bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Terminal ileum resection as a trigger for Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection and ensuing serial sepsis in a 37-year-old patient with complicated Crohnʼs disease: a case report
Authors: Topić Mirjana , Čuković-Čavka Silvija , Brinar Marko , Kalauz Mirjana , Škrlec Ivica , Majerović Matea
Published: April 2018

The nematode Strongyloides stercoralis, outside the tropics and subtropics present in small endemic foci, can cause an infection after direct skin contact with contaminated soil containing infective filariform larvae and, rarely, after intimate interhuman contact or after transplantation of an infected solid organ. Following skin penetration, migration, and maturation through several stages, a small number of invasive filariform larvae can develop anew in the gut lumen, perpetuating new cycles of penetration, tissue migration, and reproduction, without leaving the host.

In a state of immunosuppression, autoinfection can progress to life-threatening hyperinfection and/or infection disseminated through virtually any organ. In developed countries, the most frequently recognized risk for severe hyperinfection is corticosteroid therapy, but this has been also described in malnourished, alcoholic, cancer, and transplant patients. Due to the frequent need for immunosuppressive therapy, patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are susceptible to develop overwhelming strongyloidiasis. Strongyloidiasis can be easily overlooked in clinical settings, and in many European regions there is poor insight into the epidemiological burden of this disease.

We present a case of S. stercoralis hyperinfection that triggered 3 successive episodes of sepsis caused by pathogens of the gut flora in a young patient suffering from stenotic form of Crohn’s disease. S. stercoralis hyperinfection occurred in the corticosteroid-free period, shortly after resection of the terminal ileum, which was probably the trigger for the overwhelming course. The patient was successfully treated with 10-day albendazole therapy.
Morbidität durch Hitze – eine Analyse der Krankenhauseinweisungen per Rettungseinsatz während einer Hitzewelle 2015 in Frankfurt/Main
Authors: Steul Katrin , Latasch Leo , Jung Hans-Georg , Heudorf Ursel
Published: April 2018

Hitzewellen gewinnen durch den Klimawandel an Bedeutung. Sie verursachen gesundheitliche Beeinträchtigungen und führen zu einer Zunahme der Sterblichkeit. Der Vergleich verschiedener Untersuchungen gestaltet sich schwierig, da es erhebliche Unterschiede gibt z. B. in der Definition einer Hitzewelle oder zwischen den untersuchten Bevölkerungsgruppen. In der hier vorliegenden Untersuchung wurden die Morbiditätsdaten erhoben durch Daten des web-basierten IVENA Systems (Interdisziplinärer Versorgungsnachweis). Dieses registriert Krankenhauseinweisungen mit Angabe der Einweisungsdiagnose per Rettungsdiensteinsatz. Analysiert wurden die Einweisungen im Stadtgebiet Frankfurt am Main in den Monaten Juni-August 2014–2016. Dieser Zeitraum beinhaltet eine Hitzewelle im Juli 2015 (>32°C für wenigstens 5 Tage in Folge). Es zeigte sich an den Hitzewelle-Tagen eine Zunahme der Krankenhauseinweisungen (sog. Exzess Morbidität) von 22%. Bei Betrachtung der „Hitze-assoziierten Erkrankungen“ (Exsikkose, Synkope, unklares Fieber, Hitzeerschöpfung) zeigte sich eine Zunahme von über 200%. Auch außerhalb der Hitzewelle war eine Korrelation zwischen Einweisungen und Temperatur nachweisbar. Die Akuteinweisungen per Rettungsdiensteinsatz scheinen ein valider Parameter zur Darstellung der Morbiditätssteigerung an Hitzetagen zu sein.
Recent Developments and Applications of the Chiral Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Allylboration of Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Sedgwick Daniel , Grayson Matthew , Fustero Santos , Barrio Pablo
Published: April 2018

The 50-year-old allylboration reaction has seen dramatic developments since the dawn of the new century after the first catalytic asymmetric versions came into play. In the past decade alone, several methodologies capable of achieving the desired homoallylic alcohols in over 90% ee have been developed. This review focuses on the chiral Brønsted acid catalyzed allylboration reaction, covering everything from the very first examples and precedents to modern day variations and applications.

1 Introduction

2 Early Developments

3 Synthetic Applications

4 Variants

5 Computational Contribution

6 Conclusions
A Simple Aluminum Bromide-Promoted Diastereoselective Synthesis of Panduratin A Derivatives
Authors: Chee Chin , Thy Chun , Murthy Sudtha , Lee Yean , Yaeghoobi Marzieh , Rahman Noorsaadah
Published: April 2018

A facile diastereoselective synthesis of panduratin A derivatives using commercially available aluminum(III) bromide is reported. The effect of substituents on the Diels–Alder reaction of various trans-chalcones with (E)-ocimene was investigated. A series of panduratin A derivatives were prepared in moderate to good yields.
Synthesis of α-Thiooximes by Addition of Thiols to N,N-Bis(oxy)-enamines: A Comparative Study of S-, N-, and O-Nucleo­philes in Michael Reaction with Nitrosoalkene Species
Authors: Sukhorukov Alexey , Naumovich Yana , Kokuev Aleksandr , Ioffe Sema
Published: April 2018

