bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of high-performance InGaZnOx thin film transistors based on control of oxidation using a low-temperature plasma
Authors: Takenaka Kosuke , Endo Masashi , Uchida Giichiro , Setsuhara Yuichi
Published: April 2018

This work demonstrated the low-temperature control of the oxidation of Amorphous InGaZnOx (a-IGZO) films using inductively coupled plasma as a means of precisely tuning the properties of thin film transistors (TFTs) and as an alternative to post-deposition annealing at high temperatures. The effects of the plasma treatment of the as-deposited a-IGZO films were investigated by assessing the electrical properties of TFTs incorporating these films. A TFT fabricated using an a-IGZO film exposed to an Ar-H2-O2 plasma at substrate temperatures as low as 300 °C exhibited the best performance, with a field effect mobility as high as 42.2 cm2 V−1 s−1, a subthreshold gate voltage swing of 1.2 V decade−1, and a threshold voltage of 2.8 V. The improved transfer characteristics of TFTs fabricated with a-IGZO thin films treated using an Ar-H2-O2 plasma are attributed to the termination of oxygen vacancies around Ga and Zn atoms by OH radicals in the gas phase.
Density-functional study on the dopant-segregation mechanism: Chemical potential dependence of dopant-defect complex at Si/SiO2 interface
Authors: Kawai Hiroki , Nakasaki Yasushi , Kanemura Takahisa , Ishihara Takamitsu
Published: April 2018

Dopant segregation at Si/SiO2 interface has been a serious problem in silicon device technology. This paper reports a comprehensive density-functional study on the segregation mechanisms of boron, phosphorous, and arsenic at the Si/SiO2 interface. We found that three kinds of interfacial defects, namely, interstitial oxygen, oxygen vacancy, and silicon vacancy with two oxygen atoms, are stable in the possible chemical potential range. Thus, we consider these defects as trap sites for the dopants. For these defects, the dopant segregation energies, the electrical activities of the trapped dopants, and the kinetic energy barriers of the trapping/detrapping processes are calculated. As a result, trapping at the interstitial oxygen site is indicated to be the most plausible mechanism of the dopant segregation. The interstitial oxygen works as a major trap site since it has a high areal density at the Si/SiO2 interface due to the low formation energy.
Odd-even effect on the formation of aqueous biphasic systems formed by 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquids and salts
Authors: Belchior Diana C. V. , Sintra Tânia E. , Carvalho Pedro J. , Soromenho Mário R. C. , Esperança José M. S. S. , Ventura Sónia P. M. , Rogers Robin D. , Coutinho João A. P. , Freire Mara G.
Published: April 2018

This work provides a comprehensive evaluation of the effect of the cation alkyl side chain length of the 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride series ([CnC1im]Cl, n = 2-14) of ionic liquids (ILs) on their capability to form aqueous biphasic systems (ABSs) with salts and self-aggregation derived properties. The liquid-liquid phase behavior of ternary systems composed of [CnC1im]Cl, water, and K3PO4 or K2CO3 and the respective Setschenow salting-out coefficients (ks), a quantitative measure of the two-phase formation ability, were determined. An odd-even effect in the ks values along the number of methylene groups of the longest IL cation alkyl side chain was identified for the ABS formed by K2CO3, a weaker salting-out agent where the phenomenon is clearly identified. In general, cations with even alkyl side chains, being likely to display higher molar volumes, are more easily salted-out and thus more prone to undergo phase separation. The odd-even effect in the ks values is, however, more significant in ILs up to n = 6, where the nanostructuration/nanosegregation of ILs plays a less relevant role. Still, with the [CnC1im]Cl (n = 7-14) series of ILs, an odd-even effect was also identified in the ILs’ ionization degree, molar conductivity, and conductivity at infinite dilution. In summary, it is shown here that the ILs’ odd-even effect occurs in IL aqueous solutions and not just in neat ILs, an already well-established phenomenon occurring in a series of ILs’ properties described as a result of the orientation of the terminal methyl groups to the imidazolium ring cation and consequent effect in the ILs’ cohesive energy.
Deformed shape invariance symmetry and potentials in curved space with two known eigenstates
Authors: Quesne C.
Published: April 2018

