bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of plasma formation on the double pulse laser excitation of cubic silicon carbide
Authors: Otobe T. , Hayashi T. , Nishikino M.
Published: October 2017

We calculate the electron excitation in cubic silicon carbide caused by the intense femtosecond laser double pulses using the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). After the first pulse ends, excited electrons should be relaxed by collisional processes. Because TDDFT does not include scattering processes, thermalization is mimicked by following three assumptions. First, we assume no collisions and relaxation processes. Second, we assume the partially thermalized electronic state defined by two quasi-temperatures in the conduction and valence bands individually. Third, we assume the thermalized electron distribution, which is expressed by single electron temperature. Our results indicate that the plasma frequency (ωpl) formed by the first pulse is the key parameter in energy absorption in the second pulse. When the plasma frequency of the plasma formed by the first laser approaches the frequency of the laser, resonant excitation by the second pulse occurs. The lower electron temperature shows higher ωpl and higher efficient energy absorption because the effective mass of the electron becomes smaller.
Parametric study of thin film evaporation from nanoporous membranes
Authors: Wilke Kyle L. , Barabadi Banafsheh , Lu Zhengmao , Zhang TieJun , Wang Evelyn N.
Published: October 2017

The performance and lifetime of advanced electronics are often dictated by the ability to dissipate heat generated within the device. Thin film evaporation from nanoporous membranes is a promising thermal management approach, which reduces the thermal transport distance across the liquid film while also providing passive capillary pumping of liquid to the evaporating interface. In this work, we investigated the dependence of thin film evaporation from nanoporous membranes on a variety of geometric parameters. Anodic aluminum oxide membranes were used as experimental templates, where pore radii of 28–75 nm, porosities of 0.1–0.35, and meniscus locations down to 1 μm within the pore were tested. We demonstrated different heat transfer regimes and observed more than an order of magnitude increase in dissipated heat flux by operating in the pore-level evaporation regime. The pore diameter had little effect on pore-level evaporation performance due to the negligible conduction resistance from the pore wall to the evaporating interface. The dissipated heat flux scaled with porosity as the evaporative area increased. Furthermore, moving the meniscus as little as 1 μm into the pore decreased the dissipated heat flux by more than a factor of two due to the added resistance to vapor escaping the pore. The experimental results elucidate thin film evaporation from nanopores and confirm findings of recent modeling efforts. This work also provides guidance for the design of future thin film evaporation devices for advanced thermal management. Furthermore, evaporation from nanopores is relevant to water purification, chemical separations, microfluidics, and natural processes such as transpiration.
Seeking the Dirac cones in the MoS2/WSe2 van der Waals heterostructure
Authors: Li Qianze , Tang Liangpo , Zhang Caixin , Wang Dan , Chen Qin-Jun , Feng Ye-Xin , Tang Li-Ming , Chen Ke-Qiu
Published: October 2017

Ab initio calculations show that the bandgap of MoS2-WSe2 heterostructures can be significantly tuned by thickness engineering, perpendicular electric fields, and forming spin-valley coupling Dirac cones at the K and K′ valleys. The intrinsic band structure of the MoS2-WSe2 heterobilayer is found to be a direct bandgap, in which the conduction band minimum is located at the MoS2 layer, but the valence band maximum lies in the WSe2 layer, forming a type-II band alignment, which can be changed easily into type-I band alignment by applying perpendicular electric fields. The special dispersion relation like the Dirac cone and each of these band alignments have particular applications in enabling different varieties of devices.
Strain-induced Dirac state shift in topological insulator Bi2Se3 nanowires
Authors: Schindler Clemens , Wiegand Christoph , Sichau Jonas , Tiemann Lars , Nielsch Kornelius , Zierold Robert , Blick Robert H.
Published: October 2017

In this study, we demonstrate the possibility to tune Dirac surface states of a three-dimensional topological insulator (TI) by applying external strain to single-crystalline Bi2Se3 nanowires (NWs). The NWs were placed over 200 nm deep trenches, which leads to a significant bending, resulting in tensile strain at the bottom surface of the wire and compressive strain at its top surface. By performing low-temperature magnetotransport measurements, we were able to show that TI surfaces under compressive or tensile strain (ϵ=±0.1%) experience a significant Dirac shift of ΔE=∓30 meV as compared to relaxed surfaces. For surface states under tensile strain, an increased carrier mobility is indicated. The opportunity to externally tune the Dirac states therefore could lead to further improvement in future TI devices.
Electron spin resonance of Gd3+ in the intermetallic Gd1–xYxNi3Ga9 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.90) compounds
Authors: Mendonça E. C. , Silva L. S. , Mercena S. G. , Meneses C. T. , Jesus C. B. R. , Duque J. G. S. , Souza J. C. , Pagliuso P. G. , Lora-Serrano R. , Teixeira-Neto A. A.
Published: October 2017

