bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of electron-neutral elastic collisions on the instability of an ion-contaminated cylindrical electron cloud: 2D3V PIC-with-MCC simulations
Authors: Sengupta M. , Ganesh R.
Published: October 2016

This paper is a simulation based investigation of the effect of elastic collisions and effectively elastic-like excitation collisions between electrons and background neutrals on the dynamics of a cylindrically trapped electron cloud that also has an ion contaminant mixed in it. A cross section of the trapped non neutral cloud composed of electrons mixed uniformly with a fractional population of ions is loaded on a 2D PIC grid with the plasma in a state of unstable equilibrium due to differential rotation between the electron and the ion component. The electrons are also loaded with an axial velocity component, vz, that mimics their bouncing motion between the electrostatic end plugs of a Penning-Malmberg trap. This vz loading facilitates 3D elastic and excitation collisions of the electrons with background neutrals under a MCC scheme. In the present set of numerical experiments, the electrons do not ionize the neutrals. This helps in separating out only the effect of non-ionizing collisions of electrons on the dynamics of the cloud. Simulations reveal that these non-ionizing collisions indirectly influence the ensuing collisionless ion resonance instability of the contaminated electron cloud by a feedback process. The collisional relaxation reduces the average density of the electron cloud and thereby increases the fractional density of the ions mixed in it. The dynamically changing electron density and fractional density of ions feed back on the ongoing ion-resonance (two-stream) instability between the two components of the nonneutral cloud and produce deviations in the paths of progression of the instability that are uncorrelated at different background gas pressures. Effects of the collisions on the instability are evident from alteration in the growth rate and energetics of the instability caused by the presence of background neutrals as compared to a vacuum background. Further in order to understand if the non-ionizing collisions can independently be a cause of destabilization of an electron cloud, a second set of numerical experiments were performed with pure electron plasmas making non-ionizing collisions with different densities of background neutrals. These experiments reveal that the nature of potential energy extraction from the electron cloud by the non-ionizing collisions is not similar to the potential energy extraction of other destabilizing processes, e.g., a resistive wall instability. This difference in the energy extraction process renders these non-ionizing collisions incapable of independently triggering an instability of the cloud.
A model for hot mirror coating on solar parabolic trough receivers
Authors: Kaluba V. S. , Ferrer P.
Published: October 2016

Parabolic solar troughs are amongst the most widely studied solar thermal technologies available today. Methods for improving efficiency include the use of selective coatings on the absorber which reduces dominant thermal radiation losses. In this paper, we model a different approach of reducing radiation losses: the glass cover around the absorber can be coated with a hot mirror film, which reflects infrared radiation back onto the absorber. In order to describe such a mechanism, it becomes necessary to model theoretically the long range thermal radiation interactions inside the receiver unit. Our model uses discretization of the active surfaces to account for all the dominant radiation interactions, and can be used in a simulation to establish a temperature profile for the receiver unit, from which thermal properties can be inferred. The results of the simulation are compared to existing simulations and experimental data, wherever possible.
Direct and indirect characterization of electrocaloric effect in (Na,K)NbO3 based lead-free ceramics
Authors: Li Jianting , Bai Yang , Qin Shiqiang , Fu Jian , Zuo Ruzhong , Qiao Lijie
Published: October 2016

This paper demonstrated the electrocaloric effect (ECE) of (Na0.52K0.48-x)(Nb0.92-xSb0.08)O3-xLiTaO3 lead-free ceramics by direct differential scanning calorimetry measurement and indirect thermodynamic method. Both results show good consistency, where the direct one more accurately depicts ECE value and its evolution according to phase diagram. Due to the diffuse orthorhombic-tetragonal phase transition, the samples show a broad ECE peak which shifts to lower temperature with increasing LiTaO3 amount. Compared to previous direct results in lead-free ceramics at corresponding temperatures, they show a competitive ECE performance with ΔTmax of 0.41 K (@80 °C), 0.30 K (@35 °C) and 0.16 K (@15 °C) under 20 kV/cm fields for x = 0.02, 0.0375 and 0.045.
Reduction of interface states by hydrogen treatment at the aluminum oxide/4H-SiC Si-face interface
Authors: Yoshioka Hironori , Yamazaki Masashi , Harada Shinsuke
Published: October 2016

Processes to form aluminum oxide as a gate insulator on the 4H-SiC Si-face are investigated to eliminate the interface state density (DIT) and improve the mobility. Processes that do not involve the insertion or formation of SiO2 at the interface are preferential to eliminate traps that may be present in SiO2. Aluminum oxide was formed by atomic layer deposition with hydrogen plasma pretreatment followed by annealing in forming gas. Hydrogen treatment was effective to reduce DIT at the interface of aluminum oxide and SiC without a SiO2 interlayer. Optimization of the process conditions resulted in DIT for the metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) capacitor of 1.7×1012 cm−2eV−1 at 0.2 eV, and the peak field-effect mobility of the MOS field-effect transistor (MOSFET) was approximately 57 cm2V−1s−1.
Estimation of Curie temperature of manganite-based materials for magnetic refrigeration application using hybrid gravitational based support vector regression
Authors: Owolabi Taoreed O. , Akande Kabiru O. , Olatunji Sunday O. , Alqahtani Abdullah , Aldhafferi Nahier
Published: October 2016

