bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vapor-phase π–π molecular recognition: a fast and solvent-free strategy towards the formation of co-crystalline hollow microtube with 1D optical waveguide and up-conversion emission
Authors: Fang Xiaoyu , Yang Xiaogang , Yan Dongpeng
Published: January 2017

1D molecular co-crystals with hollow micro-tubular morphology can be fabricated through a facile vapor deposition process, which have potential photonic and photofunctional applications.
Correction: Fabrication of hollow silica–nickel particles for the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane using rape pollen templates
Authors: Umegaki Tetsuo , Xu SiMin , Kojima Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2017

Correction for ‘Fabrication of hollow silica–nickel particles for the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane using rape pollen templates’ by Tetsuo Umegaki et al., New J. Chem., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c6nj03457h.
Nickel-catalyzed product-controllable amidation and imidation of sp3 C–H bonds in substituted toluenes with sulfonamides
Authors: Li Ze-lin , Jin Li-kun , Cai Chun
Published: January 2017

A nickel-catalyzed product-controllable imidation and amidation of sp3 C–H bonds in substituted toluenes with sulfonamides were developed.
Transfer of axial chirality through the nickel-catalysed hydrocyanation of chiral allenes
Authors: Amako Yuka , Arai Shigeru , Nishida Atsushi
Published: January 2017

The transfer of axial chirality of allenes is beginning to be exploited as a powerful method for creating central chirality, particularly through the use of transition metal catalysis.
Small‐size reconfigurable antenna for WWAN/LTE/GNSS smartphone applications
Authors: Xu Yuan , Liang Yan‐Wu , Zhou Hao‐Miao
Published: January 2017

A small‐size reconfigurable smartphone antenna using a PIN diode for WWAN/LTE and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) smartphone application is presented. When the diode is in ‘OFF’ state, a T‐shaped feeding strip and an encircled T‐shaped parasitic shorted strip formed a coupled‐fed antenna, which achieves a low‐wideband covering GSM850/900 bands and a high‐wideband covering GSM1800/1900/UMTS2100/LTE2300/2500 bands. When the diode is in ‘ON’ state, a loop antenna working at 1/2 wavelengths is formed to cover the bands of GNSS, which includes four positioning systems (COMPASS, GALILEO, GPS and GLONASS). In addition, the proposed antenna is easily printed on a small ground clearance of 375 mm2 without loading any lumped element. Also, the proposed simple and compact antenna is convenient to be optimised for desired bands. Finally, the good agreement of simulated and experimental results proves that the proposed antenna is suitable for practical mobile terminal equipment.
Retarding field energy analyzer for high energy pulsed electron beam measurements
Authors: Hu Jing , Rovey Joshua L. , Zhao Wansheng
Published: January 2017

A retarding field energy analyzer (RFEA) designed specifically for high energy pulsed electron beam measurements is described in this work. By proper design of the entrance grid, attenuation grid, and beam collector, this RFEA is capable of determining the time-resolved energy distribution of high energy pulsed electron beams normally generated under “soft vacuum” environment. The performance of the RFEA is validated by multiple tests of the leakage current, attenuation coefficient, and response time. The test results show that the retarding potential in the RFEA can go up to the same voltage as the electron beam source, which is 20 kV for the maximum in this work. Additionally, an attenuation coefficient of 4.2 is obtained in the RFEA while the percent difference of the rise time of the electron beam pulse before and after attenuation is lower than 10%. When compared with a reference source, the percent difference of the RFEA response time is less than 10% for fall times greater than 35 ns. Finally, the test results of the 10 kV pseudospark-based pulsed electron beam currents collected under varying retarding potentials are presented in this paper.
The role of the van der Waals interactions in the adsorption of anthracene and pentacene on the Ag(111) surface
Authors: Morbec Juliana M. , Kratzer Peter
Published: January 2017

Using first-principles calculations based on density-functional theory (DFT), we investigated the effects of the van der Waals (vdW) interactions on the structural and electronic properties of anthracene and pentacene adsorbed on the Ag(111) surface. We found that the inclusion of vdW corrections strongly affects the binding of both anthracene/Ag(111) and pentacene/Ag(111), yielding adsorption heights and energies more consistent with the experimental results than standard DFT calculations with generalized gradient approximation (GGA). For anthracene/Ag(111) the effect of the vdW interactions is even more dramatic: we found that “pure” DFT-GGA calculations (without including vdW corrections) result in preference for a tilted configuration, in contrast to the experimental observations of flat-lying adsorption; including vdW corrections, on the other hand, alters the binding geometry of anthracene/Ag(111), favoring the flat configuration. The electronic structure obtained using a self-consistent vdW scheme was found to be nearly indistinguishable from the conventional DFT electronic structure once the correct vdW geometry is employed for these physisorbed systems. Moreover, we show that a vdW correction scheme based on a hybrid functional DFT calculation (HSE) results in an improved description of the highest occupied molecular level of the adsorbed molecules.
Contour accuracy improvement of a flexure-based micro-motion stage for tracking repetitive trajectory
Authors: Jia Shi , Jiang Yao , Li Tiemin , Du Yunsong
Published: January 2017

