bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and numerical study of interactions between sprinklers and natural smoke vents
Authors: Trévisan Nicolas , Boulet Pascal , Acem Zoubir , Jenft Alexandre , Pianet Grégoire , Breton Arnaud , Muller Armelle
Published: November 2017

Real scale experimentations have been conducted in order to investigate interactions that may occur in a compartment where sprinklers and Smoke and Heat Exhaust Vent Systems coexist. Fuel oil spray was used as fire source with steady heat release rate of 400 and 800 kW. Both sprinkler system and natural Smoke and Heat Exhaust Vent Systems were designed according to the French standards. Effect of vent on sprinkler activation time was studied. An analysis of the temperature field inside the compartment was conducted while vent was opened prior or after sprinkler activation. Simulations of the experiments were also carried out with Fire Dynamics Simulator v.6 for validation purpose and also to provide supplementary data regarding soot flow rate and energy extracted at the vent.
High sensitivity of FISH analysis in detecting homozygous SMARCB1 deletions in poorly differentiated chordoma: a clinicopathologic and molecular study of nine cases
Authors: Owosho Adepitan A. , Zhang Lei , Rosenblum Marc K , Antonescu Cristina R.
Published: November 2017

Poorly differentiated chordomas (PDCs) represent a rare subset of notochordal neoplasms, affecting primarily children and associated with an aggressive outcome. In contrast to conventional chordomas, PDC show solid growth and increased cellularity, cytologic atypia, and mitotic activity. Recent studies have shown that PDCs are characterized by recurrent deletions encompassing the SMARCB1 locus, resulting in consistent loss of nuclear SMARCB1 expression. Thus PDC joined the expanding family of SMARCB1‐deficient tumors characterized by various SMARCB1 structural abnormalities, ranging from large homozygous deletions to small intragenic mutations. In the present study, we investigate the SMARCB1 abnormalities in a group of nine well‐characterized PDCs and to establish the sensitivity of the FISH method in detecting these changes in the clinical setting. We further assessed the pathologic features and clinical behavior of this cohort managed at our referral center over a 20‐year period. The mean age at diagnosis was 10 years‐of‐age. All except one case occurred in the cranial region. All demonstrated strong nuclear expression of brachyury and loss of SMARCB1 expression. FISH identified homozygous SMARCB1 deletions in all except one case; additionally two cases revealed a heterozygous EWSR1 locus co‐deletion. Clinical follow‐up information was available in five patients. Two patients presented with distant metastases at initial diagnosis. Two of the three remaining patients with primary disease failed both locally and distantly after multimodality therapy. We conclude that PDCs are highly aggressive tumors and the dominant mechanism of loss of SMARCB1 expression is through large, homozygous SMARCB1 deletions that can be readily detected by FISH.
Colorectal cancer susceptibility loci as predictive markers of rectal cancer prognosis after surgery
Authors: Hu Yue , Gaedcke Jochen , Emons Georg , Beissbarth Tim , Grade Marian , Jo Peter , Yeager Meredith , Chanock Stephen J. , Wolff Hendrik , Camps Jordi , Ghadimi B. Michael , Ried Thomas
Published: November 2017

To understand the molecular mechanism of rectal cancer and develop markers for disease prognostication, we generated and explored a dataset from 243 rectal cancer patients by gene expression microarray analysis of cancer samples and matched controls, and SNP‐arrays of germline DNA. We found that two of the loci most strongly linked with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, 8q24 (upstream of MYC) and 18q21 (in the intron of SMAD7), as well as 20q13 (in the intron of LAMA5), are tightly associated with the prognosis of rectal cancer patients. For SNPs on 18q21 (rs12953717 and rs4464148) and 20q13 (rs4925386), alleles that correlate with higher risk for the development of CRC are associated with shorter disease free survival (DFS). However, for rs6983267 on 8q24, the low risk allele is associated with a higher risk for recurrence and metastasis after surgery, and importantly, is strongly correlated with the resistance of CRC cell lines to chemoradiotherapy (CRT). We also found that although MYC expression is dramatically increased in cancer, patients with higher levels of MYC have a better prognosis. The expression of SMAD7 is weakly correlated with DFS. Notably, the presence of the 8q24 and 18q21 SNP alleles is not correlated with expression levels of MYC and SMAD7. rs4464148, and probably rs6983267 and rs4925386, are linked with overall survival time of patients. In conclusion, we show that several CRC risk SNPs detect subpopulations of rectal cancer patients with poor prognosis, and that rs6983267 probably affects prognosis through interfering with the resistance of cancer cells to CRT.
Zircon U‐Pb geochronology and geochemistry of the metabasite and gabbro: Implications for the Neoproterozoic and Paleozoic tectonic settings of the Qinzhou Bay‐Hangzhou Bay suture zone, South China
Authors: Yu Pengpeng , Zheng Yi , Zhou Yongzhang , Chen Binghui , Niu Jia , Yang Wei
Published: November 2017

