bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-dimensional stoichiometric boron carbides with unexpected chemical bonding and promising electronic properties
Authors: Fan Dong , Lu Shaohua , Guo Yundong , Hu Xiaojun
Published: November 2017

We identify two B–C bonding patterns: pyramidal-geometry tetra-coordinated and hexa-coordinated sp2carbon moiety; B4C3has an ultrahigh Young's modulus that can even outperform graphene; the B2C sheet is metallic with a relatively high superconducting transition temperature (Tc≈ 21.20 K).
Quinolinium single crystals with a high optical nonlinearity and unusual out-of-plane polar axis
Authors: Choi Jae-Young , Lee Seung-Jun , Lee Seung-Chul , Jeong Chan-Uk , Jazbinsek Mojca , Yun Hoseop , Kang Bong Joo , Rotermund Fabian , Kwon O-Pil
Published: November 2017

New phenolic quinolinium crystals with very large macroscopic optical nonlinearity and good crystal-growth ability exhibit an out-of-plane polar axis, which is very unusual considering other state-of-the-art organic nonlinear optical crystals exhibiting an in-plane polar axis.
Selection of internal references for qRT-PCR assays of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Liu Yang , Qin Zhaoyu , Cai Lili , Zou Lili , Zhao Jing , Zhong Fan
Published: November 2017

Selecting internal references is important for normalizing the loading quantity of samples in quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). In the present study, a systematic evaluation of reference genes among nine hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines was conducted. After screening the microarray assay data of ten HCC cell lines, 19 candidate reference genes were preselected and then evaluated by qRT-PCR, together with ACTB, GAPDH, HPRT1 and TUBB. The expression evenness of these candidate genes was evaluated using RefFinder. The stabilities of the reference genes were further evaluated under different experimental perturbations in Huh-7 and MHCC-97L, and the applicability of the reference genes was assessed by measuring the mRNA expression of CCND1, CCND3, CDK4 and CDK6 under sorafenib treatment in Huh-7. Results showed that TFG and SFRS4 are among the most reliable reference genes, and ACTB ranks third and acts quite well as a classical choice, whereas GAPDH, HPRT1 and TUBB are not proper reference genes in qRT-PCR assays among the HCC cell lines. SFRS4, YWHAB, SFRS4 and CNPY3 are the most stable reference genes of the MHCC-97L under the perturbations of chemotherapy, oxidative stress, starvation and hypoxia respectively, whereas YWHAB is the most stable one of Huh-7 under all perturbations. GAPDH is recommended as a reference gene under chemotherapy perturbations. YWHAB and UBE2B, TMED2 and TSFM, and GAPDH and TSFM are the two best reference genes under oxidative stress, starvation and hypoxia perturbations respectively. TSFM is stable in both cell lines across all the perturbations.
Baseline information of reproduction parameters of an amphidromous croaker Johnius coitor (Hamilton, 1822) from Ganga river basin, India with special reference to potential influence of climatic variability
Authors: Sarkar Uttam Kumar , Naskar Malay , Roy Koushik , Sudheesan Deepa , Gupta Sandipan , Bose Arun Kumar , Srivastava Pankaj Kumar , Nandy Saurav Kumar , Verma Vinod Kumar , Sarkar Soma Das , Karnatak Gunjan
Published: November 2017

Reproductive biology of female amphidromous croaker Johnius coitor (Hamilton, 1822) was studied for the first time from various freshwater stretches of Ganga river basin, India in relation to climatic variability. The species showed high spatial variation in reproductive phenology and capable of breeding during pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter. Water temperature is the most crucial environmental parameter influencing gonadal maturation and breeding. Generalized additive model (GAM) models revealed water temperature near 23–25 °C as optimum and threshold GSI above 3 units necessary for breeding. Pre-spawning fitness (Kspawn50) and size at 50% maturity (LM50) benchmarked through Kaplan-Meier survival fit estimates were in the range 1.27–1.37 units and 19–24.5 cm respectively. First maturity of females was encountered at 11.4 cm within the size range 7.2–28.5 cm. Egg parameters in mature-ripe females ranged between 0.29–0.80 mm (diameter), 0.05–0.19 mg (weight) and 5687–121 849 eggs (absolute fecundity). Mapping of climate preferendum through LOESS smoothing technique hinted water temperatures <20 °C and >32 °C to be detrimental for attainment of pre-spawning fitness while no dependence on rainfall was observed. Based on the climato-hydrological influence on breeding and regional trends of changing climate along river Ganga, we infer minimal climate driven changes in breeding phenology of this amphidromous fish species. Results of this study may serve as baseline information for future studies assessing climate driven changes and evolutionary adaptations in croakers from river Ganga.
Nickel-Catalyzed Addition of Arylboronic Acids to Alkyl Nitriles for Synthesis of Aryl Ketones in Fluorinated Solvent
Authors: Lu Jian , Tu Dong-Huai , Li Yang , Zhao Bo , Gu Yu-Jie , Wang Bo , Lu Ju-You
Published: November 2017

A mild and efficient nickel-catalyzed addition of arylboronic acids to alkyl nitriles in a fluorinated solvent for the synthesis of various aryl ketones is described. A broad range of arylboronic acids and alkyl nitriles were investigated, and the desired products were obtained with good to excellent yields under the optimized conditions. This method provides an opportunity for the synthesis of aryl ketones from alkyl nitriles, especially acetonitrile, with a non-noble metal catalyst in one pot.
Mandibular Reconstruction Using ProPlan CMF: A Review
Authors: Sasaki Ryo , Rasse Michael
Published: November 2017

