bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VICTORIAN LITERATURE AND FILM ADAPTATION
Authors: Primorac Antonija
Published: May 2017

“The book was nothing likethe film,” complained one of my students about a week or so after the premiere of Tim Burton'sAlice in Wonderland(2010). Barely able to contain his disgust, he added: “I expected it to be as exciting as the film, but it turned out to be dull – and it appeared to be written for children!” Stunned with the virulence of his reaction, I thought how much his response to the book mirrored – as if through a looking glass – that most common of complaints voiced by many reviewers and overheard in book lovers’ discussions of film adaptations: “not as good as the book.” Both views reflect the hierarchical approach to adaptations traditionally employed by film studies and literature studies respectively. While adaptations of Victorian literature have been used – with more or less enthusiasm – as teaching aides as long as user-friendly video formats were made widely available, it is only recently that film adaptation started to be considered as an object of academic study in its own right and on an equal footing with works of literature (or, for that matter, films based on original screenplays). Adaptation studies came into its own in early twenty-first century on the heels of valuable work done by scholars such as Brian McFarlane (1996), Deborah Cartmell and Imelda Whelehan (1999), James Naremore (2000), Robert Stam (2000), Sarah Cardwell (2002), and Kamilla Elliott (2003) which paved the way for a consideration of film adaptations beyond the fidelity debate. The field was solidified with the establishment in 2006 of the UK-based Association of Literature on Screen Association (called Association of Adaptation Studies from 2008) and the inception of its journalAdaptation, published by Oxford University Press, in 2008. Interdisciplinary in nature, the field primarily brought together literature and film scholars who insisted that adaptations were more than lamentably unfaithful or vulgar versions of literature mired in popular culture and market issues on the one hand, or merely derivative, impure cinema on the other. The foundational tenets of adaptation studies therefore included a non-judgemental and non-hierarchical approach to the relationship between the text and its adaptation, and a keen awareness of film production contexts. These vividly illustrate the field's move away from discussing fidelity to the “original” which, thanks to the work of Linda Hutcheon (2006), started to be increasingly referred to simply as “adapted text.” Hutcheon's book came out at the same time as another foundational monograph on the subject, Julie Sanders'sAdaptation and Appropriation(2005) which contributed to the debate through its focus on intertextual links and the palimpsestuous nature of adaptations, in which debate on fidelity was substituted with the analysis of the distance between the text and its adaptation(s).
Kant on Moral Satisfaction
Authors: Walschots Michael
Published: May 2017

This paper gives an account of Kant’s concept of self-contentment (Selbstzufriedenheit), i.e. the satisfaction involved in the performance of moral action. This concept is vulnerable to an important objection: if moral action is satisfying, it might only ever be performed for the sake of this satisfaction. I explain Kant’s response to this objection and argue that it is superior to Francis Hutcheson’s response to a similar objection. I conclude by showing that two other notions of moral satisfaction in Kant’s moral philosophy, namely ‘sweet merit’ and the highest good, also avoid the objection.
Kant on God’s Intuitive Understanding: InterpretingCJ§76’s Modal Claims
Authors: Winegar Reed
Published: May 2017

In §76 of the thirdCritique, Kant claims that an intuitive understanding would represent no distinction between possible and actual things. Prior interpretations of §76 take Kant to claim that an intuitive understanding would produce things merely in virtue of thinking about them and, thus, could not think of merely possible things. In contrast, I argue that §76’s modal claims hinge on Kant’s suggestion that God represents things in their thoroughgoing determination, including in their connection to God’s actual will. I conclude by using my interpretation to argue that §76’s modal claims do not entail Spinozism.
Diagnostic autoantibodies for autoimmune liver diseases
Authors: Toh Ban‐Hock
Published: May 2017

Autoimmune liver diseases are conditions of low prevalence that comprise the triad of autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis (cirrhosis) and primary sclerosing cholangitis and their poorly characterised overlapping syndromes. Diagnostic autoantibodies are associated with autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis but not with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Autoantibodies are useful disease markers that facilitate early diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis and allow for therapeutic intervention to prevent progression to liver cirrhosis and associated complications. Adult onset type 1 autoimmune hepatitis is associated with F‐actin reactive smooth muscle autoantibody, antinuclear autoantibody in 60% of patients, and autoantibody to SLA/LP in 15–20%. Juvenile onset type 2 autoimmune hepatitis is associated with LKM‐1 and LC‐1 autoantibodies. Primary biliary cholangitis is associated with a mitochondria‐associated autoantibody designated M2 in >90% of patients and with disease‐specific antinuclear autoantibodies in 50% that bind to antigens in the nuclear core complex and in multiple nuclear dots. Autoantibodies to the nuclear core complex target gp210, nucleoporin p62 and nuclear lamin B receptor. Autoantibodies to multiple nuclear dots target Sp100 and PML antigens. Liver autoantibodies in asymptomatic patients with normal liver function may precede the subsequent development of overt autoimmune liver disease. For routine diagnostic immunology laboratories, initial screening for liver autoantibodies by immunofluorescence remains the method of choice with confirmation for reactivity with their target antigen by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or line blot when required.
Multi-stability and the origin of microbial community types
Authors: Gonze Didier , Lahti Leo , Raes Jeroen , Faust Karoline
Published: May 2017

