bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triage Performance of School Personnel Using the SALT System
Authors: Celik Daniel H. , Mencl Francis R. , Debacker Michel , Kurland Lisa , Wilber Scott T. , Frey Jennifer A.
Published: August 2019

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to determine if school personnel can understand and apply the Sort, Assess, Life-saving interventions, Treat/Transport (SALT) triage methods after a brief training. The investigators predicted that subjects can learn to triage with accuracy similar to that of medically trained personnel, and that subjects can pass an objective-structured clinical exam (OSCE) evaluating hemorrhage control.

Methods:

School personnel were eligible to participate in this prospective observational study. Investigators recorded subject demographic information and prior medical experience. Participants received a 30-minute lecture on SALT triage and a brief lecture and demonstration of hemorrhage control and tourniquet application. A test with brief descriptions of mass-casualty victims was administered immediately after training. Participants independently categorized the victims as dead, expectant, immediate, delayed, or minimal. They also completed an OSCE to evaluate hemorrhage control and tourniquet application using a mannequin arm.

Results:

Subjects from two schools completed the study. Fifty-nine were from a private school that enrolls early childhood through grade eight, and 45 from a public school that enrolls grades seven and eight (n = 104). The average subject age was 45 years and 68% were female. Approximately 81% were teachers and 87% had prior cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. Overall triage accuracy was 79.2% (SD = 10.7%). Ninety-six (92.3%) of the subjects passed the hemorrhage control OSCE.

Conclusions:

After two brief lectures and a short demonstration, school personnel were able to triage descriptions of mass-casualty victims with an overall accuracy similar to medically trained personnel, and most were able to apply a tourniquet correctly. Opportunities for future study include integrating high-fidelity simulation and mock disasters, evaluating for knowledge retention, and exploring the study population’s baseline knowledge of medical care, among others.
US State constitutional entrenchment and default in the 19th century
Authors: Dove John A. , Young Andrew T.
Published: August 2019

Constitutional scholars emphasize the importance of an enduring, stable constitutional order, which North and Weingast (1989) argue is consistent with credible commitments to sustainable fiscal policies. However, this view is controversial and has received little empirical study. We use 19th-century US state-level data to estimate relationships between constitutional design and the likelihood of a government default. Results indicate that more entrenched and less specific constitutions are associated with a lower likelihood of default.
Fate of weed seeds in spent mushroom compost following commercial mushroom production
Authors: Vollmer Kurt M. , VanGessel Mark J.
Published: August 2019

Commercial mushroom producers grow several varieties of mushrooms on compost. Upon completion of the growing cycle, the spent mushroom compost is often sold as a soil amendment for both agricultural and homeowner use. Mushroom compost ingredients often come from fields infested with weeds, and in turn compost may spread unwanted weed seed. We conducted studies to assess the viability of weed seed following specific stages of the commercial mushroom production process. Weed seed was more likely to survive if the entire production process was not completed. However, no viable hairy vetch, Italian ryegrass, ivyleaf morningglory, Palmer amaranth, or velvetleaf remained at the end of the study. Although the seeds of most species were eliminated earlier in the composting process, ivyleaf morningglory required the complete process to eliminate 100% of the seed. These results indicate that spent mushroom compost is free of many weed species upon removal from mushroom houses and is unlikely to spread weed seed.
Thresholds for Atmospheric Convection in Amazonian Rainforests
Authors: Wu M. , Lee J.‐E.
Published: August 2019

The Amazon rainforest is known as the “Green Ocean” for its maritime‐like convection and cloud microphysics during the wet season. Although previous studies suggest the dominant thermodynamic processes involved in deep convection may differ between land and ocean, a comprehensive understanding of the thermodynamics of Amazonian convection is lacking. Using 404,971 daytime precipitating cloud profiles from the CloudSat satellite, we observe a regime transition from congestus dominance to cumulonimbus dominance when convective available potential energy exceeds a threshold in Amazonia and also in shrublands, but not in oceanic regions. In addition, the cloud regime transition is linked to boundary layer moisture in the two continental regions, while it is linked to lower‐free‐tropospheric moisture in the oceanic region. As the dry season progresses in Amazonia and modifies the free‐tropospheric stability, a moderate plant water stress and increased incoming solar energy facilitate the initiation of deep convection and the onset of the wet season.
Turbulence and Gas Transfer Velocities in Sheltered Flooded Forests of the Amazon Basin
Authors: MacIntyre Sally , Fernandes Amaral Joao H. , Barbosa Pedro M. , Cortés Alicia , Forsberg Bruce R. , Melack John M.
Published: August 2019

Seasonally flooded forests along tropical rivers cover extensive areas, yet the processes driving air‐water exchanges of radiatively active gases are uncertain. To quantify the controls on gas transfer velocities, we combined measurements of water‐column temperature, meteorology in the forest and adjacent open water, turbulence with an acoustic Doppler velocimeter, gas concentrations, and fluxes with floating chambers. Under cooling, measured turbulence, quantified as the rate of dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy (ε), was similar to buoyancy flux computed from the surface energy budget, indicating convection dominated turbulence production. Under heating, turbulence was suppressed unless winds in the adjacent open water exceeded 1 m/s. Gas transfer velocities obtained from chamber measurements ranged from 1 to 5 cm/hr and were similar to or slightly less than predicted using a turbulence‐based surface renewal model computed with measured ε and ε predicted from wind and cooling.
Substorm‐Ring Current Coupling: A Comparison of Isolated and Compound Substorms
Authors: Sandhu J. K. , Rae I. J. , Freeman M. P. , Gkioulidou M. , Forsyth C. , Reeves G. D. , Murphy K. R. , Walach M.‐T.
Published: August 2019