We consider two families of extensions of the oscillator in a d-dimensional constant-curvature space and analyze them in a deformed supersymmetric framework, wherein the starting oscillator is known to exhibit a deformed shape invariance property. We show that the first two members of each extension family are also endowed with such a property, provided some constraint conditions relating the potential parameters are satisfied, in other words they are conditionally deformed shape invariant. Since, in the second step of the construction of a partner potential hierarchy, the constraint conditions change, we impose compatibility conditions between the two sets to build potentials with known ground and first excited states. To extend such results to any members of the two families, we devise a general method wherein the first two superpotentials, the first two partner potentials, and the first two eigenstates of the starting potential are built from some generating function W+(r) [and its accompanying function W−(r)].
Clustering methods for the optimization of atomic cluster structure
Authors: Bagattini Francesco , Schoen Fabio , Tigli Luca
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we propose a revised global optimization method and apply it to large scale cluster conformation problems. In the 1990s, the so-called clustering methods were considered among the most efficient general purpose global optimization techniques; however, their usage has quickly declined in recent years, mainly due to the inherent difficulties of clustering approaches in large dimensional spaces. Inspired from the machine learning literature, we redesigned clustering methods in order to deal with molecular structures in a reduced feature space. Our aim is to show that by suitably choosing a good set of geometrical features coupled with a very efficient descent method, an effective optimization tool is obtained which is capable of finding, with a very high success rate, all known putative optima for medium size clusters without any prior information, both for Lennard-Jones and Morse potentials. The main result is that, beyond being a reliable approach, the proposed method, based on the idea of starting a computationally expensive deep local search only when it seems worth doing so, is capable of saving a huge amount of searches with respect to an analogous algorithm which does not employ a clustering phase. In this paper, we are not claiming the superiority of the proposed method compared to specific, refined, state-of-the-art procedures, but rather indicating a quite straightforward way to save local searches by means of a clustering scheme working in a reduced variable space, which might prove useful when included in many modern methods.
Field emission investigations of single crystal LaB6 FEA fabricated by femtosecond laser direct writing
Authors: Liu Hongliang , Zhang Xin , Li Yuancheng , Xiao Yixin , Zhang Wei , Zhang Jiu-Xing
Published: April 2018

The femtosecond laser direct writing method has been used to fabricate the single crystal lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) field-emission tip arrays (FEAs). The morphologies, structure phase, and field emission of the single crystal LaB6 FEAs are systematically studied. The nanostructures on the surface of tips with the LaB6 phase were formed, resulting in favor of improving field emission, particularly for samples with the nanohill shaped bulges having the size of about 100 nm. The produced single crystal LaB6 FEAs have a uniform structure and a controllable curvature radius of about 0.5–3.0 μm. The FEAs with a curvature radius of about 0.5 μm as field emitters have the best field emission performance, which the field emission turns on and the threshold electric fields are as low as 2.2 and 3.8 V/μm with an emission current of 1.0 A/cm2 at 8.0 V/μm, and the emission current exhibits high stability. These indicate that the processed LaB6 FEAs have a good prospect applied in vacuum microelectronic devices and the simple femtosecond laser direct writing method could lead to an approach for the development of electron sources.
Decrease and enhancement of third-order optical nonlinearity in metal–dielectric composite films
Authors: Ning Tingyin , Lu Heng , Zhou Yueliang , Man Baoyuan
Published: April 2018

We investigate third-order optical nonlinearity in gold nanoparticles embedded in CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) films using the Z-scan method. We observe that the effective third-order nonlinear optical susceptibilities in such composite films can not only be enhanced, in line with the conventional behavior, but also be decreased, depending on the volume concentration of gold. In particular, the nonlinear absorption behavior can be changed from saturable absorption in pure CCTO films to reversed saturable absorption in composite films, and theoretically, even zero nonlinear absorption could be obtained. These results indicate that it should be possible to tune the third-order optical nonlinearity in Au:CCTO composite films by altering the gold concentration, thus making them suitable for applications in photonic devices.
Electron critical gradient scale length measurements of ICRF heated L-mode plasmas at Alcator C-Mod tokamak
Authors: Houshmandyar S. , Hatch D. R. , Horton C. W. , Liao K. T. , Phillips P. E. , Rowan W. L. , Zhao B. , Cao N. M. , Ernst D. R. , Greenwald M. , Howard N. T. , Hubbard A. E. , Hughes J. W. , Rice J. E.
Published: April 2018

A profile for the critical gradient scale length (Lc) has been measured in L-mode discharges at the Alcator C-Mod tokamak, where electrons were heated by an ion cyclotron range of frequency through minority heating with the intention of simultaneously varying the heat flux and changing the local gradient. The electron temperature gradient scale length (LTe−1 = |∇Te|/Te) profile was measured via the BT-jog technique [Houshmandyar et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 87, 11E101 (2016)] and it was compared with electron heat flux from power balance (TRANSP) analysis. The Te profiles were found to be very stiff and already above the critical values, however, the stiffness was found to be reduced near the q = 3/2 surface. The measured Lc profile is in agreement with electron temperature gradient (ETG) models which predict the dependence of Lc−1 on local Zeff, Te/Ti, and the ratio of the magnetic shear to the safety factor. The results from linear Gene gyrokinetic simulations suggest ETG to be the dominant mode of turbulence in the electron scale (k⊥ρs > 1), and ion temperature gradient/trapped electron mode modes in the ion scale (k⊥ρs < 1). The measured Lc profile is in agreement with the profile of ETG critical gradients deduced from Gene simulations.
Excellent field emission properties of vertically oriented CuO nanowire films
Authors: Feng Long , Yan Hui , Li Heng , Zhang Rukang , Li Zhe , Chi Rui , Yang Shuaiyu , Ma Yaya , Fu Bin , Liu Jiwen
Published: April 2018

Oriented CuO nanowire films were synthesized on a large scale using simple method of direct heating copper grids in air. The field emission properties of the sample can be enhanced by improving the aspect ratio of the nanowires just through a facile method of controlling the synthesis conditions. Although the density of the nanowires is large enough, the screen effect is not an important factor in this field emission process because few nanowires sticking out above the rest. Benefiting from the unique geometrical and structural features, the CuO nanowire samples show excellent field emission (FE) properties. The FE measurements of CuO nanowire films illustrate that the sample synthesized at 500 °C for 8 h has a comparatively low turn-on field of 0.68 V/μm, a low threshold field of 1.1 V/μm, and a large field enhancement factor β of 16782 (a record high value for CuO nanostructures, to the best of our knowledge), indicating that the samples are promising candidates for field emission applications.
Gyrofluid modeling and phenomenology of low-βe Alfvén wave turbulence
Authors: Passot T. , Sulem P. L. , Tassi E.
Published: April 2018

