bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A method for building low loss multi-layer wiring for superconducting microwave devices
Authors: Dunsworth A. , Barends R. , Chen Yu , Chen Zijun , Chiaro B. , Fowler A. , Foxen B. , Jeffrey E. , Kelly J. , Klimov P. V. , Lucero E. , Mutus J. Y. , Neeley M. , Neill C. , Quintana C. , Roushan P. , Sank D. , Vainsencher A. , Wenner J. , White T. C. , Neven H. , Martinis John M. , Megrant A.
Published: February 2018

Complex integrated circuits require multiple wiring layers. In complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor processing, these layers are robustly separated by amorphous dielectrics. These dielectrics would dominate energy loss in superconducting integrated circuits. Here, we describe a procedure that capitalizes on the structural benefits of inter-layer dielectrics during fabrication and mitigates the added loss. We use a deposited inter-layer dielectric throughout fabrication and then etch it away post-fabrication. This technique is compatible with foundry level processing and can be generalized to make many different forms of low-loss wiring. We use this technique to create freestanding aluminum vacuum gap crossovers (airbridges). We characterize the added capacitive loss of these airbridges by connecting ground planes over microwave frequency λ/4 coplanar waveguide resonators and measuring resonator loss. We measure a low power resonator loss of ∼3.9 × 10−8 per bridge, which is 100 times lower than that of dielectric supported bridges. We further characterize these airbridges as crossovers, control line jumpers, and as part of a coupling network in gmon and fluxmon qubits. We measure qubit characteristic lifetimes (T1s) in excess of 30 μs in gmon devices.
Design of photonic crystal surface emitting lasers with indium-tin-oxide top claddings
Authors: Huang Shen-Che , Hong Kuo-Bin , Chiu Han-Lun , Lan Shao-Wun , Chang Tsu-Chi , Li Heng , Lu Tien-Chang
Published: February 2018

Electrically pumped GaAs-based photonic crystal surface emitting lasers were fabricated using a simple fabrication process by directly capping the indium-tin-oxide transparent conducting thin film as the top cladding layer upon a photonic crystal layer. Optimization of the separate-confinement heterostructures of a laser structure is crucial to improving characteristics by providing advantageous optical confinements. The turn-on voltage, series resistance, threshold current, and slope efficiency of the laser with a 100 × 100 μm2 photonic crystal area operated at room temperature were 1.3 V, 1.5 Ω, 121 mA, and 0.2 W/A, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrated a single-lobed lasing wavelength of 928.6 nm at 200 mA and a wavelength redshift rate of 0.05 nm/K in temperature-dependent measurements. The device exhibited the maximum output power of approximately 400 mW at an injection current of 2 A; moreover, divergence angles of less than 1° for the unpolarized circular-shaped laser beam were measured at various injection currents. Overall, the low threshold current, excellent beam quality, small divergence, high output power, and high-operating-temperature (up to 343 K) of our devices indicate that they can potentially fill the requirements for next-generation light sources and optoelectronic devices.
Communication: Renormalization method for infinite lattice sums revisited: Lattice sums with Bloch phase factors
Authors: Varga Štefan
Published: February 2018

An infinite lattice summation scheme based on the idea of renormalization is generalized to enable the evaluation of infinite lattice sums with Bloch phase factors which can occur when treating long-range interactions in infinite periodic systems. The scheme is fast, with easily adjustable accuracy and is not limited to any choice of special points in the Brillouin zone. Illustrative calculation for a first few contributions for a simple cubic lattice is presented.
Simulation of laser-induced rectification in a nano-scale diode
Authors: Kidd Daniel , Xu Xiaojia , Covington Cody , Watanabe Kazuyuki , Varga Kálmán
Published: February 2018

Time-dependent density functional theory is utilized to simulate an asymmetrical jellium model, representing a nano-scale vacuum-tube diode comprised of bulk lithium. A sharp tip on one end of the jellium model allows for enhanced field emission upon interaction with an external laser field, leading to a preferential net current direction. This is verified by comparing the rate of electron transfer between the effective anode and cathode tips for both the diode jellium model and a symmetric cylinder jellium shape for various laser phase parameters. This rate of transfer is shown to significantly increase with smaller separation distances. With stronger laser intensities, this rate similarly increases but levels off as local near-field enhancements become negligible.
Molecular model of the mitochondrial genome segregation machinery in
Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Hoffmann Anneliese , Käser Sandro , Jakob Martin , Amodeo Simona , Peitsch Camille , Týč Jiří , Vaughan Sue , Zuber Benoît , Schneider André , Ochsenreiter Torsten
Published: February 2018

Significance

Mitochondrial genome replication and segregation are essential processes in most eukaryotic cells. While replication has been studied in some detail, much less is known about the molecular machinery required to distribute the replicated genomes. Using superresolution microscopy in combination with molecular biology and biochemistry, we show in which order the segregation machinery is assembled and that it is likely assembled de novo rather than in a semiconservative fashion in the single-celled parasite
Trypanosoma brucei
. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the mitochondrial genome itself is not required for assembly to occur. It seems that the physical connection of the mitochondrial genome to cytoskeletal elements is a conserved feature in most eukaryotes; however, the molecular components are highly diverse.
Study on functionally graded Zn–Ni–Al2O3 coatings fabricated by pulse-electrodeposition
Authors: Shourgeshty M. , Aliofkhazraei M. , Karimzadeh A.
Published: February 2018

