bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction: Recent advances in air electrodes for Zn–air batteries: electrocatalysis and structural design
Authors: Cai Xiaoyi , Lai Linfei , Lin Jianyi , Shen Zexiang
Published: March 2018

Correction for ‘Recent advances in air electrodes for Zn–air batteries: electrocatalysis and structural design’ by Xiaoyi Cai et al., Mater. Horiz., 2017, 4, 945–976.
Single-ion magnets with D4d symmetry based on electron-donating β-diketonate Dy(iii) complexes
Authors: Yao Xu , Yan Pengfei , An Guanghui , Shi Chao , Li Yuxin , Li Guangming
Published: March 2018

Four single-ion magnets based on electron-donating β-diketonate Dy(iii) complexes have been designed and isolated to explore the magnetism–structure relationship.
Ferumoxytol of ultrahigh magnetization produced by hydrocooling and magnetically internal heating co-precipitation
Authors: Chen Bo , Sun Jianfei , Fan Fengguo , Zhang Xiangzhi , Qin Zhiguo , Wang Peng , Li Yang , Zhang Xiquan , Liu Fei , Liu Yanlong , Ji Min , Gu Ning
Published: March 2018

HMIHC strategy is favorable to develop the novel nanodrug ferumoxytol with flexible magnetism and will boost the clinical translation of inorganic nanodrugs.
Hierarchical whisker-on-sheet NiCoP with adjustable surface structure for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Cai Zhicheng , Wu Aiping , Yan Haijing , Xiao Yinglu , Chen Congfang , Tian Chungui , Wang Lei , Wang Ruihong , Fu Honggang
Published: March 2018

The hierarchical whisker-on-sheet (HWS) NiCoP with favorable surface structure can be used as an effective catalyst for HER with activity close to Pt/carbon catalyst.
Silver nanowires for highly reproducible cantilever based AFM-TERS microscopy: towards a universal TERS probe
Authors: Walke Peter , Fujita Yasuhiko , Peeters Wannes , Toyouchi Shuichi , Frederickx Wout , De Feyter Steven , Uji-i Hiroshi
Published: March 2018

Exceptional performance tips for nanoscale optical imaging are produced using silver nanowires attached to commercial AFM cantilevers.
A highly flexible and washable nonwoven photothermal cloth for efficient and practical solar steam generation
Authors: Jin Yong , Chang Jian , Shi Yusuf , Shi Le , Hong Seunghyun , Wang Peng
Published: March 2018

Encapsulating carbon black into a nylon 6 matrix makes a robust photothermal cloth for highly efficient solar vapor generation.
A theoretical study on the surface and interfacial properties of Ni3P for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Hu Jun , Zheng Shunli , Zhao Xin , Yao Xin , Chen Zhong
Published: March 2018

DFT study on the catalytic activity for HER on low-index Ni3P crystal surfaces.
In situ lithiated quinone cathode for ALD/MLD-fabricated high-power thin-film battery
Authors: Nisula Mikko , Karppinen Maarit
Published: March 2018

We demonstrate that the high-capacity organic electrode material, p-benzoquinone, is able to sustain ultrahigh redox reaction rates without any conductive additives when applied as ultrathin layers in an all-solid-state thin-film battery setup, viable for e.g. high-performance power sources in microelectronic devices.
Electronic, magnetic, catalytic, and electrochemical properties of two-dimensional Janus transition metal chalcogenides
Authors: Chen Wenzhou , Qu Yuanju , Yao Lingmin , Hou Xianhua , Shi Xingqiang , Pan Hui
Published: March 2018

Two dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have received increasing interest because of their unique properties for versatile applications.
Regulating the optoelectronic properties of small molecule donors with multiple alternative electron-donor and acceptor units for organic solar cells
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Wang Huan , Zeng Weixuan , Xia Shengpeng , Zhou Feng , Chen Hui , He Feng , Yang Chuluo
Published: March 2018

Small molecule donors with multiple alternative electron-donor and acceptor units were synthesized via C–H functionalization with the structure–property–performance relationship investigated.
Unconventional noble metal-free catalysts for oxygen evolution in aqueous systems
Authors: Zhang Tianran , Zhu Yansong , Lee Jim Yang
Published: March 2018

Recent developments and breakthrough in unconventional materials for oxygen evolution beyond noble metal and metal oxides in aqueous systems are reviewed.
A metal-vacancy-solid-solution NiAlP nanowall array bifunctional electrocatalyst for exceptional all-pH overall water splitting
Authors: Cheng Weiren , Zhang Hui , Zhao Xu , Su Hui , Tang Fumin , Tian Jie , Liu Qinghua
Published: March 2018

We design a 3D metal-vacancy-solid-solution NiAlδP nanowall array bifunctional electrocatalyst, which is highly efficient in pH-universal overall water splitting.
Bridge-type interface optimization on a dual-semiconductor heterostructure toward high performance overall water splitting
Authors: Wang Chong , Ma Bin , Cao Xingzhong , He Shan , Han Jingbin , Wei Min , Evans David G. , Duan Xue
Published: March 2018

