bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive resolution simulations coupling atomistic water to dissipative particle dynamics
Authors: Zavadlav Julija , Praprotnik Matej
Published: September 2017

Multiscale methods are the most efficient way to address the interlinked spatiotemporal scales encountered in soft matter and molecular liquids. In the literature reported hybrid approaches span from quantum to atomistic, coarse-grained, and continuum length scales. In this article, we present the hybrid coupling of the molecular dynamics (MD) and dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) methods, bridging the micro- and mesoscopic descriptions. The interfacing is performed within the adaptive resolution scheme (AdResS), which is a linear momentum conserving coupling technique. Our methodology is hence suitable to simulate fluids on the micro/mesoscopic scale, where hydrodynamics plays an important role. The presented approach is showcased for water at ambient conditions. The supramolecular coupling is enabled by a recently developed clustering algorithm SWINGER that assembles, disassembles, and reassembles clusters as needed during the course of the simulation. This allows for a seamless coupling between standard atomistic MD and DPD models. The developed framework can be readily applied to various applications in the fields of materials and life sciences, e.g., simulations of phospholipids and polymer melts, or to study the red blood cells behavior in normal and disease states.
Characteristic classes in general relativity on a modified Poincaré curvature bundle
Authors: Kurihara Yoshimasa
Published: September 2017

Characteristic classes in space-time manifolds are discussed for both even- and odd-dimensional spacetimes. In particular, it is shown that the Einstein–Hilbert action is equivalent to a second Chern-class on a modified Poincaré bundle in four dimensions. Consequently, the cosmological constant and the trace of an energy-momentum tensor become divisible modulo R/Z.
Mode control of an X-band phase-locked relativistic backward wave oscillator by modulated electron beam
Authors: Wu Y. , Chen Y. D.
Published: September 2017

To achieve mode control of an X-band relativistic backward wave oscillator (RBWO) locked by a modulated electron beam, the mechanism of the parasitic mode oscillation and its influence on the working characteristics of the phase-locked RBWO are explored detailedly both in particle-in-cell simulation and in experiment. The experimental result agrees well with the simulation, which indicates that the TM11's excitation in the cavities and the TE11's coupling between the cavities are the main causes of the parasitic mode self-oscillation. Accordingly, RF lossy material is introduced to sever this coupling and suppress the parasitic mode oscillation. The suppression effect of the lossy material is also tested in the experiment, and the parasitic mode oscillation is eliminated. Finally, mode control of the phase-locked RBWO is accomplished experimentally. The phase jitter maintains at a level of ±10° in 50 ns.
Effect of Co on the magnetic and gas sensing properties of SnO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Mariammal R. N. , Rajamanickam N. , Renganathan B. , Sastikumar D. , Ramachandran K.
Published: September 2017

Undoped and Co-doped (0.5 and 3 at. %) SnO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by the co-precipitation method and the structural characterization done by X-Ray diffraction revealed the tetragonal rutile structure with a weak CoO phase in 3 at. % Co-doped sample. TEM and high-resolution transmission electron microscope images of Co-doped (3 at. %) SnO2 nanoparticles showed the presence of almost spherical nanoparticles with the particle size in the range of 7–9 nm. Pure SnO2 showed mixed phases of ferro and diamagnetism while Co-doped (3 at. %) SnO2 nanoparticles showed only ferromagnetism at room temperature. The room temperature ferromagnetism (RTFM) in the Co-doped sample is due to the interaction of the localized spins of the Co ions with the oxygen vacancies, which are introduced due to the substitution of Co2+ ions for Sn4+ ions (bound magnetic polarons). The presence of oxygen vacancies and the small particle size are responsible for the slightly enhanced ethanol sensitivity of Co-doped (3 at. %) SnO2 nanoparticles compared to SnO2 nanoparticles. From the results, it is concluded that the nanoparticles showing RTFM have potential applications in detecting ethanol.
Nanoscale piezoelectric vibration energy harvester design
Authors: Foruzande Hamid Reza , Hajnayeb Ali , Yaghootian Amin
Published: September 2017

Development of new nanoscale devices has increased the demand for new types of small-scale energy resources such as ambient vibrations energy harvesters. Among the vibration energy harvesters, piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs) can be easily miniaturized and fabricated in micro and nano scales. This change in the dimensions of a PEH leads to a change in its governing equations of motion, and consequently, the predicted harvested energy comparing to a macroscale PEH. In this research, effects of small scale dimensions on the nonlinear vibration and harvested voltage of a nanoscale PEH is studied. The PEH is modeled as a cantilever piezoelectric bimorph nanobeam with a tip mass, using the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory in conjunction with Hamilton’s principle. A harmonic base excitation is applied as a model of the ambient vibrations. The nonlocal elasticity theory is used to consider the size effects in the developed model. The derived equations of motion are discretized using the assumed-modes method and solved using the method of multiple scales. Sensitivity analysis for the effect of different parameters of the system in addition to size effects is conducted. The results show the significance of nonlocal elasticity theory in the prediction of system dynamic nonlinear behavior. It is also observed that neglecting the size effects results in lower estimates of the PEH vibration amplitudes. The results pave the way for designing new nanoscale sensors in addition to PEHs.
Finite temperature grand canonical ensemble study of the minimum electrophilicity principle
Authors: Miranda-Quintana Ramón Alain , Chattaraj Pratim K. , Ayers Paul W.
Published: September 2017

