bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
H
s
-class construction of an almost invariant slow subspace for the Klein–Gordon equation in the non-relativistic limit
Authors: Mohamad Haidar , Oliver Marcel
Published: May 2018

We consider the linear Klein–Gordon equation in one spatial dimension with periodic boundary conditions in the non-relativistic limit where ε = ℏ2/(mc2) tends to zero. It is classical that the equation is well posed, for example, in the sense of possessing a continuous semiflow into spaces Hs+1 × Hs for wave function and momentum, respectively. In this paper, we iteratively construct a family of bounded operators FslowN:Hs+1→Hs whose graphs are O(εN)-invariant subspaces under the Klein–Gordon evolution for O(1) times. Contrary to a naive asymptotic series, there is no “loss of derivatives” in the iterative step; i.e., the Sobolev index s can be chosen independent of N. This is achieved by solving an operator Sylvester equation at each step of the construction.
Late-time mixing and turbulent behavior in high-energy-density shear experiments at high Atwood numbers
Authors: Flippo K. A. , Doss F. W. , Merritt E. C. , DeVolder B. G. , Di Stefano C. A. , Bradley P. A. , Capelli D. , Cardenas T. , Desjardins T. R. , Fierro F. , Huntington C. M. , Kline J. L. , Kot L. , Kurien S. , Loomis E. N. , MacLaren S. A. , Murphy T. J. , Nagel S. R. , Perry T. S. , Randolph R. B. , Rasmus A. , Schmidt D. W.
Published: May 2018

The LANL Shear Campaign uses millimeter-scale initially solid shock tubes on the National Ignition Facility to conduct high-energy-density hydrodynamic plasma experiments, capable of reaching energy densities exceeding 100 kJ/cm3. These shock-tube experiments have for the first time reproduced spontaneously emergent coherent structures due to shear-based fluid instabilities [i.e., Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH)], demonstrating hydrodynamic scaling over 8 orders of magnitude in time and velocity. The KH vortices, referred to as “rollers,” and the secondary instabilities, referred to as “ribs,” are used to understand the turbulent kinetic energy contained in the system. Their evolution is used to understand the transition to turbulence and that transition's dependence on initial conditions. Experimental results from these studies are well modeled by the RAGE (Radiation Adaptive Grid Eulerian) hydro-code using the Besnard-Harlow-Rauenzahn turbulent mix model. Information inferred from both the experimental data and the mix model allows us to demonstrate that the specific Turbulent Kinetic Energy (sTKE) in the layer, as calculated from the plan-view structure data, is consistent with the mixing width growth and the RAGE simulations of sTKE.
Influence of vorticity distribution on singularities in linearized supersonic flow
Authors: Gopal Vijay , Maddalena Luca
Published: May 2018

The linearized steady three-dimensional supersonic flow can be analyzed using a vector potential approach which transforms the governing equation to a standard form of two-dimensional wave equation. Of particular interest are the canonical horseshoe line-vortex distribution and the resulting induced velocity field in supersonic flow. In this case, the singularities are present at the vortex line itself and also at the surface of the cone of influence originating from the vertices of the horseshoe structure. This is a characteristic of the hyperbolic nature of the flow which renders the study of supersonic vortex dynamics a challenging task. It is conjectured in this work that the presence of the singularity at the cone of influence is associated with the step-function nature of the vorticity distribution specified in the canonical case. At the phenomenological level, if one considers the three-dimensional steady supersonic flow, then a sudden appearance of a line-vortex will generate a ripple of singularities in the induced velocity field which convect downstream and laterally spread, at the most, to the surface of the cone of influence. Based on these findings, this work includes an exploration of potential candidates for vorticity distributions that eliminate the singularities at the cone of influence. The analysis of the resulting induced velocity field is then compared with the canonical case, and it is observed that the singularities were successfully eliminated. The manuscript includes an application of the proposed method to study the induced velocity field in a confined supersonic flow.
Optical absorption of Fröhlich polaron in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Li Peng-Fei , Wang Zi-Wu
Published: May 2018

We theoretically study the optical absorption of a Fröhlich polaron in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDS) on different polar substrates using the Devreese-Huybrechts-Lemmens model, in which both the surface optical phonon modes induced by the polar substrate and the intrinsic longitudinal optical phonon modes have been taken into account. We find that the optical absorption occurs only as the energy of incident photon exceeds the energy of optical phonon. The behaviors of absorption are determined by the interplays between the strength of electron-optical phonon coupling and the energy of optical phonon. The amplitude of absorption can be tuned directly by the internal distance between TMDS and polar substrates. These theoretical results provide significant insight into the infrared absorption in two-dimensional materials.
Pressure cell for radio-frequency dielectric measurements at low temperatures
Authors: Rösslhuber R. , Uykur E. , Dressel M.
Published: May 2018

