bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptation of the Staphylococcus aureus leukocidin LukGH for the rabbit host by protein engineering
Authors: Trstenjak Nikolina , Stulik Lukas , Rouha Harald , Zmajkovic Jakub , Zerbs Manuel , Nagy Eszter , Badarau Adriana
Published: December 2018

Host defense against Staphylococcus aureus greatly depends on bacterial clearance by phagocytic cells. LukGH (or LukAB) is the most potent staphylococcal leukocidin towards human phagocytes in vitro, but its role in pathogenesis is obscured by the lack of suitable small animal models because LukGH has limited or no cytotoxicity towards rodent and rabbit compared with human polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) likely due to an impaired interaction with its cellular receptor, CD11b. We aimed at adapting LukGH for the rabbit host by improving binding to the rabbit homolog of CD11b, specifically its I-domain (CD11b-I). Targeted amino acid substitutions were introduced into the LukH polypeptide to map its receptor interaction site(s). We found that the binding affinity of LukGH variants to the human and rabbit CD11b-I correlated well with their PMN cytotoxicity. Importantly, we identified LukGH variants with significantly improved cytotoxicity towards rabbit PMNs, when expressed recombinantly (10–15-fold) or by engineered S. aureus strains. These findings support the development of small animal models of S. aureus infection with the potential for demonstrating the importance of LukGH in pathogenesis.
Identification of candidate biomarkers associated with apoptosis in melanosis coli: GNG5, LPAR3, MAPK8, and PSMC6
Authors: Hua Xiaohang , Chen Jiangang , Wu Lingli
Published: December 2018

Purpose: Melanosis coli (MC) is a disorder of pigmentation of the wall of the colon, often identified at the time of colonoscopy. The aim of the present study is to identify candidate biomarkers for MC. Methods: The transcriptome data for MC (GSE78933) with five MC tissues and five corresponding normal tissues is obtained from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. R/Bioconductor package limma was used to screen differently expressed genes (DEGs). ClueGO of cytoscape was applied for Gene Ontology (GO) functional and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment. Based on STRING V10 database, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. The pathological tissue and normal tissue from 23 MC patients and 23 controls were collected, respectively. The relative expression of hub nodes was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. For regulating the expression of these genes, overexpression vector was constructed or siRNA transfection was used. Finally, apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Results: Total 1342 DEGs were screened, including 786 up-regulated and 556 down-regulated genes. These genes were mainly enriched in stimulatory C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway, polysaccharide biosynthetic process, intracellular, and oxidative phosphorylation. PPI network was then constructed with 426 DEGs and 895 interactions. Thereinto, G-protein subunit γ 5 (GNG5), lysophosphatidic acid receptor 3 (LPAR3), mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 (MAPK8), NHP2L1, proteasome 26S subunit, ATPase 6 (PSMC6), and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit β (PIK3CB) were hub nodes with higher degree. RT-PCR and Western blot results showed that GNG5, LPAR3, MAPK8, and PSMC6 were differently expressed with significance. The expression of these screened genes is also related with cell apoptosis. Conclusion: GNG5, LPAR3, MAPK8, and PSMC6 might be candidate biomarkers associated with apoptosis in MC.
Magnetic fields of intermediate-mass T Tauri stars
Authors: Villebrun F. , Alecian E. , Hussain G. , Bouvier J. , Folsom C. P. , Lebreton Y. , Amard L. , Charbonnel C. , Gallet F. , Haemmerlé L. , Böhm T. , Johns-Krull C. , Kochukhov O. , Marsden S. C. , Morin J. , Petit P.
Published: December 2018

Context. The origin of the fossil magnetic fields detected in 5 to 10% of intermediate-mass main sequence stars is still highly debated.

Aims. We want to bring observational constraints to a large population of intermediate-mass pre-main sequence (PMS) stars in order to test the theory that convective-dynamo fields generated during the PMS phases of stellar evolution can occasionally relax into fossil fields on the main sequence.

Methods. Using distance estimations, photometric measurements, and spectropolarimetric data from HARPSpol and ESPaDOnS of 38 intermediate-mass PMS stars, we determined fundamental stellar parameters (Teff,Landvsini) and measured surface magnetic field characteristics (including detection limits for non-detections, and longitudinal fields and basic topologies for positive detections). Using PMS evolutionary models, we determined the mass, radius, and internal structure of these stars. We compared different PMS models to check that our determinations were not model-dependant. We then compared the magnetic characteristics of our sample accounting for their stellar parameters and internal structures.

Results. We detect magnetic fields in about half of our sample. About 90% of the magnetic stars have outer convective envelopes larger than ∼25% of the stellar radii, and heavier than ∼2% of the stellar mass. Going to higher mass, we find that the magnetic incidence in intermediate-mass stars drops very quickly, within a timescale on the order of few times 0.1 Myr. Finally, we propose that intermediate-mass T Tauri stars with large convective envelopes, close to the fully convective limit, have complex fields and that their dipole component strengths may decrease as the sizes of their convective envelopes decrease, similar to lower-mass T Tauri stars.
Halo intruders in the Galactic bulge revealed by HST and Gaia: the globular clusters Terzan 10 and Djorgovski 1
Authors: Ortolani S. , Nardiello D. , Pérez-Villegas A. , Bica E. , Barbuy B.
Published: December 2018

Context. The low-latitude globular clusters Terzan 10 and Djorgovski 1 are projected in the Galactic bulge, in a Galactic region highly affected by extinction. A discrepancy of a factor of ∼2 exists in the literature in regards to the distance determination of these clusters.

