bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulating electronic coupling at the quantum dot/molecule interface by wavefunction engineering
Authors: Kaledin Alexey L. , Hill Craig L. , Lian Tianquan , Musaev Djamaladdin G.
Published: March 2019

In this work, we use wavefunction engineering by varying the size of Quantum Dots (QDs) and tuning the delocalization (or diffuseness) of frontier orbitals of an acceptor molecule to modulate charge transfer dynamics at the QD/molecule interface. For this purpose, we apply our recently developed bulk-adjusted linear combination of atomic orbitals (BA-LCAO) approach for nanostructures and a density functional theory (DFT) for the acceptor molecules. These electronic structure calculations, combined with extensive molecular dynamics simulations using a fragmented molecular mechanics (FraMM) force field, reveal intimate details of charge transfer across the QD/Acceptor interface. For the spherical wurtzite-(CdSe)201 and (CdSe)693 nanostructures, as model QDs with respective 2.8 and 4.1 nm diameters, and anthraquinone-2,3-dicarboxylic acid and its derivatives with the 7-OH, 7-OF, 10-BH, and 10-CH2 substituents, as model molecular acceptors, we find that (1) both the electron donating and withdrawing groups greatly enhance hole transfer by means of diffusing the acceptor HOMO; (2) electron transfer is affected only by the electron donating groups; (3) solvent effects are largely negligible for the orbital overlaps, and (4) consistent with spatial confinement theories, the electron density of the smaller QD penetrates farther into the vacuum than the corresponding density of the larger QD leading to stronger coupling with the acceptor. These findings suggest that (a) one can effectively control charge transfer across the QD/molecule interface by either changing the size of the QD or by tuning diffuseness of frontier orbitals of the acceptor molecule and (b) the combination of the recently developed BA-LCAO approach for QDs with a DFT for the acceptor molecules, facilitated by the use of the FraMM force field and extensive molecular dynamics simulations, provide qualitatively accurate description of charge transfer dynamics at the QD/acceptor interface.
Influence of residual plastic strain on the thermoelastic behavior of a titanium alloy
Authors: Punnose Sony , Mukhopadhyay Amretendu
Published: March 2019

The thermoelastic effect that manifests as a change in temperature of a body undergoing adiabatic elastic deformation has been utilized for full-field stress analysis in solids using the infrared thermal imaging technique. This technique has been used for nondestructive evaluation of residual stresses in components. The present study endeavors to examine the effect of residual plastic strain, due to a previously imposed plastic deformation, on the thermoelastic behavior of solids. Near-α titanium alloy specimens have been plastically deformed, and after reaching a plastic strain level, the test has been interrupted. The thermoelastic response of the interrupted specimens has been examined. The infrared thermal imaging technique has been used to capture the spatiotemporal evolution of the surface temperature of the specimens. It has been observed that the thermoelastic coefficient of the alloy increases as a function of prior/residual plastic strain for small deformations. It has been shown that the theoretical framework used to explain the effect of residual stress on the thermoelastic coefficient assuming a perfect crystal lattice is not applicable to explain the effect of residual plastic strain on the thermoelastic coefficient. A modification of the existing theory has been proposed to explain the dependence of the thermoelastic coefficient on the residual plastic strain. A thermodynamic framework considering the local entropy and internal energy density has been developed to study the behavior. The microscopic aspects of the energetic of thermoelasticity have been discussed and based on this a continuum dislocation dynamic model has been proposed to explain the variation in the thermoelastic coefficient.
Thermal conductivity of MoS2 monolayers from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Aravind , Rajak Pankaj , Norouzzadeh Payam , Singh David J. , Kalia Rajiv K. , Nakano Aiichiro , Vashishta Priya
Published: March 2019

Quantification of lattice thermal conductivity of two-dimensional semiconductors like MoS2 is necessary for the design of electronic and thermoelectric devices, but direct experimental measurements on free-standing samples is challenging. Molecular dynamics simulations, with appropriate corrections, can provide a reference value for thermal conductivity for these material systems. Here, we construct a new empirical forcefield of the Stillinger-Weber form, parameterized to phonon dispersion relations, lattice constants and elastic moduli and we use it to compute a material-intrinsic thermal conductivity of 38.1 W/m-K at room temperature and estimate a maximum thermal conductivity of 85.4 W/m-K at T = 200 K. We also identify that phonon scattering by the large isotopic mass distribution of Mo and S contributes a significant correction (>45%) to the thermal conductivity at low temperatures.
Low temperature wafer-scale synthesis of hexagonal boron nitride by microwave assisted surface wave plasma chemical vapour deposition
Authors: Singh Rupesh , Kalita Golap , Mahyavanshi Rakesh D. , Adhikari Sudip , Uchida Hideo , Tanemura Masaki , Umeno Masayoshi , Kawahara Toshio
Published: March 2019

