bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water soluble nano-scale transient material germanium oxide for zero toxic waste based environmentally benign nano-manufacturing
Authors: Almuslem A. S. , Hanna A. N. , Yapici T. , Wehbe N. , Diallo E. M. , Kutbee A. T. , Bahabry R. R. , Hussain M. M.
Published: February 2017

In the recent past, with the advent of transient electronics for mostly implantable and secured electronic applications, the whole field effect transistor structure has been dissolved in a variety of chemicals. Here, we show simple water soluble nano-scale (sub-10 nm) germanium oxide (GeO2) as the dissolvable component to remove the functional structures of metal oxide semiconductor devices and then reuse the expensive germanium substrate again for functional device fabrication. This way, in addition to transiency, we also show an environmentally friendly manufacturing process for a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Every year, trillions of complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) electronics are manufactured and billions are disposed, which extend the harmful impact to our environment. Therefore, this is a key study to show a pragmatic approach for water soluble high performance electronics for environmentally friendly manufacturing and bioresorbable electronic applications.
Exploiting transient phenomena for imaging with breath figures
Authors: Sasikumar Harish , Varma Manoj M.
Published: February 2017

Breath figures refer to the patterns formed when vapor condenses into the liquid phase on a surface, revealing heterogeneities in topography or chemical composition. These figures are composed of micro-droplets, which scatter light and produce optical contrast. Differences in hydrophobicity imposed by surface features or contaminants result in a difference in micro-droplet densities, which has been used in applications such as substrate independent optical visualization of single layer graphene flakes. Here, we show that transient phenomena, such as the pinning transition of micro-droplets condensed over a polymer surface, can be used to enhance the optical contrast even when the time averaged difference in micro-droplet densities is not substantial. Thus, this work opens a new way of visualizing surface heterogeneities using transient phenomena occurring during condensation or evaporation of micro-droplets as opposed to only using time averaged differences in wettability due to the surface features.
Influence of the magnetic field expansion on the core plasma in an axisymmetric mirror trap
Authors: Soldatkina E. , Anikeev M. , Bagryansky P. , Korzhavina M. , Maximov V. , Savkin V. , Yakovlev D. , Yushmanov P. , Dunaevsky A.
Published: February 2017

First measurements of plasma parameters in an expander of a mirror trap with sub-fusion plasma parameters are reported. Potential drop near the end plates of the expander appears to be much lower than the electron temperature in the center of the trap. Characteristic energy of electrons in the expander region is also substantially lower than the electron temperature in the confinement plasma. Variation of the magnetic field expansion ratio K between 30 and 160 does not influence the main parameters of the confinement plasma. Electron temperatures of the confinement plasma of about 700 eV were achieved at K = 30.
High quality boron-doped epitaxial layers grown at 200°C from SiF4/H2/Ar gas mixtures for emitter formation in crystalline silicon solar cells
Authors: Léal Ronan , Haddad Farah , Poulain Gilles , Maurice Jean-Luc , Roca i Cabarrocas Pere
Published: February 2017

Controlling the doping profile in solar cells emitter and front/back surface field is mandatory to reach high efficiencies. In the current state of the art, these doped layers are made by dopant diffusion at around 900°C, which implies potential temperature induced damages in the c-Si absorber and for which a precise control of doping is difficult. An alternative solution based on boron-doped epitaxial silicon layers grown by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) from 200°C using SiF4/H2/Ar/B2H6 chemistry is reported. The structural properties of the doped and undoped epitaxial layers were assessed by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The incorporation of boron has been studied via plasma profiling time of flight mass spectrometry (PP-TOFMS) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) measurements. The boron-doped epitaxial layers revealed excellent structural and electrical properties even for high carrier concentrations (>1019cm-3). Sheet resistances between 100 and 130 Ω/sq can been obtained depending on the thickness and the doping concentration, which is within the range of targeted values for emitters in c-Si solar cells. Electrochemical capacitance voltage (ECV) revealed a uniform doping profile around 3.1019 cm-3 and by comparing with SIMS measurement a doping efficiency around 50% has been found.
3D transient model to predict temperature and ablated areas during laser processing of metallic surfaces
Authors: Naghshine Babak. B. , Kiani Amirkianoosh
Published: February 2017

Laser processing is one of the most popular small-scale patterning methods and has many applications in semiconductor device fabrication and biomedical engineering. Numerical modelling of this process can be used for better understanding of the process, optimization, and predicting the quality of the final product. An accurate 3D model is presented here for short laser pulses that can predict the ablation depth and temperature distribution on any section of the material in a minimal amount of time. In this transient model, variations of thermal properties, plasma shielding, and phase change are considered. Ablation depth was measured using a 3D optical profiler. Calculated depths are in good agreement with measured values on laser treated titanium surfaces. The proposed model can be applied to a wide range of materials and laser systems.
Quantitative microwave impedance microscopy with effective medium approximations
Authors: Jones T. S. , Pérez C. R. , Santiago-Avilés J. J.
Published: February 2017

