bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory cell‐induced corrosion in total knee arthroplasty: A retrieval study
Authors: Cerquiglini Arianna , Henckel Johann , Hothi Harry S. , Di Laura Anna , Skinner John A. , Hart Alister J.
Published: November 2016

Metal release in patients with joint replacements is associated with local tissue reactions, pain, and ultimately revision of implants. One of the causes of this metal loss is speculated to be due to a mechanism of inflammatory cell‐induced corrosion (ICIC).

In this knee retrieval study, we aimed to: (1) identify the extent and location of ICI corrosion patterns on our femoral and tibial components and (2) correlate our findings with implant and clinical information. We investigated 28 femoral and 9 tibial components made of polished CoCr for presence of ICIC, using macroscopic and microscopic screening and statistical analyses to identify any significant correlations between our results and clinical information.

We found that 71% of femoral and 100% of tibial components showed evidence of ICIC and significantly more was present on non‐contacting regions (p < 0.0001). We found a significant correlation between the presence of ICIC and instability (p = 0.0113) and a significant difference between poster stabilized and cruciate retaining designs in the amount of ICIC on internal edges (p = 0.0375). This corrosion pattern was prevalent in our series of knee retrievals and may help explain some of the mechanisms of material loss that may occurin vivo. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 460–467, 2018.
Evaluation of velocity‐sensitized and acceleration‐sensitized NCE‐MRA for below‐knee peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Shaida Nadeem , Priest Andrew N. , See T.C. , Winterbottom Andrew P. , Graves Martin J. , Lomas David J.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of velocity‐ and acceleration‐sensitized noncontrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (NCE‐MRA) of the infrageniculate arteries using contrast‐enhanced MRA (CE‐MRA) as a reference standard.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐four patients with symptoms of peripheral arterial disease were recruited. Each patient's infrageniculate arterial tree was examined using a velocity‐dependent flow‐sensitized dephasing (VEL‐FSD) technique, an acceleration‐dependent (ACC‐FSD) technique, and our conventional CE‐MRA technique performed at 1.5T. The images were independently reviewed by two experienced vascular radiologists, who evaluated each vessel segment to assess visibility, diagnostic confidence, venous contamination, and detection of pathology.

Results

In all, 432 segments were evaluated by each of the three techniques by each reader in total. Overall diagnostic confidence was rated as moderate or high in 98.5% of segments with CE‐MRA, 92.1% with VEL‐FSD, and 79.9% with ACC‐FSD. No venous contamination was seen in 96% of segments with CE‐MRA, 72.2% with VEL‐FSD, and 85.8% with ACC‐FSD. Per‐segment, per‐limb, and per‐patient sensitivities for detecting significant stenotic disease were 63.4%, 73%, and 92%, respectively, for ACC‐FSD, and 65.3%, 87.2%, and 96% for VEL‐FSD, and as such no significant statistical change was detected using McNemar's chi‐squared test with P‐values of 1.00, 0.13, and 0.77 obtained, respectively.

Conclusion

Flow‐dependent NCE‐MRA techniques may have a role to play in evaluation of patients with peripheral vascular disease. Increased sensitivity of a velocity‐based technique compared to an acceleration‐based technique comes at the expense of greater venous contamination.

Level of Evidence: 2J.

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1846–1853
Small world properties changes in mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Zhou Yongxia
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To investigate local and global efficiency changes characterized by small‐world properties based on resting‐state functional MRI, such as centrality and clustering coefficient, in mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) patients; and to associate these findings with axonal injury as measured by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) as well as with post‐concussive symptom (PCS).

Materials and Methods

Thirty patients (mean age 35 ± 13 years) with clinically defined MTBI and 45 age‐matched healthy controls (mean age 37 ± 10 years) participated in the experiments. Resting‐state functional MRI was performed using gradient echo planar imaging sequence with 3 Tesla MRI scanner to obtain functional small‐world networks. Out of all participants, 20 MTBI patients and 20 controls had available DTI data with three b‐values (0, 500, 1000) s/mm2 and 30 directions for diffuse axonal injury analyses.

Results

Compared with controls, MTBI patients showed lower relative betweenness centrality (P = 0.01), but significantly higher clustering coefficient (P = 0.04), and these two metrics correlated negatively in patients (r = ‐0.77; P < 0.001). Regions with lower betweenness centrality (e.g., frontal and occipital) corresponded with the regions of reduced FA in patients, while global FA reduction correlated with betweenness centrality (r = 0.48; P = 0.03) and clustering coefficient (r = ‐0.46; P = 0.04) in MTBI patients. In addition, there was significantly higher thalamocortical connectivity that correlated with clustering coefficient (r = 0.39; P = 0.03) in patients. Also, patients with higher clustering coefficient tended to have less PCS score with negative correlation (r = ‐0.4; P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated significant functional small‐world properties changes in patients with MTBI, and suggest decreased global efficiency, possibly due to diffuse axonal injury and local network upregulation including increased thalamo‐cortical connectivity.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:518–527
Cloning and heterologous expression of chlorophyll a synthase in Rhodobacter sphaeroides
Authors: Ipekoğlu Emre M. , Göçmen Koray , Öz Mehmet T. , Gürgan Muazzez , Yücel Meral
Published: November 2016

