bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical usefulness of magnifying endoscopy for non-ampullary duodenal tumors
Authors: Mizumoto Takeshi , Sanomura Yoji , Tanaka Shinji , Kuroki Kazutoshi , Kurihara Mio , Yoshifuku Yoshikazu , Oka Shiro , Arihiro Koji , Shimamoto Fumio , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: April 2017

Study aims This study aimed to investigate the clinical usefulness of magnifying endoscopy (ME) for non-ampullary duodenal tumors.

Patients and methods We enrolled 103 consecutive patients with non-ampullary duodenal tumors that were observed by ME with narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI) and had pit pattern analysis before endoscopic resection at Hiroshima University Hospital before December 2014. ME-NBI images were classified as Type B or Type C according to the Hiroshima classification, and pit patterns were classified as regular or irregular. We studied the clinicopathological features and diagnoses with ME-NBI and pit pattern analyses according to the Vienna classification (category 3: 73 patients; category 4: 30 patients).

Results Category 4 lesions were significantly larger than category 3 lesions. According to ME-NBI images, category 4 Type C lesions (83 %) were significantly more common than category 4 Type B lesions (17 %). According to pit pattern analyses, category 4 irregular lesions 4 (77 %) were significantly more common than category 4 regular lesions (23 %). The accuracies of using Type C ME-NBI images and irregular pit patterns to diagnose category 4 lesions were 87 % and 84 %, the sensitivities were 83 % and 77 %, and the specificities were 89 % and 88 %, respectively. There was no significant difference between ME-NBI and pit pattern analyses for diagnosing the histologic grade of non-ampullary duodenal tumors.

Conclusion Our study showed that ME-NBI and pit pattern analysis had equivalent abilities to determine the histologic grade of non-ampullary duodenal tumors. ME-NBI may be more useful because it is a simple, less time-consuming procedure.
Influence of Light, Temperature, and Macronutrients on Growth and Scopolamine Biosynthesis in Duboisia species
Authors: Ullrich Sophie , Rothauer Andreas , Hagels Hansjörg , Kayser Oliver
Published: April 2017

Scopolamine is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a precursor in the organic synthesis of different classes of important active substances and is extracted in large scale from field grown Duboisia plants. Previous research revealed that plant growth as well as production of scopolamine and its derivatives varies strongly depending on abiotic factors. However, only a small amount of systematic research has been done on the influence of environmental conditions on scopolamine and biomass production, so far. In order to extend knowledge in this field, plants of three different genotypes (wild type Duboisia myoporoides and hybrids of D. myoporoides and Duboisia leichhardtii) were grown in climate chambers under controlled conditions in order to systematically analyse the influence of temperature (20, 24, 28 °C), light (50–300 µmol/m2 × s, 12, 18, 24 h per day) and macronutrients (nitrogen, calcium, potassium) on growth and scopolamine biosynthesis. The data indicate that light intensity and daily exposure to light have a major impact on scopolamine production and plant development, whereas temperature only shows a minor influence. Nitrogen (N) positively affects biomass production with increasing levels up to 4 mM, but is negatively correlated with scopolamine content. Calcium (Ca) shows a negative influence on scopolamine biosynthesis at increased levels above 1 mM as well. Potassium (K) neither affects biomass nor scopolamine production within the tested concentration range (0.05–4 mM). All in all, it can be concluded that light intensity and nitrogen supply are especially important regulating variables that can be applied in a targeted manner for influencing scopolamine and biomass production.
Multistate, multichannel coupled diabatic state representations of adiabatic states coupled by conical intersections. CH2OH photodissociation
Authors: Malbon Christopher L. , Yarkony David R.
Published: April 2017

A coupled diabatic state representation, Hd, of the 1, 2, 3 2A states of CH2OH suitable for the description of the three channel, three state photodissociation process CH2OH(1 2A) + hv → CH2OH(2, 3 2A) → CH2O(X, A) + H, cis-CHOH + H, trans-CHOH + H, is reported. The representation is based on electronic structure data (energies, energy gradients, and derivative couplings) obtained exclusively from multireference configuration interaction single and double excitation wave functions. Diabat shifting is employed to improve the representation’s agreement with accurate experimental energetics. A careful analysis of the numerous minima, saddle points, and conical intersection seams is reported. The computed T0(3 2A) ∼ 35 220 cm−1 is in excellent agreement with the experimental estimate of 35 053 cm−1, and the computed channel dissociation energies, D0, for CH2O 9453 (10 160), cis-HCOH 30 310.2 (29 923), and trans-HCOH 28 799 (28 391) cm−1 are in good accord with the measured values given parenthetically. These accurate energetics over a wide range of nuclear configurations strongly support the ability of this Hd to enable quality simulations of nonadiabatic dynamics.
Optothermally actuated capillary burst valve
Authors: Eriksen Johan , Bilenberg Brian , Kristensen Anders , Marie Rodolphe
Published: April 2017

