bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunable magnon-photon coupling in a compensating ferrimagnet—from weak to strong coupling
Authors: Maier-Flaig H. , Harder M. , Klingler S. , Qiu Z. , Saitoh E. , Weiler M. , Geprägs S. , Gross R. , Goennenwein S. T. B. , Huebl H.
Published: March 2017

We experimentally study the magnon-photon coupling in a system consisting of a compensating ferrimagnet gadolinium iron garnet (GdIG) and a three-dimensional microwave cavity. The temperature is varied in order to tune the GdIG magnetization and to observe the transition from the weak coupling regime to the strong coupling regime. By measuring and modelling the complex reflection parameter of the system, the effective coupling rate geff and the magnetization Meff of the sample are extracted. Comparing geff with the magnon and the cavity decay rate, we conclude that the strong coupling regime is easily accessible using GdIG. We show that the effective coupling strength follows the predicted square root dependence on the magnetization.
Effect of high energy electron irradiation on low frequency noise in 4H-SiC Schottky diodes
Authors: Kozlovski V. V. , Lebedev A. A. , Levinshtein M. E. , Rumyantsev S. L. , Palmour J. W.
Published: March 2017

The low-frequency noise in high voltage Ni/4H-SiC Schottky diodes irradiated with high energy (0.9 MeV) electrons was studied in the frequency range from 1 Hz to 50 kHz, temperature interval 295–410 K, and irradiation dose Φ from 0.2 × 1016 cm−2 to 7 × 1016 cm−2. The noise amplitude was found monotonically increasing with the irradiation dose. With the irradiation dose increase, the noise spectra on the linear part of the current voltage characteristic transform from the 1/f noise to the generation recombination noise of at least two trap levels. One of these levels can be classified as Z1/2 with the capture cross section determined from the noise measurements to be ∼10−15 cm2.
Temperature-compensated fibre optic magnetic field sensor based on a self-referenced anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguide
Authors: Gao Ran , Lu Dan Feng , Cheng Jin , Jiang Yi , Qi Zhi-mei
Published: March 2017

A compact temperature-compensated fibre optic magnetic field sensor based on a self-referenced anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguide is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Two hollow holes in the air ring cladding of the hollow core photonic crystal fibre (HCPCF) are infiltrated with magnetic fluid and ethanol. A self-referenced anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguide is formed in the cladding of the HCPCF between the magnetic fluid- and ethanol-infiltrated resonators. The applied magnetic field only changes the resonance condition of the magnetic fluid-infiltrated resonator, while the temperature influences the resonance conditions of both the magnetic fluid- and ethanol-infiltrated resonators simultaneously. Therefore, the proposed self-referenced anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguide can measure the magnetic field without temperature cross-sensitivity. The experimental results show that a magnetic field sensitivity of 81 pm/Oe can be achieved, and the standard variation of the wavelength difference is only 0.02 nm in the temperature range of 30 to 80 °C.
High energy-resolution measurements of x-ray into ultraviolet parametric down-conversion with an x-ray tube source
Authors: Borodin D. , Levy S. , Shwartz S.
Published: March 2017

We describe high energy-resolution measurements of parametric down-conversion of x-rays into ultraviolet radiation using a standard laboratory x-ray tube source with very minor modifications. We measure the effect in diamond and in lithium fluoride crystals in the ultraviolet range from 30 eV to 65 eV. We show that the effect depends strongly on the fluorine LI edge at 37 eV and on the K edge of the lithium at 55 eV. The comparison with theory reveals that the classical model that was previously used for the description of the effect agrees with the experimental results in diamond. However, the discrepancies of the model with the experimental results in lithium fluoride are prominent.
Strategic siting and regional grid interconnections key to low-carbon futures in African countries
Authors: Wu Grace C. , Deshmukh Ranjit , Ndhlukula Kudakwashe , Radojicic Tijana , Reilly-Moman Jessica , Phadke Amol , Kammen Daniel M. , Callaway Duncan S.
Published: March 2017

Significance

This study identifies, characterizes, and values wind and solar electricity resources for 21 countries in the Eastern and Southern Africa Power Pools. We find that many countries possess potential many times their projected demand. However, because the most competitive wind and solar resources are spatially uneven, international transmission could allow the region as a whole to benefit from “no-regrets” or low-cost, low-impact, and highly accessible resources. International energy trade also lowers system costs by reducing the need for conventional power plants and allows lower impact, more accessible renewable energy sites to be cost competitive. Regional interconnections planned around strategic siting opportunities are crucial for realizing no-regrets wind and solar energy development that can be competitive with conventional generation in African countries.
Symplastic communication spatially directs local auxin biosynthesis to maintain root stem cell niche in
Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Yuting , Xu Meizhi , Liang Nengsong , Zheng Yanghang , Yu Qiaozhi , Wu Shuang
Published: March 2017

