bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ballasting by cryogenic gypsum enhances carbon export in a Phaeocystis under-ice bloom
Authors: Wollenburg J. E. , Katlein C. , Nehrke G. , Nöthig E.-M. , Matthiessen J. , Wolf- Gladrow D. A. , Nikolopoulos A. , Gázquez-Sanchez F. , Rossmann L. , Assmy P. , Babin M. , Bruyant F. , Beaulieu M. , Dybwad C. , Peeken I.
Published: May 2018

Mineral ballasting enhances carbon export from the surface to the deep ocean; however, little is known about the role of this process in the ice-covered Arctic Ocean. Here, we propose gypsum ballasting as a new mechanism that likely facilitated enhanced vertical carbon export from an under-ice phytoplankton bloom dominated by the haptophyte Phaeocystis. In the spring 2015 abundant gypsum crystals embedded in Phaeocystis aggregates were collected throughout the water column and on the sea floor at a depth below 2 km. Model predictions supported by isotopic signatures indicate that 2.7 g m−2 gypsum crystals were formed in sea ice at temperatures below −6.5 °C and released into the water column during sea ice melting. Our finding indicates that sea ice derived (cryogenic) gypsum is stable enough to survive export to the deep ocean and serves as an effective ballast mineral. Our findings also suggest a potentially important and previously unknown role of Phaeocystis in deep carbon export due to cryogenic gypsum ballasting. The rapidly changing Arctic sea ice regime might favour this gypsum gravity chute with potential consequences for carbon export and food partitioning between pelagic and benthic ecosystems.
Mathematical models of human mobility of relevance to malaria transmission in Africa
Authors: Marshall John M. , Wu Sean L. , Sanchez C. Hector M. , Kiware Samson S. , Ndhlovu Micky , Ouédraogo André Lin , Touré Mahamoudou B. , Sturrock Hugh J. , Ghani Azra C. , Ferguson Neil M.
Published: May 2018

As Africa-wide malaria prevalence declines, an understanding of human movement patterns is essential to inform how best to target interventions. We fitted movement models to trip data from surveys conducted at 3–5 sites throughout each of Mali, Burkina Faso, Zambia and Tanzania. Two models were compared in terms of their ability to predict the observed movement patterns – a gravity model, in which movement rates between pairs of locations increase with population size and decrease with distance, and a radiation model, in which travelers are cumulatively “absorbed” as they move outwards from their origin of travel. The gravity model provided a better fit to the data overall and for travel to large populations, while the radiation model provided a better fit for nearby populations. One strength of the data set was that trips could be categorized according to traveler group – namely, women traveling with children in all survey countries and youth workers in Mali. For gravity models fitted to data specific to these groups, youth workers were found to have a higher travel frequency to large population centers, and women traveling with children a lower frequency. These models may help predict the spatial transmission of malaria parasites and inform strategies to control their spread.
Simple analytical model of the effect of high pressure on the critical temperature and other thermodynamic properties of superconductors
Authors: Krzyzosiak Mateusz , Gonczarek Ryszard , Gonczarek Adam , Jacak Lucjan
Published: May 2018

Within the general conformal transformation method a simplified analytical model is proposed to study the effect of external hydrostatic pressure on low- and high-temperature superconducting systems. A single fluctuation in the density of states, placed away from the Fermi level, as well as external pressure are included in the model to derive equations for the superconducting gap, free energy difference, and specific heat difference. The zero- and sub-critical temperature limits are discussed by the method of successive approximations. The critical temperature is found as a function of high external pressure. It is shown that there are four universal types of the response of the system, in terms of dependence of the critical temperature on increasing external pressure. Some effects, which should be possible to be observed experimentally in s-wave superconductors, the cuprates (i.e. high-Tc superconductors) and other superconducting materials of the new generation such as two-gap superconductors, are revealed and discussed. An equation for the ratio $${{\boldsymbol{ {\mathcal R} }}}_{{\bf{1}}}$$

ℛ

1

 ≡ 2Δ(0)/Tc, as a function of the introduced parameters, is derived and solved numerically. Analysis of other thermodynamic quantities and the characteristic ratio $${{\boldsymbol{ {\mathcal R} }}}_{{\bf{2}}}$$

ℛ

2

 ≡ ΔC(Tc)/CN(Tc) is performed numerically, and mutual relations between the discussed quantities are investigated. The simple analytical model presented in the paper may turn out to be helpful in searching for novel superconducting components with higher critical temperatures induced by pressure effects.
Germline mutation in the TP53 gene in uveal melanoma
Authors: Hajkova Nikola , Hojny Jan , Nemejcova Kristyna , Dundr Pavel , Ulrych Jan , Jirsova Katerina , Glezgova Johana , Ticha Ivana
Published: May 2018

