bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One loop tadpole in heterotic string field theory
Authors: Erler Theodore , Konopka Sebastian , Sachs Ivo
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We compute the off-shell 1-loop tadpole amplitude in heterotic string field theory. With a special choice of cubic vertex, we show that this amplitude can be computed exactly. We obtain explicit and elementary expressions for the Feynman graph decomposition of the moduli space, the local coordinate map at the puncture as a function of the modulus, and the b-ghost insertions needed for the integration measure. Recently developed homotopy algebra methods provide a consistent configuration of picture changing operators. We discuss the consequences of spurious poles for the choice of picture changing operators.
Universality of next-to-leading power threshold effects for colourless final states in hadronic collisions
Authors: Del Duca V. , Laenen E. , Magnea L. , Vernazza L. , White C.D.
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We consider the production of an arbitrary number of colour-singlet particles near partonic threshold, and show that next-to-leading order cross sections for this class of processes have a simple universal form at next-to-leading power (NLP) in the energy of the emitted gluon radiation. Our analysis relies on a recently derived factorisation formula for NLP threshold effects at amplitude level, and therefore applies both if the leading-order process is tree-level and if it is loop-induced. It holds for differential distributions as well. The results can furthermore be seen as applications of recently derived next-to-soft theorems for gauge theory amplitudes. We use our universal expression to re-derive known results for the production of up to three Higgs bosons at NLO in the large top mass limit, and for the hadro-production of a pair of electroweak gauge bosons. Finally, we present new analytic results for Higgs boson pair production at NLO and NLP, with exact top-mass dependence.
Spinning geodesic Witten diagrams
Authors: Dyer Ethan , Freedman Daniel Z. , Sully James
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We present an expression for the four-point conformal blocks of symmetric traceless operators of arbitrary spin as an integral over a pair of geodesics in Anti-de Sitter space, generalizing the geodesic Witten diagram formalism of Hijano et al. [1] to arbitrary spin. As an intermediate step in the derivation, we identify a convenient basis of bulk threepoint interaction vertices which give rise to all possible boundary three point structures. We highlight a direct connection between the representation of the conformal block as geodesic Witten diagram and the shadow operator formalism.
Crop rotation associating a legume and the nickel hyperaccumulator Alyssum murale improves the structure and biofunctioning of an ultramafic soil
Authors: Saad Ramez Farajallah , Kobaissi Ahmad , Machinet Gaylord , Villemin Geneviève , Echevarria Guillaume , Benizri Emile
Published: November 2017

Nickel (Ni) agromining aims to phytoextract heavy metals using hyperaccumulators whilst at the same time rehabilitating ultramafic soils. After removing the bioavailable metal, ultramafic soils are improved in terms of their agronomic properties with the aim of future agricultural uses. The low fertility of ultramafic soils can be compensated by integrating legumes already used in traditional agro‐systems because of their importance in soil nitrogen enrichment. However, few studies have evaluated the potential profits of legumes on Ni agromining and their potential benefits on soil biological fertility. Here, we characterized the effect of a crop rotation with two plants, a legume (Vicia sativa) and a hyperaccumulator (Alyssum murale), on the phytoextraction efficiency and on soil structure and biofunctioning. A pot experiment was set up in controlled conditions to grow A. murale and four treatments were tested: rotation with V. sativa (Ro), fertilized mono‐culture (FMo), non‐fertilized mono‐culture (NFMo) and bare soil without plants (BS). No significant difference was found between the Ro and NFMo treatments for the dry biomass yield. However, the Ro treatment showed the highest Ni concentrations ([Ni]) in A. murale shoots compared to FMo and NFMo treatments. The Ro treatment plants had more than twice as many leaves [Ni] compared to FMo. Soil physico‐chemical analyses showed that the Ro treatment was better structured and showed the highest presence of bacterial micro‐aggregates, as well as less non‐aggregated particles. Legumes integration in Ni‐agromining systems could be a pioneering strategy to reduce chemical inputs and to improve soil biofunctioning and thus fertility.
Long‐term zooplankton community records (1996–2017) for Lake Suwa (Japan)
Authors: Sakamoto Masaki , Nagata Takamaru , Hanazato Takayuki , Miyabara Yuichi , Ha Jin‐Yong , Park Ho‐Dong , Toda Hideshige , Oh Hye‐Ji , Oda Yusuke , Chang Kwang‐Hyeon
Published: November 2017

The impact of eutrophication on aquatic ecosystems remains an important topic in aquatic ecology; however, recent successes in water quality restoration in highly eutrophicated water bodies present new research potential regarding re‐oligotrophication. Successfully reducing nutrient loading from sewage treatment through restoration activities, induces large changes in phytoplankton composition and biomass, particularly replacement of cyanobacterial dominance. In Lake Suwa, a shallow eutrophic lake in central Japan, recovery has occurred due to water quality restoration efforts since the 1970s. The improvement of lake trophic state from hypertrophic to mesotrophic is accompanied by various changes, such as rapid decreases in biomass of phytoplankton, benthic invertebrates and planktivorous pond smelt, and increases in biomass of aquatic vegetation, mainly floating leaved plants. During re‐oligotrophication, zooplankton are important because they are major secondary producers in lake ecosystems. In Lake Suwa, the Research and Education Center for Inland Water Environment, Shinshu University has collected bi‐weekly zooplankton samples and analyzed species composition since 1996, when the lake was in a hypertrophic state with serious Microcystis blooms. Lake Suwa is one representative lake for re‐oligotrophication in a shallow eutrophic system, and our zooplankton dataset can be used to understand the changes in ecosystem structure and function.
Tree diversity has contrasting effects on predation rates by birds and arthropods on three broadleaved, subtropical tree species
Authors: Yang Bo , Li Bin , He Yuxuan , Zhang Lipeng , Bruelheide Helge , Schuldt Andreas
Published: November 2017