We demonstrate the optothermal actuation of individual capillary burst valves in an all-polymer microfluidic device. The capillary burst valves are realised in a planar design by introducing a fluidic constriction in a microfluidic channel of constant depth. We show that a capillary burst valve can be burst by raising the temperature due to the temperature dependence of the fluid surface tension. We address individual valves by using a local heating platform based on a thin film of near infrared absorber dye embedded in the lid used to seal the microfluidic device [L. H. Thamdrup et al., Nano Lett. 10, 826–832 (2010)]. An individual valve is burst by focusing the laser in its vicinity. We demonstrate the capture of single polystyrene 7 μm beads in the constriction triggered by the bursting of the valve.
Fermi resonance in CO2: Mode assignment and quantum nuclear effects from first principles molecular dynamics
Authors: Basire Marie , Mouhat Félix , Fraux Guillaume , Bordage Amélie , Hazemann Jean-Louis , Louvel Marion , Spezia Riccardo , Bonella Sara , Vuilleumier Rodolphe
Published: April 2017

Vibrational spectroscopy is a fundamental tool to investigate local atomic arrangements and the effect of the environment, provided that the spectral features can be correctly assigned. This can be challenging in experiments and simulations when double peaks are present because they can have different origins. Fermi dyads are a common class of such doublets, stemming from the resonance of the fundamental excitation of a mode with the overtone of another. We present a new, efficient approach to unambiguously characterize Fermi resonances in density functional theory (DFT) based simulations of condensed phase systems. With it, the spectral features can be assigned and the two resonating modes identified. We also show how data from DFT simulations employing classical nuclear dynamics can be post-processed and combined with a perturbative quantum treatment at a finite temperature to include analytically thermal quantum nuclear effects. The inclusion of these effects is crucial to correct some of the qualitative failures of the Newtonian dynamics simulations at a low temperature such as, in particular, the behavior of the frequency splitting of the Fermi dyad. We show, by comparing with experimental data for the paradigmatic case of supercritical CO2, that these thermal quantum effects can be substantial even at ambient conditions and that our scheme provides an accurate and computationally convenient approach to account for them.
Surface tension of a Yukawa fluid according to mean-field theory
Authors: Bossa Guilherme Volpe , Norris Joseph , May Sylvio
Published: April 2017

Yukawa fluids consist of particles that interact through a repulsive or attractive Yukawa potential. A surface tension arises at the walls of the container that encloses the fluid or at the interface between two coexisting phases. We calculate that surface tension on the level of mean-field theory, thereby either ignoring the particle size (ideal Yukawa fluid) or accounting for a non-vanishing particle size through a nonideal contribution to the free energy, exemplified either on the level of a lattice gas (lattice Yukawa fluid) or based on the Carnahan-Starling equation of state (Carnahan-Starling Yukawa fluid). Our mean-field results, which do not rely on assuming small gradients of the particle concentrations, become exact in the limit of large temperature and large screening length. They are calculated numerically in the general case and analytically in the two limits of small particle concentration and close to the critical point for a phase-separating system. For a sufficiently small particle concentration, our predicted surface tension is accurate whereas for a phase boundary, we expect good agreement with exact calculations in the limit of a large screening length and if the mean-field model employs the Carnahan-Starling equation of state.
Soliton formation in ion temperature gradient driven magneto-plasma
Authors: Iqbal Javed , Khan M. Yaqub
Published: April 2017

Ion-temperature-gradient (ITG) driven solitons are studied in a plasma having gradients. We drive an admitted solitary wave solution Korteweg–de Vries-type equation for the ITG mode in the non-linear regime by using Braginskii model and a transformation. It was observed that the soliton amplitude and width are sensitive to the parameter ηi=Ln/ LT, the ratio of electron temperature gradient, and the gradient scale length. It is also observed that increasing the ion temperature and increasing the magnetic field affect the shape of the soliton. We apply homotopy perturbation method (HPM) technique on the derived KdV equation. It was found that this method is computationally attractive and that the results of this method are in agreement with the exact solution. This work may be useful to study the low electrostatic modes in in-homogeneous electron-ion plasma having density and ITG gradients. For illustration, the model has been applied to tokamak plasma.
The solitary hydromagnetic wave revisited: A demonstration of the j×B force in a collisionless plasma
Authors: Allen J. E. , Gibson J.
Published: April 2017

An early paper on a solitary wave in a collision-free plasma, namely, a hydromagnetic wave propagating at right angles to a magnetic field, is further examined. The trajectories of both ions and electrons have been calculated for different wave velocities, up to the limiting value of twice the Alfvén velocity. The study clearly illustrates the fact that the positive ions move under the action of an electrostatic field, and the magnetic force has a negligible effect on their trajectories. The investigation shows that the macroscopic j×B force, i.e., that acting on the whole plasma, is transmitted to the ions via an electrostatic field.
Noise-induced errors in geophysical parameter estimation from retarding potential analyzers in low Earth orbit
Authors: Debchoudhury Shantanab , Earle Gregory
Published: April 2017

