bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MBE growth and digital etch of GaSb/InAs nanowires on Si for logic applications
Authors: Dropiewski Katherine , Tokranov Vadim , Yakimov Michael , Oktyabrsky Serge , Bentley Steven , Galatage Rohit
Published: March 2017

The 6.1 Å III–V “high-mobility” semiconductor family includes materials with beneficial transport properties of both electrons and holes (InAs, GaSb), which are appealing for fast and low-power complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor applications. Yet their large lattice mismatch with Si (∼12%) results in three dimensional island nucleation and therefore growth defects. The solution for deposition of this high mismatch material is the growth of the entire device from a single nucleus, such as in vertical nanowires. Two types of GaSb nanowires (NWs) are demonstrated on a Si(111) substrate: vertically stacked InAs/GaSb NWs and coaxial core/shell NWs. This paper summarizes surface preparation, growth conditions, and postprocessing steps which can be used to create nanowires with small enough diameters for use as logic devices.
Mellowing Skeptical Consumers: An Examination of Sponsorship-Linked Advertising
Authors: Kelly Sarah , Coote Len , Cornwell T. Bettina , McAlister Anna
Published: March 2017

This research provides insight into the complex relationship between consumer response to persuasion attempts and skepticism, suggesting that erstwhile targets may be swayed by campaigns pitched as a form of entertainment. The authors examine consumer responses to an important sponsorship-leveraging tool: sponsorship-linked advertising (SLA). A theoretical model of consumer response to SLA is proposed, drawing on important resistance mechanisms to persuasion, including ad skepticism, attributed advertiser motives, and the nature of thoughts. Results confirm existing research on consumer skepticism suggesting its transitory nature and hence potential for advertisers to strategically temper it through specific cues in ad execution. Differential processing between SLA and traditional advertising is supported, such that SLA elicits more favorable cognitive response.
Explaining recurring maser flares in the ISM through large-scale entangled quantum mechanical states
Authors: Rajabi Fereshteh , Houde Martin
Published: March 2017

Simultaneously recurring maser flares from different molecular species in the ISM can be explained with superradiance.
Band structure evolution during the ultrafast ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition in cobalt
Authors: Eich Steffen , Plötzing Moritz , Rollinger Markus , Emmerich Sebastian , Adam Roman , Chen Cong , Kapteyn Henry Cornelius , Murnane Margaret M. , Plucinski Lukasz , Steil Daniel , Stadtmüller Benjamin , Cinchetti Mirko , Aeschlimann Martin , Schneider Claus M. , Mathias Stefan
Published: March 2017

Using spin- and time-resolved XUV photoemission, researchers monitor the band structure evolution of Co during its phase transition.
Defining the Core Citrus Leaf- and Root-Associated Microbiota: Factors Associated with Community Structure and Implications for Managing Huanglongbing (Citrus Greening) Disease
Authors: Blaustein Ryan A. , Lorca Graciela L. , Meyer Julie L. , Gonzalez Claudio F. , Teplitski Max
Published: March 2017

Stable associations between plants and microbes are critical to promoting host health and productivity. The objective of this work was to test the hypothesis that restructuring of the core microbiota may be associated with the progression of huanglongbing (HLB), the devastating citrus disease caused by
Liberibacter asiaticus
,
Liberibacter americanus
, and
Liberibacter africanus
. The microbial communities of leaves (
n
= 94) and roots (
n
= 79) from citrus trees that varied by HLB symptom severity, cultivar, location, and season/time were characterized with Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. The taxonomically rich communities contained abundant core members (i.e., detected in at least 95% of the respective leaf or root samples), some overrepresented site-specific members, and a diverse community of low-abundance variable taxa. The composition and diversity of the leaf and root microbiota were strongly associated with HLB symptom severity and location; there was also an association with host cultivar. The relative abundance of
Liberibacter
spp. among leaf microbiota positively correlated with HLB symptom severity and negatively correlated with alpha diversity, suggesting that community diversity decreases as symptoms progress. Network analysis of the microbial community time series identified a mutually exclusive relationship between
Liberibacter
spp. and members of the
Burkholderiaceae
,
Micromonosporaceae
, and
Xanthomonadaceae
. This work confirmed several previously described plant disease-associated bacteria, as well as identified new potential implications for biological control. Our findings advance the understanding of (i) plant microbiota selection across multiple variables and (ii) changes in (core) community structure that may be a precondition to disease establishment and/or may be associated with symptom progression.