Microwave impedance microscopy (MIM) is a scanning probe technique to measure local changes in tip-sample admittance. The imaginary part of the reported change is calibrated with finite element simulations and physical measurements of a standard capacitive sample, and thereafter the output ΔY is given a reference value in siemens. Simulations also provide a means of extracting sample conductivity and permittivity from admittance, a procedure verified by comparing the estimated permittivity of polytetrafluoroethlyene (PTFE) to the accepted value. Simulations published by others have investigated the tip-sample system for permittivity at a given conductivity, or conversely conductivity and a given permittivity; here we supply the full behavior for multiple values of both parameters. Finally, the well-known effective medium approximation of Bruggeman is considered as a means of estimating the volume fractions of the constituents in inhomogeneous two-phase systems. Specifically, we consider the estimation of porosity in carbide-derived carbon, a nanostructured material known for its use in energy storage devices.
Thermally tunable slot-coupled dielectric resonator antenna
Authors: Bi Ke , Chen Cong , Wang Qingmin , Liu Wenjun , Hao Yanan , Gao Xinlu , Huang Shanguo , Lei Ming
Published: February 2017

A thermally tunable slot-coupled dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) has been designed and prepared by placing a thermosensitive ceramic resonator onto the slot. Typical magnetic resonance occurs in the resonator, which is closely related to its dielectric constant. Because the dielectric constant of the ceramic resonator decreases as the temperature increases, the resonance frequency of the proposed DRA increases as the temperature increases. The simulated results are in good agreement with the measured ones, which confirms the thermally tunable behavior. This approach provides a way for designing the frequency tunable antennas.
Magnetically tunable control of light reflection in an unusual optical protein of squid
Authors: Iwasaka M. , Tagawa K. , Kikuchi Y.
Published: February 2017

In this study, we focused on the magnetically tunable changes in the reflectivity of the protein reflectin, which is generated by squid and used to control their body surface color for camouflage in seawater. A cellular organelle called an iridosome was separated from the skin of the dorsal part of a squid (cuttlefish; Sepia esculenta), and the light reflection dynamics of iridosomes containing reflectin were measured with and without exposure to a magnetic field of 500 mT. The magnetic field induced both steady and transient increases of reflection by the iridosomes, suggesting that a reversible conformational change occurred inside the iridosomes when the magnetic field was switched on and off. The intensity of light scattering perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field increased when the magnetic field was applied. This kind of behavior (Type I) occurred in the majority (60%) of the measured samples. Another kind of reflection change (Type II) was a transient increase in light reflection. It is speculated that the wave-shaped structure of the lipid membrane connected to reflectin proteins changed to enhance the light reflection of reflectin by altering the diamagnetic orientation of the lipid layer in the bent part of the membrane under the applied magnetic field. Overall, our results suggest that the mesoscale lipid layers changed their alignment diamagnetically and the length between iridescent layers was modified by the magnetic field, even though no obvious change in alignment occurred at the microscale.
A novel flux-switching permanent magnet machine with v-shaped magnets
Authors: Zhao Guishu , Hua Wei
Published: February 2017

In this paper, firstly a novel 6-stator-coil/17-rotor-pole (6/17) flux-switching permanent magnet (FSPM) machine with V-shaped magnets, deduced from conventional 12/17 FSPM machines is proposed to achieve more symmetrical phase back-electromotive force (back-EMF), and smaller torque ripple by comparing with an existing 6/10 V-shaped FSPM machine. Then, to obtain larger electromagnetic torque, less torque ripple, and easier mechanical processing, two improved variants based on the original 6/17 V-shaped topology are proposed. For the first variant, the separate stator-core segments located on the stator yoke are connected into a united stator yoke, while for the second variant the stator core is a whole entity by adding magnetic bridges at the ends of permanent magnets (PMs). Consequently, the performances of the three 6/17 V-shaped FSPM machines, namely, the original one and the two variants, are conducted by finite element analysis (FEA). The results reveal that the first variant exhibits significantly larger torque and considerably improved torque per magnet volume, i.e., the magnet utilization ratio than the original one, and the second variant exhibits the smallest torque ripple, least total harmonic distribution (THD) of phase back-EMF, and easiest mechanical processing for manufacturing.
Identification of differentially expressed placental transcripts during multiple gestations in the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber L.)
Authors: Lipka A. , Paukszto L. , Majewska M. , Jastrzebski J. P. , Myszczynski K. , Panasiewicz G. , Szafranska B.
Published: February 2017

