bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of magnetized plasma on the propagation properties of obliquely incident THz waves
Authors: Tian Yunxian , Yan Weizhong , Gu Xiaoliang , Jin Xiaolin , Li Jianqing , Li Bin
Published: December 2017

In this paper, the propagation of obliquely incident terahertz (THz) wave in a non-uniform magnetized plasma slab is investigated. The electron density and the collision frequency across the plasma are assumed to have a Gaussian profile. To deal with the non-uniform profile, the plasma slab is divided into a series of subslabs. For more accuracy, twice reflection between the interfaces of each subslab is considered, and the corresponding transmitted and reflected power are derived. Effects of collision frequency, magnetic field amplitude and incident angle on THz wave propagation characteristics are investigated. Specifically, the refraction angles in each subslab are presented. These simulation results are meaningful for the hypersonic flight communication.
Universal structural softening in metallic glasses indicated by boson heat capacity peak
Authors: Jiang M. Q. , Peterlechner M. , Wang Y. J. , Wang W. H. , Jiang F. , Dai L. H. , Wilde G.
Published: December 2017

Low-temperature heat capacity is systematically investigated in various glassy and crystalline polymorphs of a wide range of metallic glasses. We reveal that the boson heat capacity peak beyond the Debye level arises from both excess phonon scattering and background electronic excitation, and the two contributions are strongly coupled and also material-dependent. It is interesting to observe that the boson heat capacity peaks obey an inversely linear correlation between their heights and characteristic positions, which is mainly dominated by phonic anomalies. This indicates a universal structural softening among the studied glasses when the boson peak occurs. We further suggest a possibility that the linear evolution of the fast boson peaks can probe into the slow structural softening across the glass transition, and the two dynamic processes are controlled by the short-time shear modulus associated with local soft regions in fragile glasses.
Optimal automatic generation control of two-area power systems with energy storage units under deregulated environment
Authors: Arya Yogendra , Kumar Narendra , Gupta S. K.
Published: December 2017

An attempt is made in this paper to present the application, design, and performance analysis of a novel optimal controller (OC) for automatic generation control (AGC) of interconnected two-area electrical power systems in a deregulated power environment with energy storage units. The OC is designed via full state vector feedback strategy to carry out the study. Swift acting energy storage units such as redox flow batteries (RFBs) are integrated into the power system models, and their efficacy in boosting AGC performance is executed and compared. Initially, the efficacy of OC is investigated in a restructured two-area single-source thermal system, and then, the study is extended to a proposed more realistic restructured two-area multi-source thermal-hydro-diesel-gas power system. It is observed that OC is able to satisfy the AGC requirement under different power contracts in the open electricity market and shows better performance in comparison to a recently published artificial cooperative search algorithm optimized proportional integral controller. MATLAB simulation results demonstrate the improvements in the dynamic performance of the system in the presence of RFB. Sensitivity analysis reveals the robustness of OC under ample variations in the system parameters, initial loading and size and positions of uncontracted load power demands.
Atmospheric escape from the TRAPPIST-1 planets and implications for habitability
Authors: Dong Chuanfei , Jin Meng , Lingam Manasvi , Airapetian Vladimir S. , Ma Yingjuan , van der Holst Bart
Published: December 2017

Significance

The search for exoplanets has rapidly emerged as one of the most important endeavors in astronomy. This field received a major impetus with the recent discovery of seven temperate Earth-sized exoplanets orbiting the nearby ultracool dwarf star TRAPPIST-1. One of the most crucial requirements for conventional (surface-based) planetary habitability is the presence of an atmosphere over long timescales. We determine the atmospheric escape rates numerically and analytically for the planets of the TRAPPIST-1 system and show that the outer planets are potentially likely to retain their atmospheres over billion-year timescales. Our work has far-reaching and profound implications for atmospheric escape and the habitability of terrestrial exoplanets around M dwarfs.
LAMOST telescope reveals that Neptunian cousins of hot Jupiters are mostly single offspring of stars that are rich in heavy elements
Authors: Dong Subo , Xie Ji-Wei , Zhou Ji-Lin , Zheng Zheng , Luo Ali
Published: December 2017

Significance

Hot Jupiters are Jupiter-size planets at £1/10 of the Sun–Earth distance, and even though they were the first exoplanet population discovered around sun-like stars, their origins still remain elusive. Using data from NASA’s
Kepler
satellite and China’s Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope, we discover a population of close-in Neptune-size planets (called “Hoptunes”) that share key similarities with hot Jupiters. Like hot Jupiters, Hoptunes prefer to reside around stars with higher metal abundance than the Sun. Nearly half of the
Kepler
planets are discovered in systems with multiple transiting planets, but both hot Jupiters and Hoptunes are preferentially found in single-transiting planet systems. The “kinship” between hot Jupiters and Hoptunes suggests likely common origins and offers fresh clues into the formation of these exotic close-in planets.
Ancient polymorphisms and divergence hitchhiking contribute to genomic islands of divergence within a poplar species complex
Authors: Ma Tao , Wang Kun , Hu Quanjun , Xi Zhenxiang , Wan Dongshi , Wang Qian , Feng Jianju , Jiang Dechun , Ahani Hamid , Abbott Richard J. , Lascoux Martin , Nevo Eviatar , Liu Jianquan
Published: December 2017