IMPORTANCE
This study provides a comprehensive overview of the core microbial community within the microbiomes of plant hosts that vary in extent of disease symptom progression. With 16S Illumina sequencing analyses, we not only confirmed previously described bacterial associations with plant health (e.g., potentially beneficial bacteria) but also identified new associations and potential interactions between certain bacteria and an economically important phytopathogen. The importance of core taxa within broader plant-associated microbial communities is discussed.
Chromosome-Encoded Hemolysin, Phospholipase, and Collagenase in Plasmidless Isolates of Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae Contribute to Virulence for Fish
Authors: Vences Ana , Rivas Amable J. , Lemos Manuel L. , Husmann Matthias , Osorio Carlos R.
Published: March 2017

Photobacterium damselae
subsp.
damselae
is a pathogen of marine animals, including fish of importance in aquaculture. The virulence plasmid pPHDD1, characteristic of highly hemolytic isolates, encodes the hemolysins damselysin (Dly) and phobalysin (PhlyP). Strains lacking pPHDD1 constitute the vast majority of the isolates from fish outbreaks, but genetic studies to identify virulence factors in plasmidless strains are scarce. Here, we show that the chromosome I-encoded hemolysin PhlyC plays roles in virulence and cell toxicity in pPHDD1-negative isolates of this pathogen. By combining the analyses of whole genomes and of gene deletion mutants, we identified two hitherto uncharacterized chromosomal loci encoding a phospholipase (PlpV) and a collagenase (ColP). PlpV was ubiquitous in the subspecies and exerted hemolytic activity against fish erythrocytes, which was enhanced in the presence of lecithin. ColP was restricted to a fraction of the isolates and was responsible for the collagen-degrading activity in this subspecies. Consistent with the presence of signal peptides in PlpV and ColP sequences, mutants for the type II secretion system (T2SS) genes
epsL
and
pilD
exhibited impairments in phospholipase and collagenase activities. Sea bass virulence experiments and cell culture assays demonstrated major contributions of PhlyC and PlpV to virulence and toxicity.

IMPORTANCE
This study constitutes genetic and genomic analyses of plasmidless strains of an emerging pathogen in marine aquaculture,
Photobacterium damselae
subsp.
damselae
. To date, studies on the genetic basis of virulence were restricted to the pPHDD1 plasmid-encoded toxins Dly and PhlyP. However, the vast majority of the recent isolates of this pathogen from fish farm outbreaks lack this plasmid. Here we demonstrate that the plasmidless strains produce two hitherto uncharacterized ubiquitous toxins encoded in chromosome I, namely, the hemolysin PhlyC and the phospholipase PlpV. We report the main roles of these two toxins in fish virulence and in cell toxicity. Our results constitute the basis for a better understanding of the virulence of a widespread marine pathogen.
Differential Impacts of Land-Based Sources of Pollution on the Microbiota of Southeast Florida Coral Reefs
Authors: Staley Christopher , Kaiser Thomas , Gidley Maribeth L. , Enochs Ian C. , Jones Paul R. , Goodwin Kelly D. , Sinigalliano Christopher D. , Sadowsky Michael J. , Chun Chan Lan
Published: March 2017

Coral reefs are dynamic ecosystems known for decades to be endangered due, in large part, to anthropogenic impacts from land-based sources of pollution (LBSP). In this study, we utilized an Illumina-based next-generation sequencing approach to characterize prokaryotic and fungal communities from samples collected off the southeast coast of Florida. Water samples from coastal inlet discharges, oceanic outfalls of municipal wastewater treatment plants, treated wastewater effluent before discharge, open ocean samples, and coral tissue samples (mucus and polyps) were characterized to determine the relationships between microbial communities in these matrices and those in reef water and coral tissues. Significant differences in microbial communities were noted among all sample types but varied between sampling areas. Contamination from outfalls was found to be the greatest potential source of LBSP influencing native microbial community structure among all reef samples, although pollution from inlets was also noted. Notably, reef water and coral tissue communities were found to be more greatly impacted by LBSP at southern reefs, which also experienced the most degradation during the course of the study. The results of this study provide new insights into how microbial communities from LBSP can impact coral reefs in southeast Florida and suggest that wastewater outfalls may have a greater influence on the microbial diversity and structure of these reef communities than do contaminants carried in runoff, although the influences of runoff and coastal inlet discharge on coral reefs are still substantial.

IMPORTANCE
Coral reefs are known to be endangered due to sewage discharge and to runoff of nutrients, pesticides, and other substances associated with anthropogenic activity. Here, we used next-generation sequencing to characterize the microbial communities of potential contaminant sources in order to determine how environmental discharges of microbiota and their genetic material may influence the microbiomes of coral reef communities and coastal receiving waters. Runoff delivered through inlet discharges impacted coral microbial communities, but impacts from oceanic outfalls carrying treated wastewater were greater. Geographic differences in the degree of impact suggest that coral microbiomes may be influenced by the microbiological quality of treated wastewater.
Isolated unilateral upper alveolar numbness in silent sinus syndrome
Authors: Lau Hung Tuan , Lim Keng Hua
Published: March 2017

We present a case of a 59-year-old man with left upper alveolar numbness of 2 years’ duration in the absence of sinonasal symptoms. On physical examination, he demonstrated mild left facial asymmetry and diminished sensation of his left upper alveolus from the left second upper incisor to first canine. CT imaging revealed chronic sinusitis changes of the left maxillary sinus, with reduced volume and depressed anterior wall. The patient underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery to re-establish maxillary sinus ventilation. He was noted to have some improvement of his upper alveolar paraesthesia postoperatively. Silent sinus syndrome is part of the spectrum of chronic maxillary atelectasis. In the presented case, chronic osteitic bony sclerosis, as opposed to osteopenic change of the maxillary sinus, was seen. We postulate that bony encasement of the anterior superior alveolar nerve resulted in chronic nerve compression and the patient’s unusual symptom of upper alveolar paraesthesia.
Rest and treatment/rehabilitation following sport-related concussion: a systematic review
Authors: Schneider Kathryn J , Leddy John J , Guskiewicz Kevin M , Seifert Tad , McCrea Michael , Silverberg Noah D , Feddermann-Demont Nina , Iverson Grant L , Hayden Alix , Makdissi Michael
Published: March 2017

Aim or objective

The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence regarding rest and active treatment/rehabilitation following sport-related concussion (SRC).