Significance

The whole-cell file lineages of plant roots are derived from a small group of initials that surround a functional and structural center, called the quiescent center (QC). It’s known that the QC maintains the directly abutting stem cells undifferentiated, but the mechanism for the maintenance is not entirely clear. Using a system that effectively blocks plasmodesmata in the QC, we show that QC-derived signals symplastically instruct the status of surrounding stem cells. Via directing local auxin biosynthesis, cell-to-cell communication between the QC and neighboring cells provides positional information for stem cell maintenance. Our results reveal a tight link between symplastic communication and auxin-dependent stem cell maintenance.
High-numerical-aperture cryogenic light microscopy for increased precision of superresolution reconstructions
Authors: Nahmani Marc , Lanahan Conor , DeRosier David , Turrigiano Gina G.
Published: March 2017

Significance

The precision of localization-based superresolution microscopy techniques fundamentally relies on the point-spread function of the optical system and the number of photons one can collect. Here, we report that by using a high-numerical-aperture objective lens and a custom cryogenic stage, we are able to increase photon yield by 2–3-fold over room temperature, thereby achieving more precise superresolution reconstructions of complex subcellular structures.
Splicing variation of Long-IRBIT determines the target selectivity of IRBIT family proteins
Authors: Kawaai Katsuhiro , Ando Hideaki , Satoh Nobuhiko , Yamada Hideomi , Ogawa Naoko , Hirose Matsumi , Mizutani Akihiro , Bonneau Benjamin , Seki George , Mikoshiba Katsuhiko
Published: March 2017

Significance

IRBIT (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor binding protein released with inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate) contributes to calcium signaling, electrolyte transport, mRNA processing, genomic integrity, and catecholamine homeostasis through its interaction with multiple targets. However, how IRBIT selectively binds and regulates appropriate target molecules in a certain condition is poorly understood. In this study, we found that N-terminal variation of Long-IRBIT by splicing affected protein stability and target selectivity. In addition, IRBIT and Long-IRBIT splice variants formed homo- and heteromultimers. N-terminal variation of IRBIT family members mediates the regulation of multiple signaling pathways.
Deficiency of transcription factor RelB perturbs myeloid and DC development by hematopoietic-extrinsic mechanisms
Authors: Briseño Carlos G. , Gargaro Marco , Durai Vivek , Davidson Jesse T. , Theisen Derek J. , Anderson David A. , Novack Deborah V. , Murphy Theresa L. , Murphy Kenneth M.
Published: March 2017

Significance

The transcription factor RelB has been thought to be required for dendritic cell (DC) development, although analysis of radiation bone marrow chimeras has raised some questions regarding this issue that have never been resolved. We have reevaluated the role of RelB in DC and myeloid development. We found that DC development was independent of a cell-intrinsic action of RelB in most tissues and that only the terminal maturation of Notch2-dependent splenic cDC2 cells was partially reduced in the absence of cell-intrinsic RelB expression. Moreover, the profound myeloid expansion seen inRelb−/−mice was due to an unrecognized action of RelB in nonhematopoietic cells, indicating that RelB is a critical component of the niche regulating the normal myeloid compartment.
Frequency and potential dependence of reversible electrocatalytic hydrogen interconversion by [FeFe]-hydrogenases
Authors: Pandey Kavita , Islam Shams T. A. , Happe Thomas , Armstrong Fraser A.
Published: March 2017

Significance

Hydrogenases are among the most active of enzymes, with active sites that compare with platinum metals in regard to rates of hydrogen production and oxidation. Attached to an electrode, [FeFe]-hydrogenases behave as reversible electrocatalysts close to the equilibrium potential, with only a minimal overpotential being required to oxidize H
2
or reduce protons. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, which uses a small amplitude potential modulation over a wide frequency range, has been used to measure the “electrocatalytic exchange rate”—the “idle speed” at which the cycle runs back and forth at the formal potential. The results also quantify the efficacy of Fe–S clusters, at the active site or in the relay, in controlling the rates of catalytic electron flow.
Entropy redistribution controls allostery in a metalloregulatory protein
Authors: Capdevila Daiana A. , Braymer Joseph J. , Edmonds Katherine A. , Wu Hongwei , Giedroc David P.
Published: March 2017

Significance

The immune system limits nutrient availability and releases highly reactive toxic molecules to control bacterial infections. Successful pathogens resist these host effects by using regulatory proteins that “sense” diverse environmental stressors and alter the transcription of genes required to mount an adaptive response. We demonstrate here that these regulatory proteins are capable of sensing a specific stressor in a process that relies nearly exclusively on a redistribution of atomic motions to regulate gene transcription. This work provides insights into how nature exploits a simple molecular scaffold that relies on changes in atomic motions to evolve new adaptive responses to a wide range of environmental stimuli.
Structures of closed and open states of a voltage-gated sodium channel
Authors: Lenaeus Michael J. , Gamal El-Din Tamer M. , Ing Christopher , Ramanadane Karthik , Pomès Régis , Zheng Ning , Catterall William A.
Published: March 2017

