bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Searching for intermediate-mass black holes in galaxies with low-luminosity AGN: a multiple-method approach
Authors: Koliopanos Filippos , Ciambur Bogdan C. , Graham Alister W. , Webb Natalie A. , Coriat Mickael , Mutlu-Pakdil Burçin , Davis Benjamin L. , Godet Olivier , Barret Didier , Seigar Marc S.
Published: January 2017

Aims.This work is the first stage of a campaign to search for intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs) in low-luminosity active galactic nuclei (LLAGN) and dwarf galaxies. An additional and equally important aim of this pilot study is to investigate the consistency between the predictions of several popular black hole scaling relations and the fundamental plane (FP) of black-hole activity (FP-BH).

Methods.We used well established X-ray and radio luminosity relations in accreting black holes, along with the latest scaling relations between the mass of the central black hole (MBH) and the properties of its host spheroid, to predictMBHin seven LLAGN, that were previously reported to be in the IMBH regime. Namely, we used the recently re-evaluatedMBH−Msph(Msph: spheroid absolute magnitude at 3.6 μm) scaling relation for spiral galaxies, theMBH−nsph(nsph: major axis Sérsic index of the spheroid component) relation, theMBH−PA (PA: spiral pitch angle) relation, and a recently re-calibrated version of the FP-BH for weakly accreting BHs, to independently estimateMBHin all seven galaxies.

Results.We find that all LLAGN in our list have low-mass central black holes with log MBH/M⊙≈ 6.5 on average, but that they are, most likely, not IMBHs. All four methods used predicted consistent BH masses in the 1σrange. Furthermore, we report that, in contrast to previous classification, galaxy NGC 4470 is bulge-less, and we also cast doubts on the AGN classification of NGC 3507.

Conclusions.We find that our latest, state-of-the-art techniques for bulge magnitude & Sérsic index computations and the most recent updates of theMBH−Lsph,MBH−nsph, andMBH−PA relations and the FP-BH produce consistent results in the low-mass regime. We thus establish a multiple-method approach for predicting BH masses in the regime where their spheres of gravitational influence cannot be spatially resolved. Our approach mitigates against outliers from any one relation and provides a more robust average prediction. We will use our new method to revisit more IMBH candidates in LLAGN.
Differentiating Benign from Malignant Sinonasal Lesions: Feasibility of Diffusion Weighted MRI
Authors: El-Gerby Khaled , El-Anwar Mohammad
Published: January 2017

Introduction Appearance of nasal masses on routine CT and MRI are not pathognomonic. We utilized the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value obtained from diffusion weighted image (DWI) to detect the differences in the microstructures of tumor and non-tumor tissues.

Objective The objective of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic role of DWI and ADC values in differentiating between malignant and benign sinonasal lesions and its correlation with histopathological results as the reference standard.

Methods Patients with nasal and / or paranasal mass underwent CT, MRI, and DWI before any surgical intervention. We used diagnostic sinonasal endoscopy and biopsy to confirm the diagnosis after MRI.

Results When we used ADC value of (1.2 × 10–3 mm2/s) as a cut-off value for differentiating benign from malignant sinonasal lesions, we achieved 90% accuracy, 100% sensitivity, 88.4% specificity, 77.8% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value. At this cut-off, benign lesions show statistically significant higher ADC value than malignant tumors.

Conclusion DW MRI and ADC value calculation are promising quantitative methods helping to differentiate between malignant and benign sinonasal lesions. Thus, they are effective methods compared with other conventional methods with short imaging time thus it is recommended to be incorporated into routine evaluations.
Is Tadpole Pupil in an Adolescent Girl Caused by Denervation Hypersensitivity?
Authors: Hansen Jonas , Møller Hans
Published: January 2017