Flexure-based micro-motion mechanisms have been widely utilized in modern precision industry due to their inherent merits, while model uncertainty, uncertain nonlinearity, and cross-coupling effect will obviously deteriorate their contour accuracy, especially in the high-speed application. This paper aims at improving the contouring performance of a flexure-based micro-motion stage utilized for tracking repetitive trajectories. The dynamic characteristic of the micro-motion stage is first studied and modeled as a second-order system, which is identified through an open-loop sinusoidal sweeping test. Then the iterative learning control (ILC) scheme is utilized to improve the tracking performance of individual axis of the stage. A nonlinear cross-coupled iterative learning control (CCILC) scheme is proposed to reduce the coupling effect among each axis, and thus improves contour accuracy of the stage. The nonlinear gain function incorporated into the CCILC controller can effectively avoid amplifying the non-recurring disturbances and noises in the iterations, which can further improve the stage’s contour accuracy in high-speed motion. Comparative experiments between traditional PID, ILC, ILC & CCILC, and the proposed ILC & nonlinear CCILC are carried out on the micro-motion stage to track circular and square trajectories. The results demonstrate that the proposed control scheme outperforms other control schemes much in improving the stage’s contour accuracy in high-speed motion. The study in this paper provides a practically effective technique for the flexure-based micro-motion stage in high-speed contouring motion.
Mass selection in laser-plasma ion accelerator on nanostructured surfaces
Authors: Dalui Malay , Kundu M. , Sarkar Subhrangsu , Tata Sheroy , Pasley John , Ayyub P. , Krishnamurthy M.
Published: January 2017

When an intense laser pulse interacts with a solid surface, ions get accelerated in the laser-plasma due to the formation of transient longitudinal electric field along the target normal direction. However, the acceleration is not mass-selective. The possibility of manipulating such ion acceleration scheme to enhance the energy of one ionic species (either proton or carbon) selectively over the other species is investigated experimentally using nanopore targets. For an incident laser intensity of approximately 5×1017 W/cm2, we show that the acceleration is optimal for protons when the pore diameter is about 15–20 nm, while carbon ions are optimally accelerated when the pore diameter is close to 40–50 nm. The observed effect is due to tailoring targetry by the pulse pedestal of the laser prior to the arrival of the main pulse.
Suppressing high-frequency temperature oscillations in microchannels with surface structures
Authors: Zhu Yangying , Antao Dion S. , Bian David W. , Rao Sameer R. , Sircar Jay D. , Zhang Tiejun , Wang Evelyn N.
Published: January 2017

Two-phase microchannel heat sinks are attractive for thermal management of high heat flux electronic devices, yet flow instability which can lead to thermal and mechanical fatigue remains a significant challenge. Much work has focused on long-timescale (∼seconds) flow oscillations which are usually related to the compressible volume in the loop. The rapid growth of vapor bubbles which can also cause flow reversal, however, occurs on a much shorter timescale (∼tens of milliseconds). While this high-frequency oscillation has often been visualized with high-speed imaging, its effect on the instantaneous temperature has not been fully investigated due to the typical low sampling rates of the sensors. Here, we investigate the temperature response as a result of the high-frequency flow oscillation in microchannels and the effect of surface microstructures on this temperature oscillation with a measurement data acquisition rate of 1000 Hz. For smooth surface microchannels, fluid flow oscillated between complete dry-out and rewetting annular flow due to the short-timescale flow instability, which caused high-frequency and large amplitude temperature oscillations (10 °C in 25 ms). In comparison, hydrophilic surface structures on the microchannel promoted capillary flow which delayed and suppressed dry-out in each oscillation cycle, and thus significantly reduced the temperature oscillation at high heat fluxes. This work suggests that promoting capillary wicking via surface structures is a promising technique to reduce thermal fatigue in high heat flux two-phase microchannel thermal management devices.
Nonlinear plasmonics in eutectic composites: Second harmonic generation and two-photon luminescence in a volumetric Bi2O3-Ag metamaterial
Authors: Deska R. , Sadecka K. , Olesiak-Bańska J. , Matczyszyn K. , Pawlak D. A. , Samoć M.
Published: January 2017

The nonlinear optical effect of second harmonic generation can be very strong when originating from nanoplasmonic structures, due to enhancement of the surrounding material's intrinsic non-linear optical properties or due to its occurrence as a result of the plasmonic structure. However, manufacturing of large-scale three dimensional nanoplasmonic structures is still a challenge. Here, we demonstrate the two-photon luminescence and second-harmonic generation in a Bi2O3-Ag eutectic-based metamaterial exhibiting a hierarchic structure of nano- and micro-sized silver precipitates. The investigations employed a microscope system combined with polarimetric analysis. It appears that the second-harmonic-generation arises from the silver plasmonic structure rather than from the nonlinear effects of the bismuth oxide matrix. Both quadrupolar and dipolar modes of polarization are observed.
Synthesis and characterization of boron doped diamond/β-SiC composite films
Authors: Fu Haiyuan , Zhuang Hao , Yang Liang , Hantschel Thomas , Ma Song , Zhang Zhidong , Jiang Xin
Published: January 2017

