bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective hydrodeoxygenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-dimethylfuran on Ru–MoOx/C catalysts
Authors: Yang Yue , Liu Qiying , Li Dan , Tan Jin , Zhang Qi , Wang Chenguang , Ma Longlong
Published: March 2017

Synergetic effect and electronic transfer were investigated for the hydrogenation of HMF to DMF on Ru–MoOx/C catalyst.
Manipulating intrinsic behaviors of graphene by substituting alkaline earth metal atoms in its structure
Authors: Rafique Muhammad , Shuai Yong , Tan He-Ping , Hassan Muhammad
Published: March 2017

In this paper, the structural, electronic, magnetic and optical properties of alkaline earth metal (AEM) atom-doped monolayer graphene are investigated using first-principles calculations.
Theoretical design of stable hydride clusters: isoelectronic transformation in the EnAl4−nH7+n− series
Authors: Giraldo Carolina , Ferraro Franklin , Hadad C. Z. , Riuz Lina , Tiznado William , Osorio Edison
Published: March 2017

Design of stable hydrogen-rich metallic hydrides through substitutions of one aluminum atom by one E–H unit in the Al4H7− cluster (E = Be, Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba atoms).
Enhanced adsorptive removal of anionic and cationic dyes from single or mixed dye solutions using MOF PCN-222
Authors: Li Haichao , Cao Xinyu , Zhang Chuang , Yu Qing , Zhao Zijian , Niu Xuedun , Sun Xiaodong , Liu Yunling , Ma Li , Li Zhengqiang
Published: March 2017

MOF PCN-222 exhibits excellent adsorption/removal capacities for numerous anionic and cationic dyes individually and together in solutions.
Correction: Methane production enhancement from products of alkaline hydrogen peroxide pretreated sweet sorghum bagasse
Authors: Cao Weixing , Sun Chen , Li Xudong , Qiu Jiangping , Liu Ronghou
Published: March 2017

Correction for ‘Methane production enhancement from products of alkaline hydrogen peroxide pretreated sweet sorghum bagasse’ by Weixing Cao et al., RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 5701–5707.
Recent advances in organic ternary solar cells
Authors: Huang Hui , Yang Lei , Sharma Bigyan
Published: March 2017

In this review, we first present general principles of ternary solar cells, followed by a comprehensive review of recent advances in ternary systems including the D1:D2:A system and D:A1:A2 system. In the end, we summarize the fundamentals and provide a prospect on organic ternary solar cells.
High internal phase emulsions stabilised by supramolecular cellulose nanocrystals and their application as cell-adhesive macroporous hydrogel monoliths
Authors: Liu Sa , Jin Min , Chen Yunhua , Gao Huichang , Shi Xuetao , Cheng Wenhua , Ren Li , Wang Yingjun
Published: March 2017

Macroporous composite hydrogel monoliths constructed from supramolecular cellulose nanocrystals stabilised HIPE template demonstrate exciting biocompatibility and cell adhesion.
Effect of alkyl chain spacer on charge transport in n-type dominant polymer semiconductors with a diketopyrrolopyrrole-thiophene-bithiazole acceptor–donor–acceptor unit
Authors: Yu Hojeong , Kim Hyong Nam , Song Inho , Ha Yeon Hee , Ahn Hyungju , Oh Joon Hak , Kim Yun-Hi
Published: March 2017

In contrast with donor (D)–acceptor (A) p-type dominant polymer semiconductors, the shorter alkyl spacer (C1) is found to facilitate charge transport more effectively in A–D–A n-type dominant polymer semiconductors.
The double layer capacitance of ionic liquids for electrolyte gating of ZnO thin film transistors and effect of gate electrodes
Authors: Singh M. , Manoli K. , Tiwari A. , Ligonzo T. , Di Franco C. , Cioffi N. , Palazzo G. , Scamarcio G. , Torsi L.
Published: March 2017

Electrolyte gated thin film transistors (TFTs) based on sol–gel processed zinc oxide (ZnO) are investigated using imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs), namely [bmim][BF4] and [bmim][PF6], as electrolytes.
The Effects of Parent-Focused Slow Relaxed Speech Intervention on Articulation Rate, Response Time Latency, and Fluency in Preschool Children Who Stutter
Authors: Sawyer Jean , Matteson Colleen , Ou Hua , Nagase Takahisa
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This study investigated the effects of an intervention to reduce caregivers' articulation rates with children who stutter on (a) disfluency, (b) caregiver and child's articulation rates, and (c) caregiver and child's response time latency (RTL).

Method

Seventeen caregivers and their preschool children who stuttered participated in a group study of treatment outcomes. One speech sample was collected as a baseline, and 2 samples were collected after treatment. Posttreatment samples were of caregivers speaking as they typically would and using reduced articulation rates.

Results

Caregivers reduced articulation rates significantly in the 2 posttreatment samples, and a significant decrease of stuttering-like disfluencies (SLD) was found in the children in those 2 samples. No direct relationship was found between the caregiver's articulation rate and RTL, and there was a small correlation of RTL with the lower levels of SLD found postintervention. No significant relationships were found between the reduced levels of SLD and articulation rates for either caregivers or children.

