bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laguerre–Hermite pseudo-spectral velocity formulation of gyrokinetics
Authors: Mandell N. R. , Dorland W. , Landreman M.
Published: January 2018

First-principles simulations of tokamak turbulence have proven to be of great value in recent decades. We develop a pseudo-spectral velocity formulation of the turbulence equations that smoothly interpolates between the highly efficient but lower resolution three-dimensional (3-D) gyrofluid representation and the conventional but more expensive 5-D gyrokinetic representation. Our formulation is a projection of the nonlinear gyrokinetic equation onto a Laguerre–Hermite velocity-space basis. We discuss issues related to collisions, closures and entropy. While any collision operator can be used in the formulation, we highlight a model operator that has a particularly sparse Laguerre–Hermite representation, while satisfying conservation laws and the H theorem. Free streaming, magnetic drifts and nonlinear phase mixing each give rise to closure problems, which we discuss in relation to the instabilities of interest and to free energy conservation. We show that the model is capable of reproducing gyrokinetic results for linear instabilities and zonal flow dynamics. Thus the final model is appropriate for the study of instabilities, turbulence and transport in a wide range of geometries, including tokamaks and stellarators.
Bees are supplementary pollinators of self-compatible chiropterophilous durian
Authors: Wayo Kanuengnit , Phankaew Chama , Stewart Alyssa B. , Bumrungsri Sara
Published: January 2018

Nocturnally foraging insects may be supplementary pollinators to chiropterophilous plant species when bats are scarce. Given that insects are much smaller than bats, they may be more effective at transferring pollen for plant species with similar stamen and pistil lengths, such as the ‘Monthong’ durian cultivar. The present study clarifies the role of insects in pollinating the ‘Monthong’ cultivar by examining the floral biology, conducting pollination treatments on 19 trees and observing floral visitors in southern Thailand. Stigmas were receptive by 17h00, and over 50% of ‘Monthong’ anthers had dehisced by 17h30. Several bee species began foraging on flowers during the late afternoon, and the giant honey bee (Apis dorsata) continued to visit throughout the night. Our results show that at 4 wk after pollination, the highest fruit set occurred from hand-crossed pollination (13.5%), followed by open pollination (5.5%), insect pollination (3.3%) and automatic autogamy (2.0%), indicating that this cultivar is highly self-incompatible. Moreover, insects appear to be important pollinators of ‘Monthong’ durian in areas where nectar bats visit infrequently. One bee species in particular,Apis dorsata, commonly foraged on flowers at dusk and appears to be the most effective insect pollinator of durian. Our findings highlight that nocturnally foraging bees are capable of securing pollination for night-blooming plant taxa, even those typically considered to be bat-pollinated.
Pattern formation in bacterial colonies with density-dependent diffusion
Authors: SMITH-ROBERGE JULIEN , IRON DAVID , KOLOKOLNIKOV THEODORE
Published: January 2018

Recent experiments have shown that patterns can emerge in bacterial colonies genetically modified to have a drop in diffusion when population densities (detected via a quorum sensing mechanism) are sufficiently large. We examine one PDE model of this system, and construct its non-constant stationary solutions in the form of an interface for the bacterial density. We derive the equations for the interface motion and demonstrate analytically that such interface solution is stable when the diffusion rate of bacteria is large and the diffusion rate of signalling molecules, Dh, is small. We further demonstrate that increasing Dh induces a Hopf bifurcation, resulting in a loss of stability, which can lead to either complex spatio-temporal dynamics or extinction of pattern altogether. These results are confirmed by numerical simulations.
Teaching Critical Understandings of Realism through Historical War Simulations
Authors: Mendenhall Elizabeth , Tutunji Tarek
Published: January 2018

This article presents a simple modular simulation for teaching the advantages and limitations of Realist theory in an introductory international relations course. The advantages of this simulation include low preparation time, minimal resource requirements, and ease of integration with existing curricula. The game design is built around Kenneth Waltz’s “three-image” framework for analyzing international politics, in a way that increases scenario complexity but not game difficulty. The article describes the full simulation process, from game design and implementation through debriefing and assessment. Two historical simulations were conducted: the first helped students to understand Realism and the second helped them to see its limitations. The article concludes with a discussion of the results of a voluntary, anonymous postgame survey that is intended to assess achievement of our learning objective.
Liberal Arts Education and the Modern University
Authors: Sun Yifeng
Published: January 2018

The nature of liberal arts education merits renewed attention and consideration, especially in the context of the modern university in both Hong Kong and mainland China, where there is growing recognition that quality education standards should be improved, and an interdisciplinary approach to education and research is the way forward. The liberal arts spirit is an illustration of the power of inspiration and transformation, and through engaging with different perspectives, students are enabled and encouraged to pursue independent study, which boosts their creativity and critical thinking. As a catalyst and facilitator, liberal arts education that encompasses fresh global perspectives and connections has proved its worth over the years. However, since it is sometimes easy to lose sight of some of the fundamental principles essential to university education, we need to realize that too little interaction between science and the humanities has widened the two-culture divide, and the question is how to reconcile, or better still combine, the two. The two-culture debate, although suffering neglect for a long time in China, is of profound relevance and implications for the modern university. It can be observed that participatory interaction inherent in the dynamism of pedagogical engagement is increasingly promoted as the preferred mode of teaching students, who have benefited from broad-based learning as the embodiment of liberal education. Overcoming rigid disciplinary exclusiveness is positively correlated with empowering students with broad knowledge and skills to succeed in the future.
Language as Power: Literary Interpretations of the Qur'an in Early Islam
Authors: THAVER TEHSEEN
Published: January 2018

