bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Passivating the sulfur vacancy in monolayer MoS2
Authors: Lu Haichang , Kummel Andrew , Robertson John
Published: June 2018

Various methods to passivate the sulfur vacancy in 2D MoS2 are modeled using density functional theory (DFT) to understand the passivation mechanism at an atomic scale. First, the organic super acid, bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (TFSI) is a strong protonating agent, and it is experimentally found to greatly increase the photoluminescence efficiency. DFT simulations find that the effectiveness of passivation depends critically on the charge state and number of hydrogens donated by TFSI since this determines the symmetry of the defect complex. A symmetrical complex is formed by three hydrogen atoms bonding to the defect in a −1 charge state, and this gives no bandgap states and a Fermi level in the midgap. However, a charge state of +1 gives a lower symmetry complex with one state in the gap. One or two hydrogens also give complexes with gap states. Second, passivation by O2 can provide partial passivation by forming a bridge bond across the S vacancy, but it leaves a defect state in the lower bandgap. On the other hand, substitutional additions do not shift the vacancy states out of the gap.
Surface properties of lead-free halide double perovskites: Possible visible-light photo-catalysts for water splitting
Authors: Volonakis George , Giustino Feliciano
Published: June 2018

Halide double perovskites based on combinations of monovalent and trivalent cations have been proposed as promising lead-free alternatives to lead halide perovskites. Among the newly synthesized compounds Cs2BiAgCl6, Cs2BiAgBr6, Cs2SbAgCl6, and Cs2InAgCl6, some exhibit bandgaps in the visible range and all have low carrier effective masses; therefore, these materials constitute potential candidates for various opto-electronic applications. Here, we use first-principles calculations to investigate the electronic properties of the surfaces of these four compounds and determine, for the first time, their ionization potential and electron affinity. We find that the double perovskites Cs2BiAgCl6 and Cs2BiAgBr6 are potentially promising materials for photo-catalytic water splitting, while Cs2InAgCl6 and Cs2SbAgCl6 would require controlling their surface termination to obtain energy levels appropriate for water splitting. The energy of the halogen p orbitals is found to control the conduction band level; therefore, we propose that mixed halides could be used to fine-tune the electronic affinity.
Combining participatory action research and appreciative inquiry to design, deliver and evaluate an interdisciplinary continuing education program for a regional health workforce
Authors: Martyn Julie-Anne , Scott Jackie , van der Westhuyzen Jasper H. , Spanhake Dale , Zanella Sally , Martin April , Newby Ruth
Published: June 2018

Objective Continuing education (CE) is essential for a healthcare workforce, but in regional areas of Australia there are challenges to providing and accessing relevant, reliable and low-cost opportunities. The aim of the present study was to collaborate with the local regional healthcare workforce to design, deliver and evaluate an interdisciplinary CE (ICE) program. Methods A participatory action research (PAR) model combined with an appreciative inquiry (AI) framework was used to design, deliver and evaluate an ICE program. A focus group of 11 health professionals developed an initial program. Evaluation data from 410 program participants were analysed using AI. Results The ICE program addressed the CE barriers for the regional healthcare workforce because the locally derived content was delivered at a reasonable cost and in a convenient location. Program participants identified that they most valued shared experiences and opportunities enabling them to acquire and confirm relevant knowledge. Conclusion ICE programs enhance interdisciplinary collaboration. However, attendance constraints for regional healthcare workforce include location, cost, workplace and personal factors. Through community engagement, resource sharing and cooperation, a local university and the interdisciplinary focus group members successfully designed and delivered the local education and research nexus program to address a CE problem for a regional healthcare workforce. What is known about the topic? Participation in CE is mandatory for most health professionals. However, various barriers exist for regional health workers to attending CE. Innovative programs, such as webinars and travelling workshops, address some of the issues but create others. Bringing various health workers together for the simultaneous education of multiple disciplines is beneficial. Collectively, this is called ICE. What does this paper add? Using PAR combined with AI to design an ICE program will focus attention on the enablers of the program and meet the diverse educational needs of the healthcare workforce in regional areas. Engaging regional health professionals with a local university to design and deliver CE is one way to increase access to quality, cost-effective education. What are the implications for practitioners? Regional healthcare workers’ CE needs are more likely to be met when education programs are designed by them and developed for them. ICE raises awareness of the roles of multiple healthcare disciplines. Learning together strengthens healthcare networks by bolstering relationships through a greater understanding of each other’s roles. Enriching communication between local health workers has the potential to enhance patient care.
Sea-level rise in northern Australia's Kakadu National Park: a survey of floodplain eukaryotes
Authors: Stephenson Sarah A. , Nelson Tiffanie M. , Streten Claire , Gibb Karen S. , Williams David , Greenfield Paul , Chariton Anthony A.
Published: June 2018