Significance

One of the outstanding questions in understanding how new species form is how reproductive isolation arises. In particular, the relative roles of gene flow and natural selection in creating two separate species remains open for debate. Here we show within the four continuously speciating lineages of a poplar that local genomic differentiation of populations is not associated with either rate of recent gene flow or time of species divergence. By contrast, we found that these genomic islands of divergence most likely came about by selective processes—sorting of ancient genetic polymorphisms and the incidental hitchhiking of linked variations. These findings substantially enhance our understanding of genomic changes in speciation.
Removal of perineuronal nets disrupts recall of a remote fear memory
Authors: Thompson Elise Holter , Lensjø Kristian Kinden , Wigestrand Mattis Brænne , Malthe-Sørenssen Anders , Hafting Torkel , Fyhn Marianne
Published: December 2017

Significance

Perineuronal nets (PNNs), a type of extracellular matrix only found in the central nervous system, wraps tightly around the cell soma and proximal dendrites of a subset of neurons. The PNNs are long-lasting structures that restrict plasticity, making them eligible candidates for memory processing. This work demonstrates that PNNs in the lateral secondary visual cortex (V2L) are essential for the recall of a remote visual fear memory. The results suggest a role of extracellular molecules in storage and retrieval of memories.
Motor dexterity and strength depend upon integrity of the attention-control system
Authors: Rinne Paul , Hassan Mursyida , Fernandes Cristina , Han Erika , Hennessy Emma , Waldman Adam , Sharma Pankaj , Soto David , Leech Robert , Malhotra Paresh A. , Bentley Paul
Published: December 2017

Significance

Simple voluntary movements (e.g., reaching or gripping) deteriorate with distraction, suggesting that the attention-control system—which suppresses distraction—influences motor control. Here, we tested the causal dependency of simple movements on attention control, and its neuroanatomical basis, in healthy elderly and patients with focal brain lesions. Not only did we find that attention control correlates with motor performance, correcting for lesion size, fatigue, etc., but we found a revealing pattern of dissociations: Severe motor impairment could occur with normal attention control whereas impaired attention control never occurred with disproportionately milder motor impairment—suggesting that attention control is required for normal motor performance. One implication is that a component of stroke paralysis arises from poor attentional control, which could itself be a therapeutic target.
Control on rate and pathway of anaerobic organic carbon degradation in the seabed
Authors: Beulig F. , Røy H. , Glombitza C. , Jørgensen B. B.
Published: December 2017

Significance

The subsurface seabed is a great anaerobic bioreactor where organic matter deposited from the ocean’s water column is slowly being degraded by microorganisms. It is uncertain how rates of organic matter degradation progress through different geochemical zones, and the deep production of methane and CO
2
in the global seabed therefore remains poorly constrained. With highly depth-resolved analyses of geochemistry and microbial activities, we demonstrate that rates of organic matter degradation decrease continuously with sediment age, irrespective of the prevailing redox zonation and associated changes in the degradation pathway. Moreover, our results show that the microbial food chain leading to methane does not proceed directly through the general key intermediate acetate, but rather through an additional, as of yet unidentified, syntrophic step.
Listeria monocytogenes
triggers noncanonical autophagy upon phagocytosis, but avoids subsequent growth-restricting xenophagy
Authors: Mitchell Gabriel , Cheng Mandy I. , Chen Chen , Nguyen Brittney N. , Whiteley Aaron T. , Kianian Sara , Cox Jeffery S. , Green Douglas R. , McDonald Kent L. , Portnoy Daniel A.
Published: December 2017

Significance

Autophagy mediates the routing of cytoplasmic components to degradative membrane-bound compartments. During infection by intracellular pathogens, autophagy proteins orchestrate several antimicrobial responses by marking pathogen-containing vacuoles and protecting the host cytosol from invaders. However, intracellular pathogens such as
Listeria monocytogenes
circumvent the autophagy machinery to promote pathogenesis. By combining bacterial and host mutants, we have dissected the role of two distinct autophagy-related processes in controlling
L. monocytogenes
growth in macrophages. Our results showed that
L. monocytogenes
is oblivious to the initial marking of its vacuole by autophagy proteins, but that subsequent autophagic targeting restricts bacterial growth in the host cytosol. We suggest that processes coordinated by the autophagy machinery constitute a multilayered network of cell-autonomous defenses.
MIIC online: a web server to reconstruct causal or non-causal networks from non-perturbative data
Authors: Sella Nadir , Verny Louis , Uguzzoni Guido , Affeldt Séverine , Isambert Hervé
Published: December 2017

We present a web server running the MIIC algorithm, a network learning method combining constraint-based and information-theoretic frameworks to reconstruct causal, non-causal or mixed networks from non-perturbative data, without the need for an a priori choice on the class of reconstructed network. Starting from a fully connected network, the algorithm first removes dispensable edges by iteratively subtracting the most significant information contributions from indirect paths between each pair of variables. The remaining edges are then filtered based on their confidence assessment or oriented based on the signature of causality in observational data. MIIC online server can be used for a broad range of biological data, including possible unobserved (latent) variables, from single-cell gene expression data to protein sequence evolution and outperforms or matches state-of-the-art methods for either causal or non-causal network reconstruction.