We performed comprehensive molecular analysis of five cases of metastasizing uveal malignant melanoma (UM) (fresh-frozen samples) with an NGS panel of 73 genes. A likely pathogenic germline TP53 mutation c.760A > G (p.I254V) was found in two tumor samples and matched nontumor tissue. In three cases, pathogenic BAP1 mutation was detected together with germline missense variants of uncertain significance in ATM. All cases carried recurrent activating GNAQ or GNA11 mutation. Moreover, we analyzed samples from another 16 patients with primary UM by direct Sanger sequencing focusing only on TP53 coding region. No other germline TP53 mutation was detected in these samples. Germline TP53 mutation, usually associated with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, is a rare event in UM. To the best of our knowledge, only one family with germline TP53 mutation has previously been described. In our study, we detected TP53 mutation in two patients without known family relationship. The identification of germline aberrations in TP53 or BAP1 is important to identify patients with Li-Fraumeni syndrome or BAP1 cancer syndrome, which is also crucial for proper genetic counseling.
Components of a new gene family of ferroxidases involved in virulence are functionally specialized in fungal dimorphism
Authors: Navarro-Mendoza María Isabel , Pérez-Arques Carlos , Murcia Laura , Martínez-García Pablo , Lax Carlos , Sanchis Marta , Capilla Javier , Nicolás Francisco E. , Garre Victoriano
Published: May 2018

Mucormycosis is an emerging angio-invasive infection caused by Mucorales that presents unacceptable mortality rates. Iron uptake has been related to mucormycosis, since serum iron availability predisposes the host to suffer this infection. In addition, iron uptake has been described as a limiting factor that determines virulence in other fungal infections, becoming a promising field to study virulence in Mucorales. Here, we identified a gene family of three ferroxidases in Mucor circinelloides, fet3a, fet3b and fet3c, which are overexpressed during infection in a mouse model for mucormycosis, and their expression in vitro is regulated by the availability of iron in the culture media and the dimorphic state. Thus, only fet3a is specifically expressed during yeast growth under anaerobic conditions, whereas fet3b and fet3c are specifically expressed in mycelium during aerobic growth. A deep genetic analysis revealed partially redundant roles of the three genes, showing a predominant role of fet3c, which is required for virulence during in vivo infections, and shared functional roles with fet3b and fet3c during vegetative growth in media with low iron concentration. These results represent the first described functional specialization of an iron uptake system during fungal dimorphism.
Intraoperative monitoring of neuromuscular function with soft, skin-mounted wireless devices
Authors: Liu Yuhao , Tian Limei , Raj Milan S. , Cotton Matthew , Ma Yinji , Ma Siyi , McGrane Bryan , Pendharkar Arjun V. , Dahaleh Nader , Olson Lloyd , Luan Haiwen , Block Orin , Suleski Brandon , Zhou Yadong , Jayaraman Chandrasekaran , Koski Tyler , Aranyosi A. J. , Wright John A. , Jayaraman Arun , Huang Yonggang , Ghaffari Roozbeh , Kliot Michel , Rogers John A.
Published: May 2018

Peripheral nerves are often vulnerable to damage during surgeries, with risks of significant pain, loss of motor function, and reduced quality of life for the patient. Intraoperative methods for monitoring nerve activity are effective, but conventional systems rely on bench-top data acquisition tools with hard–wired connections to electrode leads that must be placed percutaneously inside target muscle tissue. These approaches are time and skill intensive and therefore costly to an extent that precludes their use in many important scenarios. Here we report a soft, skin-mounted monitoring system that measures, stores, and wirelessly transmits electrical signals and physical movement associated with muscle activity, continuously and in real-time during neurosurgical procedures on the peripheral, spinal, and cranial nerves. Surface electromyography and motion measurements can be performed non-invasively in this manner on nearly any muscle location, thereby offering many important advantages in usability and cost, with signal fidelity that matches that of the current clinical standard of care for decision making. These results could significantly improve accessibility of intraoperative monitoring across a broad range of neurosurgical procedures, with associated enhancements in patient outcomes.
The physical chemistry and materials science behind sinter-resistant catalysts
Authors: Dai Yunqian , Lu Ping , Cao Zhenming , Campbell Charles T. , Xia Younan
Published: May 2018

This tutorial review highlights recent progress in understanding the physical chemistry and materials science for developing sinter-resistant catalytic systems.
A hydro/oxo-phobic top hole-selective layer for efficient and stable colloidal quantum dot solar cells
Authors: Baek Se-Woong , Lee Sang-Hoon , Song Jung Hoon , Kim Changjo , Ha Ye-Seol , Shin Hyeyoung , Kim Hyungjun , Jeong Sohee , Lee Jung-Yong
Published: May 2018

In this report, we explore the underlying mechanisms by which doped organic thin films as a top hole-selective layer (HSL) improve the performance and stability of colloidal quantum dot (CQD)-based solar cells.
Preparation of a two-photon fluorescent probe with a large turn-on signal for imaging hypochlorous acid in living tissues
Authors: Zhou Kai , Ren Mingguang , Wang Li , Li Zihong , Lin Weiying
Published: May 2018

We have developed a new two-photon fluorescent HOCl probe (TP-HA). Fluorescence imaging shows that TP-HA is suitable for visualization of the changes of HOCl in living cells and tissues.
Hydration effects on Leu's polyproline II population in AcLXPNH2
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhou Yanjun , He Liu , Fu Yu , Zhang Wenwen , Hu Jingjing , Shi Zhengshuang
Published: May 2018

Hydration effects are revealed by a correlation between neighboring-residue and blocking effects.
Statistical thermodynamic foundation for mesoscale aggregation in ternary mixtures
Authors: Shimizu Seishi , Matubayasi Nobuyuki
Published: May 2018