How did pre-modern Muslim exegetes view the mediating role of language in accessing the Qur'an's meaning? What conception of language undergirded their arguments? And what sources of normative authority informed their interpretive canvas? By pursuing this cluster of questions, this essay aims to sketch a picture of the relationship between language and revelation in pre-modern traditions of Qur'an exegesis. More specifically, I conduct a close reading of the Qur'an commentary authored by the prominent Twelver Shi‘i theologian, poet, and historian, al-Sharif al-Radi (d.1015ce). Al-Radi's commentary is a literary exegesis of the Qur'an; in it he presents his concern with ambiguity in the Qur'an and presents language as the hermeneutical key to resolving it. I argue that al-Radi's invocation of varied grammatical rules and his construction of literary arguments were embedded in a particular epistemological and theological conception of the normative relationship between language and revelation. Further, I also interrogate the historically specific conditions and the variety of intellectual currents and vectors (other than sectarian affiliation) that informed al-Radi's hermeneutical choices. By paying close attention to describing the multivalent interpretive traditions that informed al-Radi's Qur'an hermeneutic, this article highlights the conceptual problems attached to the very category of a “Shi‘i Qur'an hermeneutic,” a category that stands authorised through the unsound assumption that sectarian identity and hermeneutical horizons readily correspond in a predictable and seamless fashion. It is precisely this assumption of neat correspondence between sectarian identity and hermeneutical temperament that this essay seeks to challenge and disrupt.
Some notes on approaches to regulatory capital assessment for insurance firms
Authors: Turnbull C.
Published: January 2018

The intellectual climate around financial solvency regulation has changed markedly since the global financial crisis, especially with regard to the usefulness of market prices, the desirability of principle-based solvency assessment, the feasibility of a probabilistic approach to produce accurate capital estimates, and indeed whether solvency assessment should be risk-sensitive at all. This short paper provides some reflective notes on approaches to solvency capital assessment for insurance firms in this context.
Nepal’s Health Facility Operation and Management Committees: exploring community participation and influence in the Dang district’s primary care clinics
Authors: Gurung Gagan , Derrett Sarah , Hill Philip C. , Gauld Robin
Published: January 2018

Aim

To describe community representation in Nepal’s Health Facility Operation and Management Committees (HFMCs) and the degree of influence of community representatives in the HFMC decision-making processes.

Background

Community participation has been recognised as one of the key components for the successful implementation of primary health care (PHC) strategies, following the 1978 Declaration of Alma-Ata. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), HFMCs are now widely considered as a mechanism to increase community participation in health through community representation. There is some research examining the implementation process, impact and factors affecting the effectiveness of HFMCs. Despite the documented evidence of the importance of factors such as adequate representation, links with wider community, and decision-making power, there is limited evidence about the nature of community representation and degree of decision making within HFMCs in the PHC setting, particularly in LMICs.

Methods

Qualitative interviews with 39 key informants were held to explore different aspects of community representation in HFMCs, and the influence of the HFMC on health facility decision-making processes. In addition, a facility audit at 22 facilities and review of HFMC meeting minutes at six health facilities were conducted.

Findings

There were Dalit (a marginalised caste) and Janajati (an ethnic group) representations in 77% and 100% of the committees, respectively. Likewise, there were at least two female members in each committee. However, the HFMC member selection process and decision making within the committees were influenced by powerful elites. The degree of participation through HFMCs appeared to be at the ‘Manipulation’ and ‘Informing’ stage of Arnstein’s ladder of participation. In conclusion, despite representation of the community on HFMCs, the depth of participation seems low. There is a need to ensure a democratic selection process of committee members; and to expand the depth of participation.
Modeling and analysis of metamaterial lenses based on lumped circuits by using a wave concept iterative method
Authors: Elbellili Taieb , Azizi Mohamed Karim , Latrach Lassaad , Trabelsi Hichem , Baudrand Henri
Published: January 2018

In this paper, a developed theory of a novel approach of the wave concept iterative process (WCIP) method is presented. This method is well used to demonstrate many attractive properties of metamaterials and to analyze metamaterial-based negative refractive index lenses by easy and speedy computation of the electromagnetic field distribution. These metamaterial-based circuits are established by using periodicL–CandC–Lnetworks. The results of simulation using the proposed method are justified theoretically.
Design of compact frequency agile filter-antenna using reconfigurable ring resonator bandpass filter for future cognitive radios
Authors: Atallah Hany A. , Abdel-Rahman Adel B. , Yoshitomi Kuniaki , Pokharel Ramesh K.
Published: January 2018

