bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing apples to apples: an environmental criminology analysis of the effects of heat and rain on violent crimes in Boston
Authors: Sommer Alice J. , Lee Mihye , Bind Marie-Abèle C.
Published: November 2018

Weather characteristics have been suggested by many social scientists to influence criminality. According to a recent study, climate change may cause a substantial increase in criminal activities during the twenty-first century. The additional number of crimes due to climate have been estimated by associational models, which are not optimal to quantify causal impacts of weather conditions on criminality. Using the Rubin Causal Model and crime data reported daily between 2012 and 2017, this study examines whether changes in heat index, a proxy for apparent temperature, and rainfall occurrence, influence the number of violent crimes in Boston. On average, more crimes are reported on temperate days compared to extremely cold days, and on dry days compared to rainy days. However, no significant differences in the number of crimes between extremely hot days versus less warm days could be observed. The results suggest that weather forecasts could be integrated into crime prevention programs in Boston. The weather-crime relationship should be taken into account when assessing the economic, sociological, or medical impact of climate change. Researchers and policy makers interested in the effects of environmental exposures or policy interventions on crime should consider a causal inference approach to analyze their data.
Integrating multilevel converters application on renewable energy sources—A survey
Authors: Chandran Benin Pratap , Selvakumar A. Immanuel , Mathew Finna Mary
Published: November 2018

Multilevel inverters emerged as the solution for overcoming the limitations of two level inverters, such as total harmonic distortion, high magnetic interference, and high dv/dt in high power voltage applications. The ability to generate sinusoidal output voltage is another speciality of multilevel inverters. The wide range of applications in fields such as power grids, motor drives, and Volt-Ampere Reactive compensation enhances the visibility of multilevel inverters. This paper identifies the conventional multilevel inverter topologies such as diode clamped multilevel inverters, flying capacitor multilevel inverters, and cascaded H bridges and presents a literature review on the topologies considering the facts of structural and functional diversities over the ages which have been adapted right from the beginning of its emergence. It also details the various optimization technologies that are used in multilevel inverters to obtain the optimal switching angle for harmonic elimination. This paper also explains the modulation techniques that are in effect for a specific purpose in different applications to get the best possible result.
The trapping problem of the weighted scale-free treelike networks for two kinds of biased walks
Authors: Dai Meifeng , Zong Yue , He Jiaojiao , Sun Yu , Shen Chunyu , Su Weiyi
Published: November 2018

It has been recently reported that trapping problem can characterize various dynamical processes taking place on complex networks. However, most works focused on the case of binary networks, and dynamical processes on weighted networks are poorly understood. In this paper, we study two kinds of biased walks including standard weight-dependent walk and mixed weight-dependent walk on the weighted scale-free treelike networks with a trap at the central node. Mixed weight-dependent walk including non-nearest neighbor jump appears in many real situations, but related studies are much less. By the construction of studied networks in this paper, we determine all the eigenvalues of the fundamental matrix for two kinds of biased walks and show that the largest eigenvalue has an identical dominant scaling as that of the average trapping time (ATT). Thus, we can obtain the leading scaling of ATT by a more convenient method and avoid the tedious calculation. The obtained results show that the weight factor has a significant effect on the ATT, and the smaller the value of the weight factor, the more efficient the trapping process is. Comparing the standard weight-dependent walk with mixed weight-dependent walk, although next-nearest-neighbor jumps have no main effect on the trapping process, they can modify the coefficient of the dominant term for the ATT.
Multiple optical centers in Eu-implanted AlN nanowires for solid-state lighting applications
Authors: Cardoso J. , Ben Sedrine N. , Alves A. , Martins M. A. , Belloeil M. , Daudin B. , Faye D. Nd. , Alves E. , Lorenz K. , Neves A. J. , Correia M. R. , Monteiro T.
Published: November 2018

A detailed spectroscopic analysis of Eu3+ implanted and annealed AlN nanowires (NWs) grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy is presented by using micro-Raman, temperature-dependent steady-state photoluminescence, and time-resolved photoluminescence. Two different annealing temperatures (1000 °C and 1200 °C) were used. Such annealing conditions achieved a recovery of the original AlN crystalline structure as confirmed by Raman analysis. For both samples, the red Eu3+ intra-4f 6 luminescence was demonstrated, where the 5D0 → 7F2 transition at 624 nm is the most intense. Two well-resolved Eu optically active centers were observed in the present AlN NWs and designated as Eu1 and Eu2, due to their similar spectral shape when compared to those observed in GaN layers [Bodiou et al., Opt. Mater. 28, 780 (2006); Roqan et al., Phys. Rev. B 81, 085209 (2010)]. Their behavior was found to depend on the annealing temperature. Photoluminescence studies reveal that at 14 K, Eu2 is dominant for the lower annealing temperature, while Eu1 is dominant for the highest annealing temperature. Moreover, at room temperature, Eu1 center was found to be the dominant for both samples. Indeed, the luminescence intensity of the 5D0 → 7F2 transition exhibits a lower thermal quenching for the samples annealed at the highest temperature (∼80% for the sample annealed at 1200 °C and ∼50% for the sample annealed at 1000 °C) boosting their potential use as efficient red emitters.
Magnetic-field tribological behaviors of aluminum-alloy and steel
Authors: Wei Yonghui , Wang Xiuli , Liu Yuanpeng , Xu Xiaokui
Published: November 2018

