bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factores de riesgo relacionados a la falla de la sutura meniscal en niños y adolescentes
Authors: Calvo Rafael , Figueroa David , Fuente Paulina , Paccot Daniel , Calvo Mena R. , Vaisman Alex , Tuca Maria
Published: May 2017

Las lesiones meniscales en niños son cada día más frecuentes. La preservación meniscal es una prioridad en este grupo de pacientes, sin embargo, existen pocos artículos que muestran los resultados de suturas meniscales en niños.

Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio es identificar factores de riesgo de falla en pacientes sometidos a una sutura meniscal en niños menores de 18 años.

Método Estudio retrospectivo de 35 pacientes sometidos a una sutura meniscal, con una edad promedio de 16 años (13–18) y un seguimiento de 71 meses de media (16–115). Se evaluaron 6 variables: tipo, localización y tamaño de la lesión, edad, técnica quirúrgica y asociación a rotura de ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA). Los pacientes que presentaron falla de la sutura meniscal fueron identificados y sometidos a una regresión logística usando un modelo Stata V.14.0.

Resultados 9 pacientes (24.3%) presentaron una falla en su cirugía durante el seguimiento. Lesiones iniciales mayores a 16 mm mostraron una tasa de re-rotura de un 73% independiente de la técnica quirúrgica. En lesiones menores a 16 mm, se obtuvo un 78% de reparaciones exitosas. No se encontró relación entre la re-rotura meniscal y lesión de LCA, tipo y localización de la lesión, técnica quirúrgica y edad de los pacientes.

Conclusión  Este estudio muestra que la reparación meniscal en niños tiene buenos resultados con una tasa de éxito promedio de un 75%. El riesgo de falla de sutura meniscal se correlacionó con el tamaño inicial de la lesión con un 73% de fallo en lesiones mayores a 16 mm independientemente del tipo de cirugía.

Nivel de Evidencia 4, Serie de casos.
Alargamiento sobre clavo endomedular en extremidades inferiores - Serie de casos clínicos
Authors: Baar Zimend Alejandro , López Quezada Francisco
Published: May 2017

Objetivo Evaluar los resultados de alargamiento óseo sobre clavo endomedular (LON) en extremidades inferiores; comparar resultados locales con la literatura.

Material y Método Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes operados con LON entre los años 2011 y 2015, con información de ficha clínica e imagenología. Descripción del paciente, procedimiento y evolución; con cálculo del Índice de Consolidación Radiológica (RCI) e Índice de Fijación Externa (EFI). Comparación con la literatura.

Resultados Se reunieron 8 pacientes, con 12 procedimientos LON. 4 pacientes tuvieron alargamiento bilateral por talla baja constitucional y 4 pacientes tuvieron alargamiento unilateral por defectos de longitud, congénitos o adquiridos. En fémur (6) el alargamiento promedio fue 51 mm con 134 días de uso de tutor externo. El EFI promedio fue 0,87 meses/centímetro y RCI 1.83 meses/centímetro. En tibia (4) el alargamiento promedio fue 82 mm con 121 días de uso de tutor externo. El EFI promedio fue 0,49 meses/centímetro y RCI 1.64 meses/ centímetro. Todos los pacientes presentaron infección superficial de pines, requiriendo antibioterapia oral. 4 pacientes con LON de tibia presentaron contractura en equino y requirieron de alargamiento aquiliano percutáneo. 3 pacientes con LON de fémur presentaron retardo de consolidación, 2 requirieron aporte de injerto óseo.

Discusión El LON es una excelente alternativa a los métodos tradicionales de alargamiento, con tiempos más cortos de uso de tutor externo. Se observan complicaciones relacionadas con la contractura músculo-tendinosa, manejadas al momento del retiro de tutor externo, con resultados satisfactorios para el paciente.

Nivel de evidencia evidencia tipo 4, serie de casos clínicos
Pediatric Surgery: Job or Vocation?
Authors: Kyrklund Kristiina
Published: May 2017

Pediatric surgery is a diverse specialty with unique challenges and high social importance. There is a wealth of opportunities for professional development and academic achievements in caring for children with complex and variable surgical conditions. Throughout time, surgical career pathways have exacted considerable demands for a multitude of skills and significant personal commitment, in which pediatric surgery is no exception. However, the rigors of the working environment are balanced by real opportunities for meaningful professional contributions and high levels of career satisfaction. This manuscript attempts to uncover the meaning of a career in pediatric surgery from several perspectives, with consideration of the roles of history, philosophy, research, and education in shaping the profession into the context of modern practice.
Laparoscopic Pyloromyotomy: A Study of the Learning Curve
Authors: Bastard François , Meignan Pierre , Braïk Karim , Le Touze Anne , Villemagne Thierry , Morel Baptiste , Robert Michel , Klipfel Clémence , Lardy Hubert , Binet Aurélien
Published: May 2017

Introduction Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LPM) is a minimally invasive surgical technique used in pyloric stenosis treatment. This technique is safe, effective, and does not show more complications than laparotomy. Nevertheless, this technique requires an acquisition period to be optimally applied. This study analyses the learning curve of LPM.

Materials and Methods Seven surgeons were retrospectively evaluated on their 40 first LPM. Patient data were recorded, including peroperative data (operation length and complications) and postoperative recoveries (renutrition, vomiting, and complications). The learning curves were evaluated and each variable was compared with the different moments of the learning curve.

