bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Consequence Modelling for Fire Radiation and Combustion Product Toxicity in offshore Petroleum Platform using Risk Based Approach
Authors: Niazi Usama Muhammad , Nasif Mohammad Shakir , Muhammad Masdi Bin , Imran Muhammad
Published: November 2018

The processing area of offshore platform has high probability of leakage of hydrocarbons. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is one of the most common hydrocarbon produced in offshore platforms. Leakage of LNG can cause pool fire, jet fire, flash fire or fire ball. Thermal radiations due to fire is the major source of damage to workers on board. But due to fire, various combustion product toxic gases are also produced that have both acute and chronic health effects. These toxic gases can cause incapacitation, increased heart rate, vomiting and even death. Predicting the human injury due to thermal radiations and concentration of toxic gases are the key issues. A risk based approach takes in to consideration the duration a worker spent on different location of offshore platform and also it has the additive ability to evaluate overall risk due to fire radiation and toxic gases. Grid based approach helps in better visualization of risk posed by fire radiation and combustion product toxic gases at different locations of platform. The current study proposed an integrated consequence modelling approach for fire and combustion product toxic gases using risk based and grid based approaches. The integrated accident is modelled using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS). The results showed that risk posed by thermal radiation is confined on sub cellar deck (lower deck) but estimated risk due to combustion product gas (carbon monoxide) on cellar deck (upper deck) has significant value that needs to be considered. The current approach would be useful for emergency preparedness plans and safety measures designs for offshore platforms.
Evaluation of Potential Sites for Harnessing Tidal Energy around Coastal Area of Malaysia
Authors: Nazri Nazani , Anuar Shahrani , Basrawi Firdaus , Shukrie Ahmmad , Aishah Siti
Published: November 2018

This paper present the potential sites around coastal area of Malaysia for electricity generation by harnessing tidal energy. As the electricity demand increase over the year and generating electricity by using fossil fuel caused the increase number in CO2 emission, thus renewable energy become one of the solution for alternating energy for electricity. There are a few of identified locations along Malaysia’s coastal area that have potential for tidal energy implementation. The approaching for harnessing tidal energy are by using tidal barrage approach which are consist three types of mode generation ebb-mode, flood-mode and double-mode. The output generations are calculated by identify the size of basin at identified locations. For suitable location identification is by using geographical map and bathymetry map. At the end, the identified location that suitable for harnessing tidal energy are Pulau Langkawi, Pulau Pinang, Lumut, Miri, Kota Kinabalu, Kudat, Lahad Datu, Tawau and Labuan.
Downdraft Co-gasification of Oil Palm Frond with Other Oil Palm Residues: Effects of Blending Ratio
Authors: Moni M.N.Z. , Sulaiman S.A. , Baheta A.T.
Published: November 2018

As the largest amount of biomass residues produced from the palm oil industry, the oil palm frond (OPF) is a promising solid fuel resource for gasification. However, the difficulty in processing OPF into solid fuel may affect the solid fuel production rate and consequently the gasifier operation. To ensure a continuous gasifier operation unaffected by the shortage of OPF fuel, empty fruit bunch (EFB), palm mesocarp fiber (PMF) and palm kernel shell (PKS) were introduced as a pairing fuel with OPF for co-gasification. The potentials of the fuel mixes and the effects of the fuel blending ratio on syngas higher heating value, specific syngas yield, carbon conversion efficiency and cold gas efficiency were studied. The experiments concluded that all fuel mixes of all blending ratios satisfied all the syngas quality indicator requirements and that all the tested fuel mixes can be utilized for downdraft co-gasification to produce results similar to the downdraft gasification of 100% OPF.
Neuer G-BA-Beschluss regelt Notfallstrukturen in
Krankenhäusern
Authors: Dormann Patrick , Wedler Katrin
Published: November 2018

