bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CEO Turnovers and Disruptions in Customer–Supplier Relationships
Authors: Intintoli Vincent J. , Serfling Matthew , Shaikh Sarah
Published: December 2017

Events that disrupt customer–supplier relationships pose a source of risk for suppliers that depend on a customer for a large portion of their revenues. We identify the replacement of a customer’s chief executive officer (CEO) as a disruptive event that results in suppliers losing substantial sales. These losses are greater when an incumbent customer CEO is more likely to be entrenched and stem largely from the successor divesting assets. Finally, we document that losses in sales following a customer CEO turnover lead to declines in a supplier’s financial performance and that suppliers experience negative abnormal stock returns to announcements of customer CEO departures.
Surgical and interventional radiological management of adult epistaxis: systematic review
Authors: Swords C , Patel A , Smith M E , Williams R J , Kuhn I , Hopkins C
Published: December 2017

Background:

There is variation regarding the use of surgery and interventional radiological techniques in the management of epistaxis. This review evaluates the effectiveness of surgical artery ligation compared to direct treatments (nasal packing, cautery), and that of embolisation compared to direct treatments and surgery.

Method:

A systematic review of the literature was performed using a standardised published methodology and custom database search strategy.

Results:

Thirty-seven studies were identified relating to surgery, and 34 articles relating to interventional radiology. For patients with refractory epistaxis, endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation had the most favourable adverse effect profile and success rate compared to other forms of surgical artery ligation. Endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation and embolisation had similar success rates (73–100 per cent and 75–92 per cent, respectively), although embolisation was associated with more serious adverse effects (risk of stroke, 1.1–1.5 per cent). No articles directly compared the two techniques.

Conclusion:

Trials comparing endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation to embolisation are required to better evaluate the clinical and economic effects of intervention in epistaxis.
Ad-Hoc Aesthetics: Context-dependent composition strategies in music and sound art
Authors: Koutsomichalis Marinos
Published: December 2017

Contemporary trains of thought largely denounce hylomorphism and a series of dichotomies of the past in favour of rather hybrid, all-inclusive and non-anthropocentric schemata. Yet, the former seem to still pervade our understanding of music and sound art in several respects. For many, composition is a primarily abstract process, musical instruments and audio-related technologies are fixed material means, and artists are creative individuals who are solely and primarily responsible for the artworks they produce. In this article a series of ad hoc and context-dependent compositional traits are scrutinised, with reference to theory as well as to actual artistic practice (both historical and contemporary), and are shown to transcend such assumptions in more or less straightforward ways. In particular, a series of practices is examined that revolves around material inquiry, anti-optimality, and hybrid, reflexive or ‘meta’ interfaces. More, DIWO (Do It With Others) approaches to composition are discussed and shown to echo adhocracy and contextual dependency in various respects and by means of emergent autopoiesis. Certain slants to DIWO are finally examined with respect to a series of powerful (in the author’s opinion) metaphors, namely emergence, transience and post-selfhood.
Sonic Autoethnographies: Personal listening as compositional context
Authors: Findlay-Walsh Iain
Published: December 2017

This article discusses a range of self-reflexive tendencies in field recording, soundscape composition and studio production, and explores examples of sonic practices and works in which the personal listening experiences of the composer are a key contextual and compositional element. As broad areas for discussion, particular attention is given tosoundscape composition as self-narrative(exploring the representation of the recordist in soundscape works) and toproducing the hyperreal and the liminal(considering spatial characteristics of contemporary auditory experience and their consequences for sonic practice). The discussion then focuses on the specific application of autoethnographic research methods to the practice and the understanding of soundscape composition. Compositional strategies employed in two recent pieces by the author are considered in detail. The aim of this discussion is to link autoethnography to specific ideas about sound and listening, and to some tendencies in field recording, soundscape composition and studio production, while also providing context for the discussion of the author’s own practice and works. In drawing together this range of ideas, methods and work, sonic autoethnography is aligned with an emerging discourse around reflexive, embodied sound work.
Household access to traditional and indigenous foods positively associated with food security and dietary diversity in Botswana
Authors: Kasimba Salome Nduku , Motswagole Boitumelo Stokie , Covic Namukolo Margaret , Claasen Nicole
Published: December 2017

Objective

To determine access to traditional and indigenous foods (TIF) and the association with household food security, dietary diversity and women’s BMI in low socio-economic households.

Design

Sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, including a random household cross-sectional survey on household food insecurity access (HFIA), household dietary diversity (HDD) and women’s BMI, followed by focus group discussions.

Setting

Two rural and two urban areas of Botswana.

Subjects

Persons responsible for food preparation or an adult in a household (n400); for BMI, non-pregnant women aged 18–49 years (n253).

Results

Almost two-thirds of households experienced moderate or severe food insecurity (28·8 and 37·3 %, respectively), but more than half of women were overweight or obese (26·9 and 26·9 %, respectively). Median HDD score was 6 (interquartile range 5–7) out of a total of 12. A positive correlation was found between number of TIF accessed and HDD score (r=0·457;P<0·001) and a negative correlation between number of TIF accessed and HFIA score (r=−0·272;P<0·001). There was no correlation between number of TIF accessed and women’s BMI (r=−0·066;P=0·297). TIF were perceived as healthy but with declining consumption due to preference for modern foods.