The origin of persistent mesoscale aggregation around the plait point has been clarified from statistical thermodynamics and differential geometry.
Revealing the formation and electrochemical properties of bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide intercalated graphite with first-principles calculations
Authors: Yu Chol-Jun , Ri Un-Song , Ri Gum-Chol , Kim Jin-Song
Published: May 2018

The formation energies of TFSI–Cn GICs, electrode voltages, and activation barriers for TFSI migration are obtained with first-principles calculations.
Time-dependent yield of the hydrated electron and the hydroxyl radical in D2O: a picosecond pulse radiolysis study
Authors: Wang Furong , Schmidhammer Uli , Larbre Jean-Philippe , Zong Zizhao , Marignier Jean-Louis , Mostafavi Mehran
Published: May 2018

Picosecond pulse radiolysis measurements were performed in neat D2O and H2O in order to study the isotopic effect on the time-resolved yield of the hydrated electron and hydroxyl radical.
Direct determination of trace mercury and cadmium in food by sequential electrothermal vaporization atomic fluorescence spectrometry using tungsten and gold coil traps
Authors: Wang Bo , Feng Li , Mao Xuefei , Liu Jixin , Yu Chongchong , Ding Lan , Li Siqi , Zheng Chuangmu , Qian Yongzhong
Published: May 2018

On the basis of vaporization temperature difference, a novel solid sampling AFS was developed for the sequential determination of trace Hg and Cd in food samples.
A novel electrochemical method based on screen-printed electrodes and magnetic beads for detection of trinucleotide repeat sequence d(CAG)n
Authors: Liu Yalan , Li Jiao , Chang Gang , Zhu Ruizhi , He Hanping , Zhang Xiuhua , Wang Shengfu
Published: May 2018

The combination of SPCE and magnetic beads simplifies the experimental procedure, which is useful for early diagnosis of trinucleotide repeat diseases.
Stable CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots with high fluorescence quantum yields
Authors: Zhang Min , Tian Zhi-Quan , Zhu Dong-Liang , He He , Guo San-Wei , Chen Zhi-Liang , Pang Dai-Wen
Published: May 2018

After replacing oleylamine with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane, the stability of the as-prepared CsPbBr3 QDs was significantly improved.
Sonication-assisted liquid-phase exfoliated α-GeTe: a two-dimensional material with high Fe3+ sensitivity
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Zhao Fulai , Long Peng , Wang Yu , Yue Yuchen , Liu Xuanyu , Feng Yiyu , Li Rongjin , Hu Wenping , Li Yu , Feng Wei
Published: May 2018

Few-layer and monolayer α-GeTe, a new member to the group of IV–VI 2D semiconducting materials with a suitable band gap, was prepared by sonication-assisted liquid phase exfoliation.
Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of Eu3+-activated LiCa3ZnV3O12white-emitting phosphors
Authors: Huang Xiaoyong , Guo Heng
Published: May 2018

A novel high-efficiency white-emitting LiCa3ZnV3O12:Eu3+phosphor was developed.
Investigation of the role of writing-to-learn in promoting student understanding of light–matter interactions
Authors: Moon Alena , Zotos Eleni , Finkenstaedt-Quinn Solaire , Gere Anne Ruggles , Shultz Ginger
Published: May 2018

Fundamental quantum chemistry concepts—quantization of energy, electronic structure, and light–matter interaction—are essential for understanding chemistry and spectroscopy, an important tool for studying molecules. However, very few studies have investigated how students learn and understand these concepts or how their learning can be supported. Drawing on the capacity of writing to support learning of difficult concepts, we designed an intervention that targeted quantum concepts in the context of the use of spectroscopy for identifying chemical composition of the Orion Nebula. A quasi-experimental design with a pre-post assessment on a control and treatment group was used to identify the gains associated with completing the WTL activity. Results from a three-tiered assessment show that WTL students significantly improved in their explanations of the concept of spectroscopic transitions and their overall confidence in their understanding. Analysis of their writing, follow-up interviews, and feedback served to explain the changes observed on the pre-post assessment.
The synergetic effect of h-BN shells and subsurface B in CoBx@h-BN nanocatalysts for enhanced oxygen evolution reactions
Authors: Chen Siru , Li Yanqiang , Zhang Zhihua , Fu Qiang , Bao Xinhe
Published: May 2018

CoBx@h-BN core–shell nanocatalysts were prepared via ammonization of Co–B alloy nanoparticles showing high activity and stability in oxygen evolution reactions.
Ambient-air-stable inorganic Cs2SnI6double perovskite thin filmsviaaerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition
Authors: Ke Jack Chun-Ren , Lewis David J. , Walton Alex S. , Spencer Ben F. , O'Brien Paul , Thomas Andrew G. , Flavell Wendy R.
Published: May 2018

Air-stable caesium tin iodide double perovskite (Cs2SnI6) thin films have been fabricatedviaaerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD).
Polycationic scaffolds for Li-ion anion exchange transport in ion gel polyelectrolytes
Authors: Pablos Jesus L. , García Nuria , Garrido Leoncio , Catalina Fernando , Corrales Teresa , Tiemblo Pilar
Published: May 2018

