bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urinary Metabolic Signature of Primary Aldosteronism: Gender and Subtype‐Specific Alterations
Authors: Lana Alessandro , Alexander Keisha , Castagna Annalisa , D'Alessandro Angelo , Morandini Francesca , Pizzolo Francesca , Zorzi Francesco , Mulatero Paolo , Zolla Lello , Olivieri Oliviero
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The current clinical investigation for primary aldosteronism (PA) diagnosis requires complex expensive tests from the initial suspicion to the final subtype classification, including invasive approaches; therefore, appropriate markers for subtype definition are greatly desirable. The present study performs a metabolomics analysis to further examine specific molecular signatures of PA urines

Experimental design

The study considered PA subtype and gender‐related differences using two orthogonal advanced UHPLC‐MS metabolomics approaches. Patients with essential hypertension (n = 36) and PA (n = 50) who were referred to the outpatient hypertension clinic and matched healthy subjects (n = 10) are investigated.

Results

Statistically significant changes (p < 0.05 ANOVA, Fc > 1.5) of metabolites involved in central carbon, energy, and nitrogen metabolism are identified, especially purine and pyrimidine nucleosides and precursors, and free amino acids. PLS‐DA interpretation provides strong evidence of a disease‐specific metabolic pattern with dAMP, diiodothyronine, and 5‐methoxytryptophan as leading factors, and a sex‐specific metabolic pattern associated with orotidine 5‐phosphate, N‐acetylalanine, hydroxyproline, and cysteine. The results are verified using an independent sample set, which confirms the identification of specific signatures.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Metabolomics is used to identify low molecular weight molecular markers of PA, which paves the way for follow‐up validation studies in larger cohorts.
Integrative Clustering in Mass Spectrometry Imaging for Enhanced Patient Stratification
Authors: Balluff Benjamin , Buck Achim , Martin‐Lorenzo Marta , Dewez Frédéric , Langer Rupert , McDonnell Liam A. , Walch Axel , Heeren Ron M.A.
Published: December 2018

Scope

In biomedical research, mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) can obtain spatially‐resolved molecular information from tissue sections. Especially matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) MSI offers, depending on the type of matrix, the detection of a broad variety of molecules ranging from metabolites to proteins, thereby facilitating the collection of multilevel molecular data.

Lately, integrative clustering techniques have been developed that make use of the complementary information of multilevel molecular data in order to better stratify patient cohorts, but which have not yet been applied in the field of MSI.

Materials and Methods

In this study, the potential of integrative clustering is investigated for multilevel molecular MSI data to subdivide cancer patients into different prognostic groups. Metabolomic and peptidomic data are obtained by MALDI‐MSI from a tissue microarray containing material of 46 esophageal cancer patients. The integrative clustering methods Similarity Network Fusion, iCluster, and moCluster are applied and compared to non‐integrated clustering.

Conclusion

The results show that the combination of multilevel molecular data increases the capability of integrative algorithms to detect patient subgroups with different clinical outcome, compared to the single level or concatenated data. This underlines the potential of multilevel molecular data from the same subject using MSI for subsequent integrative clustering.
Using the Distinct Population Segment (DPS) Concept to Protect Fishes with Low Levels of Genomic Differentiation: Conservation of an Endemic Minnow (Hitch)
Authors: Baumsteiger Jason , Young Matthew , Moyle Peter B.
Published: December 2018

In the United States, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 was enacted to conserve species that are endangered or threatened throughout all or a portion of their range. The definition of “species” includes subspecies and distinct population segments (DPSs). Among freshwater fishes, the use of DPS designations has largely been restricted to salmonids, although the DPS concept is increasingly applied to other fishes as well. As more taxa approach threatened status, the difficult question becomes what to do when genetic evidence does not strongly support formal taxonomic designations (full species or subspecies). We examine the potential application of the DPS concept to protect fishes by using the example of the Hitch Lavinia exilicauda, a cyprinid fish that is endemic to California. The Hitch is divided into three formally described, geographically separate subspecies (the Sacramento, Monterey, and Clear Lake Hitches). However, genomic studies (i.e., restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing), presented here with three independent analyses using a large data set, only weakly supported subspecies designations. Results suggested population structure but not subspecies structure. Nevertheless, conventional taxonomic methods, strong contemporary isolation, the importance of protecting genetic diversity, and high cultural value still qualify all three designated subspecies for DPS status and demonstrate how taxa such as the Clear Lake Hitch can warrant protection under the ESA.
This is my story: Latinx learners create digital stories during a summer literacy camp
Authors: Castañeda Martha E. , Shen Xiang , Claros Berlioz Esther M.
Published: December 2018