In this paper, a new miniaturized frequency agile filter-antenna with a wide reconfigurable frequency band is proposed for interweave cognitive radios (CRs). A tunable bandpass filter (BPF) composed of a symmetrical ring resonator is cascaded to the feed line of an ultra-wideband planar antenna. The structure of the proposed ring resonator BPF is simple and compact so that the total size of the proposed filter-antenna is smaller than that of a conventional system made of a separate antenna and BPF. The reconfigurability of the proposed filter-antenna is achieved by changing the operating frequency of the BPF by loading the ring resonator with a single varactor diode at its center. The fabricated prototype has successfully achieved a wide operational bandwidth of 1.43 GHz which covers continuous narrow bands from 4.65 to 6.08 GHz. Moreover, the operating tunable narrow bands have stable radiation characteristics. Good agreement between measurement and simulation results is demonstrated.
Metabolomics profiling reveals differential adaptation of major energy metabolism pathways associated with autophagy upon oxygen and glucose reduction
Authors: Weckmann Katja , Diefenthäler Philip , Baeken Marius W. , Yusifli Kamran , Turck Christoph W. , Asara John M. , Behl Christian , Hajieva Parvana
Published: January 2018

The ability of cells to rearrange their metabolism plays an important role in compensating the energy shortage and may provide cell survival. Our study focuses on identifing the important adaptational changes under the conditions of oxygen and glucose reduction. Employing mass spectrometry-based metabolomics in combination with biochemistry and microscopy techniques we identified metabolites, proteins and biomolecular pathways alterations in primary human IMR90 fibroblasts upon energy deficits. Multivariate statistical analyses revealed significant treatment-specific metabolite level and ratio alterations as well as major energy metabolism pathways like ‘glycolysis’, ‘pentose phosphate pathway’, ‘mitochondrial electron transport chain’ and ‘protein biosynthesis (amino acids)’ indicating an activation of catabolism and reduction of anabolism as important mechanisms of adaptation towards a bioenergetic demand. A treatment-specific induction of the autophagic and mitophagic degradation activity upon oxygen reduction, glucose reduction as well as oxygen-glucose reduction further supports our results. Therefore, we suggest that the observed alterations represent an adaptive response in order to compensate for the cells’ bioenergetics needs that ultimately provide cell survival.
Cryptic Biological Invasions: a General Model of Hybridization
Authors: Quilodrán Claudio S. , Austerlitz Frédéric , Currat Mathias , Montoya-Burgos Juan I.
Published: January 2018

The dispersal of non-native genes due to hybridization is a form of cryptic invasion with growing concern in evolution and conservation. This includes the spread of transgenic genes and antibiotic resistance. To investigate how genes and phenotypes are transmitted, we developed a general model that, for the first time, considers concurrently: multiple loci, quantitative and qualitative gene expression, assortative mating, dominance/recessivity inheritance and density-dependent demographic effects. Selection acting on alleles or genotypes can also be incorporated. Our results reveal that the conclusions about how hybridization threatens a species can be biased if they are based on single-gene models, while considering two or more genes can correct this bias. We also show that demography can amplify or balance the genetic effects, evidencing the need of jointly incorporating both processes. By implementing our model in a real case, we show that mallard ducks introduced in New Zealand benefit from hybridization to replace native grey-ducks. Total displacement can take a few generations and occurs by interspecific competition and by competition between hybrids and natives, demonstrating how hybridization may facilitate biological invasions. We argue that our general model represents a powerful tool for the study of a wide range of biological and societal questions.
The selective reversible FAAH inhibitor, SSR411298, restores the development of maladaptive behaviors to acute and chronic stress in rodents
Authors: Griebel Guy , Stemmelin Jeanne , Lopez-Grancha Mati , Fauchey Valérie , Slowinski Franck , Pichat Philippe , Dargazanli Gihad , Abouabdellah Ahmed , Cohen Caroline , Bergis Olivier E.
Published: January 2018

Enhancing endogenous cannabinoid (eCB) signaling has been considered as a potential strategy for the treatment of stress-related conditions. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) represents the primary degradation enzyme of the eCB anandamide (AEA), oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). This study describes a potent reversible FAAH inhibitor, SSR411298. The drug acts as a selective inhibitor of FAAH, which potently increases hippocampal levels of AEA, OEA and PEA in mice. Despite elevating eCB levels, SSR411298 did not mimic the interoceptive state or produce the behavioral side-effects (memory deficit and motor impairment) evoked by direct-acting cannabinoids. When SSR411298 was tested in models of anxiety, it only exerted clear anxiolytic-like effects under highly aversive conditions following exposure to a traumatic event, such as in the mouse defense test battery and social defeat procedure. Results from experiments in models of depression showed that SSR411298 produced robust antidepressant-like activity in the rat forced-swimming test and in the mouse chronic mild stress model, restoring notably the development of inadequate coping responses to chronic stress. This preclinical profile positions SSR411298 as a promising drug candidate to treat diseases such as post-traumatic stress disorder, which involves the development of maladaptive behaviors.
Two novel AIEE-active imidazole/ α-cyanostilbene derivatives: photophysical properties, reversible fluorescence switching, and detection of explosives
Authors: Zhang Yuyang , Huang Jianyan , Kong Lin , Tian Yupeng , Yang Jiaxiang
Published: January 2018