Am 19. April 2018 hat der Gemeinsame Bundesausschuss eine erste Fassung der
Regelung zu einem gestuften System von Notfallstrukturen in Krankenhäusern gemäß
§ 136c Absatz 4 SGB V beschlossen. Das Aktionsbündnis Notfallpflege hat sich den
Beschluss im Einzelnen angesehen und in einer Stellungnahme bewertet.
Giant Prolactinoma in Men: Clinical Features and Therapeutic Outcomes
Authors: Iglesias Pedro , Arcano Karina , Berrocal Víctor , Bernal Carmen , Villabona Carles , Díez Juan
Published: November 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical features and long-term therapeutic outcome of giant prolactinoma (gPRLoma) in men and to compare them with those of a group of male patients with non-gPRL macroprolactinomas (non-gPRLomas). A retrospective and multicenter study of gPRLomas in men diagnosed in a 20-year period was performed. Clinical data and treatment outcome were registered. The diagnosis of gPRLoma was established when the maximal tumor diameter was ≥40 mm or the tumor had ≥20 mm of suprasellar extension associated to hyperprolactinemia (PRL>1000 ng/ml). Non-gPRLoma was considered when tumor diameter was  ≥ 10 mm and<40 mm associated to hyperprolactinemia (PRL≥200 ng/ml). Twenty-three patients with gPRLoma (age 38.3±13.5 years) followed for at least 3 months (follow-up 87.1±60.5 months, range 3–211 months) were evaluated. A group of 42 patients with non-gPRLoma (age 42±16.6 years; NS; follow-up 89±65.9 months, range 3–222 months; NS) served as a control group. More than half (56.5%) of the gPRLoma patients were younger than 40 years at diagnosis. Visual disturbances were significantly more common in gPRLoma than in non-gPRLoma patients (65.2 vs. 25.6%; p=0.004). Prevalence of hypopituitarism was similar in both groups of patients (73.9% vs. 80.9%; gPRLoma vs non-gPRLoma; NS). Serum PRL concentrations were significantly higher in gPRLoma than in non-gPRLoma patients [median (IR), 3978 ng/ml (1179–9012) vs. 907 ng/ml (428–3119); p<0.001]. Maximum tumor diameter in gPRLomas was 4.8±0.8 cm and 2.4±0.7 cm in non-gPRLoma (p<0.001). All patients were treated with dopamine agonists (DA). Twelve (52.2%) gPRLoma patients and 32 (73.8%) non-gPRLoma patients were treated with DA as monotherapy (p=0.045). Surgery was used in 12 (52.2%) gPRLoma patients and in 12 (28.6%) non-gPRLoma patients (p=0.054). Lastly, radiotherapy was used in 5 (21.7%) gPRLoma patients and in 6 (14.2%) non-gPRLoma patients (NS). At last visit, PRL was similar in both groups of patients [16 ng/ml (4–30) vs. 11 ng/ml (4–25); gPRLomas vs. non-gPRLomas; ns] and tumor size decreased significantly (p<0.001) in both groups of patients. Clinical cure (maintained normoprolactinemia without therapy for>1 year and no radiological evidence of pituitary tumor) was achieved in 2 (8.7%) gPRLoma patients and in 2 (4.8%) non-gPRLoma patients (NS). gPRLomas in men are usually diagnosed at a mean age of 40 years, an age similar to that of non-gPRLomas. The only clinical difference with non-gPRLomas is their greater prevalence of visual disturbances. The therapeutic approaches and tumor outcomes were similar to those obtained in patients with non-gPRLomas. Complete cure in gPRLoma is rare, but similar to that achieved in non-gPRLomas, reached in less than 10% of patients.
Schlaganfallbehandlung: Künstliche Intelligenz als Game-Changer
Authors: Frey Dietmar
Published: November 2018

Jedes Jahr erleiden rund 270 000 Deutsche einen Schlaganfall. Obwohl die Ursachen eines Schlaganfalls sehr unterschiedlich sind, bilden die aktuellen Richtlinien individuelle Eigenschaften des Patienten nicht ausreichend ab. Forscher der Berliner Charité suchen Abhilfe und entwickeln mithilfe von künstlicher Intelligenz personalisierte Vorhersageanalysen für die Schlaganfalltherapie und Prävention.
Darmkrebsvorsorge: Tumorerkennung in Echtzeit
Authors: Doelfs Guntram
Published: November 2018

Mithilfe von künstlicher Intelligenz könnten Ärzte schon bald bösartige Tumore bei einer Darmspiegelung (Koloskopie) genauer erkennen und besser von harmlosen Wucherungen unterscheiden. Dr. Andrea Riphaus, Vorsitzende der Sektion Endoskopie der gastroenterologischen Fachgesellschaft DGVS, schildert im Gespräch mit kma die Vorteile der neuen Technik.
Digitale Anwendung Ermöglicht pflegedokumentation auf dem Smartphone: Weniger Papier, mehr Zeit für die Patienten
Authors: Endele Kerstin
Published: November 2018

Noch am Patientenbett zückt Schwester Sandra das Handy. Sie dokumentiert einen Verbandswechsel und spricht ein paar Sätze zum Befinden des Patienten, die die Spracherkennung der Pflege-App in Text umwandelt, und verlässt zufrieden das Zimmer – wohlwissend, dass sie nun etwas Luft hat, um sich jetzt die Sorgen einer schwer kranken Patientin anzuhören.
IT-Fortbildungen: Software funktioniert nicht von allein
Authors: Thoss Michael
Published: November 2018

Kliniken kaufen teure Software, nutzen jedoch oft nur einen Teil dieser Produkte. „Kliniken geben Millionen für Software aus, tun aber wenig bis nichts für den nachhaltigen Betrieb“, sagt unser Fachautor Michael Thoss. Wie organisiert man ein angemessenes Aus- und Weiterbildungsprogramm für Klinikmitarbeiter? Zum Beispiel mit Blended Learning, sagt Michael Thoss.
Kommentar: Ethische Folgen der digitalen Transformation
Authors: Wiegerling Klaus
Published: November 2018

Die digitale Transformation des Gesundheitswesens betrifft alle Felder der medizinischen und therapeutischen Praxis, die Patientenlogistik, die institutionelle Rahmung des Gesundheitswesens bis hin zu biopolitischen Maßnahmen, um die Leistungsfähigkeit der Bevölkerung zu steigern. Mit ihr sind Autonomieverluste für Arzt und Patient verbunden.
Medizintechnikbranche: Die Unruhe wächst
Authors: Doelfs Guntram
Published: November 2018

Eigentlich hätte die Medtechbranche allen Grund für Optimismus: Die Inlandsumsätze haben sich 2018 wieder erholt, das Auslandsgeschäft brummt weiterhin. Doch in den Unternehmen steigt die Nervosität. Grund ist die schleppende und bürokratische Umsetzung der Medical Device Regulation (MDR), die die gesamte Medizintechnikindustrie vor erhebliche Probleme stellt.
Multiresistente Keime: Infektionsprävention ist die beste Therapie
Authors: Weiche Iris
Published: November 2018