This paper used aluminum-alloy-2A02 (paramagnetic) and High-Speed-Steel (HSS) W18Cr4V (ferromagnetic) as the research objects to study the effect of DC magnetic-field on the dry tribology performance adopting the mutual matching methods (aluminum-alloy pin to HSS ring and HSS pin to aluminum-alloy to HSS ring, respectively). The wear rate of aluminum-alloy ring coupled with HSS pin was larger than that of pin coupled with HSS ring, which indicated that the influence of contacted surface size and hardness of friction pairs should be considered in the tribological research and application. The material of high magnetic permeability led to the wear rate decreases under a magnetic-field. The mechanism of sliding wear namely the ferromagnetic debris is adsorbed by HSS surface under the magnetic force. The wear rate is affected by the magnetic force depending on pin/disc material in a magnetic-field. The friction coefficient of aluminum-alloy pin/HSS ring is larger than that of HSS pin/aluminum-alloy ring, indicating the high difference of magnetic permeability for the coupled materials is disadvantageous to the antifriction effect of magnetic-field.
Electrical and magnetic properties of hemozoin nanocrystals
Authors: Giacometti M. , Rinaldi C. , Monticelli M. , Callegari L. , Collovini A. , Petti D. , Ferrari G. , Bertacco R.
Published: November 2018

Hemozoin crystals, also known as malaria pigment, are the by-products of hemoglobin degradation by the Plasmodium parasite during its intra-erythrocytic development. Although it is well known that they are responsible for the peculiar paramagnetic behavior of infected red blood cells, their physical properties are not well known. Here, we show that synthetic hemozoin nanocrystals display an insulating and paramagnetic behavior. Conductive atomic force microscopy measurements on crystals dispensed over flat Au films revealed that hemozoin crystals are insulating, with a breakdown field larger than 5 × 107 V m−1. The magnetic susceptibility, measured with a vibrating sample magnetometer, is 4.1 ± 0.6 × 10−4, compatible with a paramagnetic behavior. These results are confirmed by impedimetric and magnetophoretic measurements on aqueous suspensions of hemozoin crystals.
A polarization sensitive light scattering unit for high throughput screening
Authors: Anderson John F. , Drenski Michael F. , Jarand Curtis W. , Dudko Anton , Reed Wayne F.
Published: November 2018

A simple, effective light scattering prototype sensitive to both polarized and depolarized scattering was constructed, and its performance was tested on a variety of pure liquids and optically isotropic and anisotropic polymer solutions and colloidal suspensions. The results, performance, and means to further improvement are reported here. Because of its simplicity and low cost, many identical units can be produced to construct a simultaneous multiple sample light scattering platform that can be used to monitor polymer and colloid solution stability, phase changes, aggregation, degradation, etc. Measurable depolarization was found for a variety of organic liquids and suspensions of both polyfluoroethylene and latex spheres. No detectable depolarization was found for various polymers.
High-performance transistors based on monolayer CVD MoS2 grown on molten glass
Authors: Zhang Zhenfeng , Xu Xiaole , Song Jian , Gao Qingguo , Li Sichao , Hu Qianlan , Li Xuefei , Wu Yanqing
Published: November 2018

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are emerging two-dimensional materials for their potential in next-generation electronics. One of the big challenges is to realize a large single-crystal TMDCs film with high mobility, which is critical for channel materials. Herein, we report an optimized atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition method for growing large single-crystal monolayer MoS2 on molten glass substrate with domain size up to 563 μm. Better interface quality can be achieved using high-κ dielectrics with respect to the conventional thermal SiO2. Mobility up to 24 cm2 V−1 s−1 at room temperature and 84 cm2 V−1 s−1 at 20 K can be obtained. This low-cost growth of high-quality, large single-crystal size of two dimensional materials provides a pathway for high-performance two dimensional electronic devices.
Gain and bandwidth of the TM-mode gyrotron amplifiers
Authors: Chang Tsun-Hsu , Xu Kun-Jie
Published: November 2018

This work discusses the feasibility of gyrotron amplifiers using TM modes by investigating their dispersion relations starting with the relativistic Vlasov equation. For an input signal carrying a real frequency ω, the complex wave number kz solved from the dispersion relation tells us the growth rate and the bandwidth of an amplifier. Three modes (TE01, TM11, and TM01) operating at the fundamental cyclotron harmonic (s = 1) with the same cutoff frequency will be discussed. The results show that the TM11- and TM01-mode gyrotrons require much higher beam current than the TE01-mode gyrotron traveling-wave tube (gyro-TWT) amplifier. The TM modes are unsuitable for the gyro-TWT amplifier as discovered by other authors. The gyrotron backward-wave (gyro-BW) amplifier is also examined. The dispersion relations indicate that the TM modes are as good as the TE modes. The gain and bandwidth of the TM11-mode gyrotron backward-wave amplifier (gyro-BWA) are studied by changing either the magnet field or the beam voltage. The TM11 mode is suitable and has a decent bandwidth for the operation of the gyro-BW amplifier.
Excellent structural, optical, and electrical properties of Nd-doped BaSnO3 transparent thin films
Authors: Fan Fang-Yuan , Zhao Wei-Yao , Chen Ting-Wei , Yan Jian-Min , Ma Jin-Peng , Guo Lei , Gao Guan-Yin , Wang Fei-Fei , Zheng Ren-Kui
Published: November 2018