Plant diversity is hypothesized to strengthen biological control by promoting top‐down pressure of predators on herbivores. However, studies on the effects of plant diversity on actual predation rates are still scarce, particularly in forest ecosystems. We analyzed the effect of tree species richness, and the potential influence of neighbor tree density, on predation rates of arthropods and birds on artificial clay caterpillars in a large‐scale forest biodiversity experiment in south‐east China. Our study was focused on three broadleaved tree species that are frequently damaged by lepidopteran caterpillars. Predation rates were influenced by tree species richness on only one of the three tree species, on which arthropod predation increased and bird predation decreased with increasing tree species richness. Importantly, these relationships were mediated by neighbor tree density, being most pronounced when focal trees had fewer surrounding neighbor trees. Our findings indicate that low tree density reduced arthropod predator abundances and predation rates, but that negative effects of this reduction were compensated for in more diverse tree mixtures by a functionally more diverse predator community. In contrast, lower tree densities might have benefited insectivorous birds by making trees more accessible particularly in monocultures, which are often structurally more uniform and denser than tree mixtures. Overall, our results point to an important role of species‐specific and density‐dependent mechanisms in modifying the consequences of biodiversity loss on top‐down effects in forest ecosystems. Future work should aim at separating the effects of different predator guilds and those of host diversity from host density.
OrthoGNC: A Software for Accurate Identification of Orthologs Based on Gene Neighborhood Conservation
Authors: Jahangiri-Tazehkand Soheil , Wong Limsoon , Eslahchi Changiz
Published: November 2017

Orthology relations can be used to transfer annotations from one gene (or protein) to another. Hence, detecting orthology relations has become an important task in the post-genomic era. Various genomic events, such as duplication and horizontal gene transfer, can cause erroneous assignment of orthology relations. In closely-related species, gene neighborhood information can be used to resolve many ambiguities in orthology inference. Here we present OrthoGNC, a software for accurately predicting pairwise orthology relations based on gene neighborhood conservation. Analyses on simulated and real data reveal the high accuracy of OrthoGNC. In addition to orthology detection, OrthoGNC can be employed to investigate the conservation of genomic context among potential orthologs detected by other methods. OrthoGNC is freely available online at http://bs.ipm.ir/softwares/orthognc and http://tinyurl.com/orthoGNC.
The Witness Experience
Authors: King Kimi Lynn , Meernik James David
Published: November 2017

This book provides the most comprehensive and scientific assessment to date of what it means to appear before war crimes tribunals. This ground-breaking analysis, conducted with the cooperation of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) Victims and Witnesses Section, examines the positive and negative impact that testifying has on those who bear witness to the horrors of war by shedding new light on the process. While most witnesses have positive feelings and believe they contributed to international justice, there is a small but critical segment of witnesses whose security, health, and well-being are adversely affected after testifying. The witness experience is examined holistically, including witness' perceptions of their physical and psychological well-being. Because identity (gender and ethnicity) and war trauma were central to the ICTY's mandate and the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, the research explores in-depth how they have impacted the most critical stakeholders of any transitional justice mechanism: the witnesses.
SLC6A3 Is Associated With Relational Aggression in Children
Authors: Lundwall Rebecca A. , Sgro Jordan , Wade Tyson
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Understanding the genetic influence on aggressive behavior in children is one way to understand pathways to the development of aggression in adults. While aggression is likely under some environmental influence, it is also likely under some genetic influence. Overt aggression associates with a variety of genes including dopaminergic and serotonergic genes. Dopaminergic and serotonergic genes are known to be associated with overt aggression. However, little is known regarding the genetic pathways associated with relational aggression. Detecting genetic associates of relational aggression is important to eventually understand pathways to socially aggressive behaviors in children. Therefore, we attempted to determine if relational aggression was also associated with dopaminergic and serotonergic genes. We invited the parents of 327 children to complete a modified version of the MacArthur Health and Behavior Questionnaire (HBQ-P), which has a subscale for relational aggression. We used logistic regression models that predicted relational aggression after controlling for covariates. One genetic predictor was added at a time until there was no model improvement. The covariates were overt aggression scores obtained from the HBQ-P and age. The final (best) model included as a significant predictor of relational aggression one single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on SLC6A3 (rs2617605) and the covariates.
Steele-MacInnis and Watkins Receive 2017 Hisashi Kuno Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: November 2017