Berichte über schwere Infektionen und MSRA in Krankenhäuser verunsichern Patienten zusehends. Das Klinikum Heidenheim entwickelt seit Jahren innovative Konzepte für einen besseren Schutz vor Infektionen und kooperiert mit Universitäten und Unternehmen wie der PAUL HARTMANN AG. Laut Dr. Martin Grünewald, Chefarzt Medizinische Klinik I im Klinikum Heidenheim, „ist die Prävention im Vergleich zur Behandlung und Therapie oftmals nicht nur kostengünstiger, sondern auch effektiver und damit hilfreicher für die Betroffenen – insbesondere im Infektionsschutz“.
Medica Academy: Im Ausnahmezustand richtig handeln
Authors: Brähler Gabriele
Published: November 2018

Brände, Großschadenslagen, Naturkatastrophen oder Terroranschläge sind Szenarien, die Krankenhäuser unerwartet in besondere Alarmzustände versetzen. Nur mit Einsatzplänen für außergewöhnliche Notfälle, regelmäßigen Simulationen und realen Übungen können Kliniken handlungsfähig bleiben.
Wundmanagement: Die besonderen chronischen Wunden
Authors: Schröder Gerhard
Published: November 2018

Wundmanagement muss sein und lässt sich lernen – jahrzehntelanges Leiden kann so verhindert werden. Gut Ausgebildete können beispielsweise durch interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit dabei helfen, dass Wunden schneller heilen.
15. DGIV-Bundeskongress: Große Erwartungen für die Integrierte Versorgung?
Authors: Spitzer Stefan G.
Published: November 2018

Die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Integrierte Versorgung im Gesundheitswesen e. V. (DGIV) wird vom 10. bis 11. Dezember 2018 ihren 15. Bundeskongress im Hotel Melia in Berlin durchführen.
Late-Stage Sulfoximination: Improved Synthesis of the Anticancer Drug Candidate Atuveciclib
Authors: Reboul Vincent , Glachet Thomas , Franck Xavier
Published: November 2018

An efficient synthesis of racemic atuveciclib was accomplished in five steps with an excellent 51% overall yield, using cheap reagents and mild reaction conditions. The key sulfoximination reaction was realized during the last step of the synthesis from the corresponding sulfide.
Image-Guided Bone Consolidation in Oncology
Authors: Catena Vittorio , Roubaud Guilhem , Crombe Amandine , Kind Michèle , Palussiere Jean , Buy Xavier
Published: November 2018

Occurrence of bone metastases is a common event in oncology. Bone metastases are associated with pain, functional impairment, and fractures, particularly when weight-bearing bones are involved. Management of bone metastases has been improved by the development of various interventional radiology consolidation techniques. Cementoplasty is based on injection of acrylic cement into a weakened bone to reinforce it and to control pain. This minimally invasive technique has proven its efficacy for flat bone submitted to compression forces. However, resistance to torsion forces is limited and, thus, treatment of long bones should be considered with caution. In recent years, variant techniques of percutaneous bone consolidation have emerged, including expansion devices for vertebral augmentation and percutaneous screw fixation for pelvic bone and proximal femur tumors. Research projects are ongoing to develop drug-loaded cements to use them as therapeutic vectors. However, release of drugs is still poorly controlled and conventional polymethylmethacrylate cement remains the gold standard in oncology. Image-guided consolidation techniques enhance the array of treatments in bone oncology. Multidisciplinary approach is mandatory to select the best indications.
Percutaneous Fixation by Internal Cemented Screw for the Treatment of Unstable Osseous Disease in Cancer Patients
Authors: Yevich Steven , Gravel Guillaume , Roux Charles , Hakime Antoine , de Baère Thierry , Tselikas Lambros , Deschamps Frederic
Published: November 2018

Interventional radiology expertise in image guidance has expanded the treatment options for cancer patients with unstable osseous disease. Percutaneous fixation by internal cemented screw (FICS) describes the technique by which the interventional radiologist stabilizes a fracture or impending fracture with the percutaneous placement of a cannulated screw that is locked in position by polymethyl methacrylate cement. The durable metallic screws provide added resistance to torque and tension stresses that complement the axial compression resistance of cement. Compared with cementoplasty alone, the procedure has been advanced as a more durable and precise technique for stabilization of osseous disease for certain disease presentations in cancer patients. The application of advanced image guidance techniques improves upon existing percutaneous surgical techniques to facilitate approaches that would otherwise prove quite challenging, particularly with stabilization of the pelvic flat bones. This article examines the applications of percutaneous FICS procedures for the treatment of unstable osseous disease in cancer patients. Indications, techniques, and follow-up care are reviewed. Case examples in which FICS can be performed in unstable pathology are detailed.
Musculoskeletal Metastases Management: The Interventional Radiologist's Toolbox
Authors: Gjorgjievska Ana , Thivolet Arnaud , Bouhamama Amine , Cuinet Marie , Pilleul Franck , Tselikas Lambros , de Baère Thierry , Deschamps Frederic , Mastier Charles
Published: November 2018

The prevalence of patients with painful bone metastases is constantly increasing. This is related to the rising incidence of cancer and increasing life expectancy of patients with metastatic stage. Advances in imaging and development of percutaneous techniques have gradually allowed offering minimally invasive acts on these metastases: cementing, vertebral augmentation, osteosynthesis, percutaneous thermal ablation, neurolysis, embolization. The purpose of this article is to present the main tools available to date for the interventional radiologist so that each participant can understand their functioning, indications, and limits.
Thermal Ablation of Bone Metastases
Authors: Kurup A. , Callstrom Matthew , Moynagh Michael
Published: November 2018