Nucleophilic addition of thiols to N,N-bis(oxy)enamines (nitrosoalkene acetals) produce valuable α-thiooximes in a highly efficient manner. The reaction was found to be solvent-dependent, likely because of distinct mechanisms operating in nonpolar and basic solvents (involving either Brønsted acid or Lewis base catalysis). By performing a series of competition experiments, the relative reactivity of S-, N-, and O-nucleophiles in reaction with N,N-bis(oxy)enamines was determined for the first time. Interestingly, the relative nucleophilicity was found to be highly dependent on the solvent, which allows regioselective control of these reactions by using an appropriate medium.
A Rare Pathogen in Acute Appendicitis: Two Cases with Comamonas testosteroni Infection and Literature Review
Authors: Tartar Ayşe Sağmak , Tartar Tugay
Published: April 2018

Comamonas testosteroni (formerly Pseudomonas testosteroni) is a common environmental bacterium, which is not a part of the human microbiome. It is rarely found as an infectious agent in clinical practice. The bacterium has low virulence potency and rarely causes human disease. Although this agent is generally considered to be of low virulence, reports of infections with C. testosteroni are increasing. With the exception of intra-abdominal infections, C. testosteroni is mainly reported as an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised patients. However, C. testosteroni has also been reported as a pathogen in patients with appendicitis (especially when perforated), suggesting that this bacterium may belong to the normal intestinal microbiota of some individuals. In this article, we present two children with appendicitis in whom C. testosteroni was isolated from appendix tissue samples.
Applicants' Interest in International Ophthalmology during Residency Training: Influence in Selecting U.S. Residency Programs
Authors: Camacci Mona , Quillen David , Montijo Maria , Chen Michael
Published: April 2018

Background In recent years, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Residency Committee for Ophthalmology formally recognized international health electives for credit. By engaging in international health experiences, ophthalmology residents achieve the anchors essential to the core competencies set forth by the ACGME.

Objective To explore how the availability of international ophthalmology opportunities may influence applicants' selection of U.S. ophthalmology residency programs and to identify applicants' perceived goals and barriers of participation in international ophthalmology experiences.

Methods For this cross-sectional study, an electronic invitation to a 22-item questionnaire was sent to all 413 applicants to the ophthalmology residency program at the Penn State Eye Center during the 2017 Match.

Results Responses were received from 261 applicants, yielding a response rate of 63.2%. Nearly all respondents (95.4%) reported interest in participating in an international ophthalmology experience during residency training, with 52.1% of respondents reporting being “extremely interested.” More than half of respondents (53.6%) had previously participated in a healthcare-related experience in an international setting. The availability of international opportunities increased the interest of 67.4% of respondents when choosing which residency programs to apply to, and influenced 65.2% of respondents to rank a residency program higher, with the respondents with previous international experience more likely to be favorably influenced (p < 0.001, p = 0.04, respectively). The goal identified by the largest number of respondents as “most important” was to “offer service to the underserved” (59.0%). The most commonly identified anticipated barriers to participating in an international experience during residency training included concern about scheduling conflicts and call coverage (81.7%), followed by lack of funding (71.4%).

Conclusion There is significant interest in international ophthalmology among ophthalmology residency applicants, and the availability of international opportunities during training may influence the applicants' selection of programs. Statistically significant differences were found among respondents with and without previous international healthcare-related experience. These findings warrant further investigation into how residency programs can best address this interest and integrate international ophthalmology experiences into the residency curriculum.
Patient-Reported Treatment Experience with Oral Rivaroxaban: Results from the Noninterventional XALIA Study of Deep-Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Cano Stefan , Mantovani Lorenzo , Folkerts Kerstin , Gebel Martin , Sahin Kurtulus , Zell Elizabeth , Monje Danja , Schneider Jonas , Eickels Martin , Haas Sylvia , Kreutz Reinhold , Ageno Walter , Turpie Alexander
Published: April 2018

For venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment, patient satisfaction was shown to improve with rivaroxaban versus standard anticoagulation in the phase III EINSTEIN DVT and EINSTEIN PE trials. This substudy of the prospective, noninterventional XALIA study of rivaroxaban for deep-vein thrombosis treatment assessed if this was also observed in routine clinical practice. Patients enrolled in XALIA who received rivaroxaban or standard anticoagulation treatment were eligible for inclusion in this substudy. Treatment decisions were at the physician's discretion. Patients completed the 17-item Anti-Clot Treatment Scale (ACTS, comprising a 12-item Burdens subscale, a 3-item Benefits subscale and one global item per subscale) during follow-up. The propensity score-matched set (PMS) was used for the main analysis; the adjusted safety analysis (ASAF) set was used for confirmatory purposes. Analyses by follow-up visit and subgroup, including age, sex, and previous VTE, were also conducted. The PMS-ACTS analysis included 458 rivaroxaban-treated and 434 standard anticoagulation-treated patients. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were generally similar across treatment arms. ACTS Burdens scores significantly improved with rivaroxaban versus standard anticoagulation (least-squares mean difference of 2.4 ± 0.4 points; p < 0.0001); ACTS Benefits scores were numerically higher with rivaroxaban (least-squares mean difference of 0.2 ± 0.1 points; p = 0.2). Similar findings occurred across follow-up visits and subgroups. Results were confirmed in the ASAF-ACTS analysis. Consistent with phase III analyses, rivaroxaban was associated with improved ACTS Burdens scores; ACTS Benefits scores numerically favored rivaroxaban, although without reaching statistical significance.
Preclinical Labor-and-Delivery Shadowing: The Impact on Medical Students' Perceptions of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Authors: Dotters-Katz Sarah , Panzer Alexis , Givens Matthew , Smid Marcela , Chuang Alice
Published: April 2018

Objective We sought to determine the impact of preclinical exposure (shadowing) to labor and delivery (L&D) on medical students' perceptions of obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN).