The Qinzhou Bay‐Hangzhou Bay Suture Zone (QHSZ) lies between the northwestern Yangtze Block and the southeastern Cathaysia Block in South China. An integrated zircon U‐Pb age, whole‐rock and mineral geochemical analyses have been enabled for understanding the Neoproterozoic and early Paleozoic geological evolution of the QHSZ. Zircon U‐Pb dating reveals that the Guizi metabasite and Zhuya gabbro were formed at 948 ± 11 Ma and 450.8 ± 2.9 Ma, respectively. The Guizi metabasites are characterized by Nb enrichments (8.18–16.11 ppm) with high Nb/La (0.76–0.98) and Nb/U (17.86–25.65) ratios. The samples are also LREE/HREE ([La/Yb]N = 2.66–3.29) and LILEs (Rb, Th, U and Pb) enriched with weakly depleted HFSEs (Nb, P and Ti), resembling the Nb‐enriched basalts. These geochemical signatures were likely to be originated from a newly subducted slab. Elemental contrasts illustrate that the Guizi metabasites are geochemically consistent with the Neoproterozoic Nb‐enriched basalts along the Wuyi‐Yunkai Domain, South China. Age and elemental characteristics of the Guizi samples suggest an earliest Neoproterozoic subduction within the QHSZ. The Zhuya gabbro samples have high contents of MgO (11.23–14.48%), Cr (520.8–782.7 ppm) and Ni (126.1–203.7 ppm), (La/Yb)N = 1.89–2.41, Eu/Eu* = 0.84–0.90, positive LILEs (Rb, Th, Sr and Pb) anomalies and negative HFSEs (Nb, P and Ti) anomalies. Clinopyroxene geochemical data show a significant arc cumulates trend. They were considered to be derived from an E‐MORB‐like source modified by subduction‐related fluids. Geochemical modelling indicates that a mixture of the Neoproterozoic mafic magma and SCB sediments (20–40%) can match the elemental and Sm‐Nd isotopic compositions of the Zhuya gabbros, which suggests the involvement of Neoproterozoic subduction‐modified mantle. Combined with regional geological and geochemical data, it is concluded that the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks were likely sutured along the QHSZ forming an earliest Neoproterozoic arc‐back‐arc system, and the early Paleozoic mafic rocks are dominantly remelting products of the Neoproterozoic subduction modified mantle.
Synthetic AAV/CRISPR vectors for blocking HIV‐1 expression in persistently infected astrocytes
Authors: Kunze Christine , Börner Kathleen , Kienle Eike , Orschmann Tanja , Rusha Ejona , Schneider Martha , Radivojkov‐Blagojevic Milena , Drukker Micha , Desbordes Sabrina , Grimm Dirk , Brack‐Werner Ruth
Published: November 2017

Astrocytes, the most abundant cells in the mammalian brain, perform key functions and are involved in several neurodegenerative diseases. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can persist in astrocytes, contributing to the HIV burden and neurological dysfunctions in infected individuals. While a comprehensive approach to HIV cure must include the targeting of HIV‐1 in astrocytes, dedicated tools for this purpose are still lacking. Here we report a novel Adeno‐associated virus‐based vector (AAV9P1) with a synthetic surface peptide for transduction of astrocytes. Analysis of AAV9P1 transduction efficiencies with single brain cell populations, including primary human brain cells, as well as human brain organoids demonstrated that AAV9P1 targeted terminally differentiated human astrocytes much more efficiently than neurons. We then investigated whether AAV9P1 can be used to deliver HIV‐inhibitory genes to astrocytes. To this end we generated AAV9P1 vectors containing genes for HIV‐1 proviral editing by CRISPR/Cas9. Latently HIV‐1 infected astrocytes transduced with these vectors showed significantly diminished reactivation of proviruses, compared with untransduced cultures. Sequence analysis identified mutations/deletions in key HIV‐1 transcriptional control regions. We conclude that AAV9P1 is a promising tool for gene delivery to astrocytes and may facilitate inactivation/destruction of persisting HIV‐1 proviruses in astrocyte reservoirs.
Astrocytic and neuronal oxidative metabolism are coupled to the rate of glutamate–glutamine cycle in the tree shrew visual cortex
Authors: Sonnay Sarah , Poirot Jordan , Just Nathalie , Clerc Anne‐Catherine , Gruetter Rolf , Rainer Gregor , Duarte João M. N.
Published: November 2017

Astrocytes play an important role in glutamatergic neurotransmission, namely by clearing synaptic glutamate and converting it into glutamine that is transferred back to neurons. The rate of this glutamate–glutamine cycle (VNT) has been proposed to couple to that of glucose utilization and of neuronal tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that glutamatergic neurotransmission is also coupled to the TCA cycle rate in astrocytes. For that we investigated energy metabolism by means of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in the primary visual cortex of tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri) under light isoflurane anesthesia at rest and during continuous visual stimulation. After identifying the activated cortical volume by blood oxygenation level‐dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging, 1H MRS was performed to measure stimulation‐induced variations in metabolite concentrations. Relative to baseline, stimulation of cortical activity for 20 min caused a reduction of glucose concentration by −0.34 ± 0.09 µmol/g (p < 0.001), as well as a −9% ± 1% decrease of the ratio of phosphocreatine‐to‐creatine (p < 0.05). Then 13C MRS during [1,6‐13C]glucose infusion was employed to measure fluxes of energy metabolism. Stimulation of glutamatergic activity, as indicated by a 20% increase of VNT, resulted in increased TCA cycle rates in neurons by 12% (
, p < 0.001) and in astrocytes by 24% (
, p = 0.007). We further observed linear relationships between VNT and both
and
. Altogether, these results suggest that in the tree shrew primary visual cortex glutamatergic neurotransmission is linked to overall glucose oxidation and to mitochondrial metabolism in both neurons and astrocytes.
Management of chyle leakage after thyroidectomy, cervical lymph node dissection, in patients with thyroid cancer
Authors: Park Inhye , Her Nayoon , Choe Jun‐Ho , Kim Jee Soo , Kim Jung‐Han
Published: November 2017

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and pattern of chyle leakage after thyroidectomy and/or cervical lymph node dissection and to establish management protocols for chyle leakage.