Aims. We revisit the colour-magnitude diagrams (CMDs) of these two globular clusters with the purpose of disentangling their distance determination ambiguity and, for the first time, of determining their orbits to identify whether or not they are part of the bulge/bar region.

Methods. We use Hubble Space Telescope CMDs, with the filters F606W from ACS and F160W from WFC3 for Terzan 10, and F606W and F814W from ACS for Djorgosvski 1, and combine them with the proper motions from Gaia Data Release 2. For the orbit integrations, we employed a steady Galactic model with bar.

Results. For the first time the blue horizontal branch of these clusters is clearly resolved. We obtain reliable distances of d⊙ = 10.3 ± 1.0 kpc and 9.3 ± 0.5 kpc for Terzan 10, and Djorgovski 1 respectively, indicating that they are both currently located in the bulge volume. From Gaia DR2 proper motions, together with our new distance determination and recent literature radial velocities, we are able to show that the two sample clusters have typical halo orbits that are passing by the bulge/bar region, but that they are not part of this component. For the first time, halo intruders are identified in the bulge.
The Arches cluster revisited
Authors: Clark J. S. , Lohr M. E. , Patrick L. R. , Najarro F.
Published: December 2018

The Arches is one of the youngest, densest and most massive clusters in the Galaxy. As such it provides a unique insight into the lifecycle of the most massive stars known and the formation and survival of such stellar aggregates in the extreme conditions of the Galactic Centre. In a previous study we presented an initial stellar census for the Arches and in this work we expand upon this, providing new and revised classifications for ∼30% of the 105 spectroscopically identified cluster members as well as distinguishing potential massive runaways. The results of this survey emphasise the homogeneity and co-evality of the Arches and confirm the absence of H-free Wolf-Rayets of WC sub-type and predicted luminosities. The increased depth of our complete dataset also provides significantly better constraints on the main sequence population; with the identification of O9.5 V stars for the first time we now spectroscopically sample stars with initial masses ranging from ∼16 M⊙ to ≥120 M⊙. Indeed, following from our expanded stellar census we might expect ≳50 stars within the Arches to have been born with masses ≳60 M⊙, while all 105 spectroscopically confirmed cluster members are massive enough to leave relativistic remnants upon their demise. Moreover the well defined observational properties of the main sequence cohort will be critical to the construction of an extinction law appropriate for the Galactic Centre and consequently the quantitative analysis of the Arches population and subsequent determination of the cluster initial mass function.
The Characteristic of Flow Field and Emissions of a Concentric Staged Lean Direct Injection (LDI) Combustor
Authors: Yu Han , Suo Jianqin , Zhu Pengfei , Zheng Longxi
Published: December 2018

The characteristic of flow field and emissions was investigated by numerical simulation for a concentric staged lean direct injection combustor, the non-reaction and reaction flow fields were studied under idle and takeoff conditions, and the effect of combustion heat release on flow field was analyzed, then the influence of injection angle on emissions were obtained. The investigation results indicated that the steady central recirculation zone could be formed under non-reaction and reaction conditions by medium swirl strength which the swirl angle is 32°, however, the size and reverse mass flow at reaction conditions is significantly increased than non-reaction conditions; the combustion reaction zone moves toward the outlet as the decrease of fuel injection angle, which reduce the resistant time of hot gas in combustor, and then the production of nitrogen oxides would be decreased.
A Small Sample Prediction Method for Engineering p-S-N Curve
Authors: Liu Xiaoran , Sun Qin , Liang Ke
Published: December 2018

Based on Non-intrusive Polynomial Chaos method, a small sample prediction method for engineering p-S-N curve that has a medium fatigue life is proposed. Parameters in Basquin model are calculated through optimization method based on small sample of observed fatigue life. We establish NIPC polynomials and obtain big sample parameters, obtaining probabilistic properties of parameters with the big sample EDF method. Then the relationship between statistics and stress level are fitted with least squares method. Some new samples are introduced to improve the accuracy of the method. The statistics are updated by Bayesian method. Samples parameters under any stress level are obtained to calculate corresponding fatigue life. Probabilistic properties of fatigue life are predicted, and the p-S-N curve is established. Test observations of aluminium alloy T-2024 are all located in the interval of 95% quantile, showing that the method can effectively predict probabilistic properties of medium fatigue life.
Adaptive Non-Rigid Point Set Registration Based on Variational Bayesian
Authors: Yang Lijuan , Tian Zheng , Wen Jinhuan , Yan Weidong
Published: December 2018

For the existence of outliers in non-rigid point set registration, a method based on Bayesian student's t mixture model(SMM) is proposed. Under the framework of variational Bayesian, the point set registration problem is converted to maximize the variational lower bound of log-likelihood, where the transformation parameters are found through variational inference. By prior model, the constraint over spatial regularization is incorporated into the Bayesian SMM, which can adaptively be determined for different data sets. Compared with Gaussian distribution, the student's t distribution is more robust to outliers. The experimental comparative analysis of simulated points and real images verify the effectiveness of the proposed method on the non-rigid point set registration with outliers.
Research on Three Dimensional Scheduling Model for Embedded Multi-Core System
Authors: Huang Shujuan , Zhu Yi'an , Liu Bailin , Xiao Feng
Published: December 2018

