bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proximity effect between a topological insulator and a magnetic insulator with large perpendicular anisotropy
Authors: Yang Wenmin , Yang Shuo , Zhang Qinghua , Xu Yang , Shen Shipeng , Liao Jian , Teng Jing , Nan Cewen , Gu Lin , Sun Young , Wu Kehui , Li Yongqing
Published: September 2014

We report that thin films of a prototype topological insulator, Bi2Se3, can be epitaxially grown onto the (0001) surface of BaFe12O19 (BaM), a magnetic insulator with high Curie temperature and large perpendicular anisotropy. In the Bi2Se3 thin films grown on non-magnetic substrates, classic weak antilocalization (WAL) is manifested as cusp-shaped positive magnetoresistance (MR) in perpendicular magnetic fields and parabola-shaped positive MR in parallel fields, whereas in Bi2Se3/BaM heterostructures the low field MR is parabola-shaped, which is positive in perpendicular fields and negative in parallel fields. The magnetic field and temperature dependence of the MR is explained as a consequence of the suppression of WAL due to strong magnetic interactions at the Bi2Se3/BaM interface.
Multi-resonant silver nano-disk patterned thin film hydrogenated amorphous silicon solar cells for Staebler-Wronski effect compensation
Authors: Vora Ankit , Gwamuri Jephias , Pearce Joshua M. , Bergstrom Paul L. , Güney Durdu Ö.
Published: September 2014

We study polarization independent improved light trapping in commercial thin film hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) solar photovoltaic cells using a three-dimensional silver array of multi-resonant nano-disk structures embedded in a silicon nitride anti-reflection coating to enhance optical absorption in the intrinsic layer (i-a-Si:H) for the visible spectrum for any polarization angle. Predicted total optical enhancement (OE) in absorption in the i-a-Si:H for AM-1.5 solar spectrum is 18.51% as compared to the reference, and producing a 19.65% improvement in short-circuit current density (JSC) over 11.7 mA/cm2 for a reference cell. The JSC in the nano-disk patterned solar cell (NDPSC) was found to be higher than the commercial reference structure for any incident angle. The NDPSC has a multi-resonant optical response for the visible spectrum and the associated mechanism for OE in i-a-Si:H layer is excitation of Fabry-Perot resonance facilitated by surface plasmon resonances. The detrimental Staebler-Wronski effect in a-Si:H solar cell can be minimized by the additional OE in the NDPSC and self-annealing of defect states by additional heat generation, thus likely improving the overall stabilized characteristics of a-Si:H solar cells.
Two-dimensional superconductivity between SrTiO3 and amorphous Al2O3
Authors: Fuchs Dirk , Schäfer Roland , Sleem Ahmed , Schneider Rudolf , Thelen Richard , von Löhneysen Hilbert
Published: September 2014

Two-dimensional (2D) superconductivity is observed between insulating amorphous Al2O3 and TiO2-terminated (001)-oriented SrTiO3. The heterostructure displays interfacial metallic conduction from room temperature down to ≈200 mK where superconductivity sets in. The voltage-current V(I) characteristics indicate a power-law scaling behavior V∝Iα with a temperature dependent exponent α, indicative for a Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless transition at TBKT≈160 mK and a 2D superconducting state. The superconducting transition was found to be very sensitive to a magnetic field B.
Electrical switching and memory behaviors in organic diodes based on polymer blend films treated by ultraviolet ozone
Authors: Huang Jinying , Ma Dongge
Published: September 2014

Resistive memory devices with resistive switching characteristics were fabricated based on poly (3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) doping with polyvinyl alcohol. It has been demonstrated that the resistive switching characteristics in the memory device was strongly dependent on the treatment of the polymer blend film by ultraviolet ozone (UV-ozone). The UV-ozone treated device exhibited improved performance with the ON/OFF current ratio of more than 102, and its ON and OFF states can be maintained over 96 h without deterioration. The resistive switching behavior in the UV-ozone treated device was attributed to the formation and rupture of the PEDOT:PSS filaments as well as the narrow conducting paths through the native oxide of aluminum.
Photoluminescence and photothermal effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles for medical imaging and therapy
Authors: Sadat M. E. , Kaveh Baghbador Masoud , Dunn Andrew W. , Wagner H. P. , Ewing Rodney C. , Zhang Jiaming , Xu Hong , Pauletti Giovanni M. , Mast David B. , Shi Donglu
Published: September 2014

Photoluminescence (PL) of Fe3O4 nanoparticle was observed from the visible to near-infrared (NIR) range by laser irradiation at 407 nm. PL spectra of ∼10 nm diameter Fe3O4 nanoparticles organized in different spatial configuration, showed characteristic emissions with a major peak near 560 nm, and two weak peaks near 690 nm and 840 nm. Different band gap energies were determined for these Fe3O4 nanoparticle samples corresponding to, respectively, the electron band structures of the octahedral site (2.2 eV) and the tetrahedral site (0.9 eV). Photothermal effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles was found to be associated with the photoluminescence emissions in the NIR range. Also discussed is the mechanism responsible for the photothermal effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in medical therapy.
Athermalization and on-chip multi-wavelength integration of VCSELs employing thermally actuated micromachined mirrors
Authors: Nakahama M. , Sakaguchi T. , Matsutani A. , Koyama F.
Published: September 2014