Methods

Patients who underwent surgical management for thyroid cancer were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

For this study, 131 patients with chyle leakage were identified; the overall incidence was 0.9%. Of them, 43.7% of patients underwent central neck dissection without lateral neck dissection, and chyle leakage was easily controlled with conservative management. Patients whose chyle drainage was reduced by >50% after dietary modification had a significantly shorter hospital stay (P < .001); NPO was the most effective dietary modification.

Conclusion

The occurrence of chyle leakage after central compartment dissection even without lateral neck dissection was not rare, but was easily controlled with conservative management. Surgical management should be considered if the drainage amount does not decrease by >50% of the original amount of the day of detection after 2 days of NPO.
Chimeric antigen receptor transduced T cells: Tuning up for the next generation
Authors: Schubert Maria‐Luisa , Hoffmann Jean‐Marc , Dreger Peter , Müller‐Tidow Carsten , Schmitt Michael
Published: November 2017

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has recently achieved impressive clinical outcome in patients with CD19‐positive hematologic malignancies. Extrapolation of CAR T cell treatment to solid tumors, however, has not yet yielded similar results. This might be due to intrinsic causes, e.g. insufficient CAR T cell activation or CAR toxicity as well as extrinsic factors displaying an unfavorable tumor environment for CAR T cells by raising physical and chemical barriers. In this review, we discuss the advantages as well as major obstacles of CAR T cell therapy, particularly in the context of solid tumors, and focus on efforts and novel strategies in CAR T cell development.
A systematic review of ectopic pregnancy after hysterectomy
Authors: Shao Emily X. , Hopper Kendra , McKnoulty Matthew , Kothari Alka
Published: November 2017

Background

An ectopic pregnancy after hysterectomy is a rare but potentially life‐threatening event. Women with this condition might not be appropriately investigated, resulting in delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Objectives

To characterize cases of ectopic pregnancy occurring after hysterectomy.

Search strategy

PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched using the terms “pregnancy, abdominal” or “pregnancy, tubal” or “pregnancy, ectopic” and “hysterectomy” or “post‐hysterectomy” or “post hysterectomy.”

Selection criteria

Case reports or case series published in English up to October 10, 2016, were included. Patients were included if the diagnosis was confirmed by definitive tests such as serum or urine β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) testing, ultrasonography evidence of pregnancy, or histology.

Data collection and analysis

Patient characteristics were extracted via a standard spreadsheet.

Main results

A total of 57 patients were included in the analysis. Abdominal pain was the predominant symptom. Implantation in a remaining fallopian tube was common. Most patients were managed surgically.

Conclusions

A high index of suspicion and a low threshold for performing a β‐hCG pregnancy test is recommended in all women presenting with clinical symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, regardless of the hysterectomy status. This could lead to earlier diagnosis and fewer complications.
Hierarchical classification of microorganisms based on high‐dimensional phenotypic data
Authors: Tafintseva Valeria , Vigneau Evelyne , Shapaval Volha , Cariou Véronique , Qannari El Mostafa , Kohler Achim
Published: November 2017

The classification of microorganisms by high‐dimensional phenotyping methods such as FTIR spectroscopy is often a complicated process due to the complexity of microbial phylogenetic taxonomy. A hierarchical structure developed for such data can often facilitate the classification analysis. The hierarchical tree structure can either be imposed to a given set of phenotypic data by integrating the phylogenetic taxonomic structure or set up by revealing the inherent clusters in the phenotypic data. In this study, we wanted to compare different approaches to hierarchical classification of microorganisms based on high‐dimensional phenotypic data. A set of 19 different species of molds (filamentous fungi) obtained from the mycological strain collection of the Norwegian Veterinary Institute (Oslo, Norway) is used for the study. Hierarchical cluster analysis is performed for setting up the classification trees. Classification algorithms such as artificial neural networks (ANN), partial least‐squared discriminant analysis and random forest (RF) are used and compared. The 2 methods ANN and RF outperformed all the other approaches even though they did not utilize predefined hierarchical structure. To our knowledge, the RF approach is used here for the first time to classify microorganisms by FTIR spectroscopy.
A relaxation of the strong Bordeaux Conjecture
Authors: Huang Ziwen , Li Xiangwen , Yu Gexin
Published: November 2017

Let be k nonnegative integers. A graph G is ‐colorable if the vertex set can be partitioned into k sets , such that the subgraph , induced by , has maximum degree at most for . Let denote the family of plane graphs with neither adjacent 3‐cycles nor 5‐cycles. Borodin and Raspaud (2003) conjectured that each graph in is (0, 0, 0)‐colorable (which was disproved very recently). In this article, we prove that each graph in is (1, 1, 0)‐colorable, which improves the results by Xu (2009) and Liu‐Li‐Yu (2016).
Anatomy and histology of the prostate and glands of Cowper in three species of neotropical bats
Authors: Miotti María Daniela , Mollerach Marcos I. , Barquez Ruben M.
Published: November 2017

