bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Update on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Ahmad Sarah R. , Moss Heather E.
Published: December 2019

Advances in ophthalmic diagnostics and results of interventional clinical trials are shifting diagnosis and management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) to be more technology- and evidence-based. In this article, the evidence supporting current diagnostic criteria, evaluation, and medical and surgical management of IIH are reviewed.
Migraine Aura: Pathophysiology, Mimics, and Treatment Options
Authors: Fraser Clare L. , Hepschke Jenny L. , Jenkins Bronwyn , Prasad Sashank
Published: December 2019

Recent insights into the clinical presentation and pathophysiology of migraine aura have paved the way for new treatments for this common but frequently debilitating condition. Marked efflux of cellular potassium and glutamate contributes to the cortical spreading depression that forms the electrophysiological basis of migraine aura phenomena. Secondary vascular perturbations also contribute to the various symptoms of a migraine attack. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays a key role in many of these steps, and a growing class of CGRP-antagonists have emerged as a novel, efficacious preventative therapy. It is still not fully understood why a preponderance of migraine aura symptoms is visual, and this issue is an active area of research. In addition, the pathophysiological changes responsible for visual snow syndrome are under investigation. Before diagnosing a patient with migraine aura, it is important to consider the differential diagnosis of transient visual phenomena, with attention to clinical features that may suggest conditions such as retinal disorders, transient ischemic attack, or occipital epilepsy.
Optical Coherence Tomography in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Graves Jennifer S.
Published: December 2019

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) grew out of a convergence of rapid advancements in femtoseconds optics research and fiber optic commercial technology. The basic concept of OCT is to “see” into tissues using light echoes, analogous to the sound echoes of ultrasonography. Multiple A-scans are assembled into a B-scan two-dimensional image of the tissue of interest. Retina is an ideal tissue for evaluation by OCT, since the eye is designed to minimize light scattering through the anterior chamber and vitreous. OCT has had a significant impact on the field of multiple sclerosis, where it has allowed direct imaging of the myelin-free segments of axons and cell bodies of retinal ganglion cells. Together with precise functional measurements of the afferent visual system, the addition of robust structural measurements of retinal injury has allowed for an unprecedented ability to correlate clinical effects with the degree of neuronal loss. In addition, OCT has proven helpful to distinguish different forms of demyelinating disease, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica, and has provided ideal outcome measures in remyelination and neuroprotection trials.
Thermally controlled topological states for elastic waves
Authors: Tang Haocheng , Li Honglang , Xie Xiang , Zhang Yue , Guo Lianbo , Zhao Degang , Luo Wei
Published: December 2019

Developing a tunable phononic crystal (PC) based on relatively simple technology is challenging. Herein, we report a thermally controlled two-dimensional PC which consists of a honeycomb array of thermosensitive perovskite ferroelectric scatterers. The inversion symmetry of the PC is broken, and the topological properties of the band structure are readily tuned by heating the scatterers in a well-controlled manner to form a temperature gradient in the unit cell. Numerical simulation is used to demonstrate the one-way propagation of the edge state along the interface between two PCs with different topological properties and robustness of the edge states against defects. The propagation of the interfacial wave can be tuned extensively by varying the temperature in a few unit cells of the honeycomb lattice array. The present study could be potentially significant in designing tunable, efficient, and multifunctional acoustic devices.
Submicrometric absolute positioning of flat reflective surfaces using Michelson interferometry
Authors: Bienvenue C. , Vallières S. , Payeur S. , Antici P.
Published: December 2019

We present a Target Positioning Interferometer (TPI), a system that uses variations of the wavefront curvature to position solid reflective surfaces with submicrometric precision. The TPI is a Michelson interferometer into which a lens is inserted in the target arm and the mirror of the reference arm is slightly tilted. The TPI configuration presented in this work allows us to position the surface of a reflective target on a beam focus within an uncertainty of 350 nm (2σ) in a subsecond timeframe, using a lens with a numerical aperture of NA = 0.20. We support our experimental findings with numerical simulations of the interference pattern using the ABCD matrices’ method, allowing us to define scaling laws for using the TPI with different optics and environments, as well as suggestions to improve the TPI accuracy and adapt the system to different applications. This system is very well suited for accurate and repeatable target positioning used in laser-driven ion acceleration, where a precise alignment is key to optimize the proton acceleration mechanism.
Predicting the stable rhodium based chalcopyrites with remarkable optical properties
Authors: Joshi Nikunj , Upadhyay Deepak , Pandya Ankur , Jha Prafulla K.
Published: December 2019