A bridge-type interface was constructed in a Cu2O@ZnCr-LDH photocatalyst, and it imparts high efficiency for overall water splitting without any co-catalyst.
Tuning polymorphism in 2,3-thienoimide capped oligothiophene based field-effect transistors by implementing vacuum and solution deposition methods
Authors: Benvenuti Emilia , Gentili Denis , Chiarella Fabio , Portone Alberto , Barra Mario , Cecchini Marco , Cappuccino Chiara , Zambianchi Massimo , Lopez Sergio G. , Salzillo Tommaso , Venuti Elisabetta , Cassinese Antonio , Pisignano Dario , Persano Luana , Cavallini Massimiliano , Maini Lucia , Melucci Manuela , Muccini Michele , Toffanin Stefano
Published: March 2018

The impact of the processing method in controlling the polymorphism and field-effect charge mobility of 2,3-thienoimide-based oligothiophenes semiconductors was investigated.
Interferon regulatory factor 1 inactivation in human cancer
Authors: Alsamman Khaldoon , El-Masry Omar S.
Published: March 2018

Interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) are a group of closely related proteins collectively referred to as the IRF family. Members of this family were originally recognized for their roles in inflammatory responses; however, recent research has suggested that they are also involved in tumor biology. This review focusses on current knowledge of the roles of IRF-1 and IRF-2 in human cancer, with particular attention paid to the impact of IRF-1 inactivation. The different mechanisms underlying IRF-1 inactivation and their implications for human cancers and the potential importance of IRF-1 in immunotherapy are also summarized.
Magnetic‐equivalent‐circuit approach for inter‐turn and demagnetisation faults analysis in surface mounted permanent‐magnet synchronous machines using pole specific search‐coil technique
Authors: Naderi Peyman
Published: March 2018

Magnetic‐equivalent‐circuit model for surface mounted permanent‐magnet synchronous machines inboth healthy and faulty cases is presented in this study, where both saturationeffect and space harmonics are considered. Pole numbers, magnets and slotnumbers can be chosen arbitrarily in the proposed model, and the behavior of themachine can be studied under various kinds of faults by a single model. Demagnetization, as well as inter‐turn short short‐circuit faults of the statorwindings, are modelled, and a fault detection method is proposed. It is shownthat the demagnetization fault is not detectible by stator current analysis,therefore an additional pole specific coil is considered in this study as asearch coil. For modelling, the differential equations representing theelectrical part of the PMSM model are converted into an algebraic type using thewell‐known trapezoidal technique and are solved simultaneously together with thenon‐linear magnetic equations using the Newton‐Raphson method. It is shown thatthe presented model in this study is capable of effective modelling of thehealthy and faulty machine under mentioned faults by a single model, thusreducing the computational complexity of the model. The effectiveness of theproposed MEC model is verified using finite‐element method via Maxwellsoftware.
A quasar hiding behind two dusty absorbers
Authors: Heintz K. E. , Fynbo J. P. U. , Ledoux C. , Jakobsson P. , Møller P. , Christensen L. , Geier S. , Krogager J.-K. , Noterdaeme P.
Published: March 2018

The cosmic chemical enrichment as measured from damped Lyαabsorbers (DLAs) will be underestimated if dusty and metal-rich absorbers have evaded identification. Here we report the discovery and present the spectroscopic observations of a quasar, KV-RQ 1500–0031, atz= 2.520 reddened by a likely dusty DLA atz= 2.428 and a strong MgIIabsorber atz= 1.603. This quasar was identified as part of the KiDS-VIKING Red Quasar (KV-RQ) survey, specifically aimed at targeting dusty absorbers which may cause the background quasars to escape the optical selection of e.g. the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) quasar sample. For the DLA we find an HIcolumn density of logN(HI) = 21.2 ± 0.1 and a metallicity of [X/H] = − 0.90 ± 0.20 derived from an empirical relation based on the equivalent width of SiIIλ1526. We observe a total visual extinction ofAV= 0.16 mag induced by both absorbers. To put this case into context we compile a sample of 17 additional dusty (AV> 0.1 mag) DLAs toward quasars (QSO-DLAs) from the literature for which we characterize the overall properties, specifically in terms of HIcolumn density, metallicity and dust properties. From this sample we also estimate a correction factor to the overall DLA metallicity budget as a function of the fractional contribution of dusty QSO-DLAs to the bulk of the known QSO-DLA population. We demonstrate that the dusty QSO-DLAs have high metal column densities (logN(HI) + [X/H]) and are more similar to gamma-ray burst (GRB)-selected DLAs (GRB-DLAs) than regular QSO-DLAs. We evaluate the effect of dust reddening in DLAs as well as illustrate how the induced color excess of the underlying quasars can be significant (up to ~1 mag in various optical bands), even for low to moderate extinction values (AV≲ 0.6 mag). Finally we discuss the direct and indirect implications of a significant dust bias in both QSO- and GRB-DLA samples.
Thrombose, Lungenembolie und Antikoagulation
Authors: Geisler Tobias , Stimpfle Fabian
Published: March 2018