In this work, experiments of X-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility, heat capacitance, and Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) carried out in the Gd1–xYxNi3Ga9 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.90) compounds grown through a Ga self flux method are reported. The X-ray diffraction data indicate that these compounds crystallize in a trigonal crystal structure with a space group R32. This crystal structure is unaffected by Y-substitution, which produces a monotonic decrease of the lattice parameters. For the x = 0 compound, an antiferromagnetic phase transition is observed at TN = 19.2 K, which is continuously suppressed as a function of the Y-doping and extrapolates to zero at x ≈ 0.85. The ESR data, taken in the temperature range 15 ≤ T ≤ 300 K, show a single Dysonian Gd3+ line with nearly temperature independent g-values. The linewidth follows a Korringa-like behavior as a function of temperature for all samples. The Korringa rates (b = ΔH/ΔT) are Y-concentration-dependent indicating a “bottleneck” regime. For the most diluted sample (x = 0.90), when it is believed that the “bottleneck” effect is minimized, we have calculated the q-dependent effective exchange interactions between Gd3+ local moments and the c-e of 〈Jf−ce2(q)〉1/2 = 18(2) meV and Jf−ce(q=0) = 90(10) meV.
Band offsets of epitaxial cubic boron nitride deposited on polycrystalline diamond via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Shammas Joseph , Yang Yu , Wang Xingye , Koeck Franz A. M. , McCartney Martha R. , Smith David J. , Nemanich Robert J.
Published: October 2017

Cubic boron nitride (c-BN) has been deposited on nitrogen-doped polycrystalline diamond films via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition employing fluorine chemistry. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were utilized to characterize the c-BN/diamond interface. TEM observations indicated local epitaxy of c-BN on diamond, while h-BN was also observed at the interface. XPS measurements indicated that c-BN growth continued after nucleation. The band offsets between c-BN and diamond were deduced from XPS measurements. The c-BN valence band maximum (VBM) was 0.8 ± 0.1 eV above the diamond VBM, which corresponded to the c-BN conduction band minimum (CBM) of 1.7 ± 0.1 eV above the diamond CBM. Comparison with offsets predicted by theoretical calculations suggests that a C-N interface was obtained.
Time since prior wildfire affects subsequent fire containment in black spruce
Authors: Beverly Jennifer L.
Published: October 2017

In black spruce forests characterised by high-intensity crown fires, early detection and containment of fires while they are small is crucial for averting progression to fire intensities that exceed suppression capabilities. Fire behaviour conditions encountered during initial attack operations are a key determinant of containment success. Conditions will be controlled in part by stand structural characteristics that can be expected to vary as a fire-origin black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) stand ages with increasing time-since-fire. In this study, the influence of time-since-fire on containment outcomes is assessed to explore whether or not prior wildfire exerts a negative feedback on subsequent fires in these ecosystems. Logistic regression analysis using point and polygon fire data for the province of Alberta, Canada, indicated the probability of a containment failure in black spruce increases with time-elapsed since the last fire. Other positive explanatory variables included the size of the fire at the initiation of firefighting and a relative rating of the expected rate of fire spread, the Initial Spread Index (ISI) of the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index System. Legacy wildfires had a protective effect. When firefighting is initiated at fire sizes ≤1ha, the probability of a containment failure is low during the initial 20–45 years of post-fire stand development, except under the most extreme fire weather conditions.
Endosomal signaling of the receptor for calcitonin gene-related peptide mediates pain transmission
Authors: Yarwood Rebecca E. , Imlach Wendy L. , Lieu TinaMarie , Veldhuis Nicholas A. , Jensen Dane D. , Klein Herenbrink Carmen , Aurelio Luigi , Cai Zhijian , Christie MacDonald J. , Poole Daniel P. , Porter Christopher J. H. , McLean Peter , Hicks Gareth A. , Geppetti Pierangelo , Halls Michelle L. , Canals Meritxell , Bunnett Nigel W.
Published: October 2017

Significance

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have long been considered to function primarily at the plasma membrane. Consequently, most drugs are designed to target GPCRs at the cell surface. Ligand-bound GPCRs undergo clathrin- and dynamin-dependent endocytosis. It is uncertain whether GPCRs in endosomes control complex pathophysiological processes in vivo and are a viable therapeutic target. We report that the CGRP receptor signals from endosomes to regulate activity of pain-transmitting neurons in the spinal cord. Lipid-conjugated CGRP receptor antagonists accumulate in endosomes, selectively inhibit endosomal signals, and block sustained excitation of spinal neurons and persistent nociception. The results suggest that GPCRs in endosomes, in addition to those at the cell surface, control ongoing pathophysiological processes in vivo and identify GPCRs in endosomes as a new target for therapy.
White blood cell population dynamics for risk stratification of acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Chaudhury Anwesha , Noiret Lorette , Higgins John M.
Published: October 2017

Significance

Medical doctors use blood counts to help diagnose and monitor almost all diseases. In the process of counting blood cells, most hematology analyzers actually measure features of thousands of individual blood cells, but this single-cell information is rarely utilized, and only the derived total cell counts are used to guide clinical care. This single-cell information helps further characterize each patient’s inflammatory or immunologic state. Using a mathematical model, we show how this routinely available single-cell information can help distinguish healthy and sick patients in general and those with acute coronary syndrome in particular. More broadly, our study shows how mathematical modeling of existing routine clinical laboratory data can help realize the vision of precision medicine today.
Large domain movements upon UvrD dimerization and helicase activation
Authors: Nguyen Binh , Ordabayev Yerdos , Sokoloski Joshua E. , Weiland Elizabeth , Lohman Timothy M.
Published: October 2017