The study of host-associated microbial community composition has suggested the presence of alternative community types. We discuss three mechanisms that could explain these observations. The most commonly invoked mechanism links community types to a response to environmental change; alternatively, community types were shown to emerge from interactions between members of local communities sampled from a metacommunity. Here, we emphasize multi-stability as a third mechanism, giving rise to different community types in the same environmental conditions. We illustrate with a toy model how multi-stability can generate community types and discuss the consequences of multi-stability for data interpretation.
The essential role of YAP O-GlcNAcylation in high-glucose-stimulated liver tumorigenesis
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Qiao Yongxia , Wu Qi , Chen Yan , Zou Shaowu , Liu Xiangfan , Zhu Guoqing , Zhao Yinghui , Chen Yuxin , Yu Yongchun , Pan Qiuhui , Wang Jiayi , Sun Fenyong
Published: May 2017

O-GlcNAcylation has been implicated in the tumorigenesis of various tissue origins, but its function in liver tumorigenesis is not clear. Here, we demonstrate that O-GlcNAcylation can enhance the expression, stability and function of Yes-associated protein (YAP), the downstream transcriptional regulator of the Hippo pathway and a potent oncogenic factor in liver cancer. O-GlcNAcylation induces transformative phenotypes of liver cancer cells in a YAP-dependent manner. An O-GlcNAc site of YAP was identified at Thr241, and mutating this site decreased the O-GlcNAcylation, stability, and pro-tumorigenic capacities of YAP, while increasing YAP phosphorylation. Importantly, we found via in vitro cell-based and in vivo mouse model experiments that O-GlcNAcylation of YAP was required for high-glucose-induced liver tumorigenesis. Interestingly, a positive feedback between YAP and global cellular O-GlcNAcylation is also uncovered. We conclude that YAP O-GlcNAcylation is a potential therapeutic intervention point for treating liver cancer associated with high blood glucose levels and possibly diabetes.
Thermodynamic potential and phase diagram for multiferroic bismuth ferrite (BiFeO
3
)
Authors: Karpinsky Dmitry V. , Eliseev Eugene A. , Xue Fei , Silibin Maxim V. , Franz Alexandra , Glinchuk Maya D. , Troyanchuk Igor O. , Gavrilov Sergey A. , Gopalan Venkatraman , Chen Long-Qing , Morozovska Anna N.
Published: May 2017

We construct a Landau–Ginzburg thermodynamic potential, and the corresponding phase diagram for pristine and slightly doped bismuth ferrite, a ferroelectric antiferromagnet at room temperature. The potential is developed based on new X-ray and neutron diffraction experiments complementing available data. We demonstrate that a strong biquadratic antiferrodistortive-type coupling is the key to a quantitative description of Bi1−x
La
x
FeO3 multiferroic phase diagram including the temperature stability of the antiferromagnetic, ferroelectric, and antiferrodistortive phases, as well as for the prediction of novel intermediate structural phases. Furthermore, we show that “rotomagnetic” antiferrodistortive–antiferromagnetic coupling is very important to describe the ferroelectric polarization and antiferrodistortive tilt behavior in the R3c phase of BiFeO3. The Landau–Ginzburg thermodynamic potential is able to describe the sequence of serial and trigger-type phase transitions, the temperature-dependent behavior of the order parameters, and the corresponding susceptibilities to external stimuli. It can also be employed to predict the corresponding ferroelectric and antiferrodistortive properties of Bi1−x
La
x
FeO3 thin films and nanoparticles by incorporating the gradient and surface energy terms that are strongly dependent on the shape, size, and preparation method.
Combined treatment with Metformin and 2-deoxy glucose induces detachment of viable MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Bizjak Maruša , Malavašič Petra , Dolinar Klemen , Pohar Jelka , Pirkmajer Sergej , Pavlin Mojca
Published: May 2017

Triple naegative breast cancer has an increased rate of distant metastasis and consequently poor prognosis. To metastasize, breast cancer cells must detach from the main tumour mass and resist anoikis, a programmed cell death induced by lack of cell-extracellular matrix communication. Although cancer cells must detach to metastasize in vivo, the viability of floating cancer cells in vitro is rarely investigated. Here we show that co-treatment of anoikis-resistant MDA-MB-231 cells with metformin and 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) increased the percentage of floating cells, of which about 95% were viable. Floating cells resumed their proliferation once they were reseeded in the pharmacological compound-free medium. Similar effects on detachment were observed on anoikis-prone MCF-7 cells. Co-treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells with metformin and 2-DG induced a strong activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which was reduced by AMPK inhibitor compound C that prevented detachment of MDA-MB-231 cells. However, direct AMPK activators A-769662 and AICAR did not have any major effect on the percentage of floating MDA-MB-231 cells, indicating that AMPK activation is necessary but not sufficient for triggering detachment of cancer cells. Our results demonstrate that separate analysis of floating and attached cancer cells might be important for evaluation of anti-cancer agents.
Photonic crystal and quasi-crystals providing simultaneous light coupling and beam splitting within a low refractive-index slab waveguide
Authors: Shi Jingxing , Pollard Michael E. , Angeles Cesar A. , Chen Ruiqi , Gates J. C. , Charlton M. D. B.
Published: May 2017

