bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reactivity enhancement of a diphosphene by reversible N-heterocyclic carbene coordination
Authors: Dhara Debabrata , Kalita Pankaj , Mondal Subhadip , Narayanan Ramakirushnan Suriya , Mote Kaustubh R. , Huch Volker , Zimmer Michael , Yildiz Cem B. , Scheschkewitz David , Chandrasekhar Vadapalli , Jana Anukul
Published: March 2018

The reversible coordination of an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) enhances the reactivity of a diphosphene towards hydrolysis and transfer hydrogenation. The hydrolysis is catalytic in NHC.
Elements of fractal geometry in the 1H NMR spectrum of a copolymer intercalation-complex: identification of the underlying Cantor set
Authors: Shaw John S. , Vaiyapuri Rajendran , Parker Matthew P. , Murray Claire A. , Lim Kate J. C. , Pan Cong , Knappert Marcus , Cardin Christine J. , Greenland Barnaby W. , Grau-Crespo Ricardo , Colquhoun Howard M.
Published: March 2018

Intercalation of pyrene into the chain-folds of a binary copolyimide results in a self-similar 1H NMR spectrum.
Nonlocal rheology of dense granular flow in annular shear experiments
Authors: Tang Zhu , Brzinski Theodore A. , Shearer Michael , Daniels Karen E.
Published: March 2018

Experimental measurements of boundary stresses and flow fields of a quasi-2D granular material under steady shear validate two nonlocal rheological models.
A nanopore-embedded graphitic carbon shell on silicon anode for high performance lithium ion batteries
Authors: Jung Chul-Ho , Choi Jonghyun , Kim Won-Sik , Hong Seong-Hyeon
Published: March 2018

A conformal N-doped porous graphitic carbon shell has been directly grown on silicon and evaluated as an LIB anode.
Fault characteristics and protection adaptability analysis in VSC‐HVDC‐connected offshore wind farm integration system
Authors: Jia Ke , Chen Rui , Xuan Zhenwen , Yang Zhe , Fang Yu , Bi Tianshu
Published: March 2018

Due to different fault ride through controls of both the wind farm and the voltage‐source converter high‐voltage alternating current (VSC‐HVDC) converters, the offshore wind farms that are connected to the power system through VSC‐HVDCs have unique fault transients. During a fault on AC side transmission lines, the wind farm and the VSC‐HVDC together provide faulted current, whose amplitude and phase will be decided by their different control strategies collectively. The fault transients are different from those in the traditional AC grid. Thus, the performance of traditional protection will be affected. In this study, the AC fault current expression is deduced, while the influencing factors on the current's amplitude and phase are analysed in detail. Based on these characteristics, the performance of distance relays under the grid side fault of the VSC‐HVDC‐connected offshore wind farm integration system is evaluated. Simulations based on PSCAD have verified the theoretical analysis.
Shaping of macroinvertebrate structures in a small fishless lowland stream exposed to anthropopressure, including the environmental conditions
Authors: Krepski Tomasz , Czerniawski Robert
Published: March 2018

In studies of abiotic and biotic factors influencing macroinvertebrate assemblages, there is always the problem of which factor – fish predation or environmental conditions – has the strongest impact on the invertebrates and whether the impact is positive or negative. The aim of our study was to determine the impact on the structures of macrozoobenthos in a small field watercourse exerted by abiotic conditions, with the concurrent lack of predators and varied intensity of anthropopressure. During the entire study period, the presence of 49 taxa of macroinvertebrates was recorded. The highest number of taxa and value of biodiversity was observed in the upper part of the watercourse, and subsequently decreased down the stream, reaching the lowest value at the sites located near the outlet. The tributaries significantly differed between each other in the number of taxa. In the tributary carrying water from wetland, a much higher number of taxa was noted than in the tributary carrying municipal water where the density achieved a significantly higher value of individuals than the remaining sites. The most limiting factors for the abundance of the investigated taxa were the oxygen concentration, nutrients and ammonia.
Verwalten, Gestalten, Erhalten
Authors: Wildner Manfred
Published: March 2018

Verwaltung und Gesundheit – leidet unser Gesundheitswesen, verstanden als Dienst an der Gesundheit des einzelnen Menschen wie auch als Dienst an der „Gesundheit für alle“, an seiner Bürokratie? An einer überbordenden Verwaltung, an einem Zuviel an Regularien, an unzähligen Dokumentationspflichten und dem allenfalls gemächlichen Trab der Bürokraten? „Bürokratie“ ist ein Kunstwort, das eine „Herrschaft“ (-kratie) der Büros beschreibt. Eine Herrschaft der Büros? Leben wir nicht als freie und gleiche Bürgerinnen und Bürger in einer Demo-kratie (Volksherrschaft)? Was ist also schlimmer als Bürokratie – ist sie nicht ein Gegenentwurf zu einem freiheitlichen Demokratieverständnis mit möglichst schlanken Strukturen der staatlichen Verwaltung bzw. Selbstverwaltung, vielleicht sogar zur freien und gesunden persönlichen Entfaltung?
Improved quasiballistic electron emission from a nanocrystalline Si cold cathode with a monolayer-graphene surface electrode
Authors: Kojima Akira , Suda Ryutaro , Koshida Nobuyoshi
Published: March 2018