The ternary chalcopyrite compounds and related structures are well known for their noteworthy electronic and optical properties. The interaction between monovalent and trivalent atoms has a significant influence on their electronic as well as optical behavior. In the present work, a density functional theory based first-principles calculation is performed to investigate the structural, electronic, lattice dynamical, and optical properties of rhombohedral CuRhX2 (X = S, Se, Te) compounds. The electronic band structure of these compounds depicts semiconducting nature with an indirect bandgap of 1.8, 1.17, and 0.75 eV for CuRhS2, CuRhSe2, and CuRhTe2, respectively. There is a greater hole mobility and p-type conductivity in these compounds due to strong p-d hybridization. The phonon dispersion curves of these compounds confirm their dynamical stability as there is no imaginary frequency for any of the phonon modes in the entire Brillouin zone (BZ). Furthermore, we discuss mode compatibility at the zone center of the BZ and other high symmetry points of the BZ. The Raman spectra of CuRhX2 demonstrate two Raman active modes, namely, the Eg and A1g. The frequency of Raman active modes Eg and A1g decreases due to the increase in Rh–X bond length. The static dielectric constants fall in the range of 8.7–10.4. The absorption coefficient of these compounds is in the range of 1.5–2.0 eV depending upon the ionic radii of chalcogen atoms. Thus, it can be deduced that these systems can be efficiently used in solar energy converters in the UV as well as in the visible region.
Electro-chemo-mechanical coupling of nanoporous gold at the microscale
Authors: Wu Yijuan , Markmann Jürgen , Lilleodden Erica T.
Published: December 2019

The observation of reversible strengthening and stiffening of nanoporous gold (NPG) under electrochemical potential has opened opportunities to exploit this material for multifunctional applications. Yet the complex structural geometry and length-scales involved make a definitive understanding of structural correlations to the behaviors difficult at best. Achievement of coupled electro-chemo-mechanical testing at the micrometer scale is a key step toward this goal. Here, we introduce an experimental approach to investigate the elastic and plastic behaviors of NPG under electrochemical potential at the microscale using a modified nanoindentation setup and multiple load function. The in situ experiments in electrolyte show a significant increase by 32% in strength of pillars in a positive potential regime where oxygen adsorption occurred. This response was found to be reversible, which agrees with macroscopic results, while the elastic modulus was shown to be insensitive to the applied potential—an observation inconsistent with recent bulk dynamic mechanical analysis results.
Control of sub-terahertz gyrotron frequency by modulation-anode voltage: Comparison of theoretical and experimental results
Authors: Fokin A. P. , Tsvetkov A. I. , Manuilov V. N. , Sedov A. S. , Bozhkov V. G. , Genneberg V. A. , Movshevich B. Z. , Glyavin M. Yu.
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a comparison of simple self-consistent theory data and experimental results aimed to study the influence of the anode voltage on the frequency of the subterahertz gyrotron with the goal of frequency stabilization. Numerical simulations of the electron beam formation and beam-wave interaction in a 0.26 THz gyrotron are performed. The experimental dependence of the gyrotron frequency tuning on mod-anode voltage is in agreement with theoretical predictions.
Tunable, passive thermal regulation through liquid to vapor phase change
Authors: Liu Tanya , Palko James W. , Katz Joseph S. , Dede Ercan M. , Zhou Feng , Asheghi Mehdi , Goodson Kenneth E.
Published: December 2019

The increasing complexity and power density of electronic systems have necessitated the development of thermal circuits that can not only remove but actively redirect the flow of heat. Passive thermal regulators are promising as heat routing components that can mitigate large temperature spikes by transitioning between high and low resistance states without external actuation. Existing regulators, however, are often either limited to fixed temperature regulation ranges due to solid-state material property limitations or are difficult to package in a compact form factor. Here, we present a passive, compact (1 × 1 cm2 active area), and tunable thermal regulator that functions based on the dynamics of vapor transport through a noncondensable gas cavity. The device demonstrates a switching resistance ratio of 4 in response to variations in the input power ranging from approximately 0.6 W to 14 W. The device is also able to set the temperature difference across the hot and cold sides to a fixed, “clamped” value that is reasonably independent of heat flow. Both the overall resistance and the clamped temperature difference can be easily tuned by presetting the pressure of the noncondensable gas. We present a brief analysis of the physical operating principles of the device and lay the groundwork for the development of future passive and tunable thermal circuitry components.
Giant unidirectional spin Hall magnetoresistance in topological insulator – ferromagnetic semiconductor heterostructures
Authors: Duy Khang Nguyen Huynh , Hai Pham Nam
Published: December 2019

The unidirectional spin Hall magnetoresistance (USMR) is one of the most complex spin-dependent transport phenomena in ferromagnet/nonmagnet bilayers, which involves spin injection and accumulation due to the spin Hall effect, spin-dependent scattering, and magnon scattering at the interface or in the bulk of the ferromagnet. While USMR in metallic bilayers has been studied extensively in very recent years, its magnitude (∼10−5) is too small for practical applications. Here, we demonstrate a giant USMR effect in a heterostructure of BiSb topological insulator – GaMnAs ferromagnetic semiconductors. We obtained a large USMR ratio of 1.1% and found that this giant USMR is governed not by the giant magnetoresistancelike spin-dependent scattering but by magnon emission/absorption and strong spin-disorder scattering in the GaMnAs layer. Our results provide new insights into the complex physics of USMR, as well as a strategy for enhancing its magnitude for device applications.
On the heritability of the Sylow

-theorem by subgroups
Authors: Vdovin E. P. , Manzaeva N. Ch. , Revin D. O.
Published: December 2019

Let

be a set of primes. We say that the Sylow

-theorem holds for a finite group

, or

is a

-group, if the maximal

-subgroups of

are conjugate. Obviously, the Sylow

-theorem implies the existence of

-Hall subgroups. In this paper, we give an affirmative answer to Problem 17.44, (b), in the Kourovka notebook: namely, we prove that in a

-group an overgroup of a

-Hall subgroup is always a

-group.