Coupling between free space components and slab waveguides is a common requirement for integrated optical devices, and is typically achieved by end-fire or grating coupling. Power splitting and distribution requires additional components. Usually grating couplers are used in combination with MMI/Y-splitters to do this task. In this paper, we present a photonic crystal device which performs both tasks simultaneously and is able to couple light at normal incidence and near normal incidence. Our approach is scalable to large channel counts with little impact on device footprint. We demonstrate in normal incidence coupling with multi-channel splitting for 785 nm light. Photonic crystals are etched into single mode low refractive index SiON film on both SiO2/Si and borosilicate glass substrate. Triangular lattices are shown to provide coupling to 6 beams with equal included angle (60°), while a quasi-crystal lattice with 12-fold rotational symmetry yields coupling to 12 beams with equal included angle (30°). We show how to optimize the lattice constant to achieve efficient phase matching between incident and coupled mode wave vectors, and how to adjust operating wavelength from visible to infrared wavelengths.
Inkjet printing of NiO films and integration as hole transporting layers in polymer solar cells
Authors: Singh Arjun , Gupta Shailendra Kumar , Garg Ashish
Published: May 2017

Stability concerns of organic solar cell devices have led to the development of alternative hole transporting layers such as NiO which lead to superior device life times over conventional Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) buffered solar cells. From the printability of such devices, it is imperative to be able to print NiO layers in the organic solar cell devices with normal architecture which has so far remained unreported. In this manuscript, we report on the successful ink-jet printing of very thin NiO thin films with controlled thickness and morphology and their integration in organic solar cell devices. The parameters that were found to strongly affect the formation of a thin yet continuous NiO film were substrate surface treatment, drop spacing, and substrate temperature during printing. The effect of these parameters was investigated through detailed morphological characterization using optical and atomic force microscopy and the results suggested that one can achieve a transmittance of ~89% for a ~18 nm thin NiO film with uniform structure and morphology, fabricated using a drop spacing of 50 μm and a heat treatment temperature of 400 °C. The devices fabricated with printed NiO hole transporting layers exhibit power conversion efficiencies comparable to the devices with spin coated NiO films.
Capture the growth kinetics of CVD growth of two-dimensional MoS2
Authors: Zhu Dancheng , Shu Haibo , Jiang Feng , Lv Danhui , Asokan Vijayshankar , Omar Omar , Yuan Jun , Zhang Ze , Jin Chuanhong
Published: May 2017

Understanding the microscopic mechanism is fundamental for function-oriented controlled chemical vapor deposition growth of two-dimensional (2D) materials. In this work, we reveal the growth kinetics of 2D MoS2 by capturing the nucleation seeds, evolving morphology, edge structure, and edge terminations at the atomic scale during chemical vapor deposition growth using the transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy. The direct growth of few-layer and mono-layer MoS2 onto graphene-based transmission electron microscopy grids helped us to perform the subsequent transmission electron microscopy characterization without any solution-based transfer. Two seeding centers are observed: (i) Mo-oxysulfide (MoO
x
S2−y
) nanoparticles either in multi-shelled fullerene-like structures or as compact nanocrystals for the growth of fewer-layer MoS2; (ii) Mo-S atomic clusters. In the early stage growth, irregular polygons with two primary edge terminations, S-Mo Klein edges and Mo zigzag edges, appear approximately in equal numbers. The morphology evolves into a near-triangle shape in which Mo zigzag edges predominate. Results from density-functional theory calculations are consistent with the inferred growth kinetics, and thus support the growth mechanism we proposed. In general, the growth mechanisms found here should also be applicable in other 2D materials, such as MoSe2, WS2 and WSe2.
Co-exposure of C60 fullerene with benzo[a]pyrene results in enhanced biological effects in cells as determined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Li Junyi , Hu Li-Xin , Ying Guang-Guo , Martin Francis L.
Published: May 2017

Biospectroscopy signatures effects of a binary mixture of C60 fullerene and benzo[a]pyrene in cells.
Engineering microporous organic framework membranes for CO2separations
Authors: Yu Guangli , Rong Huazhen , Zou Xiaoqin , Zhu Guangshan
Published: May 2017

The latest advances of microporous organic frameworks-based membranes with engineered properties for efficient CO2separations are highlighted.
Nanostructure nitride light emitting diodes via the Talbot effect using improved colloidal photolithography
Authors: Wang Liancheng , Liu Zhiqiang , Li Zhi , Zhang Yiyun , Li Hongjian , Yi Xiaoyan , Wang Junxi , Wang Guohong , Li Jinmin
Published: May 2017

We report here a new approach of Talbot effect based colloidal photolithography for fabricating nanostructure light emitting diodes (LEDs).
A study of fused-ring thieno[3,4-e]pyrazine polymers as n-type materials for organic supercapacitors
Authors: McAllister Bryony T. , Schon Tyler B. , DiCarmine Paul M. , Seferos Dwight S.
Published: May 2017

