy from heat sources such as electronic devices through exploiting the thermoelectric effect is becoming increasingly attractive as information technique associated devices are now making up over 10% of the worldwide electricity consumption [Mills MP. The cloud begins with coal – big data, big network, big infrastructures and big power; 2013. Available from: https://www.tech-pundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/CloudBeginsWithCoal.pdf ]. While solid-state thermogenerators have been developed and have shown promising results, their price in addition to other characteristics make them unattractive for a wide use [Zhang Q, Sun Y, Xu W, et al. Organic thermoelectric materials: emerging green energy materials converting heat to electricity directly and efficiently. Adv Mater. 2014;26(40):6829–6851]. Owing to those limitations, molecular structures have emerged as a possible alternative for fabricating cheap, efficient thermogenerators. Single-molecule devices are not prone to the mechanisms that limit the performance of bulk devices and could potentially be used to build ultra-high-efficiency thermoelectric power generators [Venkatasubramanian R, Siivola E, Colpitts T, et al. Thin-film thermoelectric devices with high room-temperature figures of merit. Nature. 2001;413(6856):597–602]. Since the pioneering work by Reddy et al. in measuring single molecules there has been a steady rise in interest in this field [Reddy P, Jang SY, Segalman RA, et al. Thermoelectricity in molecular junctions. Science. 2007;315(5818):1568–1571]. While a molecular device structure allowing for cheap and scalable fabrication as well as exhibiting high efficiency has not been identified yet, there have been intriguing results in theory and experiment, showing what would be necessary to make molecules a viable alternative. Furthermore, molecular electronics has been shown to permit sensing applications and give additional insight into molecular transport.

This review was submitted as part of the 2018 Materials Literature Review Prize of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining run by the Editorial Board of MST. Sponsorship of the prize by TWI Ltd is gratefully acknowledged.
Constituent Instruments of International Organizations as a Special Source of the Law of International Organizations
Authors: Shpakovych Olha M , Vladyka Svitlana A
Published: March 2018

The article deals with the study of constituent instruments of international organizations (IOs). The author analyzes constituent instruments of IOs and determines their peculiarities. The article defines charters of IOs as a more complex instrument than a multilateral agreement. Constituent instruments, charters, as a rule, firstly fix the will of sovereign states to establish an organization and to delegate certain rights and responsibilities. Charters are directly refer to relations between member states and organs. Except charters, the law of IOs also encompasses other international agreements governing various aspects of organizations. Significant number of international agreements together with charters of organizations results in complexity of the law of IOs.
Which orthopaedic trauma patients need psychiatry consultation? A single institution pilot survey study
Authors: Campbell Sean T. , Schultz Blake J. , Franciscus Amanda M. , Ravindranath Divy , Bishop Julius A.
Published: March 2018

Background:

The burden of psychologic stressors among trauma patients is high, and these symptoms are often left untreated. The purpose of this study was to determine the threshold for psychiatric symptom severity for which the orthopaedic surgeon and psychiatrist believe a consultation is indicated, and to compare these thresholds between the two groups.

Methods:

A survey was created following multidisciplinary discussion, which consisted of ten clinical scenarios related to orthopaedic trauma patients with symptoms of common psychologic stressors. The survey was distributed to residents in the orthopaedic surgery and psychiatry programs at our institution. Participants were asked whether a psychiatry consultation was indicated. Nonparametric statistics were used to analyze differences. Qualitative data were obtained from participants to better understand trends.

Results:

The survey was completed by 32 trainees (82 possible, 39%). There was agreement between the groups regarding scenarios involving suicidality, drug use or withdrawal, and the capacity to consent. There was disagreement for clinical scenarios involving schizophrenia, with orthopaedic surgeons believing a psychiatry consultation was indicated significantly more often than psychiatrists, and delirium, in which orthopaedic surgeons thought that a psychiatry consultation was indicated significantly less often than psychiatrists.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated disagreement between orthopaedic surgery and psychiatry trainees. Psychiatry residents may believe that some inpatient consults for psychotic patients are unnecessary, while orthopaedic residents may be under-utilizing resources for delirious patients. Further study is necessary to determine if these trends exist at the national level and if there are implications for patient outcomes.
Upper Instrumented Vertebrae (UIV) Tilt Angle Is an Important Postoperative Radiological Parameter That Correlates With Postoperative Neck and Medial Shoulder Imbalance
Authors: Chan Chris Yin Wei , Chiu Chee Kidd , Ler Xin Yi , Ng Yun Hui , Chian Xue Han , Tan Pheng Hian , Kwan Mun Keong
Published: March 2018

Study Design.