Häufigste Ursache einer Lungenarterienembolie (LAE) ist eine venöse Thromboembolie in Folge einer tiefen Beinvenenthrombose (TBVT). Entsprechend der aktuellen
Leitlinien, ist bei TVBT oder LAE eine Antikoagulation für mindestens 3 Monate indiziert. In der initialen Phase nach Diagnosestellung kommen hierfür weiterhin
hauptsächlich Heparine zum Einsatz. In der Sekundärprävention werden Vitamin-K-Antagonisten (VKA) zunehmend durch die Nicht-Vitamin-K-Antagonisten oralen
Antikoagulanzien (NOAK) abgelöst. Vorteilhafte Eigenschaften der NOAKs im Vergleich zu VKA sind insbesondere das günstigere Sicherheitsprofil bezüglich
Blutungsereignisse aber auch eine weniger variable Pharmakokinetik und der schnelle Wirkungseintritt. Ob nach der akuten Phase zur Prävention eines Rezidivs die
Dauer der Antikoagulation verlängert werden soll, ist vor dem Hintergrund des individuellen Rezidiv- und Blutungsrisikos abzuwägen.
Diagnostic adequacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration in patients with lymphadenopathy in a large cohort
Authors: Bansal Rinkesh , Choudhary Narendra , Patle Saurabh , Gupta Mahesh , Vashishtha Chitranshu , Kaur Gagandeep , Sarin Haimanti , Puri Rajesh
Published: March 2018

Background and study aims The role of endoscopic-ultrasound (EUS) guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in patients with lymphadenopathy in terms of diagnostic adequacy and safety in large population is not well defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic adequacy and safety of EUS-FNA in patients with lymphadenopathy.

Patients and methods Retrospective study from October 2010 to September 2015 at tertiary care center in Delhi-NCR. We analyzed data from 1005 EUS- FNAs of lymph nodes.

Results The study cohort comprised 1005 lymph nodes in 865 patients; 68 % were males, mean age was 50 ± 14 years. Indications of FNA were to look for etiology of pyrexia of unknown origin or staging of malignancy mainly. FNA was taken from mediastinal nodes (n = 528, 52.5 %) and intra-abdominal nodes (n = 477, 47.5 %). Median size of nodes at long axis and short axis was 17 (12 – 25.7) and 10 (8 – 15) mm respectively. Adequate material by FNA was obtained in 92.8 % cases. The cytopathologic diagnosis were malignancy in 153 (15.2 %), granulomatous change in 452 (42 %), and reactive lymphadenopathy in 328 (35.6 %). There was statistically significant difference seen between groups with pathological and reactive lymph nodes regarding size at long and short axis, hypoechoic nature, well defined borders and presence of necrosis and calcification. Procedure-related adverse effects were encountered in 6 patients (0.8 %). Four patients had mild mucosal bleeding in chronic liver disease patients and two had mild hepatic encephalopathy related to sedation.

Conclusion EUS-FNA of lymph nodes has good diagnostic adequacy and safety.
Initial experience with a novel resection and plication (RAP) method for acid reflux: a pilot study
Authors: Benias Petros , D’Souza Lionel , Lan Gloria , Gluckman Craig , Inamdar Sumant , Trindade Arvind , Miller Larry , Carr-Locke David
Published: March 2018

Background and study aims Current endoscopic therapies for gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) are limited by technical complexity, and/or cost. We sought to evaluate the success of a novel resection and plication (RAP) anti-reflux procedure.

Patients and methods RAP was performed on 10 patients with GERD refractory to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. RAP consists of semi-circumferential mucosectomy along with full-thickness plication of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and cardia. We assessed the technical success and safety as well as followed GERD-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) scores and medication usage.

Results All patients underwent RAP without adverse events and were discharged on the same day. Only half of the patients required general anesthesia. Follow-up ranged from 5 to 24 months (median 9 months) and all patients had a significant improvement in their GERD-HRQL scores (P < 0.0001, 95 % CI 19.3 – 25.3). 8 of 10 eliminated their daily PPI dependence.

Conclusions The RAP method has potential as an effective anti-reflux option. Its main advantages include a short procedure time, simple approach using readily available equipment, and possible avoidance of general anesthesia.
Importance sampling large deviations in nonequilibrium steady states. I
Authors: Ray Ushnish , Chan Garnet Kin-Lic , Limmer David T.
Published: March 2018

Large deviation functions contain information on the stability and response of systems driven into nonequilibrium steady states and in such a way are similar to free energies for systems at equilibrium. As with equilibrium free energies, evaluating large deviation functions numerically for all but the simplest systems is difficult because by construction they depend on exponentially rare events. In this first paper of a series, we evaluate different trajectory-based sampling methods capable of computing large deviation functions of time integrated observables within nonequilibrium steady states. We illustrate some convergence criteria and best practices using a number of different models, including a biased Brownian walker, a driven lattice gas, and a model of self-assembly. We show how two popular methods for sampling trajectory ensembles, transition path sampling and diffusion Monte Carlo, suffer from exponentially diverging correlations in trajectory space as a function of the bias parameter when estimating large deviation functions. Improving the efficiencies of these algorithms requires introducing guiding functions for the trajectories.
On the Lagrangian description of dissipative systems
Authors: Martínez-Pérez N. E. , Ramírez C.
Published: March 2018

We consider the Lagrangian formulation with duplicated variables of dissipative mechanical systems. The application of Noether theorem leads to physical observable quantities which are not conserved, like energy and angular momentum, and conserved quantities, like the Hamiltonian, that generate symmetry transformations and do not correspond to observables. We show that there are simple relations among the equations satisfied by these two types of quantities. In the case of the damped harmonic oscillator, from the quantities obtained by the Noether theorem follows the algebra of Feshbach and Tikochinsky. Furthermore, if we consider the whole dynamics, the degrees of freedom separate into a physical and an unphysical sector. We analyze several cases, with linear and nonlinear dissipative forces; the physical consistency of the solutions is ensured, observing that the unphysical sector has always the trivial solution.
Review: Bioengineering strategies to probe T cell mechanobiology
Authors: de la Zerda Adi , Kratochvil Michael J. , Suhar Nicholas A. , Heilshorn Sarah C.
Published: March 2018