This paper proposes a new three-dimensional scheduling model which can divide the tasks into harmonic tasks and non-harmonic tasks for the high demands of embedded mucticne plactorim. According to the characteristic parameters of the tasks and make the value of the rectangular area as the attribute of the execution region which is divided into executive region, interference region and free region with the characteristic of the area. By using these attributes of the different region, the tasks are allocated to different cores. Experimental results show that the proposed method is more fully optimizing the system utilization and throughput than PEDF.
Dental implant practice in French West Indies and French Guyana: a cross-sectional study among dental practitioners
Authors: Dulin Floriane , Marteau Jean-Marie , Fricain Jean-Christophe , Fénelon Mathilde
Published: December 2018

Background: In 2016, 459 dentists were registered in French West Indies and French Guyana. They represent 10% of French clinicians but they work in an environment very different from continental France. The aim of this study was to describe dental implantology practices among dentists in Guadeloupe, Martinique, and French Guyana. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study, with questionnaires sent by email, was conducted from November 2016 to January 2017. Results: 116 practitioners answered. Respondents were all general practitioners, except two dentists who practiced only surgical procedures (not specialists). Implant surgeries were provided by 50% respondents and soft-tissue or hard-tissue grafting were provided by 34.5% of the sample. Prosthodontic procedures were carried out by 62.9% respondents. At last, 34.5% of the sample were not involved in implant services. Discussion: The proportion of dentists who performed implant procedures was similar to that reported in other international studies and French survey. The percentage of dentists not involved in implant dentistry still significant and the most frequently reported barriers were the expense of treatment, patient's difficulties to afford the treatment and the lack of knowledge. Conclusion: The practice of implant dentistry is widespread in French West Indies and French Guyana. Dental implant use was not different between clinicians of Guadeloupe, Martinique, and French Guyana. The number of dentists who received local implant training was lower in French Guyana.
Avascular osteonecrosis of the premaxilla secondary to disseminated intravascular coagulation: a case report
Authors: Mouraret Alizée , Gérard Eric , Le Gall Joey , Curien Rémi
Published: December 2018

Introduction:Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a complexe systemic disorder characterized by a widespread activation of the coagulation, that may lead to thrombosis, ischemia and finally, end-organ failure. The clinical presentation of DIC depends on the site of intravascular coagulation and the severity of the disease process. Avascular osteonecrosis is a pathological state, that can occur secondary to DIC and where a reduced vascular supply leads to ischemia and bone necrosis.Observation:A 83 years old patient was sent to the oral surgery department for tooth mobility in the premaxilla, following the diagnosis of sepsis and DIC induced acute myeloid leukemia, one month ago. The examination showed an exposed avascular bone behind the 12-11-21. A diagnosis of DIC induced osteonecrosis of the premaxilla was made. A resection surgery was then programmed.Discussion:DIC may generates thrombi that might occlude intraosseous vessels in the premaxilla, and lead to bone necrosis. The maxilla is supplied by multiple branches of external carotide artery, therefore, usually, there is a lower risk of osteonecrosis in the maxilla. Nevertheless, since 1993, 4 cases of avascular necrosis of the maxilla secondary to DIC are repported in literature.Conclusion:This kind of complication, although being rare, can be dramatic for the patient as bone and aesthetic defects. Early support and management of these complications is necessary.
Young professionals in radiation protection: challenges and perspectives – Outcomes of an international survey
Authors: Andresz S. , Bryant P. , Heaps J. , Beaumont T. , Vecchiola S. , Caldeira Ideias P.
Published: December 2018

The Young Club of the French Society for Radiation Protection (SFRP), supported by the Rising Generations Group of the United Kingdom Society for Radiation Protection (SRP), teamed up to develop a survey targeted at the young professionals in radiation protection. Data about the background and training, current job and position was collected and provides an overview of the demographic of this group of professionals. The survey was also designed as a place where young people can express their views and opinions about initiatives set up by the employer and the national radiation protection society, and area they would like these organisations to develop further. Several key themes emerged from the answers of the respondents: notably, a high wish for more training in radiation protection – under different arrangements, ways to foster and secure future young professionals and a desire and mechanism for encouraging collaboration and networking between young professionals. Besides the statistical data, the messages from the survey will help to assess the effectiveness of initiatives in place, identify new ones and encourage future initiatives to foster and secure the young professionals in radiation protection.
Subjektive Gedächtnisbeeinträchtigungen in der Früherkennung von Demenzen: Beziehung zur Akzeptanz der Lumbalpunktion bei Patienten einer Gedächtnissprechstunde
Authors: Cabanel Nicole , Speier Christa , Franz Michael , Müller Matthias J. , Kundermann Bernd
Published: December 2018

Hintergrund In Gedächtnissprechstunden kommt der biomarkergestützten Diagnostik eine zunehmend wichtige Rolle in Früherkennung und Differentialdiagnose von Demenzen zu, wenngleich deren Akzeptanz bei Patienten vergleichsweise niedrig ist.