Educators need to create opportunities to develop English language learners’ (ELLs’) language skills through creative multiliteracy projects, identify ways to avoid summer loss, and harness the potential of parental engagement. The authors propose the use of a creative digital storytelling (DST) project to achieve these goals. The present case study draws upon a new literacy perspective to examine the impact of aDSTproject on a group of Latinx students in a summer literacy camp. Through examining the process of designing their own family‐inspired digital story, the present study investigates whether aDSTworkshop, taught within a multiliteracies framework, can (a) serve as a creative space to encourage language use, (b) foster multimodal communicative competence, and (c) engage parents during a summer literacy camp for Latinx students. Specifically, we take multiliteracies as the pedagogical foundation guiding theDSTproject.
Integrating creativity into an English as a foreign language reading classroom
Authors: Chen Cheryl Wei‐yu
Published: December 2018

This article describes how creativity is integrated into an English as a foreign language (EFL) reading classroom for a class of adolescent readers in Taiwan. The chosen focal material was a book called Our Iceberg Is Melting by John Kotter and Holger Rathgeber, and the four language learning units in which creativity was infused were (1) dramatic reading; (2) watching relevant videos; (3) poster sessions; and (4) writing possible plots for the sequel. Student works were included to showcase students’ creativity and how the units were closely connected to language learning. It is hoped that more language teachers will integrate creative elements into their teaching to transform their teaching and classrooms.
Six blocks down, take a left at the corner: Learning to teach English learners outside the school walls
Authors: Khasnabis Debi , Reischl Catherine H.
Published: December 2018

In this article we report on a three‐staged teacher education model, designed to support the development of culturally responsive teaching practice in teacher candidates who are preparing to work with multilingual learners. The creative focus of this model is most pronounced in our effort to enable teacher candidates to “get out of context” of the school setting and to envision curricular possibilities by looking to the community. Our teacher education model assists teacher candidates (TCs) to learn community‐based culturally responsive teaching pedagogies for multilingual learners through (1) supporting culturally responsive teaching practice in the abstract, (2) engaging practice that pushes past the confines of the school walls, and (3) putting it all together in a community‐focused unit of instruction. We advocate for the creative potential of positioning TCs’ learning outside of the school walls and inside the community. For each stage of our model, we provide examples of practice using data from a unit of instruction titledMaking a Living—Making a Lifethat teacher candidates co‐created with the authors and experienced teachers. The unit was designed for a summer program in a U.S. Midwestern community for approximately one hundred fourth‐ to eighth‐grade English learners.
Improvisation: A creative theatrical technique to engage English language learners
Authors: Piccoli Margaret W.
Published: December 2018

This article addresses how theatrical improvisation can be used as a creative teaching tool to develop English language learners’ listening and speaking skills, to create an environment that encourages them to use the target language, and to gain confidence in their own abilities and experiences to become successful English speakers. Improvisation can achieve these goals by mimicking the creativity of daily language interactions. Finally, an improvisational lesson example is provided detailing a few activities and the structure on how to implement the technique.
The universal language of pictures: A critical tool for advancing student writing
Authors: Olshansky Beth
Published: December 2018

Pictures offer a universal language for thinking and recording ideas. Creating pictures before writing can provide an engaging and effective alternative pathway into literacy learning for English learners and others who struggle with writing. As educators face the many challenges of trying to meet the diverse needs of students in their multilingual classrooms, treating pictures and words as parallel, complementary, and equal languages for learning can serve to strengthen students’ literacy engagement, deepen their thinking, and support language acquisition, thus providing a critical bridge into written language. As second‐language experts call for allowing translanguaging—the natural movement between and among languages—and the creation of dual language and multilanguage texts, this article explores why moving to a multimodal, pictures‐first approach to teaching writing offers English learners and their teachers an additional layer of scaffolding to support the acquisition of essential literacy skills.
Promoting creativity through language play inEFLclassrooms
Authors: Cho Hyunhee , Kim Hoe Kyeung
Published: December 2018

Teaching creativity in second language (L2) education has recently received increasing attention. Despite its central role in language creativity, language play in L2 classrooms has not been fully explored. This article revisits the theoretical grounding of creativity in language education, particularly focusing on language play, and provides pedagogical suggestions for its implementation in L2 classrooms. We propose five different types of language play with example activities to help language teachers understand and integrate them in their instruction. We argue that language play can promote L2 learners’ creativity by motivating students to communicate their ideas and raising their metalinguistic awareness. Especially in an English as a foreign language (EFL) setting where teachers face challenges in implementing the principles of communicative language teaching (CLT) and creativity, language play can be a good tool for teachers to foster students’ communicative competence and build a space that encourages them to be creative and explorative. As a conclusion, we provide guidelines for teachers on how to integrate language play in their classrooms.
Juxtaposing William and Graciela: Exploring gender nonconformity through drama‐based pedagogy in a dual‐language classroom
Authors: Caldas Blanca
Published: December 2018