Rhodobacter sphaeroides is a purple non‐sulfur bacterium which photoheterotrophically produces hydrogen from organic acids under anaerobic conditions. A gene coding for putative chlorophyll a synthase (chlG) from cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus marinus was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction and cloned into an inducible‐expression plasmid which was subsequently transferred to R. sphaeroides for heterologous expression. Induced expression of chlG in R. sphaeroides led to changes in light absorption spectrum within 400–700 nm. The hydrogen production capacity of the mutant strain was evaluated on hydrogen production medium with 15 mM malate and 2 mM glutamate. Hydrogen yield and productivity were increased by 13.6 and 22.6%, respectively, compared to the wild type strain. The results demonstrated the feasibility of genetic engineering to combine chlorophyll and bacteriochlorophyll biosynthetic pathways which utilize common intermediates. Heterologous expression of key enzymes from biosynthetic pathways of various pigments is proposed here as a general strategy to improve absorption spectra and yield of photosynthesis and hydrogen gas production in bacteria.
Paclitaxel inhibits post‐traumatic recurrent laryngeal nerve regeneration into the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle in a canine model
Authors: Park Andrea M. , Bhatt Neel K. , Paniello Randal C.
Published: November 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate the efficacy of paclitaxel, a potent microtubule inhibitor with a more favorable therapeutic index as compared with vincristine, in preventing post‐traumatic nerve regeneration of the recurrent laryngeal nerve into the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle in a canine laryngeal model.

Study Design

Experimental animal study.

Methods

Forty‐nine canine hemilaryngeal specimens were divided into five experimental groups. Under general anesthesia, a tracheostomy, recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) transection and repair, and laryngeal adductory pressures (LAP) were measured pre–RLN injury. The approach to the posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) muscle for neurotoxin injection was transoral or open transcervical, at 0 or 3 months. At 6 months, postinjury LAPs were measured and the animals were sacrificed at 6 months to allow for laryngeal harvesting and analysis.

Results

Paclitaxel demonstrated increased mean laryngeal adductory pressures (70.6%) as compared with saline control (55.5%). The effect of paclitaxel was the same as observed with vincristine at 0 months and with a delayed injection at 3 months. There was no difference between transoral or open injection groups.

Conclusions

PCA muscle injection with paclitaxel resulted in improved strength of laryngeal adduction. This effect was similar to that of vincristine at both 0 and 3 months following nerve injury. A single intramuscular injection of paclitaxel was well tolerated. Additional human studies are needed to determine the degree of clinical benefit of this intervention.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 127:651–655, 2017
Detailed tail proteomic analysis of axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) using an mRNA‐seq reference database
Authors: Demircan Turan , Keskin Ilknur , Dumlu Seda Nilgün , Aytürk Nilüfer , Avşaroğlu Mahmut Erhan , Akgün Emel , Öztürk Gürkan , Baykal Ahmet Tarık
Published: November 2016

Salamander axolotl has been emerging as an important model for stem cell research due to its powerful regenerative capacity. Several advantages, such as the high capability of advanced tissue, organ, and appendages regeneration, promote axolotl as an ideal model system to extend our current understanding on the mechanisms of regeneration. Acknowledging the common molecular pathways between amphibians and mammals, there is a great potential to translate the messages from axolotl research to mammalian studies. However, the utilization of axolotl is hindered due to the lack of reference databases of genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data. Here, we introduce the proteome analysis of the axolotl tail section searched against an mRNA‐seq database. We translated axolotl mRNA sequences to protein sequences and annotated these to process the LC‐MS/MS data and identified 1001 nonredundant proteins. Functional classification of identified proteins was performed by gene ontology searches. The presence of some of the identified proteins was validated by in situ antibody labeling. Furthermore, we have analyzed the proteome expressional changes postamputation at three time points to evaluate the underlying mechanisms of the regeneration process. Taken together, this work expands the proteomics data of axolotl to contribute to its establishment as a fully utilized model.
Mid‐infrared optical and electrical properties of indium tin oxide films
Authors: Tamanai Akemi , Dao Thang Duy , Sendner Michael , Nagao Tadaaki , Pucci Annemarie
Published: November 2016

Mid‐infrared (MIR) optical properties of six various types of indium tin oxide (ITO) films have been investigated by means of infrared spectroscopic ellipsometry. We utilized both commercially available and uniquely fabricated ITO films which are composed of mainly two types of structures, “grain” and “grain‐subgrain” having (200) and (400) preferential crystallographic orientations, respectively. For the determination of accurate dielectric properties of these ITO films, a thin surface layer on top of a bulk layer was considered for the spectral fits. These are done with a Drude model in the frequency range from 300 to 6000 cm−1. As a result of that, metallic behavior was verified in the MIR region for the surface and for the bulk layer. The real part of the complex dielectric function became increasingly negative toward low frequencies. The bulk layers form more than 70% of the total thickness of the films and have their plasma edges in the near‐infrared. The optical properties of both surface and bulk layers strongly depend on the ITO fabrication conditions, which is enlightened by our study.
Doping in covalently functionalized carbon nanotubes: A Raman scattering study
Authors: Gordeev Georgy , Setaro Antonio , Glaeske Mareen , Jürgensen Sabrina , Reich Stephanie
Published: November 2016