The Eurasian beaver is one of the largest rodents that, despite its high impact on the environment, is a non-model species that lacks a reference genome. Characterising genes critical for pregnancy outcome can serve as a basis for identifying mechanisms underlying effective reproduction, which is required for the success of endangered species conservation programs. In the present study, high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to analyse global changes in the Castor fiber subplacenta transcriptome during multiple pregnancy. De novo reconstruction of the C. fiber subplacenta transcriptome was used to identify genes that were differentially expressed in placentas (n = 5) from two females (in advanced twin and triple pregnancy). Analyses of the expression values revealed 124 contigs with significantly different expression; of these, 55 genes were identified using MegaBLAST. Within this group of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 18 were upregulated and 37 were downregulated in twins. Most DEGs were associated with the following gene ontology terms: cellular process, single organism process, response to stimulus, metabolic process and biological regulation. Some genes were also assigned to the developmental process, the reproductive process or reproduction. Among this group, four genes (namely keratin 19 (Krt19) and wingless-type MMTV integration site family – member 2 (Wnt2), which were downregulated in twins, and Nik-related kinase (Nrk) and gap junction protein β2 (Gjb2), which were upregulated in twins) were assigned to placental development and nine (Krt19, Wnt2 and integrin α7 (Itga7), downregulated in twins, and Nrk, gap junction protein β6 (Gjb6), GATA binding protein 6 (Gata6), apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and haemoglobin subunit α1 (HbA1), upregulated in twins) were assigned to embryo development. The results of the present study indicate that the number of fetuses affects the expression profile in the C. fiber subplacental transcriptome. Enhancement of transcriptomic resources for C. fiber will improve understanding of the pathways relevant to proper placental development and successful reproduction.
Less fuel for the fire: malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) nesting activity affects fuel loads and fire behaviour
Authors: Smith Amy , Avitabile Sarah C. , Leonard Steven W. J.
Published: February 2017

Context Fire is an important driver of species distributions globally. At the same time, biota also influence fire regimes. Animal activities that modify fuel characteristics may influence fire regimes and hence ecosystem function. However, apart from herbivory, animal effects on fuels and fire behaviour have rarely been studied. Aims We examined the effect of nest building by malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) on litter fuel loads and fire behaviour in the fire-prone, semiarid mallee ecosystem of south-eastern Australia. Malleefowl nests consist of mounds constructed by raking large amounts of leaf litter from the surrounding area. Mound-building activity is likely to affect fuel loads and potentially affect fire behaviour in this environment. Methods Litter cover and mass were compared between paired mound and non-mound sites. Fire behaviour modelling was used to determine whether differences in fuel load were likely to translate into differences in fire behaviour. Additionally, in an area recently burnt by wildfire, the minimum diameter of burnt stems was compared between mound and non-mound sites to determine the effects of malleefowl activity on fire intensity. Key results Malleefowl nesting activity reduced litter fuel loads around mounds. Fire behaviour modelling and post-fire minimum stem diameter measurements showed this led to reduced fire intensity around mounds, even under extreme fire weather conditions. Conclusions The likelihood and intensity of fire is reduced around active malleefowl mounds. Malleefowl nesting contributes to more heterogeneous burn patterns in mallee vegetation. This in turn may contribute to the formation of fire refuges. Implications Few studies have examined the effects of animal activities on fire. This study demonstrates that non-trophic interactions of fauna with fuels may influence fire regimes. Species that reduce or disrupt the continuity or connectivity of fuels could have similar effects to malleefowl in fire-prone regions. Further examination of the interactions of animals and fire regimes will contribute to a better understanding and conservation management of fire-prone ecosystems.
Perplexing cooperative folding and stability of a low-sequence complexity, polyproline 2 protein lacking a hydrophobic core
Authors: Gates Zachary P. , Baxa Michael C. , Yu Wookyung , Riback Joshua A. , Li Hui , Roux Benoît , Kent Stephen B. H. , Sosnick Tobin R.
Published: February 2017

Significance

The basis of protein-folding cooperativity and stability elicits a variety of opinions, as does the existence and importance of possible residual structure in the denatured state. We examine these issues in a protein that is striking in its dearth of hydrophobic burial and its lack of canonical α and β structures, while having a low sequence complexity with 46% glycine. Unexpectedly, the protein’s folding behavior is similar to that observed for typical globular proteins. This enigma forces a reexamination of the possible combination of factors that can stabilize a protein.
Mapping evaporative water loss in desert passerines reveals an expanding threat of lethal dehydration
Authors: Albright Thomas P. , Mutiibwa Denis , Gerson Alexander. R. , Smith Eric Krabbe , Talbot William A. , O’Neill Jacqueline J. , McKechnie Andrew E. , Wolf Blair O.
Published: February 2017

Significance

Using measured rates of evaporative water loss, hourly gridded weather data, a 4 °C warming scenario, and physiological models, we show that songbirds in the deserts of the southwestern United States are increasingly susceptible to death from dehydration on hot days. Smaller birds lose water at a proportionally higher rate, and are hence more vulnerable than larger birds to lethal dehydration arising from greater evaporative cooling demands. Our analysis indicates that, by the end of the present century, exposure to potentially lethal conditions could at least quadruple for smaller species. The increasing extent, frequency, and intensity of dehydrating conditions under a warming climate may alter daily activity patterns, geographic range limits, and the conservation status of affected birds.
Decadal predictability without ocean dynamics
Authors: Srivastava Abhishekh , DelSole Timothy
Published: February 2017