An athermal multi-wavelength vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) array is demonstrated using a thermally actuated cantilever structure with different cantilever lengths. The cavity length of each VCSEL is precisely controlled via the deflection of the cantilever due to difference in the lattice constant of GaAlAs layers. Also, the thermally induced actuation of the cantilever reduces the cavity length as the ambient temperature increases, which compensates the thermal wavelength drift of the VCSEL. The wavelength drift could be reduced within ±0.017 nm/K, which is 4 times smaller than that of conventional VCSELs. The proposed multi-wavelength VCSEL array enables four wavelength channels with 2.5 nm spacing under uncooled operations.
Ultraviolet laser-induced poling inhibition produces bulk domains in MgO-doped lithium niobate crystals
Authors: Boes Andreas , Steigerwald Hendrik , Yudistira Didit , Sivan Vijay , Wade Scott , Mailis Sakellaris , Soergel Elisabeth , Mitchell Arnan
Published: September 2014

We report the realization of high-resolution bulk domains achieved using a shallow, structured, domain inverted surface template obtained by UV laser-induced poling inhibition in MgO-doped lithium niobate. The quality of the obtained bulk domains is compared to those of the template and their application for second harmonic generation is demonstrated. The present method enables domain structures with a period length as small as 3 μm to be achieved. Furthermore, we propose a potential physical mechanism that leads to the transformation of the surface template into bulk domains.
Tracing the roots of syntax with Bayesian phylogenetics
Authors: Maurits Luke , Griffiths Thomas L.
Published: September 2014

Significance

Word order varies in a systematic way across languages. Psychological explanations have been proposed for this, but they are informed only by data on modern word-order frequencies and are unable to explain proposed patterns in historical word order change. We use novel computational techniques to make inferences about this historical change and the probable ancestral word orders of major language families. Our results simultaneously establish firm criteria for psychological explanation of word-order change and provide insight into the history of word order, informing theories of language evolution.
Strengthening Market Linkages of Farm Households in Developing Countries
Authors: Mottaleb Khondoker Abdul , Mohanty Samarendu , Nelson Andrew
Published: September 2014

Farm households in developing countries generally allocate a major portion of their resources to staple food production, mainly for self‐consumption. Hence, many of them are more or less delinked from the market. It is well recognized, however, that market participation is crucial for farm households to ensure a flow of cash income, leading to poverty alleviation and improved livelihoods. Thus, it is meaningful to understand what factors affect farm households' decision to sell food crops, which is important for strengthening their linkages with markets. The empirical literature on impacts of market linkages has seldom focused on the determinants of market participation. Using rice farm households in Bangladesh and applying a double‐hurdle model, this article demonstrates that the provision of general education and the development of agricultural infrastructure such as irrigation facilities can strengthen the market linkages of farm households by enhancing their marketable surplus through increased production. By contrast, rainfall beyond the optimum level, drought spells, and flood incidences can weaken market linkages by reducing their marketable surplus through decreased production. Specific policies such as investment in general education are drawn up based on the findings.
mod_bio: Apache modules for Next-Generation sequencing data
Authors: Lindenbaum Pierre , Redon Richard
Published: September 2014

Summary: We describe mod_bio , a set of modules for the Apache HTTP server that allows the users to access and query fastq, tabix, fasta and bam files through a Web browser. Those data are made available in plain text, HTML, XML, JSON and JSON-P. A javascript-based genome browser using the JSON-P communication technique is provided as an example of cross-domain Web service.

Availability and implementation : https://github.com/lindenb/mod_bio .

Contact:  pierre.lindenbaum@univ-nantes.fr
BalestraWeb: efficient online evaluation of drug–target interactions
Authors: Cobanoglu Murat Can , Oltvai Zoltán N. , Taylor D. Lansing , Bahar Ivet
Published: September 2014

Summary: BalestraWeb is an online server that allows users to instantly make predictions about the potential occurrence of interactions between any given drug–target pair, or predict the most likely interaction partners of any drug or target listed in the DrugBank. It also permits users to identify most similar drugs or most similar targets based on their interaction patterns. Outputs help to develop hypotheses about drug repurposing as well as potential side effects.

Availability and implementation: BalestraWeb is accessible at http://balestra.csb.pitt.edu/ . The tool is built using a probabilistic matrix factorization method and DrugBank v3, and the latent variable models are trained using the GraphLab collaborative filtering toolkit. The server is implemented using Python, Flask, NumPy and SciPy.

Contact:  bahar@pitt.edu
SignalSpider: probabilistic pattern discovery on multiple normalized ChIP-Seq signal profiles
Authors: Wong Ka-Chun , Li Yue , Peng Chengbin , Zhang Zhaolei
Published: September 2014

Motivation: Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) followed by high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-Seq) measures the genome-wide occupancy of transcription factors in vivo . Different combinations of DNA-binding protein occupancies may result in a gene being expressed in different tissues or at different developmental stages. To fully understand the functions of genes, it is essential to develop probabilistic models on multiple ChIP-Seq profiles to decipher the combinatorial regulatory mechanisms by multiple transcription factors.

