bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical properties of Ni(OH)2/MnO2 on hybrid N-doped carbon structure as high-performance electrode material
Authors: Zhu ZhenYe
Published: July 2018

A hierarchical hybrid architectures are very crucial through assembly of various carbon-based materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes to achieve high-performance supercapacitors for energy storage. In this study, we propose a new pyrolysis method to prepare nitrogen-doped hybrid carbon structure (N-HCS). Then, the binary metal hydroxides Ni(OH)2/oxide MnO2 deposited on N-HCS with multifunctionality between them, exhibits an excellent specific capacitance as high as1563F/g at 1A/g in 1mol/L Na2SO4 solution and stable cycling performance remaining 80% of the initial specific capacitance after 1000 cycles at current density of 10A/g. This work paves a pathway to prepare electrode materials of N-doped carbon structure/Ni(OH)2/MnO2 with high performance for applying in energy storage and conversion.
Proton light yield in organic scintillators using a double time-of-flight technique
Authors: Brown J. A. , Goldblum B. L. , Laplace T. A. , Harrig K. P. , Bernstein L. A. , Bleuel D. L. , Younes W. , Reyna D. , Brubaker E. , Marleau P.
Published: July 2018

Recent progress in the development of novel organic scintillators necessitates modern characterization capabilities. As the primary means of energy deposition by neutrons in these materials is n-p elastic scattering, knowledge of the proton light yield is paramount. This work establishes a new model-independent method to continuously measure the proton light yield in organic scintillators over a broad energy range. Using a deuteron breakup neutron source at the 88-in. Cyclotron at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and an array of organic scintillators, the proton light yield of EJ-301 and EJ-309, commercially available organic liquid scintillators from Eljen Technology, was measured via a double time-of-flight technique. The light yield was determined using a kinematically over-constrained system in the proton energy range of 1–20 MeV. The effect of the pulse integration length on the magnitude and shape of the proton light yield relation was also explored. This work enables accurate simulation of the performance of advanced neutron detectors and supports the development of next-generation neutron imaging systems.
Wavefront manipulation based on mechanically reconfigurable coding metasurface
Authors: Chen Lei , Ma He Liang , Cui Hao Yang
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we propose a mechanically reconfigurable coding metasurface for wavefront manipulation to modulate the scattering beams as desired. The phase pattern on the coding metasurface can be harnessed by mechanically adjusting the thickness of the air substrate using four precise stepper motors. When the coding metasurface is illuminated with a plane wave, the magnitude of the scattering beams can be manipulated as desired. In addition, by applying specific coding series, different radiation modes of the coding metasurface can be realized by mechanical manipulation. To realize these functionalities, a square patch unit cell with an air substrate is employed here. The metallic patterns of metasurfaces are fabricated via Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) technology, whose inherent property is conformality, implying a broader range of potential applications. To demonstrate our schemes, three metasurface patterns are designed and simulated. Two of them are fabricated and measured, showing good agreement with our simulations. Compared with other methods of tunable coding metasurfaces, the mechanically coding metasurface yields lower system complexity, lower cost, and easier fabrication. Besides, flexibility, the intrinsic specialty of FPC, enables the proposed metasurface unparalleled applications, such as security imaging, medical sensing, and various wearable devices.
The validity of the potential model in predicting the structural, dynamical, thermodynamic properties of the unary and binary mixture of water-alcohol: Ethanol-water case
Authors: Obeidat Abdalla , Al-Salman Rakan , Abu-Ghazleh Hind
Published: July 2018

Thermodynamic, dynamical, and structural properties of ethanol are numerically studied using two ethanol models: TraPPE-UA and OPLS-AA. These properties are computed with temperatures ranging from 200K to 300K, with steps of 10K, and also with different mole fractions of ethanol at 300K. The TraPPE-UA and OPLS-AA models are mixed with two water models: SPCE and TIP4P. These models have been previously shown to be the best models of methanol among nine different models. In our previous paper on methanol-water mixtures, the OPLS-AA model showed superiority over the TraPPE-UA model in predicting most properties. In this study, we show that the TraPPE-UA has better predictions in all computed properties when compared to the experimental results, except for the total structure factor of mixing with respect to the second maximum.
Review of hydro-instability experiments with alternate capsule supports in indirect-drive implosions on the National Ignition Facility
Authors: Smalyuk V. A. , Robey H. F. , Alday C. L. , Amendt P. , Aracne-Ruddle C. , Bigelow J. R. , Bunn T. , Casey D. T. , Chen K.-C. , Clark D. S. , Cortez J. P. , Crippen J. , Diaz S. , Farrell M. , Felker S. , Field J. E. , Jaquez J. , Johnson S. , Haan S. W. , Hammel B. A. , Hamza A. V. , Havre M. O. , Heinbockel C. , Hsing W. W. , Kangas K. , Kroll J. J. , Kucheyev S. O. , Landen O. L. , Lepro-Chavez X. , MacPhee A. G. , Martinez D. A. , Milovich J. , Nikroo A. , Pickworth L. A. , Rice N. , Stadermann M. , Steich D. , Weber C. R.
Published: July 2018