We epitaxially grew 7 mol. % Nd-doped BaSnO3 (NBSO) thin films on double-side polished SrTiO3 (001) single-crystal substrates and optimized the oxygen pressure (PO2), substrate temperature (TS), and film thickness (t) to achieve excellent structural, optical, and electrical performance. By keeping TS (=800 °C) constant, NBSO films prepared at PO2 = 10 Pa show the best crystallization, yielding a full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the x-ray diffraction rocking curve of 0.079° and exhibiting a room-temperature resistivity (ρ) of ∼1.85 mΩ cm and a volume carrier density (n) of ∼8.5 × 1020/cm3. By keeping PO2 (=10 Pa) constant, the room-temperature ρ of NBSO films could be reduced to as low as 0.5 mΩ cm by increasing TS from 700 to 825°; meanwhile, the volume carrier density and mobility show the maximum of 5.04 × 1020/cm3 and 24.9 cm2/Vs, respectively, for TS = 825 °C. For all as-grown NBSO thin films, the optical transmittance in the visible wavelength region is larger than 80%. The optimized comprehensive properties of the NBSO films with FWHM = 0.11°, ρ = 0.5 mΩ cm, μ = 24.9 cm2/Vs, and T > 80% are superior to those of other rare-earth and 4d- and 5d-transition metal-doped BaSnO3 thin films.
Obesity-associated exosomal miRNAs modulate glucose and lipid metabolism in mice
Authors: Castaño Carlos , Kalko Susana , Novials Anna , Párrizas Marcelina
Published: November 2018

Significance

The presence of extracellular miRNAs in body fluids has been exploited as a brand-new source of biomarkers for different diseases. A fraction of those extracellular miRNAs, contained in extracellular vesicles and exosomes, are additionally being revealed as novel mediators of intercellular communication. Here, we show that systemic injection of exosomes transfected with synthetic miRNAs simulating those enriched in the plasma of obese mice robustly induces glucose intolerance, adipose inflammation, and hepatic steatosis in lean mice. These results support a role for exosomal miRNAs in the modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism in mice and may help us uncover thus far unexplored pathological mechanisms and provide us with novel therapeutic targets.
Parametric amplification of optical phonons
Authors: Cartella A. , Nova T. F. , Fechner M. , Merlin R. , Cavalleri A.
Published: November 2018

Significance

The amplification of light through stimulated emission or nonlinear optical interactions has had a transformative impact on modern science and technology. The amplification of other bosonic excitations, like phonons in solids, is likely to open up new remarkable physical phenomena. This paper reports an experimental demonstration of optical phonon amplification, supported by first-principle calculations. The combination of our experiments and simulations clarifies a microscopic mechanism for phonon-mediated four-wave mixing, a highly interesting process. Our results could be extended toward an enhanced control of phonon-polariton waves, interesting for information transport on subwavelength length scales.
Indirect reciprocity with private, noisy, and incomplete information
Authors: Hilbe Christian , Schmid Laura , Tkadlec Josef , Chatterjee Krishnendu , Nowak Martin A.
Published: November 2018

Significance

Indirect reciprocity explores how humans act when their reputation is at stake, and which social norms they use to assess the actions of others. A crucial question in indirect reciprocity is which social norms can maintain stable cooperation in a society. Past research has highlighted eight such norms, called “leading-eight” strategies. This past research, however, is based on the assumption that all relevant information about other population members is publicly available and that everyone agrees on who is good or bad. Instead, here we explore the reputation dynamics when information is private and noisy. We show that under these conditions, most leading-eight strategies fail to evolve. Those leading-eight strategies that do evolve are unable to sustain full cooperation.
Histone tails decrease N7-methyl-2′-deoxyguanosine depurination and yield DNA–protein cross-links in nucleosome core particles and cells
Authors: Yang Kun , Park Daeyoon , Tretyakova Natalia Y. , Greenberg Marc M.
Published: November 2018

Significance

DNA modification gives rise to diverse outcomes, including cancer and cell death. Understanding the chemical and biochemical effects of DNA modification contributes to the fundamental understanding of the etiology and treatment of cancer. 2′-Deoxyguanosine methylation at the N7 position (MdG) is a major mechanism of action of some DNA alkylating agents. We examined MdG in nucleosome core particles (NCPs). Abasic site formation from MdG is suppressed in NCPs. Furthermore, MdG and histone proteins form cross-links [DNA–protein cross-links (DPCs)], a deleterious type of DNA damage. DPCs are also formed in cells treated with monofunctional alkylating agent. DPC formation from MdG is a previously unrecognized process that could have significant effects on cells and may play a role in the cytotoxicity of DNA alkylating agents.
Mechanism of selective benzene hydroxylation catalyzed by iron-containing zeolites
Authors: Snyder Benjamin E. R. , Bols Max L. , Rhoda Hannah M. , Vanelderen Pieter , Böttger Lars H. , Braun Augustin , Yan James J. , Hadt Ryan G. , Babicz Jeffrey T. , Hu Michael Y. , Zhao Jiyong , Alp E. Ercan , Hedman Britt , Hodgson Keith O. , Schoonheydt Robert A. , Sels Bert F. , Solomon Edward I.
Published: November 2018