T cells play a major role in adaptive immune response, and T cell dysfunction can lead to the progression of several diseases that are often associated with changes in the mechanical properties of tissues. However, the concept that mechanical forces play a vital role in T cell activation and signaling is relatively new. The endogenous T cell microenvironment is highly complex and dynamic, involving multiple, simultaneous cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. This native complexity has made it a challenge to isolate the effects of mechanical stimuli on T cell activation. In response, researchers have begun developing engineered platforms that recapitulate key aspects of the native microenvironment to dissect these complex interactions in order to gain a better understanding of T cell mechanotransduction. In this review, we first describe some of the unique characteristics of T cells and the mounting research that has shown they are mechanosensitive. We then detail the specific bioengineering strategies that have been used to date to measure and perturb the mechanical forces at play during T cell activation. In addition, we look at engineering strategies that have been used successfully in mechanotransduction studies for other cell types and describe adaptations that may make them suitable for use with T cells. These engineering strategies can be classified as 2D, so-called 2.5D, or 3D culture systems. In the future, findings from this emerging field will lead to an optimization of culture environments for T cell expansion and the development of new T cell immunotherapies for cancer and other immune diseases.
Perspective: Toward efficient GaN-based red light emitting diodes using europium doping
Authors: Mitchell Brandon , Dierolf Volkmar , Gregorkiewicz Tom , Fujiwara Yasufumi
Published: March 2018

While InGaN/GaN blue and green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are commercially available, the search for an efficient red LED based on GaN is ongoing. The realization of this LED is crucial for the monolithic integration of the three primary colors and the development of nitride-based full-color high-resolution displays. In this perspective, we will address the challenges of attaining red luminescence from GaN under current injection and the methods that have been developed to circumvent them. While several approaches will be mentioned, a large emphasis will be placed on the recent developments of doping GaN with Eu3+ to achieve an efficient red GaN-based LED. Finally, we will provide an outlook to the future of this material as a candidate for small scale displays such as mobile device screens or micro-LED displays.
Direct writing of room temperature and zero field skyrmion lattices by a scanning local magnetic field
Authors: Zhang Senfu , Zhang Junwei , Zhang Qiang , Barton Craig , Neu Volker , Zhao Yuelei , Hou Zhipeng , Wen Yan , Gong Chen , Kazakova Olga , Wang Wenhong , Peng Yong , Garanin Dmitry A. , Chudnovsky Eugene M. , Zhang Xixiang
Published: March 2018

Magnetic skyrmions are topologically protected nanoscale spin textures exhibiting fascinating physical behaviors. Recent observations of room temperature skyrmions in sputtered multilayer films are an important step towards their use in ultra-low power devices. Such practical applications prefer skyrmions to be stable at zero magnetic fields and room temperature. Here, we report the creation of skyrmion lattices in Pt/Co/Ta multilayers by a scanning local field using magnetic force microscopy tips. We also show that those newly created skyrmion lattices are stable at both room temperature and zero fields. Lorentz transmission electron microscopy measurements reveal that the skyrmions in our films are of Néel-type. To gain a deeper understanding of the mechanism behind the creation of a skyrmion lattice by the scanning of local fields, we perform micromagnetic simulations and find the experimental results to be in agreement with our simulation data. This study opens another avenue for the creation of skyrmion lattices in thin films.
Effects of alloy composition and Si-doping on vacancy defect formation in (InxGa1–x)2O3 thin films
Authors: Prozheeva V. , Hölldobler R. , von Wenckstern H. , Grundmann M. , Tuomisto F.
Published: March 2018

Various nominally undoped and Si-doped (InxGa1–x)2O3 thin films were grown by pulsed laser deposition in a continuous composition spread mode on c-plane α-sapphire and (100)-oriented MgO substrates. Positron annihilation spectroscopy in the Doppler broadening mode was used as the primary characterisation technique in order to investigate the effect of alloy composition and dopant atoms on the formation of vacancy-type defects. In the undoped samples, we observe a Ga2O3-like trend for low indium concentrations changing to In2O3-like behaviour along with the increase in the indium fraction. Increasing indium concentration is found to suppress defect formation in the undoped samples at [In] > 70 at. %. Si doping leads to positron saturation trapping in VIn-like defects, suggesting a vacancy concentration of at least mid-1018 cm−3 independent of the indium content.
Complexity of viscous dissipation in turbulent thermal convection
Authors: Bhattacharya Shashwat , Pandey Ambrish , Kumar Abhishek , Verma Mahendra K.
Published: March 2018

Using direct numerical simulations of turbulent thermal convection for the Rayleigh number between 106 and 108 and unit Prandtl number, we derive scaling relations for viscous dissipation in the bulk and in the boundary layers. We show that contrary to the general belief, the total viscous dissipation in the bulk is larger, albeit marginally, than that in the boundary layers. The bulk dissipation rate is similar to that in hydrodynamic turbulence with log-normal distribution, but it differs from (U3/d) by a factor of Ra−0.18. Viscous dissipation in the boundary layers is rarer but more intense with a stretched-exponential distribution.
Evaluation of lentil varieties and farming system effect on seed damage and yield loss due to bruchid (Bruchus spp.) infestation
Authors: Vlachostergios Dimitrios N. , Lithourgidis Anastasios S. , Baxevanos Dimitrios V. , Mavromatis Athanasios G. , Noulas Christos S. , Roupakias Demetrios G.
Published: March 2018