Hydrodynamic instability growth of capsule support membranes (or “tents”) has been recognized as one of the major contributors to the performance degradation in high-compression plastic capsule implosions at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) [E. M. Campbell et al., AIP Conf. Proc. 429, 3 (1998)]. The capsules were supported by tents because the nominal 10-μm diameter fill tubes were not strong enough to support capsules by themselves in indirect-drive implosions on NIF. After it was recognized that the tents had a significant impact of implosion's stability, new alternative support methods were investigated. While some of these methods completely eliminated tent, other concepts still used tents, but concentrated on mitigating their impact. The tent-less methods included “fishing pole” reinforced fill tubes, cantilevered fill tubes, and thin-wire “tetra cage” supports. In the “fishing pole” concept, a 10-μm fill tube was inserted inside 30-μm fill tube for extra support with the connection point located 300 μm away from the capsule surface. The cantilevered fill tubes were supported by 12-μm thick SiC rods, offset by up to 300 μm from the capsule surfaces. In the “tetra-cage” concept, 2.5-μm thick wires (carbon nanotube yarns) were used to support a capsule. Other concepts used “polar tents” and a “foam-shell” to mitigate the effects of the tents. The “polar tents” had significantly reduced contact area between the tents and the capsule compared to the nominal tents. In the “foam-shell” concept, a 200-μm thick, 30 mg/cc SiO2 foam layer was used to offset the tents away from the capsule surface in an attempt to mitigate their effects. These concepts were investigated in x-ray radiography experiments and compared with perturbations from standard tent support. The measured perturbations in the “fishing pole,” cantilevered fill tube, and “tetra-cage” concepts compared favorably with (were smaller than) nominal tent perturbations and were recommended for further testing for feasibility in layered DT implosions. The “polar tents” were tested in layered DT implosions with a relatively-stable “high-foot” drive showing an improvement in neutron yield in one experiment compared to companion implosions with nominal tents. This article reviews and summarizes recent experiments on these alternate capsule support concepts. In addition, the concept of magnetic levitation is also discussed.
Heat-dried sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum myceliogenically germinate in water and are able to infect Brassica napus
Authors: Lane D. W. , Kamphuis L. G. , Derbyshire M. C. , Denton-Giles M.
Published: July 2018

The phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum forms dormant structures (termed sclerotia) that germinate myceliogenically under certain environmental conditions. During myceliogenic germination, sclerotia produce hyphae, which can infect leaves or stems of host plants directly from the ground; this is termed basal infection. This study determined which abiotic conditions were most important for promoting myceliogenic germination of sclerotia in vitro. A high sclerotium hydration level and low incubation temperature (15°C) improved mycelial growth in the presence of a nutrient source. Sclerotia incubated without a nutrient source on moist sand, vigorously myceliogenically germinated most frequently (63%) when they had been previously imbibed and then conditioned at −20°C. By far the most consistent amount of vigorous myceliogenic germination (>75%) was produced when sclerotia were heat-dried before being submerged in water. The hyphae of these sclerotia were shown to infect and proliferate on leaves of intact Brassica napus plants. This research provides a better understanding of the abiotic conditions that are likely to increase the risk of basal infection by S. sclerotiorum.
Swiss alpine summer farming: current status and future development under climate change
Authors: Herzog Felix , Seidl Irmi
Published: July 2018

High altitude grazing is widespread around the globe and also has a long tradition in European mountain regions. One-third of the Swiss farmland consists of summer pastures: seasonally used marginal pastures without permanent settlements, which extend between the grasslands and forests of permanent mountain settlements and unproductive mountain tops. Farmers’ main motivations for using those pastures have been and still are forage provision and health benefits for grazing animals, benefits for labour distribution between home farm and summer farm, and cultural ecosystem services such as the maintenance of a tradition and the associated lifestyle. Yet, remote pastures are being abandoned and are prone to reforestation, while more productive and accessible pastures are intensified. Those processes are related to changes in management practices, to scarcity of labour and – to a lesser extent – to climate change. We summarise the agronomic and ecological status of Swiss summer pastures, in particular with respect to livestock keeping, biodiversity and climate change, and speculate on future trends of summer farming.
The use of point-of-view cameras (Kittycams) to quantify predation by colony cats (Felis catus) on wildlife
Authors: Hernandez Sonia M. , Loyd Kerrie Anne T. , Newton Alexandra N. , Carswell Benjamin L. , Abernathy Kyler J.
Published: July 2018

Context
Domestic cats (Felis catus) are efficient and abundant non-native predators, recently labelled as primary contributors to global biodiversity loss.

Aims
Specific research goals included determining the proportion of hunters, estimating hunting efficiency, identifying primary prey and examining predictors of kill rate and efficacy.

Methods
We investigated hunting of wildlife by stray cats living in managed outdoor colonies on a barrier island in the southeastern USA, and monitored 29 stray cats seasonally in 2014 and 2015 using Kittycam video cameras.