Ziel der Arbeit Es wurde untersucht, ob soziodemographische und klinische Variablen von Patienten einer Gedächtnissprechstunde mit der Adhärenz zur Lumbalpunktion (LP) assoziiert sind. Von besonderem Interesse war die vom Patienten selbst wahrgenommene Verschlechterung des Gedächtnisses (subjektive Gedächtnisbeeinträchtigung, SGB) mit hierauf gerichteter Besorgnis, die einen Einfluss auf die Entscheidung für eine LP ausüben könnte.

Methode Konsekutive Patienten wurden einer tagesklinischen Abklärung an zwei aufeinanderfolgenden Tagen zugeführt, um ein an der S3-Leitlinie „Demenzen“ angelehntes diagnostisches Vorgehen inkl. Angebot einer LP umzusetzen. Es wurde Depressivität, Angst, neurokognitive Leistung und der Demenzschweregrad (Clinical Dementia Rating, CDR) erhoben. Ebenso wurden die Patienten zu selbst wahrgenommenen Gedächtnisverschlechterungen interviewt und auf dieser Grundlage – unabhängig ihrer neuropsychologischen Befunde – drei Gruppen zugeordnet: keine SGB, SGB ohne Besorgnis oder SGB mit Besorgnis.

Ergebnisse Von 44 Patienten (73,8 ± 8,3 Jahre; 27 w/17 m; CDR < 1: n = 16, CDR = 1: n = 28) zeigten 29 SGB mit Besorgnis. Sie waren tendenziell jünger und hatten einen höheren Bildungsstatus als Patienten ohne SGB (n = 7) und Patienten mit SGB ohne Besorgnis (n = 8). Patienten ohne SGB hatten häufiger ein Demenzsyndrom. Zur LP einwilligende Patienten (n = 23) waren – gegenüber 17 ablehnenden Patienten (4 Patienten wurden aufgrund medizinischer Kontraindikation für unmittelbare LP ausgeschlossen) – tendenziell häufiger männlichen Geschlechts, zeigten signifikant häufiger SGB mit Besorgnis und geringere Leistungen in deklarativen Gedächtnisaufgaben. In einer binär-logistischen Regressionsanalyse verblieben männliches Geschlecht und SGB mit Besorgnis wie auch verminderte Gedächtnisleistungen als bedeutsame Prädiktoren für die Einwilligung zu einer LP.

Schlussfolgerung Die Studie deutet darauf hin, dass Patientencharakteristika einer subjektiven – mit Besorgnis einhergehenden – und objektiven Gedächtnisbeeinträchtigung sowie auch das Geschlecht die Einwilligung zu einer invasiven und im Allgemeinen weniger akzeptierten biomarkergestützten Diagnostik wie der LP mitbedingen.
Effect of Different Circuit Training on Cardiovascular Responses in Cirrhotic Patients
Authors: Nasser Igor , Willardson Jeffrey , de Mello Perez Renata , Reis Michel , de Azevedo Brito Anderson , Dias Ingrid , Miranda Humberto
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and blood pressure (BP) responses during and after circuit resistance training with 1 min. (CIR1) vs. 2 min. (CIR2) rest intervals between exercises in liver cirrhosis patients. 10 patients (7 women, 3 men) participated in 2 experimental sessions (CIR1 and CIR2) in random order. Each experimental session consisted of 6 exercises performed for 3 sets of 10 repetitions with 70% of the 10-RM load. The only difference between experimental sessions was taking either 1 min. (CIR1) or 2 min. (CIR2) of rest between exercises. Prior and during each session, BP, HR and HRV (beat-to-beat intervals) were assessed. Training efficiency were significant higher for CIR1 when compared to CIR2, since same total training volume was performed in less time. Both protocols elicited significant changes in HR, SBP, and SampEn. Based on the ∆HR and ∆IRR between protocols, higher cardiovascular stress was observed for CIR1 vs. CIR2. However, the patients presented a similar recovery pattern between experimental sessions, and did not present significant alterations in the HRV at 60 min post-workout. In summary, the fast adjustment of autonomic modulation in HRV and BP suggests that circuit resistance training with 1-min or 2-min rest intervals between exercises elicits typical cardiovascular responses in liver cirrhosis patients.
Peak Oxygen Uptake in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Franklin John , Atkinson Greg , Atkinson Janet , Batterham Alan
Published: December 2018

To evaluate the magnitude of the difference in VO2peak between patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and apparently healthy controls, 7 databases (Cochrane, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Knowledge, Embase, Scopus, Medline) were searched for articles published up to March 2018. Search terms included “chronic fatigue syndrom*”AND (“peak” OR “maxim*” OR “max”) AND (“oxygen uptake” OR “oxygen consumption” OR “VO2peak” or “VO2max”. Eligibility criteria were adults>18 y with clinically diagnosed CFS/ME, with VO2peak measured in a maximal test and compared against an apparently healthy control group. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using a modified Systematic Appraisal of Quality for Observational Research critical appraisal framework. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted on 32 cross-sectional studies (effects). Pooled mean VO2peak was 5.2 (95% CI: 3.8–6.6) ml.kg−1min−1 lower in CFS/ME patients vs. healthy controls. Between-study variability (Tau) was 3.4 (1.5–4.5) ml.kg−1min−1 indicating substantial heterogeneity. The 95% prediction interval was −1.9 to 12.2 ml.kg−1min−1. The probability that the effect in a future study would be>the minimum clinically important difference of 1.1 ml.kg−1min−1 (in favour of controls) was 0.88 – likely to be clinically relevant. Synthesis of the available evidence indicates that CFS/ME patients have a substantially reduced VO2peak compared to controls.
A Newly Designed Carbohydrate-Derived Alkylamine Promotes Ullmann Type C–N Coupling Catalyzed by Copper in Water
Authors: Ge Xin , Fan Hua-Jun , Zhou Guoquan , Chen Wen , Zhang Shihui , Liu Xuemin , Yang Zehui
Published: December 2018