The quasiballistic electron emission from a nanocrystalline porous silicon (nc-Si) diode is drastically enhanced by using a monolayer-graphene film as the surface electrode. Due to little scattering losses in monolayer-graphene, the electron emission efficiency at room temperature is increased up to 6.3% that is considerably higher than that in the case of conventional thin metal films. The peak energy of emitted electrons can be tuned by the applied voltage while keeping narrow energy dispersion. The energy distribution becomes more monochromatic at a low temperature of around 150 K. Monolayer-graphene acts as a highly transparent nanogrid for quasiballistic hot electrons.
Comment on “Water-processed carbon nanotube/graphene hybrids with enhanced field emission properties” [AIP Advances 5, 097130 (2015)]
Authors: Rani Reena , Bhatia Ravi
Published: March 2018

In their research paper, M. Song et al. [AIP ADVANCES 5, 097130 (2015)] have claimed to have achieved enhanced field emission (FE) characteristics of carbon nanotubes (CNT)/graphene hybrids experimentally, exhibiting improved FE parameters e.g. turn-on electric field of 0.79 V/μm, threshold electric field of 1.05 V/μm, maximum emission current density (Jmax) of 5.76 mA/cm2, and field enhancement factor (β) of ∼1.3 × 104. The authors have emphasized on the surprisingly high value of β to be the basis of their claim of achieving superior FE performance which is further attributed to the optimized mass ratio CNT/ graphene, which is 5:1 in the present case. However, the claim based upon high value of β is misleading because it does not corroborate with the obtained Jmax parameter. Also, the obtained value of J is quite low in the mentioned study as compared to the reported values. For an instance, Sameera et al. [J. Appl. Phys. 111, 044307 (2012) & Appl. Phys. Lett. 102, 033102 (2013)] have reported FE properties of CNT composites and reduced graphene oxide with Jmax and β values of the order of ∼102 mA/cm2 and 6 × 103, respectively. Therefore, the conclusions drawn by M. Song et al. [AIP ADVANCES 5, 097130 (2015)] in their paper do no hold.
Diurnal variation in gas exchange and nonstructural carbohydrates throughout sugarcane development
Authors: De Souza Amanda P. , Grandis Adriana , Arenque-Musa Bruna C. , Buckeridge Marcos S.
Published: March 2018

Photosynthesis and growth are dependent on environmental conditions and plant developmental stages. However, it is still not clear how the environment and development influence the diurnal dynamics of nonstructural carbohydrates production and how they affect growth. This is particularly the case of C4 plants such as sugarcane (Saccharum spp.). Aiming to understand the dynamics of leaf gas exchange and nonstructural carbohydrates accumulation in different organs during diurnal cycles across the developmental stages, we evaluated these parameters in sugarcane plants in a 12-month field experiment. Our results show that during the first 3 months of development, light and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) were the primary drivers of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and growth. After 6 months, in addition to light and VPD, drought, carbohydrate accumulation and the mechanisms possibly associated with water status maintenance were also likely to play a role in gas exchange and growth regulation. Carbohydrates vary throughout the day in all organs until Month 9, consistent with their use for growth during the night. At 12 months, sucrose is accumulated in all organs and starch had accumulated in leaves without any diurnal variation. Understanding of how photosynthesis and the dynamics of carbohydrates are controlled might lead to strategies that could increase sugarcane’s biomass production.
Fuel and topographic influences on wildland firefighter burnover fatalities in Southern California
Authors: Page Wesley G. , Butler Bret W.
Published: March 2018

Previous reviews of wildfires where a fatal firefighter burnover occurred have found that the incidents usually share similar characteristics in terms of the fire environment, such as steep slopes and complex topography (e.g. box canyons). Despite these similarities, systematic identification and communication of the locations where these conditions prevail are rare. In this study we used a presence-only machine-learning algorithm (Maximum Entropy, MaxEnt) coupled with spatial location information from past fatal firefighter burnovers to identify and characterise the environmental variables that are likely to produce conditions suitable for a fatal burnover. Southern California was chosen to conduct the analysis as it has a well-documented history of past fatal firefighter burnovers and a complex fire environment. Steep, south-west-oriented slopes located in canyons with a shrub fuel type were found to be the most dangerous locations for firefighters. The relative danger to firefighters from a fatal burnover is described and summarised at both the 30-m pixel and local watershed scale.
The role of path length‐ and speed‐related factors for the enhancement of section performance in alpine giant slalom
Authors: Spörri Jörg , Kröll Josef , Schwameder Hermann , Müller Erich
Published: March 2018