Using multicultural children's booksLa Asombrosa GracielaandWilliam's Dollas springboards for discussion surrounding gender roles, this study examines the role of drama‐based pedagogy in the developing understanding of gender roles in a second‐grade Spanish dual‐language classroom. This practitioner inquiry shows students’ responses to the disruption of traditional understandings of gender roles and gender nonconformity portrayed in those books as they rehearsed creative alternatives to resolve the main characters’ dilemmas. Findings show that drama‐based pedagogy (Boal,; Dawson & Lee,) provided a safe space for students to both rehearse and concretize their views and use their linguistic repertoires. Conversations around gender and discourses that unsettle the reproduction of fixed notions of gender are urgently needed in the classroom to alleviate the impact of gender stereotypes and potentially help children question systems that sustain gender exclusion.
“Platform nine and three‐quarters” and more: Scaffolding ESL writing through teacher modelling and creative imitation
Authors: Choi Tat Heung , Wong Wai Ching Crystal
Published: December 2018

This article offers an account from a preservice teacher of a 5‐year double bachelor's degree programme seeking certification for teaching English as a second language (ESL) in Hong Kong. Crystal charts her capstone experience of conducting classroom‐based writing research into one of the family of story genres—narrative—under the guidance of Choi. Her Grade 9ESLlearners were instructed to produce a written response to a prompt from the wizardry world of Harry Potter. This pedagogical intervention was motivated by a desire to scaffold the writing ofESLlearners, with the longer term goal of their developing the necessary knowledge and skills required for high‐stakes examinations. The article reviews the challenges ofESLwriting instruction and considers using genre pedagogy to scaffoldESLlearners, moving them towards the goal of becoming builders of effective and creative narratives. The pedagogical concerns were tackled through a focus‐group interview withESLlearners, as well as the collection of evidence from selected writing samples. The article concludes that explicit writing instruction through teacher modelling and creative imitation can be an enabling and liberating experience for still‐developingESLlearners.
Creative writing as a second language: What is creativity for second language writers?
Authors: Eda Hancı‐Azizoğlu B.
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this autoethnographic study is to advance our understanding regarding the use of the creative function of a second language respecting the second language writer's insight, mindset, and perceptions. This conceptual autoethnographic study explored how creative writing in a first language differs from using the creative function in a second language. The study revealed that after using the poetic function of language, the author experienced progress in her writing because of the following enlightening arguments:

The author felt encouraged to use her second language in more advanced and sophisticated styles as a result of trying to use the creative function of her second language in figurative ways that she has never tried before.

Searching for solutions to write in her second language creatively allowed the multilingual author to discover new literary lexical and semantic connotations, and this process improved her style by enriching her vocabulary choice.

The author gained metacognitive awareness in order to express herself in more meaningful ways because using the creative function of her second language pushed her boundaries to use words out of their daily ordinary meanings.
Cultural imaginaries and oral traditions as creative resources for connecting home storytelling to English learning
Authors: Samuelson Beth Lewis , Park G Yeon , Munyaneza Simon Pierre
Published: December 2018

When teachers and learners of English face challenging circumstances such as limited access to books and teaching supplies, local practices such as oral storytelling traditions can provide creative resources for supporting language and literacy development. We describe how a cultural imaginary of stories told by Rwandan and U.S. students supported dramatic retelling through reader's theater in English camps for Rwandan upper elementary school students. The students embodied and dramatized their favorite stories written in English or Kinyarwanda and redesigned them into reader's theater scripts. Often these stories originated from creative storytelling practices by the students in their homes, thus illustrating how storytelling traditions connected funds of knowledge from home to resources for teaching and learning.
Evaluation of Wind‐Energy Survey Protocols for Migrating Eagle Detection
Authors: Chabot Eric , Slater Steve
Published: December 2018

Wind energy development is increasing in the United States and Canada and may affect bald (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) populations through direct mortality. Wind farms on ridge‐tops may present a greater mortality threat because of the importance of these features for migrating raptors. Regulators in both countries recommend methods for preconstruction surveys, so that eagle use and collision risk can be assessed at potential construction sites. We obtained hourly count data collected during the autumn seasons of 1990–2014 from 22 ridge‐top raptor‐migration monitoring sites in the Pacific, Eastern, and Central flyways of North America. We simulated 18 different survey protocols and effort levels based on survey guidance by repeatedly drawing quasi‐random subsamples from continuously collected data in a manner that imitated the recommended protocols, comparing the number of eagles seen in simulated counts to the eagles seen in all data collected to assess the effectiveness of those protocols in correctly estimating the eagle passage rate (eagles detected per hour of counts) at each site. Multihour point counts conducted on a weekly basis were found to be ineffective at correctly estimating eagle passage both within and across years. Counts conducted in the afternoon were found to be more effective than those conducted in the morning. We demonstrate that full‐day counts, conducted weekly during the peak period of eagle passage, were much more effective at estimating eagle passage rate. Although current guidance recommends the performance of such full day counts, this result underscores their importance in preconstruction surveys at potential wind sites as an essential tactic to estimate eagle passage and risk of collision with energy infrastructure. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Pathologies, Actions, Ideas
Authors: Frampton Sally
Published: December 2018