We analyze the minimum electrophilicity principle of conceptual density functional theory using the framework of the finite temperature grand canonical ensemble. We provide support for this principle, both for the cases of systems evolving from a non-equilibrium to an equilibrium state and for the change from one equilibrium state to another. In doing so, we clearly delineate the cases where this principle can, or cannot, be used.
Ferroelectric properties of lightly doped La:HfO2 thin films grown by plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition
Authors: Kozodaev M. G. , Chernikova A. G. , Korostylev E. V. , Park M. H. , Schroeder U. , Hwang C. S. , Markeev A. M.
Published: September 2017

The structural and ferroelectric properties of lightly La-doped (1 mol. %) HfO2 thin films grown by plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition were examined. An annealing temperature as low as 400 °C crystallized the film into the desired orthorhombic phase, which resulted in it displaying promising ferroelectric performance. The remanent polarization (Pr) increased with annealing temperature, but the performance enhancement seemed to saturate at 500 °C. A slight decrease in the dielectric constant, which was associated with the preferential formation of a polar orthorhombic phase at higher temperatures, was also observed. The long-term wake-up effect, i.e., a marked rise in the 2Pr value during field cycling, was demonstrated for films processed at all annealing temperatures. The presence of domain groups with opposite internal electric biases was found in the pristine state, while the internal bias distribution became more uniform during wake-up. The endurance of up to 4 × 108 switching cycles without marked fatigue using bipolar pulses with a duration of 600 ns, and an amplitude of ±3 MV/cm was demonstrated.
A model of cardiac ryanodine receptor gating predicts experimental Ca2+-dynamics and Ca2+-triggered arrhythmia in the long QT syndrome
Authors: Wilson Dan , Ermentrout Bard , Němec Jan , Salama Guy
Published: September 2017

Abnormal Ca2+ handling is well-established as the trigger of cardiac arrhythmia in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and digoxin toxicity, but its role remains controversial in Torsade de Pointes (TdP), the arrhythmia associated with the long QT syndrome (LQTS). Recent experimental results show that early afterdepolarizations (EADs) that initiate TdP are caused by spontaneous (non-voltage-triggered) Ca2+ release from Ca2+-overloaded sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) rather than the activation of the L-type Ca2+-channel window current. In bradycardia and long QT type 2 (LQT2), a second, non-voltage triggered cytosolic Ca2+ elevation increases gradually in amplitude, occurs before overt voltage instability, and then precedes the rise of EADs. Here, we used a modified Shannon-Puglisi-Bers model of rabbit ventricular myocytes to reproduce experimental Ca2+ dynamics in bradycardia and LQT2. Abnormal systolic Ca2+-oscillations and EADs caused by SR Ca2+-release are reproduced in a modified 0-dimensional model, where 3 gates in series control the ryanodine receptor (RyR2) conductance. Two gates control RyR2 activation and inactivation and sense cytosolic Ca2+ while a third gate senses luminal junctional SR Ca2+. The model predicts EADs in bradycardia and low extracellular [K+] and cessation of SR Ca2+-release terminate salvos of EADs. Ca2+-waves, systolic cell-synchronous Ca2+-release, and multifocal diastolic Ca2+ release seen in subcellular Ca2+-mapping experiments are observed in the 2-dimensional version of the model. These results support the role of SR Ca2+-overload, abnormal SR Ca2+-release, and the subsequent activation of the electrogenic Na+/Ca2+-exchanger as the mechanism of TdP. The model offers new insights into the genesis of cardiac arrhythmia and new therapeutic strategies.
Demonstration of cardiac rotor and source mapping techniques in embryonic chick monolayers
Authors: You Min Ju , Langfield Peter , Campanari Lucas , Dobbs Matt , Shrier Alvin , Glass Leon
Published: September 2017

Excitable media, such as the heart, display propagating waves with different geometries including target patterns and rotors (spiral waves). Collision of two waves leads to annihilation of both. We present algorithms for data processing and analysis to identify the core of rotors. In this work, we show that as the spatial sampling resolution decreases it becomes increasingly difficult to identify rotors—there are instances of false negatives and false positives. These observations are relevant to current controversies concerning the role of rotors in the initiation, maintenance, and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation. Currently some practitioners target the core of rotors for ablation, but the effectiveness of this procedure has been questioned. In view of the difficulties inherent in the identification of rotors, we conclude that methods to identify rotors need to first be validated prior to assessing the efficacy of ablation.
Performance enhancement of high-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry by applying differential-RF-driven operation mode
Authors: Zeng Yue , Tang Fei , Zhai Yadong , Wang Xiaohao
Published: September 2017