Significance

UvrD helicase plays essential roles in multiple DNA metabolic processes. Although UvrD monomers can translocate along single-stranded DNA, processive DNA unwinding in vitro requires self-assembly to form at least a UvrD dimer. However, the mechanism of activation by dimerization is not known. Using single-molecule fluorescence approaches, we show that the 2B subdomain of UvrD can freely rotate among at least four substates. Binding of a DNA substrate to a UvrD monomer induces an open conformation that does not activate its helicase activity. UvrD dimerization on DNA is accompanied by closing of the 2B subdomain conformation and helicase activation. The results emphasize the important role of the 2B subdomain in regulating helicase activity.
Phytopathogenic fungus hosts a plant virus: A naturally occurring cross-kingdom viral infection
Authors: Andika Ida Bagus , Wei Shuang , Cao Chunmei , Salaipeth Lakha , Kondo Hideki , Sun Liying
Published: October 2017

Significance

Virus cross-infection is an important topic in understanding the course of virus dissemination and evolution. Viruses may spread between the same host species or into taxonomically distinct organisms. The occurrences of cross-kingdom viral infection for certain virus groups are suggested by the current virus taxonomic data. In particular, several plants and fungal viruses show close phylogenetic relationships, but productive transmission of virus between plant and fungal hosts in nature has not been directly demonstrated. Here, we describe the natural infection of
Rhizoctonia solani
fungus by a plant virus, cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). We further demonstrate that
R. solani
can acquire and transmit CMV during plant infection. Our findings are evidence of cross-kingdom virus transmission from the plant to fungus.
Binding kinetics and substrate selectivity in HIV-1 protease−Gag interactions probed at atomic resolution by chemical exchange NMR
Authors: Deshmukh Lalit , Tugarinov Vitali , Louis John M. , Clore G. Marius
Published: October 2017

Significance

The formation of infectious HIV-1 virions is triggered by sequential proteolysis of the group-specific antigen (Gag) polyprotein by the viral protease. Using chemical exchange-based NMR spectroscopy, we explore, in the context of Gag polyprotein, the formation of productive complexes between protease and Gag cleavage sites located within the intrinsically disordered linkers that connect the globular domains of Gag. We show that the ability of protease to sequentially cleave distinct Gag cleavage sites, which display little to no sequence identity, primarily originates from conformational dynamics of the protease flaps that cover the active site. The protease flaps are actively involved in substrate recognition and regulate the lifetime of productive complexes, allowing protease to differentiate between cognate and noncognate sequences.
Two post-war paths: Popular violence in the Bohemian lands and in Austria in the aftermath of World War I
Authors: Konrád Ota
Published: October 2017

The study explores the phenomenon of popular violence in the first months and years after the end of World War I on the basis of a comparison between the Bohemian lands, forming the central part of the newly established Czechoslovakia, and Austria, as another successor state to the former Habsburg monarchy. Aside from the continuities, new forms of violence increasingly emerged in the first years after the end of the war, and also the “language” of violence was transformed. While in Czechoslovakia, the framework within which people were learning to understand the new world was shaped by the national and republican discourse oriented to the future, in Austria the collective identities and mentalities were being formed along the lines of particular party political blocks. In both cases, the nationalization and politicization of violence respectively contributed to the emergence of new forms of popular violence; but at the same time they could also be used for its de-escalation, necessary for the re-integration of society disrupted by the wartime experience. However, even if both countries went out from the war on different paths, the violence stayed part of their political culture and it could be mobilized again.
Numerical simulation of laser preheating of friction stir welding of dissimilar metals
Authors: Sundqvist Jesper , Kim Kyoung-Hak , Bang Hee-Seon , Bang Han-Sur , Kaplan Alexander F. H.
Published: October 2017

Friction stir welding, FSW, of harder metal alloys is difficult to perform, like here dissimilar welding of titanium alloy to stainless steel in butt joint configuration. One major limitation is tool wear which can be reduced by preheating with a laser beam. A mathematical model to calculate the tool forces during FSW was developed further. The calculations show that the laser beam reduces forces at the pin and shoulder of the FSW-tool, accompanied by reduced heat generation through the tool. Within its operating limits, the process has low sensitivity on the lateral position of the leading laser beam. The model supports the understanding and optimisation of the complex interaction zone of forces and heat around the FSW-tool.
LET-413/Erbin acts as a RAB-5 effector to promote RAB-10 activation during endocytic recycling
Authors: Liu Hang , Wang Shimin , Hang Weijian , Gao Jinghu , Zhang Wenjuan , Cheng Zihang , Yang Chao , He Jun , Zhou Jie , Chen Juan , Shi Anbing
Published: October 2017

