bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Betting on nature” or “betting on others”: anti-coordination induces uniquely high levels of entropy
Authors: Chierchia Gabriele , Nagel Rosemarie , Coricelli Giorgio
Published: February 2018

Uncertainty in the form of risk or ambiguity can arise from the interaction with nature and other players, while strategic uncertainty arises only in interactions with others. Here, we systematically compare binary decisions between a safe option and a potentially higher paying but uncertain option in four experimental conditions with the same potential monetary outcomes: coordination vs. anti coordination games, as well as risky and ambiguous lotteries. In each condition, we progressively increase the value of the safe option and measure subjects’ certainty equivalents (i.e., the specific safe payoff-threshold that makes a subject indifferent between the two options). We find that anti-coordination games and ambiguous lotteries elicit equally high aversion to uncertainty, relative to the other domains. In spite of this similarity, we find that subjects alternate between the safe and uncertain options much more frequently, thus displaying higher entropy, under anti-coordination relative to any of the other environments. These differences are predicted by theories of recursive reasoning in strategic games (e.g., thinking what others think we think etc.). Indeed, this can occur when interacting with intentional counterparts, but not with nature.
The transcriptomic signature of different sexes in two protogynous hermaphrodites: Insights into the molecular network underlying sex phenotype in fish
Authors: Tsakogiannis A. , Manousaki T. , Lagnel J. , Sterioti A. , Pavlidis M. , Papandroulakis N. , Mylonas C. C. , Tsigenopoulos C. S.
Published: February 2018

Sex differentiation is a puzzling problem in fish due to the variety of reproductive systems and the flexibility of their sex determination mechanisms. The Sparidae, a teleost family, reflects this remarkable diversity of sexual mechanisms found in fish. Our aim was to capture the transcriptomic signature of different sexes in two protogynous hermaphrodite sparids, the common pandora Pagellus erythrinus and the red porgy Pagrus pagrus in order to shed light on the molecular network contributing to either the female or the male phenotype in these organisms. Through RNA sequencing, we investigated sex-specific differences in gene expression in both species’ brains and gonads. The analysis revealed common male and female specific genes/pathways between these protogynous fish. Whereas limited sex differences found in the brain indicate a sexually plastic tissue, in contrast, the great amount of sex-biased genes observed in gonads reflects the functional divergence of the transformed tissue to either its male or female character. Α common “crew” of well-known molecular players is acting to preserve either sex identity of the gonad in these fish. Lastly, this study lays the ground for a deeper understanding of the complex process of sex differentiation in two species with an evolutionary significant reproductive system.
Engineering ellipsoidal cap-like hydrogel particles as building blocks or sacrificial templates for three-dimensional cell culture
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Huang Guoyou , Ng Kelvin , Ji Yuan , Gao Bin , Huang Liqing , Zhou Jinxiong , Lu Tian Jian , Xu Feng
Published: February 2018

AAO template-assisted fabrication of ellipsoidal cap-like hydrogel particles as building blocks or sacrificial templates for 3D cell culture.
Phosphine-free synthesis and optical stabilities of composition-tuneable monodisperse ternary PbSe1−xSx alloyed nanocrystals via cation exchange
Authors: Zhang Chi , Fu Xiaoming , Peng Zhiwei , Gao Junhui , Xia Yong , Zhang Jianbing , Luo Wei , Li Honglang , Wang YuHuang , Zhang Daoli
Published: February 2018

Composition-tunable monodisperse PbSe1−xSx alloyed NCs were synthesized by employing the cation exchange method, which demonstrated excellent air stability.
Nucleation-limited composition of ternary III–V nanowires forming from quaternary gold based liquid alloys
Authors: Leshchenko Egor D. , Ghasemi Masoomeh , Dubrovskii Vladimir G. , Johansson Jonas
Published: February 2018

Analytically calculated liquid–solid composition dependencies for self- and gold-catalyzed InSbxAs1–x nanowires.
Controllable synthesis, formation mechanism, and enhanced microwave absorption of dendritic AgFe alloy/Fe3O4nanocomposites
Authors: Jin Chen , He Zidong , Zhao Yanting , Pan Yefei , Wu Wenhua , Wang Xiaojuan , Tong Guoxiu
Published: February 2018

Dendritic AgFe alloy/Fe3O4nanocomposites with tunable composition and size synthesizedviaa selective attachment and anisotropic growth exhibit enhanced microwave absorption.
Quantification of biomolecules responsible for biomarkers in the surface-enhanced Raman spectra of bacteria using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Chiu Shirley Wen-Yu , Cheng Ho-Wen , Chen Zhi-Xin , Wang Huai-Hsien , Lai Ming-Yu , Wang Juen-Kai , Wang Yuh-Lin
Published: February 2018

Biomarkers in SERS spectra of bacteria originate from bacterial purine metabolites, whose quantification indicates their continuous release in a stressful water environment.
Concurrent presence of on- and off-pathway folding intermediates of apoflavodoxin at physiological ionic strength
Authors: Houwman Joseline A. , Westphal Adrie H. , Visser Antonie J. W. G. , Borst Jan Willem , van Mierlo Carlo P. M.
Published: February 2018

A unique combination of fluorescence spectroscopic techniques enables the simultaneous detection of on- and off-pathway protein folding intermediates.
A light-powered shape-configurable micromachine
Authors: Li Mingtong , Zhang Hui , Liu Mei , Dong Bin
Published: February 2018

