bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human central auditory plasticity: A review of functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure cochlear implant performance and tinnitus perception
Authors: Basura Gregory J. , Hu Xiao‐Su , Juan Juan San , Tessier Anne‐Michelle , Kovelman Ioulia
Published: October 2018

Objective

Functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an emerging noninvasive technology used to study cerebral cortex activity. Being virtually silent and compatible with cochlear implants has helped establish fNIRS as an important tool when investigating auditory cortex as well as cortices involved with hearing and language processing in adults and during child development. With respect to this review article, more recently, fNIRS has also been used to investigate central auditory plasticity following hearing loss and tinnitus or phantom sound perception.

Methods

Here, we review the currently available literature reporting the use of fNIRS in human studies with cochlear implants and tinnitus to measure human central auditory cortical circuits. We also provide the reader with detailed reviews of the technology and traditional recording paradigms/methods used in these auditory‐based studies.

Results

The purpose of this review article is to summarize theoretical advancements in our understanding of the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying auditory processes and their plasticity through fNIRS research of human auditory performance with cochlear implantation and plasticity that may contribute to the central percepts of tinnitus.

Conclusion

fNIRS is an emerging noninvasive brain imaging technology that has wide reaching application that can be applied to human studies involving cochlear implants and tinnitus.

Level of Evidence

N/A
Initiator‐Free, Multiphoton Polymerization of Gelatin Methacrylamide
Authors: Parkatzidis Kostas , Kabouraki Elmina , Selimis Alexandros , Kaliva Maria , Ranella Anthi , Farsari Maria , Vamvakaki Maria
Published: October 2018

Multiphoton lithography (MPL), based on multiphoton polymerization (MPP), is a powerful technique for the fabrication of 3D structures used in tissue engineering and other biomedical applications, microoptics, nanophotonics, micro‐/nanomechanics, and micro‐/nanofluidics. MPL is based on the localized polymerization/cross‐linking of photosensitive materials induced by femtosecond laser pulses. The use of an appropriate photoinitiator (PI) is required to initiate the polymerization/cross‐linking process. However, several studies have demonstrated the cytotoxicity of the PIs and their derived free radicals. The photo‐cross‐linking of a pre‐synthesized photosensitive gelatin methacrylamide (GelMA) biopolymer using an initiator‐free MPP process is reported for the first time. This is achieved by employing a femtosecond laser operating in the visible range of the spectrum (520 nm). It is demonstrated that multiphoton absorption can cause the cleavage of the polymer double bonds and induce the cross‐linking process. GelMA‐based 3D structures accurately replicating the original computer‐aided design are fabricated, and their excellent biocompatibility is demonstrated in vitro using 3D cell culture experiments with NIH‐3T3 fibroblast cells.
Over‐expression of TNNI3K is associated with early‐stage carcinogenesis of cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Yeh Chun‐Nan , Chen Ming‐Huang , Chang Yu‐Chan , Wu Ren‐Chin , Tsao Lee‐Cheng , Wang Shang‐Yu , Cheng Chi‐Tung , Chiang Kun‐Chun , Chen Tsung‐Wen , Hsiao Michael , Weng Wen‐Hui
Published: October 2018

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a devastating disease with very poor prognosis due to late diagnosis and resistance to traditional chemotherapies and radiotherapies. Herein, thioacetamide (TAA)‐induced rat CCA model and CGCCA cell line were used; we aim to study the cytogenetic features during tumoral development of CCA and uncover the mystery regarding carcinogenesis of CCA. The Array comparative genomic hybridization analysis, in silico method, gene knockdown, Western blot, cell count proliferation assay, clonogenecity assay, and IHC staining were applied in this study. Array comparative genomic hybridization analysis was performed on all different TAA‐induced phases of rat tissues to reveal the certain pattern, +2q45, +Xq22, −12p12, have been identified for the tumor early stage, where involve the gene TNNI3K. In addition, 16 genes and 3 loci were associated with rapid tumor progression; JAK‐STAT signaling pathway was highly correlated to late stage of CCA. In silico database was used to observe TNNI3K was highly express at tumor part compared with normal adjacent tissue in CCA patients from TCGA dataset. Furthermore, the growth of TNNI3K‐knockdown SNU308 and HuCCT1 cells decreased when compared with cells transfected with an empty vector cell demonstrated by proliferation and colonogenecity assay. Besides, over expression of TNNI3K was especially confirmed on human CCA tumors and compared with the intrahepatic duct stone bile duct tissues and normal bile duct tissues (P < 0.001). Our findings might uncover the mystery regarding carcinogenesis of CCA, and provide the potential genetic mechanism to the clinicians some ideas for the patients’ treatment.
A design of group delay equalizer using series and parallel resonator
Authors: Jang Youna , Lee Daeung , Koo Seo , Choi Kwansun , Lim Jongsik , Cho Jeongho , Ahn Dal
Published: October 2018