Conclusions

TIF may potentially have an important role in household food security and dietary diversity. There is need to explore potential benefits that may be associated with their optimal use on food security and nutrition outcomes.
Elderly patients’ and GPs’ perspectives of patient–GP communication concerning polypharmacy: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Schöpf Andrea C. , von Hirschhausen Maike , Farin Erik , Maun Andy
Published: December 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore elderly patients’ and general practitioners’ (GPs’) perceptions of communication about polypharmacy, medication safety and approaches for empowerment.

Background

To manage polypharmacy, GPs need to know patients’ real medication consumption. However, previous research has shown that patients do not always volunteer all information about their medication regimen, for example, such as the intake of over-the-counter medication or the alteration or discontinuation of prescribed medication.

Method

A qualitative interview study including patients of at least 65 years old with polypharmacy (⩾5 medications) and their GPs in a German Primary Healthcare Centre. The transcripts from the semi-structured interviews (n=6 with patients; n=3 with GPs) were analysed using a framework analytical approach.

Findings

We identified three themes: differing medication plans: causes?; dialogue concerning medication: whose responsibility?; supporting patients’ engagement: how? While GPs stated that patients do not always report or might even conceal information, all patients reported that they could speak openly about everything with their GPs. In this context, trust might act as a double-edged sword, as it can promote open communication but also prevent patients from asking questions. Both GPs and patients could name very few ways in which patients could be supported to become more informed and active in communication concerning polypharmacy and medication safety.

Conclusion

This study shows that patients’ awareness of the significance of their active role in addressing polypharmacy needs to be increased. This includes understanding that trusting the doctor does not preclude asking questions or seeking more information. Thus, interventions which improve patients’ communication skills and address specific issues of polypharmacy, particularly in elderly patients, should be designed. GPs might support patients by ‘inviting’ their contribution.
Structural insight into the Ragulator complex which anchors mTORC1 to the lysosomal membrane
Authors: Mu Zongkai , Wang Lei , Deng Wei , Wang Jiawei , Wu Geng
Published: December 2017

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal-transduction pathway plays a key role in regulating many aspects of metabolic processes. The central player of the mTOR signaling pathway, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1), is recruited by the pentameric Ragulator complex and the heterodimeric Rag GTPase complex to the lysosomal membrane and thereafter activated. Here, we determined the crystal structure of the human Ragulator complex, which shows that Lamtor1 possesses a belt-like shape and wraps the other four subunits around. Extensive hydrophobic interactions occur between Lamtor1 and the Lamtor2-Lamtor3, Lamtor4-Lamtor5 roadblock domain protein pairs, while there is no substantial contact between Lamtor2-Lamtor3 and Lamtor4-Lamtor5 subcomplexes. Interestingly, an α-helix from Lamtor1 occupies each of the positions on Lamtor4 and Lamtor5 equivalent to the α3-helices of Lamtor2 and Lamtor3, thus stabilizing Lamtor4 and Lamtor5. Structural comparison between Ragulator and the yeast Ego1-Ego2-Ego3 ternary complex (Ego-TC) reveals that Ego-TC only corresponds to half of the Ragulator complex. Coupling with the fact that in the Ego-TC structure, Ego2 and Ego3 are lone roadblock domain proteins without another roadblock domain protein pairing with them, we suggest that additional components of the yeast Ego complex might exist.
Protein-inspired antibiotics active against vancomycin- and daptomycin-resistant bacteria
Authors: Blaskovich Mark A. T. , Hansford Karl A. , Gong Yujing , Butler Mark S. , Muldoon Craig , Huang Johnny X. , Ramu Soumya , Silva Alberto B. , Cheng Mu , Kavanagh Angela M. , Ziora Zyta , Premraj Rajaratnam , Lindahl Fredrik , Bradford Tanya A. , Lee June C. , Karoli Tomislav , Pelingon Ruby , Edwards David J. , Amado Maite , Elliott Alysha G. , Phetsang Wanida , Daud Noor Huda , Deecke Johan E. , Sidjabat Hanna E. , Ramaologa Sefetogi , Zuegg Johannes , Betley Jason R. , Beevers Andrew P. G. , Smith Richard A. G. , Roberts Jason A. , Paterson David L. , Cooper Matthew A.
Published: December 2017

The public health threat posed by a looming ‘post-antibiotic’ era necessitates new approaches to antibiotic discovery. Drug development has typically avoided exploitation of membrane-binding properties, in contrast to nature’s control of biological pathways via modulation of membrane-associated proteins and membrane lipid composition. Here, we describe the rejuvenation of the glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin via selective targeting of bacterial membranes. Peptide libraries based on positively charged electrostatic effector sequences are ligated to N-terminal lipophilic membrane-insertive elements and then conjugated to vancomycin. These modified lipoglycopeptides, the ‘vancapticins’, possess enhanced membrane affinity and activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other Gram-positive bacteria, and retain activity against glycopeptide-resistant strains. Optimised antibiotics show in vivo efficacy in multiple models of bacterial infection. This membrane-targeting strategy has potential to ‘revitalise’ antibiotics that have lost effectiveness against recalcitrant bacteria, or enhance the activity of other intravenous-administered drugs that target membrane-associated receptors.
Circulating exosomes suppress the induction of regulatory T cells via let-7i in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kimura Kimitoshi , Hohjoh Hirohiko , Fukuoka Masashi , Sato Wakiro , Oki Shinji , Tomi Chiharu , Yamaguchi Hiromi , Kondo Takayuki , Takahashi Ryosuke , Yamamura Takashi
Published: December 2017