Study Design We administered a written survey to rising third-year medical students at a single center prior to any clerkship. We described motivation/deterrents for shadowing among students, and experiences/perceptions of those students who shadowed.

Results In total, 119/136 (86%) students completed the survey. Of those, 29% participated in shadowing on L&D. Participating students were more likely to be female (79 vs. 21%; p < 0.01) and in their first year (85%). Ninety-one percent participated because they wanted more exposure to OB/GYN, whereas only 53% they were interested in OB/GYN. Students who did not shadow indicated not having enough time as the main reason. After participation, 82% had more perspective on OB/GYN than prior to shadowing. Ninety-seven percent felt that the experience was worthwhile; 62% stated based on their experience that they were likely to consider a career in OB/GYN. All students who participated stated that they would opt to shadow again if given the opportunity.

Conclusion Students who have L&D shadowing exposure report very positive experiences and express desire for increased opportunities. OB/GYN departments may consider increasing availability of L&D shadowing opportunities for preclinical medical students.
Prognostischer Wert des frühen OCT-kontrollierten Ansprechens des konsekutiven Makulaödems der retinalen venösen Verschlüsse nach intravitrealer Gabe von Bevacizumab
Authors: Kourakos Vasileios , Rauscher Andreas , Schmidbauer Josef
Published: April 2018

Hintergrund Ziel dieser Arbeit war, mithilfe der OCT-Untersuchung das Verhalten des Makulaödems retinaler Venenverschlüsse nach Gabe von Bevacizumab zu untersuchen, um daraus eine Prognose über den Krankheitsverlauf und über die Re-Injektionsintervalle abzuleiten.

Material und Methoden Retrospektiv wurden 24 Patienten nach einem retinalen Venenverschluss mittels Fluoreszenzangiografie und OCT der Makula untersucht. Mittels wiederholter OCT-Aufnahmen wurde die frühe Antwort des Makulaödems nach Bevacizumabgabe dokumentiert. Weitere OCT-Aufnahmen erfolgten im Rahmen der Therapie mit insgesamt 3 Bevacizumabinjektionen im Abstand von 30 Tagen sowie bei der letzten Kontrolle am 105. Tag nach der 1. Injektion.

Ergebnisse Nach einer Bevacizumabinjektion kommt es bereits nach 3 Stunden zu einer signifikanten Abnahme des Makulaödems. Diese signifikante Abnahme bleibt bis zum 3. Tag erhalten. Die größte Abnahme findet in den ersten 24 Stunden statt. Patienten, die am 1. Tag (24 Stunden) eine Foveadicke unter 300 µm erreichen, sind 30 Tage später noch rezidivfrei. Die Patienten, die am 1. Tag mehr als 300 µm Foveadicke zeigen, erleiden zu 50% ein Rezidiv nach 30 Tagen. Der günstige Verlauf der 1. Gruppe ist auch bei der letzten Kontrolle am 105. Tag nach der 1. IVOM nachweisbar.

Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung Eine OCT-Untersuchung 24 Stunden nach der 1. IVOM mit Bevacizumab hat einen prognostischen Wert und kann Patienten identifizieren, die längere Therapieintervalle tolerieren und weniger Injektionen benötigen. Mithilfe dieser OCT-Untersuchung 24 Stunden nach der 1. Injektion kann eine Individualisierung der Therapie erfolgen. Auch Patienten, die schlecht auf die Therapie ansprechen, können früh identifiziert werden, um ggf. andere Therapiemöglichkeiten zu erwägen.
Coherence analysis of a class of weighted networks
Authors: Dai Meifeng , He Jiaojiao , Zong Yue , Ju Tingting , Sun Yu , Su Weiyi
Published: April 2018

This paper investigates consensus dynamics in a dynamical system with additive stochastic disturbances that is characterized as network coherence by using the Laplacian spectrum. We introduce a class of weighted networks based on a complete graph and investigate the first- and second-order network coherence quantifying as the sum and square sum of reciprocals of all nonzero Laplacian eigenvalues. First, the recursive relationship of its eigenvalues at two successive generations of Laplacian matrix is deduced. Then, we compute the sum and square sum of reciprocal of all nonzero Laplacian eigenvalues. The obtained results show that the scalings of first- and second-order coherence with network size obey four and five laws, respectively, along with the range of the weight factor. Finally, it indicates that the scalings of our studied networks are smaller than other studied networks when 1d<r≤1.
Magnetic tweezers optimized to exert high forces over extended distances from the magnet in multicellular systems
Authors: Selvaggi L. , Pasakarnis L. , Brunner D. , Aegerter C. M.
Published: April 2018