Tadpole pupil is a rarely encountered phenomenon caused by episodic, segmental iris dilator muscle spasm of short duration (2–15 minutes), occurring in clusters without a known precipitating factor. It has most commonly been described in women aged 28 to 48 years. A few hypotheses on pathogenesis have been discussed but none has been proved. Here, we present an adolescent girl with bilateral tadpole pupil that appeared during physical exercise. This is the first pediatric case of tadpole pupil, not caused by preceding surgery, to be published. Based on (1) this case in which tadpole pupil developed when the norepinephrine level rose during exercise, (2) the high ratio of patients with tadpole pupil who concurrently have or later develop Horner syndrome, in which denervation hypersensitivity is well described, (3) a previous report of a patient with both tadpole pupil and Horner syndrome who had denervation hypersensitivity on pharmacological testing, (4) a 29-year-old man with unilateral tadpole pupil induced by exercise, and (5) a 19-year-old man with bilateral tadpole pupil and possible autonomic neuropathy, we suggest denervation hypersensitivity as a probable pathogenic mechanism causing tadpole pupil. In addition, a suggestion for investigations to be performed in future pediatric cases is provided.
The Accuracy of Digital Radiography for Diagnosis of Fishbone Foreign Bodies in the Throat
Authors: Kasemsiri Pornthep , Mahawerawat Kanokkan , Ratanaanekchai Teeraporn , Puttarak Warinthorn , Munkong Waranon
Published: January 2017

Introduction Some patients with a fishbone as a foreign body of difficult diagnosis may require further investigations. Generally, radiography is used as the first choice for finding the fishbone.

Objective The objective of this study is to determine the accuracy of digital radiography for diagnosis of fishbone foreign body in the throat

Methods This descriptive experimental study design has three phases. In the first phase, we assessed subject contrast and visibility of fishbone on a homogeneous background; as for the second phase, we evaluated the embedded fishbone in the fresh cadaver's throat. In the last phase, we studied the accuracy of radiography in diagnosing the fishbone foreign body at any site of the cadaver's throat.

Results The subject contrast of 15 fishbones ranged from 0.94 to 0.99. All types of fishbone were obvious in the first phase, whereas, in the second phase, visibility of fishbone was varied. The subject contrast and diameter of fishbone did not show statistically significant correlation with visibility (p = 0.09 and p = 0.24, respectively). In the third phase, embedded fishbone in the base of tongue was detected with the highest accuracy (sensitivity of 1.00 (95%CI: 0.44–1.00) and specificity of 0.92 (95%CI: 0.65–0.99)); whereas, the tonsil was of difficult interpretation with poorest diagnostic value (sensitivity of 0.00 (95%CI: 0.00–0.56) and specificity of 1.00 (95%CI: 0.76–1.00)).

Conclusion The digital radiography provides the highest accuracy and benefit to the diagnosis of a fishbone foreign body at the base of the tongue; whereas, the tonsil was of difficult interpretation.
Interdiffusion in amorphous AlxZr1-x alloys
Authors: Noah Martin A. , Wang Zumin , Mittemeijer Eric J.
Published: January 2017

Interdiffusion in amorphous AlxZr1−x compositionally modulated multilayers was investigated by Auger electron spectroscopy sputter-depth profiling. Microstructural characterisation was performed by X-ray diffraction and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. The temperature-dependent chemical diffusion coefficient could be deduced at a series of temperatures in the range of 356 °C to 415 °C and was found to be weakly dependent on composition. The activation enthalpy for the chemical diffusion coefficients is slightly smaller at the composition of the Al-rich am-Al0.62Zr0.38 sublayer (1.6 eV) than at the composition of the Zr-rich am-Al0.27Zr0.73 sublayer (1.8 eV), which is not related to the concentration dependence of the excess free volume but to the smaller atomic size and mass of Al as compared to Zr. The smaller activation enthalpy for interdiffusion in partially crystallised specimens than in entirely amorphous AlxZr1−x multilayers is ascribed to the relatively large excess free volume in the grain boundaries of the nanocrystalline sublayers, as compared to the amorphous phase, at large Al concentrations. On the basis of an evaluation of the role of diffusion-induced stress in amorphous systems, it is shown that stresses induced by interdiffusion relax relatively fast by viscous flow and do not affect the determined diffusion coefficients.
Effects of grid geometry on non-equilibrium dissipation in grid turbulence
Authors: Nagata Koji , Saiki Teppei , Sakai Yasuhiko , Ito Yasumasa , Iwano Koji
Published: January 2017