Conclusions

Results suggest caregivers can be trained to slow their speech, and children increased their fluency at the end of a program designed to slow caregiver articulation. The intentionally slower rate of the caregivers, however, was not significantly related to fluency.
Highly efficient parallel direct solver for solving dense complex matrix equations from method of moments
Authors: Chen Yan , Lin Zhongchao , Zhang Yu , García Doñoro Daniel
Published: March 2017

Based on the vectorised and cache optimised kernel, a parallel lower upper decomposition with a novel communication avoiding pivoting scheme is developed to solve dense complex matrix equations generated by the method of moments. The fine‐grain data rearrangement and assembler instructions are adopted to reduce memory accessing times and improve CPU cache utilisation, which also facilitate vectorisation of the code. Through grouping processes in a binary tree, a parallel pivoting scheme is designed to optimise the communication pattern and thus reduces the solving time of the proposed solver. Two large electromagnetic radiation problems are solved on two supercomputers, respectively, and the numerical results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms those in open source and commercial libraries.
Search for New Linear Musks Devoid of a 2,2-Dimethyl-1,4-dioxa­butane Unit: Synthesis and Olfactory Properties of 5-Substituted (3E)-Hex-3-enoates on the Way to Carba-Helvetolide and Carba-Serenolide
Authors: Nguyen Kim , Sutter Pascal , Kraft Philip
Published: March 2017

Since the nucleophilic opening of isobutylene oxide competes with the formation of polyethers, the 2,2-dimethyl-1,4-dioxabutane moiety constitutes the most important cost driver in the synthesis of linear musks. Therefore, musk motifs devoid of this structural element would be highly attractive. Based on molecular modeling considerations, 5-methyl-substituted (3E)-configured alk-3-enoic esters accessible by deconjugative Knoevenagel reaction with malonic acid in the presence of piperidinium acetate with citronellal and Florhydral as substrates, were synthesized but showed disappointing olfactory properties, as did inverted ester motifs or dimethyl carbinols. Moving closer to carba-Serenolide structures, isobutyronitrile was added to m-isopropenylcumene. DIBAL-H with subsequent alanate reduction provided 4-(3-isopropylphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpentan-1-ol, which was either directly esterified, or esterified after Birch reduction and full hydrogenation. While these target structures were all odorless, (2E)-4-(3,3-dimethylcyclohexyl)pent-2-en-1-yl cyclopropanecarboxylate turned out to be a decent musk odorant (4.1 ng/L air). This proved the concept of an (E)-configured double bond in the middle of anticipated horseshoe-shaped conformers, but casted doubt on the non-importance of the ether oxygens in Helvetolide and Serenolide. Therefore, carba-Helvetolide and carba-Serenolide were synthesized from 3,3-dimethylcyclohexanone, and indeed turned out to be completely odorless. So polar interactions play a crucial role in the receptor interaction of these linear musks beyond merely favoring horseshoe-shaped conformers.
Levisticum officinale Koch: Antiinflammatorisches Potenzial und klinischer Einsatz bei Otitis media
Authors: Beckmann Christiane , Staiger Melanie , Herrick Anja , Fischer Anna , Britsch Maria , Stintzing Florian
Published: March 2017

Die Wurzel von Liebstöckel (Levisticum officinale Koch), der v. a. als Gewürzpflanze bekannt ist, wird seit Jahrhunderten zur Herstellung von Arzneimitteln eingesetzt. Neben der traditionellen Verwendung zur Durchspülungstherapie bei Nierenleiden findet in der anthroposophischen Medizin ein 5 %iger Auszug der getrockneten Wurzel in nativem Olivenöl Anwendung bei Mittelohrentzündung. Sicherheit und Wirkungen dieses Auszugs waren Ziele einer präklinischen und klinischen Untersuchung.

Methoden: Präklinisch wurden die Effekte des 5 %igen Auszugs sowie des Auszugsöls auf die 5-Lipoxygenase und die Cyclooxygenase-2 und die von ihnen katalysierte Synthese von antiinflammatorischen Mediatoren, Leukotrien B4 und Prostaglandin E2 untersucht. Klinisch lieferte eine nichtinterventionelle Studie mit 85 Patienten Daten aus der ärztlichen Routineanwendung des Auszugs von Levistici radix bei Otitis media.

Ergebnisse: Der 5 %ige Auszug von Levistici radix in nativem Olivenöl reduzierte deutlich die Leukotrien-B4- und weniger deutlich die Prostaglandin-E2-Synthese. Die Wirkung des parallel getesteten Olivenöls fiel wesentlich geringer aus. Die klinische Anwendung des Auszugs in Form von Ohrentropfen ergab eine als gut bis sehr gut beurteilte Wirkung und Verträglichkeit.

Fazit: Die präklinische Untersuchung liefert eine rationale Basis für die lokale klinische Anwendung des 5 %igen Auszugs von Levistici radix in nativem Olivenöl bei Otitis media, die in der Praxis bestätigt wird.
Different variants of R13 moment equations applied to the shock-wave structure
Authors: Timokhin M. Yu. , Struchtrup H. , Kokhanchik A. A. , Bondar Ye. A.
Published: March 2017

Various versions of the regularized 13-moment system (R13) are applied to the problem of the shock wave structure in a monatomic Maxwell gas for Mach numbers up to M = 10. Numerical solutions are compared to direct simulation Monte Carlo results computed by the SMILE++ software system, in order to identify applicability and limitations of the variants. Over time, several versions of the R13 equations were presented, which differ in non-linear contributions for high-order moments but agree in asymptotic expansion to the third order in the Knudsen number. All variants describe typical subsonic microflows well, for which the non-linear contributions only play a minor role. The challenge of the present study is to determine the real boundaries of applicability of each variant of the moment equations as applied to non-equilibrium supersonic flows, depending on the Mach number and local Knudsen number.
Magnetic and magnetoresistive properties of half-metallic ferromagnetic and charge ordered modified ferromagnetic manganite nanoparticles
Authors: Das Kalipada , Das I.
Published: March 2017