A major constraint of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) cultivation is yield reduction due to field infestation by the seed beetles Bruchus spp. (bruchids). The aim of the study was to assess seed loss (SL) and yield loss (YL) due to bruchid infestation under organic and conventional farming, and to investigate genotypic variability for seed yield of 20 lentil varieties in response to bruchid damage. Field experiments were established over three consecutive years in two areas of central and northern Greece. SL was determined as the percentage of damaged seeds, whereas the weight of the damaged seeds was estimated as YL. Farming system was the main source of variation for both SL and YL. Mean SL under organic farming was 15% and mean YL was 0.13 t ha–1. SL and YL were 2.6- and 8.4-fold higher, respectively, under organic than conventional farming. Valuable genotypic variability was observed with respect to both SL and YL. Early flowering and small seed size were traits associated with low SL and YL. Among varieties, mean SL ranged from 8.5% to 29.2% and YL from 0.06 to 0.31 t ha–1. Evaluation for high yield potential, indicating bruchid tolerance, revealed two types of promising varieties: varieties with high yield and low seed bruchid damage due to phenological escape, and varieties with high yielding potential despite the high SL and YL.
Low levels of chemsex among men who have sex with men, but high levels of risk among men who engage in chemsex: analysis of a cross-sectional online survey across four countries
Authors: Frankis Jamie , Flowers Paul , McDaid Lisa , Bourne Adam
Published: March 2018

Background
This paper establishes the prevalence of chemsex drug use among men who have sex with men (MSM), the extent to which these drugs are used in a sexual context, as well as their associated behaviours and circumstances of use. Methods: Data from a cross-sectional, online survey of 2328 MSM recruited via gay sociosexual media in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland were analysed. Results: While almost half (48.8%) of participants had ever taken illicit drugs, lifetime chemsex drug use was less common (18.0%) and far fewer reported chemsex drug use in the last year (8.2%) or last 4 weeks (3.0%). Just over one-quarter (27.1%) of men who used chemsex drugs in the last year reported no sexualised drug use, but almost three-quarters (72.9%) did. Only 6.1% of the whole sample reported sexualised chemsex drug use in the last year. The odds of reporting chemsex in the last year were significantly higher for men aged 36–45 years (AOR = 1.96), single men (AOR = 1.83), men who were HIV positive (AOR = 4.01), men who report high-risk sex (AOR = 4.46), being fisted (AOR = 7.77) or had sex in exchange for goods other than money (AOR = 4.7) in the last year and men who reported an HIV test in the last 3 months (AOR = 1.53). Discussion: Only a small proportion of MSM in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland reported chemsex, and, for the first time, it is demonstrated that not all chemsex drug use was sexualised. Nevertheless, MSM who engage in chemsex (MWEC) reported substantial sexual risk inequalities. These novel findings highlight several opportunities for intervention, particularly around the multiple vulnerabilities of MWEC, opportunities for early identification of those most vulnerable to chemsex-related harm and the potential to develop a specialised responsive patient pathway.
Establishment of human pluripotent stem cell-derived pancreatic β-like cells in the mouse pancreas
Authors: Ma Haiting , Wert Katherine J. , Shvartsman Dmitry , Melton Douglas A. , Jaenisch Rudolf
Published: March 2018

Significance

Autoimmune impairment of insulin-producing β cells in the pancreatic islet underlies pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D). The β-like cells differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells provide possible autologous cell replacement therapies for patients with T1D, and have been transplanted to various ectopic sites in rodents as therapeutic models. Here, we generated xenogeneic human pancreatic β-like cells in the mouse pancreas by orthotopic transplantation of stem cell-derived β-like cells into the pancreas of neonatal mice. This mouse model may provide an experimental system to study human pancreatic β cell biology and pathogenesis in vivo.
Media vs. reality
Authors: Guo Lei , Vu Hong Tien
Published: March 2018

This study advances agenda-setting theory by applying it to understand the media influence on the public’s perception of health issues. The longitudinal analysis compared news indices, public opinion polls, and reality indicators in the United States from 2001 to 2010. The results show that news media, especially print media, did have some agenda-setting effects on the public’s health priorities. However, the coverage had little to do with reality and, ironically, the media representation of certain health issues showed an opposite trend to that of the reality indicators. These findings call into question the responsibility of journalists in providing a complete and proportional representation of health concerns.
Maize Plant Resistance To Corn Earworm Larvae
Authors: Wiseman B. R. , Snook M. E.
Published: March 2018

Silks from fiftythree maize plant introductions from the United States GermplasmMaize Project, a resistant (Zapalote Chico) and a susceptible (Stowells’ Evergreen sweetcorn) check mixed into a pinto bean diet were evaluated at Tifton, GA for resistance against larvae of the corn earworm. The experimen was arranged as a randomized complete bloc design with 30 replications. Silks that had emerged two days from maize grown in the field were excised to the eartip, oven dried at41° C for 10 days, ground with a Cyclotec 1093sample mill and mixed into pinto bean dietsat 50 mg/ml diet. Dietmixtures were dispensedinto plastic cups and 1 neonate corn earworm was placed in each diet cup. Ten gram of fresh silks of each entry was analyzed fo maysin content. Weight (mg) of larvae was recorded 8 days after infestation. Mean weight oflarvae and pupae, development time of larvae plus the standard error of the mean and percentage maysin content of fresh silks were recorded.
Efficient analysis of large-scale genome-wide data with two R packages: bigstatsr and bigsnpr
Authors: Privé Florian , Aschard Hugues , Ziyatdinov Andrey , Blum Michael G B
Published: March 2018