We experimentally investigate the effect of the structural and optoelectronic changes carbon nanotubes undergo after covalent functionalization. The carboxylation process alters the crystalline structure and the optical response of the tubes. We analyzed the intensity of disorder modes in the Raman spectra to estimate the structural degradation of the sp2 network. After functionalization the bands associated with the G and 2D mode shift to higher frequency, indicating a change of the Fermi level ΔEF ∼ −0.5 and −0.65 eV in semiconducting and metallic nanotubes. This is also corroborated by the broadening of the semiconducting and narrowing of the metallic G mode phonons. Analysis of the luminescence correlated with absorption spectroscopy suggests that only the large‐diameter tubes remain present after the functionalization procedure, whereas the small‐diameter (d < 8.2 Å) ones get destroyed in the process. The spectral shifts of the E11 transition energies indicate uniaxial strain of (ϵ = 0.18%) in the semiconducting nanotubes due to functionalization.
Generation of High‐resolution Three‐dimensional Reconstructions of the Seafloor in Color using a Single Camera and Structured Light
Authors: Bodenmann Adrian , Thornton Blair , Ura Tamaki
Published: November 2016

Visual maps of the seafloor can provide objective information to characterize benthic ecosystems and survey the distribution of mineral deposits on spatial scales that cannot be otherwise assessed. This paper proposes a three‐dimensional mapping method based on light sectioning that enables the simultaneous capture of both structure and color from the images of a single camera. The advantages of the method include high and consistent resolution of the bathymetry, and the simplicity of the setup and the algorithm used to process the data it obtains. The hardware requirements for collecting the data are a single camera, a line laser, and a light, making it possible to deploy the mapping device along with other sensors and devices on underwater platforms such as autonomous underwater vehicles and remotely operated vehicles that can log navigation data. The system has been deployed on a total of 11 cruises, among others, to survey manganese‐rich crust deposits on the slopes of Takuyo #5 seamount in the Pacific at depths of more than 2,000 m. In this paper, we present the data that were obtained on one of these cruises.
Corporate sexual equality and firm performance
Authors: Shan Liwei , Fu Shihe , Zheng Lu
Published: November 2016

Research summary: Previous studies have mixed findings on the relation between corporate socially responsible policies and firm performance. This paper focuses on a specific type of corporate social responsibility—corporate sexual equality, measuring how a firm treats its lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees, consumers, and investors—and examines whether and how it relates to firm performance. Using a longitudinal dataset of public firms in the U.S. during the period of 2002–2006, we demonstrate that firms with a higher degree of corporate sexual equality have higher stock returns and higher market valuation. We also identify one of the mediating channels, the labor market channel, that brings higher productivity to firms that embrace sexual equality.

Managerial summary: Corporate sexual equality measures how a company treats its lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees, consumers, and investors. It is an important dimension of corporate social responsibility policies and diversity management. Using a longitudinal dataset of public firms in the U.S. during the period of 2002–2006, we demonstrate that firms with a higher degree of corporate sexual equality have higher stock returns, higher market valuation, and higher labor productivity. Our findings suggest that discriminatory hiring behaviors based on sexual orientation hurt employers and shareholders financially and that implementing corporate sexual equality policies can enhance firms' financial performance, generating competitive advantages in labor markets and mutual benefits between employers and employees. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of Non‐covalent Binding Energies and Optoelectronic Properties of New CuBr2(C6H7N)2 Complex: DFT Approaches
Authors: Chahkandi Mohammad , Aliabad Hossein Asghar Rahnamaye
Published: November 2016

For the first time, the structural and optoelectronic properties of a new complex formulated as CuBr2(C6H7N)2 (1) [trans‐dibromidobis(3‐methylpyridine‐κN) copper(II)] were studied by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. They are performed using B3LYP through the Gaussian 09 program and also with full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP‐LAPW) methods within the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) and Hartree‐Fock (HF) theory by the Wien2k package. The neutral monomeric complex participates in a variety of non‐covalent interactions, including hydrogen bonding and π stacking to create a 2D coordinate plane. The binding energy value of the non‐covalent interactions responsible for the crystalline network formation of 1 were calculated using the method of dispersion corrected density functional theory (DFT‐D). In this method, the independent smallest fragment (monomer) and subsequently the related network, including seven monomers bearing all non‐covalent interactions were optimized. The results demonstrate that hydrogen bonds, especially non‐conventional C–H···Br interactions, govern the network formation along the a and c axes. It can be mentioned because of these directed interactions, increasing of charge transfer along x and z directions results in increasement of the absorption and refractive index along y and z directions, and vice versa. The results of band structure show indirectly and directly the nature of the bandgap within GGA and HF, respectively. The bandgap value of CuBr2(C6H7N)2 is comparable to those of binary semiconductor compounds. DOSs spectra reveal that 3d Cu, 4p Br, and 2p C states play important roles in the optical transitions of the electrons. The calculated electronic absorption of the UV/Vis spectrum shows six major electron‐transition bands derived from d → d (ligand field) n → n, n → π*, π → n, and σ → n MLCT and LMCT transitions. The calculated absorption spectrum of the titled complex through FP‐LAPW within GGA method shows good consistency with the B3LYP/def2‐TZVP/6‐311+G(d,p) method. Our calculated birefringence results show that 1 has capability of nonlinear optical, which can be used in the nonlinear optoelectronic devices.
Guidelines for diagnosis and management of the cobalamin‐related remethylation disorders cblC, cblD, cblE, cblF, cblG, cblJ and MTHFR deficiency
Authors: Huemer Martina , Diodato Daria , Schwahn Bernd , Schiff Manuel , Bandeira Anabela , Benoist Jean‐Francois , Burlina Alberto , Cerone Roberto , Couce Maria L. , Garcia‐Cazorla Angeles , la Marca Giancarlo , Pasquini Elisabetta , Vilarinho Laura , Weisfeld‐Adams James D. , Kožich Viktor , Blom Henk , Baumgartner Matthias R. , Dionisi‐Vici Carlo
Published: November 2016