In our present study, we address in detail magnetic and magneto-transport properties of well known half metallic La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) and charge order suppressed ferromagnetic La0.48Ca0.52MnO3 (LCMO) nanoparticles. The average particle size for LSMO and LCMO is ∼20 nm and ∼25 nm, respectively. With respect to their magnetic properties, both compounds exhibit ferromagnetic behavior, whereas they markedly differ in their magneto-transport characteristics. The magnetoresistive properties of LSMO nanoparticles indicate low field magnetoresistance and tendency for saturation at higher field values. In addition to the sharp low field magnetoresistance, we have achieved significantly large magnetoresistance at higher values of external magnetic field for the ferromagnetic LCMO nanoparticles. To address such anomalous behavior in these two different classes of ferromagnetic materials, we introduce the re-entrant core-shell type structure formation in charge ordered nanoparticles (LCMO) when charge ordering is completely suppressed.
Raman spectral shift versus strain and composition in GeSn layers with 6%–15% Sn content
Authors: Gassenq A. , Milord L. , Aubin J. , Pauc N. , Guilloy K. , Rothman J. , Rouchon D. , Chelnokov A. , Hartmann J. M. , Reboud V. , Calvo V.
Published: March 2017

GeSn alloys are the subject of intense research activities as these group IV semiconductors present direct bandgap behaviors for high Sn contents. Today, the control of strain becomes an important challenge to improve GeSn devices. Strain micro-measurements are usually performed by Raman spectroscopy. However, different relationships linking the Raman spectral shifts to the built-in strain can be found in the literature. They were deduced from studies on low Sn content GeSn layers (i.e., xSn < 8%) or on GeSiSn layers. In this work, we have calibrated the GeSn Raman relationship for really high Sn content GeSn binaries (6 < xSn < 15%). We have used fully strained GeSn layers and fully relaxed GeSn under-etched microstructures to clearly differentiate the contributions of strain and chemical composition on the Ge-Ge Raman spectral shift. We have shown that the GeSn Raman-strain coefficient for high Sn contents is higher compared with that for pure Ge.
Oscillations in Josephson transmission line stimulated by load in the presence of noise
Authors: Pankratov A. L. , Pankratova E. V. , Shamporov V. A. , Shitov S. V.
Published: March 2017

The joint action of the matching to a common RC-load and thermal noise on the spectral properties of parallel Josephson junction array is studied. It is demonstrated that proper matching suppresses the chaotic dynamics of the system. The efficiency of radiation is found to be highest within a limited frequency band, which corresponds to transformation of the shuttle soliton oscillating regime into the linear wave resonance synchronization mode. In this frequency band the spectral linewidth agrees well with a double of the linewidth for a shuttle fluxon oscillator, divided by a number of the oscillators in the array. When the oscillations demonstrate strong amplitude modulation, the linewidth increases roughly by a factor of five compared with theoretical linewidth formula.
Selective dietary supplementation in early postpartum is associated with high resilience against depressed mood
Authors: Dowlati Yekta , Ravindran Arun V. , Segal Zindel V. , Stewart Donna E. , Steiner Meir , Meyer Jeffrey H.
Published: March 2017

Significance

Postpartum blues is a healthy range of sadness that peaks on day 5 after giving birth in most women. Severe postpartum blues is a high-risk state for postpartum depression. A dietary supplement was designed to compensate for a temporary rise in a brain protein, monoamine oxidase A, which occurs on postpartum day 5. This study tested whether this dietary supplement reduces the sadness associated with the postpartum blues. Total levels of tryptophan and tyrosine in breast milk are not affected by this dietary supplement. Women received the dietary supplement over postpartum days 3–5 or received no supplement. This dietary supplement dramatically reduced the vulnerability to sadness on postpartum day 5, the peak of the postpartum blues, eliminating the prodrome of postpartum depression.
Volatile secondary metabolites as aposematic olfactory signals and defensive weapons in aquatic environments
Authors: Giordano Giuseppe , Carbone Marianna , Ciavatta Maria Letizia , Silvano Eleonora , Gavagnin Margherita , Garson Mary J. , Cheney Karen L. , Mudianta I Wayan , Russo Giovanni Fulvio , Villani Guido , Magliozzi Laura , Polese Gianluca , Zidorn Christian , Cutignano Adele , Fontana Angelo , Ghiselin Michael T. , Mollo Ernesto
Published: March 2017

Significance

This report gives empirical evidence indicating that chemoreception of volatile/odorant lipophilic compounds, almost insoluble in water, can occur in aquatic environments, by means of “tactile” forms of olfaction. This thesis has been proved by exploring the defensive role of terpenes isolated from benthic invertebrates. The isolated metabolites were found to act both as defensive toxic weapons and as olfactory signals. In addition, the most abundant compound induced avoidance learning in crustaceans and fish that experienced postingestive negative effects.
Large-scale identification of coevolution signals across homo-oligomeric protein interfaces by direct coupling analysis
Authors: Uguzzoni Guido , John Lovis Shalini , Oteri Francesco , Schug Alexander , Szurmant Hendrik , Weigt Martin
Published: March 2017