RAB-10/Rab10 is a master regulator of endocytic recycling in epithelial cells. To better understand the regulation of RAB-10 activity, we sought to identify RAB-10(GDP)–interacting proteins. One novel RAB-10(GDP)–binding partner that we identified, LET-413, is the Caenorhabditis elegans homologue of Scrib/Erbin. Here, we focus on the mechanistic role of LET-413 in the regulation of RAB-10 within the C. elegans intestine. We show that LET-413 is a RAB-5 effector and colocalizes with RAB-10 on endosomes, and the overlap of LET-413 with RAB-10 is RAB-5 dependent. Notably, LET-413 enhances the interaction of DENN-4 with RAB-10(GDP) and promotes DENN-4 guanine nucleotide exchange factor activity toward RAB-10. Loss of LET-413 leads to cytosolic dispersion of the RAB-10 effectors TBC-2 and CNT-1. Finally, we demonstrate that the loss of RAB-10 or LET-413 results in abnormal overextensions of lateral membrane. Hence, our studies indicate that LET-413 is required for DENN-4–mediated RAB-10 activation, and the LET-413–assisted RAB-5 to RAB-10 cascade contributes to the integrity of C. elegans intestinal epithelia.
Ling-Ling Chen: Shaping a career in RNA biology
Authors: O’Donnell Marie Anne
Published: October 2017

Chen studies the formation and biological activities of noncoding RNAs.
A Review on the Perforated Impact Energy Absorption of Kenaf Fibres Reinforced Composites
Authors: Emran Ismail Al , Khalid S.N.A , Muhd Nor Nik Hisyamudin
Published: October 2017

This paper reviews the potential of mechanical energy absorption of natural fiber reinforced composites subjected to perforated impact. According to literature survey, several research works discussing on the impact performances on natural fiber reinforced composites are available. However, most of these composite fibers are randomly arranged. Due to high demand for sustainable materials, many researches give high attention to enhance the mechanical capability of natural fiber composites especially focused on the fiber architecture. Therefore, it is important to review the progress of impact energy absorption on woven fiber composite in order to identify the research opportunities in the future.
Construction of lambda-nucleon s-wave potential through quantum inverse scattering at fixed angular momentum
Authors: Meoto E F , Lekala M L
Published: October 2017

Quantum systems with a strangeness degree of freedom are very important as they provide an extra dimension, and hence a deeper insight into nuclear matter. Usually phenomenological potentials obtained through meson exchange theories are used in investigating these hypernuclear systems. In this paper potentials for lambda-nucleon interactions in the spin singlet and spin triplet states, constructed through fixed-angular momentum inversion based on Marchenko theory, are presented. Owing to experimental difficulties in obtaining a sufficient number of lambda-nucleon scattering events, theoretical phase shifts are used as input for the inversion. The constructed potential is energy-independent, making it more suitable for quantum-mechanical few-body calculations.
User needs analysis and usability assessment of DataMed – a biomedical data discovery index
Authors: Dixit Ram , Rogith Deevakar , Narayana Vidya , Salimi Mandana , Gururaj Anupama , Ohno-Machado Lucila , Xu Hua , Johnson Todd R
Published: October 2017

Objective

To present user needs and usability evaluations of DataMed, a Data Discovery Index (DDI) that allows searching for biomedical data from multiple sources.

Materials and Methods

We conducted 2 phases of user studies. Phase 1 was a user needs analysis conducted before the development of DataMed, consisting of interviews with researchers. Phase 2 involved iterative usability evaluations of DataMed prototypes. We analyzed data qualitatively to document researchers’ information and user interface needs.

Results

Biomedical researchers’ information needs in data discovery are complex, multidimensional, and shaped by their context, domain knowledge, and technical experience. User needs analyses validate the need for a DDI, while usability evaluations of DataMed show that even though aggregating metadata into a common search engine and applying traditional information retrieval tools are promising first steps, there remain challenges for DataMed due to incomplete metadata and the complexity of data discovery.

Discussion

Biomedical data poses distinct problems for search when compared to websites or publications. Making data available is not enough to facilitate biomedical data discovery: new retrieval techniques and user interfaces are necessary for dataset exploration. Consistent, complete, and high-quality metadata are vital to enable this process.

Conclusion

While available data and researchers’ information needs are complex and heterogeneous, a successful DDI must meet those needs and fit into the processes of biomedical researchers. Research directions include formalizing researchers’ information needs, standardizing overviews of data to facilitate relevance judgments, implementing user interfaces for concept-based searching, and developing evaluation methods for open-ended discovery systems such as DDIs.
Computed tomography–based image-guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer: correlations between dose–volume parameters and clinical outcomes
Authors: Kusada Takeaki , Toita Takafumi , Ariga Takuro , Maemoto Hitoshi , Hashimoto Seiji , Shiina Hideki , Kakinohana Yasumasa , Heianna Joichi , Nagai Yutaka , Kudaka Wataru , Aoki Yoichi , Murayama Sadayuki
Published: October 2017