Knowing how to enhance alpine skiing performance is essential for effective coaching. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of path length‐ and speed‐related factors for performance enhancement, while skiing on a homogeneously set/constantly inclined giant slalom course section (average gate distance: 27 m; offset: 8 m; slope inclination: 26°). During a video‐based three‐dimensional kinematic field‐experiment, the data of six athletes who skied a two‐gate section on four different types of skis were collected. The performance parameter analysed was section time. The performance predictors analysed were centre of mass (CoM), path length and the change in specific mechanical energy per entrance speed along the analysed section. Furthermore, since the current study examined alpine skiing performance within short sections, the skier's entrance speed was also considered. Classified as a high‐performance and a low‐performance group based on section time, slow and fast trials significantly differed in CoM path length, the change in specific mechanical energy per entrance speed and entrance speed. The entrance speed of all trials analysed ranged between 15.25 and 17.66 m/s. In trials with both high and low entrance speed, the change in specific mechanical energy per entrance speed was found to be more relevant for the prediction of section time than CoM path length. However, further studies should investigate whether such a prioritization can be unrestrictedly generalized to other situations, such as entrance speeds, course sets, slope inclinations and competition disciplines different to those assessed in the current study.
Study Protocol: Early Stereotactic Gamma Knife Radiosurgery to Residual Tumor After Surgery of Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma (Gamma-GBM)
Authors: Brehmer Stefanie , Grimm Mario Alexander , Förster Alex , Seiz-Rosenhagen Marcel , Welzel Grit , Stieler Florian , Wenz Frederik , Groden Christoph , Mai Sabine , Hänggi Daniel , Giordano Frank Anton
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor in adult patients. Tumor recurrence commonly occurs around the resection cavity, especially after subtotal resection (STR). Consequently, the extent of resection correlates with overall survival (OS), suggesting that depletion of postoperative tumor remnants will improve outcome.

OBJECTIVE

To assess safety and efficacy of adding stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to the standard treatment of GBM in patients with postoperative residual tumor.

METHODS

Gamma-GBM is a single center, open-label, prospective, single arm, phase II study that includes patients with newly diagnosed GBM (intraoperative via frozen sections) who underwent STR (residual tumor will be identified by native and contrast enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans). All patients will receive SRS with 15 Gy (prescribed to the 50% isodose enclosing all areas of residual tumor) early (within 24-72 h) after surgery. Thereafter, all patients undergo standard-of-care therapy for GBM (radiochemotherapy with 60 Gy external beam radiotherapy [EBRT] plus concomitant temozolomide and 6 cycles of adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy). The primary outcome is median progression-free survival, secondary outcomes are median OS, occurrence of radiation induced acute (<3 wk), early delayed (<3 mo), and late (>3 mo post-SRS) neurotoxicity and incidence of symptomatic radionecrosis.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

We expect to detect efficacy and safety signals by the immediate application of SRS to standard-of-care therapy in newly diagnosed GBM.

DISCUSSION

Early postoperative SRS to areas of residual tumor could bridge the therapeutic gap between surgery and adjuvant therapies.
Temporal Genetic Differentiation ofCercospora beticolaPopulations in New York Table Beet Fields
Authors: Knight Noel L. , Vaghefi Niloofar , Hansen Zachariah R. , Kikkert Julie R. , Pethybridge Sarah J.
Published: March 2018

Annual epidemics of Cercospora leaf spot (CLS), caused by the fungus Cercospora beticola, can result in substantial defoliation in table beet fields in New York. High allelic and genotypic diversity have been described within C. beticola populations; however, information on the temporal stability of populations is lacking. C. beticola isolates were obtained from symptomatic leaves in three table beet fields in successive years. Two of the fields were organic mixed-cropping farms and the third was managed conventionally in a broad-acre cropping system. C. beticola isolates (n = 304) were genotyped using 12 microsatellite markers. Genotypic diversity (Simpson’s complement index = 0.178 to 0.990), allele frequencies, and indices of differentiation between years varied. Pairwise index of differentiation values ranged from 0.02 to 0.25 for clone-corrected data, and indicated significant genetic differentiation at Farm 2. No multilocus genotype was shared between years. The shift in multilocus genotypes between years questions the role of clonally reproducing primary inoculum. Collectively, these results suggest that a dominant inoculum source for initiating annual CLS epidemics is external to the field of interest. These findings have implications for CLS disease management in conventional and organic table beet production.
Transformative Learning and Professional Identity Formation During International Health Electives: A Qualitative Study Using Grounded Theory
Authors: Sawatsky Adam P. , Nordhues Hannah C. , Merry Stephen P. , Bashir M. Usmaan , Hafferty Frederic W.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

International health electives (IHEs) are widely available during residency and provide unique experiences for trainees. Theoretical models of professional identity formation and transformative learning may provide insight into residents’ experiences during IHEs. The purpose of this study was to explore transformative learning and professional identity formation during resident IHEs and characterize the relationship between transformative learning and professional identity formation.

Method

The authors used a constructivist grounded theory approach, with the sensitizing concepts of transformative learning and professional identity formation to analyze narrative reflective reports of residents’ IHEs. The Mayo International Health Program supports residents from all specialties across three Mayo Clinic sites. In 2015, the authors collected narrative reflective reports from 377 IHE participants dating from 2001 to 2014. Reflections were coded and themes were organized into a model for transformative learning during IHEs, focusing on professional identity.

Results

Five components of transformative learning were identified during IHEs: a disorienting experience; an emotional response; critical reflection; perspective change; and a commitment to future action. Within the component of critical reflection, three domains relating to professional identity were identified: making a difference; the doctor–patient relationship; and medicine in its “purest form.” Transformation was demonstrated through perspective change and a commitment to future action, including continued service, education, and development.