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

MEDLINE (OVID), CINAHL (EbscoHost), PsycInfo (OVID), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (OVID), SPORTDiscus (EbscoHost), EMBASE (OVID) and Proquest DissertationsandTheses Global (Proquest) were searched systematically.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Studies were included if they met the following criteria: (1) original research; (2) reported SRC as the diagnosis; and (3) evaluated the effect of rest or active treatment/rehabilitation. Review articles were excluded.

Results

Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria (9 regarding the effects of rest and 19 evaluating active treatment). The methodological quality of the literature was limited; only five randomised controlled trials (RCTs) met the eligibility criteria. Those RCTs included rest, cervical and vestibular rehabilitation, subsymptom threshold aerobic exercise and multifaceted collaborative care.

Summary/conclusions

A brief period (24–48 hours) of cognitive and physical rest is appropriate for most patients. Following this, patients should be encouraged to gradually increase activity. The exact amount and duration of rest are not yet well defined and require further investigation. The data support interventions including cervical and vestibular rehabilitation and multifaceted collaborative care. Closely monitored subsymptom threshold, submaximal exercise may be of benefit.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO 2016:CRD42016039570
Total volume and composition of fluid intake and mortality in older women: a cohort study
Authors: Lim Wai H , Wong Germaine , Lewis Joshua R , Lok Charmaine E , Polkinghorne Kevan R , Hodgson Jonathan , Lim Ee M , Prince Richard L
Published: March 2017

Objectives

The health benefits of ‘drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day” in healthy individuals are largely unproven. We aimed to examine the relationship between total fluid and the sources of fluid consumption, risk of rapid renal decline, cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and all-cause mortality in elderly women.

Design, setting and participants

We conducted a longitudinal analysis of a population-based cohort study of 1055 women aged ≥70 years residing in Australia.

Main outcome measures

The associations between total daily fluid intake (defined as total volume of beverage excluding alcohol and milk) and the types of fluid (water, black tea, coffee, milk and other fluids) measured as cups per day and rapid renal decline, CVD and all-cause mortality were assessed using adjusted logistic and Cox regression analyses.

Results

Over a follow-up period of 10 years, 70 (6.6%) experienced rapid renal decline and 362 (34.4%) died, of which 142 (13.5%) deaths were attributed to CVD. The median (IQR) intake of total fluid was 10.4 (8.5–12.5) cups per day, with water (median (IQR) 4 (2–6) cups per day) and black tea (median (IQR) 3 (1–4) cups per day) being the most frequent type of fluid consumed. Every cup per day higher intake of black tea was associated with adjusted HRs of 0.90 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.99) and 0.92 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.98) for CVD mortality and all-cause mortality, respectively. There were no associations between black tea intake and rapid renal decline, or between the quantity or type of other fluids, including water intake, and any clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

Habitual higher intake of black tea may potentially improve long-term health outcomes, independent of treating traditional CVD risk factors, but validation of our study findings is essential.
Incidental findings on brain MRI of cognitively normal first-degree descendants of patients with Alzheimer's disease: a cross-sectional analysis from the ALFA (Alzheimer and Families) project
Authors: Brugulat-Serrat Anna , Rojas Santiago , Bargalló Nuria , Conesa Gerardo , Minguillón Carolina , Fauria Karine , Gramunt Nina , Molinuevo José Luis , Gispert Juan Domingo
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To describe the prevalence of brain MRI incidental findings (IF) in a cohort of cognitively normal first-degree descendants of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Design

Cross-sectional observational study.

Setting

All scans were obtained with a 3.0 T scanner. Scans were evaluated by a single neuroradiologist and IF recorded and categorised. The presence of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) was determined with the Fazekas scale and reported as relevant if ≥2.

Participants

575 participants (45–75 years) underwent high-resolution structural brain MRI. Participants were cognitively normal and scored over the respective cut-off values in all the following neuropsychological tests: Mini-Mental State Examination (≥26), Memory Impairment Screen (≥6), Time Orientation Subtest of the Barcelona Test II (≥68), verbal semantic fluency (naming animals ≥12). Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) had to be 0.

Results

155 participants (27.0%) presented with at least one IF. Relevant WMH were present in 7.8% of the participants, and vascular abnormalities, cyst and brain volume loss in 10.7%, 3.1% and 6.9% of the study volunteers, respectively. Neoplastic brain findings were found in 2.4% of participants and within these, meningiomas were the most common (1.7%) and more frequently found in women. A positive correlation between increasing age and the presence of IF was found. Additionally, brain atrophy greater than that expected by age was significantly more prevalent in participants without a parental history of AD.