Background

Remethylation defects are rare inherited disorders in which impaired remethylation of homocysteine to methionine leads to accumulation of homocysteine and perturbation of numerous methylation reactions.

Objective

To summarise clinical and biochemical characteristics of these severe disorders and to provide guidelines on diagnosis and management.

Data sources

Review, evaluation and discussion of the medical literature (Medline, Cochrane databases) by a panel of experts on these rare diseases following the GRADE approach.

Key recommendations

We strongly recommend measuring plasma total homocysteine in any patient presenting with the combination of neurological and/or visual and/or haematological symptoms, subacute spinal cord degeneration, atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome or unexplained vascular thrombosis. We strongly recommend to initiate treatment with parenteral hydroxocobalamin without delay in any suspected remethylation disorder; it significantly improves survival and incidence of severe complications. We strongly recommend betaine treatment in individuals with MTHFR deficiency; it improves the outcome and prevents disease when given early.
Synthesis and Application of Palm Fatty Acid Distillate Based Alkyd Resin in Liquid Detergent
Authors: Chiplunkar Pranali P. , Shinde Vinita V. , Pratap Amit P.
Published: November 2016

Palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) is the by‐product obtained during physical refining of crude palm oil, which mainly consists of free fatty acids along with minor amounts of glycerides, bioactive compounds such as tocopherols, tocotrienols, phytosterols, squalene, other hydrocarbons. In the present work, an eco‐friendly alkyd resin was prepared using sustainable feedstock such as PFAD along with rosin. The various physico‐chemical properties of PFAD‐based alkyd resin (PFAD‐AR) such as acid value, saponification value, viscosity and volatile matter were determined and compared to palm oil based alkyd resin (PO‐AR). The structural properties of the alkyd resins were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopic techniques. The study presents the utilization of PFAD‐based alkyd resin with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) in the liquid detergent formulation. The performance properties of the PFAD‐based alkyd resin liquid detergent formulations such as surface tension, wetting power and detergency were comparable with palm oil based alkyd resin liquid detergent formulations and with commercial liquid detergent (CLD). Surface tensions of liquid detergent formulations varied from 20 to 30 mN/m with decrease in concentration. The foaming properties of alkyd resin based liquid detergents are reduced with the increase in the amount of alkyd resin polymer in the formulations. Therefore, it has potential application as a foam reducer in detergent for washing machines.
Discriminant Equations in Diophantine Number Theory
Authors: Evertse Jan-Hendrik , Győry Kálmán
Published: November 2016

Discriminant equations are an important class of Diophantine equations with close ties to algebraic number theory, Diophantine approximation and Diophantine geometry. This book is the first comprehensive account of discriminant equations and their applications. It brings together many aspects, including effective results over number fields, effective results over finitely generated domains, estimates on the number of solutions, applications to algebraic integers of given discriminant, power integral bases, canonical number systems, root separation of polynomials and reduction of hyperelliptic curves. The authors' previous title, Unit Equations in Diophantine Number Theory, laid the groundwork by presenting important results that are used as tools in the present book. This material is briefly summarized in the introductory chapters along with the necessary basic algebra and algebraic number theory, making the book accessible to experts and young researchers alike.
Middle and Late Jurassic radiolarians from the Neotethys suture in the Eastern Alps
Authors: O’Dogherty Luis , Goričan Špela , Gawlick Hans-Jürgen
Published: November 2016

Cherty limestones, marls and radiolarites are widespread in the Hallstatt Mélange of the Northern Calcareous Alps. The mélange was formed during the Neotethyan orogeny in a series of deep-water basins that progressively developed in front of the advancing nappe front. The low thermal overprint of these rocks favors the good preservation of radiolarians (polycystines) that have been used for dating and reconstructing the Jurassic tectonostratigraphy of the area. This paper describes rich Middle–Late Jurassic radiolarian faunas from four localities in the Hallstatt Mélange near Bad Mitterndorf in Austria. Two different successions, both spanning from the Bathonian to the Oxfordian, are dated. In the first succession, the radiolarites are intercalated between or occur as matrix in mass-flow deposits originating from the accretionary wedge. The second succession is nearly 100 m thick but is devoid of mass-flow deposits and documents a continuous radiolarite deposition in greater distance from the nappe stack. Both successions are ascribed to the Sandlingalm Basin, which evolved on a relatively distal continental margin during early stages of the orogeny.