Substorms are a highly variable process, which can occur as an isolated event or as part of a sequence of multiple substorms (compound substorms). In this study we identify how the low‐energy population of the ring current and subsequent energization varies for isolated substorms compared to the first substorm of a compound event. Using observations of H+ and O+ ions (1 eV to 50 keV) from the Helium Oxygen Proton Electron instrument onboard Van Allen Probe A, we determine the energy content of the ring current in L‐MLT space. We observe that the ring current energy content is significantly enhanced during compound substorms as compared to isolated substorms by ∼20–30%. Furthermore, we observe a significantly larger magnitude of energization (by ∼40–50%) following the onset of compound substorms relative to isolated substorms. Analysis suggests that the differences predominantly arise due to a sustained enhancement in dayside driving associated with compound substorms compared to isolated substorms. The strong solar wind driving prior to onset results in important differences in the time history of the magnetosphere, generating significantly different ring current conditions and responses to substorms. The observations reveal information about the substorm injected population and the transport of the plasma in the inner magnetosphere.
Physical and Biogeochemical Controls on pH Dynamics in the Northern Gulf of Mexico During Summer Hypoxia
Authors: Jiang Zong‐Pei , Cai Wei‐Jun , Chen Baoshan , Wang Kui , Han Chenhua , Roberts Brian J. , Hussain Najid , Li Qian
Published: August 2019

High‐accuracy spectrophotometric pH measurements were taken during a summer cruise to study the pH dynamics and its controlling mechanisms in the northern Gulf of Mexico in hypoxia season. Using the recently available dissociation constants of the purified m‐cresol purple (Douglas & Byrne, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marchem.2017.10.001; Müller & Rehder, 2018, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2018.00177), spectrophotometrically measured pH showed excellent agreement with pH calculated from dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity over a wide salinity range of 0 to 36.9 (0.005 ± 0.016, n = 550). The coupled changes in DIC, oxygen, and nutrients suggest that biological production of organic matter in surface water and the subsequent aerobic respiration in subsurface was the dominant factor regulating pH variability in the nGOM in summer. The highest pH values were observed, together with the maximal biological uptake of DIC and nutrients, at intermediate salinities in the Mississippi and Atchafalaya plumes where light and nutrient conditions were favorable for phytoplankton growth. The lowest pH values (down to 7.59) were observed along with the highest concentrations of DIC and apparent oxygen utilization in hypoxic bottom waters. The nonconservative pH changes in both surface and bottom waters correlated well with the biologically induced changes in DIC, that is, per 100‐μmol/kg biological removal/addition of DIC resulted in 0.21 unit increase/decrease in pH. Coastal bottom water with lower pH buffering capacity is more susceptible to acidification from anthropogenic CO2 invasion but reduction in eutrophication may offset some of the increased susceptibility to acidification.
Ultra-sensitive digital quantification of proteins and mRNA in single cells
Authors: Lin Jing , Jordi Christian , Son Minjun , Van Phan Hoang , Drayman Nir , Abasiyanik Mustafa Fatih , Vistain Luke , Tu Hsiung-Lin , Tay Savaş
Published: August 2019

Simultaneous measurement of proteins and mRNA in single cells enables quantitative understanding and modeling of cellular functions. Here, we present an automated microfluidic system for multi-parameter and ultra-sensitive protein/mRNA measurements in single cells. Our technology improves the sensitivity of digital proximity ligation assay by up to 55-fold, with a detection limit of 2277 proteins per cell and with detection efficiency of as few as 29 protein molecules. Our measurements using this system reveal higher mRNA/protein correlation in single mammalian cells than previous estimates. Furthermore, time-lapse imaging of herpes simplex virus 1 infected epithelial cells enabled by our device shows that expression of ICP4 -a major transcription factor regulating hundreds of viral genes- is only partially correlated with viral protein counts, suggesting that many cells go through abortive infection. These results highlight the importance of high-sensitivity protein/mRNA quantification for understanding fundamental molecular mechanisms in individual cells.
Anode interfacial layer formation via reductive ethyl detaching of organic iodide in lithium–oxygen batteries
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Ping , Sun Yi-Yang , Sun Zhuang , Yang Chu-Shu , Zhang Tao
Published: August 2019

As soluble catalysts, redox mediators can reduce the high charging overpotential of lithium-oxygen batteries by providing sufficient liquid-solid interface for lithium peroxide decomposition. However, the redox mediators usually introduce undesirable reactions. In particular, the so-called “shuttle effect” leads to the loss of both the redox mediators and electrical energy efficiency. In this study, an organic compound, triethylsulfonium iodide, is found to act bifunctionally as both a redox mediator and a solid electrolyte interphase-forming agent for lithium-oxygen batteries. During charging, the organic iodide exhibits comparable lithium peroxide-oxidizing capability with inorganic iodides. Meanwhile, it in situ generates an interfacial layer on lithium anode via reductive ethyl detaching and the subsequent oxidation. This layer prevents the lithium anode from reacting with the redox mediators and allows efficient lithium-ion transfer leading to dendrite-free lithium anode. Significantly improved cycling performance has been achieved by the bifunctional organic iodide redox mediator.
On-chip wavefront shaping with dielectric metasurface
Authors: Wang Zi , Li Tiantian , Soman Anishkumar , Mao Dun , Kananen Thomas , Gu Tingyi
Published: August 2019