A total of 11 grids in four families, including single- and multi-scale grids, are tested to investigate the development and decay characteristics of grid-generated turbulence. Special attention has been focused on dissipation and non-equilibrium characteristics in the decay region. A wide non-equilibrium region is observed for fractal square grids with three and four iterations. The distributions of the Taylor microscale λ, integral length scale Lu, and dissipation coefficient Cε show that a simple combination of large and small grids does not reproduce elongated non-equilibrium regions as realized by the fractal square grid. On the other hand, a new kind of grid, quasi-fractal grids, in which the region of the smaller fractal elements (N=2–4) of the fractal square grid is replaced by regular grids, successfully reproduce a similar flow field and non-equilibrium nature to that seen in the fractal square grid case. This suggests that the combination of large square grid and inhomogeneously arranged smaller grids produces an elongated non-equilibrium region. The dissipation coefficient Cε is better collapsed using Re0=t0U∞/ν (where t0 is the thickness of the largest grid bar, U∞ the inflow velocity, and ν the kinematic viscosity) as a global/inlet Reynolds number rather than ReM=MU∞/ν (where M is the mesh size) [P. C. Valente and J. C. Vassilicos, “Universal dissipation scaling for non-equilibrium turbulence,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 214503 (2012)].
Simple quadratic magneto-optic Kerr effect measurement system using permanent magnets
Authors: Pradeep A. V. , Ghosh Sayak , Anil Kumar P. S.
Published: January 2017

In recent times, quadratic magneto-optic Kerr effect (QMOKE) is emerging as an important experimental tool to investigate higher-order spin-orbit interactions in magnetic thin films and heterostructures. We have designed and constructed a simple, cost-effective QMOKE measurement system using permanent magnets. The permanent magnets are mounted on the inner surface of a cylindrical ferromagnetic yoke which can be rotated about its axis. Our system is sensitive to both the quadratic and linear MOKE signals. We use rotating field method to extract the QMOKE components in saturation. This system is capable of extracting the QMOKE signal from single crystals and thin film samples. Here we present the construction and working of the QMOKE measurement system using permanent magnets and report, for the first time, the QMOKE signal from Fe3O4 single crystal.
Self-aligning concave relativistic plasma mirror with adjustable focus
Authors: Tsai Hai-En , Arefiev Alexey V. , Shaw Joseph M. , Stark David J. , Wang Xiaoming , Zgadzaj Rafal , Downer M. C.
Published: January 2017

We report an experimental-computational study of the optical properties of plasma mirrors (PMs) at the incident laser frequency when irradiated directly at relativistic intensity (1018<I0<1019 W/cm2) by near-normally incident (4°), high-contrast, 30 fs, 800 nm laser pulses. We find that such relativistic PMs are highly reflective (0.6–0.8) and focus a significant fraction of reflected light to intensity as large as ∼10I0 at distance f as small as ∼25 μm from the PM, provided that pre-pulses do not exceed 1014 W/cm2 prior to ∼20 ps before arrival of the main pulse peak. Particle-in-cell simulations show that focusing results from denting of the reflecting surface by light pressure combined with relativistic transparency and that reflectivity and f can be adjusted by controlling pre-plasma length L over the range 0.5 ≲ L ≲ 3 μm. Pump-probe reflectivity measurements show that the PM's focusing properties evolve on a ps time scale.
DC voltage fields generated by RF plasmas and their influence on film growth morphology through static attraction to metal wetting layers: Beyond ion bombardment effects
Authors: Butcher K. S. A. , Terziyska P. T. , Gergova R. , Georgiev V. , Georgieva D. , Binsted P. W. , Skerget S.
Published: January 2017