Key results
In total, 24 cats exhibited hunting behaviour and 18 captured prey. The estimated average daily predation rate from these successful hunters was 6.15 kills per 24-h period. Hunting effectiveness (percentage of capture attempts that translate to a kill) was an average of 44%. The most common type of prey captured was invertebrate (primarily Orthopteran and Hemipteran insects), followed by amphibians and reptiles. Eighty-three percent of kills occurred between dusk and dawn.

Conclusions
Colony location (near undeveloped island habitat) was related to higher kill rates. Cat sex and nocturnal hunting activity were related to greater hunting efficiency.

Implications
These results address the significant gap in knowledge about stray cat hunting activities, and raise conservation concerns for some groups of organisms (reptiles and amphibians) that have not been widely identified as vulnerable to cat predation.
Tethered multifluorophore motion reveals equilibrium transition kinetics of single DNA double helices
Authors: Schickinger Matthias , Zacharias Martin , Dietz Hendrik
Published: July 2018

Significance

Understanding cellular functions and dysfunctions often begins with quantifying the interactions between the binding partners involved in the processes. Learning about the kinetics of the interactions is of particular importance to understand the dynamics of cellular processes. We created a tethered multifluorophore motion assay using DNA origami that enables over 1-hour-long recordings of the statistical binding and unbinding of single pairs of biomolecules directly in equilibrium. The experimental concept is simple and the data interpretation is very direct, which makes the system easy to use for a wide variety of researchers. Due to the modularity and addressability of the DNA origami-based assay, our system may be readily adapted to study various other molecular interactions.
Eda-activated RelB recruits an SWI/SNF (BAF) chromatin-remodeling complex and initiates gene transcription in skin appendage formation
Authors: Sima Jian , Yan Zhijiang , Chen Yaohui , Lehrmann Elin , Zhang Yongqing , Nagaraja Ramaiah , Wang Weidong , Wang Zhong , Schlessinger David
Published: July 2018

Significance

Specific gene regulation in organ development remains poorly understood. Here, we report that skin-specific ectodysplasin A (Eda) signaling triggers the formation of a protein complex that includes a BAF complex, an NF-kB dimer of p50/RelB, and a specific “linker” protein, Tfg. We further find that Eda-activated RelB recruits BAF complex to specific gene loci for local chromatin remodeling of target genes. These findings may exemplify a more general model for specific gene regulation involving unique ligand–receptor complexes leading to selective activation of transcription factors, specific linkers, and tissue-specific chromatin-remodeling complex.
Switching of the folding-energy landscape governs the allosteric activation of protein kinase A
Authors: England Jeneffer P. , Hao Yuxin , Bai Lihui , Glick Virginia , Hodges H. Courtney , Taylor Susan S. , Maillard Rodrigo A.
Published: July 2018

Significance

Mutations, deletions, or gene fusions in protein kinases have been associated with the development of many diseases in humans and have led to the emergence of the protein kinase family as an important therapeutic drug target. In the cell, kinase activity is often turned on and off allosterically by intramolecular regulatory domains, flexible linkers, or other interacting proteins. Here, we use single-molecule optical tweezers to investigate the mechanism of allosteric regulation of the cAMP-dependent PKA. This approach allowed us to determine the thermodynamic driving forces that enable PKA to transduce cAMP-binding signals to turn on its kinase activity.
Unbiased classification of mosquito blood cells by single-cell genomics and high-content imaging
Authors: Severo Maiara S. , Landry Jonathan J. M. , Lindquist Randall L. , Goosmann Christian , Brinkmann Volker , Collier Paul , Hauser Anja E. , Benes Vladimir , Henriksson Johan , Teichmann Sarah A. , Levashina Elena A.
Published: July 2018

Significance

Mosquito blood cells are central players of immunity against the vector-borne pathogens that devastate the lives of millions of people worldwide. However, their molecular identity and classification remain controversial. By applying single-cell RNA sequencing and high-content imaging flow cytometry, we defined the molecular fingerprint of a subset of mosquito blood cells and characterized two transcriptionally distinct blood cell populations that resemble previously described cell types. Surprisingly, cell population analyses at a single-cell level uncovered an active molecular transfer between the two cell types that may contribute to cellular diversity and plasticity seen across biological systems.
Orthogonal self-assembly of an organoplatinum(II) metallacycle and cucurbit[8]uril that delivers curcumin to cancer cells
Authors: Datta Sougata , Misra Santosh K. , Saha Manik Lal , Lahiri Nabajit , Louie Janis , Pan Dipanjan , Stang Peter J.
Published: July 2018

Significance

Despite decades of research, the development of efficient strategies that can effectively deliver poorly water-soluble anticancer drugs remains a challenge. Hierarchical self-assembly strategy allows combining multiple therapeutic agents to produce a synergistic effect, thus enhancing the therapeutic efficacy. Herein we describe a hierarchical approach to solubilize a hydrophobic anticancer drug, curcumin in water via a combination of coordination-driven self-assembly and host–guest interactions. The water-soluble orthogonal self-assembly constructed by a hexagonal Pt(II) metallacycle, cucurbit[8]uril, and curcumin exhibited enhanced anticancer activity against melanoma and breast cancer cells compared with the corresponding precursors. This paper provides a platform for efficient delivery of hydrophobic anticancer drugs to cancer cells by the judicious implementation of multiple orthogonal interactions in a single process.
Liquid crystalline bacterial outer membranes are critical for antibiotic susceptibility
Authors: Paracini Nicolò , Clifton Luke A. , Skoda Maximilian W. A. , Lakey Jeremy H.
Published: July 2018