Significance

Protein–protein interactions are important to all facets of life, but their experimental and computational characterization is arduous and frequently of uncertain outcome. The current study demonstrates both the power and limitation to study protein interactions by utilizing sophisticated statistical inference technology to derive protein contacts from available sequence databases, more precisely from the coevolution between residues, that are in contact across the interaction interface of two proteins. By studying homo-oligomeric protein interactions, the current study expands from anecdotal evidence of the performance of this technology to systematic evidence of its value across close to 2,000 interacting protein families.
Storage and release of hydrogen cyanide in a chelicerate (
Oribatula tibialis
)
Authors: Brückner Adrian , Raspotnig Günther , Wehner Katja , Meusinger Reinhard , Norton Roy A. , Heethoff Michael
Published: March 2017

Significance

Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is highly volatile and among the most toxic substances known, being lethal to humans at a dosage of 1–2 mg/kg body weight. HCN blocks the respiratory chain and prevents aerobic organisms from using oxygen. In nature, HCN is produced by numerous plants that store it mainly as glycosides. Among animals, cyanogenesis is a defensive strategy that has seemed restricted to a few mandibulate arthropods (certain insects, millipedes, and centipedes), which evolved ways to store HCN in the form of stable and less volatile molecules. We found an instance of cyanogenesis in the phylogenetically distant group Chelicerata (“spider-like” arthropods), involving an aromatic ester for stable HCN storage and two degradation pathways that release HCN.
B vitamins attenuate the epigenetic effects of ambient fine particles in a pilot human intervention trial
Authors: Zhong Jia , Karlsson Oskar , Wang Guan , Li Jun , Guo Yichen , Lin Xinyi , Zemplenyi Michele , Sanchez-Guerra Marco , Trevisi Letizia , Urch Bruce , Speck Mary , Liang Liming , Coull Brent A. , Koutrakis Petros , Silverman Frances , Gold Diane R. , Wu Tangchun , Baccarelli Andrea A.
Published: March 2017

Significance

Air pollution is a major public health concern worldwide. The molecular mechanistic underpinnings of the health effects of air pollution are not fully understood, and the lack of individual-level preventative options represent a critical knowledge gap. Our study demonstrated the epigenetic effects of air pollution and suggested that B vitamins might be used as prevention to complement regulations to attenuate the impact of air pollution on the epigenome. Our study inaugurated a line of research for the development of preventive interventions to minimize the adverse effects of air pollution on potential mechanistic markers. Because of the central role of epigenetic modifications in mediating environmental effects, our findings might be extended to other toxicants and environmental diseases.
Cross-cousin marriage among the Yanomamö shows evidence of parent–offspring conflict and mate competition between brothers
Authors: Chagnon Napoleon A. , Lynch Robert F. , Shenk Mary K. , Hames Raymond , Flinn Mark V.
Published: March 2017

Significance

Cross-cousin marriage (i.e., marriage with the offspring of a parent’s opposite-sex sibling) is the most common preferred marriage arrangement across cultures. Despite intense investigation, the origin and adaptive function of this marriage prescription have not been resolved. An analysis of the fitness consequences of marriages in the Yanomamö—a tribal society in the Amazon—shows that parents and brothers achieve higher fitness outcomes when their respective children and sisters marry more closely related individuals. Meanwhile, the spouses and offspring produced by these unions have lower fitness. These findings suggest that cross-cousin marriage prescriptions and taboos against marrying parallel cousins owe their origin to parent–offspring conflict through parental control of marriage and competition between same-sex siblings.
Predicting the knowledge–recklessness distinction in the human brain
Authors: Vilares Iris , Wesley Michael J. , Ahn Woo-Young , Bonnie Richard J. , Hoffman Morris , Jones Owen D. , Morse Stephen J. , Yaffe Gideon , Lohrenz Terry , Montague P. Read
Published: March 2017

Significance

Because criminal statutes demand it, juries often must assess criminal intent by determining which of two legally defined mental states a defendant was in when committing a crime. For instance, did the defendant know he was carrying drugs, or was he merely aware of a risk that he was? Legal scholars have debated whether that conceptual distinction, drawn by law, mapped meaningfully onto any psychological reality. This study uses neuroimaging and machine-learning techniques to reveal different brain activities correlated with these two mental states. Moreover, the study provides a proof of principle that brain imaging can determine, with high accuracy, on which side of a legally defined boundary a person's mental state lies.
Fossil and genomic evidence constrains the timing of bison arrival in North America
Authors: Froese Duane , Stiller Mathias , Heintzman Peter D. , Reyes Alberto V. , Zazula Grant D. , Soares André E. R. , Meyer Matthias , Hall Elizabeth , Jensen Britta J. L. , Arnold Lee J. , MacPhee Ross D. E. , Shapiro Beth
Published: March 2017

Significance

The appearance of bison in North America is both ecologically and paleontologically significant. We analyzed mitochondrial DNA from the oldest known North American bison fossils to reveal that bison were present in northern North America by 195–135 thousand y ago, having entered from Asia via the Bering Land Bridge. After their arrival, bison quickly colonized much of the rest of the continent, where they rapidly diversified phenotypically, producing, for example, the giant long-horned morphotypeBison latifronsduring the last interglaciation.
Patterns of coordinated cortical remodeling during adolescence and their associations with functional specialization and evolutionary expansion
Authors: Sotiras Aristeidis , Toledo Jon B. , Gur Raquel E. , Gur Ruben C. , Satterthwaite Theodore D. , Davatzikos Christos
Published: March 2017