Here, we report on the large-area synthesis of hBN layer at a comparatively lower temperature using ammonia borane as precursor by microwave assisted surface wave plasma (MW-SWP) chemical vapour deposition (CVD). The solid precursor was sublimed inside the CVD chamber and decomposed to form plasma radicals, which allowed the growth of hBN layer at a lower temperature (∼500 °C). The growth of hBN on Cu catalyst and Si wafer was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis. The hBN film synthesized on Cu catalyst showed a sharp absorption peak at 276 nm wavelength corresponding to an optical band gap of ∼4.1 eV, owing to the incorporation of carbon and oxygen doping impurities. The reduction of optical band gap of the hBN film with impurity doping can be significant to tune its optoelectronic properties. Thus, the demonstrated MW-SWP-CVD process can be significant to synthesize hBN layers independent of the catalytic behaviour of the substrate, thereby opening enormous possibilities of transfer-free application for device fabrication and as transparent coating on various surfaces.
Numerical investigation of different flow regimes for multiple staggered rows
Authors: Nazeer Ghazala , Shams-ul-Islam  , Shigri Sehrish Hassan , Saeed Sadia
Published: March 2019

In this numerical exploration, the combined effect of Reynolds number (30 ≤ Re ≤ 150) and gap spacing (1 ≤ g ≤ 7) is studied for two dimensional cross flow across multiple staggered rows of square cylinders. Flow is simulated by using lattice Boltzmann method. Outcomes show that for the outset of vortex shedding phenomenon, the critical Re increases as the normalized g increases. At large Re and at g = 7, 6 and 5, the primary vortex shedding frequency controls the flow whereas the secondary frequency almost vanishes. The jets in the gap region have strong influence upon the wake interaction. The nature of the wakes is changed by changing the g and Re which is visualized by the change of wake size behind the cylinders. These g depending on the Re are used to split the flow regimes into chaotic, quasiperiodic-I and quasiperiodic-II flow regimes. Some physical parameters of practical importance are also analysed.
Sports Turf and Amenity Grasses
Authors: Aldous David E , Chivers Ian H
Published: March 2019

Sports Turf and Amenity Grasses is a comprehensive reference for anyone involved with the selection and maintenance of grasses used in sports and amenity areas in all areas. It provides a means to identify these grasses through keys, descriptions and photographs, and also provides detailed information on sowing, oversowing, stolonising and mowing heights.
The performance of each grass is assessed and detailed comments made on positive and negative aspects of its use. A grass’s tolerance to high temperature, frost, drought, shade, wet soil, salinity, low soil fertility, wear and close mowing is given in a table with each aspect rated. Further comments are made on how well it combines with particular grasses and on issues such as seedling vigour and sowing times.
Illumination and Decoration of Flat Surfaces
Authors: Cameron Bob
Published: March 2019

It must be appreciated that no building surface is perfectly flat and that the best that can be expected is the appearance of flatness. Unfortunately, this appearance can easily be destroyed by the effect of glancing light, whether natural or artificial. Illumination and Decoration of Flat Surfaces shows the effect of different light sources on a variety of lining materials and paints so that best results can be achieved.
Different types of building surfaces are investigated, including set plaster, fibrous plaster, hardboard and gypsum board with gloss and semi-gloss paint applied. This full-colour edition also discusses new building materials such as cement sheet, polystyrene and various composite panels, as well as new building practices, low embodied energy materials and higher energy efficiency of buildings.
Illumination and Decoration of Flat Surfaces is a must-have for people involved in the building industry, both commercial and residential.
Gardening Down-Under
Authors: Handreck Kevin
Published: March 2019

This fully revised edition of Kevin Handreck’s classic best-seller contains a wealth of information for practical gardeners. It will enable you to improve the worst of soils, choose the best fertiliser for particular plants and minimise water use. It also contains a comprehensive guide to managing potted plants.
Here also are the basics of soil, composting, fertilisers and potting mixes, as well as simple tests and colour guides to nutrient deficiencies. Gardening Down-Under covers much practical information left out by other gardening books.
Interspecific root interactions enhance photosynthesis and biomass of intercropped millet and peanut plants
Authors: Zou Xiaojin , Sun Zhanxiang , Yang Ning , Zhang Lizhen , Sun Wentao , Niu Shiwei , Tan Lining , Liu Huiyu , Fornara Dario , Li Long
Published: March 2019

Intercropping is commonly practiced worldwide because of its benefits to plant productivity and resource-use efficiency. Belowground interactions in these species-diverse agro-ecosystems can greatly contribute to enhancing crop yields; however, our understanding remains quite limited of how plant roots might interact to influence crop biomass, photosynthetic rates, and the regulation of different proteins involved in CO2 fixation and photosynthesis. We address this research gap by using a pot experiment that included three root-barrier treatments with full, partial and no root interactions between foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P.Beauv.) and peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) across two growing seasons. Biomass of millet and peanut plants in the treatment with full root interaction was 3.4 and 3.0 times higher, respectively, than in the treatment with no root interaction. Net photosynthetic rates also significantly increased by 112–127% and 275–306% in millet and peanut, respectively, with full root interaction compared with no root interaction. Root interactions (without barriers) contributed to the upregulation of key proteins in millet plants (i.e. ribulose 1,5-biphosphate carboxylase; chloroplast β-carbonic anhydrase; phosphoglucomutase, cytoplasmic 2; and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase) and in peanut plants (i.e. ribulose 1,5-biphosphate carboxylase; glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; and phosphoglycerate kinase). Our results provide experimental evidence of a molecular basis that interspecific facilitation driven by positive root interactions can contribute to enhancing plant productivity and photosynthesis.
Unveiling of suppressed genes in interspecific and backcross populations derived from mutants of Cicer species
Authors: Ceylan F. Oncu , Adak Alper , Sari Duygu , Sari Hatice , Toker Cengiz
Published: March 2019