Results The mean operative time is 25 ± 11 minutes. It significantly decreases with the learning curve (p < 0.01). Ten procedures were necessary to acquire the operative technics. However, postoperative complications with a necessary redo procedure appear after the 10th patient. There is no significant difference concerning long-term postoperative complications according to the learning curve and to surgeons. The best results are recorded after the 20th patients. Hospital length of stay also decreases significantly after the 10th procedure. The recorded postoperative vomiting is independent to the operative time as the ad libitum feedings recovery.

Conclusion The learning curve of LPM is cut into three stages. Only 10 cases are needed to acquire the gesture. Complications appear after this acquirement period.
The Role of Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-8 Circulating Cytokines in Differentiating between Feeding Intolerance and Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants
Authors: Lodha Abhay , Howlett Alexandra , Ahmed Talat , Moore Aideen
Published: May 2017

Objective To describe the circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-8 in stable premature infants, infants with suspect necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)/feeding intolerance (FI), and infants with proven NEC and to determine whether combinations of markers could provide a diagnostic tool for differentiating between benign FI and NEC.

Methods Seventy infants were enrolled in a prospective study performed in two university neonatal intensive care units. Thirty-five matched controls (CON), 23 infants with FI or suspect NEC, and 12 infants with definitive and surgical NEC were studied. The pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8) levels were measured at the onset of FI or NEC, or during week 2 to 3 for CON.

Results There was no statistically significant difference in TNF-α levels among the three patient groups. IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly elevated in NEC group as compared with CON (p > 0.001), and in NEC group as compared with FI/suspect NEC. There was no significant difference in individual plasma levels of IL-6 or IL-8 between the CON and FI. The combined serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8 was more predictive of NEC stage II/III (area under the curve = 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69–0.92; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly elevated in infants with definitive surgical NEC but not those with FI. The combined level of IL-6 and IL-8 may be useful for distinguishing infants with suspect NEC/FI from those with NEC.
Tranexamic Acid Effectively Reduces Blood Loss and Transfusion Rates during Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Prieto Hernan , Vincent Heather , Deen Justin , Iams Dane , Parvataneni Hari
Published: May 2017

Tranexamic acid (TXA) can reduce blood loss and decrease transfusion rates after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of TXA in a homogenous, consecutive cohort of patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral primary TKA. This was a retrospective study of 50 consecutive patients who underwent bilateral simultaneous primary TKA between 2011 and 2015. Of these, 20 patients received TXA and 30 patients did not receive TXA and served as the control group. Primary outcome measurements were intraoperative estimated blood loss, hemoglobin (Hb) and Hematocrit (Hct) levels on postoperative day (POD) 1 and POD2, and blood transfusion rates. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), knee flexion/extension range of motion (ROM), and postoperative complications. There was no difference between groups for preoperative Hb and Hct (all p > 0.05). The TXA group demonstrate higher Hb levels at POD1 (11.7 in TXA vs. 10.4 controls; p < 0.001) and POD2 (10.5 in TXA vs. 9.6 controls; p < 0.001), as well as higher Hct levels at POD1 (35.6 in TXA vs. 32.1 controls; p < 0.001) and POD2 (31.9 in TXA vs. 29.3 controls; p < 0.001). There was less percentage variation in Hb levels in the TXA group from preoperative to POD1 (17.7% in TXA vs. 25.7% controls; p < 0.0001) and POD2 (26.1% TXA vs. 31.8% controls; p = 0.019). Similarly, less percentage variation in Hct levels in the TXA group from presurgery to POD1 (17.0% TXA vs. 25.7% controls; p < 0.0001) and POD2 (25.0% TXA vs. 31.3% controls; p = 0.005). A total of 23.3% of patients in the control group required transfusions compared with no patients in the TXA (p = 0.044). There were no differences in LOS, knee ROM, or number of complications. No thromboembolic events occurred. TXA in bilateral simultaneous TKA effectively reduces blood loss, maintains postoperative Hb and Hct levels, and significantly decreases blood transfusion rates. The level of evidence is level III (therapeutic study).
Das infizierte Implantat – Stellenwert der plastischen Chirurgie
Authors: Schubert Cornelius , Gessmann Jan , Kückelhaus Maximilian , Behr Björn , Daigeler Adrien , Lehnhardt Marcus , Hirsch Tobias
Published: May 2017