The traditional operation mode of high-field Asymmetric Waveform Ion Mobility Spectrometry (FAIMS) uses a one-way radio frequency (RF) voltage input as the dispersion voltage. This requires a high voltage input and limits power consumption reduction and miniaturization of instruments. With higher dispersion voltages or larger compensation voltages, there also exist problems such as low signal intensity or the fact that the dispersion voltage is no longer much larger than the compensation voltage. In this paper, a differential-RF-driven operation mode of FAIMS is proposed. The two-way RF is used to generate the dispersion field, and a phase difference is added between the two RFs to generate a single step waveform field. Theoretical analysis, and experimental results from an ethanol sample, showed that the peak positions of the ion spectra changed linearly (R2 = 0.9992) with the phase difference of the two RFs in the differential-RF-driven mode and that the peak intensity of the ion spectrum could be enhanced by more than eight times for ethanol ions. In this way, it is possible to convert the ion spectrum peaks outside the separation or compensation voltage range into a detectable range, by changing the phase difference. To produce the same separation electric field, the high-voltage direct current input voltage can be maximally reduced to half of that in the traditional operation mode. Without changing the drift region size or drift condition, the differential-RF-driven operation mode can reduce power consumption, increase signal-to-noise ratio, extend the application range of the dispersion voltage and compensation voltage, and improve FAIMS detection performance.
Molecular dynamics with rigid bodies: Alternative formulation and assessment of its limitations when employed to simulate liquid water
Authors: Silveira Ana J. , Abreu Charlles R. A.
Published: September 2017

Sets of atoms collectively behaving as rigid bodies are often used in molecular dynamics to model entire molecules or parts thereof. This is a coarse-graining strategy that eliminates degrees of freedom and supposedly admits larger time steps without abandoning the atomistic character of a model. In this paper, we rely on a particular factorization of the rotation matrix to simplify the mechanical formulation of systems containing rigid bodies. We then propose a new derivation for the exact solution of torque-free rotations, which are employed as part of a symplectic numerical integration scheme for rigid-body dynamics. We also review methods for calculating pressure in systems of rigid bodies with pairwise-additive potentials and periodic boundary conditions. Finally, simulations of liquid phases, with special focus on water, are employed to analyze the numerical aspects of the proposed methodology. Our results show that energy drift is avoided for time step sizes up to 5 fs, but only if a proper smoothing is applied to the interatomic potentials. Despite this, the effects of discretization errors are relevant, even for smaller time steps. These errors induce, for instance, a systematic failure of the expected equipartition of kinetic energy between translational and rotational degrees of freedom.
Analytical and exact solutions of the spherical and cylindrical diodes of Langmuir–Blodgett law
Authors: Torres-Cordoba Rafael , Martinez-Garcia Edgar
Published: September 2017

This paper discloses the exact solutions of a mathematical model that describes the cylindrical and spherical electron current emissions within the context of a physics approximation method. The solution involves analyzing the 1D nonlinear Poisson equation, for the radial component. Although an asymptotic solution has been previously obtained, we present a theoretical solution that satisfies arbitrary boundary conditions. The solution is found in its parametric form (i.e., φ(r)=φ(r(τ))) and is valid when the electric field at the cathode surface is non-zero. Furthermore, the non-stationary spatial solution of the electric potential between the anode and the cathode is also presented. In this work, the particle–beam interface is considered to be at the end of the plasma sheath as described by Sutherland et al. [Phys. Plasmas 12, 033103 2005]. Three regimes of space charge effects—no space charge saturation, space charge limited, and space charge saturation—are also considered.
Finite-size scaling and exchange-bias in SrRuO3/LaNiO3/SrRuO3 trilayers
Authors: Thota S. , Ghosh S. , Nayak S. , Joshi D. C. , Pramanik P. , Roychowdhury K. , Das S.
Published: September 2017

We report a detailed magnetization study of the coherently strained trilayer heterostructures of metallic ferromagnet SrRuO3 (SRO)/paramagnetic-LaNiO3/SRO grown on a (001) oriented SrTiO3 single crystal substrate using the pulsed laser deposition technique. A tunable positive exchange bias (μoHEB ∼ 0.2 T, at 10 K) across the interface has been observed. Upon varying the SRO layer thickness (2 nm ≤ tSRO ≤ 18 nm), the saturation magnetization (MS ∼ 0.46 μB/Ru) increases significantly owing to electronic-reconstruction across the interfaces and finite size effects. The magnitude of μoHEB increases continuously with increasing tSRO and saturates above 16 nm; however, the loop-asymmetry increases rapidly as the temperature is lowered below the ferromagnetic Curie temperature (TC) of SRO. Notable reductions in both TC (125.6 K ≤ TC ≤ 146.4 K) and blocking temperature TB = T* (90.6 K ≤ T∗ ≤ 119.2 K) are observed due to surface effects that comply with the finite-size scaling law: TC(tSRO) = TC (∞) [1 − (ξo/tSRO)λ] with critical exponent λ = 1.12 ± 0.037 and correlation length ξ0 = 0.59 ± 0.02 nm signifying the fact that the investigated system is an intermediate between the 3D Ising configuration and those associated with mean field approximations.
Linearly degenerate hierarchies of quasiclassical SDYM type
Authors: Bogdanov L. V. , Pavlov M. V.
Published: September 2017