Results: In this work, we describe a probabilistic model (SignalSpider) to decipher the combinatorial binding events of multiple transcription factors. Comparing with similar existing methods, we found SignalSpider performs better in clustering promoter and enhancer regions. Notably, SignalSpider can learn higher-order combinatorial patterns from multiple ChIP-Seq profiles. We have applied SignalSpider on the normalized ChIP-Seq profiles from the ENCODE consortium and learned model instances. We observed different higher-order enrichment and depletion patterns across sets of proteins. Those clustering patterns are supported by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, evolutionary conservation and chromatin interaction enrichment, offering biological insights for further focused studies. We also proposed a specific enrichment map visualization method to reveal the genome-wide transcription factor combinatorial patterns from the models built, which extend our existing fine-scale knowledge on gene regulation to a genome-wide level.

Availability and implementation: The matrix-algebra-optimized executables and source codes are available at the authors’ websites: http://www.cs.toronto.edu/∼wkc/SignalSpider .

Contact:  zhaolei.zhang@utoronto.ca

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A hub and spoke network model to analyse the secondary dispersal of introduced marine species in Indonesia
Authors: Azmi Fauziah , Hewitt Chad L. , Campbell Marnie L.
Published: September 2014

Indonesia is a biodiversity hotspot threatened with new introductions of marine species. As with many countries, Indonesia has a stratified shipping network of international ports linked to a large suite of domestic ports. We developed a hub and spoke network model to examine the risk associated with the secondary transfer of introduced marine species from the port hub of Tanjung Priok in Jakarta Bay to the 33 Indonesian provinces (including other ports in the Jakarta province). An 11-year shipping dataset was used (vessel next port of call records for maritime vessels that originated in Jakarta Bay and that remained in domestic waters) to derive a province ranking of vulnerability. Fifteen provinces represented almost 94% of the traffic frequency, with East Java and Jakarta provinces dominating. All urban provinces featured within the top seven highest frequency traffic provinces. Traffic patterns reflect an intra-coastal reliance on shipping, with traffic frequency decreasing with distance from Jakarta Bay. Provinces were regionalized into three categories (Lampung to East Java, Makassar Straits, and Malacca Straits) each with different vulnerabilities based on their values.
Assessment of False-negative Ascites Cytology in Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Allen Valerie A. , Takashima Yoko , Nayak Seema , Manahan Kelly J. , Geisler John P.
Published: September 2014

Objective:

The objective was to determine how often peritoneal cytology is positive for malignancy in women with known ovarian cancer. Knowing this fact would help determine the usefulness of diagnostic paracentesis.

Methods:

Records of all women diagnosed with invasive epithelial ovarian cancer from 2004 to 2012 were examined to correlate presence of ascites, cytologic, and pathologic findings.

Results:

A total of 313 patients were included in analysis. A total of 210 of 313 patients (67.1%) with ascites had cytology positive for malignancy. This left 103 patients with ascites and cancer without malignant cells found in the ascites removed at the time of surgery.

Conclusions:

Except in a few cases, paracentesis is not recommended for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer because of the potential spreading of cancer. Furthermore, with only just over two thirds of cases of known cancer and ascites having cytology positive for malignancy, the value of paracentesis for diagnosis of ovarian cancer is minimal.
Vascular Engorgement of Lacrimal Gland Associated With Port-Wine Stain
Authors: Talcott Katherine E. , Lee Nahyoung Grace , Freitag Suzanne K.
Published: September 2014

Port-wine stains are congenital dermal capillary malformations that typically involve the head and neck. While most of them are isolated malformations, they have been associated with other vascular findings, including conjunctival, episcleral, and choroidal hemangiomas. They have also been associated with the phakomatosis Sturge–Weber syndrome, characterized by parieto-occipital, leptomeningeal, and ocular choroidal vascular malformations. However, vascular engorgement of the lacrimal gland has not been previously reported in association with port-wine stains. The authors present a case of a 52-year-old man with a long-standing and isolated right periorbital port-wine stain referred for lacrimal gland enlargement on CT scan. He was found to have asymptomatic right lacrimal gland vascular engorgement, which was radiographically stable over a period of 5 years.
Induction of potential protective immunity against enterotoxemia in calves by single or multiple recombinant Clostridium perfringens toxoids
Authors: Jiang Zhigang , De Yanyan , Chang Jitao , Wang Fang , Yu Li
Published: September 2014

Cattle enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium perfringens toxins is a noncontagious, sporadic, and fatal disease characterized by sudden death. Strategies for controlling and preventing cattle enterotoxemia are based on systematic vaccination of herds with toxoids. Because the process of producing conventional clostridial vaccines is dangerous, expensive, and time‐consuming, the prospect of recombinant toxoid vaccines against diseases caused by C. perfringens toxins is promising. In this study, nontoxic recombinant toxoids derived from α‐, β‐ and ε‐toxins of C. perfringens, namely, rCPA247–370, rCPB and rEtxHP, respectively, were expressed in Escherichia coli. High levels of specific IgG antibodies and neutralizing antibodies against the toxins were detected in sera from calves vaccinated with either a single recombinant toxoid or a mixed cocktail of all three recombinant toxoids, indicating the potential of these recombinant toxoids to provide calves with protective immunity against enterotoxemia caused by C. perfringens.
Microparticles as biomarkers of osteonecrosis of the hip in sickle cell disease
Authors: Marsh Anne , Schiffelers Raymond , Kuypers Frans , Larkin Sandra , Gildengorin Ginny , van Solinge Wouter , Hoppe Carolyn
Published: September 2014