We present the design, test, and performance of a piston type pressure cell for low-temperature dielectric measurements up to 10 kbar with particular emphasis on the electrical feedthrough for four coaxial cables and four conventional copper wires. The coaxial cables provide proper shielding of the applied test signal; a commercial continuous flow cryostat allows us to minimize the total cable length enabling temperature and pressure-dependent dielectric spectroscopy measurements down to 8 K and up to 5 MHz. We performed open compensation measurements, i.e., background measurements of the response originating from the pressure setup without a sample, to obtain its high frequency characteristics. The stray capacitance of the pressure setup is determined as Cstray = 40 fF, making it possible to measure small single crystals with a weak dielectric response. The proper operation is verified by comparing measurements of a test sample in the pressure setup at ambient pressure and in a standard dielectric spectroscopy setup.
Note: A phase synchronization photography method for AC discharge
Authors: Wu Zhicheng , Zhang Qiaogen , Ma Jingtan , Pang Lei
Published: May 2018

To research discharge physics under AC voltage, a phase synchronization photography method is presented. By using a permanent-magnet synchronous motor to drive a photography mask synchronized with a discharge power supply, discharge images in a specific phase window can be recorded. Some examples of discharges photographed by this method, including the corona discharge in SF6 and the corona discharge along the air/epoxy surface, demonstrate the feasibility of this method. Therefore, this method provides an effective tool for discharge physics researchers.
On numerical study of coupled plasma-wall instability
Authors: Krasheninnikov S. I.
Published: May 2018

A rather simple approach to the numerical study of instabilities, associated with coupled plasma and wall-related transport processes, is suggested. It allows coupling of different plasma and wall-related transport models without performing additional simulations.
Luminescence behaviour and deposition of Sc2O3 thin films from scandium(III) acetylacetonate at ambient pressure
Authors: Dixon Sebastian C. , Jiamprasertboon Arreerat , Carmalt Claire J. , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: May 2018

Scandium(III) oxide thin film deposition has been historically difficult to achieve without the use of vacuum-based or wet chemical systems due to precursor limitations of low vapour pressure or ambient instability. In this letter, the adoption of aerosol-assisted delivery of scandium(III) acetylacetonate has enabled the chemical vapour deposition of polycrystalline and amorphous Sc2O3 thin films at ambient pressure with high growth rates (ca. 500 nm h−1). The scandia films were intrinsically highly photoluminescent, exhibiting broad emission bands centred at 3.6 and 3.0 eV, which increased significantly in intensity upon aerobic annealing, accompanying a transition from amorphous to crystalline, while bands appearing at 2.1 and 2.3 eV seemed to occur only in the crystalline films. In addition, both amorphous and crystalline scandia films exhibited blue-green vibronic fine structure between 2.3 and 3.2 eV attributed to the electronic transition BΣ+→ΧΣ+22 in surface  ⋯O−⋯O−Sc=O groups and split by a vibrational mode observed at 920±60 cm−1 by infrared spectroscopy. Band gaps of amorphous and crystalline Sc2O3 were determined to be 5.3 and 5.7 eV, respectively via diffuse reflectance. All films had high refractive indices, varying between 1.8 and 2.0 at 400 nm depending on film thickness and carrier gas used in the deposition; film thicknesses less than ca. 300 nm were observed to have a strong influence on the refractive index measured, while there was little variation for films thicker than this. The synthesis process itself is exceedingly low-cost and facile thus promising streamlined industrial scalability.
Effect of immunocastration on growth performance, gonadal development and carcass and meat quality of SuHuai female pigs
Authors: Xue Yongqiang , Zheng Weijiang , Zhang Feng , Rao Shiting , Peng Zhifeng , Yao Wen
Published: May 2018

The present study was aimed to compare growth performance, gonadal development, carcass characteristic and meat quality among SuHuai entire, immunocastrated and surgically castrated female pigs. Eighty 12-week-old SuHuai gilts were randomly assigned to the following four treatment groups with four pigs per pen and five replicate pens per treatment: control (PBS injection), two-dose Improvac regimen (V2), three-dose Improvac regimen (V3) and surgical castration (S). All pigs had ad libitum access to standard diets and water. The performance and occurrence of oestrus were recorded in the trial. Backfat thickness and loin eye muscle area were recorded ultrasonically. The pigs were slaughtered to measure the weight and size of the uterus, and the weight and activity of the ovaries, to determine the serum concentrations of progesterone, and to evaluate the quality of carcass and meat. There were no significant differences in growth performance among the four groups, except for the V2, which had a better average daily feed intake (P < 0.05). Carcass and meat quality were comparable among the four groups; however, the intramuscular fat in control was higher than the V2 and V3 (P < 0.01). Mean ovary and uterus weights and oestrus of female pigs in V2 and V3 were significantly (P < 0.01) lower than in control, but the difference between the V2 and V3 was not significant. The concentration of progesterone in the control was significantly higher than that in the V2, V3 and S (P < 0.05). These results indicated that immunocastration successfully suppressed gonadal development and had no adverse effects on growth performance, or carcass or meat-quality traits in Chinese SuHuai female pigs.
Dehorning and welfare indicators in beef cattle: a meta-analysis
Authors: Canozzi M. E. A. , Mederos A. , Turner S. , Manteca X. , McManus C. , Menegassi S. R. O. , Barcellos J. O. J.
Published: May 2018