Availability and implementation

MIIC online can be freely accessed at https://miic.curie.fr.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The approximate solution of non-linear time-delay fractional optimal control problems by embedding process
Authors: Ziaei E , Farahi M H
Published: December 2017

In this paper, a class of time-delay fractional optimal control problems (TDFOCPs) is studied. Delays may appear in state or control (or both) functions. By an embedding process and using conformable fractional derivative as a new definition of fractional derivative and integral, the class of admissible pair (state, control) is replaced by a class of positive Radon measures. The optimization problem found in measure space is then approximated by a linear programming problem (LPP). The optimal measure which is representing optimal pair is approximated by the solution of a LPP. In this paper, we have shown that the embedding method (embedding the admissible set into a subset of measures), successfully can be applied to non-linear TDFOCPs. The usefulness of the used idea in this paper is that the method is not iterative, quite straightforward and can be applied to non-linear dynamical systems.
Imaging the molecular outflows of the prototypical ULIRG NGC 6240 with ALMA
Authors: Saito T , Iono D , Ueda J , Espada D , Sliwa K , Nakanishi K , Lu N , Xu C K , Michiyama T , Kaneko H , Yamashita T , Ando M , Yun M S , Motohara K , Kawabe R
Published: December 2017

We present 0.97 × 0.53 arcsec2 (470 pc × 250 pc) resolution CO (J = 2–1) observations towards the nearby luminous merging galaxy NGC 6240 with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. We confirmed a strong CO concentration within the central 700 pc, which peaks between the double nuclei, surrounded by extended CO features along the optical dust lanes (∼11 kpc). We found that the CO emission around the central, a few kpc, has extremely broad velocity wings with full width at zero intensity ∼ 2000 km s−1, suggesting a possible signature of molecular outflow(s). In order to extract and visualize the high-velocity components in NGC 6240, we performed a multiple Gaussian fit to the CO data cube. The distribution of the broad CO components shows four extremely large line width regions (∼1000 km s−1) located 1–2 kpc away from both nuclei. Spatial coincidence of the large line width regions with H α, near-IR H2, and X-ray suggests that the broad CO (2–1) components are associated with nuclear outflows launched from the double nuclei.
Cryptococcal Disease in the Era of “Test and Treat”: Is There Cause for Concern?
Authors: Abassi Mahsa , Rhein Joshua , Meya David B , Boulware David R
Published: December 2017

Treatment of cryptococcosis requires deferred initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Early ART initiation may be detrimental in the context of cryptococcal infection by increasing the risk of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). We present 3 cases where early ART initiation in the presence of unrecognized cryptococcal disease had fatal outcomes.
Non‐invasive Assessment of Significant Dehydration in Infants Using the Inferior Vena Cava to Aortic Ratio
Authors: El Amrousy Doaa , Gamal Rasha , Elrifaey Shaymaa , Hassan Samir
Published: December 2017

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to assess the accuracy of the inferior vena cava to aorta (IVC/Ao) diameter ratio for predicting significant dehydration in infants relative to their percentage weight change and the clinical diagnosis by a physician.

Methods:

A prospective observational study was performed on 200 infants presented with acute diarrhea and clinical evidence of significant dehydration whose treatment required intravenous (IV) fluids as determined by the attending physician at the pediatric emergency department of Tanta University Hospital. Weight was recorded at admission before IV fluid treatment and at hospital discharge. The percentage of dehydration was determined using the following formula: (discharge weight − admission weight)/discharge weight × 100%. Patients with a percentage weight change of <5% were considered to be nonsignificantly dehydrated, whereas patients with a percentage weight change >5% were considered significantly dehydrated. The IVC/Ao diameter ratio was measured for all patients before IV fluid rehydration and again at discharge.

Results:

Only 134 out of 200 dehydrated infants were found to be significantly dehydrated using the gold standard, percentage weight change. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis of the prehydration IVC/Ao ratio showed a sensitivity of 82%, a specificity of 91%, and an accuracy of 87% for predicting significant dehydration in infants at a cut‐off point of less than 0.75. In contrast, physician clinical diagnosis showed a sensitivity of 70%, a specificity of 63%, and an accuracy of 73%.

Conclusions:

The IVC/Ao diameter ratio can be used as a reliable predictor for diagnosing significant dehydration in infants.
Diagnostic Tests in Pediatric Constipation
Authors: Tambucci Renato , Quitadamo Paolo , Thapar Nikhil , Zenzeri Letizia , Caldaro Tamara , Staiano Annamaria , Verrotti Alberto , Borrelli Osvaldo
Published: December 2017

Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms in children. With a median reported prevalence of 12%, it accounts for about 25% of all pediatric gastroenterology consultations. The majority of children experiences functional constipation and do not usually require any diagnostic testing. For those children not responding to conventional medical treatment or in the presence of a more significant clinical picture, however, an accurate instrumental assessment is usually recommended to evaluate either the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms or a possible organic etiology. The present review analyzes the possible diagnostic investigations for severely constipated children, focusing on their actual indications and their utility in clinical practice. During the last decade, there has been a remarkable increase in our knowledge of normal and abnormal colonic and anorectal motility in children, and a number of different techniques to measure transit and motility have been developed and are discussed in this narrative review.
Prevalence of Anti‐tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies and Celiac Disease in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Alper Arik , Rojas‐Velasquez Danilo , Pashankar Dinesh S.
Published: December 2017

Objectives:

Celiac disease can occur in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and poses a diagnostic challenge. We evaluated the presence of anti‐tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies and celiac disease among children with IBD.