This chapter examines the early history of ovarian surgery taking the story back to the eighteenth century. During this time, the ovary was believed to have a complex pathology, which made it an object of curiosity within the burgeoning field of morbid anatomy. Chaotic, deceptive and at times astonishing due to the enormous size they could attain, ovarian tumours were seen to defy both bodily order and medical control. These difficulties precipitated an interest among English, Scottish, French and American medical practitioners as to the possibility of finding a surgical solution to the disease. The chapter argues that it was also the relative expendability of reproductive organs, in comparison with other ‘vital’ organs, which further focused attention upon them as a potential site of surgical intervention.
Patent Concerns, Unpatentable Procedures
Authors: Frampton Sally
Published: December 2018

By the mid-1860s, perceptions of ovariotomy—both within the professional sphere and beyond—were undergoing a rapid turnaround. In 1865, the publication of Thomas Spencer Wells’ Diseases of the Ovaries: their Diagnosis and Treatment, in which the surgeon detailed all 114 ovariotomies he’d performed, dramatically improved the reputation of ovariotomists and signalled a major rebranding of the operation from dangerous novelty to a symbol of Victorian skill and industry. As the operation’s status ascended, those who had risked their reputation to perform it became more vocal in their claims to credit for doing so. This chapter addresses those questions of priority, credit and intellectual property which adhered to the operation during the 1860s and beyond.
Third family hypercharge model for $$ {R}_{K^{\left(\ast \right)}} $$ and aspects of the fermion mass problem
Authors: Allanach B. C. , Davighi Joe
Published: December 2018

Abstract

We present a model to explain LHCb’s recent measurements of R

K
and

$$ {R}_{K^{\left(\ast \right)}} $$

R

K

∗

based on an anomaly-free, spontaneously-broken U(1)
F
gauge symmetry, without any fermionic fields beyond those of the Standard Model (SM). The model explains the hierarchical heaviness of the third family and the smallness of quark mixing. The U(1)
F
charges of the third family of SM fields and the Higgs doublet are set equal to their respective hypercharges. A heavy Z′ particle with flavour-dependent couplings can modify the

$$ \left[\overline{b_L}{\gamma}^{\rho }{s}_L\right]\left[\overline{\mu_L}{\gamma}_{\rho }{\mu}_L\right] $$

b
L

¯

γ
ρ

s
L

μ
L

¯

γ
ρ

μ
L

effective vertex in the desired way. The Z′ contribution to

$$ {B}_s-\overline{B_s} $$

B
s

−

B
s

¯

mixing is suppressed by a small mixing angle connected to V

ts
, making the constraint coming from its measurement easier to satisfy. The model can explain R

K
and

$$ {R}_{K^{*}} $$

R

K
*

whilst simultaneously passing other constraints, including measurements of the lepton flavour universality of Z couplings.
Scalar blocks as gravitational Wilson networks
Authors: Bhatta Atanu , Raman Prashanth , Suryanarayana Nemani V.
Published: December 2018

Abstract

In this paper we continue to develop further our prescription [arXiv:1602.02962] to holographically compute the conformal partial waves of CFT correlation functions using the gravitational open Wilson network operators in the bulk. In particular, we demonstrate how to implement it to compute four-point scalar partial waves in general dimension. In the process we introduce the concept of OPE modules, that helps us simplify the computations. Our result for scalar partial waves is naturally given in terms of the Gegenbauer polynomials. We also provide a simpler proof of a previously known recursion relation for the even dimensional CFT partial waves, which naturally leads us to an odd dimensional counterpart.
Vortex-strings in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 quiver × U(1) theories
Authors: Karasik Avner
Published: December 2018

Abstract

We study

$$ \frac{1}{2} $$

1
2

-BPS vortex-strings in four dimensional

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 supersymmetric quiver theories with gauge group SU(N)
n
× U(1). The matter content of the quiver can be represented by what we call a tetris diagram, which simplifies the analysis of the Higgs vacua and the corresponding strings. We classify the vacua of these theories in the presence of a Fayet-Iliopoulos term, and study strings above fully-Higgsed vacua. The strings are studied using classical zero modes analysis, supersymmetric localization and, in some cases, also S-duality. We analyze the conditions for bulk-string decoupling at low energies. When the conditions are satisfied, the low energy theory living on the string’s worldsheet is some 2d