ProPlan CMF (Depuy Synthes, Solothurn, Switzerland, and Materialise, Leuven, Belgium) is a computer-aided surgical virtual planning service using an online meeting with professional medical engineers and transfers patient-specific surgical guide to the virtual plan. Moreover, prebent reconstruction plates or patient-specific computer-aided manufacturing-fabricated reconstruction can also be used. This service started in 2011. Currently, it is widely used in Europe. Current status of mandibular reconstruction with ProPlan CMF vertical planning service with the surgical guide was reviewed. The accuracy was excellent in terms of contact of the osteotomized parts and the contact to the remaining skeleton. The authors found that currently, a small number of reports regarding the mandibular reconstruction with virtual planning service and surgical guides are available. These reports also have a small number of cases and short-term follow-up results. In this situation, this review revealed that (1) mainly the resection guides, cutting guides, and patient-specific mandible reconstruction plates were adequately well fitted to the surgical site intraoperatively, (2) the ischemic time might be more reduced than that of the conventional surgery (3) the accuracy of computer-assisted surgery in the mandibular reconstruction was clinically acceptable, and (4) condyle positions after the computer-assisted surgery was mainly normal. The higher additional cost than that of the conventional technique is presently an issue. Large-scale clinical studies and long-term follow-up studies are demanded.
Multiple Sclerosis with Onset Younger Than 10 Years in Turkey
Authors: Yılmaz Ünsal , Konuşkan Bahadır , Gücüyener Kıvılcım , Demir Ercan , Anlar Banu , Öztürk Zeynep ,   The Turkish Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Study Group
Published: November 2017

Objective To identify the demographics, clinical characteristics, disease course, treatment patterns, and disability levels of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with onset under the age of 10 years (early onset multiple sclerosis, EOMS).

Methods EOMS patients were reviewed retrospectively in detailed records from 27 child neurology centers. Patients with preschool (≤7 years) and school age (>7 years) onset were compared.

Results There were 30 children (16 girls, 14 boys) who have disease onset between 4 and 10 (mean8.1 ± 1.8) years. MS was relapsing–remitting in 29 (96.7%) and primary progressive in one (3.3%) of the patients. In patients with onset ≤7 years, motor symptoms (54.5%) and encephalopathy (45.5%) predominated, while in those with onset >7 years brainstem (42.1%), sensory (26.3%), and optic nerve (26.3%) involvement were the most frequent presentations.

Conclusions MS starting ≤7 years differs from the 7–10–year-old group by the higher rate of motor symptoms and more attacks in the first year: the latter suggests a more inflammatory character for EOMS.
Morbidity Associated with Fetal Macrosomia among Women with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: O'Neil Dudley Amy , Mendez-Figueroa Hector , Ellis Viviana , Chen Han-Yang , Chauhan Suneet , Jenner Zachary
Published: November 2017

Objective This article aims to compare the composite maternal and neonatal morbidities (CMM and CNM, respectively) between macrosomic (≥4,000 g) and nonmacrosomic (<4,000 g) newborns among women with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods Maternal demographic and peripartum outcome data (N = 1,260) were collected from a retrospective cohort. CMM included chorioamnionitis/endometritis, wound infection, shoulder dystocia, eclampsia, pulmonary edema, admission for hypoglycemia, 3rd/4th degree perineal laceration, and death. CNM included 5-minute Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity and Respiration (APGAR) score of <4, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, respiratory distress syndrome, mechanical ventilation, intraventricular hemorrhage grade III/IV, necrotizing enterocolitis stage II/III, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, sepsis, seizures, hyperbilirubinemia, and death. Multivariable Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to calculate adjusted relative risk (aRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results The study population consisted of 967 subjects, including 854 (88.3%) nonmacrosomic and 113 (11.7%) macrosomic infants. After adjustment, the risk of CMM was higher among macrosomic deliveries (aRR = 4.08, 95% CI = 2.45–6.80). The risk of CNM was also higher among macrosomic deliveries (aRR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.39–2.24). Macrosomia was associated with an increased risk in NICU admission, hypoglycemia, and hyperbilirubinemia.

Conclusion Among DM deliveries, macrosomia was associated with a fourfold higher risk of CMM and almost twofold higher risk of CNM.
Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Setting of a Well-Fixed Cup: Early Report on the Cup-in-Cup Technique
Authors: Nam Denis , Haynes Jacob , Sassoon Adam , Bohnenkamp Frank , Barrack Robert , Nunley Ryan , Stambough Jeffrey
Published: November 2017