Methods:

In a retrospective chart review, we assessed the prevalence of tTG antibodies and celiac disease and compared with a control group of children with gastrointestinal symptoms without IBD.

Results:

Study population included 130 children with IBD and 257 in the control group. Abnormal tTG levels were found in 6 and 20 patients, respectively (4.6% vs 7.8%, P = 0.24). One patient with IBD and 12 in the control group had celiac disease (0.8% vs 4.7%, P = 0.07).

Conclusions:

False‐positive tTG can occur in children with IBD. The prevalence of celiac disease is not increased in children with IBD compared with non‐IBD children with gastrointestinal symptoms and is similar to that in the general population.
Simulation Innovation to Redesign the Baccalaureate Curriculum to Address Population Health
Authors: Mauro Ann Marie P. , Tracey Debora L. , LoGrippo Maria Torchia , Anderson Sharon , Bravo Angelica , Byrne Claire , Geissler Bonnie , Escallier Lori A.
Published: December 2017

Prelicensure nursing curricula need to be redesigned to integrate and achieve key population health competencies. Nursing students in generic and second-degree programs had improved learning outcomes and significant increases in population health competencies across the curriculum using simulation-based learning activities developed through an academic-practice partnership. Simulation is an effective, interactive strategy that enhances student knowledge, skills, and competencies in addressing population health.
Effects of Reaching National Goals on HIV Incidence, by Race and Ethnicity, in the United States
Authors: Uzun Jacobson Evin , Hicks Katherine A. , Tucker Emily L. , Farnham Paul G. , Sansom Stephanie L.
Published: December 2017

Context:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence and prevalence in the United States are characterized by significant disparities by race/ethnicity. National HIV care goals, such as boosting to 90% the proportion of persons whose HIV is diagnosed and increasing to 80% the proportion of persons living with diagnosed HIV who are virally suppressed, will likely reduce HIV incidence, but their effects on HIV-related disparities are uncertain.

Objective:

We sought to understand by race/ethnicity how current HIV care varies, the level of effort required to achieve national HIV care goals, and the effects of reaching those goals on HIV incidence and disparities.

Design:

Using a dynamic model of HIV transmission, we identified 2016 progress along the HIV care continuum among blacks, Hispanics, and whites/others compared with national 2020 goals. We examined disparities over time.

Setting:

United States.

Participants:

Beginning in 2006, our dynamic compartmental model simulated the sexually active US population 13 to 64 years of age, which was stratified into 195 subpopulations by transmission group, sex, race/ethnicity, age, male circumcision status, and HIV risk level.

Main Outcome Measure:

We compared HIV cumulative incidence from 2016 to 2020 when goals were reached compared with base case assumptions about progression along the HIV care continuum.

Results:

The 2016 proportion of persons with diagnosed HIV who were on treatment and virally suppressed was 50% among blacks, 56% among Hispanics, and 61% among whites/others, compared with a national goal of 80%. When diagnosis, linkage, and viral suppression goals were reached in 2020, cumulative HIV incidence fell by 32% (uncertainty range: 18%-37%) for blacks, 25% (22%-31%) for Hispanics, and 25% (21%-28%) for whites/others. Disparity measures changed little.

Conclusions:

Achieving national HIV care goals will require different levels of effort by race/ethnicity but likely will result in substantial declines in cumulative HIV incidence. HIV-related disparities in incidence and prevalence may be difficult to resolve.
Effects of Mat Pilates on Physical Functional Performance of Older Adults
Authors: Bueno de Souza Roberta Oliveira , Marcon Liliane de Faria , Arruda Alex Sandro Faria de , Pontes Junior Francisco Luciano , Melo Ruth Caldeira de
Published: December 2017

Objective

The present meta-analysis aimed to examine evidence from randomized controlled trials to determine the effects of mat Pilates on measures of physical functional performance in the older population.

Design

A search was conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Scielo, and PEDro databases between February and March 2017. Only randomized controlled trials that were written in English, included subjects aged 60 yrs who used mat Pilates exercises, included a comparison (control) group, and reported performance-based measures of physical function (balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness) were included. The methodological quality of the studies was analyzed according to the PEDro scale and the best-evidence synthesis. The meta-analysis was conducted with the Review Manager 5.3 software.

Results

The search retrieved 518 articles, nine of which fulfilled the inclusion criteria. High methodological quality was found in five of these studies. Meta-analysis indicated a large effect of mat Pilates on dynamic balance (standardized mean difference = 1.10, 95% confidence interval = 0.29–1.90), muscle strength (standardized mean difference = 1.13, 95% confidence interval = 0.30–1.96), flexibility (standardized mean difference = 1.22, 95% confidence interval = 0.39–2.04), and cardiorespiratory fitness (standardized mean difference = 1.48, 95% confidence interval = 0.42–2.54) of elderly subjects.