We demonstrate that SDYM (self-dual Yang-Mills) equations for the Lie algebra of one-dimensional vector fields represent a natural reduction in the framework of a general linearly degenerate dispersionless hierarchy. We define the reduction in terms of wave functions and introduce a generating relation, Lax-Sato equations, and the dressing scheme for the reduced hierarchy. A multidimensional case is also discussed.
Case conferencing for palliative care patients – a survey of South Australian general practitioners
Authors: To Timothy H. M. , Tait Paul , Morgan Deidre D. , Tieman Jennifer J. , Crawford Gregory , Michelmore Alexandra , Currow David C. , Swetenham Kate
Published: September 2017

Benefits of case conferencing for people with palliative care needs between a general practitioner, the person and other key participants include improving communication, advance care planning, coordination of care, clarifying goals of care and support for patient, families and carers. Despite a growing evidence base for the benefits, the uptake of case conferencing has been limited in South Australia. The aim of this study is to explore the beliefs and practice of South Australian general practitioners towards case conferencing for people with palliative care needs. Using an online survey, participants were asked about demographics, attitudes towards case conferencing and details about their most recent case conference for a person with palliative care needs. Responses were received from 134 general practitioners (response rate 11%). In total, 80% valued case conferencing for people with palliative care needs; however, <25% had been involved in case conferencing in the previous 2years. The major barrier was time to organise and coordinate case conferences. Enablers included general practitioner willingness or interest, strong relationship with patient, specialist palliative care involvement and assistance with organisation. Despite GPs’ beliefs of the benefits of case conferencing, the barriers remain significant. Enabling case conferencing will require support for organisation of case conferences and review of Medicare Benefits Schedule criteria for reimbursement.
Addressing women in the Greek parliament
Authors: Georgalidou Marianthi
Published: September 2017

In accordance with numerous studies highlighting aspects of political and parliamentary discourse that concern the rhetoric of political combat, verbal attacks and offensive language choices are shown to be rather common in the context of a highly adversarial parliamentary system such as the Greek. In the present study, however, the analysis of excerpts of parliamentary discourse addressed to women reveals not just aspects of the organization of rival political encounters but, as far as female MPs are concerned, aggressive and derogatory forms of speech that directly attack the gender of the addressees. Drawing on data from video-recordings, the official proceedings of parliamentary sittings, and the media (2012–2015), the present study investigates aggressive/sexist discourse within this context. The theoretical issues addressed concern the impoliteness end of the politeness/politic speech/impoliteness continuum in the light of extreme cases of conflict in political/parliamentary discourse.
“Reservoir of rage swamps Wall St”
Authors: Gregoriou Christiana , Paterson Laura L.
Published: September 2017

Originating on New York’s Wall Street, the Occupy movement was “an international network of protests against social and economic inequality that began in [September] 2011 in response to the downturn of 2008” (Thorson et al. 2013, 427). Whilst there has been research on online activity in relation to Occupy, the scope of linguistic analysis to date has been somewhat narrow. Furthermore, the focus on new media has indirectly led to an absence of analysis of institutionally-endorsed traditional media texts. We adopt a mixed-method approach of corpus analysis and discourse analysis of national newspaper articles to answer questions such as ‘Is Occupy associated with a semantic field of violence and aggression?’ and ‘Who is represented as having agency?’ Our results indicate that, in our small corpus of media texts, Occupy and its supporters were predominantly portrayed negatively at the movement’s height; even though protesters are reported to have been peaceful in their majority, the English-speaking media we analysed still aligns them with language suggestive of aggression, conflict and even violence.
STING-associated vasculopathy develops independently of IRF3 in mice
Authors: Warner James D. , Irizarry-Caro Ricardo A. , Bennion Brock G. , Ai Teresa L. , Smith Amber M. , Miner Cathrine A. , Sakai Tomomi , Gonugunta Vijay K. , Wu Jianjun , Platt Derek J. , Yan Nan , Miner Jonathan J.
Published: September 2017

Patients with stimulator of interferon genes (STING)–associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI) develop systemic inflammation characterized by vasculopathy, interstitial lung disease, ulcerative skin lesions, and premature death. Autosomal dominant mutations in STING are thought to trigger activation of IRF3 and subsequent up-regulation of interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs) in patients with SAVI. We generated heterozygous STING N153S knock-in mice as a model of SAVI. These mice spontaneously developed inflammation within the lung, hypercytokinemia, T cell cytopenia, skin ulcerations, and premature death. Cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF) analysis revealed that the STING N153S mutation caused myeloid cell expansion, T cell cytopenia, and dysregulation of immune cell signaling. Unexpectedly, we observed only mild up-regulation of ISGs in STING N153S fibroblasts and splenocytes and STING N154S SAVI patient fibroblasts. STING N153S mice lacking IRF3 also developed lung disease, myeloid cell expansion, and T cell cytopenia. Thus, the SAVI-associated STING N153S mutation triggers IRF3-independent immune cell dysregulation and lung disease in mice.
On the mechanisms of protein interactions: predicting their affinity from unbound tertiary structures
Authors: Marín-López Manuel Alejandro , Planas-Iglesias Joan , Aguirre-Plans Joaquim , Bonet Jaume , Garcia-Garcia Javier , Fernandez-Fuentes Narcis , Oliva Baldo
Published: September 2017