Metasurfaces can be programmed for a spatial transformation of the wavefront, thus allowing parallel optical signal processing on-chip within an ultracompact dimension. On-chip metasurfaces have been implemented with two-dimensional periodic structures, however, their inherent scattering loss limits their large-scale implementation. The scattering can be minimized in single layer high-contrast transmitarray (HCTA) metasurface. Here we demonstrate a one-dimensional HCTA based lens defined on a standard silicon-on-insulator substrate, with its high transmission (<1 dB loss) maintained over a 200 nm bandwidth. Three layers of the HCTAs are cascaded for demonstrating meta-system functionalities of Fourier transformation and differentiation. The meta-system design holds potential for realizing on-chip transformation optics, mathematical operations and spectrometers, with applications in areas of imaging, sensing and quantum information processing.
Identification of hyper-rewired genomic stress non-oncogene addiction genes across 15 cancer types
Authors: Hjaltelin Jessica Xin , Izarzugaza Jose M. G. , Jensen Lars Juhl , Russo Francesco , Westergaard David , Brunak Søren
Published: August 2019

Non-oncogene addiction (NOA) genes are essential for supporting the stress-burdened phenotype of tumours and thus vital for their survival. Although NOA genes are acknowledged to be potential drug targets, there has been no large-scale attempt to identify and characterise them as a group across cancer types. Here we provide the first method for the identification of conditional NOA genes and their rewired neighbours using a systems approach. Using copy number data and expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) we performed comparative analyses between high and low genomic stress tumours for 15 cancer types. We identified 101 condition-specific differential coexpression modules, mapped to a high-confidence human interactome, comprising 133 candidate NOA rewiring hub genes. We observe that most modules lose coexpression in the high-stress state and that activated stress modules and hubs take part in homoeostasis maintenance processes such as chromosome segregation, oxireductase activity, mitotic checkpoint (PLK1 signalling), DNA replication initiation and synaptic signalling. We furthermore show that candidate NOA rewiring hubs are unique for each cancer type, but that their respective rewired neighbour genes largely are shared across cancer types.
A protein scaffold, engineered SPINK2, for generation of inhibitors with high affinity and specificity against target proteases
Authors: Nishimiya Daisuke , Kawaguchi Yoshirou , Kodama Shiho , Nasu Hatsumi , Yano Hidenori , Yamaguchi Aya , Tamura Masakazu , Hashimoto Ryuji
Published: August 2019

Proteases are one of attractive therapeutic targets to play key roles in pharmacological action. There are many protease inhibitors in nature, and most of them structurally have cystine knot motifs. Their structures are favorable for recognition of active pockets of proteases, leading to the potent inhibition. However, they also have drawbacks, such as broad cross-reactivity, on the therapeutic application. To create therapeutic proteins derived from a disulfide-rich scaffold, we selected human serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 2 (SPINK2) through a scaffold screening, as a protein scaffold with requirements for therapeutic proteins. We then constructed a diverse library of the engineered SPINK2 by introducing random mutations into its flexible loop region with the designed method. By phage panning against four serine proteases, we isolated potent inhibitors against each target with picomolar KD and sub-nanomolar Ki values. Also, they exhibited the desired specificities against target proteases without inhibiting non-target proteases. The crystal structure of kallikrein related peptidase 4 (KLK4)-engineered SPINK2 complex revealed the interface with extensive conformational complementarity. Our study demonstrates that engineered SPINK2 can serve as a scaffold to generate therapeutic molecules against target proteins with groove structures.
Bcl11b controls odorant receptor class choice in mice
Authors: Enomoto Takayuki , Nishida Hidefumi , Iwata Tetsuo , Fujita Akito , Nakayama Kanako , Kashiwagi Takahiro , Hatanaka Yasue , Kondo Hiro , Kajitani Rei , Itoh Takehiko , Ohmoto Makoto , Matsumoto Ichiro , Hirota Junji
Published: August 2019

Each olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) expresses a single odorant receptor (OR) gene from the class I or class II repertoire in mice. The mechanisms that regulate OR class choice in OSNs remain unknown. Here, we show that the transcription factor Bcl11b determines the OR class to be expressed in OSNs. Both loss- and gain-of-function analyses demonstrate that class I is a default fate of OSNs and that Bcl11b dictates a class II OR choice by suppressing the effect of the J-element, a class I-OR enhancer. We further demonstrate that OSN-specific genetic manipulations of Bcl11b bias the OR class choice, generating mice with “class I-dominant” and “class II-dominant” noses, which display contrasting innate olfactory behaviors to two distinct aversive odorants. Overall, these findings reveal a unique transcriptional mechanism mediating a binary switch for OR class choice that is crucial to both the anatomical and functional organization of the olfactory system.
Use of the fluorogenic Al3+–quinolinyl-azo-naphtholato complex for the determination of F− in aqueous medium by visible light excitation and application in ground water fluoride analysis
Authors: Sen Chandana , Dey Sunanda , Patra Chiranjit , Mallick Debashis , Sinha Chittaranjan
Published: August 2019

