bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the annealing temperature dependence of the spin pumping in Co20Fe60B20/Pt systems
Authors: Belmeguenai M. , Aitoukaci K. , Zighem F. , Gabor M. S. , Petrisor T. , Mos R. B. , Tiusan C.
Published: March 2018

Co20Fe60B20/Pt systems with variable thicknesses of Co20Fe60B20 and of Pt have been sputtered and then annealed at various temperatures (Ta) up to 300 °C. Microstrip line ferromagnetic resonance (MS-FMR) has been used to investigate Co20Fe60B20 and Pt thickness dependencies of the magnetic damping enhancement due to the spin pumping. Using diffusion and ballistic models for spin pumping, the spin mixing conductance and the spin diffusion length have been deduced from the Co20Fe60B20 and the Pt thickness dependencies of the Gilbert damping parameter α of the Co20Fe60B20/Pt heterostructures, respectively. Within the ballistic simple model, both the spin mixing conductance at the CoFeB/Pt interface and the spin-diffusion length of Pt increase with the increasing annealing temperature and show a strong enhancement at 300 °C annealing temperature. In contrast, the spin mixing conductance, which increases with Ta, shows a different trend to the spin diffusion length when using the diffusion model. Moreover, MS-FMR measurements revealed that the effective magnetization varies linearly with the Co20Fe60B20 inverse thickness due to the perpendicular interface anisotropy, which is found to decrease as the annealing temperature increases. It also revealed that the angular dependence of the resonance field is governed by small uniaxial anisotropy which is found to vary linearly with the Co20Fe60B20 inverse thickness of the annealed films, in contrast to that of the as grown ones.
Quantum channels irreducibly covariant with respect to the finite group generated by the Weyl operators
Authors: Siudzińska Katarzyna , Chruściński Dariusz
Published: March 2018

In matrix algebras, we introduce a class of linear maps that are irreducibly covariant with respect to the finite group generated by the Weyl operators. In particular, we analyze the irreducibly covariant quantum channels, that is, the completely positive and trace-preserving linear maps. Interestingly, imposing additional symmetries leads to the so-called generalized Pauli channels, which were recently considered in the context of the non-Markovian quantum evolution. Finally, we provide examples of irreducibly covariant positive but not necessarily completely positive maps.
Dynamical decoupling of unbounded Hamiltonians
Authors: Arenz Christian , Burgarth Daniel , Facchi Paolo , Hillier Robin
Published: March 2018

We investigate the possibility to suppress interactions between a finite dimensional system and an infinite dimensional environment through a fast sequence of unitary kicks on the finite dimensional system. This method, called dynamical decoupling, is known to work for bounded interactions, but physical environments such as bosonic heat baths are usually modeled with unbounded interactions; hence, here, we initiate a systematic study of dynamical decoupling for unbounded operators. We develop a sufficient decoupling criterion for arbitrary Hamiltonians and a necessary decoupling criterion for semibounded Hamiltonians. We give examples for unbounded Hamiltonians where decoupling works and the limiting evolution as well as the convergence speed can be explicitly computed. We show that decoupling does not always work for unbounded interactions and we provide both physically and mathematically motivated examples.
Hypersonic force measurements using internal balance based on optical micromachined Fabry-Perot interferometry
Authors: Qiu Huacheng , Min Fu , Zhong Shaolong , Song Xin , Yang Yanguang
Published: March 2018

Force measurements using wind tunnel balance are necessary for determining a variety of aerodynamic performance parameters, while the harsh environment in hypersonic flows requires that the measurement instrument should be reliable and robust, in against strong electromagnetic interference, high vacuum, or metal (oxide) dusts. In this paper, we demonstrated a three-component internal balance for hypersonic aerodynamic force measurements, using novel optical micromachined Fabry-Perot interferometric (FPI) strain gauges as sensing elements. The FPI gauges were fabricated using Micro-Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MOEMS) surface and bulk fabrication techniques. High-reflectivity coatings are used to form a high-finesse Fabry-Perot cavity, which benefits a high resolution. Antireflective and passivation coatings are used to reduce unwanted interferences. The FPI strain gauge based balance has been calibrated and evaluated in a Mach 5 hypersonic flow. The results are compared with the traditional technique using the foil resistive strain gauge balance, indicating that the proposed balance based on the MOEMS FPI strain gauge is reliable and robust and is potentially suitable for the hypersonic wind tunnel harsh environment.
Intermittent fluctuations in the Alcator C-Mod scrape-off layer for ohmic and high confinement mode plasmas
Authors: Garcia O. E. , Kube R. , Theodorsen A. , LaBombard B. , Terry J. L.
Published: March 2018