Forecasted climate-change models predict that much of northern Australia’s coastal habitats will be in retreat because of saltwater intrusion (SWI) from sea-level rise. A region of primary concern is the nutrient-rich and biodiverse floodplains of world heritage-listed Kakadu National Park (KNP). To understand the implications of SWI, we need fundamental baseline information for floodplain biota from the South Alligator River, KNP, northern Australia, and informative data on how increased and prolonged exposure to salt is likely to shape the eukaryotic community. To assist in addressing these key knowledge gaps, we used amplicon sequencing to examine the composition of eukaryotic soil communities from the South Alligator River floodplain, an ecologically important area at the ‘coalface’ of sea-level rise. Samples were obtained from three river zones and three floodplain morphologies, capturing a wide range of habitats and episodic exposures to both saltwater and freshwater. We found that both the floodplain morphology and positioning along the river significantly influenced eukaryotic composition. However, the influence of these variables varied greatly among the floodplain morphologies, with correlative evidence suggesting that both salinity and pH played a dominant role in shaping communities within lower parts of the floodplain, with this being particularly evident in those regions subjected to major tidal influence (estuarine funnel and sinuous, and cuspate).
Distinct human circulating NKp30
+
FcεRIγ
+
CD8
+
T cell population exhibiting high natural killer-like antitumor potential
Authors: Correia Margareta P. , Stojanovic Ana , Bauer Katharina , Juraeva Dilafruz , Tykocinski Lars-Oliver , Lorenz Hanns-Martin , Brors Benedikt , Cerwenka Adelheid
Published: June 2018

Significance

CD8
+
T cell recognition of tumor cells is typically based on the detection of specific MHC–peptide complexes, while natural killer (NK) cell recognition relies on the detection of NK ligands by an array of NK receptors. In this study we uncovered a distinct small population of CD8
+
T cells expressing NKp30, a potent activating NK receptor, on peripheral blood from healthy donors. Those innate-like CD8
+
T cells, coexpressing FcεRIγ and PZLF, could be generated and differentiated from a population of peripheral blood CD8
+
T cells as result of IL-15–driven acquisition of broad innate features. This unique effector population could potently control the growth of tumors in an NK-like manner, making it promising for cancer immunotherapy by its dual target-recognition potential.
Metapopulation stability in branching river networks
Authors: Terui Akira , Ishiyama Nobuo , Urabe Hirokazu , Ono Satoru , Finlay Jacques C. , Nakamura Futoshi
Published: June 2018

Significance

Metapopulation stability is a critical ecological property. Although ecosystem size has been considered as a fundamental driver of metapopulation stability, current theories developed in simplified landscapes may not be appropriate for complex branching ecosystems, such as rivers. Here, we show that a scale-independent characteristic of fractal river networks, branching complexity (measured as branching probability), stabilizes watershed metapopulations. We theoretically revealed that a strong association between branching complexity and metapopulation stability is a consequence of purely probabilistic processes. Furthermore, the stabilizing effect of branching complexity was consistently observed in metapopulations of four ecologically distinct riverine fishes. Hence, branching complexity may be a ubiquitous agent of metapopulation stability in branching ecosystems. The loss of such complexity may undermine resilience of metapopulations.
Ancient genomes from North Africa evidence prehistoric migrations to the Maghreb from both the Levant and Europe
Authors: Fregel Rosa , Méndez Fernando L. , Bokbot Youssef , Martín-Socas Dimas , Camalich-Massieu María D. , Santana Jonathan , Morales Jacob , Ávila-Arcos María C. , Underhill Peter A. , Shapiro Beth , Wojcik Genevieve , Rasmussen Morten , Soares André E. R. , Kapp Joshua , Sockell Alexandra , Rodríguez-Santos Francisco J. , Mikdad Abdeslam , Trujillo-Mederos Aioze , Bustamante Carlos D.
Published: June 2018

Significance

The acquisition of agricultural techniques during the so-called Neolithic revolution has been one of the major steps forward in human history. Using next-generation sequencing and ancient-DNA techniques, we directly test whether Neolithization in North Africa occurred through the transmission of ideas or by demic diffusion. We show that Early Neolithic Moroccans are composed of an endemic Maghrebi element still retained in present-day North African populations, resembling the genetic component observed in Later Stone Age communities from Morocco. However, Late Neolithic individuals from North Africa are admixed, with a North African and a European component. Our results support the idea that the Neolithization of North Africa involved both the development of Epipaleolithic communities and the migration of people from Europe.
Empirical evidence for stability of the 405-kiloyear Jupiter–Venus eccentricity cycle over hundreds of millions of years
Authors: Kent Dennis V. , Olsen Paul E. , Rasmussen Cornelia , Lepre Christopher , Mundil Roland , Irmis Randall B. , Gehrels George E. , Giesler Dominique , Geissman John W. , Parker William G.
Published: June 2018

Significance

Rhythmic climate cycles of various assumed frequencies recorded in sedimentary archives are increasingly used to construct a continuous geologic timescale. However, the age range of valid theoretical orbital solutions is limited to only the past 50 million years. New U–Pb zircon dates from the Chinle Formation tied using magnetostratigraphy to the Newark–Hartford astrochronostratigraphic polarity timescale provide empirical confirmation that the unimodal 405-kiloyear orbital eccentricity cycle reliably paces Earth’s climate back to at least 215 million years ago, well back in the Late Triassic Period.
Strategies to synthesise copper oxide nanoparticles and their bio applications – a review
Authors: Khatoon Umme Thahira , Mohan Mantravadi Krishna , Nageswara Rao G. V. S.
Published: June 2018