Quinolinyl-azo-naphthol (HL) is a selective turn-on chemosensor for Al3+ in the presence of other ions and the excitation at visible light (537 nm) shows a 750 fold enhancement of emission at 612 nm.
Neural network potential energy surface and dynamical isotope effects for the N+(3P) + H2 → NH+ + H reaction
Authors: Yang Zijiang , Wang Shufen , Yuan Jiuchuang , Chen Maodu
Published: August 2019

Dynamical isotope effects are calculated for the N+(3P) + H2 → NH+ + H reaction on a new neural network potential energy surface.
Surface anchored self-assembled reaction centre mimics as photoanodes consisting of a secondary electron donor, aluminium(iii) porphyrin and TiO2 semiconductor
Authors: Zarrabi Niloofar , Lim Gary N. , Bayard Brandon J. , D'Souza Francis , Poddutoori Prashanth K.
Published: August 2019

Vertically assembled photoanodes, consisting of aluminum(iii) porphyrin, an electron donor, and semiconductor TiO2, have been fabricated and their photophysical properties investigated.
Halogenation of SiGe monolayers: robust changes in electronic and thermal transport
Authors: Sharma Vaishali , Kagdada Hardik L. , Jha Prafulla K. , Śpiewak Piotr , Kurzydłowski Krzysztof J.
Published: August 2019

Achieving benchmark enhancement in the thermoelectric figure of merit through the fluorination of SiGe monolayers at room temperature.
Probiotic strains improve high-fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemia through modulating gut microbiota in ways different from atorvastatin
Authors: Sudun Sudun , Liu Songling , Xiao Chen , Peng Can , Liang Lifeng , He Xiaofen , Zhao Shancen , Zhang Gengyun
Published: August 2019

Probiotics exert additional favorable effects on gut microbiota, making them excellent potential complements to cholesterol-lowering drugs like ATO.
Enhanced thermoelectric properties of lightly Nb doped SrTiO3 thin films
Authors: Bhansali S. , Khunsin W. , Chatterjee A. , Santiso J. , Abad B. , Martin-Gonzalez M. , Jakob G. , Sotomayor Torres C. M. , Chávez-Angel E.
Published: August 2019

Pulsed laser deposited Nb-doped SrTiO3 thin films with enhanced figure of merit (ZT = 0.5, at room T), can be a good alternate for n type thermoelectric oxide material.
Superior phototransistors based on a single ZnO nanoparticle with high mobility and ultrafast response time
Authors: Nguyen Linh-Nam , Chang Wen-Hao , Chen Chii-Dong , Lan Yann-Wen
Published: August 2019

We show that devices containing a ZnO single particle exhibit mobility values one order higher than single-crystal nanowires and a record-high photoresponse rise time. This device could be an excellent candidate for high performance phototransistors.
CaI2-Catalyzed direct transformation of N-Alloc-, N-Troc-, and N-Cbz-protected amines to asymmetrical ureas
Authors: Tran Van Hieu , Kim Hee-Kwon
Published: August 2019

A practical CaI2-catalyzed direct synthesis of asymmetrical ureas from N-Alloc-, N-Troc-, and N-Cbz-carbamate compounds has been developed.
Tuning the aggregation performance by varying the substituent position: comparative study of neutral bis-urea derivatives in aqueous medium
Authors: Halder Senjuti , Manna Utsab , Das Gopal
Published: August 2019

A set of three neutral bis-urea derivatives has been purposefully chosen to investigate the consequences of positional isomers on the aggregation performance.
Reversible uptake and release of sodium ions in layered SnS2-reduced graphene oxide composites for neuromorphic devices
Authors: Jang Eun-Kyeong , Park Youngjun , Lee Jang-Sik
Published: August 2019

Electrochemical artificial synapse is realized through reversible uptake and release of sodium ions in the SnS2-RGO channel.
Ultra-long room-temperature phosphorescent carbon dots: pH sensing and dual-channel detection of tetracyclines
Authors: Lu Chunsong , Su Qian , Yang Xiaoming
Published: August 2019

Ultra-long room-temperature phosphorescent carbon dots: pH sensing and dual-channel detection of tetracyclines.
Halide-assisted metal ion reduction: emergent effects of dilute chloride, bromide, and iodide in nanoparticle synthesis
Authors: King Melissa E. , Kent Isabella A. , Personick Michelle L.
Published: August 2019

Halide ions catalytically enhance metal ion reduction rate, providing a versatile design tool for controlling metal nanoparticle growth.
Metal and metal-oxide nanozymes: bioenzymatic characteristics, catalytic mechanism, and eco-environmental applications
Authors: Chen Wenjun , Li Shunyao , Wang Jun , Sun Kai , Si Youbin
Published: August 2019

This review highlights the available studies on the enzymatic characteristics and catalytic mechanisms of natural enzymes and artificial metal and metal-oxide nanozymes in the removal and transformation of phenolic contaminants.
Synthesis of low- and high-index faceted metal (Pt, Pd, Ru, Ir, Rh) nanoparticles for improved activity and stability in electrocatalysis
Authors: Poerwoprajitno Agus R. , Gloag Lucy , Cheong Soshan , Gooding J. Justin , Tilley Richard D.
Published: August 2019