Plasma fluctuations in the scrape-off layer of the Alcator C-Mod tokamak in ohmic and high confinement modes have been analyzed using gas puff imaging data. In all cases investigated, the time series of emission from a single spatially resolved view into the gas puff are dominated by large-amplitude bursts, attributed to blob-like filament structures moving radially outwards and poloidally. There is a remarkable similarity of the fluctuation statistics in ohmic plasmas and in edge localized mode-free and enhanced D-alpha high confinement mode plasmas. Conditionally averaged waveforms have a two-sided exponential shape with comparable temporal scales and asymmetry, while the burst amplitudes and the waiting times between them are exponentially distributed. The probability density functions and the frequency power spectral densities are similar for all these confinement modes. These results provide strong evidence in support of a stochastic model describing the plasma fluctuations in the scrape-off layer as a super-position of uncorrelated exponential pulses. Predictions of this model are in excellent agreement with experimental measurements in both ohmic and high confinement mode plasmas. The stochastic model thus provides a valuable tool for predicting fluctuation-induced plasma–wall interactions in magnetically confined fusion plasmas.
Magnetic field enhanced photothermal effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Pan Pengfei , Lin Yawen , Gan Zhixing , Luo Xiaobin , Zhou Weiping , Zhang Ning
Published: March 2018

Photothermal and magnetothermal effects are promising in hyperthermia for cancer therapy. However, the development of safe treatments with limited side-effects requires a relatively-high thermal efficiency triggered by mild near-infrared (NIR) light and alternating magnetic field (HAC), which remains a formidable challenge. In this work, a magnetic field enhanced photothermal effect (MFEP) of Fe3O4 nanoparticles is proposed and investigated systematically. The results suggest remarkable temperature increments of 9.59 to 36.90 °C under irradiation of NIR with different light power densities (808 nm, 0–6.98 W/cm2) combined with a certain magnetic field (HAC = 1.5 kA/m at 90 kHz). The rise of temperature induced by MFEP is substantially larger than the sum of isolated photothermal and magnetothermal effects, which is attributed to the hot-phonon bottleneck effect. The MFEP of Fe3O4 nanoparticles could serve as an effective treatment for cancer therapy in the future.
Naturally decorated dislocations capable of enhancing multiple-phonon scattering in Si-based thermoelectric composites
Authors: Xie Jun , Ohishi Yuji , Ichikawa Satoshi , Muta Hiroaki , Kurosaki Ken , Yamanaka Shinsuke
Published: March 2018

N-Type Si/silicide nanocomposites are rapidly prepared by a self-assembled process combining melt spinning with spark plasma sintering. We found a strong dependence of the resultant microstructure on the sintering temperature, including high-density nanoprecipitates and dislocations via detailed scanning and transmission electron microscopy observations. These dislocations are naturally decorated with nanodots, stacking faults, dislocation cores, and the related strain fields. Calculations indicate that in addition to a 30% reduction in lattice thermal conductivity due to nanoprecipitates, the dislocation complex contributes an additional 50% reduction, resulting in a high figure of merit (ZT) of 0.39 at 1045 K. The present work offers a unique route for introducing multi-scale microstructures and a new strategy for ZT enhancement in high-performance thermoelectrics.
Self-powered ultraviolet vertical and lateral photovoltaic effect with fast-relaxation time in NdNiO3/Nb:SrTiO3 heterojunctions
Authors: Wang Xianjie , Zhou Qian , Li Hui , Hu Chang , Zhang Lingli , Zhang Yu , Zhang Yaohui , Sui Yu , Song Bo
Published: March 2018

Substantial ultraviolet (UV) photodetector research has been pursued in recent decades. In this paper, we report the self-powered UV vertical photovoltaic effect (VPE) and lateral photovoltaic effect (LPE) with high sensitivity and fast-relaxation time in NdNiO3/Nb:SrTiO3 (NNO/NSTO) heterojunctions. The rectifying behavior indicates that the large built-in electric field is formed in the p-n junctions. The open circuit voltage of VPE is as high as 0.4 V under 266 nm laser illumination, with the relaxation time of 1.8 μs. The highest position sensitivity of the LPE is about 32 mV/mm, and its optical relaxation time is about 7.4 μs. The two distinct resistance states observed for the NNO film deposited on NSTO and SrTiO3 (STO) substrates suggest that the transport of photo-excited carriers in VPE and LPE is mainly through the NSTO single crystal, resulting in a fast relaxation time of the photovoltaic effect in NNO/NSTO p-n junctions. The fast relaxation and high sensitivity of the VPE and LPE make the NNO/NSTO junction a promising candidate for a wide range of self-powered ultraviolet/near-ultraviolet optoelectronic applications.
Voltage-controlled radial wrinkles of a trumpet-like dielectric elastomer structure
Authors: Mao Guoyong , Wu Lei , Fu Yimou , Liu Junjie , Qu Shaoxing
Published: March 2018

Wrinkle is usually considered as one failure mode of membrane structure. However, it can also be harnessed in developing smart devices such as dry adhesion tape, diffraction grating, smart window, etc. In this paper, we present a method to generate voltage-controlled radial wrinkles, which are fast response and reversible, in a stretched circular dielectric elastomer (DE) membrane with boundary fixed. In the experiment, we bond a circular plate on the center of the circular membrane and then pull the DE membrane perpendicular to itself via the plate. The stretched DE membrane is a trumpet-like structure. When the stretched DE membrane is subjected to a certain voltage, wrinkles nucleate from the center of the DE membrane and propagate to the boundary as the voltage increases. We adopt a theoretical framework to analyze the nucleation of the wrinkles. A simple wavelength expression is achieved, which is only related to the geometry and the stretch of the DE membrane. Results show that the theory agrees well with the experiment. This work may help the future design of DE actuators in avoiding mechanical instability and provide a new method to generate controllable radial DE wrinkles.
Three-dimensional flow of a nanofluid over a permeable stretching/shrinking surface with velocity slip: A revised model
Authors: Jusoh R. , Nazar R. , Pop I.
Published: March 2018

