bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subjektiver Kompetenzgewinn zur Durchführung eines Notfallkaiserschnitts mittels interdisziplinärem Simulationstraining
Authors: Flentje Markus , Schott Martin , Woltemate Anna-Lena , Jantzen Jan-Peter
Published: October 2017

Hintergrund Der Notfallkaiserschnitt ist ein geburtshilflicher Notfall mit vitaler Gefährdung für Mutter und Kind. Bei Bewältigung dieser zeitkritischen Situation haben sich „human factors“ und Kompetenz des Zwischenfallmanagement (Crisis Resource Managements, CRM) als wichtige Erfolgsfaktoren herausgestellt. Das Konzept Simulation hat sich zum Training dieser Kompetenzen für interdisziplinäre Kreißsaalteams in Deutschland noch nicht durchgesetzt. Ziel dieser Studie war es, den subjektiven Kompetenzgewinn der Teammitglieder durch ein in den Klinikalltag integrierbares Notfallkaiserschnitttraining zu ermitteln.

Methode 36 Mitarbeiter eines Kreißsaalteams aller beteiligten Berufsgruppen nahmen an einem 4-stündigen „high-fidelity“ Simulationstraining „Notfallkaiserschnitt“ bei Eklampsie mit Bradykardie des Kindes, Uterusruptur, vorzeitige Plazentalösung oder Nabelschnurvorfall teil. Jeder Teilnehmer war an 2 Simulationen als Zuschauer und Teammitglied beteiligt. Mittels Fragebogen wurde die Erfahrung mit realen Notfallkaiserschnitten, die Durchführungen der Simulation und des Debriefings evaluiert, sowie die subjektive Kompetenzeinschätzung im Zwischenfallmanagements vor und 6 Monate nach Training erfasst.

Ergebnisse Im Kollektiv der berufserfahrenen Teilnehmer (über/gleich 5 Jahre) hatten 25% noch keinen Nofallkaiserschnitt in der Praxis erlebt. Das Training wurde auf einer Skala (1=sehr gut – 6=ungenügend) mit 1,4 und hinsichtlich Praxisrelevanz mit 1,8 bewertet. 6 Monate nach dem Training bewerteten die Teilnehmer per Selbsteinschätzung die Fähigkeiten, Prioritäten bei Maßnahmen festzulegen, Behandlungspläne zu überwachen, mit den Teammitgliedern zu kommunizieren und Informationen aufzunehmen als signifikant verbessert.

Schlussfolgerungen Das 4-stündige Simulationstraining ist in den Klinikalltag integrierbar und wurde von den Teilnehmern als realitätsnah und praxisrelevant angenommen. Berufserfahrung in Jahren ist nicht mit Erfahrung mit seltenen Notfallsituationen gleichzusetzen. Das interdisziplinäre Teamtraining bietet eine Möglichkeit, sowohl die Handlungskompetenz des einzelnen Mitarbeiters, als auch interdisziplinäre Notfallkonzepte zu etablieren und zu trainieren.
Plädoyer für eine wissenschaftlich fundierte „Psychoneonatologie“
Authors: Singer Dominique
Published: October 2017

Liebe Leserinnen und Leser,

dass die Geburt eines sehr unreifen oder schwer kranken Neugeborenen für die beteiligten Familien eine kolossale Belastung darstellt, ist allen auf diesem Gebiet Tätigen aus ihrer täglichen Arbeit wohl bekannt. Dabei sind vergleichsweise vordergründige von weniger offensichtlichen Faktoren zu unterscheiden: Zu den ersteren zählt der nicht selten langwierige, von Hoffen und Bangen begleitete präpartale Klinikaufenthalt bzw. pränataldiagnostische Weg, gefolgt von einer mitunter monatelangen neonatologischen Behandlung bis hin zu der herausfordernden Erziehung eines Kindes mit bleibenden Behinderungen oder zumindest besonderen Bedürfnissen.
Stent patency in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction receiving chemo(radio)therapy
Authors: Haal Sylke , van Hooft Jeanin , Rauws Erik , Fockens Paul , Voermans Rogier
Published: October 2017

Background and study aims Recent literature suggests that chemo(radio)therapy might reduce the patency of plastic stents in patients with malignant biliary obstruction. Whether this might also be valid for other types of stents is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of chemo(radio)therapy on the patency of fully-covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) and plastic stents.

Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction who underwent biliary stent placement between April 2001 and July 2015. Primary outcome was duration of stent patency. Secondary outcome was stent patency at 3 and 6 months. We used Kaplan–Meier survival analyses to compare stent patency rates between patients who received chemo(radio)therapy and patients who did not.

Results A total of 291 biliary stents (151 metal and 140 plastic) were identified. The median cumulative stent patency of FCSEMSs did not differ between patients receiving chemo(radio)therapy (n = 51) and those (n = 100) who did not (P = 0.70, log-rank test). The estimated cumulative stent patency of plastic stents was also comparable in 99 patients without and 41 patients with chemo(radio)therapy (P = 0.73, log-rank test). At 3 and 6 months, FCSEMS patency rates were 87 % and 83 % in patients without chemo(radio)therapy and 96 % and 83 % in patients with therapy, respectively. Plastic patency rates were 69 % and 55 % in patients without and 85 % and 39 % in patients with therapy, respectively. After 1 year, 78 % of the FCSEMSs were still patent in patients without chemo(radio)therapy and 69 % of the FCSEMSs were still patent in patients with therapy.