Functionally graded Zn–Ni–Al2O3 coatings were electroplated by continuously changing the duty cycle/frequency. Two types of graded coatings were deposited; the first type was synthesised through gradual reduction in the duty cycle from 88 to 11% at a certain frequency and the second type was plated by increasing the frequency gradually from 100 to 1500 Hz at a constant duty cycle. Microstructure and composition of coatings were determined by scanning electron microscope equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Corrosion behaviour was studied by potentiodynamic polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS); and tribological properties were evaluated using the pin-on-disc test. The results showed in the first type, Ni and alumina contents, and microhardness were increased towards the surface. But in the second type, composition was less affected through frequency alterations. Increasing the frequency raised the corrosion rate in the range of 2.9–8.7 μA cm−2 and improved the wear resistance.
Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations reveal lipid access pathways in P-glycoprotein
Authors: Barreto-Ojeda Estefania , Corradi Valentina , Gu Ruo-Xu , Tieleman D. Peter
Published: February 2018

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) exports a broad range of dissimilar compounds, including drugs, lipids, and lipid-like molecules. Because of its substrate promiscuity, P-gp is a key player in the development of cancer multidrug resistance. Although P-gp is one of the most studied ABC transporters, the mechanism by which its substrates access the cavity remains unclear. In this study, we perform coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to explore possible lipid access pathways in the inward-facing conformation of P-gp embedded in bilayers of different lipid compositions. In the inward-facing orientation, only lipids from the lower leaflet access the cavity of the transporter. We identify positively charged residues at the portals of P-gp that favor lipid entrance to the cavity, as well as lipid-binding sites at the portals and within the cavity, which is in good agreement with previous experimental studies. This work includes several examples of lipid pathways for phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine lipids that help elucidate the molecular mechanism of lipid binding in P-gp.
Spectral clustering based on learning similarity matrix
Authors: Park Seyoung , Zhao Hongyu
Published: February 2018

Motivation

Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology can generate genome-wide expression data at the single-cell levels. One important objective in scRNA-seq analysis is to cluster cells where each cluster consists of cells belonging to the same cell type based on gene expression patterns.

Results

We introduce a novel spectral clustering framework that imposes sparse structures on a target matrix. Specifically, we utilize multiple doubly stochastic similarity matrices to learn a similarity matrix, motivated by the observation that each similarity matrix can be a different informative representation of the data. We impose a sparse structure on the target matrix followed by shrinking pairwise differences of the rows in the target matrix, motivated by the fact that the target matrix should have these structures in the ideal case. We solve the proposed non-convex problem iteratively using the ADMM algorithm and show the convergence of the algorithm. We evaluate the performance of the proposed clustering method on various simulated as well as real scRNA-seq data, and show that it can identify clusters accurately and robustly.

Availability and implementation

The algorithm is implemented in MATLAB. The source code can be downloaded at https://github.com/ishspsy/project/tree/master/MPSSC.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Ideologues without Issues: The Polarizing Consequences of Ideological Identities
Authors: Mason Lilliana
Published: February 2018

The distinction between a person’s ideological identity and their issue positions has come more clearly into focus in recent research. Scholars have pointed out a significant difference between identity-based and issue-based ideology in the American electorate. However, the affective and social effects of these separate elements of ideology have not been sufficiently explored. Drawing on a national sample collected by SSI and data from the 2016 ANES, this article finds that the identity-based elements of ideology are capable of driving heightened levels of affective polarization against outgroup ideologues, even at low levels of policy attitude extremity or constraint. These findings demonstrate how Americans can use ideological terms to disparage political opponents without necessarily holding constrained sets of policy attitudes.
Lysyl Oxidases: Functions and Disorders
Authors: Rodriguez-Pascual Fernando , Rosell-Garcia Tamara
Published: February 2018

Lysyl oxidases (LOX) are copper-dependent enzymes that oxidize lysyl and hydroxylysyl residues in collagen and elastin, as a first step in the stabilization of these extracellular matrix proteins through the formation of covalent cross-linkages, an essential process for connective tissue maturation. Five different LOX enzymes have been identified in mammals, LOX and LOX-like (LOXL) 1 to 4, being genetically different protein products with a high degree of homology in the catalytic carboxy terminal end and a more variable amino terminal proregion. Intensive investigation in the last years has delineated the main biological functions of these enzymes and their involvement in several pathologies including fibrosis, cancer, and ocular disorders. This review article summarizes the major findings on the role of LOX isoforms, with particular focus on their contribution to the development and progression of human disorders.
Failure to Predict High-risk Kawasaki Disease Patients in a Population-based Study Cohort in Germany
Authors: Jakob André , von Kries Rudiger , Horstmann Judith , Hufnagel Markus , Stiller Brigitte , Berner Reinhard , Schachinger Eva , Meyer Karoline , Obermeier Viola
Published: February 2018

Background:

Diverse scores on high-risk Kawasaki disease (KD) patients have proven a good prognostic validity in the Japanese population. However, data on non-Japanese have been inconclusive. Do the Kobayashi, Egami and Sano scores or application of up-to-date statistical methods (Random Forest) predict response to standard intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy and the risk of persistent coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) in patients with KD in a mainly Caucasian population in Germany?