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). To examine the association between microparticles and ONFH in SCD, we compared plasma microparticle levels in 20 patients with and without ONFH. Microparticles were quantified using nanoparticle tracking analysis and found to be 2·3‐fold higher in patients with ONFH compared to patients without ONFH, and 2·5‐fold higher than in healthy controls. These results suggest that microparticles may be a clinically useful biomarker of ONFH in SCD. Further investigations are needed to determine the functional relevance of microparticles in the pathogenesis of ONFH in SCD.
Going further on an intricate and challenging group of nudibranchs: description of five novel species and a more complete molecular phylogeny of the subfamily Nembrothinae (Polyceridae)
Authors: Pola Marta , Padula Vinicius , Gosliner Terrence M. , Cervera Juan Lucas
Published: September 2014

Nembrothinae is a colourful subfamily of nudibranch polycerids, which despite its large size and striking appearance, needs to be more thoroughly studied. The available scientific information about this subfamily is very recent, and pictures of living undescribed species become available every day. Nevertheless, the lack of associated material for morphological, anatomical, and molecular analysis results in scarce additional studies. In this paper, five novel species are described: Roboastra ernsti sp. nov., Roboastra nikolasi sp. nov., Tambja brasiliensis sp. nov., Tambja crioula sp. nov., and Tambja kava sp. nov. In addition, Tambja divae (Marcus, 1958), a species previously known only from the original description, is redescribed and additional data and comments on Tambja cf. amakusana Baba, 1987 and Tambja marbellensis Schick and Cervera, 1998 are provided. Molecular data (H3, COI and 16S genes) for all these novel species and some additional ones were obtained and included in a previous molecular database. Maximum‐likelihood, maximum‐parsimony and Bayesian analyses were carried out. The phylogeny presented here has revealed Nembrothinae to be an intricate and challenging group of nudibranchs to study. Intermediate missing species seem to be critical to understanding the evolutionary relationships within this group.
Dimethyloxalylglycine lyophilized onto bone substitutes increase vessel area in rat calvarial defects
Authors: Kuchler Ulrike , Keibl Claudia , Fügl Alexander , Schwarze Uwe Y. , Tangl Stefan , Agis Hermann , Gruber Reinhard
Published: September 2014

Aim

Pharmacological inhibitors of prolyl hydroxylases, also termed hypoxia‐mimetic agents (HMAs), when repeatedly injected can support angiogenesis and bone regeneration. However, the possible role of HMA loaded onto bone substitutes to support angiogenesis and bone regeneration under diabetic condition is unknown. The capacity of HMA loaded onto deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) to support angiogenesis and bone formation was examined in diabetic Wistar rats.

Methods

Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The HMA dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) and desferrioxamine (DFO) were lyophilized onto DBBM. Calvarial defects were created with a trephine drill and filled with the respective bone substitutes. After 4 weeks of healing, the animals were subjected to histological and histomorphometric analysis.

Results

In this report, we provide evidence that DMOG loaded onto DBBM can support angiogenesis in vivo. Specifically, we show that DMOG increased the vessel area in the defect site to 2.4% ± 1.3% compared with controls 1.1% ± 0.48% (P = 0.012). There was a trend toward an increased vessel number in the defect site with 38.6 ± 17.4 and 31.0 ± 10.3 in the DMOG and the control group (P = 0.231). The increase in angiogenesis, however, did not translate into enhanced bone formation in the defect area with 9.2% ± 7.1% and 8.4% ± 5.6% in DMOG and control group, respectively. No significant changes were caused by DFO.

Conclusions

The results suggest that DMOG loaded onto DBBM can support angiogenesis, but bone formation does not increase accordingly in a type 1 diabetic rat calvarial defect model at the indicated time point.
Alcohol brief interventions practice following training for multidisciplinary health and social care teams: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Fitzgerald Niamh , Molloy Heather , MacDonald Fiona , McCambridge Jim
Published: September 2014

Introduction and Aims

Few studies of the implementation of alcohol brief interventions (ABI) have been conducted in community settings such as mental health, social work and criminal justice teams. This qualitative interview study sought to explore the impact of training on ABI delivery by staff from a variety of such teams.

Design and Methods

Fifteen semi‐structured telephone interviews were carried out with trained practitioners and with managers to explore the use of, perceived need for and approaches to ABI delivery and recording with clients, and compatibility of ABIs with current practice. Interviews were analysed thematically using an inductive approach.

