bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetically tunable graphene-based reflector under linear polarized incidence at room temperature
Authors: Yang Liang , Tian Jing , Giddens Henry , Poumirol Jean-Marie , Wu JingBo , Kuzmenko Alexey B. , Hao Yang
Published: April 2018

At the terahertz spectrum, the 2D material graphene has diagonal and Hall conductivities in the presence of a magnetic field. These peculiar properties provide graphene-based structures with a magnetically tunable response to electromagnetic waves. In this work, the absolute reflection intensity was measured for a graphene-based reflector illuminated by linearly polarized incident waves at room temperature, which demonstrated the intensity modulation depth (IMD) under different magnetostatic biases by up to 15%. Experimental data were fitted and analyzed by a modified equivalent circuit model. In addition, as an important phenomenon of the graphene gyrotropic response, Kerr rotation is discussed according to results achieved from full-wave simulations. It is concluded that the IMD is reduced for the best Kerr rotation in the proposed graphene-based reflector.
The temperature-dependency of the optical band gap of ZnO measured by electron energy-loss spectroscopy in a scanning transmission electron microscope
Authors: Granerød Cecilie S. , Galeckas Augustinas , Johansen Klaus Magnus , Vines Lasse , Prytz Øystein
Published: April 2018

The optical band gap of ZnO has been measured as a function of temperature using Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) in a (Scanning) Transmission Electron Microscope ((S)TEM) from approximately 100 K up towards 1000 K. The band gap narrowing shows a close to linear dependency for temperatures above 250 K and is accurately described by Varshni, Bose-Einstein, Pässler and Manoogian-Woolley models. Additionally, the measured band gap is compared with both optical absorption measurements and photoluminescence data. STEM-EELS is here shown to be a viable technique to measure optical band gaps at elevated temperatures, with an available temperature range up to 1500 K and the benefit of superior spatial resolution.
Control of quasi-monoenergetic electron beams from laser-plasma accelerators with adjustable shock density profile
Authors: Tsai Hai-En , Swanson Kelly K. , Barber Sam K. , Lehe Remi , Mao Hann-Shin , Mittelberger Daniel E. , Steinke Sven , Nakamura Kei , van Tilborg Jeroen , Schroeder Carl , Esarey Eric , Geddes Cameron G. R. , Leemans Wim
Published: April 2018

The injection physics in a shock-induced density down-ramp injector was characterized, demonstrating precise control of a laser-plasma accelerator (LPA). Using a jet-blade assembly, experiments systematically varied the shock injector profile, including shock angle, shock position, up-ramp width, and acceleration length. Our work demonstrates that beam energy, energy spread, and pointing can be controlled by adjusting these parameters. As a result, an electron beam that was highly tunable from 25 to 300 MeV with 8% energy spread (ΔEFWHM/E), 1.5 mrad divergence, and 0.35 mrad pointing fluctuation was produced. Particle-in-cell simulation characterized how variation in the shock angle and up-ramp width impacted the injection process. This highly controllable LPA represents a suitable, compact electron beam source for LPA applications such as Thomson sources and free-electron lasers.
Unraveling the electronic relaxation dynamics in photoexcited 2,4-difluoroaniline via femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron imaging
Authors: Ling Fengzi , Li Shuai , Wei Jie , Liu Kai , Wang Yanmei , Zhang Bing
Published: April 2018

Time-resolved photoelectron imaging is employed to investigate the relaxation dynamics of the lowest two excited electronic states S1(ππ*) and S2(π3s/πσ*) in 2,4-difluoroaniline (24DFA). As the S1(ππ*) state is populated directly following 289 nm excitation, the population undergoes ultrafast intramolecular vibrational redistribution on a 540 fs time scale, followed by efficient intersystem crossing from S1(ππ*) to the triplet state within 379 ps, and the subsequent slower deactivation process of the triplet state. For excitation to the S2(π3s/πσ*) state at 238 nm, the population probably bifurcates into two decay channels. The dominant channel with 84 fs involves ultrafast internal conversion to the S1(ππ*) state, from which it relaxes to the electronic ground state on a 116 ps time scale. The other appears to involve motion along the S2(π3s/πσ*) potential energy surface. Our data also determine experimentally the electronic energies of S2(π3s/πσ*), S3(ππ*), and several Rydberg states in 24DFA.
Laser frequency stabilization using a commercial wavelength meter
Authors: Couturier Luc , Nosske Ingo , Hu Fachao , Tan Canzhu , Qiao Chang , Jiang Y. H. , Chen Peng , Weidemüller Matthias
Published: April 2018

We present the characterization of a laser frequency stabilization scheme using a state-of-the-art wavelength meter based on solid Fizeau interferometers. For a frequency-doubled Ti-sapphire laser operated at 461 nm, an absolute Allan deviation below 10−9 with a standard deviation of 1 MHz over 10 h is achieved. Using this laser for cooling and trapping of strontium atoms, the wavemeter scheme provides excellent stability in single-channel operation. Multi-channel operation with a multimode fiber switch results in fluctuations of the atomic fluorescence correlated to residual frequency excursions of the laser. The wavemeter-based frequency stabilization scheme can be applied to a wide range of atoms and molecules for laser spectroscopy, cooling, and trapping.
Communication: Adaptive boundaries in multiscale simulations
Authors: Wagoner Jason A. , Pande Vijay S.
Published: April 2018