Significance

Fe zeolites are heterogeneous catalysts that show potential in a number of important industrial applications, including the selective partial oxidation of methane to methanol at room temperature, and the selective conversion of benzene to phenol. There are practical limitations associated with Fe-zeolite catalysts that may be resolved with mechanistic insight; however, reliable experimental data on Fe zeolites are limited. This study defines the mechanism of selective benzene hydroxylation catalyzed by Fe zeolites, clarifying the relationship between active site structure and catalytic performance (activity, selectivity). Mechanistic insight from this study represents an important step toward synthetic control over function in selective hydrocarbon oxidation catalysis.
Translation ambiguity in Mandarin-English bilinguals
Authors: Basnight-Brown Dana M. , Kazanas Stephanie A. , Altarriba Jeanette
Published: November 2018

Research focused on the cognitive processes surrounding bilingual language representation has revealed the important role that translation ambiguity plays in how languages are stored in memory (Tokowicz & Kroll, 2007). In addition, translation of emotionally related information has been shown to be challenging because a direct translation does not always exist (Basnight-Brown & Altarriba, 2014). The focus of the current study was to explore the processing of ambiguous words for translations that differ in orthography. In Experiment 1, Chinese-English bilinguals translated concrete and abstract words that differed in the number of translations across languages. In Experiment 2, emotion words were introduced into the context, in order to examine differences in emotion translation across languages. The results revealed that words with a single translation were produced faster and more accurately than words that had multiple translations. Finally, translation of emotional stimuli was faster when translating Chinese words as compared to English words.
Local perceptions of ecosystem services and protection of culturally protected forests in southeast China
Authors: Gao Hong , Xiao yi , Van Koppen CSA (Kris) , Ouyang Zhiyun
Published: November 2018

Introduction:
Culturally protected forests (CPFs), preserved and managed by local people on the basis of traditional practices and beliefs, have social and ecological functions. Local residents’ perceptions were investigated in three types of CPFs (community forests, ancestral temple forests, and cemetery forests) in five villages in southeast China. In semi-structured interviews (232 questionnaires), residents were asked about their perceptions concerning ecosystem services and protection of CPFs.

Outcomes:
The survey results showed that resource utilization was not high in CPFs than in forests without culturally protected. Important ecosystem services provided by CPFs included air quality improvement, water retention, recreation, and aesthetic value. Respondents were satisfied with different cultural services provided by CPFs, including aesthetic value of community forests, ecotourism of ancestral temple forests, and cultural heritage of cemetery forests. Informal rules and traditional customs were used as the main measures to govern forests in daily life; however, the most effective measures, in order of importance, were setting fines or punishment by laws, using informal rules and village regulations, or protection by government agencies. Only half of the respondents were willing to pay for maintaining ecosystem services of CPFs, but 77.8% respondents were willing to spend time on protection. From apolicy perspective, educational programs were as important as traditions, and they are crucial to explain the ecological importance of CPFs.

Conclusion:
The conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services of CPFs will benefit if government agencies consider incorporating CPFs into policy and legislative frameworks, maintain CPFs as collectively owned forests, and introduce ecological compensation mechanisms.
PIK3IP1/TrIP restricts activation of T cells through inhibition of PI3K/Akt
Authors: Uche Uzodinma U. , Piccirillo Ann R. , Kataoka Shunsuke , Grebinoski Stephanie J. , D’Cruz Louise M. , Kane Lawrence P.
Published: November 2018

Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinases (PI3Ks) modulate cellular growth, proliferation, and survival; dysregulation of the PI3K pathway can lead to autoimmune disease and cancer. PIK3IP1 (or transmembrane inhibitor of PI3K [TrIP]) is a putative transmembrane regulator of PI3K. TrIP contains an extracellular kringle domain and an intracellular domain with homology to the inter-SH2 domain of the PI3K regulatory subunit p85, but the mechanism of TrIP function is poorly understood. We show that both the kringle and p85-like domains are necessary for TrIP inhibition of PI3K and that TrIP is down-modulated from the surface of T cells during T cell activation. In addition, we present evidence that the kringle domain may modulate TrIP function by mediating oligomerization. Using an inducible knockout mouse model, we show that TrIP-deficient T cells exhibit more robust activation and can mediate clearance of Listeria monocytogenes infection faster than WT mice. Thus, TrIP is a negative regulator of T cell activation and may represent a novel target for immune modulation.
Not so many non-disjoint translations
Authors: Rosłanowski Andrzej , Rykov Vyacheslav
Published: November 2018