Significance

Gram-negative bacteria possess an outer membrane (OM) which reduces antibiotic effectiveness. The OM has a dense outer layer of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a glycolipid which is directly targeted by the last-resort antibiotic polymyxin B (PmB). However, we lack accurate molecular data on the PmB–OM interaction to inform future drug development. Here we study the PmB–OM interaction in vitro and show that in vivo results are reproduced only when the LPS is in a liquid crystalline phase, which occurs at body temperature. These findings not only explain the temperature dependence of PmB function but also support the notion that bacteria actively control the viscosity of their outer membranes as growth temperatures vary.
A population of gut epithelial enterochromaffin cells is mechanosensitive and requires Piezo2 to convert force into serotonin release
Authors: Alcaino Constanza , Knutson Kaitlyn R. , Treichel Anthony J. , Yildiz Gulcan , Strege Peter R. , Linden David R. , Li Joyce H. , Leiter Andrew B. , Szurszewski Joseph H. , Farrugia Gianrico , Beyder Arthur
Published: July 2018

Significance

Mechanical forces are important for normal gastrointestinal tract function. The enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal epithelium have been proposed, but not previously shown, to be specialized sensors that convert forces into serotonin release, and serotonin released from these cells is important for normal gastrointestinal secretion and motility. The findings in this study show that some enterochromaffin cells are indeed mechanosensitive, and that they use mechanosensitive Piezo2 channels to generate an ionic current that is critical for the intracellular Ca2+increase, serotonin release, and epithelial fluid secretion.
Many-body effect determines the selectivity for Ca
2+
and Mg
2+
in proteins
Authors: Jing Zhifeng , Liu Chengwen , Qi Rui , Ren Pengyu
Published: July 2018

Significance

Metal ions have important biological functions and are associated with diseases including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. The fundamental question of metal ion selectivity in proteins has received continued interest over the past decades. Compared with Na
+
/K
+
, the selectivity for Mg
2+
/Ca
2+
is less well understood. Although Mg
2+
is a better charge acceptor, calcium-binding proteins with highly charged binding pockets can selectively bind Ca
2+
against a much higher concentration of Mg
2+
. Here we show that this selectivity is dictated by the many-body polarization effect, which is a cost arising from the dense packing of multiple residues around the metal ion. By combining geometric constraint and the many-body effect, it is possible to fine-tune the selectivity for metal ions of different sizes.
Indigenous impacts on North American Great Plains fire regimes of the past millennium
Authors: Roos Christopher I. , Zedeño María Nieves , Hollenback Kacy L. , Erlick Mary M. H.
Published: July 2018

Significance

The relative importance of human activities and climate in shaping fire regimes is controversial. In North American grasslands, climate exerts strong top-down influences on fuels. For centuries before the introduction of the horse, Native American and First Nations hunters built and used landscape features on these grasslands to harvest bison en masse. Charcoal layers associated with drivelines indicate that fire was an important part of these hunting practices. Furthermore, correlation of dated fire deposits and climate records indicate that ancient bison hunters burned in response to favorable climate conditions. This study indicates that climate and human activities are not mutually exclusive factors in fire histories; even relatively small groups of hunter-gatherers can enhance climate impacts.
Flexible magnetic composites for light-controlled actuation and interfaces
Authors: Li Meng , Wang Yu , Chen Aiping , Naidu Arin , Napier Bradley S. , Li Wenyi , Rodriguez Carlos Lopez , Crooker Scott A. , Omenetto Fiorenzo G.
Published: July 2018

Significance

This approach offers a platform for controlled, light-induced motion with easily accessible equipment and facile manufacturing processes. Utility can be envisioned for flexible, simple, and cost-effective actuators from the micro- to the macroscale. Additional opportunity is offered by the ability of these composites to perform heliotactic motion, enabling formats that respond and track light sources such as the sun.
Analysis of CD8
+
T cell response during the 2013–2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa
Authors: Sakabe Saori , Sullivan Brian M. , Hartnett Jessica N. , Robles-Sikisaka Refugio , Gangavarapu Karthik , Cubitt Beatrice , Ware Brian C. , Kotliar Dylan , Branco Luis M. , Goba Augustine , Momoh Mambu , Sandi John Demby , Kanneh Lansana , Grant Donald S. , Garry Robert F. , Andersen Kristian G. , de la Torre Juan Carlos , Sabeti Pardis C. , Schieffelin John S. , Oldstone Michael B. A.
Published: July 2018