Novel imidazole derivatives containing the α-cyanostilbene unit can act as reversible acid/base stimulated fluorescence switches in the solid state, as chemosensors for explosives detection in aqueous systems, and as test strip detectors.
Artificial mineral films similar to biogenic calcareous shells: oriented calcite nanorods on a self-standing polymer sheet
Authors: Nagai Yuta , Oaki Yuya , Imai Hiroaki
Published: January 2018

Micrometre-thick calcareous shells consisting ofc-axis-oriented calcite nanorods are produced on an organic sheet as mimetics of foraminiferal tests and isopod cornea cuticles.
Effect of synthesis conditions on the morphology and field-emission properties of hydrothermally grown Zn-doped SnO2 nanorods
Authors: Ma L. A. , Wei Z. H.
Published: January 2018

Zn–SnO2 nanorod arrays with various sizes and aspect ratios on a Cu substrate have been achieved and the sword-like nanorod arrays have the lowest Eon of ∼2.75 V μm−1 and the highest β of ∼1970.
Interactions of gaseous molecules with X-ray photons and photoelectrons in AP-XPS study of solid surface in gas phase
Authors: Tao Franklin (Feng) , Nguyen Luan
Published: January 2018

Exploration of interactions between X-ray photons and gaseous molecules and between photoelectrons and molecules in the gas phase.
Time dependent aggregation induced emission enhancement and the study of molecular packing in closely related azo-phenol BODIPY species
Authors: Paitandi Rajendra Prasad , Singh Roop Shikha , Dwivedi Bhupendra Kumar , Singh Vishwa Deepak , Pandey Daya Shankar
Published: January 2018

Novel fluorescent azo-phenol BODIPYs (1–3) achieved by the substituent directed fabrication ofortho(L1) andpara(L2–L3) azo-phenol aldehydes.
Magnetic N-doped Co–carbon composites derived from metal organic frameworks as highly efficient catalysts for p-nitrophenol reduction reaction
Authors: Zhao Haoyang , Zhao Lang
Published: January 2018

Magnetic nitrogenous cobalt–carbon composites were synthesized via one-step calcination of N-ZIF-67 as a strategy to introduce metal and N atoms into a conductive carbon matrix, and were applied as catalysts in the reduction of 4-NP by NaBH4. N-Co@C-800-3 exhibited much better catalytic activity, in terms of both conversion efficiency and reaction kinetics, compared to the others.
Technical note: Characterization of gold coated ceramics by radiofrequency pulsed glow discharge – time of flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Bouza Marcos , Lobo Lara , Muñiz Rocío , Pereiro Rosario , Esparza Joseba , García José Antonio
Published: January 2018

Depth profile characterization of 6 mm thick industrial ceramics with a golden decorative layer is achieved by PP-TOFMS.
Flower-like Ni–Co hydroxides on Ni foam for high-performance supercapacitor applications
Authors: Gou Jianxia , Xie Shengli , Liu Chenguang
Published: January 2018

Self-supporting Ni–Co hydroxides were synthesized, which exhibit a high areal capacity.
Feed rate noise modulates autocatalysis and shapes the oscillations of the Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction in a continuous stirred tank reactor
Authors: Srivastava Rohit , Dueñas-Díez Marta , Pérez-Mercader Juan
Published: January 2018

Noise applied to a specific reactant feed rate directs the Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction into specific pathways and results in noise-controlled oscillation shapes and features.
Sulfur-containing bimetallic metal organic frameworks with multi-fold helix as anode of lithium ion batteries
Authors: Li Meng-Ting , Kong Ning , Lan Ya-Qian , Su Zhong-Min
Published: January 2018

A novel sulfur-containing bimetallic MOF with helix has been successfully synthesized and further serves as an anode with prominent specific capacity and remarkable cycling stability for LIBs.
A Family-Centered Feeding Intervention to Promote Food Acceptance and Decrease Challenging Behaviors in Children With ASD: Report of Follow-Up Data on a Train-the-Trainer Model Using EAT-UP
Authors: Muldoon Deirdre , Cosbey Joanna
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This research note outlines the usefulness of Easing Anxiety Together with Understanding and Perseverance (EAT-UP), a train-the-trainer, family-centered feeding intervention, for promoting food acceptance of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This report is a follow-up on a pilot study (
n
= 4) of the EAT-UP intervention previously completed by the same authors.

Method

Participants were 3 families of children with ASD receiving services from an outpatient department of a larger rehabilitation hospital in the northeastern United States. Three professionals working with the families were also recruited and trained by the first author, a speech-language pathologist experienced with the EAT-UP method. Initial assessment was followed by a baseline period for each participant. An individual mealtime plan was drafted for each family. Data on acceptance of less preferred food and the presence of challenging mealtime behaviors were recorded using direct observation and pre-, mid-, and postintervention measures and questionnaires.

Results

All children demonstrated increased food acceptance and dietary diversity and decreased challenging behaviors. Caregivers reported decreases in the frequency of problem behaviors and in the number of problem mealtime behaviors. Measures of procedural fidelity increased from 50% to 100% for registered behavior technicians and parents over the course of the EAT-UP intervention period.