A green and biodegradable carbohydrate-derived alkylamine was designed and employed as ligand for Ullmann type C–N coupling catalyzed by copper in water. The coupling of aryl iodide and N-nucleophiles were examined and moderate to excellent yields were obtained. In addition, the in-water coupling strategy was expanded successfully to the reaction of indoles with 4-iodoanisole. By measuring the solubility, it is speculated that carbohydrate-derived alkylamine plays the role of chelating copper and promoting the dissolution of 4-iodoanisole in water. Remarkably, this methodology was environmentally friendly and economical because of the use of aqueous media in place of organic solvents.
New Synthetic Methodology Toward Azaspiro-γ-Lactones by Oxidative C–H Spirocyclization
Authors: Yoda Hidemi , Sengoku Tetsuya , Nagai Yuichiro , Inuzuka Toshiyasu
Published: December 2018

A new synthetic methodology for azaspiro-γ-lactones is reported. The key C–H spirolactonization was accomplished by employing iodobenzene diacetate and potassium bromide to afford a variety of azaspiro-γ-lactones in high yields. The reaction was also applicable to the preparation of a bislactone derivative.
Endoscopic Feeding Access
Authors: McCormack Michael , Tariq Nabil
Published: December 2018

The need for enteral access for nutritional support has become increasingly important. It is estimated up to a third of hospitalized patients will suffer from malnourishment. There is evidence that enteral is preferable over parenteral nutrition for improved outcomes. Various approaches for enteral access exist today including blind placement of enteral catheters, radiographically, and surgically placed catheters. However, the endoscopic approach for enteral access is a well-established, reliable, safe, and quick method of obtaining enteral access. In this review article, we will cover the various endoscopic approaches for enteral access. We believe there is no single best approach for enteral access and that it should be tailored to the individual patient. This article will cover both temporary options such as nasoenteric catheters and more permanent options such as percutaneous endoscopic stomas (gastrostomy, gastrojejunostomy, direct jejunostomy) and describe their techniques, indications, contraindications, and pitfalls. Additionally, with the rise of weight loss surgery, we will cover how to manage the patient with altered gastrointestinal anatomy. Lastly, we will also review difficult post procedure scenarios associated with all of these endoscopic methods for enteral access and how to either prevent or properly manage them.
Flow-Through Flaps in the Absence of an Arterial Gap for Extremity Defect Reconstruction: Minimizing the Donor-Site Morbidity
Authors: Fernandez-Garrido Manuel , Lopez Penha Tiara , Qiu Shan
Published: December 2018

Background The use of flow-through flaps was popularized in the early 1990s by Costa, Soutar and Lamberty in cases where an arterial gap was present or a major artery of the limb was damaged. We hypothesized that flow-through flaps can be used in all extremity reconstruction cases, where there is an indication for a free-flap, irrespective of the existence of arterial defect due to its many advantages while not increasing the flap loss significantly.

Methods A retrospective study was performed by examining patient status and surgery reports of all patients who underwent extremity reconstruction with a flow-through flap from January 2011 to January 2016. This procedure was applied to all the patients, irrespective of the presence of an arterial gap.

Results Forty-seven patients were included. The most frequently used flaps were the anterolateral thigh flap and the latissimus dorsi flap. Reconstructions were either posttraumatic or after oncological resection. Two cases of flap loss were encountered. The mean total operating time was 480 ± 153 minutes. The mean follow-up was 10 ± 3 months. There were no donor-site wound complications.

Conclusion Based on our results, the flow-through flap technique can be considered a safe alternative to the end-to-side technique for complex extremity defect reconstruction irrespective of the vascular status. The additional arterial anastomosis, even in the absence of an arterial gap or a vascular compromised extremity, did not increase the complication rate in the hands of experienced microsurgeons.
Endoscopic Intramural Surgery Part II: Muscular Division
Authors: Barajas-Gamboa Juan , Corcelles Ricard , Kroh Matthew
Published: December 2018

The development of endoscopic technologies and the introduction of new surgical concepts during the last decade has led to an evolution of surgical treatment of gastrointestinal disorders including achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux, gastroparesis, inflammatory bowel disease, and tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Intramural surgery creates a novel approach to perform muscular division, submucosal dissection, and tumor removal. These procedures have proven safe and effective, and increasingly are part of the surgical endoscopist's toolbox. Intramural surgical procedures include peroral esophagomyotomy (POEM), peroral pyloromyotomy (POP), Zenker's diverticulotomy, and submucosal tunneling and endoscopic resection (STER) of lesions. The objective of this article is to describe current intramural surgery procedures that comprise muscular division, as well as clinical outcomes and its impact on surgical endoscopic practices.
Thermo-economic evaluations of dual pressure organic Rankine cycle (DPORC) driven by geothermal heat source
Authors: Wang Shukun , Liu Chao , Zhang Cheng , Xu Xiaoxiao , Li Qibin
Published: December 2018