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are reduced in frequency and dysfunctional in patients with MS, but the underlying mechanisms of this deficiency are unclear. Here, we show that induction of human IFN-γ−IL-17A−Foxp3+CD4+ T cells is inhibited in the presence of circulating exosomes from patients with MS. The exosomal miRNA profile of patients with MS differs from that of healthy controls, and let-7i, which is markedly increased in patients with MS, suppresses induction of Treg cells by targeting insulin like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) and transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1). Consistently, the expression of IGF1R and TGFBR1 on circulating naive CD4+ T cells is reduced in patients with MS. Thus, our study shows that exosomal let-7i regulates MS pathogenesis by blocking the IGF1R/TGFBR1 pathway.
Targeting immune checkpoints potentiates immunoediting and changes the dynamics of tumor evolution
Authors: Efremova Mirjana , Rieder Dietmar , Klepsch Victoria , Charoentong Pornpimol , Finotello Francesca , Hackl Hubert , Hermann-Kleiter Natascha , Löwer Martin , Baier Gottfried , Krogsdam Anne , Trajanoski Zlatko
Published: December 2017

The cancer immunoediting hypothesis postulates a dual role of the immune system: protecting the host by eliminating tumor cells, and shaping the tumor by editing its genome. Here, we elucidate the impact of evolutionary and immune-related forces on editing the tumor in a mouse model for hypermutated and microsatellite-instable colorectal cancer. Analyses of wild-type and immunodeficient RAG1 knockout mice transplanted with MC38 cells reveal that upregulation of checkpoint molecules and infiltration by Tregs are the major tumor escape mechanisms. Our results show that the effects of immunoediting are weak and that neutral accumulation of mutations dominates. Targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway using immune checkpoint blocker effectively potentiates immunoediting. The immunoediting effects are less pronounced in the CT26 cell line, a non-hypermutated/microsatellite-instable model. Our study demonstrates that neutral evolution is another force that contributes to sculpting the tumor and that checkpoint blockade effectively enforces T-cell-dependent immunoselective pressure.
Extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet light in the fungal pathogen causing white-nose syndrome of bats
Authors: Palmer Jonathan M. , Drees Kevin P. , Foster Jeffrey T. , Lindner Daniel L.
Published: December 2017

Bat white-nose syndrome (WNS), caused by the fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus destructans, has decimated North American hibernating bats since its emergence in 2006. Here, we utilize comparative genomics to examine the evolutionary history of this pathogen in comparison to six closely related nonpathogenic species. P. destructans displays a large reduction in carbohydrate-utilizing enzymes (CAZymes) and in the predicted secretome (~50%), and an increase in lineage-specific genes. The pathogen has lost a key enzyme, UVE1, in the alternate excision repair (AER) pathway, which is known to contribute to repair of DNA lesions induced by ultraviolet (UV) light. Consistent with a nonfunctional AER pathway, P. destructans is extremely sensitive to UV light, as well as the DNA alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). The differential susceptibility of P. destructans to UV light in comparison to other hibernacula-inhabiting fungi represents a potential “Achilles’ heel” of P. destructans that might be exploited for treatment of bats with WNS.
Staphylococcus aureus produces pain through pore-forming toxins and neuronal TRPV1 that is silenced by QX-314
Authors: Blake Kimbria J. , Baral Pankaj , Voisin Tiphaine , Lubkin Ashira , Pinho-Ribeiro Felipe Almeida , Adams Kelsey L. , Roberson David P. , Ma Yuxin C. , Otto Michael , Woolf Clifford J. , Torres Victor J. , Chiu Isaac M.
Published: December 2017

The hallmark of many bacterial infections is pain. The underlying mechanisms of pain during live pathogen invasion are not well understood. Here, we elucidate key molecular mechanisms of pain produced during live methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. We show that spontaneous pain is dependent on the virulence determinant agr and bacterial pore-forming toxins (PFTs). The cation channel, TRPV1, mediated heat hyperalgesia as a distinct pain modality. Three classes of PFTs—alpha-hemolysin (Hla), phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs), and the leukocidin HlgAB—directly induced neuronal firing and produced spontaneous pain. From these mechanisms, we hypothesized that pores formed in neurons would allow entry of the membrane-impermeable sodium channel blocker QX-314 into nociceptors to silence pain during infection. QX-314 induced immediate and long-lasting blockade of pain caused by MRSA infection, significantly more than lidocaine or ibuprofen, two widely used clinical analgesic treatments.
A universal method for the determination of polysorbate 80 in monoclonal antibodies and novel protein therapeutic formulations
Authors: Koppolu Veerendra , Vemulapalli Bhargavi , Thomas Jason , Wang Sheau-Chiann , Borman Jon
Published: December 2017

