bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetoelastic oscillations in ferromagnets with cubic symmetry
Authors: Baryakhtar V. G. , Danilevich A. G.
Published: April 2017

This is a study of the influence of magnetoelastic interactions on the properties of ferromagnets with cubic symmetry. The dispersion relations for coupled magnetoelastic waves are calculated for all the ground states of a ferromagnet with cubic symmetry. It is shown that the magnetoelastic interaction coefficient depends on the directions of the magnetic moment of the ferromagnet and the external magnetic field, as well as on the direction of the wave vector of the collective oscillations. These results are used as the basis for quantitative calculations of the dispersion relations for an NiMnGa alloy with shape memory. The features of the magnetoelastic interaction owing to martensite phase transitions in which one of the elastic moduli becomes anomalously small are discussed. These calculations show that a reduction in the elastic moduli of the crystal causes a substantial increase in the magnetoelastic interaction. It is also shown that the existence of a magnetoelastic interaction leads to a decrease in the experimentally determined elastic moduli.
Monte-Carlo calculation of the coercive force and phase transitions in ensembles of Stoner-Wohlfarth particles with exchange interactions
Authors: Kalita V. M. , Kulyk M. M. , Ryabchenko S. M.
Published: April 2017

A Monte-Carlo (MC) method is used to study the magnetization of an ensemble of Stoner-Wohlfarth particles with interparticle interactions of a ferromagnetic type. A modification of the procedure for the MC calculation is proposed to speed up the calculations. The magnetization of the ensemble is studied at different temperatures and for different ratios of the exchange field of the interparticle interaction and the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy field of the particles. It is shown that Neel relaxation has a significant influence on the coercive properties of the ensemble if the interparticle exchange field does not exceed the anisotropy field of the particles. It is also found that, at low temperatures, the coercive properties of Stoner-Wohlfarth particles with exchange interactions are related to the loss of stability of the orientation of the average magnetic moment vector of the particles. At high temperatures, the coercivity of the particle ensemble is associated with the complete loss of stability of the superferromagnetic state. The critical fields and critical temperatures for an ensemble of Stoner-Wohlfarth particles with exchange interactions are analyzed.
Micro-silicon phononic crystal with locally resonant theory
Authors: Feng Duan , Jiang Wanli , Xu Dehui , Xiong Bin , Wang Yuelin
Published: April 2017

The control of acoustic waves on a micro-scale is a critical issue in the development of micro-acoustic devices. In this paper, we demonstrate a locally resonant phononic crystal (PNC) for the control of acoustic waves on a micro-scale. The locally resonant phononic crystal is realized by periodically arranging cylindrical stubs on a silicon plate in a square lattice. Two types of acoustic microwaveguides, i.e., straight waveguide and mirrored “Z” shape waveguide, are designed based on the micro-phononic crystal. Numerical simulation shows that acoustic waves with frequencies in the bandgap range are compelled to propagate along the waveguides. Experimental results also confirm that the locally resonant PNC could effectively control the propagation of acoustic waves with frequencies in the bandgap range. The locally resonant phononic crystal in this paper is believed to be an ideal metamaterial for the acoustic wave control on a micro-scale.
Free locomotion of a flexible plate near the ground
Authors: Zhang Chengyao , Huang Haibo , Lu Xi-Yun
Published: April 2017

The free locomotion of a two-dimensional flapping flexible plate near the flat ground is studied by the lattice Boltzmann method for fluid flow and a finite-element method for the plate motion. The fluid flow and plate deformation are coupled through the immersed boundary scheme. When the leading edge of the plate is forced to oscillate sinusoidally near the ground, the plate may move freely in the horizontal direction due to the fluid-structure interaction. The mechanisms underlying the ground effect are elucidated. Besides a moderate rigidity, it is found that an appropriate density ratio between the plate and surrounding fluid (M) can improve the propulsive efficiency of the plate. When M is relatively small, the lateral force is enhanced, and the input work is increased when the plate is near the ground; when M is large, the deformation of the plate is inhibited and the input work is decreased when the plate is close to the ground. Usually the closer the plate flapping is to the wall, the more efficient the propulsion is, provided that the tail of the plate would not touch the wall. On the other hand, when the plate is close enough (within a critical lowest distance), the efficiency reaches a plateau with the highest efficiency. The vortices pattern and pressure field are also analyzed to explore the mechanism. This study may shed some light on mechanism for self-propulsion of a flexible plate near the ground.
Isochoric thermal conductivity of crystalline 1-propanol
Authors: Konstantinov V. A. , Sagan V. V. , Karachevtseva A. V.
Published: April 2017

Isochoric thermal conductivity of crystalline 1-propanol C3H7OH is studied for samples with different densities, at temperatures ranging between 100 K and the melting point. The isochoric thermal conductivity decreased with the temperature in a pattern that is much weaker than 1/T for all samples. Three slightly different Debye heat conduction models are involved, which take into account the heat transfer by both phonons and “diffuse” modes, in order to describe the experimental results.
Histone modifications at the grapevine VvOMT3 locus, which encodes an enzyme responsible for methoxypyrazine production in the berry
Authors: Battilana Juri , Dunlevy Jake D. , Boss Paul K.
Published: April 2017