Wundinfektionen auf dem Boden infizierter Implantate mit freiliegendem Fremdmaterial stellen eine seltene, jedoch gefürchtete Komplikation dar, bei der nicht selten der Erhalt der Gelenkfunktion bzw. der jeweiligen Extremität gefährdet ist. Je nach Art des Defekts existiert hier eine Vielzahl plastisch-chirurgischer Rekonstruktionsverfahren, die zielführend sein können. Ist eine suffiziente Weichteildeckung sichergestellt, bzw. bei kleinen Defekten, sind Spalthauttransplantate oder lokale Lappenplastiken eine geeignete Option. Größere und allschichtige Defekte lassen sich nach gründlichem Débridement durch umsichtig geplante gestielte oder freie Lappenplastiken versorgen. Bei Knie-TEP-Infekten spielt insbesondere die gestielte M.-gastrocnemius-Lappenplastik eine wichtige Rolle. Kleine Defekte mit freiliegendem Fremdmaterial können in erfahrenen Händen auch zuverlässig mittels gestielten Perforatorlappenplastiken gedeckt werden. Im Falle großer Defekte bei zugleich schwersttraumatisierter Weichteilumgebung stellen freie Lappenplastiken wie die M.-latissimus-dorsi-Lappenplastik oft die beste Versorgungsoption dar. Auch eine kombinierte Transplantation mehrerer Transplantate im Sinne eines Chimeric Flap kann bei Großdefekten zum Einsatz kommen. Insbesondere bei komplizierten Fällen mit erforderlichen Verfahrenswechseln ist ein interdisziplinärer Ansatz zielführend, um ein individualisiertes, sinnvoll abgestimmtes Behandlungskonzept zu erstellen.
Internetnutzung von Patienten in der ambulanten onkologischen Versorgung: Ergebnisse einer deutschlandweiten Patientenbefragung
Authors: Borges Uirassu , Riese Christoph , Baumann Walter
Published: May 2017

Ziel der Studie Das Internet gilt heute für onkologische Patienten als wichtige Informationsquelle über die Krebserkrankung und -behandlung. Mit dem Ziel, die Bedeutung dieses Mediums für Krebspatienten im Versorgungsalltag zu beleuchten, wurden Patienten deutschlandweit befragt.

Methodik Die querschnittliche Erhebung schloss 5 984 Patienten in Schwerpunktpraxen ein (56,7% weiblich, M=64,3 Jahre, SD=12). Es wurden Internetnutzer, Nichtnutzer, deren Angehörige/Freunde für sie recherchierten, und „vollständige“ Nichtnutzer identifiziert. Die Datenanalyse erfolgte anhand deskriptiver Statistik und Gruppenvergleiche mit Signifikanztests.

Ergebnisse Fast jeder zweite Patient suchte im Internet nach Gesundheitsinformationen. Einerseits fanden die Internetnutzer die Recherchen vorwiegend hilfreich, fühlten sich besser in der Lage, an Entscheidungen kompetent mitzuwirken und weniger alleine mit ihrer Erkrankung, andererseits trugen die Online-Informationen zu Unsicherheiten bei. 72,5% der Internetnutzer suchten nach Behandlungsmöglichkeiten und 21,3% sprachen mit dem Onkologen über ihre Internetrecherchen.

Schlussfolgerung Das Internet zeigte sich für Krebspatienten als ein wichtiges Instrument zur Informationsgewinnung über die eigene Erkrankung. Eine Unterstützung durch den Onkologen für eine zielgerichtete Internetnutzung der Patienten ist daher sinnvoll.
Der „Ultrasound pattern sum score“ – ein möglicher Algorithmus in der Anwendung des Nervenultraschalls bei Polyneuropathien
Authors: Grimm Alexander
Published: May 2017

Die Wertigkeit des Nervenultraschalls bei Polyneuropathie wird aktuell intensiv diskutiert und untersucht. Ziel der UPSS-Studie war daher die Erarbeitung eines standardisierten und operationalisierten Untersuchungsablaufs für die systematische Erfassung sonografischer Nervenbefunde.

Methodik 61 Patienten mit akuter oder subakuter Polyneuropathie wurden systematisch sonografisch untersucht. Auf Basis der unterschiedlichen Beteiligung verschiedener Nerven bei individuellen PNP-Syndromen konnten Kompartimente eingeteilt (UPSA=sensomotorische Nerven, UPSB=Wurzeln und N. vagus, UPSC=sensible Nerven) und anhand des Ausmaßes einer Vergrößerung der einzelnen Nerven an definierten anatomischen Landmarken Punkte vergeben werden. Hieraus konnte ein Algorithmus abgeleitet werden, der in Folge dann an 24 Patienten validiert wurde.

Ergebnisse Der UPSA und der Summenscore UPSS waren signifikant erhöht bei CIDP-Patienten (p<0,001) gegenüber allen anderen Gruppen, wohingegen bei GBS-Patienten nur der UPSB erhöht war. Bei Vaskulitiden war der UPSS mäßig, aber signifikant im Vergleich zu anderen axonalen Neuropathien erhöht. Mittels ROC Analyse konnten Grenzwerte für diese Scores entwickelt werden, die einen positiv prädiktiven Wert von >85% hatten. In beiden Validierungsgruppen betrug die Trefferquote über 90%.

Diskussion Der UPSS hilft, sonografische Veränderungen der Nerven bei Polyneuropathie zu quantifizieren und zu klassifizieren. Ein erhöhter UPSS oder UPSA sind sensitiv für eine CIDP, verdickte Wurzeln oder ein verdickter N. vagus alleine (UPSB) sind typisch für Patienten mit einem GBS, wohingegen leichte Nervenschwellungen (Score zwischen 3 und 9 Punkten) häufig bei vaskulitischen Neuropathien zu finden sind. Kontrollen und andere Polyneuropathien (insbesondere axonale) haben keine erhöhten Scores.