A universal and simple assay requiring minimal sample preparation has been developed to quantitate PS80 and other excipients in protein solutions.
Modeling the response of a control-released ion-selective electrode and employing it for the study of permanganate oxidation kinetics
Authors: Song Dean , Liang Rongning , Jiang Xiaohua , Sun Huiqing , Kong Fanyu , Lv Bo , Fang Qiannan , Qin Wei
Published: December 2017

For the first time, theoretical modeling of the response behavior of the potentiometric sensors based on the controlled release of the reagents is reported.
2D and 3D lanthanide metal–organic frameworks constructed from three benzenedicarboxylate ligands: synthesis, structure and luminescent properties
Authors: You Li-Xin , Zhao Bai-Bei , Liu Hui-Jie , Wang Shu-Ju , Xiong Gang , He Yong-Ke , Ding Fu , Joos Jonas J. , Smet Philippe F. , Sun Ya-Guang
Published: December 2017

Nineteen Ln-MOFs with four different crystal structures were prepared and the luminescence was studied.
Hydrated and dehydrated Ca-coordination polymers based on benzene-dicarboxylates: mechanochemical synthesis, structure refinement, and spectroscopic characterization
Authors: Al-Terkawi Abdal-Azim , Scholz Gudrun , Prinz Carsten , Zimathies Annett , Emmerling Franziska , Kemnitz Erhard
Published: December 2017

Hydrated Ca-CPs were synthesized by milling. Dehydrated phases were obtained by thermal treatments in reversible processes.
Hydroisomerization of n-hexadecane over a Pd–Ni2P/SAPO-31 bifunctional catalyst: synergistic effects of bimetallic active sites
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wang Wei , Jiang Xin , Su Xiaofang , Kikhtyanin O. V. , Wu Wei
Published: December 2017

The Pd-Ni2P/SAPO-31 catalyst shows excellent performance in n-hexadecane hydroisomerization due to the synergistic effects of Pd–Ni2P and improved metal/acid balance.
Improvement of the catalytic stability of molybdenum carbide via encapsulation within carbon nanotubes in dry methane reforming
Authors: Gao Haifeng , Yao Zhiwei , Shi Yan , Wang Siqi
Published: December 2017

We reported for the first time the enhancement of the oxidation resistance of Mo2C nanoparticles by encapsulation within carbon nanotubes (CNTs).
Four new metal–organic frameworks based on diverse secondary building units: sensing and magnetic properties
Authors: Yan Yang-Tian , Zhang Wen-Yan , Zhang Fang , Cao Feng , Yang Rui-Feng , Wang Yao-Yu , Hou Lei
Published: December 2017

Four new metal–organic frameworks based on diverse secondary building units were assembled and 1 showed high selectivity in the detection of CrO42−, Cr2O72−, MnO4− and Fe3+.
Ambient storage of microencapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum ST-III by complex coacervation of type-A gelatin and gum arabic
Authors: Zhao Meng , Wang Ying , Huang Xue , Gaenzle Michael , Wu Zhengjun , Nishinari Katsuyoshi , Yang Nan , Fang Yapeng
Published: December 2017

Sucrose addition and complex coacervation were effective in probiotic protection during ambient storage, which might be correlated with moisture adsorption.
Rational design and characterization of a DNA/HDAC dual-targeting inhibitor containing nitrogen mustard and 2-aminobenzamide moieties
Authors: Xie Rui , Tang Pingwah , Yuan Qipeng
Published: December 2017

A DNA/HDAC dual-targeting inhibitor containing nitrogen mustard and 2-aminobenzamide moieties was designed and evaluated as a promising candidate for cancer therapy.
3-Amino-1,2,4(4H)-oxadiazol-5-one (AOD) and its nitrogen-rich salts: a class of insensitive energetic materials
Authors: Kumar A. Sudheer , Sasidharan Nimesh , Ganguly Rakesh , Leow Dasheng , Hng Huey Hoon
Published: December 2017

The 3-amino-1,2,4(4H)-oxadiazole-5-one and its nitrogen-rich salts are synthesized in good yield. The compounds show promise as insensitive energetic ingredients.
Label-free multidimensional information acquisition from optogenetically engineered cells using a graphene transistor
Authors: Li Gongxin , Yang Jia , Yang Wenguang , Wang Feifei , Wang Yuechao , Wang Wenxue , Liu Lianqing
Published: December 2017

New approach to detecting multidimensional and multicellular information from optogenetically engineered cells.
Tailored design of renewable copolymers based on poly(1,4-butylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) and poly(ethylene glycol) with refined thermal properties
Authors: Sousa A. F. , Guigo N. , Pożycka M. , Delgado M. , Soares J. , Mendonça P. V. , Coelho J. F. J. , Sbirrazzuoli N. , Silvestre A. J. D.
Published: December 2017

New copolymers based on renewable PBF/PEGF are tailored to show advantageous processing features as compared to PBF (enlarged working temperatures and no crystallisation at slow rates).
A family of linear phenolic polymers with controlled hydrophobicity, adsorption and antioxidant properties
Authors: Hlushko Raman , Hlushko Hanna , Sukhishvili Svetlana A.
Published: December 2017