Conclusions

Brain MRIs of healthy middle-aged participants show a relatively high prevalence of IF even when study participants have been screened for subtle cognitive alterations. Most of our participants are first-degree descendants of patients with AD, and therefore these results are of special relevance for novel imaging studies in the context of AD prevention in cognitively healthy middle-aged participants.

Trial registration number

NCT02198586.
Evaluating CollaboRATE in a clinical setting: analysis of mode effects on scores, response rates and costs of data collection
Authors: Barr Paul J , Forcino Rachel C , Thompson Rachel , Ozanne Elissa M , Arend Roger , Castaldo Molly Ganger , O'Malley A James , Elwyn Glyn
Published: March 2017

Background

Shared decision-making (SDM) has become a policy priority, yet its implementation is not routinely assessed. To address this gap we tested the delivery of CollaboRATE, a 3-item patient reported experience measure of SDM, via multiple survey modes.

Objective

To assess CollaboRATE response rates and respondent characteristics across different modes of administration, impact of mode and patient characteristics on SDM performance and cost of administration per response in a real-world primary care practice.

Design

Observational study design, with repeated assessment of SDM performance using CollaboRATE in a primary care clinic over 15 months of data collection. Different modes of administration were introduced sequentially including paper, patient portal, interactive voice response (IVR) call, text message and tablet computer.

Participants

Consecutive patients ≥18 years, or parents/guardians of patients <18 years, visiting participating primary care clinicians.

Main measures

CollaboRATE assesses three core SDM tasks: (1) explanation about health issues, (2) elicitation of patient preferences and (3) integration of patient preferences into decisions. Responses to each item range from 0 (no effort was made) to 9 (every effort was made). CollaboRATE scores are calculated as the proportion of participants who report a score of nine on each of the three CollaboRATE questions.

Key results

Scores were sensitive to mode effects: the paper mode had the highest average score (81%) and IVR had the lowest (61%). However, relative clinician performance rankings were stable across the different data collection modes used. Tablet computers administered by research staff had the highest response rate (41%), although this approach was costly. Clinic staff giving paper surveys to patients as they left the clinic had the lowest response rate (12%).

Conclusions

CollaboRATE can be introduced using multiple modes of survey delivery while producing consistent clinician rankings. This may allow routine assessment and benchmarking of clinician and clinic SDM performance.
‘We both just wanted to be normal parents’: a qualitative study of the experience of maternity care for women with learning disability
Authors: Malouf Reem , McLeish Jenny , Ryan Sara , Gray Ron , Redshaw Maggie
Published: March 2017

Background

More women with learning disability (LD) are becoming mothers. Women with LD have rights to equal access to maternity care that meets their needs, however, many have poor pregnancy and birth outcomes compared to other women in the UK. Research is limited in this area.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to explore the lived experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, prenatal and postnatal care and services received by this group of women in the UK, including their expressed information and support needs relating to maternity care.

Methods

A qualitative study in which data were generated using in-depth semistructured interviews with learning disabled women who were pregnant or had given birth within the last 3 years in the UK; data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

9 women with varying levels of cognitive impairment took part. 4 super-ordinate themes were identified: ‘I hate being treated differently’, ‘I find it harder to understand than other people’, ‘We've had to prove ourselves’ and ‘Make sure you've got very good support around you’. Subthemes included: ‘Negative attitudes and denial of choice’, ‘Understanding of normal care’, ‘Written information’ and ‘Being judged by professionals’.

Conclusions

With support from family and services, learning disabled women can become confident and successful parents. Maternity services should make reasonable adjustments when providing care to this group, including adapting to their individual communication and learning needs: allowing sufficient time in appointments, offering clear explanations of each aspect of care and sensitive support for autonomy and fully informed choice. Mothers who will be subject to a social care assessment of their parenting skills need clear information about the process, their choices and the level of skill they must demonstrate, as well as access to sufficient antenatal and postnatal support to give them the best possible chance of passing the assessment.
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine composite pain scale for children: level of inter-rater agreement
Authors: James Ffion , Edwards Rosie , James Nirmal , Dyer Rhian , Goodwin Victoria
Published: March 2017

Objective

To assess the inter-rater agreement of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) Composite Pain Scale.

Methods

A prospective, observational study of 117 children who presented to the ED with pain due to a limb injury. Pain severity was assessed by the triage nurse, doctor and child (depending on their age) using indicators of the RCEM Composite Pain Scale. This pain scale comprises a modified Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (FACES Scale), a Behaviour scale and a numerical rating scale (Ladder). Comparisons were made between scores from individual scales and raters.

Results

117 children (26 aged 0–8 years (group 1) and 91 aged >8–16 years (group 2)) were enrolled in the study. Pain in group 1 was assessed by the nurse and doctor using the FACES Scale and the Behaviour scale. The FACES Scale demonstrated greater inter-rater agreement than the Behaviour scale. Pain in group 2 was assessed by the nurse and doctor using the Behaviour scale and by the child using the FACES Scale and Ladder. The Ladder demonstrated poor inter-rater agreement in comparison with the Behaviour Score.

