bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editorial to Child and Adolescence Psychopharmacology
Authors: Juckel G.
Published: November 2016

The editors of Pharmacopsychiatry have decided in 2016 to prepare special issues regularly in order provide our readers volumes of the journal with a thematic focus 1. The first such special issue is dedicated to the field of child and adolescent psychopharmacology. Many young patients are treated with psychotherapeutic, but also pharmacotherapeutic, methods worldwide. Most of our psychopharmacological agents are not approved by the federal institutions for persons under 18 years old. However, severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar disorder frequently require pharmacological treatments in children and adolescents. We also see a wide range of rather unspecific emotional and behavioral disturbances up to excitation crises or suicidal acts in this young population, so that we see the necessity for standardized and valid psychopharmacological treatment regimens based on meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and guidelines 2. Child and adolescent psychiatry is unfortunately far away from this; industry-supported research is rare in this area, but also not all child and adolescent psychiatrists see the importance of psychopharmacological treatment and trust specific psychotherapy, psychoeducation, and educational strategies. These are all extremely important treatments, but one can/should think that psychopharmacotherapy is an important addition and often a cornerstone for the other treatments.
Towards 10 meV resolution: The design of an ultrahigh resolution soft X-ray RIXS spectrometer
Authors: Dvorak Joseph , Jarrige Ignace , Bisogni Valentina , Coburn Scott , Leonhardt William
Published: November 2016

We present the optical design of the Centurion soft X-ray resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) spectrometer to be located on the SIX beamline at NSLS-II. The spectrometer is designed to reach a resolving power of 100 000 at 1000 eV at its best resolution. It is also designed to have continuously variable 2θ motion over a range of 112° using a custom triple rotating flange. We have analyzed several possible spectrometer designs capable of reaching the target resolution. After careful analysis, we have adopted a Hettrick-Underwood spectrometer design, with an additional plane mirror to maintain a fixed direction for the outgoing beam. The spectrometer can cancel defocus and coma aberrations at all energies, has an erect focal plane, and minimizes mechanical motions of the detector. When the beamline resolution is accounted for, the net spectral resolution will be 14 meV at 1000 eV. This will open up many low energy excitations to study and will expand greatly the power of soft X-ray RIXS.
Modelling of crater formation on anode surface by high-current vacuum arcs
Authors: Tian Yunbo , Wang Zhenxing , Jiang Yanjun , Ma Hui , Liu Zhiyuan , Geng Yingsan , Wang Jianhua , Nordlund Kai , Djurabekova Flyura
Published: November 2016

Anode melting and crater formation significantly affect interruption of high-current vacuum arcs. The primary objective of this paper is to theoretically investigate the mechanism of anode surface crater formation, caused by the combined effect of surface heating during the vacuum arc and pressure exerted on the molten surface by ions and electrons from the arc plasma. A model of fluid flow and heat transfer in the arc anode is developed and combined with a magnetohydrodynamics model of the vacuum arc plasma. Crater formation is observed in simulation for a peak arcing current higher than 15 kA on 40 mm diam. Cu electrodes spaced 10 mm apart. The flow of liquid metal starts after 4 or 5 ms of arcing, and the maximum velocities are 0.95 m/s and 1.39 m/s for 20 kA and 25 kA arcs, respectively. This flow redistributes thermal energy, and the maximum temperature of the anode surface does not remain in the center. Moreover, the condition for the liquid droplet formation on the anode surfaces is developed. The solidification process after current zero is also analyzed. The solidification time has been found to be more than 3 ms after 25 kA arcing. The long solidification time and sharp features on crater rims induce Taylor cone formation.
A low-reflection coaxial tunable attenuator based on zero refractive index metamaterial
Authors: Zhang Kai-Lun , Hou Zhi-Ling , Wang Chan-Yuan , Kong Ling-Bao , Bian Xin-Ming
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we design a low-reflection coaxial tunable attenuator with a maximum attenuation of −50 dB by use of zero refractive index metamaterial. Almost no reflection is observed from input port of the proposed structure, due to the easily accessible impedance matching derived from the use of zero refractive index metamaterial. The relationship between attenuation and the air gap width can be well described by an equivalent circuit model. Interestingly, the ratio of input to output voltage is linearly related to the gap width due to the eliminated fringing capacitance by zero-refraction metamaterial, which makes it easy to achieve accurate calibration of the proposed attenuator. The low reflection and linear relationships enable the proposed attenuator to hold promising potential for practical applications.
THz pulse generation using a contact grating device composed of TiO2/SiO2 thin films on LiNbO3 crystal
Authors: Yoshida Fumiko , Nagashima Keisuke , Tsubouchi Masaaki , Maruyama Momoko , Ochi Yoshihiro
Published: November 2016

We developed a new contact grating device for terahertz (THz) pulse generation by optical rectification. The device was made from polycrystalline rutile TiO2 thin film in the grating region and an amorphous SiO2 layer deposited on a Mg-doped LiNbO3 crystal. Our calculations indicated that the TiO2 grating on the SiO2 layer would yield an increase in diffraction efficiency of up to 0.69. The prepared TiO2 thin film had a sufficient laser induced damage threshold (140 GW/cm2) to enable effective THz pulse generation. Using a prototype device, we demonstrated THz pulse generation and investigated the phase-matching conditions experimentally.
Perspectives in flow-based microfluidic gradient generators for characterizing bacterial chemotaxis
Authors: Wolfram Christopher J. , Rubloff Gary W. , Luo Xiaolong
Published: November 2016