A two-field reduced gyrofluid model including electron inertia, ion finite Larmor radius corrections, and parallel magnetic field fluctuations is derived from the model of Brizard [Brizard, Phys. Fluids B 4, 1213 (1992)]. It assumes low βe, where βe indicates the ratio between the equilibrium electron pressure and the magnetic pressure exerted by a strong uniform magnetic guide field, but permits an arbitrary ion-to-electron equilibrium temperature ratio. It is shown to have a noncanonical Hamiltonian structure and provides a convenient framework for studying kinetic Alfvén wave turbulence, from magnetohydrodynamics to sub-de scales (where de holds for the electron skin depth). Magnetic energy spectra are phenomenologically determined within energy and generalized cross-helicity cascades in the perpendicular spectral plane. Arguments based on absolute statistical equilibria are used to predict the direction of the transfers, pointing out that, within the sub-ion range, the generalized cross-helicity could display an inverse cascade if injected at small scales, for example by reconnection processes.
A multilayered-cylindrical piezoelectric shear actuator operating in shear (d15) mode
Authors: Gao Xiangyu , Xin Xudong , Wu Jingen , Chu Zhaoqiang , Dong Shuxiang
Published: April 2018

In this work, a multilayered-cylindrical piezoelectric shear actuator (MCPSA) operating in the d15 shear mode was presented for precision actuation under a large mechanical load. The actuator was made of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT-51) piezoelectric ceramic rings, which were concentrically assembled together in electrically parallel connection with alternately positive and negative polarizations along the axial direction. Experimental results show that the acquired displacement amplitude at the center of the actuator along the axial direction is around 6.5 μm under the 1 Hz applied voltage of 400 Vpp/mm, and it stayed stably under a mechanical load up to 18 N, which is 7 times larger than that of the previously reported d15 shear actuator. The proposed actuator also shows good displacement linearity with a high resolution of 0.1 μm in responding to a step voltage, indicating its great potential for precision actuation under a large mechanical load.
Water dissociating on rigid Ni(100): A quantum dynamics study on a full-dimensional potential energy surface
Authors: Liu Tianhui , Chen Jun , Zhang Zhaojun , Shen Xiangjian , Fu Bina , Zhang Dong H.
Published: April 2018

We constructed a nine-dimensional (9D) potential energy surface (PES) for the dissociative chemisorption of H2O on a rigid Ni(100) surface using the neural network method based on roughly 110 000 energies obtained from extensive density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The resulting PES is accurate and smooth, based on the small fitting errors and the good agreement between the fitted PES and the direct DFT calculations. Time dependent wave packet calculations also showed that the PES is very well converged with respect to the fitting procedure. The dissociation probabilities of H2O initially in the ground rovibrational state from 9D quantum dynamics calculations are quite different from the site-specific results from the seven-dimensional (7D) calculations, indicating the importance of full-dimensional quantum dynamics to quantitatively characterize this gas-surface reaction. It is found that the validity of the site-averaging approximation with exact potential holds well, where the site-averaging dissociation probability over 15 fixed impact sites obtained from 7D quantum dynamics calculations can accurately approximate the 9D dissociation probability for H2O in the ground rovibrational state.
Simulations of submonolayer Xe on Pt(111): The case for a chaotic low temperature phase
Authors: Novaco Anthony D. , Bavaresco Jessica
Published: April 2018

Molecular dynamics simulations are reported for the structural and thermodynamic properties of submonolayer xenon adsorbed on the (111) surface of platinum for temperatures up to the (apparently incipient) triple point and beyond. While the motion of the atoms in the surface plane is treated with a standard two-dimensional molecular dynamics simulation, the model takes into consideration the thermal excitation of quantum states associated with surface-normal dynamics in an attempt to describe the apparent smoothing of the corrugation with increasing temperature. We examine the importance of this thermal smoothing to the relative stability of several observed and proposed low-temperature structures. Structure factor calculations are compared to experimental results in an attempt to determine the low temperature structure of this system. These calculations provide strong evidence that, at very low temperatures, the domain wall structure of a xenon monolayer adsorbed on a Pt(111) substrate possesses a chaotic-like nature, exhibiting long-lived meta-stable states with pinned domain walls, these walls having narrow widths and irregular shapes. This result is contrary to the standard wisdom regarding this system, namely, that the very low temperature phase of this system is a striped incommensurate phase. We present the case for further experimental investigation of this and similar systems as possible examples of chaotic low temperature phases in two dimensions.
Microstructure and interface analysis of emerging Ga(Sb,Bi) epilayers and Ga(Sb,Bi)/GaSb quantum wells for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Luna E. , Delorme O. , Cerutti L. , Tournié E. , Rodriguez J.-B. , Trampert A.
Published: April 2018