Combined-resolution simulations are an effective way to study molecular properties across a range of length and time scales. These simulations can benefit from adaptive boundaries that allow the high-resolution region to adapt (change size and/or shape) as the simulation progresses. The number of degrees of freedom required to accurately represent even a simple molecular process can vary by several orders of magnitude throughout the course of a simulation, and adaptive boundaries react to these changes to include an appropriate but not excessive amount of detail. Here, we derive the Hamiltonian and distribution function for such a molecular simulation. We also design an algorithm that can efficiently sample the boundary as a new coordinate of the system. We apply this framework to a mixed explicit/continuum simulation of a peptide in solvent. We use this example to discuss the conditions necessary for a successful implementation of adaptive boundaries that is both efficient and accurate in reproducing molecular properties.
Impact of threading dislocation density on the lifetime of InAs quantum dot lasers on Si
Authors: Jung Daehwan , Herrick Robert , Norman Justin , Turnlund Katherine , Jan Catherine , Feng Kaiyin , Gossard Arthur C. , Bowers John E.
Published: April 2018

We investigate the impact of threading dislocation density on the reliability of 1.3 μm InAs quantum dot lasers epitaxially grown on Si. A reduction in the threading dislocation density from 2.8 × 108 cm−2 to 7.3 × 106 cm−2 has improved the laser lifetime by about five orders of magnitude when aged continuous-wave near room temperature (35 °C). We have achieved extrapolated lifetimes (time to double initial threshold) more than 10 × 106 h. An accelerated laser aging test at an elevated temperature (60 °C) reveals that p-modulation doped quantum dot lasers on Si retain superior reliability over unintentionally doped ones. These results suggest that epitaxially grown quantum dot lasers could be a viable approach to realize a reliable, scalable, and efficient light source on Si.
Collisional spin-oriented Sherman function in electron-hole semiconductor plasmas: Landau damping effect
Authors: Lee Myoung-Jae , Jung Young-Dae
Published: April 2018

The influence of Landau damping on the spin-oriented collisional asymmetry is investigated in electron-hole semiconductor plasmas. The analytical expressions of the spin-singlet and the spin-triplet scattering amplitudes as well as the spin-oriented asymmetry Sherman function are obtained as functions of the scattering angle, the Landau parameter, the effective Debye length, and the collision energy. It is found that the Landau damping effect enhances the spin-singlet and spin-triplet scattering amplitudes in the forward and back scattering domains, respectively. It is also found that the Sherman function increases with an increase in the Landau parameter. In addition, the spin-singlet scattering process is found to be dominant rather than the spin-triplet scattering process in the high collision energy domain.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress activates SRC, relocating chaperones to the cell surface where GRP78/CD109 blocks TGF-β signaling
Authors: Tsai Yuan-Li , Ha Dat P. , Zhao He , Carlos Anthony J. , Wei Shan , Pun Tsam Kiu , Wu Kaijin , Zandi Ebrahim , Kelly Kevin , Lee Amy S.
Published: April 2018

Significance

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated relocalization of ER chaperones to the cell surface allows cells to expand their functionality beyond the ER, impacting survival, death, migration, and immunity. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms and the interacting partners on the cell surface. Both protooncogene tyrosine-protein kinase SRC and TGF-β are important players in cell signaling, growth, apoptosis, and survival. Our discoveries that SRC activation is the driving force in the escape of ER luminal proteins to the cell surface via disruption of retrograde transport provide an oncogenic function for SRC and uncover a mechanism for regulation of TGF-β signaling via the GRP78/CD109 partnership, with therapeutic implications in cancer and other human diseases.
Microstructural and mechanical characterisation of electroplated nickel matrix composite coatings
Authors: Mercier David , Vanhumbeeck Jean-François , Caruso Matteo , Eynde Xavier Vanden , Febvre Mickaël
Published: April 2018

Metal matrix composite coatings reinforced with hard ceramic particles are attracting growing interest due to their promising mechanical properties. In the present work, a thick nickel coating, containing micrometric Silicon Carbide (SiC) particles, was electro-deposited on a steel substrate from a suspension of SiC in a Watts-type Ni-plating bath. The texture and microstructure of the coating were examined using electron backscatter diffraction combined with energy-dispersive spectroscopy for phase differentiation. The interfacial strength between the Ni matrix and the SiC particles was investigated by nanoscratch experiments. Grid nanoindentation technique coupled with an image correlation-based targeted indentation analysis and a statistical data treatment were employed to quantify mechanical properties of the composite and to map and extract mechanical properties and fractions of each phase. Additional investigation of the mechanical properties of the coating was performed using peak force quantitative nanomechanical mapping experiments.
DNA replication licensing in stem cells: Gatekeeping the commitment to proliferation
Authors: Coller Hilary A.
Published: April 2018

Carroll et al. (2018. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201708023) developed a method to assess DNA replication licensing in tissues. They show that intestinal stem cells within wild-type crypts, but not in crypts with cancer-causing mutations, are largely unlicensed, suggesting that licensing may represent a rate-limiting step in the commitment to proliferation.
HEIA tools: inclusion of migrants in health policy in Canada
Authors: Pottie Kevin , Agic Branka , Archibald Douglas , Ratnayake Ayesha , Tapia Marcela , Thanos Joanne
Published: April 2018