Bibliography: 52 titles.
Competing stripe and magnetic phases in the cuprates from first principles
Authors: Zhang Yubo , Lane Christopher , Furness James W. , Barbiellini Bernardo , Perdew John P. , Markiewicz Robert S. , Bansil Arun , Sun Jianwei
Published: December 2019

Significance

High-temperature superconductivity, first discovered in materials with copper-oxide planes, is still not well understood. Cuprates exhibit complex phase diagrams under temperature and doping and have not been amenable to first-principles description using previous density functionals, but the recent SCAN functional correctly predicts many properties of the undoped and doped YBCO compounds. In the oxygen-doped YBa
2
Cu
3
O
7
, SCAN finds many competing states with charge and spin stripes. Thermal energies will mix these states, creating fluctuations of the spin moments on the copper atoms in the pseudogap phase from which superconductivity emerges. Our study suggests a paradigm in which the physics of the mysterious pseudogap phase in the cuprates is encoded through a landscape of underlying competing phases in the material.
Resurgence of an apex marine predator and the decline in prey body size
Authors: Ohlberger Jan , Schindler Daniel E. , Ward Eric J. , Walsworth Timothy E. , Essington Timothy E.
Published: December 2019

Significance

Recent recoveries of marine mammal populations worldwide have heightened concerns for their potential impacts on global fisheries. While predator-induced reductions in prey abundance have been documented, trait-mediated changes in life-history characteristics are rarely considered. Here we provide a striking example of the impact of a resurging apex marine predator on a commercially important fish species through changes in prey life-history traits. We find that widespread declines in the body size of Chinook salmon over the past 50 y can be explained by intensified predation by growing populations of resident killer whales that selectively feed on large Chinook salmon, thus revealing a potential conflict between salmon fisheries and marine mammal conservation objectives.
The intrinsic behavior of lithium fluoride in solid electrolyte interphases on lithium
Authors: He Mingfu , Guo Rui , Hobold Gustavo M. , Gao Haining , Gallant Betar M.
Published: December 2019

Lithium is the most attractive anode material for high-energy density rechargeable batteries, but its cycling is plagued by morphological irreversibility and dendrite growth that arise in part from its heterogeneous “native” solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Enriching the SEI with lithium fluoride (LiF) has recently gained popularity to improve Li cyclability. However, the intrinsic function of LiF—whether chemical, mechanical, or kinetic in nature—remains unknown. Herein, we investigated the stability of LiF in model LiF-enriched SEIs that are either artificially preformed or derived from fluorinated electrolytes, and thus, the effect of the LiF source on Li electrode behavior. We discovered that the mechanical integrity of LiF is easily compromised during plating, making it intrinsically unable to protect Li. The ensuing in situ repair of the interface by electrolyte, either regenerating LiF or forming an extra elastomeric “outer layer,” is identified as the more critical determinant of Li electrode performance. Our findings present an updated and dynamic picture of the LiF-enriched SEI and demonstrate the need to carefully consider the combined role of ionic and electrolyte-derived layers in future design strategies.
Mechanism for antigenic peptide selection by endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1
Authors: Giastas Petros , Mpakali Anastasia , Papakyriakou Athanasios , Lelis Aggelos , Kokkala Paraskevi , Neu Margarete , Rowland Paul , Liddle John , Georgiadis Dimitris , Stratikos Efstratios
Published: December 2019

Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) is an intracellular enzyme that optimizes the peptide cargo of major histocompatibility class I (MHC-I) molecules and regulates adaptive immunity. It has unusual substrate selectivity for length and sequence, resulting in poorly understood effects on the cellular immunopeptidome. To understand substrate selection by ERAP1, we solved 2 crystal structures of the enzyme with bound transition-state pseudopeptide analogs at 1.68 Å and 1.72 Å. Both peptides have their N terminus bound at the active site and extend away along a large internal cavity, interacting with shallow pockets that can influence selectivity. The longer peptide is disordered through the central region of the cavity and has its C terminus bound in an allosteric pocket of domain IV that features a carboxypeptidase-like structural motif. These structures, along with enzymatic and computational analyses, explain how ERAP1 can select peptides based on length while retaining the broad sequence-specificity necessary for its biological function.
Reactivation of critical period plasticity in adult auditory cortex through chemogenetic silencing of parvalbumin-positive interneurons
Authors: Cisneros-Franco J. Miguel , de Villers-Sidani Étienne
Published: December 2019