Although many interspecific crosses in Cicer species have successfully been carried out to improve the population in cultivated chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), interspecific and backcross populations derived from mutants of Cicer species have not been studied for revealing suppressed genes responsible for heterotic effects and transgressive segregations. Therefore, the study aimed (i) to estimate heterosis (here, offspring superior to mid-parent value) and heterobeltiosis (offspring superior to better parent) for yield and yield components in the F1; (ii) to decipher transgressive segregation (extreme phenotypes) in F2 and backcross populations; and (iii) to reveal suppressed genes in interspecific and backcross populations (C. arietinum × F1 and C. reticulatum Ladiz.× F1) derived from interspecific crosses between a mutant of C. arietinum and a mutant of C. reticulatum. Heterobeltiosis was found for seed and biological yields, number of branches, and number of pods per plant in F1 progeny; heterosis was determined for the additional traits of 100-seed weight and harvest index. Heterobeltiosis and heterosis for yield and yield components in F1 progeny prompted transgressive segregation for these traits in F2 and backcross populations. In the backcrosses, C. arietinum × F1 crosses produced greater seed size and more pods per plant than C. reticulatum × F1, suggesting that C. arietinum × F1 backcrossing could improve yield components and lead to large seed size. Most of the high-yielding progeny in F2 and C. arietinum × F1 populations had double-podded nodes. It was concluded that the suppressed genes in a mutant of C. reticulatum or a mutant of C. arietinum played a crucial role in increasing transgressive segregations and allowing the cultivated chickpea to gain increased yield and yield components as well as large seed size.
A quarter of a century of monitoring herbicide resistance in Lolium rigidum in Australia
Authors: Broster J. C. , Pratley J. E. , Ip R. H. L. , Ang L. , Seng K. P.
Published: March 2019

Charles Sturt University has operated a commercial herbicide resistance testing service since 1991, following a random survey of the South West Slopes region of New South Wales that identified significant incidence of herbicide resistance in annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaud.). Other surveys of cropping regions of southern Australia conducted at that time also found a significant incidence of resistance. In the subsequent 25-year period, the testing service has received samples from the majority of the southern Australian cropping belt. Overall, 80% of samples tested were resistant to acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibiting aryloxyphenoxypropionate and phenylpyrazole herbicides, 56% to acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibiting herbicides, and 24% to ACCase-inhibiting cyclohexanedione herbicides. The incidences of resistance to inhibitors of photosynthesis at PSII, tubulin-formation inhibitors, and 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate (EPSP) synthase inhibiting herbicides have remained <10% of samples tested. The relationships between many herbicide groups and subgroups are discussed, as is the variability in resistance incidence and the forms of cross or multiple resistance for each state. This paper builds on an earlier publication of 14 years of testing history. At >5000 samples, the size and geographical spread of this dataset allows for valuable analyses of the relationships present in herbicide-resistant populations of annual ryegrass.
Solega defenestration
Authors: Si Aung , Spronck Stef
Published: March 2019

Based on original fieldwork, this paper discusses reported speech and thought constructions in Solega (Dravidian). FollowingMcGregor (1994)we claim that reported speech can only be comprehensively characterised if it is identified as a syntactic construction in its own right, a construction we label a framing construction. In natural discourse, elements of the framing construction, particularly clauses referring to the reporting event, may be left unexpressed. We term framing constructions without a matrix clause ‘defenestrated clauses’. While defenestrated clauses in Solega leave perspective shifts underspecified, they include several distinctive strategies that allow us to reconsider the role of morpho-syntactic marking in the expression of perspective shifts.
Characterization of nucleolar localization and exclusion signals in terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase interacting factor 2/estrogen receptor α-binding protein
Authors: Fukada Takashi , Shibata Shun , Ueda Toshihiro , Sasaki Katsuhiko , Shimoida Yukiko , Senda-Murata Kaori , Sugimoto Kenji
Published: March 2019

Terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase interacting factor 2/estrogen receptor α-binding protein (TdIF2/ERBP) is a multifunctional nucleolar protein. The nucleolar localization of TdIF2/ERBP is important for its functions because it promotes ribosomal RNA transcription. However, signal sequences that direct TdIF2/ERBP to the nucleolus are not well characterized. We examined the TdIF2/ERBP sequence using truncation and mutation analyses to determine whether the nucleosome binding and C-terminal domains of TdIF2/ERBP possess nucleolar localization signals (NoLSs). In these domains, four NoLSs that could direct the mCherry protein to the nucleolus were detected. In addition, a short stretch of hydrophobic residues (VLLVL) in the center of TdIF2/ERBP acted as a nucleolar exclusion signal, which reduced the nucleolar accumulation of mCherry–NoLS fusion proteins. These results would contribute to improving the prediction of NoLSs from protein sequences. The short, transferrable localization signals would be valuable tools for understanding the association between localization and functions of nucleolar proteins.