Dehorning is a common practice in cattle farming. Researchers suggest that pain during dehorning can be mitigated, although there is no conclusive evidence about the best technique and the best manner of pain relief. A systematic review-meta-analysis was performed to clarify the effect of dehorning on welfare indicators (cortisol concentration or average daily gain or vocalisation) in beef cattle up to 12 months of age. Five electronic databases were systematically searched, as well as conference proceedings and experts were contacted electronically. Pre-defined protocols were applied during all steps of the systematic review process. A random effect meta-analysis was conducted for each indicator separately with the mean of the control and treated groups. Four publications reporting seven studies and 69 trials were included in the MA involving 287 cattle. Heterogeneity between studies was observed for cortisol (I2
= 50.5%), average daily gain (I2
= 70.5%), and vocalisation (I2
= 91.9%). When comparing the non-dehorned group with amputation dehorning, the cortisol concentration was lower 30 min (P < 0.0001) and 120 min (P = 0.023) after procedure (0.767 nmol/L and 0.680 nmol/L, respectively). Local anaesthesia did not show a reduction in cortisol concentration at 30 min after dehorning by amputation. Non-dehorned animals had a tendency to decrease the number of vocalisation (P = 0.081; MD = 0.929) compared with the group dehorned by amputation. These results suggest that dehorning is a painful experience and that local anaesthesia did not alleviate short-term pain following dehorning. Further investigation into pain relief is required to improve confident decision making under practical conditions.
Global signal of top-down control of terrestrial plant communities by herbivores
Authors: Jia Shihong , Wang Xugao , Yuan Zuoqiang , Lin Fei , Ye Ji , Hao Zhanqing , Luskin Matthew Scott
Published: May 2018

Significance

A focus in ecology is understanding the processes that govern ecosystem productivity and biodiversity. A multitude of co-occurring biological mechanisms shape these properties in plant communities, but the relative importance of specific processes remains ambiguous, such as competition among individuals and species for resources (bottom-up regulation) and the role of herbivory in controlling plant populations (top-down regulation). In this global synthesis of herbivore impacts on terrestrial plants, we find strong evidence that herbivores regulate most plant communities, but their positive effects on diversity may be contingent on a subset of animals and specific habitats. We conclude that the strength of top-down regulation in terrestrial ecosystems appears more variable and context-dependent than in aquatic systems.
Two-way mixed-effects methods for joint association analysis using both host and pathogen genomes
Authors: Wang Miaoyan , Roux Fabrice , Bartoli Claudia , Huard-Chauveau Carine , Meyer Christopher , Lee Hana , Roby Dominique , McPeek Mary Sara , Bergelson Joy
Published: May 2018

Significance

Genome-wide association (GWA) mapping is a powerful tool for identification of genetic variants underlying complex traits. However, existing methods typically perform GWA mapping within a single species; methods allowing the description of the genomic landscape of interspecies interactions are only beginning to be developed. Here, we present a method to simultaneously perform GWA mapping on two interacting species. We applied our approach to the
Arabidopsis thaliana–Xanthomonas arboricola
pathosystem and identified candidate genes conferring host–pathogen specificity. By integrating the whole-genome sequence data available for pairs of interacting species, we can decipher the genetic architecture of complex traits in finer detail than has previously been possible.
A theta rhythm in macaque visual cortex and its attentional modulation
Authors: Spyropoulos Georgios , Bosman Conrado Arturo , Fries Pascal
Published: May 2018

Significance

Theta rhythms, ≈3–8 Hz, have been found in many different parts of the brain. They are predominant in the rodent hippocampus, yet have also been described in the neocortex, primarily in frontal and parietal areas in relation to executive functions. Here, we show a ≈4-Hz theta rhythm in awake macaque monkey area V4 and primary visual cortex. This theta rhythm was spatially coextensive with visually induced gamma-band activity, and gamma power was modulated by theta phase. The strength of theta and of theta-rhythmic gamma modulation was markedly reduced by selective attention. Theta rhythmicity has been observed in microsaccade sequences, and microsaccades influence early visual activity. Yet, removing (the effects of) microsaccades did not influence the results.
Sequential activation of human signal recognition particle by the ribosome and signal sequence drives efficient protein targeting
Authors: Lee Jae Ho , Chandrasekar Sowmya , Chung SangYoon , Hwang Fu Yu-Hsien , Liu Demi , Weiss Shimon , Shan Shu-ou
Published: May 2018

Significance

The universally conserved signal recognition particle (SRP) delivers ∼30% of the proteome to the appropriate cellular membrane. How SRP achieves efficient and selective protein targeting in eukaryotes remains elusive. Here, we show that a functional signal sequence on the nascent polypeptide confers a significant kinetic privilege to ribosome-bound SRP during the recruitment of SRP receptor, thereby enabling rapid and selective membrane targeting of SRP-dependent substrates. In addition, single-molecule spectroscopy revealed ribosome- and signal sequence-induced global conformational rearrangements in human SRP, which, together with biochemical analyses, provides a molecular model for substrate-induced activation of mammalian SRP. Analogous mechanisms have been described for replication, transcription, and translation, and may be envisioned for other pathways in which biological fidelity exceeds substrate binding specificity.
Immunologic injury of cultured cells infected with measles virus. I. role of IfG antibody and the alternative complement pathway.
Authors: Joseph B S , Cooper N R , Oldstone M B
Published: May 2018