Boron doped diamond/β-SiC composite films with a conductive diamond phase separated by the insulating β-SiC phase are fabricated by the microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition process. By manipulating the gas phase composition during the film deposition, the boron incorporation and diamond/β-SiC ratio in the composite film are well controlled. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman and X-ray diffraction measurements are carried out to study the structural composition of the films. It is observed that the introduction of boron during the growth process does not affect the independent growth of diamond and β-SiC crystals with high crystal quality. Scanning spreading resistance microscopy measurements confirm the presence of the conductive diamond phase and the insulating β-SiC phase in the film. The observed differences in the conductivities between diamond and β-SiC are explained by the different boron acceptor levels in diamond and β-SiC crystals. Cyclic voltammetry measurements are carried out to study the electrochemical property of the films. Our results demonstrate that boron doped diamond/β-SiC composite films are a good candidate for electroanalysis applications whereby exploiting diamond's high chemical and dimensional stability as well as its excellent electrochemical properties.
The development of bimodal bilingualism
Authors: Lillo-Martin Diane , Quadros Ronice Müller de , Chen Pichler Deborah
Published: January 2017

A wide range of linguistic phenomena contribute to our understanding of the architecture of the human linguistic system. In this paper we present a proposal dubbedLanguage Synthesisto capture bilingual phenomena including code-switching and ‘transfer’ as automatic consequences of the addition of a second language, using basic concepts of Minimalism and Distributed Morphology. Bimodal bilinguals, who use a sign language and a spoken language, provide a new type of evidence regarding possible bilingual phenomena, namely code-blending, the simultaneous production of (aspects of) a message in both speech and sign. We argue that code-blending also follows naturally once a second articulatory interface is added to the model. Several different types of code-blending are discussed in connection to the predictions of the Synthesis model. Our primary data come from children developing as bimodal bilinguals, but our proposal is intended to capture a wide range of bilingual effects across any language pair.
Encapsulation of lemongrass oil with cyclodextrins by spray drying and its controlled release characteristics
Authors: Phunpee Sarunya , Ruktanonchai Uracha Rangsadthong , Yoshii Hidefumi , Assabumrungrat Suttichai , Soottitantawat Apinan
Published: January 2017

Inclusion of the two isomers of citral (E-citral and Z-citral), components of lemongrass oil, was investigated within the confines of various cyclodextrin (α-CD, β-CD and γ-CD) host molecules. Aqueous complex formation constants for E-citral with α-CD, β-CD and γ-CD were determined to be 123, 185, and 204 L/mol, respectively, whereas Z-citral exhibited stronger affinities (157, 206, and 253 L/mol, respectively). The binding trend γ-CD > β-CD > α-CD is a reflection of the more favorable geometrical accommodation of the citral isomers with increasing cavity size. Encapsulation of lemongrass oil within CDs was undertaken through shaking citral:CD (1:1, 1.5:1, and 2:1 molar ratio) mixtures followed by spray drying. Maximum citral retention occurred at a 1:1 molar ratio with β-CD and α-CD demonstrating the highest levels of total E-citral and Z-citral retention, respectively. Furthermore, the β-CD complex demonstrated the slowest release rate of all inclusion complex powders.
DeuteRater: a tool for quantifying peptide isotope precision and kinetic proteomics
Authors: Naylor Bradley C , Porter Michael T , Wilson Elise , Herring Adam , Lofthouse Spencer , Hannemann Austin , Piccolo Stephen R , Rockwood Alan L , Price John C
Published: January 2017

Motivation

Using mass spectrometry to measure the concentration and turnover of the individual proteins in a proteome, enables the calculation of individual synthesis and degradation rates for each protein. Software to analyze concentration is readily available, but software to analyze turnover is lacking. Data analysis workflows typically don’t access the full breadth of information about instrument precision and accuracy that is present in each peptide isotopic envelope measurement. This method utilizes both isotope distribution and changes in neutromer spacing, which benefits the analysis of both concentration and turnover.

Results

We have developed a data analysis tool, DeuteRater, to measure protein turnover from metabolic D2O labeling. DeuteRater uses theoretical predictions for label-dependent change in isotope abundance and inter-peak (neutromer) spacing within the isotope envelope to calculate protein turnover rate. We have also used these metrics to evaluate the accuracy and precision of peptide measurements and thereby determined the optimal data acquisition parameters of different instruments, as well as the effect of data processing steps. We show that these combined measurements can be used to remove noise and increase confidence in the protein turnover measurement for each protein.