High- and low-index faceted metal (Pt, Pd, Ru, Ir, Rh) nanoparticles designed for improved electrocatalytic activity and stability are reviewed.
Sb2Se3 nanorods with N-doped reduced graphene oxide hybrids as high-capacity positive electrode materials for rechargeable aluminum batteries
Authors: Guan Wei , Wang Lijun , Lei Haiping , Tu Jiguo , Jiao Shuqiang
Published: August 2019

The special cell design of Sb2Se3 nanorods and N-doped reduced graphene oxide coupled with a modified separator makes a positive electrode material for aluminum-ion batteries.
Palladium-catalyzed multicomponent reactions: an overview
Authors: Saranya Salim , Rohit K. R. , Radhika Sankaran , Anilkumar Gopinathan
Published: August 2019

This first review on this topic focuses on the developments in the chemistry of Pd-catalyzed multi-component reactions (MCRs).
Applications of the Marcus cross relation to inner sphere reduction of O2: implications in small-molecule activation
Authors: Lacy David C.
Published: August 2019

The Marcus cross relation is demonstrated to be applicable to inner sphere electron transfer from iron to molecular oxygen by incorporation of the Fe(iii)–O2to Fe(iii) + superoxide BDFE inKeq. A few case-studies are provided as working examples.
C-reactive protein promotes inflammation through TLR4/NF-κB/TGF-β pathway in HL-1 cells
Authors: Sun Weiping , Wu Yongquan , Gao Mingyang , Tian Ying , Qi Peng , Shen Yujing , Huang Lihong , Shi Liang , Wang Yanjiang , Liu Xingpeng
Published: August 2019

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of heart arrhythmia. Currently, the pathogenesis of AF is not fully understood yet. A growing body of evidence highlighted the strong association between inflammation and the pathogenesis of AF. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammation marker with increased expression in AF. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if CRP promotes inflammation, which may sequentially mediate the onset of AF and the concurrent atrial fibrosis, through TLR4/NF-κB/TGF-β pathway. HL-1 cells were treated with either 25 or 50 μg/ml recombinant human CRP. TGF-β1 and NF-κB inhibitors were given either solely or together to the 50 μg/ml CRP-treated cells. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, the expression of apoptotic factors and TLR4, IL-6, TGF-β1, Smad2, and the phosphorylation of Smad2 were determined. Data showed that CRP induced dose-dependent inhibition on cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis, which was induced through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Such effects were reversed by inhibiting TGF-β1 and/or NF-κB. Inhibition of TGF-β1 and/or NF-κB also reduced the expression of TLR4 and IL-6. Inhibition of NF-κB alone weakened the expression of TGF-β1 and phosphorylation of Smad2. Our study demonstrated that CRP is not only a marker, but also an important mediator in the induction of inflammation and likely the pathogenesis of AF. We for the first time reported CRP-induced activation and cross-talk between TLR4 and NF-κB/TGF-β1 signaling pathway in a cardiomyocyte model. Reducing CRP and targeting TLR4/NF-κB/TGF-β1 pathway may provide new insights in the therapeutic interventions to inflammation-induced AF.
Increased Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Mental Health Problems in Retired Professional Jockeys: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mackinnon Anna-Louise , Jackson Kate , Kuznik Kerry , Turner Alison , Hill Jerry , Davies Madeleine A. M. , Jones Mary Elizabeth , Delmestri Antonella , Sanchez-Santos Maria T. , Newton Julia
Published: August 2019

To examine the prevalence of chronic disease and mental health problems in retired professional, male jockeys compared to an age-matched reference population. A cross-sectional study comparing data from a cohort of retired professional jockeys with an age-matched general population sample. Male participants (age range: 50–89 years old) were used to compare health outcomes of self-reported physician-diagnosed conditions: heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, depression and anxiety between study populations. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between study groups and health outcome. In total, 810 participants (135 retired professional male jockeys and 675 participants from the reference population) were included, with an average age of 64.7±9.9 years old. Increased odds of having osteoporosis (OR=6.5, 95%CI 2.1–20.5), osteoarthritis (OR=7.5, 95%CI 4.6–12.2), anxiety (OR=2.8, 95%CI 1.3–5.9) and depression (OR=2.6, 95%CI 1.3–5.7) were seen in the retired professional jockeys. No differences were found for the remaining health outcomes. Retired professional jockeys had increased odds of musculoskeletal disease and mental health problems compared to the general population. Understanding the prevalence of chronic disease and mental health problems in retired professional jockeys will help inform screening and intervention strategies for jockeys.
Development of New Biokinetic-Dosimetric Models for the Simulation of Iodine Blockade in the Case of Radioiodine Exposure in Man
Authors: Rump Alexis , Eder Stefan , Lamkowski Andreas , Kinoshita Manabu , Yamamoto Tetsuo , Abend Michael , Shinomiya Nariyoshi , Port Matthias
Published: August 2019