Significance

Accurate climate predictions on 10-y time scales are commonly assumed to require climate models with interactive ocean dynamics. This paper shows that the most predictable components in climate models without interactive ocean dynamics are remarkably similar to those in models containing interactive ocean dynamics. In addition, linear models trained on either type of climate model can skillfully predict observed temperature variations a year or two in advance. The results suggest that mechanisms of decadal climate predictability might be much simpler than previously thought, in particular, that they are dominated by thermodynamic ocean physics coupled to a stochastic atmosphere without interactive ocean dynamics.
Differential modulation of global and local neural oscillations in REM sleep by homeostatic sleep regulation
Authors: Kim Bowon , Kocsis Bernat , Hwang Eunjin , Kim Youngsoo , Strecker Robert E. , McCarley Robert W. , Choi Jee Hyun
Published: February 2017

Significance

This study demonstrates that slow and fast cortical oscillations undergo different adaptations to homeostatic challenge of chronic sleep deprivation, which may benefit different functions of sleep. When mice sleep only 6 h/d for 5 d, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep settles on a persistently elevated level, even though sleep debt continues to accumulate. Using high-density EEG, we found that different forms of slow oscillations follow this general pattern, whereas all high-frequency oscillations showed progressive daily increases. Slow and fast oscillations play distinct roles in coordination of brain cell activity on different scales, and thus our results help to reconcile two seemingly opposite functions of sleep in synaptic homeostasis and sleep-dependent memory consolidation.
Six centuries of geomagnetic intensity variations recorded by royal Judean stamped jar handles
Authors: Ben-Yosef Erez , Millman Michael , Shaar Ron , Tauxe Lisa , Lipschits Oded
Published: February 2017

Earth’s magnetic field, one of the most enigmatic physical phenomena of the planet, is constantly changing on various time scales, from decades to millennia and longer. The reconstruction of geomagnetic field behavior in periods predating direct observations with modern instrumentation is based on geological and archaeological materials and has the twin challenges of (i) the accuracy of ancient paleomagnetic estimates and (ii) the dating of the archaeological material. Here we address the latter by using a set of storage jar handles (fired clay) stamped by royal seals as part of the ancient administrative system in Judah (Jerusalem and its vicinity). The typology of the stamp impressions, which corresponds to changes in the political entities ruling this area, provides excellent age constraints for the firing event of these artifacts. Together with rigorous paleomagnetic experimental procedures, this study yielded an unparalleled record of the geomagnetic field intensity during the eighth to second centuries BCE. The new record constitutes a substantial advance in our knowledge of past geomagnetic field variations in the southern Levant. Although it demonstrates a relatively stable and gradually declining field during the sixth to second centuries BCE, the new record provides further support for a short interval of extreme high values during the late eighth century BCE. The rate of change during this “geomagnetic spike” [defined as virtual axial dipole moment > 160 ZAm2(1021Am2)] is further constrained by the new data, which indicate an extremely rapid weakening of the field (losing ∼27% of its strength overca.30 y).
Improved regulatory element prediction based on tissue-specific local epigenomic signatures
Authors: He Yupeng , Gorkin David U. , Dickel Diane E. , Nery Joseph R. , Castanon Rosa G. , Lee Ah Young , Shen Yin , Visel Axel , Pennacchio Len A. , Ren Bing , Ecker Joseph R.
Published: February 2017

Significance

In mammals, when and where a gene is transcribed are primarily regulated by the activity of regulatory DNA elements, or enhancers. Genetic mutation disrupting enhancer function is emerging as one of the major causes of human diseases. However, our knowledge remains limited about the location and activity of enhancers in the numerous and distinct cell types and tissues. Here, we develop a computational approach, regulatory element prediction based on tissue-specific local epigenetic marks (REPTILE), to precisely locate enhancers based on genome-wide DNA methylation and histone modification profiling. We systematically tested REPTILE on a variety of human and mouse cell types and tissues. Compared with existing methods, we found that enhancer predictions from REPTILE are more likely to be active in vivo and the predicted locations are more accurate.
Putative transmembrane transporter modulates higher-level aggression in
Drosophila
Authors: Chowdhury Budhaditya , Chan Yick-Bun , Kravitz Edward A.
Published: February 2017

Significance

How high levels of aggression are generated in any organism is poorly understood, especially the genetic basis. Analyses of a hyperaggressive line of fruit flies (Bullies) generated by a genetic selection approach revealed a loss of the aggressive phenotype when animals were reared at a lower temperature. This effect offered an opportunity to perform RNA-seq analyses searching for genetic differences specifically related to hyperaggression. The results showed a small number of gene differences of twofold or more in the Bullies; one is a member of a neutral amino acid family of transporters suggested to be important in glutamate and GABA neurotransmitter regulation. Lowering levels of this gene in
Drosophila melanogaster
partially duplicates the high-aggression phenotype.
Modular electron-transport chains from eukaryotic organelles function to support nitrogenase activity
Authors: Yang Jianguo , Xie Xiaqing , Yang Mingxuan , Dixon Ray , Wang Yi-Ping
Published: February 2017