The thermo-economic evaluation of the dual pressure organic Rankine cycle system was presented based on the geothermal heat sources ranging from 100 to 180 °C. Two kinds of heat exchangers were selected to form four specific configuration layouts. The comparison between single and dual pressure systems was carried out. Moreover, the influence of economic parameters on cycle performance was analyzed. The electricity production cost (EPC), payback period (ppd), and saving-to-investment ratio are among the crucial considerations when the two stage evaporating pressures and pinch point temperatures are selected as independent variables. The results indicate that the dual pressure system possesses optimal EPC with the variation of low-evaporating pressure and the configuration layouts of type-FF and type-FP perform better. The cost of heat exchangers accounts for the largest proportion in the total cost of the system, followed by the expander. It can also be found that, for R1233zd, the average increasing rate of 20.87% in Wnet brings no economic benefits to the dual pressure system because the EPC also increases 12.98% averagely compared to the single pressure system. In addition, the impact of the annual loan interest rate, on-grid electricity price, and carbon tax of the system economic performance was discussed.
Understanding the behavior of electronic and phonon transports in germanium based two dimensional chalcogenides
Authors: Kagdada Hardik L. , Jha Prafulla K. , Śpiewak Piotr , Kurzydłowski Krzysztof J.
Published: December 2018

Electronic and phonon transport properties of buckled GeTe and GeSe monolayers were investigated by combining density functional theory with lattice dynamics approach. For accurate prediction of electronic bandgaps, the PBE0 hybrid functional was employed, and the bandgap values were found to be 2.33 eV and 3.55 eV for GeTe and GeSe monolayers, respectively. Electronic transport coefficients were calculated using Boltzmann transport equations implemented in the BOLTZTRAP code. The Seebeck coefficients of GeTe (2680.94 μV/K) and GeSe (2981.81 μV/K) monolayers were found to be quite higher than those of their other allotropes. The out of plane ZA mode exhibits a quadratic nature near the Γ point of the Brillouin zone, which is attributed to the flexural phonon modes in both GeTe and GeSe monolayers. Strong anharmonicity found in the GeTe monolayer compared to the GeSe monolayer leads to lower lattice thermal conductivity in the GeTe monolayer. The room temperature lattice thermal conductivity of both monolayers was found to be quite low. A comprehensive analysis of group velocity for all phonon modes shows that the ZA mode contributes less to the lattice thermal conductivity of the GeTe monolayer than to that of the GeSe monolayer. An analysis of three-phonon scattering reveals that more scattering channels are available for phonon scattering in GeTe, which leads to lower thermal conductivity in the GeTe monolayer. The GeSe monolayer has a larger figure of merit than the GeTe monolayer, but it may have low output power because of its low electrical conductivity.
Maximizing neutron yields by scaling hollow diameter of a dense plasma focus anode
Authors: Shaw B. H. , Chapman S. , Cooper C. M. , Goyon C. , Angus J. , Link A. , Higginson D. P. , Liu J. X. , Mitrani J. M. , Podpaly Y. A. , Povilus A. , Schmidt A.
Published: December 2018

Experiments were performed to maximize the neutron yield from a 2 kJ dense plasma focus (DPF) and characterize the amount of copper sputtered from the surface of an anode by varying the diameter of the anodes’ on-axis hollow. The hollow is a void in the copper material along the longitudinal axis of the anode. All the anodes had an outer diameter of 1.2 in. and the diameter of the hollow varied from 0 in. (no hollow) to 1 in. The anodes with a hollow produced a greater number of neutrons per discharge than the anode without a hollow. Over 40 discharges, the hollow anode that yielded the most neutrons (9.1±0.4×106 neutrons per discharge produced with the 0.75 in. hollow) produced >6 times more neutrons than the anode with no hollow. A qualitative observation of the anodes after 130 discharges showed less surface damage on anodes with a larger hollow. Quantitative sputter measurements were performed by characterizing the amount of copper sputtered onto on-axis quartz targets for three newly machined anodes, each with a particular hollow diameter. The quantitative results matched the qualitative observations: the copper sputter was reduced using larger hollows. The largest hollow sputtered 17±1.0 nm/sr/discharge of copper, a reduction of 69% compared to the anode with the most damage.
Traces of cathode glow in atmospheric surface dielectric barrier discharge
Authors: Kim S. Y. , Lho T. , Chung K.-S.
Published: December 2018

Owing to the cathode layer properties in atmospheric surface dielectric barrier discharges (SDBDs), the discharges are sustained both for positive and negative voltage phase. There should be the cathode glow region where excited molecules or atoms are produced due to collision with the electrons before occurrence of electron-ion breeding in the cathode layer. Although a previous numerical study reported the generation of oxygen atoms, O(1D), O(3P), near an exposed electrode (EE) during the negative voltage phase, it is experimentally unattainable to verify the existence of the oxygen atoms because of the short length of the cathode layer with a thickness of approximately 20 μm at 1 atm in filamentary discharge mode. This work presents the experimental confirmation of trace(s) of O and N, which indicates the cathode glow, in a cathode layer in atmospheric SDBDs using ultra-fine surface polyimide as a dielectric in SDBD. Our results show that the cathode glow in atmospheric SDBD is located at approximately 5∼6 μm from EE in air.
Synthesis and characterization of lauric acid/carboxymethyl cellulose ester and polylactic acid phase change material
Authors: Guo Chuigen , Miao Yang , Li Liping
Published: December 2018