Image-guided, minimally invasive, percutaneous thermal ablation of bone metastases has unique advantages compared with surgery or radiation therapy. Thermal ablation of osseous metastases may result in significant pain palliation, prevention of skeletal-related events, and durable local tumor control. This article will describe current thermal ablation techniques utilized to treat bone metastases, summarize contemporary evidence supporting such thermal ablation treatments, and outline an approach to percutaneous ablative treatment.
Adherence to Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Labor Arrest Disorders in a Single Academic Tertiary Care Medical Center
Authors: Alrais Mesk A. , Ankumah Nana-Ama E. , Amro Farah H. , Barrett Tyisha , Folh Kendra , Chen Han-Yang , Sibai Baha M. , Blackwell Sean C.
Published: November 2018

Objective To evaluate the degree of adherence to the new the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists/Society for Maternal–Fetal Medicine guidelines in labor arrest management.

Study Design A retrospective study of term, live, singleton deliveries with intrapartum primary cesarean delivery solely for failed induction of labor or labor arrest. Adherence was defined according to the Safe Prevention of the Primary Cesarean Delivery 2014 criteria. We evaluated adherence and compared maternal and perinatal outcomes, delivery time frame, and billing provider. Multivariable Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to calculate adjusted relative risk (aRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results Two-hundred six deliveries met the inclusion criteria; 73% were deemed not adherent to the guidelines. The majority of cases were under the care of nonacademic private practice OB/GYN physicians. The adherence rate was higher in the active phase of labor (45%) than in second stage (17%) and latent phase (14%). There were no differences in perinatal outcomes between the two groups. The adherence to guidelines was higher among academic OB/GYN physicians (aRR, 2.24, 95% CI, 1.49–3.36) and during the weekday–night shift (aRR, 1.81, 95% CI, 1.10–2.98).

Conclusion Despite recent guidelines aimed to reduce the primary cesarean delivery rate, most cesarean deliveries performed for labor arrest disorders were not adherent to the guidelines.
Maternal Height and Risk of Preeclampsia among Race/Ethnic Groups
Authors: Marić Ivana , Mayo Jonathan A. , Druzin Maurice L. , Wong Ronald J. , Winn Virginia D. , Stevenson David K. , Shaw Gary M.
Published: November 2018

Objective Shorter maternal height has been associated with preeclampsia risk in several populations. It has been less evident whether an independent contribution to the risk exists from maternal height consistently across different races/ethnicities. We investigated associations between maternal height and risk of preeclampsia for different races/ethnicities.

Study Design California singleton live births from 2007 to 2011 were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios for the association between height and preeclampsia after stratification by race/ethnicity. To determine the contribution of height that is as independent of body composition as possible, we performed one analysis adjusted for body mass index (BMI) and the other for weight. Additional analyses were performed stratified by parity, and the presence of preexisting/gestational diabetes and autoimmune conditions.

Results Among 2,138,012 deliveries, 3.1% preeclampsia/eclampsia cases were observed. The analysis, adjusted for prepregnancy weight, revealed an inverse relation between maternal height and risk of mild and severe preeclampsia/eclampsia. When the analysis was adjusted for BMI, an inverse relation between maternal height was observed for severe preeclampsia/eclampsia. These associations were observed for each race/ethnicity.

Conclusion Using a large and diverse cohort, we demonstrated that shorter height, irrespective of prepregnancy weight or BMI, is associated with an increased risk of severe preeclampsia/eclampsia across different races/ethnicities.
The Association between Solo versus Group Obstetrical Practice Model and Delivery Outcomes
Authors: Bardos Jonah , Loudon Holly , Rekawek Patricia , Friedman Frederick , Brodman Michael , Fox Nathan S.
Published: November 2018

Objective To determine if women under the care of obstetricians in solo practice have different delivery outcomes from women in a group practice.

Study Design This is a retrospective cohort of live, term, singleton, vertex (LTSV) deliveries at one hospital from 2011 to 2015. We compared outcomes between women whose obstetrician was in solo practice with women in a group practice model.

Results There were 18,214 LTSV deliveries by private obstetricians. Solo obstetricians were more likely to deliver at night (41.0 vs. 37.5%, p = 0.002) and less likely to induce labor (22.6 vs. 30.6%, p < 0.001). Solo obstetricians had a significantly higher rate of cesarean delivery (35.7 vs. 27.2%, adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 1.53, 95% confidence interval, CI [1.32, 1.78]), but also had a significantly lower rate of shoulder dystocia (0.4 vs. 1.4, aOR: 0.42, 95% CI [0.19, 0.89]), third or fourth degree lacerations (1.6 vs. 2.4%, aOR: 0.56, 95% CI [0.35, 0.914]), and neonatal intensive care unit admission rates (3.2 vs. 6.2%, aOR: 0.57, 95% CI [0.42, 0.77]).