The synthesis of a series of antioxidant polymers with varied capability to scavenge radicals and alter the wettability of surfaces is reported.
Spiky nanohybrids of TiO2/Au nanorods for enhanced hydrogen evolution and photocurrent generation
Authors: Zeng Shan , Sun Hang , Wu Yilun , Shang Yinxing , She Ping , He Qinrong , Yin Shengyan , Liu Zhenning
Published: December 2017

Spiky TiO2/AuNR nanohybrids showing enhanced hydrogen evolution and photocurrent generation because of the synergistic effects of plasmonic AuNRs and the spiky structure.
Imidazolium decyl sulfate: a very promising selfmade ionic hydrogel
Authors: Cabeza Oscar , Rilo Esther , Segade Luisa , Domínguez-Pérez Montserrat , García-Garabal Sandra , Ausín David , López-Lago Elena , Varela Luis Miguel , Vilas Miguel , Verdía Pedro , Tojo Emilia
Published: December 2017

Imidazolium decyl sulfate: a selfmade good ionic conducting hydrogel formed by water adsorption from atmosphere. Stable up to 85 °C.
Binaural Speech Understanding With Bilateral Cochlear Implants in Reverberation
Authors: Kokkinakis Kostas
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether bilateral cochlear implant (CI) listeners who are fitted with clinical processors are able to benefit from binaural advantages under reverberant conditions. Another aim of this contribution was to determine whether the magnitude of each binaural advantage observed inside a highly reverberant environment differs significantly from the magnitude measured in a near-anechoic environment.

Method

Ten adults with postlingual deafness who are bilateral CI users fitted with either Nucleus 5 or Nucleus 6 clinical sound processors (Cochlear Corporation) participated in this study. Speech reception thresholds were measured in sound field and 2 different reverberation conditions (0.06 and 0.6 s) as a function of the listening condition (left, right, both) and the noise spatial location (left, front, right).

Results

The presence of the binaural effects of head-shadow, squelch, summation, and spatial release from masking in the 2 different reverberation conditions tested was determined using nonparametric statistical analysis. In the bilateral population tested, when the ambient reverberation time was equal to 0.6 s, results indicated strong positive effects of head-shadow and a weaker spatial release from masking advantage, whereas binaural squelch and summation contributed no statistically significant benefit to bilateral performance under this acoustic condition. These findings are consistent with those of previous studies, which have demonstrated that head-shadow yields the most pronounced advantage in noise. The finding that spatial release from masking produced little to almost no benefit in bilateral listeners is consistent with the hypothesis that additive reverberation degrades spatial cues and negatively affects binaural performance.

Conclusions

The magnitude of 4 different binaural advantages was measured on the same group of bilateral CI subjects fitted with clinical processors in 2 different reverberation conditions. The results of this work demonstrate the impeding properties of reverberation on binaural speech understanding. In addition, results indicate that CI recipients who struggle in everyday listening environments are also more likely to benefit less in highly reverberant environments from their bilateral processors.
Reducing Vulnerability to Bullying for Children and Youth Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Authors: Spangler Carrie L. , Johnson Cheryl DeConde
Published: December 2017

Bullying can be preventable, even for our most vulnerable children and youth, including those who are deaf and hard of hearing. This article explores bullying data, and implications for children and youth who are deaf and hard of hearing, followed by considerations of underlying personal issues including identity and self-concept, social communication and cognition, self-determination, and resilience. We close with strategies to reduce victimization for audiologists, parents, and other school providers who play a role in the prevention, identification, and response to bullying.
Auditory Processing Disorder and Effective Outcome Measures: Professional Reports From the Workplace
Authors: Casady Lauren A. , Jones Alisha L. , Weaver Aurora J.
Published: December 2017

This project aimed to collect information from previous literature regarding recommended outcomes measures for management of auditory processing disorder (CAPD) and examined which of these measures are currently being used in real world, clinical settings. An 11-question survey, prepared using Qualtrics (Qualtrics, Provo, UT) Software, was posted on a variety of social media sites and sent via email for audiologists to access and participate in anonymously. The survey explored demographics, including information regarding education years of experience and work settings. It also elicited information on which CAPD services audiologists provide, in what format, and using what collaborative techniques, if any. The total number of participants for the study was 165. Results of the survey were analyzed. The sampled findings clearly demonstrate that outcome measures—varying in frequency and type—are only being utilized by 23% of service providers and more than 50% of clinicians do not provide CAPD intervention or related services.
Hemitransdomal versus Dome-Binding Suture
Authors: Casanueva Fernando , Cardemil Felipe , Gerecci Deniz
Published: December 2017