Some herbaceous characters in wine are attributed to the presence of aroma compounds collectively known as methoxypyrazines (MPs). In grape berries their formation has been hypothesised to start from a reaction of two amino acids or an amino acid and an unknown 1,2-dicarbonyl compound, leading to the formation of hydroxypyrazine, which is then enzymatically methylated to form a MP. The enzyme responsible of the formation of 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine has been recently identified as VvOMT3 whose regulation is still not understood. The concentration of MPs in grapes is known to be influenced by development, environmental stimuli and most importantly grape variety. In order to investigate the chromatin arrangement of that region a chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis has been performed and putative differences in epigenetic regulation of VvOMT3 spatially between the skin and flesh tissues and also temporally during fruit development have been detected. There are also allelic differences in VvOMT3 histone modifications which are maintained in subsequent generations. This study provides evidence of histone tail modification of the VvOMT3 locus in grapevine, which may play a role in the spatial and developmental regulation of the expression of this gene.
Brain networks for confidence weighting and hierarchical inference during probabilistic learning
Authors: Meyniel Florent , Dehaene Stanislas
Published: April 2017

Significance

What has been learned must sometimes be unlearned in a changing world. Yet knowledge updating is difficult since our world is also inherently uncertain. For instance, a heatwave in winter is surprising and ambiguous: does it denote an infrequent fluctuation in normal weather or a profound change? Should I trust my current knowledge, or revise it? We propose that humans possess an accurate sense of confidence that allows them to evaluate the reliability of their knowledge, and use this information to strike the balance between prior knowledge and current evidence. Our functional MRI data suggest that a frontoparietal network implements this confidence-weighted learning algorithm, acting as a statistician that uses probabilistic information to estimate a hierarchical model of the world.
Ocean warming since 1982 has expanded the niche of toxic algal blooms in the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans
Authors: Gobler Christopher J. , Doherty Owen M. , Hattenrath-Lehmann Theresa K. , Griffith Andrew W. , Kang Yoonja , Litaker R. Wayne
Published: April 2017

Significance

This study used high-resolution (daily, quarter-degree resolution) sea-surface temperature records to model trends in growth rates and bloom-season duration for two of the most toxic and widespread harmful algal bloom species indigenous to the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans.
Alexandrium fundyense
synthesizes saxitoxin and
Dinophysis acuminata
synthesizes okadaic acid, which cause the human health syndromes paralytic and diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, respectively. The model provided hindcasts of harmful algal bloom (HAB) events that were consistent with in situ observations from long-term monitoring programs during the same time period. This study provides evidence that increasing ocean temperatures have already facilitated the intensification of these, and likely other, HABs and thus contribute to an expanding human health threat.
Deciphering the sugar biosynthetic pathway and tailoring steps of nucleoside antibiotic A201A unveils a GDP-
l
-galactose mutase
Authors: Zhu Qinghua , Chen Qi , Song Yongxiang , Huang Hongbo , Li Jun , Ma Junying , Li Qinglian , Ju Jianhua
Published: April 2017

Significance

l
-galactofuranose (
l
-Gal
f
), the furanose form of
l
-galactose, is rare in nature yet plays a central role in secondary metabolite structures with medicinal potential. Importantly, the biosynthetic enzymes and mechanisms driving
l
-Gal
f
biosynthesis have eluded characterization. We report here a previously unknown mutase, MtdL, that generates GDP-
l
-Gal
f
from its galactopyranose analog GDP-
l
-Gal
p
using unique chemistry. MtdL mediates the pyranose–furanose conversion solely by the presence of bivalent cation. The ubiquitous nature of this Gal
p
→ Gal
f
chemistry is suggested by numerous mutase homologs that are phylogenetically widespread in various phyla of Bacteria, Eukaryota, and Archaea. Thus, a genetic marker for
l
-Gal
f
-containing natural products and their producers has been discovered. Additionally, mutase homologs may constitute targets for antimicrobial drugs.
BGP-15 prevents the death of neurons in a mouse model of familial dysautonomia
Authors: Ohlen Sarah B. , Russell Magdalena L. , Brownstein Michael J. , Lefcort Frances
Published: April 2017

Significance

Familial dysautonomia (FD) is a fatal genetic disorder that disrupts development of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and causes progressive degeneration of the PNS and retina, ultimately leading to blindness. The underlying cellular mechanisms responsible for neuronal death in FD have been elusive. Using a mouse model that recapitulates impaired PNS development, we report here that developing peripheral neurons die in FD as the result of disruptions in mitochondrial and actin function. Cell death can be prevented in vivo by the small molecule BGP-15. Given that disrupted mitochondrial function appears to be a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases, future studies on the efficacy of BGP-15 for mitigating neuronal loss in other disorders is warranted.
Structure of a protective epitope of group BStreptococcustype III capsular polysaccharide
Authors: Carboni Filippo , Adamo Roberto , Fabbrini Monica , De Ricco Riccardo , Cattaneo Vittorio , Brogioni Barbara , Veggi Daniele , Pinto Vittoria , Passalacqua Irene , Oldrini Davide , Rappuoli Rino , Malito Enrico , Margarit Immaculada y Ros , Berti Francesco
Published: April 2017