When faced with a well-fixed acetabular component during revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the setting of recurrent instability, reconstructive options are limited, and consequences can prove dire if removal leads to severe bone loss or pelvic discontinuity. Our aims are to report the surgical technique, early survivorship, radiographic improvements, and complications on a consecutive, retrospective series of 13 hips in 12 patients who were treated with a cup-in-cup surgical technique to address multiply recurrent dislocations in the setting of a well-fixed cup. If determined to be stable and acceptably positioned upon intraoperative assessment, the acetabular component is retained, a second shell is cemented into the preexisting cup, and a dual mobility or standard polyethylene liner bearing is utilized. At 2-year minimum follow-up, the cup-in-cup arthroplasty exhibited an overall 85% survivorship. Two subjects required subsequent revisions: one for infection and one for ongoing instability in the setting of general noncompliance. No revisions were performed for loosening of the cup-in-cup interface. The median affected leg length was increased by 2.8 mm (p = 0.04) and horizontal offset improved by an average of 6.9 mm (p < 0.001). There were a total of four dislocations in two subjects after cup-in-cup revision arthroplasty with no failures at the cup–cup cement interface. Our series demonstrates acceptable early outcomes in terms of improved stability and decreasing the need for further revision surgery while utilizing the cup-in-cup revision arthroplasty technique in situations of recurrent dislocations.
Die Bedeutung von Arbeitsmotivation für den Reha-Erfolg
Authors: Kessemeier Franziska , Stöckler Christiane , Petermann Franz , Bassler Markus , Pfeiffer Wolfgang , Kobelt Axel
Published: November 2017

Ziel der Studie Neben der Symptomreduktion und der Wiederherstellung von Arbeitsfähigkeit ist die Rückkehr ins Erwerbsleben langfristiges Ziel medizinischer Rehabilitation. Die vorliegende Studie soll klären, welche Bedeutung Arbeitsmotivation für den Rehabilitationsoutcome hat.

Methodik Datengrundlage bilden N=998 Rehabilitanden der psychosomatischen Abteilung des Rehazentrum Oberharz sowie Daten aus den Versichertenkonten der Deutschen Rentenversicherung. Mittels multiplen linearen Regressionsanalysen wird untersucht, ob und in welchem Umfang Aspekte der Arbeitsmotivation Behandlungsergebnisse vorhersagen können.

Ergebnisse Werden der Erwerbsstatus im Jahr vor der Rehabilitation und die subjektive Erwerbsprognose berücksichtigt, trägt die Arbeitsmotivation lediglich in geringem Maße zur Varianzaufklärung des Rehabilitationsoutcomes bei. Für die Vorhersage des Reha-Erfolgs, im Sinne einer Symptomreduktion, kommt ihr eine geringe prädiktive Bedeutung zu. Einzelne Aspekte der Arbeitsmotivation eignen sich, um den Reha-Erfolg vorherzusagen. Patienten mit arbeitsmotivationalem Risikoprofil unterscheiden sich von Patienten mit arbeitsmotivationalem Normalprofil hinsichtlich ihrer Erwerbsfähigkeit im Jahr nach der Reha.

Schlussfolgerungen Die Arbeitsmotivation stellt zwar für den Rehabilitationserfolg ein relevantes Konstrukt dar, ist aber stark von individuellen Faktoren abhängig. Die Rehabilitation sollte durch zusätzliche psychotherapeutische Angebote die individuellen Probleme, die die Arbeitsmotivation beeinflussen, stärker berücksichtigen.
Spektrum und Häufigkeit von ADHS-Syndromen und Teilleistungsstörungen bei Patienten in der psychosomatischen Rehabilitation
Authors: Linden Michael , Noack Nils , Köllner Volker
Published: November 2017

Hintergrund ADHS (Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-Hyperaktivitätsstörungen) und TLS (Teilleistungsstörungen) sind von unmittelbarer sozialmedizinischer Relevanz, stellen jedoch einige diagnostische Probleme. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie ist die Häufigkeit und das Spektrum von ADHS und TLS bei Patienten in psychosomatischer Rehabilitation zu beschreiben.

Methode 1453 Patienten einer psychosomatischen Rehaklinik wurden mit dem ADHS-Selbstbeurteilungsbogen und dem MCD-TLS-Fragebogen hinsichtlich selbstberichteter ADHS- und Teilleistungsstörungen untersucht. Es wurde die Prävalenz berechnet in Abhängigkeit von unterschiedlichen Intensitätsgraden der vorliegenden Symptome.

Ergebnisse Unter Berücksichtigung der manualgetreuen Datenauswertung sind nach dem ADHS-SB 49,5% der Patienten ADHS-verdächtig, bei mittlerer bis schwerer Itemintensität 14,6% und bei Berücksichtigung der eindeutigen Klagen (Ausprägung „schwer (3)“) 1,0% der Patienten. ADHS Patienten berichten über Aktivitäts- und Aufmerksamkeitsprobleme hinaus auch über Störungen der Orientierung, Mnestik, Kognitionen, Emotionsregulation, vegetativen Stabilität und Motorik.

