bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On In–situ Redox Balancing of Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Using D‐Fructose as Negative Electrolyte Additive
Authors: Pasala Vasudevarao , Ramanujam Kothandaraman
Published: January 2017

Vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) is an energy storage system, wherein V2+/V3+ and VO2+/VO2+ are used as negative and positive electrolyte respectively. It is well known that, V2+/V3+ redox reaction is sluggish in comparison to that of VO2+/VO2+ reaction. As the redox potential of V2+/V3+ redox‐couple is more negative to that of H+/H2 redox‐couple, during the V2+ formation hydrogen evolution occurs concomitantly, which affects the capacity retention of VRFB inducing redox couples concentration imbalance between the positive and negative electrolytes. In this study, we have explored the beneficial effect of D‐fructose as an additive to the negative electrolyte. D‐fructose (i) enhances the interfacial area of the graphite felt negative electrode‐electrolyte interface by wetting, thereby the current due to V2+/V3+ redox reaction at a given overpotential, (ii) suppresses the H2 evolution at negative electrode during charging of VRFB (iii) controls the VO2+ accumulation at the positive electrolyte and (iv) chemically reduces the VO2+ arriving at negative electrode side through crossover, thereby avoiding the direct reaction between V2+ and VO2+. A capacity retention of 86 % and 25 % is achieved at the end of the 25th cycle in the presence and absence of D‐fructose in the negative electrolyte, respectively. This way of in‐situ redox balancing alleviates the requirement for external redox balancing of the electrolyte, and help VRFB to deliver constant capacity with cycles.
Charge Ordering in K4Fe3F12 from a First Principles Study
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Xu Yuanhui , Qu Nianrui , Zhang Yizhi , Wang Jing , Sun Keju , Hao Xianfeng
Published: January 2017

First‐principles calculations based on the generalized gradient approximation plus the on‐site Coulomb repulsion (GGA+U) approach, as implemented in the VASP code, have been used to investigate the structural, electronic as well as magnetic properties of a new charge‐ordered iron fluoride material, K4(Fe2+)(Fe3+)2F12, within a layered perovskite‐related structure. Our results established that K4Fe3F12 is a Mott‐Hubbard insulator, and adopts a magnetically ground state where the Fe2+ and Fe3+ spins are arranged in an approximately antiparallel manner to each other, in agreement with the experimental observations. Although the total 3d charge disproportion is rather small, an order parameter, defined as the difference between the dz2 orbital occupations of the the Fe3+ and Fe2+ cations, provides explicit evidence on the charge ordering. Strong hybridization between F 2p and Fe 3d states leads into the nearly complete loss of the separation between the total charges at the Fe2+ and Fe3+ cations. Furthermore, the unique occupation of the dz2 orbital is responsible for the stability of the antiferromagnetic spin ordering and the charge ordering pattern.
Temperature‐Driven Restructuring of Silver on AuAg Porous Nanotubes: Impact on CO Oxidation
Authors: Costa Jean C. S. , Gonçalves Renato V. , Teixeira‐Neto Érico , Rossi Liane M.
Published: January 2017

Gold porous nanotubes (PNTs) prepared by the galvanic replacement reaction between HAuCl4 and a sacrificial metal nanowire have received attention as a platform for developing self‐sustained catalysts. However, due to an alloying process, the PNT contains a complex mixture of the two metals. Their thermal behavior, e. g., atom restructuring and morphological changes, under reaction conditions has been scarcely studied and difficult to predict. Here, we demonstrate that restructuring of silver atoms occurs after the thermal treatment of AuAg PNTs obtained through galvanic replacement reaction. Using various characterization techniques such as X‐ray diffraction, analytical electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we were able to elucidate the structure and surface composition of this novel nanoarchitecture, which approaches an Ag nanoparticle‐decorated AuAg PNT like structure. The surface changes were studied through the catalytic oxidation of CO, a model reaction for surface science investigations.
A New Strategy towards Efficient and Recyclable Carbon‐Chloride Bond Cleavage of Environmentally Harmful Organochlorides through Electrochemical Catalysis in Non–aqueous Media
Authors: Zhu Weihua , Huang Tingting , Li Minzhi , Zheng Limin , Bao Songsong , Kobayashi Nagao , Liang Xu
Published: January 2017

Transition metal coordinated porphyins generally exhibit effective carbon‐chloride bond cleavage of environmentally harmful organochlorides through electrochemical reductive catalysis in non‐aquaous media, but the recyclable use of the catalyst remains a challenge. In this manuscirpt, a new strategy of an efficient and recyclable C−Cl bond cleavage is described, and the structural characterization, electrochemical behaviour and electrochemical catalysis were illustrated by various techniques. It is demonstrated that the Fe3O4@SiO2@Co(II)porphyrin magnetic materials can be effectively used for at least 30 cycles.
Structural Isomers of Cyclodextrin‐Bearing IOX1 Compound as Inhibitors of Aβ Aggregation
Authors: Oliveri Valentina , Bellia Francesco , Vecchio Graziella
Published: January 2017