Using transmission electron microscopy, we present an in-depth microstructural analysis of a series of Ga(Sb,Bi) epilayers and Ga(Sb,Bi)/GaSb quantum wells grown on GaSb(001) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. Despite the dilute bismide compound Ga(Sb,Bi) is regarded as a highly-mismatched alloy, we find that the material is of remarkable structural perfection, even up to 11%–14% Bi, the maximum Bi concentration incorporated into GaSb so far. No extended defects, nanoclusters, or composition modulations are detectable in the pseudomorphic layers. In addition, the quantum wells exhibit regular and homogeneous morphologies including smooth and stable interfaces with a chemical width on the same order as in other high-quality III–V heterointerfaces. These results may give reasons for the recent successful realization of mid-infrared lasers with room temperature operation based on the very same quantum well structures.
Mechanical mechanisms of the directional shift and inverse of the eccentric compound droplet
Authors: Wang Jingtao , Xu Shen , Huang Yan , Guan Jing
Published: April 2018

Mechanical mechanisms of the directional movement and inverse of an eccentric compound droplet in a modest extensional flow are investigated in this paper by spectral boundary element methods. In this work, a phenomenon is revealed that the shift of a compound droplet is driven by the asymmetric interfacial curvature, not just the outer drag. The asymmetric layout of the daughter droplet leads to the asymmetric drags from the continuous phase and the asymmetric deformation of the compound droplet with different interface curvatures. As the inner droplet has both enhancing and suppressing effects on the globule deformation (during different stages), the interface curvatures will vary when the relative size and location of the inner droplet are changed. The curvature difference results in the asymmetric pressure distribution and circulation inside the compound droplet. Eventually, the interaction of the inner driving force (curvature difference) and the outer drags results in the directional shift and inverse of the compound droplet. The shift direction is affected by the structural asymmetry parameter ε (eccentricity) and some flow features such as the capillary number. The conclusion could enlighten potential applications for the movement of soft globules driven by the curvature difference.
Role of five-fold symmetry in undercooled Al-Cu binary alloys
Authors: Pasturel A. , Jakse N.
Published: April 2018

We investigate the role of five-fold symmetry (FFS) in undercooled Al1-xCux liquids (x = 0.3 and 0.4) using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. We show that the structure factors and pair-correlation functions display characteristic features which are compatible with the occurrence of FFS and the emergence of a medium range order (MRO) below a temperature TX located close to the liquidus temperature. Then, we demonstrate that the formation of MRO is associated with a strong increase in local FFS-motifs which become more and more connected with decreasing temperature. From the temperature dependence of dynamic properties, we find that TX corresponds also to the onset of dynamic phenomena, like the non-Arrhenius temperature dependence of transport properties and the emergence of dynamical heterogeneities (DHs). Finally, we clearly identify a relationship between the fivefold topology at the medium-range scale (IMRO) and the spatial distribution of DHs using isoconfigurational ensemble simulations. This questions the direct role of the connectivity of five-fold-based motifs found in IMRO in nucleation of the parent crystalline ground states, namely, Al2Cu and Al3Cu2, which also display local ordering with a significant degree of FFS.
Development and validation of a model for predicting fire behaviour in spinifex grasslands of arid Australia
Authors: Burrows Neil , Gill Malcolm , Sharples Jason
Published: April 2018

Large wildfires are common in spinifex grasslands of arid Australia. Threat mitigation measures including fire preparedness, prescribed burning and wildfire suppression are greatly enhanced by the ability to predict fire behaviour. The new spinifex fire behaviour model presented here was developed and validated from 186 experimental fires across a wide range of fuel and weather conditions. Because spinifex fuels are discontinuous, modelling is a two-step process; once ignition is achieved, the first step is to determine the likelihood of fire spread, which is dependent on conditions of wind speed, fuel cover and fuel moisture content. If spread thresholds are met, the second step is to predict rate of spread and flame height using the same three independent variables. Thirty-six of the 186 experimental fires not used in modelling were used to validate the model, which proved to be reasonably accurate and an improvement on the previous model.
Germline deletion of CIN85 in humans with X chromosome–linked antibody deficiency
Authors: Keller Baerbel , Shoukier Moneef , Schulz Kathrin , Bhatt Arshiya , Heine Ines , Strohmeier Valentina , Speckmann Carsten , Engels Niklas , Warnatz Klaus , Wienands Jürgen
Published: April 2018

Ubiquitously expressed Cbl-interacting protein of 85 kD (CIN85) is a multifunctional adapter molecule supposed to regulate numerous cellular processes that are critical for housekeeping as well as cell type–specific functions. However, limited information exists about the in vivo roles of CIN85, because only conditional mouse mutants with cell type–specific ablation of distinct CIN85 isoforms in brain and B lymphocytes have been generated so far. No information is available about the roles of CIN85 in humans. Here, we report on primary antibody deficiency in patients harboring a germline deletion within the CIN85 gene on the X chromosome. In the absence of CIN85, all immune cell compartments developed normally, but B lymphocytes showed intrinsic defects in distinct effector pathways of the B cell antigen receptor, most notably NF-κB activation and up-regulation of CD86 expression on the cell surface. These results reveal nonredundant functions of CIN85 for humoral immune responses.
Comparison of wear behaviour and mechanical properties of as-cast Al6082 and Al6082-T6 using statistical analysis
Authors: Rani Rana Sandhya , Pattnaik A.B. , Patnaik S.C.
Published: April 2018