A reformulation of the three-dimensional flow of a nanofluid by employing Buongiorno’s model is presented. A new boundary condition is implemented in this study with the assumption of nanoparticle mass flux at the surface is zero. This condition is practically more realistic since the nanoparticle fraction at the boundary is latently controlled. This study is devoted to investigate the impact of the velocity slip and suction to the flow and heat transfer characteristics of nanofluid. The governing partial differential equations corresponding to the momentum, energy, and concentration are reduced to the ordinary differential equations by utilizing the appropriate transformation. Numerical solutions of the ordinary differential equations are obtained by using the built-in bvp4c function in Matlab. Graphical illustrations displaying the physical influence of the several nanofluid parameters on the flow velocity, temperature, and nanoparticle volume fraction profiles, as well as the skin friction coefficient and the local Nusselt number are provided. The present study discovers the existence of dual solutions at a certain range of parameters. Surprisingly, both of the solutions merge at the stretching sheet indicating that the presence of the velocity slip affects the skin friction coefficients. Stability analysis is carried out to determine the stability and reliability of the solutions. It is found that the first solution is stable while the second solution is not stable.
Nanoscale insight of high piezoelectricity in high-TC PMN-PH-PT ceramics
Authors: Zhu Rongfeng , Zhang Qihui , Fang Bijun , Zhang Shuai , Zhao Xiangyong , Ding Jianning
Published: March 2018

The piezoelectric properties of the high-Curie temperature (high-TC) 0.15Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.38PbHfO3-0.47PbTiO3 (0.15PMN-0.38PH-0.47PT) ceramics prepared by three different methods were compared. The 0.15PMN-0.38PH-0.47PT ceramics synthesized by the partial oxalate route exhibit the optimum properties, in which d33* = 845.3 pm/V, d33 = 456.2 pC/N, Kp = 67.2%, and TC = 291 °C. The nanoscale origin of the high piezoelectric response of the 0.15PMN-0.38PH-0.47PT ceramics was investigated by piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) using the ceramics synthesized by the partial oxalate route. Large quantities of fine stripe submicron ferroelectric domains are observed, which form large island domains. In order to give further insights into the piezoelectric properties of the 0.15PMN-0.38PH-0.47PT ceramics from a microscopic point of view, the local poling experiments and local switching spectroscopy piezoresponse force microscopy (SS-PFM) were investigated, from which the local converse piezoelectric coefficient d33*(l) is calculated as 220 pm/V.
Influence of interfacial slip on the suspension rheology of a dilute emulsion of surfactant-laden deformable drops in linear flows
Authors: Das Sayan , Bhattacharjee Anirban , Chakraborty Suman
Published: March 2018

The present study deals with the effect of interfacial slip on the deformation and emulsion rheology of a dilute suspension of droplets in a linear flow. The droplets are laden with surfactants that are bulk-insoluble and get transported only along the interface. An asymptotic approach is adopted for the present analysis in order to tackle the nonlinearity present due to deformation of droplets. The analysis is carried out for two different limiting scenarios, namely, surface diffusion-dominated-surfactant transport and surface convection-dominated surfactant transport. For either of the limiting cases, we look into the droplet dynamics for two commonly encountered bulk flows—uniaxial extensional and simple shear flow. Under the assumption of negligible fluid inertia in either phase, it is shown that slip at the droplet interface significantly affects the surfactant-induced Marangoni stress and hence droplet deformation and emulsion rheology. The presence of interfacial slip not only brings about a decrease in the droplet deformation but also reduces the effective viscosity of the emulsion. The fall in both droplet deformation and effective viscosity is found to be more severe for the limiting case of surface convection-dominated surfactant transport. For the case of an imposed simple shear flow, the normal stress differences generated due to droplet deformation are affected as well due to the presence of interfacial slip.
Controlling the angle range in acoustic low-frequency forbidden transmission in solid-fluid superlattice
Authors: Zhang Sai , Xu Bai-qiang , Cao Wenwu
Published: March 2018

We have investigated low-frequency forbidden transmission (LFT) of acoustic waves with frequency lower than the first Bragg bandgap in a solid-fluid superlattice (SFSL). LFT is formed when the acoustic planar wave impinges on the interface of a SFSL within a certain angle range. However, for the SFSL comprised of metallic material and water, the angle range of LFT is extremely narrow, which restricts its practical applications. The variation characteristics of the angle range have been comprehensively studied here by the control variable method. The results suggest that the filling ratio, layer number, wave velocity, and mass density of the constituent materials have a significant impact on the angle range. Based on our results, an effective strategy for obtaining LFT with a broad angle range is provided, which will be useful for potential applications of LFT in various devices, such as low frequency filters and subwavelength one-way diodes.
Quantification of wetting front movement under the influence of surface topography
Authors: Chu Xuefeng , Jia Xinhua , Liu Yang
Published: March 2018