Significance

Engineering nitrogenase into cereal crops requires detailed understanding of the components required for efficient nitrogen fixation. We have used a synthetic biology modular approach to evaluate components from chloroplast, root plastids, and mitochondria that function as electron donors to both conventional Mo nitrogenase and the alternative Fe nitrogenase systems. The knowledge obtained in this study not only identifies electron-transfer components from plant organelles that can be used to support nitrogenase activity, but also is likely to enable reduction of the number of target genes required to engineer nitrogen fixation in plants.
The Role of Anthroponymic Commemoration on Wine Labels in South Africa
Authors: Neethling Bertie
Published: February 2017

South Africa is a prominent wine-producing country. The focus in this contribution will be on anthroponymic commemoration whereby a name of a person, singular or plural, and of both genders, is selected for a particular wine in South Africa. This selection is often linked to historical figures, but also sometimes uses invented or fictional names. Others may simply commemorate the winemaker, or family members. Being a multilingual country the language choice also will be discussed. The contribution therefore will outline the various categories and the possible impact of the name as well as the design of the label, the description of the name, and the language used for the description.
Papaya ringspot virus Populations From East Timorese and Northern Australian Cucurbit Crops: Biological and Molecular Properties, and Absence of Genetic Connectivity
Authors: Maina Solomon , Coutts Brenda A. , Edwards Owain R. , de Almeida Luis , Ximenes Abel , Jones Roger A. C.
Published: February 2017

To examine possible genetic connectivity between crop viruses found in Southeast Asia and Australia, Papaya ringspot virus biotype W (PRSV-W) isolates from cucurbits growing in East Timor and northern Australia were studied. East Timorese samples from cucumber (Cucumis sativus) or pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata and C. maxima) were sent to Australia on FTA cards. These samples and others of pumpkin, rockmelon, honeydew melon (Cucumis melo), or watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) growing in one location each in northwest, north, or northeast Australia were subjected to high throughput sequencing (HTS). When the 17 complete PRSV genomic sequences obtained by HTS were compared with 32 others from GenBank, the five from East Timor were in a different major phylogroup from the 12 Australian sequences. Moreover, the East Timorese and Australian sequences each formed their own minor phylogroups named VI and I, respectively. A Taiwanese sequence was closest to the East Timorese (89.6% nt dentity), and Mexican and Brazilian sequences were the closest to the Australian (92.3% nt identity). When coat protein gene (CP) sequences from the 17 new genomic sequences were compared with 126 others from GenBank, three Australian isolates sequenced more than 20 years ago grouped with the new Australian sequences, while the closest sequence to the East Timorese was from Thailand (93.1% nt identity). Recombination analysis revealed 13 recombination events among the 49 complete genomes. Two isolates from East Timor (TM50, TM32) and eight from GenBank were recombinants, but all 12 Australian isolates were non-recombinants. No evidence of genome connectivity between Australian and Southeast Asian PRSV populations was obtained. The strand-specific RNA library approach used optimized data collection for virus genome assembly. When an Australian PRSV isolate was inoculated to plants of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo), watermelon, rockmelon, and honeydew melon, they all developed systemic foliage symptoms characteristic of PRSV-W, but symptom severity varied among melon cultivars.
Characterization of Rph24: A Gene Conferring Adult Plant Resistance to Puccinia hordei in Barley
Authors: Ziems Laura A. , Hickey Lee T. , Platz Gregory J. , Franckowiak Jerome D. , Dracatos Peter M. , Singh Davinder , Park Robert F.
Published: February 2017

We identified Rph24 as a locus in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) controlling adult plant resistance (APR) to leaf rust, caused by Puccinia hordei. The locus was previously reported as a quantitative trait locus in barley line ND24260-1 and named qRphND. We crossed ND24260-1 to the leaf-rust-susceptible standard Gus and determined inheritance patterns in the progeny. For the comparative marker frequency analysis (MFA), resistant and susceptible tails of the F2 were genotyped with Diversity Arrays Technology genotyping-by-sequencing (DArT-Seq) markers. The Rph24 locus was positioned at 55.5 centimorgans on chromosome 6H on the DArT-Seq consensus map. Evaluation of F2:3 families confirmed that a single locus from ND24260-1 conferred partial resistance. The haploblock strongly associated with the Rph24 locus was used to estimate the allele frequency in a collection of 282 international barley cultivars. Rph24 was frequently paired with APR locus Rph20 in cultivars displaying high levels of APR to leaf rust. The markers identified in this study for Rph24 should be useful for marker-assisted selection.
Beta Human Papillomavirus Infection Is Prevalent in Elephantiasis and Exhibits a Productive Phenotype: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Carlson John Andrew , Rady Peter , Kadam Pooja , He Qin , Simonette Rebecca , Tyring Stephen
Published: February 2017