We report a light-driven micromachine with shape-changing capability.
Dual emission via remote control of molecular rotation of o-carborane in the excited state by the distant substituents in tolane-modified dyads
Authors: Nishino Kenta , Uemura Kyoya , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: February 2018

Dual-emissive properties are reported based on the tolane-o-carborane dyads with various substituents.
Templated synthesis of atomically thin platy hematite nanoparticles within a layered silicate exhibiting efficient photocatalytic activity
Authors: Mani Durai , Tsunoji Nao , Yumauchi Yusuke , Arivanandhan Mukannan , Jayavel Ramasamy , Ide Yusuke
Published: February 2018

In contrast to usual iron oxides, atomically-thin hematite nanoplates synthesized within a layered silicate show significantly high photocatalytic activity without any co-catalysts.
Heterostructured quantum dot architectures for efficient and stable photoelectrochemical hydrogen production
Authors: Adhikari Rajesh , Basu Kaustubh , Zhou Yufeng , Vetrone Fiorenzo , Ma Dongling , Sun Shuhui , Vidal Francois , Zhao Haiguang , Rosei Federico
Published: February 2018

Heterostructured core/shell quantum dots are designed to boost performance of quantum dot sensitized photoanodes for photoelectrochemical solar hydrogen production.
Subphthalocyanine-radiaannulene scaffold – a multi-electron acceptor and strong chromophore
Authors: Lissau Henriette , Andersen Cecilie Lindholm , Storm Freja Eilsø , Santella Marco , Hammerich Ole , Hansen Thorsten , Mikkelsen Kurt V. , Nielsen Mogens Brøndsted
Published: February 2018

A multi-electron acceptor is obtained by fusing two boron subphthalocyanine macrocycles to the endocyclic bonds of a cross-conjugated radiaannulene core.
A solvent-directed stereoselective and electrocatalytic synthesis of diisoeugenol
Authors: Yamamoto Takashi , Riehl Barbara , Naba Keisuke , Nakahara Kenshin , Wiebe Anton , Saitoh Tsuyoshi , Waldvogel Siegfried R. , Einaga Yasuaki
Published: February 2018

A stereoselective and electrocatalytic coupling reaction of isoeugenol has been demonstrated for the first time, wherein 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) plays a crucial role.
The chelate-to-bridging shift of phosphane dipalladacycles: convenient synthesis of double A-frame tetranuclear complexes
Authors: Frieiro-Gomis Pablo , Lucio-Martínez Fátima , Munín-Cruz Paula , Ortigueira Juan M. , Pereira M. Teresa , Polo-Ces Paula , Vázquez-García Digna , Vila José M.
Published: February 2018

A tailor-made synthetic procedure was devised to produce a four-palladium supramolecular architecture capable of hosting two A-frame moieties.
Narrowing the diversification of supramolecular assemblies by preorganization
Authors: Wang Zhongyan , Liang Chunhui , Shang Yuna , He Shuangshuang , Wang Ling , Yang Zhimou
Published: February 2018

The preorganization of a precursor accelerates the formation of nanostructures with narrow diversification during EISA processes.
Interfacial anti-fatigue effect in graphene–copper nanolayered composites under cyclic shear loading
Authors: Liu Xiaoyi , Cai Jin , Luo Sheng-Nian
Published: February 2018

Low-cycle fatigue behaviors of graphene–copper nanolayered (GCuNL) composites are explored at different interfacial configurations and repeat layer spacings.
The effect of SiO2 additives on solid hydroxide ion-conducting polymer electrolytes: a Raman microscopy study
Authors: Li Jak , Lian Keryn
Published: February 2018

Effect of SiO2 and particle size on hydroxide ion-conduction in an alkaline polymer electrolyte correlated to structure and chemistry.
Novel photocatalytic water splitting solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion: CdLa2S4and CdLa2Se4ternary semiconductor compounds
Authors: Reshak A. H.
Published: February 2018

Comprehensiveab initiocalculations from first- to second-principles methods are performed to investigate the suitability of non-centro-symmetric CdLa2S4and CdLa2Se4to be used as active photocatalysts under visible light illumination.
B3@Si12+: strong stabilizing effects of a triatomic cyclic boron unit on tubular silicon clusters
Authors: Pham Hung Tan , Dang Thi Tuyet Mai , Van Duong Long , Tam Nguyen Minh , Nguyen Minh Tho
Published: February 2018

Remarkably strong effects of the aromatic B3 cycle in stabilizing tubular silicon clusters were observed for the first time.
Aqueous vs. nonaqueous Zn-ion batteries: consequences of the desolvation penalty at the interface
Authors: Kundu Dipan , Hosseini Vajargah Shahrzad , Wan Liwen , Adams Brian , Prendergast David , Nazar Linda F.
Published: February 2018

Comparison of intercalation of Zn2+ in layered V3O7·H2O in non-aqueous and aqueous electrolytes reveals a much higher desolvation penalty at the non-aqueous interface, a major factor in dictating the kinetics.
Site-specific hydroxyalkylation of chromones via alcohol mediated Minisci-type radical conjugate addition
Authors: Chen Rongzhen , Yu Jin-Tao , Cheng Jiang
Published: February 2018

The metal-free C2-functionalization of chromones with alcohols and ethers via radical sp3 C–H activation was developed.
5-Methylene N-acyl dihydropyridazinium ions as novel Mannich-type acceptors in 1,4 additions of nucleophiles
Authors: Mari Giacomo , De Crescentini Lucia , Mantellini Fabio , Santeusanio Stefania , Favi Gianfranco
Published: February 2018