Methods:

Data on 442 children (German population-based survey, 2013 and 2014) were used to assess the prognostic validity of the Kobayashi, Egami and Sano scores for being refractory to IVIG treatment and for predicting the risk of persistent CAA. Additionally, an up-to-date statistical approach (Random Forest) was applied to identify a potentially more valid score.

Results:

A total of 301 children were eligible for assessment of their response to IVIG treatment. Among those, 177 children were followed-up for 1 year to identify persistent CAA. Although all scores were significantly associated with being refractory to IVIG (relative risk range between 2.32 and 3.73), the prognostic properties were low (likelihood ratio positive: 1.83–4.57; sensitivity in the range of 0.28–0.53). None of the scores was a significant predictor of CAA 1 year after acute illness. Application of statistical analysis such as Random Forest did not yield a more valid score.

Conclusions:

None of the available scores appears to be appropriate for identifying high-risk Caucasian children with KD who might need intensified therapy.
Resuscitation room management of critically ill nontraumatic patients in a German emergency department (OBSERvE-study)
Authors: Bernhard Michael , Döll Stephanie , Hartwig Thomas , Ramshorn-Zimmer Alexandra , Yahiaoui-Doktor Maryam , Weidhase Lorenz , Petros Sirak , Gries André
Published: February 2018

Background

Management of critically ill nontrauma (CINT) patients in the resuscitation room (RR) of the emergency department (ED) is very challenging. Detailed data describing the characteristics and management of this population are lacking. This observational study describes the epidemiology, management and outcome in CINT ED patients in the RR.

Patients and methods

From September 2014 to August 2015, data were collected prospectively on adult CINT patients admitted to the RR of a single German University ED. Patient characteristics, out-of-hospital/in-hospital treatment, admission-related diseases, time intervals for diagnostics and interventions plus outcome were recorded using a self-developed questionnaire.

Results

A total of 34 303 patients were admitted to the ED; of these 21 074 patients were admitted for nontrauma emergencies and because of acute life-threatening problems. Five hundred and thirty-two CINT patients were admitted to the RR (median age: 71 years, 58.3% men). The main problems on admission were obstructed airway (3.8%, A), respiratory insufficiency (26.5%, B), shock (35.5%, C), unconsciousness (33.3%, D) or other (0.9%, E). Out-of-hospital and in-hospital management included intravenous access (96.8 vs. 76.9%), 12-lead ECG (50.0 vs. 86.5%), invasive airway management (30.1 vs. 27.1%), noninvasive and invasive ventilation (7.0 vs. 16.4% and 30.1 vs. 57.2%), catecholamines (16.2 vs. 24.1%), arterial line (0.2 vs. 58.1%) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (18.4 vs. 12.2%). The mean length of stay was 34±24 min. At day 30, all-cause mortality was 34.2% (patients with and without cardiopulmonary resuscitation: 72.7 vs. 24.0%, P<0.001).

Conclusion

Observation of critically ill patients in the resuscitation room of the Emergency Department shows the challenge of care for CINT patients in the ED. With high levels of mortality, there is an urgent need for structured ED management guidelines.
Structural evolution of a Ge-substituted SnSe thermoelectric material with low thermal conductivity
Authors: Serrano-Sánchez Federico , Nemes Norbert M. , Martínez José Luis , Juan-Dura Oscar , de la Torre Marco Antonio , Fernández-Díaz Maria Teresa , Alonso José Antonio
Published: February 2018

Thermoelectric materials are expected to become new alternative sources of sustainable energy. Among them, the SnSe intermetallic alloy has been described as an excellent thermoelectric compound, characterized by an extremely low thermal conductivity with maximum performance at the onset of a structural phase transition at 800 K. Recently, novel SnSe derivatives with Ge substitution have been synthesized by a direct arc-melting technique. This produces nanostructured polycrystalline samples that exhibit a record high Seebeck coefficient, anticipating an excellent performance above room temperature. Here, the structural phase transition from a GeS-type structure (space groupPnma) to a TlI-type structure (space groupCmcm) is investigatedin situ vianeutron powder diffraction (NPD) in the temperature range 298–853 K for the selected composition Sn0.8Ge0.2Se. This transition takes place at 803 K, as shown by differential scanning calorimetry. The analysis from the NPD data shows a non-monotonic behaviour of the anisotropic displacement parameters upon entering the domain of theCmcmstructure. The energies of the atomic vibrations have been quantitatively analysed by fitting the temperature-dependent mean-square displacements to Einstein oscillators. The thermal conductivity of Sn0.8Ge0.2Se is as low as 0.35 W m−1 K−1at 773 K, which mostly represents the lattice thermal contribution.
Biodiversity and threatened species reporting by the top Fortune Global companies
Authors: Adler Ralph , Mansi Mansi , Pandey Rakesh
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the biodiversity and threatened species reporting of the top 150 Fortune Global companies. The paper has two main objectives: to explore the extent to which the top 150 Fortune Global companies disclose information about their biodiversity and species conservation practices, and to explore the effects of biodiversity partners and industry on companies’ biodiversity and threatened species reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

The study’s sample is the top 150 Fortune Global companies. Each company’s fiscal year ending 2014 annual report, its 2014 sustainability report, and its company website were content analyzed for evidence of biodiversity and threatened species reporting. This content analysis is supplemented by a detailed analysis that focusses on the sample’s top five reporters, including a phone interview with a senior sustainability manager working at one of these companies. Finally, a regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between companies’ biodiversity and threatened species reporting and the presence/absence of biodiversity partners and a company’s industry F&C Asset Management industry category.