Ion Gel Electrolytes (IGPs) have been prepared with polycationic imidazolium or pyrrolidinium scaffolds and LiTFSI solutions in imidazolium and pyrrolidinium ionic liquids. IGPs with imidazolium groups show very large Li ion diffusivities suggesting an important contribution of anion exchange Li transport.
Speech Understanding in Noise for Adults With Cochlear Implants: Effects of Hearing Configuration, Source Location Certainty, and Head Movement
Authors: Gifford René H. , Loiselle Louise , Natale Sarah , Sheffield Sterling W. , Sunderhaus Linsey W. , S. Dietrich Mary , Dorman Michael F.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study was to assess speech understanding in quiet and in diffuse noise for adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients utilizing bimodal hearing or bilateral CIs. Our primary hypothesis was that bilateral CI recipients would demonstrate less effect of source azimuth in the bilateral CI condition due to symmetric interaural head shadow.

Method

Sentence recognition was assessed for adult bilateral (n= 25) CI users and bimodal listeners (n= 12) in three conditions: (1) source location certainty regarding fixed target azimuth, (2) source location uncertainty regarding roving target azimuth, and (3) Condition 2 repeated, allowing listeners to turn their heads, as needed.

Results

(a) Bilateral CI users exhibited relatively similar performance regardless of source azimuth in the bilateral CI condition; (b) bimodal listeners exhibited higher performance for speech directed to the better hearing ear even in the bimodal condition; (c) the unilateral, better ear condition yielded higher performance for speech presented to the better ear versus speech to the front or to the poorer ear; (d) source location certainty did not affect speech understanding performance; and (e) head turns did not improve performance. The results confirmed our hypothesis that bilateral CI users exhibited less effect of source azimuth than bimodal listeners. That is, they exhibited similar performance for speech recognition irrespective of source azimuth, whereas bimodal listeners exhibited significantly poorer performance with speech originating from the poorer hearing ear (typically the nonimplanted ear).

Conclusions

Bilateral CI users overcame ear and source location effects observed for the bimodal listeners. Bilateral CI users have access to head shadow on both sides, whereas bimodal listeners generally have interaural asymmetry in both speech understanding and audible bandwidth limiting the head shadow benefit obtained from the poorer ear (generally the nonimplanted ear). In summary, we found that, in conditions with source location uncertainty and increased ecological validity, bilateral CI performance was superior to bimodal listening.
Output synchronisation design for master–slave Boolean networks
Authors: Li Xian , Tian Hui , Wu Baowei
Published: May 2018

The output synchronisation of two deterministic Boolean networks coupled in the master–slave configuration is studied. First, under the algebraic framework of logical systems, an auxiliary system is constructed. Second, core input‐state cycles are generalised and an algorithm is given to calculate these cycles. Third, based on core input‐state cycles of the newly constructed auxiliary system, a necessary and sufficient existence condition is derived for a synchronising state feedback controller. Furthermore, a constructive method is provided to get feasible state feedback controllers when the existence condition obtained above is satisfied. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the presented results.
Fault‐swing discrimination using Hilbert–Huang transform integrated discrete teager energy operator
Authors: Biswal Sandeep , Biswal Monalisa
Published: May 2018

In this work, a fault detection methodology during power swing is demonstrated. Modern distance relays are embedded with power swing blocking (PSB) function to preserve the security and reliable operation of power system during swing. However, the operation of PSB should be unblocked and let the distance relay allow to operate for any fault during swing. However, sometimes, distance relay unable to make a proper discrimination between swing and fault event leading cascading failures. In order to accomplish the fault detection task, first online empirical mode decomposition is used and processed through Hilbert–Huang transform to compute the amplitude and instantaneous frequency of that signal. Next, discrete teager energy approach is applied to estimate the teager energy. The energy operator functions as a reliable index for fault detection task during power swing. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, different power system structures are considered and simulated using EMTDC/PSCAD. Results for current transformer saturation, single‐pole tripping, and in presence of noise are provided. The response of the proposed method is compared with the conventional and existing methods. Results and comparative assessment reports demonstrate that the method is more efficient and robust in maintaining both selectivity and dependability.
Does the solar granulation change with the activity cycle?
Authors: Muller R. , Hanslmeier A. , Utz D. , Ichimoto K.
Published: May 2018

Context. Knowledge of the variation of the solar granulation properties (contrast and scale) with the 11-yr activity cycle is useful for a better understanding of the interaction between magnetic field and convection at global or local scales. A varying granulation may also contribute to irradiance variations and affect the p-mode damping rates and lifetimes.

Aims. HINODE/SOT blue continuum images taken in the frame of the synoptic program at the disk center on a daily basis between November 2006 and February 2016 are used. This period covers the minimum of activity between cycles 23 and 24 and the maximum of cycle 24.

Methods. The sharpness of a significant number of images was reduced because of instrumental aberrations or inaccurate focusing. Only the sharpest images were selected for this investigation.