We show that, consistently, there is a Borel set which has uncountably many pairwise very non-disjoint translations, but does not allow a perfect set of such translations.
Root and shoot variation in relation to potential intermittent drought adaptation of Mesoamerican wild common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Berny Mier y Teran Jorge C , Konzen Enéas R , Medina Viviana , Palkovic Antonia , Ariani Andrea , Tsai Siu M , Gilbert Matthew E , Gepts P
Published: November 2018

Background

Wild crop relatives have been potentially subjected to stresses on an evolutionary time scale prior to domestication. Among these stresses, drought is one of the main factors limiting crop productivity and its impact is likely to increase under current scenarios of global climate change. We sought to determine to what extent wild common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) exhibited adaptation to drought stress, whether this potential adaptation is dependent on the climatic conditions of the location of origin of individual populations, and to what extent domesticated common bean reflects potential drought adaptation.

Methods

An extensive and diverse set of wild beans from across Mesoamerica, along with a set of reference Mesoamerican domesticated cultivars, were evaluated for root and shoot traits related to drought adaptation. A water deficit experiment was conducted by growing each genotype in a long transparent tube in greenhouse conditions so that root growth, in addition to shoot growth, could be monitored.

Results

Phenotypic and landscape genomic analyses, based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms, suggested that beans originating from central and north-west Mexico and Oaxaca, in the driest parts of their distribution, produced more biomass and were deeper-rooted. Nevertheless, deeper rooting was correlated with less root biomass production relative to total biomass. Compared with wild types, domesticated types showed a stronger reduction and delay in growth and development in response to drought stress. Specific genomic regions were associated with root depth, biomass productivity and drought response, some of which showed signals of selection and were previously related to productivity and drought tolerance.

Conclusions

The drought tolerance of wild beans consists in its stronger ability, compared with domesticated types, to continue growth in spite of water-limited conditions. This study is the first to relate bean response to drought to environment of origin for a diverse selection of wild beans. It provides information that needs to be corroborated in crosses between wild and domesticated beans to make it applicable to breeding programmes.
Detectable Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV)–Specific Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses Following VSV–Ebola Virus Vaccination in Humans
Authors: Poetsch Joseph H , Dahlke Christine , Zinser Madeleine E , Kasonta Rahel , Lunemann Sebastian , Rechtien Anne , Ly My L , Stubbe Hans C , Krähling Verena , Biedenkopf Nadine , Eickmann Markus , Fehling Sarah K , Olearo Flaminia , Strecker Thomas , Sharma Piyush , Lang Karl S , Lohse Ansgar W , Schmiedel Stefan , Becker Stephan ,   VSV-Ebola Consortium (VEBCON), Siegrist Claire-Anne , Huttner Angela , Addo Marylyn M , Becker Stephan , Krähling Verena , Bejon Phillip , Njuguna Patricia , Ndungu Francis , Kremsner Peter G , Brosnahan Jessica S , Agnandji Selidji Todagbe , Krishna Sanjeev , Kieny Marie Paule , Modjarrad Kayvon , Moorthy Vasee , Fast Patricia , Savarese Barbara , Lapujade Olivier , Addo Marylyn M
Published: November 2018

This study investigates preexisting and vaccine-induced vector immunity in 30 participants of a Phase-1 VSV-EBOV Ebola vaccine trial. No preexisting immunity was detected, however humoral and cell-mediated immunity against internal VSV proteins was observed in up to 36% of vaccines.
Remarks about the unification type of several non-symmetric non-transitive modal logics
Authors: Balbiani Philippe
Published: November 2018

The problem of unification in a normal modal logic $L$ can be defined as follows: given a formula $\varphi$, determine whether there exists a substitution $\sigma$ such that $\sigma (\varphi )$ is in $L$. In this paper, we prove that for several non-symmetric non-transitive modal logics, there exists unifiable formulas that possess no minimal complete set of unifiers.
Normalizing cVEMPs: Which Method Is the Most Effective?
Authors: van Tilburg Mark J. , Herrmann Barbara S. , Rauch Steven D. , Noij Kimberley , Guinan John J.
Published: November 2018

Objectives:

To determine the most effective method for normalizing cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs).

Design:

cVEMP data from 20 subjects with normal hearing and vestibular function were normalized using 16 combinations of methods, each using one of the 4 modes of electromyogram (EMG) quantification described below. All methods used the peak to peak value of an averaged cVEMP waveform (VEMPpp) and obtained a normalized cVEMP by dividing VEMPpp by a measure of the EMG amplitude. EMG metrics were obtained from the EMG within short- and long-duration time windows. EMG amplitude was quantified by its root-mean-square (RMS) or average full-wave-rectified (RECT) value. The EMG amplitude was used by (a) dividing each individual trace by the EMG of this specific trace, (b) dividing VEMPpp by the average RMS or RECT of the individual trace EMG, (c) dividing the VEMPpp by an EMG metric obtained from the average cVEMP waveform, or (d) dividing the VEMPpp by an EMG metric obtained from an average cVEMP “noise” waveform. Normalization methods were compared by the normalized cVEMP coefficient of variation across subjects and by the area under the curve from a receiver-operating-characteristic analysis. A separate analysis of the effect of EMG-window duration was done.