Conclusions

EAT-UP is an effective model for training professionals who work with families of children with ASD and challenging mealtime behavior. Implications for interprofessional practice and research are discussed.
Lactate Dehydrogenase, Aspartate Aminotransferase, and Alanine Aminotransferase Cord Serum Levels as Early Markers of Hypoxic–Ischemic Encephalopathy in Babies with Severe Perinatal Asphyxia
Authors: Ogundele Tolulope , Oseni Saheed Babajide A. , Owa Joshua A. , Ogundele Olorunfemi
Published: January 2018

Perinatal asphyxia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among newborn babies. Severe perinatal asphyxia can be associated with multiple organ dysfunctions resulting in the release of a variety of intracellular enzymes. A major concern is how to identify newborns in need of prompt and aggressive management to minimize the risk of early severe neurological sequelae such as hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy. The present study was performed to determine the relationship between cord serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and severity of perinatal asphyxia among Nigerian newborn babies. This was a prospective, comparative case–control study at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife. Cord blood was collected at delivery for serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase. Each baby was evaluated for the severity of perinatal asphyxia at 1 minute of life using Apgar scores. Apgar score less than 7 at 1 minute was regarded as perinatal asphyxia. The Apgar scores were related to cord serum levels of the enzymes. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for Windows, version 17.0. One hundred and forty babies, comprising 70 babies with and 70 babies without perinatal asphyxia were studied. Thirty-six (51.4%) of the neonates had severe perinatal asphyxia with Apgar score of 3 and below; 15 (41.7%) of the 36 had hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy. The mean of values of each of the three enzymes was statistically significantly higher in babies with perinatal asphyxia compared with controls (p < 0.001 for each enzyme) and in babies with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy than in babies with severe perinatal asphyxia but without hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (p < 0.001). A very high proportion of babies with severe perinatal asphyxia developed hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy. Based on the cord serum enzyme levels, almost all the babies who had hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy would have been identified at delivery. Routine estimation of the cord serum levels of these enzymes among babies with severe perinatal may be used to identify babies who may develop acute serious neurological complications for anticipatory management.
Current Use of Invasive and Noninvasive Monitors in Academic Pediatric Intensive Care Units
Authors: Rehder Kyle , Ofori-Amanfo George , Turner David , Al-Subu Awni
Published: January 2018

To describe the current use of noninvasive monitoring compared with traditional invasive monitoring in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) accredited fellowship programs in the United States. A web-based survey with the primary aim of describing the utilization of noninvasive monitoring compared with invasive monitoring was distributed to PCCM program directors (PDs) at the 64 accredited fellowship training programs. Questions focused on demographics and the utilization of invasive and noninvasive monitoring for specific patient populations and disease states. Forty-two (66%) PDs responded to the survey. Capnography and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) were the most commonly reported noninvasive monitoring technology. Arterial and central venous catheters were widely used. Other invasive monitoring devices were used sparingly. Despite widespread use of both invasive and noninvasive monitoring in academic pediatric critical care units across the United States, there is significant variability in the use of noninvasive monitoring compared with invasive monitoring. Further investigation is needed to define the standard of care for the use of noninvasive monitors as practitioners attempt to optimize care while minimizing risks and complications.
Successful Development and Implementation of Pediatric Sedation-Analgesia Curriculum for Residents
Authors: Raju Venkedesh , Horack Kimberly , Bronson Donna , Deshpande Girish , Tripathi Sandeep
Published: January 2018

Pediatric residency graduates are increasingly asked to provide procedural sedations. Currently, most programs provide minimal exposure to residents outside of PICU for procedural sedations. We describe the pediatric sedation and analgesia (PSA) evolution and resident experience over the past 6 years at our institution (fiscal year 2010–2015). Administrative database of the PSA team and resident evaluations obtained by respective residency programs were analyzed and presented with standard descriptive analysis. Commutative or where appropriate year-by-year data were analyzed. Over the past 6 years, 100 residents performed 1,742 sedations with 17 ± 6.4 sedations per resident. Lumbar puncture and MRI were the most frequent procedures for sedations performed by residents. There was no statistical difference in complication rates in sedations performed by residents (28.6 ± 16.6) versus those by attending only (36.2 ± 31.2). Overall, residents were satisfied with the educational experience with an average score of 6.1 ± 0.17 out of maximum 7. Resident involvement in PSA is well liked by residents and does not lead to an increase in sedation-related complications.
Outcomes of Preterm Infants with a Periventricular Venous Infarction in the Neonatal Period
Authors: Banihani Rudaina , Church Paige T. , Luther Maureen , Kiss Alex , Asztalos Elizabeth V.
Published: January 2018