This study evaluated the oncologic outcomes and complications of cervical cancer patients in terms of CT-based image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT) parameters. Of 68 cervical cancer patients treated with definitive radiotherapy/concurrent chemoradiotherapy, most received whole-pelvis external beam RT (EBRT) of 40 Gy in 20 fractions, pelvic EBRT with central shield of 10 Gy in 5 fractions, and CT-based IGBT of 18 Gy in 3 fractions prescribed to point A. Cumulative EBRT and IGBT doses were calculated as the total equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2). The median follow-up was 31 (3–52) months. The 2-year overall survival, local control, pelvic control, and disease-free survival rates of the 68 patients were 92%, 83%, 82% and 73%, respectively. The HR-CTV D90, length from the tandem axis to left/right margin of the HR-CTV (T-LR), and HR-CTV volume were significant IGBT parameters for predicting local/pelvic control. Patients who received an HR-CTV D90 of >60 Gy, compared with ≤60 Gy, had significantly better local/pelvic control. Furthermore, 70 Gy was a marginally significant HR-CTV D90 cut-off affecting local control. T-LR was an independent IGBT parameter predicting local/pelvic control on multivariate analysis. Three patients developed Grade 3 or higher treatment-related complications. The D2cm3 of organs at risk were not significant predictors of complications. Future challenges for further improving outcomes include additional interstitial needles for irregularly shaped HR-CTVs, and moderate dose escalation, especially for patients with poor tumor responses.
Imaging Characteristics Predict Operative Difficulty Mobilizing the Sciatic Nerve for Proximal Hamstring Repair
Authors: Wilson Thomas J , Howe B Matthew , Spinner Robert J , Krych Aaron J
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Repair of proximal hamstring avulsions requires mobilization of the sciatic nerve away from the tendon stump, which can be achieved with varying difficulty depending on the degree of scar formation and adherence. Predicting when a scarred, adherent, difficult-to-mobilize nerve will be encountered has been difficult.

OBJECTIVE

To identify clinical and/or radiological factors predictive of a difficult intraoperative dissection of the sciatic nerve during proximal hamstring repair.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging of consecutive patients undergoing proximal hamstring repair. We compared the groups with and without a difficult sciatic nerve dissection.

RESULTS

The total cohort consisted of 67 patients. Factors found to increase the likelihood of a difficult sciatic nerve dissection included complete conjoint tendon avulsion, higher maximal amount of tendon retraction, higher degree of imaging abnormality in the sciatic nerve, and higher degree of circumferential relationship of hematoma to the sciatic nerve. At a threshold of 23 for the Sciatic Nerve Dissection Score, the positive and negative predictive values were 53% and 88%, respectively. For the decision tree, the positive and negative predictive values were 75% and 87%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We have identified imaging factors associated with a scarred, adherent sciatic nerve that predict a difficult dissection during proximal hamstring repair. We have developed 2 novel methods—the Sciatic Nerve Dissection Score and a decision tree—that can be applied to predict the probability of a difficult sciatic nerve dissection at the time of surgical repair.
The Impact of Diffusion Tensor Imaging Fiber Tracking of the Corticospinal Tract Based on Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Surgery of Motor-Eloquent Brain Lesions
Authors: Raffa Giovanni , Conti Alfredo , Scibilia Antonino , Cardali Salvatore Massimiliano , Esposito Felice , Angileri Filippo Flavio , La Torre Domenico , Sindorio Carmela , Abbritti Rosaria Viola , Germanò Antonino , Tomasello Francesco
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) enables preoperative mapping of the motor cortex (M1). The combination of nTMS with diffusion tensor imaging fiber tracking (DTI-FT) of the corticospinal tract (CST) has been described; however, its impact on surgery of motor-eloquent lesions has not been addressed.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the impact of nTMS-based mapping on surgery of motor-eloquent lesions.

METHODS

In this retrospective case-control study, we reviewed the data of patients operated for suspected motor-eloquent lesions between 2012 and 2015. The patients underwent nTMS mapping of M1 and, from 2014, nTMS-based DTI-FT of the CST. The impact on the preoperative risk/benefit analysis, surgical strategy, craniotomy size, extent of resection (EOR), and outcome were compared with a control group.

RESULTS

We included 35 patients who underwent nTMS mapping of M1 (group A), 35 patients who also underwent nTMS-based DTI-FT of the CST (group B), and a control group composed of 35 patients treated without nTMS (group C). The patients in groups A and B received smaller craniotomies (P = .01; P = .001), had less postoperative seizures (P = .02), and a better postoperative motor performance (P = .04) and Karnofsky Performance Status (P = .009) than the controls. Group B exhibited an improved risk/benefit analysis (P = .006), an increased EOR of nTMS-negative lesions in absence of preoperative motor deficits (P = .01), and less motor and Karnofsky Performance Status worsening in case of preoperative motor deficits (P = .02, P = .03) than group A.

CONCLUSION

nTMS-based mapping enables a tailored surgical approach for motor-eloquent lesions. It may improve the risk/benefit analysis, EOR and outcome, particularly when nTMS-based DTI-FT is performed.
Correlates of a Recent History of Disabling Low Back Pain in Community-dwelling Older Persons
Authors: Machado Luciana A.C. , Viana Joana U. , da Silva Sílvia L.A. , Couto Flávia G.P. , Mendes Liliane P. , Ferreira Paulo H. , Ferreira Manuela L. , Dias João M.D. , Dias Rosângela C.
Published: October 2017

Objectives:

To investigate the correlates of a recent history of disabling low back pain (LBP) in older persons.