Elephantiasis is considered a cutaneous region of immune deficiency with cobblestone-like surface caused by a wart-like eruption. Verrucosis is a diffuse human papillomavirus (HPV) infection linked to immunodeficiency disorders. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of HPV infection in lymphedema and its pathogenic role in elephantiasis. A retrospective case-control study was performed examining lymphedematous skin and controls of peritumoral normal skin. HPV infection was evaluated at the DNA, protein, and histopathologic levels by polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and light microscopy, respectively. Overall, 540 HPV DNAs were detected in 120 of 122 cutaneous samples (median 4 HPV DNAs per sample, range 0–9). Compared with controls, no differences existed in type or number of HPVs identified. Instead, a diverse spectrum of HPV-related histopathologies were evident, likely reflecting the multiplicity of HPV genotypes detected. Most notably, increasing histopathologic lymphedema stage significantly correlated with markers of productive HPV infection such as altered keratohyaline granules and HPV L1 capsid expression. Limitations of this study are the absence of normal skin controls not associated with neoplasia or subclinical lymphedema, and lack of assessment of HPV copy number per keratinocyte infected. In conclusion, productive HPV infection, not HPV type or numbers detected, distinguished lymphedematous skin from controls. These findings support the theory that lymphedema creates a region of depressed immunity that permits productive HPV infection, manifested clinically by diffuse papillomatosis, characteristic of elephantiasis.
Isolated Ectopic Cutaneous Atypical Meningioma of the Scalp: Another Mimicker of Primary Adnexal Tumor
Authors: Konopinski Jonathan , Prieto Victor G. , Ivan Doina , Nagarajan Priyadharsini , Tetzlaff Michael T. , Curry Jonathan L. , Torres-Cabala Carlos A. , Fuller Gregory N. , Aung Phyu P.
Published: February 2017

Cutaneous meningiomas are rare tumors most commonly located in the skin and soft tissue of the scalp. They may be congenital (type I), acquired and derived from ectopic arachnoid tissue in the skin (type II), or arise through direct extension from an intracranial meningioma (type III). Despite their well-established documentation in the literature, they may escape recognition when classic features are not present. Herein, we present a case of a cutaneous atypical meningioma (≥4 mitotic figures/10 High Power Fields (HPF)) on the posterior scalp of a 31-year-old man with histologic features mimicking a malignant adnexal tumor. To our knowledge, this is the first case of isolated cutaneous meningioma mimicking an adnexal neoplasm. Thus, cutaneous meningiomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dermal and subcutaneous epithelioid neoplasms of the scalp.
Germinotropic Onychocytic Matricoma: A New Histopathologic Subtype of Onychocytic Matricoma in the Light of the Microanatomy of the Normal Nail Unit, With Special Reference to Nail Mesenchyme
Authors: Perrin Christophe
Published: February 2017

Onychocytic matricoma (OCM) is a benign tumor of adnexal keratinocytes in which there is complete cytodifferentiation toward the germinative cells of the nail matrix, the keratogenous zone cells, and cells of the nail plate. Several microscopic variants of OCM were initially recognized; acanthotic type, acanthotic and papillomatous type, keratogenous type, and melanocytic as slight proliferation of dendritic melanocytes within the basaloid cells. This study reports an additional histopathologic variant of OCM. The case presented as an acquired localized longitudinal pachymelanonychia of the thumb in a 50-year-old man. The excisional biopsy, with partial nail plate avulsion, showed a matrical acanthoma composed of basaloid cells with peripheral palisading. This matrical lesion showed extension into the proximal nail bed. The boundary between the matrix and nail bed was identified by the 2 microanatomical zones of the matrical mesenchyme, and the matrix metaplasia of the proximal nail bed was identified by the coexpression of hair-related keratins and K75. This onychogenic epithelial benign tumor presented a prominent germinative compartment without spheres of prekeratogenous and keratogenous zone cells and exhibited an unusual expression of K35. The melanocyte count was high in the proximal nail bed with matrix metaplasia (22.25 melanocytes per mm). By contrast, the distal nail bed, showed only rare melanocytes. This study describes a previously uncharacterized histopathologic subtype of OCM that can microscopically mimic onychocytic carcinoma, onychomatricoma and basal cell carcinoma. Careful conventional microscopy coupled with knowledge of the fine microanatomy of the normal nail mesenchyme can facilitate a correct diagnosis to be established.
A Preclinical Translational Study of the Cardioprotective Effects of Plasma-Derived Alpha-1 Anti-trypsin in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Mauro Adolfo G. , Mezzaroma Eleonora , Marchetti Carlo , Narayan Pratyush , Del Buono Marco G. , Capuano Marialessia , Prestamburgo Andrea , Catapano Simone , Salloum Fadi N. , Abbate Antonio , Toldo Stefano
Published: February 2017

Background:

The area of myocardial infarction continues to expand for hours after reperfusion. The injured but viable myocardium may be salvaged if the signals leading to cell death are interrupted. Activation of the caspase-1 inflammasome in the heart shortly after ischemia–reperfusion contributes to the final infarct size. Plasma-derived α-1 anti-trypsin (AAT) has shown to inhibit inflammasome formation in vitro and in vivo. To explore the potential translational clinical value of AAT as a therapeutic, we conducted a series of preclinical experiments designed to simulate clinically relevant scenarios.