Magnetic refrigeration (MR) technology stands a good chance of replacing the conventional gas compression system (CGCS) of refrigeration due to its unique features such as high efficiency, low cost as well as being environmental friendly. Its operation involves the use of magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of a magnetic material caused by application of magnetic field. Manganite-based material demonstrates maximum MCE at its magnetic ordering temperature known as Curie temperature (TC). Consequently, manganite-based material with TC around room temperature is essentially desired for effective utilization of this technology. The TC of manganite-based materials can be adequately altered to a desired value through doping with appropriate foreign materials. In order to determine a manganite with TC around room temperature and to circumvent experimental challenges therein, this work proposes a model that can effectively estimates the TC of manganite-based material doped with different materials with the aid of support vector regression (SVR) hybridized with gravitational search algorithm (GSA). Implementation of GSA algorithm ensures optimum selection of SVR hyper-parameters for improved performance of the developed model using lattice distortions as the descriptors. The result of the developed model is promising and agrees excellently with the experimental results. The outstanding estimates of the proposed model suggest its potential in promoting room temperature magnetic refrigeration through quick estimation of the effect of dopants on TC so as to obtain manganite that works well around the room temperature.
Quantum state-resolved molecular scattering of NO (2Π1/2) at the gas-[Cnmim][Tf2N] room temperature ionic liquid interface: Dependence on alkyl chain length, collision energy, and temperature
Authors: Zutz Amelia , Nesbitt David J.
Published: October 2016

Room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) represent a promising class of chemically tunable, low vapor pressure solvents with myriad kinetic applications that depend sensitively on the nature of gas-molecule interactions at the liquid surface. This paper reports on rovibronically inelastic dynamics at the gas-RTIL interface, colliding supersonically cooled hyperthermal molecular beams of NO (Π1/22, N = 0) from 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (or [Cnmim][Tf2N]) and probing the scattered NO molecules via laser induced fluorescence (LIF) from the A(2Σ) state. Specifically, inelastic energy transfer into NO rovibrational and electronic degrees of freedom is explored as a function of RTIL alkyl chain length (n), incident collision energy (Einc) and surface temperature (Ts). At low collision energies (Einc = 2.7(9) kcal/mol), the scattered NO molecules exhibit a rotational temperature (Trot) systematically colder than Ts for all chain lengths, which signals the presence of non-equilibrium dynamics in the desorption channel. At high collision energies (Einc = 20(2) kcal/mol), microscopic branching into trapping/desorption (TD) and impulsive scattering (IS) pathways is clearly evident, with the TD fraction (α) exhibiting a step-like increase between short (n = 2, 4) and long (n = 8, 12, 16) alkyl chains consistent with theoretical predictions. For all hydrocarbon chain lengths and RTIL temperature conditions, NO rotational excitation in the IS channel yields hyperthermal albeit Boltzmann-like distributions well described by a “temperature” (TIS = 900 -1200 K) that decreases systematically with increasing n. Non-adiabatic, collision induced hopping between ground and excited spin-orbit states is found to be independent of RTIL alkyl chain length and yet increase with collision energy. The scattering data confirm previous experimental reports of an enhanced presence of the alkyl tail at the gas-RTIL interface with increasing n, as well as provide support for theoretical predictions of an alkyl length dependent shift between chains oriented parallel vs. perpendicular to the surface normal.
Design of an effective energy receiving adapter for microwave wireless power transmission application
Authors: Xu Peng , Wang Shen-Yun , Geyi Wen
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we demonstrate the viability of an energy receiving adapter in a 8×8 array form with high power reception efficiency with the resonator of artificial electromagnetic absorber being used as the element. Unlike the conventional reported rectifying antenna resonators, both the size of the element and the separations between the elements are electrically small in our design. The energy collecting process is explained with an equivalent circuit model, and a RF combining network is designed to combine the captured AC power from each element to one main terminal for AC-to-DC conversion. The energy receiving adapter yields a total reception efficiency of 67% (including the wave capture efficiency of 86% and the AC-to-DC conversion efficiency of 78%), which is quite promising for microwave wireless power transmission.
Single-conductor co-planar quasi-symmetry unequal power divider based on spoof surface plasmon polaritons of bow-tie cells
Authors: Wu Yongle , Li Mingxing , Yan Guangyou , Deng Li , Liu Yuanan , Ghassemlooy Zabih
Published: October 2016