Mannich-type addition reactions of various type of nucleophiles with N-acyliminium ions, generated in situ from 5-methylene-6-methoxy-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridazines, in the presence of BF3·OEt2, have been developed.
Organocatalytic Michael/cyclization cascade reactions of 3-isothiocyanato oxindoles with 3-trifluoroethylidene oxindoles: an approach for the synthesis of 3′-trifluoromethyl substituted 3,2′-pyrrolidinyl-bispirooxindoles
Authors: Zhu Wen-Run , Chen Qing , Lin Ning , Chen Kai-Bin , Zhang Zhen-Wei , Fang Gang , Weng Jiang , Lu Gui
Published: February 2018

A series of 3′-trifluoromethyl substituted 3,2′-pyrrolidinyl-bispirooxindoles were constructedviaan asymmetric Michael/cyclization cascade reaction.
Heterostructured ferromagnet–topological insulator with dual-phase magnetic properties
Authors: Chang Shu-Jui , Chuang Pei-Yu , Chong Cheong-Wei , Chen Yu-Jung , Andrew Huang Jung-Chun , Chen Po-Wen , Tseng Yuan-Chieh
Published: February 2018

In this study we visualized thermodynamically stable chalcogen compounds in the vicinity of a Py/Bi2Se3 interface with dual magnetic order due to a phase separation effect.
Bifunctional networked Ag/AgPd core/shell nanowires for the highly efficient dehydrogenation of formic acid and subsequent reduction of nitrate and nitrite in water
Authors: Liu Hu , Liu Xinyang , Yu Yongsheng , Yang Weiwei , Li Ji , Feng Ming , Li Haibo
Published: February 2018

Herein, we report the one-pot synthesis of networked Ag/AgPd core/shell nanowires (CS-NWs) via seed-mediated growth in polyol solution.
Correction: 17% efficient printable mesoscopic PIN metal oxide framework perovskite solar cells using cesium-containing triple cation perovskite
Authors: Liu Shuangshuang , Huang Wenchao , Liao Peizhe , Pootrakulchote Nuttapol , Li Hao , Lu Jianfeng , Li Junpeng , Huang Feihong , Shai Xuxia , Zhao Xiaojuan , Shen Yan , Cheng Yi-Bing , Wang Mingkui
Published: February 2018

Correction for ‘17% efficient printable mesoscopic PIN metal oxide framework perovskite solar cells using cesium-containing triple cation perovskite’ by Shuangshuang Liu et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017, 5, 22952–22958.
Recent advances in the fabrication of graphene–ZnO heterojunctions for optoelectronic device applications
Authors: Liang Feng-Xia , Gao Yang , Xie Chao , Tong Xiao-Wei , Li Zhong-Jun , Luo Lin-Bao
Published: February 2018

Recently, by taking advantage of the synergistic effects of both graphene and ZnO, various photoelectric devices that combine graphene and ZnO have exhibited excellent device performances and attracted increasing research interest.
Inkjet printing of vanadium dioxide nanoparticles for smart windows
Authors: Ji Haining , Liu Dongqing , Cheng Haifeng , Zhang Chaoyang
Published: February 2018

A forefront and efficient VO2 inkjet printing technology is developed for low cost smart windows.
Ge-based bipolar small molecular host for highly efficient blue OLEDs: multiscale simulation of charge transport
Authors: Yao Chuang , Yang Yezi , Li Lei , Bo Maolin , Peng Cheng , Wang Jinshan
Published: February 2018

Investigating three novel Ge-based high-performance bipolar hosts for deep blue phosphorescent OLEDs by multiscale simulation of charge transport.
Controllable growth of C8-BTBT single crystalline microribbon arrays by a limited solvent vapor-assisted crystallization (LSVC) method
Authors: Jiang Longfeng , Liu Jie , Lu Xiuqiang , Fu Lulu , Shi Yanjun , Zhang Jing , Zhang Xi , Geng Hua , Hu Yuanyuan , Dong Huanli , Jiang Lang , Yu Junsheng , Hu Wenping
Published: February 2018

Uniformly aligned single crystal arrays of C8-BTBT were prepared by the LSVC method and their OFETs exhibit high mobility with uniform distribution.
Reconstruction of the two-dimensional gravitational potential of galaxy clusters from X-ray and Sunyaev-Zel’dovich measurements
Authors: Tchernin C. , Bartelmann M. , Huber K. , Dekel A. , Hurier G. , Majer C. L. , Meyer S. , Zinger E. , Eckert D. , Meneghetti M. , Merten J.
Published: February 2018

Context. The mass of galaxy clusters is not a direct observable, nonetheless it is commonly used to probe cosmological models. Based on the combination of all main cluster observables, that is, the X-ray emission, the thermal Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (SZ) signal, the velocity dispersion of the cluster galaxies, and gravitational lensing, the gravitational potential of galaxy clusters can be jointly reconstructed.

Aims. We derive the two main ingredients required for this joint reconstruction: the potentials individually reconstructed from the observables and their covariance matrices, which act as a weight in the joint reconstruction. We show here the method to derive these quantities. The result of the joint reconstruction applied to a real cluster will be discussed in a forthcoming paper.

Methods. We apply the Richardson-Lucy deprojection algorithm to data on a two-dimensional (2D) grid. We first test the 2D deprojection algorithm on a β-profile. Assuming hydrostatic equilibrium, we further reconstruct the gravitational potential of a simulated galaxy cluster based on synthetic SZ and X-ray data. We then reconstruct the projected gravitational potential of the massive and dynamically active cluster Abell 2142, based on the X-ray observations collected with XMM-Newton and the SZ observations from the Planck satellite. Finally, we compute the covariance matrix of the projected reconstructed potential of the cluster Abell 2142 based on the X-ray measurements collected with XMM-Newton.