This paper introduces the Migrant Populations Equity Extension for Ontario’s Health Equity Impact Assessment (HEIA) initiatives. It provides a mechanism to address the needs of migrant populations, within a program and policy framework. Validation of an equity extension framework using community leaders and health practitioners engaged in HEIA workshops across Ontario. Participants assessed migrants’ health needs and discussed how to integrate these needs into health policy. The Migrant Populations Equity Extension’s framework assists decision makers assess relevant populations, collaborate with immigrant communities, improve policy development and mitigate unintended negative impacts of policy initiatives. The tool framework aims to build stakeholder capacity and improve their ability to conduct HEIAs while including migrant populations. The workshops engaged participants in equity discussions, enhanced their knowledge of migrant policy development and promoted HEIA tools in health decision-making. Prior to these workshops, many participants were unaware of the HEIA tool. The workshops informed the validation of the equity extension and support materials for training staff in government and public health. Ongoing research on policy implementation would be valuable. Public health practitioners and migrant communities can use the equity extension’s framework to support decision-making processes and address health inequities. This framework may improve policy development and reduce health inequities for Ontario’s diverse migrant populations. Many countries are now using health impact assessment and health equity frameworks. This migration population equity extension is an internationally unique framework that engages migrant communities.
In vitro activity of the novel triazaacenaphthylene gepotidacin (GSK2140944) against MDR Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Jacobsson Susanne , Golparian Daniel , Scangarella-Oman Nicole , Unemo Magnus
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Increased antimicrobial resistance surveillance and new effective antimicrobials are crucial to maintain treatable gonorrhoea. We examined the in vitro activity of gepotidacin, a novel triazaacenaphthylene, and the effect of efflux pump inactivation on clinical Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates and international reference strains (n = 252) and compared gepotidacin with antimicrobials currently or previously recommended for gonorrhoea treatment.

Methods

MICs (mg/L) were determined by agar dilution (gepotidacin) or by Etest (seven other antimicrobials). The gyrA and parC genes were sequenced and the impact of inactivation of the MtrCDE, MacAB and NorM efflux pumps on gepotidacin MICs was examined.

Results

Gepotidacin showed potent in vitro activity against all gonococcal isolates (n = 252; MIC ≤4 mg/L). The modal MIC, MIC50, MIC90 and MIC range of gepotidacin were 0.5, 0.5, 1 and 0.032–4 mg/L, respectively. Inactivation of the MtrCDE efflux pump, but not MacAB or NorM, decreased the gepotidacin MICs for most strains. No significant cross-resistance between gepotidacin and any other antimicrobials, including the fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin, was identified. However, the ParC D86N mutation (possibly together with additional antimicrobial resistance mutation), which is associated with fluoroquinolone resistance, was associated with increased gepotidacin MICs.

Conclusions

Gepotidacin demonstrated high in vitro activity against gonococcal strains, indicating that gepotidacin could potentially be an effective option for gonorrhoea treatment, particularly in a dual antimicrobial therapy regimen and for patients with resistance or allergy to extended-spectrum cephalosporins. Nevertheless, elucidating in vitro and in vivo resistance emergence and mechanisms in detail, together with further gonorrhoea clinical studies, ideally also including chlamydia and Mycoplasma genitalium are essential.
Effect of standardized ileal digestible lysine on growth and subsequent performance of weanling pigs1
Authors: Nemechek Jeremiah E , Wu Fangzhou , Tokach Mike D , Dritz Steve S , Goodband Robert D , DeRouchey Joel M , Woodworth Jason C
Published: April 2018

A total of 320 weanling pigs (all barrows, initially 5.71 kg BW; Line 1050, PIC Hendersonville, TN) were used to determine whether the Lys level fed during one phase of the nursery influences the response to Lys during subsequent phases. Our hypothesis was that feeding decreasing dietary Lys concentration in early phases, but feeding adequate concentrations in later phases might result in similar pig growth as those fed a more conventional approach with step-wise decreases in dietary Lys as pigs become heavier. Eight dietary regimens were used in a split-plot design. There were three dietary phases, and within phase, a high or low standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys diet was fed. Pigs were fed either 1.35% or 1.55% SID Lys during phase 1 (days 0 to 7), 1.15% or 1.35% SID Lys in phase 2 (days 7 to 21), and 1.05 or 1.25% SID Lys during phase 3 (days 21 to 35). The low dietary Lys concentrations were achieved by reducing both crystalline Lys and intact protein sources from the high Lys diets. From days 0 to 7, feeding high SID Lys improved (P < 0.01) G:F, but no evidence for differences in ADG or ADFI were observed. Similarly, from days 7 to 21, there were no evidence for differences in ADG or ADFI among pigs fed the two Lys levels, but those fed high SID Lys had improved (P < 0.03) G:F. From days 21 to 35, pigs fed the high Lys diet had increased (P < 0.01) ADG and G:F compared with those fed low SID Lys, but there were no effects on ADFI. For the overall trial (days 0 to 35), there were no dietary interactions among phases, indicating that the Lys level fed in each phase did not influence the response to Lys in subsequent phases. Thus, pigs fed the high Lys level during phase 3, regardless of previous Lys levels in phases 1 and 2, had greater (P < 0.05) overall ADG and G:F compared with other treatment groups. In conclusion, relatively low dietary Lys concentrations can be fed in the early nursery phases (approximately 6 to 12 kg) without any negative impact on overall growth performance provided that adequate Lys levels are fed thereafter (12 to 20 kg).
Evaluation of a partially de-oiled microalgae product in nursery pig diets1
Authors: Urriola Pedro E , Mielke Joey A , Mao Qingqing , Hung Yuan-Tai , Kurtz John F , Johnston Lee J , Shurson Gerald C , Chen Chi , Saqui-Salces Milena
Published: April 2018