Schlussfolgerung Punktwerttabellen bieten eine Möglichkeit, Ergebnisse des Nervenultraschalls zu quantifizieren. Eine Kategorisierung von Nervenultraschallbefunden und somit Diagnosestellung anhand typischer Muster scheint möglich.
Ist die „Rule of Rescue“ noch zu retten? Eine Antwort auf Weyma Lübbes „Rule of Rescue vs. Rettung statistischer Leben“
Authors: Breyer Friedrich , Kliemt Hartmut
Published: May 2017

Weyma Lübbe adelt in ihrem Aufsatz „Rule of Rescue vs. Rettung statistischer Leben“ [1] die der „Rule of Rescue“ entsprechenden spontanen Wünsche zu „bürgerschaftlichen Urteilen“. Die Urteile und Wünsche der Bürger müssen zweifelsohne im demokratischen Rechtsstaat letztlich ausschlaggebend sein. Insbesondere in der Gesundheitspolitik bedarf die Voreingenommenheit für nahe- gegenüber fernliegenden, für konkrete gegenüber abstrakten Folgen aber eher der Korrektur als der Affirmation. Der „Rule of Rescue“ ist der durch ihre Verwirklichung im Gesundheitswesen entgehende Nutzen gegenüberzustellen. Eine gesundheitsökonomische Information über ihre „Opportunitätskosten“ ist Teil der „gesundheitsethischen Aufklärung“ der Bürger und nicht Teil eines Kampfes gegen die „Rule of Rescue“.
Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Ferula hermonis Boiss. – A Review
Authors: Sattar Zohreh , Iranshahi Mehrdad
Published: May 2017

Ferula hermonis, a well-known species of the genus Ferula found in Lebanon and Syria, has a brilliant history in traditional medicine as it has been used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men and menopausal disturbances in women. Thanks to modern pharmacological and clinical investigations, F. hermonis is a valuable medicinal and condimental plant that may be used for the treatment of impotence and diabetes, the prevention of osteoporosis, and possesses anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Phytochemical investigations have shown that this plant contains daucane aryl esters such as ferutinin, which has exhibited various biological activities including hypoglycemic and estrogenic activities. Ferutinin is one of the strongest natural phytoestrogen which has agonistic activity on estrogen receptors, particularly α receptor. It seems that ferutinin and its derivatives play an important role in F. hermonis biological activities, mainly the beneficial effects of this plant on impotence, diabetes and osteoporosis. The present review discusses the available data on the active constituents and biological activities of F. hermonis and their possible underlying mechanisms of action.
Paediatric Medicines: Regulatory and Scientific Issues
Authors: Daousani Chrysa , Karalis Vangelis
Published: May 2017

In the past, dosage regimens authorized for adults were extrapolated to children relying mainly on empirical dosage adjustments. However, children are not small adults, but a distinct and heterogeneous group in terms of physiology, disease occurrence, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and also psychological, cognitive, and behavioral aspects. Even though it would be helpful to know the physiological changes and the special drug treatment needs in children, this task could not be performed due to ethical reasons. Important issues to consider for the development of paediatric drug products refer to the administration of the accurate dose, the use of the appropriate excipients, and acceptability. The latter is crucial and taste-screening methods (like electronic tongues) have been developed. A new era in paediatric medicines started with the entry into force of paediatric regulations. In the early ‘80s, the FDA started the set-up of a regulatory framework by authorizing issues like the Paediatric Rule, the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act, the Paediatric Research Equity Act, and the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act. Similar efforts have been made in the EU, mainly through the entry into force of the Paediatric Regulation and the establishment of the Paediatric Committee, the Paediatric Investigation Plan, the Paediatric Use Marketing Authorization, and the European Paediatric Research Network. Other efforts to bridge the gap, between knowledge in adults and the children’s special requirements, include the extrapolation concept of safety/efficacy aspects, the application of modeling/simulation approaches in paediatric drug development, and the development of a paediatric Biopharmaceutics Classification Scheme.
Analysis of granular packing structure by scattering of THz radiation
Authors: Born Philip , Holldack Karsten
Published: May 2017

Scattering methods are widely used to characterize the structure and constituents of matter on small length scales. This motivates this introductory text on identifying prospective approaches to scattering-based methods for granular media. A survey to light scattering by particles and particle ensembles is given. It is elaborated why the established scattering methods using X-rays and visible light cannot in general be transferred to granular media. Spectroscopic measurements using terahertz radiation are highlighted as they probe the scattering properties of granular media, which are sensitive to the packing structure. Experimental details to optimize a spectrometer for measurements on granular media are discussed. We perform transmission measurements on static and agitated granular media using Fourier transform spectroscopy at the THz beamline of the Bessy II storage ring. The measurements demonstrate the potential to evaluate degrees of order in the media and to track transient structural states in agitated bulk granular media.
Molecular dynamics studies of defect formation during heteroepitaxial growth of InGaN alloys on (0001) GaN surfaces
Authors: Gruber J. , Zhou X. W. , Jones R. E. , Lee S. R. , Tucker G. J.
Published: May 2017