Conjugated polymer pseudocapacitors achieve high capacitances because they store charge through fast, reversible redox reactions.
The ‘folklore’ and reality of reticular chemistry
Authors: Cordova Kyle E. , Yaghi Omar M.
Published: May 2017

The field of reticular chemistry is rapidly expanding and, as is true for any emerging field, there exists ‘folklores’ that permeate through the scientific discourse. It is within this context that we seek to address these ‘folklores’ in order to provide the realities of reticular chemistry.
Hybrid PEDOT/MnOxnanostructured electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction
Authors: Vigil Julian A. , Lambert Timothy N. , Kelly Maria , Aidun Ruby
Published: May 2017

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/manganese oxide hybrid films with high surface Mn(III)concentration and strong electronic coupling are effective electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction.
Silver(i) catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of N-(2-(alk-1-yn-1-yl))-1H-tetrazoles leading to the formation of N-cyano-2-substituted indoles under ambient conditions
Authors: Panaka Sangeetha , Trivedi Rajiv , Sony T. , Prabhakar S. , Raju Chowhan L.
Published: May 2017

Synthesis of N-heterocycles from N-(2-(alk-1-yn-1-yl))tetrazoles to obtain N-cyano 2-substituted indoles as selective products.
Stereoselective strategies for the construction of polysubstituted piperidinic compounds and their applications in natural products’ synthesis
Authors: Kandepedu Nishanth , Abrunhosa-Thomas Isabelle , Troin Yves
Published: May 2017

An abridged and far-reaching review communication on the construction of the polysubstituted piperidinic core using diverse methodologies for the benefit of organic chemists interested in the total synthesis of biologically active compounds.
Investigating the Adequacy of Intervention Descriptions in Recent Speech-Language Pathology Literature: Is Evidence From Randomized Trials Useable?
Authors: Ludemann Arabella , Power Emma , Hoffmann Tammy C.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the completeness of intervention descriptions in recent randomized controlled trials of speech-language pathology treatments.

Method

A consecutive sample of entries on the speechBITE database yielded 129 articles and 162 interventions. Interventions were rated using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist. Rating occurred at 3 stages: interventions as published in the primary article, secondary locations referred to by the article (e.g., protocol papers, websites), and contact with corresponding authors.

Results

No interventions were completely described in primary publications or after analyzing information from secondary locations. After information was added from correspondence with authors, a total of 28% of interventions was rated as complete. The intervention elements with the most information missing in the primary publications were tailoring and modification of interventions (in 25% and 13% of articles, respectively) and intervention materials and where they could be accessed (18%). Elements that were adequately described in most articles were intervention names (in 100% of articles); rationale (96%); and details of the frequency, session duration, and length of interventions (69%).

Conclusions

Clinicians and researchers are restricted in the usability of evidence from speech-language pathology randomized trials because of poor reporting of elements essential to the replication of interventions.
Fear of Negative Evaluation, Trait Anxiety, and Judgment Bias in Adults who Stutter
Authors: Brundage Shelley B. , Winters Katherine L. , Beilby Janet M.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Persons who stutter (PWS) and those with social anxiety disorder may exhibit fear of negative evaluation (FNE) and anxiety in social situations. However, the information processing biases that perpetuate these characteristics have had limited investigation. This study investigated judgment bias in social situations.

Method

Participants included 50 adults who stutter and 45 age- and gender-matched fluent persons who do not stutter (PWNS), who made up the control group. Participants completed the Interpretation and Judgmental Questionnaire (Voncken, Bögels, & deVries, 2003), and threat scores were calculated.

Results

There were no significant differences between PWS and PWNS in social threat or nonsocial threat scores. When the PWS group was divided on the basis of FNE and compared with PWNS participants without heightened anxiety (
n
= 35), the PWS with high FNE had significantly higher total social threat scores than the PWS with low FNE. The three groups did not differ in threat ratings for ambiguous or profoundly negative social situations.

Conclusions

Judgment bias in PWS is mediated by the magnitude of FNE present; not all PWS exhibit judgment bias for social situations. Treatment implications include the need for psychosocial support addressing the negative impacts on quality of life and restrictions on social engagement that stuttering may cause in some individuals.
Production of recombinant collagen: state of the art and challenges
Authors: Wang Tianyi , Lew Jiewei , Premkumar Jayaraman , Poh Chueh Loo , Win Naing May
Published: May 2017

Collagen, which is often used in healthcare materials and biomedical research, is largely extracted from animal sources. Recombinant human collagen has the potential to be a promising alternative to animal collagen which has many shortcomings, including immunogenicity and lack of biocompatibility. Currently, recombinant human collagen has been expressed in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic hosts with varying degrees of success. One issue with recombinant collagen across all hosts is the inability to achieve full length collagen with native amounts of post‐translational modifications, prompting much exciting research in this direction. There has also been much effort in improving yield and biomimicry of recombinant collagen. This review discusses collagen structure and current methods for extracting animal collagen, before introducing current research in synthesising recombinant human collagen in various hosts, and finally highlighting challenges in the field.
Cooperative robust containment control for general discrete‐time multi‐agent systems with external disturbance
Authors: Liang Hongjing , Li Hongyi , Yu Zhandong , Li Ping , Wang Wei
Published: May 2017