Retarding Potential Analyzers (RPA) have a rich flight heritage. Standard curve-fitting analysis techniques exist that can infer state variables in the ionospheric plasma environment from RPA data, but the estimation process is prone to errors arising from a number of sources. Previous work has focused on the effects of grid geometry on uncertainties in estimation; however, no prior study has quantified the estimation errors due to additive noise. In this study, we characterize the errors in estimation of thermal plasma parameters by adding noise to the simulated data derived from the existing ionospheric models. We concentrate on low-altitude, mid-inclination orbits since a number of nano-satellite missions are focused on this region of the ionosphere. The errors are quantified and cross-correlated for varying geomagnetic conditions.
Shock and spall behaviors of a high specific strength steel: Effects of impact stress and microstructure
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Husheng , Yang Muxin , Jiang Ping , Yuan Fuping , Wu Xiaolei
Published: April 2017

A series of plate-impact experiments were conducted to investigate the influences of impact stress and microstructure on the shock and spall behaviors of a high specific strength steel (HSSS). The HSSS shows a strong positive strain rate sensitivity on the yield strength. With increasing impact stress up to about 6 GPa, the spall strength is found to decrease significantly and then levels off with further increasing impact stress. This trend is proposed to be attributed to the accumulation damage within the target as the initial shock-induced compression wave propagates through the target. The microcracks are clearly observed to nucleate from the interfaces between γ-austenite and B2 phase and propagate along the interfaces or cut through the B2 phase in the HSSS during the spalling process. The Hugoniot elastic limit and the spall strength were found to be highly dependent on the microstructure. The spall strength was found to be higher when the density of the void nucleation sites is lower, indicating that the spall strength should be a microstructure parameter of the HSSS under impact tensile conditions depending on the density of phase interfaces. It was also found that there is a tradeoff between the specific yield strength and the spall strength for this HSSS; thus, the current findings should provide insights for achieving an optimal combination of both mechanical properties for impact-resistant applications by tailoring the microstructure.
Multi-region relaxed magnetohydrodynamics in plasmas with slowly changing boundaries—Resonant response of a plasma slab
Authors: Dewar R. L. , Hudson S. R. , Bhattacharjee A. , Yoshida Z.
Published: April 2017

The adiabatic limit of a recently proposed dynamical extension of Taylor relaxation, multi-region relaxed magnetohydrodynamics (MRxMHD), is summarized, with special attention to the appropriate definition of a relative magnetic helicity. The formalism is illustrated using a simple two-region, sheared-magnetic-field model similar to the Hahm–Kulsrud–Taylor (HKT) rippled-boundary slab model. In MRxMHD, a linear Grad–Shafranov equation applies, even at finite ripple amplitude. The adiabatic switching on of boundary ripple excites a shielding current sheet opposing reconnection at a resonant surface. The perturbed magnetic field as a function of ripple amplitude is calculated by invoking the conservation of magnetic helicity in the two regions separated by the current sheet. At low ripple amplitude, “half islands” appear on each side of the current sheet, locking the rotational transform at the resonant value. Beyond a critical amplitude, these islands disappear and the rotational transform develops a discontinuity across the current sheet.
Brownian dynamics of confined suspensions of active microrollers
Authors: Balboa Usabiaga Florencio , Delmotte Blaise , Donev Aleksandar
Published: April 2017

We develop efficient numerical methods for performing many-body Brownian dynamics simulations of a recently observed fingering instability in an active suspension of colloidal rollers sedimented above a wall [M. Driscoll, B. Delmotte, M. Youssef, S. Sacanna, A. Donev, and P. Chaikin, Nat. Phys. (2016), preprint arXiv:1609.08673. We present a stochastic Adams-Bashforth integrator for the equations of Brownian dynamics, which has the same cost but is more accurate than the widely used Euler-Maruyama scheme, and use a random finite difference to capture the stochastic drift proportional to the divergence of the configuration-dependent mobility matrix. We generate the Brownian increments using a Krylov method and show that for particles confined to remain in the vicinity of a no-slip wall by gravity or active flows, the number of iterations is independent of the number of particles. Our numerical experiments with active rollers show that the thermal fluctuations set the characteristic height of the colloids above the wall, both in the initial condition and the subsequent evolution dominated by active flows. The characteristic height in turn controls the time scale and wavelength for the development of the fingering instability.
Electrical properties of planar AlGaN/GaN Schottky diodes: Role of 2DEG and analysis of non-idealities
Authors: Persano Anna , Pio Iolanda , Tasco Vittorianna , Cuscunà Massimo , Passaseo Adriana , Cola Adriano
Published: April 2017