Soil surface topography affects fundamental hydrologic processes, such as infiltration and soil water percolation. Topographic variations potentially alter both the magnitude and directions of unsaturated flow. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of surface topography on wetting front moving patterns under different rainfall and soil conditions through combined experimental and numerical modelling studies. Specifically, laboratory-scale infiltration and unsaturated flow experiments and HYDRUS-2D modelling were conducted for different topographic surfaces, rainfall intensities, and soil types. The simulated and observed wetting front distributions were compared and evaluated. Two different stages were observed: topography-dominated two-dimensional flow and uniform one-dimensional flow. A uniformly distributed wetting front was eventually achieved although soil surfaces had dissimilar topographic characteristics. However, the timing or duration to reach such a uniform flat wetting front varied, mainly depending on surface topography, rainfall characteristics, and soil hydraulic properties. The findings from this study are important to better understand the mechanism of topography-controlled unsaturated flow, wetting front movement, and overland flow generation, and to further improve modelling of soil water flow and transport processes under such complex conditions across different scales.
Comparative pathology and pathogenesis of naturally acquired and experimentally induced colonic spirochetosis
Authors: Duhamel Gerald E.
Published: March 2018

Research in the past decade has led to the recognition ofBrachyspira(formerlySerpulina)pilosicolias the primary etiologic agent of colonic spirochetosis (CS), an emerging cause of colitis in humans and animals. Attachment of spirochetes to the epithelial surface of the lower intestine is considered to be the hallmark of CS. However, becauseB. pilosicoli, B. aalborgiand unclassified flagellated bacteria are found singly or together in humans and non-human primates with CS lesions, attachment of spiral-shaped bacteria may not represent the same etiopathogenetic entity in all hosts. Moreover, North American opossums with CS are infected withB. aalborgi-like spirochetes together with flagellated bacteria, whereasB. pilosicoliis found alone in dogs, pigs, chickens and other species of birds with CS. Conversely, guinea-pigs with CS have unidentified spirochetes that may beB. pilosicoli or B. aalborgi.The pig model of CS suggests that attachment ofB. pilosicolito epithelial cells may be transient. By contrast, persistence ofB. pilosicoliin the cecal and colonic crypt lumina, chronic inflammation caused by spirochetal invasion into the subepithelial lamina propria and translocation to extraintestinal sites may be more important than previously thought. This review describes the lesions seen in naturally occurring and experimentally induced CS of animals, and it sets the stage for future research into the pathogenic mechanisms of infection and colitis caused byB. pilosicoli.
Mycobacterium paratuberculosisand the bovine immune system
Authors: Coussens Paul M.
Published: March 2018

Mycobacterium aviumsubspeciesparatuberculosis(M. paratuberculosis) is the causative agent of Johne’s disease, a deadly intestinal ailment of ruminants. Johne’s disease is of tremendous economic importance to the worldwide dairy industry, causing major losses due to reduced production and early culling of animals. A highly controversial but developing link between exposure toM. paratuberculosisand human Crohn’s disease in some individuals has led to the suggestion thatM. paratuberculosisis also a potential food safety concern. As with many other mycobacteria,M. paratuberculosisis exquisitely adapted to survival in the host, despite aggressive immune reactions to these organisms. One hallmark of mycobacteria, includingM. paratuberculosis, is their propensity to infect macrophages. Inside the macrophage,M. paratuberculosisinterferes with the maturation of the phagosome by an unknown mechanism, thereby evading the host’s normal first line of defense against bacterial pathogens. The host immune system begins a series of attacks againstM. paratuberculosis-infected macrophages, including the rapid deployment of activated γδ T cells, CD4+T cells and cytolytic CD8+T cells. These cells interact with the persistently infected macrophage and with each other through a complex network of cytokines and receptors. Despite these aggressive efforts to clear the infection,M. paratuberculosispersists and the constant struggle of the immune system leads to pronounced damage to the intestinal epithelial cells. Enhancing our ability to control this important and tenacious pathogen will require a deeper understanding of howM. paratuberculosisinterferes with macrophage action, the cell types involved in the immune response, the cytokines these cells use to communicate, and the host genetic factors that control the response to infection.
“God Put Weed Here for Us to Smoke”: A Mixed-Methods Study of Religion and Spirituality among Adolescents with Cannabis use Disorders
Authors: Yeterian Julie D. , Bursik Krisanne , Kelly John F.
Published: March 2018