Matthew Steele-MacInnis and James Watkins will receive the 2017 Hisashi Kuno Award at the 2017 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, to be held 11–15 December in New Orleans, La. This early-career award recognizes “outstanding contributions to the fields of volcanology, geochemistry, or petrology.”
Honoring Earth and Space Scientists
Authors:   AGU
Published: November 2017

AGU members and others in the news.
Fluorine-induced self-doping and spatial conformation in alcohol-soluble interlayers for highly-efficient polymer solar cells
Authors: Jin Xiufen , Wang Yilin , Cheng Xiaofang , Zhou Huanyu , Hu Lin , Zhou Yinhua , Chen Lie , Chen Yiwang
Published: November 2017

A new interface engineering strategy for non-fullerene polymer solar cells by employing a highly conductive interlayer with a fluorinated conjugated backbone to afford a power conversion efficiency of 11.51% based on the PBDB-T:ITIC active layer.
Development of phospho-specific Rab protein antibodies to monitor in vivo activity of the LRRK2 Parkinson's disease kinase
Authors: Lis Pawel , Burel Sophie , Steger Martin , Mann Matthias , Brown Fiona , Diez Federico , Tonelli Francesca , Holton Janice L. , Ho Philip Winglok , Ho Shu-Leong , Chou Meng-Yun , Polinski Nicole K. , Martinez Terina N. , Davies Paul , Alessi Dario R.
Published: November 2017

Mutations that activate the LRRK2 (leucine-rich repeat protein kinase 2) protein kinase predispose to Parkinson's disease, suggesting that LRRK2 inhibitors might have therapeutic benefit. Recent work has revealed that LRRK2 phosphorylates a subgroup of 14 Rab proteins, including Rab10, at a specific residue located at the centre of its effector-binding switch-II motif. In the present study, we analyse the selectivity and sensitivity of polyclonal and monoclonal phospho-specific antibodies raised against nine different LRRK2-phosphorylated Rab proteins (Rab3A/3B/3C/3D, Rab5A/5B/5C, Rab8A/8B, Rab10, Rab12, Rab29[T71], Rab29[S72], Rab35 and Rab43). We identify rabbit monoclonal phospho-specific antibodies (MJFF-pRAB10) that are exquisitely selective for LRRK2-phosphorylated Rab10, detecting endogenous phosphorylated Rab10 in all analysed cell lines and tissues, including human brain cingulate cortex. We demonstrate that the MJFF-pRAB10 antibodies can be deployed to assess enhanced Rab10 phosphorylation resulting from pathogenic (R1441C/G or G2019S) LRRK2 knock-in mutations as well as the impact of LRRK2 inhibitor treatment. We also identify rabbit monoclonal antibodies displaying broad specificity (MJFF-pRAB8) that can be utilised to assess LRRK2-controlled phosphorylation of a range of endogenous Rab proteins, including Rab8A, Rab10 and Rab35. The antibodies described in the present study will help with the assessment of LRRK2 activity and examination of which Rab proteins are phosphorylated in vivo. These antibodies could also be used to assess the impact of LRRK2 inhibitors in future clinical trials.
Chemical suppressors of mlo-mediated powdery mildew resistance
Authors: Wu Hongpo , Kwaaitaal Mark , Strugala Roxana , Schaffrath Ulrich , Bednarek Paweł , Panstruga Ralph
Published: November 2017

Loss-of-function of barley mildew locus o (Mlo) confers durable broad-spectrum penetration resistance to the barley powdery mildew pathogen, Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei (Bgh). Given the importance of mlo mutants in agriculture, surprisingly few molecular components have been identified to be required for this type of resistance in barley. With the aim to identify novel cellular factors contributing to mlo-based resistance, we devised a pharmacological inhibitor screen. Of the 41 rationally chosen compounds tested, five caused a partial suppression of mlo resistance in barley, indicated by increased levels of Bgh host cell entry. These chemicals comprise brefeldin A (BFA), 2′,3′-dideoxyadenosine (DDA), 2-deoxy-d-glucose, spermidine, and 1-aminobenzotriazole. Further inhibitor analysis corroborated a key role for both anterograde and retrograde endomembrane trafficking in mlo resistance. In addition, all four ribonucleosides, some ribonucleoside derivatives, two of the five nucleobases (guanine and uracil), some guanine derivatives as well as various polyamines partially suppress mlo resistance in barley via yet unknown mechanisms. Most of the chemicals identified to be effective in partially relieving mlo resistance in barley also to some extent compromised powdery mildew resistance in an Arabidopsis mlo2 mlo6 double mutant. In summary, our study identified novel suppressors of mlo resistance that may serve as valuable probes to unravel further the molecular processes underlying this unusual type of disease resistance.
Unified FRM‐based complex modulated filter bank structure with low complexity
Authors: Zhang Wenxu , Du Qiuying , Ji Qingbo , Chen Tao
Published: November 2017

Software defined radios typically employ digital filter banks (FBs) for channelisation. Frequency response masking (FRM) approach is used to reduce the computational complexity of the complex modulated FB with narrow transition band. A unified FRM‐based complex modulated FB structure is proposed to design sharp filters with arbitrary passband bandwidth. The proposed unified FRM‐based complex modulated FB structure with low complexity is suitable for different even‐stacked or odd‐stacked, maximally decimated or non‐maximally decimated structures. It also can be directly applied to high sampling rate systems. It is shown that the proposed unified FRM‐based complex modulated FB structure can obtain the improvement of the computational complexity compared with the other methods.
Noise‐shaped filter implementation
Authors: Payandehnia P. , Ceballos J.L. , Temes G.C.
Published: November 2017