In the present work the wear behavior and mechanical properties of as cast A16082 and A16086-T6 were compared and analyzed using statistical analysis. The as cast Al6082 alloy was solutionized at 550°C, quenched and artificially aged at 170°C for 8hrs. Metallographic examination and XRD analysis revealed the presence of intermetallic compounds Al6Mn.Hardness of heat treated Al6082 was found to be more than as cast sample. Wear tests were carried out using Pin on Disc wear testing machine according to Taguchi L9 orthogonal array. Experiments were conducted under normal load 10-30N, sliding speed 1-3m/s, sliding distance 400,800,1200m respectively. Sliding speed was found to be the dominant factor for wear in both as cast and aged Al 6082 alloy. Sliding distance increases the wear rate up to 800m and then after it decreases.
Accuracy of death certification of dementia in population-based samples of older people: analysis over time
Authors: Gao Lu , Calloway Rowan , Zhao Emily , Brayne Carol , Matthews Fiona E ,   Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Collaboration
Published: April 2018

Background

death certification data are routinely collected in most developed countries. Coded causes of death are a readily accessible source and have the potential advantage of providing complete follow-up, but with limitations.

Objective

to investigate the reliability of using death certificates for surveillance of dementia, the time trend of recording dementia on death certificates and predictive factors of recording of dementia.

Subjects

individuals aged 65 and over in six areas across England and Wales were randomly selected for the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (CFAS) and CFAS II with mortality follow-up.

Methods

prevalence of dementia recorded on death certificates were calculated by year. Reporting of dementia on death certificates compared with the study diagnosis of dementia, with sensitivity, specificity and Cohen’s κ were estimated. Multivariable logistic regression models explored the impact of potential factors on the reporting of dementia on the death certificate.

Results

the overall unadjusted prevalence of dementia on death certificates rose from 5.3% to 25.9% over the last 26 years. Dementia reported on death certificates was poor with sensitivity 21.0% in earlier cohort CFAS, but it had increased to 45.2% in CFAS II. Dementia was more likely to be recorded on death certificates in individuals with severe dementia, or those living in an institution, yet less likely reported if individuals died in hospital.

Conclusion

recording dementia on death certificate has improved significantly in the England and Wales. However, such information is still an underestimate and should be used alongside epidemiological estimations.
Gut Barrier Dysfunction—A Primary Defect in Twins with Crohn’s Disease Predominantly Caused by Genetic Predisposition
Authors: Keita Åsa V , Lindqvist Carl Mårten , Öst Åke , Magana Carlos D L , Schoultz Ida , Halfvarson Jonas
Published: April 2018

Background and Aims

The aetiology of Crohn’s disease is poorly understood. By investigating twin pairs discordant for Crohn’s disease, we aimed to assess whether the dysregulated barrier represents a cause or a consequence of inflammation and to evaluate the impact of genetic predisposition on barrier function.

Methods

Ileal biopsies from 15 twin pairs discordant for Crohn’s disease [monozygotic n = 9, dizygotic n = 6] and 10 external controls were mounted in Ussing chambers to assess paracellular permeability to 51Chromium [Cr]-EDTA and trancellular passage to non-pathogenic E. coli K-12. Experiments were performed with and without provocation with acetylsalicylic acid. Immunofluorescence and ELISA were used to quantify the expression level of tight junction proteins.

Results

Healthy co-twins and affected twins displayed increased 51Cr-EDTA permeability at 120 min, both with acetylsalicylic acid [p < 0.001] and without [p < 0.001] when compared with controls. A significant increase in 51Cr-EDTA flux was already seen at 20 min in healthy monozygotic co-twins compared with controls [p≤0.05] when stratified by zygosity, but not in healthy dizygotic co-twins. No difference in E. coli passage was observed between groups. Immunofluorescence of the tight junction proteins claudin-5 and tricellulin showed lower levels in healthy co-twins [p < 0.05] and affected twins [p < 0.05] compared with external controls, while ELISA only showed lower tricellulin in Crohn’s disease twins [p < 0.05].

Conclusion

Our results suggest that barrier dysfunction is a primary defect in Crohn’s disease, since changes were predominantly seen in healthy monozygotic co-twins. Passage of E. coli seems to be a consequence of inflammation, rather than representing a primary defect.
TRAF2 and TRAF5 associated with the signal transducing receptor gp130 limit IL-6-driven transphosphorylation of JAK1 through the inhibition of proximal JAK–JAK interaction
Authors: Kimura Masanobu , Nagashima Hiroyuki , Okuyama Yuko , Ishii Naoto , So Takanori
Published: April 2018