The highly diverse and well-preserved radiolarian assemblages have been used for a detailed taxonomic study. Two new families are described: Minocapsidaen. fam. andXitomitridaen. fam.; six new genera are describedDoliocapsan. gen.,Crococapsan. gen.,Parvimitrellan. gen.,Xitomitran. gen.,Campanomitran. gen., andMizukidellan. gen. In addition, one new replacement name,Takemuraella(proTriversus), is introduced, the diagnoses of 6 genera are emended, and two new species are described:Hemicryptocapsa nonagintan. sp. andMizukidella mokaensisn. sp.
Credibility and Distributional Effects of International Banking Regulations: Evidence from US Bank Stock Returns
Authors: Wilf Meredith
Published: November 2016

Financial regulatory networks are a pervasive new type of global governance heralded by some as a flexible answer to globalization dilemmas and dismissed by others as ineffective because of weak enforcement mechanisms. Whether regulatory network agreements provide global public goods or private goods for certain states’ firms is a second debated issue. This article adjudicates among competing perspectives by examining whether Basel III, an international agreement about bank capital minimums negotiated by the bank regulatory network in 2009 and 2010, was viewed as credible and affecting regulated US firms. I use stock returns to measure investors’ perceptions, and an event study methodology to test whether regulated banks’ observed stock returns significantly differ from expected stock returns on days when new information about Basel III becomes available. If the agreement is viewed as credible and affecting firm value, banks’ stock returns will deviate from expectations. The direction of any deviation indicates whether regulations benefit or hurt banks. Although the direction of effects is not uniform across events, I find that the initial stock return reaction and the net effect across all five events are negative, and of a similar magnitude as regulated foreign banks, indicating that US banks were harmed, and did not benefit from, the new international regulations. US banks experienced stock returns that differed from expectations, providing evidence that international regulatory network agreements are viewed as credible and tangibly affect firms independent of domestic implementation.
Somewhat saved: a captive breeding programme for two endemic Christmas Island lizard species, now extinct in the wild
Authors: Andrew Paul , Cogger Hal , Driscoll Don , Flakus Samantha , Harlow Peter , Maple Dion , Misso Mike , Pink Caitlin , Retallick Kent , Rose Karrie , Tiernan Brendan , West Judy , Woinarski John C.Z.
Published: November 2016

As with many islands, Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean has suffered severe biodiversity loss. Its terrestrial lizard fauna comprised five native species, of which four were endemic. These were abundant until at least the late 1970s, but four species declined rapidly thereafter and were last reported in the wild between 2009 and 2013. In response to the decline, a captive breeding programme was established in August 2009. This attempt came too late for the Christmas Island forest skinkEmoia nativitatis, whose last known individual died in captivity in 2014, and for the non-endemic coastal skinkEmoia atrocostata. However, two captive populations are now established for Lister's geckoLepidodactylus listeriand the blue-tailed skinkCryptoblepharus egeriae. The conservation future for these two species is challenging: reintroduction will not be possible until the main threats are identified and controlled.
Brain substrates underlying auditory speech priming in healthy listeners and listeners with schizophrenia
Authors: Wu C. , Zheng Y. , Li J. , Wu H. , She S. , Liu S. , Ning Y. , Li L.
Published: November 2016

Background

Under ‘cocktail party’ listening conditions, healthy listeners and listeners with schizophrenia can use temporally pre-presented auditory speech-priming (ASP) stimuli to improve target-speech recognition, even though listeners with schizophrenia are more vulnerable to informational speech masking.

Method

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, this study searched for both brain substrates underlying the unmasking effect of ASP in 16 healthy controls and 22 patients with schizophrenia, and brain substrates underlying schizophrenia-related speech-recognition deficits under speech-masking conditions.

Results

In both controls and patients, introducing the ASP condition (against the auditory non-speech-priming condition) not only activated the left superior temporal gyrus (STG) and left posterior middle temporal gyrus (pMTG), but also enhanced functional connectivity of the left STG/pMTG with the left caudate. It also enhanced functional connectivity of the left STG/pMTG with the left pars triangularis of the inferior frontal gyrus (TriIFG) in controls and that with the left Rolandic operculum in patients. The strength of functional connectivity between the left STG and left TriIFG was correlated with target-speech recognition under the speech-masking condition in both controls and patients, but reduced in patients.

Conclusions

The left STG/pMTG and their ASP-related functional connectivity with both the left caudate and some frontal regions (the left TriIFG in healthy listeners and the left Rolandic operculum in listeners with schizophrenia) are involved in the unmasking effect of ASP, possibly through facilitating the following processes: masker-signal inhibition, target-speech encoding, and speech production. The schizophrenia-related reduction of functional connectivity between the left STG and left TriIFG augments the vulnerability of speech recognition to speech masking.
Cognitive effects of adjunctive N-acetyl cysteine in psychosis
Authors: Rapado-Castro M. , Dodd S. , Bush A. I. , Malhi G. S. , Skvarc D. R. , On Z. X. , Berk M. , Dean O. M.
Published: November 2016