Significance

Bacterial voltage-gated sodium channels serve as models of their vertebrate counterparts because they have similar functional components in a simpler structure. We present high-resolution structures of tightly closed and open states. In the closed state, the activation gate fully occludes the conduction pathway, and the intracellular C-terminal domain is revealed as a long four-helix bundle. In the open state, the activation gate has an orifice of ∼10 Å. Molecular dynamics simulations confirm that this conformation would allow permeation of hydrated Na
+
. These structures are significant advances because they provide a complete closed–open–inactivated conformational cycle in a single voltage-gated sodium channel and give insight into the structural basis for state-dependent binding of sodium channel-blocking drugs.
Ancient palace complex (300–100 BC) discovered in the Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Redmond Elsa M. , Spencer Charles S.
Published: March 2017

Significance

The emergence of the earliest states is a major research problem in anthropology. A key archaeological manifestation of states is the royal palace. Excavations at the site of El Palenque have recovered the oldest-known palace in the Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico. The palace displays similarities to the royal palaces of historically documented Mesoamerican states. It was a multifunctional palace, composed of courts and buildings where government officials assembled to conduct state affairs, as well as the ruler's residential quarters. We propose that the palace complex was built in a single large-scale construction effort. A series of radiocarbon dates indicates that the El Palenque palace complex was in use during the 300–100 BC period of archaic state emergence in Oaxaca.
Transfer of pathogenic and nonpathogenic cytosolic proteins between spinal cord motor neurons in vivo in chimeric mice
Authors: Thomas Eleanor V. , Fenton Wayne A. , McGrath James , Horwich Arthur L.
Published: March 2017

Significance

This report contains observations of transfer of both pathogenic and nonpathogenic cytosolic proteins between spinal cord motor neurons in intact (noninjected) mice that are genetic chimeras formed by aggregating eight-cell embryos of two strains with different fluorescently marked proteins. Transfer was also observed in cranial nerve motor nuclei known to be affected in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis but not in extraocular cranial nerve nuclei that are spared in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Transfer from motor neurons to neighboring mature gray matter oligodendrocytes implicates oligodendrocytes as the potential mediator of protein transfer.
Eros is a novel transmembrane protein that controls the phagocyte respiratory burst and is essential for innate immunity
Authors: Thomas David C. , Clare Simon , Sowerby John M. , Pardo Mercedes , Juss Jatinder K. , Goulding David A. , van der Weyden Louise , Storisteanu Daniel , Prakash Ananth , Espéli Marion , Flint Shaun , Lee James C. , Hoenderdos Kim , Kane Leanne , Harcourt Katherine , Mukhopadhyay Subhankar , Umrania Yagnesh , Antrobus Robin , Nathan James A. , Adams David J. , Bateman Alex , Choudhary Jyoti S. , Lyons Paul A. , Condliffe Alison M. , Chilvers Edwin R. , Dougan Gordon , Smith Kenneth G.C.
Published: March 2017

The phagocyte respiratory burst is crucial for innate immunity. The transfer of electrons to oxygen is mediated by a membrane-bound heterodimer, comprising gp91phox and p22phox subunits. Deficiency of either subunit leads to severe immunodeficiency. We describe Eros (essential for reactive oxygen species), a protein encoded by the previously undefined mouse gene bc017643, and show that it is essential for host defense via the phagocyte NAPDH oxidase. Eros is required for expression of the NADPH oxidase components, gp91phox and p22phox. Consequently, Eros-deficient mice quickly succumb to infection. Eros also contributes to the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETS) and impacts on the immune response to melanoma metastases. Eros is an ortholog of the plant protein Ycf4, which is necessary for expression of proteins of the photosynthetic photosystem 1 complex, itself also an NADPH oxio-reductase. We thus describe the key role of the previously uncharacterized protein Eros in host defense.
Mandatory Change From Surgical Skull Caps to Bouffant Caps Among Operating Room Personnel Does Not Reduce Surgical Site Infections in Class I Surgical Cases: A Single-Center Experience With More Than 15 000 Patients
Authors: Shallwani Hussain , Shakir Hakeem J , Aldridge Ashley M , Donovan Maureen T , Levy Elad I , Gibbons Kevin J
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are noteworthy and costly complications. New recommendations from a national organization have urged the elimination of traditional surgeon's caps (surgical skull caps) and mandated the use of bouffant caps to prevent SSIs.

OBJECTIVE

To report SSI rates for >15 000 class I (clean) surgical procedures 13 mo before and 13 mo after surgical skull caps were banned at a single site with 25 operating rooms.

METHODS

SSI data were acquired from hospital infection control monthly summary reports from January 2014 to March 2016. Based on a change in hospital policy mandating obligatory use of bouffant caps since February 2015, data were categorized into nonbouffant and bouffant groups. Monthly and cumulative infection rates for 13 mo before (7513 patients) and 13 mo after (8446 patients) the policy implementation were collected and analyzed for the groups, respectively.