Although microalgae can be used as a source of energy and macronutrients in pig diets, there is limited information on the use of partially de-oiled microalgae coproducts in swine feeding programs. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of a partially de-oiled microalgae extract (MAE) in nursery pig diets on growth performance and health status. A total of 300 pigs (initial BW = 6.3 ± 2.1 kg) were used in a 42-d experiment. Treatments included a standard corn-soybean meal control diet, and diets containing 1, 5, 10, or 20% MAE replacing primarily corn. The ME content of MAE was calculated from the chemical composition, and diets were formulated to meet or exceed nutrient requirements for nursery pigs. Pigs were stratified by weaning BW into 12 blocks in a randomized complete block design, with sex distributed evenly among blocks. Pens of pigs (5 pigs/pen) were assigned randomly within block to one of five dietary treatments. Pig BW and feed disappearance were recorded weekly. On day 42, 30 pigs were harvested and sections of the jejunum and ileum were collected for gut morphology analysis, and a liver sample was collected for metabolomic analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Data were analyzed by ANOVA with diet as treatment effect, and contrasts were used to test linear or quadratic effects of dietary MAE inclusion level. Overall, pigs fed 1% and 5% MAE had the greatest (quadratic P < 0.05) ADG, resulting from greater (quadratic P < 0.05) ADFI. There was a tendency for a greater number of pigs requiring injectable treatments (P = 0.16) and a greater mortality (P = 0.14) in pigs fed the control diet than pigs in any of the diets with the MAE. Final BW increased (P < 0.05) for pigs fed 1% and 5% MAE diets. The improvements in ADG were not explained by differences in mucosa height or goblet cell count among dietary treatments. Pigs fed diets containing 1% or 5% MAE had relatively less concentration (P < 0.05) of ammonia in the liver and had changes in metabolites associated with the urea cycle. In conclusion, feeding MAE resulted in increased growth responses and may have beneficial health effects when fed to nursery pigs.
Whole-Genome Sequence of the Orchid Anthracnose Pathogen Colletotrichum orchidophilum
Authors: Baroncelli Riccardo , Sukno Serenella A. , Sarrocco Sabrina , Cafà Giovanni , Le Floch Gaetan , Thon Michael R.
Published: April 2018

Colletotrichum orchidophilum is a plant-pathogenic fungus infecting a wide range of plant species belonging to the family Orchidaceae. In addition to its economic impact, C. orchidophilum has been used in recent years in evolutionary studies because it represents the closest related species to the C. acutatum species complex. Here, we present the first-draft whole-genome sequence of C. orchidophilum IMI 309357, providing a resource for future research on anthracnose of Orchidaceae and other hosts.
Gene Expression Profiling Shows That NbFDN1 Is Involved in Modulating the Hypersensitive Response-Like Cell Death Induced by the Oat dwarf virus RepA Protein
Authors: Hou Huwei , Hu Ya , Wang Qian , Xu Xiongbiao , Qian Yajuan , Zhou Xueping
Published: April 2018

In this study, we used high-throughput deep nucleotide sequencing to characterize the global transcriptional response of Nicotiana benthamiana plants to transient expression of the RepA protein from Oat dwarf virus (ODV). We identified 7,878 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEG) that mapped to 125 pathways, suggesting that comprehensive networks are involved in regulation of RepA-induced cell death. Of the 202 DEG associated with photosynthesis, expression of 195 was found to be downregulated, indicating a significant inhibition of photosynthesis in response to RepA expression, which is associated with chloroplast disruption and physiological changes. We focused our analysis on NbFDN1, a member of the ferredoxin protein family that participates in the chloroplast electron transport chain performing oxygenic photosynthesis, which was identified to directly interact with NbTsip1. We separately knocked down the expression of NbFDN1 and NbTsip1 using virus-induced gene silencing, and found that NbFDN1 silencing speeded up the development of RepA-induced cell death, unlike NbTsip1 silencing, which showed an opposite effect on RepA-induced response. Further study showed increased H2O2 accumulation and a negative correlation between the transcripts of NbFDN1 and NbTsip1 in NbFDN1-silenced plants. Hence, we speculate that NbFDN1 has an effect on RepA-induced hypersensitive response-like response by modulating NbTsip1 transcription as well as H2O2 production.
Incidence, Identification, and Mycoparasitic Activity of Clonostachys epichloë, a Hyperparasite of the Fungal Endophyte Epichloë typhina
Authors: Górzyńska Karolina , Ślachetka Magdalena , Ryszka Przemysław , Turnau Katarzyna , Płachno Bartosz J. , Lembicz Marlena
Published: April 2018