Conclusion Our data indicate that chemo(radio)therapy does not reduce the patency of biliary fully-covered metal and plastic stents.
PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway in Ovarian Cancer Treatment: Are We on the Right Track?
Authors: Gasparri Maria , Bardhi Erlisa , Ruscito Ilary , Papadia Andrea , Farooqi Ammad , Marchetti Claudia , Bogani Giorgio , Ceccacci Irene , Mueller Michael , Benedetti Panici Pierluigi
Published: October 2017

The high recurrence rate and the low overall survival in ovarian cancer suggest that a more specific therapeutic approach in addition to conventional treatment is required. Translational and clinical research is investigating new molecular targets in order to find an alternative way to affect tumor growth and to minimize the overlap of toxicity of antiblastic agents. Given its implication in many cellular activities including regulation of cell growth, motility, survival, proliferation, protein synthesis, autophagy, transcription, as well as angiogenesis, PI3K/AKT/mTOR is one of the most investigated intracellular signaling pathways. A dis-regulation of this pathway has been shown in several tumors, including ovarian cancer. In this setting, mTor proteins represent a potential target for inhibitors, which could ultimately play a pivotal role in counteracting cellular proliferation. Recently, mTor inhibitors have been approved in the treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, mantle cell lymphoma and renal cancer. Clinical trials have assessed the safety of these drugs in ovarian cancer patients. Ongoing phase I and II studies are evaluating the oncologic outcome of mTor inhibitor treatment and its effect in combination with conventional chemotherapy and target agents.
Effect of hydration on the electrical explosion of a fine palladium wire in a vacuum
Authors: Sarkisov G. S.
Published: October 2017

Experiments with fast electric explosion of a hydrated palladium wire in vacuum show a significant decrease in Joule deposited energy, expansion rate, and voltage amplitude at breakdown. An increase in the density of diffused hydrogen and oxygen at the wire surface leads to an early generation of plasma due to evaporation impurity and rapid development of avalanche breakdown along the wire surface. The non-hydrated Pd wire demonstrates a longer resistive time, higher voltage peak, greater energy and expansion speed. The decrease in the deposited energy was ∼35%, and the expansion rate was ∼18%. The peak of light emission during voltage breakdown was twice higher for a hydrated Pd wire than for a bare one.
Detailed numerical simulation of cathode spots in vacuum arcs: Interplay of different mechanisms and ejection of droplets
Authors: Kaufmann H. T. C. , Cunha M. D. , Benilov M. S. , Hartmann W. , Wenzel N.
Published: October 2017

A model of cathode spots in high-current vacuum arcs is developed with account of all the potentially relevant mechanisms: the bombardment of the cathode surface by ions coming from a pre-existing plasma cloud; vaporization of the cathode material in the spot, its ionization, and the interaction of the produced plasma with the cathode; the Joule heat generation in the cathode body; melting of the cathode material and motion of the melt under the effect of the plasma pressure and the Lorentz force and related phenomena. After the spot has been ignited by the action of the cloud (which takes a few nanoseconds), the metal in the spot is melted and accelerated toward the periphery of the spot, with the main driving force being the pressure due to incident ions. Electron emission cooling and convective heat transfer are dominant mechanisms of cooling in the spot, limiting the maximum temperature of the cathode to approximately 4700–4800 K. A crater is formed on the cathode surface in this way. After the plasma cloud has been extinguished, a liquid-metal jet is formed and a droplet is ejected. No explosions have been observed. The modeling results conform to estimates of different mechanisms of cathode erosion derived from the experimental data on the net and ion erosion of copper cathodes.
Addition and removal energies of circular quantum dots
Authors: Yuan Fei , Novario Samuel J. , Parzuchowski Nathan M. , Reimann Sarah , Bogner S. K. , Hjorth-Jensen Morten
Published: October 2017

We present and compare several many-body methods as applied to two-dimensional quantum dots with circular symmetry. We calculate the approximate ground state energy using a harmonic oscillator basis optimized by Hartree–Fock (HF) theory and further improve the ground state energy using two post-HF methods: in-medium similarity renormalization group and coupled cluster with singles and doubles. With the application of quasidegenerate perturbation theory or the equations-of-motion method to the results of the previous two methods, we obtain addition and removal energies as well. Our results are benchmarked against full configuration interaction and diffusion Monte Carlo where available. We examine the rate of convergence and perform extrapolations to the infinite basis limit using a power-law model.
Effect of lost charged particles on the breakdown characteristics of the gaseous electrical discharge in non-uniform axial electric field
Authors: Noori H. , Ranjbar A. H.
Published: October 2017