A novel method of designing a group delay equalizer consisting of a typical 3‐dB hybrid coupler combined with one of newly proposed 4 types of resonator is presented. It is designed by applying the phase obtained from the reflection coefficient between the 3‐dB coupler and the proposed resonator to the group delay formula. Once the resonance frequency with the group delay as the peak is set to form a desired band by setting the parallel and series resonance frequencies, each component value of the proposed equalizer is obtained. In order to improve the group delay bandwidth, the proposed equalizers with different target frequencies are connected as cascaded. One of the proposed 4 types of equalizers was implemented using open and short stubs due to the fabrication limitation of lumped components, and its measurement results showed that the insertion loss is under −1 dB, and the group delay is 4.5 ns with ±1.5 fabrication error. This implies that the measurement results were well matched with the design method of the proposed equalizer.
Nanoparticles in Glass Fiber‐Reinforced Polyester Composites: Comparing Toughening Effects of Modified Graphene Oxide and Core‐Shell Rubber
Authors: Liu Kunwei , He Siyao , Qian Yuqiang , An Qi , Stein Andreas , Macosko Christopher W.
Published: October 2018

The role of nanoparticles in the fracture toughness of glass fiber‐reinforced polyester composites (GFRPs) was investigated. An unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) and a vinyl ester resin (VER) were toughened by two distinct methods: (1) incorporating a very low loading (0.04 wt%) of alkyl or vinyl modified graphene oxide (mGO); or (2) adding core‐shell rubber (CSR, 1 and 5 wt%). For unreinforced resins, results from compact tension tests revealed that adding 0.04 wt% of mGO increased the fracture toughness (GIC_Resin) of UPR and VER by as much as 49 and 35%, respectively, without lowering the modulus and glass transition temperature (Tg); however, the mode I interlaminar fracture toughness (GIC_Comp) of GFRPs was not improved. On the other hand, CSR is a more effective toughener, though at much higher loadings. 1 wt% had little effect, but 5 wt% of CSR enhanced GIC_Resin of UPR and VER by 280 and 600%, respectively, with a significant decrease in flexural modulus and flexural strength. 5 wt% of CSR was not able to increase the GIC_Comp of UPR laminates either; however, CSR did increase the initiation GIC_Comp and propagation GIC_Comp of VER laminates by 50 and 33%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy of the fractured specimens revealed weak fiber–matrix bonding for all GFRPs. This work suggests that enhancing fiber–matrix bonding is critical to gain the benefit of adding nanoparticles to GFRPs. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1512–E1524, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and characterization of kaolinite/polyaniline nanocomposites and investigating their anticorrosive performance in chlorinated rubber/alkyd coatings
Authors: Morsi Samir M.M. , Emira Hassan S. , El‐Sawy Sanaa M. , Mohsen Rajia M. , Khorshed Lobna A.
Published: October 2018

Kaolinite/polyaniline nanocomposites (KPAns) were prepared byin situchemical oxidative polymerization. The nanocomposites were synthesized with four different aniline to kaolinite weight percentage; 5, 10, 15, and 20% to produce KPAn5, KPAn10, KPAn15, and KPAn20, respectively. The structural, morphological and thermal properties of the nanocomposites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope (SEM)–energy dispersive X‐ray analyzer, transmission electron microscope, and Thermogravimetric analysis. The results revealed a very slight increase in the d‐spacing of kaolinite XRD peaks. SEM images showed hexagonal platy sheets of kaolinite crystals that are indistinguishable in KPAn nanocomposites images, especially on using a high amount of polyaniline (PANI). The increase in the percentage of carbon and nitrogen elements in EDAX data proved the adsorption of PANI on the surface of kaolinite platelets. To investigate the anticorrosive performance of the synthesized nanocomposites, kaolinite and KPAn nanocomposites were loaded in various amounts (1, 5, and 9%) in a blend of chlorinated rubber/medium oil alkyd resin (CR/MA) to prepare different formulations that were applied and evaluated as protective coats on steel substrates. Visual corrosion test revealed that 5% KPAn‐loaded CR/MA coats exhibited the best protection against corrosion amongst other formulations as indicated by their lowest degree of rusting and blistering. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements confirmed the highest protection of 5% KPAn10‐loaded CR/MA coat as indicated by the quantitative corrosion rates obtained from Tafel extrapolation. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2777–2789, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Amlodipine‐induced hyperglycaemia
Authors: DeGeeter Michelle , Taylor Shawn Riser , Cress Joshua
Published: October 2018

The risk of hyperglycaemia induced by use of amlodipine is rare and not well established. This case report provides evidence that significant and reversible changes in glycaemic control may occur with standard use of amlodipine as an antihypertensive agent. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons.
Preparation and Characterization of Conductive Polyaniline/Silver Nanocomposite Films and Their Antimicrobial Studies
Authors: Zengin Huseyin , Aksin Gulsen , Zengin Gulay , Kahraman Mehmet , Kilic Ibrahim Halil
Published: October 2018