A system‐level noise mitigation technique is used to design low‐noise single‐ended switched‐capacitor filters which implement noise shaping. The performance is comparable to that of a fully differential structure, while the complexity, power dissipation and chip area are drastically reduced.
Cloud‐based adaptive exon prediction for DNA analysis
Authors: Putluri Srinivasareddy , Zia Ur Rahman Md , Fathima Shaik Yasmeen
Published: November 2017

Cloud computing offers significant research and economic benefits to healthcare organisations. Cloud services provide a safe place for storing and managing large amounts of such sensitive data. Under conventional flow of gene information, gene sequence laboratories send out raw and inferred information via Internet to several sequence libraries. DNA sequencing storage costs will be minimised by use of cloud service. In this study, the authors put forward a novel genomic informatics system using Amazon Cloud Services, where genomic sequence information is stored and accessed for processing. True identification of exon regions in a DNA sequence is a key task in bioinformatics, which helps in disease identification and design drugs. Three base periodicity property of exons forms the basis of all exon identification techniques. Adaptive signal processing techniques found to be promising in comparison with several other methods. Several adaptive exon predictors (AEPs) are developed using variable normalised least mean square and its maximum normalised variants to reduce computational complexity. Finally, performance evaluation of various AEPs is done based on measures such as sensitivity, specificity and precision using various standard genomic datasets taken from National Center for Biotechnology Information genomic sequence database.
Binary Wyner–Ziv code design based on compound LDGM–LDPC structures
Authors: Nangir Mahdi , Ahmadian‐Attari Mahmoud , Asvadi Reza
Published: November 2017

In this study, a practical coding scheme is designed for the binary Wyner–Ziv (WZ) problem by using nested low‐density generator‐matrix (LDGM) and low‐density parity‐check (LDPC) codes. This scheme contains two steps in the encoding procedure. The first step involves applying the binary quantisation by employing LDGM codes and the second one is using the syndrome‐coding technique by utilising LDPC codes. The decoding algorithm of the proposed scheme is based on the sum‐product algorithm with the help of a side information available at the decoder side. It is theoretically shown that the compound structure has the capability of achieving the WZ bound. The proposed method approaches this bound by utilising the iterative message‐passing algorithms in both encoding and decoding, although theoretical results show that it is asymptotically achievable.
Performance analysis of SFBC‐FSTD in multiple‐input single‐output‐VLC systems with co‐channel interference
Authors: Romero‐Munoz Gabriela Alejandra , Kim Kyuntak , Lee Kyujin , Lee Kyesan
Published: November 2017

The authors investigate space frequency block code (SFBC) with frequency‐switched transmit diversity (FSTD) in indoor visible light communications (VLCs) in order to mitigate the co‐channel interference (CCI) through a cooperative transmission and thereby improve system reliability. In addition, the authors explore the influence of parameters, the semi‐angle at half power and the position of the light emitting diodes (LEDs), on the bit error rate (BER) performance. Although VLC is a promising technology for indoor wireless communications, it is necessary to cope with the CCI that occurs when the coverage areas of multiple LEDs overlap and the LEDs are sending different signals. The desired signal experiences serious interference from other LEDs to the point that it is impossible to recover the signal without coding. They investigate SFBC‐FSTD in a multiple‐input single‐output‐VLC system composed of four LEDs and one photodiode. It is effective in this scenario because the data rate is not affected by the code rate. Through computer simulations, SFBC‐FSTD exhibits great improvement in the BER performance, requiring a lower signal‐to‐noise ratio than SFBC and single‐input single‐output. Furthermore, SFBC‐FSTD is more power efficient.
Analysis of frequency emergency control characteristics of UHV AC/DC large receiving end power grid
Authors: Li Hucheng , Yuan Yubo , Zhang Xiaoyi , Su Chenbo
Published: November 2017

The large receiving end power grid characterised by Ultra High Voltage (UHV) AC/DC hybrid is prone to chain failure. Once High Voltage Direct Current Transmission (HVDC) system blocks, the frequency stability problem may occur. For multiple dc coordination control, pumped storage control, accurate load control and other frequency emergency control methods, this paper conducted frequency emergency control characteristic simulation based on the actual power grid model, which verified the effectiveness of the existing frequency emergency control methods.
Application status of XLPE insulated submarine cable used in offshore wind farm in China
Authors: Zhang Hongliang , Zhang Jianmin , Duan Lewis , Xie Shuhong , Xue Jianlin
Published: November 2017