Chemotaxis is a phenomenon which enables cells to sense concentrations of certain chemical species in their microenvironment and move towards chemically favorable regions. Recent advances in microbiology have engineered the chemotactic properties of bacteria to perform novel functions, but traditional methods of characterizing chemotaxis do not fully capture the associated cell motion, making it difficult to infer mechanisms that link the motion to the microbiology which induces it. Microfluidics offers a potential solution in the form of gradient generators. Many of the gradient generators studied to date for this application are flow-based, where a chemical species diffuses across the laminar flow interface between two solutions moving through a microchannel. Despite significant research efforts, flow-based gradient generators have achieved mixed success at accurately capturing the highly subtle chemotactic responses exhibited by bacteria. Here we present an analysis encompassing previously published versions of flow-based gradient generators, the theories that govern their gradient-generating properties, and new, more practical considerations that result from experimental factors. We conclude that flow-based gradient generators present a challenge inherent to their design in that the residence time and gradient decay must be finely balanced, and that this significantly narrows the window for reliable observation and quantification of chemotactic motion. This challenge is compounded by the effects of shear on an ellipsoidal bacterium that causes it to preferentially align with the direction of flow and subsequently suppresses the cross-flow chemotactic response. These problems suggest that a static, non-flowing gradient generator may be a more suitable platform for chemotaxis studies in the long run, despite posing greater difficulties in design and fabrication.
Dissociative Photoionization of 1,2-Epoxyoctane Studied with Synchrotron Radiation
Authors: Wang Yang-yang , Liu Ya-wei , Kang Xu , Zhao Xiao-li , Wang Lin , Hu Chuo-zhao , Liu Fu-yi , Sheng Liu-si , Zhu Lin-fan
Published: November 2016

Dissociative photoionization of 1,2-epoxyoctane was investigated by synchrotron radiation vacuum ultraviolet photons in the energy region of 9.8–16.6 eV under ultrasonic molecular beam. Dissociative fragment ions were measured with reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer at different photon energies. Appearance potentials of the dominative ion fragments were determined through photoionization efficiency curves. The structures and energies of the parent, ionized and neutral radicals were obtained with G3 calculations. Through comparing the experimental results with the theoretical calculations, we proposed the dissociative channels for the photoionization of 1,2-epoxyoctane.
Pyrolysis of CL20-BTF Co-crystal via ReaxFF-lg Reactive Force Field Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Yang Zhen , He Yuan-hang
Published: November 2016

To obtain detailed information on the potential energy, the evolution of species, the initial reaction paths, and thermal decomposition products, we conducted simulations on pyrolysis process of CL20/BTF co-crystal using the ReaxFF/lg reaction force field, with temperature set at 2000 K to 3000 K. With the analysis of evolution curves of potential energy based on exponential function, we obtain the overall characteristic time. Via a description of the total package reaction with classical Arrhenius law, we obtain the activation energy of CL20/BTF co-crystal: Ea=60.8 kcal/mol. Based on the initial path of CL20/BTF co-crystal thermal decomposition we studied, we conclude that N−NO2 bond of CL20 molecules breaks first, working as a dominant role in the initial stage of thermal decomposition under the condition of different temperatures, and that all CL20 molecules completely decompose before BTF molecular regardless of different temperatures. We also find that the main products of CL20/BTF co-crystal are NO2, NO, NO3, HNO, O2, N2, H2O, CO2, N2O, and HONO, etc., on which the temperature forms certain influence.
Photo-depositing Ru and RuO2 on Anatase TiO2 Nanosheets as Co-catalysts for Photocatalytic O2 Evolution from Water Oxidation
Authors: Mi Shi-yang , Liu Yuan-xu , Wang Wen-dong
Published: November 2016

TiO2 nanosheets mainly exposed (001) facet were prepared through a hydrothermal process with HF as the morphology-directing agent. Ru and RuO2 species were loaded by photo-deposition methods to prepare the photocatalysts. The structural features of the catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrum, and H2 Temperature-programmed reduction. The photocatalytic property was studied by the O2 evolution from water oxidation, which was examined with respect to the influences of Ru contents as well as the oxidation and reduction treatments, suggesting the charge separation effect of the Ru species co-catalysts on different facets of TiO2 nanosheets. In contrast to Ru/TiO2 and RuO2/TiO2 with the single deposited co-catalyst, the optimized catalyst 0.5%Ru-1.0%RuO2/TiO2 with dual co-catalysts achieved a much improved catalytic performance, in terms of the synergetic effect of dual co-catalysts and the enhanced charge separation effect.
Superselective Adsorption of Multivalent Polymer Chains to a Surface with Receptors
Authors: Huang Hao-zhi , Chen Yu-hao , Yu Wan-cheng , Luo Kai-fu
Published: November 2016