Magnetic tweezers are mainly divided into two classes depending on the ability of applying torque or forces to the magnetic probe. We focused on the second category and designed a device composed by a single electromagnet equipped with a core having a special asymmetric profile to exert forces as large as 230 pN–2.8 μm Dynabeads at distances in excess of 100 μm from the magnetic tip. Compared to existing solutions our magnetic tweezers overcome important limitations, opening new experimental paths for the study of a wide range of materials in a variety of biophysical research settings. We discuss the benefits and drawbacks of different magnet core characteristics, which led us to design the current core profile. To demonstrate the usefulness of our magnetic tweezers, we determined the microrheological properties inside embryos of Drosophila melanogaster during the syncytial stage. Measurements in different locations along the dorsal-ventral axis of the embryos showed little variation, with a slight increase in cytoplasm viscosity at the periphery of the embryos. The mean cytoplasm viscosity we obtain by active force exertion inside the embryos is comparable to that determined passively using high-speed video microrheology.
Defect phase diagram for doping of Ga2O3
Authors: Lany Stephan
Published: April 2018

For the case of n-type doping of β-Ga2O3 by group 14 dopants (C, Si, Ge, Sn), a defect phase diagram is constructed from defect equilibria calculated over a range of temperatures (T), O partial pressures (pO2), and dopant concentrations. The underlying defect levels and formation energies are determined from first-principles supercell calculations with GW bandgap corrections. Only Si is found to be a truly shallow donor, C is a deep DX-like (lattice relaxed donor) center, and Ge and Sn have defect levels close to the conduction band minimum. The thermodynamic modeling includes the effect of association of dopant-defect pairs and complexes, which causes the net doping to decline when exceeding a certain optimal dopant concentration. The optimal doping levels are surprisingly low, between about 0.01% and 1% of cation substitution, depending on the (T, pO2) conditions. Considering further the stability constraints due to sublimation of molecular Ga2O, specific predictions of optimized pO2 and Si dopant concentrations are given. The incomplete passivation of dopant-defect complexes in β-Ga2O3 suggests a design rule for metastable doping above the solubility limit.
The extracellular matrix of ovarian cortical inclusion cysts modulates invasion of fallopian tube epithelial cells
Authors: Fleszar Andrew J. , Walker Alyssa , Porubsky Veronica , Flanigan Will , James Darian , Campagnola Paul J. , Weisman Paul S. , Kreeger Pamela K.
Published: April 2018

A growing body of research supports the idea that the fallopian tube epithelium (FTE) is the precursor for most high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOCs) but that the ovary plays a critical role in tumor metastasis. Cortical inclusion cysts (CICs) in the ovarian cortex have been hypothesized to create a niche environment that plays a role in HGSOC progression. Through histological analysis of pathology samples from human ovaries, we determined that collagen I and III were elevated near CICs and that the collagen fibers in this dense region were oriented parallel to the cyst boundary. Using this information from human samples as design parameters, we engineered an in vitro model that recreates the size, shape, and extracellular matrix properties of CICs. We found that FTE cells within our model underwent robust invasion that was responsive to stimulation with follicular fluid, while ovarian surface epithelial cells, the native cells of the ovary, were not invasive. We provide experimental evidence to support a role of the extracellular matrix in modulating FTE cell invasion, as a decrease in collagen I concentration or the addition of collagen III to the matrix surrounding FTE cells increased FTE cell invasion. Taken together, we show that an in vitro model of CICs obtained from the analysis of human tissue can act as an important tool for understanding FTE cell interactions with their environment.
Near unity ultraviolet absorption in graphene without patterning
Authors: Zhu Jinfeng , Yan Shuang , Feng Naixing , Ye Longfang , Ou Jun-Yu , Liu Qing Huo
Published: April 2018

Enhancing the light–matter interaction of graphene is an important issue for related photonic devices and applications. In view of its potential ultraviolet applications, we aim to achieve extremely high ultraviolet absorption in graphene without any nanostructure or microstructure patterning. By manipulating the polarization and angle of incident light, the ultraviolet power can be sufficiently coupled to the optical dissipation of graphene based on single-channel coherent perfect absorption in an optimized multilayered thin film structure. The ultraviolet absorbance ratios of single and four atomic graphene layers are enhanced up to 71.4% and 92.2%, respectively. Our research provides a simple and efficient scheme to trap ultraviolet light for developing promising photonic and optoelectronic devices based on graphene and potentially other 2D materials.
Soft phonon modes driven huge difference on lattice thermal conductivity between topological semimetal WC and WN
Authors: Guo San-Dong , Chen Peng
Published: April 2018