RESULTS

An overall increase of 0.07% (0.77%-0.84%) in the cumulative rate of SSI in all class I operating room cases and of 0.03% (0.79%-0.82%) in the cumulative rate of SSI in all spinal procedures was noted. However, neither increase reached statistical significance (P > .05). The cumulative rate of SSI in neurosurgery craniotomy/craniectomy cases decreased from 0.95% to 0.75%; this was also not statistically significant (P = 1.00).

CONCLUSION

National efforts at improving healthcare performance are laudable but need to be evidence based. Guidelines, especially when applied in a mandatory fashion, should be assessed for effectiveness. In this large, single-center series of patients undergoing class I surgical procedures, elimination of the traditional surgeon's cap did not reduce infection rates.
Acupuncture for menopausal hot flashes: clinical evidence update and its relevance to decision making
Authors: Ee Carolyn , French Simon D. , Xue Charlie C. , Pirotta Marie , Teede Helena
Published: March 2017

Objective:

There is conflicting evidence on the efficacy and effectiveness of acupuncture for menopausal hot flashes. This article synthesizes the best available evidence for when women are considering whether acupuncture might be useful for menopausal hot flashes.

Methods:

We searched electronic databases to identify randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews of acupuncture for menopausal hot flushes.

Results:

The overall evidence demonstrates that acupuncture is effective when compared with no treatment, but not efficacious compared with sham. Methodological challenges such as the complex nature of acupuncture treatment, the physiological effects from sham, and the significant efficacy of placebo therapy generally in treating hot flashes all impact on these considerations.

Conclusions:

Acupuncture improves menopausal hot flashes compared with no treatment; however, not compared with sham acupuncture. This is also consistent with the evidence that a range of placebo interventions improve menopausal symptoms. As clinicians play a vital role in assisting evidence-informed decisions, we need to ensure women understand the evidence and can integrate it with personal preferences. Some women may choose acupuncture for hot flashes, a potentially disabling condition without long-term adverse health consequences. Yet, women should do so understanding the evidence, and its strengths and weaknesses, around both effective medical therapies and acupuncture. Likewise, cost to the individual and the health system needs to be considered in the context of value-based health care.
Programmed Death-1 Pathway in Orbital Invasion of Cutaneous Carcinomas
Authors: Wladis Edward J. , Lee Joshua A. , Carlson J. Andrew , Martino Nina , Adam Alejandro P.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

The programmed death-1 pathway negatively regulates the immune system. Previous reports have indicated worse tumor-related outcomes with increased expression of the ligand for this pathway. This study was undertaken to assess the role of the PD pathway in cutaneous malignancies that invade the orbit.

Methods:

Immunohistochemical staining for the programmed death-1 receptor and ligand was performed on exenteration specimens of invasive cutaneous orbital malignancies (n = 12) and nodular basal cell carcinoma (n = 10). The numbers of positively-staining cells/40× field were counted across 5 consecutive fields, and statistical analyses were performed to compare the differences between the 2 groups.

Results:

Programmed death-1 receptor positivity was seen in means of 30.9 cells/40× field and 62.4 cells/40× field for nodular basal cell carcinomas and invasive malignancies, respectively (p = 0.0046). A mean of 4.54 cells/40× field stained positively for the programmed death-1 ligand in nodular basal cell carcinoma, whereas a mean of 46.4 cells/40× field stained positively for programmed cell death ligand-1 in orbital invasive cutaneous carcinomas (p = 0.0015). Both of these differences were statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Both the programmed death-1 receptor and its ligand are enriched in invasive cutaneous malignancies. This finding indicates that negative regulation of the immune system likely prohibits tumor surveillance, and facilitates increasing aggressiveness and invasion of cutaneous malignancies.
Enhanced Fasanella–Servat Procedure for the Graded Repair of Blepharoptosis
Authors: North Victoria S. , Campbell Ashley A. , Callahan Alison B. , Wilcsek Geoff , Kazim Michael
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

To describe in detail a technique for a modified Fasanella–Servat procedure that provides a simplified method for graded Mueller muscle excision with minimal and controlled tarsal excision.

Methods:

A retrospective study of 71 patients (102 eyelids) who underwent the modified Fasanella–Servat procedure is reported. Measurements include the preoperative, post-phenylephrine, and postoperative margin-to-reflex distance-1, and postoperative upper eyelid height symmetry as determined by the absolute difference between right- and left-sided margin-to-reflex distance-1. Postoperative complications are reported.

Results:

The average increase in margin-to-reflex distance-1 was 2.4 mm with an average postoperative upper eyelid height symmetry of 0.4 mm. Postoperative asymmetry was 1.5 mm or less in 68 patients, a success rate of 96%. Four patients (6%) exhibited overcorrection, 2 of which required additional surgery. No lagophthalmos or notable eyelid contour abnormalities were seen.