In these studies, a number of human cell lines including epithelial, neural, glial, and lymphoid cells infected with several strains of measles virus were found to be lysed upon incubation with fresh sera from humans containing antibody measles virus. In all instances, the cytolytic event was mediated by alternative complement (C) pathway without a significant contribution from classical pathway. In contrast, isolated measles virus in conjunction with antibody was found to selectively activate the classical C pathway. Measles antibodies of the IgG class, but not the IgA class, possessed cytolytic potential against cells infected with measles virus. Human IgG antibodies could directly activate the alternative C pathway. No defect was found in cytolytic measles antibody in sera or cerebrospinal fluid from patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, nor was the alternative C pathway impaired in sera from these patients. Sera from newborn humans exhibited a functional alternative C pathway.
Effects on C-reactive protein on the lymphoid system. I. Binding to thymus-dependent lymphocytes and alteration of their functions.
Authors: Mortensen R F , Osmand A P , Gewurz H
Published: May 2018

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein which shares with the immunoglobulins the ability to induce precipitation and agglutination reactions and activate the complement system. We report here that purified human CRP binds selectively to human T lymphocytes, inhibits their ability to form spontaneous rosettes with sheep erythrocytes and inhibits their response to allogeneic cells in mixed lymphocyte culture reactions; it fails to inhibit phytohemagglutinin- or concanavalin-A-induced mitogenesis. CRP does not bind to human B lymphocytes, nor does it alter the following B-cell functions: binding to activated complement components or the Fc portion of immunoglobulins, mediation of antibody-dependent cytotoxicity reactions or the ability of allogeneic cells to stimulate a mixed lymphocyte culture reaction. Human CRP shows similar selective binding with murine T lymphocytes. It therefore seems that binding of CRP is a property of T lymphocytes or a subpopulation thereof, and can result in modulation of certain of the T-cell functional characteristics in vitro. We suggest that CRP may play a role in modulating T-cell functions during the inflammatory state.
Isolation and analysis of the mechanism of action of an inactivator of C4b in normal human serum.
Authors: Cooper N R
Published: May 2018

A complement regulatory principle, C4b inactivator, was isolated in a partially purified form from normal human serum. The C4b inactivator, a beta1-globulin with an approximate mol wt of 88,000 daltons, and which may be identical to C3b inactivator, cleaved C4b in free solution or on the surface of cells and rendered it unable to participate in hemolytic reactions or to interact with cells, having receptors for C4b. C/b inactivator functioned by cleaving the alpha-polypeptide chain of C4b at a single site which was sufficient to dissociate the molecule into two fragments, C4c and C4d, and to inactivate it biological function. Certain structural correlates of C4 functions deriving from these studies are discussed and a model for C4 structure based on these findings is presented.
Doctrinal Reasoning as a Disruptive Practice
Authors: Allen Jessie
Published: May 2018

Legal doctrine is generally thought to contribute to legal decision-making only to the extent it determines substantive results. Yet in many cases, the available authorities are indeterminate. I propose a different model for how doctrinal reasoning might contribute to judicial decisions. Drawing on performance theory and psychological studies of readers, I argue that judges’ engagement with formal legal doctrine might have self-disrupting effects like those performers experience when they adopt uncharacteristic behaviors. Such disruptive effects would not explain how judges ultimately select, or should select, legal results. But they might help legal decision makers to set aside subjective biases.
On symmetric homeomorphisms on the real line
Authors: Yun Hu , Li Wu , Yuliang Shen
Published: May 2018

We introduce a complex Banach manifold structure on the space of normalized symmetric homeomorphisms on the real line.
LiveKraken––real-time metagenomic classification of illumina data
Authors: Tausch Simon H , Strauch Benjamin , Andrusch Andreas , Loka Tobias P , Lindner Martin S , Nitsche Andreas , Renard Bernhard Y
Published: May 2018

Motivation

In metagenomics, Kraken is one of the most widely used tools due to its robustness and speed. Yet, the overall turnaround time of metagenomic analysis is hampered by the sequential paradigm of wet and dry lab. In urgent experiments, it can be crucial to gain a timely insight into a dataset.

Results

Here, we present LiveKraken, a real-time read classification tool based on the core algorithm of Kraken. LiveKraken uses streams of raw data from Illumina sequencers to classify reads taxonomically. This way, we are able to produce results identical to those of Kraken the moment the sequencer finishes. We are furthermore able to provide comparable results in early stages of a sequencing run, allowing saving up to a week of sequencing time on an Illumina HiSeq in High Throughput Mode. While the number of classified reads grows over time, false classifications appear in negligible numbers and proportions of identified taxa are only affected to a minor extent.