Conclusion In a large, tertiary care hospital, solo obstetricians have similar neonatal outcomes as group obstetricians. Their higher cesarean delivery rate is balanced by fewer shoulder dystocias and third/fourth degree lacerations, indicating a more conservative approach to labor management. Patient outcomes should not be a reason to discourage a solo practice model.
Cancer-Associated Thrombosis: Beyond Clinical Practice Guidelines—A Multidisciplinary (SEMI–SEOM–SETH) Expert Consensus
Authors: Pachón Vanessa , Trujillo-Santos Javier , Domènech Pere , Gallardo Enrique , Font Carmen , González-Porras José Ramón , Pérez-Segura Pedro , Maestre Ana , Mateo José , Muñoz Andrés , Peris María Luisa , Lecumberri Ramón
Published: November 2018

Despite the growing interest and improved knowledge about venous thromboembolism in cancer patients in the last years, there are still many unsolved issues. Due to the limitations of the available literature, evidence-based clinical practice guidelines are not able to give solid recommendations for challenging scenarios often present in the setting of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT). A multidisciplinary expert panel from three scientific societies—Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI), Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), and Spanish Society Thrombosis and Haemostasis (SETH)—agreed on 12 controversial questions regarding prevention and management of CAT, which were thoroughly reviewed to provide further guidance. The suggestions presented herein may facilitate clinical decisions in specific complex circumstances, until these can be made leaning on reliable scientific evidence.
Reflection coefficient of HfO2-based RRAM in different resistance states
Authors: Nguyen T. H. , Barua A. , Bailey T. , Rush A. , Kosel P. , Leedy K. , Jha R.
Published: November 2018

Impedance spectra of multiple resistive states in a stable-switching Resistive Random-Access Memory device based on a stack of Ru/HfO2/Zr/W was studied in this work. Using these observations, reflection-coefficients were extracted for different resistive states. Clear changes in the reflection coefficient for different resistive states were observed. The device in a low resistive state showed a significantly higher reflection coefficient compared to its high resistive state. An increasing trend in the reflection coefficient was observed as the device state was gradually reconfigured towards lower resistances. Maximum frequency for reflection increased with the decrease in the device area. The physics behind this observation is attributed to the interplay of oxygen ion transport among the interfacial layer, conductive filament, and HfO2-film.
Probing the predissociated levels of the S1 state of acetylene via H-atom fluorescence and photofragment fluorescence action spectroscopy
Authors: Jiang Jun , Saladrigas Catherine A. , Erickson Trevor J. , Keenan Clare L. , Field Robert W.
Published: November 2018

We report two new experimental schemes to obtain rotationally resolved high-resolution spectra of predissociated S1 acetylene levels in the 47 000-47 300 cm−1 energy region (∼1200 cm−1 above the predissociation threshold). The two new detection schemes are compared to several other detection schemes (employed at similar laser power, molecular beam temperature, and number of signal averages) that have been used in our laboratory to study predissociated S1 acetylene levels, both in terms of the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of the resultant spectra and experimental simplicity. In the first method, H-atoms from the predissociated S1 acetylene levels are probed by two-photon laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). The H-atoms are pumped to the 3d level by the two-photon resonance transition at 205.14 nm. The resulting 3d–2p fluorescence (654.5 nm) is collected by a photomultiplier. The S/N of the H-atom fluorescence action spectrum is consistently better by ∼3× than that of the more widely used H-atom resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) detection. Laser alignment is also considerably easier in H-atom fluorescence detection than H-atom REMPI detection due to the larger number-density of molecules that can be used in fluorescence vs. REMPI detection schemes. In the second method, fluorescence from electronically excited C2 and C2H photofragments of S1 acetylene is detected. In contrast to the H-atom detection schemes, the detected C2 and C2H photofragments are produced by the same UV laser as is used for the Ã–X̃ acetylene excitation. As a result, laser alignment is greatly simplified for the photofragment fluorescence detection scheme, compared to both H-atom detection schemes. Using the photofragment fluorescence detection method, we are able to obtain action spectra of predissociated S1 acetylene levels with S/N ∼2× better than the HCCH REMPI detection and ∼10× better than H-atom and HCCH LIF detection schemes.
Experimental observation of cnoidal waveform of nonlinear dust acoustic waves
Authors: Liu Bin , Goree J. , Flanagan T. M. , Sen Abhijit , Tiwari Sanat Kumar , Ganguli Gurudas , Crabtree Chris
Published: November 2018

The experimentally measured waveform of nonlinear dust acoustic waves in a plasma is shown to be accurately described by a cnoidal function. This function, which is predicted by nonlinear theory, has broad minima and narrow peaks. Fitting the experimental waveforms to the cnoidal function also provides a measure of the wave's nonlinearity, namely, the elliptical parameter k. By characterizing experimental results at various wave amplitudes, we confirm that the parameter k increases and approaches a maximum value of unity, as the wave amplitude is increased. The underlying theory that predicts the cnoidal waveform as an exact solution of a Korteweg-de Vries model equation takes account of the streaming ions that are responsible for the spontaneous excitation of the dust acoustic waves.
Nematic order in solutions of semiflexible polymers: Hairpins, elastic constants, and the nematic-smectic transition
Authors: Milchev Andrey , Egorov Sergei A. , Binder Kurt , Nikoubashman Arash
Published: November 2018