Silver (Ag) nanoparticles are known to hold an important place in nanotechnology, and studies herein present the preparation and characterization of Ag metallic nanoparticles bearing antibacterial properties. In situ polymerization was used to prepare the conductive polymer polyaniline (PANI) and polyaniline/silver (PANI/Ag) nanocomposites. Increases in electrical conductivities of the nanocomposite films were observed compared to neat PANI, whereby these increases may be a result of the Ag doping effect or its complex formation. Spectroscopic techniques, such as, UV–Vis, FTIR, and photoluminescence were used for the characterizations of PANI and PANI/Ag nanocomposites. UV–Vis and FTIR data showed the quinoid units along the polymer chain being affected, such that strong interactions between Ag nanoparticles and quinoidal sites of PANI were presumed. The PANI/Ag nanocomposites showed higher photoluminescence intensities than neat PANI. TGA analyzes were used to determine weight losses and thermostabilities of PANI and PANI/Ag nanocomposites. Scanning electron microscopy was used for morphological evaluations of the nanoparticles and films, where the micrographs revealed that Ag nanoparticles were well dispersed and isolated in nanocomposite films. The presence and distribution of the Ag nanoparticles in PANI film matrix were analyzed by EDX. Antimicrobial properties of the nanocomposite films obtained were also explored. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E182–E194, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
A flame‐retardant composite foam: foaming polyurethane in melamine formaldehyde foam skeleton
Authors: Liao Honghui , Li Hongying , Liu Yuan , Wang Qi
Published: October 2018

A composite foam, polyurethane–melamine formaldehyde (PU/MF) foam, was prepared through foaming PU resins in the three‐dimensional netlike skeleton of MF foam. The chemical structure, morphology, cell size and distribution, flame retardancy, thermal properties and mechanical properties of such composite foam were systematically investigated. It was found that the PU/MF foam possessed better fire retardancy than pristine PU foam and achieved self‐extinguishment. Moreover, no melt dripping occurred due to the contribution of the carbonized MF skeleton network. In order to further improve the flame retardancy of the composite foam, a small amount of a phosphorus flame retardant (ammonium polyphosphate) and a char‐forming agent (pentaerythritol) were incorporated into the foam, together with the nitrogen‐rich MF, thus constituting an intumescent flame‐retardant (IFR) system. Owing to the IFR system, the flame‐retardant PU/MF foam can generate a large bulk of expanded char acting as an efficient shielding layer to hold back the diffusion of heat and oxygen. As a result, the flame‐retardant PU/MF foam achieved a higher limiting oxygen index of 31.2% and exhibited immediate self‐extinguishment. It exhibited significantly reduced peak heat release rate and total heat release, as well as higher char residual ratio compared to PU foam. Furthermore, the composite foam also showed obviously improved mechanical performance in comparison with PU foam. Overall, the present investigation provided a new approach for fabricating a polymer composite foam with satisfactory flame retardancy and good comprehensive properties. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantifying Surface Properties of Silica Particles by Combining Hansen Parameters and Reichardt's Dye Indicator Data
Authors: Stauch Claudia , Süß Sebastian , Luxenhofer Robert , Binks Bernard P. , Segets Doris , Mandel Karl
Published: October 2018

To obtain quantitative understanding of the effects of a chemisorbed organic modification on the surface of particles, the use of Reichardt's dye (RD) and Hansen solubility parameter (HSP) is discussed, whereby the S should be understood in terms of “similarity” rather than solubility as dispersibility is in focus. Silica nanoparticles modified to different extents with a medium chain silane including completely hydrophilic and hydrophobic particles are chosen. During spray‐drying such particles form fully redispersible micro‐raspberry superstructures. After qualitative estimations of the particles' polarity based on measuring both immersion time and ability of modified particles to stabilize oil–water emulsions, surface properties are quantified by HSP and RD. With increasing hydrophobicity, i.e., increasing amount of silane at the surface, all three contributions to HSP change. At the same time, RD analysis reveals that the normalized solvent polarity parameter decreases progressively. HSP and RD analysis are in good agreement, giving strong confidence on each method applied individually. This work demonstrates that after noticeable attempts for combined solubility parameters in case of molecules, carbon allotropes, and gelators, such studies can be extended toward functional (nano)particles and that a full picture of particle surface properties is possible via the combination of different, quantitative techniques.
Improving the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Dowden Angela
Published: October 2018

Delays in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children and young people are all too common and cause real anguish for those affected and their families. This article assesses the scale of the problem and discusses possible reasons and solutions.
Enhancing the Transparency of Highly Electroactive BNCD‐MEAs
Authors: Pasquarelli Alberto , Wang Xuemei
Published: October 2018

This work presents a promising method for enhancing the transparency of boron‐doped nanocrystalline diamond (BNCD) microelectrodes while preserving a good level of electrical and electrochemical performances. This method is based on the combination of selective growth of diamond on a quartz carrier and the adoption of stacked delta‐doping. The overall results show similar conductivity and at the same time better transparency in comparison with bulk doped diamond, making this technology particularly suited for applications based on simultaneous fluorescence and electrochemical detection of redox active molecules released from biological samples.
‘Are we there yet?’: A multimethod study of the Oxford University Press Pathways to school improvement
Authors: Davis‐Singaravelu Susila , Sammons Pamela
Published: October 2018