In this paper, the spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) transmission line (TL) of periodical grooved bow-tie cells is proposed. The complex propagation constant and characteristic impedance of the SSPPs TLs and microstrip lines (MLs) are extracted using the analytical method of generalized lossy TL theory. The properties of the SSPPs TLs with different substrates and the same geometrical configuration are experimented. Then, for comparison, two ML counterparts are also experimented, which shows that the SSPPs TL is less sensitive to the thickness, dielectric constant and loss tangent of the chosen substrate below the cutoff frequency, compared with the ML ones. The single-conductor co-planar quasi-symmetry unequal power divider based on this SSPPs TL is presented in microwave frequencies. For experimental validation, the 0-dB, 2-dB, and 5-dB power dividers are designed, fabricated, and measured. Both simulated and measured results verify that the unequal power divider is a flexible option, which offers massive advantages including single-conductor co-planar quasi-symmetry structures, wide-band operation, and convenient implementations of different power-dividing ratios. Hence, it can be expected that the proposed unequal power dividers will inspire further researches on SSPPs for future design of novel planar passive and active microwave components, circuits and systems.
Preparation and Characterization of PA6-PEG/Li High Performance Static Dissipation Composites
Authors: Yang Chongling , Tan Shouzai , Chen Gengen , Guan Litao
Published: October 2016

A copolymer of PA6 (polyamide 6) and PEG (polyethylene glycol) was synthesized by a condensation reaction. The optimal reaction conditions were determined as the following: a reaction temperature of 255°C, –0.04 MPa vacuum, and a condensation time of 40 min. A series of novel PA6-PEG/Li composites were developed by melt blending the PA6-PEG copolymer (10 wt-% PEG) with three different kinds of colourless lithium salts (LiCl, C18H35LiO2, LiAc). FT-IR, NMR, thermogravimetric (TGA), electronic universal testing, and resistivity analyses were employed to investigate the comprehensive properties of the copolymers and composites. The results of FT-IR and 1H NMR analyses revealed that the PEG was copolymerized with PA6 successfully. TGA results indicated that the decomposition temperature of the PA6-PEG copolymer was above 350°C. Resistivity testing revealed that the surface resistivity (Rs) of the copolymer decreased from 1 × 1014 to 5.67 × 109 Ω square–1 with an increase of the content of PEG. The PA6-PEG/LiCl composite showed an excellent static dissipation performance of 2.71 × 108 Ω square–1.
Parasite stress and pathogen avoidance relate to distinct dimensions of political ideology across 30 nations
Authors: Tybur Joshua M. , Inbar Yoel , Aarøe Lene , Barclay Pat , Barlow Fiona Kate , de Barra Mícheál , Becker D. Vaughn , Borovoi Leah , Choi Incheol , Choi Jong An , Consedine Nathan S. , Conway Alan , Conway Jane Rebecca , Conway Paul , Adoric Vera Cubela , Demirci Dilara Ekin , Fernández Ana María , Ferreira Diogo Conque Seco , Ishii Keiko , Jakšić Ivana , Ji Tingting , van Leeuwen Florian , Lewis David M. G. , Li Norman P. , McIntyre Jason C. , Mukherjee Sumitava , Park Justin H. , Pawlowski Boguslaw , Petersen Michael Bang , Pizarro David , Prodromitis Gerasimos , Prokop Pavol , Rantala Markus J. , Reynolds Lisa M. , Sandin Bonifacio , Sevi Bariş , De Smet Delphine , Srinivasan Narayanan , Tewari Shruti , Wilson Cameron , Yong Jose C. , Žeželj Iris
Published: October 2016

Significance

Pathogens, and antipathogen behavioral strategies, affect myriad aspects of human behavior. Recent findings suggest that antipathogen strategies relate to political attitudes, with more ideologically conservative individuals reporting more disgust toward pathogen cues, and with higher parasite stress nations being, on average, more conservative. However, no research has yet adjudicated between two theoretical accounts proposed to explain these relationships between pathogens and politics. We find that national parasite stress and individual disgust sensitivity relate more strongly to adherence to traditional norms than they relate to support for barriers between social groups. These results suggest that the relationship between pathogens and politics reflects intragroup motivations more than intergroup motivations.
Structural elements of an NRPS cyclization domain and its intermodule docking domain
Authors: Dowling Daniel P. , Kung Yan , Croft Anna K. , Taghizadeh Koli , Kelly Wendy L. , Walsh Christopher T. , Drennan Catherine L.
Published: October 2016

Significance

Here we investigate the structural basis for cyclization activity in hybrid polyketide synthase-nonribosomal peptide synthetases. This first structure of a cyclization (Cy) domain reveals an unexpected location for the enzyme active site, providing a fresh perspective on past mutational studies. Our structures also depict two 20-Å-long channels that create routes for the two tethered substrates to simultaneously reach the buried active site, affording substrate condensation and cyclization. Along with the Cy domain, these structures contain a covalently attached docking domain, providing insight into how protein modules work together to achieve uni-directionality in the biosynthesis of natural products.
Dynamic brain network reconfiguration as a potential schizophrenia genetic risk mechanism modulated by NMDA receptor function
Authors: Braun Urs , Schäfer Axel , Bassett Danielle S. , Rausch Franziska , Schweiger Janina I. , Bilek Edda , Erk Susanne , Romanczuk-Seiferth Nina , Grimm Oliver , Geiger Lena S. , Haddad Leila , Otto Kristina , Mohnke Sebastian , Heinz Andreas , Zink Mathias , Walter Henrik , Schwarz Emanuel , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas , Tost Heike
Published: October 2016