Conclusions:

The modified Fasanella–Servat technique offers a simple method to isolate and resect Mueller muscle and a minimal segment of tarsus in a quantitative fashion, allowing for a graded repair of blepharoptosis and thereby decreasing the risk of postoperative overcorrection, lagophthalmos, and eyelid contour asymmetry whilst preserving the bulk of tarsus.
Physician Perception of the Role of the Patient Portal in Pediatric Health
Authors: Bush Ruth A. , Connelly Cynthia D. , Pérez Alexa , Chan Neilson , Kuelbs Cynthia , Chiang George J.
Published: March 2017

The patient portal, increasingly available to patients, allows secure electronic communication with physicians. Although physician attitude toward the portal plays a crucial role in patient adoption, little information regarding physician opinion of the portal is available, with almost no information gathered in the pediatric environment. Using a mixed-methods approach, physicians in a large pediatric medical facility and integrated delivery network were surveyed using an online quantitative questionnaire and structured interviews. Physicians reported the portal's role in more communication efficiency for patients, parents, and providers. The portal's acceptance also introduces new challenges such as frequent questions from some parents and medical visit avoidance.
Patient and Physician Race and the Allocation of Time and Patient Engagement Efforts to Mental Health Discussions in Primary Care
Authors: Foo Patricia K. , Frankel Richard M. , McGuire Thomas G. , Zaslavsky Alan M. , Lafata Jennifer Elston , Tai-Seale Ming
Published: March 2017

This study investigated racial differences in patient-physician communication around mental health versus biomedical issues. Data were collected from audiorecorded periodic health examinations of adults with mental health needs in the Detroit area (2007-2009). Patients and their primary care physicians conversed for twice as long, and physicians demonstrated greater empathy during mental health topics than during biomedical topics. This increase varied by patient and physician race. Patient race predicted physician empathy, but physician race predicted talk time. Interventions to improve mental health communication could be matched to specific populations based on the separate contributions of patient and physician race.
Primary Budd‐Chiari Syndrome in Children
Authors: Nobre Susana , Khanna Rajeev , Bab Natalie , Kyrana Eirini , Height Sue , Karani John , Kane Pauline , Heaton Nigel , Dhawan Anil
Published: March 2017

Primary Budd‐Chiari syndrome is a rare cause of liver disease in children in the western world. Here we present a retrospective review of children with Primary Budd‐Chiari syndrome presenting from January 2001 to November 2015 to our hospital. Seven children were identified. Their presentation was mostly chronic. All had predisposing factors for thrombosis and were started on anticoagulation. Radiological interventions (2 transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts and 1 hepatic vein stenting), liver transplant and mesocaval shunt were done in 3, 2, and 1 patients, respectively; 1 child underwent bone marrow transplantation following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts and 1 child was managed only medically. After liver transplantation, one child died 3 years later as a result of subarachnoid haemorrhage, whereas others remain well at a median follow‐up of 6 years. Despite high morbidity, the disease can have a good long‐term outcome with a multidisciplinary approach.
Helping Alliance and Unmet Needs in Routine Care of People With Severe Mental Illness Across Europe
Authors: Arnold Katrin , Loos Sabine , Mayer Benjamin , Clarke Eleanor , Slade Mike , Fiorillo Andrea , Del Vecchio Valeria , Égerházi Anikó , Ivánka Tibor , Munk-Jørgensen Pøvl , Krogsgaard Bording Malene , Kawohl Wolfram , Rössler Wulf , Puschner Bernd
Published: March 2017

The helping alliance (HA) refers to the collaborative bond between patient and therapist, including shared goals and tasks. People with severe mental illness have a complex mixture of clinical and social needs. Using mixed-effects regression, this study examined in 588 people with severe mental illness whether an increase in the HA is associated with fewer unmet needs over time, and whether change in the HA precedes change in unmet needs. It was found that a reduction in unmet needs was slower in patients with higher HA (B = 0.04, p < 0.0001) only for patient-rated measures. Improvement in both patient-rated and staff-rated HA over time was associated with fewer subsequent patient-rated (B = −0.10, p < 0.0001) and staff-rated (B = −0.08, p = 0.0175) unmet needs. With positive changes in the HA preceding fewer unmet needs, findings provide further evidence for a causal relationship between alliance and outcome in the treatment of people with severe mental illness.
Previous Emergency Medical Services Use by Victims of Child Homicide
Authors: Shenoi Rohit P. , Nassif Anriada , Camp Elizabeth A. , Pereira Faria A.
Published: March 2017

Introduction

The medical diagnoses and frequency of emergency department visits made by children who are later given a diagnosis of maltreatment do not differ much from those of nonabused children. However, the type of medical complaints and frequency of emergency medical services (EMS) use by child homicide victims before their death are not known. We compared EMS use between child homicide victims and children who died from natural causes before their death.