This study investigates the cooperative containment control problem for heterogeneous discrete‐time linear multi‐agent systems. The structures of the systems are uncertain, and there exists more than one leader in the authors' systems. For these leaders, it is unnecessary to establish links exchanging information between them. Instead, the authors assume that at least one leader has directed paths to all the follower nodes. A distributed discrete‐time compensator is presented to estimate the convex hull information of the leaders. Then, based on the estimation of the convex hull information of the reference outputs, they design a novel distributed internal model compensator to tackle the uncertain parts of the dynamics. Finally, a distributed dynamic output feedback approach is utilised to study the distributed systems with external disturbance under the directed communication topology. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the validity of the theoretical results.
Implementation of delayed output feedback for linear systems with multiple input delays
Authors: Xu Chuanchuan , Zhou Bin
Published: May 2017

This study is concerned with the safe implementation of delayed output feedback (DOF) for linear systems with multiple input delays. It is observed that the numerical implementation of the distributed delay terms involved in the DOF controller may lead to instability of the closed‐loop system. To solve this problem, a generalised low‐pass filter (LPF) is introduced into the control loop. It is shown that the stability of the closed‐loop system can be maintained if the numerical integration is sufficiently precise. An augmented system is then constructed to design the LPF by applying the traditional pole assignment algorithm for linear systems without delay. Two illustrative examples are worked out to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Linear dynamic games with polytope strategy sets
Authors: Wu Yuhu , Toyoda Mitsuru , Shen Tielong
Published: May 2017

This brief investigates the discrete time, linear dynamic games with finite horizon payoff functions. By resorting to the semi‐tensor product of matrices, the authors prove that the linear dynamic game is a potential game. Then, they confine their attention to a special case: the strategy sets of game are polytopes. In this case, the searching Nash equilibrium problem for the linear dynamic game converts into one for a finite game. Furthermore, two different algorithms are designed for searching Nash equilibrium. Finally, an example is employed to validate the proposed algorithms.
Matrix embedding in steganography with binary Reed–Muller codes
Authors: Yang Tingya , Chen Houshou
Published: May 2017

This study presents a modified majority‐logic decoding algorithm of Reed–Muller (RM) codes for matrix embedding (ME) in steganography. An ME algorithm uses linear block code to improve the embedding efficiency in steganography. The optimal embedding algorithm in steganography is equivalent to the maximum likelihood decoding (MLD) algorithm in error‐correcting codes. The main disadvantage of ME is that the equivalent MLD algorithm of lengthy embedding codes requires highly complex embedding. This study used RM codes to embed data in binary host images. The authors propose a novel low‐complexity embedding algorithm that uses a modified majority‐logic algorithm to decode RM codes, in which a message‐passing algorithm (i.e. sum‐product, min‐sum, or bias propagation) is performed on the highest order of information bits in the RM codes. The experimental results indicate that integrating bias propagation into the proposed scheme achieves superior embedding efficiency (relative to when the sum‐product or min‐sum algorithm is used) and can even achieve the embedding bound of RM codes.
Hydrothermal synthesis of porous K+ ‐containing flower‐like delte MnO2 with high specific capacitance
Authors: Wang Li , Wang Hui
Published: May 2017

In this study, porous K+ ‐containing flower‐like delte‐MnO2 constructed by numerous thin two‐dimensional nanosheets was fabricated by a hydrothermal procedure. Its flower‐like morphology was revealed by scanning electron microscopy. The construction units, the ultrathin sheets, were observed from transmission electron microscopy. Its delte‐type crystal was characterised via X‐ray diffraction. Its porous structure was convinced through N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. The properties of delte‐MnO2 nanoflowers as an active electrode constituent for electrochemical capacitors were examined by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge in 1 mol l−1 Na2SO4 electrolyte, and a specific capacitance of 227.2 F g−1 was obtained at a current density of 0.05 A g−1. The obtained delte‐MnO2 shows a good long‐term stability, suggesting it is a potential electrode material for capacitors.
Extracellular Vesicles in the Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Alluri Ravi , Chaturvedi Shruti , McCrae Keith
Published: May 2017

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), particularly those directed against β2-glycoprotein I, cause activation of vascular cells (endothelial cells, platelets, monocytes) and release of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which include exosomes and microparticles (MPs). MPs, particularly endothelial MPs, have been most extensively studied in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Compared with healthy controls, patients with aPL have significantly higher levels of circulating endothelial and platelet MPs, including MPs expressing immunological and functional tissue factor. Although a consistent relationship of EVs with APS-related thrombosis and obstetric events has not yet been demonstrated, elevated levels of MPs occurring remote from thrombotic events suggest a chronic state of vascular activation in APS. In addition to being a marker of cellular activation, EVs express bioactive lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, particularly microribonucleic acid (microRNA). EVs may potentially play a pathogenic role in APS by stimulating thrombosis through tissue factor-dependent and independent mechanisms and by promoting vascular activation. Further research is needed to understand these mechanisms and to determine whether EVs may be a useful biomarker to identify patients with aPL at highest risk of clinical events.
Patient-Reported Outcomes following Single- and Multiple-Radius Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Mushtaq Nadeem , Isaac David , Dillow Katherine , Gill Paul , Liddle Alexander
Published: May 2017