Conclusion

The Ladder score could be omitted from this composite tool as it has poor inter-rater agreement in comparison with the other indicators.
Leveraging sequence-based faecal microbial community survey data to identify a composite biomarker for colorectal cancer
Authors: Shah Manasi S , DeSantis Todd Z , Weinmaier Thomas , McMurdie Paul J , Cope Julia L , Altrichter Adam , Yamal Jose-Miguel , Hollister Emily B
Published: March 2017

Objective

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-associated mortality in the USA. The faecal microbiome may provide non-invasive biomarkers of CRC and indicate transition in the adenoma–carcinoma sequence. Re-analysing raw sequence and metadata from several studies uniformly, we sought to identify a composite and generalisable microbial marker for CRC.

Design

Raw 16S rRNA gene sequence data sets from nine studies were processed with two pipelines, (1) QIIME closed reference (QIIME-CR) or (2) a strain-specific method herein termed SS-UP (Strain Select, UPARSE bioinformatics pipeline). A total of 509 samples (79 colorectal adenoma, 195 CRC and 235 controls) were analysed. Differential abundance, meta-analysis random effects regression and machine learning analyses were carried out to determine the consistency and diagnostic capabilities of potential microbial biomarkers.

Results

Definitive taxa, including Parvimonas micra ATCC 33270, Streptococcus anginosus and yet-to-be-cultured members of Proteobacteria, were frequently and significantly increased in stools from patients with CRC compared with controls across studies and had high discriminatory capacity in diagnostic classification. Microbiome-based CRC versus control classification produced an area under receiver operator characteristic (AUROC) curve of 76.6% in QIIME-CR and 80.3% in SS-UP. Combining clinical and microbiome markers gave a diagnostic AUROC of 83.3% for QIIME-CR and 91.3% for SS-UP.

Conclusions

Despite technological differences across studies and methods, key microbial markers emerged as important in classifying CRC cases and such could be used in a universal diagnostic for the disease. The choice of bioinformatics pipeline influenced accuracy of classification. Strain-resolved microbial markers might prove crucial in providing a microbial diagnostic for CRC.
Gut symbiotic microbes imprint intestinal immune cells with the innate receptor SLAMF4 which contributes to gut immune protection against enteric pathogens
Authors: Cabinian Allison , Sinsimer Daniel , Tang May , Jang Youngsoon , Choi Bongkum , Laouar Yasmina , Laouar Amale
Published: March 2017

Background

Interactions between host immune cells and gut microbiota are crucial for the integrity and function of the intestine. How these interactions regulate immune cell responses in the intestine remains a major gap in the field.

Aim

We have identified the signalling lymphocyte activation molecule family member 4 (SLAMF4) as an immunomodulator of the intestinal immunity. The aim is to determine how SLAMF4 is acquired in the gut and what its contribution to intestinal immunity is.

Methods

Expression of SLAMF4 was assessed in mice and humans. The mechanism of induction was studied using GFPtgbone marrow chimaera mice, lymphotoxin α and TNLG8A-deficient mice, as well as gnotobiotic mice. Role in immune protection was revealed using oral infection withListeria monocytogenesandCytobacter rodentium.

Results

SLAMF4 is a selective marker of intestinal immune cells of mice and humans. SLAMF4 induction occurs directly in the intestinal mucosa without the involvement of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue. Gut bacterial products, particularly those of gut anaerobes, and gut-resident antigen-presenting cell (APC)TNLG8Aare key contributors of SLAMF4 induction in the intestine. Importantly, lack of SLAMF4 expression leads the increased susceptibility of mice to infection by oral pathogens culminating in their premature death.

Conclusions

SLAMF4 is a marker of intestinal immune cells which contributes to the protection against enteric pathogens and whose expression is dependent on the presence of the gut microbiota. This discovery provides a possible mechanism for answering the long-standing question of how the intertwining of the host and gut microbial biology regulates immune cell responses in the gut.
Effect of fixation time on breast biomarker expression: a controlled study using cell line-derived xenografted (CDX) tumours
Authors: Kao K R , Hasan T , Baptista A , Truong T , Gai L , Smith A C , Li S , Gonzales P , Voisey K , Eriwvo P , Power J , Denic N
Published: March 2017

Aims

Altering the length of time specimens are placed in fixative without compromising analytical testing accuracy is a continuous challenge in the anatomical pathology lab. The aim of this study was to determine under controlled conditions the effects of variable fixation time on breast biomarker expression in human breast cancer cell line-derived xenografted (CDX) tumours.

Methods

CDX tumours using strong oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive, Her2-negative (MCF7) and weak ER-positive, Her2 equivocal (T47D) breast cancer cell lines were fixed for various times ranging from 1 to 336 hours in 10% neutral buffered formalin. CDX tumours were processed according to routine biomarker testing protocols and stained for ER and Her2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) and processed forHER2 fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). The tumours were evaluated using Allred scoring for ER and current ASCO/CAP guidelines for Her2, and by objective cell counting methodology.