The secondary emission coefficient is a valuable parameter for numerical modeling of the discharge process in gaseous insulation. A theoretical model has been developed to consider the effects of the radial electric field, non-uniformity of the axial electric field, and radial diffusion of charged particles on the secondary emission coefficient. In the model, a modified breakdown criterion is employed to determine the effective secondary electron emission, γeff. Using the geometry factor gi which is introduced based on the effect of radial diffusion of charged particles on the fraction of ions which arrive at the cathode, the geometry-independent term of γeff (Δi) was obtained as a function of the energy of the incident ions on the cathode. The results show that Δi is approximately a unique function of the ion energy for the ratios of d/R = 39, 50, 77, 115, and 200. It means that the considered mechanisms in the model are responsible for the deviation from Paschen's law.
Utilizing Schottky barriers to suppress short-channel effects in organic transistors
Authors: Fernández Anton F. , Zojer Karin
Published: October 2017

Transistors with short channel lengths exhibit profound deviations from the ideally expected behavior. One of the undesired short-channel effects is an enlarged OFF current that is associated with a premature turn on of the transistor. We present an efficient approach to suppress the OFF current, defined as the current at zero gate source bias, in short-channel organic transistors. We employ two-dimensional device simulations based on the drift-diffusion model to demonstrate that intentionally incorporating a Schottky barrier for injection enhances the ON-OFF ratio in both staggered and coplanar transistor architectures. The Schottky barrier is identified to directly counteract the origin of enlarged OFF currents: Short channels promote a drain-induced barrier lowering. The latter permits unhindered injection of charges even at reverse gate-source bias. An additional Schottky barrier hampers injection for such points of operations. We explain how it is possible to find the Schottky barrier of the smallest height necessary to exactly compensate for the premature turn on. This approach offers a substantial enhancement of the ON-OFF ratio. We show that this roots in the fact that such optimal barrier heights offer an excellent compromise between an OFF current diminished by orders of magnitude and an only slightly reduced ON current.
Deep depletion concept for diamond MOSFET
Authors: Pham T. T. , Rouger N. , Masante C. , Chicot G. , Udrea F. , Eon D. , Gheeraert E. , Pernot J.
Published: October 2017

A stable deep depletion regime is demonstrated in metal oxide semiconductor capacitors using p-type oxygen-terminated (100) diamond as a semiconductor and Al2O3 deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition at 380 °C. Current voltage I(V) and capacitance voltage C(V) measurements were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of diamond semiconductor gate control. An effective modulation of the space charge region width is obtained by the gate bias, where the deep depletion regime is demonstrated for a positive gate bias. The deep depletion concept is described and proposed for MOSFET devices. Finally, a proof of concept of diamond deep depletion MOSFETs is presented.
Application of the mixed time-averaging semiclassical initial value representation method to complex molecular spectra
Authors: Buchholz Max , Grossmann Frank , Ceotto Michele
Published: October 2017

The recently introduced mixed time-averaging semiclassical initial value representation of the molecular dynamics method for spectroscopic calculations [M. Buchholz, F. Grossmann, and M. Ceotto, J. Chem. Phys. 144, 094102 (2016)] is applied to systems with up to 61 dimensions, ruled by a condensed phase Caldeira-Leggett model potential. By calculating the ground state as well as the first few excited states of the system Morse oscillator, changes of both the harmonic frequency and the anharmonicity are determined. The method faithfully reproduces blueshift and redshift effects and the importance of the counter term, as previously suggested by other methods. Different from previous methods, the present semiclassical method does not take advantage of the specific form of the potential and it can represent a practical tool that opens the route to direct ab initio semiclassical simulation of condensed phase systems.
Structural and electrical characteristics of potential candidate lead-free BiFeO3-BaTiO3 piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Kim Sangwook , Khanal Gopal Prasad , Nam Hyun-Wook , Fujii Ichiro , Ueno Shintaro , Moriyoshi Chikako , Kuroiwa Yoshihiro , Wada Satoshi
Published: October 2017

The crystal structures and electrical properties of lead-free BiFeO3-BaTiO3 [(1-x)BFxBT] piezoelectric system are investigated as a function of BaTiO3 concentration. The well-saturated P-E hysteresis loop was observed in the 0.80BiFeO3–0.20BaTiO3 composition system, while a less hysteretic strain-electric field curve was exhibited by the 0.70BiFeO3–0.30BaTiO3 with a strain hysteresis of 16%, the value comparable to PZT-based piezoelectric ceramics. The crystal structures investigated under the synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction exhibited a rhombohedral structure for BFBT system with x = 0.10–0.25 and a pseudo-cubic structure for BFBT system with x = 0.30–0.40. The structural phase diagram for the BiFeO3-BaTiO3 system is suggested based on the results of temperature-dependent synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction measurement and investigated electrical properties.
Negative effect of nanoconfinement on water transport across nanotube membranes
Authors: Zhao Kuiwen , Wu Huiying , Han Baosan
Published: October 2017