Researchers have identified copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) as a key of interest because of their unique shape- and size-dependent bio-medical properties. Researchers have discovered and invented a variety of methods for the synthesis of CuO-NPs under physical, chemical and biological approach. In this review paper, we give an overview of the preparation of CuO-NPs through various methods and also their applications in the bio-medical field. The main aim of this paper is to keep up to date with the myriad ongoing methods of NPs’ synthesis and also examine their applications, especially in the field of medicine.
From cultural showcases to public diplomacy agents: Basque-American festivals in the United States
Authors: Goirizelaia Maialen , Iturregui Leire
Published: June 2018

Basque festivals in the United States have a long history. Among the festivals organized, there are festivals with different objectives. The objective of the first festivals was to unite the Basque community in the United States, as some Basques were from the Spanish side of the Basque Country and others from the French side, the objective was to unite all of them as Basques to a one-time two day festival to celebrate together and meet each other. The Western Basque Festival organized in 1959 in Sparks is an example of this. Annual Basque National Festival in Elko also wanted to have an internal joint celebration: still not focused on inviting non-Basques, but yes promoting positive image to Elko Basques. Inter-community Basque festivals have a history of over 100 years with Basques in New York in the early 1900s and western Basques since the 1920s. After that, ones Basques were united and almost settled in the United States, they started organizing festivals with another objective: invite the non Basque public and be accepted in the American society. The BoiseJaialdiFestival and Smithsonian Folklife Festival break the mould by specifically inviting the non-Basque public. What we would like to show with this research is how Basques and Basque American festivals, thanks to Public Relation activities as the festivals organized in the United States, have become public diplomacy agents and help in the relations between the United States and the Basque Country.
Data‐driven quantification of the effect of wind on athletics performance
Authors: Moinat M. , Fabius O. , Emanuel K. S.
Published: June 2018

So far, the relationship between wind and athletics performance has been studied mainly for 100 m sprint, based on simulation of biomechanical models, requiring several assumptions. In this study, this relationship is quantified empirically for all five horizontal jump and sprint events where wind is measured, with freely available competition results. After systematic scraping several elite and sub‐elite results sites, the obtained results (n = 150,169) were filtered and matched to athletes. A quadratic mixed effects model with athlete and season as random effects was applied to express the influence of wind velocity on performance in each event. Whether this effect differs with performance level was investigated by applying the model on subgroups based on performance level. In the fitted quadratic model, the linear coefficients were significant (p < .001) for all events; the quadratic coefficients were significant for all events (p < .001) except long jump (p = .138). A 2.0 m s−1 tail wind provides an average advantage of 0.125, 0.140 and 0.146−s for the 100, 200 and 100/110 m hurdles, respectively, and an advantage of 0.058 and 0.102 m for long jump and triple jump, respectively. Performance level had a significant effect on the wind influence only for 100 m (p < .001). Amateur athletes (∼13 s) benefit 69% more from a 2.0 m s−1 tail wind than elite athletes (∼10 s). Practical formulas are presented for each event. These can easily be used correct results for wind speed, allowing better talent scouting and championship selection. This study demonstrates the efficacy of answering scientific questions empirically, through freely available data.
Centrosome amplification disrupts renal development and causes cystogenesis
Authors: Dionne Lai Kuan , Shim Kyuhwan , Hoshi Masato , Cheng Tao , Wang Jinzhi , Marthiens Veronique , Knoten Amanda , Basto Renata , Jain Sanjay , Mahjoub Moe R.
Published: June 2018

Centrosome number is tightly controlled to ensure proper ciliogenesis, mitotic spindle assembly, and cellular homeostasis. Centrosome amplification (the formation of excess centrosomes) has been noted in renal cells of patients and animal models of various types of cystic kidney disease. Whether this defect plays a causal role in cystogenesis remains unknown. Here, we investigate the consequences of centrosome amplification during kidney development, homeostasis, and after injury. Increasing centrosome number in vivo perturbed proliferation and differentiation of renal progenitors, resulting in defective branching morphogenesis and renal hypoplasia. Centrosome amplification disrupted mitotic spindle morphology, ciliary assembly, and signaling pathways essential for the function of renal progenitors, highlighting the mechanisms underlying the developmental defects. Importantly, centrosome amplification was sufficient to induce rapid cystogenesis shortly after birth. Finally, we discovered that centrosome amplification sensitized kidneys in adult mice, causing cystogenesis after ischemic renal injury. Our study defines a new mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of renal cystogenesis, and identifies a potentially new cellular target for therapy.
Between sisters: Watching replication-associated recombinational DNA repair
Authors: Lovett Susan T.
Published: June 2018

Amarh et al. (2018. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201803020) visualize for the first time the repair of double-strand breaks during DNA replication. As viewed by live-cell fluorescent imaging of Escherichia coli, repair of replication-dependent breaks is extraordinarily rapid and localized within the cell.
Effects of Prevulcanization Time of Natural Rubber on Kenaf Filled Natural Rubber Foam
Authors: Abdul Karim A F , Ismail H , Mohamad Ariff Z
Published: June 2018