This article presents one substantive and illustrative school case study to explore in depth practitioners’ engagement with Pathways—an online school improvement resource provided by the Oxford University Press (OUP). Launched in 2013, the ‘four‐step system’ comprises the following phases: ‘audit’, ‘strategic planning’, ‘take action’ and ‘evaluate impact’ and aims to support primary schools through a range of whole school improvement and teaching and learning tasks. The wider research project studied primary school practitioner perceptions and attitudes towards Pathways and both collective and individual improvement practice via an embedded multimethod case study comprising a purposive sample of five primary schools that signed up to use Pathways. It followed the evolution of Pathways using a ‘design‐based research’ (DBR) framework that focuses on bridging the realms of academia and more practical contexts, and promoting research impact through user engagement and active participation. The growth and use of Pathways by schools was investigated through the theoretical lenses of the Dynamic Approach to School Improvement (DASI) and Guskey's five‐level model of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) evaluation (2002). The Pathways research and case study in this article focus uniquely on how teaching practitioners engage with and perceive technology in their school improvement practice and professional development experiences in one particular school context. Pathways tools seemed to offer opportunities for teachers to work collaboratively, individually and autonomously—with their work being partially ‘mediated’ by Pathways itself, and specific ‘hospitable conditions’ cultivated by senior leadership such as professional support and trust.
Weigh the pros, cons of merging academic, student affairs into same unit
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: October 2018

Amid the announcements of merging student affairs with academic affairs at some colleges and universities, many student affairs professionals wonder about the impact on students, staff, and higher ed as a whole. They also wonder when this might happen at their institution and what role they might play in a merger or restructuring. Others wonder about the reasoning and potential benefits and detriments tied to such a change.
Mn3O4 Nanocube: An Efficient Electrocatalyst Toward Artificial N2 Fixation to NH3
Authors: Wu Xiufeng , Xia Li , Wang Yuan , Lu Wenbo , Liu Qian , Shi Xifeng , Sun Xuping
Published: October 2018

Traditionally, ammonia (NH3) is synthesized via the Haber–Bosch process, which is not only commanded by harsh conditions but causes serious environmental pollution. Electrochemical reduction is recognized as a mild and environmentally benign alternative approach for NH3 synthesis, but an efficient electrocatalyst is a prerequisite for NH3 production. In this communication, the first experimental demonstration that Mn3O4 nanocubes can be used as an efficient non‐noble‐metal electrocatalyst for N2 reduction reaction (NRR) at ambient conditions is reported. In 0.1 m Na2SO4 aqueous solution, the catalyst delivers excellent NRR activity with an NH3 yield of 11.6 µg h−1 mg−1cat. and Faradaic efficiency of 3.0% at −0.8 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. Notably, this catalyst also possesses satisfactory durability during the electrolysis and recycling test.
New armoured scalidophorans (Ecdysozoa, Cycloneuralia) from the Cambrian Fortunian Zhangjiagou Lagerstätte, South China
Authors: Liu Yunhuan , Qin Jiachen , Wang Qi , Maas Andreas , Duan Baichuan , Zhang Yanan , Zhang Hu , Shao Tiequan , Zhang Huaqiao
Published: October 2018

Although molecular studies estimated that cycloneuralians might have originated in the Ediacaran Period and diversified in the early Cambrian, it was not until 2014 that they were first reported from the Cambrian Fortunian Stage. To date only two species and five indeterminate forms have been described. Here, we report new three‐dimensionally phosphatized microfossils of cycloneuralians from the Fortunian Zhangjiagou Lagerstätte, South China. Two new genera and species, Qinscolex spinosus gen. et sp. nov. and Shanscolex decorus gen. et sp. nov., and Indeterminate Forms 1–7 are described and tentatively assigned to total‐group Scalidophora, greatly increasing the diversity of the Fortunian cycloneuralians. These Fortunian cycloneuralians have diverse cuticular spines, plates, and spinose sclerites of various sizes on the trunk, thus assignment of co‐occurring fragmented trunk parts or disassociated spines or sclerites to a specific species is currently impossible. Some of the Fortunian cycloneuralians might have reached a centimetre in length; they may have been temporary meiobenthos in their juvenile or younger adult stages, only joining the macrobenthos when they reached macroscopic dimensions. It is proposed that an introvert with hexaradially symmetric and internally hollow scalids might be the plesiomorphic state for cycloneuralians.
Prediction for lateral deformation capacity of corroded reinforced concrete columns
Authors: Cheng Hu , Li Hong‐Nan , Wang Dong‐Sheng
Published: October 2018

The deformation capacities of columns, which are the main lateral force‐resisting elements of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, have been the subject of great interest with the development of performance/displacement‐based seismic design. However, deterioration due to chloride‐induced corrosion causes a significant reduction in the seismic performance of RC columns. Although numerous investigations have focused on the deformation capacity of columns with corroded rebars and various strengthening measures have been proposed, little attention was paid to evaluating the contribution of each deformation component to the tip displacement under corrosion (i.e., bending, shear, and longitudinal bar slip at the column footing), which plays an important role in investigating and explaining the failure mechanisms of columns. This paper presents a computational prediction model to estimate the deformation capacity of RC columns with corroded rebars, and the contributions of bending and bar slip at the column footing are mainly considered in this model due to the negligible contribution of the shear deformation component for columns subjected to flexural failure mode. The calculation results obtained by the prediction model are compared with the quasistatic test results of both noncorroded and corroded RC columns. It turns out that the prediction model simulates the deformation capacity of RC columns with corroded rebars reasonably well considering its simplicity and computational efficiency, and it can be used for time‐variant capacity estimates for the lifetime seismic design and fragility assessment of RC columns exposed to corrosion.
Study on self‐adjustable variable pendulum tuned mass damper
Authors: Wang Liangkun , Shi Weixing , Zhou Ying
Published: October 2018