Significance

This article describes the characterization of the antigenic determinant of the capsular polysaccharide from the clinically relevant serotype III of group BStreptococcus(GBS). NMR and X-ray crystallography have been applied to elucidate the interaction of type III GBS oligosaccharides obtained by synthetic and depolymerization procedures of the bacterial polysaccharide with a functional monoclonal antibody. A Fab–GBS oligosaccharide complex structure has been solved at high resolution (2.7 Å). The results demonstrate the existence of a sialic acid-dependent functional epitope of GBS that is fully contained within four consecutive sugars deriving from the type III GBS polysaccharide backbone and one branched disaccharide present in this sequence. This finding has implications for the development of vaccines against GBS infection.
Air quality, health, and climate implications of China’s synthetic natural gas development
Authors: Qin Yue , Wagner Fabian , Scovronick Noah , Peng Wei , Yang Junnan , Zhu Tong , Smith Kirk R. , Mauzerall Denise L.
Published: April 2017

Significance

China’s coal-based synthetic natural gas (SNG) projects can reduce air pollution and associated premature mortality by substituting for direct coal use in power, industry, and households. These benefits, however, come with increased CO
2
emissions unless carbon capture and storage (CCS) is applied in SNG production. Even with CCS, SNG has higher CO
2
emissions than conventional natural gas. In the United States, increases in natural gas supplies have been primarily deployed to the power sector. In China, however, due to inefficient and uncontrolled coal combustion in households, we find that allocating currently available SNG to the residential sector provides the largest air quality and health benefits and smallest climate penalties compared with allocation to the power or industrial sectors.
Speeding up or reaching out?
Authors: Sayers Dave , Harding Jamie , Barchas-Lichtenstein Jena , Coffey Michael , Rock Frances
Published: April 2017

The Welsh Assembly, a devolved legislature in the UK, and its executive the Welsh Government, have a distinctly intensive commitment to equality – emphasising universality with weighty obligations on public services. This article uses the ‘discourse-historical approach’ (DHA) to critically review an eleven-year social service reform strategy (produced in 2007), and to weigh up its emphasis on fiscal efficiency and universal equality. We refer to these competing priorities as ‘speeding up’ and ‘reaching out’, respectively. Our findings show an imbalance towards the former, largely sidelining the possible value of services to those currently under-served. The article discusses this mismatch in respect of the dominant policymaking framework of ‘New Public Management’ and its emphases on productivity, efficiency, and quantifiable accountability. We also show the value of DHA in analysing ‘fights for dominance’ – in this case between competing discourses within a flagship policy document.
Hardballs and softballs
Authors: Clayman Steven E. , Fox Matthew P.
Published: April 2017

The design of questions in news interviews and news conferences has proven to be an illuminating window into the tenor of press-state relations. Quantitative studies have charted aggregate variations in adversarial questioning, but less is known about variations in the intensity of adversarialness within any particular question. Such variation is captured by the vernacular distinction between “hardball” versus “softball” questions. Hardballs advance an oppositional viewpoint vigorously, while softballs do so at most mildly. In this paper we investigate recurrent language practices through which journalists modulate the oppositionality of a question, thereby either hindering or facilitating response. The objective is to better understand how adversarialness is enacted in direct encounters between politicians and journalists.
Rethinking the Ottoman Imitation of Persian Poetry
Authors: Inan Murat Umut
Published: April 2017

This article revisits the common discourse that Ottoman poetry is a derivative imitation of Persian poetry. I begin by surveying and discussing the discourse of imitation that has pervaded approaches to Ottoman poetry in particular and Ottoman literature in general. Then I turn to explore how Ottoman poets engaged with Persian poetry by focusing on a lyric poem composed by the Ottoman sultan Süleyman the Magnificent (1494‒1566) in imitation of the Persian master poet Hafiz of Shiraz (ca. 1315‒90). In light of intertextual analysis, I illustrate and discuss the intricate ways in which Süleyman models himself on Hafiz in crafting his poem. I conclude with the idea that a closer analytical look at Ottoman poets’ intertextual dialogue with Persian poetry can offer better insights into the Ottoman reception of Persian poetic models as well as into the meaning and workings of imitation in the Ottoman literary context.
Namesakes: The Experience of Sharing One’s Full Name with a Celebrity
Authors: Ephratt Michal
Published: April 2017

The study investigates the relationships, attitudes, and emotions about oneself, one’s identity, singularity, and relatedness as they emerge from qualitative, in-depth interviews with Israelis who happen to share the same given name and surname of famous Israelis. Analyzing their experiences resulted in three core themes organized along two axes: a substantive axis covering identity and namesake and an instrumental axis related to non-typical functions of the name as well as intersubjective management and onomastic strategies. These two axes, highlighted through namesakes, intersect in the real-life experiences of the interviewees, helping to inform a theory of personal names.
Improvement of superplasticity in AA5083 by equal channel angular extrusion and rolling
Authors: Jin H.
Published: April 2017