Fungi of the genus Epichloë (Clavicipitaceae, Ascomycota) cause choke disease in many grass species. The disease manifests itself as fungal stromata that form around developing inflorescences, thereby suppressing their maturation. Economic losses in agricultural production due to choke have long been known in the U.S.A. and France, but attempts to control choke disease have not been successful. The interaction between Epichloë typhina (Pers.) Tul. & C. Tul. and its naturally occurring fungal hyperparasite, Clonostachys epichloë (Speg.) Schroers (sexual morph Bionectria epichloë) was investigated in populations of the grass Puccinellia distans (L.) Parl. Fungal hyperparasites occur widely in nature, and many are successfully used commercially as biological control agents against plant pathogenic fungi. Microscopy of Epichloë stromata infected with C. epichloë revealed a lack of asci with ascospores in perithecia and damage to mycelia at sites colonized by C. epichloë. The ability of C. epichloë to colonize E. typhina was confirmed via two in vitro experiments. The percent inhibition of growth of E. typhina strains by C. epichloë varied from 18.40 to 46.50%, and the mycoparasite colonized up to 100% of Epichloë mycelia in a precolonization experiment. We discuss the possibility of using C. epichloë to control choke disease caused by E. typhina in grass populations.
Meta-Analysis of the Association Between FAS Ligand and TRAIL Genetic Polymorphisms and Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Susceptibility in Chinese Han population
Authors: Huang Xin , Zhang Weiyue , Shao Zengwu
Published: April 2018

Study Design.

Meta-analysis to collect all the relevant studies to further investigate whether or not the FAS ligand (FASL) and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) genetic polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) in Chinese Han population.

Objective.

To investigate whether or not the FASL and TRAIL genetic polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to IDD in Chinese Han population.

Summary of Background Data.

FASL and TRAIL are both apoptotic gene. Several studies have assessed the associations of FASL and TRAIL gene with risk of IDD in Chinese Han population, but the results are inconsistent.

Methods.

We systematically searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, CBM, and the Cochrane Library databases. Eligible studies assessing the polymorphisms in the FASL and TRAIL gene and risk of IDD were incorporated. The pooled odds ratio (OR) with its 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) was used.

Results.

Six studies with a total of 1766 IDD cases and 1533 controls were finally included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of FASL-844C/T (rs763110) polymorphism was statistically associated with decreased IDD risk under all genetic models (allele model: OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.59–0.80, P = 0.000; homozygote model: OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.25–0.53, P = 0.000; dominant model: OR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.25–0.58, P = 0.000; recessive model: OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.58–0.84, P = 0.000). There was a significant association between TRAIL-1595C/T (rs1131580) polymorphism with increased IDD risk under each genetic model (allele model: OR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.47–2.13, P = 0.000; homozygote model: OR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.70–3.51, P = 0.000; dominant model: OR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.22–2.29, P = 0.002; recessive model: OR = 3.13, 95% CI 2.40–4.08, P = 0.000). In addition, the association between TRAIL-1525G/A (rs1131568) polymorphism and the susceptibility of IDD was statistically significant under all genetic models.

Conclusion.

The present meta-analysis demonstrated that FASL and TRAIL polymorphisms were significantly associated with susceptibility to IDD in Chinese Han population.

Level of Evidence: 1
A Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter Study Comparing Silicated Calcium Phosphate versus BMP-2 Synthetic Bone Graft in Posterolateral Instrumented Lumbar Fusion for Degenerative Spinal Disorders
Authors: Coughlan Marc , Davies Mark , Mostert Adriaan K. , Nanda Dharmin , Willems Paul C. , Rosenberg Geoffrey , Ferch Richard
Published: April 2018

Study Design.

A prospective, Phase IV, multicenter, randomized study.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to compare vertebral fusion success rates following posterolateral fusion [(PLF)/posterolateral intertransverse fusion (PITF)] surgery. The surgical procedure combined posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and PLF with internal fixation over one or two levels using silicated calcium phosphate (SiCaP) or bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 as graft material in patients with a degenerative disorder of the lumbar spine.

Summary of Background Data.

Few controlled trials have evaluated the bone graft materials available to surgeons treating patients with spinal disorders, including degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and disc herniation.

Methods.

Following randomization, the surgical procedure consisting of PLIF and PLF with internal fixation over one or two levels was performed using SiCaP or BMP-2. No other osteoconductive/osteoinductive graft materials were permitted. Spinal fusion was assessed radiographically at ≤24 months. Clinical outcomes (pain on visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index, SF-36) and adverse events (AEs) were monitored.

Results.

One hundred three patients were enrolled. At 12 months, fusion was achieved in 25 of 35 (71.4%) of the SiCaP and 20 of 27 (74.1%) of the BMP-2 group, respectively (P = 1.000). At 24 months, the fusion rate was 78.6% and 84.8% for SiCaP and BMP-2, respectively (P = 0.5613). Clinical outcomes improved similarly in both groups over time. AEs were consistent with this surgical population.

Conclusion.

SiCaP was safe and well tolerated in patients with degenerative spinal disorders requiring PLF and provided fusion rates similar to BMP-2.

Level of Evidence: 2
Shoulder Morbidity in Patients after Head and Neck Reconstruction with the Pedicled Supraclavicular Island Flap
Authors: Spiegel Jennifer L. , Pilavakis Yiannis , Canis Martin , Welz Christian
Published: April 2018

Background:

The pedicled supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) for reconstruction of the head and neck has been shown to be a pliable alternative to established pedicled flaps, such as the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. Because there are limited published data regarding shoulder morbidity after SCAIF procedure, we aimed to investigate it with 2 established questionnaires for the upper extremity [Constant-Murley score and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Measure (DASH) score].