Although single-radius (SR) designs of total knee replacement (TKR) have theoretical benefits, the clinical advantage conferred by such designs is unknown. The aim of this randomized, controlled study was to compare the short-term clinical outcomes of the two design rationales. A total of 105 knees were randomized to receive either a single radius (Scorpio, Stryker; SR Group) or multiple radius (AGC, Zimmer Biomet; MR group) TKR. Patient-reported outcomes (Oxford Knee Score [OKS] and Knee Society Score [KSS]) were collected at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year following surgery. No knees were revised. There was no difference in primary outcomes: OKS was 39.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 36.9–42.1) in the SR group and 38.1 (95% CI: 36.0–40.3) in the MR group (p = 0.40). KSS was 168.4 (95% CI: 159.8–177.0) in the SR group; 159.5 (95% CI 150.5–168.5) in the MR group (p = 0.16). There was a small but statistically significant difference in the degree of change of the objective subscale of the KSS, favoring the SR design (p = 0.04), but this is of uncertain clinical relevance. The reported benefits of SR designs do not provide demonstrable functional advantages in the short term.
Correction of Femoral Valgus Deformity
Authors: Brinkman Justus-Martijn , Pronk Yvette , van Heerwaarden Ronald
Published: May 2017

In the past two decades, the insights in the causes and development of valgus leg deformities as well as the options for treatment with corrective osteotomies have dramatically changed. New definitions for deformity analysis and planning for corrections have better defined the patients suitable for femoral valgus deformity corrections. Biomechanical research on new osteotomy methods and stability of plate fixation have provided scientific background for the development of improved surgical techniques that are more accurate, safer, and provide for quicker rehabilitation and bone healing. This article provides an overview of the basic principles behind the correction of femoral valgus deformity. Both the analysis and planning of femoral valgus deformity correction as well as the results of systematic clinical reviews are provided. The current recommended surgical technique of biplanar medial closing-wedge supracondylar osteotomy is explained, and the first clinical results are reported. Finally, the authors describe some of the future directions and needs for treatment optimization of patients with femoral valgus deformity.
Osteoglophonic Dysplasia: Phenotypic and Radiological Clues
Authors: Kuthiroly Shwetha , Yesodharan Dhanya , Ghosh Aneesh , White Kenneth , Nampoothiri Sheela
Published: May 2017

Osteoglophonic dysplasia (OD) is an extremely rare, skeletal dysplasia with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Rhizomelic dwarfism, craniosynostosis, impacted teeth, hypodontia or anodontia, and multiple nonossifying bone lesions are the salient features of this condition. We report a 14-year-old girl with clinical and radiological features consistent with OD. She presented with disproportionate short stature, craniosynostosis, a prominent supraorbital ridge, delayed teeth eruption, hypodontia, and multiple nonossifying bone lesions in the femur, tibia, and fibula. She had hypophosphatemia, which is a known association in this dysplasia. She also had advanced bone age, which is an unreported feature of this dysplasia. This condition is caused by activating mutations in FGFR1. A missense mutation was detected in the FGFR1, NM_001174067 (FGFR1_v001):c.1115G > A [p.(Cys372Tyr)] confirming the diagnosis; this is the first mutation-proven case to be reported from India.
An agentive non-intentionalist theory of self-deception
Authors: Lynch Kevin
Published: May 2017

The self-deception debate often appears polarized between those who think that self-deceivers intentionally deceive themselves (‘intentionalists’), and those who think that intentional actions are not significantly involved in the production of self-deceptive beliefs at all. In this paper I develop a middle position between these views, according to which self-deceivers do end up self-deceived as a result of their own intentional actions, but where the intention these actions are done with is not an intention to deceive oneself. This account thus keeps agency at the heart of self-deception, while also avoiding the paradox associated with other agency-centered views.
Financial Incentives for Adherence to Hepatitis C Virus Clinical Care and Treatment: A Randomized Trial of Two Strategies
Authors: Wohl David A. , Allmon Andrew G. , Evon Donna , Hurt Christopher , Reifeis Sarah Ailleen , Thirumurthy Harsha , Straub Becky , Edwards Angela , Mollan Katie R.
Published: May 2017

Background

Although rates of sustained virologic response (SVR) after hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) surpass 90% in trials and some more “real world” settings, some patients, such as those with substance use disorders, will be challenged to adhere to HCV care.

Methods

To assess the feasibility of 2 strategies for financially incentivizing adherence to HCV care, patients with a substance use history prescribed 12 weeks of a sofosbuvir-containing regimen were randomized to either fixed or lottery-based monetary incentives for attending clinic appointments, pill count adherence >90%, and SVR achievement. Electronic medication monitoring provided an objective measure of DAA adherence.