Sensory experience during early developmental critical periods (CPs) has profound and long-lasting effects on cortical sensory processing perduring well into adulthood. Although recent evidence has shown that reducing cortical inhibition during adulthood reinstates CP plasticity, the precise cellular mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we show that chemogenetic inactivation of parvalbumin-positive (PV
+
) interneurons is sufficient to reinstate CP plasticity in the adult auditory cortex. Bidirectional manipulation of PV
+
cell activity affected neuronal spectral and sound intensity selectivity and, in the case of PV
+
interneuron inactivation, was mirrored by anatomical changes in PV and associated perineuronal net expression. These findings underscore the importance of sustained PV-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission throughout life and highlight the potential of chemogenetic approaches for harnessing cortical plasticity with the ultimate goal of aiding recovery from brain injury or disease.
Epithelial to mesenchymal plasticity and differential response to therapies in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Porter Rebecca L. , Magnus Neelima K. C. , Thapar Vishal , Morris Robert , Szabolcs Annamaria , Neyaz Azfar , Kulkarni Anupriya S. , Tai Eric , Chougule Abhijit , Hillis Alessandra , Golczer Gabriel , Guo Hongshan , Yamada Teppei , Kurokawa Tomohiro , Yashaswini Chittampalli , Ligorio Matteo , Vo Kevin D. , Nieman Linda , Liss Andrew S. , Deshpande Vikram , Lawrence Michael S. , Maheswaran Shyamala , Fernandez-Del Castillo Carlos , Hong Theodore S. , Ryan David P. , O’Dwyer Peter J. , Drebin Jeffrey A. , Ferrone Cristina R. , Haber Daniel A. , Ting David T.
Published: December 2019

Transcriptional profiling has defined pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) into distinct subtypes with the majority being classical epithelial (E) or quasi-mesenchymal (QM). Despite clear differences in clinical behavior, growing evidence indicates these subtypes exist on a continuum with features of both subtypes present and suggestive of interconverting cell states. Here, we investigated the impact of different therapies being evaluated in PDAC on the phenotypic spectrum of the E/QM state. We demonstrate using RNA-sequencing and RNA-in situ hybridization (RNA-ISH) that FOLFIRINOX combination chemotherapy induces a common shift of both E and QM PDAC toward a more QM state in cell lines and patient tumors. In contrast, Vitamin D, another drug under clinical investigation in PDAC, induces distinct transcriptional responses in each PDAC subtype, with augmentation of the baseline E and QM state. Importantly, this translates to functional changes that increase metastatic propensity in QM PDAC, but decrease dissemination in E PDAC in vivo models. These data exemplify the importance of both the initial E/QM subtype and the plasticity of E/QM states in PDAC in influencing response to therapy, which highlights their relevance in guiding clinical trials.
Genetically barcoded SIV reveals the emergence of escape mutations in multiple viral lineages during immune escape
Authors: Immonen Taina T. , Camus Celine , Reid Carolyn , Fennessey Christine M. , Del Prete Gregory Q. , Davenport Miles P. , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Keele Brandon F.
Published: December 2019

Significance

The ability of HIV to rapidly generate escape mutations in response to host immune pressure constitutes a major obstacle toward the development of an efficacious vaccine. Assessing how easily the virus evades different selection pressures remains challenging because it requires quantifying how frequently escape mutations emerge across a diverse virus population. Barcoded SIV infection in nonhuman primates allowed for the direct assessment of escape dynamics within ∼4,000 distinct barcoded viral lineages that established infection. Over 1,000 viral lineages survived cytotoxic T-lymphocyte selection and were confirmed to harbor escape mutations. Characterizing the genetic bottleneck resulting from selection (i.e., the number of surviving barcode lineages) provides a way to assess and compare the efficacies of different selective forces in eradicating the virus.
Characterization of splice-altering mutations in inherited predisposition to cancer
Authors: Casadei Silvia , Gulsuner Suleyman , Shirts Brian H. , Mandell Jessica B. , Kortbawi Hannah M. , Norquist Barbara S. , Swisher Elizabeth M. , Lee Ming K. , Goldberg Yael , O’Connor Robert , Tan Zheng , Pritchard Colin C. , King Mary-Claire , Walsh Tom
Published: December 2019