The dome-binding suture (DBS) and hemitransdomal suture (HTS) are suture techniques used to narrow and define the nasal tip. The DBS can create a pinched, unnatural appearance, while the HTS puts the lateral crus in a more favorable orientation. This allows a natural contour between the nasal tip and alar lobule while maintaining alar margin support. Objective measurement of the rotational axis of the lateral crus between the DBS and the HTS has not been reported in the literature. To determine whether the DBS or HTS technique results in a more favorable rotational axis of the lateral crus as measured by the alar surface septal angle (ASSA). Open rhinoplasty with cephalic trim and placement of a DBS or HTS was performed in 6 cadaveric heads, for a total of 12 lower lateral cartilages at the VirtuOHSU Simulation and Surgical Training Center at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). ASSA measurements were taken at baseline and after placement of either a DBS or HTS. A total of 36 ASSA measurements were obtained. The median baseline ASSA prior to suture placement was 142 degrees (interquartile range [IQR]: 131.5–145 degrees), following DBS placement was 141 degrees (IQR: 33–150.5 degrees), and following HTS placement was 112 degrees (IQR: 108–117 degrees). There was no statistically significant difference of ASSA measurements between baseline and DBS placement (p = 0.24), but there was a statistically significant difference between baseline and HTS (p < 0.0001) and between DBS and HTS (p < 0.0001). The HTS technique creates a more favorable rotational axis of the lateral crus as compared with the DBS, as measured by the ASSA. This study provides objective data to support the use of the HTS for nasal tip contouring.
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt in Ascites: Updates
Authors: Trieu Harry , Kee Stephen , Lee Edward
Published: December 2017

The 2009 update of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (practice guidelines recommends transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for the treatment of refractory ascites in patients who do not tolerate repeated large volume paracentesis (LVP). It also stated uncertain survival benefit and possible increase in the risk of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Since this update was published, new studies concerning TIPS as therapy for refractory ascites have emerged. Five studies reported a significant survival improvement in patients who underwent TIPS compared with LVP for refractory ascites, while a single study noted improved survival rates in covered stent TIPS recipients. Three studies found a significantly greater prevalence of severe HE in TIPS recipients compared with LVP recipients; however, only one study reported a significant association between TIPS and increased development of HE of all grades. Based on our review of the current literature, we recommend TIPS over LVP for the treatment of refractory ascites. Further, covered stents should be used for TIPS creation whenever possible.
Radiological “Teddy Bear” Sign on CT Imaging to Aid Internal Carotid Artery Localization in Transsphenoidal Pituitary and Anterior Skull Base Surgery
Authors: Yeung W. , Twigg V. , Carr S. , Sinha S. , Mirza S.
Published: December 2017

Objectives Internal carotid artery (ICA) injury remains a rare but potentially fatal complication of transsphenoidal pituitary or anterior skull base surgery. Preoperative imaging must be scrutinized to minimize risk. On axial computed tomography (CT), the protrusions of the ICAs into the sphenoid resemble a “teddy bear.” This article aims to describe the sign, its grading system (0–2) and quantify its presence.

Design Retrospective review of preoperative CT imaging.

Setting Tertiary referral center in the United Kingdom.

Participants One hundred patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary disease were enrolled.

Main Outcome Measure The presence and grading of the “teddy bear” sign were assessed on preoperative CT imaging.

Results A grade 2 (strongly positive) “teddy bear” sign was identified in 40% at the level of the superior pituitary fossa, 78% at the inferior pituitary fossa, and 59% at the clivus. A grade 1 (intermediate) sign was seen in 23.5, 7.5, and 10% of cases, respectively. In 5% of cases, the sign was grade 0 at all levels—indicating poor intraoperative localization of the ICA.

Conclusion The “teddy bear” sign is a useful preoperative tool for identification of anatomy predisposing patients to a higher risk of ICA injury. Those patients who have an absent or grade 0 “teddy bear” sign require extra care to ensure intraoperative localization of the ICAs which may include the use of neuronavigation or a Doppler probe. A grade 2 sign predicts good intraoperative localization of the ICA intraoperatively to inform the safe lateral limit of sellar bone resection.
Stroke Volume Recruitability during the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Herrera Sandra , Kuhlmann-Capek Maggie , Rogan Sarah , Saad Antonio , Saade George , Hankins Gary , Pacheco Luis
Published: December 2017

Objective It is unknown whether the heart operates in the ascending or flat portion of the Starling curve during normal pregnancy. Pregnant women do not respond to the passive leg-raising maneuver secondary to mechanical obstruction of the inferior vena cava by the gravid uterus. Our objective was to evaluate if administration of a fluid bolus increases baseline stroke volume (SV) among healthy pregnant patients during the third trimester.

Study Design Healthy pregnant women who underwent elective term cesarean sections were included. A noninvasive cardiac output monitor was used to measure hemodynamic variables at baseline and after administration of a 500-mL crystalloid bolus.

Results Forty-five women were included in the study. Fluid administration was associated with a statistically significant increase in SV from a baseline value of 71 ± 11 to 90 ± 19 mL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.67–21.49; p < 0.01) and a significant decrease in maternal heart rate from a baseline of 87 ± 9 beats per minute to 83 ± 8 after the fluid bolus (95% CI: −6.81 to −2.78; p = 0.03). No changes in peripheral vascular resistances or any other measured hemodynamic parameters were noted with volume expansion.