Findings

The reporting on biodiversity and threatened species by the top 150 Fortune Global companies is quite limited. Few companies (less than 15) are providing any substantial reporting. It was further observed that even among the high scoring companies there is a lack of consistent reporting across all index items. A subsequent empirical examination of these companies’ disclosures on biodiversity and threatened species showed a statistically positive association between the amount of reporting and companies’ holding of biodiversity partnerships. It was also observed that firms categorized as red- and green-zone companies made more disclosures on biodiversity and threatened species than amber-zone companies.

Originality/value

This is the first study to systematically analyze corporate disclosures related to threatened species and habitats. While some prior studies have included the concept of biodiversity when analyzing organizations’ environmental disclosures, they have done so by examining it as one general category out of many further categories for investigating organizations’ environmental reporting. In the present study, the focus is on the specific contents of biodiversity disclosures. As such, this study has the twin research objectives of seeking to illuminate the current state of biodiversity and threatened species reporting by the world’s largest multinationals and provide an appreciation for how certain organizational and industry variables serve to influence these reporting practices. These multiple insights offer companies, and potentially regulators, understanding about how to include (or extend) disclosures on biodiversity loss and species under threat of extinction.
Supply chain risk management research agenda
Authors: Bak Ozlem
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Supply chain risk (SCR) has increasingly attracted academic and corporate interest; however, the SCR debate in academic literature is rather limited to case- and location-specific studies. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to utilize a systematic literature review (SLR) to explore the SCR research trends and gaps within the management literature.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the research objective an SLR, looking into 25 years since 1990, into supply chain risk management (SCRM) was conducted, which resulted in 114 papers.

Findings

While the SCRM literature is growing, results from the SLR identified limited organized understanding of what constitutes a holistic SCR process, and high reliance of particular categories for SCR, such as the high reliance on specific country settings (the USA and the UK); limited presence of cross competitive SCR process analysis and challenges in developing conceptual SCR frameworks.

Research limitations/implications

The SCR embeds categories of location, scope of supply chain, risk management tools, and the industry sectors involved. The search for related publications was mainly used from a wide range of coverage from accountancy to design in SCR; hence, although there is indication to specific industries, and foci of risk, this could be explored further.

Practical implications

This review of SCRM identifies various research gaps and directions for future research to develop theory and a practical understanding of SCR.

Originality/value

The current literature on SCR has been assessed based on its definition and utilization. The current paper bridges this gap by synthesizing the diverse academic journal papers into the categories based on the design continuum, relationship continuum, process continuum and economic continuum. In addition, it highlights the gaps in industry context, theoretical contribution, geographic location, and research methods applied and addresses the scope for further research.
Maximizing control flow concurrency in BPMN workflow models through syntactic means
Authors: Mok Wai Yin
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Concurrency is a desirable property that enhances workflow efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to propose six polynomial-time algorithms that collectively maximize control flow concurrency for Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) workflow models. The proposed algorithms perform model-level transformations on a BPMN model during the design phase of the model, thereby improving the workflow model’s execution efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is similar to source code optimization, which solely works with syntactic means. The first step makes implicit synchronizations of interdependent concurrent control flows explicit by adding parallel gateways. After that, every control flow can proceed asynchronously. The next step then generates an equivalent sequence of execution hierarchies for every control flow such that they collectively provide maximum concurrency for the control flow. As a whole, the proposed algorithms add a valuable feature to a BPMN modeling tool to maximize control flow concurrency.

Findings

In addition, this paper introduces the concept of control flow independence, which is a user-determined semantic property of BPMN models that cannot be obtained by any syntactic means. But, if control flow independence holds in a BPMN model, the model’s determinism is guaranteed. As a result, the proposed algorithms output a model that can be proved to be equivalent to the original model.

Originality/value

This paper adds value to BPMN modeling tools by providing polynomial-time algorithms that collectively maximize control flow concurrency in a BPMN model during the design phase of the model. As a result, the model’s execution efficiency will increase. Similar to source code optimization, these algorithms perform model-level transformations on a BPMN model through syntactic means; and the transformations performed to each control flow are guaranteed to be equivalent to the control flow. Furthermore, a case study on a real-life new employee preparation process is provided to demonstrate the proposed algorithms’ usefulness on increasing the process’s execution efficiency.
Tribological performance and self-lubricating mechanism of the laser-textured surface filled with solid lubricant in rolling friction pair
Authors: Hua Xijun , Xie Xuan , Yin Bifeng , Zhang Peiyun , Ji Jinghu , Wang Hao , Fu Yonghong
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to find out the tribological performance and self-lubricating mechanism of the laser-textured surface filled with solid lubricant in rolling friction pair.