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) and TRAF5 constitutively bind to glycoprotein 130 kDa (gp130) and inhibit IL-6-driven activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in CD4+ T cells, which limits the differentiation of pro-inflammatory IL-17-producing helper T cells that require IL-6-receptor (IL-6R) signals for their development. However, it is not known how the interaction between TRAF and gp130 negatively regulates STAT3 activity in the IL-6R complex. We hypothesized that TRAF proteins associated with gp130 might limit the activation of Janus kinase that is needed for the activation of STAT3. To test this, we transfected HEK293T cells to express gp130 and TRAF2 or TRAF5 together with two chimeric JAK1 proteins combined with either the N-terminal or the C-terminal protein fragment of firefly luciferase. Using this luciferase fragment complementation system, we found that the recovery of luciferase enzyme activity was coincident with proximal JAK1–JAK1 interaction and phosphorylation of JAK1 in the IL-6R complex and that the expression of TRAF protein significantly inhibited the recovery of luciferase activity. The binding of TRAF to gp130 via the C-terminal TRAF domain was essential for the inhibition. In accordance with this, upon stimulation of endogenous gp130 with a complex of IL-6 and IL-6R, Traf5−/− CD4+ T cells displayed significantly higher amounts of phosphorylated JAK1 than did their wild-type counterparts. Therefore, our results demonstrate that gp130-associated TRAF2 and TRAF5 inhibit the interaction between two JAK proteins in the IL-6R complex that is essential for initiating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway.
Using performance data and reproductive measurements to predict fertility in replacement beef heifers
Authors: Jones Arthur L , Berghaus Roy D , Studstill Matthew W , Segers Jacob S , Duggin Jason D , Cannon Patsie T , Stewart R Lawton
Published: April 2018

This study investigated the predictive value of reproductive tract evaluation and growth characteristics measured 30–70 d prior to the breeding season on 1) pregnancy outcome and 2) time to conception in replacement beef heifers. A total of 1,992 heifers (BW 329 ± 42 kg; age 347 ± 27 d) were delivered for enrollment in the Georgia Heifer Evaluation and Reproductive Development (HERD) program between 2006 and 2011 at two locations. Physical traits were selected to assess management of heifers prior to entering the program in addition to developmental traits traditionally measured in the HERD program and included: reproductive tract maturity score (RTS), weight 70 d prior to breeding as a percentage of target weight, hip height (HH) 40–50 d prior to breeding, and average daily gain 40–50 d prior to breeding. Cattle entered in the program were of similar age and subjected to comparable nutritional and management programs. Chi-square test of homogeneity (pregnancy status) and the Kaplan–Meier product limit method (number of days from initial breeding to conception) were used to analyze univariate associations with predictor variables. Multivariate analyses of pregnancy status and time to conception were performed using logistic regression and Cox regression, respectively. The odds of pregnancy increased by 15% for every 2.5 cm increase in HH (P = 0.001), and by 20% for every 30-d increase in heifer age at the start of the breeding period (P = 0.019). Although RTS was associated (P = 0.015) with pregnancy status in the univariate analysis, after adjusting for the other variables included in the final multivariable model there was no significant association (P > 0.05). RTS and heifer age were not associated (P > 0.05) with time to conception in the multivariable analysis and were not included in the final model. However, HH was significantly (P = 0.005) associated with the time to conception after adjusting for location and year of enrollment. After 35 d, the hazard rate for conception increased 15% for every 2.5 cm increase in HH [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) = 1.15 (1.04, 1.26); P = 0.005]. Variables intended to indicate prior management (average daily gain and weight 70 d prior to breeding as a percentage of target weight) were not found to be associated with pregnancy or time to conception. The results suggest that factors relating to maturity can be used to select heifers that are more likely to achieve pregnancy and have reduced times to conception.
A Preoperative Planning Tool: Aggregate Anterior Approach to the Humerus With Quantitative Comparisons
Authors: Phelps Kevin D. , Harmer Luke S. , Crickard Colin V. , Hamid Nady , Sample Katherine M. , Andrews Erica B. , Seymour Rachel B. , Hsu Joseph R.
Published: April 2018

Extensile approaches to the humerus are often needed when treating complex proximal or distal fractures that have extension into the humeral shaft or in those fractures that occur around implants. The 2 most commonly used approaches for more complex fractures include the modified lateral paratricipital approach and the deltopectoral approach with distal anterior extension. Although the former is well described and quantified, the latter is often associated with variable nomenclature with technical descriptions that can be confusing. Furthermore, a method to expose the entire humerus through an anterior extensile approach has not been described. Here, we illustrate and quantify a technique for connecting anterior humeral approaches in a stepwise fashion to form an aggregate anterior approach (AAA). We also describe a method for further distal extension to expose 100% of the length of the humerus and compare this approach with both the AAA and the lateral paratricipital in terms of access to critical bony landmarks, as well as the length and area of bone exposed.
Review on Factors Influencing Physician Guideline Adherence in Cardiology
Authors: Hoorn C.J.G.M. , Crijns H.J.G.M. , Dierick-van Daele A.T.M. , Dekker L.R.C.
Published: April 2018

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in Western countries. Physician adherence to guidelines is often suboptimal, resulting in impaired patient outcome and prognosis. Multiple studies have been conducted to evaluate patterns and the influencing factors of patient adherence, but little is known about factors influencing physician guideline adherence. This review aims to identify factors influencing physician guideline adherence relevant to cardiology and to provide insights and suggestions for future improvement. Physician adherence was measured as adherence to standard local medical practice and applicable guidelines. Female gender and older age had a negative effect on physician guideline adherence. In addition, independent of the type of heart disease, physicians without cardiologic specialization were linked to physician noncompliance. Also, guideline adherence in primary care centers was at a lower level compared with secondary or tertiary care centers. The importance of guideline adherence increases as patients age, and complex diseases and comorbidity arise. Appropriate resources and interventions, taking important factors for nonadherence in account, are necessary to improve guideline adoption and adherence in every level of the chain. This in turn should improve patient outcome.
Older women do not have seasonal variations of vitamin D levels: a study from a southern country
Authors: Vallejo María S. , Blümel Juan E. , Lavín Pablo , Torres Claudio , Araos Alejandro , Sciaraffia Carlos
Published: April 2018

Objective:

The aim was to study whether the seasonal variation of vitamin D [25(OH)-D or calcidiol] is similar or different in younger and older women living in a southern country.