We investigate the formation of extended defects during molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations of GaN and InGaN growth on (0001) and (112¯0) wurtzite-GaN surfaces. The simulated growths are conducted on an atypically large scale by sequentially injecting nearly a million individual vapor-phase atoms towards a fixed GaN surface; we apply time-and-position-dependent boundary constraints that vary the ensemble treatments of the vapor-phase, the near-surface solid-phase, and the bulk-like regions of the growing layer. The simulations employ newly optimized Stillinger-Weber In-Ga-N-system potentials, wherein multiple binary and ternary structures are included in the underlying density-functional-theory training sets, allowing improved treatment of In-Ga-related atomic interactions. To examine the effect of growth conditions, we study a matrix of >30 different MD-growth simulations for a range of InxGa1-xN-alloy compositions (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) and homologous growth temperatures [0.50 ≤ T/T*m(x) ≤ 0.90], where T*m(x) is the simulated melting point. Growths conducted on polar (0001) GaN substrates exhibit the formation of various extended defects including stacking faults/polymorphism, associated domain boundaries, surface roughness, dislocations, and voids. In contrast, selected growths conducted on semi-polar (112¯0) GaN, where the wurtzite-phase stacking sequence is revealed at the surface, exhibit the formation of far fewer stacking faults. We discuss variations in the defect formation with the MD growth conditions, and we compare the resulting simulated films to existing experimental observations in InGaN/GaN. While the palette of defects observed by MD closely resembles those observed in the past experiments, further work is needed to achieve truly predictive large-scale simulations of InGaN/GaN crystal growth using MD methodologies.
Dealing with the exponential wall in electronic structure calculations
Authors: Fulde Peter , Stoll Hermann
Published: May 2017

An alternative to the density functional theory is the use of wavefunction based electronic structure calculations for solids. In order to perform them, the Exponential Wall (EW) problem has to be resolved. It is caused by an exponential increase of the number of configurations with increasing electron number N. There are different routes one may follow. One is to characterize a many-electron wavefunction by a vector in Liouville space with a cumulant metric rather than in Hilbert space. This removes the EW problem. Another is to model the solid by an impurity or fragment embedded in a bath which is treated at a much lower level than the former. This is the case in the Density Matrix Embedding Theory (DMET) or the Density Embedding Theory (DET). The latter two are closely related to a Schmidt decomposition of a system and to the determination of the associated entanglement. We show here the connection between the two approaches. It turns out that the DMET (or DET) has an identical active space as a previously used Local Ansatz, based on a projection and partitioning approach. Yet, the EW problem is resolved differently in the two cases. By studying a H10 ring, these differences are analyzed with the help of the method of increments.
Longitudinal shear wave imaging for elasticity mapping using optical coherence elastography
Authors: Zhu Jiang , Miao Yusi , Qi Li , Qu Yueqiao , He Youmin , Yang Qiang , Chen Zhongping
Published: May 2017

Shear wave measurements for the determination of tissue elastic properties have been used in clinical diagnosis and soft tissue assessment. A shear wave propagates as a transverse wave where vibration is perpendicular to the wave propagation direction. Previous transverse shear wave measurements could detect the shear modulus in the lateral region of the force; however, they could not provide the elastic information in the axial region of the force. In this study, we report the imaging and quantification of longitudinal shear wave propagation using optical coherence tomography to measure the elastic properties along the force direction. The experimental validation and finite element simulations show that the longitudinal shear wave propagates along the vibration direction as a plane wave in the near field of a planar source. The wave velocity measurement can quantify the shear moduli in a homogeneous phantom and a side-by-side phantom. Combining the transverse shear wave and longitudinal shear wave measurements, this system has great potential to detect the directionally dependent elastic properties in tissues without a change in the force direction.
Gas phase anion photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical investigation of gold acetylide species
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhang Wenjing , Xu Xi-Ling , Yuan Jinyun , Xu Hong-Guang , Zheng Weijun
Published: May 2017

We conducted gas phase anion photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory studies on a number of gold acetylide species, such as AuC2H, AuC2Au, and Au2C2H. Based on the photoelectron spectra, the electron affinities of AuC2H, AuC2Au, and Au2C2H are measured to be 1.54(±0.04), 1.60(±0.08), and 4.23(±0.08) eV, respectively. The highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO) gaps of AuC2H and AuC2Au are measured to be about 2.62 and 2.48 eV, respectively. It is interesting that photoelectron spectra of AuC2H− and AuC2Au− display similar spectral features. The comparison of experimental and theoretical results confirms that the ground-state structures of AuC2H−, AuC2Au−, and their neutrals are all linear with Au—C≡C—H and Au—C≡C—Au configurations. The similar geometric structures, spectral features, HOMO-LUMO gaps, and chemical bonding between AuC2H−/0 and AuC2Au−/0 demonstrate that Au atom behaves like H atom in these species. The photoelectron spectrum of Au2C2H− shows that Au2C2H has a high electron affinity of 4.23(±0.08) eV, indicating Au2C2H is a superhalogen. Further, we found an unusual similarity between the terminal Au atom of Au2C2H− and the iodine atom of IAuC2H−.
An improved method for determining carrier densities via drive level capacitance profiling
Authors: Warren Charles W. , Roe Ellis T. , Miller D. Westley , Shafarman William N. , Lonergan Mark C.
Published: May 2017

We demonstrate that an analytic relationship between coefficients in the Taylor expansion of the junction capacitance can be exploited to yield more precise determinations of carrier densities in drive level capacitance profiling (DLCP). Improvements are demonstrated on data generated according to the DLCP theory and in measurements performed on a CuInxGa1–xSe2 device. We argue that the improved DLCP method is especially important for non-uniform devices, which are more susceptible to noise in the capacitance data used in DLCP because they require that the amplitude of the drive level be restricted. Importantly, the analysis does not require the collection of any data other than what is typically collected during a DLCP measurement while employing fewer independent parameters than the model that is typically used in DLCP. Thus, we expect that it will be readily adoptable by those who perform DLCP measurements.
On the role of the atomic bond types in light emission from Si nanoparticles
Authors: González-Fernández A. A. , Juvert J. , Aceves-Mijares M. , Dominguez-Horna C.
Published: May 2017