Conclusions

There is evidence that mat Pilates improves dynamic balance, lower limb strength, hip and lower back flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance in elderly individuals. Furthermore, high-quality studies are necessary to clarify the effects of mat Pilates on other physical functional measurements among older adults.
The Impact of Botulinum Toxin on Brow Height and Morphology: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: El-Khoury Joseph S. , Jabbour Samer F. , Awaida Cyril J. , Rayess Youssef A. , Kechichian Elio G. , Nasr Marwan W.
Published: December 2017

Background:

Previous reports have objectively demonstrated the efficacy of botulinum toxin for brow elevation. No clinical trial has compared the variation of the eyebrow shape and height when the lateral eyebrow depressors are injected alone or in combination with the medial eyebrow depressors.

Methods:

A prospective, randomized, controlled study was designed to evaluate and compare the effect of two different botulinum toxin injection techniques on brow shape and position. Patients were divided into two groups. AbobotulinumtoxinA was injected in the lateral eyebrow depressors alone (group 1) or in both the lateral and medial eyebrow depressors (group 2). Objective eyebrow measurements were performed using standardized preinjection and postinjection photographs. Patient satisfaction was also evaluated.

Results:

Fifteen patients (30 eyebrows) were included in each group. The brow elevated by 0.6 to 2.1 mm at all positions in group 1. In group 2, the brow elevated from the medial limbus to the lateral edge of the brow (1 to 1.7 mm), with no changes at the level of the medial brow and canthus. When comparing the two injection techniques, the authors found a statistically significant difference in the change of eyebrow height at the level of the medial brow, medial canthus, and lateral brow edge. Ninety-seven percent of patients were satisfied with their results.

Conclusion:

Different eyebrow injection techniques yield different elevation patterns.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, II.
Choanal Atresia and Craniosynostosis: Development and Disease
Authors: Lesciotto Kate M. , Heuzé Yann , Jabs Ethylin Wang , Bernstein Joseph M. , Richtsmeier Joan T.
Published: December 2017

A number of textbooks, review articles, and case reports highlight the potential comorbidity of choanal atresia in craniosynostosis patients. However, the lack of a precise definition of choanal atresia within the current craniosynostosis literature and widely varying methods of detection and diagnosis have produced uncertainty regarding the true coincidence of these conditions. The authors review the anatomy and embryologic basis of the human choanae, provide an overview of choanal atresia, and analyze the available literature that links choanal atresia and craniosynostosis. Review of over 50 case reports that describe patients diagnosed with both conditions reveals inconsistent descriptions of choanal atresia and limited use of definitive diagnostic methodologies. The authors further present preliminary analysis of three-dimensional medical head computed tomographic scans of children diagnosed with craniosynostosis syndromes (e.g., Apert, Pfeiffer, Muenke, and Crouzon) and typically developing children and, although finding no evidence of choanal atresia, report the potentially reduced nasal airway volumes in children diagnosed with Apert and Pfeiffer syndromes. A recent study of theFgfr2c+/C342YCrouzon/Pfeiffer syndrome mouse model similarly found a significant reduction in nasal airway volumes in littermates carrying thisFGFR2mutation relative to unaffected littermates, without detection of choanal atresia. The significant correlation between specific craniosynostosis syndromes and reduced nasal airway volume in mouse models for craniosynostosis and human pediatric patients indicates comorbidity of choanal and nasopharyngeal dysmorphologies and craniosynostosis conditions. Genetic, developmental, and epidemiologic sources of these interactions are areas particularly worthy of further research.
Strategic Considerations for Effective Sagittal Resection of the Mandible to Achieve a Slim and Attractive Jawline
Authors: Park Sanghoon , Lee Tae Sung
Published: December 2017

Background:

Sagittal resection of the mandible has been widely used to reduce the width of the lower face and is usually carried out in combination with a mandibular contouring procedure. However, the surgical outcomes of this procedure are unclear because sagittal resection is rarely performed as a single procedure. The authors clarify misunderstandings regarding this procedure and introduce an improved strategic approach for sagittal resection of the mandible.

Methods:

Under general anesthesia, mandible contouring was performed first with a curved osteotomy, followed by sagittal resection of the outer cortex of mandible. The amount and extent of each procedure was determined in accordance with preoperative analysis.

Results:

From 2012 to 2014, a consecutive series of 212 patients who underwent mandible contouring surgery without concomitant chin surgery were included in the study. A total of 189 patients underwent both mandibular contouring surgery and sagittal resection, whereas 13 underwent only sagittal resection and 10 underwent only mandibular contouring surgery. All operations were carried out successfully without any severe complications, and most patients had satisfactory aesthetic outcomes.