Conclusions

IHEs provide rich experiences for transformative learning and professional identity formation. Understanding the components of transformative learning may provide insight into the interaction between learner, experiences, and the influence of mentors in the process of professional identity formation.
EC50 of Epidural Ropivacaine Combined With Dexmedetomidine for Labor Analgesia
Authors: Zhang Wp , Li Cuiling
Published: March 2018

Background:

It has been reported that the optimal concentration of epidural dexmedetomidine for labor analgesia is 0.5 μg/mL when combined with 0.1% ropivacaine. This study investigated the median effective concentration (EC50) of epidural ropivacaine for labor analgesia when combined with 0.5 μg/mL dexmedetomidine.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty full-term primiparas were enrolled and divided into 2 groups in this prospective study. Group D received 10 mL solution (ropivacaine+0.5 μg/mL dexmedetomidine) in the induction of epidural anesthesia, and group C (control group) received 10 mL of ropivacaine alone. The dose of epidural ropivacaine was decided by using the up-and-down sequential allocation method with an initial concentration of 0.1%×0.01% gradient. Effective analgesia was defined as the visual analogue scale for pain as ≤3 within 30 minutes after epidural injection when cervical dilation is about 2 cm. The EC50 of ropivacaine was calculated by the Massey formula. Hemodynamic parameters, the stages of labor, and fetal heart rate were recorded. Neonatal Apgar scores and umbilical artery pH were also recorded. The side effects, if any, were noted.

Results:

The EC50 of ropivacaine was 0.062% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.058%-0.066%) in the group D, and 0.083% (95% CI, 0.077%-0.089%) in the group C, there was a significant difference between the groups (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

The EC50 of epidural ropivacaine for labor analgesia was 0.083% (95% CI, 0.077%-0.089%) and decreased to 0.062% (95% CI, 0.058%-0.066%) when combined with 0.5 μg/mL dexmedetomidine (http://www.chictr.org.cn, registration number: ChiCTR-OPC-16008548).
Changing Neonatal Nurses' Perceptions of Caring for Infants Experiencing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and Their Mothers
Authors: Tobin Kobi Brooke
Published: March 2018

Background:

Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are caring for an increasing number of infants born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). The literature identifies the need for education for NICU nurses on NAS including skills for interacting with the mother with substance use disorder.

Purpose:

An evidence-based practice project was developed to offer an educational presentation targeting these topics to 206 NICU participants (93% registered nurses, 1% licensed vocational nurses, and 6% nursing assistants) at a level IV NICU.

Methods:

A pretest/posttest was developed to assess knowledge of the participants prior to and after completion of the educational presentation. A posteducational questionnaire was developed to evaluate the skills learned for interacting with the mother with substance use disorder and the participant's professional readiness.

Results:

The posttest demonstrated a statistically significant (P < .001) increase in knowledge of NAS. On the post-educational questionnaire, 96% of participants correctly identified 3 skills they would use clinically with mothers with substance use disorder and 84% of participants identified 2 personal strengths and 2 weaknesses that influence their care of infants with NAS and their families (professional readiness).

Implications for Practice:

These results demonstrate that this educational presentation was effective and should be replicated at other facilities to improve the knowledge and skills of NICU nurses to promote improved care for infants with NAS.

Implications for Research:

Future studies should examine the impact on patient outcomes by preforming post-discharge interviews with the mothers of infants with NAS in the NICU pre- and post-educational intervention. Expanding the presentation into an interprofessional educational opportunity would promote increased knowledge and care by the entire multidisciplinary team.
Vertebral Body Lipoma
Authors: Sahinturk Fikret , Dere Umit Akin , Sonmez Erkin , Altinors Nur , Terzi Ayşen
Published: March 2018

Study Design.

Case report.

Objective.

This case report is unique since this is the first vertebral lipom case that was treated by kyphoplasty alone.

Summary of Background Data.

Vertebral lipoma is extremely rare and our search of the English literature has revealed 20 patients in 16 reports.

Methods.

A 32-year-old female patient was admitted to our neurosurgery department with the chief complaint of low back pain that had lasted nearly 1 year. A lumbar MR suggested a hemangioma and the patient was operated on.

Results.

On microscopic examination, the lesion was seen to have a widely infiltrating appearance of mature fat tissue between bone trabeculae diagnosis was intraosseous lipoma.

Conclusion.

We believe that the management should be surgical total removal of the lesion even in incidentally found cases in order to obtain histologic diagnosis and pain relief.