Results

Very few practitioners reported delivery of any ABIs following training primarily because they felt ABIs to be inappropriate for their clients. According to practitioners, this was either because they drank too much or too little to benefit. Practitioners reported a range of current activities relating to alcohol, and some felt that their knowledge and confidence were improved following training. One practitioner reported ABI delivery and was considered a training success, while expectations of ABIs did not fit with current practice including assessment procedures for the remainder.

Discussion and Conclusions

Identified barriers to ABI delivery included issues relating to individual practitioners, their teams, current practice and the ABI model. They are likely to be best addressed by strategic team‐ and setting‐specific approaches to implementation, of which training is only one part. [Fitzgerald N, Molloy H, MacDonald F, McCambridge J. Alcohol brief interventions practice following training for multidisciplinary health and social care teams: A qualitative interview study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:185–93]
Solving the problem of non‐attendance in substance abuse services
Authors: Milward Joanna , Lynskey Michael , Strang John
Published: September 2014

Issues

Rates of non‐attendance are among the highest in substance misuse services. Non‐attendance is costly and results in the inefficient use of limited resources. Patients who frequently miss their appointments have worse outcomes including treatment dropout and decreased likelihood of achieving long‐term abstinence.

Approach

This narrative review evaluates interventions targeting non‐attendance in addiction services and draws upon the wider health‐care literature to identify interventions that could be adapted for substance‐abusing populations.

Key Findings

Both fixed value and intermittent reinforcement contingency management demonstrate potential for improving attendance. However, small sample sizes and heterogeneous populations make it difficult to draw firm conclusions. Appointment reminders by letter or telephone have demonstrated moderate evidence for improving attendance in substance‐abusing populations. Text message appointment reminders are extensively utilised in general health‐care settings and consistently improve attendance; however, there is a paucity of research examining the feasibility and effectiveness of text message reminders in addiction services.

Implications

A lack of evidence for methods to improve attendance is reflected in the continuing challenge faced by addiction services attempting to manage high rates of non‐attendance.

Conclusions

Non‐attendance remains a persistent issue for addiction services. While there is limited evidence that contingency management improves attendance, more rigorous research is needed to determine the optimal intervention components and effectiveness in different populations, particularly those receiving maintenance treatments. Multicomponent text message interventions incorporating different delivery and content strategies demonstrate a promise for improving non‐attendance and poor engagement.
[Milward J, Lynskey M, Strang J. Solving the problem of non‐attendance in substance abuse services. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:625–36]
The serotonergic anxiolytic buspirone attenuates circadian responses to light
Authors: Smith Victoria M. , Iannatonne Stephanie , Achal Sanjay , Jeffers Ryan T. , Antle Michael C.
Published: September 2014

Serotonergic drugs modify circadian responses to light, with agonists attenuating and some partial agonists or antagonists potentiating photic phase shifts. The anxiolytic buspirone is a 5‐HT1A receptor partial agonist. Given that buspirone is used therapeutically to manage generalised anxiety disorder, it would be useful to understand if and how this drug may modify circadian responses to light, not only to help manage side effects, but also to examine its potential use as a chronobiotic. Here we examined behavioral and molecular responses to phase‐shifting light in mice and hamsters treated with buspirone. Phase advances to late subjective night light pulses in hamsters and wildtype mice were significantly attenuated by buspirone. 5‐HT1A receptor knockout mice exhibited potentiated photic phase shifts when pretreated with buspirone. In wildtype mice, the attenuated phase shifts were accompanied by increased cFos expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, whereas potentiated phase shifts in knockouts were accompanied by increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and cyclic AMP response element‐binding protein (CREB), and decreased cFos expression. Attenuated photic phase shifts in buspirone‐treated hamsters were accompanied by decreased phosphorylation of ERK and CREB. Chronic buspirone treatment decreased the amplitude of wheel‐running rhythms, lengthened the duration of the active phase and advanced the phase angle of entrainment. Buspirone administration at midday produced non‐photic phase advances in wildtype but not 5‐HT1A receptor knockout mice. These findings suggest that buspirone affected the circadian system in a manner similar to the 5‐HT1A/7 agonist (±)‐8‐Hydroxy‐2‐dipropylaminotetralin hydrobromide, primarily through the 5‐HT1A receptor, and suggest that therapeutic use of buspirone to manage anxiety may impact circadian function.
Prenatal diagnosis in haemophilia A: experience of the genetic diagnostic laboratory
Authors: Kessler L. , Adams R. , Mighion L. , Walther S. , Ganguly A.
Published: September 2014