Topological semimetals are currently attracting increasing interest due to their potential applications in topological qubits and low-power electronics, which are closely related to their thermal transport properties. Recently, the triply degenerate nodal points near the Fermi level of WC are observed by using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. In this work, by solving the Boltzmann transport equation based on first-principles calculations, we systematically investigate the phonon transport properties of topological semimetals WC and WN. The predicted room-temperature lattice thermal conductivities of WC (WN) along the a and c directions are 1140.64 (7.47) W m−1 K−1 and 1214.69 (5.39) W m−1 K−1. Considering the similar crystal structure of WC and WN, it is quite interesting to find that the thermal conductivity of WC is more than two orders of magnitude higher than that of WN. It is found that, different from WN, the large acoustic-optical (a-o) gap prohibits the acoustic+acoustic → optical (aao) scattering, which gives rise to very long phonon lifetimes, leading to ultrahigh lattice thermal conductivity in WC. For WN, the lack of an a-o gap is due to soft phonon modes in optical branches, which can provide more scattering channels for aao scattering, producing very short phonon lifetimes. Further deep insight can be attained from their different electronic structures. Distinctly different from that in WC, the density of states of WN at the Fermi level becomes very sharp, which leads to destabilization of WN, producing soft phonon modes. It is found that the small shear modulus G and C44 limit the stability of WN, compared with WC. Our studies provide valuable information for phonon transports in WC and WN, and motivate further experimental studies to study their lattice thermal conductivities.
Detection of water vapor nanobubbles offers insight into process of boiling
Authors: Agner Mary Alexandra
Published: April 2018

Small angle neutron scattering detects water vapor nanobubble formation during boiling on metallic surfaces, opening avenues to developing new materials for high-heat applications.
Use of otolith shape to inform stock structure in Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) in the south-western Atlantic
Authors: Lee Brendon , Brewin Paul E. , Brickle Paul , Randhawa Haseeb
Published: April 2018

An analysis of patterns in otolith shape is an effective tool for discriminating among fish stocks. Otolith shapes of Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) and Antarctic toothfish (D. mawsoni) were investigated for geographic variability within seven regions across the Patagonian Shelf, and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI). Otolith shape was characterised by its elliptical Fourier coefficients (EFCs), corrected for fish length before being analysed, using multivariate methods. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis suggested the following three main groupings: Patagonian Shelf, SGSSI, and the third for Antarctic toothfish. This result was supported by ANOVA-like permutation tests, indicating significant (P<0.001) differences in otolith shape among these three groupings. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) cross-validation analyses of the EFCs resulted in otoliths being correctly classified to the sampling region from which they came, with an accuracy ranging from 78.95 to 100%. LDA cross-validation analyses on sampling regions within SGSSI and the Patagonian Shelf were able to classify individuals back to their sampling region with an accuracy of greater than 89.74 and 78.95% respectively. These results have provided some alternative insights into the stock structure of Patagonian toothfish across southern South America, South Atlantic and SGSSI.
Life history variation is maintained by fitness trade-offs and negative frequency-dependent selection
Authors: Christie Mark R. , McNickle Gordon G. , French Rod A. , Blouin Michael S.
Published: April 2018

Significance

Many populations and species have different strategies for maximizing reproductive success in changing environments. For example, some species of plants reproduce only once in their lifetime (annuals), whereas others can reproduce over multiple years (perennials). Such variation can also occur in fishes, and we examine how this variation in life history strategies is maintained in a Pacific salmonid species (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We find that fish that successfully migrate between the ocean and their freshwater spawning grounds multiple times (repeat spawners) have more than twice the lifetime reproductive success of fish that only spawn once (single spawners). We also find a striking pattern of negative frequency-dependent selection in which older, larger females have higher lifetime fitness when they are less abundant.
Mechanical properties and microstructural evolution of a Cu–Cr–Ag alloy during thermomechanical treatment
Authors: Yuan Dawei , Wang Junfeng , Chen Huiming , Xie Weibin , Wang Hang , Yang Bin
Published: April 2018

The microstructure and mechanical properties of a Cu–Cr–Ag alloy at the different processing stages were investigated using hardness measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The combined effects of dislocation strengthening and precipitation strengthening were shown to remarkably enhance the hardness of the alloy. Coherent Cr-rich precipitates with a face-centred cubic structure, formed during aging, were shown to be the main source of age strengthening, and the introduction of pre-deformation led to acceleration of their precipitation. Nevertheless, recovery occurring during aging caused significant softening in the cold-drawn samples. Analysis of the microstructural evolution during cold drawing and aging was used as an effective tool to optimise the thermomechanical process and improve the mechanical properties.
Influence of post-weld heat treatment on microstructure and adhesion of Ti/Cu composite
Authors: Chen Feifan , Wang Wei , Wang Kang , Ho Pofeng , Li Han , Huang Xi , Chen Weijie
Published: April 2018

It is well known that brittle interfacial intermetallics are typically present in laminated composites and degrade their mechanical performance. To investigate the relationship between intermetallics and mechanical properties, Ti/Cu-laminated composite plates prepared by explosive welding were studied with different heat treatments. A transition layer containing four zones of intermetallic phases, Cu4Ti, Cu4Ti3, CuTi, and CuTi2, was found at the interface between Ti and Cu after explosive welding. The intermetallics became thicker as the temperature of the heat treatment increased, especially for the CuTi phase. The sample treated at 473 K exhibited the highest bonding strength of 199.7 MPa, which was attributed to the elimination of residual stress during the welding and the diffusion of copper to improve interfacial bonding.
Microstructure and materials characterisation of the novel Al–Cu–Y alloy
Authors: Pozdniakov A.V. , Barkov R. Yu.
Published: April 2018