Level of Evidence: 5
The Relationship Between Acceptance Intention Toward a Smartphone Healthcare Application and Health-Promoting Behaviors Among Nursing Students
Authors: Choi Eun-Jin , Kang Se-Won
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between acceptance intention toward a smartphone healthcare application and health-promoting behaviors among nursing students in order to propose a method to encourage nursing students' personal health management. Data were collected from June to July 2015 in two cities located in South Korea, targeting 450 nursing students. There was a weak positive relationship between acceptance intention toward a smartphone healthcare application and health-promoting behaviors (r = 0.281, P < .001). There were differences in health-promoting behaviors according to the level of acceptance intention toward a smartphone healthcare application: health-promoting behavior scores for the upper 50% of participants with higher intention scores (high-score group) were statistically higher than those for the lower 50% of participants (low-score group) (t = 4.247, P < .001). In the logistic regression, the high-score group had a greater likelihood of performing health-promoting behaviors (odds ratio, 2.260; P < .001, 95% confidence interval, 1.539–3.321). Health-promoting behaviors tended to increase among nursing students when the acceptance intention toward a smartphone healthcare application was high. To increase nursing students' intention to accept a smartphone healthcare application, it is necessary to develop applications featuring diverse, interesting health-related content suitable for their needs, so that they want to use these applications to promote health.
Co-administration of amphetamine with alcohol results in decreased alcohol withdrawal severity in adolescent rats
Authors: Popkin Shayna , Nanchanatt Alex , Mauterer Madelyn I. , Rhoads Dennis E.
Published: March 2018

Simultaneous use of stimulants and alcohol is a growing problem, particularly among older adolescents already prone to binge alcohol consumption. Adolescent rats consume high levels of alcohol when administered in a liquid diet and develop a strong alcohol withdrawal syndrome. We exploited this system to administer amphetamine in combination with alcohol and to test the effect of co-administration of amphetamine on alcohol withdrawal-induced hypoactivity and overall withdrawal severity. The presence of dietary amphetamine (≤40 mg/l) had no effect on consumption of control or alcohol-containing diets. Measured in an activity chamber, alcohol withdrawal hypoactivity was reduced significantly by co-administration of amphetamine with alcohol. Overall withdrawal severity was also reduced significantly when rats consumed amphetamine with alcohol. The results suggest that amphetamine co-use may mask physical signs of alcohol dependency and add to the importance of educational strategies pointing out the potential problems associated with co-use of stimulants and alcohol.
Differential Effects of Progestogens Used for Menopausal Hormone Therapy
Authors: VAN HEERTUM KRISTIN , LIU JAMES
Published: March 2018

Recommendations regarding menopausal hormone therapy continue to evolve as more studies are completed. Progestogens, indicated for endometrial protection in women on estrogen therapy who have an intact uterus, seem to confer greater health risks than estrogen alone. Thus, it is important for clinicians to be well informed when prescribing these medications. This review focuses on the different types and use of progestogens in women with an intact uterus using systemic menopausal hormone therapy.
Epithelial Keratitis After Cataract Surgery
Authors: Cho Yang K. , Kwon Jin W. , Konda Sneha , Ambati Balamurali K.
Published: March 2018

Purpose:

To evaluate the incidence, related perioperative factors, clinical characteristics, and possible etiologies of epithelial keratitis after cataract surgery.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of 666 eyes in 666 patients who underwent cataract surgery was performed to evaluate the incidence of epithelial keratitis and related factors in the postoperative period.

Results:

Postoperative epithelial keratitis developed in 15 eyes. Eleven of the 15 eyes were diagnosed with herpes simplex keratitis (HSK); 10 of the 11 eyes were diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction, and the remaining 1 eye by clinical diagnosis. All patients diagnosed with HSK had no previous clinical history of the infection before undergoing cataract surgery. Initially, the diagnosis of all 15 eyes was toxic keratitis, but the final diagnosis of 11 of the initial 15 was found to be epithelial herpes keratitis. The incision location was shown to be related to the occurrence of HSK in our study (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

HSK epithelial keratitis after cataract surgery is a relatively uncommon complication and can be misdiagnosed in its early disease course because of its relative rarity. This study explores the possibility that the temporal corneal penetrating incisional approach used in routine cataract surgery interrupts the corneal nerves and subsequently can trigger reactivation of HSK.
Overhanging-Dissecting Blebs: Immunohistochemical Characterization
Authors: Al-Beshri Ali S. , Edward Deepak P. , Haiti Khitam Al , Craven Earl R.
Published: March 2018

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to determine if glaucoma filtering blebs migrate over or under the cornea epithelium using histopathologic and immunohistochemical techniques to evaluate the likely origin of the surface epithelium and bleb matrix.

Methods:

Histologic and immunohistochemical evaluations were performed of normal conjunctiva (n=4), corneal overhanging-dissecting blebs (n=4), and leaking blebs over the scleral surface (n=6). Antibodies were used against epithelial [cytokeratin 3 (CK3)+12, CK13] and extracellular matrix [decorin and keratan sulfate (KS)] antigens. Labeling was graded in a semiquantitative manner.

Result:

The epithelium of dissecting (over cornea) blebs was labeled primarily with CK3+12 antibody. KS staining was faint and comparable in normal conjunctiva, and the stroma of dissecting and leaking blebs (P=0.12). Decorin staining in the normal conjunctival stroma was of moderate intensity and comparable with the dissecting bleb staining and; significantly greater than that in the leaking blebs (P=0.02).