Motivation

The characterization of the protein–protein association mechanisms is crucial to understanding how biological processes occur. It has been previously shown that the early formation of non-specific encounters enhances the realization of the stereospecific (i.e. native) complex by reducing the dimensionality of the search process. The association rate for the formation of such complex plays a crucial role in the cell biology and depends on how the partners diffuse to be close to each other. Predicting the binding free energy of proteins provides new opportunities to modulate and control protein–protein interactions. However, existing methods require the 3D structure of the complex to predict its affinity, severely limiting their application to interactions with known structures.

Results

We present a new approach that relies on the unbound protein structures and protein docking to predict protein–protein binding affinities. Through the study of the docking space (i.e. decoys), the method predicts the binding affinity of the query proteins when the actual structure of the complex itself is unknown. We tested our approach on a set of globular and soluble proteins of the newest affinity benchmark, obtaining accuracy values comparable to other state-of-art methods: a 0.4 correlation coefficient between the experimental and predicted values of ΔG and an error < 3 Kcal/mol.

Availability and implementation

The binding affinity predictor is implemented and available at http://sbi.upf.edu/BADock and https://github.com/badocksbi/BADock.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Integrating reflexes with physiological measures to evaluate coastal shark stress response to capture
Authors: Jerome J M , Gallagher A J , Cooke S J , Hammerschlag N
Published: September 2017

In both commercial and recreational fisheries, sharks are captured and released alive to comply with regulations or due to low economic value or voluntary conservation ethic. As a result, understanding the physiological and behavioural responses of sharks to capture stress is important for determining subsequent effects of fisheries interactions on a species-specific basis, as well as for identifying factors that influence mortality. Here, we employed a suite of conventional blood physiology endpoints (glucose, lactate, and haematocrit) integrated with assessments of reflex impairment on blacktip (Carcharhinus limbatus), great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran), nurse (Ginglymostoma cirratum) and sandbar sharks (Carcharhinus plumbeus) captured via experimental drumline gear. We documented a wide range of species-specific differences in all parameters assessed, with nurse sharks consistently having the lowest relative levels of physiological disturbance and reflex impairment; and with great hammerheads exhibiting the highest level of physiological disturbance and reflex impairment, suggesting higher vulnerability to fishing. In general, increases in lactate were positively associated with hook time and correlated with reflex impairment assessment. Moreover, reflex indices showed significant impairment with hook time, with the “jaw” reflex emerging as the most potential predictor of disturbance. Our study results connect previously reported species-specific at-vessel and post-release mortality rates to their physiological disturbance and reflex impairment.
Seasonal Influenza Forecasting in Real Time Using the Incidence Decay With Exponential Adjustment Model
Authors: Nasserie Tahmina , Tuite Ashleigh R , Whitmore Lindsay , Hatchette Todd , Drews Steven J , Peci Adriana , Kwong Jeffrey C , Friedman Dara , Garber Gary , Gubbay Jonathan , Fisman David N
Published: September 2017

Background

Seasonal influenza epidemics occur frequently. Rapid characterization of seasonal dynamics and forecasting of epidemic peaks and final sizes could help support real-time decision-making related to vaccination and other control measures. Real-time forecasting remains challenging.

Methods

We used the previously described “incidence decay with exponential adjustment” (IDEA) model, a 2-parameter phenomenological model, to evaluate the characteristics of the 2015–2016 influenza season in 4 Canadian jurisdictions: the Provinces of Alberta, Nova Scotia and Ontario, and the City of Ottawa. Model fits were updated weekly with receipt of incident virologically confirmed case counts. Best-fit models were used to project seasonal influenza peaks and epidemic final sizes.

Results

The 2015–2016 influenza season was mild and late-peaking. Parameter estimates generated through fitting were consistent in the 2 largest jurisdictions (Ontario and Alberta) and with pooled data including Nova Scotia counts (R0 approximately 1.4 for all fits). Lower R0 estimates were generated in Nova Scotia and Ottawa. Final size projections that made use of complete time series were accurate to within 6% of true final sizes, but final size was using pre-peak data. Projections of epidemic peaks stabilized before the true epidemic peak, but these were persistently early (~2 weeks) relative to the true peak.

Conclusions

A simple, 2-parameter influenza model provided reasonably accurate real-time projections of influenza seasonal dynamics in an atypically late, mild influenza season. Challenges are similar to those seen with more complex forecasting methodologies. Future work includes identification of seasonal characteristics associated with variability in model performance.
Tuberculosis Patients Who Are A Potential Source for Unprotected Exposure in Health Care Systems: A Multicenter Case Control Study
Authors: Cadena Jose , Castro-Pena Norys A , Javeri Heta , Hernandez Brian , Michalek Joel , Arzola Ana Fuentes , Shroff Miloni , Jinadatha Chetan , Valero Gustavo , Bowling Jason , Przykucki Jean , Adams Michele , Jorgensen James , Patterson Jan E , Sreeramoju Pranavi
Published: September 2017

Setting

Five health care systems in Texas.