Nanoconfinement environments are commonly considered advantageous for ultrafast water flow across nanotube membranes. This study illustrates that nanoconfinement has a negative effect on water transport across nanotube membranes based on molecular dynamics simulations. Although water viscosity and the friction coefficient evidently decrease because of nanoconfinement, water molecular flux and flow velocity across carbon nanotubes decrease sharply with the pore size of nanotubes. The enhancement of water flow across nanotubes induced by the decreased friction coefficient and water viscosity is markedly less prominent than the negative effect induced by the increased flow barrier as the nanotube size decreases. The decrease in water flow velocity with the pore size of nanotubes indicates that nanoconfinement is not essential for the ultrafast flow phenomenon. In addition, the relationship between flow velocity and water viscosity at different temperatures is investigated at different temperatures. The results indicate that flow velocity is inversely proportional to viscosity for nanotubes with a pore diameter above 1 nm, thereby indicating that viscosity is still an effective parameter for describing the effect of temperature on the fluid transport at the nanoscale.
Electrostatic solitary waves in an electron-positron pair plasma with suprathermal electrons
Authors: Danehkar A.
Published: October 2017

The nonlinear propagation of electrostatic solitary waves is studied in a collisionless electron-positron pair plasma consisting of adiabatic cool electrons, mobile cool positrons (or electron holes), hot suprathermal electrons described by a κ distribution, and stationary ions. The linear dispersion relation derived for electrostatic waves demonstrates a weak dependence of the phase speed on physical conditions of positrons in appropriate ranges of parameters. The Sagdeev's pseudopotential approach is used to obtain the existence of electrostatic solitary wave structures, focusing on how their characteristics depend on the physical conditions of positrons and suprathermal electrons. Both negative and positive polarity electrostatic solitary waves are found to exist in different ranges of Mach numbers. As the positrons constitute a small fraction of the total number density, they slightly affect the existence domains. However, the positrons can significantly change the wave potential at a fixed soliton speed. The results indicate that the positive potential can largely be grown by increasing the electron suprathermality (lower κ) at a fixed true Mach number. It is found that a fraction of positrons maintain the generation of positive polarity electrostatic solitary waves in the presence of suprathermal electrons in pair plasmas.
Linear coupling of the fast extraordinary wave to electrostatic plasma oscillations: A revised theory
Authors: Kutlin A. G. , Gospodchikov E. D. , Shalashov A. G.
Published: October 2017

We study analytically the resonant absorption of the extraordinary wave related to its coupling to the upper-hybrid plasma oscillations in finite but low magnetic field. Common approaches based on a local dispersion relation and WKB approximation are proved to be insufficient for plasma with ωce ≪ ωpe; thus, a full wave problem dealing with exact Maxwell's equations is considered. A new formula for the absorption efficiency is derived analytically basing on the formalism of Frobenius forms and Stokes diagrams. Meanwhile, a new universal technique is proposed that adds an extra relation to the Stokes constants owning the fact that resonant absorption in a linear system may always be canceled due to interference of two counter-propagating waves. The proposed theory complements the recent extensive numerical studies of the resonant heating of high-β plasma.
Particle separation by phase modulated surface acoustic waves
Authors: Simon Gergely , Andrade Marco A. B. , Reboud Julien , Marques-Hueso Jose , Desmulliez Marc P. Y. , Cooper Jonathan M. , Riehle Mathis O. , Bernassau Anne L.
Published: October 2017

High efficiency isolation of cells or particles from a heterogeneous mixture is a critical processing step in lab-on-a-chip devices. Acoustic techniques offer contactless and label-free manipulation, preserve viability of biological cells, and provide versatility as the applied electrical signal can be adapted to various scenarios. Conventional acoustic separation methods use time-of-flight and achieve separation up to distances of quarter wavelength with limited separation power due to slow gradients in the force. The method proposed here allows separation by half of the wavelength and can be extended by repeating the modulation pattern and can ensure maximum force acting on the particles. In this work, we propose an optimised phase modulation scheme for particle separation in a surface acoustic wave microfluidic device. An expression for the acoustic radiation force arising from the interaction between acoustic waves in the fluid was derived. We demonstrated, for the first time, that the expression of the acoustic radiation force differs in surface acoustic wave and bulk devices, due to the presence of a geometric scaling factor. Two phase modulation schemes are investigated theoretically and experimentally. Theoretical findings were experimentally validated for different mixtures of polystyrene particles confirming that the method offers high selectivity. A Monte-Carlo simulation enabled us to assess performance in real situations, including the effects of particle size variation and non-uniform acoustic field on sorting efficiency and purity, validating the ability to separate particles with high purity and high resolution.
Parameters of a positive column in a gliding glow discharge in air
Authors: Korolev Y. D. , Frants O. B. , Landl N. V. , Geyman V. G. , Suslov A. I.
Published: October 2017

This paper describes the results of investigation of the positive column in a glow discharge at atmospheric pressure. The total discharge current is varied from 0.02 A to 0.22 A that corresponds to the current density from 25 A/cm2 to 125 A/cm2. It is demonstrated that the effective gas pressure in the column lies in a range (60–90) Torr, and the reduced electric field is changed from 16 V/cm Torr at minimum current to 8 V/cm Torr when the current is increased to 0.22 A. The principal processes that are responsible for sustaining the plasma column have been defined. The main channel of the charged particle losses is the dissociative recombination of the ion NO+. The comparable contribution into the ionization gives the ionizing collisions of electrons with the oxygen molecules in the ground state, the ionization of NO molecules, and the associative ionisation when the metastable nitrogen molecules collide with each other.
Physical uniqueness of higher-order Korteweg-de Vries theory for continuously stratified fluids without background shear
Authors: Shimizu Kenji
Published: October 2017