Significance

Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV) is a viral pathogen of significant global health concern best exemplified by more than 28,000 human infections during the recent West African epidemic. Examining immunity in EBOV disease survivors has been historically difficult due to the occurrence of only small outbreaks in remote regions of central Africa. Consequently, little data exist describing EBOV-specific T cell responses during human infection. We examined virus-specific CD8
+
T cell immunity in 32 Sierra Leonean survivors of the 2013–2016 epidemic. CD8
+
T cells against the nucleoprotein dominated the EBOV-specific responses in this group, while a minority of individuals harbored memory CD8
+
T cells against the EBOV-GP. Our data have implications in designing EBOV vaccines that can elicit cell-mediated immunity in a large group of individuals.
Gating-induced large aqueous volumetric remodeling and aspartate tolerance in the voltage sensor domain of Shaker K
+
channels
Authors: Díaz-Franulic Ignacio , González-Pérez Vivian , Moldenhauer Hans , Navarro-Quezada Nieves , Naranjo David
Published: July 2018

Significance

The neuronal action potential is a self-propagating transient depolarization traveling along the neuron membrane. This signal is produced by the coordinated activation of voltage-gated ion channels (VGCs), a family of ion-selective transmembrane proteins activated by depolarization. Sodium and calcium VGCs reinforce the signal, while potassium VGCs terminate it. A conserved voltage sensor domain (VSD) in VGCs responds with an unresolved conformational change driven by the transmembrane electrophoretic displacements of four arginine side chains. We show that those arginine side chains are stabilized by water impregnating the VSD and that, upon activation, displace large and dissimilar aqueous volumes at both protein faces. This charge translocation entails a transporter-like remodeling of water–protein interfaces that should create mechanical spikes accompanying action potentials.
Cytoskeletal tension regulates mesodermal spatial organization and subsequent vascular fate
Authors: Smith Quinton , Rochman Nash , Carmo Ana Maria , Vig Dhruv , Chan Xin Yi , Sun Sean , Gerecht Sharon
Published: July 2018

Significance

Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) offer an opportunity to study how the developing embryo twists, folds, and expands into a collection of highly self-organized tissues. Introducing varying degrees of confinement with surface micropatterning may drive self-organization into tissues that mirror the structure and complexity of the embryo in vitro. Using high-throughput image-processing and machine-learning algorithms, we studied the relationships between cytoskeletal tension, density, and micropattern geometry on the ability to predict pattern formation in early and late-stage hiPSC maturation toward vascular lineages. We find that the combination of these approaches unveils the importance of cell density and cytoskeletal tension in how hiPSCs sense their environment and differentiate to the mesodermal lineage toward vascular fates.
Synaptotagmin oligomerization is essential for calcium control of regulated exocytosis
Authors: Bello Oscar D. , Jouannot Ouardane , Chaudhuri Arunima , Stroeva Ekaterina , Coleman Jeff , Volynski Kirill E. , Rothman James E. , Krishnakumar Shyam S.
Published: July 2018

Significance

Synaptotagmin (Syt) is the primary calcium ion (Ca
2+
) sensor for regulated exocytosis. It couples Ca
2+
binding to soluble
N
-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor attachment protein receptor-catalyzed fusion, but how this happens is unclear. Here, using a targeted mutation combined with a single-vesicle fusion optical assay, we show that the recently discovered structural feature of Syt to self-oligomerize is essential for Ca
2+
coupling of vesicular fusion. This suggests an elegant yet simple model in which these Syt oligomers formed at the interface of the docked vesicle physically prevent fusion until the influx of Ca
2+
.
Isothermal pressure-derived metastable states in 2D hybrid perovskites showing enduring bandgap narrowing
Authors: Liu Gang , Gong Jue , Kong Lingping , Schaller Richard D. , Hu Qingyang , Liu Zhenxian , Yan Shuai , Yang Wenge , Stoumpos Constantinos C. , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. , Mao Ho-kwang , Xu Tao
Published: July 2018

Significance

Metastable materials often exhibit unexpected striking properties that are not available in stable state. While metastable states are generally achieved by rapid cooling of materials from high temperature, it is imperative to explore other nonthermal routes to access metastable states, especially for heat-vulnerable materials. Here, we report that work by pressure, namely, a compression−decompression cycle under ambient temperature, can drive thermosusceptible organic−inorganic hybrid perovskites to their metastable state, in which the perovskites show enduring bandgap narrowing for significantly broadened solar absorption. This pressure-derived route provides a fundamental path to obtain metastable materials with unprecedented performance.
Heritage Learners’ versus Second Language Learners’ Source of Errors in Advanced-Level Writing: Case of a Persian Media Course
Authors: Shabani-Jadidi Pouneh
Published: July 2018

This paper examines the acquisition particularities of advanced-level students. It also investigates the use of content-based—in this case media material—in teaching advanced-level students, as well as the impact of teaching such material on the students’ writing ability and overall proficiency. Finally, the subtle differences between heritage learners and second language learners are analyzed and discussed. Therefore, this research encompasses both a quantitative and a qualitative study of the issue at stake to ensure reliability of the findings. The results of the study suggest that there is no significant difference between the number of errors made by heritage learners and second language learners; however, the sources of these errors are often different. These sources of error and their possible reasons are discussed in this paper.
Magnetic pulse controlled microstructure development in Co49Ni21Ga30 single crystals
Authors: Gerstein Gregory , Firstov Georgiy , Chumlyakov Yuri , Krooß Philipp , Niendorf Thomas , Dalinger Andrej , Maier Hans Jürgen
Published: July 2018