Significance

Converging evidence points to a role for glutamate and altered brain network dynamics in schizophrenia, but the molecular and genetic contributions are poorly understood. Here, we applied dynamic network neuroscience methods to neuroimaging working memory data to identify potential alterations in brain network flexibility related to schizophrenia genetic risk and
N
-methyl-
d
-aspartate (NMDA) receptor hypofunction. Consistent with altered network dynamics, we detected significant increases in brain network flexibility in patients with schizophrenia, healthy first-degree relatives, and healthy subjects receiving a single dose of an NMDA receptor antagonist. Our data identify a potential dynamic network intermediate phenotype related to the genetic risk for schizophrenia and point to a critical role for glutamate in the temporal coordination of neural networks and the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
p62- and ubiquitin-dependent stress-induced autophagy of the mammalian 26S proteasome
Authors: Cohen-Kaplan Victoria , Livneh Ido , Avni Noa , Fabre Bertrand , Ziv Tamar , Kwon Yong Tae , Ciechanover Aaron
Published: October 2016

Significance

Whereas the role of the ubiquitin system in protein degradation is well established, little is known regarding the regulation of its own components, including its catalytic arm, the 26S proteasome. Here we show that in stressed mammalian cells, the proteasome is targeted by autophagy, which requires site-specific ubiquitination of its ubiquitin receptors. The process is mediated by the p62/SQSTM1 adapter and requires its ubiquitin-associated domain. Independently, p62 serves also as a shuttling protein for ubiquitinated substrates, using its PB1 domain. This places p62 in a pivotal position where under certain conditions it binds to the proteasome as a protease, whereas in other conditions it recognizes the proteasome as a prey. The regulation of this intricate “decision making” process remains elusive.
Unmasking latent inhibition in humans
Authors: Forrest Daniel R. L. , Mather Marius , Harris Justin A.
Published: October 2016

Presentations of a to-be-conditioned stimulus (CS) on its own impairs subsequent learning when that CS is paired with an unconditioned stimulus (US). Evidence for this latent inhibition (LI) effect in humans is said to require a “masking task” that diverts attention from the CS during preexposure. We present three experiments that demonstrate LI in humans without masking. Subjects performed a computerised task, making speeded responses to an imperative cue (the US) presented within a continuous stream of stimuli. During preexposure, a to-be-CS was presented 20 times among other stimuli, but excluding the US. Instructions ensured subjects actively monitored all stimuli at this time. This was immediately followed by the training phase, which included the US, the preexposed CS, and a novel CS. Both CSs were reliably followed by the US, but these associations were incidental to the instructed task. Nonetheless, some subjects learned the CS-US associations, responding faster when the US followed a CS than when it was unsignalled. All three experiments also found evidence for LI, in that subjects learned the novel CS-US association sooner than the preexposed CS-US association. We conclude that humans can show LI even when actively attending to the CS during preexposure.
Did Revisions to the WIC Program Affect Household Expenditures on Whole Grains?
Authors: Oh Miyoung , Jensen Helen H. , Rahkovsky Ilya
Published: October 2016

The food packages provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program changed in 2009. This article examines purchases of whole grain products before and after the change. Nielsen Homescan panel data from 2008 to 2010 provide information on households’ food purchases, demographics, and self‐reported WIC participation status. We estimate the effect of WIC participation and the 2009 package change on whole grains purchases using a difference‐in‐difference method, and find that participation in the WIC program was associated with more whole grain purchases during the observed period; the package change in 2009 roughly doubled the associated effect of WIC participation on the purchases of whole grain products. These results are consistent with recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and suggest that moderate innovations in the design of food assistance programs can lead to beneficial dietary choices.
Rethinking the Water‐Food‐Climate Nexus and Conflict: An Opportunity Cost Approach
Authors: Post Riley , Hudson Darren , Mitchell Donna , Bell Patrick , Perliger Arie , Williams Ryan
Published: October 2016

Much attention has been paid to the potential role that climate and food security has on conflict, especially in the Middle East. However, there has been little critical examination beyond the statistical correlation of events, which demonstrates whether a causal link exists and if it does, what can be done about it. This paper explores the conceptual linkages between food and conflict and attempts to draw attention to the opportunity cost of conflict as the nexus for decision‐making in this context.
ImpulseDE: detection of differentially expressed genes in time series data using impulse models
Authors: Sander Jil , Schultze Joachim L , Yosef Nir
Published: October 2016

Perturbations in the environment lead to distinctive gene expression changes within a cell. Observed over time, those variations can be characterized by single impulse-like progression patterns. ImpulseDE is an R package suited to capture these patterns in high throughput time series datasets. By fitting a representative impulse model to each gene, it reports differentially expressed genes across time points from a single or between two time courses from two experiments. To optimize running time, the code uses clustering and multi-threading. By applying ImpulseDE, we demonstrate its power to represent underlying biology of gene expression in microarray and RNA-Seq data.

Availability and Implementation

ImpulseDE is available on Bioconductor (https://bioconductor.org/packages/ImpulseDE/).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Web-igloo: a web based platform for multivariate data visualization
Authors: Kuntal Bhusan K , Mande Sharmila S
Published: October 2016

Motivation

The majority of data generated routinely from various experiments are essentially multivariate, often categorized with multiple experimental metadata. Analyzing such results with interactive visualizations often yields interesting and intuitive results which otherwise remains undisclosed.