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= (2, 2) supersymmetric non-linear sigma model. We analyze the conditions for weak→weak 2d-4d map of parameters, and identify the worldsheet theory in all the cases where the map is weak→weak. For some SU(2) quivers, S-duality can be used to map weakly coupled worldsheet theories to strongly coupled ones. In these cases, we are able to identify the worldsheet theories also when the 2d-4d map of parameters is weak→strong.
New Standard Model constraints on the scales and dimension of spacetime
Authors: Addazi Andrea , Calcagni Gianluca , Marcianò Antonino
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Using known estimates for the kaon-antikaon transitions, the mean lifetime of the muon and the mean lifetime of the tau, we place new and stronger constraints on the scales of the multi-fractional theories with weighted and q-derivatives. These scenarios reproduce a quantum-gravity regime where fields live on a continuous spacetime with a scale-dependent Hausdorff dimension. In the case with weighted derivatives, constraints from the muon lifetime are various orders of magnitude stronger than those from the tau lifetime and the kaon-antikaon transitions. The characteristic energy scale of the theory cannot be greater than E
*
> 3 × 102 TeV, and is tightened to E
*
> 9 × 108 TeV for the typical value α = 1/2 of the fractional exponents in the spacetime measure. We also find an upper bound d
H
< 2.9 on the spacetime Hausdorff dimension in the ultraviolet. In the case with q-derivatives, the strongest bound comes from the tau lifetime, but it is about 10 orders of magnitude weaker than for the theory with weighted derivatives.
Editorial
Authors: Barrett Steve
Published: December 2018

We have a saying here in the UK that you wait ages for a bus, then two come along at once – which is what has happened with fuel cell double-decker buses this month…
Slow viscous flow of two porous spherical particles translating along the axis of a cylinder
Authors: Yao Xin , Ng Chyi Huey , Teo Jia Rui Amanda , Marcos  , Wong Teck Neng
Published: December 2018

We describe the motion of two freely moving porous spherical particles located along the axis of a cylindrical tube with background Poiseuille flow at low Reynolds number. The stream function and a framework based on cylindrical harmonics are adopted to solve the flow field around the particles and the flow within the tube, respectively. The two solutions are employed in an iterated framework using the method of reflections. We first consider the case of two identical particles, followed by two particles with different dimensions. In both cases, the drag force coefficients of the particles are solved as functions of the separation distance between the particles and the permeability of the particles. The detailed flow field in the vicinity of the two particles is investigated by plotting the streamlines and velocity contours. We find that the particle–particle interaction is dependent on the separation distance, particle sizes and permeability of the particles. Our analysis reveals that when the permeability of the particles is large, the streamlines are more parallel and the particle–particle interaction has less effect on the particle motion. We further show that a smaller permeability and bigger particle size generally tend to squeeze the streamlines and velocity contour towards the wall.
On the origin and propagation of perturbations that cause shock train inherent unsteadiness
Authors: Hunt Robin L. , Gamba Mirko
Published: December 2018

In constant area back pressured ducts, shock trains exhibit inherent unsteadiness where the shock system fluctuates about its time-averaged position despite constant bulk inflow and outflow conditions. In this work, the underlying causes of inherent unsteadiness are identified and the flow dynamics of the system is studied for a shock train in a Mach 2.0 ducted flow that is mechanically back pressured. High-speed schlieren movies and pressure measurements are collected to quantify the shock system fluctuations. Cross-spectral analysis of this data is used to identify specific perturbations, i.e. the fluid phenomena that impact the shock train motion. Key information about each perturbation is also obtained, including where it originates, what direction it travels and how it impacts each shock. Oil flow visualization and particle image velocimetry are then used to gain insight into the physical structure of perturbations and the flow phenomena that generate them. The results identify a complex, frequency-dependent dynamical system that is influenced by (i) upstream propagating acoustic waves that emanate from separation bubbles, (ii) vortices that shed from separation bubbles and convect downstream and (iii) upstream propagating acoustic waves generated in the diffuser. With this information, a scaling argument for the shock train inherent unsteadiness is presented.
Axisymmetric rotating flow with free surface in a cylindrical tank
Authors: Yang Wen , Delbende Ivan , Fraigneau Yann , Martin Witkowski Laurent
Published: December 2018

The flow induced by a disk rotating at the bottom of a cylindrical tank is characterised using numerical techniques – computation of steady solutions or time-averaged two-dimensional and three-dimensional direct simulations – as well as laser-Doppler velocimetry measurements. Axisymmetric steady solutions reveal the structure of the toroidal flow located at the periphery of the central solid body rotation region. When viewed in a meridional plane, this flow cell is found to be bordered by four layers, two at the solid boundaries, one at the free surface and one located at the edge of the central region, which possesses a sinuous shape. The cell intensity and geometry are determined for several fluid-layer aspect ratios; the flow is shown to depend very weakly on Froude number (associated with surface deformation) or on Reynolds number if sufficiently large. The paper then focuses on the high Reynolds number regime for which the flow has become unsteady and three-dimensional while the surface is still almost flat. Direct numerical simulations show that the averaged flow shares many similarities with the above steady axisymmetric solutions. Experimental measurements corroborate most of the numerical results and also allow for the spatio-temporal characterisation of the fluctuations, in particular the azimuthal structure and frequency spectrum. Mean azimuthal velocity profiles obtained in this transitional regime are eventually compared to existing theoretical models.
Surface-tension- and injection-driven spreading of a thin viscous film
Authors: Kiradjiev K. B. , Breward C. J. W. , Griffiths I. M.
Published: December 2018