Results:

There were large disparities in the results from different normalization methods. The best methods used EMG metrics from individual-trace EMG measurements, not from part of the average cVEMP waveform. EMG quantification by RMS or RECT produced similar results. For most EMG quantifications, longer window durations were better in producing receiver-operating-characteristic with high areas under the curve. However, even short window durations worked well when the EMG metric was calculated from the average RMS or RECT of the individual-trace EMGs. Calculating the EMG from a long-duration window of a cVEMP “noise” average waveform was almost as good as the individual-trace-EMG methods.

Conclusions:

The best cVEMP normalizations use EMG quantification from individual-trace EMGs. To have the normalized cVEMPs accurately reflect the vestibular activation, a good normalization method needs to be used.
Social Network Gap Analysis Evaluation
Authors: Bright Candace Forbes , Cozart Thometta , Bagley Braden , Scott Hannah , Dennis Jonathan
Published: November 2018

Despite the growing emphasis on collaboration in public health, there remains a dearth of literature providing tools for the evaluation of coalitions and councils. This study employed social network gap analysis as an evaluation tool. Survey data collected from the Southeastern Health Equity Council members were used to assess connections among members as a whole, by committee, by state, and by health specialty area. Analysis of how well Southeastern Health Equity Council met the representation outlined in its strategic plan was also conducted. Recommendations for improving the network and opportunities to effectively recruit and advance the work of Southeastern Health Equity Council are discussed.
Investigating the Effect of Demographics, Clinical Characteristics, and Polymorphism of MDR-1, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 on Clopidogrel Resistance
Authors: Al-Husein Belal A. , Al-Azzam Sayer I. , Alzoubi Karem H. , Khabour Omar F. , Nusair Mohammad B. , Alzayadeen Samar
Published: November 2018

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet agent that is indicated for cardiovascular emergencies and procedures. The drug, however, is subject to response variability leading to therapy resistance. In this research, we explored the demographic, clinical, and genetic factors associated with clopidogrel resistance. Data analysis among our 280 subjects receiving clopidogrel showed some risk factors that are significantly associated with clopidogrel resistance compared with responders. Those were: female sex (P= 0.021), advanced age (P= 0.011), obesity (P= 0.002), and higher body mass index (P= 0.008) and higher platelets count (P= 0.002). However, known polymorphisms of MDR-1, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 were not associated with treatment resistance when compared to responders to clopidogrel therapy. Knowledge about such risk factors might provide recommendation in the future about starting doses or monitoring recommendations.
Clinical Effects on Skin Texture and Hydration of the Face Using Microbotox and Microhyaluronicacid
Authors: Kim JongSeo
Published: November 2018

Background:

Improving skin texture in the face is a popular procedure in older women. Procedures using stabilized hyaluronic acid (S-HA) to improve skin texture should be distinguished from volumizing procedures. The intradermal injection of S-HA has many benefits, such as being safe from embolism, having a high ease of injection, and leading to dramatic improvements in skin texture and hydration. HA is the main component of the extracellular matrix and dermal hydration can help counteract the effects of aging. When the dermis is well hydrated using S-HA, it looks healthier, and this effect can last for more than half a year. Various intradermal injection techniques have been reported, such as manual injection, the blanching technique, and using an automatic injector with multiple needles.

Method:

The dermis can be treated with microdroplets (0.001 cc) of S-HA at a thousand of injection sites using an injector. This unique injection method was Named "Microhyaluronicacid" by the author, based on an analogy with Microbotox5. The author invented a unique injection solution in which S-HA is mixed with botulinum toxin A; this solution has been used for dermal hydration and skin rejuvenation since 2009. To reduce the risk of creating a dermal lump, polydensified monophasic HA and automatic injector were used. Microhyaluronicacid and Microbotox were combined by the author.

Results:

In 50 patients, changes in fine wrinkles were measured using a dermascope, and dermal hydration was measured by transepidermal water loss and stratum corneum hydration levels.

Conclusion:

The changes of transepidermal water loss and stratum corneum hydration were statically significant at 4 and 8 weeks.
The Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flap in an Innovative Microsurgery Training Method
Authors: Deskoulidi Parthena I. , Benetatos Konstantinos M. , Maltzaris Nikolaos A. , Diamantopoulos Pantelis K. , Basagiannis Efthymios D. , Kotrotsiou Maria D. , Stavrianos Spiros D.
Published: November 2018