A detailed study of the electrical properties of planar AlGaN/GaN Schottky diodes is presented, the focus being on the role of the two dimensional electron gas (2DEG) depletion and the diodes non-idealities in different voltage regimes. The 2DEG depletion behavior is inferred from the analysis of capacitance and current measurements with transition from vertical to lateral diode operation occurring at Vpinch-off = 4 V. In particular, the sub-micrometer depletion width, laterally extending from the edge of the Schottky contact under high reverse voltages, is evaluated on the basis of a simple fringe capacitance model. Current transport mechanisms are discussed, investigating the interrelation between 2DEG, Poole-Frenkel effect, and defects. With regard to defects, the role of dislocations in the AlGaN/GaN diode non-idealities, usually interpreted in terms of Schottky barrier inhomogeneities, is critically addressed. Photocurrent spatial mapping under high reverse voltage points out the not uniform electric field distribution around the Schottky contact and highlights the presence of local photo-conductive paths, likely associated with the dislocations near the edge of the Schottky contact.
Correlation between battery material performance and cooperative electron-phonon interaction in LiCoyMn2-yO4
Authors: Ragavendran Krishna Rao , Mandal Prabhat , Yarlagadda Sudhakar
Published: April 2017

Understanding the basic physics related to archetypal lithium battery material (such as LiCoyMn2-yO4) is of considerable interest and is expected to aid the designing of cathodes of high capacity. The relationship between electrochemical performance, activated-transport parameters, thermal expansion, and cooperativity of electron-phonon-interaction distortions in LiCoyMn2-yO4 is investigated. The first order cooperative-normal-mode transition, detected through coefficient of thermal expansion, is found to disappear at a critical doping (y∼0.16); interestingly, for y≳0.16, the resistivity does not change much with doping, and the electrochemical capacity becomes constant over repeated cycling. The critical doping y∼0.16 results in breakdown of the network of cooperative/coherent normal-mode distortions; this leads to vanishing of the first-order transition, establishment of hopping channels with lower resistance, and enhancing lithiation and delithiation of the battery, thereby minimizing electrochemical capacity fading.
Solvent immersion imprint lithography: A high-performance, semi-automated procedure
Authors: Nemati S. H. , Liyu D. A. , Canul A. J. , Vasdekis A. E.
Published: April 2017

We expand upon our recent, fundamental report on solvent immersion imprint lithography (SIIL) and describe a semi-automated and high-performance procedure for prototyping polymer microfluidics and optofluidics. The SIIL procedure minimizes manual intervention through a cost-effective (∼$200) and easy-to-assemble apparatus. We analyze the procedure's performance specifically for Poly (methyl methacrylate) microsystems and report repeatable polymer imprinting, bonding, and 3D functionalization in less than 5 min, down to 8 μm resolutions and 1:1 aspect ratios. In comparison to commercial approaches, the modified SIIL procedure enables substantial cost reductions, a 100-fold reduction in imprinting force requirements, as well as a more than 10-fold increase in bonding strength. We attribute these advantages to the directed polymer dissolution that strictly localizes at the polymer-solvent interface, as uniquely offered by SIIL. The described procedure opens new desktop prototyping opportunities, particularly for non-expert users performing live-cell imaging, flow-through catalysis, and on-chip gas detection.
How soft substrates affect the buckling delamination of thin films through crack front sink-in
Authors: Boijoux R. , Parry G. , Faou J.-Y. , Coupeau C.
Published: April 2017

As the development of stretchable devices advances, engineering components with rigid films on soft substrates are becoming more numerous. We propose to analyse the buckle delamination of a film on a soft substrate, under a biaxial compressive stress state. This problem has already been investigated by an Euler column buckling analysis. In this paper, experiments on soft substrates are presented, which demonstrate that the buckle shape is, in some cases, better approximated by a “Mexican hat” shape. A model using a non-linear plate bonded to an elastic medium by a cohesive interaction is used to describe the delamination process. It is demonstrated that the “Mexican hat” shape modifies the crack propagation behavior for a soft substrate.
Coarse spectral characterization of warm x-rays at the Z facility using a filtered thermoluminescent dosimeter array
Authors: Harper-Slaboszewicz V. J. , Ulmen B. A. , Parzyck C. T. , Ampleford D. J. , McCourt A. L. , Bell K. S. , Coverdale C. A.
Published: April 2017

A new collimated filtered thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) array has been developed at the Z facility to characterize warm x-rays (hν > 10 keV) produced by Z pinch radiation sources. This array includes a Kapton debris shield assembly to protect the TLDs from the source debris, a collimator array to limit the field of view of the TLDs to the source region, a filter wheel containing filters of aluminum, copper and tungsten up to 3 mm thick to independently filter each TLD, and a hermetically sealed cassette containing the TLDs as well as tungsten shielding on the sides and back of the array to minimize scattered radiation reaching the TLDs. Experimental results from a krypton gas puff and silver wire array shot are analyzed using two different functional forms of the energy spectrum to demonstrate the ability of this diagnostic to consistently extend the upper end of the x-ray spectrum characterization from ∼50 keV to >1 MeV.
Room temperature exciton-polariton resonant reflection and suppressed absorption in periodic systems of InGaN quantum wells
Authors: Bolshakov A. S. , Chaldyshev V. V. , Zavarin E. E. , Sakharov A. V. , Lundin W. V. , Tsatsulnikov A. F. , Yagovkina M. A.
Published: April 2017