Significance

During adolescence, the human cortex is morphed under the influence of regionally heterogeneous and heterochronous processes. Accurately mapping these processes and quantifying their effect is essential for understanding brain development, both in order and disorder. Currently, our understanding remains fundamentally “localizational” in nature, while often being limited by small samples. Here, we capitalize on a large cohort of youths and apply advanced multivariate analysis techniques to capture the coordinated growth of structural brain networks during adolescence. Our results delineate a representation of cortical organization that differs markedly from typical anatomical atlases. This representation comprises structural networks that relate closely to functional brain networks, while exhibiting differential developmental effects that are consistent with an evolutionary view of development.
Dynamic neural architecture for social knowledge retrieval
Authors: Wang Yin , Collins Jessica A. , Koski Jessica , Nugiel Tehila , Metoki Athanasia , Olson Ingrid R.
Published: March 2017

Significance

Knowledge about other people is critical for group survival and may have unique cognitive processing demands. Here, we investigate how person knowledge is represented, organized, and retrieved in the brain. We show that the anterior temporal lobe (ATL) stores abstract person identity representation that is commonly embedded in multiple sources (e.g. face, name, scene, and personal object). We also found the ATL serves as a “neural switchboard,” coordinating with a network of other brain regions in a rapid and need-specific way to retrieve different aspects of biographical information (e.g., occupation and personality traits). Our findings endorse the ATL as a central hub for representing and retrieving person knowledge.
New insights into protein secretion: TANGO1 runs rings around the COPII coat
Authors: Glick Benjamin S.
Published: March 2017

In this issue, Liu et al. (2017. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201611088) and Raote et al. (2017. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201608080) use super-resolution microscopy to visualize large COPII-coated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) export carriers. Rings of TANGO1 surround COPII, implicating TANGO1 in organizing ER exit sites and in regulating COPII coat dynamics and geometry.
Graph-based semi-supervised learning with genomic data integration using condition-responsive genes applied to phenotype classification
Authors: Doostparast Torshizi Abolfazl , Petzold Linda R
Published: March 2017

Objective

Data integration methods that combine data from different molecular levels such as genome, epigenome, transcriptome, etc., have received a great deal of interest in the past few years. It has been demonstrated that the synergistic effects of different biological data types can boost learning capabilities and lead to a better understanding of the underlying interactions among molecular levels.

Methods

In this paper we present a graph-based semi-supervised classification algorithm that incorporates latent biological knowledge in the form of biological pathways with gene expression and DNA methylation data. The process of graph construction from biological pathways is based on detecting condition-responsive genes, where 3 sets of genes are finally extracted: all condition responsive genes, high-frequency condition-responsive genes, and P-value–filtered genes.

Results

The proposed approach is applied to ovarian cancer data downloaded from the Human Genome Atlas. Extensive numerical experiments demonstrate superior performance of the proposed approach compared to other state-of-the-art algorithms, including the latest graph-based classification techniques.

Conclusions

Simulation results demonstrate that integrating various data types enhances classification performance and leads to a better understanding of interrelations between diverse omics data types. The proposed approach outperforms many of the state-of-the-art data integration algorithms.
A general explanation on the correlation of dark matter halo spin with the large-scale environment
Authors: Wang Peng , Kang Xi
Published: March 2017

Both simulations and observations have found that the spin of halo/galaxy is correlated with the large-scale environment, and particularly the spin of halo flips in filament. A consistent picture of halo spin evolution in different environments is still lacked. Using N-body simulation, we find that halo spin with its environment evolves continuously from sheet to cluster, and the flip of halo spin happens both in filament and nodes. The flip in filament can be explained by halo formation time and migrating time when its environment changes from sheet to filament. For low-mass haloes, they form first in sheets and migrate into filaments later, so their mass and spin growth inside filament are lower, and the original spin is still parallel to filament. For high-mass haloes, they migrate into filaments first, and most of their mass and spin growth are obtained in filaments, so the resulted spin is perpendicular to filament. Our results well explain the overall evolution of cosmic web in the cold dark matter model and can be tested using high-redshift data. The scenario can also be tested against alternative models of dark matter, such as warm/hot dark matter, where the structure formation will proceed in a different way.
Indication of a massive circumbinary planet orbiting the low-mass X-ray binary MXB 1658−298
Authors: Jain Chetana , Paul Biswajit , Sharma Rahul , Jaleel Abdul , Dutta Anjan
Published: March 2017

We present an X-ray timing analysis of the transient X-ray binary MXB 1658−298, using data obtained from the RXTE and XMM–Newton observatories. We have made 27 new mid-eclipse time measurements from observations made during the two outbursts of the source. These new measurements have been combined with the previously known values to study long-term changes in orbital period of the binary system. We have found that the mid-eclipse timing record of MXB 1658−298 is quite unusual. The long-term evolution of mid-eclipse times indicates an overall orbital period decay with a time-scale of –6.5(7) × 107 yr. Over and above this orbital period decay, the O−C residual curve also shows a periodic residual on shorter time-scales. This sinusoidal variation has an amplitude of ∼9 lt-s and a period of ∼760 d. This is indicative of the presence of a third body around the compact X-ray binary. The mass and orbital radius of the third body are estimated to lie in the ranges 20.5–26.9 Jupiter mass and 750–860 lt-s, respectively. If true, then it will be the most massive circumbinary planet and also the smallest period binary known to host a planet.
Patterns of Clinical Reasoning in Physical Therapist Students
Authors: Gilliland Sarah , Wainwright Susan Flannery
Published: March 2017

Background and Purpose. Clinical reasoning is a complex, nonlinear problem–solving process that is influenced by models of practice. The development of physical therapists’ clinical reasoning abilities is a crucial yet underresearched aspect of entry-level (professional) physical therapist education.