We compared the neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with and without a periventricular venous hemorrhagic infarction (PVHI). The study was designed as a case–control study. The primary outcome measure was any score of < 85 in at least one of the cognition, language, or motor domains of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-3rd edition (Bayley-III) at 18 to 24 months corrected age. Of 41 infants identified, 20 index infants were matched with 40 controls for analyses. No differences in the primary outcome were noted between the two groups of infants, 52.9% with PVHI compared with 62.5% without PVHI (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.21–2.13; p = 0.56). Infants with a PVHI were likely to have cerebral palsy, 85% compared with 7.5%, with the majority (70%) being ambulatory. Infants with a PVHI were developmentally similar to their preterm counterparts as it related to cognition and language.
Management of the Difficult Airway in the Pediatric Patient
Authors: Bryant Jason , Tobias Joseph , Krishna Senthil
Published: January 2018

Loss of airway control in children, if not resolved quickly, will lead to devastating consequences. Successful management of the pediatric difficult airway, both anticipated and unanticipated, is facilitated by preprocedure assessment and preparation. Accessibility of and continued hands-on training with modern airway instruments, familiarization with difficult airway guidelines, and collaboration with multidisciplinary airway teams can aid in the management of the difficult pediatric airway. This review outlines the importance of airway assessment and advanced airway equipment for children. It also discusses difficult airway management techniques and algorithms for the management and rescue of the pediatric difficult airway.
Variation in Repair of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex
Authors: Kootstra Thomas , van Leeuwen Wouter , Chen Neal , Ring David
Published: January 2018

Background There is controversy regarding the value of repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). Given that an acute tear of the TFCC associated with a displaced distal radius fracture uncommonly benefits from repair, the role of repair in other settings is uncertain. Our impression is that TFCC repair is highly variable from surgeon-to-surgeon.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine the rate of TFCC repair in patients who had a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the wrist obtained for ulnar-sided wrist pain, and that showed signal changes in the TFCC. We tested the primary null hypothesis that there are no demographic or surgeon factors associated with repair of the TFCC.

Patients and Methods Three hundred and ninety-four patients with ulnar-sided wrist pain and an MRI scan showing changes in the TFCC were included in this retrospective study. No patients had instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) recorded in the medical record. Surgical repair of TFCC tears was used as the primary outcome during statistical analysis to identify factors associated with repair.

Results Out of 394 (6%), 25 patients underwent TFCC repair. We found that 10% of the treating surgeons (4 out of 41) performed 80% of the procedures (20 out of 25). Patients who discerned a trauma prior to their symptoms and patients whose MRI showed signal changes primarily in the ulnar portion of the TFCC were more likely to have surgical repair.

Conclusion We found that the rate of TFCC repair varies substantially from surgeon-to-surgeon. The observation that repair is more likely to happen when patients perceive themselves as injured suggests that perception of injury affects how patients and surgeons consider treatment options. To help avoid surgeries based on surgeon bias or patient misperception, we suggest studying the effect of tools that provide simple, balanced, dispassionate, and empowering information (e.g., decision aids) that can limit surgeon-to-surgeon variation.

Level of Evidence Level IV.
Etiological Profile of Children with Global Developmental Delay: A Single Center Study
Authors: Sachdeva Pallavi , Sitaraman Sadasivan , Minocha Priyanka , Jain Rohit , Choudhary Anita , Jetha Kapil
Published: January 2018

Global developmental delay (GDD) is a relatively common pediatric issue. It can have plethora of causes. Early intervention in these children by finding the cause of developmental delay is often challenging but can definitely improve ultimate developmental outcome. The study was undertaken to study the clinical profile of children with GDD to assess the etiology of delay in these children. The study was performed in the Department of Pediatrics, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, from June 2014 to May 2015. One hundred sixty-eight children with GDD attending the child development clinic with age ≤ 5 years and development quotient < 70% were enrolled. After detailed clinical history and thorough examination, specific investigations were obtained. Data analysis was done to determine the underlying etiology. Out of 168 children studied, etiology was detected in 155 (92.3%). Most common etiology was perinatal insult (63.1%) followed by genetic (8.93%), postnatal (7.14%), metabolic (5.95%), mixed (2.98%), cerebral dysgenesis (2.38%), and congenital infections (1.79%). Microcephaly was present in 100 children. Most common etiology was found to be perinatal insult, which is a preventable cause to much extent. Newer and sophisticated investigations such as metabolic profile, genetic studies should be incorporated in the planned investigations to increase the diagnostic yield.
Doped ZrO2 for future lead free piezoelectric devices
Authors: Starschich S. , Böttger U.
Published: January 2018

The ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of doped ZrO2 prepared by chemical solution deposition (CSD) are investigated. Doping with different elements such as Mg, In, La, and Y leads to a stabilization of the constricted hysteresis. As shown in a previous work, for the constricted hysteresis of ZrO2, the piezoelectric response is significantly larger compared to ZrO2 with a normal hysteresis. The Mg doped ZrO2 shows a strong temperature and cycle stability. For the piezoelectric properties, a magnesium concentration of 7% shows the largest piezoelectric response with a piezoelectric coefficient of >10 pm/V, as well as the best cycle stability. Due to thicker films, which can be realized by the CSD technique, the shown doped ZrO2 films are a promising candidate for energy related applications such as piezoelectric energy harvesting as well as for microelectromechanical systems.
Silicon photoresistive sensors with improved performance
Authors: Goushcha Alexander O. , Tabbert Bernd , Petraitis Yaroslava , Harter Andrew , Bartley Ed , Walling Leslie
Published: January 2018