Results. The gravitational potentials of the simulated cluster recovered from synthetic X-ray and SZ data are consistent, even though the potential reconstructed from X-rays shows larger deviations from the true potential. Regarding Abell 2142, the projected gravitational cluster potentials recovered from SZ and X-ray data reproduce well the projected potential inferred from gravitational-lensing observations. We also observe that the covariance matrix of the potential for Abell 2142 reconstructed from XMM-Newton data sensitively depends on the resolution of the deprojected grid and on the smoothing scale used in the deprojection.

Conclusions. We show that the Richardson-Lucy deprojection method can be effectively applied on a grid and that the projected potential is well recovered from real and simulated data based on X-ray and SZ signal. The comparison between the reconstructed potentials from the different observables provides additional information on the validity of the assumptions as function of the projected radius.
The long-period massive binary HD 54662 revisited
Authors: Mossoux E. , Mahy L. , Rauw G.
Published: February 2018

Context.HD 54662is an O-type binary star belonging to the CMa OB1 association. Because of its long-period orbit, this system is an interesting target to test the adiabatic wind shock model.

Aims. The goal of this study is to improve our knowledge of the orbital and stellar parameters ofHD 54662and to analyze its X-ray emission to test the theoretical scaling of X-ray emission with orbital separation for adiabatic wind shocks.

Methods. We applied a spectral disentangling code to a set of optical spectra to determine the radial velocities and the individual spectra of the primary and secondary stars. The orbital solution of the system was established and the reconstructed individual spectra were analyzed by means of the CMFGEN model atmosphere code. We fitted two X-ray spectra using a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm and compared these spectra to the emission expected from adiabatic shocks.

Results. We determine an orbital period of 2103.4 days, a surprisingly low orbital eccentricity of 0.11, and a mass ratiom2/m1of 0.84. Combined with the orbital inclination inferred in a previous astrometric study, we obtain surprisingly low masses of 9.7 and 8.2M⊙. From the disentangled primary and secondary spectra, we infer O6.5 spectral types for both stars, of which the primary is about two times brighter than the secondary. The softness of the X-ray spectra for the two observations, the very small variation of best-fitting spectral parameters, and the comparison of the X-ray-to-bolometric luminosity ratio with the canonical value for O-type stars allow us to conclude that X-ray emission from the wind interaction region is quite low and that the observed emission is rather dominated by the intrinsic emission from the stars. We cannot confirm the runaway status previously attributed toHD 54662by computing the peculiar radial and tangential velocities. We find no X-ray emission associated with the bow shock detected in the infrared.Conclusions. The lack of hard X-ray emission from the wind-shock region suggests that the mass-loss rates are lower than expected and/or that the pre-shock wind velocities are much lower than the terminal wind velocities. The bow shock associated withHD 54662possibly corresponds to a wind-blown arc created by the interaction of the stellar winds with the ionized gas of the CMa OB1 association rather than by a large differential velocity between the binary and the surrounding interstellar medium.
The contribution of faint AGNs to the ionizing background at z ~ 4
Authors: Grazian A. , Giallongo E. , Boutsia K. , Cristiani S. , Vanzella E. , Scarlata C. , Santini P. , Pentericci L. , Merlin E. , Menci N. , Fontanot F. , Fontana A. , Fiore F. , Civano F. , Castellano M. , Brusa M. , Bonchi A. , Carini R. , Cusano F. , Faccini M. , Garilli B. , Marchetti A. , Rossi A. , Speziali R.
Published: February 2018

Context. Finding the sources responsible for the hydrogen reionization is one of the most pressing issues in observational cosmology. Bright quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) are known to ionize their surrounding neighborhood, but they are too few to ensure the required HI ionizing background. A significant contribution by faint active galactic nuclei (AGNs), however, could solve the problem, as recently advocated on the basis of a relatively large space density of faint active nuclei at z > 4.

Aims. This work is part of a long-term project aimed at measuring the Lyman Continuum escape fraction for a large sample of AGNs at z ~ 4 down to an absolute magnitude of M1450 ~ −23. We have carried out an exploratory spectroscopic program to measure the HI ionizing emission of 16 faint AGNs spanning a broad U − I color interval, with I ~ 21–23, and 3.6 < z < 4.2. These AGNs are three magnitudes fainter than the typical SDSS QSOs (M1450 ≲−26) which are known to ionize their surrounding IGM at z ≳ 4.

Methods. We acquired deep spectra of these faint AGNs with spectrographs available at the VLT, LBT, and Magellan telescopes, that is, FORS2, MODS1-2, and LDSS3, respectively. The emission in the Lyman Continuum region, close to 900 Å rest frame, has been detected with a signal to noise ratio of ~10–120 for all 16 AGNs. The flux ratio between the 900 Å rest-frame region and 930 Å provides a robust estimate of the escape fraction of HI ionizing photons.

Results. We have found that the Lyman Continuum escape fraction is between 44 and 100% for all the observed faint AGNs, with a mean value of 74% at 3.6 < z < 4.2 and − 25.1 ≲ M1450 ≲−23.3, in agreement with the value found in the literature for much brighter QSOs (M1450 ≲−26) at the same redshifts. The Lyman Continuum escape fraction of our faint AGNs does not show any dependence on the absolute luminosities or on the observed U − I colors of the objects. Assuming that the Lyman Continuum escape fraction remains close to ~75% down to M1450 ~ − 18, we find that the AGN population can provide between 16 and 73% (depending on the adopted luminosity function) of the whole ionizing UV background at z ~ 4, measured through the Lyman forest. This contribution increases to 25–100% if other determinations of the ionizing UV background are adopted from the recent literature.