Mutations responsible for inherited disease may act by disrupting normal transcriptional splicing. Such mutations can be difficult to detect, and their effects difficult to characterize, because many lie deep within exons or introns where they may alter splice enhancers or silencers or introduce new splice acceptors or donors. Multiple mutation-specific and genome-wide approaches have been developed to evaluate these classes of mutations. We introduce a complementary experimental approach, cBROCA, which yields qualitative and quantitative assessments of the effects of genomic mutations on transcriptional splicing of tumor suppressor genes. cBROCA analysis is undertaken by deriving complementary DNA (cDNA) from puromycin-treated patient lymphoblasts, hybridizing the cDNA to the BROCA panel of tumor suppressor genes, and then multiplex sequencing to very high coverage. At each splice junction suggested by split sequencing reads, read depths of test and control samples are compared. Significant Z scores indicate altered transcripts, over and above naturally occurring minor transcripts, and comparisons of read depths indicate relative abundances of mutant and normal transcripts. BROCA analysis of genomic DNA suggested 120 rare mutations from 150 families with cancers of the breast, ovary, uterus, or colon, in >600 informative genotyped relatives. cBROCA analysis of their transcripts revealed a wide variety of consequences of abnormal splicing in tumor suppressor genes, including whole or partial exon skipping, exonification of intronic sequence, loss or gain of exonic and intronic splicing enhancers and silencers, complete intron retention, hypomorphic alleles, and combinations of these alterations. Combined with pedigree analysis, cBROCA sequencing contributes to understanding the clinical consequences of rare inherited mutations.
Managing conflict originated by feminism
Authors: Fernández-Amaya Lucía
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study is to analyze how conflict begins, unfolds and ends in a WhatsApp interaction within a Spanish family on 2018’s International Women’s Day. The analytical framework proposed byBou-Franch and Garcés-Conejos Blitvich (2014)is applied to a conversation that began at 10:37 am on March 8 and ended at 1:47 am on March 9. Multimodal analysis is used to consider not only participants’ linguistic strategies for expressing their opinions about feminism, but also the function of multimedia elements and emojis. The results show that conflict is constructed across multiple turns when some participants’ pro-feminist views are seen negatively by others. Thus, feminism emerges as a source of conflict among the family members. Another important issue drawn from the findings is the key role played by multimodal elements which have different functions related to how conflict is created and unfolds, such as being the origin of conflict itself, showing disapproval with others’ opinions, intensifying opinions to show emotion or trying to reduce face-threat.
Remarkable microwave absorption efficiency of low loading ratio of Ni0.25Co0.25Ti0.5Fe2O4/SrCoTiFe10O19/Cu composite coated with polyprrole within polyurethane matrix
Authors: Xu Dong , Jafarian Mojtaba , Seyyed Afghahi Seyyed Salman , Atassi Yomen , Bani Al-Marjeh Rama Al-Qassar
Published: December 2019

NiCoTi spinel ferrite, SrCoTi hexagonal ferrite and copper microparticles were coated with polypyrrole (PPY) using in situ chemical oxidative method. The resulted microwave absorbing material was introduced into polyurethane matrix. XRD patterns indicated the successful preparation of spinel and hexagonal ferrites. SEM micrographs showed the semi-spherical morphology of the prepared composite. The magnetic properties have been investigated using VSM. The microwave absorber with 20%w/w loading percentage exhibits the best microwave absorption performance (bandwidth under −10 dB of 3 GHz and reflection loss of −24 dB at the matching frequency 9.75 GHz and thickness of 1.8 mm). The measurements of permittivity and permeability reveal that the dielectric loss mechanism is the predominant in the current absorber. The measured reflection loss using free space method also indicates the superior performance of the sample with 20%w/w loading percentage.
Assessing Representation and Perceived Inclusion among Members in the Society for Epidemiologic Research
Authors: DeVilbiss Elizabeth A , Weuve Jennifer , Fink David S , Morris Meghan D , Arah Onyebuchi A , Radoc Jeannie G , Datta Geetanjali D , Abuelezam Nadia N , Lopez David S , Johnson Dayna A , Branas Charles C , Schisterman Enrique F
Published: December 2019

Using web-based survey data collected June – August 2018 from the Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER) members, we characterized numerous dimensions of social identity and lived experience, and assessed relationships between these characteristics and perceptions of inclusion and society participation. We quantified associations between characteristics, feeling very welcomed, high (top 25th percentile) self-initiated participation, and any (top 10th percentile) society-initiated participation. Racial/ethnic and religious minority categories were blinded to preserve anonymity and we accounted for missing data. Most 2018 SER members (n = 1631) were white (62%) or female (66%). Females with racial/ethnic non-response were least likely, while white males were most likely to report feeling very welcomed. Members who did not report race, identified with a specific racial/ethnic minority, or were politically conservative/right-leaning were less likely than white or liberal/left-leaning members to have high self-initiated participation. Women and individuals of a specific racial/ethnic minority or minority religious affiliations were less likely to participate in events initiated by the society. These data represent a baseline for assessing trends and the impact of future initiatives aimed at improving diversity, inclusion, representation and participation within SER.
The burden of comorbidities in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Lang Irene M , Palazzini Massimiliano
Published: December 2019

Patients with comorbidities are often excluded from clinical trials, limiting the evidence base for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-specific therapies. This review aims to discuss the effect of comorbidities on the diagnosis and management of PAH. The comorbidities discussed in this review (systemic hypertension, obesity, sleep apnoea, clinical depression, obstructive airway disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, and ischaemic cardiovascular event) were chosen based on their prevalence in patients with idiopathic PAH in the REVEAL registry (Registry to EValuate Early and Long-term PAH disease management). Comorbidities can mask the symptoms of PAH, leading to delays in diagnosis and also difficulty evaluating disease progression and treatment effects. Due to the multifactorial pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension (PH), the presence of comorbidities can lead to difficulties in distinguishing between Group 1 PH (PAH) and the other group classifications of PH. Many comorbidities contribute to the progression of PAH through increased pulmonary artery pressures and cardiac output, therefore treatment of the comorbidity may also reduce the severity of PAH. Similarly, the development of one comorbidity can be a risk factor for the development of other comorbidities. The management of comorbidities requires consideration of drug interactions, polypharmacy, adherence and evidence-based strategies. A multidisciplinary team should be involved in the management of patients with PAH and comorbidities, with appropriate referral to supportive services when necessary. The treatment goals and expectations of patients must be managed in the context of comorbidities.
Bayesian waveform-based calibration of high-pressure acoustic emission systems with ball drop measurements
Authors: Gu Chen , Mok Ulrich , Marzouk Youssef M , Prieto Germán A , Sheibani Farrokh , Evans J Brian , Hager Bradford H
Published: December 2019