Abbreviations TdIF2: terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase interacting factor 2; ERBP: estrogen receptor α-binding protein; EGFP: enhanced green fluorescent protein; NLS: nuclear localization signal; NoLS: nucleolar localization signal; NoES: nucleolar exclusion signal; DAPI: 4ʹ,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole
Constitutive equation with residual hardening effect for modeling the ultrasonic vibration enhanced friction stir welding process
Authors: Yang C. L. , Wu C. S.
Published: March 2019

A modified acoustic-plastic constitutive model characterising both acoustic softening and residual hardening effects on aluminium alloys is developed and applied into a computational fluid dynamic model for the ultrasonic vibration enhanced friction stir welding (UVeFSW) process. The flow stress and material flow field in UVeFSW are quantitatively analysed. The effect of acoustic residual hardening on the streamlines density at rear advancing side is examined by comparing with that based on the model considering just acoustic softening. The numerical simulation results are experimentally validated, and it is found that the modified constitutive equation improves the prediction accuracy of the flow stress and material flow field in UVeFSW.
Experimental Philosophy of Science and Philosophical Differences across the Sciences
Authors: Robinson Brian , Gonnerman Chad , O’Rourke Michael
Published: March 2019

This article contributes to the underdeveloped field of experimental philosophy of science. We examine variability in the philosophical views of scientists. Using data from Toolbox Dialogue Initiative, we analyze scientists’ responses to prompts on philosophical issues (methodology, confirmation, values, reality, reductionism, and motivation for scientific research) to assess variance in the philosophical views of physical scientists, life scientists, and social and behavioral scientists. We find six prompts about which differences arose, with several more that look promising for future research. We then evaluate the difference between the natural and social sciences and the challenge of interdisciplinary integration across scientific branches.
A New Account of Replication in the Experimental Life Sciences
Authors: Guttinger Stephan
Published: March 2019

The life sciences are said to be in the midst of a replication crisis because (1) a majority of published results are irreproducible, and (2) scientists rarely replicate existing data. Here I argue that point 2 of this assessment is flawed because there is a hitherto unidentified form of replication in the experimental life sciences, which I call ‘microreplications’ (MRs). Using a case study from biochemistry, I illustrate how MRs depend on a key element of experimentation, namely, experimental controls. I end by reflecting on what MRs mean for the broader debate about the replication crisis.
Detuning dependent Rabi oscillations of a single molecule
Authors: Rezai Mohammad , Wrachtrup Jörg , Gerhardt Ilja
Published: March 2019

A single organic dye molecule at cryogenic conditions is resonantly excited in a confocal microscope. Under strong laser illumination it undergoes Rabi oscillations. Mathematically, this was well described and had been experimentally implemented. These oscillations can be measured as side-bands on their resonance fluorescence, e.g. in the Mollow-Triplet. An alternative method is to research this effect by an analysis of the single molecule anti-bunched photon statistics. This has been performed in this work. Here we research on the detuning dependence of this signal—it is experimentally demanding since the utilized laser might drift or single emitters are not necessarily spectrally stable enough, such that the spectrum can be measured indefinitely. We therefore apply a measurement technique in which the photon correlation signal is acquired in detuning dependent steps. This is performed by continuous laser sweeps over the single molecule excitation spectrum. A single recording of the anti-bunched photons takes 20–50 ms. After approx. 1 h of repetitive laser detunings a full anti-bunching curve is reconstructed for each spectral position. An alternative technique with 100 ns laser pulses allows us to acquire a set of comparable data. Our study is derived from a single dibenzanthanthrene molecule with a natural linewidth of 2π×16 MHz. It emits under resonant excitation more than 380.000 photons per second. Under spectral detuning, Rabi-oscillations are observed up to Ω
Rabi = 2π×160 MHz.
Balancing hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions in thermosensitive polyplexes for nucleic acid delivery
Authors: Fliervoet Lies A L , van Nostrum Cornelus F , Hennink Wim E , Vermonden Tina
Published: March 2019

For the design of new polymeric-based drug delivery systems, understanding how multiple functionalities in the polymer structure are influencing each other in particle formation is important. Therefore in this study, the balance between hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions has been investigated for thermosensitive plasmid DNA (pDNA)-loaded polyplexes. NPD triblock copolymers consisting of a thermosensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM, N), a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG, P) and a cationic poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA, D) block with different block lengths were prepared using a hetero-functional PEG macroinitiator. Cloud points of the thermosensitive polymers in HBS buffer (20 mM HEPES, 150 mM NaCl, pH 7.4) were determined by light scattering and ranged between 33 °C and 34 °C for the different polymers. The binding and condensation properties of these thermosensitive polymers and pDNA were studied taking non-thermosensitive PD polymers as controls. The size, surface charge, and stability of the formed colloidal particles (‘polyplexes’) were studied as a function of polymer block lengths, N/P charge ratio, and temperature. The NPD polymers were able to self-assemble into polyplex nanostructures with hydrodynamic sizes ranging between 150 and 205 nm at room temperature in HBS buffer as determined by dynamic light scattering. Polyplexes prepared with a low N/P charge ratio of 1 aggregated upon heating to 37 °C, which was not observed at higher N/P charge ratios. When the length of the cationic D block was relatively long compared to the thermosensitive N block, stable polyplexes were formed at all N/P ratios and elevated temperatures. 1H-NMR studies, static light scattering and ζ-potential measurements further supported the stability of these polyplexes at 37 °C. Finally, the presence of thermosensitive blocks in NPD-based polyplexes resulted in better cytocompatibility compared to PD-based polyplexes with similar efficiencies of delivering its cargo into HeLa cells.
Association of Scrub Typhus With the Risk of Autoimmune Diseases: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Chu Kuo-An , Chen Weishan , Hsu Chung Y , Hung Yao-Min , Wei James Cheng-Chung
Published: March 2019