The reproductive accessory glands (RAG) are essential components in reproduction because their secretion products ensure survival, viability, and sperm motility. The objective of this study was to characterize and compare the morphological and histological structure of the RAG in three species of bats of the genusSturnira(S. erythromos, S. lilium, andS. oporaphilum). The RAG complex comprise a compact gland (prostate), which surrounds the urethra, and a pair of Glands of Cowper at the base of penis. Anatomical and histologically, the prostate are differentiated in two regions, ventral and dorsal. The dorsal region has tubuloalveolar glands with secretions fine granular or accumulations of a gel‐like substance with bubbles and the ventral region, has alveolar glands with secretory cells form a single‐layer of small cells. The seminal vesicles are absent. The prostatic morphology of the three species is similar to that of other studied Stenodermatinae and Desmodontinae, but differs from other subfamilies of Phyllostomidae (Carollinae, Glossophaginae, and Phyllostominae) as that of Molossidae and Vespertilionidae. The RAG complex has no annual variation in relation to functionality or size, but it is variable depending on age (subadults and adults). This agrees with the annual reproductive pattern described for these species in these latitudes, where adult males are reproductively active throughout the year.
Clinical studies in CRS and HIPEC: Trials, tribulations, and future directions—A systematic review
Authors: Morano William F. , Khalili Marian , Chi Dennis S. , Bowne Wilbur B. , Esquivel Jesus
Published: November 2017

Background

The field of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has suffered from a lack of clinical trials to validate its expanding use.

Objective

To evaluate published and ongoing clinical trials seeking to better define role of CRS/HIPEC in the treatment of peritoneal surface malignancies.

Methods

Systematic review by PubMed search was performed using terms “Clinical trial,” “intraperitoneal chemotherapy,” and “HIPEC.”ClinicalTrials.govand EudraCT registries were searched for active clinical trials. Eligibility included CRS/HIPEC trials investigating adult patient populations from published clinical reports and/or trials currently accruing or at completion.

Results

Thirteen published trials and 57 active clinical trials were included for review.

Conclusions

Published and ongoing U.S. and international clinical trials for CRS and HIPEC are defining important parameters that include improving patient selection, strategic sequences of treatment, cytoreductive strategies, chemotherapeutics, optimal hyperthermic temperature and timing, and toxicity profiles. Main barriers or limitations to trial development remain patient enrollment, trial design, and oncologic community collaboration. Overall progress is positive with increasing number of clinical trials throughout the world. Collaboration between surgeons and the wider oncologic community will be crucial to validate this important treatment strategy.
The impact of visceral adipose tissue amount on the adequacy of lymph node retrieval in colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Choe Eun Kyung , Park Kyu Joo , Ryoo Seung‐Bum , Moon Sang Hui , Oh Heung‐Kwon , Han Eon Chul , Kwon Yoon‐Hye
Published: November 2017

Background

Obesity is increasing worldwide, potentially influencing surgical outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. We analyzed the effects of obesity indexes on lymph node (LN) retrieval in CRC patients.

Method

We applied obesity indexes of body mass index (BMI) and visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissue volumes to stage I‐III CRC patients. The primary outcome was the effect of these indexes on the number of retrieved LNs (12 > LNs ≥ 12).

Results

Among 519 patients, 35.6% had a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. After adjusting for gender, age, tumor location, resected colon length, and local invasion and LN statuses, patients in the highest VAT quartile showed a 5.848 decrease in the number of retrieved LNs, with an odds ratio of 0.483 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.260‐0.8979) for adequate LN retrieval (≥12), compared with those in the lowest quartile (P < 0.001 for both). Analysis of the model predicting LN retrieval revealed VAT as the only obesity index (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.721) providing significant additional predictive power (P = 0.037) to the model including age, gender, staging, tumor location, and resected colon length (AUC = 0.707).

Conclusion

Increased VAT may cause inadequate LN retrieval in CRC patients. In viscerally obese patients, VAT volumes should be considered when clinically interpreting LN status.
Prediction of cognitive worsening in de novo Parkinson's disease: Clinical use of biomarkers
Authors: Arnaldi Dario , De Carli Fabrizio , Famà Francesco , Brugnolo Andrea , Girtler Nicola , Picco Agnese , Pardini Matteo , Accardo Jennifer , Proietti Luca , Massa Federico , Bauckneht Matteo , Morbelli Silvia , Sambuceti Gianmario , Nobili Flavio
Published: November 2017

Background

Cognitive impairment is a frequent and disabling feature of Parkinson's disease. Identifying the factors able to predict cognitive worsening since the early stage may improve disease management. The objective of this study was to define the best predictors of future cognitive worsening in a group of patients with newly diagnosed PD and to propose cutoff values potentially useful at the individual level.

Methods

Fifty‐four consecutive drug‐naive patients with de novo PD were prospectively evaluated by clinical and neuropsychological assessment, resting EEG, and 123I‐FP‐CIT‐SPECT and clinically classified into mainly motor, diffuse/malignant, and intermediate PD subtypes; they were then followed up for an average of 5 years. Cognitive outcome was defined by identifying cognitively stable or worsened patients.

Results

Step‐wise logistic regression selected the posterior qEEG mean frequency and 123I‐FP‐CIT‐SPECT uptake at caudate level (P < 0.0001). The posterior qEEG mean frequency (cut point, 8.3 Hz) and the caudate 123I‐FP‐CIT‐SPECT uptake (cut point, 2.3, specific to nondisplaceable binding ratio) achieved 82% and 80% of accuracy, respectively, in predicting cognitive outcome. Survival analysis showed decreasing expected time to cognitive worsening associated with scores below the established thresholds for qEEG and 123I‐FP‐CIT‐SPECT and with the presence of a malignant clinical phenotype.