Alzheimer′s disease represents a daunting challenge for healthcare because it affects millions of people worldwide. The abnormal assembly of amyloid‐beta peptides into amyloid aggregates is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Properly functionalized cyclodextrins modulate amyloidogenesis. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of a 6‐monofunctionalized cyclodextrin‐bearing a quinoline derivative (IOX1). Moreover, we tested the ability of the new compound and its 3‐monofunctionalized isomer to inhibit self‐induced Aβ aggregation in order to understand if the two isomers differently modulate aggregation process. The results further establish the potential of cyclodextrin conjugates as modulators of Aβ aggregation.
Antibacterial Membranes for Water Remediation with Controlled Leaching of Biocidal Silver Aided by Prior Grafting of Poly(ethylene imine) on to Ozone‐Treated Polyethylene
Authors: Mural Prasanna Kumar S. , Jain Shubham , Madras Giridhar , Bose Suryasarathi
Published: January 2017

We describe a novel strategy to control the release of silver from polyethylene‐based water purification membranes by suitably modifying the membrane surface by a biocidal macromolecule (poly(ethylene imine), PEI) before depositing silver on the surface. The PE membranes were first treated with ozone and then PEI was covalently grafted. The distribution of silver was mapped by EDAX, and the antibacterial activity assessed by standard plate count method and by estimating the reactive oxygen species. The new membrane allows controlled release of silver ions which otherwise would contaminate the water source if used in excess. Leaching in the final permeate is lower than 0.03 ppm opening the route to antibacterial polyolefin‐based membranes for water decontamination.
Tuning the Synthetic Parameters to Obtain Smart C‐N Co‐Doped Titania Photocatalysts for NOx Abatement
Authors: Olivo A. , Ghedini E. , Pinna F. , Marchese D. , Signoretto M. , Cruciani G. , Manzoli M.
Published: January 2017

Global society is constantly seeking for sustainable and effective processes to fight environmental pollution. The abatement of NOx, a class of hazardous contaminants, can be performed by means of photocatalytic oxidation using titania‐based photocatalysts. Non‐metal doping is highly desirable for an efficient exploitation of solar light. The co‐presence of nitrogen and carbon represents an appealing possibility though their introduction generally requires post‐synthesis treatments. Otherwise, in this work carbon and nitrogen have been introduced in titania photocatalysts simultaneously by a one‐pot synthetic approach using a natural and sustainable source of dopants, namely chitosan. Several synthetic parameters have been changed in order to evaluate their effect on the physicochemical properties of the final materials and to establish structure‐activity relationship as for the photocatalytic performances in NOx oxidation under visible light irradiation.
Supramolecular Ensemble of Aggregates of Pentacenequinone Derivative and Cadmium NPs: A Potential Catalytic/Photocatalytic System for Direct C‐H Activation of Quinones and Azoles
Authors: Sharma Kamaldeep , Kumar Manoj , Bhalla Vandana
Published: January 2017

The present study demonstrates the utilization of in situ generated supramolecular ensemble of aggregates of pentacenequinone derivative 3 and cadmium nanoparticles (CdNPs) as an efficient catalytic system for (1) oxidant free, controlled and selective monofunctionalization and hetero/homo difunctionalization of 1,4‐benzoquinone by C−H activation at room temperature (2) photocatalytic C−H functionalization of azoles with bromoarenes and (3) C−H functionalization of benzothiazole with simple arenes in ecofriendly conditions under visible light irradiations. Thus, a range of C2‐arylated quinone and azole derivatives are synthesized from simple substrates using this newly developed catalytic/photocatalytic system under economic and ecofriendly conditions.
Synthesis of N‐Methylated Pseudodesmin A Analogues: on the Structural Importance of N‐H Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: De Vleeschouwer Matthias , Sinnaeve Davy , Matthijs Nele , Coenye Tom , Madder Annemieke , Martins José C.
Published: January 2017

The structural importance of backbone amide protons in the bacterial cyclic lipopeptide pseudodesmin A, a viscosin group member, is studied by selective introduction of N‐methylated amino acids. Site‐selective N‐methylation was conveniently achieved by introduction of N−Me‐L–Leu at positions 1 and 7 during solid phase peptide synthesis. The impact of this modification on conformation, antibiotic activity and supramolecular behaviour allowed to establish the significance of intra‐ and intermolecular hydrogen bonds.
Polymeric Templating Synthesis of Anatase TiO2 Nanoparticles from Low‐Cost Inorganic Titanium Sources
Authors: Ojeda Manuel , Kumar D. Kishore , Chen Binbin , Xuan Jin , Maroto‐Valer M. Mercedes , Leung Dennis Y. C. , Wang Huizhi
Published: January 2017

A novel facile and cost‐effective synthesis method for anatase TiO2 nanoparticles has been developed by using poly‐acrylic acid hydrogel as template at room temperature. The newly developed synthesis method avoids the use of hazardous reagents and/or hydrothermal steps, and enables production of highly active TiO2 nanoparticles from low cost inorganic titanium sources. The synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles have been studied in several applications including dye‐sensitized solar cells as a photoanode as well as in organics degradation of methyl orange in aqueous media. Good photocatalytic performances were obtained in both applications.
A method of piecewise‐smooth numerical branching
Authors: Ligurský Tomáš , Renard Yves
Published: January 2017