Diskussion ADHS-Symptome und Teilleistungsstörungen sind bei Patienten in der psychosomatischen Rehabilitation häufig zu beobachten. ADHS ist nur ein Teil eines breiteren Spektrums an Teilleistungsstörungen, die alle Beachtung finden müssen, da diese je nach Kontextanforderungen alle zu sozialmedizinischen Teilhabebeeinträchtigungen führen können.
Successful Treatment of Estrogen Excess in Primary Bilateral Macronodular Adrenocortical Hyperplasia with Leuprolide Acetate
Authors: Hannah-Shmouni Fady , Moraitis Andreas , Romero Vladimir , Faucz Fabio , Mastroyannis Spyridon , Berthon Annabel , Failor Richard , Merino Maria , Demidowich Andrew , Stratakis Constantine
Published: November 2017

Primary bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia (PBMAH) is an uncommon cause of adrenal Cushing syndrome (CS) in which cortisol and occasionally other steroid hormones can be secreted under the influence of aberrantly expressed G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the adrenal cortex. We describe the unique case of a 64-year-old postmenopausal female with PBMAH whose adrenal lesions expressed luteinizing hormone receptors (LHr). She presented initially with CS and underwent right adrenalectomy; a few years later she presented with macromastia and mastodynia, possibly due to estrogen excess from her remaining left adrenocortical masses. Testing before and after treatment with quarterly leuprolide acetate therapy and immunohistochemistry on tissue and targeted sequencing of the genes of interest were performed. Tissue from the patient’s right adrenal was tested for P450 aromatase (CYP19A1) and LHr expression; both were expressed throughout the hyperplastic cortex, although expression was more intense in the adenomatous areas. Targeted sequencing revealed a pathogenic PDE11A mutation, as well as variants in the ARMC5 and INHA genes. PDE11A expression was decreased in the adenoma but there was no loss of heterozygosity for the PDE11A locus. Because of the clinical presentation and LHr expression, quarterly leuprolide acetate therapy was started. Shortly after initiation of therapy, the patient reported decreased breast size and pain; she remains well controlled to date, after 10 years of treatment. This is the first description of a patient with PBMAH presenting with severe macromastia and mastodynia from what appears to be excess estrogen production from her adrenal tumor. The patient had a long-lasting response to chronic leuprolide acetate treatment, showing that drug therapy exploiting the aberrant receptor expression in PBMAH is possible even in the absence of cortisol overproduction.
Serum Vitamin D Status, Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphism, and Glucose Homeostasis in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Mayer Otto , Seidlerová Jitka , Černá Václava , Kučerová Alena , Karnosová Petra , Hronová Markéta , Wohlfahrt Peter , Fuchsová Radka , Filipovský Jan , Cífková Renata , Topolčan Ondřej , Pešta Martin
Published: November 2017

Low vitamin D status has been frequently associated with impaired glucose metabolism. We examined associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) and several parameters of glucose homeostasis in virtually healthy subjects, and explored possible interaction with vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphism. Nondiabetic subjects without chronic medication or any known significant manifest disease were selected from large general-population based population survey. Insulin sensitivity and β cell secretion were calculated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and soluble isoform of receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) using commercial ELISA. Subjects were also genotyped for rs2228570 polymorphism of VDR. After adjustment for potential confounders, we observed a significant relationship between 25-OH-D and fasting glycemia (β coefficient=–5.904; p=0.002) or insulin sensitivity (β=0.042; p=0.001), but not with β cell secretion or sRAGE. We found also an interaction with VDR polymorphism. Subjects with low 25-OH-D and AA genotype had significantly lower insulin sensitivity than those with GG genotype plus highest 25-OH-D concentrations (107.3% vs. 183.9%, p=0.021). In conclusion, low vitamin D status was in virtually healthy subjects associated with decreased insulin sensitivity, namely in those with GG genotype of rs2228570 VDR polymorphism.
Enhancement of thermopower in GaN by ion irradiation and possible mechanisms
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Dhillon Jyotsna , Meena R. C. , Kumar Parmod , Asokan K. , Singh R. , Kanjilal D.
Published: November 2017

A detailed analysis of defect assisted transport properties of GaN after irradiation is carried out. Unintentionally doped GaN samples were irradiated by a 100 MeV oxygen ion beam and a 200 MeV silver ion beam at various fluences between 1 × 1010 ions/cm2 and 5 × 1011 ions/cm2. Thermopower and Hall effect measurements were done on pristine and irradiated GaN samples at variable temperatures. An increase in the thermopower with temperature as well as on irradiation (with respect to pristine GaN) was observed. Electrical conductivity and Hall mobility decreased on irradiation, suggesting scattering of charge carriers due to the formation of defects. A qualitative study of activation energy due to thermopower and conductivity is done by the scattering mechanism using different theoretical models to determine the transport path of the carriers. The observed increase in thermopower of GaN after irradiation suggests a probable hopping mechanism due to the presence of energy levels in the bandgap.
Study on the stability and reliability of Clinotron at Y-band
Authors: Li Shuang , Wang Jianguo , Chen Zaigao , Wang Guangqiang , Wang Dongyang , Teng Yan
Published: November 2017

To improve the stability and reliability of Clinotron at the Y-band, some key issues are researched, such as the synchronous operating mode, the heat accumulation on the slow-wave structure, and the errors in micro-fabrication. By analyzing the dispersion relationship, the working mode is determined as the TM10 mode. The problem of heat dissipation on a comb is researched to make a trade-off on the choice of suitable working conditions, making sure that the safety and efficiency of the device are guaranteed simultaneously. The study on the effect of tolerance on device's performance is also conducted to determine the acceptable error during micro-fabrication. The validity of the device and the cost for fabrication are both taken into consideration. At last, the performance of Clinotron under the optimized conditions demonstrates that it can work steadily at 315.89 GHz and the output power is about 12 W, showing advanced stability and reliability.
Spontaneous emission enhancement of colloidal perovskite nanocrystals by a photonic crystal cavity
Authors: Yang Zhili , Pelton Matthew , Bodnarchuk Maryna I. , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Waks Edo
Published: November 2017