Background: A growing literature on adults with substance use disorders (SUDs) suggests that religious and spiritual processes can support recovery, such that higher levels of religiosity and/or spirituality predict better substance use outcomes. However, studies of the role of religion and spirituality in adolescent SUD treatment response have produced mixed findings, and religiosity and spirituality have rarely been examined separately. Methods: The present study examined religiosity and spirituality as predictors of outcomes in an outpatient treatment adolescent sample ( N = 101) in which cannabis was the predominant drug of choice. Qualitative data were used to contextualize the quantitative findings. Results: Results showed that higher levels of spirituality at posttreatment predicted increased cannabis use at 6-month follow-up (β = .237, p = .043), whereas higher levels of baseline spirituality predicted a lower likelihood of heavy drinking at posttreatment (odds ratio [OR] = .316, P = .040). Religiosity did not predict substance use outcomes at later time points. When asked to describe the relation between their religious/spiritual views and their substance use, adolescents described believing that they had a choice about their substance use and were in control of it, feeling more spiritual when under the influence of cannabis, and being helped by substance use. Conclusions: Together, findings suggest that for adolescents with SUDs, religion and spirituality may not counteract the use of cannabis, which may be explained by adolescents’ views of their substance use as being consistent with their spirituality and under their control.
Chicoric acid mitigates impaired insulin sensitivity by improving mitochondrial function
Authors: Kim Ji-Sun , Lee Hyunjung , Jung Chang Hwa , Lee Sung-Joon , Ha Tae-Youl , Ahn Jiyun
Published: March 2018

Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with insulin resistance. Although chicoric acid (CA) is known to have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity, the involvement of mitochondrial function has not been elucidated yet. Here, we investigated the effect of CA on insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction. In palmitate-induced insulin-resistant C2C12 myotubes, CA improved impaired glucose uptake and insulin signaling pathways, along with enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential and oxygen consumption. CA treatment in diet-induced obese mice ameliorated glucose tolerance and increased insulin sensitivity. CA treatment also recovered the dysregulated expression of glucose metabolism-related genes in the high-fat-fed mice. CA significantly increased the mitochondrial DNA content, citrate synthase, and ATP content, as well as the expression of genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation in the liver and skeletal muscle in high-fat- fed obese mice. These findings suggested that CA attenuates insulin resistance and promotes insulin sensitivity by enhancing mitochondrial function.
The influence of pacing strategy on marathon world records
Authors: Díaz José Joaquín , Fernández‐Ozcorta Eduardo José , Santos‐Concejero Jordan
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of the pacing strategy adopted by elite marathon runners when setting every marathon world record in the last 50 years. We divided former marathon record holders into two groups: classic athletes (record holders between 1967 and 1988) and contemporaneous athletes (record holders between 1988 and 2018). The total distance of the marathon was divided into 8 sections of 5 km and 1 last section of 2.195 km, and the relative average speed of each section was calculated individually. On average athletes were slightly faster in the first half‐marathon than in the second one, where they slowed down progressively (ES = 0.28, small effect). However, when comparing classic vs. contemporaneous athletes, we observed that classic athletes started significantly faster (p < .05, ES = 1.16, moderate effect), although after 25 km, their speed dropped dramatically and was significantly slower than in their contemporaneous counterparts (ES = 2.41, very large effect). This study shows that the pacing strategies of the best marathon runners in the world have changed over the last 50 years. Although a negative pace distribution has been proposed as the most efficient option, a pacing strategy characterised by very little speed changes across the whole race may be the way to go in the future.
Death, eaters, and dark marks
Authors: Collin Matthew
Published: March 2018

The maintenance of macrophage populations, role of environmental cues in shaping their physiology, and the response of resident cells to perturbation are critical factors in tissue homeostasis with implications for many pathological scenarios. Pigment-containing cells of the dermis are the latest to come under the scrutiny of a mouse-induced depletion model.
Attention Measures of Accuracy, Variability, and Fatigue Detect Early Response to Donepezil in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial
Authors: Vila-Castelar Clara , Ly Jenny J , Kaplan Lillian , Van Dyk Kathleen , Berger Jeffrey T , Macina Lucy O , Stewart Jennifer L , Foldi Nancy S
Published: March 2018

Objective

Donepezil is widely used to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but detecting early response remains challenging for clinicians. Acetylcholine is known to directly modulate attention, particularly under high cognitive conditions, but no studies to date test whether measures of attention under high load can detect early effects of donepezil. We hypothesized that load-dependent attention tasks are sensitive to short-term treatment effects of donepezil, while global and other domain-specific cognitive measures are not.

Method

This longitudinal, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03073876) evaluated 23 participants newly diagnosed with AD initiating de novo donepezil treatment (5 mg). After baseline assessment, participants were randomized into Drug (n = 12) or Placebo (n = 11) groups, and retested after approximately 6 weeks. Cognitive assessment included: (a) attention tasks (Foreperiod Effect, Attentional Blink, and Covert Orienting tasks) measuring processing speed, top-down accuracy, orienting, intra-individual variability, and fatigue; (b) global measures (Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale, Mini-Mental Status Examination, Dementia Rating Scale); and (c) domain-specific measures (memory, language, visuospatial, and executive function).

Results

The Drug but not the Placebo group showed benefits of treatment at high-load measures by preserving top-down accuracy, improving intra-individual variability, and averting fatigue. In contrast, other global or cognitive domain-specific measures could not detect treatment effects over the same treatment interval.