Conclusions

Resting EEG and 123I‐FP‐CIT‐SPECT are good predictors of future cognitive worsening, in de novo drug‐naive PD patients. Wherever available, these biomarkers could add valuable prognostic information to classification into different clinical phenotypes. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The cerebral basis of Parkinsonian tremor: A network perspective
Authors: Helmich Rick C.
Published: November 2017

Tremor in Parkinson's disease is a poorly understood sign. Although it is one of the clinical hallmarks of the disease, its pathophysiology remains unclear. It is clear that tremor involves different neural mechanisms than bradykinesia and rigidity, the other core motor signs of Parkinson's disease. In particular, the role of dopamine in tremor has been heavily debated given clinical observations that tremor has a variable response to dopaminergic medication. From a neuroscience perspective, tremor is also a special sign; unlike other motor signs, it has a clear electrophysiological signature (frequency, phase, and power). These unique features of tremor, and newly available neuroimaging methods, have sparked investigations into the pathophysiology of tremor. In this review, evidence will be discussed for the idea that parkinsonian tremor results from increased interactions between the basal ganglia and the cerebello‐thalamo‐cortical circuit, driven by altered dopaminergic projections to nodes within both circuits, and modulated by context‐dependent factors, such as psychological stress. Models that incorporate all of these features may help our understanding of the pathophysiology of tremor and interindividual differences between patients. One example that will be discussed in this article is the “dimmer‐switch” model. According to this model, cerebral activity related to parkinsonian tremor first arises in the basal ganglia and is then propagated to the cerebello‐thalamo‐cortical circuit, where the tremor rhythm is maintained and amplified. In the future, detailed knowledge about the architecture of the tremor circuitry in individual patients (“tremor fingerprints”) may provide new, mechanism‐based treatments for this debilitating motor sign. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Ductile damage modelling with locking‐free regularised GTN model
Authors: Zhang Yi , Lorentz Eric , Besson Jacques
Published: November 2017

The major goal of this work is to develop a robust modelling strategy for the simulation of ductile damage development including crack initiation and subsequent propagation. For that purpose, a Gurson‐type model is used. This model class, as many other damage models, leads to significant material softening and must be used within a large deformation framework due to the ductile character of the materials. This leads to 2 main difficulties that should be dealt with carefully: mesh dependency and volumetric locking. In this work, a logarithmic finite strain framework is adopted in which the Gurson‐Tvergaard‐Needleman constitutive law is reformulated. Then a nonlocal formulation with regularisation of hardening variable is applied so as to solve mesh dependency and strain localization problem. In addition, the nonlocal model is combined with mixed “displacement‐pressure‐volume variation” elements to avoid volumetric locking. Thereby, a mesh‐independent and locking‐free finite strain framework suitable for the modelling of ductile rupture is established. Attention is paid to mathematical properties and numerical performance of the model. Finally, the model parameters are identified on an experimental database for a nuclear piping steel. Simulations of standard test specimens (notched tensile bars and compact tension and single edge notched tensile cracked specimens) are performed and compared to experimental results.
The use of fetal neurosonography and brain MRI in cases of cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy: A retrospective analysis with outcome correlation
Authors: Birnbaum Roee , Ben‐Sira Liat , Lerman‐Sagie Tally , Malinger Gustavo
Published: November 2017

Objective

To analyze ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results and developmental outcome in cases of maternal primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during pregnancy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the results of fetal neurosonography and brain MRI of CMV‐infected fetuses (Group 1). Cases of maternal infection in which the fetal status was unknown, and subsequently had a negative CMV postnatal urine analysis, were independently analyzed (Group 2). Imaging results were classified as follows: positive, negative, or inconclusive. Developmental landmarks were followed up.

Results

Eighty‐one women were included in the study: 48 (59.2%) in Group 1 and 33 (40.8%) in Group 2. In Group 1, termination of pregnancy was performed in 8 cases (16.7%) following the diagnosis of brain abnormalities. Among the remaining cases, concordance rate between US and MRI was 78%. False negative rates for US and MRI were 5.5% and 6.4%, respectively (hearing deficits). For MRI, we found 17.5% of false positive/inconclusive results, while for the US, we found 5% of inconclusive results. In Group 2, false positive rates for US and MRI were 6.5% and 12.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

Adding MRI in CMV‐infected cases with a normal neurosonographic follow‐up should be weighed against a nonnegligible rate of false positive and inconclusive findings.
MRI and US in the evaluation of fetal anomalies: The need to work together
Authors: Bernardo S. , Giancotti A. , Antonelli A. , Rizzo G. , Vinci V. , Pizzuti A. , Catalano C. , Manganaro L.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Real‐time virtual sonography (RVS) is a new technique that synchronizes real‐time ultrasonography (US) and multiplanar reconstructed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and ability of RVS to assess the main pathologies in fetuses with suspected US anomalies.

Method and Materials

Real‐time virtual sonography (Hitachi, HI VISION Ascendus) was offered to 30 patients who had undergone fetal MRI. The acquired MRI image dataset was loaded into the fusion system and displayed together with the real‐time US image. The ability of RVS to assess the main anatomical sites and fetal anomalies was evaluated.