Results

Fifty-nine participants were randomized to the lottery (n = 31) or fixed-incentive (n = 28) arms. All 31 (100%) in the lottery arm and 24 of 28 (86%) in the fixed arm completed 12 weeks of therapy. By intent-to-treat, 93% in the lottery arm and 92% in the fixed arm achieved SVR (estimated difference: 0.5%; 95% confidence interval, −17.5 to 18.8). Overall, 92% of scheduled visits were attended without significant differences between arms. The mean adherence ratio (days with ≥1 bottle opening:monitored days) was 0.91 for lottery and 0.92 for fixed arms.

Conclusions

In this pilot, fixed- and lottery-based financial incentives were successfully implemented and accepted by patients with a substance use history. High levels of HCV therapy and care adherence, as well as rates of SVR, were observed. Financial incentives may be useful to support treatment adherence in patients with substance use disorders and should be tested in a larger, randomized, controlled trial.
Contribution of Endocannabinoid Gene Expression and Genotype on Low Back Pain Susceptibility and Chronicity
Authors: Ramesh Divya , D’Agata Amy , Starkweather Angela R. , Young Erin E.
Published: May 2017

Background:

A major research emphasis has been focused on defining the molecular changes that occur from acute to chronic pain to identify potential therapeutic targets for chronic pain. As the endocannabinoid system is dynamically involved in pain signaling, a plausible mechanism that may contribute to chronic pain vulnerability involves alterations in the amount of circulating endocannabinoids. Therefore, this study sought to examine cannabinoid type 1 (CNR1), type 2 (CNR2) receptors, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), and the vanilloid receptor (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 [TRPV1]) gene expression profiles among individuals with acute and chronic low back pain (cLBP) at their baseline visit. We also assessed associations among selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FAAH and CNR2 and measures of somatosensory function and self-report pain measures.

Method:

Using a previously established quantitative sensory testing protocol, we comprehensively assessed somatosensory parameters among 42 acute LBP, 42 cLBP, and 20 pain-free participants. Samples of whole blood were drawn to examine mRNA expression and isolate genomic DNA for genotyping.

Results:

CNR2 mRNA was significantly upregulated in all LBP patients compared with controls. However, FAAH mRNA and TRPV1 mRNA were significantly upregulated in cLBP compared with controls. A significant association was observed between FAAH SNP genotype and self-report pain measures, mechanical and cold pain sensitivity among LBP participants. cLBP participants showed increased FAAH and TRPV1 mRNA expression compared with acute LBP patients and controls.

Conclusions:

Further research to characterize pain-associated somatosensory changes in the context of altered mRNA expression levels and SNP associations may provide insight on the molecular underpinnings of maladaptive chronic pain.
Recurrent Cutaneous Angiosarcoma of the Scalp With Aberrant Expression of S100: A Case Report
Authors: Macías-García Laura , Lara-Bohorquez Concepción , Jorquera-Barquero Enrique , Ríos-Martín Juan J.
Published: May 2017

Angiosarcoma (AS) is a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm of endothelial origin with a predominantly lymphatic immunophenotype, which accounts for less than 1% of all sarcomas. Cutaneous AS of the scalp is associated with high rates of local recurrence and a poor prognosis. Histologically, poorly differentiated AS often comprises solid epithelioid cells, although rare variants involving spindle cells have been reported; diagnosis requires immunohistochemical analysis using vascular cell markers. We report on a cutaneous spindle-cell AS of the scalp in a female patient; key features included spontaneous regression after biopsy, local recurrence 2 years later, and aberrant nuclear staining for S100 protein in an area of the tumor not expressing CD34 or D2-40. Tumor cells exhibited positivity for vascular markers CD31, CD34, D2-40, ERG and FLI-1 and were negative for myoid markers (αSMA and desmin), epithelial (EMA and cytokeratin AE1/AE3) and melanocyte markers (HMB45 and melan-A). Cutaneous spindle-cell AS of the scalp is a rare variant with a poor prognosis. Diagnosis of spindle-cell AS was confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis using CD31, CD34, ERG, FLI-1, podoplanin (D2-40), and claudin-5. Although a number of authors have noted aberrant expression of cytokeratins, CD30, CD117 and neuroendocrine markers (synaptophysin and chromogranin A) in AS, intense positive nuclear staining for S100 protein in neoplastic cells has not hitherto been observed. This article reports on a spindle-cell AS of the scalp notable for aberrant expression of S100, spontaneous regression and recurrence 2 years later at the same site and displaying identical histological and immunohistochemical features.
Genomic Assessment of Blitz Nevi Suggests Classification as a Subset of Blue Nevus Rather Than Spitz Nevus: Clinical, Histopathologic, and Molecular Analysis of 18 Cases
Authors: Isales Maria C. , Haugh Alexandra M. , Bubley Jeffrey , Verzì Anna E. , Zhang Bin , Kudalkar Emily , Lee Christina Y. , Yazdan Pedram , Guitart Joan , Gerami Pedram
Published: May 2017