Conclusions. Extrapolating these results to z ~ 5–7, there are possible indications that bright QSOs and faint AGNs can provide a significant contribution to the reionization of the Universe, if their space density is high at M1450 ~ −23.
Discovery of X-ray pulsations in the Be/X-ray binary IGR J06074+2205
Authors: Reig P. , Zezas A.
Published: February 2018

Context. IGR J06074+2205 is a poorly studied X-ray source with a Be star companion. It has been proposed to belong to the group of Be/X-ray binaries (BeXBs). In BeXBs, accretion onto the neutron star occurs via the transfer of material from the Be star’s circumstellar disk. Thus, in the absence of the disk, no X-ray should be detected.

Aims. The main goal of this work is to study the quiescent X-ray emission of IGR J06074+2205 during a disk-loss episode.

Methods. We obtained light curves at different energy bands and a spectrum covering the energy range 0.4–12 keV. We used Fourier analysis to study the aperiodic variability and epoch folding methods to study the periodic variability. Model fitting to the energy spectrum allowed us to identify the possible physical processes that generated the X-rays.

Results. We show that at the time of the XMM-Newton observation, the decretion disk around the Be star had vanished. Still, accretion appears as the source of energy that powers the high-energy radiation in IGR J06074+2205. We report the discovery of X-ray pulsations with a pulse period of 373.2 s and a pulse fraction of ~50%. The 0.4–12 keV spectrum is well described by an absorbed power law and blackbody components with the best fitting parameters: NH = (6.2 ± 0.5) × 1021 cm−2, kTbb = 1.16 ± 0.03 keV, and Γ = 1.5 ± 0.1. The absorbed X-ray luminosity is LX = 1.4 × 1034 erg s−1 assuming a distance of 4.5 kpc.

Conclusions. The detection of X-ray pulsations confirms the nature of IGR J06074+2205 as a BeXB. We discuss various scenarios to explain the quiescent X-ray emission of this pulsar. We rule out cooling of the neutron star surface and magnetospheric emission and conclude that accretion is the most likely scenario. The origin of the accreted material remains an open question.
Use of 3D Navigation in Subaxial Cervical Spine Lateral Mass Screw Insertion
Authors: Arab Abdullah , Alkherayf Fahad , Sachs Adam , Wai Eugene
Published: February 2018

Objective Cervical spine can be stabilized by different techniques. One of the common techniques used is the lateral mass screws (LMSs), which can be inserted either by freehand techniques or three-dimensional (3D) navigation system. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the difference between the 3D navigation system and the freehand technique for cervical spine LMS placement in terms of complications. Including intraoperative complications (vertebral artery injury [VAI], nerve root injury [NRI], spinal cord injury [SCI], lateral mass fracture [LMF]) and postoperative complications (screw malposition, screw complications).

Methods Patients who had LMS fixation for their subaxial cervical spine from January 2014 to April 2015 at the Ottawa Hospital were included. A total of 284 subaxial cervical LMS were inserted in 40 consecutive patients. Surgical indications were cervical myelopathy and fractures. The screws' size was 3.5 mm in diameter and 8 to 16 mm in length. During the insertion of the subaxial cervical LMS, the 3D navigation system was used for 20 patients, and the freehand technique was used for the remaining 20 patients. We reviewed the charts, X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and follow-up notes for all the patients pre- and postoperatively.

Results Postoperative assessment showed that the incidence of VAI, SCI, and NRI were the same between the two groups. The CT scan analysis showed that the screw breakage, screw pull-outs, and screw loosening were the same between the two groups. LMF was less in the 3D navigation group but statistically insignificant. Screw malposition was less in the 3D navigation group compared with the freehand group and was statistically significant. The hospital stay, operative time, and blood loss were statistically insignificant between the two groups.

Conclusions The use of CT-based navigation in LMS insertion decreased the rate of screw malpositions as compared with the freehand technique. Further investigations and trials will determine the effect of malpositions on the c-spine biomechanics. The use of navigation in LMS insertion did not show a significant difference in VAI, LMF, SCI, or NRI as compared with the freehand technique.
Primary Closure versus Bedside Silo and Delayed Closure for Gastroschisis: A Truncated Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Poola Ashwini , Aguayo Pablo , Fraser Jason , Hendrickson Richard , Weaver Katrina , Gonzalez Katherine , St Peter Shawn
Published: February 2018

Background We report a prospective randomized trial comparing primary closure (PC) to bedside silo and delayed closure (DC) for babies with gastroschisis.

Materials and Methods Patients were randomized to PC versus DC. We excluded those with atresia/necrosis, <34 weeks' gestation, or congenital anomalies. The primary outcome was length of stay (LOS).

Results A total of 38 patients were included from August 2011 to August 2016; 18 patients underwent DC and 20 PC. There were no differences in gestational age or birth weight. Fifty percent of PC patients were successfully closed with the rest closed at a median of 4 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 2–4 days). DC patients were closed at a median of 4 days after silo placement (IQR: 2–5.8 days). None of the patients in this series developed abdominal compartment syndrome after closure. Median LOS, median time to enteral tolerance, and median time on ventilation were not statistically different. Two patients (one DC and one PC) had bowel ischemia and necrosis following silo placement requiring reoperation. Four patients (two DC and two PC) were noted to have small umbilical defects; none have yet required operative correction.