Multivalent polymer chains exhibit excellent prospect in biomedical applications by serving as therapeutic agents. Using three-dimensional (3D) Langevin dynamics simulations, we investigate adsorption behaviors of multivalent polymer chains to a surface with receptors. Multivalent polymer chains display superselective adsorption. Furthermore, the range of density of surface receptors at which a multivalent polymer chain displays a superselective behavior, narrows down for chains with higher density of ligands. Meanwhile, the optimal density of surface receptors where the highest superselectivity is achieved, decreases with increasing the density of ligands. Then, the conformational properties of bound multivalent chains are studied systematically. Interestingly, we find that the equilibrium radius of gyration Rg and its horizontal component have a maximum as a function of the density of surface receptors. The scaling exponents of Rg with the length of chain suggest that with increasing the density of surface receptors., the conformations of a bound multivalent polymer chain first fall in between those of a two-dimensional (2D) and a 3D chain, while it is slightly collapsed subsequently.
Measuring niche overlap between co-occurring Plectropomus spp. using acoustic telemetry and stable isotopes
Authors: Matley J. K. , Heupel M. R. , Fisk A. T. , Simpfendorfer C. A. , Tobin A. J.
Published: November 2016

Investigating niche overlap in exploited fish species can reveal behavioural information necessary to improve conservation and fisheries management at a species level. The present study examined spatial and dietary overlap between two co-occurring reef fish, namely Plectropomus leopardus and P. maculatus, at an inshore reef in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park using acoustic telemetry and stable isotopes. Movements of tagged fish within an acoustic array of 19 receivers deployed along a narrow reef portion of Orpheus Island were monitored for up to 3 years. Although space use was similar between species, spatial overlap was rare and P. maculatus (n=30) was consistently deeper than P. leopardus (n=32). Dietary overlap between species was high based on overlapping δ15N and δ13C isotopic niches in muscle tissue (n=20). The complementary stable isotope and acoustic telemetry data revealed these species had similar isotopic niches but distinct space use patterns, which may be a product of competition for resources. These findings show species-specific behaviours within a genus commonly managed or reported as a single entity, and provide new information on partitioning of resources by Plectropomus spp. in inshore reef environments.
A variational perspective on accelerated methods in optimization
Authors: Wibisono Andre , Wilson Ashia C. , Jordan Michael I.
Published: November 2016

Significance

Optimization problems arise naturally in statistical machine learning and other fields concerned with data analysis. The rapid growth in the scale and complexity of modern datasets has led to a focus on gradient-based methods and also on the class of accelerated methods, first proposed by Nesterov in 1983. Accelerated methods achieve faster convergence rates than gradient methods and indeed, under certain conditions, they achieve optimal rates. However, accelerated methods are not descent methods and remain a conceptual mystery. We propose a variational, continuous-time framework for understanding accelerated methods. We provide a systematic methodology for converting accelerated higher-order methods from continuous time to discrete time. Our work illuminates a class of dynamics that may be useful for designing better algorithms for optimization.
Modification of ZTA particles with Ni coating by electroless deposition
Authors: Ru J. , Jia Y. , Jiang Y. , Feng J. , Zhou R. , Hua Y. , Wang D.
Published: November 2016

The modification of ZTA particles with Ni coating as reinforcement is systematically clarified to enhance the wearability of Ni-encapsulated ZTA (ZTA@Ni)-reinforced high-chromium cast iron (HCCI) matrix composites. Continuous and uniform metallic Ni coatings are formed on ZTA surface by electroless deposition with ChCl-EG ionic liquid as additive. The coating thickness can be controlled by regulating deposition times and the ZTA@Ni particles with 24.35 μm are chosen as reinforced phase in HCCI matrix composites. Results show that Ni atoms can be permeated into matrix during the casting process leading to the formation of diffusive nucleus to refine the particle size of carbides adjacent interface. A good combination between ZTA@Ni particles and HCCI matrix is observed in the composites. The dissolution and diffusion of metallic Ni can greatly reinforce the interfacial bonding strength to constitute a compact combination of the metallic phase and hard phase.
Three Music-Theory Lessons
Authors: Rehding Alexander
Published: November 2016

This article is an attempt to understand music theory from the perspective of written and sounding media. It examines three radically different music-theoretical practices, which operate with different forms of written notation and different musical instruments, and have surprisingly different purposes in mind: the monochord-based theory of Franchinus Gaffurius (1518), the siren-based theory of Wilhelm Opelt (1834) and the piano-and-score-based theory commonly practised in our age. The instruments used in these three music theories hold the key to a fuller understanding: they can be understood as ‘epistemic things’ – that is, in producing sounds, these objects simultaneously produce knowledge about music. From a media-archaeological perspective, I suggest, these three music-theoretical practices stand emblematically for Pythagorean, digital and textual approaches to music.
The effect of carbohydrate mouth rinsing on fencing performance and cognitive function following fatigue‐inducing fencing
Authors: Rowlatt G. , Bottoms L. , Edmonds C. J. , Buscombe R.
Published: November 2016