The microstructure, hot cracking susceptibility, and mechanical properties of a novel Al–Cu–Y alloy were investigated. The Al–4.7Cu–1.6Y alloy demonstrated very good casting properties, hot cracking susceptibility that is similar to Al–Si–Mg alloys. Analysis of the solidification process showed that the primary Al solidification is followed by the eutectic reaction Liquid→ τ1(Al8Cu4Y)+Al and the peritectic reactions Liquid+ τ6(Al,Cu)11Y3)→Al+ τ1(Al8Cu4Y) (612°C) and Liquid+ η(AlCu)→ τ1(Al8Cu4Y)+ θ(Al2Cu) (595°C). The τ1(Al8Cu4Y) eutectic phase demonstrated high thermal stability during homogenisation treatment. The recrystallisation temperature was in the range 250–350°C after rolling with previous quenching at 540 and 590°C and without heat treatment. The recommended annealing mode for material in the as-rolled condition is 100°C for 1 h: YS = 273 MPa, UTS = 305 MPa and El. = 6.6%.
Investigating the use of pre‐training measures of autonomic regulation for assessing functional overreaching in endurance athletes
Authors: Coates Alexandra M. , Hammond Sarah , Burr Jamie F.
Published: April 2018

The use of heart rate variability (HRV) to inform daily training prescription is becoming common in endurance sport. Few studies, however, have investigated the use of pre‐training HRV to predict decreased performance or altered exercising autonomic response, typical of functional overreaching (FOR). Further, a new cardiac vagal tone (ProCVT) technology purports to eliminate some of the noise associated with daily HRV, and therefore may be better at predicting same‐day performance. The purpose of this investigation was to examine if changes to resting HRV and ProCVT were associated with alterations in performance, maximal heart rate (HRmax), or heart rate recovery (HRrec) in FOR athletes. Twenty‐eight recreational cyclists and triathletes were assigned to experimental/control conditions and underwent: 1 week of reduced training, 3 weeks of overload (OL) or regular training (CON), and 1 week of recovery. Testing occurred following the reduced training week (T1), post‐3 weeks of training (T2), and following the recovery week (T3). Measures of resting HRV/ProCVT were collected each testing session, followed by maximal incremental exercise tests with HRrec taken 60 s post‐exercise. Performance decreased from T1 to T2 in the OL group vs. CON (Δ−9 ± 12 vs. Δ9 ± 11 W, P < .001), as did HRmax (Δ−8 ± 4 vs. Δ−2 ± 4 bpm, P < .001). HRrec increased from T1 to T2 in the OL group vs. CON (Δ10 ± 9 vs. Δ2 ± 5 beats/min, P < .01). HRV and ProCVT did not change in either group. Same‐day resting autonomic measures are insufficient in predicting alterations to performance or exercising HR measures following overload training.
The syndromic deafness mutation G12R impairs fast and slow gating in Cx26 hemichannels
Authors: García Isaac E. , Villanelo Felipe , Contreras Gustavo F. , Pupo Amaury , Pinto Bernardo I. , Contreras Jorge E. , Pérez-Acle Tomás , Alvarez Osvaldo , Latorre Ramon , Martínez Agustín D. , González Carlos
Published: April 2018

Mutations in connexin 26 (Cx26) hemichannels can lead to syndromic deafness that affects the cochlea and skin. These mutations lead to gain-of-function hemichannel phenotypes by unknown molecular mechanisms. In this study, we investigate the biophysical properties of the syndromic mutant Cx26G12R (G12R). Unlike wild-type Cx26, G12R macroscopic hemichannel currents do not saturate upon depolarization, and deactivation is faster during hyperpolarization, suggesting that these channels have impaired fast and slow gating. Single G12R hemichannels show a large increase in open probability, and transitions to the subconductance state are rare and short-lived, demonstrating an inoperative fast gating mechanism. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that G12R causes a displacement of the N terminus toward the cytoplasm, favoring an interaction between R12 in the N terminus and R99 in the intracellular loop. Disruption of this interaction recovers the fast and slow voltage-dependent gating mechanisms. These results suggest that the mechanisms of fast and slow gating in connexin hemichannels are coupled and provide a molecular mechanism for the gain-of-function phenotype displayed by the syndromic G12R mutation.
Study on energy efficiency in Vietnamese row house - case study of Tang Nhon Phu A Ward, District 9, HCMC
Authors: Thao H T P , Nam N D
Published: April 2018

District 9 is a new urban development area which is well-known as an industrial city in the rear of Ho Chi Minh City. This area has special characteristics which are different from central downtown. The housing of district 9 is a new urban area so that it is easier to orient particular architectural style accordance with climatic conditions and other conditions. However, at present, these new residential areas are rising with no clear management of architectural form. That is the reason lead to shortcomings such as: increasing the use of electricity, affecting to climate change and creating urban heat island, increasing costs of energy use. Those problems will be difficult to overcome in the future if we don’t have the right attention on it.