Results

Real‐time virtual sonography was technically possible in all cases. From a total of 30 patients, RVS helped the diagnosis in 10 cases. In 15 cases of encephalic pathology, fusion imaging improved the accuracy of the diagnosis; in the other 5 cases, MRI was superior to US even when using the RVS.

Conclusion

This is a study on the feasibility and practical use of RVS. Thanks to information from both US and MRI, RVS allowed better identification of the fetal pathologies and improved the performance of the ultrasound examination. In our experience, it was really helpful in pathologies that would benefit from US follow‐up.
Long‐term changes in the ground thermal regime of an artificially drained thaw‐lake basin in the Russian European north
Authors: Kaverin Dmitry A. , Melnichuk Evgeniy B. , Shiklomanov Nikolay I. , Kakunov Nikolay B. , Pastukhov Alexander V. , Shiklomanov Alexey N.
Published: November 2017

Long‐term (1982–1995) observations of the ground thermal regime of a drained thaw‐lake basin in the Pechora Lowlands of the Russian European north revealed a high spatial and temporal variability in the ground temperature response to artificial drainage. The thermal response was controlled by the atmospheric climate and by evolution of the landsurface following drainage. Observed changes in permafrost conditions were related to three climatic subperiods identified from air and ground temperature trends. The first (1982–1984) was characterized by gradual ground cooling associated with partial formation of permafrost patches under the initial stage of formation of marshy meadows. The second (1985–1987) involved strong ground cooling, resulting in the formation of a subsurface permafrost layer beneath most of the basin. The third (1988–1995) was marked by a gradual increase in annual mean ground temperature, promoting partial permafrost degradation under marshy meadows and willow stands. Initially, newly aggraded permafrost remained under peat mounds and tundra meadows. The spatial pattern of permafrost change can be attributed to heterogeneous landsurface evolution and variable snow thickness. Four distinct ground temperature regimes are distinguished: (i) thawed ground, (ii) deep permafrost, (iii) unstable permafrost and (iv) stable permafrost.
Screening Commercial Semiconductors for Visible Light Driven Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Zhang Yin , Zhu Yanfei , Zhou Wencai , Qiu Xueying , Tang Zhiyong
Published: November 2017

To find cheap and commercially available materials that are efficient in the catalytic process is of paramount importance for practical application in both chemical and biomedical engineering. As‐purchased nanosized semiconductors are systematically investigated as catalysts in visible light driven asymmetric reactions with the help of chiral ligands. Significantly, among varied semiconductors, WO3 exhibits the best performance with 91% enantiomeric excess and 95% conversion ratio.
Preparation, Characterisation and Performance of Microencapsulated Red Phosphorus
Authors: Liu J. , Guan H.
Published: November 2017

Microencapsuled red phosphorus (MRP), with a phenolic resin coating layer, was successfully prepared. It was characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). Meanwhile its water absorption, thermostability, thermodynamic properties and critical ignition temperature (Tb) have been studied. The results show that the MRP which is coated with phenolic resin can decrease the water absorption, increase thermostability and critical ignition temperature (Tb) significantly, compared with red phosphorus (RP). The thermodynamic properties which include apparent activation energy (E), pre‐exponential factor (A), activation entropy (ΔS#), activation enthalpy (ΔH#) and Gibbs free energy (ΔG#) of RP and MRP are obtained. Moreover, the MRP can reduce the water absorption and friction sensitivity of red phosphorus smoke agent significantly with the best content of phenolic resin is 0.5 % or 1 %.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv3651 is a triple sensor‐domain protein
Authors: Abendroth Jan , Frando Andrew , Phan Isabelle Q. , Staker Bart L. , Myler Peter J. , Edwards Thomas E. , Grundner Christoph
Published: November 2017

The genome of the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) encodes ∼4,400 proteins, but one third of them have unknown functions. We solved the crystal structure of Rv3651, a hypothetical protein with no discernible similarity to proteins with known function. Rv3651 has a three‐domain architecture that combines one cGMP‐specific phosphodiesterases, adenylyl cyclases and FhlA (GAF) domain and two Per‐ARNT‐Sim (PAS) domains. GAF and PAS domains are sensor domains that are typically linked to signaling effector molecules. Unlike these sensor‐effector proteins, Rv3651 is an unusual sensor domain‐only protein with highly divergent sequence. The structure suggests that Rv3651 integrates multiple different signals and serves as a scaffold to facilitate signal transfer.
Effect of Hydrogen Fluoride Addition and Synthesis Temperature on the Structure of Double‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Fluorinated by Molecular Fluorine
Authors: Fedoseeva Yuliya V. , Dubois Marc , Flahaut Emmanuel , Vilkov Oleg Yu. , Chuvilin Andrey , Asanov Igor P. , Okotrub Alexander V. , Bulusheva Lyubov G.
Published: November 2017

Double‐walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) have been fluorinated by pure molecular fluorine (F2) at room temperature or 200 °C and a mixture of F2 with hydrogen fluoride (HF) at 200 °C that resulted in products with compositions of CF0.12, CF0.39, and CF0.53 as determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The differences in the structures of three kinds of fluorinated DWCNTs were revealed using transmission electron microscopy, Raman scattering, and near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. Quantum‐chemical modeling of the NEXAFS F K‐edge spectra detected a change in the fluorine pattern with the increase of the F2 treatment temperature. The presence of HF in fluorine gas was found to accelerate the fluorination process and cause a partial destruction of outer shells of the DWCNTs.
Monte Carlo Simulations of Thermal Hysteresis in Ni‐Mn‐Based Heusler Alloys
Authors: Sokolovskiy Vladimir , Zagrebin Mikhail , Buchelnikov Vasiliy , Entel Peter
Published: November 2017