In this study, lauric acid was introduced in sodium carboxymethyl cellulose via esterification reaction in dimethylacetamide in the presence of polylactic acid (PLA) as the supporting material, affording lauric acid/carboxymethyl cellulose ester (LACCE) phase change materials. The resulting LACCE phase change materials were characterized by FTIR, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance, and X-ray diffraction analyses. The mechanical testing studies showed that the optimal dosage of LACCE to blend with PLA was 15%. The tubular structure of cellulose and the microstructure of the grafted LACCE were obtained by scanning electron microscopy. After the normalized value, the phase change latent heat of LACCE and LACCE-PLA was 153.06 and 86.40 J/g, respectively, and the phase change temperature was 39.62 and 40.10 °C by differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The thermal gravimetric analysis results revealed that PLA enhanced the thermal stability of LACCE and improved the initial thermal degradation temperature by 30.43%, indicating that the composites had good thermal properties.
Renewed analysis of the hyperfine structure of the Na2 13Δg state
Authors: Sovkov Vladimir B. , Xie Feng , Li Dan , Lukashov Sergey S. , Baturo Vera V. , Ma Jie , Li Li
Published: December 2018

The hyperfine structure on the levels of the Na2 13Δg state reported in Liu et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 115, 3647 (2001)] is analyzed using a new approach that overcomes most of the approximations adopted in the cited article. We exclude an approximation of the united atom, implying that the electron cloud only interacts with the total nuclear spin, and replace it with the interactions between individual nuclei and electrons. Rather than equating the observed intensities in the spectra with the populations of the hyperfine (HF) components of a 13Δg state level excited from a hypothetical equilibrium HF ensemble in a state b3Π1u, we consider the more realistic excitation–de-excitation schemes in their entirety, and take into account the mixed character of the window levels of the A1Σu+∼b3ΠΩu system, which generally contains fractions of all Ω = 0, 1, 2. We also avoid an approximation of the major component, in which the probabilities of the optical dipole transitions are computed from the 0-th order state vector alone, and compute the contributions from all components of the blended states. The underlying theory and algorithms are described, and the parameters of the new model are fitted and reported.
A broadband E-shaped piezoelectric energy harvester based on vortex-shedding induced vibration from low velocity liquid flow
Authors: Hu Yili , Mou Fangxiao , Yang Bin , Chen Xiang , Wang Xiaolin , Liu Jingquan
Published: December 2018

This letter presents an E-shaped piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) based on vortex-shedding induced vibration (VSIV) for achieving broadband and enhanced energy capture from the liquid flow with low velocities. The PEH is realized by introducing two symmetrical vice piezoelectric beams to a traditional structure consisting of a drive sheet and a main piezoelectric beam. By changing the mass blocks on the sheet and vice beams, the first two order resonance frequencies can be tuned to be close enough to obtain a wide bidirectional tunable operating bandwidth. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed harvester can adapt to a wider fluid velocity spectrum and bring out higher output performances than the conventional PEH. Under the excitation of vortexes from the liquid flow with low velocities (0.15m/s–0.7m/s), the maximum increase in power, efficiency and velocity spectrum over 20μW can be 70%, 326% and 60%, respectively, compared to its conventional counterpart. The total size of the E-shaped harvester is L×W×H = 90 mm×70 mm×5 mm.
Mixed weak estimates of Sawyer type for generalized maximal operators
Authors: Berra Fabio
Published: December 2018

We study mixed weak estimates of Sawyer type for maximal operators associated with the family of Young functions

Φ
(
t
)
=

t
r

(
1
+

log
+

⁡
t

)

δ

\Phi (t)=t^r(1+\log ^+t)^{\delta }

, where

r
≥
1

r\geq 1

and

δ
≥
0

\delta \geq 0

. More precisely, if

u
u

and

v
r

v^r

are

A
1

A_1

weights and

w
w

is defined as

w
=
1

/

Φ
(

v

−
1

)

w=1/\Phi (v^{-1})

, then the estimate
\[
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="u w left-parenthesis StartSet x element-of double-struck upper R Superscript n Baseline colon StartFraction upper M Subscript normal upper Phi Baseline left-parenthesis f v right-parenthesis left-parenthesis x right-parenthesis Over v left-parenthesis x right-parenthesis EndFraction greater-than t EndSet right-parenthesis less-than-or-equal-to upper C integral Underscript double-struck upper R Superscript n Baseline Endscripts normal upper Phi left-parenthesis StartFraction StartAbsoluteValue f left-parenthesis x right-parenthesis EndAbsoluteValue v left-parenthesis x right-parenthesis Over t EndFraction right-parenthesis u left-parenthesis x right-parenthesis d x">

u
w

(

{
x
∈

R

n

:

M
Φ

(
f
v
)
(
x
)

v
(
x
)

>
t
}

)

≤
C

∫

R

n

Φ

(

|

f
(
x
)

|

v
(
x
)

t

)

u
(
x
)

d
x

uw\left (\left \{x\in \mathbb {R}^n: \frac {M_\Phi (fv)(x)}{v(x)}>t\right \}\right )\leq C\int _{\mathbb {R}^n}\Phi \left (\frac {|f(x)|v(x)}{t}\right )u(x)\,dx

\]
holds for every positive

t
t

. This extends mixed estimates to a wider class of maximal operators, since when we put

r
=
1

r=1

and

δ
=
0

\delta =0

we recover a previous result for the classical Hardy-Littlewood maximal operator.