We demonstrate coupling of lead halide perovskite nanocrystals to a nanophotonic cavity. From photoluminescence measurements, we observe a factor of 10 enhancement in brightness from the cavity mode emission. We perform room temperature time-resolved lifetime measurements that demonstrate an average spontaneous emission rate enhancement of 2.9 for perovskite nanocrystals within the cavity as compared to those located on the unpatterned surfaces. Our method provides a way towards realizing efficient light emitters and low-threshold lasers, as well as fast nonlinear optical devices, using solution processable materials.
Effect of enhanced dissipation by shear flows on transient relaxation and probability density function in two dimensions
Authors: Kim Eun-jin , Movahedi Ismail
Published: November 2017

We report a non-perturbative study of the effects of shear flows on turbulence reduction in a decaying turbulence in two dimensions. By considering different initial power spectra and shear flows (zonal flows, streamers and zonal flows, and streamers combined), we demonstrate how shear flows rapidly generate small scales, leading to a fast damping of turbulence amplitude. In particular, a double exponential decrease in the turbulence amplitude is shown to occur due to an exponential increase in wavenumber. The scaling of the effective dissipation time scale τe, previously taken to be a hybrid time scale τe∝τΩ2/3τη, is shown to depend on types of shear flow as well as the initial power spectrum. Here, τΩ and τη are shearing and molecular diffusion times, respectively. Furthermore, we present time-dependent Probability Density Functions (PDFs) and discuss the effect of enhanced dissipation on PDFs and a dynamical time scale τ(t), which represents the time scale over which a system passes through statistically different states.
Host (–)-(2R,3R)-2,3-Dimethoxy-1,1,4,4-tetraphenylbutane-1,4-diol and Guests Aniline, N-Methylaniline, and N,N-Dimethylaniline: A Selectivity Study
Authors: Barton Benita , Hosten Eric C. , Pohl Pieter L.
Published: November 2017

The compound (–)-(2R,3R)-2,3-dimethoxy-1,1,4,4-tetraphenylbutane-1,4-diol (DMT) forms 2 : 1 host : guest complexes with aniline, N-methylaniline, and N,N-dimethylaniline when recrystallized from these solvents. When the guests competed, as in binary and ternary mixtures, DMT proved to be remarkably selective for the alkylated guests, discriminating consistently against aniline. A host selectivity order of aniline << N-methylaniline < N,N-dimethylaniline was observed. Results from single-crystal diffraction, Hirshfeld surface, and thermal analyses were used to explain the observed preference order. This investigation shows that using the realm of supramolecular chemistry may have future application in the separation of these anilines.
Synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveals antimony sequestration by reduced sulfur in a freshwater wetland sediment
Authors: Bennett William W. , Hockmann Kerstin , Johnston Scott G. , Burton Edward D.
Published: November 2017

Environmental contextAntimony is an environmental contaminant of increasing concern, due to its growing industrial usage in flame retardants, lead alloys, glass, ceramics and plastics. Here we show, using X-ray absorption spectroscopy, that antimony may be trapped in wetland sediments by reduced sulfur. This finding has implications for the management and remediation of wetlands contaminated with antimony.
AbstractThe biogeochemistry of antimony (Sb) in wetland sediments is poorly characterised, despite their importance as contaminant sinks. The organic-rich, reducing nature of wetland sediments may facilitate sequestration mechanisms that are not typically present in oxic soils, where the majority of research to date has taken place. Using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), we present evidence of antimony speciation being dominated by secondary antimony–sulfur phases in a wetland sediment. Our results demonstrate that, by incorporating a newly developed SbIII–organic sulfur reference standard, linear combination fitting analysis of antimony K-edge XAS spectra and robust statistical assessment of fit quality allows the reliable discrimination of SbIII coordination environments. We found that a contaminated wetland sediment in New South Wales, Australia, contained 57% of the total antimony as SbIII–phases, with 44% present as a highly-disordered antimony phase, likely consisting of SbIII complexed by organic sulfur (e.g. thiols) or an amorphous SbIII sulfide (e.g. SbS3). The methodological approach outlined in this study and our identification of the importance of reduced sulfur in sequestering antimony has implications for future research in the area of antimony biogeochemistry, and for the management of both natural and artificial wetlands contaminated with antimony.
Speaker gaze increases information coupling between infant and adult brains
Authors: Leong Victoria , Byrne Elizabeth , Clackson Kaili , Georgieva Stanimira , Lam Sarah , Wass Sam
Published: November 2017

Significance

During communication, social ostensive signals (like gaze) are exchanged in a temporally contingent manner. Synchronized behavior creates social connectedness within human dyads, and even infants synchronize behaviorally with adults. However, the neural mechanisms that support infant–adult synchronization are unknown. Here, we provide evidence that infants up-regulate neural synchronization with adult partners when offered direct ostensive gaze, as compared with gaze aversion. Gaze therefore brings infant–adult neural activity into mutual alignment, creating a joint-networked state that may facilitate communicative success. Further, infants’ own communicative attempts were positively associated with adults’ neural synchronization to them, indicating mutual regulation of synchronization within infant–adult dyads. Thus, interpersonal neural synchronization may provide a mechanism by which infants construct their own earliest social networks.
On the role of the corpus callosum in interhemispheric functional connectivity in humans
Authors: Roland Jarod L. , Snyder Abraham Z. , Hacker Carl D. , Mitra Anish , Shimony Joshua S. , Limbrick David D. , Raichle Marcus E. , Smyth Matthew D. , Leuthardt Eric C.
Published: November 2017