Objective

To describe the epidemiology of inadequate isolation for pulmonary tuberculosis leading to tuberculosis (TB) exposures from confirmed TB patients and the patient factors that led to the exposures.

Design

A retrospective cohort and case-control study of adult patients with TB resulting in exposures (cases) vs those TB patients who did not result in exposures (controls) during January 2005 to December 2012.

Results

There were 335 patients with pulmonary TB disease, 199 cases and 136 controls. There was no difference between groups in age (46 ± 14.6 vs 45 ± 17 years; P > .05), race, or substance abuse. Cases were more likely to be transplant recipients (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 18.90; 95% CI, 1.9–187.76), have typical TB chest radiograph (AOR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.1–4.51), and have positive acid-fast bacilli stains (AOR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.31–4.27). Cases were less likely to have extrapulmonary disease (AOR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.24–0.95).

Conclusions

TB exposure resulting from inadequate isolation is frequent in health care settings. Extrapulmonary involvement resulted in earlier airborne isolation. Being a transplant recipient, having chest radiograph findings typical for TB, and sputum positivity acid-fast bacilli upon staining were associated with increased risk of inadequate isolation.
Two Cases of Severe Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Rituximab-Treated Patients in Germany: Implications for Diagnosis and Prevention
Authors: Steininger Philipp A , Bobinger Tobias , Dietrich Wenke , Lee De-Hyung , Knott Michael , Bogdan Christian , Korn Klaus , Lang Roland
Published: September 2017

Rituximab (RTX) has become a standard therapy for certain B cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases. We report 2 RTX-treated patients who developed severe tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) infection. The inability to generate new antibody responses renders RTX-treated patients susceptible to TBEV, impedes laboratory diagnosis, and necessitates preventive vaccination in endemic areas.
A Review of Oxygen Physiology and Appropriate Management of Oxygen Levels in Premature Neonates
Authors: Kayton Allyson , Timoney Paula , Vargo Lyn , Perez Jose A.
Published: September 2017

Background:

Although oxygen is the most widely used therapeutic agent in neonatal care, optimal oxygen management remains uncertain.

Purpose:

We reviewed oxygen physiology and balance, key studies evaluating oxygen saturation targets, and strategies for oxygen use in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Results:

Oxygen is a potent vasodilator involved in the transition at birth to breathing. Supplemental oxygen is administered to reverse/prevent hypoxia; however, excessive oxygen can be toxic owing to the formation of reactive oxygen species. Current neonatal resuscitation guidelines recommend using room air for term infants in need of support, with titration to achieve oxygen saturation levels similar to uncompromised term infants. In premature infants, targeting a higher oxygen saturation range (eg, 91%-95%) may be safer than targeting a lower range (eg, 85%-89%), but more evidence is needed. In combined analyses, lower oxygen saturation levels increased mortality, suggesting that the higher target may be safer, but higher targets are associated with an increased risk of developing disorders of oxidative stress.

Implications for Practice:

Need for supplemental oxygen should be assessed according to the American Heart Association guidelines. If appropriate, oxygen should be administered using room air, with the goal of preventing hypoxia and avoiding hyperoxia. Use of oximeter alarms may help achieve this goal. Pulmonary vasodilators may improve oxygenation and reduce supplemental oxygen requirements.

Implications for Research:

Implementation of wider target ranges for oxygen saturation may be more practical and lead to improved outcomes; however, controlled trials are necessary to determine the impact on mortality and disability.
Do Children Who Sustain Traumatic Brain Injury in Early Childhood Need and Receive Academic Services 7 Years After Injury?
Authors: Kingery Kathleen M. , Narad Megan E. , Taylor H. Gerry , Yeates Keith Owen , Stancin Terry , Wade Shari L.
Published: September 2017

Objective:

To examine the prevalence of academic need, academic service utilization, and unmet need as well as factors associated with academic service utilization 6.8 years after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in early childhood.

Methods:

Fifty-eight (16 severe, 14 moderate, 28 complicated mild) children with TBI and 72 children with orthopedic injury (OI) completed the long-term follow-up 6.8 years after injury in early childhood (ages 3–7 years). Injury group differences in rates of need for academic services, academic service utilization, and unmet need as well as factors associated with service utilization and unmet need were examined.

Results:

Students with moderate and severe TBI had significantly greater rates of need than those with OI. A greater proportion of the severe TBI sample was receiving academic services at long-term follow-up than the OI and complicated mild groups however, among those with an identified need, injury group did not affect academic service utilization. Below average IQ/achievement scores was the only area of need predictive of academic service utilization. Rates of unmet need were high and similar across injury groups (46.2%–63.6%).