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of prevulcanization time of natural rubber latex (NRL) on properties of kenaf filled natural rubber latex foam (NRLF). The prevulcanization time of NRL was set at 24 hours. The tensile properties, compression set and morphological properties of kenaf filled NRLF after 24 hours of prevulcanization time were compared with samples without prevulcanized. The tensile strength and modulus at 100% elongation (M100) of prevulcanized samples was higher but lower in elongation at break as compared with without prevulcanized samples. The results from thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the thermal stability of prevulcanized samples was higher than without prevulcanized samples. The prevulcanized samples found to have higher elasticity compared with without prevulcanized samples based compression set test. The morpholgy of both samples were also compared using scanning electron microscope (SEM). From the micrograph of SEM, it was found that prevulcanized kenaf filled NRLF samples show better interfacial bonding compared with kenaf filled NRLF without prevulcanized. This proved that prevulcanized natural rubber latex enhanced the properties of kenaf filled NRLF.
Variation of Ground-Level Ozone Concentration in Urbanized Area in Malaysia
Authors: Mohamed Noor N , Mohamad Hasim N I , Yusof S Y
Published: June 2018

The study focused on ground level ozone concentration in 3 selected urbanized areas in Malaysia that are Shah Alam, Ipoh, and Malacca. The main objective of this study is to determine the correlation between the ozone concentration, air pollutant and meteorological parameters. First, the surface ozone concentration was characterised to observe the variation of ozone concentration in the studied areas. The diurnal variation of ozone in all selected urbanized area is characterized by low concentration during early morning and late night and high concentration during day time. The average ozone concentrations are below the limit (0.1 ppm) of Malaysian Ambient Air Quality Guideline permissible level, however high hourly concentration were recorded during the day especially at 1.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. The correlation coefficient between ozone and the various meteorological parameters were weak except for certain pollutantssuch as NO2, NOx and CO.
Upper mantle anisotropy and deformation beneath the major thrust-and-fold belts of Zagros and Alborz and the Iranian Plateau
Authors: Sadeghi-Bagherabadi Amir , Sobouti Farhad , Ghods Abdolreza , Motaghi Khalil , Talebian Morteza , Chen Ling , Jiang Mingming , Ai Yinshuang , He Yumei
Published: June 2018

We present new SKS splitting measurements obtained from a temporary seismic broad-band network in western Iran across the Arabia–Eurasia collision zone. The average delay time over the entire network was found to be 1.27 ± 0.27 s. In the Zagros where the lithosphere attains its greatest thickness, the fast-axes are predominantly subparallel to the trend of the mountain ranges, suggesting a lithospheric origin of the anisotropy caused by transpressional deformation. In contrast in the Alborz, the fast-axes become subparallel to the absolute plate motion vectors and we propose that anisotropy is mainly controlled by the direction of the asthenospheric flow field. The central Iran region shows a more complex pattern of anisotropy that could be the result of variable and small-scale deformation fields in the crust and the shallow sublithospheric mantle.
Dependence of the Density of States on the Probability Distribution for Discrete Random Schrödinger Operators
Authors: Hislop Peter D , Marx Christoph A
Published: June 2018

We prove that the density of states measure (DOSm) for random Schrödinger operators on $\mathbb{Z}^d$ is weak-$^{\ast }$ Hölder-continuous in the probability measure. The framework we develop is general enough to extend to a wide range of discrete, random operators, including the Anderson model on the Bethe lattice, as well as random Schrödinger operators on the strip. An immediate application of our main result provides quantitive continuity estimates for the disorder dependence of the DOSm and the integrated density of states (IDS) in the weak disorder regime. These results hold for a general compactly supported single-site probability measure, without any further assumptions. The few previously available results for the disorder dependence of the IDS valid for dimensions $d \geqslant 2$ assumed absolute continuity of the single-site measure and thus excluded the Bernoulli–Anderson model. As a further application of our main result, we establish quantitative continuity results for the Lyapunov exponent of random Schrödinger operators for $d=1$ in the probability measure with respect to the weak-$^{\ast }$ topology.
A Prognostic Gene Signature Expressed in Primary Cutaneous Melanoma: Synergism With Conventional Staging
Authors: Brunner Georg , Heinecke Achim , Falk Thomas M , Ertas Beyhan , Blödorn-Schlicht Norbert , Schulze Hans-Joachim , Suter Ludwig , Atzpodien Jens , Berking Carola
Published: June 2018

Background

Current clinico-pathological American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging of primary cutaneous melanoma is limited in its ability to determine clinical outcome, and complementary biomarkers are not available for routine prognostic assessment. We therefore adapted a gene signature, previously identified in fresh-frozen (FF) melanomas and adjacent stroma, to formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) melanomas. The aim was to develop a gene expression profiling (GEP) score to define patient survival probability at the time of first diagnosis.

Methods

Expression of 11 FF melanoma signature genes was quantified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in an FFPE melanoma training cohort (n = 125), corresponding to the combined FF melanoma training and validation cohorts. The resulting GEP score was validated technically and clinically in an independent FFPE melanoma cohort (n = 211). All statistical tests were two-sided.