A pulsed magnetic field (MF) up to 0.6 T leads to the generation of fine microstructure through the change in the dynamics of the interaction process between the MF and the magnetic- and microstructure in Co49Ni21Ga30 magnetic shape memory alloy single crystals. This paper addresses the impact of pulsed and permanent MF on the transformation behaviour in Co49Ni21Ga30. A pulsed MF can result in different microstructural accommodation processes in stress-induced martensite, as compared to an application of a mechanical stress or permanent MF. In a pulsed MF, the development of new nano-twin systems in the martensitic structure of the CoNiGa alloy and the formation of fine magnetic domains at the microscale are observed.
The vision of high school students regarding their vulnerability and social resilience to the major adverse effects of climate change in municipalities with a high risk of flooding / La visión de los jóvenes de bachillerato a su vulnerabilidad y resiliencia social frente a los embates del cambio climático en municipios de alto riesgo a inundaciones
Authors: González-Gaudiano Edgar-Javier , Maldonado-González Ana-Lucía , Cruz-Sánchez Gloria-Elena
Published: July 2018

The coastline along the state of Veracruz is one of the stretches of coast most exposed to the recurrent impact of extreme hydro-meteorological phenomena in the Gulf of Mexico. Populations in this territory have in recent years been severely affected by an increasing number of disasters caused by tropical cyclones. This article examines whether students in the last two years of high school ( bachillerato) in these municipalities are aware of the risks, and also identifies whether such extreme episodes have increased the collective capacity to recover, adapt and transform: in other words, not only to cope with periodic events but to build new living conditions. The sample comprised 411 high school students living in three municipalities in the state of Veracruz that have been seriously affected by recent floodings. The fieldwork is supported by an ad hoc methodological design with non-probabilistic samples of high school students. Findings indicate low levels of recognition regarding the problem of flooding in comparison with other risk factors. Consequently, risk prevention and reduction measures to tackle this phenomenon have been undervalued.
The epiGenomic Efficient Correlator (epiGeEC) tool allows fast comparison of user datasets with thousands of public epigenomic datasets
Authors: Laperle Jonathan , Hébert-Deschamps Simon , Raby Joanny , de Lima Morais David A , Barrette Michel , Bujold David , Bastin Charlotte , Robert Marc-Antoine , Nadeau Jean-François , Harel Marie , Nordell-Markovits Alexei , Veilleux Alain , Bourque Guillaume , Jacques Pierre-Étienne
Published: July 2018

In recent years, major initiatives such as the International Human Epigenome Consortium have generated thousands of high-quality genome-wide datasets for a large variety of assays and cell types. This data can be used as a reference to assess whether the signal from a user-provided dataset corresponds to its expected experiment, as well as to help reveal unexpected biological associations. We have developed the epiGenomic Efficient Correlator (epiGeEC) tool to enable genome-wide comparisons of very large numbers of datasets. A public Galaxy implementation of epiGeEC allows comparison of user datasets with thousands of public datasets in a few minutes.

Availability and implementation

The source code is available at https://bitbucket.org/labjacquespe/epigeec and the Galaxy implementation at http://epigeec.genap.ca.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Intrathecal Morphine Following Lumbar Fusion: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Dhaliwal Perry , Yavin Daniel , Whittaker Tara , Hawboldt Geoffrey S , Jewett Gordon A E , Casha Steven , du Plessis Stephan
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Despite the potential for faster postoperative recovery and the ease of direct intraoperative injection, intrathecal morphine is rarely provided in lumbar spine surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intrathecal morphine following lumbar fusion.

METHODS

We randomly assigned 150 patients undergoing elective instrumented lumbar fusion to receive a single intrathecal injection of morphine (0.2 mg) or placebo (normal saline) immediately prior to wound closure. The primary outcome was pain on the visual-analogue scale during the first 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included respiratory depression, treatment-related side effects, postoperative opioid requirements, and length of hospital stay. An intention-to-treat, repeated-measures analysis was used to estimate outcomes according to treatment in the primary analysis.

RESULTS

The baseline characteristics of the 2 groups were similar. Intrathecal morphine reduced pain both at rest (32% area under the curves [AUCs] difference, P < .01) and with movement (22% AUCs difference, P < .02) during the initial 24 h after surgery. The risk of respiratory depression was not increased by intrathecal morphine (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.44 to 1.68; P = .66). Although postoperative opioid requirements were reduced with intrathecal morphine (P < .03), lengths of hospital stay were similar (P = .32). Other than a trend towards increased intermittent catheterization among patients assigned to intrathecal morphine (P = .09), treatment-related side effects did not significantly differ. The early benefits of intrathecal morphine on postoperative pain were no longer apparent after 48 h.