Al–Mg–Mn alloy AA5083 has been processed by equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) followed by hot and cold rolling. The grain structure, crystallographic texture, intermetallic phases and superplasticity were investigated and compared with a conventionally hot and cold rolled AA5083 sheet. The intensive shear strain in ECAE has a very strong breakdown effect on the dendritic cast structure, which effectively changes the volume fraction and size of the intermetallic particles that provide particle stimulated nucleation upon recrystallisation. Consequently, the combination of ECAE and rolling leads to a finer and more thermally stable grain structure, with fewer very coarse constituent particles, resulting in a significant improvement in superplasticity through enhanced grain boundary sliding, with retarded formation and linkage of cavities.
modSaRa: a computationally efficient R package for CNV identification
Authors: Xiao Feifei , Niu Yue , Hao Ning , Xu Yanxun , Jin Zhilin , Zhang Heping
Published: April 2017

Chromosomal copy number variation (CNV) refers to a polymorphism that a DNA segment presents deletion or duplication in the population. The computational algorithms developed to identify this type of variation are usually of high computational complexity. Here we present a user-friendly R package, modSaRa, designed to perform copy number variants identification. The package is developed based on a change-point based method with optimal computational complexity and desirable accuracy. The current version of modSaRa package is a comprehensive tool with integration of preprocessing steps and main CNV calling steps.

Availability and Implementation

modSaRa is an R package written in R, C ++ and Rcpp and is now freely available for download at http://c2s2.yale.edu/software/modSaRa.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A UV cross-linking method combined with infrared imaging to analyse RNA–protein interactions
Authors: Malmqvist Tony , Spickett Carl , Gallo Jean-Marc , Anthony Karen
Published: April 2017

Photo cross-linking of proteins with short RNA oligomers is a classical method to study RNA–protein interactions that are implicated in many aspects of RNA metabolism and function. Most commonly, this involves the use of [γ-32P]-labeled RNA probes. Although very sensitive, these procedures are complicated by the safety issues associated with the use of radioisotopes. Here, we describe a modified UV cross-linking method using oligonucleotide probes end labelled with the infrared dye IRDye®800. After UV cross-linking, proteins are separated by SDS-PAGE and cross-linked products are visualized with the Odyssey® Infrared Imaging system. This end labelling approach provides a streamlined alternative to random labelling which reduces the efficiency of in-vitro transcription. End labelling is also independent of the length of the probe, thus facilitating quantitative comparisons. To validate the method, we have confirmed the binding of HuD to the 3′-UTR of the mRNA for the microtubule-associated protein tau, implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. UV cross-linking of HuD with a labeled 21-mer probe was successfully performed using a recombinant purified glutathione-S-transferase–HuD fusion protein as well as with lysates from CHO cells transfected with HuD cDNA. UV cross-linking combined with infrared imaging offers a convenient and robust strategy to analyse RNA–protein interactions and their emerging importance in disease.
Integrated modelling to support decision-making for marine social–ecological systems in Australia
Authors: Melbourne-Thomas Jessica , Constable Andrew J , Fulton Elizabeth A , Corney Stuart P , Trebilco Rowan , Hobday Alistair J , Blanchard Julia L , Boschetti Fabio , Bustamante Rodrigo H , Cropp Roger , Everett Jason D , Fleming Aysha , Galton-Fenzi Ben , Goldsworthy Simon D , Lenton Andrew , Lara-Lopez Ana , Little Rich , Marzloff Martin P , Matear Richard , Mongin Mathieu , Plagányi Eva , Proctor Roger , Risbey James S , Robson Barbara J , Smith David C , Sumner Michael D , van Putten E Ingrid
Published: April 2017

Policy- and decision-makers require assessments of status and trends for marine species, habitats, and ecosystems to understand if human activities in the marine environment are sustainable, particularly in the face of global change. Central to many assessments are statistical and dynamical models of populations, communities, ecosystems, and their socioeconomic systems and management frameworks. The establishment of a national system that could facilitate the development of such model-based assessments has been identified as a priority for addressing management challenges for Australia’s marine environment. Given that most assessments require cross-scale information, individual models cannot capture all of the spatial, temporal, biological, and socioeconomic scales that are typically needed. Coupling or integrating models across scales and domains can expand the scope for developing comprehensive and internally consistent, system-level assessments, including higher-level feedbacks in social–ecological systems. In this article, we summarize: (i) integrated modelling for marine systems currently being undertaken in Australia, (ii) methods used for integration and comparison of models, and (iii) improvements to facilitate further integration, particularly with respect to standards and specifications. We consider future needs for integrated modelling of marine social–ecological systems in Australia and provide a set of recommendations for priority focus areas in the development of a national approach to integrated modelling. These recommendations draw on—and have broader relevance for—international efforts around integrated modelling to inform decision-making for marine systems.
Getting More Than You Bargained for? Rethinking the Meaning of ‘Work’ in Employment Law
Authors: Davies A C L
Published: April 2017