Conclusions:

The authors found that the sagittal resection of the mandible should be performed in accordance with the shape of the mandible to effectively reduce facial width and achieve better aesthetic outcomes for both profile and frontal views. In an outcurved-type mandible, conventional mandibular contouring may be effective alone, whereas sagittal resection focusing on removing the mandible body region is essential for incurved-type mandibles. In straight line–type mandibles, both procedures are necessary.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Evaluation of Intersegmental Displacement After Mandibular Setback Split Ramus Osteotomy Using Modified L-Shaped Monocortical Plate: Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Superimposition
Authors: Hwang Dae Seok , Lee Hyeong Geun , Shin Sang Hun , Kim Uk Kyu
Published: December 2017

Purpose:

The purpose of the current study is to compare intersegmental displacements after mandibular setback sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) using 4 types of osteosynthesis methods.

Patients and Methods:

This is a retrospective study of 53 subjects who presented underwent bilateral setback SSRO at Pusan National University Hospital from January 2009 to December 2013. The subjects were divided into 4 groups according to the osteosynthesis method applied: group A—modified L-type monocortical plate; B—conventional miniplate; group C—bicortical screws; group D—metal and absorbable screws. To obtain the intersegmental displacement, the mean of the differences of the 3-dimensional from T0 (2 days after surgery) to T1 (6 months after surgery) was calculated for the right and left condylar heads (condylion, Cd) and the right and left coronoid processes (Cps) using 3-dimensional imaging software (Ondemand 3D; Cybermed Co, Seoul, Korea).

Results:

For the condylion in the x, y, z coordinate system, in group A, there were significant differences in the y-axis for the right and left Cd; in group B, significant differences in the y-axis for the right Cd and in the y- and z-axes for the left Cd; in group C, no significant differences in the axis for the Cd; and in group D, there were significant differences in the y- and z-axes for the right Cd and in the x- and y-axes for the left Cd. For the Cps, the results are not much different from the condylion movement in all group.

Conclusion:

In the current study, group C manifested the greatest displacement for the healing period. Group A did not show the significant difference to group B. In view of these results, modified L-shaped monocortical plate can be applied for osteosynthesis effectively.
Tripaddled Anterolateral Thigh Flap for the Reconstruction of Extensively Full-Thickness Cheek Defects by Stacking Two Skin Paddles as Kiss Pattern
Authors: Wang Fei , Pradhan Pralab , Li Ning , Jiang Canhua , liu Wen , Zeng Lijuan
Published: December 2017

Extended anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap can provide a large amount of skin to reconstruct the extensively full-thickness defects of cheek. However when the width of 1 skin paddle exceeds 8 cm, it always results in that the donor site cannot be closed primarily and need to be covered by split-thickness skin grafting, which delivers lots of impacts on the functional and cosmetic outcome of the thigh. The aim of this study was to introduce the authors’ modification of stacking 2 skin paddles of the tripaddled ALT flap to reconstruct the extensive full-thickness defects in the cheek after the radical ablasion of advanced buccal squamous cell carcinoma. Ten patients of advanced buccal squamous cell carcinoma between March 2014 and December 2016 were enrolled in the authors’ hospital. All the patients were received the soft-tissue reconstructions for the extensively full-thickness cheek defects by using the tripaddled ALT chimeric flaps. Among 3 skin paddles, the distal paddle was used to reconstruct the inner mucosa defect, and the other 2 large skin paddles were stacked side by side for outer mega cheek defect. The mean area of the intraoral defect was 32.2 cm2 and the mean area of the extraoral defect was 106.34 cm2. The mean width of the outer skin defect was 9.5 cm. All the flaps survived and all the donor sites were closed primarily. So, stacking 2 skin paddles of a tripaddled ALT flap as a kiss pattern is a novel modification on conventional flap design to provide customized coverage for extensive and full-thickness buccal defects while minimizing donor-site morbidity.
Can Tumor Size Be a Predictive Factor of Olfactory Dysfunction After Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-Sphenoidal Approach?
Authors: Kim Do Hyun , Hong Yong Kil , Jeun Sin-Soo , Park Jae-Sung , Kim Soo Whan , Cho Jin Hee , Park Yong Jin , Jeong Jang-Won , Kim Sung Won
Published: December 2017

Background and Objective:

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between tumor size, nasal symptoms including olfactory function, and posoperative atrophic mucosal changes after the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETSA).

Methods:

This was a retrospective review of the medical records of 112 patients who underwent the 2 nostrils/4 hands EETSA with bilateral modified nasoseptal rescue flaps between February 2009 and January 2016. Pre- and postoperative paranasal sinus computed tomography, nasal cavity endoscopic images, the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) test, Cross-Cultural Smell Identification Test (CCSIT), the Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation, and the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 were conducted. Nasal mucosal changes as determined by endoscopy were divided into 4 groups: normal to normal, Group A; atrophy to atrophy, Group B; normal to atrophy, Group C; and atrophy to more atrophy, Group D. The Mimics program was used to calculate nasal cavity volume changes after surgery.

Results:

There were significant differences between pre- and postoperative olfactory function as reflected by the CCCRC (P < 0.001) and CCSIT (P < 0.001) scores. There was also a correlation between tumor size and olfactory function scores such as the CCCRC (P = 0.012) or CCSIT (P = 0.015). Moreover, nasal mucosal atrophic changes were related to tumor size and olfactory function tests.