We present an analysis of the relation between atomic and luminescent characteristics of a variety of Si-enriched Silicon Oxide films obtained by different techniques and various Si contents. Detailed studies of the Si 2p core level energy region and its components were carried out, as well as of Photoluminescence and its components. The results from such studies were correlated and analyzed. A combination of Quantum Confinement phenomena and the presence of radiative defects was identified as the cause for the light emission. A relation between the wavelength of the Photoluminescence due to Quantum Confinement, and the percentage of elemental Si bonds in the material was observed regardless of the fabrication technique; wile the wavelength of the emission caused by defects did not change except under very specific fabrication conditions. The results and conclusions allowed to establish a comparison parameter based on the material characteristics that can be used for all samples regardless of the fabrication method.
Local polarization switching in stressed ferroelectric polymers
Authors: Cai Ronggang , Nysten Bernard , Hu Zhijun , Jonas Alain M.
Published: May 2017

Ferroelectric polymers are used in flexible organic ferroelectric memories, ferroelectric polarization enhanced organic solar cells, and organic multiferroics. Therefore, understanding their polarization switching mechanism under bending is important for the operation of such devices. Here, we study locally by piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) polarization switching in bent thin films of the ferroelectric polymer poly(vinylidene fluoride-ran-trifluoroethylene). In bent samples, higher probability of domain nucleation, faster domain wall propagation, and lower coercive field are consistently observed by PFM. We ascribe these observations to a decrease of the domain wall pinning energy, resulting from the mechanical energy stored in the sample due to bending in the presence of the compression gradient generated below the PFM tip.
Solubility of the nadorite group minerals: implications for mobility of Sb and Bi in oxidised settings
Authors: Roper Adam J. , Leverett Peter , Murphy Timothy D. , Williams Peter A.
Published: May 2017

Environmental contextThe dispersion of antimony in the environment has been misunderstood over the last few decades. Investigating the solubility of naturally forming mineral phases such as nadorite resulted in determination of its limited role in Sb dispersion, providing evidence that nadorite can only limit antimony dispersion in mildly oxidising conditions. Nadorite can only play a significant role in Sb immobilisation in a particular redox window, which forms only a minor part of the framework of Sb dispersion. AbstractAs part of a study of the control that secondary minerals exert on the dispersion of antimony and bismuth in the supergene environment, syntheses and stability studies of nadorite (PbSbO2Cl) and perite (PbBiO2Cl) have been undertaken. Solubilities in aqueous HNO3 were determined at 298.2K and the data obtained used to calculate values of ΔGfθ(298.2K). The ΔGfθ(s, 298.2K) values for PbSbO2Cl (–622.0±2.8kJmol–1) and PbBiO2Cl (–590.0±1.3kJmol–1) have been used in subsequent calculations to determine relative stabilities and relationships with other common secondary Sb and Bi minerals. While the role of nadorite in immobilising Sb is dependent upon the prevailing redox potential such that SbIII is stable, perite may be a significant phase in limiting the dispersion of Bi in certain supergene settings.
Translating the female self across cultures
Authors: Maestri Eliana
Published: May 2017

Translating the Female Self across Cultures examines contemporary autobiographical narratives and their Italian and French translations. The comparative analyses of the texts are underpinned by the latest developments in Translation Studies that place emphasis on identity construction in translation and the role of translation in moulding various types of identity. They focus on how the writers’ textual personae make sense of their sexual, artistic and post-colonial identities in relation to the mother and how the mother-daughter dyad survives translation into the Italian and French social, political and cultural contexts. The book shows how each target text activates different cultural literary, linguistic and rhetorical frames of reference which cast light on the facets of the protagonists’ quest for identity: the cult of the Madonna; humour and irony; gender and class; mimesis and storytelling; performativity and geographical sense of self. The book highlights the fruitfulness of studying women’s narratives and their translations, and the polyphonic dialogue between the translations and the literary and theoretical productions of the French and Italian cultures.
Russian nationalists in the Komi Republic: a case study of the Frontier of the North
Authors: Kuzmin Aleksandr G. , Mitrofanova Anastasia V.
Published: May 2017

The article examines some generic traits of the “new” Russian ethnic nationalism, namely, de-ideologization of the nationalist milieu and its inclination for civic activism. It results from a case study of the Frontier of the North (FN – Syktyvkar), an ideologically ambivalent organization that combines dual Russian/Komi ethnic nationalism, anti-migration sentiments, white racism, and fragments of other ideologies. The article demonstrates that, unlike nationalists of the previous generation, FN is not hostile to public authorities and is ready to cooperate with them. FN's grassroots activism, as well as sports and healthy recreational activities, attracts young people. The organization tackles the most acute social problems, often neglected by everyone else, and has become a working civil society institution. The authors argue that these tactics win the “new” nationalists sympathy among ordinary people and makes the groups politically stronger and more influential than the previous nationalist generation. However, state anti-extremist policy hampers the advancement of nationalists into mainstream politics.
Aquaporin Positron Emission Tomography Differentiates Between Grade III and IV Human Astrocytoma
Authors: Suzuki Yuji , Nakamura Yukihiro , Yamada Kenichi , Kurabe Satoshi , Okamoto Kouichirou , Aoki Hiroshi , Kitaura Hiroki , Kakita Akiyoshi , Fujii Yukihiko , Huber Vincent J , Igarashi Hironaka , Kwee Ingrid L , Nakada Tsutomu
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Aquaporin (AQP) water channels play a significant role in mesenchymal microvascular proliferation and infiltrative growth. AQPs are highly expressed in malignant astrocytomas, and a positive correlation is observed between their expression levels and histological tumor grade.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the utility of aquaporin positron emission tomography (PET) for differentiating between astrocytoma grade III and grade IV using the AQP radioligand [11C]TGN-020.