This study investigated the impact that mouth rinsing carbohydrate solution has on skill‐specific performance and reaction time following a fatigue‐inducing bout of fencing in epee fencers. Nine healthy, national‐level epee fencers visited a laboratory on two occasions, separated by a minimum of five days, to complete a 1‐minute lunge test and Stroop test pre‐ and post‐fatigue. Heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded during completion of the fatiguing protocol. Between fights the participant's mouth rinsed for 10 seconds, either 25 ml of 6.7% maltodextrin solution (MALT) or water (PLAC). Blood lactate and glucose were recorded at baseline, pre‐ and post‐testing. Results showed an increase in heart rate and overall RPE over time in both conditions. There were no differences in blood glucose (F(1,8) = .63, P = .4, ηp = .07) or blood lactate levels (F(1,8) = .12, P = .70, ηp = .01) between conditions as a function of time. There was a significant improvement in lunge test accuracy during the MALT trial (F(1,8) = 5.21, P = .05, ηp = .40) with an increase from pre (81.2 ± 8.3%) to post (87.6 ± 9.4%), whereas there was no significant change during the placebo (pre 82.1 ± 8.8%, post 78.8 ± 6.4%). There were no recorded differences between conditions in response time to congruent (F(1,8) = .33, P = .58, ηp = .04) or incongruent stimuli (F(1,8) = .19, P = .68, ηp = .02). The study indicates that when fatigued mouth rinsing MALT significantly improves accuracy of skill‐specific fencing performance but no corresponding influence on reaction time was observed.
Postnatal activation of TLR4 in astrocytes promotes excitatory synaptogenesis in hippocampal neurons
Authors: Shen Yi , Qin Huaping , Chen Juan , Mou Lingyan , He Yang , Yan Yixiu , Zhou Hang , Lv Ya , Chen Zhong , Wang Junlu , Zhou Yu-Dong
Published: November 2016

Astrocytes are critical in synapse development, and their dysfunction in crucial developmental stages leads to serious neurodevelopmental diseases, including seizures and epilepsy. Immune challenges not only affect brain development, but also promote seizure generation and epileptogenesis, implying immune activation is one of the key factors linking seizures and epilepsy to abnormal brain development. In this study, we report that activating astrocytes by systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenges in the second postnatal week promotes excitatory synapse development, leading to enhanced seizure susceptibility in mice. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation in astrocytes increased astrocytic extracellular signal–related kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) and phospho-Erk1/2 levels in a myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)–dependent manner. Constitutively activating Erk1/2 in astrocytes was sufficient to enhance excitatory synaptogenesis without activating TLR4. Deleting MyD88 or suppressing Erk1/2 in astrocytes rescued LPS-induced developmental abnormalities of excitatory synapses and restored the enhanced seizure sensitivity. Thus, we provide direct evidence for a developmental role of astrocytes in shaping a predisposition to seizure generation.
Model-guided optogenetic study of PKA signaling in budding yeast
Authors: Stewart-Ornstein Jacob , Chen Susan , Bhatnagar Rajat , Weissman Jonathan S. , El-Samad Hana
Published: November 2016

In eukaryotes, protein kinase A (PKA) is a master regulator of cell proliferation and survival. The activity of PKA is subject to elaborate control and exhibits complex time dynamics. To probe the quantitative attributes of PKA dynamics in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we developed an optogenetic strategy that uses a photoactivatable adenylate cyclase to achieve real-time regulation of cAMP and the PKA pathway. We capitalize on the precise and rapid control afforded by this optogenetic tool, together with quantitative computational modeling, to study the properties of feedback in the PKA signaling network and dissect the nonintuitive dynamic effects that ensue from perturbing its components. Our analyses reveal that negative feedback channeled through the Ras1/2 GTPase is delayed, pinpointing its time scale and its contribution to the dynamic features of the cAMP/PKA signaling network.
Live-cell single-molecule labeling and analysis of myosin motors with quantum dots
Authors: Hatakeyama Hiroyasu , Nakahata Yoshihito , Yarimizu Hirokazu , Kanzaki Makoto
Published: November 2016

Quantum dots (QDs) are a powerful tool for quantitatively analyzing dynamic cellular processes by single-particle tracking. However, tracking of intracellular molecules with QDs is limited by their inability to penetrate the plasma membrane and bind to specific molecules of interest. Although several techniques for overcoming these problems have been proposed, they are either complicated or inconvenient. To address this issue, in this study, we developed a simple, convenient, and nontoxic method for labeling intracellular molecules in cells using HaloTag technology and electroporation. We labeled intracellular myosin motors with this approach and tracked their movement within cells. By simultaneously imaging myosin movement and F-actin architecture, we observed that F-actin serves not only as a rail but also as a barrier for myosin movement. We analyzed the effect of insulin on the movement of several myosin motors, which have been suggested to regulate intracellular trafficking of the insulin-responsive glucose transporter GLUT4, but found no significant enhancement in myosin motor motility as a result of insulin treatment. Our approach expands the repertoire of proteins for which intracellular dynamics can be analyzed at the single-molecule level.
Chromatin association of XRCC5/6 in the absence of DNA damage depends on the XPE gene product DDB2
Authors: Fantini Damiano , Huang Shuo , Asara John M. , Bagchi Srilata , Raychaudhuri Pradip
Published: November 2016