Results

We identified a prognostic eight-gene signature in the tumor area (tumor and adjacent tissue) of AJCC stage I–III melanomas. A signature-based GEP score correlated with melanoma-specific survival (MSS; Kaplan-Meier analysis: P < .0001) was independent of tumor stage (multivariable regression analysis: P = .0032) and stroma content (<5%–90%) and complemented conventional AJCC staging (receiver operating characteristic curve analysis: area under the curve = 0.91). In the clinical validation cohort, the GEP score remained statistically significant (P = .0131) in a multivariable analysis accounting for conventional staging. The GEP score was technically robust (reproducibility: 93%; n = 84) and clinically useful, as a binary as well as a continuous score, in predicting stage-specific patient MSS.

Conclusions

The GEP score is a clinically significant prognostic tool, contributes additional information regarding the MSS of melanoma patients, and complements conventional staging.
Cessation Clauses, Uncertain Futures and Wellbeing among Rwandan Urban Refugees in Cameroon
Authors: Yotebieng Kelly A , Syvertsen Jennifer L , Kum Awah Paschal
Published: June 2018

Over half of the world’s displaced persons live in urban areas of developing countries. As they settle into countries with already strained health services, urban refugees face a unique set of challenges related to accessing social and mental health services. Humanitarian policy can inadvertently exacerbate these problems. This article discusses the intersection of humanitarian policy and physical and mental wellbeing among the Rwandan urban-refugee community facing uncertain futures in Yaoundé, Cameroon, as the result of a Cessation Clause. This analysis drew from participant observation, focus groups and unstructured interviews with 30 Rwandan refugee households in Yaoundé, Cameroon, over 11 months in May–August 2016, May–August 2017 and February–June 2018. The theme of uncertain futures stemming from humanitarian policy changes as a source of anxiety about the future organically emerged from the Rwandan research participants. Our analysis highlights the need to review the impacts that global humanitarian policies have on refugees’ wellbeing and the ways in which it can erode hope.
Exploring the fate of mRNA in aging seeds: protection, destruction, or slow decay?
Authors: Fleming Margaret B , Patterson Eric L , Reeves Patrick A , Richards Christopher M , Gaines Todd A , Walters Christina
Published: June 2018

Seeds exist in the vulnerable state of being unable to repair the chemical degradation all organisms suffer, which slowly ages seeds and eventually results in death. Proposed seed aging mechanisms involve all classes of biological molecules, and degradation of total RNA has been detected contemporaneously with viability loss in dry-stored seeds. To identify changes specific to mRNA, we examined the soybean (Glycine max) seed transcriptome, using new, whole-molecule sequencing technology. We detected strong evidence of transcript fragmentation in 23-year-old, compared with 2-year-old, seeds. Transcripts were broken non-specifically, and greater fragmentation occurred in longer transcripts, consistent with the proposed mechanism of molecular fission by free radical attack at random bases. Seeds died despite high integrity of short transcripts, indicating that functions encoded by short transcripts are not sufficient to maintain viability. This study provides an approach to probe the asymptomatic phase of seed aging, namely by quantifying transcript degradation as a function of storage time.
Comprehensive Drilling of C1-2 Facets and Multiplanar Realignment for Atlanto-Axial Dislocation and Basilar Invagination: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Salunke Pravin , Sahoo Sushanta K
Published: June 2018

The management for congenital atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) and basilar invagination (BI) has significantly changed in the last 2 decades. Authors operate these cases through a direct posterior approach by opening and manipulating the C1-2 joints (irrespective of C1 assimilation), modifying Goel's technique. The joints in these cases are often oblique in both sagittal and coronal planes giving rise to anteroposterior and vertical slip of C1 on C2. Asymmetry on either side gives rise to coronal/lateral angular tilt along with rotational component. The authors have described comprehensive drilling of the facets (osteotomies) in sagittal and coronal planes to release the joints. Metallic spacers with graft window packed with bone chips are inserted to compensate for the drilled bone. Screws are inserted in C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle. A rod is fastened between the screw heads and further multiplanar realignment can be achieved by manipulating the rod. The technique obviates the need for transoral decompression and the C1-2 joints are closely fused. The facetal osteotomies coupled with manipulation for realignment in all planes provides a composite solution for even the extremely complex lateral dislocation or complete spondyloptosis with severely deformed C1-2 joints that may be difficult with techniques described earlier. There is no need to include occipital squama and multiple cervical vertebrae in the construct, irrespective of the C1 assimilation. The authors have operated over 200 cases of irreducible CAAD/BI with good outcome and have illustrated their technique in this video. Proper informed consent was obtained from the patient.
Validating Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Apothecial Models to Predict Sclerotinia Stem Rot in Soybean (Glycine max) Fields
Authors: Willbur Jaime F. , Fall Mamadou L. , Byrne Adam M. , Chapman Scott A. , McCaghey Megan M. , Mueller Brian D. , Schmidt Roger , Chilvers Martin I. , Mueller Daren S. , Kabbage Mehdi , Giesler Loren J. , Conley Shawn P. , Smith Damon L.
Published: June 2018