Conclusions:

Histology and ICH indicate that the epithelium of the dissecting blebs has a corneal epithelial phenotype. The extracellular matrix immunophenotype was similar to the normal conjunctival stroma suggesting that dissecting blebs migrate under the corneal epithelium.
A Case of Congenital Insensitivity to Pain With Anhidrosis Comorbid With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Shirazi Elham , Sayyahfar Shirin , Motamed Mahtab , Alaghband-rad Javad
Published: March 2018

Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor (NTRK1) gene. CIPA is accompanied by abnormal catecholamine metabolism and decreased blood concentration of dopamine and norepinephrine. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder of heterogeneous etiology and presentation, and recent reports have suggested a pathophysiological role of neurotrophins in ADHD. Furthermore, dopamine and norepinephrine are known to play major roles in the pathophysiology of ADHD, and the imbalance of monoaminergic and cholinergic systems as an underlying cause of ADHD has recently been studied. Here, we report the case of an 11-year-old boy with CIPA and comorbid ADHD. Our observations have important clinical implications for patients with CIPA. Because of deficiencies in self-control, proper management of these patients necessitates a highly structured and monitored environment, made dually important by possible comorbidity of ADHD.
Quality Improvement and Performance Management Benefits of Public Health Accreditation: National Evaluation Findings
Authors: Siegfried Alexa , Heffernan Megan , Kennedy Mallory , Meit Michael
Published: March 2018

Objective:

To identify the quality improvement (QI) and performance management benefits reported by public health departments as a result of participating in the national, voluntary program for public health accreditation implemented by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB).

Design:

We gathered quantitative data via Web-based surveys of all applicant and accredited public health departments when they completed 3 different milestones in the PHAB accreditation process.

Participants:

Leadership from 324 unique state, local, and tribal public health departments in the United States.

Results:

Public health departments that have achieved PHAB accreditation reported the following QI and performance management benefits: improved awareness and focus on QI efforts; increased QI training among staff; perceived increases in QI knowledge among staff; implemented new QI strategies; implemented strategies to evaluate effectiveness and quality; used information from QI processes to inform decision making; and perceived achievement of a QI culture. The reported implementation of QI strategies and use of information from QI processes to inform decision making was greater among recently accredited health departments than among health departments that had registered their intent to apply but not yet undergone the PHAB accreditation process. Respondents from health departments that had been accredited for 1 year reported higher levels of staff QI training and perceived increases in QI knowledge than those that were recently accredited.

Conclusions:

PHAB accreditation has stimulated QI and performance management activities within public health departments. Health departments that pursue PHAB accreditation are likely to report immediate increases in QI and performance management activities as a result of undergoing the PHAB accreditation process, and these benefits are likely to be reported at a higher level, even 1 year after the accreditation decision.
Federal Weatherization and Health Education Team up: Process Evaluation of a New Strategy to Improve Health Equity for People With Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: De Souza Rachael , Evans-Agnew Robin , Espina Christine
Published: March 2018

Unhealthy housing is a major cause of respiratory health inequity. In-home health education improves health equity for low-income and minority populations with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Yet, outcomes of educational interventions are limited by poor housing conditions. Federal weatherization programs represent a promising source of funding for home repairs. Innovative legislation in Washington State integrates the 2 interventions as “Weatherization Plus Health,” offering environmental health education in partnership with the Weatherization Assistance Program for low-income families with respiratory disease. This practice brief describes process evaluation results of a Weatherization Plus Health program in Pierce County, Washington. Evaluation data were gathered via interviews with service providers and ethnographic observation. Workers report that the combined intervention expanded their understanding of their practice, skills, and feelings of efficacy in meeting client needs. Integrating federally funded home weatherization with health education shows promise for building public health system capacity and increasing health equity.
Neurosurgical workload during US combat operations: 2002 to 2016
Authors: Turner Caryn A. , Stockinger Zsolt T. , Bell Randy S. , Gurney Jennifer M.
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Approximately 4.5% of surgical procedures performed at Role 2 (R2) (forward surgical) and Role 3 (R3) (theater) medical treatment facilities can be classified as neurosurgical. These procedures are foreign to the routine daily practice of the military general surgeon. The purpose of this study was to examine the neurosurgical workload in Iraq and Afghanistan in order to inform the future predeployment neurosurgical training needs of nonneurosurgical providers.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of the Department of Defense Trauma Registry for all R2 and R3 medical facilities, from January 2002 to May 2016. The 103 neurosurgical International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification procedure codes identified were grouped by anatomic location. Select groups were further subdivided. Data analysis used Stata version 14 (College Station, TX).