Motivation

Genome-wide datasets produced for association studies have dramatically increased in size over the past few years, with modern datasets commonly including millions of variants measured in dozens of thousands of individuals. This increase in data size is a major challenge severely slowing down genomic analyses, leading to some software becoming obsolete and researchers having limited access to diverse analysis tools.

Results

Here we present two R packages, bigstatsr and bigsnpr, allowing for the analysis of large scale genomic data to be performed within R. To address large data size, the packages use memory-mapping for accessing data matrices stored on disk instead of in RAM. To perform data pre-processing and data analysis, the packages integrate most of the tools that are commonly used, either through transparent system calls to existing software, or through updated or improved implementation of existing methods. In particular, the packages implement fast and accurate computations of principal component analysis and association studies, functions to remove single nucleotide polymorphisms in linkage disequilibrium and algorithms to learn polygenic risk scores on millions of single nucleotide polymorphisms. We illustrate applications of the two R packages by analyzing a case–control genomic dataset for celiac disease, performing an association study and computing polygenic risk scores. Finally, we demonstrate the scalability of the R packages by analyzing a simulated genome-wide dataset including 500 000 individuals and 1 million markers on a single desktop computer.

Availability and implementation

https://privefl.github.io/bigstatsr/ and https://privefl.github.io/bigsnpr/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Me Time, or We Time? Age Differences in Motivation for Exercise
Authors: Steltenpohl Crystal N , Shuster Michael , Peist Eric , Pham Amber , Mikels Joseph A
Published: March 2018

Background and Objectives

Increasing exercise continues to be an important health issue for both older and younger adults. Researchers have suggested several methods for increasing exercise motivation. Socioemotional selectivity theory (SST) posits that people’s motivation shift from future-oriented instrumental goals to present-oriented emotionally meaningful goals as we age, which provides insight into how people’s motivations for exercise may differ for older versus younger adults. The aim of our study was to examine how exercise motivation differs for older versus younger adults.

Research Design and Methods

Older (greater than 59 years old) and younger (aged 18–26 years) adults participated in focus groups. They discussed exercise motivation (or lack thereof), motivators and barriers to exercise, and preferences about when, where, and with whom they exercise. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using direct content analysis and iterative categorization.

Results

Consistent with SST, younger adults generally preferred to exercise alone to achieve instrumental fitness goals, whereas older adults preferred to exercise with others. Additionally, older adults tend to consider peripheral others (e.g., strangers, acquaintances), as a positive rather than a negative influence.

Discussion and Implications

SST provides a framework for exploring age-related shifts in exercise motivation. Additionally, the positivity effect was reflected in how older adults evaluated the influence of peripheral others. Motivational messages could be tailored to increase health behavior changes by focusing on instrumental exercise goals for younger adults and exercise focused on meaningful relationships for older adults.
Nuclear decommissioning in Brazil and China: regulatory development, incompleteness and future synergy
Authors: Paim Maria-Augusta , Yang Chung-Han
Published: March 2018

The law and regulation of nuclear infrastructure decommissioning is developing worldwide. At the international level, safety standards for the decommissioning process were established under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which also encourages international co-operation and gives expert advice for Member States’ projects. Advanced jurisdictions such as the UK, US and Japan have made substantial progress in the elaboration of national legislation covering issues related to the risks for safety and the environment.

This article aims at assessing the Brazilian and Chinese efforts, achievements and challenges in the establishment of national decommissioning legal regimes using the analytical lenses developed by probing into the strengths exhibited by selected advanced jurisdictions’ decommissioning regulations and experiences, in namely the UK, USA and Japan. As a result, the structural perspective developed enables the assessment of the effectiveness of the decommissioning framework of jurisdictions at an earlier stage. Brazil and China have just started to build their national decommissioning nuclear power plant regimes. Besides sharing a common nuclear power plant decommissioning regulatory momentum, both countries’ asymmetric capacities in the technology sector can be reciprocally combined to create a mutually beneficial relationship.
Frame me if you must: PrEP framing and the impact on adherence to HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis
Authors: Ellorin Eric , Blumenthal Jill , Jain Sonia , Sun Xiaoying , Corado Katya , Dube Michael , Moore David , Morris Sheldon ,   the California Collaborative Treatment Group
Published: March 2018

Background

“PrEP whore” has been used both as a pejorative by PrEP opponents in the gay community and, reactively, by PrEP advocates as a method to reclaim the label from stigmatization and “slut-shaming.” The actual prevalence and impact of such PrEP-directed stigma on adherence have been insufficiently studied.

Methods

CCTG 595 was a randomized controlled PrEP demonstration project in 398 HIV-uninfected MSM and transwomen. Intracellular tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) levels at weeks 12 and 48 were used as a continuous measure of adherence. At study visits, participants were asked to describe how they perceived others’ reactions to them being on PrEP. These perceptions were categorized a priori as either “positively framed,” “negatively framed,” or both. We used Wilcoxon rank-sum to determine the association between positive and negative framing and TFV-DP levels at weeks 12 and 48.