In soybean, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum apothecia are the sources of primary inoculum (ascospores) critical for Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) development. We recently developed logistic regression models to predict the presence of apothecia in irrigated and nonirrigated soybean fields. In 2017, small-plot trials were established to validate two weather-based models (one for irrigated fields and one for nonirrigated fields) to predict SSR development. Additionally, apothecial scouting and disease monitoring were conducted in 60 commercial fields in three states between 2016 and 2017 to evaluate model accuracy across the growing region. Site-specific air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed data were obtained through the Integrated Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education (iPiPE) and Dark Sky weather networks. Across all locations, iPiPE-driven model predictions during the soybean flowering period (R1 to R4 growth stages) explained end-of-season disease observations with an accuracy of 81.8% using a probability action threshold of 35%. Dark Sky data, incorporating bias corrections for weather variables, explained end-of-season disease observations with 87.9% accuracy (in 2017 commercial locations in Wisconsin) using a 40% probability threshold. Overall, these validations indicate that these two weather-based apothecial models, using either weather data source, provide disease risk predictions that both reduce unnecessary chemical application and accurately advise applications at critical times.
Failure on the Foam Eyes Closed Test of Standing Balance Associated With Reduced Semicircular Canal Function in Healthy Older Adults
Authors: Anson Eric , Bigelow Robin T. , Studenski Stephanie , Deshpande Nandini , Agrawal Yuri
Published: June 2018

Objectives:

Standing on foam with eyes closed (FOEC) has been characterized as a measure of vestibular function; however, the relative contribution of vestibular function and proprioceptive function to the FOEC test has not been well described. In this study, the authors investigate the relationship between peripheral sensory systems (vestibular and proprioception) and performance on the FOEC test in a cohort of healthy adults.

Design:

A total of 563 community-dwelling healthy adults (mean age, 72.7 [SD, 12.6] years; range, 27 to 93 years) participating in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging were tested. Proprioceptive threshold (PROP) was evaluated with passive motion detection at the right ankle. Vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain was measured using video head impulses. Otolith function was measured with cervical and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials. Participants stood on FOEC for 40 sec while wearing BalanSens (BioSensics, LLC, Watertown, MA) to quantify center of mass sway area. A mixed-model multiple logistic regression was used to examine the odds of passing the FOEC test based on PROP, VOR, cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential, and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potential function in a multisensory model while controlling for age and gender.

Results:

The odds of passing the FOEC test decreased by 15% (p < 0.001) for each year of increasing age and by 8% with every 0.1 reduction in VOR gain (p = 0.025). Neither PROP nor otolith function was significantly associated with passing the FOEC test.

Conclusions:

Failure to maintain balance during FOEC may serve as a proxy for rotational vestibular contributions to postural control. Semicircular canals are more sensitive to low-frequency motion than otoliths that may explain these relationships because standing sway is dominated by lower frequencies. Lower VOR gain and increased age independently decreased the odds of passing the test.
A Computed Tomography Study of the C7 Vertebra Screws Fixation in Children
Authors: Liu Junhao , Ji Wei , Huang Zucheng , Kong Ganggang , Liu Qi , Huang Zhiping , Wu Xiuhua , Zhu Qingan
Published: June 2018

Study Design.

Retrospective analysis of computed tomographic images of 92 normal pediatric cervical vertebrae.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to ascertain the feasibility of the pedicle, intralaminar, and lateral mass screws fixation in children.

Summary of Background Data.

Fixation techniques of C7 vertebrae are technically challenging in the pediatric population. Although the techniques offer alternatives to screws placement at C7 spine in adult, there is no consensus to apply these screws in children.

Methods.

A total of 92 patients (59 males and 33 females) from 3- to 16-year old divided into three groups (group 1, 1–6 years; group2, 7–10 years; group 3, 11–16 years) were included. Measurements were taken through computed tomography (CT) imaging without evidence of spinal trauma. Length, width, and angle of lamina and pedicle were measured, and lateral mass length was also assessed.

Results.

There was no statistical difference between the left and right sides, as well as the sexes. In 1 to 6 years’ age group, 83.3% of the laminas and 87.5% of the pedicles measured have thicknesses of >3.5 mm. In 7 to 10 years’ age group, 84.0% of the laminas and all the pedicles observed have thicknesses of >3.5 mm. In 11 to 16 years’ age group, 88.4% of the laminas and 97.7% of the pedicles measured have thicknesses of >3.5 mm. Most of the spinolaminar angles were between 42.5° and 56°. There are three cases (3.3%) having lateral mass length >12 mm.

Conclusion.

It is feasible to insert a screw (Ø 3.5 mm) in C7 lamina in children, and the intralaminar screw fixation is a safe and reliable technique. Around 49°, the spinolaminar angle with axial position, can be used as reference for placing screws in the C7 lamina. Preoperative CT scan will help surgeons to insert the laminar screw safely and accurately.

Level of Evidence: N/A
Concurrent and Overlapping Surgery
Authors: Bryant Jessica , Markes Alexander , Woolridge Tiana , Cerruti Dede , Dzeng Elizabeth , Koenig Barbara , Diab Mohammad
Published: June 2018

Study Design.