In the case of nuclear incidents, radioiodine may be liberated. After incorporation it accumulates in the thyroid and by internal irradiation enhances the risk of cancer occurrence. By administering a large dose of non-radioactive iodine the uptake of radioiodine into the gland can be inhibited (“iodine blockade”). Biokinetic models using first order kinetics are not suited to simulate iodine blockade, as the uptake into the gland is mediated by a saturable active transport. Therefore, we integrated an uptake mechanism described by a Michaelis-Menten kinetic into a simple ICRP biokinetic model. We moreover added a total uptake blocking mechanism representing the Wolff-Chaikoff effect becoming active when the gland is saturated with iodine. The validity of the model was ascertained by comparison with IMBA software. The competition of radioiodine and stable iodine at the membrane carrier site was modeled according to the rate law for monomolecular reactions for competing substrates. Our simulations show that competition for the uptake at the membrane carrier site accounts for about 60% and the saturation of the gland with iodine for over 35% of the total protective efficacy that exceeds 95%. Following acute radioiodine exposure, it is preferable to administer a single large dose of stable iodine. In the case of continuous radioiodine exposure, a single dose of stable iodine is less effective than after an acute exposure and splitting the total available dose and shortening the dosage intervals enhance efficacy. Model-based simulations may be a useful tool to develop antidote dosage schemes for uncommon emergencies.
General Movements and Outcome in Children with Birthweights ≤ 500 Grams at Age 5 to 6 Years
Authors: Rieger-Fackeldey Esther , Schulz Peter , Schulze Andreas
Published: August 2019

Background The prognosis of long-term outcome in the delicate subgroup of preterm infants born with a birthweight ≤ 500 g is difficult. We wanted to determine whether general movements (GMs) correlate with outcome at 5 to 6 years of age in preterm children with birthweights ≤500 g.

Methods GMs were assessed up to 20 weeks postterm age in a cohort of infants born consecutively in our unit between 1998 until 2003. A structured neurological examination, the Gross Motor Function Classification Scale, and the Kaufman Assessment Battery Test for Children were applied in surviving children at 5 to 6 years. In relation to long-term outcome, only the postterm GM assessment was analysed.

Results Of 44 infants in total, 19 received immediate life support in the delivery room and were admitted to the NICU (GA 25 weeks [22.3–29.5]; BW 440 g [334–490]). All 9 surviving infants received GM assessment, but only 8 out of 9 infants had postterm assessment; all 9 had outcome assessment at 5 to 6 years. Children with female sex and birthweights>400 g had better outcomes than those with male sex and birthweights < 400 g. Normal fidgety movements and normal repertoire were associated with normal development at early school age in 3 children, in one child with moderate cognitive impairment and light motor impairment. Pathological fidgety movements or repertoire were associated with abnormal motor development and moderate and severe cognitive impairment in 3 children and with normal development in one child.

Conclusion This study shows that normal fidgety movements at postterm age combined with birthweight and sex may predict normal motor and cognitive outcome in extremely preterm children with birthweights ≤500 g.
Acute and Long-term Memantine Add-on Treatment to Risperidone Improves Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Acute and Chronic Schizophrenia
Authors: Schaefer Martin , Sarkar Susanne , Theophil Ines , Leopold Karolina , Heinz Andreas , Gallinat Jürgen
Published: August 2019

Introduction Patients with schizophrenia are mainly characterized by negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunction. In this proof-of-concept study we tested effects on cognition and negative symptoms of a 6- or 24-week memantine add-on treatment to risperidone in patients with acute or chronic schizophrenia.

Materials and Methods Patients with an acute episode of schizophrenia (n=11) and predominating positive symptoms were randomized to a 6-week add-on treatment with memantine (10 mg twice a day) versus placebo and patients with chronic schizophrenia (n=13) and negative symptoms were randomized to a 24-week add-on treatment with memantine (10 mg twice a day) versus placebo. All patients received antipsychotic medication with risperidone (2–8 mg/day). Psychopathological changes were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at baseline and after 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 weeks. Cognitive function was measured at baseline, after 6 weeks, and 24 weeks.

Results Patients with acute schizophrenia who received add-on treatment with memantine showed a significantly higher performance in attention intensity (p=0.043), problem-solving (p=0.043), verbal learning (p=0.050), and flexibility (p=0.049). Patients with chronic schizophrenia showed a significantly higher immediate memory in the memantine group compared to the placebo group (p=0.033) and a significantly greater reduction of the PANSS sum score if compared to the placebo group.

Discussions Our study gives further evidence that memantine add-on treatment to risperidone may have neuroprotective effects and improve cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia. ClinicalTrials.gov Number: NCT00148590 and NCT00148616.
Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Self-Expanding Metallic Stent for Esophageal Malignancy: A Two-Institute Experience
Authors: Balekuduru Avinash Bhat , Sahu Manoj Kumar , Sreenivasa Kirti Koushik Agrahara , Gururajachar Janaki Manur , Reddyvari Kiran , Subbaraj Satyaprakash Bonthala
Published: August 2019

Background: Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) placement is the procedure of choice for palliation of dysphagia in inoperable esophageal malignancies.

Aim To evaluate the safety of placement of SEMS in esophageal cancer at two institutes using only endoscopic control without fluoroscopy and to determine efficacy of SEMS in palliation of dysphagia after deployment.

Methods: Participants who underwent endoscopy and esophageal SEMS placement at two centers for inoperable esophageal malignancy between 2014 and 2017 were included retrospectively. The indication for the procedure and clinical outcome measures like adverse events and improvement in dysphagia score were recorded on uniform structured data forms.