RESULTS

A total of 7,509 neurosurgical procedures were identified. The majority (7,244 [96.5%]) occurred at R3 theater hospitals. Cranial procedures were the most common at both R2 (120, 45.3%) and R3 (4,483 [61.9%]), with craniotomy/craniectomy the most frequent procedure. Spine procedures were performed almost exclusively at R3, with 61.1% being fusions/stabilizations and 26.9% being spinal decompression alone. Neurosurgical caseload was variable over the 15-year study period, dropping to almost zero in 2016.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurosurgical procedures were performed primarily at larger R3 theater hospitals where neurosurgeons were assigned if present in theater; however, more than 100 cranial procedures were performed at forward R2 where neurosurgeons were not deployed. Considering that neurosurgeons are not everywhere available within the war zone, deploying general surgeons should have familiarity with trauma neurosurgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Epidemiologic study, level III; Care Management, level IV.
Loss of CREST leads to neuroinflammatory responses and ALS-like motor defects in mice
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Yang Kan , Wu Xinwei , Zhang Yuefang , Shan Shifang , Gitler Aaron , Ghosh Anirvan , Qiu Zilong
Published: March 2018

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a late onset neurodegenerative disease with fast progression. Mutations of the CREST gene (also known as SS18L1) are identified in sporadic ALS patients. Whether CREST mutations may lead to ALS remained largely unclear. In this study, we showed that the ALS-related CREST-Q388X mutation exhibited loss-of-function effects. Importantly, we found that microglial activation were prevalent in CREST haploinsufficieny mice and the Q394X mice mimicking the human CREST Q388X mutation. Furthermore, we showed that both CREST haploinsufficieny and the Q394X mice displayed deficits in motor coordination. Finally, we identified the critical role of CREST-BRG1 complex in repressing the expression of immune-related cytokines including Ccl2 and Cxcl10 in neurons, via histone deacetylation, providing the molecular mechanisms underlying inflammatory responses lack of CREST. These findings indicate that elevated inflammatory responses in a subset of ALS may be caused by neuron-derived factors, suggesting potential therapeutic methods through inflammation pathways.

In Brief

Cheng et al. discovered that neuronal loss of CREST reduces the protein level of FUS, de-represses the transcriptional inhibition of chemokine genes which in turn causes microglial activation and proinflammation, and ultimately leads to axonal degeneration of motor neurons and impairment of locomotion.
The perception of color and material in naturalistic tasks
Authors: Brainard David H. , Cottaris Nicolas P. , Radonjić Ana
Published: March 2018

Perceived object color and material properties help us to select and interact with objects. Because there is no simple mapping between the pattern of an object’s image on the retina and its physical reflectance, our perception of color and material are made more useful through sophisticated visual computations. A long-standing goal in vision science is to describe how these computations work, particularly as they act to stabilize perceived color and material against variation in scene factors extrinsic to object surface properties, such as the illumination. If we take seriously the notion that perceived color and material are useful because they help guide behavior in natural tasks, then we need experimental that measure and models that describe how they are used in such tasks. To this end, we have developed selection-based methods and accompanying perceptual models for studying perceived object color and material. This focused review highlights key aspects of our work. It includes a discussion of future directions and challenges, as well as an outline of a computational observer model that incorporates early, known, stages of visual processing and that clarifies how early vision shapes selection performance.
Biallelic Mutations in LRRC56 encoding a protein associated with intraflagellar transport, cause mucociliary clearance and laterality defects
Authors: Bonnefoy Serge , Watson Christopher M. , Kernohan Kristin D. , Lemos Moara , Hutchinson Sebastian , Poulter James A. , Crinnion Laura A. , O’Callaghan Chris , Hirst Robert A. , Rutman Andrew , Huang Lijia , Hartley Taila , Grynspan David , Moya Eduardo , Li Chunmei , Carr Ian M. , Bonthron David T. , Leroux Michel ,   Care4Rare Canada Consortium, Boycott Kym M. , Bastin Philippe , Sheridan Eamonn G.
Published: March 2018

Defective motile cilia are responsible for a group of heterogeneous genetic conditions characterised by dysfunction of the apparatus responsible for generating fluid flows. Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is the prototype for such disorders and presents with impaired pulmonary mucus clearance, susceptibility to chronic recurrent respiratory infections, male infertility and laterality defects in about 50 % of patients. Here we report biallelic variants in LRRC56 (also known as ODA8), identified in two unrelated consanguineous families. The phenotype comprises laterality defects and chronic pulmonary infections. High speed video microscopy of cultured patient epithelial cells showed severely dyskinetic cilia, but no obvious ultra-structural abnormalities on routine transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Further investigation revealed that LRRC56 interacts with the intraflagellar transport (IFT) protein IFT88. The link to IFT was interrogated in Trypanosoma brucei. In this protist, LRRC56 is recruited to the cilium during axoneme construction, where it co-localises with IFT trains and facilitates the addition of dynein arms to the distal end of the flagellum. In T. brucei carrying LRRC56 null mutations, or a mutation (p.Leu259Pro) corresponding to the p.Leu140Pro variant seen in one of the affected families, we observed abnormal ciliary beat patterns and an absence of outer dynein arms restricted to the distal portion of the axoneme. Together, our findings confirm that deleterious variants in LRRC56 result in a human disease, and suggest this protein has a likely role in dynein transport during cilia assembly that is evolutionarily important for cilia motility.
A study of phenotypic plasticity ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaein natural grape juices shed light on allelic variation under balanced selection
Authors: Peltier Emilien , Sharma Vikas , Martí Raga Maria , Roncoroni Miguel , Bernard Margaux , Jiranek Vladimir , Gibon Yves , Marullo Philippe
Published: March 2018