Pendulum tuned mass damper (PTMD) is usually used to control the horizontal vibration of a tall building. However, traditional PTMD is highly sensitive to frequency deviation and difficult to adjust its frequency. In order to improve this problem of traditional PTMD and protect a tall building more effectively, a novel PTMD, called self‐adjustable variable pendulum tuned mass damper (SAVP‐TMD), is proposed in this paper. On the basis of the acceleration ratio between TMD and primary structure, the SAVP‐TMD can retune itself by varying the length of the pendulum according to the improved acceleration ratio‐based adjustment algorithm. PTMD and primary structural accelerations are obtained from two accelerometers respectively, and the acceleration ratio is calculated in a microcontroller, then, the stepper motor will adjust the pendulum under the guidance of the microcontroller under a specific harmonic excitation. The improved acceleration ratio‐based adjustment algorithm is proposed and compared to solve the nonconvergent retuning problem. The SAVP‐TMD can be regarded as a passive damper including a frequency adjustment device. A single‐degree‐of‐freedom structure model is used to verify the effectiveness of SAVP‐TMD through both experimental study and numerical simulation. In order to further verify the effect of SAVP‐TMD in the MDOF structure, a five‐storey structure coupled with an SAVP‐TMD is proposed as a case study. The results of experiment, simulation, and case study all show that SAVP‐TMD can retune itself to the primary structural dominant frequency robustly, and the retuned PTMD has a better vibration control effect than the mistuned one.
What News in the Surface Chemistry of Bulk and Supported Vanadia Based SCR‐Catalysts: Improvements in their Resistance to Poisoning and Thermal Sintering
Authors: Granger Pascal , Siaka Hermann W. , Umbarkar Shubhangi B.
Published: October 2018

This paper reports a short review on the impact of poisoning effects and thermal aging on the reactivity of surface vanadate species on benchmark V2O5−WO3/TiO2 Selective‐Catalytic‐Reduction catalysts. A renewed interest of this SCR technology is related to its diversification notably as after‐treatment systems to treat the exhaust from Diesel engines with higher running temperature especially when SCR catalysts are coated on Diesel Particulates Filters. Particular attention is also paid to poisoning effects in conjunction with the progressive replacement of fossil fuels by bio‐fuels containing alkaline contaminants which drastically deactivate the catalyst through neutralization of strong acid sites. Most of the investigations show that better insight into the mechanisms of poisoning and aging processes is needed especially to understand the relative sensibility of various vanadate species. This could provide original guidelines to catalyst preparation and or the developments of more stable bulk systems as exemplified.
Impaired placental perfusion and major fetal cardiac defects
Authors: Fantasia I. , Andrade W. , Syngelaki A. , Akolekar R. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: October 2018

Objective

To investigate the relationship between fetal congenital heart defects (CHD) and placental perfusion assessed by uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI), in relation to development of pre‐eclampsia (PE).

Methods

This was a prospective screening study of singleton pregnancies at 19–24 weeks' gestation. Transvaginal ultrasound was used to measure UtA‐PI and the values were converted into multiples of the normal median (MoM). Median MoM values in pregnancies with a fetus with isolated major CHD were compared to those without CHD, in relation to development of PE.

Results

The 91 407 singleton pregnancies fulfilling the entry criteria included 206 (0.23%) with isolated major fetal CHD and 91 201 without CHD. The prevalence of PE was 4.4% in pregnancies with fetal CHD and 2.7% in those without CHD (relative risk (RR), 1.6 (95% CI, 0.84–3.04); P = 0.150); the respective values for preterm PE with delivery at < 37 weeks' gestation were 2.4% and 0.7% (RR, 3.4 (95% CI, 1.42–8.09); P = 0.006). In the total population, median UtA‐PI MoM was significantly higher in those that developed PE compared to those without PE (1.22 (interquartile range (IQR), 0.94–1.57) vs 1.00 (IQR, 0.84–1.19); P < 0.0001) and, in the PE group, the median UtA‐PI MoM was inversely related to gestational age at delivery (r = −0.458; P < 0.0001). The same pattern of inverse relationship between UtA‐PI MoM and gestational age at delivery with PE was observed in pregnancies with and those without CHD, but, in the CHD group, compared to those without CHD, UtA‐PI was significantly higher both in pregnancies with and in those without PE.