There are many different situations in which the law requires a determination of whether an individual can be said to be ‘working’: to determine his or her status as an ‘employee’ or ‘worker’, to decide his or her entitlement to contractual pay, to assess his or her entitlement to the National Minimum Wage and to distinguish working time from ‘rest periods’ for the purposes of working time legislation. Where the individual is engaged in core work tasks at the workplace, it is straightforward to say that he or she is ‘working’. However, it will be argued in this article that there is a significant problem of ‘availability’: where workers are not actively engaged in core work tasks at the workplace, but are not fully at liberty either. This might be because they are waiting to be offered work or ‘on call’ in case of emergencies, for example. This ‘available’ time is often not recognised by the law as ‘work’, with the result that the workers in question may miss out on pay, employment rights and proper rest breaks. The article maps the problem of ‘availability’, arguing that it strikes at the heart of how labour lawyers think about employment relationships, and suggests an alternative analysis.
DynOmics: dynamics of structural proteome and beyond
Authors: Li Hongchun , Chang Yuan-Yu , Lee Ji Young , Bahar Ivet , Yang Lee-Wei
Published: April 2017

DynOmics (dynomics.pitt.edu) is a portal developed to leverage rapidly growing structural proteomics data by efficiently and accurately evaluating the dynamics of structurally resolved systems, from individual molecules to large complexes and assemblies, in the context of their physiological environment. At the core of the portal is a newly developed server, ENM 1.0, which permits users to efficiently generate information on the collective dynamics of any structure in PDB format, user-uploaded or database-retrieved. ENM 1.0 integrates two widely used elastic network models (ENMs)—the Gaussian Network Model (GNM) and the Anisotropic Network Model (ANM), extended to take account of molecular environment. It enables users to assess potentially functional sites, signal transduction or allosteric communication mechanisms, and protein–protein and protein–DNA interaction poses, in addition to delivering ensembles of accessible conformers reconstructed at atomic details based on the global modes of motions predicted by the ANM. The ‘environment’ is defined in a flexible manner, from lipid bilayer and crystal contacts, to substrate or ligands bound to a protein, or surrounding subunits in a multimeric structure or assembly. User-friendly interactive features permit users to easily visualize how the environment alter the intrinsic dynamics of the query systems. ENM 1.0 can be accessed at http://enm.pitt.edu/ or http://dyn.life.nthu.edu.tw/oENM/.
Optical observations of the Phoenicid meteor shower in 2014 and activity of comet 289P/Blanpain in the early 20th century
Authors: Fujiwara Yasunori , Nakamura Takuji , Uehara Satoshi , Sagayama Toru , Toda Hiroyuki ,   the NHK Cosmic Front TV Crew
Published: April 2017

Optical observations of the Phoenicid meteor shower were made in North Carolina, USA, with seven video cameras and two digital cameras over a period of about 5 hr between 22:30 UT on 2014 December 1 and 04:00 UT on December 2. Activity of the Phoenicids was confirmed during this period, including the predicted maximum around 00 h UT on December 2. The activity level was not high, considering that 29 Phoenicid meteors and 109 non-Phoenicid meteors were detected. A gentle peak in the activity was recognized between 01:00 UT and 03:00 UT on December 2. The compact radiant of the Phoenicids agreed well with what was predicted. A comparison of the observed and predicted peak times, radiant position, bright meteors’ dominance, and radiants’ spread revealed that the observed meteors originated from the dust trails formed by comet 289P/Blanpain at the perihelion passage in the early 20th century. This indicates that the parent body of the Phoenicids, comet 289P/Blanpain, was still active as a comet in the early 20th century and provided meteoroids, although its activity level was significantly weaker than that at the beginning of the 19th century.
Uridine Diphosphate-Glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 2B Subfamily Interspecies Differences in Carnivores
Authors: Kondo Mitsuki , Ikenaka Yoshinori , Nakayama Shouta M. M. , Kawai Yusuke K. , Mizukawa Hazuki , Mitani Yoko , Nomiyama Kei , Tanabe Shinsuke , Ishizuka Mayumi
Published: April 2017

UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) are among the most important xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes that conjugate a wide range of chemicals. Previous studies showed that Felidae and Pinnipedia species have very low UGT activities toward some phenolic compounds because of the UGT1A6 pseudogene and small numbers of UGT1A isozymes. In addition to the UGT1As, UGT2Bs isozymes also conjugate various endogenous (eg, estrogens, androgens, and bile acids) and exogenous compounds (opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and environmental pollutants). However UGT2B activity and genetic background are unknown in carnivore species. Therefore, this study was performed to elucidate the species differences of UGT2Bs. Using typical substrates for UGT2Bs, UGT activity was measured in vitro. In addition, UGT2B genetic features are analyzed in silico. Results of UGT activity measurement indicate marked species differences between dogs and other carnivores (cats, Northern fur seals, Steller sea lions, Harbor seals, and Caspian seals). Dogs have very high Vmax/Km toward estradiol (17-glucuronide), estrone, lorazepam, oxazepam, and temazepam. Conversely, cats and pinniped species (especially Caspian seals and Harbor seals) have very low activities toward these substrates. The results of genetic synteny analysis indicate that Felidae and pinniped species have very small numbers of UGT2B isozymes (one or none) compared with dogs, rodents, and humans. Furthermore, Felidae species have the same nonsense mutation in UGT2B, which suggests that Felidae UGT2B31-like is also a pseudogene in addition to UGT1A6. These findings of lower activity of UGT2B suggest that Felidae and some pinniped species have very low UGT activity toward a wide range of chemicals. These results are important for Felidae and Pinnipedia species that are frequently exposed to drugs and environmental pollutants.
Patient factors in decision-making for orthopaedic surgery: a prospective analysis
Authors: Jasinski Matthew J. , Lumley Mark A. , Mandel Shlomo
Published: April 2017