Conclusion:

The need for academic services among patients who sustained a TBI during early childhood remains high 6.8 years post injury. Findings underscore the importance of continued monitoring of behaviors and academic performance in students with a history of early childhood TBI. This may be especially true among children with less severe injuries who are at risk for being underserved.
Effects of menopause and high-intensity training on insulin sensitivity and muscle metabolism
Authors: Mandrup Camilla M. , Egelund Jon , Nyberg Michael , Enevoldsen Lotte Hahn , Kjær Andreas , Clemmensen Andreas E. , Christensen Anders Nymark , Suetta Charlotte , Frikke-Schmidt Ruth , Steenberg Dorte Enggaard , Wojtaszewski Jørgen F.P. , Hellsten Ylva , Stallknecht Bente M.
Published: September 2017

Objective:

To investigate peripheral insulin sensitivity and skeletal muscle glucose metabolism in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, and evaluate whether exercise training benefits are maintained after menopause.

Methods:

Sedentary, healthy, normal-weight, late premenopausal (n = 21), and early postmenopausal (n = 20) women were included in a 3-month high-intensity exercise training intervention. Body composition was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, whole body glucose disposal rate (GDR) by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp (40 mU/m2/min), and femoral muscle glucose uptake by positron emission tomography/computed tomography, using the glucose analog fluorodeoxyglucose, expressed as estimated metabolic rate (eMR). Insulin signaling was investigated in muscle biopsies.

Results:

Age difference between groups was 4.5 years, and no difference was observed in body composition. Training increased lean body mass (estimate [95% confidence interval] 0.5 [0.2-0.9] kg, P < 0.01) and thigh muscle mass (0.2 [−0.1 to 0.6] kg, P < 0.01), and decreased fat percentage (1.0 [0.5-1.5]%, P < 0.01) similarly in the two groups. The postmenopausal women had lower eMR in vastus lateralis muscle than the premenopausal women (−14.0 [−26.0 to −2.0] μmol/min/kg, P = 0.02), and tended to have lower eMR in femoral muscles (−11.2 [−22.7 to 0.4] μmol/min/kg, P = 0.06), and also GDR (−59.3 [−124.8 to 6.3] mg/min, P = 0.08), but increased similarly in both groups with training (eMR vastus lateralis muscle: 27.8 [19.6-36.0] μmol/min/kg, P < 0.01; eMR femoral muscle: 20.0 [13.1-26.7] μmol/min/kg, P < 0.01, respectively; GDR: 43.6 [10.4-76.9] mg/min, P = 0.01). Potential mechanisms underlying the training-induced increases in insulin sensitivity included increased expression of hexokinase (19.2 [5.0-24.7] AU, P = 0.02) and glycogen synthase (32.4 [15.0-49.8] AU, P < 0.01), and also increased insulin activation of Akt2 (20.6 [3.4-29.0], P = 0.03) and dephosphorylation of glycogen synthase (−41.8 [−82.9 to −0.7], P = 0.05).

Conclusions:

Insulin sensitivity was reduced in early postmenopausal women. However, postmenopausal women increased peripheral insulin sensitivity, skeletal muscle insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, and skeletal muscle mass to the same extent as premenopausal women after 3 months of high-intensity exercise training.
Diversity and Inclusion in Plastic Surgery Education: A National Survey by the American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons
Authors: Obeid Sara , Fanning Alex , Hultman C. Scott
Published: September 2017

Introduction:

To date, there have been few studies in the field of plastic surgery examining the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of educators and residents regarding diversity and inclusion, especially for the purposes of enhancing resident education, improving diversity efforts, and addressing health care disparities.

Methods:

An anonymous survey was provided electronically to a total of 462 American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeon members and 91 program coordinators (PCs), and 1,029 plastic surgery residents at 91 institutions across the United States. We analyzed the responses from PCs and program directors (PDs).

Results:

We collected responses from 34 institutions (37%), and 16.8% of American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeon members including 34 PCs and 44 PDs. We found that PDs were more likely to be male (86%) and above the age of 40 years (97%) compared with PCs (5% male and 61% above 40 years). Both groups were majority White. Fifty-nine percentage of PDs have a parent/guardian who attained a graduate degree versus 15% of PCs. Forty-eight percentage of PDs speak another language compared with 16% of PCs. More importantly, 95% of PDs had an opportunity to engage in diversity and inclusion-related activities in the last 6 months as compared with 43% of PCs; however, we did not find a statistical difference based on knowledge of increasing institutional capacity of diversity and inclusion between the 2 groups. PCs were more likely to witness discrimination (64%) than PDs (40%) in the health care setting, with body type/weight emerging as the most common type of discrimination. Very few respondents (10%) indicated they discriminated against others.