Conclusion In healthy term pregnancy, the heart operates in the ascending portion of the Starling's curve, rendering it fluid responsive.
Determination of GaAs zinc blende/wurtzite band offsets utilizing GaAs nanowires with an axial GaAsSb insert
Authors: Ahtapodov L. , Kauko H. , Munshi A. M. , Fimland B. O. , van Helvoort A. T. J. , Weman H.
Published: December 2017

By applying a correlated micro-photoluminescence spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) approach, we have utilized molecular beam epitaxy grown self-catalysed GaAs nanowires (NWs) with an axial GaAsSb insert to determine the band offsets at the crystal phase heterojunction between zinc blende (ZB) and wurtzite (WZ) GaAs. Two distinct PL emission bands originating from the ZB GaAsSb insert were identified. The lower energy PL emission allowed an independent verification of the maximum Sb molar fraction to be ∼30%, in agreement with quantitative high-angle annular dark field scanning TEM performed on the same single NW. The higher energy PL emission revealed a low temperature ZB/WZ band offset of 120 meV at the interface between the two GaAs crystal phases occurring at the upper boundary of the insert. Separate conduction and valence band offsets develop at a higher temperature due to the different temperature dependence of the ZB and WZ GaAs band gaps, but both offset values show a relatively little variation in the range of 10–150 K.
Elastic wave manipulation by using a phase-controlling meta-layer
Authors: Shen Xiaohui , Sun Chin-Teh , Barnhart Miles V. , Huang Guoliang
Published: December 2017

In this work, a high pass meta-layer for elastic waves is proposed. An elastic phase-controlling meta-layer is theoretically realized using parallel and periodically arranged metamaterial sections based on the generalized Snell's law. The elastic meta-layer is composed of periodically repeated supercells, in which the frequency dependent elastic properties of the metamaterial are used to control a phase gradient at the interface between the meta-layer and conventional medium. It is analytically and numerically demonstrated that with a normal incident longitudinal wave, the wave propagation characteristics can be directly manipulated by the periodic length of the meta-layer element at the sub-wavelength scale. It is found that propagation of the incident wave through the interface is dependent on whether the working wavelength is longer or shorter than the periodic length of the meta-layer element. Specifically, a mode conversion of the P-wave to an SV-wave is investigated as the incident wave passes through the meta-layer region. Since the most common and damaging elastic waves in civil and mechanical industries are in the low frequency region, the work in this paper has great potential in the seismic shielding, engine vibration isolation, and other highly dynamic fields.
An investigation of the effect of aspect and compression ratios on sediment dispersion using discrete element modelling
Authors: Wang Dong , Tan Danielle S.
Published: December 2017

We use discrete element modelling to simulate a system of sand being released underwater, similar to the process of releasing sediment tailings back into the sea in nodule harvesting, in 2D. The force model includes concentration-dependent drag, buoyancy, ‘added mass’ and Stokeslet disturbance. For a fixed number of uniform-sized particles, we vary the aspect ratio and the compression ratio of the rectangular mass of granular media pre-release. We observed that the spreading leads to a nonlinear increase with aspect ratio. On the other hand, when the compression ratio is increased, the total spreading increases; however the spread of the bulk of the sand decreases at small aspect ratios and increases at large aspect ratios. We proposed a simple theoretical model for the horizontal spreading which depends on both the aspect and compression ratios.
Research Update: A minimal region of squid reflectin for vapor-induced light
scattering
Authors: Dennis Patrick B. , Singh Kristi M. , Vasudev Milana C. , Naik Rajesh R. , Crookes-Goodson Wendy J.
Published: December 2017

Reflectins are a family of proteins found in the light manipulating cells of cephalopods. These proteins are made up of a series of conserved repeats that contain highly represented amino acids thought to be important for function. Previous studies demonstrated that recombinant reflectins cast into thin films produced structural colors that could be dynamically modulated via changing environmental conditions. In this study, we demonstrate light scattering from reflectin films following exposure to a series of water vapor pulses. Analysis of film surface topography shows that the induction of light scatter is accompanied by self-assembly of reflectins into micro- and nanoscale features. Using a reductionist strategy, we determine which reflectin repeats and sub-repeats are necessary for these events following water vapor pulsing. With this approach, we identify a singly represented, 23-amino acid region in reflectins as being sufficient to recapitulate the light scattering properties observed in thin films of the full-length protein. Finally, the aqueous stability of reflectin films is leveraged to show that pre-exposure to buffers of varying pH can modulate the ability of water vapor pulses to induce light scatter and protein self-assembly.
Tip-induced band bending on Sr/Si(100)-2×3 reconstructed surface
Authors: Du Wenhan , Wang Bing , Yang Jingjing , Zhang Keke , Zhao Yu , Xiong Chao , Ma Jinxiang , Chen Lei , Zhu Xifang
Published: December 2017

Using Vary-temperature Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy (VT-STM), the geometric and electronic structures of technological important Sr/Si(100)-2×3 surface were investigated. Two important findings explained in this research. First, a phenomenon similar to quantum corral observed in the empty state STM image that near the bottom of the conduction band. This is aroused from the surface vacancies and phase boundary in the Sr/Si(100)-2×3 surface. And a new Sr/Si(100)-2×6 reconstructed structure coexist with Sr/Si(100)-2×3 surface has been prepared by accurately controlling the annealing temperature, both surface’s geometric structures can be described by dimer vacancy model. Second, tip-induced band bending phenomenon was observed in the Sr/Si(100)-2×3 surface at substrate temperature range from 76K to 300K. Experimental LDOS results from n and p-type silicon substrate confirms 0.3eV up the motion of the valence band minimum compare with bare Si(100)-2×1 surface. Buckled and unbuckled silicon dimer coexisting in the Sr/Si(100)-2×3 reconstructed surface contribute to the tip-induced band bending and energy band gap widen phenomenon. Which confirms that Sr atoms transfer electrons to the nearby silicon dimers, make the first layer silicon dimers kept at unbuckled state.
Highly anisotropic magneto-transport and field orientation dependent oscillations in aligned carbon nanotube/epoxy composites
Authors: Wells Brian , Kumar Raj , Reynolds C. Lewis , Peters Kara , Bradford Philip D.
Published: December 2017