Availability and Implementation

Source code and ReadMe for Python 2 and 3 versions of DeuteRater are available at https://github.com/JC-Price/DeuteRater. Data is at https://chorusproject.org/pages/index.html project number 1147. Critical Intermediate calculation files provided as Tables S3 and S4. Software has only been tested on Windows machines.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Survey on current practice within the European Low-Grade Glioma Network: where do we stand and what is the next step?
Authors: Mandonnet Emmanuel , Wager Michel , Almairac Fabien , Baron Marie-Helene , Blonski Marie , Freyschlag Christian F , Barone Fabio , Fontaine Denys , Pallud Johan , Hegi Monika , Viegas Catarina , Zetterling Maria , Spena Giannantonio , Goodden John , Rutten Geert-Jan , Taillandier Luc , Foroglu Nicolas , Darlix Amélie , Skrap Miran , Martino Juan , von Campe Gord , Madadaki Caterina , Gayat Etienne , de Witt Hamer Philip , Gil Robles Santiago , Sarubbo Silvio , Santorius Thomas , Bello Lorenzo , Forster Marie-Therese , Duffau Hugues
Published: January 2017

Diffuse low-grade glioma form a rare entity affecting young people. Despite advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, diffuse low-grade glioma are still incurable. According to current guidelines, maximum safe resection, when feasible, is the first line of treatment. Apart from surgery, all other treatment modalities (temozolomide, procarbazine-CCNU-vincristine regimen, and radiation therapy) are handled very differently among different teams, and this in spite of recent results of several phase 3 studies. Based on a European survey, this paper aimed to get a picture of this heterogeneity in diffuse low-grade glioma management, to identify clinically relevant questions raised by this heterogeneity of practice, and to propose new methodological frameworks to address these questions.
Genetic Diversity, Fungicide Sensitivity, and Host Resistance to Ceratocystis fimbriata Infecting Sweetpotato in North Carolina
Authors: Scruggs A. C. , Basaiah T. , Adams M. L. , Quesada-Ocampo L. M.
Published: January 2017

Black rot of sweetpotato, caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata, has recently reemerged as a significant threat to sweetpotato production in North Carolina and other states across the United States. This disease has historically been controlled largely through cultural management strategies and, in some cases, fungicide application. The sudden and destructive reemergence of this disease in 2015 created the need for rapidly evaluating disease control strategies. Genetic diversity of current C. fimbriata isolates infecting sweetpotato in North Carolina was assessed using ITS, TEF, and MAT-2 sequences. All 50 tested isolates were confirmed to be of a single mating type, MAT-2, based on PCR amplification. Alignment of ITS, TEF, and MAT-2 sequences revealed all isolates were identical at each locus. Fourteen common sweetpotato cultivars and advanced breeding lines were screened for black rot resistance using two isolates. None of the cultivars were completely resistant to the disease and most were equally susceptible. ‘Stokes Purple’ and ‘Covington’ were the least susceptible, but significantly (P < 0.05) differed only from ‘Bellevue’, the most susceptible cultivar. Sensitivity of 50 C. fimbriata isolates to difenoconazole, fludioxonil, thiabendazole, dicloran, azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, fenamidone, and fluazinam was evaluated in vitro. Difenoconazole, thiabendazole, and fluazinam were most effective in reducing mycelia growth. Postharvest fungicide application on black rot-infected roots provided similar results. Low efficacy of dicloran, as well as a range of EC50 values among isolates, suggests potential resistance to this commonly applied fungicide. Results obtained in this study provide current and useful information so that improved recommendations can be made to reduce losses in sweetpotato to black rot.
Tale of the Huanglongbing Disease Pyramid in the Context of the Citrus Microbiome
Authors: Wang Nian , Stelinski Lukasz L. , Pelz-Stelinski Kirsten S. , Graham James H. , Zhang Yunzeng
Published: January 2017

The Huanglongbing (HLB) disease pyramid is composed of Liberibacters, psyllid vectors, citrus hosts, and the environment. The epidemiological outcomes for Liberibacter-associated plant diseases are collectively determined by the inherent relationships among plant−Liberibacters−psyllids, and how various environmental factors affect plant−Liberibacter−psyllid interactions. Citrus−Liberibacter−psyllid interactions occur in a complex microbiome system. In this review, we focus on the progress in understanding the HLB disease pyramid, and how the microbiome affects the HLB disease pyramid including the interaction between HLB and the citrus microbiome; the interaction between Liberibacters and psyllids; the interaction between Liberibacters and gut microbiota in psyllids; and the effect of HLB on selected above- and belowground citrus pathogens. Their implications for HLB management are also discussed.
Trabecular Microstructure and Damage Affect Cement Leakage From the Basivertebral Foramen During Vertebral Augmentation
Authors: Li Shengyun , Wang Chongyan , Shan Zhi , Liu Junhui , Yu Tianming , Zhang Xuyang , Fan Shunwu , Christiansen Blaine A. , Ding Wenyuan , Zhao Fengdong
Published: January 2017

Study design.

A prospective study on cadaver specimens.

Objective.

To explore why cement leakage from basivertebral foramen (BF) easily occurs during vertebral augmentation procedures.

Summary of Background Data.

Type B (through BF, basivertebral foramen) cement leakage is the most common type after vertebral augmentation, but the mechanism of this is still controversial. The contribution of vertebral trabecular bone orientation and trabecular damage during compression fracture to cement leakage is still unknown.

Methods.

In this study, 12 fresh-frozen human lumbar spines (T12-L5) were collected and divided into 24 three-segment units. Mechanical testing was performed to simulate a compression fracture. MicroCT were performed on all segments before and after mechanical testing, and trabecular microstructure of the superior, middle (containing BF), and inferior 1/3 of each vertebral body was analyzed. The diameter variation of intertrabecular space before and after compression fracture was used to quantify trabecular injury. After mechanical testing, vertebral augmentation, and imaging-based diagnosis were used to evaluate cement leakage.