Background:

Previous research on surgical decision-making is inconsistent regarding the relative importance of patient and surgeon preferences for treatment. Few studies have related clinical indicators and patients’ inherent attitudes to subsequent physician recommendations and treatment decisions. In this study we evaluated the influence of a patient’s baseline attitudes and clinical factors on the patient’s intention for surgery, the physician’s recommendation about surgery, and ultimate surgical decision-making.

Methods:

Patients with musculoskeletal pain (N=202) were assessed for clinical indicators of surgery and attitudinal variables before their initial surgical consultation. Logistic regressions analyzed how baseline variables subsequently predicted surgeon’s recommendations and whether or not the patient had surgery, and compared the relative importance of the predictors. We also examined which variables predicted adherence to surgeon’s recommendations.

Results:

Higher baseline pain, disability, knowledge of risks, and family encouragement for surgery positively predicted the patient’s intention to have surgery, which, in turn, was the strongest predictor of the surgeon’s recommendation. Both surgeon’s recommendation and patient’s baseline intention for surgery jointly predicted final treatment decisions. In addition, patient’s intention for surgery was the only predictor of whether or not patients adhered to their surgeon’s recommendation.

Conclusions:

Patients may form strong opinions about surgery before consulting a surgeon, and these opinions impact the physician’s recommendation and ultimate treatment decisions, sometimes leading patients to act inconsistently with their surgeon’s recommendation. These findings help clarify the influence that patients have in treatment decision-making and highlight the importance of recognizing the critical role of patients’ backgrounds in elective surgery.
An anatomic and histologic study of the origin and terminal points in the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments in rats
Authors: Yan Denglu , Feng Zhenhua , Wang Zhaojie , Zhang Zhi
Published: April 2017

Background:

It remains unclear why the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) are most commonly torn at their proximal and distal attachments, respectively. This animal study was designed to evaluate the difference in tissue structure between the origins and terminal attachments of the ACL and PCL.

Methods:

Knee samples from 30 rats were assessed anatomically, histologically, and morphologically to determine differences in tissue structure.

Results:

The ACL and PCL originate in the epiphyseal plates of the distal femur and proximal tibia, respectively, and they terminate as fibrous tissue into the tibial and femoral bones, respectively. The cruciate ligaments are constructed mostly of collagen, but at their origins the collagen is directly connected to the epiphyseal plate and less so to the bone. At the terminal attachments, the collagen is more fibrous and grows directly into bone tissue. The morphology of the cells at the origins show heterogeneity whereas homogeneity is seen at the terminal attachments. The terminal attachment of the cruciate ligament has more fibrous bundles that contains more fibroblasts than the origin structure that has less fibrous tissue and contains more chondrocytes (P<0.01).

Conclusions:

At the ACL and PCL origins, the collagen fibers are directly connected to the epiphyseal plate and less so to bone. In contrast, at the terminal attachments, the collagen is directly connected to bone and actually becomes bone tissue, thereby providing secure adherence. This might explain why ACL and PCL cruciate ligament tears more often occur closer to their sites of origin.
Definition of periprosthetic joint infection of the hip and new tools for diagnosis
Authors: Shirley Zachary , Romero Jose , Estrera Kenneth
Published: April 2017

A diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection after total hip arthroplasty remains a challenge without a simple solution. It can be difficult to distinguish from aseptic failure of a total hip but is a significantly worse complication. Recent research has gone into attempting to find a cost-effective laboratory test or imaging modality that can assist in definitive diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection, but there is no single most effective test as of yet. There are several promising possibilities arising from a variety of serum and synovial laboratory values, including alpha-defensin and leukocyte esterase tests. This review provides information on the most recent advances in the literature with regards to diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection after total hip arthroplasty.
Reducing blood loss, decreasing transfusion rates, and postoperative venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Box Hayden N. , Huo Michael H.
Published: April 2017

As the literature demonstrating the complications and costs associated with allogeneic blood transfusion after total hip arthroplasty has solidified, the implementation of blood conservation protocols for total joint arthroplasty has become more common. Recent studies have focused on identification and treatment of anemic individuals preoperatively, reduction of intraoperative blood loss through the use of antifibrinolytics and other tools, and the maintenance of strict postoperative transfusion triggers. As antifibrinolytics work by inhibiting the breakdown of blood clots and aggressive venous thromboembolism (VTE), chemoprophylaxis regimens may increase the risk of bleeding complications, blood conservation management strategies and VTE prophylaxis must be considered together. Recent studies have evaluated the safety of antifibrinolytics with regard to VTE rates postoperatively. In addition, the use of aspirin as VTE prophylaxis has resulted in improved bleeding and wound complications rates while keeping VTE rates low. Patient-specific risk stratification scores may help guide VTE chemoprophylaxis treatment regimens with the goal of optimizing VTE prevention while minimizing wound complications.
A review of surgical options for management of periprosthetic fractures in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Romero Jose A. , Gates Stephen , Huo Michael
Published: April 2017