Results

In this paper, we present Web-Igloo—a GUI based interactive ‘feature decomposition independent’ multivariate data visualization platform. Web-Igloo is likely to be a valuable contribution in the field of visual data mining, especially for researchers working with but not limited to multi-omics data. To demonstrate its utility, we have used a metagenomic dataset pertaining to the effect of multiple doses of antibiotic treatment on the human gut microbiome.

Availability and Implementation

http://metagenomics.atc.tcs.com/webigloo and http://121.241.184.233/webigloo [Freely available for academic use].

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
On-the-fly selection of cell-specific enhancers, genes, miRNAs and
proteins across the human body using SlideBase
Authors: Ienasescu Hans , Li Kang , Andersson Robin , Vitezic Morana , Rennie Sarah , Chen Yun , Vitting-Seerup Kristoffer , Lagoni Emil , Boyd Mette , Bornholdt Jette , de Hoon Michiel J. L. , Kawaji Hideya , Lassmann Timo ,   The FANTOM Consortium, Hayashizaki Yoshihide , Forrest Alistair R. R. , Carninci Piero , Sandelin Albin
Published: October 2016

Genomics consortia have produced large datasets profiling the expression of genes, micro-RNAs, enhancers and more across human tissues or cells. There is a need for intuitive tools to select subsets of such data that is the most relevant for specific studies. To this end, we present SlideBase, a web tool which offers a new way of selecting genes, promoters, enhancers and microRNAs that are preferentially expressed/used in a specified set of cells/tissues, based on the use of interactive sliders. With the help of sliders, SlideBase enables users to define custom expression thresholds for individual cell types/tissues, producing sets of genes, enhancers etc. which satisfy these constraints. Changes in slider settings result in simultaneous changes in the selected sets, updated in real time. SlideBase is linked to major databases from genomics consortia, including FANTOM, GTEx, The Human Protein Atlas and BioGPS.

Database URL: http://slidebase.binf.ku.dk
Photospheric carbon and oxygen abundances of F–G type stars in the Pleiades cluster*
Authors: Takeda Yoichi , Hashimoto Osamu , Honda Satoshi
Published: October 2016

In order to investigate the carbon-to-oxygen ratio of the young open cluster M 45 (Pleiades), the C and O abundances of 32 selected F–G type dwarfs (in the effective temperature range of Teff ∼ 5800–7600 K and projected rotational velocity range of vesin i ∼ 10–110 km s−1) belonging to this cluster were determined by applying the synthetic spectrum-fitting technique to C i 5380 and O i 6156–8 lines. The non-local thermodynamical equilibrium corrections for these C i and O i lines were found to be practically negligible (less than a few hundredths dex).The resulting C and O abundances (along with the Fe abundance) turned out nearly uniform without any systematic dependence upon Teff or vesin i. We found, however, in spite of almost solar Fe abundance ([Fe/H] ∼ 0), carbon turned out to be slightly subsolar ([C/H] ∼ −0.1) while that of oxygen was slightly supersolar ([O/H] ∼ +0.1). This leads to a conclusion that the [C/O] ratio was moderately subsolar (∼ −0.2) in the primordial gas from which these Pleiades stars were formed ∼ 120–130 Myr ago. Interestingly, similarly young B-type stars are reported to show just the same result ([C/O] ∼ −0.2), while rather aged (∼ 1–10 Gyr) field F–G stars of near-solar metallicity yield almost the solar value ([C/O] ∼ 0) on average. Such a difference in the C/O ratio between two star groups of distinctly different ages may be explained as a consequence of the orbit migration mechanism which Galactic stars may undergo over a long time.
Protocol for Psychopharmacologic Management of Behavioral Health Comorbidity in Adult Patients with Diabetes and Soft Tissue Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital Setting
Authors: Pinkhasov Aaron , Singh Deepan , Kashan Benjamin , DiGregorio Julie , Criscitelli Theresa M. , Gorenstein Scott , Brem Harold
Published: October 2016

GENERAL PURPOSE:

To provide information about the effect of psychiatric comorbidities on wound healing in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES:

After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to:

1. Discuss the connection between DM and the development of psychiatric comorbidities.

2. Identify the drugs recommended in the treatment of these psychiatric comorbidities.

3. List cautions and contraindications related to the drugs discussed.

In patients with diabetes mellitus type 2, psychiatric comorbidities such as depressive and anxiety disorders are 60% or more prevalent than in the general population. The severity of mental illness and the duration of diabetes have been shown to correlate with worsening glycemic control, thus impeding wound healing. A retrospective chart review was conducted in all patients with diabetes mellitus admitted to the wound service with prior or current psychiatric symptoms of anxiety, depression, or cognitive impairment. A psychopharmacologic protocol was developed based on the clinical data collected and treatment parameters used by the behavioral health consultation liaison service.
Survey of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurse Attitudes Toward Therapeutic Hypothermia Treatment
Authors: Craig Alexa , James Christine , Bainter Janelle , Lucas Francis L. , Evans Scott , Glazer John
Published: October 2016

Background:

The traumatic experiences of parents of babies treated with therapeutic hypothermia (TH) have been described. No research has assessed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse experience in providing care to hypothermic babies and emotional support to their parents.