Coarse-grained models of lyotropic solutions of semiflexible polymers are studied by both molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory calculations, using an implicit solvent bead-spring model with a bond-angle potential. We systematically vary the monomer density, persistence length, and contour length over a wide range and explore the full range from the isotropic-nematic transition to the nematic-smectic transition. In the nematic regime, we span the entire regime from rigid-rod like polymers to thin wormlike chains, confined in effective straight tubes caused by the collective nematic effective ordering field. We show that the distribution of bond angles relative to the director is well described by a Gaussian, irrespective of whether the chains are rod-like or rather flexible. However, the related concept of “deflection length” is shown to make sense only in the latter case for rather dilute solutions since otherwise the deflection length is of the order of about two bond lengths only. When the solution is semi-dilute, a substantial renormalization of the persistence length occurs, while this effect is absent in the isotropic phase even at rather high monomer densities. The effective radii of the “tubes” confining the chains in the related description of orientational ordering are significantly larger than the distances between neighboring chains, providing evidence for a pronounced collective character of orientational fluctuations. Hairpins can be identified close to the isotropic-nematic transition, and their probability of occurrence agrees qualitatively with the Vroege-Odijk theory. The corresponding theoretical predictions for the elastic constants, however, are not in good agreement with the simulations. We attribute the shortcomings of the theories to their neglect of the coupling between local density and orientational fluctuations. Finally, we detected for this model a transition to a smectic phase for reduced monomer densities near 0.7.
An ab initio investigation for elastic and electronically inelastic electron scattering from para-benzoquinone
Authors: da Costa R. F. , Ruivo J. C. , Kossoski F. , Varella M. T. do N. , Bettega M. H. F. , Jones D. B. , Brunger M. J. , Lima M. A. P.
Published: November 2018

We report the results of ab initio calculations for elastic scattering and also for excitation of individual electronic states of para-benzoquinone (pBQ) by the impact of low-energy electrons. The calculations for elastic scattering were performed with the Schwinger multichannel method implemented with pseudopotentials (SMCPP) in the static-exchange (SE) plus polarization (SEP) approximation for energies up to 50 eV. The assignments for the resonance spectrum obtained in this study are, in general, in good agreement with previous results available in the literature. For electronic excitation by electron impact, the SMCPP method with N energetically open electronic states (Nopen), at either the static-exchange (Nopench-SE) or the static-exchange-plus-polarisation (Nopench-SEP) approximation, was employed to calculate the scattering amplitudes using a channel coupling scheme that ranges from the 1ch-SEP up to the 89ch-SE level of approximation, depending on the energy of interest. Integral cross sections (ICSs) and differential cross sections (DCSs) were obtained for incident electron energies lying between 15 eV and 50 eV. The study focuses on the influence of multichannel coupling effects for electronically inelastic processes, more specifically, on how the number of excited states included in the open-channel space impacts upon the convergence of the cross sections at intermediate and higher energies. In particular, we found that the magnitude of DCS and ICS results for electronic excitation decreases as more channels are included in the calculations. To the best of our knowledge, there are no other experimental or theoretical ICS or DCS results for excitation into individual electronic states of pBQ available in the literature between 15 and 50 eV against which we might compare the present calculations.
Efficient calculation of (resonance) Raman spectra and excitation profiles with real-time propagation
Authors: Mattiat Johann , Luber Sandra
Published: November 2018

We investigate approaches for the calculation of (resonance) Raman spectra in a real-time time-dependent density functional theory (RT-TDDFT) framework. Several short time approximations to the Kramers, Heisenberg, and Dirac polarizability tensor are examined with regard to the calculation of resonance Raman spectra: One relies on a Placzek type expansion of the electronic polarizability and the other one relies on the excited state gradient method. The first one is shown to be in agreement with an approach based on perturbation theory in the case of a weak δ-pulse perturbation. The latter is newly applied in a real time propagation framework, enabled by the use of Padé approximants to the Fourier transform which allow for a sufficient resolution in the frequency domain. An analysis of the performance of Padé approximants is given. All approaches were found to be in good agreement for uracil and R-methyloxirane. Moreover it is shown how RT-TDDFT can be used to calculate Raman excitation profiles efficiently.
Flexible wide-field high-resolution scanning camera for continuous-wave acoustic holography
Authors: Gao Hillary W. , Mishra Kimberly I. , Winters Annemarie , Wolin Sidney , Grier David G.
Published: November 2018

We present a system for measuring the amplitude and phase profiles of the pressure field of a harmonic acoustic wave with the goal of reconstructing the volumetric sound field. Unlike optical holograms that cannot be reconstructed exactly because of the inverse problem, acoustic holograms are completely specified in the recording plane. We demonstrate volumetric reconstructions of simple arrangements of objects using the Rayleigh-Sommerfeld diffraction integral and introduce a technique to analyze the dynamic properties of insonated objects.
Micro-patterning of coatings on a fiber surface exploiting the contact instabilities of thin viscoelastic films
Authors: Ghosh Abir , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar , Sharma Ashutosh
Published: November 2018

Contact instabilities of a thin viscoelastic film on a curved surface have been explored with the help of linear and nonlinear analyses. The governing equations and boundary conditions for a thin deforming zero-frequency linear viscoelastic solid film are linearized to predict the time and length scales. A long-wave analysis corroborates the accuracy of the eigenvalues obtained from the general analysis. While the adhesive interaction between the film surface and contactor stimulates contact instability by subduing the restoring elastic and surface tension forces, the forces due to radial curvature instigate the capillary instability. Importantly, unlike the unconditionally unstable viscous films, this instability manifests beyond a critical destabilizing force due to the elastic stiffness of viscoelastic film. The destabilizing intermolecular and radial curvature forces are tuned by controlling the film-contactor gap and radius of fiber to engender the formation of drops, columns, or mixed morphologies. The nonlinear simulations demonstrate the conditions to decorate columns, droplets, and hybrid morphologies on the fiber surface. For example, when the contactor-film gap is higher and the radius of the fiber and the film thickness are lower, the dominant force due to radial curvature can break the film into droplets, whereas a smaller contactor-film separation distance on a fiber of large radius instigates contact instability to develop columnar structures. Otherwise, the formation of a mixed morphology composed of droplets and columns is expected. Furthermore, surface patterns having length scales of few micrometers to hundreds of nanometers can be obtained by tuning film-contactor gap, fiber-radius, and stabilizing-destabilizing forces.
Surface free energy of a hard-sphere fluid at curved walls: Deviations from morphometric thermodynamics
Authors: Davidchack Ruslan L. , Laird Brian B.
Published: November 2018