Conclusion There were no differences seen between PC and DC in LOS, time to enteral feeds, or ventilator times.
Perioperative Complications of Transanal Pull-through Surgery for Hirschsprung's Disease
Authors: Pakarinen Mikko
Published: February 2018

Transanal pull-through is currently one of the most commonly used operation to treat Hirschsprung's disease (HD) worldwide. It has undergone some technical modifications during the last decades and still contains variable surgical practices. As high quality comparative studies between different surgical approaches are missing, debate over the optimal operation for HD still continues. Transanal pull-through is associated with multiple potential complications, which may result in permanently impaired functional outcome, life-long morbidity, and significant social restrictions. Although some of the surgical complications can be successfully managed by repeated surgery, the best changes for optimal bowel function and fecal continence are lost. Surgical complications are best treated by efficient prevention with careful adherence to established surgical techniques and principles during the primary operation.
Pregnancy-associated Death – Clarifying the Cause of Death and Medico-legal Assessments in Accusations of Malpractice
Authors: Dettmeyer Reinhard , Lang Juliane , Amberg Rainer , Zedler Barbara , Schulz Ronald , Birngruber Christoph
Published: February 2018

Background Pregnancy-associated deaths are extremely rare in Germany. Most deaths are from natural causes, and a range of causes are possible.

Method The deaths of 22 women who died of pregnancy-associated causes and who were autopsied in the Institute of Forensic Medicine of Justus-Liebig University Gießen between 1992 and 2016 were analyzed.

Results The autopsy results and histological examinations for the majority of women who died of pregnancy-associated causes between 1992 and 2016 showed that they had died of natural causes, although complications of pregnancy were a leading cause of death.

Conclusion The death of a pregnant woman should not automatically raise the suspicion of malpractice, although the question does arise in cases of bleeding complications only detected at very late stages. Experts must prove that a real mistake was made during treatment and provide evidence of the causality between malpractice and patient death. Particularly when well-known complications of pregnancy were present, this is only the case if poor monitoring resulted in the complication being detected too late or if treatment was not in accordance with accepted standards of care. The majority of pregnancy-associated deaths are from natural causes and the death of a pregnant woman does not mean that medical malpractice was involved, although this accusation is often levelled in cases where rupture was not immediately diagnosed or in cases of fatal postpartum hemorrhage.
Die kontralaterale doppelte Transpositionslappenplastik
Authors: Konstantinow A. , Arnold A.
Published: February 2018

Das Prinzip der einfachen Transpositionslappenplastik (TLP) (Synonym: Schwenklappenplastik) besteht darin, dass in der unmittelbaren Umgebung eines Hautdefektes ein gestielter Lappen mit axialer oder randomisierter Gefäßversorgung generiert und durch eine geringfügige Drehbewegung an seiner Basis über eine dazwischenliegende Zone von normaler Haut in den Defekt eingeschwenkt wird. Häufig erwähnte Varianten der einfachen Transpositionslappenplastik sind die Rhomboidplastiken nach Limberg und Dufourmentel sowie die unilateralen „bi-lobed“ und „tri-lobed“ Schwenklappen 1
2
3
4
5
6. Die kontralaterale doppelte TLP findet hingegen in der Literatur nur sehr selten Erwähnung 4.
Kompetenz und Organisation für den Massenanfall von Patienten in der Seeschifffahrt
Authors: Nina Smolarz
Published: February 2018

Zur Bearbeitung besonderer Schadenslagen auf See wurde das 3-jährige Forschungsprojekt „KOMPASS – Kompetenz und Organisation für den Massenanfall von Patienten in der Seeschifffahrt“ vom Bundesministerium für Bildung und Wissenschaft gefördert. Die Abschlusskonferenz fand am 29. November 2017 in Warnemünde beim Projektkoordinator „Institut für Sicherheitstechnik/Schiffssicherheit (ISV)“ statt.
Überblick über den weltweiten Umgang mit der Erkrankung in Prävention, Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Rieke Burkhard
Published: February 2018

Auch wenn an dieser Stelle meist einzelne Mosaiksteinchen vorgestellt werden, aus denen sich wissenschaftlicher Fortschritt ergibt, so will ich doch heute auf eine Publikation hinweisen, die einmal jährlich, meist Anfang Dezember, die Situation des weltweiten Umganges mit der Malaria im Vorjahr schildert und dabei eine Synthese aus unzähligen Statistiken, Studien und Trends versucht: den World Malaria Report 2017. Für uns in Deutschland ist die Malaria ein reisemedizinisches Problem, seit wir das Krankheitsvorkommen bei uns im Lande abgeschüttelt haben.
Clinical, Endocrine and Imaging Characteristics of Patients with Primary Hypophysitis
Authors: Angelousi Anna , Cohen Carolina , Sosa Soledad , Danilowicz Karina , Papanastasiou Lina , Tsoli Marina , Pal Aparna , Piaditis Georgios , Grossman Ashley , Kaltsas Gregory
Published: February 2018