Purpose:

To assess NICU nurse attitudes to the provision of TH with respect to perceptions about baby pain/sedation, need for nurse and parent education, decision making about initiation of TH, and barriers to best care.

Methods:

A survey was electronically sent to 219 nurses at 2 affiliated academic level III NICUs: 1 rural and 1 urban location. There were 17 questions where responses were selected from a preset list and 7 opportunities for nurses to provide free text responses.

Findings:

The response rate was 38% (N = 83). Overwhelming similarities between the urban and rural institutions were found with NICU nurses expressing understanding of the indications for initiating TH, agreement that TH improves long-term outcomes and that the benefits of TH outweigh the risks. Nurses at the urban institution more frequently expressed concerns surrounding inadequate treatment of baby pain/sedation, and nurses at both institutions strongly emphasized the need for more nurse and parent education about TH and improved timeliness of decision making for initiation of TH.

Implications for Practice:

NICU nurses specifically want to learn more about outcomes of babies after treatment with TH and feel that parents need more education about TH.

Implications for Research:

Research is urgently needed to better understand the implications of TH treatment for parent–baby bonding.
Smartphone and Internet Preferences of Parents
Authors: Orr Talia , Campbell-Yeo Marsha , Benoit Britney , Hewitt Brenda , Stinson Jennifer , McGrath Patrick
Published: October 2016

Background:

Despite an abundance of research that identifies the benefits for both parent and child when parents are actively involved in their infant's care, challenges related to the best methods to engage families persist.

Purpose:

To conduct a feasibility study that aims to understand the preferences of smartphone and Internet use by parents of infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) related to information seeking and active participation in infant care, with a focus on pain management interventions.

Methods:

A paper-based survey was distributed to 90 parents in a tertiary-level NICU from September to November 2013.

Results:

Response rate was 80% (72 of the 90). Ninety-seven percent accessed the Internet daily, 87% using their smartphone, and ranked it as an important source of NICU information (81%), more than books (56%) and brochures (33%). Participants reported a desire to have more information on how they could provide general comfort (96%), as well as greater participation in comforting their baby during painful procedures (94%).

Implications for Practice:

Parents in the NICU want more information and greater involvement in their infant's care and pain management and place a higher value on the Internet compared with traditional resources.

Implications for Research:

Researchers and clinicians should work together to determine the quality of online resources to better support and evaluate parent use of the Internet as a health information resource. Future studies should examine parental preference regarding the optimal balance between online sources and face-to-face interactions.
Association Between the Estrogen Receptor Beta (ESR2) Rs1256120 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Zhao Linlu , Roffey Darren M. , Chen Suzan
Published: October 2016

Study Design.

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to assess and synthesize the current evidence on the association between the rs1256120 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the estrogen receptor beta gene (ESR2) and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Summary of Background Data.

Hormonal disturbance has been postulated as a potential etiological factor in the development of AIS. As estrogen receptors are important mediators of estrogen response, mutations in these genes, including rs1256120 ofESR2, have been chosen as susceptibility candidates for AIS predisposition. The association of rs1256120 with AIS has been investigated in several recent studies, but showed conflicting evidence. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the strength of this body of evidence and quantitative synthesis to examine sources of heterogeneity.

Methods.

This study conformed to PRISMA guidelines. Using a sensitive search strategy, PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, and HuGE Literature Finder databases were searched to identify relevant studies for inclusion in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The inverse variance model was used to calculate summary odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the allelic (Cvs. T) and genotypic comparisons. Planned subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results.

Three studies were included for systematic review and meta-analysis (n = 1264 AIS cases and n=1020 controls). A null relationship was found between rs1256120 and AIS (allelic OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.81–1.78,P = 0.36,I2 = 84.9%), with the first reported association likely to be false-positive and contributing substantially to heterogeneity.

Conclusion.

Findings from the systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that rs1256120 ofESR2is unlikely to be a predisposing or disease-modifying genetic risk factor for AIS.

Level of Evidence:2
Anterior Cingulate Glutamate Is Reduced by Acamprosate Treatment in Patients With Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Frye Mark A. , Hinton David J. , Karpyak Victor M. , Biernacka Joanna M. , Gunderson Lee J. , Feeder Scott E. , Choi Doo-Sup , Port John D.
Published: October 2016