Methods

This was a retrospective case-control study of children 0 to 5 years old who died in Houston, Texas, from 2005 to 2010. Cases were child homicide victims. Controls were children who died from natural causes. We reviewed death data and EMS and child protective services (CPS) encounter information before the victim's death. The association between death type (natural vs homicide) and EMS use was assessed using Poisson regression with EMS count adjusted for exposure time.

Results

There were 89 child homicides and 183 natural deaths. Age at death was significantly higher for homicides than natural deaths (1.1 vs 0.2 y,P< 0.001). Homicide victims used EMS services (39% vs 14%,P< 0.001) and had previous CPS investigations (55% vs 7%,P< 0.001) significantly more often than children who died from natural causes. Poisson regression, after adjustment for age, revealed that the homicide group had more EMS calls than the natural death group (β = 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.04–1.07;P= 0.03). However, the EMS use frequency and working assessments were not helpful in identifying maltreatment victims.

Conclusions

Child homicide victims use EMS more often and have a higher number of CPS investigations before their death than children who die from natural causes. However, the frequency and nature of EMS medical complaints are not helpful in identifying maltreatment.
Raised in Darkness
Authors: Ho Cynthia H. , Zargarpour Jasmine , Evans Michèle
Published: March 2017

Child neglect is the most common form of child maltreatment and accounts for 60% of all cases reported to child protective services. Whereas physical and emotional neglect account for a quarter of the reported cases of child neglect, educational neglect accounts for half of the cases. We describe a 7-month-old infant with several manifestations of physical and emotional neglect including excessive quietness, failure to thrive, global developmental delay, and a gastric lactobezoar. In addition, our patient had a fine, lateral nystagmus likely due to being kept in the dark for long periods. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of acquired nystagmus due to visual deprivation from child neglect.
A Rare Case of Cor Triatriatum Leading to Respiratory Failure and Shock in an 8-Month-Old Boy
Authors: Burger Catherine
Published: March 2017

An 8-month-old boy presents with 1 week of gradually worsening respiratory distress. After chest radiograph shows bilateral airspace opacities, he is treated for pneumonia with antibiotics and intravenous fluids. Shortly after this, he decompensates requiring intubation, followed by cardiopulmonary support with pressors and eventually extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Bedside ultrasound then shows an additional congenital membrane in the left atrium obstructing pulmonary venous return and thought to have caused his original presentation and subsequent decompensation. After surgical correction, he is decannulated from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, makes a quick recovery, and is discharged from the hospital in good condition within 2 weeks. This rare case of cor triatriatum highlights the importance of considering congenital heart disease even with common presentations in the pediatric population.
Deciphering tissue morphodynamics using bioimage informatics
Authors: Dufour Alexandre C. , Jonker Anneliene H. , Olivo-Marin Jean-Christophe
Published: March 2017

In recent years developmental biology has greatly benefited from the latest advances in fluorescence microscopy techniques. Consequently, quantitative and automated analysis of this data is becoming a vital first step in the quest for novel insights into the various aspects of development. Here we present an introductory overview of the various image analysis methods proposed for developmental biology images, with particular attention to openly available software packages. These tools, as well as others to come, are rapidly paving the way towards standardized and reproducible bioimaging studies at the whole-tissue level. Reflecting on these achievements, we discuss the remaining challenges and the future endeavours lying ahead in the post–image analysis era.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Systems morphodynamics: understanding the development of tissue hardware’.
Mechanical design in embryos: mechanical signalling, robustness and developmental defects
Authors: Davidson Lance A.
Published: March 2017

Embryos are shaped by the precise application of force against the resistant structures of multicellular tissues. Forces may be generated, guided and resisted by cells, extracellular matrix, interstitial fluids, and how they are organized and bound within the tissue's architecture. In this review, we summarize our current thoughts on the multiple roles of mechanics in direct shaping, mechanical signalling and robustness of development. Genetic programmes of development interact with environmental cues to direct the composition of the early embryo and endow cells with active force production. Biophysical advances now provide experimental tools to measure mechanical resistance and collective forces during morphogenesis and are allowing integration of this field with studies of signalling and patterning during development. We focus this review on concepts that highlight this integration, and how the unique contributions of mechanical cues and gradients might be tested side by side with conventional signalling systems. We conclude with speculation on the integration of large-scale programmes of development, and how mechanical responses may ensure robust development and serve as constraints on programmes of tissue self-assembly.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Systems morphodynamics: understanding the development of tissue hardware’.
The temporal basis of angiogenesis
Authors: Bentley Katie , Chakravartula Shilpa
Published: March 2017