We report molecular-dynamics (MD) simulation results for the surface free energy of a hard-sphere fluid at cylindrical and spherical hard walls of different radii. The precision of the results is much higher than that in our previous study [B. B. Laird et al., Phys. Rev. E 86, 060602 (2012)], allowing us to estimate the size of deviations from the predictions of Morphometric Thermodynamics (MT). We compare our results to the analytical expressions for the surface energy as a function of wall radius R and fluid density derived from the White Bear II variant of the density functional theory, as well as to the leading terms of the virial expansion. For the cylindrical wall, we observe deviations from MT proportional to R−2 and R−3, which are consistent with the available virial expressions. For the spherical wall, while the precision is not sufficient to detect statistically significant deviations from MT, the MD results indicate the range of densities for which the truncated virial expansions are applicable.
An ultraslim all-fiber microendoscope for depth-resolved imaging
Authors: Pochechuev M. S. , Fedotov I. V. , Zheltikov A. M.
Published: November 2018

We demonstrate an ultraslim all-fiber microendoscope for depth-resolved imaging that integrates a gradient-index (GRIN) fiber and an imaging fiber bundle. The desired imaging depth is achieved through a high-precision adjustment of the length of the GRIN fiber. A fusion splicing of this fiber to an imaging fiber bundle, with provisions for a carefully tailored adiabatic conical transition region, keeps these fiber components robustly aligned, enabling a high-quality image transmission with no compromise on fiber-probe flexibility. With the maximum outer diameter of this microendoscope scalable down to ≈50 μm, the range of envisaged applications spans from depth-resolved brain imaging, deep optical biopsy, microendoscopy, and optical coherence tomography to single-neuron imaging and single-cell neuromodulation studies in awake animal models.
Identification of a remnant population of the black-flanked rock-wallaby (Petrogale lateralis lateralis) in Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia, and implications for its management
Authors: Pearson David J. , Neaves Linda E. , Paxman Mike , Desmond Anthony , Renwick Juanita , Halley Merril , Willers Nicole , Eldridge Mark D. B.
Published: November 2018

Black-flanked rock-wallabies (Petrogale lateralis lateralis) were thought to be locally extinct in Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia, until 2015 when a pair were photographed in the Murchison River gorge. Subsequent searches failed to locate any other populations and, in combination with previous surveys, suggest that these animals were the sole survivors of a formerly abundant population. Efforts to capture the rock-wallabies to obtain tissue samples and ascertain their genetic affinities were unsuccessful. However, fresh faecal material was collected and a ~600-bp fragment of DNA sequence data was obtained from a mitochondrial DNA gene. The Kalbarri rock-wallabies were found to be genetically distinct from all other sampled populations of P. l. lateralis. They were genetically most similar to rock-wallabies in the Calvert Range, 950km to the north-east in the Little Sandy Desert. Nearer populations in Cape Range (600km north) and the Western Australian Wheatbelt (500km south-east) were less closely related. Following evaluation of a variety of factors, including population size, genetics, demography, ecology, environment and logistics, a decision was made to supplement the Kalbarri National Park population with females sourced from the Western Australian Wheatbelt. In May 2016 three females were released at the same site as the Kalbarri pair to try to ensure the survival of the population whilst still preserving unique Kalbarri alleles.
Management of the major chemical soil constraints affecting yields in the grain growing region of Queensland and New South Wales, Australia – a review
Authors: Page K. L. , Dalal R. C. , Wehr J. B. , Dang Y. P. , Kopittke P. M. , Kirchhof G. , Fujinuma R. , Menzies N. W.
Published: November 2018

In the grain growing region of Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, crop production occurs predominantly under semiarid, rainfed conditions. Vertosols dominate the soils used and many are prone to structural problems. In this region, providing that crop nutrition is adequate, optimising yield is largely dependent on maximising the infiltration, storage and plant use of soil water. Soil constraints such as sodicity, salinity, acidity, subsoil compaction and surface sealing can limit these processes, leading to high yield losses. This review examines management options to treat these constraints, focusing on management where multiple constraints exist, and where these occur in the subsoil. The main strategies reviewed include (a) use of gypsum to treat sodicity and lime to treat acidity, which can lead to yield increases of >100% in some circumstances, (b) cultivation or deep ripping to break up compacted sodic layers and surface seals, (c) incorporating soil organic matter to improve conditions for plant growth and (d) selecting species, cultivars and management practices most appropriate for constrained sites. Future research must be directed to improving the profitability of ameliorant use for sodicity by increasing our understanding of how to identify soils responsive to ameliorants, and which combination of ameliorants will be cost effective when sodicity occurs in combination with other constraints. In addition, research needs to target ways to economically apply ameliorants in subsoil environments, and better identify which crop species or cultivars are productive on constrained sites, particularly those with multiple constraints.
Universality claim of attachment theory: Children’s socioemotional development across cultures
Authors: Keller Heidi
Published: November 2018