Results. To be detectable with HINODE/SOT images, the variation of the granulation contrast and of the granulation scale at the disk center should have been larger than 3%. As it is not the case, it is concluded that they varied by less than 3% through the weak cycle 24.
Surgical Treatment for Spasticity: Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy – Technique and Literature Review
Authors: Teixeira Marcos Paulo dos Santos , Monaco Bernardo Assumpção de , Navarro Jessie Medeiros de , Vazquez Emmanuel Alejandro , Lopes Arthur José Maia , Melo Thais Cristina de Souza , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen
Published: May 2018

Spasticity is a motor disorder that leads to a resistance to passive joint movement. Cerebral palsy is the most important cause of spasticity and can be caused by several factors, including multiple gestations, alcoholism, infections, hemorrhages, drowning, and traumatic brain injuries, among others. There are many scales that help to measure and monitor the degree of impairment of these patients. The initial treatment should focus on the causal factor, such as tumors, inflammation, degenerative diseases, hydrocephalus, etc. Subsequently, the treatment of spastic musculature includes oral or intrathecal myorelaxants, spinal cord electrostimulation, neurotomies, Lissauer tract lesion, dentatotomy and selective dorsal rhizotomy. The latter is a safe technique, possible to be performed in most centers with neurosurgical support, and it is effective in the treatment of severe spasticity. In this article, the authors describe the surgical technique and conduct a review the literature.
Tocolysis among Women with Preterm Birth: Associated Factors and Outcomes from a Multicenter Study in Brazil
Authors: Dias Tabata Zumpano , Fava Mariana Lacerda , Passini Júnior Renato , Cecatti Jose Guilherme , Tedesco Ricardo Porto , Lajos Giuliane Jesus , Rehder Patricia Moretti , Nomura Marcelo Luis , Oliveira Paulo Fanti , Costa Maria Laura
Published: May 2018

Objective To evaluate the use of tocolysis in cases of preterm birth due to spontaneous preterm labor in a Brazilian sample.

Methods A sample of 1,491 women with preterm birth due to spontaneous preterm labor were assessed, considering treatment with tocolysis or expectant management, according to gestational age at birth (< 34 weeks and 34 to 36 + 6 weeks) and drugs prescribed. The study took place in 20 Brazilian hospitals from April 2011 to July 2012. Bivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate associations with sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics and odds ratios with their respective 95% confidence intervals were estimated for maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Results A total of 1,491 cases of preterm birth were considered. Tocolysis was performed in 342 cases (23%), 233 of which (68.1%) were delivered before 34 weeks. Within the expectant management group, 73% was late preterm and with more advanced labor at the time of admission. The most used drugs were calcium channel blockers (62.3%), followed by betamimetics (33%). Among the subjects in the tocolysis group, there were more neonatal and maternal complications (majority non-severe) and an occurrence of corticosteroid use that was 29 higher than in the expectant management group.

Conclusion Tocolysis is favored in cases of earlier labor and also among those with less than 34 weeks of gestation, using preferably calcium channel blockers, with success in achieving increased corticosteroid use. Tocolysis, in general, was related to higher maternal and neonatal complication rates, which may be due to the baseline difference between cases at admission. However, these results should raise awareness to tocolysis use.
Natural History, Multimodal Management, and Quality of Life Outcomes of Trigeminal Schwannomas
Authors: Ye Vincent , Akagami Ryojo , Makarenko Serge
Published: May 2018

Background Trigeminal schwannomas are the second most common among intracranial schwannomas. These can arise from anywhere between the root and the distal extracranial branches of the trigeminal nerve. Clinical presentation depends on location and size, including but not limited to facial hypesthesia or pain, headaches, dizziness, ataxia, and diplopia. Literature is strikingly scant discussing the natural history of these lesions, while the treatment goals are heavily dependent on tumor presentation. Management decisions must be individualized to each tumor and each patient, while attempting to maximize the quality of life. We present the natural history of these lesions as well as their management by surgical resection or radiation therapy, and report long-term quality of life outcomes.

Methods Between 2001 and 2015, 24 patients (66.7% female) with trigeminal schwannomas were diagnosed and managed at Vancouver General Hospital. We analyzed the clinical presentation, surgical results, resection rates, patient quality of life, and complications. To complete the evaluation, we prospectively collected 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) quality of life assessments for comparison.

Results We identified 12 patients treated with a craniotomy and surgical resection, 4 were treated with radiation therapy, while 8 patients were followed by observation. Mean age of study cohort was 49.2 years (range, 23–79 years), and most patients presented with facial hypesthesia (54.2%) and headaches (37.5%), while 37.5% were incidental findings. There were no major differences in patient demographics between the three groups. Patients offered surgery had larger lesions (mean diameter, 3.4 ± 1.1 cm) when compared with those that were irradiated or observed, and were more likely to have extracranial extension. Overall patient quality of life improved following treatment (ΔSF-36 + 12.9) at 3.9 years.