A method of numerical branching is proposed for piecewise‐smooth steady‐state problems when any analytical expressions are not known for the regions of smoothness of the function involved. The performance of the method is shown for model bifurcations in discretised contact problems with Coulomb friction. First, different parameter settings in its input are tested so that the optimum one can be proposed. Then, the method is used to investigate the behaviour of the bifurcations for different meshes. All solution branches seem to be discovered reliably if the parameters are set up properly.
Internet gaming disorder in early adolescence: Associations with parental and adolescent mental health
Authors: Wartberg L. , Kriston L. , Kramer M. , Schwedler A. , Lincoln T.M. , Kammerl R.
Published: January 2017

Background:

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has been included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Currently, associations between IGD in early adolescence and mental health are largely unexplained. In the present study, the relation of IGD with adolescent and parental mental health was investigated for the first time.

Methods:

We surveyed 1095 family dyads (an adolescent aged 12–14 years and a related parent) with a standardized questionnaire for IGD as well as for adolescent and parental mental health. We conducted linear (dimensional approach) and logistic (categorical approach) regression analyses.

Results:

Both with dimensional and categorical approaches, we observed statistically significant associations between IGD and male gender, a higher degree of adolescent antisocial behavior, anger control problems, emotional distress, self-esteem problems, hyperactivity/inattention and parental anxiety (linear regression model: corrected R2 = 0.41, logistic regression model: Nagelkerke's R2 = 0.41).

Conclusions:

IGD appears to be associated with internalizing and externalizing problems in adolescents. Moreover, the findings of the present study provide first evidence that not only adolescent but also parental mental health is relevant to IGD in early adolescence. Adolescent and parental mental health should be considered in prevention and intervention programs for IGD in adolescence.
Consumers’ Role Performance and Brand Identification: Evidence from a Survey and a Longitudinal Field Experiment
Authors: He Yi , Chen Qimei , Lee Ruby P. , Wang Yonggui , Pohlmann Attila
Published: January 2017

Why do some consumers evangelize brands and create value for them even without receiving any direct reward in return? How do their motivations influence their role behaviors and their identification with the company or brand? We draw on motivation theory and the in- and extra-role literature of leadership to propose a theoretical framework. We use this framework to analyze data from one cross-sectional survey conducted with members of two online brand communities and one longitudinal field experiment with consumers of one new online brand community. We first separate community members’ motivations into three types of psychological needs (self-competency, self-belongingness, self-autonomy) that are fulfilled by membership in a brand community. We investigate how each of these needs influences consumers’ in-role and extra-role behaviors, which in turn positively affect their brand identification and create value for the company. Our results show that self-competency motivates both in- and extra-role behaviors, self-belongingness only increases less involved in-role behaviors, and self-autonomy only affects more involved extra-role behaviors. Both role behaviors foster beneficial consumer brand identification. We discuss how these findings can inform marketers’ brand community-building strategies.
Traffic‐aware resource allocation schemes for HetNet based on CDSA
Authors: Li Lin , Zhao Long , Long Hang , Wang Xiaoyu , Zheng Kan
Published: January 2017

The control–data separation architecture (CDSA) has been regarded as a promising solution to effectively manage the heterogeneous network (HetNet) in the fifth‐generation mobile communication systems. Thus, this study investigates the resource allocation problems in CDSA‐based HetNet. To meet various requirements of data transmission, the authors first present a new framework with flexible resource management and efficient traffic control. In this framework, the control–data transmission supported by macro cell evolved nodeB is time‐sensitive and continuous with high reliability. On the basis of it, a traffic‐aware resource allocation approach is proposed to improve the resource efficiency. Once the traffic‐congestion requirements of the pattern are satisfied with the minimum spectrum, the throughput of small cells is simultaneously maximised due to orthogonal spectrum between macro and small cells by using this approach. Moreover, the traffic‐congestion analytical result is elaborately derived in terms of current network state. Three adaptive resource allocation schemes for implementing this approach are also designed with different complexities. Numerical results validate the accuracy of the proposed analytical method, and also indicate that the traffic‐aware resource allocation approach is more efficient than the static one.
Augmented Hammerstein model for six‐port‐based wireless receiver calibration
Authors: Chagtmi Nadia , Boulejfen Noureddine , Ghannouchi Fadhel M.
Published: January 2017