Damaged DNA-binding protein 2 (DDB2), a nuclear protein, participates in both nucleotide excision repair and mRNA transcription. The transcriptional regulatory function of DDB2 is significant in colon cancer, as it regulates metastasis. To characterize the mechanism by which DDB2 participates in transcription, we investigated the protein partners in colon cancer cells. Here we show that DDB2 abundantly associates with XRCC5/6, not involving CUL4 and DNA-PKcs. A DNA-damaging agent that induces DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) does not affect the interaction between DDB2 and XRCC5. In addition, DSB-induced nuclear enrichment or chromatin association of XRCC5 does not involve DDB2, suggesting that the DDB2/XRCC5/6 complex represents a distinct pool of XRCC5/6 that is not directly involved in DNA break repair (NHEJ). In the absence of DNA damage, on the other hand, chromatin association of XRCC5 requires DDB2. We show that DDB2 recruits XRCC5 onto the promoter of SEMA3A, a DDB2-stimulated gene. Moreover, depletion of XRCC5 inhibits SEMA3A expression without affecting expression of VEGFA, a repression target of DDB2. Together our results show that DDB2 is critical for chromatin association of XRCC5/6 in the absence of DNA damage and provide evidence that XRCC5/6 are functional partners of DDB2 in its transcriptional stimulatory activity.
The pleckstrin-homology domain of dynamin is dispensable for membrane constriction and fission
Authors: Dar Srishti , Pucadyil Thomas J.
Published: November 2016

Classical dynamins bind the plasma membrane–localized phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate using the pleckstrin-homology domain (PHD) and engage in rapid membrane fission during synaptic vesicle recycling. This domain is conspicuously absent among extant bacterial and mitochondrial dynamins, however, where loop regions manage membrane recruitment. Inspired by the core design of bacterial and mitochondrial dynamins, we reengineered the classical dynamin by replacing its PHD with a polyhistidine or polylysine linker. Remarkably, when recruited via chelator or anionic lipids, respectively, the reengineered dynamin displayed the capacity to constrict and sever membrane tubes. However, when analyzed at single-event resolution, the tube-severing process displayed long-lived, highly constricted prefission intermediates that contributed to 10-fold reduction in bulk rates of membrane fission. Our results indicate that the PHD acts as a catalyst in dynamin-induced membrane fission and rationalize its adoption to meet the physiologic requirement of a fast-acting membrane fission apparatus.
CymeR: cytometry analysis using KNIME, docker and R
Authors: Muchmore B , Alarcón-Riquelme M E
Published: November 2016

Here we present open-source software for the analysis of high-dimensional cytometry data using state of the art algorithms. Importantly, use of the software requires no programming ability, and output files can either be interrogated directly in CymeR or they can be used downstream with any other cytometric data analysis platform. Also, because we use Docker to integrate the multitude of components that form the basis of CymeR, we have additionally developed a proof-of-concept of how future open-source bioinformatic programs with graphical user interfaces could be developed.

Availability and Implementation

CymeR is open-source software that ties several components into a single program that is perhaps best thought of as a self-contained data analysis operating system. Please see https://github.com/bmuchmore/CymeR/wiki for detailed installation instructions.
MRI assessment of the importance of the acetabular labrum: a comparative radiographic and MRI study in children’s hips
Authors: Carbonell P. Gutiérrez , Peña M. Ojeda
Published: November 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between radiograph [acetabular index (AI)] and MRI measurements of the angles of children’s hips and the percentage of coverage that labrum provides to the acetabulum in healthy hips of children. The healthy hips of 38 children, of a mean age of 7.7 years, were studied using anteroposterior radiographs and coronal plane MRI. We used picture archiving and communication systems software to measure the AI in hip radiographs and the acetabular bone index (ABI) and acetabular labrum index (ALI) in hip MRIs. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and t-test were performed. Pearson’s correlation and Bland and Altman plots were determined for analysis of measurement error and interobserver and intraobserver errors. Statistical significance was set at P value less than 0.05. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement was between 0.8 and 0.98. AI was 13.7°. ABI was 16.4° and ALI was 6.7°. There was a correlation between the angles of the hips determined by radiographs and MRI. The ALI accounted for 40.8% of the mean value of the ABI. The measurements of hip angles by radiographs were similar to the ones derived from MRI. In addition, the labrum adds stability to the healthy hip in a child, indicating a significant portion of the total coverage of the acetabulum to the femoral epiphysis. AI measurements from radiographs were lower than ABI measurements obtained from MRI. ALI was 41% of the ABI, which means that the labrums, in healthy hips of children significantly increase the coverage of the femoral epiphysis and also increase the stability of the acetabulum. Level of Evidence: III.
Paediatric lower limb deformity correction with the Eight Plate: adverse events and correction outcomes of 126 patients from an international multicentre study
Authors: Joeris Alexander , Ramseier Leonhard , Langendörfer Micha , von Knobloch Michael , Patwardhan Sandeep , Dwyer Jonathan , Slongo Theddy
Published: November 2016

No large multicentre studies have yet been published on tension-band-like implants such as the Eight Plate to treat limb-length discrepancies and varus valgus deformities in children. Therefore, we carried out a retrospective international multicentre study including 126 patients to assess outcomes and to reliably quantify the incidence of implant-related and growth-plate related adverse events (AEs). Correction was achieved in 66% of varus valgus deformities and in 59% of limb-length discrepancies and maintained in 85%. Twenty (18%) patients experienced 43 AEs, which were primarily screw-related. The AE rate of the Eight Plate is low; however, many of them could be avoided through tighter monitoring.
Proximal femoral osteotomy in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease using a monolateral external fixator: surgical technique, outcome, and complications
Authors: Park Kwang-Won , Shah Ishani P. , Ramanathan Ashok K. , Lee Tae-Jin , Song Hae-Ryong
Published: November 2016