Conclusions The treatment goals of trigeminal schwannomas focus on improvement in neurologic symptoms, relief of mass effect, and preservation of cranial nerve function. We demonstrate that smaller lesions found incidentally with minimal symptoms can be followed safely with serial imaging, with 1 of 9 (11.1%) progressing to require treatment over the course of 7.1 years. Management of trigeminal schwannomas should be individualized with an involvement of a multidisciplinary skull base team.
Stabilities of protonated water-ammonia clusters
Authors: Sundén A. E. K. , Støchkel K. , Hvelplund P. , Brøndsted Nielsen S. , Dynefors B. , Hansen K.
Published: May 2018

Branching ratios of water and ammonia evaporation have been measured for spontaneous evaporation from protonated mixed clusters H+(H2O)n(NH3)m in the size range 0 ≤ n ≤ 11 and 0 ≤ m ≤ 7. Mixed clusters evaporate water except for clusters containing six or more ammonia molecules, indicating the formation of a stable core of one ammonium ion surrounded by four ammonia molecules and a second shell consisting predominantly of water. We relate evaporative branching ratios to free energy differences between the products of competing channels and determine the free energy differences for clusters with up to seven ammonia molecules. Clusters containing up to five ammonia molecules show a very strong scaling of these free energy differences.
Nonlocal kinetic energy functionals by functional integration
Authors: Mi Wenhui , Genova Alessandro , Pavanello Michele
Published: May 2018

Since the seminal studies of Thomas and Fermi, researchers in the Density-Functional Theory (DFT) community are searching for accurate electron density functionals. Arguably, the toughest functional to approximate is the noninteracting kinetic energy, Ts[ρ], the subject of this work. The typical paradigm is to first approximate the energy functional and then take its functional derivative, δTs[ρ]δρ(r), yielding a potential that can be used in orbital-free DFT or subsystem DFT simulations. Here, this paradigm is challenged by constructing the potential from the second-functional derivative via functional integration. A new nonlocal functional for Ts[ρ] is prescribed [which we dub Mi-Genova-Pavanello (MGP)] having a density independent kernel. MGP is constructed to satisfy three exact conditions: (1) a nonzero “Kinetic electron” arising from a nonzero exchange hole; (2) the second functional derivative must reduce to the inverse Lindhard function in the limit of homogenous densities; (3) the potential is derived from functional integration of the second functional derivative. Pilot calculations show that MGP is capable of reproducing accurate equilibrium volumes, bulk moduli, total energy, and electron densities for metallic (body-centered cubic, face-centered cubic) and semiconducting (crystal diamond) phases of silicon as well as of III-V semiconductors. The MGP functional is found to be numerically stable typically reaching self-consistency within 12 iterations of a truncated Newton minimization algorithm. MGP’s computational cost and memory requirements are low and comparable to the Wang-Teter nonlocal functional or any generalized gradient approximation functional.
On the inclusion of mass source terms in a single-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Aursjø Olav , Jettestuen Espen , Vinningland Jan Ludvig , Hiorth Aksel
Published: May 2018

We present a lattice Boltzmann algorithm for incorporating a mass source in a fluid flow system. The proposed mass source/sink term, included in the lattice Boltzmann equation, maintains the Galilean invariance and the accuracy of the overall method, while introducing a mass source/sink term in the fluid dynamical equations. The method can, for instance, be used to inject or withdraw fluid from any preferred lattice node in a system. This suggests that injection and withdrawal of fluid does not have to be introduced through cumbersome, and sometimes less accurate, boundary conditions. The method also suggests that, through a chosen equation of state relating mass density to pressure, the proposed mass source term will render it possible to set a preferred pressure at any lattice node in a system. We demonstrate how this model handles injection and withdrawal of a fluid. And we show how it can be used to incorporate pressure boundaries. The accuracy of the algorithm is identified through a Chapman-Enskog expansion of the model and supported by the numerical simulations.
Optical performance of hybrid porous silicon–porous alumina multilayers
Authors: Cencha L. G. , Antonio Hernández C. , Forzani L. , Urteaga R. , Koropecki R. R.
Published: May 2018

In this work, we study the optical response of structures involving porous silicon and porous alumina in a multi-layered hybrid structure. We performed a rational design of the optimal sequence necessary to produce a high transmission and selective filter, with potential applications in chemical and biosensors. The combination of these porous materials can be used to exploit its distinguishing features, i.e., high transparency of alumina and high refractive index of porous silicon. We assembled hybrid microcavities with a central porous alumina layer between two porous silicon Bragg reflectors. In this way, we constructed a Fabry-Perot resonator with high reflectivity and low absorption that improves the quality of the filter compared to a microcavity built only with porous silicon or porous alumina. We explored a simpler design in which one of the Bragg reflectors is replaced by the aluminium that remains bound to the alumina after its fabrication. We theoretically explored the potential of the proposal and its limitations when considering the roughness of the layers. We found that the quality of a microcavity made entirely with porous silicon shows a limit in the visible range due to light absorption. This limitation is overcome in the hybrid scheme, with the roughness of the layers determining the ultimate quality. Q-factors of 220 are experimentally obtained for microcavities supported on aluminium, while Q-factors around 600 are reached for microcavities with double Bragg reflectors, centred at 560 nm. This represents a four-fold increase with respect to the optimal porous silicon microcavity at this wavelength.
Telegraph noise in Markovian master equation for electron transport through molecular junctions
Authors: Kosov Daniel S.
Published: May 2018