Results.

Trabecular bone microstructural parameters in middle region (containing BF) were lower than those of the superior or inferior regions (P < 0.01). After compressive failure, 3D-reconstruction of the vertebral body by MicroCT demonstrated that intertrabecular distance in the middle region was markedly increased. Type B cement leakage was the most common type after vertebral augmentation, as found previously in Wang et al. (Spine J 2014;14: 1551-1558).

Conclusion.

The presence of the BF and the relative sparsity of trabecular bone make the middle region of the vertebral body the mechanically weakest region. Trabecular bone in middle region suffered the most severe damage during compressive failure of the vertebral body, which resulted in the greatest intervertebral spacing, and subsequently the highest percentage of type B cement leakage. These data suggest specific mechanisms by which cement may leak from the BF, and the contribution of trabecular microstructure and trabecular injury.

Level of Evidence: 4
Does Familial Aggregation of Chronic Low Back Pain Affect Recovery?
Authors: Zadro Joshua R. , Shirley Debra , Sánchez-Romera Juan F. , Ordoñana Juan R. , Ferreira Paulo H.
Published: January 2017

Study Design.

Longitudinal twin-cohort study.

Objective.

To investigate the effect familial aggregation of chronic low back pain (LBP) has on the recovery from chronic LBP.

Summary of Background Data.

LBP is a worldwide problem, with pain and disability often becoming chronic. Genetics and familial behaviors could significantly affect the recovery from chronic LBP but have not been extensively investigated.

Methods.

A total of 624 Spanish twins from the Murcia Twin Registry reported experiencing chronic LBP within the past 2 years during the 2009/11 data collection wave and were followed up in 2013. Familial aggregation of chronic LBP was determined by the co-twin experiencing chronic LBP within the past 2 years at baseline. Twins reporting LBP “within the past 4 weeks” at follow-up were considered to have not recovered.

Results.

There were 455 twins with available data on LBP at follow-up and available data on LBP from their co-twin at baseline. Twins with an affected co-twin at baseline were significantly more likely to have not recovered from chronic LBP at follow-up (odds ratio [OR] = 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–2.4, P = 0.046). This relationship was stronger for monozygotic twins (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.3–4.8, P = 0.006) (n = 172) but disappeared when considering only dizygotic twins (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.6–2.0, P = 0.668) (n = 283). Sibling-relative recurrence risk (λ
s) was 1.2 for the total sample, 1.5 for monozygotic twins, and 1.1 for dizygotic twins.

Conclusion.

Having a sibling with chronic LBP at baseline increased the likelihood of LBP at follow-up by 20%, with this likelihood increasing to 50% if the sibling was an identical twin. These results are novel and highlight the important influence genetics have on people's recovery from chronic LBP. Information regarding the presence of chronic LBP within a family is easy to obtain and has the potential to inform clinicians on which patients are less likely to recover when treatment implementation is not considered.

Level of Evidence: 3
STELLATE NONHEREDITARY IDIOPATHIC FOVEOMACULAR RETINOSCHISIS ACCOMPANIED BY CONTRALATERAL PERIPHERAL RETINOSCHISIS
Authors: Ahmed Daniel , Stattin Martin , Glittenberg Carl , Krebs Ilse , Ansari-Shahrezaei Siamak
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To present a patient with stellate nonhereditary idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis on one eye and peripheral retinoschisis without foveal affection on the other eye.

Methods:

A case report with complete workup of family history and clinical examination, including multimodal imaging with optical coherence tomography and angiography, fluorescein angiography, and infrared fundus imaging. Genetic testing for gene mutation XRLS1 was performed.

Results:

A white woman with unremarkable medical history presented with stellate foveal splitting of the outer plexiform layer on the right eye and peripheral splitting of the outer plexiform layer on both eyes. All known allegeable trigger factors for the existence of a hereditary or acquired foveomacular retinoschisis were ruled out either by clinical presentation or genetic testing. This led to the diagnosis of stellate nonhereditary idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis with central involvement only present on one eye.

Conclusion:

Although peripheral schisis of the outer plexiform layer is often concomitant with central splitting in X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, this is the first known report of nonhereditary cleavage of the outer plexiform layer of the peripheral retina without central affection in a patient with documented stellate nonhereditary idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis on the other eye. These findings suggest an accurate bilateral examination of the peripheral retina while confirming the diagnose of stellate nonhereditary idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis.
A Single Test Combining Blood Markers and Elastography is More Accurate Than Other Fibrosis Tests in the Main Causes of Chronic Liver Diseases
Authors: Ducancelle Alexandra , Leroy Vincent , Vergniol Julien , Sturm Nathalie , Le Bail Brigitte , Zarski Jean Pierre , Nguyen Khac Eric , Salmon Dominique , de Ledinghen Victor , Calès Paul
Published: January 2017

Background and Goal:

International guidelines suggest combining a blood test and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) to stage liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and non–alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, we compared the accuracies of these tests between the main etiologies of chronic liver diseases.