It is shown that attractive electrostatic interactions between regions of positive charge in RF plasmas and the negative charge of metal wetting layers, present during compound semiconductor film growth, can have a greater influence than substrate temperature on film morphology. Using GaN and InN film growth as examples, the DC field component of a remote RF plasma is demonstrated to electrostatically affect metal wetting layers to the point of actually determining the mode of film growth. Examples of enhanced self-seeded nanopillar growth are provided in the case where the substrate is directly exposed to the DC field generated by the plasma. In another case, we show that electrostatic shielding of the DC field from the substrate can result in the growth of Ga-face GaN layers from gallium metal wetting layers at 490 °C with root-mean-square roughness values as low as 0.6 nm. This study has been carried out using a migration enhanced deposition technique with pulsed delivery of the metal precursor allowing the identification of metal wetting layers versus metal droplets as a function of the quantity of metal source delivered per cycle. It is also shown that electrostatic interactions with the plasma can affect metal rich growth limits, causing metal droplet formation for lower metal flux than would otherwise occur. Accordingly, film growth rates can be increased when shielding the substrate from the positive charge region of the plasma. For the example shown here, growth rates were more than doubled using a shielding grid.
The selective effect of plasma activated medium in an in vitro co-culture of liver cancer and normal cells
Authors: Duan J. , Lu X. , He G.
Published: January 2017

In this work, a co-culture system with liver cancer cell line HepG2 and normal cell line L02 is used to investigate the selective effect on cancer and normal cells by plasma activated medium (PAM), which is closer to the real environment where cancer cells develop. Besides, the co-culture system is a better model to study the selective effect than the widely used separate culture systems, where the cancer cell line and normal cell line are cultured independently. By using the co-culture system, it is found that there is an optimum dose of PAM to induce significant cancer cell apoptosis while keeping minimum damage to normal cells.
Dual phase grating interferometer for tunable dark-field sensitivity
Authors: Kagias Matias , Wang Zhentian , Jefimovs Konstantins , Stampanoni Marco
Published: January 2017

Hard X-ray dark-field and phase contrast imaging using grating interferometry have shown great potential for medical and industrial applications. However, the wide spread applicability of the method is challenged by a number of technical related issues such as relatively low dose and flux efficiency due to the absorption grating, fabrication of high quality absorption gratings, slow data acquisition protocol and high mechanical stability requirements. In this paper, the authors propose an interferometric method for dark-field and differential phase contrast imaging based on phase shifting elements only with the purpose to improve the dose and flux efficiency and simplify the setup. The proposed interferometer consists of two identical phase gratings of small pitch (1.3 μm), which generate an interference fringe at the detector plane with a large enough pitch that can be resolved directly. In particular, the system exhibits flexible and tunable dark-field sensitivity which is advantageous to probe unresolvable micro-structure in the sample. Experiments on a micro focal tube validated the method and demonstrated the versatility and tunability of the system compared to conventional Talbot grating interferometer.
Spin transfer torque nano-oscillators based on synthetic ferrimagnets: Influence of the exchange bias field and interlayer exchange coupling
Authors: Monteblanco E. , Garcia-Sanchez F. , Gusakova D. , Buda-Prejbeanu L. D. , Ebels U.
Published: January 2017

A comprehensive numerical study of the spin toque driven dynamic states is presented for a synthetic ferrimagnet. For this, the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation has been solved simultaneously for the two coupled layers of the synthetic ferrimagnet in a macrospin approach including the spin transfer torque term from an external polarizer for one of them. It is shown that a large variety of dynamic modes (in-plane precession (IPP) and out-of-plane precession) can be established, upon varying the strength of the exchange bias field that pins one of the layers of the SyF as well as the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida interlayer coupling strength. The current—field state diagrams are presented as well as the frequency current dependencies of the most important mode which is the IPP mode. A characteristic feature of the IPP mode for the coupled system (as compared to single layer excitations) is the change, increase or decrease of the frequency, with current upon increasing field. It is shown that this strongly depends on the asymmetry of the internal fields that the two layers experience, upon varying either their thickness or the exchange bias field.
Irreversible magnetization process and switching mechanism in L1 FePt thin films
Authors: Lisfi A. , Pokharel S. , Akioya O. , Alqhtany N. H. , Wuttig M.
Published: January 2017