Primary hypophysitis (PH) is a rare disease with a poorly-defined natural history. Our aim was to characterise patients with PH at presentation and during prolonged follow-up. Observational retrospective study of 22 patients was conducted from 3 centres. In 14 patients, PH was confirmed histologically and in the remaining 8 clinically, after excluding secondary causes of hypophysitis. All patients had hormonal and imaging investigations before any treatment. Median follow up was 48 months (25–75%: 3–60). There was a female predominance with a female/male ratio: 3.4:1. Eight out of 22 patients had another autoimmune disease. Headaches and gonadal dysfunction were the most common symptoms. Five patients presented with panhypopituitarism; 17 patients had anterior pituitary deficiency, and 7 had diabetes insipidus. At presentation, 9 patients were treated surgically, 5 received replacement hormonal treatment, and 8 high-dose glucocorticoids from whom 5 in association with other immunosuppressive agents. Six patients showed complete recovery of pituitary hormonal deficiencies while 6 showed a partial recovery during a 5-year follow-up period. No difference was found between patients treated with surgery and those treated medically. The overall relapse rate was 18%. PH can be manifested with a broad spectrum of clinical and hormonal disturbances. Long-term follow-up is required to define the natural history of the disease and response to treatment, since pituitary hormonal recovery or relapse may appear many years after initial diagnosis. We suggest that surgery and immunosuppressive therapy be reserved for exceptional cases.
Parabelflüge für multidisziplinäre Forschung in Schwerelosigkeit – das DLR-Programm von 1999 bis 2017
Authors: Friedrich Ulrike , Stang Katrin
Published: February 2018

Mit der ersten eigenständigen wissenschaftlichen Parabelflugkampagne des Deutschen Zentrums für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) im Jahr 1999, durchgeführt von der französischen Firma Novespace in Bordeaux Mérignac, begann die erfolgreiche wissenschaftliche Nutzung der Fluggelegenheit „Parabelflüge mit Flugzeugen“ in Deutschland. Seit dieser Zeit bietet das DLR-Raumfahrtmanagement regelmäßig deutschen Forschern von Universitäten und anderen Forschungseinrichtungen sowie Firmen an, Fragen aus Biologie, Medizin, Sportwissenschaft, Physik und Materialforschung auf Parabelflügen zu bearbeiten. Neben der rein wissenschaftlichen Forschung dient diese Plattform außerdem dazu, Instrumente und Technologien vor ihrem Einsatz im Weltraum auf ihre Funktionalität und Schwerelosigkeitstauglichkeit zu testen. Einige Forschungsthemen aus den 18 Jahren der DLR-Parabelflugkampagnen werden vorgestellt.
What Does Antidepressant Drug level Monitoring Reveal About Outpatient Treatment and Patient Adherence?
Authors: Silhan Petr , Urinovska Romana , Kacirova Ivana , Hyza Martin , Grundmann Milan , Ceskova Eva
Published: February 2018

Introduction The evaluation of plasma levels of antidepressants may improve the treatment outcome. The aim was to verify adherence and adequacy of administered doses of antidepressants among patients hospitalized for inadequate outpatient therapeutic response.

Methods Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or venlafaxine plasma levels were assessed on the first day of hospitalization and after 3 days of controlled administration. The patients were considered adherent if the plasma level on admission was within the interval of the minimum and maximum plasma level on the fourth day, expanded by 30%. The adequacy of antidepressant doses used during the outpatient treatment was assessed by comparing the plasma level on the fourth day with the therapeutic reference range.

Results Out of 83 patients, 52 (62.7%) were adherent. The plasma levels of antidepressants on the fourth day were found to be within the therapeutic reference range in 35 (43.2%) patients. The same number manifested levels below the therapeutic reference range. In 11 (13.6%) patients, the levels were higher than recommended. No significant difference in rate of adherence was found among individual antidepressants.

Conclusion The results show that antidepressant nonresponders are frequently under-dosed or nonadherent.
The importance of resolving biogeographic patterns of microbial microdiversity
Authors: Chase Alexander B , Martiny Jennifer BH
Published: February 2018

For centuries, ecologists have used biogeographic patterns to test the processes governing the assembly and maintenance of plant and animal communities. Similarly, evolutionary biologists have used historical biogeography (e.g. phylogeography) to understand the importance of geological events as barriers to dispersal that shape species distributions. As the field of microbial biogeography initially developed, the utilisation of highly conserved marker genes, such as the 16S ribosomal RNA gene, stimulated investigations into the biogeographic patterns of the microbial community as a whole. Here, we propose that we should now consider the biogeographic patterns of microdiversity, the fine-scale genetic diversity observed within a traditional ribosomal-based operational taxonomic unit.
The Topkapı Manuscript of theJāmiᶜ al-Tawārikh(Hazine 1654) from Rashidiya to the Ottoman Court: A Preliminary Analysis
Authors: Ghiasian Mohamad Reza
Published: February 2018

The famous Persian version of the Jāmiᶜ al-Tawārikh (Hazine 1654) has never been studied with the care it deserves. Since its transcription was completed a year before Rashid al-Din’s execution, it remained unfinished while approximately seven illustrations were inserted into it, and the locations of other illustrations were left blank. Careful examination of the manuscript reveals that almost all of the empty spaces left for narrative illustrations were painted during the last decades of the fourteenth century. Having decided to improve the quality of the manuscript, the kitābkhāna of Shāhrukh, in the fifteenth century, completed the missing passages of text and restored or overpainted some of its illustrations. The dedicatory inscription of Farhād Khān Qarāmānlu indicates that the manuscript was refurbished again in the Safavid period. The last artistic additions to the manuscript were overpainting an illustration and insertion of two illuminated friezes in the Ottoman Istanbul. This paper, which is a result of close examination of the original manuscript, explains the complicated life history of the book.
How complex domination enables selection: Academic hiring conventions in a Pakistani university
Authors: Ali Qamar , Brandl Julia
Published: February 2018