Materials and Methods:

The Pain in the Elderly (PAINEL) Study was derived from the Frailty among Brazilian Older Adults (FIBRA) Network Study. Data were collected through face-to-face/telephone interviews and clinical examination. A series of logistic regressions assessed associations between a recent history of disabling LBP and sociodemographic, physical/lifestyle, and psychological factors.

Results:

Of the 378 community-dwelling elders included in the study (age±SD, 75.5±6.1), 9.3% experienced LBP that was bad enough to limit or change their daily activities during the past year. Those reporting a recent history of disabling LBP were more likely to be women and under financial strain, to present poor self-rated health, overweight, multimorbidity, low physical activity level, fatigue, depressive symptomatology/diagnosis and fear beliefs, and to report decreased sleep time, prolonged sitting time, chronic pain (in location other than lower back), and frequently recurring LBP. The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that overweight (odds ratio [OR], 29.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-391.0), low physical activity level (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.3-15.4), fatigue (OR, 10.3; 95% CI, 2.4-43.4), depression diagnosis (OR, 4.9; 95% CI, 1.3-18.4), and frequently recurring LBP (OR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.0-20.1) were independently associated with a recent history of disabling LBP.

Discussion:

Our study supports the link between disabling LBP and other age-related chronic conditions in a middle-income country with a rapidly aging population.
Cardiovascular Complications of Proteasome Inhibitors Used in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Cole Daniel C. , Frishman William H.
Published: October 2017

The use of proteasome inhibitors (PI) as targeted chemotherapeutics have significantly improved survival in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). However, rare and serious cardiovascular complications have occurred as a result of their use, most commonly congestive heart failure, hypertension, and arrhythmias. MM occurs in an aged population with many concurrent cardiovascular risk factors. The primary disease process also contributes to cardiovascular complications. Furthermore, many MM patients have prior exposure to cardiotoxic chemotherapy such as anthracyclines. Because of these occurrences, the identification, prevention, and management of cardiovascular complications is made increasingly difficult. Various clinical studies and case reports have documented cardiotoxicity among all 3 of the currently approved PIs, bortezomib, carfilzomib, and ixazomib. Carfilzomib has shown the highest rates of cardiotoxicity, whereas there is conflicting evidence regarding bortezomib’s role in producing cardiotoxicity. However, various case reports have documented the existence of adverse cardiac effects. Higher frequencies of complications have also been seen in “real-life” populations with cardiovascular co-morbidities who were originally excluded from clinical studies. Ixazomib, the most recently approved PI, has also been proposed to cause cardiotoxicity, elucidating a possible class effect. PIs are thought to cause cardiotoxicity through the unfolded protein response, leading to apoptosis in cardiac myocytes. Apremilast and rutin have been used in an animal model to reverse this signaling. Standardized guidelines identifying patients at greatest risk, to prevent and manage complications, have not yet been developed. Efforts have been made to prioritize patients older than 60 years with anthracycline exposure, cardiovascular risk factors, or amyloidosis. Withholding medication, using slower-infusion times, limiting fluids and providing supportive therapy have been successful. Screening echocardiograms have not been proven effective.
Psychological Predictors of Postconcussive Symptoms Following Traumatic Injury
Authors: Sullivan Karen A. , Edmed Shannon L. , Greenslade Jaimi H. , White Melanie , Chu Kevin , Lukin Bill , Lange Rael T. , Lurie Janine K.
Published: October 2017

Objective:

To determine the contribution of demographics, injury type, pain, and psychological factors on postconcussive symptoms.

Setting and Participants:

Recently injured (n = 54) and noninjured (n = 184) adults were recruited from a hospital emergency department or the community. Thirty-eight individuals met the diagnostic criteria for a mild traumatic brain injury and 16 individuals received treatment for a minor traumatic non–brain injury.

Main Measures:

Standardized tests were administered to assess 4 postconcussion symptom types and theorized predictors including a “physiogenic” variable (injury type) and “psychogenic” variables (symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress) within 1 month of the injury.

Results:

In the injured sample, after controlling for injury type, demographics, and pain (chronic and current), a hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the combination of psychological symptoms predicted affective (F
10,42 = 2.80, P = .009, R
2
change = 0.27) but not other postconcussion symptoms types. Anxiety (β = .48), stress (β = .18), and depression (β = −.07) were not statistically significant individual predictors (P > .05). Cognitive and vestibular postconcussion symptoms were not predicted by the modeled factors, somatic sensory postconcussion symptoms were predicted by demographic factors only, and the pattern of predictors for the symptom types differed for the samples.

Conclusions:

Traditional explanatory models do not account for these findings. The predictors are multifactorial, different for injured versus noninjured samples, and symptom specific.
Hyperarousal Symptoms Explain the Relationship Between Cognitive Complaints and Working Memory Performance in Veterans Seeking PTSD Treatment
Authors: Judah Matt R. , Renfroe Jenna B. , Wangelin Bethany C. , Turner Travis H. , Tuerk Peter W.
Published: October 2017

Objective:

Comorbidity and symptom overlap between traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans returning from deployment present challenges with respect to differential diagnosis and treatment. Both conditions frequently manifest with attention and working memory deficits, though the underlying neuropsychological basis differs. This study evaluated whether hyperarousal symptoms explain the relationship between subjective and objective measures of cognition in a veteran sample.