Methods:

The authors designed and implemented a retrospective cohort study of patients who received a defect reconstruction by SCAIF. Analyzed parameters were demographics, comorbidities, donor-site morbidity and shoulder morbidity in terms of range of motion, pain, strength, and daily activities evaluated and compared between the donor site and contralateral arm.

Results:

Of the 61 consecutively performed head and neck reconstructions with SCAIF, 20 met inclusion criteria (curative intended treatment, head and neck squamous cell cancer, follow-up time more than 4 months). Mean follow-up was 17.3 months (±10.4 months) ranging from 4–35 months. Donor-site complication rate was low with 5% major (surgical revision) and 30% minor complications (conservative management). Overall Constant-Murley-Score (P = 0.334), pain (P = 0.150), overall range of motion (P = 0.861), and strength of the extremity (P = 0.638) of the shoulder receiving a SCAIF showed no significant differences to the contralateral extremity. Mean of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Measure score was 32.5 (±28.6).

Conclusion:

The results of the present study suggest very low shoulder morbidity in patients after SCAIF procedure with no significant functional impairment of the donor shoulder compared with the contralateral side.
Making an Infusion Error
Authors: Treiber Linda A. , Jones Jackie H.
Published: April 2018

Infusion therapy-related adverse events can result in distress and professional suffering for the nurse involved with the event, with long-lasting consequences. This article discusses the second victim syndrome and its impacts on nurses. Original research on 168 recent nursing graduates and their experiences with second victim syndrome after making an infusion-related error is also presented. The article concludes with strategies to help nurses cope with the aftermath of making an infusion therapy-related medication error.
Treat the Patient, Not the Rule Book…
Authors: Salzman Carl
Published: April 2018

Experienced clinicians are aware that the results from clinical drug trials do not always translate to office practice. This essay suggests that clinicians use their own diagnostic and interviewing skills when treating with medications rather than simply relying on published data or suggested treatment algorithms.
Attitudes Toward Disclosing a Mental Health Problem and Reemployment
Authors: Rüsch Nicolas , Corrigan Patrick W. , Waldmann Tamara , Staiger Tobias , Bahemann Andreas , Oexle Nathalie , Wigand Moritz , Becker Thomas
Published: April 2018

Despite low unemployment rates, individuals with mental health problems often struggle to gain reemployment. Many face the decision whether to disclose their mental illness to employers. This study therefore examined the role of disclosure attitudes for reemployment over time. Clinical and job search variables as well as attitudes toward disclosing a mental health issue to an employer were assessed among 301 unemployed individuals with mental health problems. Predictors of reemployment at 6-month follow-up were assessed using multiple regression, adjusted for sociodemographic variables, unemployment length, and depressive symptoms. Greater reluctance to disclose mental health problems at baseline predicted reemployment after 6 months. Reemployment was also associated with male sex, better education, lower disability levels, and more job offers at baseline. Therefore, a cautious approach toward disclosing a mental health problem may facilitate short-term reemployment. It is unclear whether this is a successful long-term strategy in employment settings.
A Lonely Search?
Authors: Vittengl Jeffrey R.
Published: April 2018

This study clarified longitudinal relations of spirituality and religiosity with depression. Spirituality's potential emphasis on internal (e.g., intrapsychic search for meaning) versus religiosity's potential emphasis on external (e.g., engagement in socially-sanctioned belief systems) processes may parallel depression-linked cognitive-behavioral phenomena (e.g., rumination and loneliness) conceptually. Thus, this study tested the hypothesis that greater spirituality than religiosity, separate from the overall level of spirituality and religiosity, predicts longitudinal increases in depression. A national sample of midlife adults completed diagnostic interviews and questionnaires of spiritual and religious intensity up to three times over 18 years. In time-lagged multilevel models, overall spirituality plus religiosity did not predict depression. However, in support of the hypothesis, greater spirituality than religiosity significantly predicted subsequent increases in depressive symptoms and risk for major depressive disorder (odds ratio = 1.34). If replicated, the relative balance of spirituality and religiosity may inform depression assessment and prevention efforts.
Analysis of Intercanine Distance and Dimensional Changes in Bite Marks on Foodstuffs Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Ali Ibrahim K. , Sansare Kaustubh , Karjodkar Freny R.
Published: April 2018

Bite marks on foodstuff at the crime scene provide a 3-dimensional imprint of the suspect's dentition. The bite mark analysis can provide useful evidences, leading to the inclusion or exclusion of the individual under investigation. This study was designed to assess bite marks on various common foodstuffs (chocolate, apple, chewing gum, cheese) for different time intervals using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the dimensional changes in the foodstuffs. Analysis of variance test was used to compare the bite marks measured using CBCT in maxillary and mandibular arches with significance set at P < 0.05. The results show that teeth can transfer their characteristics to the bitten foodstuffs. The highest accuracy for comparative bite mark analysis was observed in chocolate followed by cheese, chewing gum, and apple. The CBCT-assisted analysis of bite marks is a nondestructive, accurate, and efficient method. The CBCT documentation has no distortion artifacts, and subsequent analysis in 3-dimensional space is possible.
Special considerations in conducting clinical trials of chronic pain management interventions in children and adolescents and their families
Authors: Palermo Tonya M. , Kashikar-Zuck Susmita , Friedrichsdorf Stefan J. , Powers Scott W.
Published: April 2018

Introduction:

Disabling chronic pain is a common experience for children and adolescents. However, the evidence base for chronic pain interventions for youth is extremely limited, which has hindered the development of evidence-based practice guidelines for most pediatric chronic pain conditions.