We studied the optical properties of periodic InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well systems with different numbers of periods. A resonant increase in the optical reflection and simultaneous suppression of the optical absorption have been revealed experimentally at room temperature when the Bragg and exciton resonances were tuned to each other. Numerical modeling with a single set of parameters gave a quantitatively accurate fit of the experimental reflection and transmission spectra in a wide wavelength range and various angles of the light incidence. The model included both exciton resonance and non-resonant band-to-band transitions in the InGaN quantum wells, as well as Rayleigh light scattering in the GaN buffer layer. The analysis also involved x-ray diffraction and photoluminescence data. It allowed us to determine the key parameters of the structure. In particular, the radiative broadening of the InGaN QW excitons was evaluated as 0.20 ± 0.02 meV.
Self-sensing paper-based actuators employing ferromagnetic nanoparticles and graphite
Authors: Phan Hoang-Phuong , Dinh Toan , Nguyen Tuan-Khoa , Vatani Ashkan , Md Foisal Abu Riduan , Qamar Afzaal , Kermany Atieh Ranjbar , Dao Dzung Viet , Nguyen Nam-Trung
Published: April 2017

Paper-based microfluidics and sensors have attracted great attention. Although a large number of paper-based devices have been developed, surprisingly there are only a few studies investigating paper actuators. To fulfill the requirements for the integration of both sensors and actuators into paper, this work presents an unprecedented platform which utilizes ferromagnetic particles for actuation and graphite for motion monitoring. The use of the integrated mechanical sensing element eliminates the reliance on image processing for motion detection and also allows real-time measurements of the dynamic response in paper-based actuators. The proposed platform can also be quickly fabricated using a simple process, indicating its potential for controllable paper-based lab on chip.
Use of multicolour fluorescence imaging for diagnosis of bacterial and fungal infection on zucchini by implementing machine learning
Authors: Pineda Mónica , Pérez-Bueno María Luisa , Paredes Vanessa , Barón Matilde
Published: April 2017

Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) is a cucurbitaceous plant ranking high in economic importance among vegetable crops worldwide. Pathogen infections cause alterations in plants primary and secondary metabolism that lead to a significant decrease in crop quality and yield. Such changes can be monitored by remote and proximal sensing, providing spatial and temporal information about the infection process. Remote sensing can also provide specific signatures of disease that could be used in phenotyping and to detect a pest, forecast its evolution and predict crop yield. In this work, metabolic changes triggered by soft rot (caused by Dickeya dadantii) and powdery mildew (caused by Podosphaera fusca) on zucchini leaves have been studied by multicolour fluorescence imaging and by thermography. The fluorescence parameter F520/F680 showed statistically significant differences between infected (with D. dadantii or P. fusca) and mock-control leaves during the whole period of study. Artificial neural networks, logistic regression analyses and support vector machines trained with a set of features characterising the histograms of F520/F680 images could be used as classifiers, discriminating between healthy and infected leaves. These results show the applicability of multicolour fluorescence imaging on plant phenotyping.
Modelling the dynamic behaviour of junction fires with a coupled atmosphere–fire model
Authors: Thomas C. M. , Sharples J. J. , Evans J. P.
Published: April 2017

Dynamic fire behaviour involves rapid changes in fire behaviour without significant changes in ambient conditions, and can compromise firefighter and community safety. Dynamic fire behaviour cannot be captured using spatial implementations of empirical fire-spread models predicated on the assumption of an equilibrium, or quasi-steady, rate of spread. In this study, a coupled atmosphere–fire model is used to model the dynamic propagation of junction fires, i.e. when two firelines merge at an oblique angle. This involves very rapid initial rates of spread, even with no ambient wind. The simulations are in good qualitative agreement with a previous experimental study, and indicate that pyro-convective interaction between the fire and the atmosphere is the key mechanism driving the dynamic fire propagation. An examination of the vertical vorticity in the simulations, and its relationship to the fireline geometry, gives insight into this mechanism. Junction fires have been modelled previously using curvature-dependent rates of spread. In this study, however, although fireline geometry clearly influences rate of spread, no relationship is found between local fireline curvature and the simulated instantaneous local rate of spread. It is possible that such a relationship may be found at larger scales.
Different historical fire–climate patterns in California
Authors: Keeley Jon E. , Syphard Alexandra D.
Published: April 2017