Background

Cognitive deficits are predictors of functional outcome in patients with psychosis. While conventional antipsychotics are relatively effective on positive symptoms, their impact on negative and cognitive symptoms is limited. Recent studies have established a link between oxidative stress and neurocognitive deficits in psychosis. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a glutathione precursor with glutamatergic properties, has shown efficacy on negative symptoms and functioning in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, respectively. However, there are few evidence-based approaches for managing cognitive impairment in psychosis. The present study aims to examine the cognitive effects of adjunctive NAC treatment in a pooled subgroup of participants with psychosis who completed neuropsychological assessment in two trials of both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Method

A sample of 58 participants were randomized in a double fashion to receive 2 g/day of NAC (n = 27) or placebo (n = 31) for 24 weeks. Attention, working memory and executive function domains were assessed. Differences between cognitive performance at baseline and end point were examined using Wilcoxon's test. The Mann–Whitney test was used to examine the differences between the NAC and placebo groups at the end point.

Results

Participants treated with NAC had significantly higher working memory performance at week 24 compared with placebo (U = 98.5, p = 0.027).

Conclusions

NAC may have an impact on cognitive performance in psychosis, as a significant improvement in working memory was observed in the NAC-treated group compared with placebo; however, these preliminary data require replication. Glutamatergic compounds such as NAC may constitute a step towards the development of useful therapies for cognitive impairment in psychosis.
Précis ofTalking to Our Selves: Reflection, Ignorance, and Agency
Authors: Doris John M.
Published: November 2016

Does it make sense for people to hold one another responsible for what they do, as happens in countless social interactions every day? One of the most unsettling lessons from recent psychological research is that people are routinely mistaken about the origins of their behavior. Yet philosophical orthodoxy holds that the exercise of morally responsible agency typically requires accurate self-awareness. If the orthodoxy is right, and the psychology is to be believed, people characteristically fail to meet the standards of morally responsible agency, and we are faced with the possibility of skepticism about agency. Unlike many philosophers, I accept the unsettling lesson from psychology. I insist, however, that we are not driven to skepticism. Instead, we should reject the requirement of accurate self-awareness for morally responsible agency. InTalking to Our SelvesI develop adialogictheory, where the exercise of morally responsible agency emerges through a collaborative conversational process by which human beings, although afflicted with a remarkable degree of self-ignorance, are able to realize their values in their lives.
Costs of reproduction and carry-over effects in breeding albatrosses
Authors: Crossin Glenn T. , Phillips richard A. , Lattin Christine R. , Romero L. Michael , Bordeleau Xavier , Harris Christopher M. , Love Oliver P. , Williams Tony D.
Published: November 2016

We investigated the physiology of two closely related albatross species relative to their breeding strategy: black-browed albatrosses (Thalassarche melanophris) breed annually, while grey-headed albatrosses (T. chrysostoma) breed biennially. From observations of breeding fate and blood samples collected at the end of breeding in one season and feather corticosterone levels (fCort) sampled at the beginning of the next breeding season, we found that in both species some post-breeding physiological parameters differed according to breeding outcome (successful, failed, deferred). Correlations between post-breeding physiology and fCort, and links to future breeding decisions, were examined. In black-browed albatrosses, post-breeding physiology and fCort were not significantly correlated, but fCort independently predicted breeding decision the next year, which we interpret as a possible migratory carry-over effect. In grey-headed albatrosses, post-breeding triglyceride levels were negatively correlated with fCort, but only in females, which we interpret as a potential cost of reproduction. However, this potential cost did not carry-over to future breeding in the grey-headed albatrosses. None of the variables predicted future breeding decisions. We suggest that biennial breeding in the grey-headed albatrosses may have evolved as a strategy to buffer against the apparent susceptibility of females to negative physiological costs of reproduction. Future studies are needed to confirm this.
Using Compassion Focused Therapy as an adjunct to Trauma-Focused CBT for Fire Service personnel suffering with trauma-related symptoms
Authors: Beaumont Elaine , Durkin Mark , McAndrew Sue , Martin Colin R.
Published: November 2016

Individuals working for the emergency services often bear witness to distressing events. This outcome study examines therapeutic interventions for Fire Service personnel (FSP) experiencing symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety and low levels of self-compassion. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of using Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) as an adjunct to Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) in reducing symptoms of trauma, anxiety and depression and increasing self-compassion. A convenience sample (n= 17) of participants, referred for therapy following a traumatic incident, were allocated to receive 12 sessions of either TF-CBT or TF-CBT coupled with CFT. The study employed a repeated-measures design. Data were gathered pre- and post-therapy, using three questionnaires: (1) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; (2) Impact of Events Scale-R; (3) Self-Compassion Scale – Short Form. TF-CBT combined with CFT was more effective than TF-CBT alone on measures of self-compassion. Significant reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, hyperarousal, intrusion and avoidance and a significant increase in self-compassion occurred in both groups post-therapy. The study provides some preliminary evidence to suggest that FSP may benefit from therapeutic interventions aimed at cultivating self-compassion. Further research is warranted using a larger sample size and adequately powered randomized controlled trial, to detect statistically significant differences and to negate the risk of confound due to low numbers resulting in significant differences between groups at baseline. Using CFT as an adjunct to TF-CBT may help FSP, who bear witness to the distress of others, cultivate compassion for their own suffering.
Design of differential-mode bandpass filter with common-mode suppression using ring dielectric resonator
Authors: Kishor Jugul , Kanaujia Binod K. , Dwari Santanu , Kumar Ashwani
Published: November 2016