The process of new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) is highly dynamic, involving complex coordination of multiple cell types. Though the process must carefully unfold over time to generate functional, well-adapted branching networks, we seldom hear about the
time-based
properties of angiogenesis, despite timing being central to other areas of biology. Here, we present a novel, time-based formulation of endothelial cell behaviour during angiogenesis and discuss a flurry of our recent, integrated
in silico/in vivo
studies, put in context to the wider literature, which demonstrate that tissue conditions can locally adapt the timing of collective cell behaviours/decisions to grow different vascular network architectures. A growing array of seemingly unrelated ‘temporal regulators’ have recently been uncovered, including tissue derived factors (e.g. semaphorins or the high levels of VEGF found in cancer) and cellular processes (e.g. asymmetric cell division or filopodia extension) that act to alter the speed of cellular decisions to migrate. We will argue that ‘temporal adaptation’ provides a novel account of organ/disease-specific vascular morphology and reveals ‘timing’ as a new target for therapeutics. We therefore propose and explain a conceptual shift towards a ‘temporal adaptation’ perspective in vascular biology, and indeed other areas of biology where timing remains elusive.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Systems morphodynamics: understanding the development of tissue hardware’.
Exact and approximate limit behaviour of the Yule tree’s cophenetic index
Authors: Bartoszek Krzysztof
Published: March 2017

In this work we study the limit distribution of an appropriately normalized cophenetic index of the pure–birth tree conditioned onncontemporary tips. We show that this normalized phylogenetic balance index is a submartingale that converges almost surely and inL2. We link our work with studies on trees without branch lengths and show that in this case the limit distribution is a contraction–type distribution, similar to the Quicksort limit distribution. In the continuous branch case we suggest approximations to the limit distribution. We propose heuristic methods of simulating from these distributions and it may be observed that these algorithms result in reasonable tails. Therefore, we propose a way based on the quantiles of the derived distributions for hypothesis testing, whether an observed phylogenetic tree is consistent with the pure–birth process. Simulating a sample by the proposed heuristics is rapid, while exact simulation (simulating the tree and then calculating the index) is a time–consuming procedure. We conduct a power study to investigate how well the cophenetic indices detect deviations from the Yule tree and apply the methodology to empirical phylogenies.
A Gaussian process model of human electrocorticographic data
Authors: Owen Lucy L. W. , Muntianu Tudor A. , Heusser Andrew C. , Daly Patrick , Scangos Katherine , Manning Jeremy R.
Published: March 2017

We present a model-based method for inferring full-brain neural activity at millimeter-scale spatial resolutions and millisecond-scale temporal resolutions using standard human intracranial recordings. Our approach makes the simplifying assumptions that different people’s brains exhibit similar correlational structure, and that activity and correlation patterns vary smoothly over space. One can then ask, for an arbitrary individual’s brain: given recordings from a limited set of locations in that individual’s brain, along with the observed spatial correlations learned from other people’s recordings, how much can be inferred about ongoing activity at other locations throughout that individual’s brain? We show that our approach generalizes across people and tasks, thereby providing a person- and task-general means of inferring high spatiotemporal resolution full-brain neural dynamics from standard low-density intracranial recordings.
Crystal structure and absolute configuration of (4S,5R,6S)-4,5,6-trihydroxy-3-methylcyclohex-2-enone (gabosine H)
Authors: Tibhe Gaurao D. , Macías Mario A. , Pandolfi Enrique , Schapiro Valeria , Suescun Leopoldo
Published: March 2017

The molecule of the title keto carbasugar, C7H10O4, is formed by a cyclohexene skeleton with an envelope conformation, substituted by carbonyl, methyl and hydroxyl groups. The crystal structure is controlled mainly by a combination of strong O—H...O and weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming nearly perpendicular chains running parallel to the [110] and [-110] directions. This perpendicularity is caused by a tetragonal pseudosymmetry influenced by the similarity between theaandbaxes, the value of 90.9770 (10)° of the β angle and the action of a 21screw axis, which transform each chain into its corresponding nearly orthogonal one.
Influence of calcium nitrite on the passive films of rebar in simulated concrete pore solution
Authors: Tang Yanbing , Wang Shengnian , Xu Yunpu , Ni Jingxu
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to study the influence of the addition of calcium nitrite on the passive films of rebar to reveal what causes calcium nitrite to further prolong the durability service life of the reinforced concrete structures.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive experimental study of the passive films, such as components, surface morphologies, electric structure and compactness, was carried out in a saturated calcium hydroxide solution which is normally used to simulate concrete pore solution by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, Mott–Schottky and potentiostatic polarization, respectively.

Findings

The results showed that the passivation behavior of rebar has been changed dramatically by the addition of calcium nitrite. That is, the passive film formed in the solution with the addition of 10 g/L Ca(NO2)2 had less donor density (Nd), more positive plat potential, smoother surface and lower content of Fehydrox than that formed in the solution without Ca(NO2)2.

Originality/value

The study focuses on the passive films and provides a more clear cognition of the durability service life extension of the reinforced concrete structures caused by the addition of calcium nitrite.
Experimental and theoretical studies on inhibition of benzothiazines against corrosion of mild steel in acidic medium
Authors: Hemapriya Venkatesan , Prabakaran Mayakrishnan , Parameswari Kandasamy , Chitra Subramaniyan , Kim Seung-Hyun , Chung Ill-Min
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper was to investigate the corrosion inhibition potential of two synthesized benzothiazines, namely, 3,4-dihydro-2-methoxycarbonylmethyl-3-oxo-2H-1,4-benzothiazine (1) and ethyl 3-oxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzothiazine-2-carboxylate (2) on mild steel corrosion in 1M H2SO4.