METHODS

Fifteen astrocytoma patients, grade III (n = 7) and grade IV (n = 8), and 10 healthy volunteers underwent [11C]TGN-020 aquaporin PET imaging. Surgical tissues of astrocytoma patients were examined for histopathological grading using the WHO classification standard and expression of AQP1 and AQP4 immunohistochemically.

RESULTS

Mean standardized uptake values of astrocytoma grade III and IV (0.51 ± 0.11 vs 1.50 ± 0.44, respectively) were higher than normal white matter (0.17 ± 0.02, P < .001) for both tumor grades. Importantly, mean standardized uptake values of astrocytoma grade IV were significantly higher than grade III (P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that [11C]TGN-020 aquaporin PET imaging differentiated between astrocytoma grades III and IV. We suggest its clinical application as a noninvasive diagnostic tool would lead to advancements in the management of these malignant brain tumors.
Standard Area Diagrams for Aiding Severity Estimation: Scientometrics, Pathosystems, and Methodological Trends in the Last 25 Years
Authors: Del Ponte Emerson M. , Pethybridge Sarah J. , Bock Clive H. , Michereff Sami J. , Machado Franklin J. , Spolti Piérri
Published: May 2017

Standard area diagrams (SAD) have long been used as a tool to aid the estimation of plant disease severity, an essential variable in phytopathometry. Formal validation of SAD was not considered prior to the early 1990s, when considerable effort began to be invested developing SAD and assessing their value for improving accuracy of estimates of disease severity in many pathosystems. Peer-reviewed literature post-1990 was identified, selected, and cataloged in bibliographic software for further scrutiny and extraction of scientometric, pathosystem-related, and methodological-related data. In total, 105 studies (127 SAD) were found and authored by 327 researchers from 10 countries, mainly from Brazil. The six most prolific authors published at least seven studies. The scientific impact of a SAD article, based on annual citations after publication year, was affected by disease significance, the journal’s impact factor, and methodological innovation. The reviewed SAD encompassed 48 crops and 103 unique diseases across a range of plant organs. Severity was quantified largely by image analysis software such as QUANT, APS-Assess, or a LI-COR leaf area meter. The most typical SAD comprised five to eight black-and-white drawings of leaf diagrams, with severity increasing nonlinearly. However, there was a trend toward using true-color photographs or stylized representations in a range of color combinations and more linear (equally spaced) increments of severity. A two-step SAD validation approach was used in 78 of 105 studies for which linear regression was the preferred method but a trend toward using Lin’s correlation concordance analysis and hypothesis tests to detect the effect of SAD on accuracy was apparent. Reliability measures, when obtained, mainly considered variation among rather than within raters. The implications of the findings and knowledge gaps are discussed. A list of best practices for designing and implementing SAD and a website called SADBank for hosting SAD research data are proposed.
Living Life After Traumatic Brain Injury: Phase 1 of a Longitudinal Qualitative Study
Authors: McPherson Kathryn , Fadyl Joanna , Theadom Alice , Channon Alexis , Levack William , Starkey Nicola , Wilkinson-Meyers Laura , Kayes Nicola
Published: May 2017

Objective:

To explore what helps and hinders recovery and adaptation after disabling traumatic brain injury (TBI) and make recommendations for improving service responsiveness.

Design:

A longitudinal qualitative descriptive study across all TBI severities.

Setting:

Community.

Participants:

Forty people with TBI, and 22 significant others, 6 to 9 months following a TBI.

Main Measures:

Semistructured interviews, analyzed using qualitative description, focused on (a) key areas of importance or concern and (b) strategies or actions that people found helpful or that hindered recovery.

Results:

Traumatic brain injury produced a complex set of challenges in keeping up with life, and understanding what having a TBI means for, and to, me. This period encompassed a tangled fit and misfit in life as brain injury did not occur in isolation. People had to actively change some aspects of life and yet allow other changes to happen. Valued supports from others included being looked out for and having someone to help drive the process.