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely investigated as additive materials for composites with potential applications in electronic devices due to their extremely large electrical conductivity and current density. Here, highly aligned CNT composite films were created using a sequential layering fabrication technique. The degree of CNT alignment leads to anisotropic resistance values which varies >400× in orthogonal directions. Similarly, the magnetoresistance (MR) of the CNT composite differs depending upon the relative direction of current and the applied magnetic field. A suppression of negative to positive MR crossover was also observed. More importantly, an overall positive magnetoresistance behavior with localized +/− oscillations was discovered at low fields which persists up to room temperature when the current (I) and in-plane magnetic field (B) were parallel to the axis of CNT (B∥I∥CNT), which is consistent with Aharonov-Bohm oscillations in our CNT/epoxy composites. When the current, applied magnetic field, and nanotube axis are aligned, the in-plane MR is positive instead of negative as observed for all other field, current, and tube orientations. Here, we provide in-depth analysis of the conduction mechanism and anisotropy in the magneto-transport properties of these aligned CNT-epoxy composites.
Self-excited electrostatic pendulum showing electrohydrodynamic-force-induced oscillation
Authors: Stephan Karl D. , Hernandez Guerrero José M.
Published: December 2017

The electrohydrodynamic (EHD) effect (“ion wind”) associated with corona discharges in air has been extensively investigated and modeled. We present a simple experiment that shows how both the magnitude and direction of EHD forces can change in such a way as to impart energy continuously to an oscillating electrostatic pendulum. The amplitude of oscillations of an electrostatic pendulum subject to EHD forces can grow approximately exponentially over a period of minutes, and we describe a qualitative theory to account for this effect, along with implications of these experiments for theories of ball lightning.
Broadband manipulation of refracted wavefronts by gradient acoustic metasurface with V-shape structure
Authors: Lan Jun , Li Yifeng , Liu Xiaozhou
Published: December 2017

We present a space folding acoustic metasurface with a V-shaped structure, which exhibits ultra-broadband and high efficiency transmission compared to previously investigated space folding metasurfaces. The proposal employs a gradient refractive index profile to redirect the refracted wave arbitrarily and an existence of air channels with direct sound propagation to improve impedance matching between the metasurface and the background medium. As expected from frequency-independent generalized Snell's law, the demonstrated acoustic metasurface can steer refracted wavefronts at will, including anomalous refraction, non-diffracting Bessel beam, sub-wavelength flat lens, and conversion of the propagating wave into the surface wave. The designed V-shape metasurface overcomes the limitation of narrowband, which may offer potential applications in medical ultrasound imaging and broadband acoustical devices.
Interfacial scattering effect on anisotropic magnetoresistance and anomalous Hall effect in Ta/Fe multilayers
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Zhang Junwei , Zhao Yuelei , Wen Yan , Li Peng , Zhang Senfu , He Xin , Zhang Junli , Zhang Xixiang
Published: December 2017

The effect of interfacial scattering on anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) and anomalous Hall effect (AHE) was studied in the (Ta12n/Fe36n)n multilayers, where the numbers give the thickness in nanometer and n is an integer from 1 to 12. The multilayer structure has been confirmed by the XRR spectra and STEM images of cross-sections. The magneto-transport properties were measured by four-point probe method in Hall bar shaped samples in the temperature range of 5 − 300 K. The AMR increases with n, which could be ascribed to the interfacial spin-orbit scattering. At 5 K, the longitudinal resistivity (ρxx) increases by 6.4 times and the anomalous Hall resistivity (ρAHE) increases by 49.4 times from n =1 to n =12, indicative of the interfacial scattering effect. The skew-scattering, side-jump and intrinsic contributions to the AHE were separated successfully. As n increases from 1 to 12, the intrinsic contribution decreases because of the decaying crystallinity or finite size effect and the intrinsic contribution dominated the AHE for all samples. The side jump changes from negative to positive because the interfacial scattering and intralayer scattering in Fe layers both contribute to side jump in the AHE but with opposite sign.
Analysis of asymmetric property with DC bias current on thin-film magnetoimpedance element
Authors: Kikuchi Hiroaki , Sumida Chihiro
Published: December 2017

We theoretically analyzed the magnetoimpedance profile of a thin-film element with a DC bias current using the bias susceptibility theory and Maxwell’s equations. Although the analysis model predicts that an element with a rectangular cross section shows symmetric impedance property with respect to the Z-axis with DC bias current, the experimental results showed asymmetric properties. Taking the shape imbalance and trapezoidal cross section of the element into account, we explained the asymmetric impedance properties qualitatively.