Methods:

Adult male CD1 mice were used. The left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated for 30 or 75 minutes followed by reperfusion, to explore different severity of ischemic injury. Plasma-derived AAT (Prolastin C) was administered intraperitoneally after reperfusion, without pretreatment, exploring 3 different doses (60, 120, and 180 mg/kg). In a subgroup of mice, we administered Prolastin C with a delay of 30 minutes after reperfusion to simulate the clinical context of delayed administration, and we also used a model of permanent coronary artery ligation without reperfusion. Finally, we tested whether a single dose at reperfusion was sufficient to maintain a benefit in the longer term (7 days). Infarct size was measured by 3 different and independent methodologies: pathology, plasma levels of troponin I, and wall motion abnormalities at echocardiography.

Results:

Prolastin C given at reperfusion after 30 minutes of ischemia provided a powerful reduction in infarct size (>50% reduction in all methodology used, all P < 0.01) without a clear dose-dependent response. Prolongation of ischemia to 75 minutes nor a delay in treatment by 30 minutes after reperfusion had any negative impact on Prolastin C effects. A single dose given at reperfusion was as effective as multiple daily doses. When given to the mouse without reperfusion, Prolastin C failed to reduce infarct size.

Conclusions:

Plasma-derived AAT (Prolastin C) given as an adjunct to reperfusion powerfully limits the final infarct size across a wide range of experiments in the mouse reproducing clinically relevant scenarios, such as variable duration of ischemia, delay in administration in the drug, and a large therapeutic index.
Prospective Evaluation of a Novel Treatment Algorithm for Health Care-Associated Pneumonia
Authors: Fazylov Roman , Peyko Vincent , Burney Sibte , Cohen Henry
Published: February 2017

Background

The current health care–associated pneumonia (HCAP) model may be too broad, leading to inappropriate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. As a result, therapeutic algorithms, such as what Maruyama et al validated, have been developed for a more specific therapy. Our study aims to validate this algorithm in our patient population.

Methods

This is a single-center, prospective, cohort study, with a historical control cohort. The prospective cohort followed an outlined algorithm to determine empiric therapy as compared with a historical cohort, which followed the standard of care. Prospective cohort patients were categorized as low versus high risk based on the algorithm and started on empiric community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or HCAP regimens, respectively. Primary objectives included length of stay and initial empiric failure. Secondary objectives included patients treated with CAP versus HCAP regimens, intravenous to oral conversion time, antibiotic duration, and incidence of acute kidney injury.

Results

There was no difference in the primary outcomes of length of stay and initial empiric regimen. Secondary outcomes were significant for elevated frequency of empiric CAP regimens compared with HCAP regimens and shorter antibiotic duration.

Conclusions

The current definition of HCAP may be too expansive leading to the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Risk stratification based on the presence of multidrug-resistant risk factors and severity of illness may prove to be a useful assessment tool in determining targeted empiric therapy and limit the propagation of bacterial resistance.
Lateral inhibition during nociceptive processing
Authors: Quevedo Alexandre S. , Mørch Carsten Dahl , Andersen Ole K. , Coghill Robert C.
Published: February 2017

Spatial summation of pain (SSP) is the increase of perceived intensity that occurs as the stimulated area increases. Spatial summation of pain is subadditive in that increasing the stimulus area produces a disproportionately small increase in the perceived intensity of pain. A possible explanation for subadditive summation may be that convergent excitatory information is modulated by lateral inhibition. To test the hypothesis that lateral inhibition may limit SSP, we delivered different patterns of noxious thermal stimuli to the abdomens of 15 subjects using a computer-controlled CO2 laser. Lines (5 mm wide) of variable lengths (4, 8 cm) were compared with 2-point stimuli delivered at the same position/separation as the length of lines. When compared with one-point control stimuli, 2-point stimulus patterns produced statistically significant SSP, while no such summation was detected during line stimulus patterns. Direct comparison of pain intensity evoked by 2-point pattern stimuli with line pattern stimuli revealed that 2-point patterns were perceived as significantly more painful, despite the fact that the 2-point pattern stimulated far smaller areas of skin. Thus, the stimulation of the skin region between the endpoints of the lines appears to produce inhibition. These findings indicate that lateral inhibition limits SSP and is an intrinsic component of nociceptive information processing. Disruption of such lateral inhibition may contribute substantially to the radiation of some types of chronic pain.
Clinical usefulness and performance of acoustic radiation force impulse in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Ozturker Coskun , Karagoz Ergenekon , Sivrioglu Ali K. , Kara Kemal
Published: February 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) compared with liver biopsy in quantifying fibrosis levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Patients and methods

The study was approved by the institutional review board at our hospital. One hundred CHB patients and 30 healthy controls (130 individuals) were included in the study. ARFI measurements were performed on all of these cases. CHB was diagnosed when serum hepatitis surface antigen was positive for more than 6 months and when persistent or intermittent elevations in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels and histopathological changes in liver biopsy were present. Liver biopsies were taken as a reference standard for 100 CHB patients. Liver biopsy samples were examined using the Ishak scoring system and compared with ARFI velocity values.