Conclusion:

The tumor size was related to olfactory function and atrophic mucosal changes. Therefore, patients with large tumors should be informed that, after the EETSA, their olfaction may be altered and that nasal symptoms related to mucosal atrophy could occur.
Computer-Assisted Volumetric Analysis and Quantitatively Anophthalmic Orbit Reconstruction With Dorsalis Pedis Flap and Bone Graft
Authors: Cheng Li-Ying , Bian Wei-Wei , Sun Xiao-Ming , Yu Zhe-Yuan , Zhang Ying , Zhang Lu , Zhang Yu-Guang , Jin Rong
Published: December 2017

Current approaches to orbit reconstruction are based on the assumption of facial symmetry and surgeons’ experiences, and the reconstructed orbits are not precise. Through computer-assisted volumetric quantitative analysis, the volume of the bony orbit, and the volume of the soft tissues in both the anophthalmic orbit and the contralateral orbit are calculated in 39 anophthalmic patients. The rib graft is used for orbit reconstruction; the dosalis pedis flap and lipo-injection were used for soft tissue reconstruction and skin socket reconstruction. The size and the shape of the rib graft and soft tissues were designed according to the volumetric analysis. The size and the shape of the skin socket were designed according to measurement during surgery. Asymmetry eye sockets with adequate size were created in the 37 patients. Two patients presented with a poor asymmetry with the contralateral orbit, and got gradual extrusion of the eye prosthesis 4 months after operation, which was because of necrosis of the flaps. The flaps were remedied by frontal island flap and skin grafting. Further surgeries, such as lipoinjection, lid surgery, and canthoplasty, were applied to improve the surgical results. The eye prostheses fitted well in all of the reconstructed sockets using this technique. Our studies suggest that the computer-assisted volumetric analysis technique combined with quantitative bone graft and dorsalis pedis flap transfer, ± lipoinjection proved to be an accurate method and a quality assurance for optimization of bony orbit, soft tissue and skin socket reconstruction, and promised a successful postoperative outcome for patients’ functional and esthetic appearance.
Low-temperature atomic layer deposition of SiO
2
/Al
2
O
3
multilayer structures constructed on self-standing films of cellulose nanofibrils
Authors: Putkonen Matti , Sippola Perttu , Svärd Laura , Sajavaara Timo , Vartiainen Jari , Buchanan Iain , Forsström Ulla , Simell Pekka , Tammelin Tekla
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we have optimized a low-temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) of SiO
2
using AP-LTO® 330 and ozone (O
3
) as precursors, and demonstrated its suitability to surface-modify temperature-sensitive bio-based films of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). The lowest temperature for the thermal ALD process was 80°C when the silicon precursor residence time was increased by the stop-flow mode. The SiO
2
film deposition rate was dependent on the temperature varying within 1.5–2.2 Å cycle
−1
in the temperature range of 80–350°C, respectively. The low-temperature SiO
2
process that resulted was combined with the conventional trimethyl aluminium + H
2
O process in order to prepare thin multilayer nanolaminates on self-standing CNF films. One to six stacks of SiO
2
/Al
2
O
3
were deposited on the CNF films, with individual layer thicknesses of 3.7 nm and 2.6 nm, respectively, combined with a 5 nm protective SiO
2
layer as the top layer. The performance of the multilayer hybrid nanolaminate structures was evaluated with respect to the oxygen and water vapour transmission rates. Six stacks of SiO
2
/Al
2
O with a total thickness of approximately 35 nm efficiently prevented oxygen and water molecules from interacting with the CNF film. The oxygen transmission rates analysed at 80% RH decreased from the value for plain CNF film of 130 ml m
−2
 d
−1
to 0.15 ml m
−2
 d
−1
, whereas the water transmission rates lowered from 630 ± 50 g m
−2
 d
−1
down to 90 ± 40 g m
−2
 d
−1
.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘New horizons for cellulose nanotechnology’.
Investigation of the formation mechanisms in high internal phase Pickering emulsions stabilized by cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Miao Chuanwei , Tayebi Mani , Hamad Wadood Y.
Published: December 2017

Medium and high internal phase Pickering emulsions stabilized by cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have been prepared and the effects of CNC concentration and type of oil phase on the properties of emulsions were studied. The maximum oil phase volume that can be stabilized by CNCs is 87% when the CNC concentration is 0.6 wt.%; this slightly decreases to 83% when the CNC concentration is increased to 1.2 wt.% or higher. In addition, the oil droplets stabilized with 0.6 wt.% CNC suspensions have a larger size than those stabilized with higher concentration CNC suspensions. As evidenced by the change in oil droplet morphology and size, two different emulsion formation mechanisms are proposed. For a CNC concentration of 0.6 wt.%, the extra oil added into the emulsion is accommodated by the expansion of oil droplet size, whereas for CNC concentrations of 1.2 wt.% and higher, the oil is stabilized mainly by the formation of new oil droplets.
Cellulose nanomaterials as green nanoreinforcements for polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Dufresne Alain
Published: December 2017