Study:

Overall, 1968 patients were included in 5 etiologies: CHC: 698, chronic hepatitis B: 152, human immunodeficiency virus/CHC: 628, NAFLD: 225, and alcoholic liver disease (ALD): 265. Sixteen tests [13 blood tests, LSM (Fibroscan), 2 combined: FibroMetersVCTE] were evaluated. References were Metavir staging and CHC etiology. Accuracy was evaluated mainly with the Obuchowski index (OI) and accessorily with area under the receiver operating characteristics (F≥2, F≥3, cirrhosis).

Results:

OIs in CHC were: FibroMetersVCTE: 0.812, FibroMetersV: 0.785 to 0.797, Fibrotest: 0.762, CirrhoMetersV: 0.756 to 0.771, LSM: 0.754, Hepascore: 0.752, FibroMeterALD: 0.750, aspartate aminotransferase platelet ratio index: 0.742, Fib-4: 0.741. In other etiologies, most tests had nonsignificant changes in OIs. In NAFLD, CHC-specific tests were more accurate than NAFLD-specific tests. The combined FibroMetersVCTE had significantly higher accuracy than their 2 constitutive tests (FibroMetersV and LSM) in at least 1 diagnostic target in all etiologies, except in ALD where LSM had the highest OI, and in 3 diagnostic targets (OIs and 2 area under the receiver operating characteristics) in CHC and NAFLD.

Conclusions:

Some tests developed in CHC outperformed other tests in their specific etiologies. Tests combining blood markers and LSM outperformed single tests, validating recent guidelines and extending them to main etiologies. Noninvasive fibrosis evaluation can thus be simplified in the main etiologies by using a unique test: either LSM alone, especially in ALD, or preferably combined to blood markers.
Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Schöffel Norman , Brüggmann Dörthe , Klingelhöfer Doris , Bendels Michael H.K. , Groneberg David A.
Published: January 2017

Background and Goals:

Crohn’s disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease, which can lead to abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, severe diarrhea, and malnutrition. Despite enormous efforts and progress in diagnosis and therapy, there are still many aspects of uncertainty leading to an increasing scientific interest in this topic. As it is challenging to survey all articles regarding CD and to measure their scientific importance, this study uses reliable scientometric tools to evaluate the global research output on CD related to quantitative and qualitative aspects and in chronological and geographical context.

Study:

We conducted a scientometric analysis to assess all global research activity on CD from 1900 until 2013. We analyzed the research output of countries, individual institutions, journals, authors and their collaborative networks and depicted our findings by density-equalizing map projections.

Results:

The worldwide research architecture indicated that the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France play leading role regarding scientific activity, h-indices, multilateral and bilateral cooperations. There is a dramatic increase of collaborative publications since the 1990s, which underlines recent studies pronouncing that the scientific progress will be mainly depending on international cooperations.

Conclusions:

We conclude that the field of CD is constantly progressing, in which the influence of international cooperations on the scientific productivity is of major and growing importance. North American and Western European nations constitute the scientific leaders in the field of CD whereas developing or underdeveloped countries did not exhibit considerable research productivity.
Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia: an underdiagnosed lipid disorder
Authors: Koopal Charlotte , Marais A. David , Visseren Frank L.J.
Published: January 2017

Purpose of review

To review pathophysiological, epidemiological and clinical aspects of familial dysbetalipoproteinemia; a model disease for remnant metabolism and remnant-associated cardiovascular risk.

Recent findings

Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia is characterized by remnant accumulation caused by impaired remnant clearance, and premature cardiovascular disease. Most familial dysbetalipoproteinemia patients are homozygous for apolipoprotein ε2, which is associated with decreased binding of apolipoprotein E to the LDL receptor. Although familial dysbetalipoproteinemia is an autosomal recessive disease in most cases, 10% is caused by autosomal dominant mutations. Of people with an ε2ε2 genotype 15% develops familial dysbetalipoproteinemia, which is associated with secondary risk factors, such as obesity and insulin resistance, that inhibit remnant clearance by degradation of the heparan sulfate proteoglycan receptor. The prevalence of familial dysbetalipoproteinemia ranges from 0.12 to 0.40% depending on the definition used. Clinical characteristics of familial dysbetalipoproteinemia are xanthomas and mixed hyperlipidemia (high total cholesterol and triglycerides); the primary lipid treatment goal in familial dysbetalipoproteinemia is non-HDL-cholesterol; and treatment consists of dietary therapy and treatment with statin and fibrate combination.

Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia is a relatively common, though often not diagnosed, lipid disorder characterized by mixed hyperlipidemia, remnant accumulation and premature cardiovascular disease, which should be treated with dietary therapy and statin and fibrate combination.
Mediators of diabetic neuropathy: is hyperglycemia the only culprit?
Authors: Grisold Anna , Callaghan Brian C. , Feldman Eva L.
Published: January 2017

Purpose of review

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a disabling, highly prevalent complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM). Large clinical studies support the concept that, in addition to hyperglycemia, components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) may underlie the pathogenesis of DPN, especially in T2DM. This review will present the evidence supporting the MetS and its individual components as potential causal factors for the development of neuropathy.