Results: Eighty-three esophageal SEMS placement was performed in 78 patients (mean age 64 ± 10.1 years; 59 men). The indication of SEMS placement was stricture in 72 (92.3%) and in 6 cases SEMS was placed for closure of trachea–esophageal fistula. All the patients in dysphagia score of 3 have improved to lower dysphagia scores post stent deployment. Postprocedure retrosternal pain, respiratory distress, and aspiration pneumonia in 58, 9, and 2 patients, respectively. Five patients required repeat stenting due to tumor ingrowth/granulation tissue during follow-up. The median survival of patients who received SEMS was significantly different from controls who did not receive SEMS (141 [41–360] days versus 98 [30–165 days]; p = 0.01). In 2 cases stent repositioning was done due to distal migration at the time of placement. There was no SEMS migration or stent related complications at follow-up.

Conclusions: SEMS can be placed effectively under endoscopic control without fluoroscopic control in palliation of esophageal malignancy. Early SEMS deployment for palliating dysphagia may lead to survival advantage.
A Review of Gastric Polyps
Authors: Chowdhury Abu Taiub Mohammed Mohiuddin , He Shuixiang , Wang Ru Hua , Guo Dan , Li Yarui
Published: August 2019

Gastric lesions presenting as polyps becomes common these days. Many different underlying causes have been suspected with the origin of gastric polyps. Generally, a gastric polyp is considered as benign in the first impression unless proven otherwise. Though, they show a vast variety of malignant potentials. This literature is intended to describe and evaluate the variations, presentations, features, and potentials of gastric polypoid lesions.
Arthroscopy Volume in United States Residency Programs: Are New Trainees Prepared?
Authors: Carender Christopher N. , Shamrock Alan G. , Duchman Kyle R. , Glass Natalie A. , Lynch T. Sean , Westermann Robert W.
Published: August 2019

Arthroscopy is a technically demanding procedure with a prolonged learning curve. The purpose of this study is to determine if current arthroscopic case volume over the course of an orthopaedic surgery residency is sufficient to meet the number of cases required to achieve competence and/or mastery in complex arthroscopic tasks as well as hip arthroscopy. Publicly available Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education case log data for arthroscopic procedures from accredited orthopaedic residencies were reviewed from 2007 to 2017. Linear and segmental regression analyses were used to identify temporal trends, with significance set to p < 0.05. From 2007 to 2013, there was a significant increase in the median number of shoulder and knee arthroscopy case logs (p < 0.001). A sharp decline in the median number of shoulder and knee arthroscopy case logs was seen in 2013 to 2014 (p < 0.001), and the number remained low from 2014 to 2017 (p = 0.02, p = 0.03). The median number of hip arthroscopy procedures logged increased significantly from zero cases in 2012 (range: 0–48 cases) to five cases in 2017 (range: 0–76 cases) (p = 0.02). Over the study period, the median number of total arthroscopic procedures decreased from 301 to 186 (p = 0.01). In the United States, the majority of orthopaedic surgery residents graduate with case log numbers that meet theoretical minimum requirements for competence in basic diagnostic arthroscopy of the shoulder, hip, and knee. Resident experience with hip arthroscopy has increased; however, the majority of residents are graduating with little to no hip arthroscopy experience. Moreover, the median number of total arthroscopic procedures has declined to the point where the average graduate may not be able to perform complex hip or shoulder arthroscopy tasks based on previously published data. These findings support the need for further investigation into the best methods for training residents interested in performing arthroscopy as part of their careers. This was a level of evidence III, retrospective cohort study.
Sampling rare events across dynamical phase transitions
Authors: Pérez-Espigares Carlos , Hurtado Pablo I.
Published: August 2019

Interacting particle systems with many degrees of freedom may undergo phase transitions to sustain atypical fluctuations of dynamical observables such as the current or the activity. In some cases, this leads to symmetry-broken space-time trajectories which enhance the probability of such events due to the emergence of ordered structures. Despite their conceptual and practical importance, these dynamical phase transitions (DPTs) at the trajectory level are difficult to characterize due to the low probability of their occurrence. However, during the last decade, advanced computational techniques have been developed to measure rare events in simulations of many-particle systems that allow the direct observation and characterization of these DPTs. Here we review the application of a particular rare-event simulation technique, based on cloning Monte Carlo methods, to characterize DPTs in paradigmatic stochastic lattice gases. In particular, we describe in detail some tricks and tips of the trade, paying special attention to the measurement of order parameters capturing the physics of the different DPTs, as well as to the finite-size effects (both in the system size and in the number of clones) that affect the measurements. Overall, we provide a consistent picture of the phenomenology associated with DPTs and their measurement.
Trapping and electrical characterization of single core/shell iron-based nanoparticles in self-aligned nanogaps
Authors: Labra-Muñoz Jacqueline , Konstantinović Zorica , Balcells Lluis , Pomar Alberto , van der Zant Herre S. J. , Dulić Diana
Published: August 2019