An augmented Hammerstein model (AHM) is proposed for the first time to calibrate a six‐port‐based receiver (SPR) and to recover the in‐phase I and the quadrature Q components of a modulated wideband RF signal. The proposed model is intended to provide a good compromise between complexity and accuracy. To verify the performance of the resulting calibration approach, an experimental validation has been performed with an SPR driven by wideband modulated signals with different bandwidths. An error vector magnitude between the transmitted and received signals of 2.17 and 1.33% has been reported for 64‐QAM signals with 4 and 2 MHz bandwidths, respectively. The obtained measurement results have revealed the robustness and the superiority of the AHM‐based single‐step calibration technique compared with the two‐step conventional procedure. Moreover, the AHM achieved the same performance as the published memory polynomial model while requiring ∼60% less coefficients leading to a less complexity calibration procedure with a lower number of calibration parameters and flops.
Modified VSS‐LMS‐based adaptive control for improving the performance of a single‐stage PV‐integrated grid system
Authors: Pradhan Subarni , Hussain Ikhlaq , Singh Bhim , Panigrahi Bijay Ketan
Published: January 2017

This study presents a modified variable step size (VSS) least mean square (LMS)‐based control for improving the performance of a single‐stage photovoltaic (PV) integrated grid system. Here, a three‐phase, three‐wire, single‐stage grid system consists of three‐phase voltage source converter, PV module, filters and loads. Main motive of the considered system with the adaptive control algorithm is to achieve desired voltage at the point of common coupling, load balancing, unity power factor and harmonics elimination while transferring power to grid as well as loads. The system with modified VSS‐LMS‐based control algorithm is simulated using MATLAB/Simulink environment and an experimental prototype is developed in the laboratory to verify the efficacy and performance of proposed algorithm.
Efficient compression technique based on temporal modelling of ECG signal using principle component analysis
Authors: Kumar Ranjeet , Kumar Anil , Singh G.K. , Lee Heung‐No
Published: January 2017

This study presents an improved technique for compression of electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, based on beat correlation of signal and principle component (PC) analysis, for ECG signal. For this purpose, two‐dimensional matrix of ECG signal based on temporal inter‐and intra‐beat correlation is constructed, and further compression is achieved using PC extraction. Beat correlation helps to generate very few PCs that increase the compression efficiency. A detailed analysis has been presented for ten signals having different rhythms, wave morphologies and abnormalities of Massachusetts Institute of Technology ‐ Beth Israel Hospital (MIT‐BIH) arrhythmia database. The effectiveness of the proposed method is examined with several attributes such as percentage root‐mean‐square difference, compression ratio, signal‐to‐noise ratio and correlation. Experimental results have shown that this method is very efficient for compression and suitable for different applications of telecardiology.
Cross‐border transmission line losses calculation using adaptive Monte–Carlo method
Authors: Tolić Ivan , Miličević Kruno , Mujović Saša
Published: January 2017

This study deals with calculation of transmission line losses. Having in mind that this type of losses, besides the line load and the other external input quantities such as atmospheric conditions, strongly depends on measurement uncertainty as well, the issue can be considered through finding the most convenient approach in calculation of measurement uncertainty. In this respect, two approaches (methods) are the most common: traditional method based on the guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement (GUM) and the adaptive Monte–Carlo method (AMC). The study reveals the main disadvantages of the GUM, which is so far considered as a most accurate method. The observed drawbacks of the GUM can be successfully overcome by using of the AMC method. The comparison between the methods is performed on 110kV cross‐border transmission line from Croatian Transmission System Operator Ltd. The results show the great difference in the estimated variances, i.e. GUM variances are significantly overestimated what results in incorrect transmission losses allocation procedure with respect to its final financial effect. The study confirms that the AMC method is likely to be more practically suitable method for transmission line resistance and losses calculation.
The HOOK region of voltage-gated Ca2+ channel β subunits senses and transmits PIP2 signals to the gate
Authors: Park Cheon-Gyu , Park Yongsoo , Suh Byung-Chang
Published: January 2017

The β subunit of voltage-gated Ca2+ (CaV) channels plays an important role in regulating gating of the α1 pore-forming subunit and its regulation by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). Subcellular localization of the CaV β subunit is critical for this effect; N-terminal–dependent membrane targeting of the β subunit slows inactivation and decreases PIP2 sensitivity. Here, we provide evidence that the HOOK region of the β subunit plays an important role in the regulation of CaV biophysics. Based on amino acid composition, we broadly divide the HOOK region into three domains: S (polyserine), A (polyacidic), and B (polybasic). We show that a β subunit containing only its A domain in the HOOK region increases inactivation kinetics and channel inhibition by PIP2 depletion, whereas a β subunit with only a B domain decreases these responses. When both the A and B domains are deleted, or when the entire HOOK region is deleted, the responses are elevated. Using a peptide-to-liposome binding assay and confocal microscopy, we find that the B domain of the HOOK region directly interacts with anionic phospholipids via polybasic and two hydrophobic Phe residues. The β2c-short subunit, which lacks an A domain and contains fewer basic amino acids and no Phe residues in the B domain, neither associates with phospholipids nor affects channel gating dynamically. Together, our data suggest that the flexible HOOK region of the β subunit acts as an important regulator of CaV channel gating via dynamic electrostatic and hydrophobic interaction with the plasma membrane.
Calmodulin limits pathogenic Na+ channel persistent current
Authors: Yan Haidun , Wang Chaojian , Marx Steven O. , Pitt Geoffrey S.
Published: January 2017