The first part of this paper reviews the basic tenets of attachment theory with respect to differences in cultural socialization strategies. In one strategy infants have the lead, and the social environment is responsive to the infant’s wishes and preferences. In another strategy the caregivers—children or adults—are experts who know what is best for a baby without exploring his or her mental states. Accordingly, the definition of attachment is conceived as a negotiable emotional bond or a network of responsibilities. Attachment theory represents the Western middle-class perspective, ignoring the caregiving values and practices in the majority of the world. However, attachment theory claims universality in all its components. Since the claim of universality implies moral judgments about good and bad parenting, ethical questions need to be addressed. These issues are discussed in the second part of the paper. It is first demonstrated that sensitive responsiveness in attachment theory is built on a different concept of the person and self than concepts of good caregiving in many rural subsistence-based farming families. Evaluating one system with the standards of another ignores different realities and different value systems. The common practice of large-scale interventions in rural subsistence-based contexts promoting Western-style parenting strategies without knowing the local culture positions a false understanding of scientific evidence against cultural knowledge. This practice is unethical. Diversity needs to be recognized as the human condition, and the recognition of diversity is an obligation for better science as well as for improving people’s lives.
Broadening horizons: Sample diversity and socioecological theory are essential to the future of psychological science
Authors: Gurven Michael D.
Published: November 2018

The present lack of sample diversity and ecological theory in psychological science fundamentally limits generalizability and obstructs scientific progress. A focus on the role of socioecology in shaping the evolution of morphology, physiology, and behavior has not yet been widely applied toward psychology. To date, evolutionary approaches to psychology have focused more on finding universals than explaining variability. However, contrasts between small-scale, kin-based rural subsistence societies and large-scale urban, market-based populations, have not been well appreciated. Nor has the variability within high-income countries, or the socioeconomic and cultural transformations affecting even the most remote tribal populations today. Elucidating the causes and effects of such broad changes on psychology and behavior is a fundamental concern of the social sciences; expanding study participants beyond students and other convenience samples is necessary to improve understanding of flexible psychological reaction norms among and within populations. Here I highlight two examples demonstrating how socioecological variability can help explain psychological trait expression: (
i
) the role of environmental harshness and unpredictability on shaping time preference and related traits, such as impulsivity, vigilance, and self-efficacy; and (
ii
) the effects of industrialization, market integration, and niche complexity on personality structure. These cases illustrate how appropriate theory can be a powerful tool to help determine choices of diverse study populations and improve the social sciences.
Combinatorial regulation of hepatic cytoplasmic signaling and nuclear transcriptional events by the OGT/REV-ERBα complex
Authors: Berthier Alexandre , Vinod Manjula , Porez Geoffrey , Steenackers Agata , Alexandre Jérémy , Yamakawa Nao , Gheeraert Céline , Ploton Maheul , Maréchal Xavier , Dubois-Chevalier Julie , Hovasse Agnès , Schaeffer-Reiss Christine , Cianférani Sarah , Rolando Christian , Bray Fabrice , Duez Hélène , Eeckhoute Jérôme , Lefebvre Tony , Staels Bart , Lefebvre Philippe
Published: November 2018

Significance

Using an interactomic approach, we have identified the nuclear receptor REV-ERBα as a O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) protein partner. REV-ERBα protects cytoplasmic OGT from proteasomal degradation and facilitates cytosolic and nuclear protein O-GlcNAcylation while REV-ERα ligands decreased cytoplasmic OGT activity. REV-ERBα thus exerts pleiotropic activities through OGT, coordinating signal transduction, epigenomic programming, and transcriptional response in the liver.
RETRACTED: Inhibition of HDAC3 reverses Alzheimer’s disease-related pathologies in vitro and in the 3xTg-AD mouse model
Authors: Janczura Karolina J. , Volmar Claude-Henry , Sartor Gregory C. , Rao Sunil J. , Ricciardi Natalie R. , Lambert Guerline , Brothers Shaun P. , Wahlestedt Claes
Published: November 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of age-related dementia. Neuropathological hallmarks of AD include brain deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and accumulation of both hyperphosphorylated and acetylated tau. RGFP-966, a brain-penetrant and selective HDAC3 inhibitor, or HDAC3 silencing, increases BDNF expression, increases histone H3 and H4 acetylation, decreases tau phosphorylation and tau acetylation at disease-associated sites, reduces β-secretase cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), and decreases Aβ
1–42
accumulation in HEK-293 cells overexpressing APP with the double Swedish mutation (HEK/APP
sw
). In the triple transgenic AD mouse model (3xTg-AD), repeated administration of 3 and 10 mg/kg of RGFP-966 reverses pathological tau phosphorylation at Thr
181
, Ser
202
, and Ser
396
, increases levels of the Aβ degrading enzyme Neprilysin in plasma, decreases Aβ
1–42
protein levels in the brain and periphery, and improves spatial learning and memory. Finally, we show that RGFP-966 decreases Aβ
1–42
accumulation and both tau acetylation and phosphorylation at disease residues in neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells obtained from APOEε4-carrying AD patients. These data indicate that HDAC3 plays an important regulatory role in the expression and regulation of proteins associated with AD pathophysiology, supporting the notion that HDAC3 may be a disease-modifying therapeutic target.