We present a study of the thermal hysteresis that takes place across the magnetostructural phase transition of the Ni‐Mn‐based Heusler alloys. The results have been obtained by means of first‐principles calculations and Monte Carlo simulations based on the proposed Potts‐Blume‐Emery‐Griffiths Hamiltonian involving magnetic and elastic degrees of freedom. First, separating the structural and magnetic contributions, we calculate the phase diagram including the martensitic transformation as a function of ratio between exchange structural constants in martensite and austenite (K/J). It is shown that the width of the thermal hysteresis depends on K/J and it is found to increase at a ratio of K/J between 0.20 and 0.37. A similar trend is also observed for the Landau free energy expansion. The evolutions of the magnetization and deformation order parameter of alloys studied under various applied magnetic fields are simulated as functions of temperature upon heating and cooling cycles. Furthermore, under high applied fields the nonlinear shift of and change of hysteresis width according to the relation between magnetostructural interaction constants ( and ) are observed. The results obtained with the Monte Carlo routine are discussed and demonstrated a good agreement with experimental data.
Effect of Insertion of Ultrathin Al2O3 Interlayer at Metal/GaN Interfaces
Authors: Akazawa Masamichi , Hasezaki Taito
Published: November 2017

Fermi level depinning at a metal/semiconductor interface by using an ultrathin insulating interlayer to block the penetration of the metal wave function into the semiconductor is examined on GaN. A Si‐doped n‐type GaN epitaxial layer on a freestanding GaN substrate is used as the host material. For the samples with an interlayer, an ultrathin Al2O3 layer of 1 nm thickness is deposited by atomic layer deposition. As the metal layers, Ag, Cu, Au, Ni, and Pt are deposited by electron beam evaporation. Samples without an interlayer are also fabricated for comparison. The apparent change in current–voltage characteristics of the Schottky barrier diodes with the insertion of the interlayer is dependent on the electrode metal. However, the apparent Schottky barrier height (SBH) for the samples with the interlayer is almost constant and independent of the metal electrode, although the samples without an interlayer exhibit a moderate dependence of the SBH on the metal work function. Thus, the pinning becomes stronger upon the insertion of the interlayer, although blocking of the metal wave function by using an ultrathin insulator is expected to lead to depinning.
Fabrication of oriented crystals as force measurement tips via focused ion beam and microlithography methods
Authors: Wu Zhigang , Chun Jaehun , Chatterjee Sayandev , Li Dongsheng
Published: November 2017

Detailed knowledge of the forces between nanocrystals is very crucial for understanding many generic (eg, random aggregation/assembly and rheology) and specific (eg, oriented attachment) phenomena at macroscopic length scales, especially considering the additional complexities involved in nanocrystals such as crystal orientation and corresponding orientation‐dependent physicochemical properties. Because there are a limited number of methods to directly measure the forces, little is known about the forces that drive the various emergent phenomena. Here, we report on two methods of preparing crystals as force measurement tips used in an atomic force microscope: the focused ion beam method and microlithography method. The desired crystals are fabricated using these two methods and are fixed to the atomic force microscope probe using platinum deposition, ultraviolet epoxy, or resin, which allows for the orientation‐dependent force measurements. These two methods can be used to attach virtually any solid particles (from the size of a few hundreds of nanometers to millimeters). We demonstrate the force measurements between aqueous media under different conditions such as pH.
How Effective is Plasmonic Enhancement of Colloidal Quantum Dots for Color‐Conversion Light‐Emitting Devices?
Authors: Park Hyun Chul , Isnaeni  , Gong Suhyun , Cho Yong‐Hoon
Published: November 2017

Enhancing the fluorescence intensity of colloidal quantum dots (QDs) in case of color‐conversion type QD light‐emitting devices (LEDs) is very significant due to the large loss of QDs and their quantum yields during fabrication processes, such as patterning and spin‐coating, and can therefore improve cost‐effectiveness. Understanding the enhancement process is crucial for the design of metallic nanostructure substrates for enhancing the fluorescence of colloidal QDs. In this work, improved color conversion of colloidal green and red QDs coupled with aluminum (Al) and silver (Ag) nanodisk (ND) arrays designed by in‐depth systematic finite‐difference time domain simulations of excitation, spontaneous emission, and quantum efficiency enhancement is reported. Calculated results of the overall photoluminescence enhancement factor in the substrate of 500 × 500 µm2 size are 2.37‐fold and 2.82‐fold for Al ND‐green QD and Ag ND‐red QD structures, respectively. Experimental results are in good agreement, showing 2.26‐fold and 2.66‐fold enhancements for Al ND and Ag ND structures. Possible uses of plasmonics in cases such as white LED and total color conversion for possible display applications are discussed. The theoretical treatments and experiments shown in this work are a proof of principle for future studies of plasmonic enhancement of various light‐emitting materials.
Visitor effect on the behavior of a group of spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) maintained at an island in Lake Catemaco, Veracruz/Mexico
Authors: Pérez‐Galicia Sergio , Miranda‐Anaya Manuel , Canales‐Espinosa Domingo , Muñoz‐Delgado Jairo
Published: November 2017