Design/methodology/approach

The textures on the surfaces of GCr15 bearing steel were produced by acousto-optic Q diode-pumped yttrium aluminum garnet laser with the technology of “single pulse one time, repeating at intervals” and filled with composite solid lubricant. The tribology tests were conducted on the MMW-1A universal friction and wear testing machine.

Findings

It was found that the solid-lubricated micro-textured surface can reduce the friction coefficient effectively. The MoS2/PI composite solid lubricant works better than the single MoS2 solid lubricant, and the ratio of PI/MoS2 + PI at 20 per cent is the best recipe. The friction coefficient of the sample surfaces decreases first and then increases with the increase in texture densities, and a texture density of 19.6 per cent has the best effect on friction reduction. The friction coefficient of the textured surfaces gradually decreases with the increase in both rational speed and load. For the same texture density, the friction coefficient of textured surfaces decreases slightly with the increase in diameter. Furthermore, the mechanism of “rolling-extrusion-accumulation” occurred on the textured surface can collect the solid lubricant, thereby, improve the effect of lubricating and anti-friction.

Originality/value

The results of the experimental studies demonstrated the application prospect of laser surfaces texturing combined with solid lubricant in rolling friction pair.
Occupancy patterns of the introduced, predatory sugar glider in Tasmanian forests
Authors: Allen Mark , Webb Matthew H. , Alves Fernanda , Heinsohn Robert , Stojanovic Dejan
Published: February 2018

Introduced mammals pose serious threats to native island fauna, and understanding their distribution is fundamental to evaluating their conservation impact. Introduced sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) are the main predator of critically endangered swift parrots (Lathamus discolor) on mainland Tasmania. We surveyed sugar glider occurrence over ~800 km2 in an important swift parrot breeding area, the Southern Forests. During 4–5 visits per site, we used call broadcast of predatory owls to elicit sugar glider alarm calls and surveyed 100 sites during February/March 2016. Naïve occupancy by sugar gliders was high (0.79), as was detectability (0.52 ± 0.03 SE), resulting in a cumulative detection probability of effectively 1. Occupancy modelling indicated a positive effect of the proportion of mature forest cover on occupancy. The best model, based on AIC scores, included the proportion of mature forest cover within a 500 m radius with constant detectability. Our study revealed surprisingly high rates of occupancy of available forest habitat throughout the heavily logged study area, such that even when mature forest cover was <10%, sugar glider occupancy was >0.5; where forest cover approached 100% (i.e. in the best quality breeding habitat for swift parrots), occupancy by sugar gliders approached 1. Our results reveal that sugar gliders are widespread across the study area which may be indicative of occupancy rates elsewhere in the breeding range of the critically endangered swift parrot. As a result, the risk of predation by sugar gliders for small birds may be widespread across logged Tasmanian forests. Additional work to identify whether population densities of sugar gliders vary with forest cover (and whether this may impact predation likelihood) is critical to understanding the conservation consequences of deforestation in the breeding range of the swift parrot.
Cortisol evaluation during the acute phase of traumatic brain injury—A prospective study
Authors: Bensalah Meriem , Donaldson Malcolm , Aribi Yamina , Iabassen Malek , Cherfi Lyes , Nebbal Mustapha , Medjaher Meriem , Haffaf ElMehdi , Abdennebi Benaissa , Guenane Kamel , Djermane Adel , Kemali Zahra , OuldKablia Samia
Published: February 2018

Background

Biochemical diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency (AI) is difficult in the context of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Aim

To assess the frequency and predictive factors of AI in victims of TBI from Algiers.

Methods

Between November 2009 and December 2013, TBI victims had a single 8‐9 am serum cortisol measurement during the acute postinjury period (0‐7 days). AI was defined according to basal cortisol levels of 83, 276 and 414 nmol/L. Variables studied were TBI severity according to Glasgow coma scale, duration of intubation and coma, pupillary status, hypotension, anaemia, brain imaging findings, diabetes insipidus and medication. Insulin tolerance test was performed during the recovery phase, defining AI as peak cortisol <500 nmol/L.

Results

Cortisol samples were obtained at median 3 (1‐7) days from 277 patients (257M: 20F) aged 32 (18‐65) years. Acute AI frequency was 8 (2.8%), 20 (21%) and 35 (37%), respectively using the three cortisol cut‐offs. Factors predicting AI were diastolic hypotension, sedative medication, diabetes insipidus, skull base fracture and intraparenchymal haematoma. Mortality was highest in patients with acute cortisol <276 nmol/L (44.6% with OR for death 1.64, 95% CI 0.92‐3.0, P = .12). During the recovery phase, AI was present in 3 of 3, 12 of 24, 4 of 16 and 20 of 66 patients with week 1 cortisol <83, 83‐276, 277‐414 and >414 nmol/L.