Retrospective study.

Objective.

To investigate the association between postoperative upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) tilt angle with postoperative medial shoulder and neck imbalance.

Summary of Background Data.

Studies had found that current recommendations for UIV selection were not predictive of good postoperative shoulder balance.

Methods.

A total of 98 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with Lenke 1/2 curves who underwent posterior spinal fusion between 2013 and 2014 with minimum follow-up of 2 years were recruited. Radiological parameters: UIV tilt angle, T1 tilt, cervical axis, and clavicle angle were measured preoperatively, postoperatively, and at final follow-up.

Results.

Mean age was 16.2 ± 6.2 years. Mean follow-up was 37.9 ± 6.5 months. There were 73.5% Lenke 1 and 26.5% Lenke 2 curves. Significant factors affecting postoperative T1 Tilt were postoperative UIV tilt angle, preoperative T1 tilt, and preoperative UIV tilt angle. Postoperative UIV tilt angle and preoperative cervical axis were significant factors affecting cervical axis at final follow-up. UIV level was not significant independent factor that affected postoperative T1 tilt and cervical axis. There was strong correlation between postoperative UIV tilt angle and T1 tilt for the whole cohort (P < 0.001), when UIV was at T2 (P < 0.001), T3 (P < 0.001), and T4 (P < 0.001). Postoperative UIV tilt angle also had significant correlation with cervical axis when UIV was at T2 (P = 0.021) and T3 (P = 0.009).

Conclusion.

Postoperative UIV tilt angle was an independent factor, which had significant correlation with postoperative T1 tilt and cervical axis measurement. There was strong correlation between postoperative UIV tilt angle and T1 tilt for the whole cohort, when UIV was at T3 and T4. There was very strong correlation between postoperative UIV tilt angle and T1 tilt when UIV was at T2. There was also moderate and significant correlation between postoperative UIV tilt angle and cervical axis for the whole cohort.

Level of Evidence: 2
Ketorolac May Increase Hematoma Risk in Reduction Mammaplasty: A Case-control Study
Authors: Barkho Jouseph O. , Li Yu Kit , Duku Eric , Thoma Achilleas
Published: March 2018

Background:

Ketorolac is a potent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that has valuable analgesic properties but also a hypothetical risk of increased bleeding due to inhibition of platelet activation. The clinical significance of this risk, however, is unclear when it is used after reduction mammaplasty. Our study objective was to therefore examine the association between ketorolac exposure and hematoma occurrence after breast reduction surgery. We hypothesized that there was no association between ketorolac exposure and hematoma occurrence in breast reduction surgery.

Methods:

A case-control design was used. Data from charts of all reduction mammaplasties that developed hematomas requiring surgical evacuation (cases) at our university-based hospitals were retrieved and matched to data from charts of reduction mammaplasty patients who did not indicate this complication (controls). Matching occurred in a 1:1 ratio based on 4 criteria: age, body mass index, institution, and preexisting hypertension. Charts were reviewed for retrospective information on exposure to ketorolac. Odds ratio (OR) was calculated with an OR > 1 favoring an association.

Results:

From 2002 to 2016, 40 cases of hematoma met inclusion criteria and were matched with 40 controls (N = 80). Cases had a significantly lower body mass index than controls; however, the other baseline patient demographics were similar between the 2 groups. There was an association between hematoma formation and exposure to ketorolac (OR, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.8–7.4; P = 0.114) and a trend for greater risk of hematoma formation, although this was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Based on this level 3 evidence, there appears to be an association between perioperative ketorolac exposure and hematoma after breast reduction surgery, but it was not statistically significant. Although this study was adequately powered, the OR of 2.4 was associated with a wide confidence interval. A larger sample size may increase the precision of the results and may also make the association definitive.