The application of cross‐linked polyethylene (XLPE)‐insulated submarine cable used in offshore wind farms in China is discussed. Different from onshore wind farms, the cable connects fans of offshore wind farms and transmits electric energy to booster stations installed under water. Therefore, to a certain extent, a mass of offshore wind farm construction in China promoted the development of XLPE‐insulated submarine cable. The aim of the application of XLPE‐insulated submarine cable for China's offshore wind power, first summarised the structural characteristics of three‐core AC submarine cable and introduced results of product structure improvement, production equipment upgrading and performance stability verification in the process of cable voltage levels of 35 to 110 and 220 kV. The product features and insulation structure design method of flexible DC submarine cable have been analysed. Finally, according to the trend of a large capacity and high seas construction for offshore wind farms, the application of XLPE‐insulated submarine cable will focus on wet‐type structure interconnecting submarine cable and high‐voltage flexible direct current submarine cable in the future.
Er‐doped titanium dioxide/silicon dioxide fibres with enhanced photodegradation performance
Authors: Wang Jidong , An Xiaolong , Yu Yuan , Li Xiaoqiang , Ge Mingqiao
Published: November 2017

In this work, an erbium‐doped titanium dioxide/silicon dioxide (Er@TS) fibrous composite was fabricated by a combination of sol–gel process, electrospinning and calcination. The precursor sol was prepared from one‐pot condensation of Er trioxide, tetraethyl orthosilicate and titanium n‐butoxide in the mixture of nitric acid solution (pH = 2.0) and ethyl alcohol. After the addition of poly(vinylpyrrolidone), the precursor of fibrous membrane was fabricated by electrospinning, followed by calcination to form the Er@TS composite. The physicochemical properties of fibrous membranes, both of before and after calcination, were characterised. The earth rare element Er is aiming to enhance the overall photodegradation capability of nanofibrous composite. The results of photodegradation tests demonstrated that the Er@TS composite exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity for degradation of methyl orange.
Cauchy–Born strain energy density for coupled incommensurate elastic chains
Authors: Cazeaux Paul , Luskin Mitchell
Published: November 2017

The recent fabrication of weakly interacting incommensurate two-dimensional layer stacks (A. Geim and I. Grigorieva, Nature 499 (2013) 419–425) requires an extension of the classical notion of the Cauchy–Born strain energy density since these atomistic systems are typically not periodic. In this paper, we rigorously formulate and analyze a Cauchy–Born strain energy density for weakly interacting incommensurate one-dimensional lattices (chains) as a large body limit and we give error estimates for its approximation by finite samples as well as the popular supercell method.
Die Rechtsfrage: Muss Fahrzeit wie Arbeitszeit vergütet werden?
Authors: Bossow Karsten
Published: November 2017

„Ich arbeite an zwei Standorten eines Reha-Zentrums. Mein Arbeitgeber verlangt, dass ich für die Fahrt von einer Einrichtung zur anderen nur 30 Minuten berechne. Tatsächlich benötige ich mit den Öffentlichen 1,5 Stunden. Muss ich dafür wirklich meine Freizeit opfern?“

Therapeutin aus Nordrhein-Westfalen
Kolumne – Häschen in der Tüte
Authors: Schiewack Michael
Published: November 2017

Manche Klienten bedanken sich nach der beendeten Therapie mit einer kleinen Aufmerksamkeit: Kärtchen oder Kaffee. Michael Schiewack bekam ein Geschenk, das er so schnell nicht mehr vergisst …
A Green's function based analytical method for forward and inverse modeling of quasi-periodic nanostructured surfaces
Authors: Abass A. , Zilk M. , Nanz S. , Fasold S. , Ehrhardt S. , Pertsch T. , Rockstuhl C.
Published: November 2017

We present an efficient Green's function based analytical method for forward but particularly also for the inverse modeling of light scattering by quasi-periodic and aperiodic surface nanostructures. In the forward modeling, good agreement over an important texture amplitude range is achieved between the developed formalism and exact rigorous calculations on the one hand and angle resolved light scattering measurements of complex quasi-periodic SiO2-Au nanopatterned interfaces on the other hand. Exploiting our formalism, we demonstrate for the first time how the inverse problem of quasi-periodic surface textures for a desired multiresonant absorption response can be expressed in terms of coupled systems of multivariate polynomial equations of the height profile's Fourier amplitudes. A good estimate of the required surface profile can thus be obtained in a computationally cheap manner via solving the multivariate polynomial equations. In principle, the inverse modeling formalism introduced here can be implemented in conjunction with any scattering model that provides expressions of the coupling coefficients between different modes in terms of the surface texture height profile.
Non-isothermal physical and chemical processes in superfluid helium
Authors: Gordon E. B. , Kulish M. I. , Karabulin A. V. , Matyushenko V. I.
Published: November 2017

Metal atoms and small clusters introduced into superfluid helium (He II) concentrate there in quantized vortices to form (by further coagulation) the thin nanowires. The nanowires' thickness and structure are well predicted by a double-staged mechanism. On the first stage the coagulation of cold particles in the vortex cores leads to melting of their fusion product, which acquires a spherical shape due to surface tension. Then (second stage) provided these particles reach a certain size they do not possess sufficient energy to melt and eventually coalesce into the nano-wires. Nevertheless the assumption of melting for such refractory metal as tungsten, especially in He II, which possesses an extremely high thermal conductivity, induces natural skepticism. That is why we decided to register directly the visible thermal emission accompanying metals coagulation in He II. The brightness temperatures of this radiation for the tungsten, molybdenum, and platinum coagulation were found to be noticeably higher than even the metals' melting temperatures. The region of He II that contained suspended metal particles expanded with the velocity of 50 m/s, being close to the Landau velocity, but coagulation took place even more quickly, so that the whole process of nanowire growth is completed at distances about 1.5 mm from the place of metal injection into He II. High rate of coagulation of guest metal particles as well as huge local overheating are associated with them concentrating in quantized vortex cores. The same process should take place not only for metals but for any atoms, molecules and small clusters embedded into He II.
Improvement of anti-corrosive and anti-oxidative properties of electroless Ni-P coating
Authors: Shan Limei , Li Yanli , Miao Jingguo , Wu Juying , Zhai Kaihua , Wang Xinyin
Published: November 2017