The heterogeneity of criteria and of the faculty members involved in assessing candidates for academic positions raises the question how colleagues can find a common operational mode that enables them to select candidates. In this paper, we draw on convention theory (CT) to examine how powerful actors foster quietude and confidence in prevailing conventions which perpetuate their privileges. Findings from a study of a university in Pakistan show how actors use coordinative power to amend regulations, but also highlight how participating colleagues may resist this. The findings help to explicate the notion of complex domination and enrich CT scholars’ understanding of factors that can exacerbate inequalities in hiring.
Dynamic Frictional Sliding Modes between Two Homogenous Interfaces
Authors: Taj W , Coker D
Published: February 2018

Dynamic frictional sliding behaviour between two homogenous Homalite blocks is studied. The blocks are initially held together using a constant compressive stress. The sliding motion is initiated by impacting one of the blocks with an external object. The resulting sliding modes are inspected. Initiation of fretting is examined by studying the opening stresses in the interface.
Lean manufacturing analysis to reduce waste on production process of fan products
Authors: Siregar I , Nasution A A , Andayani U , Sari R M , Syahputri K , Anizar
Published: February 2018

This research is based on case study that being on electrical company. One of the products that will be researched is the fan, which when running the production process there is a time that is not value-added, among others, the removal of material which is not efficient in the raw materials and component molding fan. This study aims to reduce waste or non-value added activities and shorten the total lead time by using the tools Value Stream Mapping. Lean manufacturing methods used to analyze and reduce the non-value added activities, namely the value stream mapping analysis tools, process mapping activity with 5W1H, and tools 5 whys. Based on the research note that no value-added activities in the production process of a fan of 647.94 minutes of total lead time of 725.68 minutes. Process cycle efficiency in the production process indicates that the fan is still very low at 11%. While estimates of the repair showed a decrease in total lead time became 340.9 minutes and the process cycle efficiency is greater by 24%, which indicates that the production process has been better.
Genome-wide determination of on-target and off-target characteristics for RNA-guided DNA methylation by dCas9 methyltransferases
Authors: Lin Lin , Liu Yong , Xu Fengping , Huang Jinrong , Daugaard Tina Fuglsang , Petersen Trine Skov , Hansen Bettina , Ye Lingfei , Zhou Qing , Fang Fang , Yang Ling , Li Shengting , Fløe Lasse , Jensen Kristopher Torp , Shrock Ellen , Chen Fang , Yang Huanming , Wang Jian , Liu Xin , Xu Xun , Bolund Lars , Nielsen Anders Lade , Luo Yonglun
Published: February 2018

Background

Fusion of DNA methyltransferase domains to the nuclease-deficient clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) associated protein 9 (dCas9) has been used for epigenome editing, but the specificities of these dCas9 methyltransferases have not been fully investigated.

Findings

We generated CRISPR-guided DNA methyltransferases by fusing the catalytic domain of DNMT3A or DNMT3B to the C terminus of the dCas9 protein from Streptococcus pyogenes and validated its on-target and global off-target characteristics. Using targeted quantitative bisulfite pyrosequencing, we prove that dCas9-BFP-DNMT3A and dCas9-BFP-DNMT3B can efficiently methylate the CpG dinucleotides flanking its target sites at different genomic loci (uPA and TGFBR3) in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293T). Furthermore, we conducted whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) to address the specificity of our dCas9 methyltransferases. WGBS revealed that although dCas9-BFP-DNMT3A and dCas9-BFP-DNMT3B did not cause global methylation changes, a substantial number (more than 1000) of the off-target differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified. The off-target DMRs, which were hypermethylated in cells expressing dCas9 methyltransferase and guide RNAs, were predominantly found in promoter regions, 5΄ untranslated regions, CpG islands, and DNase I hypersensitivity sites, whereas unexpected hypomethylated off-target DMRs were significantly enriched in repeated sequences. Through chromatin immunoprecipitation with massive parallel DNA sequencing analysis, we further revealed that these off-target DMRs were weakly correlated with dCas9 off-target binding sites. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, RNA sequencing, and fluorescence reporter cells, we also found that dCas9-BFP-DNMT3A and dCas9-BFP-DNMT3B can mediate transient inhibition of gene expression, which might be caused by dCas9-mediated de novo DNA methylation as well as interference with transcription.

Conclusion

Our results prove that dCas9 methyltransferases cause efficient RNA-guided methylation of specific endogenous CpGs. However, there is significant off-target methylation indicating that further improvements of the specificity of CRISPR-dCas9 based DNA methylation modifiers are required.
Bipartite graphs in systems biology and medicine: a survey of methods and applications
Authors: Pavlopoulos Georgios A , Kontou Panagiota I , Pavlopoulou Athanasia , Bouyioukos Costas , Markou Evripides , Bagos Pantelis G
Published: February 2018

The latest advances in high-throughput techniques during the past decade allowed the systems biology field to expand significantly. Today, the focus of biologists has shifted from the study of individual biological components to the study of complex biological systems and their dynamics at a larger scale. Through the discovery of novel bioentity relationships, researchers reveal new information about biological functions and processes. Graphs are widely used to represent bioentities such as proteins, genes, small molecules, ligands, and others such as nodes and their connections as edges within a network. In this review, special focus is given to the usability of bipartite graphs and their impact on the field of network biology and medicine. Furthermore, their topological properties and how these can be applied to certain biological case studies are discussed. Finally, available methodologies and software are presented, and useful insights on how bipartite graphs can shape the path toward the solution of challenging biological problems are provided.