The irreversible characteristics of the magnetization and the switching mechanism have been investigated in granular FePt films with L10 phase prepared by sputtering on a polymer substrate. The films display an extremely large magnetic anisotropy with a random distribution of the magnetization easy axis. The magnetic instabilities and the irreversible magnetization are found to be controlled by domain wall, which is responsible for the magnetization reversal. Through remanence curves and ΔM plot, the nature of magnetic interactions was revealed to be positive exchange coupling.
Analysis of thin-film magnetoimpedance behavior in low MHz regions based on domain wall equation and bias susceptibility theory
Authors: Kikuchi Hiroaki , Sumida Chihiro , Uetake Hiroaki , Yabukami Shin , Hashi Shuichiro , Ishiyama Kazushi
Published: January 2017

An interesting behavior of thin-film magnetoimpedance elements in the relatively low megahertz (MHz) region is found experimentally when the width of the element is narrow and the thickness of elements is several micrometers. The impedance peaks and inductance shows a rapid drop at around 10 MHz when a bias field is applied to such elements. The impedance profiles of the elements were analyzed on the basis of a domain wall motion equation and bias susceptibility theory. Calculation of the domain wall motion equation when accounting for domain resonance explains the impedance behavior in the low MHz region. The rapid drop in inductance and peak in impedance can be attributed to the domain wall resonance. At a relatively higher frequency, above 100 MHz, the calculation of bias susceptibility while considering ferromagnetic resonance thoroughly explains the experimental behavior.
Electron microscopy gets a multicolor makeover
Authors: Chang Sung
Published: January 2017

Selective deposition of lanthanide elements picks out molecular features from the background.
Ocean currents respond to climate change in unexpected ways
Authors: Miller Johanna L.
Published: January 2017

As the planet warms and winds strengthen, the poleward flow of tropical waters is predicted to also intensify. But observations tell a different story.
Despite financial squeeze, Japan continues drive to globalize its science enterprise
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: January 2017

A new umbrella organization for research centers seeks to buttress efforts to relax the country’s rigid academic culture.
Constraining the distribution and relationship between overpressure, natural fracture density and temperature in the Cooper Basin, Australia
Authors: Kulikowski David , Cooke Dennis , Amrouch Khalid
Published: January 2017

To effectively and safely extract hydrocarbon from low permeability and overpressured reservoirs in the Cooper Basin, a thorough understanding of the regional and field scale distribution of overpressure, temperature and fracture density is essential. Previous research omitted the effect of fluid expansion and hydrocarbon generation mechanisms for overpressure generation in the basin, albeit reservoir temperatures have sharply increased in the past five million years.
The authors collate pressure (>8,000 samples) and temperature (>6,000 samples) data from 1,095 wells across the SA portion of the Cooper Basin and incorporate natural fracture densities from 28 interpreted borehole image logs to investigate the spatial variation, and potential relationship, between pressure, temperature and natural fracture density. Results show significantly lower geothermal gradients within the Patchawarra Trough, likely attributed to a lack of shallow volcanics, blanketing coals or low uranium content. Shallow volcanics are common in high-temperature areas such as the Moomba/Big Lake and Gidgealpa fields and deeper portions of the Nappamerri Trough, with overpressured wells (>0.45 psi/ft) appearing to cluster in these areas, particularly south of the Gidgealpa-Merrimelia-Innamincka Ridge. Fracture density shows no obvious relationship to pressure, inferring a dominant structural origin for natural fracture development. Although the authors cannot exclusively attribute fluid expansion and hydrocarbon expansion mechanisms to overpressure, they likely have a profound effect.
Future work should investigate the feasibility of integrating pressure, vertical stress and sonic velocity to constrain the overpressure generation mechanism within the basin while incorporating field scale seismic attribute analysis for natural fracture detection and overpressure analysis.
Photoprotective and antioxidative mechanisms against oxidative damage in Fargesia rufa subjected to drought and salinity
Authors: Liu Cheng-Gang , Wang Qing-Wei , Jin Yan-Qiang , Pan Kai-Wen , Wang Yan-Jie
Published: January 2017