Recent findings

In addition to poor glycemic control and duration of diabetes, components of MetS such as dyslipidemia, obesity, and hypertension may have an important impact on the prevalence of DPN. Obesity and prediabetes have the most data to support their role in neuropathy, whereas hypertension and dyslipidemia have more mixed results. Nonmetabolic factors, such as genetic susceptibility, age, height, sex, smoking, and alcohol, have also been highlighted as potential risk factors in peripheral neuropathy, although the exact contribution of these factors to DPN remains unknown.

DPN is a chronic and disabling disease, and the accurate identification and modification of DPN risk factors is important for clinical management. Recent data support a role for components of the MetS and other risk factors in the development of DPN, offering novel targets beyond hyperglycemia for therapeutic development.
Primary Septal Cartilage Graft for the Unilateral Cleft Rhinoplasty
Authors: Lu Ting-Chen , Yao Chuan-Fong , Lin Susie , Chang Chun-Shin , Chen Philip Kuo-Ting
Published: January 2017

Background:

Since 2006, the authors have explored the option of using septal cartilage as an alar rim graft on the cleft side during primary rhinoplasty to improve nasal symmetry. The aim of this study was to compare the nasal shape with or without rim graft.

Methods:

A total of 98 patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate were included; 39 patients had septal cartilage as the rim graft, and 59 patients did not. Measurements of the nostril height, nostril width, one-fourth medial part of nostril height, nostril area, nasal dome height, and nostril axis were obtained on the cleft and noncleft sides. Ratios of these measurements were calculated. These ratios were then compared between the graft and nongraft groups. The levels of asymmetry were categorized into four levels—less than 5 percent, 5 to 10 percent, 10 to 15 percent, and greater than 15 percent—based on the percentages deviated from perfect symmetry (100 percent). Panel assessment was also performed. Nasolabial angle and tip projection ratio were measured for the comparison of nasal growth.

Results:

The nostril height, height-to-width ratio, and nasal dome height were higher in the graft group (p = 0.003, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). The graft group showed more consistency regarding the nostril shape and axis, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The nasolabial angle and tip projection ratio showed no significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion:

This preliminary study suggests that the use of a primary septal cartilage graft may offer better support at the alar rim and improve the long-term outcomes.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Overrun causations under advance payment regimes
Authors: Aje Olaniyi Isaac , Olatunji Oluwole Alfred , Olalusi Olanrewaju Augustine
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Evidence suggests project owners could use advance payments to prevent cost escalations. The purpose of this paper is to elicit the relationships between causations of overruns when advance payments are issued to contractors.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 97 responses from a questionnaire survey were analysed. Additional data on 51 projects, completed between 2000 and 2014 under different advance payments regimes, were also obtained and analysed.

Findings

Project owners issue advance payments to contractors so as to avoid delays. However, statistical correlation between advance payments and overrun causations are not significant. Although cost overruns were higher in large projects than in small projects, schedule overruns were more in small projects than in large projects. Schedule overruns were caused most significantly by contractors’ site management approaches. Design and documentation issues were identified as the most prevalent cause of cost overruns. Regression models are proposed to elicit overruns when advance payments are issued.

Practical implications

Extant debates on project overruns in construction and project management literature are robust. Nonetheless, the study elicits considerable knowledge gaps regarding the roles of advance payments in fostering project performance.

Originality/value

This pioneering work indexes the relationship between advance payment and project overruns in Nigeria. It is also the first attempt to document the probability distribution of overruns in Nigeria, particularly under specific advance payment regimes.
Physical asset management practices in the Saudi public sector
Authors: Naief Alhazmi
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the characteristics of the current asset management (AM) practices across the Saudi public sector (SPS).

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a mixture of inductive and deductive logic, including, at the outset, developing a framework tool to assess the SPS using thematic analysis. The framework is based on seven well-known international AM standards and guidelines. Later, a structured interview with 196 items is used to capture characteristics of SPS AM practices. Univariate and interpretive analyses were performed.

Findings

AM practices across the SPS are characterised by the following: in the majority of ministries, practices are below expectations; performance indicators are unrealistic and incomprehensive; public servants lack awareness of AM practices; the majority of the public sector overlooks the existence of professional standards; policies are not consistent across the sector; and finally, there is an over-reliance on public servants’ experience.

Research limitations/implications

Policy implications – current AM practices across the SPS need to be established, in particular by introducing policies and professional standards.

Originality/value

Physical assets are vital resources for organisations and, in turn, countries. There are no extant studies about AM practices across the SPS, and thus the evident need for such studies to develop current SPS knowledge, particularly given the notable increase in the country’s physical assets since its emergence and the formal AM practice development worldwide.
Maps of 3D parameters for worn surfaces of composites PA and glass beads sliding on steel
Authors: Pirvu Catalin , Maftei Laura , Georgescu Constantin , Deleanu Lorena
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present the influence of glass bead concentration in a matrix of polyamide on wear and several three-dimensional (3D) parameters of the surface texture when the composite is sliding on steel in dry contact.