Conclusions

In pregnancies both with and without fetal CHD that develop PE, impedance to flow in the UtAs is increased and this increase is particularly marked in those with preterm PE. The prevalence of preterm PE is more than three times higher in pregnancies with than those without fetal major CHD, and the prevalence of major CHD in pregnancies with preterm PE is also more than three times higher than in those without PE. However, > 97% of pregnancies with fetal CHD do not develop preterm PE and > 99% of pregnancies with preterm PE are not associated with fetal CHD. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Correction to: Patient and Surgeon Expectations Prior to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Khair Mahmoud Michael , Ghomrawi Hassan , Wilson Sean , Marx Robert G.
Published: October 2018

The degree of author Hassan Ghomrawi was listed incorrectly in the original article. It is correct here.
Optimising Stroke Outcomes through Evidence-Based Nursing Practice: An Australian Perspective
Authors: Jones Jacqueline , Stewart Simon
Published: October 2018

Stroke is the third leading cause of death of people in the world today and the highest cause of disability and handicap, producing a huge burden on individuals and society more broadly. Yet unlike its counterpart acute myocardial infarction (AMI), little has been done to promote early intervention in evolving strokes. Recommendations from the American Heart Association and more recently the European Stroke Initiative are available; however, in Australia (as with many other countries) practice guidelines are scarce and clinicians largely operate in an ad hoc manner with little awareness of ‘best practice’. The controversial role of thrombolysis with limitations in respect to selecting appropriate patients, in addition to a small window of opportunity for therapeutic beneficial effects and a high risk for haemorrhage, has inhibited its widespread application. As such, emergent stroke management clearly lags behind that of AMI–both with respect to the range of treatment options and the application of best practice. This paper reviews the literature regarding best practice management of evolving stroke and the crucial role of nurses in triaging and managing patients to deliver optimal outcomes within the Australian context.
Why People Experiencing Acute Myocardial Infarction Delay Seeking Medical Assistance
Authors: Carney Rosa , Fitzsimons Donna , Dempster Martin
Published: October 2018

Background: Delay time from onset of symptoms of myocardial infarction to seeking medical assistance can have life-threatening consequences. A number of factors have been associated with delay, but there is little evidence regarding the predictive value of these indices. Aim: To explore potential predictors of patient delay from onset of symptoms to time medical assistance was sought in a consecutive sample of patients admitted to CCU with acute myocardial infarction. Methods: The Cardiac Denial of Impact Scale, Health Locus of Control Scale, Health Value Scale and Pennebaker Inventory of Limbic Languidness were administered to 62 patients between 3 and 6 days after admission. Results: Attribution of symptoms to heart disease and health locus of control had a significant predictive effect on patients seeking help within 60 min, while previous experience of heart disease did not. Conclusion: Assisting individuals to recognise the potential for symptoms to have a cardiac origin is an important objective. Interventions should take into account the variety of cognitive and behavioural factors involved in decision making.
Making Sense of Landslide Danger After Kerala’s Floods
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: October 2018

Scientists traveled to Kerala, a state in India recently devastated by severe monsoon rains. They found a vulnerable population that will soon face fresh landslide risks as a new monsoon approaches.
Quantifying the Importance of Rapid Adjustments for Global Precipitation Changes
Authors: Myhre G. , Kramer R. J. , Smith C. J. , Hodnebrog Ø. , Forster P. , Soden B. J. , Samset B. H. , Stjern C. W. , Andrews T. , Boucher O. , Faluvegi G. , Fläschner D. , Kasoar M. , Kirkevåg A. , Lamarque J.‐F. , Olivié D. , Richardson T. , Shindell D. , Stier P. , Takemura T. , Voulgarakis A. , Watson‐Parris D.
Published: October 2018

Different climate drivers influence precipitation in different ways. Here we use radiative kernels to understand the influence of rapid adjustment processes on precipitation in climate models. Rapid adjustments are generally triggered by the initial heating or cooling of the atmosphere from an external climate driver. For precipitation changes, rapid adjustments due to changes in temperature, water vapor, and clouds are most important. In this study we have investigated five climate drivers (CO2, CH4, solar irradiance, black carbon, and sulfate aerosols). The fast precipitation responses to a doubling of CO2 and a 10‐fold increase in black carbon are found to be similar, despite very different instantaneous changes in the radiative cooling, individual rapid adjustments, and sensible heating. The model diversity in rapid adjustments is smaller for the experiment involving an increase in the solar irradiance compared to the other climate driver perturbations, and this is also seen in the precipitation changes.
Future Projections of Global Pluvial and Drought Event Characteristics
Authors: Martin E. R.
Published: October 2018

This study assesses projections from 24 CMIP5 models of number, duration, and severity of pluvial and drought events utilizing 6‐month standardized precipitation index. Increased variability of standardized precipitation index is projected globally. More frequent, longer lasting, and stronger pluvials are projected in wet regions, and the same for droughts in dry regions. Worsening pluvials and droughts are most apparent in the Northern Hemisphere midlatitudes and the Americas, respectively. Uniquely, this study investigates pluvials and droughts in locations where the precipitation trend is of the opposite sign. In drying regions, 40% of grid points project an increase in number and 65% project an increase in duration of severe pluvials. Projections for severe drought events in wetting regions show similar projections. As precipitation trends alone do not provide information about pluvial and drought characteristics this study has important implications for planning and resilience.
Systematic Error Mitigation in DORIS‐Derived Geocenter Motion
Authors: Couhert Alexandre , Mercier Flavien , Moyard John , Biancale Richard
Published: October 2018