We present a theoretical approach to solve the Markovian master equation for quantum transport with stochastic telegraph noise. Considering probabilities as functionals of a random telegraph process, we use Novikov’s functional method to convert the stochastic master equation to a set of deterministic differential equations. The equations are then solved in the Laplace space, and the expression for the probability vector averaged over the ensemble of realisations of the stochastic process is obtained. We apply the theory to study the manifestations of telegraph noise in the transport properties of molecular junctions. We consider the quantum electron transport in a resonant-level molecule as well as polaronic regime transport in a molecular junction with electron-vibration interaction.
An accurate estimation of the horizontal acceleration of a rower's centre of mass using inertial sensors: a validation
Authors: Lintmeijer Lotte L. , Faber Gert S. , Kruk Hessel R. , van Soest A. J. “Knoek” , Hofmijster Mathijs J.
Published: May 2018

For a valid determination of a rower's mechanical power output, the anterior–posterior (AP) acceleration of a rower's centre of mass (CoM) is required. The current study was designed to evaluate the accuracy of the determination of this acceleration using a full‐body inertial measurement units (IMUs) suit in combination with a mass distribution model. Three methods were evaluated. In the first two methods, IMU data were combined with either a subject‐specific mass distribution or a standard mass distribution model for athletes. In the third method, a rower's AP CoM acceleration was estimated using a single IMU placed at the pelvis.

Experienced rowers rowed on an ergometer that was placed on two force plates, while wearing a full‐body IMUs suit. Correspondence values between AP CoM acceleration based on IMU data (the three methods) and AP CoM acceleration obtained from force plate data (reference) were calculated. Good correspondence was found between the reference AP CoM acceleration and the AP CoM accelerations determined using IMU data in combination with the subject‐specific mass model and the standard mass model (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC] > 0.988 and normalized root mean square errors [nRMSE] 3.81%). Correspondence was lower for the AP CoM accelerations determined using a single pelvis IMU (0.877 < ICC < 0.960 and 6.11% < nRMSE < 13.61%).

Based on these results, we recommend determining a rower's AP CoM acceleration using IMUs in combination with the standard mass model. Finally, we conclude that accurate determination of a rower's AP CoM acceleration is not possible on the basis of the pelvis acceleration only.
Contribution of Epidemiology to Our Understanding of Psychiatric Genetics
Authors: Merikangas Alison K. , Merikangas Kathleen R.
Published: May 2018

The field of psychiatric epidemiology has advanced both methodological and substantive knowledge in our understanding of mental disorders through the following contributions: (1) development of standardized tools that operationalize diagnostic criteria in order to obtain reliable estimates; (2) estimation of the magnitude, correlates and service patterns of mental disorders; (3) documentation of patterns of comorbidity; (4) quantification of disability attributable to mental disorders; and (5) identification of risk and protective factors for mental disorders and their core domains. Community surveys using standardized tools for ascertaining psychiatric disorders have shown that mental disorders are highly prevalent in the general population. With the growing success in identifying genetic risk factors for chronic human disorders, the field of epidemiology will play an important role in defining study designs, appropriate samples, population generalizability, and statistical tools that will facilitate our ability to identify the joint influence of genetic and environmental factors on the susceptibility to mental disorders.
Recruitment of Human Subjects
Authors: Kassem Layla
Published: May 2018

Recruitment of participants into clinical research studies remains the most challenging activity facing researchers. Success and failure of studies is dependent on recruitment. While many tools are available to researchers, the art of recruitment and retention of participants is still evolving and at times, hampered by organizational requirements. In this chapter we present an overview of methods and techniques for optimizing recruitment. We briefly address potential challenges, possible solutions, and a general approach for planning and execution of recruitment efforts. The chapter address recruitment as it applies to psychiatric and other clinical research studies, while the information provided is by no means comprehensive, the chapter is designed to be a ‘starter kit’ to help researchers and recruiters anticipate and prepare for successful recruitment endeavors.
Human Linkage and Association Analysis
Authors: Rice John P.
Published: May 2018

The basic idea in linkage analysis is that a disease gene will segregate in a family with a close (linked) marker, and typing this marker will lead to its detection. The successes using this approach have been largely confined to Mendelian monogenic disorders or complex disorders with Mendelian subforms. During the last decade, psychiatric genetics abandoned linkage analysis and moved to case-control studies of association, with remarkable success in identifying susceptibility genes for mental disorders. In this chapter, we review the statistical underpinnings of linkage and association and discuss important issues such as population stratification, imputation, data cleaning, the genomic inflation factor, and QQ and Manhattan plots. The challenge for the next decade will be to understand the biology of these GWAS (genome-wide association study) hits.
Biobanking of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Psychiatric Research
Authors: Moore Jennifer C. , Sheldon Michael , Tischfield Jay A.
Published: May 2018

The discovery that human primary cells such as nucleated blood cells or cultured skin fibroblasts can be reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) has ushered in a new era for research on the genetic etiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Such hiPSC can be differentiated into several types of neurons, which may provide a primitive model for studying cellular variation in neuronal function due to underlying genetic variants causing the disorder. It is critical that source cells for possible reprogramming and their derived hiPSC be banked in an accredited facility capable of proper quality assurance that includes a genetic profile for future authentication of secondary biomaterials (e.g., differentiated cellular derivatives). Nucleated blood cells are more easily obtained compared to skin fibroblasts and can be cryopreserved for many years before they are reprogrammed to hiPSC. However, to enable all possible future uses of biosamples, some of which may not yet even be contemplated, researchers and biobanks must obtain clear informed consent from subjects for broad use of their biosamples in research.
Pharmacogenomics and Precision Psychiatry
Authors: Stingl Julia C. , Laje Gonzalo
Published: May 2018