Conclusions

The pilot-study suggests that attention measures targeting accuracy, variability, and fatigue under high-load conditions could be sensitive to short-term cholinergic treatment. Given the central role of acetylcholine in attentional function, load-dependent attentional measures may be valuable cognitive markers of early treatment response.
Vidian Neurectomy for Management of Chronic Cluster Headache
Authors: Liu Shao-Cheng , Kao Ming-Chang , Huang Yun-Chen , Su Wan-Fu
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Management of chronic cluster headache (CCH) remains a challenging endeavor, and the optimal surgical approach for medically refractory CCH remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a preliminary evaluation of the efficacy and safety of vidian neurectomy (VN) in patients with medically refractory CCH.

METHODS

Between March 2013 and December 2015, 9 CCH patients, all of whom had failed to respond to conservative therapy, underwent VN with a precise nerve cut and maximal preservation of the sphenopalatine ganglion. Data included demographic variables, cluster headache onset and duration, mean attack frequency, mean attack intensity, and pain disability index measures pre- and through 12-mo postsurgery.

RESULTS

Seven of the 9 cases (77.8%) showed immediate improvement. Improvement was delayed by 1 mo in 1 patient, after which the surgical effects of pain relief were maintained throughout the follow-up period. One patient (11.1%) did not improve after surgery. One year after VN, patients’ mean attack frequency, mean attack intensity, and pain disability index decreased by 54.5%, 52.9%, and 56.4%, respectively. No patient experienced treatment-related side effects or complications.

CONCLUSION

VN is an effective treatment method for CCH patients. Precise Vidian nerve identification and maximal preservation of the sphenopalatine ganglion may achieve good surgical outcomes and dramatically improve quality of life among patients, without significant adverse events.
Patients First: Toward a Patient-Centered Instrument to Measure Impact of Chronic Pain
Authors: Reneman Michiel F , Brandsema Kees P D , Schrier Ernst , Dijkstra Pieter U , Krabbe Paul F M
Published: March 2018

Background

Numerous instruments are available to measure the impact of chronic pain, yet most have been developed with little or no patient involvement. This study seeks to start bridging that gap by determining which health aspects or attributes (to be included in a future instrument) are considered most important by people with chronic pain.

Objective

The goal of this study was to reveal which attributes reflecting impact of chronic pain are considered most important by people with chronic pain and to analyze differences in importance according to gender, age categories, diagnostic subgroups, and pain intensity categories.

Design

This study used a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design: literature search, focus group meetings, and online survey.

Methods

First, a literature search was performed to identify the attributes in existing instruments. In 68 instruments meeting inclusion criteria, 155 unique attributes were identified, 85 of which remained after applying the exclusion criteria. Second, 2 focus group meetings, with 6 and 4 patients, respectively, were held to verify that no attributes had been missed. Three attributes were subsequently added. Third, individuals with chronic pain were then sent an online survey through several patient organizations.

Results

A total of 939 patients were asked to select the 8 attributes they deemed most important, which resulted in the following list: fatigue, social life, cramped muscles, sleeping, housekeeping, concentration, not being understood, and control over pain. The importance assigned to these 8 attributes varied slightly according to age, gender, and diagnostic subgroup.

Limitations

Participation rate could not be established because of the online survey.

Conclusions

Attributes reflecting impact of chronic pain deemed most important by patients are revealed. Importance of impact differs according to subgroups. The “patients-first” methodology used here revealed attributes that were not comprehensively covered in currently available instruments for measuring the impact of chronic pain.
Genome Sequence Resource for the Oomycete Taro Pathogen Phytophthora colocasiae
Authors: Vetukuri Ramesh R. , Kushwaha Sandeep K. , Sen Diya , Whisson Stephen C. , Lamour Kurt H. , Grenville-Briggs Laura J.
Published: March 2018

Phytophthora colocasiae is a phytopathogenic oomycete that causes leaf blight and corm rot on taro (Colocasia esculenta), an important staple crop in the tropics. The impact of P. colocasiae is a serious concern for food security in Asian and Oceanic regions. Vietnamese strain 7290 of P. colocasiae was sequenced (Illumina) to assemble a draft genome of 56.6 Mb, comprised of 19,853 scaffolds and 19,984 predicted protein-coding genes. As in other Phytophthora species, P. colocasiae possesses numerous pathogenicity-related genes, such as the RxLR class of effectors. This draft genome sequence of P. colocasiae provides a resource to underpin the first steps in determining the molecular mechanisms of disease development in this pathosystem.
Effects of Temperature and Moisture on the Infection and Development of Apple Fruit Rot Caused by Phytophthora cactorum
Authors: Liu Fang , Li Bao-hua , Lian Sen , Dong Xiang-li , Wang Cai-xia , Zhang Zhen-fang , Liang Wen-xing
Published: March 2018