Objectives. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the types of clinical reasoning strategies physical therapist students engage in during a patient encounter.

Methods. A qualitative descriptive case study design involving within and across case analysis was used. Eight second-year, professional physical therapist students from 2 different programs completed an evaluation and initial intervention for a standardized patient followed by a retrospective think-aloud interview to explicate their reasoning processes. Participants’ clinical reasoning strategies were examined using a 2-stage qualitative method of thematic analysis.

Results. Participants demonstrated consistent signs of development of physical therapy–specific reasoning processes, yet varied in their approach to the case and use of reflection. Participants who gave greater attention to patient education and empowerment also demonstrated greater use of reflection-in-action during the patient encounter. One negative case illustrates the variability in the rate at which students may develop these abilities.

Conclusions. Participants demonstrated development toward physical therapist–-specific clinical reasoning, yet demonstrated qualitatively different approaches to the patient encounter. Multiple factors, including the use of reflection-in-action, may enable students to develop greater flexibility in their reasoning processes.
Unemployment reduction or labor force expansion? How partisanship matters for the design of active labor market policy in Europe
Authors: Cronert Axel
Published: March 2017

Comparative scholars fundamentally disagree about the impact of partisan politics in modern welfare states, particularly in certain ‘new’ policy areas such as active labor market policy (ALMP). Using new data on 900 ALMP programs across Europe, this study attempts to reconcile a long-standing dispute between the traditional ‘power resources’ approach and the ‘insider/outsider’ approach pioneered by Rueda. The study argues that both left-wing and right-wing governments invest in ALMP but that politics still matter because parties’ preferences regarding unemployment differ. The left is more inclined to expand programs primarily designed to reduce unemployment, which exclusively target ‘core’ groups in, or at risk of, unemployment, and programs in which participants are no longer counted among the unemployed. In contrast, both sides are equally prone to expand programs that also—or instead—target people who are not yet participating in the labor market, which thus also—or instead—serve to increase labor supply.
Pavlik harness treatment for pathological developmental dysplasia of the hip: meeting the standard?
Authors: Choudry Qaisar , Paton Robin W.
Published: March 2017

In the UK, the Pavlik harness is generally the accepted treatment technique for the treatment of neonatal and infant pathological developmental dysplasia of the hip. In 2013, the success rate of the Pavlik harness became an outcome measure from the British Society of Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery for appraisal and revalidation with the GMC for paediatric orthopaedic surgery. The standard set requires an 80% success rate, with less than 20% requiring surgery. This study evaluated the outcomes of Pavlik harness treatment in neonates/infants with ‘pathological hips’ diagnosed by ultrasound imaging in a district general hospital setting. In a 10-year prospective observational longitudinal cohort study, modified Graf type III and IV hips (excluding those presenting with irreducible hip dislocation) were classified as pathological and splinted. A total of 2826 neonates/infants underwent ultrasound assessment in the paediatric orthopaedic ‘screening clinic’. Neonates and infants were referred as ‘at-risk’ or as clinically unstable by the Paediatric Department and by general practitioners. Thirty-one Graf type III and 95 Graf type IV hips were identified and treated with a Pavlik harness. One Graf type III (30/31=success rate 96.8%) and three clinically unstable Graf type IV hips progressed to irreducible hip dislocations (92/95=96.8%). The success rate of the Pavlik harness in Graf type III and IV dysplasia was 96.8%, with 3.2% requiring surgery because of progression of the condition, confirming acceptable results for this technique in a district general hospital setting.
Modified Ponseti technique for management of neglected clubfeet
Authors: Mehtani Anil , Prakash Jatin , Vijay Vipul , Kumar Nishikant , Sinha Abhinav
Published: March 2017

Achieving adequate dorsiflexion in neglected clubfoot cases remains challenging. On a close observation of the Ponseti method, we have now made certain modifications from the standard Ponseti protocol. This has helped us improve functional results, as well as reduce the number of casts in this walking-age group. From March 2011 onward, we managed 62 neglected clubfeet in 41 patients with the modified protocol. All these patients were treated with serial weekly above-knee casts. The feet were assessed by Dimeglio and Pirani scorings, which were done every week. These children were closely monitored and followed up at regular intervals for any signs of relapses. The mean age group was 3.1 years (1.1–12 years). The mean follow-up period for these feet was 3 years (1.2–4 years). Mean Dimeglio score before treatment was 15.9, and after treatment it was 0.52. Mean Pirani score before treatment was 4.21 and after treatment it was 0.03. The average number of casts before tenotomy with our modified method was 6.9. Percutaneous tenotomy was done in all the cases. The mean dorsiflexion achieved at the end of treatment was 21.3° (15°–40°). Our modified Ponseti technique is a very effective and reproducible method for correction of neglected clubfeet. We feel that an extensive soft tissue surgery may not be required for neglected clubfeet even up to the age of 10 years.
Comparison of Outcomes Between C1-C2 Screw-Hook Fixation and C1-C2 Screw-Rod Fixation for Treating Reducible Atlantoaxial Dislocation
Authors: Ni Bin , Zhao Wenlong , Guo Qunfeng , Zhang Mei , Chen Jinshui , Guo Xiang , Lu Xuhua , Xie Ning
Published: March 2017

Study Design.