Availability and implementation

LiveKraken is available at https://gitlab.com/rki_bioinformatics/LiveKraken.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
ProAcePred: prokaryote lysine acetylation sites prediction based on elastic net feature optimization
Authors: Chen Guodong , Cao Man , Luo Kun , Wang Lina , Wen Pingping , Shi Shaoping
Published: May 2018

Motivation

Lysine acetylation exists extensively in prokaryotes, and plays a vital role in function adjustment. Recent progresses in the identification of prokaryote acetylation substrates and sites provide a great opportunity to explore the difference of substrate site specificity between prokaryotic and eukaryotic acetylation. Motif analysis suggests that prokaryotic and eukaryotic acetylation sites have distinct location-specific difference, and it is necessary to develop a prokaryote-specific acetylation sites prediction tool.

Results

Therefore, we collected nine species of prokaryote lysine acetylation data from various databases and literature, and developed a novel online tool named ProAcePred for predicting prokaryote lysine acetylation sites. Optimization of feature vectors via elastic net could considerably improve the prediction performance. Feature analyses demonstrated that evolutionary information played significant roles in prediction model for prokaryote acetylation. Comparison between our method and other tools suggested that our species-specific prediction outperformed other existing works. We expect that the ProAcePred could provide more instructive help for further experimental investigation of prokaryotes acetylation.

Availability and implementation

http://computbiol.ncu.edu.cn/ProAcePred

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Integrability of exponential process and its application to backward stochastic differential equations
Authors: Gashi Bujar , Li Jiajie
Published: May 2018

We consider the integrability problem of an exponential process with unbounded coefficients. The integrability is established under weaker conditions of Kazamaki type, which complements the results of Yong obtained under a Novikov type condition. As applications, we consider the solvability of linear backward stochastic differential equations (BSDEs) and market completeness, the solvability of a Riccati BSDE and optimal investment, all in the setting of unbounded coefficients.
Anti-Influenza Hyperimmune Immunoglobulin Enhances Fc-Functional Antibody Immunity During Human Influenza Infection
Authors: Vanderven Hillary A , Wragg Kathleen , Ana-Sosa-Batiz Fernanda , Kristensen Anne B , Jegaskanda Sinthujan , Wheatley Adam K , Wentworth Deborah , Wines Bruce D , Hogarth P Mark , Rockman Steve , Kent Stephen J ,   INSIGHT FLU005 Pilot Study Writing Group, Emery Sean , Lane H Clifford , Amin Janaki , Davey Richard T , Markowitz Norman P , Pett Sarah L , Beigel John , Gardner Edward , Temesgen Zelalem
Published: May 2018

Anti-influenza hyperimmune immunoglobulin (Flu-IVIG) generally contained higher concentrations of influenza-specific Fc-functional antibodies than standard intravenous immunoglobulins against an array of influenza virus strains and subtypes. Passive infusion of Flu-IVIG into influenza-infected patients transiently boosted Fc-functional antibodies early after infusion.
Two decision problems in Contact Logics
Authors: Balbiani Philippe , Gencer Çiğdem , Özdemir Zafer
Published: May 2018

Contact Logics provide a natural framework for representing and reasoning about regions in several areas of computer science. In this paper, we focus our attention on reasoning methods for Contact Logics and address the satisfiability problem and the unifiability problem. Firstly, we give sound and complete tableaux-based decision procedures in Contact Logics and we obtain new results about the decidability/complexity of the satisfiability problem in these logics. Secondly, we address the computability of the unifiability problem in Contact Logics and we obtain new results about the unification type of the unifiability problem in these logics.
Origin of raptorial feeding in juvenile euarthropods revealed by a Cambrian radiodontan
Authors: Liu Jianni , Lerosey-Aubril Rudy , Steiner Michael , Dunlop Jason A , Shu Degan , Paterson John R
Published: May 2018

The rapid rise of arthropods during the Cambrian quickly established some clades, such as the euarthropod stem-group called Radiodonta, as the dominant and most diverse predators in marine ecosystems. Recent discoveries have shown that the size and dietary ecology of radiodontans are far more diverse than previously thought, but little is known about the feeding habits of juveniles. Here, we document a very small (∼18-mm-long), near-complete specimen of the radiodontan Lyrarapax unguispinus from the early Cambrian Chengjiang Biota of China. This specimen is the smallest radiodontan individual known, representing a juvenile instar. Its adult-like morphology—especially the fully developed spinose frontal appendages and tetraradial oral cone—indicates that L. unguispinus was a well-equipped predator at an early developmental stage, similar to modern raptorial euarthropods, such as mantises, mantis shrimps and arachnids. This evidence, coupled with the basal phylogenetic position of radiodontans, confirms that raptorial feeding habits in juvenile euarthropods appeared early in the evolutionary history of the group.
Anatomical Assessment of the Temporopolar Artery for Revascularization of Deep Recipients
Authors: Tayebi Meybodi Ali , Benet Arnau , Griswold Dylan , Dones Flavia , Preul Mark C , Lawton Michael T
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Intracranial–intracranial and extracranial–intracranial bypass options for revascularization of deep cerebral recipients are limited and technically demanding.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the anatomical feasibility of using the temporopolar artery (TPA) for revascularization of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), posterior cerebral artery (PCA), and superior cerebellar arteries (SCA).