Phytophthora fruit rot, caused by Phytophthora cactorum, is an important disease of apple in China, often causing more than 50% fruit rot in rainy years. We examined the effects of temperature and moisture on the development of the disease and effects of the variables on zoospore release and germination, infection, and lesion development. In vitro, a temperature range of 5 to 20°C had no significant effects on zoospore release dynamics but did significantly affect the quantities of released zoospores. The largest quantity of zoospores was released at 9.9°C according to a fitted model. Zoosporangia released zoospores within 15 min at the test temperatures (0 to 20°C), which peaked at the fourth hour. Zoospores germinated in vitro, requiring free water, at temperatures from 5 to 35°C. The optimum germination temperature was 25.1°C according to a fitted model. The minimum wetness duration required for zoospores to complete the infection process and induce visible lesions on Fuji fruit was 0.40 h at the optimal temperature of 23.0°C according to the fitted model, whereas observed values were 4.5, 1.5, 0.5, 1.5 and 8.5 h at 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30°C, respectively. The number of zoospore infections on fruit at various temperatures and wetness durations were well fitted by the modified Weibull model; based on the model, the optimal temperature for zoospore infections was 23.0°C. Young apple fruit infected by zoospores developed visible lesions from 10 to 30°C, with a predicted optimum of 23.5°C; no lesions developed at 5 or 35°C. The shortest incubation period of the disease was 4 days. These results can be used to develop disease forecasting models for improved fungicide control.
Comparing the Outcome of Different Biologically Derived Acellular Dermal Matrices in Implant-based Immediate Breast Reconstruction: A Meta-analysis of the Literatures
Authors: Loo Yew L. , Kamalathevan Pragash , Ooi Peng S. , Mosahebi Afshin
Published: March 2018

Background:

Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) have been used extensively in implant-based breast reconstruction. It was reported that due to the different sources and processing methods, the outcomes of ADMs in implant-based breast reconstructions are expected to differ. We designed this study to statistically analyze and discuss the outcome of 3 commonly used ADMs, Alloderm, Strattice, and Surgimend in implant-based breast reconstruction.

Methods:

Comprehensive review of the literatures searched on electronic databases was done to identify studies published between 2006 and 2017 comparing the outcome of ADMs. Pooled random effect estimates for each complication and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. One-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni test were used to compare statistical significance between and within groups, respectively. Multiple linear regression was done to include confounding factors and R statistic program for forest plot.

Results:

Twenty-one studies met the inclusion with a total of 1,659, 999, and 912 breasts reconstructions in Alloderm, Strattice, and Surgimend, respectively. Seven complications extracted including major and minor infection, seroma, implant loss, hematoma, capsular contracture, and localized erythema. Pooled total complication rates were 23.82% (95% CI, 21.18–26.47%) in Strattice, 17.98% (95% CI, 15.49–20.47%) in Surgimend, 16.21% (95% CI, 14.44–17.99%) in Alloderm. Seroma rate was the highest in Strattice group (8.61%; 95% CI, 6.87–10.35%). There was no statistical significance between and within groups.

Conclusion:

Although Strattice exhibited a higher overall pooled complication rate compared with Alloderm and Surgimend, the incidence of individual complication varies between studies. A cost analysis of different ADMs may aid in choosing the type of ADMs to be used.
Distribution and Progression of Visual Field Defects With Binocular Vision in Glaucoma
Authors: Hashimoto Shigeki , Matsumoto Chota , Eura Mariko , Okuyama Sachiko , Nomoto Hiroki , Tanabe Fumi , Kayazawa Tomoyasu , Iwase Aiko , Shimomura Yoshikazu
Published: March 2018

Purpose:

To evaluate the distribution and progression of glaucomatous visual field (VF) defects with binocular vision.

Patients and Methods:

Subjects were 167 patients (average age, 67±10.7 y) with glaucoma who received the Humphrey 24-2 VF test (SITA-Standard) for the 2 eyes. Using the Best Location Algorithm, patient’s binocular integrated VF (IVF) was calculated from their Humphrey 24-2 results. Of 167, 77 subjects (average age, 68±11.0 y) also underwent monocular/binocular Humphrey Esterman tests. Patient’s stage of glaucomatous VF loss was classified by the Esterman Disability Score for each test, and the distribution and progression of the defects with binocular vision was evaluated for each stage. The frequencies of the defects in the upper and lower halves of the VF were also investigated.

Results:

With the IVF, the glaucomatous VF defects were most frequently found around the Mariotte blind spots and the Bjerrum areas and extended to the periphery. With the binocular Humphrey Esterman VF, the defects were most frequently found around the bitemporal and Bjerrum areas. The IVF results showed 31%, 49%, and 20% of the patients with the earliest glaucoma having defects in the upper, lower, and both halves of the VF, respectively.