Although external fixation methods have been described for proximal femoral osteotomy for various etiologies, none are dedicated to a single disease entity. Our study introduces a technique of proximal femoral osteotomy and fixation with a monolateral external fixator system in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD). Twenty-three patients (19 males, four females) with LCPD underwent surgery at our institute between 2004 and 2012. Varus osteotomy (group A, 11 hips) and valgus osteotomy (group B, 12 hips) were performed and the monolateral external fixator system was used. The average age of patients at surgery was 13 years (6–23 years) and the mean follow-up duration was 21 months (12–64 months). The mean angular correction of the varus osteotomy in group A was 20° (10°–28°) and the mean medial displacement was 21% (10–49%). The angular correction of valgus osteotomy in group B was 28° (14°–49°) and lateral displacement was 41% (38–58%). The mean fixation time was 14 weeks (8.4–31 weeks). Complications occurred in nine hips (39.1%) and included pin-tract infections (five), hip abduction contracture (one), nonunions (two), and refracture (one). Our surgical technique provides precise correction and stable fixation with minimal intervention. Therefore, the monolateral external fixator could be considered an acceptable alternative fixation device for the correction of proximal femoral deformities in patients with LCPD. Level of evidence: Level IV, case series.
Linear Sclerodermoid Lupus Erythematosus Profundus in a Child
Authors: Elbendary Amira , Griffin John , Li Suzanne , Tlougan Brook , Junkins-Hopkins Jacqueline M.
Published: November 2016

Lupus erythematosus panniculitis, also known as lupus profundus, is a variant in the clinicopathological spectrum of lupus erythematosus (LE) affecting about 2%–3% of LE patients. A linear configuration of LE panniculitis has been reported rarely with rare reports describing the coexistence of different forms of cutaneous LE and localized morphea. In this study, the authors present a 9-year-old girl with linear arrangement of subcutaneous nodules on her left forearm. Microscopic findings from 2 biopsies included lymphocytes at the dermoepidermal junction with mild interface dermatitis, a dense lymphocytic infiltrate that was concentrated around adnexae and subcutaneous fat in concert with thickened collagen bundles and mild widening of fibrous septae surrounding fat lobules. Although the clinical differential diagnosis included panniculitis or a sporotrichoid infection, 1 biopsy showed a dense lymphocytic infiltrate histologically bordered on that of cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia or a late stage of Lyme disease, and a second also demonstrated more prominent sclerodermoid collagen bundles rendering the diagnosis of linear sclerodermoid LE profundus.
Transmastoid Endoscopic-Assisted Eustachian Tube Packing After Translabyrinthine Tumor Resection: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study
Authors: Deep Nicholas L. , Weisskopf Peter A.
Published: November 2016

Hypothesis:

Endoscopically assisted packing of the Eustachian tube (ET) will improve visualization of the protympanic space compared with standard techniques with the microscope.

Background:

Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage after translabyrinthine tumor resection remains a problem. Current techniques of packing the ET are limited by inadequate visualization. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility and usefulness of transmastoid endoscopic-assisted ET packing during translabyrinthine tumor resection.

Methods:

Eight human cadaveric temporal bone dissections were performed on four heads to test the visualization that could be obtained of the ET orifice with an endoscope via transmastoid—facial recess approach. The incus body and incus buttress were removed, the aditus ad antrum enlarged, and tensor tympani muscle was cut. The scope was placed where the incus buttress had previously resided. The ET orifice was visualized and subsequently packed.

Results:

In all eight temporal bones, the endoscope was successfully able to visualize the ET orifice, with improved visualization of the orifice compared with standard techniques. Surgical technique and potential pitfalls are discussed.

Conclusions:

The transmastoid endoscopic approach for packing the ET improves visualization of the ET orifice. Packing under direct visualization provided greater reassurance that the material entered the true ET lumen as opposed to a false passage. The technique can be performed without any significant changes to standard surgical technique, allowing for a fast and accurate closure of the ET orifice and has application in potentially decreasing postoperative CSF leak rates.
Scaling the Low-Shear Pulsatile TORVAD for Pediatric Heart Failure
Authors: Gohean Jeffrey R. , Larson Erik R. , Hsi Brian H. , Kurusz Mark , Smalling Richard W. , Longoria Raul G.
Published: November 2016