Increased “persistent” current, caused by delayed inactivation, through voltage-gated Na+ (NaV) channels leads to cardiac arrhythmias or epilepsy. The underlying molecular contributors to these inactivation defects are poorly understood. Here, we show that calmodulin (CaM) binding to multiple sites within NaV channel intracellular C-terminal domains (CTDs) limits persistent Na+ current and accelerates inactivation across the NaV family. Arrhythmia or epilepsy mutations located in NaV1.5 or NaV1.2 channel CTDs, respectively, reduce CaM binding either directly or by interfering with CTD–CTD interchannel interactions. Boosting the availability of CaM, thus shifting its binding equilibrium, restores wild-type (WT)–like inactivation in mutant NaV1.5 and NaV1.2 channels and likewise diminishes the comparatively large persistent Na+ current through WT NaV1.6, whose CTD displays relatively low CaM affinity. In cerebellar Purkinje neurons, in which NaV1.6 promotes a large physiological persistent Na+ current, increased CaM diminishes the persistent Na+ current, suggesting that the endogenous, comparatively weak affinity of NaV1.6 for apoCaM is important for physiological persistent current.
Trends in Hospitalizations Related to Invasive Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis in the United States, 2000–2013
Authors: Vallabhaneni Snigdha , Benedict Kaitlin , Derado Gordana , Mody Rajal K.
Published: January 2017

Background

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) and mucormycosis contribute to substantial mortality, especially among immunocompromised persons, including those with hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), hematologic malignancy (HM), and solid organ transplant (SOT).

Methods

Using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes available in the National Inpatient Sample, a hospital discharge database, we estimated IA-related hospitalizations (IA-RH), mucormycosis-RH (M-RH), HSCT-RH, HM-RH, and SOT-RH during 2000–2013. United States census data were used to calculate overall M-RH and IA-RH rates and present trends; estimated annual numbers of HSCT-RH, HM-RH, and SOT-RH served as denominators to calculate M-RH and IA-RH rates occurring with these conditions. Weighted least-squares technique was used to test for linear trends and calculate average annual percentage change (APC).

Results

There were an estimated 169 110 IA-RH and 9966 M-RH during 2000–2013. Overall, IA-RH and M-RH rates per million persons rose from 32.8 to 46.0 (APC = +2.9; P < .001) and 1.7 to 3.4 (APC = +5.2%; P < .001), respectively, from 2000 to 2013. Among HSCT-RH, there was no significant change in M-RH rate, but a significant decline occurred in IA-RH rate (APC = −4.6%; P = .004). Among HM-RH, the rate of M-RH increased (APC = +7.0%; P < .001), but the IA-RH rate did not change significantly (APC = +1.2%; P = .073). Among SOT-RH, M-RH (APC = +6.3%; P = .038) and IA-RH rates (APC = +4.1%; P < .001) both increased.

Conclusions

Overall IA-RH and M-RH rates increased during 2000–2013, with a doubling of M-RH. Mucormycosis-related hospitalization occurring in conjunction with certain comorbidities increased, whereas IA-RH rates among patients with the comorbidities, decreased, remained stable, or increased to a lesser extent than M-RH.
Power Profiles and In Vitro Optical Quality of Scleral Contact Lenses: Effect of the Aperture and Power
Authors: Domínguez-Vicent Alberto , Esteve-Taboada Jose Juan , Recchioni Alberto , Brautaset Rune
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To assess the power profile and in vitro optical quality of scleral contact lenses with different powers as a function of the optical aperture.

Methods:

The mini and semiscleral contact lenses (Procornea) were measured for five powers per design. The NIMO TR-1504 (Lambda-X) was used to assess the power profile and Zernike coefficients of each contact lens. Ten measurements per lens were taken at 3- and 6-mm apertures. Furthermore, the optical quality of each lens was described in Zernike coefficients, modulation transfer function, and point spread function (PSF). A convolution of each lens PSF with an eye-chart image was also computed.

Results:

The optical power fluctuated less than 0.5 diopters (D) along the optical zone of each lens. However, the optical power obtained for some lenses did not match with its corresponding nominal one, the maximum difference being 0.5 D. In optical quality, small differences were obtained among all lenses within the same design. Although significant differences were obtained among lenses (P<0.05), these showed small impact in the image quality of each convolution.