Acoustic emission (AE) is a widely used technology to study source mechanisms and material properties during high-pressure rock failure experiments. It is important to understand the physical quantities that acoustic emission sensors measure, as well as the response of these sensors as a function of frequency. This study calibrates the newly built AE system in the MIT Rock Physics Laboratory using a ball-bouncing system. Full waveforms of multibounce events due to ball drops are used to infer the transfer function of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) sensors in high pressure environments. Uncertainty in the sensor transfer functions is quantified using a waveform-based Bayesian approach. The quantification of in situ sensor transfer functions makes it possible to apply full waveform analysis for acoustic emissions at high pressures.
The Mediating Role of Perceived Threat in the Relationship between Casual Contact and Attitudes towards Syrian Refugees in Turkey
Authors: Çirakoğlu Okan Cem , Demirutku Kürşad , Karakaya Oğuzcan
Published: December 2019

Turkey hosts the largest Syrian refugee population in the world. As an attempt to understand antecedents of residents attitudes towards Syrian refugees, the present study aimed to investigate the relationships between contact experience, perception of threat, and the attitudes. Specifically, we hypothesized that perception of threat would mediate the relationship between contact experience and the attitudes. Frequency of different contact types, threats associated with economic, cultural, and criminal risks, and attitudes towards male or female targets based on preferred social distance were subjected to analyses in an adult sample of 170 women and 183 men. Results revealed a full mediation effect both for female and male Syrian refugee targets. We discussed the findings referring the observed nature of contact as mostly being casual, threat level being high, and attitudes being relatively negative within a specific media-effects framework.
A dwarf–dwarf merger and dark matter core as a solution to the globular cluster problems in the Fornax dSph
Authors: Leung Gigi Y C , Leaman Ryan , van de Ven Glenn , Battaglia Giuseppina
Published: December 2019

The five globular clusters (GCs) of the Fornax dwarf spheroidal galaxy are puzzling for two reasons; the mass in GCs is high with respect to the galaxy’s old stellar mass and their survival and large distance (>1 kpc) is at odds with naive expectations of dynamical friction. We present here a semi-analytic model, simultaneously addressing both problems in a comprehensive evolutionary framework for Fornax. Key to the model is inclusion of: (1) hydrodynamical constraints on the GC formation locations, (2) self-consistent velocity distribution functions in the dynamical friction calculations, and (3) expansion of GC orbits due to a past dwarf–dwarf merger in the orbit integrations. The latter is crucial for reconciling the dynamical survival of the clusters and their chemical properties with respect to the Fornax field stars. We find that in order for four of the GCs to survive at their observed projected location, a dark matter core of size rc > 1.5 kpc and a dwarf merger with dynamical mass ratio of 1:5 ≤ η ≤ 1:2 with Fornax is required. We support the merger scenario by showing that aspects of the field star metallicity distribution function and anomalous chemical properties of GC5, are representative of a merging galaxy which is ∼1/3 less massive than Fornax. Together the chemical and dynamical models suggest a scenario where three in situ GCs in proto-Fornax were ejected to the outskirts during the merger, a GC4 formed during the merger at about 10 Gyr ago, with GC5 being brought in by the merging galaxy to Fornax.
Temperature profiles of hot gas in early-type galaxies
Authors: Kim Dong-Woo , Traynor Liam , Paggi Alessandro , O'Sullivan Ewan , Anderson Craig , Burke Douglas , D'Abrusco Raffaele , Fabbiano Giuseppina , Fruscione Antonella , Lauer Jennifer , McCollough Michael , Morgan Douglas , Mossman Amy , Vrtilek Saeqa , Trinchieri Ginevra
Published: December 2019

Using the data products of the Chandra Galaxy Atlas (Kim et al.), we have investigated the radial profiles of the hot gas temperature in 60 early-type galaxies (ETGs). Considering the characteristic temperature and radius of the peak, dip, and break (when scaled by the gas temperature and virial radius of each galaxy), we propose a universal temperature profile of the hot halo in ETGs. In this scheme, the hot gas temperature peaks at RMAX = 35 ± 25 kpc (or ∼0.04 RVIR) and declines both inward and outward. The temperature dips (or breaks) at RMIN (or RBREAK) = 3–5 kpc (or ∼0.006 RVIR). The mean slope between RMIN (RBREAK) and RMAX is 0.3 ± 0.1. Allowing for selection effects and observational limits, we find that the universal temperature profile can describe the temperature profiles of 72 per cent (possibly up to 82 per cent) of our ETG sample. The remaining ETGs (18 per cent) with irregular or monotonically declining profiles do not fit the universal profile and require another explanation. The temperature gradient inside RMIN (RBREAK) varies widely, indicating different degrees of additional heating at small radii. Investigating the nature of the hot core (HC with a negative gradient inside RMIN), we find that HC is most clearly visible in small galaxies. Searching for potential clues associated with stellar, active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback, and gravitational heating, we find that HC may be related to recent star formation. But we see no clear evidence that AGN feedback and gravitational heating play any significant role for HC.
On twin peak quasi-periodic oscillations resulting from the interaction between discoseismic modes and turbulence in accretion discs around black holes
Authors: Ortega-Rodríguez M , Solís-Sánchez H , Álvarez-García L , Dodero-Rojas E
Published: December 2019