Retrospective comparative study.

Objective.

To compare the outcomes of C1-C2 transarticular screw with C1 laminar hook (TAS + C1H) fixation and C1 trans-arch lateral mass screw with C2 pedicle screw (C1TLMS + C2PS) fixation in the treatment of reducible atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD).

Summary of Background Data.

TAS + C1H is comparable to TAS with posterior wiring techniques and superior to C1 lateral mass screw combined with C2 pedicle screw (C1LMS + C2PS) in biomechanics. There were, however, few studies analyzing the differences in outcomes between TAS + C1H technique and modified C1LMS + C2PS technique (C1TLMS + C2PS) for treating AAD.

Methods.

Data of 30 patients with reducible AAD treated by TAS + C1H fixation and another 30 cases treated by C1TLMS + C2PS fixation were retrospectively analyzed. Bone fusion time was recorded. The outcomes evaluated by American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale, visual analog scale score for neck pain, neck stiffness (none/mild/severe), patient satisfaction, and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were compared between two groups.

Results.

There were no complications related to the surgical approach and instrumentation in either group. At the final follow-up, bone graft fusion rates were 100% in both the TAS + C1H fixation group and the C1TLMS + C2PS fixation group (P > 0.05). The neurological status evaluated by American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale were greatly improved in both screw-hook group (P < 0.001) and screw-rod group (P < 0.001), but with no significant differences between groups (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences between two groups in visual analog scale score for neck pain, neck stiffness, patient satisfaction, or Neck Disability Index (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion.

C1TLMS + C2PS fixation was comparable to TAS + C1H fixation in fusion rate and functional outcomes for treating reducible AAD. To reduce the risk of vertebral artery injury, computed tomography scan, and reconstruction should be done to analyze vertebral artery course and C1-C2 anatomic structures before operation.

Level of Evidence: 3
Pedicle Screw Safety: How Much Anterior Breach Is Safe?
Authors: Sarwahi Vishal , Payares Monica , Wendolowski Stephen , Gecelter Rachel , Maguire Kathleen , Wang Dan , Thornhill Beverly , Amaral Terry
Published: March 2017

Study Design.

Clinical retrospective chart review and basic science study.

Objectives.

To determine the safety limits of an anterior/anterorolateral misplaced pedicle screw on computed tomography (CT) scan in spinal deformity.

Summary of Background Data.

Although the limits of medial breaches (<4 mm) are known, the safe limits for anterior/anterolateral breaches in spine deformity are not yet defined.

Methods.

The present study had two parts. In part I, postoperative CT scans of 165 patients operated on for spine deformity were reviewed for screw misplacement (2800 screws). The amount of anterior/anterolateral breach was measured. Protrusions were also evaluated for proximity to vital structures. All scans were reviewed by musculoskeletal radiologist. In part II, eight cadavers were instrumented with 6 × 30 and 6 × 40 mm bilaterally from T1-S1. Screws were randomly inserted under navigation guidance either “IN” or “OUT-anterior/lateral.” CT scan was performed, followed by gross dissection to determine screw position.

Results.

Part I: 116(4.2%) screws were misplaced anterior/anterolaterally. Thirty-one (26.7%) were adjacent to vital structures. Fisher exact test showed 4 mm or less breach has significantly lower likelihood of impingement (P < 0.001). Screws adjacent/impinging the aorta protruded an average 5.7 ± 0.6 mm, whereas screws not involving the aorta breached an average 3.9 ± 0.2 mm, (P < 0.001). Part II: 285 screws were inserted. On CT scan, 125 were misplaced anterior/anterolaterally. On gross dissection, 89 were visibly misplaced; 23 were covered entirely by soft tissue but were palpable; and 13 were contained in bone. All 23 screws did not endanger any structures and protruded less than 4 mm on CT scan.

Conclusion.

Anterior/anterolateral breaches of 4 mm or less on CT poses no significant risk of impingement and therefore can be considered safe.

Level of Evidence: 3
Prognostic role of the histological subtype of melanoma on the hands and feet in Caucasians
Authors: Carrera Cristina , Gual Adrià , Díaz Alba , Puig-Butillé Joan A. , Noguès Susanna , Vilalta Antonio , Conill Carlos , Rull Ramón , Vilana Ramon , Arguis Pedro , Vidal-Sicart Sergi , Alós Llucia , Palou Josep , Castel Teresa , Malvehy Josep , Puig Susana
Published: March 2017