Design/methodology/approach

Corrosion inhibition efficiency (IE%) was studied by weight loss measurements, potentiodyanmic polarization method, alternating current (AC) impedance spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Quantum chemical approach was used to complement the experimental results.

Findings

The results obtained show that the IE% increased with inhibitor concentration and follow the order 2 > 1, obeying Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The calculated quantum chemical indices were consistent with experimental results.

Originality/value

This paper provides information on the inhibitive properties of new set of benzothiazines on mild steel corrosion in 1M H2SO4.
Using best-worst scaling to reveal perceived relative importance of website attributes
Authors: Pascoe Michael , Wright Owen , Winzar Hume
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review and extend previous work involving branding and website performance and aesthetics by applying a best-worst scaling (BWS) approach. Respondents were tasked with choosing the best and worst from 16-brand attribute statements representing website communications and aesthetics, a more effective understanding of consumer segmentation is revealed between the offline facility to the online retail experience.

Design/methodology/approach

A research design utilising BWS was deployed to provide an alternate perspective of consumer choice in an omni-channel retail environment.

Findings

Findings indicate a bifurcated audience with one-half reliant on communication and the other half on aesthetics is most important in the online environment when generating a positive relationship towards the retail brand.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted within a single retail format category (sportswear and apparel) so future studies need to estimate cross-category implications. The authors also suggest online experimental designs for consumers to compare traditional retail brand images. Finally as this study utilised Australian responses only the authors suggest cross-cultural comparisons to better understand the universal nature of website functionality and its link with traditional retail formats.

Practical implications

Retail executives will find the results from this study useful in two ways. To ensure consistency of brand image across channels managers must communicate efficiently and effectively. Brand managers must mediate between customer segments with some preferring clear concise website communications and others well established aesthetics.

Originality/value

This study adopts a BWS approach to better understand consumer choices in an online/offline branding environment.
The mediating role of product and process innovations on the relationship between knowledge management and operational performance in manufacturing companies in Jordan
Authors: Al-Sa’di Ahmad Fathi , Abdallah Ayman Bahjat , Dahiyat Samer Eid
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of knowledge management (KM) on product and process innovations, as well as on operational performance (OP). In addition, the effects of product and process innovations on OP, as well as their mediating effects on the relationship between KM and OP, are also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire-based survey was designed and used to collect data from 207 manufacturing companies operating in the Jordanian capital Amman. To assess construct validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. To test research hypotheses, the bootstrap re-sampling method was applied using Hayes’s SPSS multiple-mediator PROCESS macro.

Findings

The results indicate that KM has significant positive effects on product and process innovations, and OP. Process innovation was found to have a significant positive effect on OP, while product innovation was not. Furthermore, only process innovation was found to significantly mediate the KM-OP relationship.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide useful insights about the role of KM in facilitating and enhancing product and process innovations, as well as OP in the surveyed manufacturing companies. An important implication concerns the roles of product and process innovations. Manufacturing companies seeking improvements in their OP are recommended to focus on process innovation rather than product innovation. While product innovation may affect other aspects of performance, such as market and financial ones, it was not found to significantly affect OP. Process innovation can also leverage KM’s contribution to manufacturing companies’ OP.

Originality/value

This is a pioneering study in that it developed an integrated model that depicts the interrelationships among KM, product innovation and process innovation and OP, in a developing country context.
Aggregation of factors causing cost overruns and time delays in large public construction projects
Authors: Adam Abderisak , Josephson Per-Erik Bertil , Lindahl Göran
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact that cost overruns and time delays exert on large public construction projects to clarify how past and current research regard factors causing cost overruns and time delays in large public construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper, which is based on an analysis of a literature selection consisting of 40 journal articles, investigates and ranks the occurrence of and the explanations for cost overruns and time delays in large public construction projects. The study makes use of a kiviat diagram/radar chart in order to visualize multivariate data.

Findings

Aggregated rankings of important causes of cost overruns and time delays are reported. These show a strong emphasis on the management aspect as a primary cause of cost overruns and delays. Additionally, there seems to be a trend toward deemphasizing the role of financial considerations in explaining cost overruns and delays. It is argued that there needs to be a more rigorous assessment of the impact that each factor has on cost increases and delays based on factual observed data as opposed to retrospective accounts from questionnaire respondents.

Research limitations/implications

Only public construction projects have been considered. The results will not be directly applicable to privately funded construction projects and/or projects of a smaller size.

Originality/value

The use of trend data, as illustrated in a kiviat diagram, showing how different ranking factors causing cost overruns and time delays has changed in importance over time.