Results

Of the 130 participants, 107 (82.3%) were men and 23 (17.7%) were women. Thirty of these participants were healthy controls and their fibrotic score was evaluated as an Ishak fibrosis score of 0. A gradual increase in the mean velocity value was obtained for fibrosis scores F0–F6 (Ishak fibrosis score) in our study. A strong positive correlation was found between the mean velocity values and fibrosis scores of liver biopsy that were performed on liver segment 8. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to detect the best cutoff velocity values, and no or mild fibrosis (F≤2), significant fibrosis (F≥3), and severe fibrosis (F≥5) were calculated to be 0.95, 1.75, and 2.55 m/s, respectively. When a cutoff value of 1.75 m/s was used, ARFI had a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 98% in differentiating patients with fibrosis score F≤2 versus F≥3.

Conclusion

ARFI elastography in patients with CHB can be considered an easy-to-use and accurate noninvasive tool to evaluate the severity of liver fibrosis.
Transient elastography evaluation of hepatic and spleen stiffness in patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis
Authors: Veiga Zulane S.T. , Villela-Nogueira Cristiane A. , Fernandes Flávia F. , Cavalcanti Marta G. , Figueiredo Fátima A. , Pereira João L. , Pereira Gustavo H. , Moraes Coelho Henrique S. , Peralta José M. , Marques Carlos E. , Perez Renata M. , Fogaça Homero S.
Published: February 2017

Background

Hepatosplenic schistosomiasis (HES) has not been evaluated by transient elastography so far and its correlation with ultrasound variables remains to be defined.

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe the parameters of liver and spleen stiffness in HES assessed by transient elastography in comparison with cirrhotics and controls evaluating its correlation with ultrasonographic data.

Patients and methods

HES, hepatitis C virus-cirrhotic, and control patients were included in this sectional study. Liver and spleen stiffness were compared among the three groups. The ultrasonographic parameters were compared with transient elastography in HES patients.

Results

Thirty HES, 30 hepatitis C virus-cirrhotic patients, and 17 controls were included. Those with HES presented liver stiffness that was significantly higher than the controls and lower than the cirrhotics: 9.7 (3.6–75.0) versus 3.7 (2.8–5.4) versus 27.0 (14.7–61.5) kPa (P<0.001). Spleen stiffness values were comparable between hepatosplenic and cirrhotics: 66.4 (25.7–75.0) versus 69.1 (18.0–75.0) kPa (P=0.78) and were significantly higher than the controls 16.5 kPa (6.3–34.3) (P<0.001). In patients with HES, high spleen stiffness was associated with right liver lobe diameter (P=0.015), splenic artery resistance index (P=0.002), portal vein diameter (P=0.021), portal vein area (P=0.008), portal vein congestion index (P=0.035), splenic vein diameter (P=0.013), and spleen diameter (P=0.021).

Conclusion

Liver stiffness may be a useful tool to differentiate portal hypertension related to cirrhosis from that of HES. High spleen stiffness is a potential surrogate marker of portal hypertension in this population.
Direct-acting antivirals are effective for chronic hepatitis C treatment in elderly patients: a real-world study of 17 487 patients
Authors: Su Feng , Beste Lauren A. , Green Pamela K. , Berry Kristin , Ioannou George N.
Published: February 2017

Background

The mean age of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the USA has been increasing. Despite the increasing proportion of HCV-infected elderly patients, this group is under-represented in clinical trials of HCV treatment.

Aim

We aimed to describe the real-world effectiveness of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) among elderly patients.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively identified 17 487 HCV-infected patients who were started on treatment with sofosbuvir, ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, or paritaprevir/ombitasvir/ritonavir/dasabuvir-based regimens in the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System between 1 January 2014 and 30 June 2015. We ascertained sustained virologic response (SVR) rates in patients aged below 55, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, and 75 years or older and performed multivariable logistic regression to determine whether age predicted SVR.

Results

Overall unadjusted SVR rates were 91.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 89.7–92.4], 89.8% (95% CI: 88.8–90.7), 90.8% (95% CI: 90.1–91.6), 91.1% (95% CI: 90.1–91.9), 90.0% (95% CI: 86.9–92.4), and 93.8% (95% CI: 88.8–96.7) in patients aged below 55, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, and 75 years or older. Unadjusted SVR rates were similar in all age groups after stratifying by genotype, treatment regimen, stage of liver disease, and treatment experience. In multivariate models, age was not predictive of SVR after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusion

DAAs produce high rates of SVR in all age groups, including patients in our oldest age category (≥75 years). Advanced age in and of itself should not be considered a barrier to initiating DAA treatment.
Regulatory Advocacy Update: American Society of Plastic Surgeons Comments in Response to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Draft Guidance Documents on Human Cell and Tissue Products
Authors: Rubin J. Peter , D’Amico Richard A. , Rodriguez Ricardo , Coleman Sydney R. , Cederna Paul , Glasberg Scot , Neumeister Michael , Song David H. , Butler Charles , Hume Keith M.
Published: February 2017

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released draft guidance documents on human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products regulations. These proposed guidance documents can impact the practice of plastic surgery in the area of tissue grafting procedures. This article describes the relevant issues in these draft guidance documents, and presents the comments provided to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.