This paper describes the properties of photoresistive sensors built on a thin silicon substrate. These fully restriction of hazardous substances compliant devices show high photo sensitivity, comparable to the best performing CdS/CdSe photocells, within a wide range of illumination intensities extending down to low illuminance levels of less than 5 lx of a black-body radiation at 2850 K color temperature. A comparative analysis of the photoconductive gain confirmed better efficiency of the devices with a shorter photoconductive channel length. The photoconductive gain was shown to increase with the illuminance level, exceeding unity at certain illuminance levels specific for the photoconductive channel length and applied voltage bias. Such behavior was suggested to occur due to the retardation of the minority carrier collection by the potential barrier formed by a high-low junction within the photoresistor's contact regions, which allows more than one majority carrier collection by the electrode per each collected non-equilibrium minority carrier. The physical mechanisms affecting the photocurrent and resistance dependence on the applied voltage bias and illumination intensity are discussed.
Single photon extraction and propagation in photonic crystal waveguides incorporating site-controlled quantum dots
Authors: Rigal B. , Dwir B. , Rudra A. , Kulkova I. , Lyasota A. , Kapon E.
Published: January 2018

Deterministic integration of site-controlled quantum dots with photonic crystal waveguides is demonstrated, which allows positioning the dots for optimal overlap with the waveguide modes. The coupling efficiency (β-factor) of quantum dot emission to propagating waveguide modes ranging from 0 to 88% is measured accounting for statistical variations of quantum dot properties. Using site controlled quantum dots permits us to distinguish between the spectral and spatial origins of fluctuations in β. The role of Fabry-Pérot modes that prevent reaching a deterministic coupling between quantum dots and photonic crystal waveguides is revealed, and ways to overcome this problem are proposed. The results are useful for constructing high-flux single photon emitters based on multiplexed single photon sources.
Stripe domains in epitaxial BiFeO3 thin films on (100) SrTiO3 substrates
Authors: Chen Dongfang , Zhao Donghui , Bai Zilong , Meng Jianwei , Ning Xi-Jing , Jiang Anquan
Published: January 2018

Highly crystallized ferroelectric BiFeO3 thin films were deposited on various miscut (100) SrTiO3 substrates. The domain structure of the films varies with substrate miscut angles and atomic-layer termination at the surface. The BiFeO3 thin films grown on 4° miscut substrates exhibit 71° periodic stripe domains consisting of two downward polarization variants. In contrast, four downward variants coexist in the films deposited on 0.2° miscut substrates, regardless of atomic-layer termination at the surface of the substrate. The introduction of an additional SrTiO3 repair layer on the same substrate results in a step-flow growth mode of the film. It is believed that the improved mobility of the BiFeO3 atomic species during the film growth leads to the appearance of preferred ferroelectric variants at the step edges. These preferred variants eventually form stripe domains. Our results reveal that both the miscut angle and the step-flow growth promote the formation of the two variant striped domains in BiFeO3 films deposited on decorated isotropic SrTiO3 substrates.
Probing disorder and mode localization in photonic crystal cavities using site-controlled quantum dots
Authors: Rigal B. , Drahi D. , Jarlov C. , Dwir B. , Rudra A. , Kulkova I. , Lyasota A. , Kapon E.
Published: January 2018

The impact of optical disorder on photon propagation in long Ln photonic crystal cavities is investigated using spectrally resolved imaging, group index measurements, and selective mode excitation with site-controlled quantum dots. Mobility and diffusive edges, separating localized, diffusive, and dispersive regimes, are consistently identified. In situ probing of the photonic modes demonstrates the low impact of disorder in the dispersive regime and the transition to phase-distorted modes in the diffusive regime. The analysis yields criteria for designing photonic crystal waveguides for efficient single photon transport.
GaSb superluminescent diodes with broadband emission at 2.55 μm
Authors: Zia Nouman , Viheriälä Jukka , Koivusalo Eero , Virtanen Heikki , Aho Antti , Suomalainen Soile , Guina Mircea
Published: January 2018

We report the development of superluminescent diodes (SLDs) emitting mW-level output power in a broad spectrum centered at a wavelength of 2.55 μm. The emitting structure consists of two compressively strained GaInAsSb/GaSb-quantum wells placed within a lattice-matched AlGaAsSb waveguide. An average output power of more than 3 mW and a peak power of 38 mW are demonstrated at room temperature under pulsed operation. A cavity suppression element is used to prevent lasing at high current injection allowing emission in a broad spectrum with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 124 nm. The measured far-field of the SLD confirms a good beam quality at different currents. These devices open further development possibilities in the field of spectroscopy, enabling, for example, detection of complex molecules and mixtures of gases that manifest a complex absorption spectrum over a broad spectral range.
A new collocation-based multi-configuration time-dependent Hartree (MCTDH) approach for solving the Schrödinger equation with a general potential energy surface
Authors: Wodraszka Robert , Carrington Tucker
Published: January 2018