Conclusions:

Insignificant power fluctuations were obtained along the optical zone measured for each scleral lens. Additionally, the optical quality of both lenses has showed to be independent of the lens power within the same aperture.
An Investigation of Treatment Engagement Among Returning Veterans With Problematic Anger
Authors: Dillon Kirsten H. , Crawford Eric F. , Kudler Harold , Straits-Troster Kristy A. , Elbogen Eric B. , Calhoun Patrick S.
Published: January 2017

Anger is a commonly reported problem among returning veterans, yet little attention has been devoted to studying treatment engagement among veterans who report anger problems but do not have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study compares Iraq-Afghanistan veterans with anger/no PTSD (n = 159) to others reporting significant PTSD symptoms (n = 285) and those reporting neither anger nor PTSD (n = 716) on rates of treatment utilization, perceived barriers to treatment, and preferences for care. Relative to the PTSD group, the anger/no-PTSD group was significantly less likely to have received mental health treatment in the last year, despite endorsing barriers to treatment at a lower rate. Furthermore, the anger/no-PTSD group endorsed fewer preferences than the PTSD group. Results suggest that the anger/no-PTSD group is a unique subgroup that may be less likely to identify a need for treatment. Implications are discussed.
Is Enhanced Recovery the New Standard of Care in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction?
Authors: Afonso Anoushka , Oskar Sabine , Tan Kay See , Disa Joseph J. , Mehrara Babak J. , Ceyhan Jihan , Dayan Joseph H.
Published: January 2017

Background:

At present, there are limited data available regarding the use and feasibility of enhanced recovery pathways for patients undergoing microsurgical breast reconstruction. The authors sought to assess patient outcomes before and after the introduction of an enhanced recovery pathway that was adopted at a single cancer center.

Methods:

A multidisciplinary enhanced recovery pathway was developed for patients undergoing deep inferior epigastric perforator or free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap breast reconstruction. Core elements of the enhanced recovery pathway included substituting intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with ketorolac and transversus abdominis plane blocks using liposomal bupivacaine, as well as intraoperative goal-directed fluid management. Patients who underwent surgery between April and August of 2015 using the enhanced recovery pathway were compared with a historical control cohort. The primary endpoints were hospital length of stay and total postoperative opioid consumption.

Results:

In total, 91 consecutive patients were analyzed (enhanced recovery pathway, n = 42; pre–enhanced recovery pathway, n = 49). Mean hospital length of stay was significantly shorter in the enhanced recovery pathway group than in the pre–enhanced recovery pathway group (4.0 days versus 5.0 days; p < 0.0001). Total postoperative morphine equivalent consumption was also lower in the enhanced recovery pathway group (46.0 mg versus 70.5 mg; p = 0.003). There was no difference in the incidence of 30-day complications between the groups (p = 0.6).

Conclusion:

The adoption of an enhanced recovery pathway for deep inferior epigastric perforator and transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap reconstruction by multiple surgeons significantly decreased opioid consumption and reduced length of stay by 1 day.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Quantifying Long-Term Retention of Excised Fat Grafts: A Longitudinal, Retrospective Cohort Study of 108 Patients Followed for Up to 8.4 Years
Authors: Herly Mikkel , Ørholt Mathias , Glovinski Peter V. , Pipper Christian B. , Broholm Helle , Poulsgaard Lars , Fugleholm Kåre , Thomsen Carsten , Drzewiecki Krzysztof T.
Published: January 2017

Background:

Predicting the degree of fat graft retention is essential when planning reconstruction or augmentation with free fat grafting. Most surgeons observe volume loss over time after fat grafting; however, the portion lost to resorption after surgery is still poorly defined, and the time to reach steady state is unknown.

Methods:

The authors compiled a retrospective, longitudinal cohort of patients with vestibular schwannoma who had undergone ablative surgery and reconstruction with excised fat between the years 2006 and 2015. Fat volume retention was quantified by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging and used to model a graft retention trajectory and determine the volumetric steady state. In addition, the authors evaluated the association between graft retention and secondary characteristics, such as sex and transplant volume.

Results:

A total of 108 patients were included. The average baseline graft volume was 18.1 ± 4.8 ml. The average time to reach steady state was 806 days after transplantation. By this time, the average fat graft retention was 50.6 percent (95 percent CI, 46.4 to 54.7 percent). No statistically significant association was found between baseline graft volume and retention. Fat graft retention over time was significantly higher in men than in women (57.7 percent versus 44.5 percent; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The authors’ data provide evidence that the time to reach fat graft volumetric steady state is considerably longer than previously expected. Fat grafts continue to shrink long after the initial hypoxia-induced tissue necrosis has been cleared, thus indicating that factors other than blood supply may be more influential for fat graft retention.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Construction of Expanded Prefabricated Adipose Tissue Using an External Volume Expansion Device
Authors: Yuan Yi , Yang Shuifa , Yi Yangyan , Gao Jianhua , Lu Feng
Published: January 2017

Background:

Multiple studies have demonstrated that mechanical forces promote the growth of adipose tissue. However, the mechanism of adipose tissue regeneration induced by mechanical forces remains unclear.

Methods:

In an experiment using rats, prefabricated adipose tissue with a vessel pedicle was expanded using an external volume expansion device. The volume of fat flaps was tested at different time points. Cell proliferation and angiogenesis were analyzed using immunofluorescence. The expression of adipogenic genes and inflammatory cytokines was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.

Results:

There were more CD31+ cells and Ki67/CD34+ cells in the experimental group than in the control group. The number of Ki67/CD34+ cells peaked at 1 to 4 weeks. However, the expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β were highest from 4 to 12 weeks in the experimental group. Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed more proinflammatory cytokines: interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor.