Infection plays a major role in the development of autoimmune diseases. In this study, we investigated the relationship between scrub typhus and systemic autoimmune diseases. We enrolled 6,928 hospitalized patients with scrub typhus between 2000 and 2012 from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, and we compared them with 27,712 selected inpatients who had never been diagnosed with scrub typhus (1:4 ratio, matched by age, sex, and index year) in relation to the risk of developing autoimmune diseases. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to analyze the risk of autoimmune diseases by sex, age, and comorbidities, with hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The adjusted hazard ratio for autoimmune diseases for the scrub typhus group was 2.4 (95% confidence interval: 1.66, 3.48, P < 0.0001) compared with the control group. Subgroup analysis showed that women aged <40 years had a significant higher risk of autoimmune diseases. The risk was significantly higher within 3 years after scrub typhus infection. In conclusion, a higher risk of autoimmune diseases was found among the scrub typhus group, especially for female patients, those aged <40 years, and within the first 3 years after getting scrub typhus.
A Reply
Authors: Fluck Winfried
Published: March 2019

My essay on “The Limits of Critique and the Affordances of Form” had its origin in a study group at the University of Freiburg in Germany in which we tried to get a sense of the current state of literary studies. Rita Felski’s The Limits of Critique (2015) and Caroline Levine’s Forms (2015) were the two books that impressed us the most, so much so, in fact, that I decided to have a second look at their arguments and their underlying premises. My subsequent readings confirmed a first impression that these books offered original and constructive contributions to current critical debates. Despite my critical comments on a number of issues, I still hold this view. My own essay has therefore been written with the purpose of clarification, not dismissal or rejection. That is why I am glad about the generous responses Felski and Levine have provided. As Leonard Cassuto puts it in his response, “[w]e can be grateful for their books.”
Intra-procedural monitoring protocol using routine transthoracic echocardiography with backup trans-oesophageal probe in transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a single centre experience
Authors: Stella S , Melillo F , Capogrosso C , Fisicaro A , Ancona F , Latib A , Montorfano M , Colombo A , Alfieri O , Castiglioni A , Margonato A , Agricola E
Published: March 2019

Aim

The aim of this study is to describe our 9-year experience in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) as a routine intra-procedural imaging modality with trans-oesophageal echocardiography (TEE) as a backup.

Methods and results

From January 2008 to December 2017, 1218 patients underwent transfemoral TAVR at our Institution. Except the first 20 cases, all procedures have been performed under conscious sedation, with fluoroscopic guidance and TTE imaging monitoring. Once the TTE resulted suboptimal for final result assessment or a complication was either suspected or identified on TTE, TEE evaluation was promptly performed under general anaesthesia. Only 24 (1.9%) cases required a switch to TEE: 6 cases for suboptimal TTE prosthetic valve leak (PVL) quantification; 12 cases for haemodynamic instability; 2 cases for pericardial effusion without haemodynamic instability; 4 cases for urgent TAVR. The 30-days and 1-year all-cause mortality were 2.1% and 10.2%, respectively. Cardiac mortality at 30-days and 1-year follow-up were 0.6% and 4.1%, respectively. Intra-procedural and pre-discharge TT evaluation showed good agreement for PVL quantification (k agreement: 0.827, P = 0.005).

Conclusion

TTE monitoring seems a reasonable imaging tool for TAVR intra-procedural monitoring without delay in diagnosis of complications and a reliable paravalvular leak assessment. However, TEE is undoubtedly essential in identifying the exact mechanism in most of the complications.
Pulsatile sterile abscess in the left breast following transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a case report
Authors: Khan Habib R , Ansari Mohammad I , Varcoe Richard W , Henderson Robert A
Published: March 2019

Background

Over the last decade, transcatheter treatment of degenerative aortic valve stenosis has been established as an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement. Late complications of transcatheter treatment of aortic stenosis (AS) are infrequent.

Case summary

We report an 87-year-old woman treated successfully with 23 mm Sapien 3 transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation for severe AS. She presented 4 months later with a pulsatile mass in the left breast. After exclusion of other diagnoses, the mass was attributed to a sterile abscess communicating with the pericardial cavity due to post-operative chest infection and pleural effusion. Multimodality imaging helped to define the anatomy of the abscess and the mechanism of the pulsation.