Conclusion

Hydrocortisone replacement is advised in TBI patients with morning cortisol <276 nmol/L or those <414 nmol/L with additional risk factors for AI. As acute and subsequent AI are poorly correlated, patients with moderate/severe TBI require adrenal re‐evaluation during the recovery phase.
Partnerships with children in child welfare: The importance of trust and pedagogical support
Authors: Husby Inger Sofie Dahlø , Slettebø Tor , Juul Randi
Published: February 2018

Within the context of Norwegian Child Welfare Services, children's best interests are often promoted through inter‐professional collaboration. Although children have the right and desire to participate, research reveals that professionals do not listen to them. On the basis of qualitative interviews with 10 children about their experiences collaborating with professionals, we have identified ways in which professionals can facilitate children's participation. The findings show that trusting relationships, emotional support, and pedagogical approaches increase children's participation in their interactions with professionals. The results show the importance of including a relational understanding of participation as a theoretical concept in child welfare and an awareness that power and dominance are in play.
Spectrum of APC and MUTYH germ‐line mutations in Russian patients with colorectal malignancies
Authors: Yanus G.A. , Akhapkina T.A. , Ivantsov A.O. , Preobrazhenskaya E.V. , Aleksakhina S.N. , Bizin I.V. , Sokolenko A.P. , Mitiushkina N.V. , Kuligina E.Sh. , Suspitsin E.N. , Venina A.R. , Holmatov M.M. , Zaitseva O.A. , Yatsuk O.S. , Pashkov D.V. , Belyaev A.M. , Togo A.V. , Imyanitov E.N. , Iyevleva A.G.
Published: February 2018

Distribution of cancer‐predisposing mutations demonstrates significant interethnic variations. This study aimed to evaluate patterns of APC and MUTYH germ‐line mutations in Russian patients with colorectal malignancies. APC gene defects were identified in 26/38 (68%) subjects with colon polyposis; 8/26 (31%) APC mutations were associated with 2 known mutational hotspots (p.E1309Dfs*4 [n = 5] and p.Q1062fs* [n = 3]), while 6/26 (23%) mutations were novel (p.K73Nfs*6, p.S254Hfs*12, p.S1072Kfs*9, p.E1547Kfs*11, p.L1564X and p.C1263Wfs*22). Biallelic mutations in MUTYH gene were detected in 3/12 (25%) remaining subjects with polyposis and in 6/90 (6.7%) patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) carrying KRAS p.G12C substitution, but not in 231 early‐onset CRC cases negative for KRAS p.G12C allele. In addition to known European founder alleles p.Y179C and p.G396D, this study revealed a recurrent character of MUTYH p.R245H germ‐line mutation. Besides that, 3 novel pathogenic MUTYH alleles (p.L111P, p.R245S and p.Q293X) were found. Targeted next‐generation sequencing of 7 APC/MUTYH mutation‐negative DNA samples identified novel potentially pathogenic POLD1 variant (p.L460R) in 1 patient and known low‐penetrant cancer‐associated allele CHEK2 p.I157T in 3 patients. The analysis of 1120 healthy subjects revealed 15 heterozygous carriers of recurrent MUTYH mutations, thus the expected incidence of MUTYH‐associated polyposis in Russia is likely to be 1:23 000.
Immediate post‐operative broncho‐alveolar lavage IL‐6 and IL‐8 are associated with early outcomes after lung transplantation
Authors: Verleden Stijn E. , Martens An , Ordies Sofie , Neyrinck Arne P. , Van Raemdonck Dirk E. , Verleden Geert M. , Vanaudenaerde Bart M. , Vos Robin
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Previous studies demonstrated that increased cytokine and chemokine levels, either shortly before or after lung transplantation, were associated with post‐transplant outcome. However, small patient cohorts were mostly used, focusing on 1 molecule and 1 outcome. In a large single‐center cohort, we investigated the predictive value of immediate post‐operative broncho‐alveolar lavage (BAL) expression of IL‐6 and IL‐8 on multiple key outcomes, including PGD, CLAD, graft survival, as well as several secondary outcomes.

Material and methods

All patients undergoing a first lung transplant in whom routine bronchoscopy with BAL was performed during the first 48 hours post‐transplantation were included. IL‐6 and IL‐8 protein levels were measured in BAL via ELISA.

Results

A total of 336 patients were included. High IL‐6 levels measured within 24 hours of transplantation were associated with longer time on ICU and time to hospital discharge; and increased prevalence of PGD grade 3. Increased IL‐8 levels, measured within 24 hours, were associated with PGD3, more ECMO use, higher donor paO2, younger donor age, but not with other short‐or long‐term outcome. IL‐6 and IL‐8 measured between 24 and 48 hours of transplantation were not associated with any outcome parameters.

Conclusion

Recipient BAL IL‐6 and IL‐8 within 24 hours post‐transplant were associated with an increased incidence of PGD3.
Health‐related quality of life of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Power Rosalie , King Catherine , Muhit Mohammad , Heanoy Eamin , Galea Claire , Jones Cheryl , Badawi Nadia , Khandaker Gulam
Published: February 2018

Aim

To systematically review literature on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of children and adolescents (≤18yo) with cerebral palsy (CP) from low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) to identify trends in HRQoL and areas for future research.

Method

We systematically reviewed six key bibliographic databases and two reviewers independently screened results. Peer‐reviewed original articles examining HRQoL of children from LMICs were eligible.