Results

No differences were found in expression of ER in either MCF7 or T47D CDX tumours under variable fixation. T47D tumours displayed equivocal Her2 staining when fixed for 24 hours, but fixation for ≤8 hours resulted in consistently negative staining while tumours fixed for >72 hours demonstrated consistent equivocal staining (p<0.01). Cell counting assays revealed only a significant increase in sensitivity in tumours fixed for >72 hours (p<0.01). As expected, FISH results were unaffected by variable fixation.

Conclusions

Neither shortened nor prolonged fixation affects ER expression, consistent with previous findings. In equivocal Her2-expressing tumours, however, increasing fixation increased the sensitivity of Her2 IHC reporting while not affecting FISH.
Twenty miles per hour speed limits: a sustainable solution to public health problems in Wales
Authors: Jones Sarah J , Brunt Huw
Published: March 2017

Background

Prevention, rather than treatment, is the key to longer healthier lives. Identifying interventions that will impact positively on road traffic injuries, air quality and encourage active travel is a significant public health challenge. This paper aimed to explore whether 20 mph limits could be useful in achieving this.

Methods

Research evidence was reviewed to identify the effect of 20 mph zones and limits on health and well-being. The evidence was then used to estimate the effect of a change to a 20 mph limit on road traffic casualties and air pollution. It was then mapped against the seven goals of the Well-being of Future Generations Act (2015).

Results

If all current 30 mph limit roads in Wales became 20 mph limits, it is estimated that 6–10 lives would be saved and 1200–2000 casualties avoided each year, at a value of prevention of £58M–£94M. In terms of air pollution, deaths attributed to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) may increase by 63, and years of life lost by 753. However, deaths attributed to particulates (PM2.5) may decrease by 117 and years of life lost by 1400. Evidence review suggests benefits in terms of road traffic casualties, air quality, active travel, noise pollution, greater social inclusion, greater community cohesion and local business viability.

Conclusions

Road traffic injuries, air pollution and obesity are an inter-related, interdependent triad. The challenge facing public health today is identifying robust interventions that will have positive effects on all three as a minimum; default 20 mph limits is the solution to increasing public health problems in Wales.
Non-Cardiac Surgery in Patients with Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices: A Single Institutional Experience
Authors: Chen Carol W , Dumon Kristoffel R , Shaked Oren , Acker Michael A , Atluri Pavan , Dempsey Daniel T
Published: March 2017

With improvements in life expectancy for patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), non-cardiac surgeons will increasingly encounter surgical problems in this population. 209 patients underwent LVAD placement between 10/1/2007 and 6/1/2015 at a single institution. Survival was compared between patients who had non-cardiac surgery (NCS) during the initial LVAD implantation hospitalization (n=36) and those who had NCS only in subsequent hospitalizations (n=33). Postoperative complication rates were examined. Index admission NCS was associated with lower 5-year survival compared with subsequent admission NCS (27.1% vs 39.4%, p=0.017). In subsequent admissions, the risks of bleeding and infectious complications were the same for elective or urgent NCS, but the risk of death was higher in the urgent surgery group. We conclude that elective NCS can be performed with low risk of death or LVAD dysfunction after sufficient recovery of patients from LVAD implantation.
Thermoelastic properties of the earth lower mantle
Authors: Sunil K. , Sharma B. S.
Published: March 2017

For investigating the pressure dependence of thermal expansivity of materials, we have developed a formulation using the Stacey relationship between the reciprocal of pressure derivative of bulk modulus and the ratio of pressure and bulk modulus. The formulation presented here satisfies the boundary conditions both at zero pressure and also in the limit of infinite pressure at extreme compression. A physically acceptable relationship has been obtained between the volume derivative of thermal expansivity and the pressure derivatives of bulk modulus under adiabatic condition. The seismological data for the Earth lower mantle have been used to demonstrate the validity of the relationship between thermoelastic properties derived in the present study.
Revisiting the energy in gravitational waves
Authors: Qadir Asghar
Published: March 2017

Five years ago, at the Third Joint Italian–Pakistani Workshop on Relativistic Astrophysics, I put forward an argument why gravitational waves would be much more difficult to detect than was supposed. In view of the observation of gravitational waves in 2015, and an earlier claim that they were missing, it is worth looking again at the arguments. Here, I review the basic physical argument and then re-consider the earlier prediction. Following Weber and Wheeler, who had demonstrated the reality of gravitational waves by obtaining the momentum of test particles along their path, there had been more work done in this direction. It is also worthwhile to compare the results from that work with the proposal for the energy in the waves and that will also be mentioned.
Tectonic and stratigraphic evolution of the Punta del Este and Pelotas basins (offshore Uruguay)
Authors: Morales Ethel , Chang Hung Kiang , Soto Matías , Corrêa Fernando Santos , Veroslavsky Gerardo , de Santa Ana Héctor , Conti Bruno , Daners Gloria
Published: March 2017