The 2nd-order Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation and the Gardner (or extended KdV) equation are often used to investigate internal solitary waves, commonly observed in oceans and lakes. However, application of these KdV-type equations for continuously stratified fluids to geophysical problems is hindered by nonuniqueness of the higher-order coefficients and the associated correction functions to the wave fields. This study proposes to reduce arbitrariness of the higher-order KdV theory by considering its uniqueness in the following three physical senses: (i) consistency of the nonlinear higher-order coefficients and correction functions with the corresponding phase speeds, (ii) wavenumber-independence of the vertically integrated available potential energy, and (iii) its positive definiteness. The spectral (or generalized Fourier) approach based on vertical modes in the isopycnal coordinate is shown to enable an alternative derivation of the 2nd-order KdV equation, without encountering nonuniqueness. Comparison with previous theories shows that Parseval’s theorem naturally yields a unique set of special conditions for (ii) and (iii). Hydrostatic fully nonlinear solutions, derived by combining the spectral approach and simple-wave analysis, reveal that both proposed and previous 2nd-order theories satisfy (i), provided that consistent definitions are used for the wave amplitude and the nonlinear correction. This condition reduces the arbitrariness when higher-order KdV-type theories are compared with observations or numerical simulations. The coefficients and correction functions that satisfy (i)-(iii) are given by explicit formulae to 2nd order and by algebraic recurrence relationships to arbitrary order for hydrostatic fully nonlinear and linear fully nonhydrostatic effects.
Optimal operation strategy using chance-constrained programming for cooperative multi-area small power systems in remote islands
Authors: Tobaru Shota , Matayoshi Hidehito , Conteh Foday , Howlader Abdul Motin , Senjyu Tomonobu
Published: October 2017

Due to the depletion of fossil resources and the increase in carbon dioxide emissions, renewable energy systems (RESs) such as photovoltaic (PV) and wind generator (WG) have become an active player in power systems (PSs). In Japan, diesel generators (DGs) are the means of power generation in most isolated islands. Therefore, the introduction of RESs into these islands is of great importance. However, due to the uncertainty of RESs, battery energy storage systems (BESSs), fuel cells (FCs), and exploiting the electric vehicles (EVs) owned by customers are expected as vital power sources for the next generation. Moreover, demand response programs are utilized in this paper. As a result of reforming PSs in recent years, transactions on power markets have also been increasing in Japan. The Japan electric power exchange provides day-ahead market, intraday hour-ahead market, and forward market. It is expected that these markets make it possible to deal with uncertainties related to the generated power fluctuation. This paper presents the optimal operation method for multi-area PSs consisting of DG, PV, WG, BESS, and FC by using chance-constrained programming. The proposed method has achieved reduction of the total operational cost of the multi-area small power systems by using FC, household EVs, and two power markets.
Thickness-modulated anisotropic ferromagnetism in Fe-doped epitaxial HfO2 thin films
Authors: Liu Wenlong , Liu Ming , Zhang Ruyi , Ma Rong , Wang Hong
Published: October 2017

Epitaxial tetragonal Fe-doped Hf0.95Fe0.05O2 (FHO) thin films with various thicknesses were deposited on (001)-oriented NdCaAlO4 (NCAO) substrates by using a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) system. The crystal structure and epitaxial nature of the FHO thin films were confirmed by typical x-ray diffraction (XRD) θ–2θ scan and reciprocal space mapping (RSM). The results indicate that two sets of lattice sites exist with two different crystal orientations [(001) and (100)] in the thicker FHO thin films. Further, the intensity of the (100) direction increases with the increase in thicknesses, which should have a significant effect on the anisotropic magnetization of the FHO thin films. Meanwhile, all the FHO thin films possess a tetragonal phase structure. An anisotropy behavior in magnetization has been observed in the FHO thin films. The anisotropic magnetization of the FHO thin films is slowly weakened as the thickness increases. Meanwhile, the saturation magnetization (Ms) of both in-plane and out-of-plane decreases with the increase in the thickness. The change in the anisotropic magnetization and Ms is attributed to the crystal lattice and the variation in the valence of Fe ions. These results indicate that the thickness-modulated anisotropic ferromagnetism of the tetragonal FHO epitaxial thin films is of potential use for the integration of metal-oxide semiconductors with spintronics.
New dynamical systems modeling helps explain mega-earthquakes
Authors: Kim Mark H.
Published: October 2017

Cellular automation with two critical-point stationary states serves as a model for earthquake supercycles.
It’s a girl! A female southern elephant seal born in Western Australia
Authors: McMahon Clive R. , Thums Michele , Bradshaw Miecha , Busby Steven , Chapple Vaughn , Evans Melissa , Goodlich Stephen , Holland Clair , Raudino Holly , Rebuck Paul , Hindell Mark A.
Published: October 2017