Results

A total of 22 524 papers were identified, of which 16, from eight LMICs, were included. Four measures of HRQoL were used; Child Health Questionnaire Parent Form 50 (n=5); Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory 3.0 and 4.0 (n=4); CP Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children (n=4); Lifestyle Assessment Questionnaire CP (n=3). Children with CP from LMICs (n=1579; 2–18y) had significantly poorer HRQoL on all instrument dimensions when compared to age‐matched controls (p<0.003) and on all except two dimensions when compared to peers in high‐income countries (p<0.001). Physical well‐being dimensions of HRQoL were poorest overall and associated with impaired motor function.

Interpretation

Research to improve HRQoL in LMICs is required and should address all aspects of HRQoL. Future research is recommended to incorporate multi‐respondent assessment, utilize both general and CP‐specific measures of HRQoL, and delineate adolescents as a unique cohort.

What this paper adds

Children with cerebral palsy from low‐ and middle‐income countries are at high risk of poor health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).

Physical well‐being was poorest dimension of HRQoL and associated with impaired motor function.
How to become larger: ontogenetic basis of among‐population size differences in a moth
Authors: Meister Hendrik , Hämäläinen Henna Reetta , Valdma Daniel , Martverk Merili , Tammaru Toomas
Published: February 2018

Evolutionary studies on animal body size have primarily focussed on selective pressures operating during the adult life. In contrast, ontogenetic pathways leading to differently sized adults have received less attention. In the present study, based on a common garden experiment, we report considerable genetic differences in body size among European populations of Ematurga atomaria (L.) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae). In terms of body mass, the moths from a southern (Georgian) population are twice as large as their northern (Estonian) conspecifics. Detailed monitoring of larval growth schedules revealed that the size difference arises through a longer development period of the Georgian larvae, with no difference in the number of instars. Differential (instantaneous) growth rates of the larvae do not differ between the populations. Eggs and newly hatched larvae are larger in the Georgian population but the difference vanishes in the second instar. The larger size of the Georgian moths is regained through higher relative mass increments during each of the three final instars. Such gradual ‘accumulation of the difference’ confirms the idea about constraints on substantial evolutionary changes in growth patterns within a single instar. The larger Georgian moths were found to be considerably more fecund which implies a strong selection for large female size. It remains unclear which counteracting selective pressures have favored the smaller size of Estonian conspecifics. As the associated difference in egg size appears not to be carried over to larger larval size, the adaptive value of larger eggs is not likely in contributing to the prospective large adult size. The larger eggs of the Georgian population should have an adaptive value per se, or represent a mechanistic consequence of larger maternal body size.
Neural mechanisms of mental schema: a triplet of delta, low beta/spindle and ripple oscillations
Authors: Ohki Takefumi , Takei Yuichi
Published: February 2018

Schemas are higher‐level knowledge structures that integrate and organise lower‐level representations. As internal templates, schemas are formed according to how events are perceived, interpreted and remembered. Although these higher‐level units are assumed to play a fundamental role in our daily life from an early age, the neuronal basis and mechanisms of schema formation and use remain largely unknown. It is important to elucidate how the brain constructs and maintains these higher‐level units. In order to examine the possible neural underpinnings of schema, we recapitulate previous work and discuss their findings related to schemas as the brain template. We specifically focused on low beta/spindle oscillations, which are assumed to be the key components of schemas, and propose that the brain template is implemented with a triplet of neural oscillations, that is delta, low beta/spindle and ripple oscillations.
Estimating the Death Toll of Hurricane Maria
Authors: Rivera Roberto , Rolke Wolfgang
Published: February 2018

Puerto Rican authorities report only 64 deaths from Hurricane Maria, the worst storm to hit the island in nearly a century But statistical estimates point to many more victims. By Roberto Rivera and Wolfgang Rolke
The concept of type 2 segmental mosaicism, expanding from dermatology to general medicine
Authors: Happle R.
Published: February 2018

In autosomal dominant skin disorders, the well‐known type 1 segmental mosaicism reflects heterozygosity for a postzygotic new mutation. By contrast, type 2 segmental mosaicism originates in a heterozygous embryo from an early postzygotic mutational event giving rise to loss of the corresponding wild‐type allele, which results in a pronounced segmental involvement being superimposed on the ordinary, non‐segmental phenotype. Today, this concept has been proven by molecular analysis in many cutaneous traits. The purpose of this review was to seek publications of cases suggesting an extracutaneous manifestation of type 2 segmental mosaicism. Case reports documenting a pronounced extracutaneous segmental involvement were collected from the literature available in PubMed and from personal communications to the author. Pertinent cases are compared to the description of cutaneous segmental mosaicism of type 1 or type 2 as reported in a given trait. In total, reports suggesting extracutaneous type 2 segmental mosaicism were found in 14 different autosomal dominant skin disorders. In this way, clinical evidence is accumulated that extracutaneous type 2 segmental mosaicism does likewise occur in many autosomal dominant skin disorders. So far, however, molecular proof of this particular form of mosaicism is lacking. The present review may stimulate readers to inform colleagues of other specialties on this new concept, in order to initiate further research in this particular field of knowledge that has important implications for diagnosis, treatment and genetic counselling.
Safety and efficacy of leukocytapheresis in elderly patients with ulcerative colitis: The impact in steroid‐free elderly patients
Authors: Komoto Shunsuke , Matsuoka Katsuyoshi , Kobayashi Taku , Yokoyama Yoko , Suzuki Yasuo , Hibi Toshifumi , Miura Soichiro , Hokari Ryota
Published: February 2018

Background and Aim

The number of elderly patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) is increasing. Several new therapies for UC have improved patient outcomes. Leukocytapheresis (LCAP) is an extracorporeal therapy for UC. However, its efficacy and safety for elderly UC patients has not been reported.