Geocenter motion observation is one of the most demanding applications of high‐precision geodetic techniques. Here a quantitative framework is derived that shows how dominant sources of correlations and modeling issues should be mitigated when estimating the geocenter coordinates. While obtaining independent Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite‐based geocenter time series, this paper shows how DORIS data and the Ocean Surface Topography Mission (OSTM)/Jason‐2 satellite can contribute to allow insight into model and geodetic technique errors and provide an independent assessment of the ITRF2014 origin stability: In particular, about ∼5mm offset along the X axis and ∼2mm higher annual amplitude in the axial direction were estimated for the geocenter coordinates over the period 2008.5–2015.5. To first order, Yarkovsky‐Schach coupling mutes Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) + Laser Geodynamics Satellite (LAGEOS) geocenter solutions, when station heights and biases are adjusted to mitigate their modeling errors.
On the Causes of Pulsing in Continuous Turbidity Currents
Authors: Kostaschuk Ray , Nasr‐Azadani Mohamad M. , Meiburg Eckart , Wei Taoyuan , Chen Zhongyuan , Negretti Maria Eletta , Best Jim , Peakall Jeff , Parsons Daniel R.
Published: October 2018

Velocity pulsing has previously been observed in continuous turbidity currents in lakes and reservoirs, even though the input flow is steady. Several different mechanisms have been ascribed to the generation of these fluctuations, including Rayleigh‐Taylor (RT) instabilities that are related to surface lobes along the plunge line where the river enters the receiving water body and interfacial waves such as Kelvin‐Helmholtz instabilities. However, the understanding of velocity pulsing in turbidity currents remains limited. Herein we undertake a stability analysis for inclined flows and compare it against laboratory experiments, direct numerical simulations, and field data from Lillooet Lake, Canada, and Xiaolangdi Reservoir, China, thus enabling an improved understanding of the formative mechanisms for velocity pulsing. Both RT and Kelvin‐Helmholtz instabilities are shown to be prevalent in turbidity currents depending on initial conditions and topography, with plunge line lobes and higher bulk Richardson numbers favoring RT instabilities. Other interfacial wave instabilities (Holmboe and Taylor‐Caulfield) may also be present. While this is the most detailed analysis of velocity pulsing conducted to date, the differences in spatial scales between field, direct numerical simulations, and experiments and the potential complexity of multiple processes acting in field examples indicate that further work is required. In particular, there is a need for simultaneous field measurements at multiple locations within a given system to quantify the spatiotemporal evolution of such pulsing.
High‐Resolution Benthic Mg/Ca Temperature Record of the Intermediate Water in the Denmark Strait Across D‐O Stadial‐Interstadial Cycles
Authors: Sessford E. G. , Tisserand A. A. , Risebrobakken B. , Andersson C. , Dokken T. , Jansen E.
Published: October 2018

Dansgaard‐Oeschger (D‐O) climate instabilities that took place during Marine Isotope Stage 3 are connected to changes in ocean circulation patterns and sea ice cover. Here we explore in detail the configuration of the water column of the Denmark Strait during D‐O events 8–5. How the ocean currents and water masses within the Denmark Strait region responded and were connected to the North Atlantic are discussed. We investigate sediment core GS15‐198‐36CC, from the northern side of the Greenland‐Iceland Ridge, at 30‐year temporal resolution. Stable carbon and oxygen isotope reconstructions based on benthic foraminifera, together with a high‐resolution benthic foraminiferal record of Mg/Ca paleothermometry, is presented. The site was bathed by warm intermediate waters during stadials and cool but gradually warming intermediate water during interstadials. We suggest that stadial conditions in the Denmark Strait are characterized by a well‐stratified water column with a warm intermediate water mass that lies beneath a cold fresh body of water where sea ice and brine rejection work in consort to uphold the halocline conditions. Interstadial periods are not a pure replicate of modern times, but rather have two modes of operation, one similar to today, and the other incorporating a brief period of warm intermediate water and increased ventilation.
Interaction Between Closely Packed Array Antenna Elements Using Meta‐Surface for Applications Such as MIMO Systems and Synthetic Aperture Radars
Authors: Alibakhshikenari Mohammad , Virdee Bal S. , Shukla Panchamkumar , See Chan H. , Abd‐Alhameed Raed , Khalily Mohsen , Falcone Francisco , Limiti Ernesto
Published: October 2018

The paper presents a technique to enhance the isolation between adjacent radiating elements that is common in densely packed antenna arrays. Such antennas provide frequency beam‐scanning capability needed in multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems and synthetic aperture radars. The method proposed here uses a metamaterial decoupling slab (MTM‐DS), which is located between radiating elements, to suppress mutual coupling between the elements that would otherwise degrade the antenna efficiency and performance in both the transmit and receive mode. The proposed MTM‐DS consists of mirror imaged E‐shaped slits engraved on a microstrip patch with inductive stub. Measured results confirm over 9–11 GHz with no MTM‐DS the average isolation (S12) is −27 dB; however, with MTM‐DS the average isolation improves to −38 dB. With this technique the separation between the radiating element can be reduced to 0.66λ0, where λ0 is free space wavelength at 10 GHz. In addition, with this technique there is 15% improvement in operating bandwidth. At frequencies of high impedance match of 9.95 and 10.63 GHz the gain is 4.52 and 5.40 dBi, respectively. Furthermore, the technique eliminates poor front‐to‐back ratio encountered in other decoupling methods. MTM‐DS is also relatively simple to implement. Assuming adequate space is available between adjacent radiators the MTM‐DS can be fixed retrospectively on existing antenna arrays, which makes the proposed method versatile.
Performance of Different Ensemble Kalman Filter Structures to Assimilate GRACE Terrestrial Water Storage Estimates Into a High‐Resolution Hydrological Model: A Synthetic Study
Authors: Shokri Ashkan , Walker Jeffrey P. , van Dijk Albert I. J. M. , Pauwels Valentijn R. N.
Published: October 2018