Discussion

This is the first report of a pulsatile sterile abscess occurring as a complication of transapical aortic valve implantation. Multimodality imaging confirmed that the pulsation was due to extension of the abscess into the pericardial cavity, excluded direct communication with the left ventricle, and facilitated successful non-surgical management.
Long-term results of atrial maze surgery in patients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Gonzalez Corcia M Cecilia , Walsh Edward P , Emani Sitaram
Published: March 2019

Aims

Recurrent atrial tachycardia is common after repair of many types of congenital heart disease, and surgical ablation with a maze procedure represents a potential treatment strategy. The objective of this study is to report a single-centre 19 years’ experience with maze surgery in congenital heart patients.

Methods and results

Patients undergoing maze procedure concomitantly with cardiac surgical procedures were retrospectively analysed. The maze procedure was classified as therapeutic if the patient demonstrated preoperative atrial arrhythmias, or as prophylactic if done because the patient was considered high risk for post-operative arrhythmias. Acute outcomes and longer-term freedom from atrial arrhythmias were analysed. Maze surgery was performed in 166 patients: 137 in the therapeutic group, and 29 in the prophylactic group. The most common congenital heart lesion was single ventricle for the therapeutic group (27%) and Ebstein’s anomaly for the prophylactic group (76%). Surgery consisted of a right atrial maze in 63%, left atrial maze in 4%, and bilateral maze in 33%. There were no direct complications or mortality related to the maze procedure itself. For the therapeutic group, freedom from arrhythmias was 82% and 67% at 1 and 5 years post-maze. Younger age at the time of surgery correlated with a lower long-term recurrence risk.

Conclusion

Maze procedure at the time of an elective anatomic surgery is reasonably effective to prevent and treat atrial arrhythmias in patients with congenital heart disease at short- and mid-term, with low morbidity and mortality.
A culturally and linguistically salient pilot intervention to promote colorectal cancer screening among Latinos receiving care in a Federally Qualified Health Center
Authors: Gwede Clement K , Sutton Steven K , Chavarria Enmanuel A , Gutierrez Liliana , Abdulla Rania , Christy Shannon M , Lopez Diana , Sanchez Julian , Meade Cathy D
Published: March 2019

Despite established benefits, colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is underutilized among Latinos/Hispanics. We conducted a pilot 2-arm randomized controlled trial evaluating efficacy of two intervention conditions on CRC screening uptake among Latinos receiving care in community clinics. Participants (N = 76) were aged 50–75, most were foreign-born, preferred to receive their health information in Spanish, and not up-to-date with CRC screening. Participants were randomized to either a culturally linguistically targeted Spanish-language fotonovela booklet and DVD intervention plus fecal immunochemical test [FIT] (the LCARES, Latinos Colorectal Cancer Awareness, Research, Education and Screening intervention group); or a non-targeted intervention that included a standard Spanish-language booklet plus FIT (comparison group). Measures assessed socio-demographic variables, health literacy, CRC screening behavior, awareness and beliefs. Overall, FIT uptake was 87%, exceeding the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable’s goal of 80% by 2018. The LCARES intervention group had higher FIT uptake than did the comparison group (90% versus 83%), albeit not statistically significant (P = 0.379). The LCARES intervention group was associated with greater increases in CRC awareness (P = 0.046) and susceptibility (P = 0.013). In contrast, cancer worry increased more in the comparison group (P = 0.045). Providing educational materials and a FIT kit to Spanish-language preferring Latinos receiving care in community clinics is a promising strategy to bolster CRC screening uptake to meet national targets.
Functional rescue in a mouse model of congenital muscular dystrophy with megaconial myopathy
Authors: Sayed-Zahid Ambreen A , Sher Roger B , Sukoff Rizzo Stacey J , Anderson Laura C , Patenaude Kathryn E , Cox Gregory A
Published: March 2019

Congenital muscular dystrophy with megaconial myopathy (MDCMC) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting. The observation of megamitochondria in skeletal muscle biopsies is exclusive to this type of MD. The disease is caused by loss of function mutations in the choline kinase beta (CHKB) gene which results in dysfunction of the Kennedy pathway for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine. We have previously reported a rostrocaudal MD (rmd) mouse with a deletion in the Chkb gene resulting in an MDCMC-like phenotype, and we used this mouse to test gene therapy strategies for the rescue and alleviation of the dystrophic phenotype. Introduction of a muscle-specific Chkb transgene completely rescues motor and behavioral function in the rmd mouse model, confirming the cell-autonomous nature of the disease. Intramuscular gene therapy post-disease onset using an adeno-associated viral 6 (AAV6) vector carrying a functional copy of Chkb is also capable of rescuing the dystrophy phenotype. In addition, we examined the ability of choline kinase alpha (Chka), a gene paralog of Chkb, to improve dystrophic phenotypes when upregulated in skeletal muscles of rmd mutant mice using a similar AAV6 vector. The sum of our results in a preclinical model of disease suggest that replacement of the Chkb gene or upregulation of endogenous Chka could serve as potential lines of therapy for MDCMC patients.
Performance of multispecies assessment models: insights on the influence of diet data
Authors: Trijoulet Vanessa , Fay Gavin , Curti Kiersten L , Smith Brian , Miller Timothy J
Published: March 2019