The number of people living with a total hip arthroplasty continues to increase worldwide. Patients who have undergone total hip arthroplasty are living longer and have more active lifestyles. With increasing total hip arthroplasty utilization in more active patients the incidence of periprosthetic fracture is expected to rise. A variety of surgical techniques exist to manage various fracture patterns, and patient outcomes hinge on the success of each technique. This brief review summarizes some of the current evidence-based treatment options for periprosthetic fractures around a total hip arthroplasty.
Femoral reconstruction in revision total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Russell Robert D. , Springer Bryan D.
Published: April 2017

Obtaining stable femoral fixation in revision total hip arthroplasty in the setting of bone defects is a challenge. Reconstructive techniques and implant selection are based on preoperative planning and the classification of femoral bone loss. Most defects can be treated with either fully porous coated stems or tapered stems obtaining distal fixation in the femoral diaphysis. In the setting of significant bone loss, tapered stems have better clinical outcomes compared to fully porous coated stems. Severe bone defects should be managed with allograft prosthetic composite reconstruction, impaction grafting, or segmental prosthetic replacement. This manuscript reviews the classification of femoral bone defects encountered in revision total hip arthroplasty, the common reconstructive techniques to manage these defects, and the clinical results.
Incarcerated Medial Epicondyle Fractures With Elbow Dislocation: Risk Factors Associated With Morbidity
Authors: Vuillermin Carley , Donohue Kyna S. , Miller Patricia , Bauer Andrea S. , Kramer Dennis E. , Yen Yi-Meng
Published: April 2017

Background:

Incarcerated medial epicondyle fractures in association with elbow trauma are rare and an absolute indication for intervention. Because of the infrequent nature, outcomes following this injury are not well documented. We studied a large cohort of these injuries to determine factors associated with functional outcomes. It was hypothesized that a greater duration between initial presentation and time of surgery would lead to poorer outcomes.

Methods:

A total of 32 patients aged 18 and under who underwent surgical treatment for an incarcerated medical epicondyle fracture at a level-1 pediatric trauma center from 2003 to 2015 were identified. All patients had a confirmed diagnosis of an incarcerated medial epicondyle at surgery. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed to determine the patient demographics, mechanism of injury, preoperative neurological symptoms, time of primary presentation, time of elbow reduction, and time to surgical intervention. Postoperative outcomes, including pain, range of motion, and ulnar nerve symptoms, were also collected. The Roberts outcome score was determined for each subject.

Results:

A radiographically confirmed elbow dislocation was identified in 25 subjects. The mean age at injury was 13.2 years (range, 7.3 to 17.8 y). Initial presentation was at a referring institution in 30 patients (94%). First closed reduction attempt of the ulnohumeral joint occurred in the emergency room in 24 subjects (75%); of these 7 subjects (22%) had a first reduction attempted in the emergency room at our institution, 2 patients experienced first elbow reduction during surgical intervention. The median time from first presentation to surgery was 21.9 hours (interquartile range, 15 to 40). Fourteen subjects displayed preoperative ulnar nerve symptoms. Of these, 9 subsequently reported postoperative ulnar nerve symptoms. There was no effect of time to surgical intervention on the Roberts outcome scores at follow-up, nerve symptoms, symptomatic hardware, or need for second surgery to remove hardware. There were 16 subjects with excellent outcomes, 13 with good outcomes, 3 with fair outcomes, and 0 with poor outcomes (based on the Roberts criteria).

Conclusions:

Incarcerated medial epicondyle fractures are commonly associated with ulnar nerve symptoms; however, they are not associated with a significant rate of other complications. There was no increased risk of complications in subjects who had a longer duration between initial presentation and surgery. This suggests that, while the presence of an incarcerated medial epicondyle fracture is certainly an indication for timely operative intervention; the injury in isolation does not need to be considered emergent. Other factors including neurovascular status and ability to achieve joint reduction may still necessitate emergency operative care.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—therapeutic study, case series.
A Dose-Response Curve for a Gram-Negative Spinal Implant Infection Model in Rabbits
Authors: Laratta Joseph L. , Shillingford Jamal N. , Hardy Nathan , Lehman Ronald A. , Lenke Lawrence G. , Riew K. Daniel
Published: April 2017

Study Design.

A randomized complete block animal spinal implant infection model with internal control.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to develop a spinal implant animal infection model to simulate postoperative gram-negative wound infection.

Summary of Background Data.

Implant-associated surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a dreaded complication of spinal surgery. Currently, over 30% of all spine SSIs are secondary to gram-negative bacteria. Traditional animal models have utilized gram-positive inoculums to simulate postoperative infection, but there exists no model in the literature for gram-negative infection in the setting of spinal instrumentation.

Methods.