Unexpected and attractive properties can be observed when decreasing the size of a material down to the nanoscale. Cellulose is no exception to the rule. In addition, the highly reactive surface of cellulose resulting from the high density of hydroxyl groups is exacerbated at this scale. Different forms of cellulose nanomaterials, resulting from a top-down deconstruction strategy (cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibrils) or bottom-up strategy (bacterial cellulose), are potentially useful for a large number of industrial applications. These include the paper and cardboard industry, use as reinforcing filler in polymer nanocomposites, the basis for low-density foams, additives in adhesives and paints, as well as a wide variety of filtration, electronic, food, hygiene, cosmetic and medical products. This paper focuses on the use of cellulose nanomaterials as a filler for the preparation of polymer nanocomposites. Impressive mechanical properties can be obtained for these materials. They obviously depend on the type of nanomaterial used, but the crucial point is the processing technique. The emphasis is on the melt processing of such nanocomposite materials, which has not yet been properly resolved and remains a challenge.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘New horizons for cellulose nanotechnology’.
Transparent wood for functional and structural applications
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Fu Qiliang , Yang Xuan , Berglund Lars
Published: December 2017

Optically transparent wood combines mechanical performance with optical functionalities is an emerging candidate for applications in smart buildings and structural optics and photonics. The present review summarizes transparent wood preparation methods, optical and mechanical performance, and functionalization routes, and discusses potential applications. The various challenges are discussed for the purpose of improved performance, scaled-up production and realization of advanced applications.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘New horizons for cellulose nanotechnology’.
A study of Kibbutzim in Israel reveals risk factors for cardiometabolic traits and subtle population structure
Authors: Granot-Hershkovitz Einat , Karasik David , Friedlander Yechiel , Rodriguez-Murillo Laura , Dorajoo Rajkumar , Liu Jianjun , Sewda Anshuman , Peter Inga , Carmi Shai , Hochner Hagit
Published: December 2017

Genetic studies in isolated populations have provided increased power for identifying loci associated with complex diseases and traits. We present here the Kibbutzim Family Study (KFS), initiated for investigating environmental and genetic determinants of cardiometabolic traits in extended Israeli families living in communes characterized by long-term social stability and homogeneous environment. Extensive information on cardiometabolic traits, as well as genome-wide genetic data, was collected on 901 individuals, making this study, to the best of our knowledge, the largest of its kind in Israel. We have thoroughly characterized the KFS genetic structure, observing that most participants were of Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) origin, and confirming a recent severe bottleneck in their recent history (point estimates: effective size ≈450 individuals, 23 generations ago). Focusing on genetic variants enriched in KFS compared with non-Finnish Europeans, we demonstrated that AJ-specific variants are largely involved in cancer-related pathways. Using linear mixed models, we conducted an association study of these enriched variants with 16 cardiometabolic traits. We found 24 variants to be significantly associated with cardiometabolic traits. The strongest association, which we also replicated, was between a variant upstream of the MSRA gene, ≈200-fold enriched in KFS, and weight (P=3.6·10−8). In summary, the KFS is a valuable resource for the study of the population genetics of Israel as well as the genetics of cardiometabolic traits in a homogeneous environment.
Glyoxalase (GLO1) inhibition or genetic overexpression does not alter ethanol’s locomotor effects: implications for GLO1 as a therapeutic target in alcohol use disorders
Authors: Barkley-Levenson Amanda M , Lagarda Frances A , Palmer Abraham A
Published: December 2017

Background

Glyoxalase 1 (GLO1) is an enzyme that metabolizes methylglyoxal (MG), which is a competitive partial agonist at GABAA receptors. Inhibition of GLO1 increases concentrations of MG in the brain and decreases binge-like ethanol drinking. The present study assessed whether inhibition of GLO1, or genetic over expression of Glo1, would also alter the locomotor effects of ethanol, which might explain reduced ethanol consumption following GLO1 inhibition. We used the prototypical GABAA receptor agonist muscimol as a positive control.

Methods

Male C57BL/6J mice were pretreated with aeither the GLO1 inhibitor S-bromobenzylglutathione cyclopentyl diester (pBBG; 7.5 mg/kg; Experiment 1) or muscimol (0.75 mg/kg; Experiment 2), or their corresponding vehicle. We then determined whether locomotor response to a range of ethanol doses (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5) was altered by either pBBG or muscimol pretreatment. We also examined the locomotor response to a range of ethanol doses in FVB/NJ wild type and transgenic Glo1 over expressing mice (Experiment 3). Anxiety-like behavior (time spent in the center of the open field) was assessed in all three experiments.

Results

The ethanol dose-response curve was not altered by pretreatment with pBBG or by transgenic overexpression of Glo1. In contrast, muscimol blunted locomotor stimulation at low ethanol doses, and potentiated locomotor sedation at higher ethanol doses. No drug or genotype differences were seen in anxiety-like behavior after ethanol treatment.

Conclusions

The dose of pBBG used in this study is within the effective range shown previously to reduce ethanol drinking. Glo1 overexpression has been previously shown to increase ethanol drinking. However, neither manipulation altered the dose response curve for ethanol’s locomotor effects, whereas muscimol appeared to enhance the locomotor sedative effects of ethanol. The present data demonstrate that reduced ethanol drinking caused by GLO1 inhibition is not due to potentiation of ethanol’s stimulant or depressant effects.