This inequality generalizes the result proved by Sawyer in [Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 93 (1985), no. 4, pp. 610–614]. Moreover, it includes estimates for some maximal operators related to commutators of Calderón-Zygmund operators.
NPY Deficiency Prevents Postmenopausal Adiposity by Augmenting Estradiol-Mediated Browning
Authors: Park Seongjoon , Nayantai Erkhembayar , Komatsu Toshimitsu , Hayashi Hiroko , Mori Ryoichi , Shimokawa Isao
Published: December 2018

The orexigenic hormone neuropeptide Y (NPY) plays a pivotal role in the peripheral regulation of fat metabolism. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of sex on NPY function have not been extensively analyzed. In this study, we examined the effects of NPY deficiency on fat metabolism in male and female mice. Body weight was slightly decreased, whereas white adipose tissue (WAT) mass was significantly decreased as the thermogenic program was upregulated in NPY-/- female mice compared with that in wild-type mice; these factors were not altered in response to NPY deficiency in male mice. Moreover, lack of NPY resulted in an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) expression in the pituitary gland, with concomitant activation of the estradiol-mediated thermogenic program in inguinal WAT, and alleviated age-related modification of adiposity in female mice. Taken together, these data revealed a novel intracellular mechanism of NPY in the regulation of fat metabolism and highlighted the sexual dimorphism of NPY as a promising target for drug development to reduce postmenopausal adiposity.
Differential Construal of Exercise versus Diet and Implications for Weight Control
Authors: Okada Erica Mina
Published: December 2018

Successful weight control is a challenge for many consumers, but in principle, it is a simple arithmetic combination of increasing caloric expenditure and/or decreasing caloric intake. We call the former “exercise” and the latter “diet.” A field survey, three behavioral lab experiments, and a national weight loss field study show that (1) people tend to construe exercise at higher levels and diet at lower levels, (2) activating people’s focus on the high-level purposes versus low-level processes of their behavior may improve the odds of weight control success by exercise and diet, respectively, and (3) people who effectuated exercise plans that were high in desirability in terms of bringing about greater net caloric cuts, and diet plans that were high in feasibility in terms of ease of compliance, had the greatest weight reduction over a three-month period. Understanding the theory of how contrasting mental models underlie exercise versus diet may help consumers control their weight with more success, and marketers position their weight control products and services more effectively.
Finding a Seat at the Table: How Race Shapes Access to Social Capital
Authors: Munn Christopher W
Published: December 2018

Leaders of multiracial churches serve an important role between religious institutions and their members. As a bridge between social networks, they develop connections that ease the flow of resources across a diverse array of groups. Therefore, it is imperative to understand if racial differences exist in how leaders access the social and material resources embedded in racially homogenous organizations, peer networks, and institutions. An in-depth analysis of 121 head clergy interviews from the Religious Leadership and Diversity Project (RLDP) reveals that access to social capital is constrained when white leaders hoard resources and assign symbolic value to positions held by leaders of color. Findings of this study suggest the need for further investigation of racial inequality reproduction via the mechanism of differences in social capital.
Psychosocial Issues in Children With Thalassemia: From Identification to a Model for Management in a Developing Country
Authors: Raman Vijaya , Prakash Anand , D’Souza Fulton
Published: December 2018

Introduction:

Children with chronic disorders like β thalassemia major (TM) and their care givers are known to face various psychosocial problems. This study used screening tests to detect these psychosocial issues so that prompt referral for counseling is possible.

Methods:

A semistructured demographic questionnaire, Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-17) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were administered to 30 children with TM, on regular treatment at a tertiary care hospital. The same questionnaires were administered to age-matched and sex-matched controls. Parents were administered the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Children with TM scored higher on both PSC-17 (9.93 vs. 4.87; P<0.001) and SDQ (14.9 vs. 10.9; P=0.008). The parents of children with TM scored higher on the GHQ (10.3 vs. 8.0; P=0.027).

Results:

Psychosocial morbidity was higher in children with TM and their care-givers. Screening tools help detect children and care givers in need of formal counseling.

Conclusions:

The study makes a case for management of these issues by the pediatrician in tandem with mental health professionals. Some strategies that can be used in managing these children and their families are presented. In addition, issues in management with particular focus on a developing country context are highlighted and discussed.
Application of the Clinical Practice Guideline for Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A Case Report
Authors: Huegel Micah , Kenyon Lisa K.
Published: December 2018

Purpose:

This case report illustrates application of the Clinical Practice Guideline for Congenital Muscular Torticollis in a pediatric outpatient facility.

Descriptions:

The infant was a 2-month-old baby presenting with congenital muscular torticollis. Application of each of the 16 action statements outlined in the Clinical Practice Guideline is detailed as related to the case.

Outcomes:

All desired outcomes were achieved within 11 intervention sessions over a 16-week period.

What This Case Adds:

This case illustrates application of the Clinical Practice Guideline and exemplifies how each action statement can be addressed without placing an undue time burden upon the therapist. The case resulted in changes to facility-wide clinical procedures to increase consistency of care as outlined in the Clinical Practice Guideline.