Molecular medicine has opened new possibilities of personalized approaches in drug therapy. The development of evidence-based pharmacogenetic guidelines to steer therapy has slowly entered the field of psychiatric therapeutics. Some of the reasons behind the limited progress in psychiatric pharmacogenomics include the broad definition of clinical syndromes, limited knowledge of psychiatric pathophysiology, and limited understanding of psychotropics’ mechanisms of action. Pharmacogenomic markers have been reported for both pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic genes. However, only genetic variation in pharmacokinetic genes has shown to be helpful in clinical practice. There is little consensus as to when and if pharmacogenetic tests should be used in psychiatry. There are limited evidence-based dosing guidelines available for actionable gene–drug pairs. Future work in psychiatry may deepen our understanding of the biological underpinnings of psychiatric syndromes and provide the potential for individual tailored therapies.
Postthoracotomy Pain Syndrome
Authors: Aquino Melinda
Published: May 2018

Postthoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS) affects approximately 50% of patients who undergo thoracic surgery for lung cancer. The pain can be very severe and may be associated with a high level of disability. The pain can be harsh and unrelenting, preventing patients from performing basic activity of daily living. Several modalities of pain management can be effective for PTPS. Appropriate pain management starts preoperatively with preemptive analgesia with oral medications. Regional anesthetic techniques, including thoracic epidural and thoracic paravertebral block/catheter, can be utilized intraoperatively and postoperatively. For patients who develop PTPS, a pain specialist should be consulted, and a multidisciplinary pain management approach should be designed, with treatments that may include injections (paravertebral nerve blocks, intercostal nerve blocks, trigger-point injections), physical therapy, and oral pain medications.
Coccygodynia
Authors: Woodbury Anna , Singh Vinita
Published: May 2018

Coccygodynia, or coccygeal pain, is also known as coccydynia, coccalgia, or coccygalgia. It is a painful syndrome affecting the coccyx (tailbone). It is relatively uncommon, and may have a variety of causes. Pain is typically aggravated by sitting, particularly on hard areas, and can severely affect quality of life. Imaging should be correlated with a detailed medical history, including any therapies previously tried, and a thorough physical exam. Treatment options must be tailored to individual patient needs. Conservative treatments include massage, physical therapy, and medications. Interventional procedures, including ganglion impar blocks, caudal injections, and radiofrequency ablation, have all been used in management of this painful condition. For coccygeal pain that does not respond to conservative therapy, surgical treatment involving coccygectomy is available.
Lithium Plus Valproate Combination versus Monotherapy for Relapse Prevention in Bipolar I Disorder (BALANCE)
Authors: De Aquino João Paulo , Beech Robert
Published: May 2018

This chapter provides a summary of a landmark study on bipolar disorder. It starts by describing the overarching goal of this clinical trial, which was to address the following question: Is lithium plus valproate better than monotherapy with either drug alone for relapse prevention in bipolar I disorder? Subsequently, the describes basics of the study, including funding, study location, who was studied, how many patients, study design, study intervention, follow-up, endpoints, results, and criticism and limitations are described and discussed. Finally, other relevant studies and information are reviewed, and clinical implications are examined. The chapter is concluded by reviewing a relevant clinical case.
Treatment of Early-Onset Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (TEOSS) Study
Authors: Williams J. Corey , Stevens Hanna E.
Published: May 2018

This chapter provides a summary of a landmark study in child and adolescent psychiatry that addresses the treatment of youth with psychotic disorders. Are second generation antipsychotics superior to first generation antipsychotics in the treatment of early-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders? Starting with that question, it describes the basics of the study, including funding, study locations, who was studied, how many patients, study design, study intervention, follow-up, endpoints including treatment response and adverse events, results, and criticism and limitations. No differences in symptom change were found between groups, but each group had a specific set of adverse events that distinguished it. The chapter briefly reviews other relevant studies and information, discusses implications, and concludes with a relevant clinical case.
The Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study (TADS)
Authors: Engler Zachary , Qayyum Zheala
Published: May 2018

This chapter provides a summary of a landmark study in child and adolescent psychiatry. This study is also notable for addressing the relationship between suicidal thinking and behavior and treatment of depression in adolescents. Among adolescents with depression, is fluoxetine and cognitive behavioral therapy efficacious? If so, how does the efficacy of these treatments compare with each other and in combination? Starting with these questions, it describes the basics of the study, including funding, study location, who was studied, how many patients, study design, study intervention, follow-up, endpoints, results, and criticism and limitations. The chapter briefly reviews other relevant studies and information, discusses implications, and concludes with a relevant clinical case.
Depressive Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Tobon Amalia Londono , Chiles Catherine
Published: May 2018

This chapter provides a summary of a landmark study in psychiatry in primary care, that measures the overall health burden of depression. What are the effects of depressive symptoms and cardiac function on health-related quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease? Starting with that question, it describes the basics of the study, including funding, study location, who was studied, how many patients, study design, study intervention, follow-up, endpoints, results, and criticism and limitations. The chapter briefly reviews other relevant studies and information, discusses implications, and concludes with a relevant clinical case.