Although the precise drug mechanism of action of acamprosate remains unclear, its antidipsotropic effect is mediated in part through glutamatergic neurotransmission. We evaluated the effect of 4 weeks of acamprosate treatment in a cohort of 13 subjects with alcohol dependence (confirmed by a structured interview, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision) on proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy glutamate levels in the midline anterior cingulate cortex (MACC). We compared levels of metabolites with a group of 16 healthy controls. The Pennsylvania Alcohol Craving Scale was used to assess craving intensity. At baseline, before treatment, the mean cerebrospinal fluid–corrected MACC glutamate (Glu) level was significantly elevated in subjects with alcohol dependence compared with controls (P = 0.004). Four weeks of acamprosate treatment reduced glutamate levels (P = 0.025), an effect that was not observed in subjects who did not take acamprosate. At baseline, there was a significant positive correlation between cravings, measured by the Pennsylvania Alcohol Craving Scale, and MACC (Glu) levels (P = 0.019). Overall, these data would suggest a normalizing effect of acamprosate on a hyperglutamatergic state observed in recently withdrawn patients with alcohol dependence and a positive association between MACC glutamate levels and craving intensity in early abstinence. Further research is needed to evaluate the use of these findings for clinical practice, including monitoring of craving intensity and individualized selection of treatment with antidipsotropic medications in subjects with alcohol dependence.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Human Papillomavirus Infection in 18–Year–Old Women: Baseline Report of a Prospective Study on Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
Authors: Igidbashian Sarah , Boveri Sara , Bottari Fabio , Vidal Urbinati Ailyn , Preti Eleonora , Casadio Chiara , Landoni Fabio , Sideri Mario , Sandri Maria Teresa
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Little is known about the epidemiology of human papillomavirus (HPV) in Italy before the age of 25. At the European Institute of Oncology, a prospective observational study on cervical HPV infection in 18-year-old women undergoing quadrivalent HPV vaccination is ongoing.

Methods

At the first visit before vaccination, all the young women answered an epidemiological questionnaire, and then, the presence of high-risk HPV (hrHPV) was tested. Samples positive for hrHPV were genotyped. Liquid-based cytology was done only to women declaring not to be virgins. Any positivity at cytology or HPV testing was completed with colposcopy and eventually biopsies.

Results

Seven hundred and thirty women were enrolled. Two hundred sixty-six women were virgins; 7 (2.6%) of these resulted positive to hrHPV: 1 had HPV16 and CP6108, whereas the other 6 resulted negative at genotyping. Of the 464 nonvirgins, 61 (13.1%) were HPV positive: 19 had HPV16, 4 were positive to HPV18 with other hrHPVs, 25 to other hrHPVs, 7 to low-risk HPV, whereas 13 resulted negative at genotyping. HPV positivity was significantly associated to both smoking and having more than 3 partners. Cervical cytology was negative in 433 cases (93.3%), ASC-US in 10 cases (2.2%), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion in 20 cases (4.3%), and ASC-H in 1 case (0.2%). No CIN2+ was identified.

Conclusions

Overall, we found a low positivity to HPV in this population; however, the rate of HPV positivity was significantly related to smoking and sexual life. The cytology result low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion was more frequent than in the screening population, whereas no CIN2+ was identified, confirming the indication to avoid screening at this age.
FIB-4 and imaging for measuring fibrosis in hepatitis C virus
Authors: Turner Barbara J. , Liang Yuanyuan , Singal Amit G.
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Noninvasive measures are widely used to assess fibrosis and may be used to prioritize hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. We examined risks for likely fibrosis in patients with chronic HCV infection using fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) and imaging.

Patients and methods

A HCV screening program diagnosed chronic HCV in patients born from 1945 to 1965 admitted in a safety net hospital. Likely fibrosis was based on FIB-4 (≥1.45) alone or combined with imaging interpreted as fibrosis or cirrhosis. Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for demographic, clinical, and insurance factors associated with each outcome. Using multiple linear regression among patients with likely fibrosis, we examined associations with higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores.

Results

Using FIB-4 alone, 57% (83/146) of patients had likely fibrosis versus 43% (63/148) using FIB-4 plus imaging. Obesity/overweight and Hispanic ethnicity had over three-fold to four-fold higher AORs for fibrosis, respectively, based on FIB-4 plus imaging, but both AORs were only two-fold greater with FIB-4 alone. Being uninsured was significantly associated with fibrosis based on FIB-4 alone [AOR=2.40 (95% confidence interval 1.01–5.70)] but not with imaging. Heavy alcohol use and older age were associated with higher AORs of fibrosis with both measures (all P<0.004). MELD scores were ∼3 points higher for uninsured patients, regardless of measure (both P<0.05).

Conclusions

Using FIB-4 plus imaging to identify fibrosis in chronic HCV, higher risks are seen for Hispanics and overweight/obese individuals than using FIB-4 alone. Higher MELD scores at diagnosis for the uninsured indicate delayed access to care.
Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 inhibitors: update from clinical trials to real-world experience
Authors: Farnier Michel
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review

After the approval of alirocumab and evolocumab, the first two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9), this review provides an update on recent PCSK9 inhibitors data and describes recommendations for the use before the results of the ongoing cardiovascular endpoint trials.

Recent findings

New studies and complementary analysis of phase III trials have consistently shown that alirocumab and evolocumab are highly effective in reducing LDL-cholesterol and to some extent lipoprotein (a). Some preliminary findings coming from exploratory and post-hoc analyses of the longer-term safety phase III trials and meta-analyses suggest that these mAbs can decrease the incidence of cardiovascular events. Whether or not mAbs targeting PCSK9 definitively reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events without safety concerns shall be demonstrated with the ongoing cardiovascular outcome trials. Waiting these outcome trials and given the high cost of these mAbs, groups of experts have proposed as priorities groups of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia and with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who have substantially elevated LDL-cholesterol on maximally tolerated statin/ezetimibe therapy.