Regional seismic reflection profiles and well data from the Uruguayan margin were integrated in order to analyse and illustrate its tectonic and stratigraphic evolution. The evolution of the Punta del Este and Pelotas basins is divided into four major phases: pre-rift (Palaeozoic); rift (Jurassic–Early Cretaceous); transition (Barremian–Aptian) and post-rift (Aptian–Present). Each of these phases is characterized by a specific structural configuration and a stratigraphic architecture related to basin type, tectonic elements, sediment supply and base-level changes. During the geological evolution of the Uruguayan continental margin, a NE migration of depocentres occurred. The Cretaceous depocentre is located in the Punta del Este Basin, while the Cenozoic depocentre is located in the Pelotas Basin.
Geological controls and methane sorption capacity of marine shales of the Fuling shale gas field in the eastern Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoming , Shi Wanzhong , Hu Qinhong , Zhang Shiwan , Hu Haiyan , Wang Xiaolong , Xu Zhuang
Published: March 2017

High-pressure methane sorption isotherms were performed on a series of Upper Ordovician Wufeng and Lower Silurian Longmaxi shale samples in the Fuling shale gas field to investigate the effects of organic matter content, thermal maturity, clay minerals, pore structure, temperature and pressure on methane sorption capacity. A large number of micropores with a pore width of less than 10 nm are developed within the organic matter, with its abundant specific surface areas as the fundamental factor to enhance the methane sorption capacity. The total organic carbon (TOC)-normalized sorption capacity increases with an increasing equivalent vitrinite reflectance R
o
, but an opposite trend is observed when R
o
is in the highly over-mature stage. The TOC-normalized sorption capacity shows no correlation with the total clay content as well as individual clay minerals. Most of the excess sorption capacity of shales increases with an increasing pressure, exhibits a maxima in the pressure range of 15–17 MPa and then decreases. The sorption isotherms show an obvious decrease in excess sorption capacity with increasing temperature. Moreover, the Langmuir pressure exponentially decreases with the reciprocal of temperature. Based on the Langmuir adsorption model, an empirical formula is established to evaluate the absolute sorption capacity of shales as a function of TOC content, pressure and temperature.

Supplementary material:
Additional description of experimental data are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3714040.v2
Engineering geological characterization of flints
Authors: Aliyu Mohammed Musa , Murphy William , Lawrence James Anthony , Collier Richard
Published: March 2017

The petrographic and mechanical properties of flints from the Burnham (North Landing, Yorkshire, UK), Seaford (East Sussex, UK, and Dieppe, France), and Lewes Nodular (Mesnil-Val, France) Chalk formations have been investigated. Microtexture and mineral composition of flints are studied to understand how the geological and petrophysical properties of the flint affect drilling responses to the rock and investigate any spatial variation. The flints are categorized based on physical observation into white crust and light brownish grey, dark brownish grey and grey flints. Scanning electron microscopy shows textural variation in the classes. The white crust, light brownish grey, brownish grey and grey flints from the Burnham Chalk Formation from North Landing contain more calcite and have coarser, more poorly cemented silica spherules in comparison with similar classes of flint from the Seaford and Lewes Chalk formations from the Anglo-Paris Basin. In these latter flints, the structure is dominated by massive quartz cement with trace calcite independent of location. Strength tests show that the grey flints from North Landing are weaker than equivalents from the Anglo-Paris Basin. It is suggested that variation in engineering properties between grey and the dark brownish grey flints is caused by mineral composition, microtexture, structure and the local or site geology of flint materials.
SLE and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Boddu Prajwal , Mohammed Abdul S. , Annem Chandrahasa , Sequeira Winston
Published: March 2017

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disorder punctuated by varied multiorgan complications all along the course of its natural history. Lymphoma represents a relatively well-recognized malignant phenomenon associated with lupus. The cause and effect relationships of lymphoma in SLE have been subject to extensive scrutiny with several studies reporting on clinic-pathologic characteristics and risk factors predicting lymphoma development in SLE. However, the pathogenic role of immunosuppressives in SLE-related lymphoma still remains unclear, and indices to help guide diagnosis, prognostication, therapy, and posttreatment monitoring are yet to be established. In this review, we describe 3 SLE patients who developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at different time points of their disease. Through a careful dissection of the aforementioned cases, we intend to apprise readers of the currently available literature surrounding risk factors, management, and prognosis in SLE-related lymphoma. We will also review and discuss the implications of immunosuppressives in SLE-related lymphoma and the role of mycophenolate mofetil in SLE-related primary CNS lymphoma development.
Natural Killer Cells in the Orchestration of Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Parisi Luca , Bassani Barbara , Tremolati Marco , Gini Elisabetta , Farronato Giampietro , Bruno Antonino
Published: March 2017

Inflammation, altered immune cell phenotype, and functions are key features shared by diverse chronic diseases, including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cancer. Natural killer cells are innate lymphoid cells primarily involved in the immune system response tonon-self-components but their plasticity is largely influenced by the pathological microenvironment. Altered NK phenotype and function have been reported in several pathological conditions, basically related to impaired or enhanced toxicity. Here we reviewed and discussed the role of NKs in selected, different, and “distant” chronic diseases, cancer, diabetes, periodontitis, and atherosclerosis, placing NK cells as crucial orchestrator of these pathologic conditions.
Pricing Formula for Exotic Options with Assets Exposed to Counterparty Risk
Authors: Yan Li
Published: March 2017