CONCLUSION

A single intrathecal injection of 0.2 mg of morphine safely reduces postoperative pain following lumbar fusion.
The Combined Effect of Cigarette Smoking and Fitness on Injury Risk in Men and Women
Authors: Brooks Raina D , Grier Tyson , Dada Esther O , Jones Bruce H
Published: July 2018

Background

Prior studies have identified cigarette smoking and low fitness as independent risk factors for injury; however, no studies have evaluated the combined effect of cigarette smoking and fitness on injury risk.

Objective

To evaluate the combined effect of cigarette smoking and fitness on injury risk in men and women.

Design

This is a secondary analysis of data collected from US Army recruits (n = 2000) during basic combat training within the United States in 2007. Physical training and fitness, cigarette smoking, and prior injury data were obtained from questionnaires, whereas demographic and injury data were obtained from medical and basic combat training unit records. Chi-squared tests were used to assess differences in injury risk by fitness level and cigarette smoking. Relative risk values were calculated with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

The primary findings showed that smokers experienced 20%–30% higher risk of injury than nonsmokers. In addition, higher aerobic and muscular fitness was generally not protective against injury between least fit and more fit smokers. However, higher fitness was protective against injury between least and more fit nonsmokers, with least fit nonsmokers being 30%–50% more likely to experience an injury than fit nonsmokers.

Conclusion

This study revealed that higher aerobic and muscular fitness was not protective against injury among smokers; however, it was protective against injury among nonsmokers. Further implementation of smoking cessation programs may be beneficial for military and civilian personnel who are required to be physically fit in order to carry out their job responsibilities.

Implications

Male and female smokers experienced significantly higher risk of injury than nonsmokers. Although higher fitness is protective against injury in nonsmokers, the protective effect of fitness is lost among smokers. In an attempt to reduce injury risk among military and emergency personnel, smoking cessation programs should be further implemented among both more fit and less fit smokers.
The Significance of Upper Extremity Neuromonitoring Changes During Thoracolumbar Spine Surgery
Authors: Atesok Kivanc , Smith Walter , Jones Ross , Niemeier Thomas , Manoharan Sakthivel R.R. , McGwin Gerald , Pittman Jason , Theiss Steven
Published: July 2018

Study Design:

This is a retrospective matched-pair cohort study.

Objective:

To investigate the significance of upper extremity (UE) neuromonitoring changes in patients undergoing thoracolumbar surgery in prone position.

Summary of Background Data:

Peripheral nerve injuries in the UEs due to the prone positioning during prolonged thoracolumbar spinal procedures can cause diminished postsurgical outcomes. Intraoperative neuromonitoring has been utilized to alert the surgeon of the development of such injuries.

Materials and Methods:

Patients who developed intraoperative ulnar somatosensory-evoked potential (SSEP) signal changes during posterior thoracolumbar surgery were identified and compared with a group of patients who did not develop such signal changes. The patients in 2 groups were pair-matched on the number of vertebral levels undergoing surgery. Data regarding intraoperative attempts to resolve signal changes and outcomes were collected.

Results:

In total, 843 patients underwent thoracic, lumbar, or thoracolumbar spine surgeries in the prone position with intraoperative ulnar SSEPs neuromonitoring data available. Of these, 37 patients (4.4%) had intraoperative signal changes in the UEs. An equal number of patients without signal changes were also selected. In each group, 6 patients underwent thoracic, 20 patients underwent lumbar, and 11 patients underwent thoracolumbar procedures. In 8 patients (21.6%), there was no resolution of SSEP signal changes despite intraoperative attempts. The 2 groups were similar with respect to age and comorbidities. There was no significant difference in the mean body mass index (P=0.22). The mean duration of the procedures was 324 minutes in the SSEP signal change patients and 260 minutes in the patients without SSEP signal changes (P=0.03). No patient with UE SSEP changes had a clinically detectable neurological deficit postoperatively.

Conclusions:

UE SSEP signal changes during multilevel posterior thoracolumbar procedures are more likely to occur as the duration of the operation increases. The presence of UE signal changes does not coincide with clinically significant peripheral neuropathies.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Hearing Outcomes in Conservatively Managed Vestibular Schwannoma Patients With Serviceable Hearing
Authors: Hunter Jacob B. , Dowling Eric M. , Lohse Christine M. , O’Connell Brendan P. , Tombers Nicole M. , Lees Katherine A. , Thompson Reid S. , Haynes David S. , Carlson Matthew L.
Published: July 2018

Objective:

To characterize the risk of progression to nonserviceable hearing in patients with sporadic vestibular schwannomas (VS) who elect initial observation.

Study Design:

Retrospective case series.

Setting:

Two tertiary care centers.

Patients:

VS patients with serviceable hearing who underwent at least two audiograms and two MRI studies before intervention or loss to follow-up.

Main outcome measure(s):

Serviceable hearing, defined as the pure tone average ≤ 50 dB HL and word recognition score ≥ 50%.