The relationship between annual variation in area burned and seasonal temperatures and precipitation was investigated for the major climate divisions in California. Historical analyses showed marked differences in fires on montane and foothill landscapes. Based on roughly a century of data, there are five important lessons on fire–climate relationships in California: (1) seasonal variations in temperature appear to have had minimal influence on area burned in the lower elevation, mostly non-forested, landscapes; (2) temperature has been a significant factor in controlling fire activity in higher elevation montane forests, but this varied greatly with season – winter and autumn temperatures showed no significant effect, whereas spring and summer temperatures were important determinants of area burned; (3) current season precipitation has been a strong controller of fire activity in forests, with drier years resulting in greater area burned on most United States Forest Service (USFS) lands in the state, but the effect of current-year precipitation was decidedly less on lower elevation California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection lands; (4) in largely grass-dominated foothills and valleys the magnitude of prior-year rainfall was positively tied to area burned in the following year, and we hypothesise that this is tied to greater fuel volume in the year following high rainfall. In the southern part of the state this effect has become stronger in recent decades and this likely is due to accelerated type conversion from shrubland to grassland in the latter part of the 20th century; (5) the strongest fire–climate models were on USFS lands in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and these explained 42–52% of the variation in area burned; however, the models changed over time, with winter and spring precipitation being the primary drivers in the first half of the 20th century, but replaced by spring and summer temperatures after 1960.
Pressure Effects on the Charge Carrier Transportation of BaF2 Nanocrystals*
Authors: Cui Xiao-Yan , Hu Ting-Jing , Wang Jing-Shu , Zhang Jun-Kai , Li Xue-Fei , Yang Jing-Hai , Gao Chun-Xiao
Published: April 2017

The charge transport behavior of barium fluoride nanocrystals is investigated by in situ impedance measurement up to 35 GPa. It is found that the parameters change discontinuously at about 6.9 GPa, corresponding to the phase transition of BaF2 nanocrystals under high pressure. The charge carriers in BaF2 nanocrystals include both F

−

ions and electrons. Pressure makes the electronic transport more difficult. The defects at grains dominate the electronic transport process. Pressure could make the charge–discharge processes in the

Fm
3
m

phase more difficult.
Medical Neurobiology
Authors: Mason Peggy
Published: April 2017

This textbook guides the medical student, regardless of background or intended specialty, through the anatomy and function of the human nervous system. In writing specifically for medical students, the author concentrates on the neural contributions to common diseases, whether neurological or not, and omits topics without clinical relevance. The two fundamental building blocks of the nervous system are neural communication and neuroanatomy. Foundations in both topics must be mastered. After learning the neurons and glial cells that comprise the nervous system, the book begins with a study of the anatomy of the nervous system before moving on to neural communication. With these basics of neurophysiology and neuroanatomy in hand, the reader is ready to tackle how the brain “works” by examining perception, voluntary movement, and homeostasis. The book is intended as a “travel guide” to the human brain, one that communicates to the reader the profound power and beauty of brain function while providing a memorable and enjoyable trip.
Gaze Control
Authors: Mason Peggy
Published: April 2017

In addition to serving perception, gaze acts as a powerful social signal and mode of communication. Gaze is altered in several psychiatric diseases and impaired by a variety of central and peripheral lesions. Eye movements that serve to stabilize gaze include the vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) and fixation, whereas eye movements that shift gaze include saccades, cancellation of the VOR, and smooth pursuit. The pontine horizontal gaze center and midbrain vertical gaze center connect to extraocular motoneurons and mediate all eye movements. Neural circuits involved in generating the VOR, horizontal saccades and saccade modulation are described in detail. Nystagmus consequent to unilateral labyrinthine damage is explained. Other forms of nystagmus including the optokinetic response are introduced. The role of internuclear interneurons in coordinating horizontal saccades and their failure in internuclear ophthalmalplegia are detailed. Finally, the mechanisms involved in fixation and smooth pursuit are briefly presented.
The Motor Unit and Orderly Recruitment
Authors: Mason Peggy
Published: April 2017

The physiological, metabolic, and anatomical properties of fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscle fibers are detailed. How the proportions of different types of muscle fibers in a muscle are matched to the functions of that muscle is described. The important concept of the motor unit consisting of the motoneuron and all the muscle fibers it innervates is introduced. The roles of warm-up, orderly recruitment, and tetanus in determining muscle force are elaborated. Examples of muscle fiber recruitment and de-recruitment during natural movements before and after weight-lifting exercise are presented. The large effects of small changes in motoneuron discharge on resulting muscle tension are discussed in the context of exercise and disease. Differences between extraocular and other skeletal muscles in composition and innervation have clinical implications. Finally, students are introduced to electromyography, a minimally invasive clinical test that can be used to assess motor unit function and reveal fibrillations.
From Movement to Action
Authors: Mason Peggy
Published: April 2017

Tracts descending from motor control centers in the brainstem and cortex target motor interneurons and in select cases motoneurons. The mechanisms and constraints of postural control are elaborated and the effect of body mass on posture discussed. Feed-forward reflexes that maintain posture during standing and other conditions of self-motion are described. The role of descending tracts in postural control and the pathological posturing is described. Pyramidal (corticospinal and corticobulbar) and extrapyramidal control of body and face movements is contrasted. Special emphasis is placed on cortical regions and tracts involved in deliberate control of facial expression; these pathways are contrasted with mechanisms for generating emotional facial expressions. The signs associated with lesions of either motoneurons or motor control centers are clearly detailed. The mechanisms and presentation of cerebral palsy are described. Finally, understanding how pre-motor cortical regions generate actions is used to introduce apraxia, a disorder of action.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Demoralization
Authors: Kissane David W.
Published: April 2017