Drought and salinity are the two most common and frequently co-occurring abiotic stresses limiting plant productivity worldwide, yet it remains unclear whether bamboo species possess effective mechanisms to protect against oxidative damage caused by drought and salinity, either alone or in combination. In this study, we utilised Fargesia rufa Yi, a species important to forest carbon sequestration and endangered giant pandas, to evaluate physiological, biochemical and ultrastructural responses to drought, salinity and their combination. Under drought alone, F. rufa exhibited reduced water loss from leaves, photochemistry inhibition, pigment degradation, reactive oxygen species accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and damage to organelles compared with salinity and combined stress treatments. The superior performance under drought alone was attributed to greater thermal dissipation and the water-water cycle capacities, increased SOD/AsA-GSH cycle enzymes activities, and a favourable redox balance of antioxidants. Therefore, relative to salinity alone and drought + salinity, F. rufa plants under drought exhibit highly efficient mechanisms to protect against oxidative damage, which most likely allow accelerated recovery of photosynthetic plasticity once the stress is removed.
Cytosolic Fc receptor TRIM21 inhibits seeded tau aggregation
Authors: McEwan William A. , Falcon Benjamin , Vaysburd Marina , Clift Dean , Oblak Adrian L. , Ghetti Bernardino , Goedert Michel , James Leo C.
Published: January 2017

Significance

The mammalian cell cytoplasm contains numerous proteins with direct antimicrobial activity. Although these have been extensively studied in the context of viral and bacterial infection, it is unknown whether pathogenic self-propagating proteins, proposed to underlie common neurodegenerative diseases, can be targeted in a similar manner. We studied the ability of tripartite motif protein 21 (TRIM21), a newly identified intracellular antibody receptor, to intercept assemblies of misfolded tau, a cytoplasmic protein that aggregates in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. We developed tau “seeding” assays in human cells and found that TRIM21 could intercept and potently neutralize antibody-labeled tau assemblies. These findings demonstrate that the intracellular immune system can act against self-propagating misfolded proteins, with implications for ongoing attempts to develop antibody-based therapies for neurodegenerative disorders.
SIR2
suppresses replication gaps and genome instability by balancing replication between repetitive and unique sequences
Authors: Foss Eric J. , Lao Uyen , Dalrymple Emily , Adrianse Robin L. , Loe Taylor , Bedalov Antonio
Published: January 2017

Significance

Because the factors required to fire origins of DNA replication are less abundant than the origins themselves, during S phase, these factors are recycled from one area of the genome to another, and, consequently, genome replication occurs in waves. Unique DNA sequences, which contain protein-encoding genes, replicate before repetitive “junk” sequences. By modulating competition for replication resources between these types of sequences, we demonstrate that increased allocation of resources to repetitive sequences, which we previously showed to be associated with reduced lifespan, prevents completion of replication in unique portions of the genome. We suggest that, as cells age, repetitive sequences compete more effectively for replication initiation factors and that the resulting replication gaps form the basis of replicative senescence.
TRAIL-death receptor endocytosis and apoptosis are selectively regulated by dynamin-1 activation
Authors: Reis Carlos R. , Chen Ping-Hung , Bendris Nawal , Schmid Sandra L.
Published: January 2017

Significance

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) regulates receptor trafficking, thereby affecting several cellular signaling pathways. We discovered that dynamin-1 is selectively activated downstream of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand–death receptors (TRAIL–DRs) to self-regulate their endocytosis, attenuate apoptotic signaling, and increase cell survival. Activation of initiator caspase-8 by TRAIL–DRs triggers spikes of Ca
2+
through ryanodine receptor calcium channels, activating calcineurin, and in turn dephosphorylating dynamin-1 to promote cargo-selective endocytosis of TRAIL–DR. This study delineates specific mechanisms linking signaling downstream of cell-surface receptors to the regulation of cargo-selective CME, and thus their signaling properties. Cancer cell-specific adaptation of this bidirectional crosstalk between signaling and CME has implications for tumor progression and metastasis.
In vivo severity ranking of Ras pathway mutations associated with developmental disorders
Authors: Jindal Granton A. , Goyal Yogesh , Yamaya Kei , Futran Alan S. , Kountouridis Iason , Balgobin Courtney A. , Schüpbach Trudi , Burdine Rebecca D. , Shvartsman Stanislav Y.
Published: January 2017