Before the results of large cardiovascular outcome trials, PCSK9 inhibitors should be only used in some categories of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia and/or with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Impact of a Palliative Care Elective Course on Nursing Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes Toward End-of-Life Care
Authors: Robinson Evelyn , Epps Fayron
Published: October 2016

Being knowledgeable about end-of-life care can help nurses overcome barriers to managing chronicity in terminally ill patients. The purpose of this causal-comparative research study was to examine the influence of a palliative care elective course on 74 senior nursing students’ knowledge and attitudes toward providing end-of-life care. This study compared the differences between 2 groups of students, with 1 group receiving end-of-life care instruction based on the principles of the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium as an elective course.
Descriptive Correlates of Urban Pediatric Violent Injury Using Emergency Medical Service Patient-Level Data
Authors: Walthall Jennifer D.H. , Burgess Aaron , Weinstein Elizabeth , Miramonti Charles , Arkins Thomas , Wiehe Sarah
Published: October 2016

Objective

This study aimed to describe spatiotemporal correlates of pediatric violent injury in an urban community.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study using patient-level data (2009–2011) from a novel emergency medical service computerized entry system for violent injury resulting in an ambulance dispatch among children aged 0 to 16 years. Assault location and patient residence location were cleaned and geocoded at a success rate of 98%. Distances from the assault location to both home and nearest school were calculated. Time and day of injury were used to evaluate temporal trends. Data from the event points were analyzed to locate injury “hotspots.”

Results

Seventy-six percent of events occurred within 2 blocks of the patient's home. Clusters of violent injury correlated with areas with high adult crime and areas with multiple schools. More than half of the events occurred between 3:00 pm and 11:00 pm. During these peak hours, Sundays had significantly fewer events.

Conclusions

Pediatric violent injuries occurred in identifiable geographic and temporal patterns. This has implications for injury prevention programming to prioritize highest-risk areas.
Totally Laparoscopic Right Hepatectomy for Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Analysis of a Preliminary Experience on 5 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Rotellar Fernando , Pardo Fernando , Benito Alberto , Zozaya Gabriel , Martí-Cruchaga Pablo , Hidalgo Francisco , Lopez Luis , Iñarrairaegui Mercedes , Sangro Bruno , Herrero Ignacio
Published: October 2016

Background

The pure laparoscopic approach in right hepatectomy (LRH) for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is a controversial issue. Some authors have reported the procedure to be feasible but surgical outcomes and impact on short and long-term morbidity rates are yet to be determined. The aim of this study is to present the results of a preliminary 5 consecutive cases series of LRH for LDLT and to compare it with a successive cohort of open right hepatectomies (ORH) for LDLT.

Methods

From May 2013 to October 2015, 5 consecutive donors underwent LRH for LDLT in our center. The previous last 10 ORH for LDLT were selected for comparison. Special care was taken to include all adverse events. Each patient's complications were graded with the Clavien-Dindo Classification and scored with the Comprehensive Complication Index.

Results

All 5 consecutive donors completed a pure laparoscopic procedure. All allografts (open and laparoscopically procured) were successfully transplanted with no primary graft failures. Only 2 Clavien-Dindo Grade-I complications occurred in the LRH donors, while ORH donors had 10 Grade I, 2 Grade II and 1 Grade IIIa complications in the short term (<3 months). In the long term (6–12 months follow-up), LRH donors had a significant lower incidence of complications (Comprehensive Complication Index: 1.74; SD, 3891 vs 15.2 SD; 8.618; P = 0.006).

Conclusions

In our experience, LRH for LDLT is a feasible procedure. Further comparative series may support our preliminary findings of reduced incidence and severity of complications as compared with the open approach.
Modeling Alzheimer Disease Through Functional Independence and Participation
Authors: Zucchella Chiara , Bartolo Michelangelo , Bernini Sara , Picascia Marta , Malinverni Paola , Sinforiani Elena
Published: October 2016

Introduction:

The relationship between cognitive and functional impairment in Alzheimer Disease (AD) at the earliest stages of the disease is not well characterized. This study aimed at investigating such relationships along AD evolution by means of the Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD).

Methods:

Consecutive pairs of AD outpatients and their primary informal caregivers were enrolled. Patients were evaluated by means of the Mini Mental State Examination and neuropsychological tests. A clinician completed the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale to stage dementia severity and interviewed the caregivers to complete the Neuropsychiatric Inventory to assess behavioral disturbances and the DAD to evaluate patients’ functional competence.

Results:

A total of 158 dyads were enrolled; the Mini Mental State Examination score was used to stratify patients into 4 groups (>24; 20 to 23.9; 10 to 19.9; <10) that were compared. The statistical analysis revealed that all the cognitive domains were positively related to functional independence, but only logical and executive functions seemed to predict autonomy. An intergroup comparison did not show significant differences in the DAD subscales measuring initiation, planning and organization, and performance. The role of education emerged, confirming the relevance of cognitive reserve.

Discussion:

As the field moves toward earlier intervention in preclinical AD, the detection of early functional changes may drive the definition of trials on prevention or intervention for dementia.