Five New Zealand white female rabbits underwent simulated partial laminectomies and implantation of a 5 mm titanium wire adjacent to the spinous processes of vertebra T4, T9, L1, and L6 to mimic posterior spinal instrumentation. The second site, T9, was used as the sterile internal control sites, while all other sites were challenged with varying inoculums of Escherichia coli (EC American Type Culture Collection 25922): 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106 Colony Forming Units (CFU). The rabbits were sacrificed 4 days postoperatively and bacterial loads were assayed from the implants and surrounding tissue.

Results.

No evidence for infection was observed in any of the sterile control sites. The lowest inoculum of E. coli (102 CFU) did not produce a reliable infection. Inoculation with 103 CFU created a consistent soft tissue infection, but inconsistent infection on implants. Inoculation with 105 CFU was required to consistently produce both soft tissue and implant infection.

Conclusion.

Consistent soft tissue and implant infection was produced with inoculation of 105 CFU of E. coli. Gram-negative infections represent greater than 30% of all spinal SSIs, and this animal model can reliably reproduce such infections with spinal instrumentation that can guide future development of anti-infective therapies.

Level of Evidence: 2
The New MIRUS System for Short-Term Sedation in Postsurgical ICU Patients*
Authors: Romagnoli Stefano , Chelazzi Cosimo , Villa Gianluca , Zagli Giovanni , Benvenuti Francesco , Mancinelli Paola , Arcangeli Giulio , Dugheri Stefano , Bonari Alessandro , Tofani Lorenzo , Belardinelli Andrea , De Gaudio A. Raffaele
Published: April 2017

Objectives:

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the MIRUS system (Pall International, Sarl, Fribourg, Switzerland) for sedation with sevoflurane for postsurgical ICU patients and to evaluate atmospheric pollution during sedation.

Design:

Prospective interventional study.

Setting:

Surgical ICU. February 2016 to December 2016.

Patients:

Postsurgical patients requiring ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and sedation.

Interventions:

Sevoflurane was administered with the MIRUS system targeted to a Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale from –3 to –5 by adaptation of minimum alveolar concentration.

Measurements and Main Results:

Data collected included Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale, minimum alveolar concentration, inspired and expired sevoflurane fraction, wake-up times, duration of sedation, sevoflurane consumption, respiratory and hemodynamic data, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment, and laboratory data and biomarkers of organ injury. Atmospheric pollution was monitored at different sites: before sevoflurane delivery (baseline) and during sedation with the probe 15 cm up to the MIRUS system (S1) and 15 cm from the filter-Reflector group (S2). Sixty-two patients were enrolled in the study. No technical failure occurred. Median Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale was –4.5 (interquartile range, –5 to –3.6) with sevoflurane delivered at a median minimum alveolar concentration of 0.45% (interquartile range, 0.4–0.53) yielding a mean inspiratory and expiratory concentrations of 0.79% (sd, 0.24) and 0.76% (sd, 0.18), respectively. Median awakening time was 4 minutes (2.2–5 min). Median duration of sevoflurane administration was 3.33 hours (2.33–5.75 hr), range 1–19 hours with a mean consumption of 7.89 mL/hr (sd, 2.99). Hemodynamics remained stable over the study period, and no laboratory data indicated liver or kidney injury or dysfunction. Median sevoflurane room air concentration was 0.10 parts per million (interquartile range, 0.07–0.15), 0.17 parts per million (interquartile range, 0.14–0.27), and 0.15 parts per million (interquartile range, 0.07–0.19) at baseline, S1, and S2, respectively.

Conclusions:

The MIRUS system is a promising and safe alternative for short-term sedation with sevoflurane of ICU patients. Atmospheric pollution is largely below the recommended thresholds (< 5 parts per million). Studies extended to more heterogeneous population of patients undergoing longer duration of sedation are needed to confirm these observations.
Identification of Depressive Signs in Patients and Their Family Members During iPad-based Audiovisual Sessions
Authors: Smith Carol E. , Werkowitch Marilyn , Yadrich Donna Macan , Thompson Noreen , Nelson Eve-Lynn
Published: April 2017

Home parenteral nutrition requires a daily life-sustaining intravenous infusion over 12 hours. The daily intravenous infusion home care procedures are stringent, time-consuming tasks for patients and family caregivers who often experience depression. The purposes of this study were (1) to assess home parenteral nutrition patients and caregivers for depression and (2) to assess whether depressive signs can be seen during audiovisual discussion sessions using an Apple iPad Mini. In a clinical trial (N = 126), a subsample of 21 participants (16.7%) had depressive symptoms. Of those with depression, 13 participants were home parenteral nutrition patients and eight were family caregivers; ages ranged from 20 to 79 years (with 48.9 [standard deviation, 17.37] years); 76.2% were female. Individual assessments by the mental health nurse found factors related to depressive symptoms across all 21 participants. A different nurse observed participants for signs of depression when viewing the videotapes of the discussion sessions on audiovisual technology. Conclusions are that depression questionnaires, individual assessment, and observation using audiovisual technology can identify depressive symptoms. Considering the growing provision of healthcare at a distance, via technology, recommendations are to observe and assess for known signs and symptoms of depression during all audiovisual interactions.