Low morale can develop from a sense of poor coping with a predicament that cannot be changed, often encountered with progressive diseases like advanced cancer. The prevalence of clinically significant demoralization in patients with cancer is 15%. Demoralization can be diagnosed when a poor sense of coping is associated with low morale, reduced hope, and a sense of feeling stuck, with related symptoms of feeling helpless, pointless or purposeless, and with doubts about the value of continued life. Meaning-based coping may need to be evoked to reduce the accompanying distress and social and functional impairment that can develop. Diagnoses like demoralization syndrome, adjustment disorder with demoralization, and major depression with demoralization help to guide the optimal choice of treatment. Cognitively informed and existentially oriented therapies can help to restore morale and sustain engagement with the living.
Psychopharmacologic Management of Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Li Madeline , Rosenblat Joshua , Rodin Gary
Published: April 2017

Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent in patients with cancer. Defining the quality and severity of these symptoms, along with ruling out other causes for them, is required before treatment is initiated. The continuum of symptoms of depression or anxiety ranges from a normative response to more severe symptoms. Pharmacological management of depression and anxiety should be reserved for the latter, often in conjunction with psychotherapeutic interventions. Relative efficacy, adverse effects, and potential drug–drug interactions should be considered in the selection of medications. Antidepressants are first line in the treatment of both major depression and anxiety disorders. Antipsychotics may also be considered if antidepressant monotherapy yields only a partial response. Psychostimulants may be considered when time is short and when there are associated symptoms of fatigue or anergia. The short-term judicious use of benzodiazepines may also be considered for situational or severe anxiety, until an antidepressant takes effect.
Antenatal care, obstetrics, and fetal medicine
Authors: Fox Grenville , Hoque Nicholas , Watts Timothy
Published: April 2017

This chapter contains details of methods used for screening and diagnosis of fetal anomalies using antenatal blood tests, ultrasound scanning, chorionic villous sampling, amniocentesis, and fetal blood sampling. There are sections on pre-existing maternal diseases presenting risks to the fetus including maternal diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, thrombocytopenia, and neuromuscular disease, as well as those specific to pregnancy—pre-eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and eclampsia. Intrauterine growth restriction and monitoring is covered in detail. The increased fetal risks of multiple birth due to twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and other pregnancy complications are described, with detail on oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios, antepartum haemorrhage, preterm prelabour rupture of membranes, cord prolapse, preterm labour, and breech presentation. Intrapartum fetal assessment using electronic fetal monitoring and fetal blood sampling to diagnose fetal distress is covered to enable health professionals involved in care of the newborn to understand events which may have resulted in a baby born in poor condition.
Management at birth and routine postnatal care
Authors: Fox Grenville , Hoque Nicholas , Watts Timothy
Published: April 2017

This chapter contains information about babies needing extra observation and support, including transitional care. Also assessment and management of common post-natal ward problems is described, including dysmorphic babies and Down’s syndrome, congenital naevi and rashes, babies of drug-using mothers and neonatal abstinence, developmental dysplasia of the hip, spinal abnormalities, Erb’s palsy, and talipes equinovarus.
Problems on the postnatal ward
Authors: Fox Grenville , Hoque Nicholas , Watts Timothy
Published: April 2017

Guidelines for the resuscitation of the newborn are referenced by the latest UK Resuscitation Council guidelines, with additional information on delivery management, including management of meconium-stained amniotic fluid, delayed cord clamping, umbilical cord blood gases, and common congenital abnormalities. The chapter also covers routine care of low-risk and uncomplicated newborns, with advice on risk assessment and management planning, newborn examination, and transfer to the community.
Fluids and electrolytes
Authors: Fox Grenville , Hoque Nicholas , Watts Timothy
Published: April 2017

This chapter provides an overview of the background of fluid balance in the neonate, including the need to compensate for fluid loss (output), and the requirement to provide energy and nutrition. It also covers the management of common issues in fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance in the newborn period, including dehydration, sodium balance (hyponatraemia and hypernatraemia), hyperkalaemia, interpretation of blood gases (including pH, base excess, and anion gap), respiratory and metabolic acidosis, and hydrops fetalis.
Family support, consent, and end of life care
Authors: Fox Grenville , Hoque Nicholas , Watts Timothy
Published: April 2017

The chapter has a theme of supporting families, including strategies to develop successful relationships with families and involve families in decision-making in neonatal care. There are sections on effective communication with families, and consent to treatment. A detailed description of end of life decisions is included, with practical advice on redirection of care from intensive to palliative. Consent for post mortem examination is also covered.
Medical student training in communication skills
Authors: Makoul Gregory , Hauser Joshua , Schneiderman Henry
Published: April 2017