Significance

The relation between structural and functional connectivity has profound implications for our understanding of cerebral physiology and cognitive neuroscience. Yet, this relation remains incompletely understood. Cases in which the corpus callosum is sectioned for medical reasons provide a unique opportunity to study this question. We report functional connectivity assessed before and after surgical section of the corpus callosum, including multiyear follow-up in a limited subsample. Our results demonstrate a causal role for the corpus callosum in maintaining functional connectivity between the hemispheres. Additionally, comparison of results obtained in complete vs. partial callosotomy demonstrate that polysynaptic connections also play a role in maintaining interhemispheric functional connectivity.
Evaluative language in medical discourse
Authors: Bellés-Fortuño Begoña
Published: November 2017

Academic spoken discourse has been a dominant issue for discourse studies researchers for the last 25 years or so. Different spoken academic genres have been analysed (Swales, 1990,2004;Berkenkotter and Huckin, 1995;Bhatia, 2001,2002;Mauranen, 2001;Juzwik, 2004;Crawford-Camiciottoli, 2004,2007; among others) thanks to the compilation and the easy access to electronic spoken corpora. This study focuses on the genre of lecture as “the central ritual of the culture of learning” (Benson, 1994) in higher education. Here, I analyse the use of evaluative language in medical discourse lectures. A contrastive study between Spanish and English medical lectures is carried out. To my knowledge, little attention has been paid to the analysis of evaluative language in medical discourse. The present study employs a quantitative and a qualitative approach to analyse four Spanish and English medical discourse lectures with an average of 35,000 words. The English lectures have been taken from the Michigan Corpus of Academic and Spoken English (MICASE) and the Spanish lectures have been recorded and transcribed in the Degree in Medicine course at a Spanish university for the purpose of this study. Corpus analysis tools have been used to analyse attitudinal language expressing explicit evaluation. The findings show similarities and also differences in the use of evaluative markers in academic medical discourse.
Development and differentiation of early innate lymphoid progenitors
Authors: Harly Christelle , Cam Maggie , Kaye Jonathan , Bhandoola Avinash
Published: November 2017

Early innate lymphoid progenitors (EILPs) have recently been identified in mouse adult bone marrow as a multipotential progenitor population specified toward innate lymphoid cell (ILC) lineages, but their relationship with other described ILC progenitors is still unclear. In this study, we examine the progenitor–successor relationships between EILPs, all-lymphoid progenitors (ALPs), and ILC precursors (ILCps). Functional, bioinformatic, phenotypical, and genetic approaches collectively establish EILPs as an intermediate progenitor between ALPs and ILCps. Our work additionally provides new candidate regulators of ILC development and clearly defines the stage of requirement of transcription factors key for early ILC development.
Cryogenic flow rate measurement with a laser Doppler velocimetry standard
Authors: Maury R , Strzelecki A , Auclercq C , Lehot Y , Loubat S , Chevalier J , Ben Rayana F , Olsen Å A F , Chupin G
Published: November 2017

A very promising alternative to the state-of-the-art static volume measurements for liquefied natural gas (LNG) custody transfer processes is the dynamic principle of flow metering. As the Designated Institute (DI) of the LNE (‘Laboratoire National de métrologie et d’Essais’, being the French National Metrology Institute) for high-pressure gas flow metering, Cesame–Exadebit is involved in various research and development programs. Within the framework of the first (2010–2013) and second (2014–2017) EURAMET Joint Research Project (JRP), named ‘Metrological support for LNG custody transfer and transport fuel applications’, Cesame–Exadebit explored a novel cryogenic flow metering technology using laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) as an alternative to ultrasonic and Coriolis flow metering.

Cesame–Exadebit is trying to develop this technique as a primary standard for cryogenic flow meters. Currently, cryogenic flow meters are calibrated at ambient temperatures with water. Results are then extrapolated to be in the Reynolds number range of real applications. The LDV standard offers a unique capability to perform online calibration of cryogenic flow meters in real conditions (temperature, pressure, piping and real flow disturbances). The primary reference has been tested on an industrial process in a LNG terminal during truck refuelling. The reference can calibrate Coriolis flow meters being used daily with all the real environmental constraints, and its utilisation is transparent for LNG terminal operators.

The standard is traceable to Standard International units and the combined extended uncertainties have been determined and estimated to be lower than 0.6% (an ongoing improvement to reducing the correlation function uncertainty, which has a major impact in the uncertainty estimation).
Studying third-parties and environments: New Zealand sun-safety research
Authors: Gage Ryan , Leung William , Stanley James , Reeder Anthony , Mackay Christina , Chambers Tim , Smith Moira , Barr Michelle , Signal Louise
Published: November 2017