Conclusions:

Glaucomatous VF defects with binocular vision were frequently found at the Mariotte blind spots in the central VF and around the bitemporal areas in the periphery. They appeared to have distributions and progression different from those of the defects with monocular vision previously reported.
Facilitated Look-Back Analysis of Public Health Emergencies to Enhance Preparedness: A Brief Report of a Chemical Spill in Charleston, West Virginia
Authors: Piltch-Loeb Rachael , Savoia Elena , Wright Nasandra , Gupta Rahul , Stoto Michael A.
Published: March 2018

To demonstrate how public health emergency systems can use health systems tools to analyze and learn from critical incidents, we employed a facilitated look-back approach to review the public response to a chemical spill in Charleston, West Virginia. We reviewed official reports, news articles, and other documents; conducted in-person interviews with key public health and emergency response officials and local community stakeholders; and organized a facilitated look-back meeting to identify root causes of the problems that were encountered. The primary response challenges were (1) public distrust stemming from scientific uncertainty about potential harms of chemicals involved in the spill and how this uncertainty was communicated and (2) communication within the public health system, broadly defined. We found that to address inherent uncertainty, health officials should acknowledge uncertainty and tell the public what is known and unknown, and what they are doing to get more information.
Trends and Determinants of Polypharmacy and Potential Drug-Drug Interactions at Discharge From Hospital Between 2009–2015
Authors: Abolhassani Nazanin , Castioni Julien , Santschi Valérie , Waeber Gérard , Marques-Vidal Pedro
Published: March 2018

Background

Polypharmacy (PP) and excessive polypharmacy (EPP) are increasingly common and associated with risk of drug-drug interactions (DDIs). We aimed to measure the trends and determinants of PP and DDIs among patients discharged from the Department of Internal Medicine of the Lausanne University Hospital.

Methods

The retrospective study included 17,742 adult patients discharged between 2009 and 2015. Polypharmacy and EPP were defined as the concomitant prescription of five or more and ten or more drugs, respectively. Drug-drug interactions were defined as any combination of a drug metabolized by a cytochrome P450 or P-glycoprotein, and a drug considered as strong inductor or inhibitor of the corresponding enzyme was defined as a potential interaction.

Results

Three most commonly classes of drugs prescribed were “alimentary tract and metabolism (including insulins),” “nervous system,” and “blood and blood forming organs.” Polypharmacy decreased from 45% in 2009 to 41% in 2015, whereas EPP increased from 40% to 46%. In 2015, 13% of patients received 15 or more drugs. Age, coming from other health care settings, higher Charlson Index, number of comorbidities, and quartiles of length of stay were significantly and independently associated with PP and EPP. The risk of having at least one DDI decreased from 67.0% (95% confidence interval = 64.8–69.0) in 2009 to 59.3% (57.6–62.0) in 2015 (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed number of drugs (odds ratio and 95% confidence interval = 3.68 [3.3–4.1], 9.39 [8.3–10.6], and 20.5 [17.3–28.4] for [5–9], [10–14], and 15+ drugs, respectively), gastrointestinal disease (3.13 [2.73–3.58]), and cancer (1.37 [1.18–1.58]) to be positively associated, and lung (0.82 [0.74–0.90]) and endocrinological (0.62 [0.52–0.74]) diseases to be negatively associated with risk of DDI.

Conclusions

The pattern of drug prescription has changed and most prescribed groups increased during the study period. Excessive polypharmacy is increasing among hospital patients. The decrease in the overall risk of DDI could be due to an improved management of multidrug therapy.
Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Shows a False-Negative Finding for Bone Marrow Involvement on 18F-FDG PET/MRI in a Patient With Malignant Lymphoma After Blood Transfusion
Authors: Zeng Feibi , Nogami Munenobu , Shirai Taiichiro , Zen Yoh , Murakami Takamichi
Published: March 2018

Iron overload is a major complication in blood transfusion procedures. This report presents a case of malignant lymphoma, in which the findings of bone marrow involvement were discordant between 18F-FDG PET imaging studies and MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging studies. In this case, the PET imaging studies were positive for malignant lymphoma, whereas the MRI studies were negative. Iron deposition in the reticuloendothelial system due to posttransfusion iron overload was considered to be the cause of the decrease in signal intensity on diffusion-weighted imaging, resulting in a false-negative finding on MRI.
Using Functional Independence Measure Subscales to Predict Falls—Rapid Assessment
Authors: Fusco-Gessick Benjamin , Cournan Michele
Published: March 2018

Background

Falls remain a major issue in inpatient rehabilitation. Decreased scores on the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), given to every patient, have been shown to predict falls risk.

Purpose

The aim of the study was to extend previous research using FIM to predict falls by using only subscales assessed earliest during admissions to indicate high risk of falls.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Two consecutive samples of patients (n
1 = 1,553, n
2 = 12,301) admitted to a rehabilitation hospital over 9-month and 5-year periods, respectively, were used to evaluate the predictive utility of using only a small number of FIM subscales. Subscales were selected from those assessed earliest and were related to previously published research on falls risk factors. The metric was developed using a historical data set and was validated with a second, separate group of patients. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate predictive utility.

Findings

The combination of Toileting and Expression subscales yielded a comparable area under the curve to the full FIM, and both were greater than the existing method of falls risk assessment. Likelihood of falling was strongly linearly related to score on the Toileting/Expression metric.

Conclusions

The sum of two FIM subscales can be used to predict which patients may fall during their stay in a rehabilitation hospital.

Clinical Relevance

The FIM scores are assessed early during a patient’s stay, are required for all Medicare patients, and may be useful for simple, rapid, and accurate assignment of falls risk.