This paper gives analytical formulas for lookback and barrier options on underlying assets that are exposed to a counterparty risk. The counterparty risk induces a drop in the asset price, but the asset can still be traded after this default time. A novel technique is developed to valuate the lookback and barrier options by first conditioning on the predefault and the postdefault time and then obtain the unconditional analytic formulas for their prices.
Numerical Study of Tire Hydroplaning Based on Power Spectrum of Asphalt Pavement and Kinetic Friction Coefficient
Authors: Zhu Shengze , Liu Xiuyu , Cao Qingqing , Huang Xiaoming
Published: March 2017

Hydroplaning is a driving phenomenon threating vehicle’s control stability and safety. It happens when tire rolls on wet pavement with high speed that hydrodynamic force uplifts the tire. Accurate numerical simulation to reveal the mechanism of hydroplaning and evaluate the function of relevant factors in this process is significant. In order to describe the friction behaviors of tire-pavement interaction, kinetic friction coefficient curve of tire rubber and asphalt pavement was obtained by combining pavement surface power spectrum and complex modulus of tread rubber through Persson’s friction theory. Finite element model of tire-fluid-pavement was established in ABAQUS, which was composed of a 225-40-R18 radial tire and three types of asphalt pavement covered with water film. Mechanical responses and physical behaviors of tire-pavement interaction were observed and compared with NASA equation to validate the applicability and accuracy of this model. Then contact force at tire-pavement interface and critical hydroplaning speed influenced by tire inflation pressure, water film thickness, and pavement types were investigated. The results show higher tire inflation pressure, thinner water film, and more abundant macrotexture enhancing hydroplaning speed. The results could be applied to predict hydroplaning speed on different asphalt pavement and improve pavement skid resistance design.
Numerical Investigation of Acoustic Emission Events of Argillaceous Sandstones under Confining Pressure
Authors: Chong Zhaohui , Li Xuehua , Lu Jingzheng , Chen Tian , Zhang Ji , Chen Xiangyu
Published: March 2017

At the laboratory scale, locating acoustic emission (AE) events is a comparatively mature method for evaluating cracks in rock materials, and the method plays an important role in numerical simulations. This study is aimed at developing a quantitative method for the measurement of acoustic emission (AE) events in numerical simulations. Furthermore, this method was applied to estimate the crack initiation, propagation, and coalescence in rock materials. The discrete element method‐acoustic emission model (DEM‐AE model) was developed using an independent subprogram. This model was designed to calculate the scalar seismic tensor of particles in the process of movement and further to determine the magnitude of AE events. An algorithm for identifying the same spatiotemporal AE event is being presented. To validate the model, a systematic physical experiment and numerical simulation for argillaceous sandstones were performed to present a quantitative comparison of the results with confining pressure. The results showed good agreement in terms of magnitude and spatiotemporal evolution between the simulation and the physical experiment. Finally, the magnitude of AE events was analyzed, and the relationship between AE events and microcracks was discussed. This model can provide the research basis for preventing seismic hazards caused by underground coal mining.
Low Recombination Proficiency Score (RPS) Predicts Heightened Sensitivity to DNA-Damaging Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer
Authors: Pitroda Sean P. , Bao Riyue , Andrade Jorge , Weichselbaum Ralph R. , Connell Philip P.
Published: March 2017

Purpose: Molecular-based cancer tests have been developed to augment the standard clinical and pathologic features used to tailor treatments to individual breast cancer patients. Homologous recombination (HR) repairs double-stranded DNA breaks and promotes tolerance to lesions that disrupt DNA replication. Recombination Proficiency Score (RPS) quantifies HR efficiency based on the expression of four genes involved in DNA damage repair. We hypothesized low RPS values can identify HR-deficient breast cancers most sensitive to DNA-damaging chemotherapy.

Experimental Design: We collected pathologic tumor responses and tumor gene expression values for breast cancer patients that were prospectively enrolled on clinical trials involving preoperative chemotherapy followed by surgery (N = 513). We developed an algorithm to calculate breast cancer–specific RPS (RPSb) values on an individual sample basis.

Results: Low RPSb tumors are approximately twice as likely to exhibit a complete pathologic response or minimal residual disease to preoperative anthracycline-based chemotherapy as compared with high RPSb tumors. Basal, HER2-enriched, and luminal B breast cancer subtypes exhibit low RPSb values. In addition, RPSb predicts treatment responsiveness after controlling for clinical and pathologic features, as well as intrinsic breast subtype.

Conclusions: Overall, our findings indicate that low RPS breast cancers exhibit aggressive features at baseline, but they have heightened sensitivity to DNA-damaging chemotherapy. Low RPSb values in basal, HER2-enriched, and luminal B subtypes provide a mechanistic explanation for their clinical behaviors and genomic instability. RPSb augments standard clinical and pathologic features used to tailor treatments, thereby enabling more personalized treatment strategies for individual breast cancer patients. Clin Cancer Res; 23(15); 4493–500. ©2017 AACR.