We report on the fabrication and measurements of platinum-self-aligned nanogap devices containing cubed iron (core)/iron oxide (shell) nanoparticles (NPs) with two average different sizes (13 and 17 nm). The nanoparticles are deposited by means of a cluster gun technique. Their trapping across the nanogap is demonstrated by comparing the current vs voltage characteristics (I-Vs) before and after the deposition. At low temperature, the I-Vs can be well fitted to the Korotkov and Nazarov Coulomb blockade model, which captures the coexistence of single-electron tunneling and tunnel barrier suppression upon a bias voltage increase. The measurements thus show that Coulomb-blockaded devices can be made with a nanoparticle cluster source, which extends the existing possibilities to fabricate such devices to those in which it is very challenging to reduce the usual NP agglomeration given by a solution method.
Saturation and nonlinear electromagnetic stabilization of ITG turbulence
Authors: Whelan G. G. , Pueschel M. J. , Terry P. W. , Citrin J. , McKinney I. J. , Guttenfelder W. , Doerk H.
Published: August 2019

Energy transfer in ion-temperature-gradient-driven (ITG) turbulence and its role in modeling transport are examined for finite normalized plasma pressure β for a number of test cases and experimental discharges. The analysis shows that like the zero-β case, finite-β ITG turbulence saturates by nonlinear energy transfer to stable modes mediated by a zonal flow. Electromagnetic effects reliably increase stable mode amplitudes but affect heat fluxes only at the ≈5% level. The most important change with increased β is an increase in the correlation time of the triplet interaction of the unstable mode, stable mode, and zonal flow, thus providing a heightened nonlinear energy transfer efficiency, which allows the instability to saturate at lower amplitude. The heat flux is examined in connection with nonlinear electromagnetic stabilization, the phenomenon where the flux falloff with β is more pronounced than the falloff predicted by quasilinear transport models. The inclusion of the triplet correlation time in the quasilinear model captures most of the nonlinearly enhanced stabilization for the configurations studied here.
Development of broadband x-ray radiography for diagnosing magnetically driven cylindrically compressed matter
Authors: Sawada H. , Daykin T. S. , Hutchinson T. M. , Bauer B. S. , Ivanov V. V. , Beg F. N. , Chen H. , Williams G. J. , McLean H. S.
Published: August 2019

Experiments and modeling of x-ray radiography of millimeter diameter solid Al wires with laser-produced broadband x rays are reported. Experiments were performed using the 50-TW Leopard short-pulse laser in a laser and pulsed power chamber at the Nevada Terawatt Facility. To characterize broadband x rays and demonstrate a radiographic capability, bremsstrahlung, escaping electrons, and radiograph images of Al wires were simultaneously measured. The angularly resolved x-ray spectra are modeled by comparing measured bremsstrahlung signals in the range between 10 and ∼500 keV with hybrid particle-in-cell simulations. Transmission of Al wires from the radiograph images is further simulated with a Monte Carlo code. The measured transmission profiles of Al wires with three different diameters agree with calculations when a simulated x-ray spectrum composed of line emissions and bremsstrahlung is used with a source size of 600 ± 200 μm. Transmission calculations with only 22 keV Ag Kα or an exponential x-ray spectrum do not reproduce the measurement, suggesting that the accurate determination of an x-ray source spectrum, as well as the inclusion of the photon sensitivity of the detector, is critical in transmission calculations to infer the density of an object. The laser-based broadband x-ray radiography that was developed has been successfully implemented in a pulsed power chamber for future laser-pulsed-power coupled experiments.
Nonlinear dispersive Alfvén waves interaction in magnetized plasma
Authors: Ishaq Muhammad , Xu Hang
Published: August 2019

This study is concerned with the nonlinear interactions between pairs of intersecting Alfvén waves in a magnetized plasma and used the modified Korteweg–de Vries equation to study nonlinear interactions. The modulation instability analysis shows the existence of periodic traveling wave solution in the system. Two different types of waves interaction solutions, namely, the periodic wave interaction solutions and the solitary wave interaction ones, are captured analytically. It is found that the wave resonance for the periodic waves interaction could happen as various wave numbers are nearly the same. In this case, the subsidiary waves could not be neglected. It is also found that the interaction for solitary waves, different solitons eventually regain their original states. The solitons with higher energy possess more speed as compared to the low energy solitons. The phenomenon of Alfvén wave interaction can be of importance for understanding the transport mechanism of magnetic waves in various processes of heating and transport of energy in space, solar wind, and astrophysical plasma.
Evolution of rivulets during spreading of an impinging water jet on a rotating, precoated substrate
Authors: Ylitalo Andrew S. , Walls Daniel J. , Mui David S. L. , Frostad John M. , Fuller Gerald G.
Published: August 2019

The spreading of a liquid film across a rotating surface is inherently unstable due to the centrifugal force, which causes the formation of rivulets along the spreading front. This instability produces a rich diversity of spreading patterns and is important to control for the optimization of spin-coating and spin-rinsing of silicon wafers during the fabrication of microelectronics. The present work is an experimental investigation of the evolution of rivulets arising from this instability during the spreading of an impinging water jet across a rotating substrate that is precoated with a thin, aqueous film. To characterize these rivulets, we developed a high-speed imaging apparatus and image-processing software that traces the spreading front over time. We show how the morphology of the spreading front is qualitatively affected by varying the Reynolds number of the impinging jet, the ratio of centrifugal to Coriolis forces, and the type of liquid used to precoat the substrate. For quantitative analysis of rivulets, we measured the “compactness ratio” of the spreading front, which quantifies deviation from a circular spreading front. We used the compactness ratio to demonstrate that rivulets are suppressed most strongly at low rotation rates, at high flow rates, and on substrates precoated with water, although with notable exceptions.