Conclusions:

The construction of expanded prefabricated adipose tissue by mechanical forces is a dynamic and complex process. Mechanical forces promoted cell proliferation and angiogenesis in the early stage of adipose tissue regeneration (before 4 weeks) and induced adipogenic differentiation at a later stage (after 4 weeks) through up-regulation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor, which provided an adipogenic inductive microenvironment.
Material-Dependent Implant Artifact Reduction Using SEMAC-VAT and MAVRIC
Authors: Filli Lukas , Jud Lukas , Luechinger Roger , Nanz Daniel , Andreisek Gustav , Runge Val M. , Kozerke Sebastian , Farshad-Amacker Nadja A.
Published: January 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the degree of artifact reduction in magnetic resonance imaging achieved with slice encoding for metal artifact correction (SEMAC) in combination with view angle tilting (VAT) and multiacquisition variable resonance image combination (MAVRIC) for standard contrast weightings and different metallic materials.

Methods

Four identically shaped rods made of the most commonly used prosthetic materials (stainless steel, SS; titanium, Ti; cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, CoCr; and oxidized zirconium, oxZi) were scanned at 3 T. In addition to conventional fast spin-echo sequences, metal artifact reduction sequences (SEMAC-VAT and MAVRIC) with varying degrees of artifact suppression were applied at different contrast weightings (T1w, T2w, PDw). Two independent readers measured in-plane and through-plane artifacts in a standardized manner. In addition, theoretical frequency-offset and frequency-offset-gradient maps were calculated. Interobserver agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient.

Results

Interobserver agreement was almost perfect (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.86–0.99). Stainless steel caused the greatest artifacts, followed by CoCr, Ti, and oxZi regardless of the imaging sequence. While for Ti and oxZi rods scanning with weak SEMAC-VAT showed some advantage, for SS and CoCr, higher modes of SEMAC-VAT or MAVRIC were necessary to achieve artifact reduction. MAVRIC achieved better artifact reduction than SEMAC-VAT at the cost of longer acquisition times. Simulations matched well with the apparent geometry of the frequency-offset maps.

Conclusions

For Ti and oxZi implants, weak SEMAC-VAT may be preferred as it is faster and produces less artifact than conventional fast spin-echo. Medium or strong SEMAC-VAT or MAVRIC modes are necessary for significant artifact reduction for SS and CoCr implants.

Key Points
The impact of visual gaze direction on auditory object tracking
Authors: Pomper Ulrich , Chait Maria
Published: January 2017

Subjective experience suggests that we are able to direct our auditory attention independent of our visual gaze, e.g when shadowing a nearby conversation at a cocktail party. But what are the consequences at the behavioural and neural level? While numerous studies have investigated both auditory attention and visual gaze independently, little is known about their interaction during selective listening. In the present EEG study, we manipulated visual gaze independently of auditory attention while participants detected targets presented from one of three loudspeakers. We observed increased response times when gaze was directed away from the locus of auditory attention. Further, we found an increase in occipital alpha-band power contralateral to the direction of gaze, indicative of a suppression of distracting input. Finally, this condition also led to stronger central theta-band power, which correlated with the observed effect in response times, indicative of differences in top-down processing. Our data suggest that a misalignment between gaze and auditory attention both reduce behavioural performance and modulate underlying neural processes. The involvement of central theta-band and occipital alpha-band effects are in line with compensatory neural mechanisms such as increased cognitive control and the suppression of task irrelevant inputs.
An index of the quality of evidence in meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Brewer Devon D.
Published: January 2017

The quality of evidence in meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials is the degree to which the estimated effect represents the "truth." Current approaches to assessing the quality of evidence focus on trial design and methods. I describe a new quality of evidence index composed of four sub-indexes that measure pre-registration, independent replication, data availability, and trial design and methods, respectively. This index is systematic, objective, and quantitative. I illustrate the index with an empirical example and provide a spreadsheet for easy calculation.
Estrogen and Soy Isoflavonoids Decrease Sensitivity of Medulloblastoma and Central Nervous System Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor Cells to Chemotherapeutic Cytotoxicity
Authors: Belcher Scott M. , Burton Caleb C. , Cookman Clifford J. , Kirby Michelle , Miranda Gabriel L. , Saeed Fatima , Wray Kathleen E.
Published: January 2017

Background

Our previous studies demonstrated that growth and migration of medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant brain tumor in children, are stimulated by 17β-estradiol. The growth stimulating effects of estrogens are mediated through ERβ and insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling to inhibit caspase 3 activity and reduce tumor cell apoptosis. The objective of this study was to determine whether estrogens decreased sensitivity of MB cells to cytotoxic actions of chemotherapeutic drugs.

Methods

Usingin vitrocell viability and clonogenic survival assays, concentration response analysis was used to determine whether the cytoprotective effects of estradiol protected human D283 Med MB cells from the cytotoxic actions of the MB chemotherapeutic drugs cisplatin, vincristine, or lomustine. Additional experiments were done to determine whether the ER antagonist fulvestrant or the selective ER modulator tamoxifen blocked the cytoprotective actions of estradiol. ER-selective agonists and antagonists were used to define receptor specificity, and the impacts of the soy-derived phytoestrogens genistein, daidzein, and s-equol on chemosensitivity were evaluated.