Significance

RASopathies are developmental disorders caused by germ-line mutations in Ras/MAPK pathway components. Hundreds of such mutations have been reported using patient-specific sequencing projects. However, a systematic framework to translate individual mutations into patient-specific phenotypic severity is missing. Here, we develop such a framework by focusing on mutations in MEK1, a MAPK kinase. We report that the aspect ratio of early zebrafish embryos can be used as a metric to efficiently rank these mutations. Furthermore, this rank is conserved in other zebrafish- and
Drosophila
-specific assays and is predictive of drug dose needed to reverse the aspect ratio. Our results suggest that a systematic mutation-based comparative analysis of human phenotypes is crucial for efficient diagnosis and potential treatment.
p53 pathway is involved in cell competition during mouse embryogenesis
Authors: Zhang Guoxin , Xie Yinyin , Zhou Ying , Xiang Cong , Chen Lai , Zhang Chenxi , Hou Xiaoshuang , Chen Jiong , Zong Hui , Liu Geng
Published: January 2017

Significance

In response to a variety of stress signals, tumor suppressor p53 is activated to influence the cellular outcome. Various stresses result in different levels of p53 activation. We demonstrate here that during mouse development, uniform activation of p53 at a moderate level is well tolerated in the embryos. In contrast, mild activation of p53 in individual cells leads to a growth disadvantage and their out-competition when they are present together with nonactivated cells. These results suggest that p53 may coordinate at a multicellular level for optimal stress response and fitness of the organism.
ERAP1
association with ankylosing spondylitis is attributable to common genotypes rather than rare haplotype combinations
Authors: Roberts Amity R. , Appleton Louise H. , Cortes Adrian , Vecellio Matteo , Lau Jonathan , Watts Laura , Brown Matthew A. , Wordsworth Paul
Published: January 2017

Significance

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a common inflammatory arthritis of the spine. It is associated with two genes involved in antigen processing and presentation to the immune system,
HLA-B*27
and
ERA
P1
(endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1), which act synergistically in AS. Previous reports have suggested that rare
ERAP1
variants associated with dramatically altered antigen processing function are responsible. In contrast, we show here conclusively that it is common variants of
ERAP1
that are mainly responsible for protection/susceptibility in AS rather than rare
ERAP1
variants and/or unusual combinations of
ERAP1
variants. This has important potential implications for future studies addressing the development of ERAP1 inhibitors as new treatments not only for AS but also in other diseases genetically associated with
ERAP1
.
CD4 T-cell cytokines synergize to induce proliferation of malignant and nonmalignant innate intraepithelial lymphocytes
Authors: Kooy-Winkelaar Yvonne M. C. , Bouwer Dagmar , Janssen George M. C. , Thompson Allan , Brugman Martijn H. , Schmitz Frederike , de Ru Arnoud H. , van Gils Tom , Bouma Gerd , van Rood Jon J. , van Veelen Peter A. , Mearin M. Luisa , Mulder Chris J. , Koning Frits , van Bergen Jeroen
Published: January 2017

Significance

Refractory celiac disease type II (RCDII) is a severe variant of celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine caused by inflammatory T-cell responses to gluten, a common food protein. Typical of RCDII is the presence of aberrant lymphocytes in the duodenal epithelium, which often give rise to a lethal lymphoma. A single growth factor promoting the expansion of aberrant cells has been identified: epithelial cell-derived IL-15. The experiments described in this paper identify three additional growth factors—TNF, IL-2, and IL-21—produced by gluten-specific T cells. Thus, these findings suggest a potential mechanism for the contribution of gluten-specific T cells to RCDII.
REST corepressors RCOR1 and RCOR2 and the repressor INSM1 regulate the proliferation–differentiation balance in the developing brain
Authors: Monaghan Caitlin E. , Nechiporuk Tamilla , Jeng Sophia , McWeeney Shannon K. , Wang Jianxun , Rosenfeld Michael G. , Mandel Gail
Published: January 2017