Synthesis of differential-mode bandpass filter (BPF) with good common-mode suppression has been described and demonstrated on the basis of ring dielectric resonator (RDR) for high-performance communication system. A RDR with two pairs of feeding lines has been used to excite TE01δ-mode. This unique combination of feeding lines and the ring resonator creates a differential passband. Meanwhile, TM01δ-mode of the DR can also be excited to achieve common-mode rejection in the stopband. Transmission zeros are created in the lower and upper stopband to further improve the selectivity of the proposed BPF. A second-order differential BPF is designed, fabricated and its performance is measured to validate the concept. There is good agreement between simulated and measured results.
Countering method for active jamming based on dual-polarization radar seeker
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Pan Weijun
Published: November 2016

In order to counter active jamming, an adaptive polarization cancellation method based on dual-polarization radar is proposed in the paper. First, respectively being obtained by vertical and horizontal polarization channels of dual-polarization radar, the signals from the real target and active jamming are analyzed in composition and characteristic. Then, the weight coefficient is timely derived in practical scene to adjust difference of amplitude and phase of active jamming signals respectively acquired by the two orthogonal polarization channels, so the method can completely eliminate active jamming, but just a little power change for the real target signal. Furthermore, a compensating method for the target signal is developed to improve the angle measuring accuracy of monopulse radars. And the influence factors of adaptive polarization cancellation are analyzed in detail by simulation. Finally, the experimental results prove that it is very effective on both active blanket jamming and active deception jamming.
Will the Trojan War take place? Violations of the rules of war and the Battle of the Dardanelles (1915)
Authors: Öktem Emre , Toumarkine Alexandre
Published: November 2016

The Battle of the Dardanelles is one of the key episodes of World War I on the Ottoman front between the British, the French, the Australians and New Zealanders on the one side, and the Ottoman army under German command on the other. Immediately after the Great War, the former belligerents engaged in another war, which protracts up until the present day: allegations of violations of the rules of war are mutually addressed, in order to become a salient element of political propaganda. Through the analysis of the major controversial issues (use of dum-dum bullets and asphyxiating gases, attacks on non-military objects and sites, treatment of prisoners of war) and the study of various sources (official documents, correspondence and reports issued by belligerent forces, memoirs of Dardanelles’ veterans, ICRC reports) this article scrutinizes two crucial questions. Were the rules of war taken seriously on the battlefield? Was the law instrumentalized by the belligerents?
Entzaubert den Mythos, analysiert den Jargon!
Authors: Bossle Michael
Published: November 2016

Zusammenfassung. Der einführende Beitrag zeichnet grundsätzliche Begründungslinien zur politischen Bildung und versucht konkret pädagogisch-didaktische Vorschläge für die Pflegebildung zu entwickeln. Kritisch-politische Bildung, die sich auf Prinzipien wie Selbstbestimmung und Mündigkeit bezieht, ist gerade für Pflegende ein Schlüssel zur Emanzipation und Mitbestimmung. Zur Zielerreichung dieses Vorhabens wird die Sensibilisierung und Analysefähigkeit der Lernenden für die verschiedenen Eigenschaften des politischen Diskurses notwendig.
A Promise of Nursing Power?!
Authors: Hilberger-Kirlum Pascale
Published: November 2016

Zusammenfassung. Häufig wird mit Berufspolitik das ehrenamtliche und nebenberufliche Engagement in einer Gewerkschaft oder einem Berufsverband verknüpft. Dass darüber hinaus im Kontext der professionellen Pflege hauptamtlich Personen berufspolitisch wirken, darüber weiß kaum Jemand Bescheid. Der vorliegende Artikel gibt aus Sicht einer Akteurin einen Einblick in die berufspolitische Arbeit. Eine Darstellung von möglicher Wirkmacht und Herausforderungen erfolgt exemplarisch am Thema «Verkammerung der Pflegeberufe». Den Abschluss bilden mögliche Implikationen für berufspolitische Bildungsarbeit.
Das Stufenmodell zur Entwicklung der Selbstlernkompetenz in der Pflegeausbildung (SESP)
Authors: Alaaeddine Joanna , Beyer Sabrina , Kulke Nicole , Schnitzler Alexandra
Published: November 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die an Gesundheits- und Krankenpflegeschulen und Altenpflegeschulen unterrichtete Lerneinheit «Lernen lernen» stellt Pädagogen immer wieder vor eine Herausforderung. Zum einen wird die Umsetzung der Lerneinheit von den Lehrenden oft als nicht zielführend betrachtet. Zum anderen sind Widerstände in der Anwendung durch die Schüler erkennbar. Im Rahmen einer umfassenden Projektarbeit wurde ein Konzept für die Lerneinheit erstellt, das transparent und transferfähig ist und von den Lernenden als bedeutsam erlebt wird.
Mikroschulung Mikrolagerung.
Authors: Jurkowitsch Romana Eva
Published: November 2016