The paper describes the experience of the Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory in prenatal testing for haemophilia A, an X‐linked recessive disease caused by mutations in the F8 gene. Knowledge of a familial mutation prior to pregnancy can benefit prenatal diagnosis and decrease wait time for molecular testing during pregnancy. This is a retrospective review of a series of pregnant women who pursued F8 gene testing from December 1997 through May 2012, highlighting three cases, which demonstrate the technical complexities of analysis and the implications of not knowing carrier status prior to pregnancy. Mutations of the F8 gene were detected in affected males, obligate female carriers and suspected female carriers by DNA sequencing, inverse‐PCR, qRT‐PCR, Southern blot and exonic dosage analysis. The same methods were used to analyse prenatal samples from obligate or suspected female carriers upon request. Maternal cell contamination studies were performed for all prenatal samples analysed. Ninety‐nine women pursued F8 testing during pregnancy, either for carrier status alone or carrier status and prenatal diagnosis. Ninety‐one women (91%) requested carrier testing because they did not know their F8 mutation carrier status prior to pregnancy. Eight women requested prenatal diagnosis only, and only 4 of these were aware of their mutation status. Thirty‐seven individuals were found to be mutation carriers. Forty‐two prenatal samples were received for prenatal diagnosis. In total 21 foetuses were identified as mutation carriers. Mutation detection was complex and increased the turnaround time in some cases. Only four of 99 women who submitted samples for F8 testing were aware of their F8 mutation status prior to pregnancy. Knowledge of F8 mutation status prior to pregnancy allows for efficient prenatal diagnosis, when desired. Thus, preconception genetic counselling is required to inform patients of the available options and the complex and time‐consuming nature of F8 testing.
Gastrointestinal pathology in transplant patients
Authors: Wong Newton A C S
Published: September 2014

The assessment of gastrointestinal (GI) specimens from transplant patients is complicated by the wide range of potentially rare pathologies that may be found in this clinical setting. Acute GI graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) is characterized by epithelial cell apoptosis, although there is increasing recognition that acute and/or chronic inflammation may also be present. By contrast, thus far there are no histological features known to be specific to chronic GI GvHD. Mycophenolate mofetil colitis may mimic both GvHD and inflammatory bowel disease, whereas both cytomegalovirus (CMV) and adenovirus infections can cause gland apoptosis. Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder should be considered if a Crohn's‐like histological picture is seen, and granulomas in biopsies from umbilical cord blood recipients should raise a suspicion of cord colitis syndrome. Finally, the GI tract may be involved directly or indirectly by the disease that originally required haematopoietic stem cell or liver transplantation.
Ovarian and endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinomas have distinct profiles of microsatellite instability, PTEN expression, and ARID1A expression
Authors: Huang Hsien‐Neng , Lin Ming‐Chieh , Tseng Li‐Hui , Chiang Ying‐Cheng , Lin Liang‐In , Lin Yu‐Feng , Huang Hsin‐Ying , Kuo Kuan‐Ting
Published: September 2014

Aims

To understand the role of and differences in molecular alterations between endometrial and ovarian endometrioid adenocarcinomas.

Methods and results

We investigated the microsatellite status of 26 ovarian endometrioid adenocarcinomas (OVEMs), 42 endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinomas (EMCAs), and 19 concurrent (endometrial and ovarian) endometrioid adenocarcinomas. We evaluated the expression of the mismatch repair proteins, PTEN and ARID1A, and mutations of PTEN, KRAS, CTNNB1, and PIK3CA. High levels of microsatellite instability (MSI‐H) were present in one of 26 OVEMs, 12 of 42 EMCAs, and four of 19 concurrent endometrioid adenocarcinomas. Only four of 19 concurrent endometrioid adenocarcinomas showed identical molecular alterations in their endometrial and ovarian components. Loss of ARID1A or loss of PTEN expression, and MSI‐H, were more common in EMCAs than OVEMs (P = 0.044, P = 0.004, and P = 0.012, respectively). MSI‐H in endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinomas was also related to loss of ARID1A expression (P < 0.001). In the cohort of MSI‐H endometrioid adenocarcinomas involving the endometrium (n = 16), MSH6‐deficient cases showed higher frequencies of CTNNB1 and PIK3CA mutations (P = 0.008 and P = 0.036, respectively), but lower frequencies of KRAS mutation (P = 0.011), than PMS2‐deficient cases.

Conclusions

The different frequencies of molecular genetic alterations between endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinomas and ovarian endometrioid adenocarcinomas imply that distinct processes may be involved in their tumorigenesis or tumour progression.
The CD27+ memory B cells display changes in the gene expression pattern in elderly individuals
Authors: Báez Alicia , Álvarez‐Laderas Isabel , Piruat José I. , Caballero‐Velázquez Teresa , Barbado María Victoria , Millán‐Uclés África , Medrano Mayte , García‐Guerrero Estefanía , Sánchez‐Abarca Luis Ignacio , Pérez‐Simón José Antonio
Published: September 2014

Memory B cells (MBCs) have a long lifespan compared with naive B cells (NBCs), remaining viable for years. This could predispose them to suffer misbalances in the gene expression pattern in the long term, which might be involved in the development of age‐related B‐cell disorders. In order to identify genes whose expression might change during life, we analysed the gene expression patterns of CD27− NBCs versus CD27+ MBCs in young and old subjects. Using microarray assays we observed that the expression pattern of CD27− NBCs versus CD27+ MBCs is significantly different. Furthermore, to evaluate the age effect, we compared the gene expression pattern of young versus aged subjects in both cell populations. Interestingly, we did not find significant differences in the CD27− NBC population between young and aged individuals, whereas we found 925 genes differentially expressed in CD27+ MBCs. Among these genes, 193 were also differentially expressed in CD27+ MBCs compared with CD27− NBCs, most of them involved in cell survival, cell growth and proliferation, cellular development and gene expression. We conclude that gene expression profiles of CD27− NBCs and CD27+ MBCs are different. Moreover, whereas the gene expression pattern of CD27+ MBCs varies with age, the same does not happen in CD27− NBCs. This suggests that MBCs undergo time‐dependent changes, which could underlie a higher susceptibility to dysfunction with age.
Role of an adaptor protein Lin‐7B in brain development: possible involvement in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Mizuno Makoto , Matsumoto Ayumi , Hamada Nanako , Ito Hidenori , Miyauchi Akihiko , Jimbo Eriko F. , Momoi Mariko Y. , Tabata Hidenori , Yamagata Takanori , Nagata Koh‐ichi
Published: September 2014