Results

By week 4, 29% of participants reported perceiving positive reactions from members of their social groups, 5% negative, and 6% both. Reporting decreased over 48 weeks, but positive reactions were consistently reported more than negative. At week 12, no differences in mean TFV-DP levels were observed in participants with positively-framed reactions compared with those reporting no outcome or only negatively-framed (1338 [IQR, 1036-1609] vs. 1281 [946-1489] fmol/punch, P = 0.17). Additionally, no differences were observed in those with negative reactions vs. those without (1209 [977–1427] vs. 1303 [964–1545], P = 0.58). At week 48, mean TFV-DP levels trended toward being higher among those that report any reaction, regardless if positive (1335 [909–1665] vs. 1179 [841–1455], P = 0.09) or negative (1377 [1054–1603] vs. 1192 [838–1486], P = 0.10) than those reporting no reaction. At week 48, 46% of participants reported experiencing some form of PrEP-directed judgment, 23% reported being called “PrEP whore,” and 21% avoiding disclosing PrEP use.

Conclusion

Over 48 weeks, nearly half of participants reported some form of judgment or stigmatization as a consequence of PrEP use. However, individuals more frequently perceived positively framed reactions to being on PrEP than negative. Importantly, long-term PrEP adherence does not appear to suffer as a result of negative PrEP framing.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.
Assessment of T1 Slope Minus Cervical Lordosis and C2-7 Sagittal Vertical Axis Criteria of a Cervical Spine Deformity Classification System Using Long-Term Follow-up Data After Multilevel Posterior Cervical Fusion Surgery
Authors: Hyun Seung-Jae , Han Sanghyun , Kim Ki-Jeong , Jahng Tae-Ahn , Kim Hyun-Jib
Published: March 2018

BACKGOUND

Recently, previous research proposed a cervical spine deformity (CSD) classification using a modified Delphi approach. However, C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) and T1 slope minus C2-C7 lordosis (TS−CL) cut-off values for moderate and severe disability were based on expert opinion.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the validity of a CSD classification system.

METHODS

From 2007 to 2012, 30 consecutive patients with a minimum 5-yr follow-up having 3- or more level posterior cervical fusion met inclusion criteria. The following radiographic parameters were measured: C0-C2 lordosis, C2-C7 lordosis, C2-C7 SVA, T1 slope, and TS−CL. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between pairs of radiographic measures and health-related quality of life.

RESULTS

Average follow-up period was 7.3 yr. C2-C7 SVA positively correlated with neck disability index (NDI) scores (r = 0.554). Regression models predicted a threshold C2-C7 SVA value of 40.8 mm and 70.6 mm correlated with moderate and severe disability based on the NDI score, respectively. The TS−CL had positive correlation with C2-C7 SVA and NDI scores (r = 0.841 and r = 0.625, respectively). Regression analyses revealed that a C2-C7 SVA value of 40 mm and 70 mm corresponded to a TS−CL value of 20° and 25°, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Regression models predicted a threshold C2-C7 SVA (value of 40.8 mm and 70.6 mm) and TS−CL (value of 20° and 25°) correlated with moderate and severe disability based on the NDI, respectively. The cut-off value C2-C7 SVA and TS−CL modifier of the CSD classification can be revised accordingly.
Microsurgical Treatment of Bowhunter's Syndrome: 3-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Agarwal Vijay , Barrow Daniel L
Published: March 2018

We present the case of a 56-yr-old previously healthy male who presented with an approximately 1-yr history of intermittent dizziness, near syncope, and holocephalic headaches when turning his head to the left side for a prolonged period of time. He had a distant history of a previous anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at the C6-7 level. He was neurologically intact. Static, dynamic, and vascular imaging confirmed hypoplasia of the right vertebral artery and dominance of the left vertebral artery that completely filled the posterior circulation. Dynamic imaging confirmed compression of the left vertebral artery just above the C5-6 disc space on full head rotation to the left. After an anterior cervical exposure, we dissected lateral to the C5-6 disc space to the transverse process. The anterior tubercle was identified, and a Doppler ultrasound was used to insonate the vertebral artery above the level of compression. The anterior wall of the transverse foramen was thinned with a high-speed drill under constant irrigation and Kerrison rongeurs used to expose the vertebral artery at the site of compression. Importantly, the fibrotic band at, above, and below the level of compression was also dissected and removed. The patient tolerated the procedure well, and was discharged from the hospital 2 d after surgery with no neurological deficits and with complete relief of his preoperative symptoms. Because his symptoms completely resolved and have not recurred, no postoperative imaging was performed. The etiology, presentation, and microsurgical treatment of this rare disease are discussed.

All appropriate patient consents were obtained for this submission.

© 2017 Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University Hospital. Used with permission.