Wearable cameras have been used to study health behaviours, but their utility in assessing third-party behaviours and the built environment is uncertain. This paper reports on the feasibility of using wearable cameras for this purpose in a study of sun-protective behaviours and shade availability during school lunch-breaks. The Kids’Cam study provided 168 children (aged 11–13 years), recruited from 16 randomly selected schools in the Wellington region of New Zealand, with wearable cameras. The devices automatically captured images every 7 s from the child’s perspective. Images captured during school lunch-breaks by a random sample of 15 children who took part during terms 4 and 1 (October 2014–April 2015) were selected and assessed for usability. The feasibility of studying third-party sun-protective behaviours and school shade availability was assessed for a subset of 320 images. Of the 3492 eligible lunch-break images, 96.4% were useable; the remainders were excluded due to obstruction, blurriness or unsuitable camera position. Overall, 1278 children and 108 shade structures were observed in the sample images. The use of shade, hats, sleeves, collars and sunglasses could be determined for 97.0%, 77.2%, 74.4%, 47.6% and 54.9% of children, respectively. All shade structures could be classified according to type, and canopy composition could be assessed for 95.4% of structures. Wearable cameras are a feasible tool for assessing sun-safety, particularly shade availability, hat wearing and shade use. This methodology could be used to objectively study other third-party health-related behaviours, and other features of the built environment.
Bio-inspired superwettable materials: an interview with Lei Jiang
Authors: Zhao Weijie
Published: November 2017

Scientists have been aware of the phenomenon of superwettability for more than two centuries. In 1805, British scientist Thomas Young introduced the concept of the contact angle to evaluate the wettability of liquid on a solid material surface. Superwettable materials have only become a fast-developing research area over the past two decades, with scientists beginning to investigate and mimic the micro-/nanostructures of natural superwettable materials. Elucidation of the micro-/nanostructures of natural superwettable materials, from superhydrophobic lotus leaves and superhydrophilic spider silk to superoleophobic (oil-repelling) fish scales, has greatly propelled the development of this field. Superwettable materials have found wide applications such as liquid–liquid separation, sensors and energy conversion devices. Lei Jiang, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a fellow of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and a foreign member of the US National Academy of Engineering, is a pioneer in the field of bio-inspired superwettable materials. He proposed the ‘binary cooperative complementary principle’ that nanoscale structural arrangements of two materials with complementary properties can result in functional macroscopic materials, which provided a framework for the design of superwettable materials. In this recent NSR interview, Jiang discussed the theory and applications of this field over the past two decades, and reflected upon innovative scientific research in general.
Fluency in Nursing Education and Simulation: A Concept Analysis
Authors: Lewis Audra
Published: November 2017

AIM

The aim of the study was to realign how nurses view simulation in nursing education as a means of facilitating fluency in knowledge and action to promote expertise in practice.

BACKGROUND

Nursing expertise is attained by translating complex phenomena across multiple representations and by constructing meaning through experience. Simulation provides learners the experiences necessary to develop fluency in thought and action.

METHOD

Procedures outlined by Hupcey and Penrod (2005) and Walker and Avant (2011) were used to identify uses, defining attributes, philosophical assumptions, contextual factors, and values of the concept.

RESULTS

Use of simulation to promote representational fluency in other disciplines fosters deep conceptual understanding and skillfulness, which prepares learners to perform with fluidity and expertise.

CONCLUSION

The association between representational fluency and simulation introduces nurse educators to a way of thinking about how novices learn to think and act like experts. Further research is recommended.
Clinical Evidence for Any Effect of Anesthesia on the Developing Brain
Authors: Davidson Andrew J. , Sun Lena S.
Published: November 2017

A recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration warning advised that prolonged or repeated exposure to general anesthetics may affect neurodevelopment in children. This warning is based on a wealth of preclinical animal studies and relatively few human studies. The human studies include a variety of different populations with several different outcome measures. Interpreting the results requires consideration of the outcome used, the power of the study, the length of exposure and the efforts to reduce the confounding effects of comorbidity and surgery. Most, but not all, of the large population-based studies find evidence for associations between surgery in early childhood and slightly worse subsequent academic achievement or increased risk for later diagnosis of a behavioral disability. In several studies, the amount of added risk is very small; however, there is some evidence for a greater association with multiple exposures. These results may be consistent with the preclinical data, but the possibility of confounding means the positive associations can only be regarded as weak evidence for causation. Finally, there is strong evidence that brief exposure is not associated with any long term risk in humans.
Blistering and Skin Fragility Due to Imatinib Therapy: Loss of Laminin and Collagen IV as a Possible Cause of Cutaneous Basement Membrane Instability
Authors: Mühl Sebastian , Ehrchen Jan , Metze Dieter
Published: November 2017

Imatinib mesylate (Glivec; Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor which is used in the treatment of oncologic diseases like chronic myeloid leukemia and gastrointestinal stroma tumor (GIST). Among cutaneous side effects, bullous reactions are rare. The authors describe the case of a 66-year-old woman developing blistering and skin fragility on her hands, foot, lower legs, and back after intake of imatinib for treatment of GIST. Biopsy showed vacuolar alteration at the dermoepidermal junction (DEJ) associated with a few lymphocytes and a subepidermal blister. The upper papillary dermis below the vacuolar alteration and below the blister showed hyalinization and loss of elastic microfibrils. Direct immunofluorescence was negative for deposits of immunoglobulins. Immunofluorescence on cryosections revealed loss of laminin and collagen IV in vacuoles at the DEJ. Electron microscopy showed dissolution of lamina lucida and lamina densa of the basement membrane below as well as next to the vacuoles and blister. In conclusion, the authors present the first patient with GIST with blistering and skin fragility due to imatinib therapy. As a pathophysiological explanation the authors propose loss of laminin and collagen IV at the DEJ leading to basement membrane instability and blistering. This case also suggests additional features reminiscent of lichen sclerosus induced by imatinib, a drug which is actually known for its antifibrotic effects.
OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY OF THE FOVEAL AVASCULAR ZONE IN CHILDREN WITH A HISTORY OF TREATMENT-REQUIRING RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY
Authors: Nonobe Norie , Kaneko Hiroki , Ito Yasuki , Takayama Kei , Kataoka Keiko , Tsunekawa Taichi , Matsuura Toshiyuki , Suzumura Ayana , Shimizu Hideyuki , Terasaki Hiroko
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