In order to improve the anti-corrosive and anti-oxidative properties of electroless Ni-P coating (ENPC), a vanadium conversion coating (VCC) was fabricated on the surface of the ENPC. SEM images and EDX line scanning spectra indicate that as-prepared VCC is supposed to be a thin film with a thickness of a few nanometres. XPS analyses demonstrate that the VCC is mainly consisted of V2O5 or V2O5· nH2O. The acid exposure test data indicate that the VCC-treated ENPC, compared with the pristine one, demonstrates a highly enhanced anti-oxidative property. Furthermore, the result of neutral salt spray test manifests that the VCC-treated ENPC has also a highly enhanced anti-corrosive property, which is further confirmed by the result of electrochemical corrosion test.
Family Relationships and Well-Being
Authors: Thomas Patricia A , Liu Hui , Umberson Debra
Published: November 2017

Family relationships are enduring and consequential for well-being across the life course. We discuss several types of family relationships—marital, intergenerational, and sibling ties—that have an important influence on well-being. We highlight the quality of family relationships as well as diversity of family relationships in explaining their impact on well-being across the adult life course. We discuss directions for future research, such as better understanding the complexities of these relationships with greater attention to diverse family structures, unexpected benefits of relationship strain, and unique intersections of social statuses.
Anatomic Investigation of the Trajectory for Stereotactic Laser Amygdalohippocampectomy
Authors: Holanda Vanessa M , Gungor Abuzer , Baydin Serhat , Middlebrooks Erik H , Danish Shabbar F
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance imaging-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) has emerged as a promising treatment for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Surgeons must understand the relevant anatomy that is traversed by the catheter and affected by ablation.

OBJECTIVE

To study the anatomic structures crossed by the LITT catheter until it reaches the amygdala.

METHODS

Three human cadaveric heads were implanted with catheters using a frameless stereotactic technique. The Visualase® system (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) was utilized to ablate along the trajectory. Coronal and oblique axial slices were created. Fiber tract dissections were performed in a lateral-medial and inferior-superior scheme. Magnetic resonance tractography was acquired to illustrate the tracts dissected.

RESULTS

Entry points occurred within 4 cm of the transverse and sagittal sinus, inferior to the lambdoid suture. The cortex of the inferior occipital gyrus was crossed in the region of the transverse occipital sulcus. The vertical occipital fasciculus was crossed en route to passing through the optic radiations. The catheter crossed through or inferior to the optic radiations before piercing the parahippocampal gyrus at about 4 cm from the skull. The catheter entered the hippocampus as it pierced the superior margin of the parahippocampus at 6 cm. The catheter entered the head of the hippocampus to lie inferolateral to the amygdala in the last centimeter of the trajectory.

CONCLUSION

Understanding the anatomic principles of LITT catheter trajectories will improve the ability to perform this procedure. The current study is the first to examine the anatomy of this trajectory and will serve as the basis for future studies.
Sequential Coiling-Assisted Deployment of Flow Diverter for Treatment of Fusiform Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms
Authors: Alturki Abdulrahman Y , Schmalz Philip G R , Ogilvy Christopher S , Thomas Ajith J
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Fusiform intracranial aneurysms remain challenging lesions to treat. These aneurysms have historically required bypass procedures or clip remodeling constructs for cure. Recently, endovascular specialists have reported experience with flow diversion for complex fusiform aneurysms of the vertebrobasilar system, with mixed results. Vascular anatomy for anterior circulation fusiform aneurysms may make these lesions more amenable to flow diversion and embolization procedures; however, published experience with these techniques is lacking. In this report, we describe a sequential coiling-assisted deployment of flow diverter for the treatment of fusiform middle cerebral artery (MCA-M1) aneurysms in 2 cases, 1 presenting acutely with subarachnoid hemorrhage and another with progressive aneurysm enlargement.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

Two patients, a 36-yr-old male presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage and a 60-yr-old female presenting with aneurysm enlargement were treated for fusiform aneurysms of the M1 segment of the MCA using a sequential, partial deployment of coils and flow diverter through 2 microcatheters to facilitate mutual mechanical support for both coil and flow diverter (Pipeline Embolization Device; Medtronic Inc, Dublin, Ireland). Both patients achieved favorable outcomes and follow-up angiography demonstrated complete vessel reconstruction in both cases.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of complex, fusiform, large vessel aneurysms remains challenging. As experience with new endovascular technologies and techniques grows, these lesions may be treated safely with interventional methods. The technique of partial flow diverter deployment and stabilization with coils with sequential delivery of both devices using dual microcatheter was both safe and effective.
Asthma versus chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the Dutch versus British hypothesis, and role of interleukin-5
Authors: Chambliss Jeffrey M. , Sur Sanjiv , Tripple Julia W.
Published: November 2017

Purpose of review

Asthma and COPD represent heterogeneous disorders with broad ranging impact on patients and health systems. This review focuses on evidence for early attempts at understanding their pathogenesis by the British and Dutch hypotheses. It also addresses the role of eosinophils, IL-5, and biologics targeting these pathways in asthma and COPD.