By using a combination of multiple methods such as: data collection, case study analysis method, GIS, research by design, etc., this research topic will pay attention on analysis the row house in Tang Nhon Phu A Ward of district 9 and trying to propose some solution and management criteria to local government. The analysis results will ensure that the conclusions reflect the realities of the situation, those also become the basis for the proposed solutions to deal with the existence problems. The result of research may become an application research platform for the related research topics.
Residue formulas for logarithmic foliations and applications
Authors: Corrêa Maurício , da Silva Machado Diogo
Published: April 2018

In this work we prove a Baum–Bott type formula for noncompact complex manifold of the form

X
~

=
X
−

D

\tilde {X}=X-{\mathcal D}

, where

X
X

is a complex compact manifold and

D

{\mathcal D}

is a normal crossing divisor on

X
X

. As applications, we provide a Poincaré–Hopf type theorem and an optimal description for a smooth hypersurface

D

{\mathcal D}

invariant by an one-dimensional foliation

F

{\mathscr F}

on

P

n

\mathbb {P}^n

satisfying

Sing

(

F

)
⊊

D

\textrm {Sing}({\mathscr F}) \subsetneq {\mathcal D}

.
CaSiAn: a Calcium Signaling Analyzer tool
Authors: Moein Mahsa , Grzyb Kamil , Gonçalves Martins Teresa , Komoto Shinya , Peri Francesca , Crawford Alexander D , Fouquier d’Herouel Aymeric , Skupin Alexander
Published: April 2018

Ca2+ is a central second messenger in eukaryotic cells that regulates many cellular processes. Recently, we have indicated that typical Ca2+ signals are not purely oscillatory as widely assumed, but exhibit stochastic spiking with cell type and pathway specific characteristics. Here, we present the Calcium Signaling Analyzer (CaSiAn), an open source software tool that allows for quantifying these signal characteristics including individual spike properties and time course statistics in a semi-automated manner. CaSiAn provides an intuitive graphical user interface allowing experimentalists to easily process a large amount of Ca2+ signals, interactively tune peak detection, revise statistical measures and access the quantified signal properties as excel or text files.

Availability and implementation

CaSiAn is implemented in Java and available on Github (https://github.com/mmahsa/CaSiAn) as well as on the project page (http://r3lab.uni.lu/web/casa).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Value-elicitation and value-formation properties of discrete choice experiment and experimental auctions
Authors: Cerroni Simone , Watson Verity , Kalentakis Dimitrios , Macdiarmid Jennie I
Published: April 2018

This paper tests if second-price Vickrey auction (SPVA) and discrete choice experiment (DCE) are isomorphic, and whether lack of isomorphism is due to value elicitation, value-formation or both. We conduct an artefactual field experiment that combines induced-value (IV) and home-grown (HG) procedures using SPVA and DCE. Induced-value preferences are elicited for tokens and HG preferences for multi-attribute lasagnes. Attributes are healthiness and environmental sustainability. Our results suggest that HG preferences differ across elicitation methods. This discrepancy is due to value-elicitation and value-formation. DCE is the most demand revealing approach and provides the highest premiums for healthy and environmentally sustainable lasagnes.
The Treatment of Global Environmental Change in the Study of International Political Economy: An Analysis of the Field's Most Influential Survey Texts
Authors: Katz-Rosene Ryan M
Published: April 2018

Human activities taking place as part of postwar globalization have had a profound and intensifying impact on the global environment. In turn, global environmental change (GEC) is becoming an increasingly influential force in shaping the global political economy, with wide-ranging impacts on trade, finance, development, growth, governance, and interstate relations. This article examines how GEC is described and explained to students of international political economy (IPE), by reviewing the field's most influential survey texts. It finds that while most of the texts reflect the broader field's approach to GEC fairly accurately (in depicting GEC as an “emerging issue” warranting further study), this article problematizes this framing and argues that GEC ought to be given more urgent attention. That is, despite offering a tacit understanding of GEC's increasing influence as a central force shaping the global political economy (and vice versa), there remains an opportunity to better explain this dialectic to students within the field's primary texts.
When Feeling Younger Depends on Others: The Effects of Social Cues on Older Consumers
Authors: Amatulli Cesare , Peluso Alessandro M , Guido Gianluigi , Yoon Carolyn
Published: April 2018

How do social cues in the immediate environment affect older consumers’ tendency to feel younger? And what is the impact of this tendency on consumption? This research investigates the malleability of older consumers’ feel-age and the underlying mechanisms by focusing on the influence of contextual social cues and the downstream effects on consumption behavior. Five studies provide evidence that the mere presence of young social cues triggers an identity threat for older consumers; and feeling younger is a way to protect the self from negative stereotypes associated with aging. By contrast, young consumers are relatively immune to age-related social cues. Whereas the presence of young social cues magnifies older consumers’ tendency to feel younger, this effect is attenuated when the young social cues are less desirable or when the older consumers possess higher self-esteem. The greater tendency to feel younger in the presence of young social cues increases older consumers’ choice of contemporary over traditional products, especially among those with lower self-esteem. Theoretical insights and practical implications are discussed.
Common Variation in NLRP3 Is Associated With Early Death and Elevated Inflammasome Biomarkers Among Advanced HIV/TB Co-infected Patients in Botswana
Authors: Ravimohan Shruthi , Nfanyana Kebatshabile , Tamuhla Neo , Tiemessen Caroline T , Weissman Drew , Bisson Gregory P
Published: April 2018

Background

Elevated inflammation is associated with early mortality among HIV/tuberculosis (TB) patients starting antiretroviral therapy (ART); however, the sources of immune activation are unclear. We hypothesized that common variation in innate immune genes contributes to excessive inflammation linked to death. As single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in inflammasome pathway genes can increase risk for inflammatory diseases, we investigated their association with early mortality among a previously described cohort of HIV/TB patients initiating ART in Botswana.