We consider the spreading of a thin viscous droplet, injected through a finite region of a substrate, under the influence of surface tension. We neglect gravity and assume that there is a precursor layer covering the whole substrate and that the rate of injection is constant. We analyse the evolution of the film profile for early and late time, and obtain power-law dependencies for the maximum film thickness at the centre of the injection region and the position of an apparent contact line, which compare well with numerical solutions of the full problem. We relax the conditions on the injection rate to consider more general time-dependent and spatially varying forms. In the case of power-law injection of the form$t^{k}$, we observe a switch in the behaviour of the evolution of the film thickness for late time from increasing to decreasing at a critical value of$k$. We show that point-source injection can be treated as a limiting case of a finite-injection slot and the solutions exhibit identical behaviours for late time. Finally, we formulate the problem with thickness-dependent injection rate, discuss the behaviour of the maximum film thickness and the position of the apparent contact line and give power-law dependencies for these.
Modulation of the turbulence regeneration cycle by inertial particles in planar Couette flow
Authors: Wang G. , Richter D. H.
Published: December 2018

Two-way coupled direct numerical simulations are used to investigate the effects of inertial particles on self-sustained, turbulent coherent structures (i.e. the so-called regeneration cycle) in plane Couette flow at low Reynolds number just above the onset of transition. Tests show two limiting behaviours with increasing particle inertia, similar to the results from previous linear stability analyses: low-inertia particles trigger the laminar-to-turbulent instability whereas high-inertia particles tend to stabilize turbulence due to the extra dissipation induced by particle–fluid coupling. Furthermore, it is found that the streamwise coupling between phases is the dominant factor in damping of the turbulence and is highly related to the spatial distribution of the particles. The presence of particles in different turbulent coherent structures (large-scale vortices or large-scale streaks) determines the turbulent kinetic energy of particulate phase, which is related to the particle response time scaled by the turnover time of large-scale vortices. By quantitatively investigating the periodic character of the whole regeneration cycle and the phase difference between linked sub-steps, we show that the presence of inertial particles does not alter the periodic nature of the cycle or the relative length of each of the sub-steps. Instead, high-inertia particles greatly weaken the large-scale vortices as well as the streamwise vorticity stretching and lift-up effects, thereby suppressing the fluctuating amplitude of the large-scale streaks. The primary influence of low-inertia particles, however, is to strengthen the large-scale vortices, which fosters the cycle and ultimately reduces the critical Reynolds number.
Active sediment creep deformation on a deep-sea terrace in the Japan Trench
Authors: Nitta Sayaka , Kasaya Takafumi , Kawamura Kiichiro
Published: December 2018

Eighty-six new acoustic survey lines along and across the Japan Trench revealed active sediment creep deformation on a deep-sea terrace at water depths of 400–1200 m in an area of arcuate-shaped depressions that are probably associated with tectonic erosion. The most active region of creep is located on the top at the surface of the depression south of 38° N. The area of creep deformation is characterized by arcuate-shaped topographic lineaments with active folds and active normal faults stepping down trenchward. In contrast to the southern region, normal faults at the top of the depression north of 38° N cut a sedimentary sequence (Unit 1) that is acoustically transparent with continuous weak reflectors, and this is covered by the undeformed layered sediment sequence of Unit 2. Unit 2 corresponds to the period of rising sea level that extended from the latest Pleistocene to the early Holocene (14–6 ka). Thus, creep is ongoing at the top of the depression south of 38° N in the surface layer, whereas it stopped north of the depression between 14 and 6 ka. These observations might indicate that the active region jumped from north to south due to probably retrogressive sliding.
Strong but Intermittent Spatial Covariations in Tropical Land Temperature
Authors: Yang Hui , Piao Shilong , Huntingford Chris , Peng Shushi , Ciais Philippe , Chen Anping , Zhou Guiyun , Wang Xuhui , Gao Mengdi , Zscheischler Jakob
Published: December 2018

Surface temperature variations across the tropics exhibit different levels of spatial coherence, yet this is poorly characterized. Years of high temperature anomalies occurring simultaneously across large geographical regions have the potential to adversely impact food production and societal well‐being. Using cluster analysis of correlations between extensive temperature measurements from the last six decades, we find a major change occurs in the late 1970s. Two spatial clusters merge to a single dominant one, and therefore, warmer years are experienced at the same time across most tropical land regions. Noting this change occurs at the same time as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation shifts a warm phase, we investigate this potential driver by a range of coupled ocean‐atmosphere‐land climate models. These simulations verify that stronger spatial tropical land temperature coherence tends to occur in Pacific Decadal Oscillation warm phases, although model differences exist in projections of how climate change may modulate this dependence.
A graphene oxide/gold nanoparticle-based amplification method for SERS immunoassay of cardiac troponin I
Authors: Fu Xiuli , Wang Yunqing , Liu Yongming , Liu Huitao , Fu Longwen , Wen Jiahui , Li Jingwen , Wei Peihai , Chen Lingxin
Published: December 2018