Prospective cross-sectional survey.

Objective.

To determine the perspectives of parents of patients undergoing posterior instrumented fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) regarding simultaneous surgery and trainee participation.

Summary of Background Data.

Simultaneous (“at the same time”) surgery is under scrutiny by the public, government, payers, and the medical community. The objective of this study is to determine the perspectives of parents of patients undergoing posterior instrumented fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Our goal is to inform the national conversation on this subject with real patient and family voices.

Methods.

A survey was prospectively administered to 31 consecutive parents of patients undergoing posterior instrumented fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis at a large academic medical center. “Overlapping” was defined as simultaneity during “noncritical” parts of an operation. “Concurrent” was defined as simultaneity that includes “critical” part(s) of an operation. Participants were asked to provide levels of agreement with overlapping and concurrent surgery and anesthesia, as well as with trainee involvement.

Results.

On average, respondents “strongly agree” with the need to be informed about overlapping or concurrent surgery. They “disagree” with both overlapping and concurrent scheduling, and “disagree” with trainees operating without direct supervision, even for “noncritical” parts. Informing parents about the presence of a back-up surgeon or research demonstrating safety of simultaneous surgery did not make them agreeable to simultaneous scheduling.

Conclusion.

Parents have a strong desire to be informed of simultaneous spinal surgery and anesthesia as part of consent on behalf of their children. Their disagreement with simultaneous surgery, as well as with trainees operating without direct supervision, suggests discordance with current guidelines and practice and should inform the national conversation moving forward.

Level of Evidence: N/A
Dorsolateral Biplane Closing Radial Osteotomy and Lunate Fixation for Stage IIIC Kienböck Disease: A New Surgical Approach
Authors: Barrera-Ochoa Sergi , Campillo-Recio David , Muñoz-Perdomo Tryno , Esteban-Feliu Ignacio , Mendez-Sanchez Gerardo , Mir-Bullo Xavier
Published: June 2018

The treatment of advanced-stage Kienböck disease (KD) remains highly controversial. Particularly important is stage IIIC KD, which includes patients with a lunate coronal fracture. The purpose of this paper was to describe a new approach to KD in patients with Lichtman stage IIIC KD, and our results using it. The procedure combines a dorsolateral biplane closing radial osteotomy and lunate fixation. A total of 11 patients from January 2002 through December 2016 with documented KD who underwent this technique were included. The patients were assessed before surgery, then postoperatively at 1 and 10 days, 3 and 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months, and annually. Wrist range of motion, grip and pinch strength, the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score, a Modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS), 10-point visual analog scale, radiologic measurements, and data related to consolidation were collected. All statistical analyses were performed using the statistical software package SPSS. Some degree of pain relief, improvements in the QuickDASH score, MMWS score, grip strength, and the degrees of flexion and extension were observed, the results being statistically significant (P<0.05). After surgery, the values for radial and sagittal tilt were statistically different than those measured before surgery. Carpal collapse was not evident either before or after surgery. In conclusion, combining a dorsolateral radial osteotomy and a lunate compression screw may expand the options for patients with Lichtman stage IIIC KD. Our experience indicates that it is a viable option in challenging clinical scenarios.
Eccrine Porocarcinoma: New Insights and a Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Nazemi Azadeh , Higgins Shauna , Swift Reyna , In Gino , Miller Kimberly , Wysong Ashley
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Eccrine porocarcinoma (EPC) is a rare cutaneous neoplasm with high potential for morbidity and mortality. Due to its rarity, there is a paucity of data profiling diagnosis, work-up, and management.

OBJECTIVE

To consolidate reported information on demographics, diagnostics, clinical behavior, treatment modalities, and patient outcomes in EPC to provide a reference tool to optimize diagnosis and management.

METHODS

A comprehensive PubMed search was performed from 1963 to November 2017 using PRISMA guidelines. This yielded 155 articles detailing 206 cases of porocarcinoma.

RESULTS

Eccrine porocarcinoma most often presents in elderly patients on the head and neck or lower limbs. Metastatic disease at presentation is not uncommon (22%). Primary tumor location is significantly correlated with presence of metastasis (p = .038). The most common treatment is excision followed by Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), although the outcomes after MMS were superior to those after surgical excision.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review of individual patient data reveals that all patients should have a histological diagnosis with imaging considered for high-risk cases. Primary tumor location should also be considered in diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making. Although wide local excision (WLE) is currently the first-line treatment, MMS is becoming increasingly used, with evidence indicating improved outcomes as compared to those seen with WLE.
The Influence of Radiotherapy on the Mechanical Properties of Silicone Breast Implants
Authors: Bachour Yara , Oei Lisanne J. , Van der Veen Albert J. , Vos Bart E. , Louis Andre , Heukelom Stan , Ritt Marco J. P. F. , Niessen Frank B. , Koken Phil W. , Winters Hay A. H.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Silicone breast implants have been used for decades for cosmetic breast augmentation or reconstruction after mastectomy. In selected cases, postmastectomy adjuvant radiotherapy is given with the breast implants in situ. Previous clinical studies have shown that radiotherapy may lead to complications such as capsular contracture and infection and that removal of the implant may be required. Yet, the effect of radiotherapy on silicone breast implants themselves is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate if irradiation of breast implants influences their mechanical properties.