Southern elephant seals typically breed on subantarctic islands and breeding in more temperate regions is rare. This small female (~1.42 m) that weaned after 25 days is smaller than the average weaned female elephant seal and her survival prospects are correspondingly low (20–35%). The fact that the elephant seal was successfully weaned offers some insight into the breeding plasticity in this species.
Optical and tribological properties of decorative titanium carbonitride coatings
Authors: Milschi L. , Belahsen I. , Lain G. C. , Tomiello S. S. , Boeira C. D. , Bim L. T. , Cemin F. , Menezes C. M. , Perotti B. L. , Catafesta J. , Figueroa C. A.
Published: October 2017

Stainless steel and chromium-electroplated metal can change their metallic surface aspects into different colours by thin film deposition technologies. In this study, the colour change of titanium carbonitride (TiC xN y) thin films as a function of N2 and CH4 flow rates in the deposition process was investigated. TiC xN y thin films were deposited by cathodic arc in an industrial equipment at low temperature (125°C) for decorative purposes. The samples were analysed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, glow discharge optical emissions spectroscopy, nanohardness, nanoscratch test and colorimetric analysis. The colour slightly changes from yellow gold to light bronze with carbon addition in the thin film structure. Scratch test determines an increase of the critical load for both plastic deformation and delamination as the carbon content increases. The failure mode shifts from brittle/ductile mode to ductile mode with the increase of the carbon content.
Aurora A activation in mitosis promoted by BuGZ
Authors: Huang Yuejia , Li Teng , Ems-McClung Stephanie C. , Walczak Claire E. , Prigent Claude , Zhu Xueliang , Zhang Xuemin , Zheng Yixian
Published: October 2017

Protein phase separation or coacervation has emerged as a potential mechanism to regulate biological functions. We have shown that coacervation of a mostly unstructured protein, BuGZ, promotes assembly of spindle and its matrix. BuGZ in the spindle matrix binds and concentrates tubulin to promote microtubule (MT) assembly. It remains unclear, however, whether BuGZ could regulate additional proteins to promote spindle assembly. In this study, we report that BuGZ promotes Aurora A (AurA) activation in vitro. Depletion of BuGZ in cells reduces the amount of phosphorylated AurA on spindle MTs. BuGZ also enhances MCAK phosphorylation. The two zinc fingers in BuGZ directly bind to the kinase domain of AurA, which allows AurA to incorporate into the coacervates formed by BuGZ in vitro. Importantly, mutant BuGZ that disrupts the coacervation activity in vitro fails to promote AurA phosphorylation in Xenopus laevis egg extracts. These results suggest that BuGZ coacervation promotes AurA activation in mitosis.
The Prevalence and Body Site Distribution of Stress Fractures among Female Combat Soldiers in the Israeli Defense Forces: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Schwartz Oren , Abdallah Saeed , Kutikov Sergey , Olsen Cara H. , Dudkiewicz Israel
Published: October 2017

One of the most troublesome overuse injuries is stress fractures, for which female gender is a major risk factor. In 2015, the Israeli government opened identical combat duties for both genders. The purpose of this study is to provide a detailed report regarding the prevalence and characteristics of stress fractures in females that will serve as an evidence-based platform for future policy planning and implementation regarding female integration in combat units. This is a report of a cross-sectional study of 2223 female soldiers recruited to combat units between 2010 and 2013. Data were collected from the Israeli Defense Force's (IDF's) computerized medical consultation records package. Descriptive and analytic statistics were performed to obtain and analyze results. The overall stress fractures rate was 11.6% (258 soldiers). The most frequent site for stress fracture was the distal tibia (215 cases, 83%). The average lost training days due to a stress fracture were 26.6 days. The risk for developing a stress fracture was 2.15 (215%) times higher in the noninfantry group than in the infantry group, ( p = 0.0232, 95% confidence interval 1.346, 4.536). The rate of stress fractures and the consequent lost training days in the IDF are high and necessitate the planning and implementation of a comprehensive intervention policy to reduce overuse injuries and stress fracture rates among female warriors.
Sendai virus recruits cellular villin to remodel actin cytoskeleton during fusion with hepatocytes
Authors: Chandra Sunandini , Kalaivani Raju , Kumar Manoj , Srinivasan Narayanaswamy , Sarkar Debi P.
Published: October 2017

Reconstituted Sendai viral envelopes (virosomes) are well recognized for their promising potential in membrane fusion–mediated delivery of bioactive molecules to liver cells. Despite the known function of viral envelope glycoproteins in catalyzing fusion with cellular membrane, the role of host cell proteins remains elusive. Here, we used two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis to analyze hepatic cells in early response to virosome-induced membrane fusion. Quantitative mass spectrometry together with biochemical analysis revealed that villin, an actin-modifying protein, is differentially up-regulated and phosphorylated at threonine 206—an early molecular event during membrane fusion. We found that villin influences actin dynamics and that this influence, in turn, promotes membrane mixing through active participation of Sendai viral envelope glycoproteins. Modulation of villin in host cells also resulted in a discernible effect on the entry and egress of progeny Sendai virus. Taken together, these results suggest a novel mechanism of regulated viral entry in animal cells mediated by host factor villin.
Big Data in Agriculture: A Challenge for the Future
Authors: Coble Keith H , Mishra Ashok K , Ferrell Shannon , Griffin Terry
Published: October 2017