A multiple signal amplification of a SERS biosensor was developed for sensitive detection of cTnI with the aid of GO/AuNP complexes.
Surgery-free injectable macroscale biomaterials for local cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Lei Kewen , Tang Li
Published: December 2018

Up-to-date review and perspective on injectable macroscale biomaterials for local cancer immunotherapy.
Magnetic liposomal emodin composite with enhanced killing efficiency against breast cancer
Authors: Song Yonghong , Sheng Zhujun , Xu Yunjun , Dong Liang , Xu Weiping , Li Fangyuan , Wang Jing , Wu Zeyu , Yang Yi , Su Yang , Sun Xiaolian , Ling Daishun , Lu Yang
Published: December 2018

The novel magnetic liposomal emodin nanocomposite (MLE) could serve as an efficient magnetically guided theranostic nanoagent against cancer.
Carbon nanotube-stabilized Co9S8 dual-shell hollow spheres for high-performance K-ion storage
Authors: Zhou Jie , Zhao Haoyu , Zhang Qianliang , Li Tieqiang , Li Yang , Lin Ning , Qian Yitai
Published: December 2018

Carbon nanotube-stabilized dual-shell Co9S8 hollow spheres are prepared and shown to exhibit enhanced K-ion storage performance.
Thermodiffusion of citrate-coated γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles in aqueous dispersions with tuned counter-ions – anisotropy of the Soret coefficient under a magnetic field
Authors: Kouyaté M. , Filomeno C. L. , Demouchy G. , Mériguet G. , Nakamae S. , Peyre V. , Roger M. , Cēbers A. , Depeyrot J. , Dubois E. , Perzynski R.
Published: December 2018

Soret coefficient is modulated in sign by the counterion nature and in magnitude by volume fraction and applied magnetic field; single-particle and thermoelectric contributions are sorted out.
Flares in open clusters with K2
Authors: Ilin Ekaterina , Schmidt Sarah J. , Davenport James R. A. , Strassmeier Klaus G.
Published: December 2018

Context. The presence and strength of a stellar magnetic field and activity is rooted in a star’s fundamental parameters such as mass and age. Can flares serve as an accurate stellar “clock”?

Aims. To explore if we can quantify an activity-age relation in the form of a flaring-age relation, we measured trends in the flaring rates and energies for stars with different masses and ages.

Methods. We investigated the time-domain photometry provided by Kepler’s follow-up mission K2 and searched for flares in three solar metallicity open clusters with well-known ages, M 45 (0.125 Gyr), M 44 (0.63 Gyr), and M 67 (4.3 Gyr). We updated and employed the automated flare finding and analysis pipeline Appaloosa, originally designed for Kepler. We introduced a synthetic flare injection and recovery sub-routine to ascribe detection and energy recovery rates for flares in a broad energy range for each light curve.

Results. We collect a sample of 1761 stars, mostly late-K to mid-M dwarfs and found 751 flare candidates with energies ranging from 4 × 1032 erg to 6 × 1034 erg, of which 596 belong to M 45, 155 to M 44, and none to M 67. We find that flaring activity depends both on Teff, and age. But all flare frequency distributions have similar slopes with α ≈ 2.0−2.4, supporting a universal flare generation process. We discuss implications for the physical conditions under which flares occur, and how the sample’s metallicity and multiplicity affect our results.
Talcum Powder Toxicosis in Pregnancy
Authors: Pennycuff Jon , Davenport Abigail , Ellis Jane , Patberg Elizabeth , Cwiak Carrie
Published: December 2018

Background Pica is a relatively common phenomenon in pregnancy and typically includes consumption of nontoxic substances such as earth/clay, raw starches, and ice. Occasionally, substances may be toxic or have unintended consequences.

Case A nulliparous woman presented to our facility complaining of numerous, vague symptoms that are common in pregnancy. She had multiple work-ups and an admission to our antepartum unit without clear etiology of her symptoms. Ultimately, she was diagnosed with talcum powder toxicosis secondary to talc ingestion as a coping mechanism for her anxiety, which was heightened in pregnancy.

Conclusion This case highlights the importance of screening for mental health disorders, which may be exacerbated during the peripartum period. Patients' coping mechanisms for mental health disorders may have unintended consequences.
Pain Intensity: How Press Ganey Survey Domains Correlate in Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients
Authors: Mohamed Nequesha S. , Gwam Chukwuweike U. , Etcheson Jennifer I. , Castrodad Iciar M. Dávila , Gitarts Steven L. , Jetty Avnish S. , Srour Brandon A. , Delanois Ronald E.
Published: December 2018