METHODS

Orbitozygomatic craniotomy was performed bilaterally on 8 cadaveric heads. The cisternal segment of the TPA was dissected. The TPA was cut at M3-M4 junction with its proximal and distal calibers and the length of the cisternal segment measured. Feasibility of the TPA-A1-ACA, TPA-A2-ACA, TPA-SCA, and TPA-PCA bypasses were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 17 TPAs were identified in 16 specimens. The average distal TPA caliber was 1.0 ± 0.2 mm, and the average cisternal length was 37.5 ± 9.4 mm. TPA caliber was ≥ 1.0 mm in 12 specimens (70%). The TPA-A1-ACA bypass was feasible in all specimens, whereas the TPA reached the A2-ACA, SCA, and PCA in 94% of specimens (16/17). At the point of anastomosis, the average recipient caliber was 2.5 ± 0.5 mm for A1-ACA, and 2.3 ± 0.7 mm for A2-ACA. The calibers of the SCA and PCA at the anastomosis points were 2.0 ± 0.6 mm, and 2.7 ± 0.8 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The TPA-ACA, TPA-PCA, and TPA-SCA bypasses are anatomically feasible and may be used when the distal caliber of the TPA stump is optimal to provide adequate blood flow. This study lays foundations for clinical use of the TPA for ACA revascularization in well-selected cases.
OAO/MITSuME photometry of dwarf novae. III. CSS130418:174033+414756
Authors: Imada Akira , Isogai Keisuke , Yanagisawa Kenshi , Kawai Nobuyuki
Published: May 2018

We report on multicolor photometry of the short-period dwarf nova CSS130418:174033+414756 during the 2013 superoutburst. The system showed an unusually short superhump period of 0.046346(67) d during stage A, which is one of the shortest periods among dwarf novae below the period minimum. We found that the bluest peaks in g΄ − Ic color variations tended to coincide with the brightness minima of the superhump modulations. We also studied nightly-averaged superhump amplitudes in the g΄, Rc, and Ic bands and found that they have less dependence on wavelength. These properties are likely to be in common with dwarf novae exhibiting superhumps. We successfully obtained g΄ − Rc and Rc − Ic colors during the temporal dip. The color indices were significantly bluer compared with other dips of WZ Sge-type dwarf novae. By using the period of the growing superhumps, we estimated the mass ratio to be q = 0.077(5), which is much larger than the previous study.
Development of a clinical risk score for pain and function following total knee arthroplasty: results from the TRIO study
Authors: Shim Joanna , Mclernon David J , Hamilton David , Simpson Hamish A , Beasley Marcus , Macfarlane Gary J
Published: May 2018

Objectives

The aim was to develop and validate a simple clinical prediction model, based on easily collected preoperative information, to identify patients at high risk of pain and functional disability 6 months after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

This was a multicentre cohort study of patients from nine centres across the UK, who were undergoing a primary TKA for OA. Information on sociodemographic, psychosocial, clinical and quality-of-life measures were collected at recruitment. The primary outcome measure for this analysis was the Oxford knee score (OKS), measured 6 months postoperatively by postal questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was used to develop the model. Model performance (discrimination and calibration) and internal validity were assessed, and a simple clinical risk score was developed.

Results

Seven hundred and twenty-one participants (mean age 68.3 years; 53% female) provided data for the present analysis, and 14% had a poor outcome at 6 months. Key predictors were poor clinical status, widespread body pain, high expectation of postoperative pain and lack of active coping. The developed model based on these variables demonstrated good discrimination. At the optimal cut-off, the final model had a sensitivity of 83%, specificity of 61% and positive likelihood ratio of 2.11. Excellent agreement was found between observed and predicted outcomes, and there was no evidence of overfitting in the model.

Conclusion

We have developed and validated a clinical prediction model that can be used to identify patients at high risk of a poor outcome after TKA. This clinical risk score may be an aid to shared decision-making between patient and clinician.
Predicting Young Adults Binge Drinking in Nightlife Scenes: An Evaluation of the D-ARIANNA Risk Estimation Model
Authors: Crocamo Cristina , Bartoli Francesco , Montomoli Cristina , Carrà Giuseppe
Published: May 2018

Objectives:

Binge drinking (BD) among young people has significant public health implications. Thus, there is the need to target users most at risk. We estimated the discriminative accuracy of an innovative model nested in a recently developed e-Health app (Digital-Alcohol RIsk Alertness Notifying Network for Adolescents and young adults [D-ARIANNA]) for BD in young people, examining its performance to predict short-term BD episodes.

Methods:

We consecutively recruited young adults in pubs, discos, or live music events. Participants self-administered the app D-ARIANNA, which incorporates an evidence-based risk estimation model for the dependent variable BD. They were re-evaluated after 2 weeks using a single-item BD behavior as reference. We estimated D-ARIANNA discriminative ability through measures of sensitivity and specificity, and also likelihood ratios. ROC curve analyses were carried out, exploring variability of discriminative ability across subgroups.

Results:

The analyses included 507 subjects, of whom 18% reported at least 1 BD episode at follow-up. The majority of these had been identified as at high/moderate or high risk (65%) at induction. Higher scores from the D-ARIANNA risk estimation model reflected an increase in the likelihood of BD. Additional risk factors such as high pocket money availability and alcohol expectancies influence the predictive ability of the model.