This article examines the challenge and opportunities of Big Data, and concludes that these technologies will lead to relevant analysis at every stage of the agricultural value chain. Big Data is defined by several characteristics beyond size, particularly, the volume, velocity, variety, and veracity of the data. We discuss a set of analytical techniques that are increasingly relevant to our profession as one addresses these issues. Ultimately, we resolve that agricultural and applied economists are uniquely positioned to contribute to the research and outreach agenda on Big Data. We believe there are relevant policy, farm management, supply chain, consumer demand, and sustainability issues where our profession can make major contributions. The authors are thankful to the anonymous reviewers and editor Craig Gundersen for helpful comments. Support was provided by the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Special Research Initiative.
Flexible fate commitment of E2-2high common DC progenitors implies tuning in tissue microenvironments
Authors: Onai Nobuyuki , Asano Jumpei , Kurosaki Rumiko , Kuroda Shoko , Ohteki Toshiaki
Published: October 2017

The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor E2-2 is essential for the development of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) but not conventional DCs (cDCs). Here, we generated E2-2 reporter mice and demonstrated that an E2-2high fraction among common DC progenitors, which are a major source of pDCs and cDCs in the steady state, strictly gave rise to pDCs in the presence of Flt3 (Fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-3) ligand ex vivo or in the secondary lymphoid organs when transferred in vivo. However, in the small intestine, some of these E2-2high progenitors differentiated into cDCs that produced retinoic acid. This transdifferentiation was driven by signaling via the common β receptor, a receptor for the cytokines IL-3, IL-5 and GM-CSF, which are abundant in the gut. In the presence of GM-CSF and Flt3 ligand, E2-2high-progenitor-derived cDCs consistently induced Foxp3+ Treg cells ex vivo. Our findings reveal the commitment and flexibility of E2-2high progenitor differentiation and imply that pertinent tuning machinery is present in the gut microenvironment.
Quality of Life and Psychosocial Functioning in OCD
Authors: Boisseau Christina L. , Schwartzman Carly M. , Rasmussen Steven A.
Published: October 2017

This chapter examines quality of life (QoL) and psychosocial functioning in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). More specifically, it summarizes recent investigations demonstrating that: (1) OCD negatively impacts multiple areas of life, such as social and family relationships, functioning at work and in the household, and aspects of physical and mental health; (2) the negative relation between OCD and QoL is as great as (or greater than) that observed in other psychiatric disorders and chronic medical conditions; (3) the degree of the QoL impairment is generally proportional to the severity of OCD symptoms; (4) specific OCD symptoms differentially impact aspects of psychosocial functioning; and (5) adequate treatment of OCD is associated with significant improvements in QoL. Finally, the chapter discusses future perspectives involved in the evaluation of QoL in OCD populations and the critical need to address these issues in assessment and treatment of individuals with OCD.
Psychodynamic Perspectives on OCD
Authors: King Robert A.
Published: October 2017

A psychodynamic perspective attempts to understand the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) in terms of excessive, maladaptive efforts to cope with perceived dangers posed by aggressive or sexual impulses and in terms of distorted information processing and rigid cognitive styles that are intolerant of ambiguity. The psychodynamic perspective also sees OC phenomena against the backdrop of normal childhood development and the vicissitudes of conscience formation, as well as culturally defined notions of ordered boundaries/transgressions and cleanliness/pollution. This perspective provides valuable insights into the subjective experience of patients with these disorders. Similarly, although psychodynamic therapy in its classic form appears to be ineffective for the core symptoms of obsessions and compulsions, the psychodynamic approach can be very helpful in understanding what patients make of their symptoms and in forming a therapeutic alliance that facilitates more evidence-based approaches.
Sensory Processing and Intolerance in OCD
Authors: Grimaldi Stephanie J. , Stern Emily R.
Published: October 2017

Patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often exhibit abnormal sensitivity to sensory stimuli and a reduced ability to screen out stimuli that most do not find bothersome. This chapter reviews evidence documenting increased sensitivity to external sensory stimuli (auditory, olfactory, tactile) and reduced sensory gating in patients with OCD. In some individuals such sensitivity can present as a primary symptom. Many patients with OCD also experience sensations that appear to be “internally generated,” including not-just-right experiences, incompleteness, and physical urges; this is the focus of the second half of the chapter. These sensations, termed “sensory phenomena,” cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning and may require different treatments than fear-based obsessions. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion of directions for future research that may provide further insight into the nature of sensory symptoms as well as potential treatments.
Variable Insight in OCD
Authors: Hamblin Rebecca J. , Moonjung Park Jennifer , Wu Monica S. , Storch Eric A.
Published: October 2017

Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often have good insight into the irrational nature of their obsessions and the excessive character of their compulsions, but insight exists along a continuum and is markedly poor in some patients. This chapter reviews the assessment and phenomenological correlates of variable insight in OCD in both pediatric and adult populations. It reviews the definition of insight and its relationship to the evolution of diagnostic criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as the major assessment tools used to measure and quantify insight for clinical and research purposes. The relationships between insight and clinical characteristics of OCD, including symptom severity, comorbidity, and treatment response are reviewed, followed by a review of neurobiological correlates of insight and the relationship between poor insight and schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
Intolerance of Uncertainty in OCD
Authors: Jacoby Ryan J. , Abramowitz Jonathan S.
Published: October 2017

Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is a key cognitive construct in the maintenance of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. Whereas most individuals feel “certain-enough” that situations are relatively safe, those with OCD who have elevated IU have difficulty managing the feeling of not knowing “for sure” whether a feared outcome may occur. As a result, they engage in compulsive rituals (e.g., checking, reassurance seeking) with the aim of restoring a sense of certainty. Given the pervasiveness of uncertainty in daily life, these doubts and rituals can lead to heightened daily distress for individuals with OCD. Accordingly, the present chapter reviews the following: (a) a comprehensive definition of IU, (b) the conceptualization of IU as important in the development and maintenance of OCD across various symptom presentations, (c) the measurement of IU using both self-report and behavioral methods, and (d) recommendations for the consideration of IU in OCD treatment.
Genetics of OCD
Authors: Arnold Paul
Published: October 2017

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often runs in families and has been shown to have significant heritability. It is genetically complex, and two decades of genetic work have not converged on a clear understanding of genetic risk factors. However, accelerating progress in recent years has begun to generate some insights into the genetic architecture of the disorder, and greater clarity is likely to emerge in the coming decade. This chapter summarizes several lines of genetic work, including genome-wide genetic and linkage studies; candidate gene studies; and investigations of gene-environment interactions and of pharmacogenetics. One developing theme is that genetic variance in components of the brain’s glutamate signaling system may contribute to the development of OCD. Advancing understanding of the genetics of OCD may lead to new insights into pathobiology and to new tools to optimize individual treatment.
Neurocircuitry Underlying OCD
Authors: Haber Suzanne N.
Published: October 2017

Structural and functional imaging studies have identified abnormalities in the brains of individuals with OCD. The most consistent findings point to pathology in the circuitry connecting the prefrontal cortex with the basal ganglia, and especially to abnormalities in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), and striatum. This chapter describes the detailed anatomy and interconnectivity of these structures, together with its functional correlates, to provide context for the more detailed treatment of abnormalities seen in OCD provided in the chapters that follow. These corticostriatal circuits are critical for reward processing, reward learning, and action selection, and so disruption in these circuitries in OCD may underlie abnormalities in these domains. Precisely defining the anatomy of these circuits and how it is disrupted in OCD, at both the group and individual level, is increasingly important, as it may help us to optimize anatomically targeted treatment strategies.
Functional Neuroimaging Studies in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Overview and Synthesis
Authors: Brennan Brian P. , Rauch Scott L.
Published: October 2017

Studies using functional neuroimaging have played a critical role in the current understanding of the neurobiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Early studies using positron emission tomography (PET) identified a core cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical circuit that is dysfunctional in OCD. Subsequent studies using behavioral paradigms in conjunction with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have provided additional information about the neural substrates underlying specific psychological processes relevant to OCD. More recently, studies utilizing resting state fMRI have identified abnormal functional connectivity within intrinsic brain networks including the default mode and frontoparietal networks in OCD patients. Although these studies, as a whole, clearly substantiate the model of cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical circuit dysfunction in OCD and support the continued investigation of neuromodulatory treatments targeting these brain regions, there is also growing evidence that brain regions outside this core circuit, particularly frontoparietal regions involved in cognitive control processes, may also play a significant role in the pathophysiology of OCD.
The Structure of the OCD Brain
Authors: Boedhoe Premika S. W. , van den Heuvel Odile A.
Published: October 2017

This chapter summarizes the most consistent findings of structural neuroimaging studies of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and discusses their relationship within the implicated brain networks. The techniques used in these studies are diverse, and include manual tracing of specific regions of interest, whole-brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM) for both gray matter and white matter volume comparisons, FreeSurfer to investigate differences in cortical thickness and subcortical volumes, and other methods such as covariance analyses. Findings on white matter integrity with tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) and in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies are discussed as well.

The literature shows that the pathophysiology of OCD cannot be explained by alterations in function and structure of the classical cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) regions exclusively, but that fronto-limbic and fronto-parietal connections are important as well, and the role of the cerebellum needs more attention in future research.
PANDAS as a Poststreptococcal Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Form of OCD
Authors: Swedo Susan E. , Williams Kyle A.
Published: October 2017

This chapter reviews evidence for an autoimmune etiology in a subset of pediatric OCD cases. The sudden onset of OCD and related symptoms following an infectious illness in youth has been termed Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus, or PANDAS. By analogy with the better-understood syndrome of Sydenham Chorea, it has been hypothesized (as the name implies) that this syndrome derives from the development of brain-reactive autoantibodies after infection. The specifics of this pathophysiology have been difficult to establish, and the syndrome remains somewhat controversial. Nevertheless, treatment with antibiotics and immune-modulating therapies has shown promise in these cases.