Acral melanoma (AM) is associated with a poor prognosis in part because of delayed diagnosis, but probably also because of other intrinsic characteristics of location. The aim of this study was to review the specific characteristics and outcome of AM in Caucasians. This was a cross-sectional retrospective clinical-pathological study of 274 patients identified with AM in the database of a referral unit in Europe from 1986 to 2010. The mean age of the patients was 56.6 (SD 17.7) years. 269 cases could be histologically classified and included in the study. In all, 222 (82.5%) were located on feet. According to melanoma subtype, 165 (61.3%) were acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), 84 (31.2%) were superficial spreading melanoma (SSM), and 20 (7.5%) were nodular melanoma (NM). SSM patients were characterized by female predominance (77.4%), younger age, and classic melanoma-risk phenotype (fair skin and multiple nevi). Among the 198 invasive cases with a mean follow-up of 56.2 months, the mean (SD) Breslow’s thickness was 3.1 (3.6) mm, being 1.4 (1.4) mm in SSM, 3.5 (4.1) mm in ALM and 4.9 (2.9) mm in NM (P<0.001). Ulceration was present in 33.3%, 2.9% in SSM, 38.6% in ALM, and 76.9% in NM (P<0.001). A total of 29.3% relapsed (7.3% of SSM, 35% of ALM and 55% of NM) and 24.2% died because of AM. In multivariate analysis, age at diagnosis, Breslow, and histopathological subtype were independent prognostic factors for both disease-free and AM-specific survival. The ALM and NM subtypes presented poorer outcome after weighting Breslow and age (P=0.02). Histological subtype of AM could have an impact on biological behavior, ALM and NM subtypes presenting a poorer prognosis after adjusting for age and Breslow’s thickness.
Association between the use of surveillance PET/CT and the detection of potentially salvageable occult recurrences among patients with resected high-risk melanoma
Authors: Leon-Ferre Roberto A. , Kottschade Lisa A. , Block Matthew S. , McWilliams Robert R. , Dronca Roxana S. , Creagan Edward T. , Allred Jacob B. , Lowe Val J. , Markovic Svetomir N.
Published: March 2017

The optimal surveillance for patients with resected high-risk melanoma is controversial. Select locoregional or oligometastatic recurrences can be cured with salvage resection. Data on the ability of PET/CT to detect such recurrences are sparse. We evaluated whether surveillance PET/CT in patients with resected stage III–IV melanoma led to detection of clinically occult recurrences amenable to curative-intent salvage treatment. We retrospectively identified 1429 melanoma patients who underwent PET/CT between January 2008 and October 2012 at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota). A total of 1130 were excluded because of stage I–II, ocular or mucosal melanoma, incomplete resection, PET/CT not performed for surveillance or performed at a different institution, and records not available. A total of 299 patients were eligible. Overall, 162 (52%) patients developed recurrence [locoregional: 77 (48%), distant: 85 (52%)]. The first recurrence was clinically occult in 98 (60%) and clinically evident in 64 (40%). Clinically evident recurrences were more often superficial (skin, subcutaneous, or nodal) or in the brain, whereas clinically occult recurrences more often visceral. Overall, 90% of all recurrences were detected by 2.8 years. In all, 70% of patients with recurrence underwent curative-intent salvage treatment (locoregional: 94%, distant: 48%), with similar rates for clinically occult versus clinically evident recurrences (66 vs. 75%, P=0.240). Overall survival was superior among those who underwent curative-intent salvage treatment [5.9 vs. 1.2 years; hazard ratio=4.27, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.68–6.80; P<0.001], despite 79% developing recurrence again. PET/CT had high sensitivity (88%, 95% CI=79.94–93.31%), specificity (90%, 95% CI=88.56–91.56%), and negative predictive value (99%, 95% CI=98.46–99.52%). However, the positive predictive value was only 37% (95% CI=31.32–43.68%). In patients with resected stage III–IV melanoma, surveillance PET/CT detected a large proportion of clinically occult recurrences amenable to curative-intent salvage treatment. Despite a high rate of second relapse, curative-intent salvage treatment was associated with superior overall survival. Even though PET/CT had high sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value, positive predictive value was poor, highlighting the need for histologic confirmation of PET/CT-detected abnormalities.
Whole-exome sequencing identifies recurrent SF3B1 R625 mutation and comutation of NF1 and KIT in mucosal melanoma
Authors: Hintzsche Jennifer D. , Gorden Nicholas T. , Amato Carol M. , Kim Jihye , Wuensch Kelsey E. , Robinson Steven E. , Applegate Allison J. , Couts Kasey L. , Medina Theresa M. , Wells Keith R. , Wisell Joshua A. , McCarter Martin D. , Box Neil F. , Shellman Yiqun G. , Gonzalez Rene C. , Lewis Karl D. , Tentler John J. , Tan Aik Choon , Robinson William A.
Published: March 2017

Mucosal melanomas are a rare subtype of melanoma, arising in mucosal tissues, which have a very poor prognosis due to the lack of effective targeted therapies. This study aimed to better understand the molecular landscape of these cancers and find potential new therapeutic targets. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on mucosal melanomas from 19 patients and 135 sun-exposed cutaneous melanomas, with matched peripheral blood samples when available. Mutational profiles were compared between mucosal subgroups and sun-exposed cutaneous melanomas. Comparisons of molecular profiles identified 161 genes enriched in mucosal melanoma (P<0.05). KIT and NF1 were frequently comutated (32%) in the mucosal subgroup, with a significantly higher incidence than that in cutaneous melanoma (4%). Recurrent SF3B1 R625H/S/C mutations were identified and validated in 7 of 19 (37%) mucosal melanoma patients. Mutations in the spliceosome pathway were found to be enriched in mucosal melanomas when compared with cutaneous melanomas. Alternative splicing in four genes were observed in SF3B1-mutant samples compared with the wild-type samples. This study identified potential new therapeutic targets for mucosal melanoma, including comutation of NF1 and KIT, and recurrent R625 mutations in SF3B1. This is the first report of SF3B1 R625 mutations in vulvovaginal mucosal melanoma, with the largest whole-exome sequencing project of mucosal melanomas to date. The results here also indicated that the mutations in SF3B1 lead to alternative splicing in multiple genes. These findings expand our knowledge of this rare disease.