Multispecies stock assessment models require predator diet data, e.g. stomach samples. Diet data can be unavailable, sparse, of small sample size, or very noisy. It is unclear if multispecies interactions can be estimated without bias when interactions are weak. Research is needed about how model performance is affected by the availability or quality of diet data and by the method for fitting it. We developed seven age-structured operating models that simulate trophic interactions for two fish species and different scenarios of diet data availability or quality. The simulated data sets were fitted using four statistical catch-at-age models that estimated fishing, predation and residual natural mortality and differed in the way the diet data was fitted. Fitting the models to diet data averaged over time should be avoided since it resulted in estimation bias. Fitting annual diet composition per stomach produced bias estimates due to the occurrence of zeros in the observed proportions and the statistical assumptions for the diet model. Fitting to annual stomach proportions averaged across stomachs led to unbiased results even if the number of stomachs was small, the interactions were weak or some sampled years and ages were missing. These methods should be preferred when fitting multispecies models.
Measles, mumps and rubella vs diphtheria–tetanus–acellular-pertussis–inactivated-polio–Haemophilus influenzae type b as the most recent vaccine and risk of early ‘childhood asthma’
Authors: Rieckmann Andreas , Hærskjold Ann , Benn Christine Stabell , Aaby Peter , Lange Theis , Sørup Signe
Published: March 2019

Background and objective

Live vaccines may have beneficial non-specific effects. We tested whether the live measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine compared with the non-live diphtheria–tetanus–acellular-pertussis–inactivated-polio–Haemophilus influenzae type b (DTaP-IPV-Hib) vaccine as the most recent vaccine was associated with less childhood asthma and fewer acute hospital contacts for childhood asthma among boys and girls.

Methods

This study is a nationwide register-based cohort study of 338 761 Danish children born between 1999 and 2006. We compared (i) the incidence of first-registered childhood asthma based on hospital contacts and drug prescriptions and (ii) the incidence of severe asthma defined as acute hospital contacts for childhood asthma between the ages of 15 and 48 months among children whose last received vaccine was three doses of DTaP-IPV-Hib and then MMR with children whose last received vaccine was three doses of DTaP-IPV-Hib.

Results

For boys, following the recommended vaccine schedule of MMR after DTaP-IPV-Hib3 compared with DTaP-IPV-Hib3 as the last received vaccine, MMR was associated with 8.1 (95% confidence interval 3.9–12.3) fewer childhood asthma cases per 1000 boys, corresponding to 10% (5–15%) reduction in the cumulative incidence of childhood asthma. MMR, when given last, was also associated with 16.3 (95% confidence interval 12.7–20.0) fewer acute hospital admissions for childhood asthma per 1000 boys, corresponding to a 27% (22–31%) reduction in the cumulative incidence. No associations were seen for girls.

Conclusion

MMR may have a protective effect against childhood asthma for boys. This calls for an understanding of whether non-specific effects of vaccines can be used to optimize our vaccine programmes.
A novel approach for exposing and sharing clinical data: the Translator Integrated Clinical and Environmental Exposures Service
Authors: Fecho Karamarie , Pfaff Emily , Xu Hao , Champion James , Cox Steve , Stillwell Lisa , Peden David B , Bizon Chris , Krishnamurthy Ashok , Tropsha Alexander , Ahalt Stanley C
Published: March 2019

Objective

This study aimed to develop a novel, regulatory-compliant approach for openly exposing integrated clinical and environmental exposures data: the Integrated Clinical and Environmental Exposures Service (ICEES).

Materials and Methods

The driving clinical use case for research and development of ICEES was asthma, which is a common disease influenced by hundreds of genes and a plethora of environmental exposures, including exposures to airborne pollutants. We developed a pipeline for integrating clinical data on patients with asthma-like conditions with data on environmental exposures derived from multiple public data sources. The data were integrated at the patient and visit level and used to create de-identified, binned, “integrated feature tables,” which were then placed behind an OpenAPI.

Results

Our preliminary evaluation results demonstrate a relationship between exposure to high levels of particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5) and the frequency of emergency department or inpatient visits for respiratory issues. For example, 16.73% of patients with average daily exposure to PM2.5 >9.62 µg/m3 experienced 2 or more emergency department or inpatient visits for respiratory issues in year 2010 compared with 7.93% of patients with lower exposures (n = 23 093).

Discussion

The results validated our overall approach for openly exposing and sharing integrated clinical and environmental exposures data. We plan to iteratively refine and expand ICEES by including additional years of data, feature variables, and disease cohorts.

Conclusions

We believe that ICEES will serve as a regulatory-compliant model and approach for promoting open access to and sharing of integrated clinical and environmental exposures data.
A network model of activities in primary care consultations
Authors: Kocaballi Ahmet Baki , Coiera Enrico , Tong Huong Ly , White Sarah J , Quiroz Juan C , Rezazadegan Fahimeh , Willcock Simon , Laranjo Liliana
Published: March 2019

Objective

The objective of this study is to characterize the dynamic structure of primary care consultations by identifying typical activities and their inter-relationships to inform the design of automated approaches to clinical documentation using natural language processing and summarization methods.