The road to becoming a good and confident microsurgeon requires love for your work, patience, and good training facilities. Safe and effective training procedures for young microsurgeons during their plastic surgery residency are necessary and should be applied under standardized conditions. We present an innovative microsurgical training method for plastic surgery residents in the operation theater concerning the anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALT). In a 2-team approach, the ALT flap harvesting begins parallel to tumor resection. Although the tumor excision team still works in the tumor region, and after the reconstructive team has successfully completed the ALT dissection, residents can work distally to the origin of the perforator vessel (which supplies the flap). Their training involves dissection and anastomosis of the continuation of the descending branch, distally to the perforator supplying the flap. Since 2015, eight operations have been performed with this innovative method with the participation of upcoming microsurgeons. A written informed consent is given to all patients. Our study resulted in the improvement of microsurgical skills of the young microsurgeons. There is no impact to the ALT perforator flap or to the operative time. This training procedure can be safely applied as a training method during plastic surgery residency under standardized conditions. We have the joy of seeing our resident’s progress through their high success rates in microsurgery. We recommend this innovative procedure as an adequate teaching method during residency to promote the future of our specialty, and we hope that our students will become even better than their teachers.
Continuous Versus Interrupted Sutures for Primary Cleft Palate Repair
Authors: Fayyaz Ghulam Qadir , Gill Nauman Ahmad , Alam Iftikhar , Chaudary Ayesha , Aslam Muhammad , Ishaaq Irfan , Hameed Abdul , Ganatra Ashraf , Sheikh Tahir , Bilal Muhammad
Published: November 2018

Background:

Cleft palate is a common congenital problem. It is traditionally surgically repaired with interrupted sutures between the ages of 6 and 18 months, with the aim of achieving closure of both nasal and oral layers. In various fields of surgery, continuous, rather than interrupted, sutures are the norm. There are no reports, however, of continuous suture repair for cleft palate.

Methods:

A comparative study was designed at Clapp Hospital Lahore, to compare the effectiveness of 2 techniques. A total of 152 patients were included in the study over a period of 3 years. Per-operatively, the duration of surgery (time for nasal and oral layer closure) and the number of suture materials used were noted and compared between the 2 groups. Postoperatively, we compared the rate of wound dehiscence and fistula formation between the 2 groups.

Results:

Out of 152 patients, 84 patients were operated on by continuous technique and 68 patients by interrupted technique. The mean duration of nasal layer closure in group A was 7.08 minutes, whereas that in group B was 11.50 minutes. The mean number of sutures required for the continuous suture group was 2.12, whereas that for the interrupted suture group was 4.59 (P < 0.05). There were no differences seen in either of the 2 postoperative outcomes compared in this study.

Conclusion:

A continuous closure technique can be utilized in palate repair, as it us more cost-effective and time-efficient.
Cortiva Versus AlloDerm Ready-to-use in Prepectoral and Submuscular Breast Reconstruction: Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial Study Design and Early Findings
Authors: Parikh Rajiv P. , Tenenbaum Marissa M. , Yan Yan , Myckatyn Terence M.
Published: November 2018

Background:

Several acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) can be used to provide soft-tissue support for post- and prepectoral prosthetic breast reconstructions. Yet, several recent meta-analysis suggest that due to a lack of rigorous evaluation in the setting of head-to-head prospective randomized control trials, few reliable conclusions regarding performance outcomes can be drawn. We compare Cortiva 1 mm to AlloDerm RTU in the setting of submuscular reconstruction in one study, and prepectoral in the second. Moreover, we present the findings from the interim analysis in our submuscular study.

Methods:

Using a single-blinded prospective randomized control trial design, we compare outcomes in 180 patients undergoing submuscular breast reconstruction with 16 × 8 cm ADM support (either Cortiva 1 mm or AlloDerm RTU). A parallel study evaluates 16 × 20 cm sheets of these ADMs in 180 patients undergoing prepectoral reconstructions. Time to drain removal, complications, fill volumes, patient-reported outcomes, and narcotic consumption are prospectively evaluated.

Results:

Interim analysis of 59 breasts in the submuscular study arm (Cortiva n = 31; AlloDerm n = 28) revealed no statistically significant differences with respect to outcome. At the time of interim analysis, the AlloDerm RTU group contained a higher proportion of never-smokers (P = 0.009), while patients implanted with Cortiva 1 mm received a larger tissue expander (P = 0.02).

Conclusion:

We present a protocol for a robust randomized control trial to evaluate outcomes in both submuscular and prepectoral prosthetic breast reconstruction assisted by 2 distinct types of ADM. Our interim analysis reveals no evidence of inferiority of outcomes in a comparison of AlloDerm to Cortiva.
Serpiginous Lesion on the Foot
Authors: Tao Joy , Lake Eden Pappo
Published: November 2018

This is a case of an erythematous, serpiginous, pruritic eruption located on the dorsal left foot of a patient who recently traveled to Jamaica. The patient is otherwise healthy. A multiple-choice question is presented, and readers will be challenged to identify an appropriate treatment option based on case presentation, symptoms, and patient history. An answer is given followed by a discussion of disease transmission, diagnosis, clinical features, and appropriate management of the lesion.
Pentoxifylline (Trental) in Venous Insufficiency and Venous Leg Ulcers
Authors: Zito Patrick M. , Murgia Robert D.
Published: November 2018

Drugs are medications or substances that are used to modify physiologic responses and alleviate associated symptoms. In dermatology, medications and substances are utilized on a daily basis and include topical treatments to anesthetics in micrographic surgery to biologic-acting immunologic agents. The purposes of this section are to focus on drug, specifically how it works and how it is utilized, and to discuss routine alternatives (if available). In this column, we will focus on the uses, mechanism of action, adverse effects, and alternatives to pentoxifylline (Trental, Pentoxil) in venous leg ulcers.
Recurrent and Persistent Urticaria: Is It Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria?
Authors: Goldstein Stanley , Weinberg Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2018

Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU), defined as wheals and/or angioedema lasting for ≥6 weeks without an identifiable cause, is a burdensome condition. This review provides recommendations regarding the efficient recognition and differential diagnosis of CIU from other chronic urticaria forms and discusses the importance of evaluating CIU’s impact on patients’ quality of life and assessing unmet treatment needs.