Decreasing postoperative pain for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients has been an area of continued effort for healthcare providers. These efforts have been incentivized by legislative reform, which ties reimbursement for hospitals and providers to patient perception of care. Press Ganey (PG) surveys quantify patient satisfaction, and the “pain management” domain is thought to be the best metric for assessing pain intensity. Therefore, these responses are important, as they are used to guide further improvements in healthcare delivery. This study analyzes which PG survey domains are truly associated with pain intensity in the immediate postoperative period following TKA. We queried our PG database for all primary TKA patients between November 2012 and January 2015, yielding a total of 214 patients. Multivariate regression analysis was performed utilizing pain intensity as the dependent variable. Predictor variables included body mass index (BMI), Charlson's comorbidity index, opioid consumption, and PG survey domains. Patient ratings of “communication with doctors” (B = 58.147; p = 0.001), “responsiveness of hospital staff” (B = − 62.663; p = 0.041), “communication about medicines” (B= −45.037; p < 0.001), and “hospital environment” (B = 69.342; p = 0.017) were associated with patient pain intensity. We found survey domains, other than “pain management,” were associated with pain intensity. Efforts to improve outcomes and satisfaction should focus on staff education and communication. The current method for measuring patient satisfaction and reimbursement should be critically assessed and redesigned to better reflect true patient experiences.
External Validation of the Two Newly Proposed Criteria for Assessing Coagulopathy in Sepsis
Authors: Yamakawa Kazuma , Yoshimura Jumpei , Ito Takashi , Hayakawa Mineji , Hamasaki Toshimitsu , Fujimi Satoshi
Published: December 2018

Background Two different criteria for evaluating coagulopathy in sepsis were recently released: sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC) and sepsis-associated coagulopathy (SAC). Although both use universal haemostatic markers of platelet count and pro-thrombin time, significance and usefulness of these criteria remain unclear.

Objective This article validates and evaluates the significance of SIC and SAC criteria compared with the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) overt disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and Japanese Association for Acute Medicine (JAAM) DIC criteria.

Methods Clinical characteristics of patients from a nationwide Japanese cohort were classified by SIC, SAC or DIC status and relations between criteria were examined. We evaluated associations between in-hospital mortality and anticoagulant therapy according to the SIC, SAC or DIC status to clarify the significance of criteria for introducing anticoagulants. Intervention effects were analysed by Cox regression analysis adjusted by propensity scoring.

Results Incidences of coagulopathy diagnosed by SIC and JAAM DIC were similar, whereas those of SAC and ISTH overt DIC were about half of the former two (61.4%, 60.8% vs. 45.3%, 29.3%). Severity and mortality of all criteria were almost comparable. For validating initiation of anticoagulation, favourable effects of anticoagulant therapy were observed only in sub-sets with, and not without, coagulopathy diagnosed by all four criteria. Slight non-significant differences between anticoagulant groupings were found in ISTH overt DIC- and SAC-negative populations, suggesting that some patients even ‘without’ these criteria may benefit from anticoagulant therapy.

Conclusion Newly developed SIC diagnostic criteria for coagulopathy may be valuable in detecting appropriate candidates for anticoagulant therapy in sepsis and a useful alternative to conventional DIC scoring systems.
Epidemiology of Pediatric Septic Shock
Authors: Machado Flávia , de Souza Daniela
Published: December 2018

Sepsis, or dysregulated host response to infection, is considered a worldwide public health problem. It is a major childhood disease both in terms of frequency and severity, and severe sepsis is still considered the main cause of death from infection in childhood. This review provides an overview of the epidemiology of pediatric septic shock. The prevalence of severe sepsis and septic shock among hospitalized children ranges from 1 to 26%. Mortality is high, ranging from 5% in developed countries to up to 35% in developing countries. However, 10 years after the publication of pediatric sepsis definitions, a global perspective on the burden of this disease in childhood is still missing. Major obstacles to a better knowledge of sepsis epidemiology in children are the absence of an adequate disease definition and not having sepsis as a cause of death in the World Health Organization Global Burden of Disease Report, which is one of the most important sources of information for health policies decision-making in the world. Several studies performed in both developed and developing countries have shown that mortality from septic shock is high and is associated with delayed diagnosis, late treatment, and nonadherence to the treatment guidelines. Reducing mortality from sepsis in childhood is a worldwide challenge, especially in developing countries, where the highest number of cases and deaths are recorded and where financial resources are scarce. Many specialists consider that prevention, education, and organization are key to achieve a reduction in the burden of sepsis.
Spin-polarized transport in a quasi-1D wire with Rashba dots
Authors: Park Dae Han , Kim Heesang , Park Youngsin , Kim Nammee
Published: December 2018

A numerical study on spin-polarized transport properties in a quasi-one-dimensional wire with Rashba quantum dots is presented. The ballistic spin transmission probability and spin density profiles are obtained using the quantum transmitting boundary method. The Fano-Rashba effect on the spin transmission is analyzed as a function of the Rashba spin-orbit coupling strength for single dot and double dot systems. The spin density profiles show the localized states that contribute to the backscattering and spin-flip processes in the Rashba dots. The results enlighten us on the Fano-Rashba effect caused by local Rashba spin-orbit coupling and provide concrete ideas for modeling a system with spin-polarized transport for future applications.