Recent findings

Among asthma and COPD patients, clusters exist based on phenotypic and biologic markers allowing for further understanding of endotypes. Recent studies suggest the role of eosinophils and optimal therapies for each condition may be different.

Although patients with ACOS or overlap symptoms may be an exception, overall there appears to be more evidence supporting that asthma and COPD are distinct processes. Targeting eosinophils with anti-IL-5 therapy appears to be an exciting pathway in the properly selected patient with asthma and recent data also supports its use in COPD.
Patient blood management strategies in total hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Newman Christopher , Tran Phong , McGregor Susan , Bramley David
Published: November 2017

Background:

Patient blood management in total hip and knee arthroplasty involves a three-pillar approach of optimizing red blood cell mass, minimizing blood loss, and managing anemia. We describe the effect of implementation of various strategies over a 7-year period.

Methods:

We prospectively collected blood transfusion data over a yearly quarter in the years of 2009, 2012, 2014, and 2015 with patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), primary and revision procedures. Evidence-based patient blood management strategies were introduced, including a tranexamic acid (TXA) protocol. The data were retrospectively analyzed, with observations of rates and appropriateness of blood transfusions in the context of changes in Australian National Blood Authority guidelines.

Results:

There was a significant reduction in transfusion rates from 2009 to 2015 in both THA (38.5%, 24.4%, 8.5%, and 12.5% for 2009, 2012, 2014, and 2015, χ2=17.9, P<0.05), and TKA (12.4%, 6.1%, 7.8%, and 2.1% for 2009, 2012, 2014, and 2015, χ2=4.2, P<0.05). This coincided with an increased adherence to national blood management guidelines in both THA and TKA (χ2=7.19, P=0.027).

Conclusions:

Patient blood management is multifaceted, and significant reductions in transfusion can be achieved in adherence to perioperative patient blood management guidelines. Tranexamic acid also is an important contributor in the improvement of transfusion rates in THA and TKA.
Maturity Indicators and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Neal Kevin M. , Shirley Eric D. , Kiebzak Gary M.
Published: November 2017

Study Design.

Retrospective review.

Objective.

To determine the correlation between the Sanders Maturity Scale (SMS) and Risser stages, between both systems and menarche, and whether Risser can be used to predict SMS.

Summary of Background Data.

Predicting curve progression is critical to understanding adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and making treatment recommendations. The SMS is a better predictor of the curve acceleration phase of growth than the Risser stage. However, Scoliosis Research Society bracing criteria utilize the Risser stage and menarche.

Methods.

Consecutive female patients, 8 to 16 years old, evaluated for idiopathic scoliosis or spinal asymmetry over a 31-month period were included. Main curve size, Risser stage, menarchal status, and SMS stage were recorded for each encounter, and analyzed using Spearman rank correlation and regression models.

Results.

Six hundred fifty-six encounters (452 patients) were included with SMS staging, including 402 encounters that included menarchal data. The correlation between the Risser stage and the SMS stage was 0.9031 (P < 0.0001). However, ranges for the SMS at each Risser stage were large. Correlation between Risser stage and menarche was 0.7327 (P < 0.0001), and between SMS and menarche was 0.8355 (P < 0.0001). Eighty-five percent of SMS 3 patients were Risser 0, with or without open triradiate cartilages. Eighty-one percent of Risser 1 patients were SMS 4 or greater.

Conclusion.

When assessing maturity in idiopathic scoliosis, SMS correlates strongly with Risser stages, and both SMS and Risser correlate with menarche. However, Risser stage is a poor predictor of the exact SMS stage for individual patients due to the large ranges. The majority of patients who are ≥Risser 1 have passed the curve acceleration phase of growth. Developing brace criteria based upon the SMS stage may allow more accurate predictions regarding which patients will benefit from bracing.

Level of Evidence: 2
An Analysis of the Incidence and Outcomes of Major Versus Minor Neurological Decline After Complex Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery
Authors: Kato So , Fehlings Michael G. , Lewis Stephen J. , Lenke Lawrence G. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Cheung Kenneth M.C. , Carreon Leah Y. , Dekutoski Mark B. , Schwab Frank J. , Boachie-Adjei Oheneba , Kebaish Khaled M. , Ames Christopher P. , Qiu Yong , Matsuyama Yukihiro , Dahl Benny T. , Mehdian Hossein , Pellisé Ferran , Berven Sigurd H.
Published: November 2017

Study Design.

A subanalysis from a prospective, multicenter, international cohort study in 15 sites (Scoli-RISK-1).

Objective.