All Figures used with permission as above.
OnTrack: development and feasibility of a smartphone app designed to predict and prevent dietary lapses
Authors: Forman Evan M , Goldstein Stephanie P , Zhang Fengqing , Evans Brittney C , Manasse Stephanie M , Butryn Meghan L , Juarascio Adrienne S , Abichandani Pramod , Martin Gerald J , Foster Gary D
Published: March 2018

Given that the overarching goal of weight loss programs is to remain adherent to a dietary prescription, specific moments of nonadherence known as “dietary lapses” can threaten weight control via the excess energy intake they represent and by provoking future lapses. Just-in-time adaptive interventions could be particularly useful in preventing dietary lapses because they use real-time data to generate interventions that are tailored and delivered at a moment computed to be of high risk for a lapse. To this end, we developed a smartphone application (app) called OnTrack that utilizes machine learning to predict dietary lapses and deliver a targeted intervention designed to prevent the lapse from occurring. This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of OnTrack among weight loss program participants. An open trial was conducted to investigate subjective satisfaction, objective usage, algorithm performance, and changes in lapse frequency and weight loss among individuals (N = 43; 86% female; body mass index = 35.6 kg/m2) attempting to follow a structured online weight management plan for 8 weeks. Participants were adherent with app prompts to submit data, engaged with interventions, and reported high levels of satisfaction. Over the course of the study, participants averaged a 3.13% weight loss and experienced a reduction in unplanned lapses. OnTrack, the first Just-in-time adaptive intervention for dietary lapses was shown to be feasible and acceptable, and OnTrack users experienced weight loss and lapse reduction over the study period. These data provide the basis for further development and evaluation.
Postpartum depression
Authors: McKelvey Michele M. , Espelin Jill
Published: March 2018

By screening all pregnant and postpartum women for mood and anxiety disorders, we can promptly identify PPD—a significant health problem that threatens the safety of mothers and their families.
How to prevent food allergy during infancy: what has changed since 2013?
Authors: Lavery William J. , Assa’ad Amal
Published: March 2018

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to summarize recent studies and emerging consensus guidelines regarding food allergy prevention in infants of the past 5 years.

Recent findings

Prior to 2013, the general consensus regarding prevention of food allergy in infants was to recommend delayed introduction or complete avoidance of commonly allergenic foods, such as milk, egg and peanut. However, in the past 5 years, several landmark studies have been conducted, particularly with peanut. The results of these studies have led to a paradigm shift from recommending delayed introduction to early introduction and frequent feeding of highly allergenic foods such as peanut, with hopes of achieving primary and secondary prevention of food allergy in infants.

Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that early introduction and frequent feeding, rather than delayed introduction or complete avoidance, of commonly allergenic foods plays a critical role in preventing food allergy in infants. More studies are required to risk-stratify infants by personal and family atopic history to tailor guidelines for groups with inherently different risks. The universal acceptance of the guidelines and their application outcome are still to be determined.
Visual Performance and Perception as a Target of Saccadic Strategies in Patients With Unilateral Vestibular Loss
Authors: Trinidad-Ruiz Gabriel , Rey-Martinez Jorge , Batuecas-Caletrio Angel , Matiño-Soler Eusebi , Perez-Fernandez Nicolas
Published: March 2018

Objectives:

To evaluate the ability of saccadic strategies developed during vestibular compensation to reduce the effect of an impaired vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) on a retinal smear and image motion sensation.

Design:

Twenty patients with unilateral vestibular loss were examined with a video head impulse test before and after vestibular rehabilitation (VR) with the use of gaze stabilization and refixation saccades training. Head and eye velocity functions were processed to infer the retinal eccentricity, and through its correlation with visual acuity (VA), several measurements are proposed to evaluate the influence of VR on saccades behavior and visual performance. To isolate the effect of saccades on the findings and avoid bias because of gain differences, only patients whose VOR gain values remained unchanged after VR were included.

Results:

Improved contribution of covert saccades and reduction of overt saccades latency were measured after VR. We found significant differences when assessing both the interval less than 70% VA (50.25 ms), which is considered the limit of a moderate low vision, and less than 50% VA (39.515 ms), which is the limit for severe low vision. Time to recover a VA of 75% (near normal) was reduced in all the patients (median: 56.472 ms).

Conclusion:

Despite the absence of VOR gain improvement, patients with unilateral vestibular loss are able to develop saccadic strategies that allow the shortening of the interval of retinal smear and image motion. The proposed measurements might be of use to evaluate VR outcomes and visually induced impairment.
Complex iatrogenic clubfoot: is it a real entity?
Authors: Dragoni Massimiliano , Gabrielli Armando , Farsetti Pasquale , Bellini Diego , Maglione Pierluigi , Ippolito Ernesto
Published: March 2018

In our study, we aimed to demonstrate whether a complex iatrogenic clubfoot really exists; identify the causative mechanisms; and determine the outcome if properly treated. We observed 54 clubfeet previously treated unsuccessfully by manipulation and casting elsewhere. All the feet had been classified at diagnosis as typical clubfeet. In 26 cases, the cast had slipped down, entrapping the foot in a plantar-flexed position. Nine clubfeet out of those 26 cases presented the clinical features of a complex iatrogenic deformity. These were treated with the modified Ponseti protocol and evaluated at follow-up according to the International Clubfoot Study Group Score. The length of follow-up averaged 7.2 years. Two feet showed an excellent result, five feet showed a good result, and two feet showed a fair result. The relapse rate was 55% in complex clubfeet. Relapsed clubfeet were treated by Achilles tenotomy or lengthening and anterior tibial tendon transfer. We believe that faulty manipulation and a poor casting technique may convert a typical clubfoot into a complex iatrogenic deformity. Risk factors include severe clubfoot, short and stubby foot, and unmolded casts slipping down.