Methods

We conducted a post hoc analysis of data from a large, prospective, observational study of LCAP, conducted at 116 medical facilities in Japan between May 2010 and December 2012. Of 847 patients included in this analysis, LCAP was used in 75 (8.9%) elderly patients (≥ 65 years) and 772 (91.1%) non‐elderly patients.

Results

There were no serious adverse events in the elderly, and the rate of adverse events between the non‐elderly and elderly was not different. Overall rate of remission was also not different between the two groups. In patients who were not on concomitant treatment with corticosteroids, the rate of remission was significantly higher in the elderly group than in the non‐elderly group (90.9% [20/22] vs 64.6% [135/209], P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Real‐world data demonstrate that the safety and tolerability of LCAP were comparable in the elderly and non‐elderly groups, indicating that it is well tolerated by elderly UC patients.
Auxin polar transport flanking incipient primordium initiates leaf adaxial‐abaxial polarity patterning
Authors: Dong Jiaqiang , Huang Hai
Published: February 2018

The leaves of most higher plants are polar along their adaxial‐abaxial axis, and the development of the adaxial domain (upper side) and the abaxial domain (lower side) makes the leaf a highly efficient photosynthetic organ. It has been proposed that a hypothetical signal transported from the shoot apical meristem (SAM) to the incipient leaf primordium, or conversely, the plant hormone auxin transported from the leaf primordium to the SAM, initiates leaf adaxial‐abaxial patterning. This hypothetical signal has been referred to as the Sussex signal, because the research of Ian Sussex published in 1951 was the first to imply its existence. Recent results, however, have shown that auxin polar transport flanking the incipient leaf primordium, but not the Sussex signal, is the key to initiate leaf polarity. Here, we review the new findings and integrate them with other recently published results in the field of leaf development, mainly focusing on the early steps of leaf polarity establishment.
Detection of exogenous double‐stranded RNA movement in in vitro peanut plants
Authors: Faustinelli P. C. , Power I. L. , Arias R. S.
Published: February 2018

New technologies are needed to eliminate mycotoxins and/or fungal pathogens from agricultural products. RNA interference (RNAi) has shown potential to control fungi associated with crops. In RNAi, double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) targets homologous mRNA for cleavage, and can reach the mRNA of pathogens in contact with the plant. The key element in this process is the movement of RNA signals cell‐to‐cell and over long distances within the plant, and between host plants and parasites.

In this study, we selected a regulatory gene in the aflatoxin biosynthesis pathway, aflS/aflR, necessary for the production of aflatoxins in Aspergillus spp. We designed a Dicer‐substrate RNA (DsiRNA) to study the movement and stability of the duplex over time in in vitro peanut plants using stem‐loop primers and RT‐PCR for DsiRNA detection.

The preliminary results demonstrated that DsiRNA was absorbed and moved away from the point of application, spread systemically and was transported rapidly, most likely through the phloem of the shoot, to the sink tissues, such as new auxiliary shoots, flowers and newly formed pegs. The DsiRNA remained detectable for at least 30 days after treatment.

This is the first time that movement of exogenous DsiRNA in in vitro peanut plants has been described. Since DsiRNA was detectable in the pegs 15 days after treatment, aflatoxin reduction may be possible if the duplexes containing part of the aflatoxin biosynthesis pathogen gene induce silencing in the peanut seeds colonised by Aspergillus spp. The application of small RNAs could be a non‐transformative option for mycotoxin contamination control.
Incentive Programs for Reducing Readmissions when Patient Care is Co‐Produced
Authors: Andritsos Dimitrios A. , Tang Christopher S.
Published: February 2018

To reduce preventable readmissions, many healthcare systems are transitioning from fee‐for‐service (FFS) to other reimbursement schemes such as pay‐for‐performance (P4P) or bundled payment (BP) so that the funder of a healthcare system can transfer to the hospital some of the financial risks associated with patient rehospitalizations. To examine the effectiveness of different schemes (FFS, P4P, and BP), we develop a “health co‐production” model in which the patient's readmissions can be “jointly controlled” by the efforts exerted by both the hospital and the patient. Our analysis of the equilibrium outcomes reveals that FFS cannot entice the hospital and the patient to exert readmission‐reduction efforts. Relative to BP, we find that P4P is more effective in reducing readmissions over a wider range of scenarios. However, BP tends to be more effective in keeping lower combined patient costs and funder payments to the hospital. Finally, we find that some patient cost‐sharing can be optimal for the funder under both P4P and BP.