To report detailed information regarding the severity of neurological decline related to complex adult spine deformity (ASD) surgery and to examine outcomes based on severity.

Summary of Background Data.

Postoperative neurological decline after ASD surgeries can occur due to nerve root(s) or spinal cord dysfunction. The impact of decline and the pattern of recovery may be related to the anatomic location and the severity of the injury.

Methods.

An investigation of 272 prospectively enrolled complex ASD surgical patients with neurological status measured by American Spinal Injury Association Lower Extremity Motor Scores (LEMS) was undertaken. Postoperative neurological decline was categorized into “major” (≥5 points loss) versus “minor” (<5 points loss) deficits. Timing and extent of recovery in LEMS were investigated for each group.

Results.

Among the 265 patients with LEMS available at discharge, 61 patients (23%) had neurological decline, with 20 (33%) experiencing major decline. Of note, 90% of the patients with major decline had deficits in three or more myotomes. Full recovery was seen in 24% at 6 weeks and increased to 65% at 6 months. However, 34% continued to experience some neurological decline at 24 months, with 6% demonstrating no improvement. Of 41 patients (67%) with minor decline, 73% had deficits in one or two myotomes. Full recovery was seen in 49% at 6 weeks and increased to 70% at 6 months. Of note, 26% had persistence of some neurological deficit at 24 months, with 18% demonstrating no recovery.

Conclusion.

In patients undergoing complex ASD correction, a rate of postoperative neurological decline of 23% was noted with 33% of these being “major.” Although most patients showed substantial recovery by 6 months, approximately one-third continued to experience neurological dysfunction.

Level of Evidence: 2
The Use of Bladder Syringe for Cement Application in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Abdul-Jabar Hani B. , Park Chang , Menzalji Ahmad M.
Published: November 2017

There are various techniques of cement applications in total knee arthroplasty with a lack of clear consensus on best practice. The use of a bladder syringe as a reservoir and applicator of cement allows for minimal handling of the cement along with greater control and cost savings as compared with the manufacturer cement guns.
Temperature Variability in a Modern Targeted Temperature Management Trial
Authors: Abu-Arafeh Ahmad , Rodriguez Aryelly , Paterson Ross L. , Andrews Peter J. D.
Published: November 2017

Objectives:

The Eurotherm3235 trial showed that therapeutic hypothermia was deleterious in patients with raised intracranial pressure following traumatic brain injury. We sought to ascertain if increased temperature variability within the first 48 hours, or for 7 days post randomization, were modifiable risk factors associated with poorer outcome.

Design:

Eurotherm3235 was a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomized to receive either therapeutic hypothermia in addition to standard care or the later only. Mean moving range (mr) was used to stratify subjects into tertiles by the variability present in their core temperature within the first 48 hours post randomization and within 7 days post randomization. The primary outcome measure was a collapsed Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended at 6 months post randomization. The temperature variability effect was estimated with ordinal logistic regression adjusted for baseline covariates and treatment effect.

Setting:

Forty-seven critical care units in 18 countries.

Patients:

Patients enrolled in the Eurotherm3235 trial to either therapeutic hypothermia or control treatments only.

Measurements and Main Results:

Three hundred eighty-six patients were included in our study. High level of temperature variability during the first 48 hours was associated with poorer collapsed Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended. This effect remained statistically significant when only the control arm of the study was analyzed. No statistically significant effect was seen within the first 48 hours in the hypothermia group or within 7 days in either group.

Conclusions:

When targeting normothermia, temperature variability may be a statistically significant variable in an ordinal analysis adjusted for baseline covariates.
Association of Driving Pressure With Mortality Among Ventilated Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis*
Authors: Aoyama Hiroko , Pettenuzzo Tommaso , Aoyama Kazuyoshi , Pinto Ruxandra , Englesakis Marina , Fan Eddy
Published: November 2017

Objectives:

A recent post hoc analysis suggested that driving pressure may be more important than traditional ventilatory variables in determining outcome in mechanically ventilated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the risk of mortality for higher versus lower driving pressure.

Data Sources:

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane CENTRAL from inception to February 10, 2017.

Study Selection:

Studies including mechanically ventilated adult patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, reporting driving pressure and mortality.

Data Extraction:

Seven studies including five secondary analysis of previous randomized controlled trials and two observational studies (6,062 patients) were eligible for study. All studies were judged as having a low risk of bias. Median (interquartile range) driving pressure between higher and lower driving pressure groups was 15 cm H2O (14–16 cm H2O). Median (interquartile range) mortality of all included studies was 34% (32–38%).

Data Synthesis:

In the meta-analyses of four studies (3,252 patients), higher driving pressure was associated with a significantly higher mortality (pooled risk ratio, 1.44; 95% [CI], 1.11–1.88; I
2 = 85%). A sensitivity analysis restricted to the three studies with similar driving pressure cutoffs (13–15 cm H2O) demonstrated similar results (pooled risk ratio, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.14–1.43; I
2 = 0%).

Conclusions:

Our study confirmed an association between higher driving pressure and higher mortality in mechanically ventilated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. These findings suggest a possible range of driving pressure to be evaluated in clinical trials. Future research is needed to ascertain the benefit of ventilatory strategies targeting driving pressure in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.