To examine the characteristics of the foveal vascular structure of patients with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) by optical coherence tomography angiography.

Methods:

Ten patients with a history of laser photocoagulation or cryopexy treatment for Stage 3 (Zone ≥ II) ROP and 10 normal subjects (controls) were included. Foveal avascular zone, vessel density, vessel length, and vascular diameter index were measured by optical coherence tomography angiography using the 3 × 3-mm Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) sectors.

Results:

The median foveal avascular zone values of the patients with ROP and controls were 0.103 mm2 and 0.260 mm2, respectively (P = 0.0025). The medians of the vessel density, vessel length, and vascular diameter index of the patients with ROP were 0.218 mm2/mm2, 11.75 mm/mm2, and 18.00 μm, respectively, in ETDRS Sector 1 and did not significantly differ from those of the controls (P = 0.940, 0.733, and 0.705, respectively). For the average of ETDRS Sectors 2 to 5, the medians of the vessel density, vessel length, and vascular diameter index for the patients with ROP were 0.347 mm2/mm2, 18.95 mm/mm2, and 18.28 μm, respectively; vessel density and vessel length were significantly smaller than those of the controls (P = 0.002 and 0.003, respectively), but there was no significant difference in vascular diameter index (P = 0.286).

Conclusion:

Optical coherence tomography angiography–guided foveal avascular zone was significantly smaller in patients with ROP than in controls. Our results indicate that foveal vascular development may be altered in patients with a history of treatment-requiring ROP.
CHARACTERIZATION AND CORRELATION OF “JAMPOL DOTS” ON ADAPTIVE OPTICS WITH FOVEAL GRANULARITY ON CONVENTIONAL FUNDUS IMAGING
Authors: Onishi Alex C. , Roberts Philipp K. , Jampol Lee M. , Nesper Peter L. , Fawzi Amani A.
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

To describe features characteristic of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) using adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO).

Methods:

Six women (seven eyes) who presented with MEWDS between June 2014 and April 2017 underwent ophthalmologic examinations and multimodal imaging including infrared, AOSLO, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

Results:

Bright hyperreflective lesions on AOSLO throughout the course of MEWDS could be correlated to the hyperreflective dots of foveal granularity on infrared imaging without apparent corresponding changes on spectral domain optical coherence tomography. During the acute phase of MEWDS, extrafoveal hyperreflective dots were also visible on AOSLO and infrared and were associated with accumulations of hyperreflective material above the retinal pigment epithelium on spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

Conclusion:

Foveal granularity on conventional fundus imaging could be correlated with hyperreflective lesions visible on AOSLO. We hypothesize that these hyperreflective lesions, “Jampol dots,” are the foveal corollaries of the same process associated with the classic “dot” lesions in MEWDS. Based on the intact photoreceptor mosaic on AOSLO, we surmise that this material is accumulating at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium.
VASCULAR REMODELING OF CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION AFTER ANTI–VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR THERAPY VISUALIZED ON OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY
Authors: Miere Alexandra , Butori Pauline , Cohen Salomon Y. , Semoun Oudy , Capuano Vittorio , Jung Camille , Souied Eric H.
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

To describe the qualitative and quantitative changes in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) flow pattern after anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods:

Consecutive patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration underwent multimodal imaging, including OCTA at initial examination and at last visit. High-flow networks in the choriocapillaris segmentation of OCTA were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed at baseline and at follow-up, to characterize vascular flow changes after anti–vascular endothelial growth factor treatment and to correlate these changes with final exudation signs on spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

Results:

Seventeen eyes were included. Mean follow-up was of 11.7 ± 3.3 months. Baseline images showed six medusa pattern (35.3%), four seafan pattern (23.5%), and seven indistinct network patterns (41.2%). Mean CNV area at baseline was 1.58 ± 1.72 mm2. Final OCTA images revealed a decrease in CNV total area of 21.6%. In 6/17 eyes, the baseline neovascular pattern was unchanged; these cases were associated with exudation at the final spectral domain optical coherence tomography examination (P = 0.034) and a decrease in CNV area of 34.1%. Conversely, in 11/17 eyes (64.7%), the initial pattern had changed to a pruned vascular tree pattern, with variable exudative status on spectral domain optical coherence tomography at the final visit and a decrease in total CNV area of 0.07%.

Conclusion:

The vascular flow remodeling induced by recurrent anti–vascular endothelial growth factor treatment can be assessed by OCTA. Optical coherence tomography angiography may help to accurately evaluate treatment response and to recognize patterns usually associated with recurrent exudative activity.