Conclusions:

The D-ARIANNA model showed an appreciable, though modest, predictive ability for subsequent BD episodes. Post-hoc model showed slightly better predictive properties. Using up-to-date technology, D-ARIANNA appears an innovative and promising screening tool for BD among young people. Long-term impact remains to be established, and also the role of additional social and environmental factors.
Does fusion to T2 compared with T3/T4 lead to improved shoulder balance in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with a double thoracic curve?
Authors: Lee Choon Sung , Hwang Chang Ju , Lee Dong-Ho , Cho Jae Hwan
Published: May 2018

Proximal fusion level selection in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with a double thoracic curve (Lenke-2) remains debatable. The aim of this study was to compare the radiological outcomes of corrective surgery for Lenke-2 AIS according to the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV). This study included 74 patients who underwent corrective surgery for Lenke-2 AIS with the right main thoracic and left proximal thoracic (PT) curve at a single center. Various radiological parameters were measured using whole-spine standing radiographs preoperatively and postoperatively. Patients were grouped by proximal fusion level: T2 (group F; fusion, N=15) or T3/T4 (group NF; nonfusion, N=59). Preoperative and postoperative radiological parameters were compared between the two groups. Group NF was divided on the basis of the existence of a postoperative shoulder imbalance (PSI; >15 mm) and a subgroup analysis was carried out. PT curve correction rate (58.5 vs. 46.3%, P=0.005), right shoulder depression (4.3 vs. 10.3 mm, P=0.020), and proximal adjacent wedging (1.1 vs. 3.5°, P<0.001) were different between groups F and NF postoperatively. In the subgroup analysis, the Risser grade (3.9 vs. 2.8, P=0.009) and the main thoracic curve flexibility (53.5 vs. 42.6%, P=0.038) were different between the PSI positive and the PSI negative group when T3 or T4 was chosen as the UIV in Lenke-2 AIS. If T2 is selected as the UIV in patients with Lenke-2 AIS, more PT curve correction, less right shoulder depression, and less adjacent disc wedging can be anticipated. If T3 or T4 is chosen as the UIV, then right shoulder depression can be a problem postoperatively. Greater skeletal maturity and higher flexibility of the main thoracic curve might be preoperative risk factors for PSI. Thus, extension of the proximal fusion to T2 can be considered if the patient shows greater skeletal maturation and more flexible main thoracic curve to prevent PSI in Lenke-2 AIS with the right main thoracic and left PT curve.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-associated hepatocellular carcinoma in a hepatitis B virus-endemic area
Authors: Yoon Chang Hwi , Jin Young-Joo , Lee Jin Woo
Published: May 2018

Background

This study was carried out to evaluate the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) between 2005 and 2015 in a hepatitis B virus (HBV)-endemic area.

Patients and methods

The medical records of 1327 patients initially diagnosed with HCC at our institution between January 2005 and December 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with other malignancies in addition to HCC were excluded. During the study period, changes in the proportion of NAFLD-associated HCC among all HCCs were assessed longitudinally. In addition, the clinical characteristics of NAFLD-associated HCC were evaluated.

Results

Among the 1327 patients, HBV was the most common (65.5%) cause of HCC, and the overall rate of NAFLD-associated HCC was 4.7%. Compared with HBV-associated HCC patients, NAFLD-associated HCC patients were older, had a higher median body mass index, and a larger median tumor size (P<0.05 for all). Liver cirrhosis was less frequent in NAFLD-associated than in HBV-associated HCC patients (P<0.05). The annual proportions of NAFLD-associated HCC patients were 3.4% in 2005, 3.6% in 2006, 3.5% in 2007, 3.2% in 2008, 4.2% in 2009, 4.4% in 2010, 5.6% in 2011, 5.2% in 2012, 5.8% in 2013, 7.0% in 2014, and 6.7% in 2015. From 2008 to 2015, these percentages increased steadily.

Conclusion

The annual proportion of NAFLD-associated HCC patients among all HCC patients ranged from 3.2 to 3.5% before 2008, but thereafter, it increased gradually and had doubled to 7.0% by 2014.
Nonesophageal Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders
Authors: Naramore Sara , Gupta Sandeep K.
Published: May 2018

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders are a set of conditions with a wide range of clinical manifestations and treatment modalities. The disorders are suspected to result from an abnormal inflammatory response to allergen (s), and individuals may develop a relapsing or chronic disease, if the allergen is not eliminated. Mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, including the humoral immune response, need to be fully elucidated. A variety of therapies are used, although there is a lack of well‐defined randomized, prospective studies. Other therapeutic options are needed as the current treatments have potential concerns; elimination diets may impair a child's quality of life, and corticosteroids have adverse risks with long‐term use. We review what is known about nonesophageal eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders, and discuss research investigations which need to be conducted to facilitate diagnosis and enhance treatment methods.
Nurse-Assisted Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement Is a Safe Procedure in Adult Patients
Authors: Gye Vibeke , Mortensen M. B.
Published: May 2018

The percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) procedure is normally carried out by two doctors. Preliminary experience has suggested that this procedure may be accomplished with the same safety level using one doctor and a specially trained endoscopy nurse. The aim of the study was to assess the immediate outcome and 30 days' procedure-related morbidity following nurse-assisted percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (NA-PEG) in an unselected population of adult patients. Retrospective, nonconsecutive analysis of NA-PEG procedures were registered between 2008 and 2014. Demographic data, indications, and early and late procedure complications were registered. During the study period, a total of 222 nonconsecutive adult patients had a NA-PEG placement. Neurologic (56%) and malignant diseases (35%) were the major indications for the PEG placement. The NA-PEGs were performed by six specially trained endoscopy nurses. NA-PEG-related overall morbidity was 24%, and all complications were minor. No procedure-related mortality occurred. When NA-PEG was compared with standard PEG placement literature, there was no increase in the number of complications, and the types of complications were similar. Despite being performed in patients with multiple co-morbid conditions, NA-PEG was a safe procedure with no mortality and minor complications. We suggest that NA-PEG should be used on a larger scale with the intention of saving time and medical costs.
Assessing the Correlation of Fecal Calprotectin and the Clinical Disease Activity Index in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Amiriani Taghi , Besharat Sima , Dadjou Mohammad , Roshandel Gholamreza , Mirkarimi HoneySadat , Salamat Faezeh , Joshaghani Hamidreza
Published: May 2018

It has been shown that fecal calprotectin can be used to evaluate mucosal inflammation better than using clinical indices and serum markers. The aim of this study was to assess the use of fecal calprotectin for evaluating the disease activity in 2 groups of patients with ulcerative colitis and a control group. The study population consisted of 30 patients with active-phase ulcerative colitis, 30 remission-phase patients, and 30 healthy control patients. After obtaining informed consent, we took blood and fecal samples. Fecal calprotectin was assessed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method; levels of more than 200 μg/g were considered abnormal. The Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index was used to evaluate disease activity. A one-way analysis of variance test and a Pearson correlation test were used to analyze the results. The means ±SD of the disease activity index were 4 ± 2.8, 6 ± 1.9, and 2.7 ± 2.5 in patients with active-phase and remission-phase ulcerative colitis, respectively (p < .001). Fecal calprotectin (μg/g) values (mean ±SD) for active-phase patients, remission-phase patients, and the control group patients were significantly different: 711.7 ± 228, 517 ± 328.2, and 304 ± 297.5, respectively. There was a significant correlation between fecal calprotectin and the disease activity index values (r = .41; p = .004). Fecal calprotectin could be a useful tool in assessing the bowel disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis.
Psychological Disorders and Quality of Life Among Patients With Chronic Viral Hepatitis
Authors: Fotos Nikolaos V. , Elefsiniotis Ioannis , Patelarou Athina , Giakoumidakis Konstantinos , Patelarou Evridiki , Kouros Andreas , Brokalaki Hero
Published: May 2018

Recent research evidence has shown that patients with chronic viral hepatitis develop symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, which has a strong impact on their health-related quality of life. This study aimed to assess the levels of anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life among patients with chronic hepatitis B or C in Greece. It was a cross-sectional study among 111 patients with chronic viral hepatitis, evaluated at a tertiary General Hospital of Athens from March to September of 2014. Anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life were assessed by the use of specially designed questionnaires. For the comparison between patients' population and general population, a pair-matched population of 111 healthy participants was recruited. Mean age of patients was 44.85 years (SD = 14.4). Fifty-nine patients were infected by hepatitis B virus and 52 by hepatitis C virus. Levels of anxiety and depression were higher among patients than among controls and the overall health-related quality of life was poorer (p < .001). Female gender and liver parenchyma damage were associated with higher levels of anxiety (p < .05). Certain demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical-serological factors were related with higher levels of depression. Poorer health-related quality of life was reported by patients with liver cirrhosis and alanine aminotransferase of 40 IU/L or more. Patients with chronic viral hepatitis demonstrate psychological and physical impairment, especially those with advance liver disease and/or active viral activity.
Female nutritional condition affects ovarian fluid quality in guppies
Authors: Cardozo Gabriela , Pilastro Andrea
Published: May 2018

Male and female gametes are often embedded in fluids that are produced by gonads and other reproductive tissues. Female reproductive fluids, usually called ovarian fluid (OF), which often constitute a relevant volumetric component of the egg mass, are rich in ions, sugars and proteins, and are involved in several functions, from protecting gametes to facilitating fertilization, and often act as mediators of post-mating sexual selection. Despite their applied and evolutionary importance, we know virtually nothing about the costs of female reproductive fluid production. We investigated the effect of nutritional condition on OF quality by experimentally manipulating the diet of two groups of female guppies (
Poecilia reticulata
) which were maintained for 20 days either on a restricted diet or had ad libitum access to food. In this species, OF enhances sperm swimming longevity and velocity (a predictor of sperm competition success) and mediates post-copulatory inbreeding avoidance. We found that sperm velocity was significantly lower in the OF of diet-restricted females, indicating that OF quality is dependent on female nutritional condition. Our results demonstrate that OF represents a non-trivial component of female reproductive investment and provides a tool to investigate which OF constituents are involved in modulating OF–sperm interactions and fertilization.