This article provides an overview of the design challenges associated with scaling the low-shear pulsatile TORVAD ventricular assist device (VAD) for treating pediatric heart failure. A cardiovascular system model was used to determine that a 15 ml stroke volume device with a maximum flow rate of 4 L/min can provide full support to pediatric patients with body surface areas between 0.6 and 1.5 m2. Low-shear stress in the blood is preserved as the device is scaled down and remains at least two orders of magnitude less than continuous flow VADs. A new magnetic linkage coupling the rotor and piston has been optimized using a finite element model (FEM) resulting in increased heat transfer to the blood while reducing the overall size of TORVAD. Motor FEM has also been used to reduce motor size and improve motor efficiency and heat transfer. FEM analysis predicts no more than 1°C temperature rise on any blood or tissue contacting surface of the device. The iterative computational approach established provides a methodology for developing a TORVAD platform technology with various device sizes for supporting the circulation of infants to adults.
Safety of Propofol for Oxygenator Exchange in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Hohlfelder Benjamin , Szumita Paul M. , Lagambina Susan , Weinhouse Gerald , Degrado Jeremy R.
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this analysis is to describe the safety of propofol administration in adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients. We performed a prospective cohort analysis of patients using ECMO at Brigham and Women's Hospital between February 2013 and October 2015. Patients were included if they used ECMO for at least 48 hours. The major end-point of the analysis was the median oxygenator lifespan. Oxygenator exchanges were analyzed by the number of patients requiring an oxygenator exchange and the number of oxygenator exchanges per ECMO day. A priori analysis was performed by comparing the outcomes between patients who did and did not receive propofol during their ECMO course. During the study, 43 patients were included in the analysis. Sixteen patients used propofol during their ECMO course. There were 12 oxygenator exchanges during therapy. Oxygenator exchange occurred on 1.8% of ECMO days. The median oxygenator lifespan was 7 days. Patients who used propofol had a significantly longer oxygenator lifespan (p = 0.02). Among patients who received propofol, patients who required oxygenator exchange used a significantly lower median daily dose of propofol (p < 0.001). The use of propofol appears safe in ECMO with regards to oxygenator viability. Contrary to expected, oxygenator lifespan was significantly longer among patients who received propofol.
Neurologic, Neurocognitive, and Functional Outcomes in Children Under 6 Years Treated with the Berlin Heart Excor Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: VanderPluym Juliana H. , Robertson Charlene M. T. , Joffe Ari R. , Conway Jennifer , Rebeyka Ivan M. , Ross David B. , Garcia Guerra Gonzalo , Al Aklabi Mohammed M. , Buchholz Holger
Published: November 2016

The objective of this study is to describe the neurologic, neurocognitive, and functional outcomes of children aged under 6 years supported on the Berlin Heart EXCOR ventricular assist device (VAD) followed in the Complex Pediatric Therapies Follow-up Program (CPTFP). Sixteen patients were prospectively followed through this longitudinal, developmental program. The patients were evaluated with neurologic physical examination. Intelligence quotients (IQ) and functional outcome scores (ABAS-II scores) were obtained. Neuroimaging reports from before, during, and after VAD implantation were retrospectively reviewed for reported brain injury (BI). Twelve patients (75%) had neuroimaging documented BI at some point in their life (i.e., before, during, or after VAD support). Five patients (31%) had neuroimaging evidence of acute BI incurred while on the VAD. The high overall number of patients with neuroimaging documented BI at any point in their life illustrates that the risk for BI also exists outside the window of VAD support. Patients with abnormal neurologic physical examination at follow-up had lower IQ and ABAS-II scores compared with patients with normal neurologic physical examination (mean full-scale IQ 66.9 vs. 95.0, p = 0.001; mean ABAS-II 66.3 vs. 94.2, p < 0.001).
Renal Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Seeded on Nanofibrous Scaffolds Improved by Human Renal Tubular Cell Lines-Conditioned Medium
Authors: Ardeshirylajimi Abdolreza , Vakilian Saeid , Salehi Mohammad , Mossahebi-Mohammadi Majid
Published: November 2016

Kidney injuries and renal dysfunctions are one of the most important clinical problems, and tissue engineering could be a valuable method for solving it. The objective of this study was to investigate the synergistic effect of renal cell line-conditioned medium and Polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers on renal differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In the current study, after stem cells isolation and characterization, PCL nanofibrous scaffold was fabricated using electrospinning methods and characterized morphologically, mechanically, and for biocompatibility. The renal differentiation of seeded MSCs on the surface of PCL nanofibers with and without human renal tubular cell lines-conditioned medium was investigated by evaluation of eight important renal-related genes expression by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunocytochemistry. Fabricated nanofibrous scaffolds were good in all characterized items. Almost highest expression of all genes was detected in stem cells seeded on PCL under conditioned media in comparison with the stem cells seeded on PCL, tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) under renal induction medium, and TCPS under conditioned medium. According to the results, PCL nanofibers in contribution with conditioned medium can provide the optimal conditions for renal differentiation of MSCs and could be a promising candidate for renal tissue engineering application.
Short article: A randomized-controlled study of sitagliptin for treating diabetes mellitus complicated by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Deng Xiao-Long , Ma Rui , Zhu Hong-Xia , Zhu Jun
Published: November 2016

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin for treating Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

In total, 72 Chinese T2DM patients with NAFLD were divided randomly into two groups of 36 patients each group. All 72 patients were assigned to receive either sitagliptin or diet and exercise for 52 weeks between January 2013 and December 2015. The outcomes’ measurements included serum levels of hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase.

Results

Seventy patients completed the study. Sitagliptin showed greater efficacy than the diet and exercise in decreasing the hemoglobin A1c and fasting plasma glucose levels at weeks 13, 26, 39, and 52. In addition, no significant changes in the average aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were found during the 52-week follow-up in both the sitagliptin and the control groups.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that sitagliptin is an effective and safe treatment for patients with T2DM and NAFLD.
Segregation between the parietal memory network and the default mode network: Effects of spatial smoothing and model order in ICA
Authors: Hu Yang , Wang Jijun , Li Chunbo , Wang Yin-shan , Yang Zhi , Zuo Xi-Nian
Published: November 2016