Conclusions:

Plastic surgery educators are committed to diversity and inclusion. Improvements can be made by incorporating PCs more frequently in activities related to the topic along with focused training on improving diversity on an institutional rather than individual level. Our study suggests body type/weight is the most common type of discrimination witnessed by the entire cohort and that diversity and inclusion remains a sensitive topic.
Autoimmune Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA) after Silicone Breast Augmentation Surgery
Authors: Nunes e Silva Daniel , Gründler Cíntia , Spengler Maria das Graças de Melo Teixeira , Horimoto Alex Magno Coelho , Machado Mariana Albuquerque , Frazão Isadora Carvalho , Takita Luiz Carlos
Published: September 2017

Generally, the main complications of silicone implantation are local symptoms. However, some patients develop late-onset systemic symptoms often associated with a rare form of hyperactive immune response, as part of a syndrome known as autoimmune syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA). Reported cases of ASIA have shown resolution with explantation, but not with immunomodulatory therapy. In this report, we described a case of a previously healthy 23-year-old woman, who has undergone silicone breast implant augmentation, for aesthetic reasons, and developed localized cutaneous impairment 3 years postsurgery. She received a diagnosis of ASIA with a new presentation: Lupus-like manifestation through localized cutaneous impairment. This patient’s symptoms were managed without the need for surgical intervention, which has not been previously reported, because the patient did not want an explantation for aesthetic reasons. The patient was started on hydroxychloroquine, 400 mg per day, and remains asymptomatic after 2 years of treatment. The exact predisposition to ASIA is still unknown. Without implant explantation and with immunomodulatory treatment, this patient’s condition substantially improved. Based on our current understanding of this disease, it might not be prudent to indicate breast augmentation with silicone implants in patients with documented autoimmune reaction to an adjuvant, an established autoimmune condition, or genetic predisposition. However, if a patient does develop silicone-induced ASIA, explantation is no longer the only successfully reported option, as these symptoms can be managed with immune suppression.
Staphylococcus Aureus Carriage in a New Zealand Primary School
Authors: Scott Pippa , Priest Patricia C. , Chambers Stephen T. , Heijne Janneke C. M. , Murdoch David R.
Published: September 2017

Asymptomatic carriage of Staphylococcus aureus is a source of transmission between healthy individuals. Seventy children at a primary school were swabbed 7 times to identify patterns of S. aureus carriage. S. aureus carriage prevalence was 53%–65% at each round and 45% carried at every round. High carriage prevalence may indicate that school-aged children are important contributors to S. aureus transmission.
Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Kenner Barbara J. , Go Vay Liang W. , Chari Suresh T. , Goldberg Ann E. , Rothschild Laura J.
Published: September 2017

A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is devastating owing to its poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of only 9%. Currently, most individuals are diagnosed at a late stage when treatment options are limited. Early detection of pancreatic cancer provides the greatest hope for making substantial improvements in survival. The Kenner Family Research Fund in partnership with the American Pancreatic Association has sponsored a series of fora to stimulate discussion and collaboration on early detection of pancreatic cancer. At the first forum in 2014, “Early Detection of Sporadic Pancreatic Cancer Summit Conference,” a strategic plan was set forth by an international group of interdisciplinary scientific representatives and subsequently The Strategic Map for Innovation was generated. The current conference report is the third forum in the series, “Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer: The Role of Industry in the Development of Biomarkers,” which was held in Boston, Massachusetts, on October 27, 2016. This report provides an overview of examples of innovative initiatives by industry and confirms the critical need for collaboration among industry, government, research institutions, and advocacy groups in order to make pancreatic cancer more easily detectable in its earlier stages, when it is more treatable.
Validity of the General Movement Optimality List in Infants Born Preterm
Authors: Ustad Tordis , Evensen Kari Anne I. , Bertoncelli Natascia , Frassoldati Rossella , Ferrari Fabrizio
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

To examine concurrent and predictive validity of the optimality list “Detailed Assessment of General Movements (GMs) During Preterm and Term Age.”

Methods:

Video clips of general movements were analyzed for 20 infants born preterm without severe brain lesions. Concurrent validity of the optimality list compared with the General Movement Assessment (GMA) was examined. The General Movement Optimality Scores (GMOSs) between infants with normal and poor repertoire GMA were examined. Estimates of diagnostic accuracy were calculated.

Results:

The GMOS correlated with the GMA and differed between infants with normal and poor repertoire GMA. The area under the curve was below 0.53 with respect to normal or abnormal general movements at 3 months' corrected age.

Conclusions:

Concurrent validity of the optimality list was moderate to high compared with the GMA, but its predictive validity for general movements at 3 months' corrected age was low.
Nontraumatic Intradiploic Epidermoid Cyst and Older Age: Association or Causality?
Authors: Turk Okan , Ozdemir Nuriye Guzin , Demirel Nail , Atci Ibrahim Burak , Kanat Ayhan , Yolas Coskun
Published: September 2017

Background:

Intradiploic epidermoid cysts (IEC) are rare, benign lesions derived from ectodermal remnants during neural tube closure. Their origin is still debated or unknown.

Objective:

Analyzing of the patients with intradiploic epidermoid cysts operated in the authors’ department.

Methods:

The patients with IEC who were operated in the authors’ department between January 2014 and December 2015 were investigated from data file.

Results:

Six patients with IEC were found, reviewed the literature, and noted that these cysts usually occur in adults. There are only 3 young cases that occurred after head injury.

Conclusion:

It was shown that the nontraumatic IEC are more frequent in older ages. In youngs, it can generally be embryologic or rarely of mechanical origin following trauma. Cranial trauma may be important for developing of IEC. Trauma may lead to inclusion of epidermal cells into the diploe of the skull and may be a reason of intradiploic epidermoid cyst in older age. The effect of older age, and gender difference on occurrence should be investigated.