Among all remote sensing missions, the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) was unique as it measured the change in total water content across all terrestrial water storages (TWS) including subsurface, deep soil moisture, and groundwater. However, its coarse resolution is a major challenge for practical applications. Ensemble Kalman filters (EnKFs) are useful tools to combine observations with models to reduce prediction errors. But due to the coarse resolution of the GRACE products, the EnKF does not work well in its usual form. Accordingly, different EnKF structures have been proposed and employed but a comparison between them has not yet been attempted. Here we assessed these structures using a synthetic problem. Alternative structures were formed using different increment calculation and updating strategies, observation operators, and the types of observation fed to the filter. It was found that all available structures led to an improvement in model performance when measured against a synthetic reference. However, the degree of improvement was strongly dependent on the assimilation strategy. Assimilating absolute TWS values (the summation of the TWS anomalies and an unbiased baseline) gave the best model performance when combined with an increment calculation strategy in which the increments are calculated and applied to all days of the month. However, without an unbiased baseline, assimilating TWS changes still leads to an acceptable improvement in model performance. Among the observation operators, those that predict the observations as an average of multiple days had the best performance.
Animal models of PTSD: a challenge to be met
Authors: Richter-Levin Gal , Stork Oliver , Schmidt Mathias V.
Published: October 2018

Recent years have seen increased interest in psychopathologies related to trauma exposure. Specifically, there has been a growing awareness to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in part due to terrorism, climate change-associated natural disasters, the global refugee crisis, and increased violence in overpopulated urban areas. However, notwithstanding the increased awareness to the disorder, the increasing number of patients, and the devastating impact on the lives of patients and their families, the efficacy of available treatments remains limited and highly unsatisfactory. A major scientific effort is therefore devoted to unravel the neural mechanisms underlying PTSD with the aim of paving the way to developing novel or improved treatment approaches and drugs to treat PTSD. One of the major scientific tools used to gain insight into understanding physiological and neuronal mechanisms underlying diseases and for treatment development is the use of animal models of human diseases. While much progress has been made using these models in understanding mechanisms of conditioned fear and fear memory, the gained knowledge has not yet led to better treatment options for PTSD patients. This poor translational outcome has already led some scientists and pharmaceutical companies, who do not in general hold opinions against animal models, to propose that those models should be abandoned. Here, we critically examine aspects of animal models of PTSD that may have contributed to the relative lack of translatability, including the focus on the exposure to trauma, overlooking individual and sex differences, and the contribution of risk factors. Based on findings from recent years, we propose research-based modifications that we believe are required in order to overcome some of the shortcomings of previous practice. These modifications include the usage of animal models of PTSD which incorporate risk factors and of the behavioral profiling analysis of individuals in a sample. These modifications are aimed to address factors such as individual predisposition and resilience, thus taking into consideration the fact that only a fraction of individuals exposed to trauma develop PTSD. We suggest that with an appropriate shift of practice, animal models are not only a valuable tool to enhance our understanding of fear and memory processes, but could serve as effective platforms for understanding PTSD, for PTSD drug development and drug testing.
Autophagy suppresses self-renewal ability and tumorigenicity of glioma-initiating cells and promotes Notch1 degradation
Authors: Tao Zhennan , Li Tao , Ma Haiwen , Yang Yihan , Zhang Chen , Hai Long , Liu Peidong , Yuan Feng , Li Jiabo , Yi Li , Tong Luqing , Wang Yingshuai , Xie Yang , Ming Haolang , Yu Shengping , Yang Xuejun
Published: October 2018

Autophagy is a vital process that involves degradation of long-lived proteins and dysfunctional organelles and contributes to cellular metabolism. Glioma-initiating cells (GICs) have the ability to self-renew, differentiate into heterogeneous types of tumor cells, and sustain tumorigenicity; thus, GICs lead to tumor recurrence. Accumulating evidence indicates that autophagy can induce stem cell differentiation and increase the lethality of temozolomide against GICs. However, the mechanism underlying the regulation of GIC self-renewal by autophagy remains uncharacterized. In the present study, autophagy induced by AZD8055 and rapamycin treatment suppressed GIC self-renewal in vitro. We found that autophagy inhibited Notch1 pathway activation. Moreover, autophagy activated Notch1 degradation, which is associated with maintenance of the self-renewal ability of GICs. Furthermore, autophagy abolished the tumorigenicity of CD133 + U87-MG neurosphere cells in an intracranial model. These findings suggest that autophagy regulating GICs self-renewal and tumorigenicity is probably bound up with Notch1 degradation. The results of this study could aid in the design of autophagy-based clinical trials for glioma treatments, which may be of great value.