Methods:

Measurement of serum 25(OH)-D concentration in 739 Chilean women aged 20 to 87 years, residents of Santiago (latitude: 33.4° South) who, during a routine gynaecological checkup, agreed to be evaluated.

Results:

The mean serum concentration of 25(OH)-D for the group was 24.1 ± 10.5 ng/mL. In women 20 to 39 years, the mean was significantly different from the mean of the ≥60 years old group (25.8 ± 10.6 ng/mL vs 23.9 ± 11.1 ng/mL; P < 0.02). Globally, 38.4% of participants had vitamin D deficiency and 36.1% insufficiency. A deficiency was present in 28.4% of the 20 to 39 years old, and in 43.9% in the ≥60 years old group (P < 0.004). In the whole group, a lower proportion (P < 0.0001) of vitamin D deficiency cases in the youngest women occurred during the summer (23.7%) in comparison to the winter (47.7%). It was observed that the proportion of participants in the 20 to 39 years old group with vitamin D deficiency fell from 48.9% in winter to 4.9% in summer (P = 0.0001). In the older groups, this change (less deficiency) is progressively smaller, 51.2% to 27.6% (P = 0.0020) in women 40 to 59 years old, and it does not happen in women ≥60 years (40% with vitamin D deficiency).

Conclusions:

Serum vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)-D or calcidiol] is highly prevalent in Santiago, especially in older women (≥60 y) throughout the year. In contrast, in younger women (<40 y), the vitamin D deficiency tends to disappear during summer. More epidemiological studies and targeted prevention actions on vitamin D deficiency are warranted.
Severe Maternal or Near Miss Morbidity: Implications for Public Health Surveillance and Clinical Audit
Authors: KUKLINA ELENA V. , GOODMAN DAVID A.
Published: April 2018

This chapter reviews the historical development of indicators to identify severe maternal morbidity/maternal near miss (SMM/MNM), and their use for public health surveillance, research, and clinical audit. While there has been progress toward identifying standard definitions for SMM/MNM within countries, there remain inconsistencies in the definition of SMM/MNM indicators and their application between countries. Using these indicators to screen for events that then trigger a clinical audit may both under identify select SMM/MNM (false negative)and over identify select SMM/MNM (false positive). Thus, indicators which support the efficient identification of SMM/MNM for the purpose of facility-based clinical audits are still needed.
Experimental Evidence of the Healing Properties of Lactobionic Acid for Ocular Surface Disease
Authors: Olivieri Melania , Cristaldi Martina , Pezzino Salvatore , Lupo Gabriella , Anfuso Carmelina Daniela , Gagliano Caterina , Genovese Carlo , Rusciano Dario
Published: April 2018

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to investigate the properties of lactobionic acid (LA) as a possible supplement in artificial tears in in vitro and in vivo experimental model systems. LA is a bionic derivative of a polyhydroxy acid, which consists of one galactose attached by an ether link to a gluconic acid. It is a molecule endowed with several properties that make it an ideal supplement in artificial tears: it is highly hygroscopic and a powerful antioxidant, it is an iron chelator and inhibits matrix metalloprotease activity; it favors wound healing (WH); and it inhibits bacterial growth.

Methods:

Promotion of WH by LA, alone or in combination with hyaluronic acid (HA), was investigated in vitro on monolayers of rabbit corneal cells (Statens Seruminstitut) and in vivo after epithelium debridement of rabbit corneas. TGF-β expression and MMP-9 activity in wounded corneas were detected in tears and cornea extracts by western blot or by Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA). Bacterial growth inhibition by LA was checked on Staphylococcus aureus isolates in liquid culture.

Results:

LA, with or without HA, favors WH in vitro and in vivo. The WH assay on the rabbit cornea showed that 4% LA in association with 0.15% HA also resulted in a blunted increase of MMP-9 and TGF-β in tears and corneal tissue. Finally, the presence of 4% LA resulted in slower growth of cultured bacterial isolates.

Conclusions:

Our findings support the hypothesis that LA could be a useful supplement to artificial tears to treat ocular surface dysfunction such as dry eye.
Near and Distance Stereoacuity in Patients With Primary Open-angle Glaucoma
Authors: Park Chan Keum , Kim Dai Woo , Lee Chang Kyu
Published: April 2018

Purpose:

To compare near and distance stereoacuity between patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and a control group, and to analyze the associations between stereoacuity and POAG severity.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study compared near and distance stereoacuity between the POAG and control groups. The data from the POAG group were used to assess the associations between stereoacuity (both near and distance) and the severity of visual field (VF) defects (based on Hodapp-Anderson-Parrish classification and the VF index).