Materials and Methods

This is an observational study in Australian general practice involving 31 consultations with 4 primary care physicians. Consultations were audio-recorded, and computer interactions were recorded using screen capture. Physical interactions in consultation rooms were noted by observers. Brief interviews were conducted after consultations. Conversational transcripts were analyzed to identify different activities and their speech content as well as verbal cues signaling activity transitions. An activity transition analysis was then undertaken to generate a network of activities and transitions.

Results

Observed activity classes followed those described in well-known primary care consultation models. Activities were often fragmented across consultations, did not flow necessarily in a defined order, and the flow between activities was nonlinear. Modeling activities as a network revealed that discussing a patient’s present complaint was the most central activity and was highly connected to medical history taking, physical examination, and assessment, forming a highly interrelated bundle. Family history, allergy, and investigation discussions were less connected suggesting less dependency on other activities. Clear verbal signs were often identifiable at transitions between activities.

Discussion

Primary care consultations do not appear to follow a classic linear model of defined information seeking activities; rather, they are fragmented, highly interdependent, and can be reactively triggered.

Conclusion

The nonlinearity of activities has significant implications for the design of automated information capture. Whereas dictation systems generate literal translation of speech into text, speech-based clinical summary systems will need to link disparate information fragments, merge their content, and abstract coherent information summaries.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Susceptibility Loci for T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children
Authors: Qian Maoxiang , Zhao Xujie , Devidas Meenakshi , Yang Wenjian , Gocho Yoshihiro , Smith Colton , Gastier-Foster Julie M , Li Yizhen , Xu Heng , Zhang Shouyue , Jeha Sima , Zhai Xiaowen , Sanda Takaomi , Winter Stuart S , Dunsmore Kimberly P , Raetz Elizabeth A , Carroll William L , Winick Naomi J , Rabin Karen R , Zweidler-Mckay Patrick A , Wood Brent , Pui Ching-Hon , Evans William E , Hunger Stephen P , Mullighan Charles G , Relling Mary V , Loh Mignon L , Yang Jun J
Published: March 2019

Background

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer in children and can arise in B or T lymphoid lineages. Although risk loci have been identified for B-ALL, the inherited basis of T-ALL is mostly unknown, with a particular paucity of genome-wide investigation of susceptibility variants in large patient cohorts.

Methods

We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 1191 children with T-ALL and 12 178 controls, with independent replication using 117 cases and 5518 controls. The associations were tested using an additive logistic regression model. Top risk variants were tested for effects on enhancer activity using luciferase assay. All statistical tests were two sided.

Results

A novel risk locus in the USP7 gene (rs74010351, odds ratio [OR] = 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27 to 1.65, P = 4.51 × 10–8) reached genome-wide significance in the discovery cohort, with independent validation (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.03 to 2.22, P = .04). The USP7 risk allele was overrepresented in individuals of African descent, thus contributing to the higher incidence of T-ALL in this race/ethnic group. Genetic changes in USP7 (germline variants or somatic mutations) were observed in 56.4% of T-ALL with TAL1 overexpression, statistically significantly higher than in any other subtypes. Functional analyses suggested this T-ALL risk allele is located in a putative cis-regulatory DNA element with negative effects on USP7 transcription. Finally, comprehensive comparison of 14 susceptibility loci in T- vs B-ALL pointed to distinctive etiology of these leukemias.

Conclusions

These findings indicate strong associations between inherited genetic variation and T-ALL susceptibility in children and shed new light on the molecular etiology of ALL, particularly commonalities and differences in the biology of the two major subtypes (B- vs T-ALL).
The Landscape of Somatic Genetic Alterations in Breast Cancers from CHEK2 Germline Mutation Carriers
Authors: Mandelker Diana , Kumar Rahul , Pei Xin , Selenica Pier , Setton Jeremy , Arunachalam Sasi , Ceyhan-Birsoy Ozge , Brown David N , Norton Larry , Robson Mark E , Wen Hannah Y , Powell Simon , Riaz Nadeem , Weigelt Britta , Reis-Filho Jorge S
Published: March 2019

Pathogenic germline variants in checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2), which plays pivotal roles in DNA damage response and cell cycle regulation, confer an increased breast cancer (BC) risk. Here, we investigated the phenotypic and genomic characteristics of 33 BCs from CHEK2 germline mutation carriers (16 high-risk variants and 17 low-risk p.Ile157Thr variants). CHEK2-associated BCs from patients with high-risk germline variants were largely hormone receptor-positive (87%, 13/15), and 81% (13/16) exhibited loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the CHEK2 wild-type allele. Conversely, CHEK2-associated BCs from patients with the low-risk p.Ile157Thr variant displayed less-frequent loss of heterozygosity (5/17, 29%) and higher levels of CHEK2 protein expression than those with high-risk germline variants. CHEK2-associated BCs lacked a dominant mutational signature 3, a genomics feature of homologous recombination DNA repair deficiency (HRD). Our findings indicate that CHEK2-associated BCs are generally hormone receptor-positive and lack HRD-related mutational signatures, recapitulating the features of ATM-associated BCs. Specific CHEK2 germline variants may have a distinct impact on tumor biology.