Using comparative genomic hybridization analysis for an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patient, a 73‐Kb duplication at 19q13.33 (nt. 49 562 755–49 635 956) including LIN7B and 5 other genes was detected. We then identified a novel frameshift mutation in LIN7B in another ASD patient. Since LIN7B encodes a scaffold protein essential for neuronal function, we analyzed the role of Lin‐7B in the development of cerebral cortex. Acute knockdown of Lin‐7B with in utero electroporation caused a delay in neuronal migration during corticogenesis. When Lin‐7B was knocked down in cortical neurons in one hemisphere, their axons failed to extend efficiently into the contralateral hemisphere after leaving the corpus callosum. Meanwhile, enhanced expression of Lin‐7B had no effects on both cortical neuron migration and axon growth. Notably, silencing of Lin‐7B did not affect the proliferation of neuronal progenitors and stem cells. Taken together, Lin‐7B was found to play a pivotal role in corticogenesis through the regulation of excitatory neuron migration and interhemispheric axon growth, while further analyses are required to directly link functional defects of Lin‐7B to ASD pathophysiology.

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Lin‐7 plays a pivotal role as a scaffold protein in synaptic development and plasticity. Based on genetic analyses we identified mutations in LIN‐7B gene in some ASD (autism‐spectrum disorder) patients. Functional defects in Lin‐7B caused abnormal neuronal migration and interhemispheric axon growth during mouse brain development. Thus, functional deficiency in Lin‐7B could be implicated in clinical phenotypes in some ASD patients through bringing about abnormal cortical architecture.
Microneedling for acne scars in Asian skin type: an effective low cost treatment modality
Authors: Dogra Sunil , Yadav Savita , Sarangal Rishu
Published: September 2014

Background

Postacne scarring is disfiguring, both physically as well as psychologically. Over the past two decades, multiple modalities for treatment of acne scars have emerged and microneedling with dermaroller is one of them.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of microneedling treatment for atrophic facial acne scars.

Material and Methods

Thirty‐six patients (female – 26, male – 10) of postacne atrophic facial scars underwent five sittings of dermaroller under topical anesthesia at monthly intervals. Objective evaluation of improvement was performed by recording the acne scar assessment score at baseline and thereafter at every visit. Pre‐ and posttreatment photographs were compared, and improvement was graded on quartile score. Final assessment was performed 1 month after the last sitting. Patients were asked to grade the improvement in acne scars on visual analog scale (VAS, 0–10 point scale) at the end of study.

Results

Of 36 patients, 30 completed the study. The age group ranged from 18 to 40 years, and all patients had skin phototype IV or V. There was a statistically significant decrease in mean acne scar assessment score from 11.73 ± 3.12 at baseline to 6.5 ± 2.71 after five sittings of dermaroller. Investigators' assessment based on photographic evaluation showed 50–75% improvement in majority of patients. The results on visual analog scale (VAS) analysis showed “good response” in 22 patients and “excellent response” in four patients, at the end of study. The procedure was well tolerated by most of the patients, and chief complications noted were postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in five patients and tram‐trek scarring in two patients.

Conclusion

Microneedling with dermaroller is a simple and cheap, means of treatment modality for acne scars remodulation with little downtime, satisfactory results and peculiar side effects in Asian skin type.
Forehead wrinkles: a histological and immunohistochemical evaluation
Authors: El‐Domyati Moetaz , Medhat Walid , Abdel‐Wahab Hossam M , Moftah Noha H , Nasif Ghada A , Hosam Wael
Published: September 2014

Background

Wrinkles are associated with cutaneous aging especially on sun‐exposed skin. Despite they are considered a major topic in cosmetic dermatology, very few reports have studied the specific histological and immunohistochemical changes characteristic for wrinkles.

Aim

The study aims to evaluate the histological and immunohistochemical changes of static forehead wrinkles in relation to surrounding photoaged skin.

Methods

Biopsy specimens were obtained from the forehead wrinkles of 20 volunteers of Glogau's class III–IV wrinkles. Using histological and immunostaining methods coupled with computerized morphometric analysis, measurement of epidermal thickness and quantitative evaluation of total elastin and tropoelastin as well as collagen types I, III, and VII were performed for skin biopsies.

Results

In the wrinkle site, there was statistically significant lower epidermal thickness (P = 0.001), elastin (P < 0.001), tropoelastin (P < 0.001), and collagen VII (P < 0.001) than the surrounding photoaged skin. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference between the wrinkle site and adjacent photoaged skin regarding collagen type I (P = 0.07) or III (P = 0.07).