Results

In D283 Med cells the presence of 10 nM estradiol increased the IC50for cisplatin-induced inhibition of viability 2-fold from ~5 μM to >10 μM. In clonogenic survival assays estradiol decreased the chemosensitivity of D283 Med exposed to cisplatin, lomustine and vincristine. The ERβ selective agonist DPN and low physiological concentrations of the soy-derived phytoestrogens genistein, daidzein, and s-equol also decreased sensitivity of D283 Med cells to cisplatin. The protective effects of estradiol were blocked by the antiestrogens 4-hydroxytamoxifen, fulvestrant (ICI 182,780) and the ERβ selective antagonist PPHTP. Whereas estradiol also decreased chemosensitivity of PFSK1 cells, estradiol increased sensitivity of Daoy cell to cisplatin, suggesting that ERβ mediated effects may vary in different subtypes of MB.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that E2 and environmental estrogens decrease sensitivity of MB to cytotoxic chemotherapeutics, and that ERβ selective and non-selective inhibition of estrogen receptor activity blocks these cytoprotective actions. These findings support the therapeutic potential of antiestrogen adjuvant therapies for MB, and findings that soy phytoestrogens also decrease sensitivity of MB cells to cytotoxic chemotherapeutics suggest that decreased exposure to environmental estrogens may benefit MB patient responses to chemotherapy.
A high density linkage map reveals sexual dimorphism in recombination landscapes in red deer (Cervus elaphus)
Authors: Johnston Susan E. , Huisman Jisca , Ellis Philip A. , Pemberton Josephine M.
Published: January 2017

High density linkage maps are an important tool to gain insight into the genetic architecture of traits of evolutionary and economic interest, and provide a resource to characterise variation in recombination landscapes. Here, we used information from the cattle genome and the 50K Cervine Illumina BeadChip to inform and refine a high density linkage map in a wild population of red deer (Cervus elaphus). We constructed a predicted linkage map of 38,038 SNPs and a skeleton map of 10,835 SNPs across 34 linkage groups. We identified several chromosomal rearrangements in the deer lineage relative to sheep and cattle, including six chromosome fissions, one fusion and two large inversions. Otherwise, our findings showed strong concordance with map orders in the cattle genome. The sex-averaged linkage map length was 2739.7cM and the genome-wide autosomal recombination rate was 1.04cM per Mb. The female autosomal map length was 1.21 longer than that of males (2767.4cM vs 2280.8cM, respectively). Sex differences in map length were driven by high female recombination rates in peri-centromeric regions, a pattern that is unusual relative to other mammal species. This effect was more pronounced in fission chromosomes that would have had to produce new centromeres. We propose two hypotheses to explain this effect: (1) that this mechanism may have evolved to counteract centromeric drive associated with meiotic asymmetry in oocyte production; and/or (2) that sequence and structural characteristics suppressing recombination in close proximity to the centromere may not have yet evolved at neo-centromeres. Our study provides insight into how recombination landscapes vary and evolve in mammals, and will provide a valuable resource for studies of evolution, genetic improvement and population management in red deer and related species.

Article Summary

We present a high density linkage map (>38,000 markers) in a wild population of Red deer(Cervus elaphus).Our investigation of the recombination landscape showed a marked difference in recombination rates between the sexes in proximity to the centromere, with females showing an unusually elevated rate relative to other mammal species. This effect is most pronounced in chromosomes that would have produced a new centromere in the deer lineage. We propose that the observed effects have evolved to counteract selfish genetic elements associated with asymmetrical female meiosis.
An Improved Crystal Violet Assay for Biofilm Quantification in 96-Well Microtitre Plate
Authors: Shukla Sudhir K. , Rao T. Subba
Published: January 2017

Microplates are essential tools for biofilm research since it allows high throughput screening of biofilm forming strains or in the assay of anti-biofilm drugs. However, 96 well microtitre plate based assays share the issue of “edge effect”. The primary cause of the “edge effect” phenomenon is evaporation. As edge effect causes a significant increase in plate rejection rate by introducing experimental error, we improvised the classical crystal violet assay to reduce water loss from the peripheral wells. The improvised method showed a significant reduction in edge effect and minimised error in crystal violet assay
Repression of YdaS Toxin is Mediated by Transcriptional Repressor RacR in the cryptic rac prophage of Escherichia coli-K12
Authors: Krishnamurthi Revathy , Ghosh Swagatha , Khedkar Supriya , Seshasayee Aswin Sai Narain
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Horizontal gene transfer is a major driving force behind the genomic diversity seen in prokaryotes. Theracprophage inE.coliK12 encodes a putative transcription factor RacR, whose deletion is lethal. We have shown that the essentiality ofracRinE.coliK12 is attributed to its role in transcriptionally repressing a toxin gene calledydaS, which is coded adjacent and divergently toracR.