Methods

We genotyped 8 SNPs within 5 inflammasome pathway genes and determined their association with death. For adjusted analyses, we used a logistic regression model. For SNPs associated with mortality, we explored their relationship with levels of systemic inflammatory markers using a linear regression model.

Results

Ninety-four patients in the parent study had samples for genetic analysis. Of these, 82 (87%) were survivors and 12 (13%) died within 6 months of starting ART. In a logistic regression model, NLRP3 rs10754558 was independently associated with a 4.1-fold increased odds of death (95% confidence interval, 1.04–16.5). In adjusted linear regression models, the NLRP3 rs10754558-G allele was linked to elevated IL-18 at baseline (Beta, 0.23; SE, 0.10; P = .033) and week 4 post-ART (Beta, 0.24; SE, 0.11; P = .026). This allele was associated with increased MCP-1 at baseline (Beta, 0.24; SE, 0.10; P = .02) and IL-10 (Beta, 0.27; SE, 0.11; P = .013) at week 4 post-ART.

Conclusion

The NLRP3 rs10754558-G SNP is associated with an increased risk for early mortality in HIV/TB patients initiating ART. These patients may benefit from therapies that decrease inflammasome-mediated inflammation.
Detection of the supercycle in V4140 Sagittarii: First eclipsing ER Ursae Majoris-like object
Authors: Kato Taichi , Hambsch Franz-Josef , Cook Lewis M
Published: April 2018

We observed the deeply eclipsing SU UMa-type dwarf nova V4140 Sgr and established the very short supercycle of 69.7(3) d. There were several short outbursts between superoutbursts. These values, together with the short orbital period (0.06143 d), were similar to, but not as extreme as, those of ER UMa-type dwarf novae. The object is thus the first, long sought, eclipsing ER UMa-like object. This ER UMa-like nature can naturally explain the high (apparent) quiescent viscosity and unusual temperature profile in quiescence, which were claimed observational features against the thermal–tidal instability model. The apparently unusual outburst behavior can be reasonably explained by a combination of this ER UMa-like nature and the high orbital inclination, and there is no need to introduce mass transfer bursts from its donor star.
Effectiveness of a Blended Physical Therapist Intervention in People With Hip Osteoarthritis, Knee Osteoarthritis, or Both: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kloek Corelien J J , Bossen Daniël , Spreeuwenberg Peter M , Dekker Joost , de Bakker Dinny H , Veenhof Cindy
Published: April 2018

Background

Integrating physical therapy sessions and an online application (e-Exercise) might support people with hip osteoarthritis (OA), knee OA, or both (hip/knee OA) in taking an active role in the management of their chronic condition and may reduce the number of physical therapy sessions.

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the short- and long-term effectiveness of e-Exercise compared to usual physical therapy in people with hip/knee OA.

Design

The design was a prospective, single-blind, multicenter, superiority, cluster- randomized controlled trial.

Setting

The setting included 143 primary care physical therapist practices.

Participants

The participants were 208 people who had hip/knee OA and were 40 to 80 years of age.

Intervention

e-Exercise is a 3-month intervention in which about 5 face-to-face physical therapy sessions were integrated with an online application consisting of graded activity, exercise, and information modules. Usual physical therapy was conducted according to the Dutch physical therapy guidelines on hip and knee OA.

Measurements

Primary outcomes, measured at baseline after 3 and 12 months, were physical functioning and free-living physical activity. Secondary outcome measures were pain, tiredness, quality of life, self-efficacy, and the number of physical therapy sessions.

Results

The e-Exercise group (n = 109) received, on average, 5 face-to-face sessions; the usual physical therapy group (n = 99) received 12. No significant differences in primary outcomes between the e-Exercise group and the usual physical therapy group were found. Within-group analyses for both groups showed a significant improvement in physical functioning. After 3 months, participants in the e-Exercise group reported an increase in physical activity; however, no objectively measured differences in physical activity were found. With respect to secondary outcomes, after 12 months, sedentary behavior significantly increased in the e-Exercise group compared with the usual physical therapy group. In both groups, there were significant improvements for pain, tiredness, quality of life, and self-efficacy.

Limitations

The response rate at 12 months was 65%.

Conclusions

The blended intervention, e-Exercise, was not more effective than usual physical therapy in people with hip/knee OA.
The mapping class group orbits in the framings of compact surfaces
Authors: Kawazumi Nariya
Published: April 2018

We compute the mapping class group orbits in the homotopy set of framings of a compact connected oriented surface with non-empty boundary. In the case g≥2, the computation is some modification of Johnson’s results (D. Johnson, Spin structures and quadratic forms on surfaces, J. London Math. Soc. (2)22 (1980), 365–373; D. Johnson, An abelian quotient of the mapping class group ℐg, Math. Ann.249 (1980), 225–242) and certain arguments on the Arf invariant, while we need an extra invariant for the genus 1 case. In addition, we discuss how this invariant behaves in the relative case, which Randal-Williams (O. Randal-Williams, Homology of the moduli spaces and mapping class groups of framed, r-Spin and Pin surfaces, J. Topology7 (2014), 155–186) studied for g≥2.