This chapter reviews contemporary approaches to teaching and assessing communication skills at the medical school level, explicating considerations for effective communication in the context of oncology and primary care. Primary approaches for training involve small-group teaching with either role play or interviews with simulated patients. The SEGUE Framework for Teaching and Assessing Communication Skills is a widely used conceptual framework that is flexible enough for diverse situations, yet sufficiently specific to afford practical guidance. Several aspects of communication in oncology and palliative care make communication particularly challenging and important: (i) physician role; (ii) illness severity; (iii) interdisciplinary teams; (iv) dying and death; (v) family involvement. Accordingly, this context presents predicaments requiring advanced communication skills, which augment the basic skills needed to accomplish tasks outlined in the SEGUE Framework. These include addressing: (i) bad news; (ii) prognosis/uncertainty; (iii) goals of care/palliative care; (iv) conflict management; (v) family meetings; (vi) teamwork.
Training patients to reach their communication goals
Authors: D’Agostino Thomas A. , Bylund Carma L. , Chewning Betty
Published: April 2017

Although effective physician–patient communication relies on both parties, an overwhelming majority of literature within the field of healthcare communication has focused on the physician or healthcare provider. This chapter presents research aimed at improving patient communication skills and physician–patient interactions through patient training. Published interventions can be categorized as those that entail the presentation of written materials only, materials plus some form of individualized coaching, or a group-based training format. Many patient communication interventions focus exclusively on patient question asking. Interventions reviewed in this chapter incorporate a broader range of skills towards a more comprehensive training. Available literature has demonstrated the impact of patient communication skills training on patient self-efficacy, behavioural intention, observed skill usage, treatment adherence, and more. A notable limitation of current research is the lack of a unifying theoretical model. The chapter proposes concordance, or shared physician–patient agreement, as a useful conceptual framework.
Audio-recording cancer consultations for patients and their families—putting evidence into practice
Authors: Hack Thomas F. , Beaver Kinta , Schofield Penelope
Published: April 2017

This chapter aims to briefly review the empirical literature on the value of consultation audio-recordings for patients and families; conduct a theory-driven examination of the factors that limit practice uptake of this intervention; and provide practical suggestions for how these factors might best be addressed to enhance clinical uptake of consultation audio-recording use. The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARIHS) Framework is used to examine the impact of scientific evidence, context-specific factors, and facilitation principles, as these pertain to the uptake of consultation audio-recording in practice. Important considerations in efforts to implement a consultation audio-recording service are provided, including leadership, perceived value and benefit, resource costs, technological practicalities, litigation concerns, and staff training and support. Both top-down and bottom-up approaches to implementation are recommended to enhance the likelihood of successful uptake into practice.
Dealing with cancer recurrence
Authors: Schapira Lidia , Goldstein Lauren
Published: April 2017

When patients conclude active cancer therapy, many experience an elevated degree of awareness and worry about disease recurrence. For most patients, this anxiety is intermittent and tolerable, but for others, it is quite disruptive. Patients’ psychological and cognitive difficulties are not systematically explored during routine medical visits. Receiving the news of cancer recurrence is enormously difficult and so is the disclosure of news for the oncologist. The chapter provides practical tips for disclosing prognostic information. Physicians can and should pay particular attention to patients’ overall quality of life, rather than focusing solely on the medical reality, and strive to balance their own communicative preferences and strategies with the needs of their patients, tailoring their process of disclosing news of recurrence to patients’ expressed preferences in order to facilitate coping and sustain the therapeutic alliance.
Working as a multidisciplinary team
Authors: Turner Jane
Published: April 2017

Multidisciplinary care is established as the optimal model of clinical treatment of patients with cancer. As cancer treatment becomes increasingly complex, it is obvious that no one individual can maintain knowledge and skills across all domains of care. This means that a collaborative approach is required to ensure that expertise is available to assist in decision-making and planning of treatment, which is evidence-based and focused on the needs of the individual patient, taking into account their social and family context. This chapter describes the benefits of treatment by a multidisciplinary team including a description of the characteristics of well-functioning teams. Information is provided about adverse impacts on patient outcomes if there is poor communication within the multidisciplinary team. Evidence about strategies to improve communication within the multidisciplinary team is presented, supported by practical exercises to apply learning into the clinical setting.
Supporting patients considering reconstructive surgery
Authors: Harcourt Diana , Clarke Alex
Published: April 2017

Cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant negative impact on patients’ well-being, body image, sexuality, and sense of self. Reconstructive surgery is commonly assumed to offer improved body image and quality of life to patients whose appearance has altered as a result of cancer treatment, but deciding whether or not to undergo reconstructive surgery can be difficult. This chapter uses the example of breast reconstruction to consider the ways in which patients faced with complex decisions about appearance-altering reconstructive surgery might be helped to make the choice that is best for them. It outlines typical options around the type and timing of breast reconstruction, considers patients’ motivation for surgery, and satisfaction with the outcome. It then explores ways of helping them make their decision, highlighting the use of decision aids and interventions focused around patients’ expectations of surgery as a way of facilitating shared decision-making in this context.