Conclusion:

Improved services delivery and better outcomes may result if we respond to the person within his or her context; listen, believe, and acknowledge the person's story through our actions; and avoid assumptions about aspects of life that mean most to people and who/what may help best.
Acute Exacerbation of Interstitial Lung Disease After Cryobiopsy
Authors: Tomic Rade , Cortes-Puentes Gustavo A. , Murugan Paari , Joo Kim Hyun , Amin Khalid , Dincer H. Erhan
Published: May 2017

Cryotherapy has been used in treatment of lung cancer for decades. The utility of cryotechnology in diagnosis of lung diseases is emerging and gaining popularity. Cryobiopsy (CB) of the lung, when compared with conventional transbronchial forceps lung biopsy, has proposed to have a higher diagnostic yield in interstitial lung disease by providing larger biopsy specimen and less crush artifact. Acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease (AEILD) has been well described with surgical lung biopsies and, rarely, with conventional transbronchial forceps biopsy. The incidence of AEILD after CB is not known. Here we are presenting a case of AEILD after CB.
Big data in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery: from large databases to registries
Authors: Smith Aaron M. , Chaiet Scott R.
Published: May 2017

Purpose of review

There are many limitations to performing clinical research with high levels of evidence in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (FPRS), such as randomization into surgical groups and sample size recruitment. Therefore, additional avenues for exploring research should be explored using big data, from databases to registries. Other organizations have developed these tools in the evolving landscape of outcomes measurement and value in healthcare, which may serve as models for our specialty.

Recent findings

Over the last 5 years, FPRS literature of large-scale outcomes research, utilizing several administrative databases, has steadily grown. Our objectives are to describe key administrative databases, strengths and weaknesses of each, and identify recent FPRS publications utilizing big data. A registry with FPRS defined outcomes has the most potential.

Although FPRS research has trended to a more evidence-based approach in the modern healthcare era, gaps persist. Several large administrative databases or registries can address voids in outcomes research within FPRS.
Starry-eyed II: the logistics journal ranking debate revisited
Authors: McKinnon Alan C.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

In a previous paper (McKinnon, 2013), the author questioned the principle and practice of journal ranking and discussed its effects on logistics research. Since then several important developments have occurred prompting a fresh review of the issues. The paper summarises the results of this review with the aim of stimulating further discussion on the subject.

Design/methodology/approach

New literature on the journal ranking debate has been reviewed. The validity of the journal ranking as a proxy measure of paper quality is explored using data from the UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) assessment. Changes to the ranking of ten logistics/supply chain management (SCM) journals in four listings are analysed, and possible reasons for the relatively low status of the journals are examined.

Findings

The influence of journal rankings on the academic research process is strengthening while the debate about their legitimacy has intensified. UK REF data cast doubt on the reliability of the journal ranking as an indicator of a paper’s merit. Logistics/SCM journals continue to occupy mid-to-lower tier positions in most listings, though there has been some improvement in their standing.

Research limitations/implications

The paper aims to alert those managing and undertaking logistics research to the dangers of overreliance on journal rankings in the measurement of research quality and productivity.

Practical implications

The paper may help logistics/SCM scholars to defend the position of their discipline and resist journal-ranking-induced pressures to marginalise it and devalue its outputs.

Social implications

In this paper, academic recruitment, promotion and motivation are considered.

Originality/value

The paper sheds new light on the relationship between journal ranking and individual paper quality, on recent changes in the rating of logistics/SCM journals and on the wider debate about the use of bibliometrics in assessing research quality.
Incorporating the effects of generalist seed predators into plant community theory
Authors: Larios Loralee , Pearson Dean E. , Maron John L.
Published: May 2017

Post‐dispersal seed predators contribute substantially to seed loss across many ecosystems. Most research has focused on understanding sources of variation in seed loss, without appreciating the implications of seed predation for plant coexistence, community assembly and broader community theory. Meanwhile, research aimed at understanding coexistence and community assembly processes in plant communities has focused on axes of dispersal and resource competition and the traits influencing these processes, without accounting for the role of generalist seed predators.

We review the unique features of post‐dispersal seed predation and assess the implications of seed loss on three critical components of plant community organization – coexistence, community structure and plant invasions – pointing to both important gaps in theory and empirical knowledge. We highlight how understanding fundamental controls on plant recruitment is central to determining how seed predation affects plant recruitment and coexistence. We discuss how accounting for seed predator foraging strategies may shift trait‐based inferences of community assembly.

Synthesis. We argue that seed predation by generalist consumers, which is pervasive in temperate communities, should be better incorporated into plant community theory. Experiments that specifically incorporate the presence and attributes of the seed predator community and that follow seed fate would fill important knowledge gaps. Particularly needed are studies focused on strengthening the connections between seed removal and plant establishment and linking selective and density‐dependent foraging strategies to plant traits. Advancing our understanding of the processes regulating plant coexistence and community assembly requires that future research not only acknowledge but also incorporate generalist consumers’ effects on plant communities.

A lay summary is available for this article.
How Election Polls Shape Voting Behaviour
Authors: Dahlgaard Jens Olav , Hansen Jonas Hedegaard , Hansen Kasper M. , Larsen Martin V.
Published: May 2017

This article investigates how election information such as opinion polls can influence voting intention. The bandwagon effect claims that voters ‘float along’: a party experiencing increased support receives more support, and vice versa. Through a large national survey experiment, evidence is found of a bandwagon effect among Danish voters. When voters are exposed to a news story describing either an upwards or downwards movement for either a small or large party, they tend to move their voting intentions in the according direction. The effect is strongest in the positive direction – that is, when a party experiences increased support, more follows. Consistent effects are found across two different parties for a diverse national sample in a political context very different from earlier research on the bandwagon effects. Considering previous research and the fact that evidence is not found that suggests that the effect of polls vary across sociodemographic groups, the results imply that bandwagon behaviour is based not on social or political contingencies, such as media or political institution, but on fundamentals of political cognition.