Zusammenfassung. Klein, aber fein. Das bezeichnet eine Mikroschulung wohl am besten! In Zeiten von Personalmangel in der Pflege ist es notwendig, Werkzeuge zur Verfügung zu stellen, die qualitativ hochwertig sind, Patienten und deren Angehörigen einen großen Nutzen bringen und zugleich die spärlichen Zeitressourcen der Pflegepersonen berücksichtigen.
Deciphering the Cosmogenic Code to Learn Earth's Surface History
Authors: Stroeven Arjen , Fink David , Caffee Marc
Published: November 2016

Third Nordic Workshop on Cosmogenic Nuclide Techniques; Stockholm, Sweden, 8–10 June 2016
Retraction Note: Carbon enters silica forming a cristobalite-type CO2–SiO2 solid solution
Authors: Santoro Mario , Gorelli Federico A. , Bini Roberto , Salamat Ashkan , Garbarino Gaston , Levelut Claire , Cambon Olivier , Haines Julien
Published: November 2016

The authors therefore wish to retract this Article due to content related concerns.
Parkinson’s disease as a system-level disorder
Authors: Caligiore Daniele , Helmich Rick C , Hallett Mark , Moustafa Ahmed A , Timmermann Lars , Toni Ivan , Baldassarre Gianluca
Published: November 2016

Traditionally, the basal ganglia have been considered the main brain region implicated in Parkinson’s disease. This single area perspective gives a restricted clinical picture and limits therapeutic approaches because it ignores the influence of altered interactions between the basal ganglia and other cerebral components on Parkinsonian symptoms. In particular, the basal ganglia work closely in concert with cortex and cerebellum to support motor and cognitive functions. This article proposes a theoretical framework for understanding Parkinson’s disease as caused by the dysfunction of the entire basal ganglia–cortex–cerebellum system rather than by the basal ganglia in isolation. In particular, building on recent evidence, we propose that the three key symptoms of tremor, freezing, and impairments in action sequencing may be explained by considering partially overlapping neural circuits including basal ganglia, cortical and cerebellar areas. Studying the involvement of this system in Parkinson’s disease is a crucial step for devising innovative therapeutic approaches targeting it rather than only the basal ganglia. Possible future therapies based on this different view of the disease are discussed.
Cerebral blood flow, blood supply, and cognition in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Jansen Jacobus F. A. , van Bussel Frank C. G. , van de Haar Harm J. , van Osch Matthias J. P. , Hofman Paul A. M. , van Boxtel Martin P. J. , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Schram Miranda T. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Wildberger Joachim E. , Backes Walter H.
Published: November 2016

We investigated whether type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and the presence of cognitive impairment are associated with altered cerebral blood flow (CBF). Forty-one participants with and thirty-nine without T2DM underwent 3-Tesla MRI, including a quantitative technique measuring (macrovascular) blood flow in the internal carotid artery and an arterial spin labeling technique measuring (microvascular) perfusion in the grey matter (GM). Three analysis methods were used to quantify the CBF: a region of interest analysis, a voxel-based statistical parametric mapping technique, and a ‘distributed deviating voxels’ method. Participants with T2DM exhibited significantly more tissue with low CBF values in the cerebral cortex and the subcortical GM (3.8-fold increase). The latter was the only region where the hypoperfusion remained after correcting for atrophy, indicating that the effect of T2DM on CBF, independent of atrophy, is small. Subcortical CBF was associated with depression. No associations were observed for CBF in other regions with diabetes status, for carotid blood flow with diabetes status, or for CBF or flow in relation with cognitive function. To conclude, a novel method that tallies total ‘distributed deviating voxels’ demonstrates T2DM-associated hypoperfusion in the subcortical GM, not associated with cognitive performance. Whether a vascular mechanism underlies cognitive decrements remains inconclusive.
Biomimetic antimicrobial cloak by graphene-oxide agar hydrogel
Authors: Papi Massimiliano , Palmieri Valentina , Bugli Francesca , De Spirito Marco , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Ciancico Carlotta , Braidotti Maria Chiara , Gentilini Silvia , Angelani Luca , Conti Claudio
Published: November 2016

Antibacterial surfaces have an enormous economic and social impact on the worldwide technological fight against diseases. However, bacteria develop resistance and coatings are often not uniform and not stable in time. The challenge is finding an antibacterial coating that is biocompatible, cost-effective, not toxic, and spreadable over large and irregular surfaces. Here we demonstrate an antibacterial cloak by laser printing of graphene oxide hydrogels mimicking the Cancer Pagurus carapace. We observe up to 90% reduction of bacteria cells. This cloak exploits natural surface patterns evolved to resist to microorganisms infection, and the antimicrobial efficacy of graphene oxide. Cell integrity analysis by scanning electron microscopy and nucleic acids release show bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect. Nucleic acids release demonstrates microorganism cutting, and microscopy reveals cells wrapped by the laser treated gel. A theoretical active matter model confirms our findings. The employment of biomimetic graphene oxide gels opens unique possibilities to decrease infections in biomedical applications and chirurgical equipment; our antibiotic-free approach, based on the geometric reduction of microbial adhesion and the mechanical action of Graphene Oxide sheets, is potentially not affected by bacterial resistance.