Results:

Four-hundred sixty-six patients (median age of 57 yr and median tumor diameter of 7.3 mm) had serviceable hearing at presentation and were followed for a median of 2.3 years (IQR 1.0 – 4.0). Kaplan–Meier estimated rates of maintaining serviceable hearing (95% CI; number still at risk) at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 years following diagnosis were 94% (91–96; 357), 77% (73–82; 172), 66% (60–73; 81), 56% (49–65; 31), and 44% (33–59; 10), respectively. Each 10-dB increase in pure-tone averages at diagnosis was associated with a 2-fold increased likelihood of developing nonserviceable hearing (hazard ratio 2.07; p < 0.001). Each 10% decrease in word recognition score was associated with a 1.5-fold increased likelihood of developing nonserviceable hearing (hazard ratio 1.48; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Among patients with sporadic VS, good baseline word recognition score and low pure-tone average are jointly associated with maintenance of serviceable hearing. These data may be used to guide patient counseling and optimize management.
Microbial cause of ICU-acquired pneumonia: hospital-acquired pneumonia versus ventilator-associated pneumonia
Authors: Luyt Charles-Edouard , Hékimian Guillaume , Koulenti Despoina , Chastre Jean
Published: July 2018

Purpose of review

Successful treatment of patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remains a difficult and complex undertaking. Better knowledge of the pathogens involved in that setting may allow reassessment of our current modalities of therapy and definition of better protocols.

Recent findings

Microorganisms responsible for HAP/VAP differ according to geographic areas, ICU patients’ specific characteristics, durations of hospital and ICU stays before onset of the disease, and risk factors for MDR pathogens. However, a number of studies have shown that Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) – particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacteriaceae – cause many of the respiratory infections in this setting, with minimal differences between HAP and VAP, indicating that the cause depends more on the underlying clinical condition of patients rather than previous intubation.

When selecting initial antimicrobial therapy in patients with HAP/VAP, more attention should be paid to individual risk factors for MDR pathogens, severity of the clinical situation, and the local epidemiology than to the type of pneumonia.
Survival and Prognostic Factors in Patients With Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasms of the Pancreas
Authors: Huffman Brandon M. , Westin Gustavo , Alsidawi Samer , Alberts Steven R. , Nagorney David M. , Halfdanarson Thorvardur R. , Mahipal Amit
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Prognostic factors for solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPN) of the pancreas have been incompletely defined in the literature. We aimed to use the National Cancer Database to describe survival and characterize prognostic factors in patients with pancreatic pseudopapillary neoplasms.

Methods

We identified 304 patients with pancreatic SPN diagnosed between 2004 and 2012 using the National Cancer Database. All patients were included in the survival analysis. Kaplan-Meier method, χ2, and log-rank tests were used for statistical analysis. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used for multivariate analysis.

Results

The median age at diagnosis was 36.5 years. Eighty-five percent of patients were female, 69% were white, and 25% were black. Metastases were observed in 5% of patients. Median tumor size was 5.1 cm. Ninety-two percent of patients underwent primary tumor resection. At 60 months, 98% of patients who underwent resection were alive, and 40% who did not undergo resection were alive. On multivariate analysis, female sex, resection of primary tumor, and absence of metastasis were correlated with improved survival.

Conclusions

Patients with SPN who undergo resection have an excellent survival at 5 years. Surgery should be considered in all patients with this diagnosis.
C-Suite Roles and Competencies to Support a Culture of Shared Governance and Empowerment
Authors: Joseph M. Lindell , Bogue Richard J.
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine C-suite executives' perspectives on empowerment early in shared governance implementation.

BACKGROUND

Leadership influences a workplace culture for empowerment. However, the literature lacks clarity regarding the specific roles of C-suite executives in fostering empowerment.

METHODS

A system's top 47 executives were invited to participate in a Delphi study. Two Delphi rounds identified leadership empowerment philosophies, plus techniques for (a) understanding staff needs, (b) embedding empowerment, and (c) ensuing leadership accountability. In round 3, leaders rated the 3 types of techniques for ease and impact.

RESULTS

Results revealed a passive C-suite culture regarding empowerment. However, C-suite executives recognized the need for active promotion of an empowering culture. Optimal techniques for understanding staff empowerment needs were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Modeling empowerment by the C-suite executives enables alignment between councils and levels of nursing leadership, allowing organizations to achieve the goals for professional nursing practice and shared governance.
Metabolic Response to BRAF-MEK Combination Therapy in Cecal Neuroendocrine Carcinoma With BRAFV600E Mutation and Refractory Lactic Acidosis
Authors: Imperiale Alessio , Latgé Adrien , Schaff-Wendling Frédérique , Goichot Bernard , Kurtz Jean-Emmanuel , Malouf Gabriel G.
Published: July 2018

We report the results of serial 18F-FDG PET/CT investigations in a 49-year-old woman presenting with an advanced cecal high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma harboring a somatic BRAFV600E
mutation. Patient was refractory to standard chemotherapy regimen showing life-threatening hyperlactatemia. Early after the beginning of BRAF-MEK therapy (dabrafenib and trametinib), impressive improvement in PET/CT imaging was achieved. The pathological 18F-FDG uptake in cecal primary tumor as well as in nodal, hepatic, and bone metastases drastically decreased. Moreover, the reduction of total lesion glycolysis on PET/CT images was strictly related to extraordinary patient clinical response and lactic acid level normalization.