Given the peculiar and (in spite of many efforts) unexplained quasi-periodic oscillation twin peak phenomena in accretion disc power spectral density observations, the present exploratory analytical article tries to inquire deeper into the relationship between discoseismic modes and the underlying driving turbulence in order to assess its importance. We employ a toy model in the form of a Gaussian white noise-driven damped harmonic oscillator with stochastic frequency. This oscillator represents the discoseismic mode. (Stochastic damping was also considered, but interestingly it was found to be less relevant for the case at hand.) In the context of this model, we find that turbulence interacts with disc oscillations in interesting ways. In particular, the stochastic part in the oscillator frequency behaves as a separate driving agent. This gives rise to 3:2 twin peaks for some values of the physical parameters, which we find. We conclude with the suggestion that the study of turbulence be brought to the forefront of disc oscillation dynamics, as opposed to being a mere background feature. This change of perspective carries immediate observable consequences, such as considerably shifting the values of the (discoseismic) oscillator frequencies.
A new pill clam from an unusual habitat: the interstitial Pisidium interstitialis n. sp. (Bivalvia: Sphaeriidae) from southwestern and Central Germany
Authors: Groh Klaus , Bössneck Ulrich , Clewing Catharina , Albrecht Christian , Richling Ira
Published: December 2019

A new species of pill clam, Pisidium interstitialis n. sp. (Bivalvia: Sphaeriidae), is described from wet meadows bordering a small creek in the Odenwald, southwestern Germany, and from a similar habitat in the Thuringian Schistic Mountains, Central Germany. It can be differentiated from the known European Pisidium species on the basis of shell morphology and DNA sequence data for the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S rRNA genes. Despite critical evaluation of a large number of potential names from the current synonymies of morphologically similar Pisidium species, no available name was found. Pisidium interstitialis n. sp. is most similar to P. personatum Malm, 1856, and P. casertanum (Poli, 1791), both of which occur syntopically with the new species. Typical specimens of the new species can be readily identified on the basis of shell morphology. However, P. personatum and P. casertanum are morphologically highly variable, so that occasional overlap in conchological characters between these two species and P. interstitialis n. sp. does occur. Although these three taxa co-occur, microhabitat analyses using a special sampling technique showed that P. interstitialis n. sp. exhibits an exclusively interstitial lifestyle, living outside open water bodies. While other Pisidium species may live in the interstitial water of semi-terrestrial habitats, this is the first time that an exclusively interstitial lifestyle has been observed for Pisidium and this may explain why P. interstitialis n. sp. has remained undiscovered for so long. To date, despite the examination of large quantities of Central European samples of Pisidium, the new species is only known from the two areas reported in our study. It seems likely that further surveys will show that P. interstitialis n. sp. has a wider and more continuous distribution.
Enhancer–gene maps in the human and zebrafish genomes using evolutionary linkage conservation
Authors: Clément Yves , Torbey Patrick , Gilardi-Hebenstreit Pascale , Crollius Hugues Roest
Published: December 2019

The spatiotemporal expression of genes is controlled by enhancer sequences that bind transcription factors. Identifying the target genes of enhancers remains difficult because enhancers regulate gene expression over long genomic distances. To address this, we used an evolutionary approach to build two genome-wide maps of predicted enhancer–gene associations in the human and zebrafish genomes. Evolutionary conserved sequences were linked to their predicted target genes using PEGASUS, a bioinformatics method that relies on evolutionary conservation of synteny. The analysis of these maps revealed that the number of predicted enhancers linked to a gene correlate with its expression breadth. Comparison of both maps identified hundreds of putative vertebrate ancestral regulatory relationships from which we could determine that predicted enhancer–gene distances scale with genome size despite strong positional conservation. The two maps represent a resource for further studies, including the prioritization of sequence variants in whole genome sequence of patients affected by genetic diseases.
Enabling Success in Nursing School: Description of an Innovative Student-Led Program
Authors: Scheller Lindsey L. , Campbell Brynn M. , Palazzo Steven J.
Published: December 2019

Nursing student attrition rates are high in BSN programs. Peer support programs can address challenges associated with attrition. This article describes a student-led program created to address the needs of first- and second-year nursing students. The program combined mentorship with quarterly academic workshops that focused on common challenges among nursing students. Following the program, students reported increased academic confidence, enhanced preparedness for nursing courses, improved sense of community, and decreased self-reported anxiety related to nursing school. Student-led programs are feasible means to creating prepared, resourceful, confident, and successful nursing students.
Nursing Faculty Roles in Prelicensure Baccalaureate Clinical Preceptorships
Authors: Chicca Jennifer , Shellenbarger Teresa
Published: December 2019

Preceptorships, or use of experienced staff nurses (preceptors) to provide individualized guidance for nursing student learning in clinical settings, offer an alternative to the traditional clinical education approach where faculty work with groups of students. As faculty roles in implementing preceptorships are not well understood, a descriptive qualitative design was used to determine how faculty view their role. Themes and subthemes emerging from nine semistructured interviews revealed that faculty have various roles in preparing, maintaining, and evaluating preceptorships. Faculty also verbalized that they facilitate the transition from student to professional nurse during preceptorships.
Use of noninvasive imaging in the management of skin cancer
Authors: Giuffrida Roberta , Conforti Claudio , Di Meo Nicola , Deinlein Teresa , Guida Stefania , Zalaudek Iris
Published: December 2019

Purpose of review

To evaluate noninvasive imaging techniques in the management of skin cancers.