Objectives:

To review and provide recommendations on clinical trial design and evaluation in children and adolescents with chronic pain.

Methods:

In this article, we summarize key issues and provide recommendations for addressing them in clinical trials of chronic pain interventions in children and adolescents and their families.

Results:

To stimulate high-quality trials of pediatric chronic pain management interventions, attention to key issues including sample characterization, trial design and treatment administration, outcome measurement, and the ethics of intervening with children and adolescents, as opposed to adults with chronic pain, is needed.

Conclusion:

Future research to develop interventions to reduce or prevent childhood chronic pain is an important priority area, and requires special considerations in implementation and evaluation in clinical trials.
Evaluation of Virtual Monoenergetic Images on Pulmonary Vasculature Using the Dual-Layer Detector-Based Spectral Computed Tomography
Authors: Ghandour Abed , Sher Andrew , Rassouli Negin , Dhanantwari Amar , Rajiah Prabhakar
Published: April 2018

Objective

To evaluate the ability of retrospectively generated virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) from the detector-based spectral computed tomography (SDCT) to augment pulmonary artery enhancement in CT and if iodine map can predict the optimal monoenergetic level.

Methods

The study included 79 patients with contrast-enhanced chest CT scans on an SDCT scanner. Conventional 120-kVp images and VMI from 40 to 80 keV were generated. Attenuation, noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured at 7 different locations in the pulmonary arterial system. The iodine concentration (in milligrams per milliliter) was calculated using the iodine-density images. The overall image quality was subjectively graded on a 5-point scale, with 1 being the worst and 5 the best. Fifty-four patients with suboptimal pulmonary enhancement (<200 Hounsfield units [HU]) were then identified. From the VMIs, an ideal set was chosen that maintained mean vascular attenuation greater than 200 HU while maintaining at least diagnostically acceptable quality (ie, IQ score ≥3). At this ideal energy level, quantitative and qualitative parameters were compared with the standard 120-kVp polyenergetic study. Average iodine concentrations were correlated with the optimal keV levels used for salvaging suboptimal studies.

Results

The mean attenuation of all the measured pulmonary arterial regions in the suboptimal cases was 136.1 ± 18.1 HU in conventional 120-kVp images. Attenuations of the VMIs at 40, 50, and 60 keV were significantly higher than conventional images measuring 357.5 ± 19.5, 243.6 ± 16.7, and 176.6 ± 15.0 HU, respectively (P < 0.001). Similar results were seen with SNR and CNR. In total, 50 studies can be salvaged, with 50 keV being the optimal energy for 21, 60 keV optimal for 17, and 40 keV optimal for 12 studies. At the optimal energy level, there were improvements of attenuation, SNR, and CNR by 71%, 63%, and 137% compared with conventional images. There was a positive correlation between iodine value and optimal reconstruction energy with a linear equation y = 5.9539x + 27.434 and R
2 = 0.8093.

Conclusions

Suboptimal enhanced pulmonary arterial CT studies can be salvaged using low-energy VMI generated from the SDCT scanner. There were significant improvements of attenuation, SNR, and CNR at the optimal monoenergetic level.
Centenarian Controls Increase Variant Effect-sizes by an average two-fold in an Extreme Case-Extreme Control Analysis of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Tesi Niccolò , van der Lee Sven J. , Hulsman Marc , Jansen Iris E. , Stringa Najada , van Schoor Natasja , Meijers-Heijboer Hanne , Huisman Martijn , Scheltens Philip , Reinders Marcel J.T. , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Holstege Henne
Published: April 2018

The detection of genetic loci associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) requires large numbers of cases and controls because variant effect-sizes are mostly small. We hypothesized that variant effect-sizes should increase when individuals who represent the extreme ends of a disease spectrum are considered, as their genomes are assumed to be maximally enriched or depleted with disease-associated genetic variants.

We used 1,073 extensively phenotyped AD cases with relatively young age at onset as extreme cases (66.3±7.9 years), 1,664 age-matched controls (66.0±6.5 years) and 255 cognitively healthy centenarians as extreme controls (101.4±1.3 years). We estimated the effect-size of 29 variants that were previously associated with AD in genome-wide association studies.

Comparing extreme AD-cases with centenarian-controls increased the variant effect-size relative to published effect-sizes by on average 1.90-fold (SE=0.29,p=9.0×10−4). The effect-size increase was largest for the rare high-impactTREM2 (R74H)variant (6.5-fold), and significant for variants in/nearECHDC3(4.6-fold),SLC24A4-RIN3(4.5-fold),NME8(3.8-fold),PLCG2(3.3-fold),APOE-ε2(2.2-fold) andAPOE-ε4(2.0-fold). Comparing extreme phenotypes enabled us to replicate the AD association for 10 variants (p<0.05) in relatively small samples. The increase in effect-sizes depended mainly on using centenarians as extreme controls: the average variant effect-size was not increased in a comparison of extreme AD cases and age-matched controls (0.94-fold,p=6.8×10−1), suggesting that on average the tested genetic variants did not explain the extremity of the AD-cases. Concluding, using centenarians as extreme controls in AD case-controls studies boosts the variant effect-size by on average two-fold, allowing the replication of disease-association in relatively small samples.
An integrative study on ribonucleoprotein condensates identifies scaffolding RNAs and reveals a new player in Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome
Authors: Cid-Samper Fernando , Gelabert-Baldrich Mariona , Lang Benjamin , Lorenzo-Gotor Nieves , Ponti Riccardo Delli , Severijnen Lies-Anne WFM , Bolognesi Benedetta , Gelpi Ellen , Hukema Renate K. , Botta-Orfila Teresa , Tartaglia Gian Gaetano
Published: April 2018

Recent evidence indicates that specific RNAs promote formation of ribonucleoprotein condensates by acting as scaffolds for RNA-binding proteins (RBPs).