Participants and Procedures:

One-hundred three veterans completed the military version of the PTSD Checklist (PCL), the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory, and the Wechsler Memory Scale, 3rd edition digit span task with adequate effort.

Results:

Hierarchical regression suggested that hyperarousal, but not other PTSD symptoms, explained the relationship between neurobehavioral symptoms and cognitive functioning. This relationship was present regardless of whether veterans met full PTSD diagnostic criteria or screened positive on a traumatic brain injury screener and was robust to other moderators.

Conclusion:

These findings highlight the importance of considering traumatic brain injury and PTSD symptom overlap, particularly the relationship between hyperarousal symptoms and attention and working memory deficits, in conceptualizing cases and treatment planning.
Preschool children's coping responses and outcomes in the vaccination context: child and caregiver transactional and longitudinal relationships
Authors: Campbell Lauren , Pillai Riddell Rebecca , Cribbie Robert , Garfield Hartley , Greenberg Saul
Published: October 2017

This article, based on 2 companion studies, presents an in-depth analysis of preschoolers coping with vaccination pain. Study 1 used an autoregressive cross-lagged path model to investigate the dynamic and reciprocal relationships between young children's coping responses (how they cope with pain and distress) and coping outcomes (pain behaviors) at the preschool vaccination. Expanding on this analysis, study 2 then modeled preschool coping responses and outcomes using both caregiver and child variables from the child's 12-month vaccination (n = 548), preschool vaccination (n = 302), and a preschool psychological assessment (n = 172). Summarizing over the 5 path models and post hoc analyses over the 2 studies, novel transactional and longitudinal pathways predicting preschooler coping responses and outcomes were elucidated. Our research has provided empirical support for the need to differentiate between coping responses and coping outcomes: 2 different, yet interrelated, components of “coping.” Among our key findings, the results suggest that a preschooler's ability to cope is a powerful tool to reduce pain-related distress but must be maintained throughout the appointment; caregiver behavior and poorer pain regulation from the 12-month vaccination appointment predicted forward to preschool coping responses and/or outcomes; robust concurrent relationships exist between caregiver behaviors and both child coping responses and outcomes, and finally, caregiver behaviors during vaccinations are not only critical to both child pain coping responses and outcomes in the short- and long-term but also show relationships to broader child cognitive abilities as well.
Usefulness of Electrical Auditory Brainstem Responses to Assess the Functionality of the Cochlear Nerve Using an Intracochlear Test Electrode
Authors: Lassaletta Luis , Polak Marek , Huesers Jan , Díaz-Gómez Miguel , Calvino Miryam , Varela-Nieto Isabel , Gavilán Javier
Published: October 2017

Objective:

To use an intracochlear test electrode to assess the integrity and the functionality of the auditory nerve in cochlear implant (CI) recipients and to compare electrical auditory brainstem responses (eABR) via the test electrode with the eABR responses with the CI.

Setting:

Otolaryngology department, tertiary referral hospital.

Patients:

Ten subjects (age at implantation 55 yr, range, 19–72) were subsequently implanted with a MED-EL CONCERTO CI on the side without any useful residual hearing.

Interventions:

Following identification of the round window (RW), the test electrode was inserted in the cochlea previous to cochlear implantation.

Main Outcome Measures:

To assess the quality of an eABR waveform, scoring criteria from Walton et al. (2008) were chosen. The waveforms in each session were classified by detecting waves III and V by the algorithm and visual assessment of the waveform. Speech performance was evaluated with monosyllables, disyllables, and sentence recognition tests.

Results:

It was possible to evoke electrical stimulation responses along with both the test electrode and the CI in all subjects. No significant differences in latencies or amplitudes after stimulation were found between the test electrode and the CI. All subjects obtained useful hearing with their CI and use their implants daily.

Conclusions:

The intracochlear test electrode may be suitable to test the integrity of the auditory nerve by recording eABR signals. This allows for further research on the status of the auditory nerve after tumor removal and correlation with auditory performance.
Therapeutic Mastoidectomy Does Not Increase Postoperative Complications in the Management of the Chronic Ear
Authors: Shew Matthew A. , Muelleman Thomas , Villwock Mark , Muelleman Robert J. , Sykes Kevin , Staecker Hinrich , Lin James L.
Published: October 2017

Objective:

Tympanoplasty with or without concurrent therapeutic mastoidectomy is a controversial topic in the management of chronic ear disease. We sought to describe whether there is a significant difference in postoperative complications.

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program public files.

Patients:

Current procedural terminology codes were used to identify patients with chronic ear disease undergoing tympanoplasty ± concurrent mastoidectomy in the 2011 to 14 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program files.

Intervention:

Therapeutic.

Main Outcome Measures:

Variables were compared with χ
2, Fischer's exact, and Mann–Whitney U tests, as appropriate to analyze postoperative complications between tympanoplasty with or without concurrent mastoidectomy. To account for confounding factors, presence of a complication was analyzed in binary logistic regression. Analysis considered sex, hypertension, obesity, advanced age, diabetes, smoking status, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical status, procedure.