The ability of a genotype to produce different phenotypes according to its surrounding environment is known as phenotypic plasticity. Within different individuals of the same species, phenotypic plasticity can vary greatly. This contrasted response is due to allelic variations and is caused by gene-by-environment interactions (GxE). Finding the genes and the cellular functions that interact with the environment is a current challenge for better understanding the genetic bases of phenotypic plasticity. In order to study the impact of natural allelic variations having a contrasted but relevant effect in a changing environment, we investigated the phenotypic response of the wine yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaefermented in various grape juices. In this study we implemented a QTL mapping program using two independent offspring (~100 progeny) in order to investigate the molecular basis of yeast phenotypic response in a wine fermentation context. Thanks to high throughput sequencing approaches, both populations were genotyped, providing saturated genetic maps of thousands of markers. Linkage analyses allowed the detection of 78 QTLs including 21 with significant interaction with the nature of the fermented juice or fermentation conditions. Molecular dissection of a major QTL showed that the sulfite pump Ssu1p has a pleiotropic effect and impacts the phenotypic plasticity of several traits. Both alleles have positive effect according to external condition in phenotypes related to yeast fitness suggesting an example of balanced selection. All together these results pave the way for exploiting and deciphering the genetic determinism of phenotypic plasticity.
Brainwide organization of neuronal activity and convergent sensorimotor transformations in larval zebrafish
Authors: Chen Xiuye , Mu Yu , Hu Yu , Kuan Aaron T. , Nikitchenko Maxim , Randlett Owen , Sompolinsky Haim , Engert Florian , Ahrens Misha B.
Published: March 2018

Simultaneous recordings of large populations of neurons in behaving animals allow detailed observation of high-dimensional, complex brain activity. However, experimental design and analysis approaches have not sufficiently evolved to fully realize the potential of these methods. We recorded whole-brain neuronal activity for larval zebrafish presented with a battery of visual stimuli while recording fictive motor output. These data were used to develop analysis methods including regression techniques that leverage trial-to-trial variations and unsupervised clustering techniques that organize neurons into functional groups. We used these methods to obtain brain-wide maps of concerted activity, which revealed both known and heretofore uncharacterized brain nuclei. We also identified neurons tuned to each stimulus type and motor output, and revealed nuclei in the anterior hindbrain that respond to multiple stimuli that elicit the same behavior. However, these convergent sensorimotor representations were only weakly correlated to instantaneous motor behavior, suggesting that they inform, but do not directly generate, behavioral output. These findings motivate a novel model of sensorimotor transformation spanning distinct behavioral contexts, within which these hindbrain convergence neurons likely constitute a key step.
Tissue-specific transcriptome for Poeciliopsis prolifica reveals evidence for genetic adaptation related to the evolution of a placental fish
Authors: Jue Nathaniel K. , Foley Robert J. , Reznick David N. , O’Neill Rachel J. , O’Neill Michael J.
Published: March 2018

The evolution of the placenta is an excellent model to examine the evolutionary processes underlying adaptive complexity due to the recent, independent derivation of placentation in divergent animal lineages. In fishes, the family Poeciliidae offers the opportunity to study placental evolution with respect to variation in degree of post-fertilization maternal provisioning among closely related sister species. In this study, we present a detailed examination of a new reference transcriptome sequence for the live-bearing, matrotrophic fish, Poeciliopsis prolifica, from multiple-tissue RNA-seq data. We describe the genetic components active in liver, brain, late-stage embryo, and the maternal placental/ovarian complex, as well as associated patterns of positive selection in a suite of orthologous genes found in fishes. Results indicate the expression of many signaling transcripts, “non-coding” sequences and repetitive elements in the maternal placental/ovarian complex. Moreover, patterns of positive selection in protein sequence evolution were found associated with live-bearing fishes, generally, and the placental P. prolifica, specifically, that appear independent of the general live-bearer lifestyle. Much of the observed patterns of gene expression and positive selection are congruent with the evolution of placentation in fish functionally converging with mammalian placental evolution and with the patterns of rapid evolution facilitated by the teleost-specific whole genome duplication event.
The formation of intramolecular secondary structure brings mRNA ends in close proximity
Authors: Lai Wan-Jung C. , Kayedkhordeh Mohammad , Cornell Erica V. , Farah Elie , Bellaousov Stanislav , Rietmeijer Robert , Mathews David H. , Ermolenko Dmitri N.
Published: March 2018

A number of protein factors regulate protein synthesis by bridging mRNA ends or untranslated regions (UTRs). Using experimental and computational approaches, we show that mRNAs from various organisms, including humans, have an intrinsic propensity to fold into structures in which the 5’ end and 3’ end are ≤ 7 nm apart irrespective of mRNA length. Computational estimates performed for ∼22,000 human transcripts indicate that the inherent proximity of the ends is a universal property of most, if not all, mRNA sequences. Only specific RNA sequences, which have low sequence complexity and are devoid of guanosines, are unstructured and exhibit end-to-end distances expected for the random coil conformation of RNA. Our results suggest that the intrinsic proximity of mRNA ends may facilitate binding of translation factors that bridge mRNA 5’ and 3’ UTRs. Furthermore, our studies provide the basis for measuring, computing and manipulating end-to-end distances and secondary structure in mRNAs in research and biotechnology.