We analyzed the effect of human visitors on the behavior of a group of spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) kept on a small tourist island. Although the spider monkey is a common species in zoos, there are very few specific studies on visitor effects on these monkeys. We conducted behavioral observations on the group of spider monkeys to evaluate the effect of visitors. We also used actimetry devices to measure the variations in the spider monkeys' locomotor activity associated with human presence. With regard to the effect on behavior, we found an increase in self‐directed behaviors and a decrease in vocalization, both associated with human presence. Moreover, our results suggest that when people feed monkeys, there is an increase in agonistic behaviors. On the other hand, we found that changes in activity levels in response to human presence vary among individuals. We conclude that changes in spider monkeys' behavior could provide evidence of the negative effect of visitors in our study conditions. Although we discuss the differences in activity levels due to differences in social position, further research is required this topic. Our results can be used to inform management plans for this species in captivity. Improving this relationship between humans and non‐human primates through tourism education programs would benefit ecotourism and therefore species conservation programs.
(p, q)-webs of DIM representations, 5d $$ \mathcal{N}=1 $$ instanton partition functions and qq-characters
Authors: Bourgine J.-E. , Fukuda M. , Harada K. , Matsuo Y. , Zhu R.-D.
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Instanton partition functions of$$ \mathcal{N}=1 $$N=15d Super Yang-Mills reduced onS1can be engineered in type IIB string theory from the (p,q)-branes web diagram. To this diagram is superimposed a web of representations of the Ding-Iohara-Miki (DIM) algebra that acts on the partition function. In this correspondence, each segment is associated to a representation, and the (topological string) vertex is identified with the intertwiner operator constructed by Awata, Feigin and Shiraishi. We define a new intertwiner acting on the representation spaces of levels (1, n) ⊗ (0, m) → (1, n + m), thereby generalizing to higher rank m the original construction. It allows us to use a folded version of the usual (p,q)-web diagram, bringing great simplifications to actual computations. As a result, the characterization of Gaiotto states and vertical intertwiners, previously obtained by some of the authors, is uplifted to operator relations acting in the Fock space of horizontal representations. We further develop a method to build qq-characters of linear quivers based on the horizontal action of DIM elements. While fundamental qq-characters can be built using the coproduct, higher ones require the introduction of a (quantum) Weyl reflection acting on tensor products of DIM generators.
Implementation of an emergency department atrial fibrillation and flutter pathway improves rates of appropriate anticoagulation, reduces length of stay and thirty-day revisit rates for congestive heart failure
Authors: Barbic David , DeWitt Chris , Harris Devin , Stenstrom Robert , Grafstein Eric , Wu Crane , Vadeanu Cristian , Heilbron Brett , Haaf Jenelle , Tung Stanley , Kalla Dan , Marsden Julian , Christenson Jim , Scheuermeyer Frank
Published: November 2017

Objectives

An evidence-based emergency department (ED) atrial fibrillation and flutter (AFF) pathway was developed to improve care. The primary objective was to measure rates of new anticoagulation (AC) on ED discharge for AFF patients who were not AC correctly upon presentation.

Methods

This is a pre-post evaluation from April to December 2013 measuring the impact of our pathway on rates of new AC and other performance measures in patients with uncomplicated AFF solely managed by emergency physicians. A standardized chart review identified demographics, comorbidities, and ED treatments. The primary outcome was the rate of new AC. Secondary outcomes were ED length of stay (LOS), referrals to AFF clinic, ED revisit rates, and 30-day rates of return visits for congestive heart failure (CHF), stroke, major bleeding, and death.

Results

ED AFF patients totalling 301 (129 pre-pathway [PRE]; 172 post-pathway [POST]) were included; baseline demographics were similar between groups. The rates of AC at ED presentation were 18.6% (PRE) and 19.7% (POST). The rates of new AC on ED discharge were 48.6 % PRE (95% confidence interval [CI] 42.1%-55.1%) and 70.2% POST (62.1%-78.3%) (20.6% [p<0.01; 15.1-26.3]). Median ED LOS decreased from 262 to 218 minutes (44 minutes [p<0.03; 36.2-51.8]). Thirty-day rates of ED revisits for CHF decreased from 13.2% to 2.3% (10.9%;p<0.01; 8.1%-13.7%), and rates of other measures were similar.

Conclusions

The evidence-based pathway led to an improvement in the rate of patients with new AC upon discharge, a reduction in ED LOS, and decreased revisit rates for CHF.
Gigantic lion, Panthera leo, from the Pleistocene of Natodomeri, eastern Africa
Authors: Manthi Fredrick K. , Brown Francis H. , Plavcan Michael J. , Werdelin Lars
Published: November 2017

The partial skull of a lion from Natodomeri, northwest Kenya is described. The Natodomeri sites are correlated with Member I of the Kibish Formation, dated to between 195 ka and ca. 205 ka. The skull is remarkable for its very great size, equivalent to the largest cave lions (Panthera spelaea [Goldfuss, 1810]) of Pleistocene Eurasia and much larger than any previously known lion from Africa, living or fossil. We hypothesize that this individual represents a previously unknown population or subspecies of lion present in the late Middle and Late Pleistocene of eastern Africa rather than being an indication of climate-driven size increase in lions of that time. This raises questions regarding the extent of our understanding of the pattern and causes of lion evolution in the Late Pleistocene.