The goal of treatment is achieving complete resolution of symptoms through a systematic approach and close patient cooperation, thereby improving quality of life. The U.S. Practice Parameter describes a step-care approach to CIU management, with second-generation H1-antihistamines at approved doses as the first-line treatment. For patients with inadequately controlled symptoms, dose advancement or add-on therapies, followed by use of potent antihistamines, may be considered. Of the alternative agents available for the treatment of patients with refractory CIU, omalizumab, an anti-immunoglobulin E monoclonal antibody, is the only treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in adults and adolescents (≥12 years old) with CIU who remain symptomatic despite H1-antihistamine therapy. Ultimately, treatment decisions should weigh the potential clinical benefit versus harm for each agent and consider the patient’s preference. By discussing available treatment options and providing evidence-based recommendations, this review aims to support aspects of decision making when managing this complex condition.
Envenomation by the common European adder (Vipera berus): a case series of 219 patients
Authors: Hermansen Mette N. , Krug Andrea H. , Tjønnfjord Eirik , Brabrand Mikkel
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Every year, several patients are bitten by the common European adder (Vipera berus). The aim of this study is to present a large consecutive case series of patients bitten by V. berus, and to identify signs and symptoms indicative of complicated illness.

Patients and methods

This is a retrospective case series from the Hospital of South West Jutland, Denmark. All 219 patients bitten by V. berus (diagnosed by history or clinical findings) from 1994 to 2012 were identified through hospital databases. A severity grading from 1 to 5 was applied, and epidemiology, symptoms and signs, complications, treatment and laboratory data were extracted from the hospital databases.

Results

The most common complaints on admission were pain, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and dizziness, with discoloration and oedema being the most common symptoms. Few patients experienced syncope, palpitations or respiratory distress. Fifteen percent of all patients were transferred to the ICU and 2% (all children) were suspected of having compartment syndrome. Leucocytosis, gastrointestinal symptoms and hypotension were risk factors for complicated disease.

Conclusion

Most patients only showed symptoms of no or mild envenomation. Fifteen percent were transferred to the ICU and five patients (all children) required fasciotomy because of suspected compartment syndrome. Only 10 patients received antivenom.
Use of the C-MAC Macintosh 0 Blade for Intubation of Infants in the Emergency Department
Authors: Miller Kelsey A. , Eisenberg Matthew A. , Abid Edir S. , Nagler Joshua
Published: November 2018

First-pass success rates during intubation of infants in the emergency department have been shown to be low. Video laryngoscopy is being increasingly used during advanced airway management in the emergency department, but available data have not supported improved outcomes with use in pediatrics. The newly available Macintosh size 0 (curved) blade for the C-MAC video laryngoscope offers a narrower blade for use in infants. We describe the use of the new C-MAC Macintosh 0 blade for intubation of 2 infants with apnea secondary to respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis. The included video recording demonstrates the favorable glottic view and improved maneuverability offered by the narrower blade but also highlights the limitation in use beyond young infants given the short blade length.
Outcomes for Children With a Nonvisualized Appendix on Ultrasound
Authors: Williamson Kristy , Sherman Joshua M. , Fishbein Joanna Stein , Rocker Joshua
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Oftentimes while pursing the diagnosis of appendicitis, an ultrasound cannot visualize the appendix, and physicians must utilize other resources for evaluation. The primary objective of this study was to determine if there was a lower rate of appendicitis when the appendix was not visualized on ultrasound. Furthermore, we assessed the importance of specific clinical predictors in this population.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of all children who presented to our pediatric emergency department from 2011 to 2013 and had an abdominal ultrasound. We identified total numbers of ultrasounds with a nonvisualized appendix and then assessed follow-up for a randomly selected group of patients. We performed logistic regression to assess the predictive value of different clinical factors.

Results

A total of 3245 ultrasounds were analyzed, and in 54% of these, the appendix was nonvisualized. In total, 28% of the total patients and 11.9% of patients who received a nonvisualized ultrasound had appendicitis (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.3%–16.2%). Among those patients who had follow-up studies performed during the same visit, 21.2% had appendicitis (95% CI, 14.9%–28.8%), and of those discharged without a diagnosis, 1.5% had appendicitis (95% CI, 0.2%–5.4%). Male sex, leukocytosis, and an elevated absolute neutrophil count were each significantly associated with appendicitis after a nonvisualized appendix on ultrasound.

Conclusions

A significant proportion of patients with suspected appendicitis who had an initial nonvisualized appendix on ultrasound were ultimately diagnosed with appendicitis. Clinicians must be vigilant about pursuing a definitive diagnosis if an initial ultrasound is nondiagnostic.