We present a new collocation-based multi-configuration time-dependent Hartree (MCTDH) approach for solving the Schrödinger equation required to compute (ro-)vibrational spectra, photodissociation cross sections, reaction rate constants, etc., that can be used with general potential energy surfaces. Collocation obviates the need for quadrature and facilitates using complicated kinetic energy operators. When the basis is good, the accuracy of collocation solutions to the Schrödinger equation is not sensitive to the choice of the collocation points. We test the collocation MCTDH equations we derive by showing that they can be used to compute accurate vibrational energy levels of CH3. It is possible to choose (imaginary) time-independent collocation points with which collocation-based MCTDH energies are accurate. It is therefore not necessary to calculate potential values many times during the propagation.
Oscillator strengths and integral cross sections for the valence-shell excitations of nitric oxide studied by fast electron impact
Authors: Xu Xin , Xu Long-Quan , Xiong Tao , Chen Tao , Liu Ya-Wei , Zhu Lin-Fan
Published: January 2018

The generalized oscillator strengths for the valence-shell excitations of A2Σ+, C2Π, and D2Σ+ electronic-states of nitric oxide have been determined at an incident electron energy of 1500 eV with an energy resolution of 70 meV. The optical oscillator strengths for these transitions have been obtained by extrapolating the generalized oscillator strengths to the limit that the squared momentum transfer approaches to zero, which give an independent cross-check to the previous experimental and theoretical results. The integral cross sections for the valence-shell excitations of nitric oxide have been determined systematically from the threshold to 2500 eV with the aid of the newly developed BE-scaling method for the first time. The present optical oscillator strengths and integral cross sections of the valence-shell excitations of nitric oxide play an important role in understanding many physics and chemistry of the Earth’s upper atmosphere such as the radiative cooling, ozone destruction, day glow, aurora, and so on.
The band structure of the quasi-one-dimensional layered semiconductor TiS3(001)
Authors: Yi Hemian , Komesu Takashi , Gilbert Simeon , Hao Guanhua , Yost Andrew J. , Lipatov Alexey , Sinitskii Alexander , Avila Jose , Chen Chaoyu , Asensio Maria C. , Dowben P. A.
Published: January 2018

The experimental mapping of the band structure of TiS3(001), by momentum resolution nanospot angle resolved photoemission, is presented. The experimental band structure, derived from angle-resolved photoemission, confirms that the top of the valence band is at the center of the Brillouin zone. This trichalcogenide has a rectangular surface Brillouin zone where the effective hole mass along the chain direction is −0.95 ± 0.09 me, while perpendicular to the chain direction, the magnitude of the effective hole mass is much lower at −0.37 ± 0.1 me. The placement of the valence band well below the Fermi level suggests that this is an n-type semiconductor.
Forward Raman scattering of the seed pulse in strongly coupled stimulated Brillouin amplification in plasma
Authors: Peng H. , Zuo Y. L. , Zhu H. Y. , Su J. Q.
Published: January 2018

Short laser pulse can be amplified and compressed via strongly coupled stimulated Brillouin scattering (sc-SBS) in plasma. But the sc-SBS amplification is subject to various deleterious instabilities. Here, we present specific analyses on the forward Raman scattering (FRS) of the seed pulse. FRS grows from noises and depletes the seed energy. It causes strong seed modulations and decoherence, which terminate the amplification. The theoretical model of sc-SBS coupled with FRS is investigated. Then, we examine the suppression effects of the density gradient and density random inhomogeneities on FRS. These effects are described well by the numerical simulations and particle-in-cell simulations.
Efficiency of quantum vs. classical annealing in nonconvex learning problems
Authors: Baldassi Carlo , Zecchina Riccardo
Published: January 2018

Significance

Quantum annealers are physical quantum devices designed to solve optimization problems by finding low-energy configurations of an appropriate energy function by exploiting cooperative tunneling effects to escape local minima. Classical annealers use thermal fluctuations for the same computational purpose, and Markov chains based on this principle are among the most widespread optimization techniques. The fundamental mechanism underlying quantum annealing consists of exploiting a controllable quantum perturbation to generate tunneling processes. The computational potentialities of quantum annealers are still under debate, since few ad hoc positive results are known. Here, we identify a wide class of large-scale nonconvex optimization problems for which quantum annealing is efficient while classical annealing gets stuck. These problems are of central interest to machine learning.
Superior colliculus neuronal ensemble activity signals optimal rather than subjective confidence
Authors: Odegaard Brian , Grimaldi Piercesare , Cho Seong Hah , Peters Megan A. K. , Lau Hakwan , Basso Michele A.
Published: January 2018

Significance

Previously, the neuronal correlates of perceptual confidence have been identified in neural circuits responsible for deciding what an animal sees. However, behaviorally, confidence and perceptual decision accuracy are confounded; we are usually more confident about perceptual decisions when they are accurate. To tease them apart, we introduced a task with stimulus conditions that produced similar decision accuracy but different reports of subjective confidence. We decoded decision performance from neuronal signals in nonhuman primates in a subcortical region involved in decision-making, the superior colliculus (SC), and found that SC ensemble activity tracks decision accuracy, but not subjective confidence. These results challenge current ideas about how to measure subjective confidence in experiments and inspire ways to study its neuronal mechanisms.