Recent findings

In the last decades, a wide range of noninvasive imaging methods has been developed in the field of dermatooncology with the aim to detect and assess the several structural and molecular changes that characterize skin cancer development and progression.

In this review, we discuss the current and emerging applications of noninvasive imaging approaches in skin cancer management, such as digital photography, dermoscopy, ultrasound sonography, reflectance confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography, electrical impedance techniques, Raman spectroscopy, multispectral imaging, fluorescence imaging, and multispectral optoacustic tomography.
Definitive Local Therapy for Oligo-recurrence in Patients With Completely Resected Non–small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Matsuguma Haruhisa , Nakahara Rie , Wakamatsu Ikuma , Kishikawa Takayuki , Sugiyama Tomohide , Nakamura Yoichi , Kasai Takashi , Kamiyama Yukari , Hoshi Nobuo , Inoue Koichi , Katano Susumu , Yokoi Kohei
Published: December 2019

Background:

The aim of this study was to elucidate a curable subgroup among patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who developed postoperative recurrence.

Patients and Methods:

Between 1986 and 2012, among the 1408 patients who underwent complete anatomic lung resection for NSCLC at our institution, 420 developed recurrence. After excluding 14 patients with insufficient information about recurrence, 406 were included in this retrospective study. We investigated the association between several clinicopathologic factors and postrecurrence overall survival (PR-OS) and postrecurrence progression-free survival (PR-PFS).

Results:

The 5-year PR-OS and PR-PFS rates were 14.0% and 5.9%, respectively. By multivariate analysis, female sex, longer disease-free interval, specific targeted therapy, recent recurrence, oligo-recurrence, and definitive local therapy (DLT) were found to be independent favorable prognostic factors for both PR-OS and PR-PFS. Among these 6 prognostic factors, although female sex, longer disease-free interval, and specific targeted therapy were associated with a prolonged median PR-PFS time, they were not associated with an improved 5-year PR-PFS rate. In contrast, recent recurrence, oligo-recurrence, and DLT were associated with improvement in both the median PR-PFS time and 5-year PR-PFS rate.

Conclusions:

We found that recent recurrence, oligo-recurrence, and DLT were associated with an improved median PR-PFS time and long-term PR-PFS rate in patients with postoperative recurrence after complete resection of NSCLC. On the basis of these results, we believe that DLT should be considered first for patients with oligo-recurrence before applying noncurative treatment.
Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery for Gynecologic Cancers: A Review
Authors: MATTSON JORDAN N. , BENDER DAVID P.
Published: December 2019

Minimally invasive robotic surgery has become an effective surgical technique for the treatment of gynecologic malignancies. This article reviews the current utilization of robotic surgery and its role for future treatment in gynecologic oncology.
Impact of Auditory-Motor Musical Training on Melodic Pattern Recognition in Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Chari Divya A. , Barrett Karen C. , Patel Aniruddh D. , Colgrove Thomas R. , Jiradejvong Patpong , Jacobs Lauren Y. , Limb Charles J.
Published: December 2019

Objective:

Cochlear implant (CI) users struggle with tasks of pitch-based prosody perception. Pitch pattern recognition is vital for both music comprehension and understanding the prosody of speech, which signals emotion and intent. Research in normal-hearing individuals shows that auditory-motor training, in which participants produce the auditory pattern they are learning, is more effective than passive auditory training. We investigated whether auditory-motor training of CI users improves complex sound perception, such as vocal emotion recognition and pitch pattern recognition, compared with purely auditory training.

Study Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Setting:

Tertiary academic center.

Patients:

Fifteen postlingually deafened adults with CIs.

Intervention(s):

Participants were divided into 3 one-month training groups: auditory-motor (intervention), auditory-only (active control), and no training (control). Auditory-motor training was conducted with the “Contours” software program and auditory-only training was completed with the “AngelSound” software program.

Main Outcome Measure:

Pre and posttest examinations included tests of speech perception (consonant–nucleus–consonant, hearing-in-noise test sentence recognition), speech prosody perception, pitch discrimination, and melodic contour identification.

Results:

Participants in the auditory-motor training group performed better than those in the auditory-only and no-training (p < 0.05) for the melodic contour identification task. No significant training effect was noted on tasks of speech perception, speech prosody perception, or pitch discrimination.

Conclusions:

These data suggest that short-term auditory-motor music training of CI users impacts pitch pattern recognition. This study offers approaches for enriching the world of complex sound in the CI user.