Methods:

This was an ex vivo study on 32 ready-to-use silicone breast implants (Mentor and Silimed). Half of the implants of each brand were irradiated with 1 × 60 Gy, the other half were not irradiated. Tensile, mechanical hysteresis, and rheology tests were performed. Differences in mechanical properties between the irradiated and nonirradiated implants were determined.

Results:

No significant differences were found in tensile strength, mechanical hysteresis, and rheological properties between irradiated and nonirradiated implants.

Conclusions:

Breast implants’ mechanical properties for these 2 brands were not significantly affected after single-dose irradiation in an ex vivo setting.
The Use of a Novel Local Flap Trainer in Plastic Surgery Education
Authors: Kite Amy C. , Yacoe Morgan , Rhodes Jennifer L.
Published: June 2018

With the limitations of work hour restrictions and legal liability surgical resident’s operative experience is declining. We sought to find other methods of training using tactile surgical simulations for plastic surgery. With the collaborative efforts of a local artist, a local flap trainer was designed to simulate the natural properties, layers, and interaction between layers of tissue. A session was held with Plastic Surgery faculty, residents, and students to review and practice local flaps using the trainer. Afterward, the participants filled out a survey evaluating the simulated skin and tissue model and the effectiveness of the class as a teaching model. The survey given had multiple questions asking the participant to provide a ranking from 1 to 10. The results show that the class utilizing the new suture pad was an effective teaching tool with an average score of 9.56. The suture pad was given a score of 6.77 for simulating realistic skin. Overall, the group rated increased understanding and confidence of local flaps after the class. Surgical skill simulations are becoming increasingly more important with the decline of resident operative experience. There are limited options for surgical simulations that provide a realistic experience. We designed a suture pad that is effective at simulating human tissue. The surveys show that using this suture pad in flap workshops provides a valuable teaching tool.
Maxillary Reconstruction Using a Gullwing Fibula Osteofascial Flap and Flexor Hallucis Longus Muscle
Authors: Mitchell Stuart L. , Seth Akhil K. , Matros Evan , Cordeiro Peter G.
Published: June 2018

The appropriate reconstruction of an infrastructure maxillectomy defect requires vascularized bone for maxillary arch restoration, soft tissue bulk for filling the residual defect extending up to the orbital floor, and a thin tissue layer for resurfacing the palate and adjacent cheek mucosa. Although several free tissue flaps have been previously described as reconstructive options, each possesses limitations. We describe the fibula osteofascial flap with flexor hallucis longus muscle, no skin paddle, and a “gullwing” fascial component, as an ideal reconstructive option for these specific maxillary defects. It satisfies the necessary requirements of bone, restoration of intraoral surfaces, as well as additional soft tissue volume to provide the optimal aesthetic and functional result. It also has the added benefit of minimizing morbidity to, and improving aesthetics of, the donor site. This is demonstrated through a case presentation and review of the existing literature.
Ex Vivo Major Histocompatibility Complex I Knockdown Prolongs Rejection-free Allograft Survival
Authors: Chang Jessica B. , Rifkin William J. , Soares Marc A. , Duckworth April , Rao Nakul , Low Yee Cheng , Massie Jonathan P. , Rabbani Piul S. , Saadeh Pierre B. , Ceradini Daniel J.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Widespread application of vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is currently limited by the required lifelong systemic immunosuppression and its associated morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated the efficacy of ex vivo (after procurement but before transplantation) engineering of allografts using small interfering RNA to knockdown major histocompatibility complex I (MHC-I) and prolong rejection-free survival.

Methods:

Endothelial cells (ECs) were transfected with small interfering RNA targeted against MHC-I (siMHC-I) for all in vitro experiments. MHC-I surface expression and knockdown duration were evaluated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and flow cytometry. After stimulating Lewis recipient cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL) with allogeneic controls or siMHC-I–silenced ECs, lymphocyte proliferation, CTL-mediated and natural killer–mediated EC lysis were measured. Using an established VCA rat model, allografts were perfused ex vivo with siMHC-I before transplantation. Allografts were analyzed for MHC-I expression and clinical/histologic evidence of rejection.

Results:

Treatment with siMHC-I resulted in 80% knockdown of mRNA and 87% reduction in cell surface expression for up to 7 days in vitro (P< 0.05). Treatment of ECs with siMHC-I reduced lymphocyte proliferation and CTL-mediated cytotoxicity (77% and 50%, respectively,P< 0.01), without increasing natural killer–mediated cytotoxicity (P= 0.66). In a rat VCA model, ex vivo perfusion with siMHC-I reduced expression in all tissue compartments by at least 50% (P< 0.05). Knockdown prolonged rejection-free survival by 60% compared with nonsense-treated controls (P< 0.05).

Conclusions:

Ex vivo siMHC-I engineering can effectively modify allografts and significantly prolong rejection-free allograft survival. This novel approach may help reduce future systemic immunosuppression requirements in VCA recipients.