Design/methodology/approach

There were mold disks with the following concentrations in glass beads: 2.5, 5.0, 10, 20, 30 and 50 per cent. The mix of glass beads has diameters in the range of several microns to 50 microns. Tests were done on a pin-on-disk tribotester, in dry regime, for the following parameters: average pressure (1, 2 and 3 MPa) and sliding speed (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m/s). Zones of 500 × 500 μm were investigated from worn tracks generated on the composite disks, and the average values of several 3D texture parameters were analyzed.

Findings

The authors plotted maps indicating no correlation between the glass bead concentration and the parameters characterizing the surface quality (amplitude parameters and functional parameters). Composites with concentrations of 10[…]30 per cent glass beads generated worn surfaces with better quality as compared to composites with extreme concentrations: low (2.5 and 5 per cent) and high (50 per cent).

Practical implications

This set of parameters allows for evaluating the influence of regime parameters on the surface quality, by comparing the obtained values before and after sliding, and this evolution of roughness parameters could give recommendations for selecting the friction couple of materials for particular contacts that function with repeated starts and stops.

Originality/value

The results encourage the researchers to use a set of 3D texture parameters instead of “classical” two-dimensional parameters, the arithmetic mean deviation of the profile, Ra, because this set of parameters better evaluate the surface quality, especially for worn surfaces.
Damage estimator, a possible way to predict the failure of hip and knee endoprosthesis
Authors: Capitanu Lucian , Florescu Virgil , Badita Liliana-Laura
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to realize finite element simulation in order to dynamically determine the area of the contact, the contact pressure and the strain energy density (identified as a damage function) for three different activities – normal walking, ascending stairs and descending stairs – that could be considered to define the level of the activity of the patient.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite element model uses a modern contact mechanism that includes friction between the metallic femoral condyles or femoral head (considered rigid) and the tibial polyethylene insert or acetabular cup (considering a non-linear behaviour).

Findings

For all three activities, the finite element analyses were performed, and a damage score was computed. Finally, a cumulative damage score (that accounts for all three activities) was determined, and the areas where the fatigue wear is likely to occur were identified.

Originality/value

A closer look at the distribution of the damage score reveals that the maximum damage is likely to occur not at the contact surface, but in the subsurface.
An investigation on wear behavior of Cu-graphite nanocomposites prepared by flake powder metallurgy
Authors: Varol Temel , Canakci Aykut
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of nanographite content and the sliding time on the wear behavior of Cu-graphite nanocomposites.

Design/methodology/approach

Cu-graphite nanocomposites were produced by flake powder metallurgy from the copper and nanographite powders in the range of 0-5 wt.% of graphite. The effect of sliding time and content of B4C particles on the wear behavior of Cu-graphite nanocomposites was analyzed.

Findings

Results show that the wear mechanisms of copper and Cu-graphite nanocomposites are adhesive wear and delaminating wear, respectively. It was observed that the wear loss increased with increasing load. Wear loss of the Cu-graphite nanocomposites decreased with increase in graphite content. This was related to change in wear mechanism from adhesive to delamination wear.

Originality/value

Although there are a wide range of applications for Cu-based materials, there is a scarcity of literatures on the wear behavior of Cu-nanographite composites that can be used for electrical contact applications.
Financial development – does it lessen poverty?
Authors: Rashid Abdul , Intartaglia Maurizio
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the impact of financial development on poverty reduction in developing countries. The paper also investigates whether financial development affects poverty via institutional quality and GDP growth.

Design/methodology/approach

To take into account the dynamics nature of panel data and country-specific effects, the authors use a two-step system GMM estimator. The authors also employ a large array of measures of financial development in order to check the robustness of the results. The analysis is carried out for a sample of developing countries using an unbalanced panel data set covering the period 1985-2008.

Findings

The authors find that financial development plays a significant role in reducing absolute poverty. However, the authors do not find any pro-poor impact of financial development when poverty is measured in relative terms. The authors show that the impact of financial development on poverty alleviation is statistically significant when liquid liabilities and credit granted to the private sector are used as a proxy of financial development. The results on the indirect effect of financial development indicate that financial sector development has larger effects on poverty reduction when institutional arrangements are sound or/and when economic growth is high.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that the inference for a pro-poor effect of financial development depends primarily on the measure of poverty and the choice of the proxy for financial development. Banking sector reforms may be an effective instrument to tackle absolute levels poverty. However, the policy makers should not rely only on financial reforms, regardless of whether they are based on banks or stock markets, to narrow the gap between the poorest quintile of the population and the richer quintiles. Rather, they should also utilize fiscal policies, such as progressive taxation and public-expenditure projects, to redistribute resources.

Originality/value

The paper differs from the previous studies in several ways. First, it studies the financial development-poverty nexus using three alternative indices of poverty. Second, this study focusses on a sample of developing countries only. As the structure and development level of the financial sector in poor and rich countries could differ significantly, focussing on developing countries helps mitigate the problem of heterogeneity arising from using a pooled sample of rich and poor countries. Third, robust estimation methods are applied that take into account the dynamic nature of empirical models and country-specific effects.