Blitz nevi/tumors are a distinct subset of melanocytic neoplasia which show mixed morphologic features of Spitz and blue nevus. Genomically, most blue nevi have GNAQ or GNA11 mutations while most Spitzoid neoplasms have either an HRAS mutation or translocations involving MET, ROS, BRAF, ALK1, NTRK1, and RET. The criteria used for the assessment of malignancy in blue and Spitzoid lesions are different, and these lesions have different prognostic markers. In this study, we assess the clinical, morphological, and genomic changes in 18 cases of Blitz nevi/tumors to better characterize this subset of neoplasms and determine their optimal genomic classification. Most lesions occurred on the extremities followed by the head and neck region typical of blue nevi. Histology showed most cases having a prominent plexiform growth pattern with cells aggregating around the adnexal structures and neurovascular bundles also typical of blue nevi. Using next generation sequencing, we detected the presence of somatic mutations in GNAQ or GNA11 in 4 of 7 cases (57%) of Blitz nevi with sufficient DNA available for sequencing. Normal skin samples in these 4 cases were sequenced to confirm that the GNAQ or GNA11 mutations were somatic mutations. All 4 cases were negative for immunohistochemical assessment for wild-type BRAF, RET, ALK, and NTRK1 and mutational analysis of HRAS was also negative in all cases. Hence, our study suggests that Blitz nevi/tumors are a distinct subset which genomically are best classified as a subset of blue nevi.
Sustained Viral Suppression in HIV-infected Children on Once-daily Lopinavir/Ritonavir in Clinical Practice
Authors: Gondrie Ivar P. E. , Bastiaans Diane E. T. , Fraaij Pieter L. A. , Driessen Gertjan J. A. , van der Knaap Linda C. , Visser Eline G. , van Jaarsveld Petronette , de Groot Ronald , Hartwig Nico G. , Burger David M. , van Rossum Annemarie M. C.
Published: May 2017

Background:

The use of lopinavir/ritonavir once-daily (LPV/r QD) has not been approved for children. Good short-term clinical, virologic and immunologic outcomes have been observed in children on LPV/r QD.

Methods:

We evaluated the long-term effectiveness of a LPV/r QD containing regimen in HIV-1–infected children in clinical practice. Selected children (0–18 years of age) with an undetectable HIV-1 RNA viral load (<50 copies/mL) for at least 6 months on a twice-daily LPV/r-containing regimen switched to LPV/r QD. The main outcome measures were the percentage of patients with an undetectable HIV-1 viral load each subsequent year after switch to LPV/r QD (on treatment and last observation carried forward), and virologic failure during follow-up (>400 copies/mL twice within 6 months). Also, the exposure to LPV on the initial once-daily dosing regimen was determined.

Results:

Forty children (median age: 6.5 years; range: 1.0–17) were included. Median follow-up was 6.3 years (range: 1.0–10.3). During yearly follow-up, the percentage of children with an undetectable viral load varied between 82% and 100% (on treatment) and 83% and 93% (last observation carried forward). Five children (12.5%) met the criteria for failure. CD4+ and CD8+ counts remained stable at normal values. Geometric mean LPV area under the plasma concentration-time curve (linear up-log down method) over a dosing interval from time 0 to 24 hours after dosing was 169.3 mg x h/L, and last observed drug concentration was 1.35 mg/L. Adverse events were encountered in 8 patients, were mainly gastrointestinal, and in these cases, no reason to stop treatment.

Conclusion:

A once-daily LPV/r-containing regimen in HIV-1–infected children with intensive clinical and therapeutic drug monitoring is well tolerated and has good long-term clinical, virologic and immunologic outcomes.
Hydrodynamic and Geometric Behavior of Two Pericardial Prostheses Implanted in Small Aortic Roots
Authors: Tasca Giordano , Beniamino Fiore Gianfranco , Redaelli Paola , Romagnoni Claudia , Redaelli Alberto , Gamba Amando , Antona Carlo , Vismara Riccardo
Published: May 2017

Hydrodynamic performance of stented bioprostheses is far below that of the native valve. One of the reasons is that the internal diameter of the prosthesis is usually smaller than that of the native valve. However, other valve characteristics are also important in generating the pressure drop. We aimed to assess, in an ex vivo pulsatile mock loop, the hydrodynamic behavior of two bioprostheses, Trifecta and Mitroflow, to ascertain which geometric terms are limiting factors in hydrodynamic performance. At stroke volumes between 30 and 60 ml, Trifecta showed lower pressure drop, energy dissipation and valve resistance, and greater effective orifice area. This trend was overturned at higher stroke volumes, with Mitroflow slightly outperforming Trifecta. The geometric determinants were consistent with these results. Trifecta achieved its maximum opening area already at the lowest stroke volumes, featuring a divergent shape at the systolic peak. Mitroflow showed a complex opening pattern, featuring a convergent shape at the systolic peak for lower stroke volumes, while reaching its maximum opening area at higher stroke volumes, with a divergent shape. The two bioprostheses, although similar in design, displayed different biomechanical behaviors. The internal diameter of each bioprosthesis did not show to be strictly correlated with its hydrodynamic characteristics.