A brain network consisting of two key parietal nodes, the precuneus and the posterior cingulate cortex, has emerged from recent fMRI studies. Though it is anatomically adjacent to and spatially overlaps with the default mode network (DMN), its function has been associated with memory processing, and it has been referred to as the parietal memory network (PMN). Independent component analysis (ICA) is the most common data-driven method of extracting PMN and DMN simultaneously. However, the effects of data preprocessing and parameter determination in ICA on PMN-DMN segregation are completely unknown. Here, we employ three typical algorithms of group ICA to assess how spatial smoothing and model order influence the degree of PMN-DMN segregation. Our findings indicate that PMN and DMN can only be stably separated using a combination of low-level spatial smoothing and high-order model across the three ICA algorithms. We thus argue for more considerations on parametric settings for interpreting DMN data.
Sphere packings as a tool for the description of martensitic phase transformations
Authors: Sowa Heidrun
Published: November 2016

Martensitic transformations which play an important role in metallurgical processes are analysed using group–subgroup relations and sphere-packing considerations. This approach is applied to the transformations between body-centred cubic (b.c.c.) and face-centred cubic (f.c.c.) phases and yields the orientation relations according to the Nishiyama–Wassermann, the Kurdjumov–Sachs and the Pitsch mechanisms. The models proposed by Pitsch and Schrader and by Burgers for the transition between b.c.c. and hexagonally closest-packed (h.c.p.) type structures can be interpreted analogously. In addition, two mechanisms for the transition between cubic f.c.c. and h.c.p. structures are described.
Revisiting La0.5Sr1.5MnO4lattice distortion and charge ordering with multi-beam resonant diffraction
Authors: Liu Wen-Chung , Chiu Yi-Hua , Kung Ying-Yu , Liao Po-Yu , Cheng Chih-Hao , Chih Yu-Chieh , Tsai Yi-Wei , Chu Chia-Hung , Lai Chia-Hung , Huang Di-Jing , Soo Yun-Liang , Chang Shih-Lin
Published: November 2016

Sinusoidal wave type distortions of La0.5Sr1.5MnO4in the low-temperature orthorhombic phase were observed using multi-beam resonant X-ray diffraction (MRXD) with (7/4 7/4 0) fractional primary diffraction. Two four-beam diffractions with opposite asymmetry were measured at 6.5545 keV and compared with the curves simulated by the dynamical X-ray diffraction theory. This approach provides the possibility of resolving the distortion modes which are perpendicular to the momentum transfer by a single azimuthal scan. The paper also demonstrates the sensitivity of MRXD profilesversusincident X-ray energy in the vicinity of the MnKedge to the charge disproportion between the two manganese sites, reconfirming the small charge disproportion feature.
A tetranuclear cubane-like nickel(II) complex with a tridentate salicylideneimine Schiff base ligand: tetrakis[μ3-4-methyl-N-(2-oxidophenyl)salicylideneiminato]tetrakis[methanolnickel(II)] methanol 0.8-solvate
Authors: Pavlović Gordana , Majer Mihael , Cindrić Marina
Published: November 2016

The tetranuclear title complex, [Ni4(C14H11NO2)4(CH3OH)4]·0.8CH3OH, has a distorted cubane topology shaped by four Schiff base ligands. The cubane [Ni4(μ3-O4)] core is formedviathe O atoms from the Schiff base ligands. The octahedrally coordinated NiIIions occupy alternating vertices of the cube. Each NiIIion is coordinated by oneO,N,O′-tridentate dianionic ligand, two O atoms of oxidophenyl groups from adjacent ligands and the O atom of a coordinating methanol molecule. The cubane core is stabilizedviaan intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond between the hydroxy group of the coordinating methanol molecules and the phenolate O atom of the aldehyde Schiff base fragment. Additional stabilization is obtainedviaintramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds involving aromatic C—H groups and the oxygen atoms of adjacent methanol molecules. In the crystal, complex molecules are linked into chains parallel to thecaxisviaweak C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The partial-occupancy disordered methanol solvent molecule has a site occupancy of 0.8 and is linked to the tetranuclear unitviaan intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond involving a phenolate O atom.
Ferrocenecarboxylic anhydride: a redetermination
Authors: McAdam C. John , Simpson Jim
Published: November 2016

The title molecule, [Fe2(C5H5)2(C12H8O3)], briefly reported previously [Zhang (2015). Private Communication (CCDC reference 1056736). CCDC, Cambridge, England], comprises two ferrocenyl units connected by an acid anhydride bridge. Both ferrocene units have near coplanar [dihedral angles between the ring planes = 2.84 (4) and 1.74 (13)°] and eclipsed [pseudo torsion angles = 6.3 (2) and 5.1 (2)°] cyclopentadienyl (Cp) rings. A twist through the anhydride linkage results in a dihedral angle of 73.81 (8)° between the two substituted Cp rings planes. An intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond is also found. In the crystal, C—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into a three-dimensional network.
[2-(2,2′-Bipyridin-6-yl-κ2N1,N1′)benzo[b][1,5]naphthyridine-κN1]dichloridozinc
Authors: Tezuka Yosuke , Tsuge Kiyoshi , Ohtsu Hideki
Published: November 2016

The coordination environment of the zinc(II) ion in the title complex, [ZnCl2(C22H14N4)], is distorted trigonal–bipyramidal comprised by three N atoms from the 2-([2,2′-bipyridin]-6-yl)benzo[b][1,5]naphthyridine ligand and two Cl−ions. In the crystal, neighbouring molecules are connected by π–π stacking interactions along thea-axis direction.