Results:

The study included 94 eyes of 47 patients with POAG and 80 eyes of 40 control subjects. Near and distance stereoacuity were significantly lower in the POAG group than in the control group (both P<0.001). Near stereoacuity worsened with POAG severity in terms of both the Hodapp-Anderson-Parrish classification and VF index (P=0.007 and P=0.049, respectively). However, distance stereoacuity was not associated with POAG severity for either categorization (P=0.12 and P=0.57, respectively). The proportions of patients with reduced near stereoacuity and those with a lack of distance stereoacuity were higher in the POAG group than in the control group.

Conclusions:

Near and distance stereoacuity were significantly lower among patients with POAG than among control subjects. Near stereoacuity worsened with increasing POAG severity but distance stereoacuity did not. However, the proportion of patients with a lack of distance stereoacuity was higher in the POAG group than in the control group.
Pilot Teledermatology Service for Assessing Solitary Skin Lesions in a Tertiary London Dermatology Center
Authors: Cheung Chung-mei Maggie , Muttardi Kayria , Chinthapalli Suchitra , Ismail Ferina
Published: April 2018

Background:

Efficient clinical pathways are needed to meet the growing pressures in dermatology due to the significant rise in the number of suspected skin cancer referrals. Our hospital serves a wide geographical area and receives a large number of 2-week-wait (2WW) suspected skin cancer referrals. In the United Kingdom, approximately 10–12% of 2WW referrals are diagnosed as skin cancers fulfilling the 2WW criteria.

Purpose:

We sought to assess the role of teledermatology in reducing hospital consultations for patients referred via the dermatology 2WW pathway.

Methods:

We piloted a teledermatology service and detailed the clinical outcomes of patients with solitary skin lesions of uncertain diagnosis triaged through this pathway. Seventy-six primary care referrals were reviewed by consultant dermatologists and analyzed against the British Association of Dermatologists' teledermatology audit standards.

Results:

In 52/76 (68%) of patients, confident benign diagnoses were made, avoiding the need for a face-to-face (FTF) consultation.

Conclusions:

Our results showed that with adequate image quality, teledermatology can be used to accurately diagnose skin lesions.

Implications:

Teledermatology can significantly reduce the number of urgent referrals necessitating FTF appointments, therefore providing a new solution to streamline care delivery.
In Search of a Pony
Authors: Stone Marc B.
Published: April 2018

It is highly desirable to be able to evaluate the effect of policy interventions. Such evaluations should have expected outcomes based upon sound theory and be carefully planned, objectively evaluated and prospectively executed. In many cases, however, assessments originate with investigators’ poorly substantiated beliefs about the effects of a policy. Instead of designing studies that test falsifiable hypotheses, these investigators adopt methods and data sources that serve as little more than descriptions of these beliefs in the guise of analysis. Interrupted time series analysis is one of the most popular forms of analysis used to present these beliefs. It is intuitively appealing but, in most cases, it is based upon false analogies, fallacious assumptions and analytical errors.
Honest Opinion Versus Dishonest Analysis
Authors: Stone Marc B.
Published: April 2018

Response to the response of Kuldorff and Lu et al.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Role on Notalgia Paresthetica
Authors: da Cruz Cristina M. , Antunes Filipe
Published: April 2018

Notalgia paresthetica is a rarely reported T2–T6 sensory neuropathy whose etiology and treatment are not fully established. Although it is believed to be common in dermatological practice, it remains underrecognized, underdiagnosed, and therefore underreported. This case-report provides a physical medicine and rehabilitation perspective on notalgia paresthetica diagnosis and treatment. This article presents a case report of a 39-yr-old woman with pain, pruritus, and a hyperpigmented area in the right dorsal infra scapular region. The diagnosis of notalgia paresthetica was established. She was successfully treated with topical anesthetics, postural corrective exercises, scapular muscle strengthening, and pectoral muscle stretching. In this context, different treatment options were reviewed. A small set of pharmacological and nonpharmacological techniques were identified. Several of these modalities belong to the physical medicine and rehabilitation field of action.
Dolutegravir resistance mutations: lessons from monotherapy studies
Authors: Blanco José L. , Marcelin Anne-Geneviéve , Katlama Christine , Martinez Esteban
Published: April 2018

Purpose of review

Dolutegravir (DTG) is a second-generation integrase strand transfer inhibitor (InSTI) with an outstanding antiviral potency, good tolerability, good pharmacokinetic profile with a lack of major drug–drug interactions, and a barrier to resistance higher than the other compounds of the class (raltegravir and elvitegravir) and allegedly as high as that of boosted protease inhibitors. For these reasons, DTG, after successful results in a context of triple therapy in various clinical scenarios, has been investigated mostly by independent investigators in less-drug regimens, including dolutegravir monotherapy, in the context of a growing clinical interest for adjusting successful antiretroviral therapy to the increasing number of limitations for standard antiretroviral therapy in some HIV-infected patients. However, the development of genotypic resistance in case of failure to DTG monotherapy was unexpected.

Recent findings

Data on efficacy and resistance from preclinical studies, randomized clinical trials and clinical cohorts of HIV-infected patients treated with DTG monotherapy published in indexed journals or presented at international meetings were reviewed.

Monotherapy with dolutegravir has a high rate for resistance selection in the integrase gene through different pathways in case of virological failure.