We systematically investigated RNA-RBP interaction networks to understand ribonucleoprotein assembly. We found that highly-contacted RNAs are highly structured, have long untranslated regions (UTRs) and contain nucleotide repeat expansions. Among the RNAs with such properties, we identified the FMR1 3’ UTR that harbors CGG expansions implicated in Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS).

We studied FMR1 binding partners in silico and in vitro and prioritized the splicing regulator TRA2A for further characterization. In a FXTAS cellular model we validated TRA2A-FRM1 interaction and investigated implications of its sequestration at both transcriptomic and post-transcriptomic levels. We found that TRA2A co-aggregates with FMR1 in a FXTAS mouse model and in post mortem human samples.

Our integrative study identifies key components of ribonucleoprotein aggregates, providing links to neurodegenerative disease and allowing the discovery of new therapeutic targets.
Costless metabolic secretions as drivers of interspecies interactions in microbial ecosystems
Authors: Pacheco Alan R. , Moel Mauricio , Segrè Daniel
Published: April 2018

Metabolic exchange can mediate beneficial interactions among microbes, helping explain diversity in microbial communities. These interactions are often assumed to involve a fitness cost, prompting questions on how cooperative phenotypes can be stable and withstand the emergence of cheaters. Here we use genome-scale models of metabolism to investigate whether a radically different scenario, the pervasive release of “costless” metabolites (i.e. those that cause no fitness cost to the producing organism), can serve as a prominent mechanism for inter-microbial interactions. By carrying out over 1 million pairwise growth simulations for 14 microbial species in a combinatorial assortment of environmental conditions, we find that there is indeed a large space of metabolites that can be secreted at no cost, which can generate ample cross-feeding opportunities. In addition to providing an atlas of putative costless interdependencies, our modeling also demonstrates that oxygen availability significantly enhances mutualistic interactions by providing more opportunities for metabolic exchange through costless metabolites, resulting in an over-representation of specific ecological network motifs. In addition to helping explain natural diversity, we show how the exchange of costless metabolites can facilitate the engineering of stable synthetic microbial consortia.
In VitroandIn Vivoactivity of a novel catheter lock solution against bacterial and fungal biofilms
Authors: Chandra Jyotsna , Long Lisa , Isham Nancy , Mukherjee Pranab K , DiSciullo Gino , Appelt Krzysztof , Ghannoum Mahmoud A
Published: April 2018

Central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are increasingly recognized to be associated with intralumenal microbial biofilms, and effective measures for the prevention and treatment of BSI remain lacking. This report evaluates a new commercially developed antimicrobial catheter lock solution (ACL) containing trimethoprim (5 mg/ml) and ethanol (25%) and CA-EDTA 3% for activity against bacterial and fungal biofilms using in vitro and in vivo (rabbit) catheter biofilm models. Biofilms were formed with bacterial (seven different species including vancomycin-resistant enterococcus, VRE) or fungal (C. albicans) species on catheter materials. Biofilm formation was evaluated by quantitative culture (colony forming units, CFUs) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Treatment with ACL inhibited growth of adhesion phase biofilms in vitro after 60 min (VRE) or 15 min (all others), while mature biofilms were eradicated after exposure for 2 or 4 h, compared to control. Similar results were observed for drug-resistant bacteria. In the catheterized rabbit model, when compared against heparinized saline control, ACL lock therapy significantly reduced the catheter bacterial (3.49 ± 0.75 vs. 0.03 ± 0.06 log CFU/catheter, respectively; P = 0.001) and fungal burden (2.48 ± 1.60 vs. 0.55 ± 1.19 log CFU/catheter segment, respectively; P = 0.012). SEM also demonstrated eradication of bacterial and fungal biofilms in vivo on catheters exposed to ACL, while vigorous biofilms were observed on untreated control catheters. Our results demonstrate that ACL was efficacious against both adhesion phase and mature biofilms formed by bacteria and fungi in vitro as well as in vivo.
Persistent coding of outcome-predictive cue features in the rat nucleus accumbens
Authors: Gmaz Jimmie M. , Carmichael James E. , van der Meer Matthijs A. A.
Published: April 2018

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is important for learning from feedback, and for biasing and invigorating behavior in response to cues that predict motivationally relevant outcomes. NAc encodes outcome-related cue features such as the magnitude and identity of reward. However, little is known about how features of cues themselves are encoded. We designed a decision making task where rats learned multiple sets of outcome-predictive cues, and recorded single-unit activity in the NAc during performance. We found that coding of cue identity and location occurred alongside coding of expected outcome. Furthermore, this coding persisted both during a delay period, after the rat made a decision and was waiting for an outcome, and after the outcome was revealed. Encoding of cue features in the NAc may enable contextual modulation of ongoing behavior, and provide an eligibility trace of outcome-predictive stimuli for updating stimulus-outcome associations to inform future behavior.