Conclusion

This study detected some histological and immunohistochemical differences in the wrinkle site when compared to adjacent photoaged skin. This may help in understanding the pathophysiology of facial wrinkling as well as its ideal way of management.
The life cycles and biological end pathways of dermal fillers
Authors: Ahn Christine S , Rao Babar K
Published: September 2014

Background

There is an increased demand for soft tissue augmentation procedures. A wide range of products can provide correction through different mechanisms and it is important for clinicians to understand the biological pathways of each material. This study presents a systematic review of the pathways of commonly used fillers, with consideration of the complications associated with each.

Methods

The PubMed (National Library of Medicine) database was searched for MeSH headings for different types of fillers, including trade names, between January 1, 2000, and January 1, 2013. Article titles were screened, and only studies designed to determine the mechanism of action and histopathology of complications were included.

Results

When restricted to studies on biological mechanisms, 109 manuscripts were identified and the mechanisms of action of short‐term and long‐term degradable as well as permanent fillers were reviewed. Hyaluronic acid fillers, which are the most commonly used, form a fibrous capsule and induce limited de novo collagen. Poly‐l‐lactic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite are semipermanent fillers that provide long‐term restoration of tissue volume by stimulating fibroblasts to lay down a matrix of collagen and elastic fibers. Polymethyl methacrylate is the only FDA‐approved permanent implant that is held in place by encapsulation, providing a scaffold upon which the dermis can recover to its original thickness.

Discussion

Soft tissue augmentation products are variable, and no single product can be considered the most effective or ideal. An understanding of biological mechanisms may help guide physicians choose the best suited product among the various options available while minimizing the occurrence of complications.
Adenosine protects Sprague Dawley rats from high‐fat diet and repeated acute restraint stress‐induced intestinal inflammation and altered expression of nutrient transporters
Authors: Lee C. Y.
Published: September 2014

This study investigated the effect of repeated acute restraint stress and high‐fat diet (HFD) on intestinal expression of nutrient transporters, concomitant to intestinal inflammation. The ability of adenosine to reverse any change was examined. Six‐week‐old male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into eight groups: control or non‐stressed (C), rats exposed to restraint stress for 6 h per day for 14 days (S), control rats fed with HFD (CHF) and restraint‐stressed rats fed with HFD (SHF); four additional groups received the same treatments and were also given 50 mg/l adenosine dissolved in drinking water. Fasting blood glucose, plasma insulin, adiponectin and corticosterone were measured. Intestinal expression of SLC5A1, SLC2A2, NPC1L1 and TNF‐α was analysed. Histological evaluation was conducted to observe for morphological and anatomical changes in the intestinal tissues. Results showed that HFD feeding increased glucose and insulin levels, and repeated acute restraint stress raised the corticosterone level by 22%. Exposure to both stress and HFD caused a further increase in corticosterone to 41%, while decreasing plasma adiponectin level. Restraint stress altered intestinal expression of SLC5A1, SLC2A2 and NPC1L1. These changes were enhanced in SHF rats. Adenosine was found to alleviate HFD‐induced increase in glucose and insulin levels, suppress elevation of corticosterone in S rats and improve the altered nutrient transporters expression profiles. It also prevented upregulation of TNF‐α in the intestine of SHF rats. In summary, a combination of stress and HFD exaggerated stress‐ and HFD‐induced pathophysiological changes in the intestine, and biochemical parameters related to obesity. Adenosine attenuated the elevation of corticosterone and altered expression of SLC5A1, NPC1L1 and TNF‐α.
High‐Order Soliton Solution of Landau–Lifshitz Equation
Authors: Bian Dongfen , Guo Boling , Ling Liming
Published: September 2014

The Landau–Lifshitz equation is analyzed via the inverse scattering method. First, we give the well‐posedness theory for Landau–Lifshitz equation with the frame of inverse scattering method. The generalized Darboux transformation is rigorous considered in the frame of inverse scattering transformation. Finally, we give the high‐order soliton solution formula of Landau–Lifshitz equation and vortex filament equation.
The Cartesian Vector Solutions for the N‐Dimensional Compressible Euler Equations
Authors: An Hongli , Fan Engui , Yuen Manwai
Published: September 2014

In this paper, based on matrix and curve integration theory, we theoretically show the existence of Cartesian vector solutions for the general N‐dimensional compressible Euler equations. Such solutions are global and can be explicitly expressed by an appropriate formulae. One merit of this approach is to transform analytically solving the Euler equations into algebraically constructing an appropriate matrix . Once the required matrix is chosen, the solution is directly obtained. Especially, we find an important solvable relation between the dimension of equations and pressure parameter, which avoid additional independent constraints on the dimension N in existing literatures. Special cases of our results also include some interesting conclusions: (1) If the velocity field is a linear transformation on , then the pressure p is a relevant quadratic form. (2) The compressible Euler equations admit the Cartesian solutions if is an antisymmetric matrix. (3) The pressure p possesses radial symmetric form if is an antisymmetrically orthogonal matrix.