Results:

There were 4,087 patients identified meeting criteria (tympanoplasty = 2,798, tympanomastoidectomy = 1,289). There was no statistical difference in postoperative complications (tympanoplasty n = 49 [1. 8%], tympanomastoidectomy n = 33 [2. 6%]; p = 0. 087) or return to the operating room (tympanoplasty = 4 [0. 1%], tympanomastoidectomy = 6 [0. 5%]; p = 0. 082). Binary logistic regression demonstrated smoking as a predictor of a postoperative complication (OR: 1. 758, 95% CI: 1. 084–2. 851; p = 0. 022), while concurrent mastoidectomy did not significantly increase the risk of complication (OR: 1. 440, 95% CI: 0. 915–2. 268; p = 0. 115). There was a significant difference in mean operative time between tympanoplasty and tympanomastoidectomy: 85.7 versus 154.23 min, p < 0. 001.

Conclusion:

In the management of chronic ear disease, tympanoplasty with concurrent mastoidectomy increases time under anesthesia, but it is not associated with any increased postoperative complications compared with tympanoplasty alone.
Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Among Patients with Structurally Normal Hearts
Authors: Conrad Stephanie J. , Bridges Brian C. , Kalra Yuvraj , Pietsch John B. , Smith Andrew H.
Published: October 2017

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) has been well described as a rescue therapy in refractory cardiac arrest among patients with congenital heart disease. The purpose of this retrospective analysis of data from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization was to evaluate outcomes of eCPR in patients with structurally normal hearts and to identify risk factors that may contribute to mortality. During the study period, 1,431 patients met inclusion criteria. Median age was 16 years. Overall survival to hospital discharge was 32%. Conditional logistic regression demonstrated an independent survival benefit among smaller patients, patients with a lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) on cannulation, and those with a shorter duration from intubation to eCPR cannulation. A diagnosis of sepsis was independently associated with a nearly threefold increase in odds of mortality, whereas the diagnosis of myocarditis portended a more favorable outcome. Neurologic complications, pulmonary hemorrhage, disseminated intravascular coagulation, CPR, pH less than 7.20, and hyperbilirubinemia after eCPR cannulation were independently associated with an increase in odds of mortality. When utilizing eCPR in patients with structurally normal hearts, a diagnosis of sepsis is independently associated with mortality, whereas a diagnosis of myocarditis is protective. Neurologic complications and pulmonary hemorrhage while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are independently associated with mortality.
Lymph node metastasis can be determined by just tumor depth and lymphovascular invasion in early gastric cancer patients after endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Goto Atsushi , Nishikawa Jun , Hideura Eizaburou , Ogawa Ryo , Nagao Misato , Sasaki Sho , Kawasato Ryo , Hashimoto Shinichi , Okamoto Takeshi , Ogihara Hiroyuki , Hamamoto Yoshihiko , Sakaida Isao
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a minimally invasive treatment for early gastric cancer (EGC) with negligible risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM). When a patient is determined to have noncurative resection after ESD, additional surgical resection with lymph node dissection is recommended. Previous studies report that LNM is found in about 10% of these patients. It may be possible to avoid unnecessary surgical resection by selecting patients properly. We aimed to clarify the risk factors associated with LNM in EGC patients who underwent ESD and to develop a highly accurate diagnostic algorithm for LNM.

Patients and methods

Among 1005 patients with EGC who underwent ESD, 423 patients who could be followed up for more than 3 years after treatment or who underwent additional surgical resection were examined. We used the leave-one-out method to explore the combination of predictive factors of LNM and differentiated LNM by a unique classifier.

Results

Curative resection was achieved in 322 patients, whereas noncurative resection was achieved in 101 patients. In the noncurative resection group, LNM occurred in eight patients with additional surgical resection and one patient during follow-up. The combination of depth of invasion, lymphatic, and venous invasion showed the highest diagnostic performance and could differentiate LNM with 100% sensitivity, 86% specificity, and 86% diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusion

More than 500 μm submucosal invasion and lymphatic and venous invasion will be useful in assessing LNM after ESD for patients with EGC. When these three factors are not observed, follow-up alone might be appropriate and it may be possible to reduce unnecessary surgical resection.
Molecular Profiling of Mammary Analog Secretory Carcinoma Revealed a Subset of Tumors Harboring a Novel ETV6-RET Translocation
Authors: Skalova Alena , Vanecek Tomas , Martinek Petr , Weinreb Ilan , Stevens Todd M. , Simpson Roderick H.W. , Hyrcza Martin , Rupp Niels J. , Baneckova Martina , Michal Michael , Slouka David , Svoboda Tomas , Metelkova Alena , Etebarian Arghavan , Pavelka Jaroslav , Potts Steven J. , Christiansen Jason , Steiner Petr , Michal Michal
Published: October 2017

ETV6 gene abnormalities are well described in tumor pathology. Many fusion partners of ETV6 have been reported in a variety of epithelial, mesenchymal, and hematological malignancies. In salivary gland tumor pathology, however, the ETV6-NTRK3 translocation is specific for (mammary analog) secretory carcinoma, and has not been documented in any other salivary tumor type. The present study comprised a clinical, histologic, and molecular analysis of 10 cases of secretory carcinoma, with typical morphology and immunoprofile harboring a novel ETV6-RET translocation.