Significance

Nervous system development involves a delicate balance between neural progenitor proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Repressors and corepressors each affect this balance, but in many cases, existence of the complexes in vivo has not been shown. Here, we identify a repressor/corepressor complex in embryonic brain consisting of Insulinoma-associated 1 (INSM1) and the RE1 Silencing Transcription factor (REST) corepressors RCOR1 and RCOR2. Elimination of RCOR1 and RCOR2, or INSM1, robustly promotes neural proliferation over neuronal and oligodendrocyte differentiation. Further, their elimination results in overexpression of REST, a direct target gene of INSM1. Normalizing REST levels in the RCOR1/2-deficient brain partially restores aberrant brain morphology. Our results identify a repressor complex required for critical events during normal brain development.
Effects of Sc(Zr) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast Al–Mg alloys
Authors: Pan D. , Zhou S. , Zhang Z. , Li M. , Wu Y.
Published: January 2017

Both the addition of 0.6% Sc and simultaneous addition of 0.2% Sc and 0.1% Zr exerted a remarkable effect on grain refinement of as-cast Al–Mg alloys, changing typical dendritic microstructure into fine equiaxed grains. Such effect was found to be related to the formation of primary particles, which acted as heterogeneous nucleation sites for α-Al matrix during solidification. Primary particles formed in Al–Mg–Sc–Zr alloy could be identified as the eutectic structure consisting of multilayer of ‘Al3(Sc,Zr) +  α-Al + Al3(Sc,Zr)’, with a ‘cellular-dendritic’ mode of growth. In addition, an attractive comprehensive property of as-cast Al–5Mg alloy due to the addition of 0.2% Sc and 0.1% Zr was obtained.
Alisol B, a triterpene fromAlismatis rhizoma(dried rhizome ofAlisma orientale), inhibits melanin production in murine B16 melanoma cells
Authors: Yoshida Ichiro , Ito Chihiro , Matsuda Shinya , Tsuji Akihiko , Yanaka Noriyuki , Yuasa Keizo
Published: January 2017

To develop new whitening agents from natural products, we screened 80 compounds derived from crude drugs in Kampo medicine in a melanin synthesis inhibition assay using murine B16 melanoma cells. The screen revealed that treatment with alisol B, a triterpene from Alismatis rhizoma, significantly decreased both melanin content and cellular tyrosinase activity in B16 cells. However, alisol B did not directly inhibit mushroom tyrosinase activity in vitro. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of alisol B on melanogenesis. Alisol B suppressed mRNA induction of tyrosinase and its transcription factor, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). Furthermore, alisol B reduced the phosphorylation of CREB and maintained the activation of ERK1/2. These results suggest that the reduction in melanin production by alisol B is due to the downregulation of MITF through the suppression of CREB and activation of ERK and that alisol B may be useful as a new whitening agent.
History of Forensic Mental Health Service Use Among Homeless Adults with Mental Illness
Authors: Nijdam-Jones Alicia , Nicholls Tonia L. , Crocker Anne G. , Roy Laurence , Somers Julian M.
Published: January 2017

Forensic service use was examined using self-report interview data from a prospective study of homeless persons with mental illness ( N = 435) and administrative file review data from a Canadian forensic system. Of the study's participants, 41% had contact with forensic services, 40% had contact with community clinics, and 20% had been admitted to the forensic hospital. Forensic involvement was associated with age, gender, disorder, impulse control and social network. Most participants with forensic contacts received services for minor, mostly poverty-related offenses. Findings highlight the need for early intervention for individuals with severe mental illness as one mechanism for preventing crime.
Supplementary comparison EURAMET.L-S22, calibration of gauge blocks by mechanical comparison
Authors: Lewis Andrew , Lillepea Lauri , Matus Michael , Prieto Emilio , Ačko Bojan , Hansen Maria Svendsmark , Turner Paul , Testa Nicola , Daoud Anouar , Montassar Chekir , Švedova Larisa , Hald Jan , Gaidamovičiūtė Lilijana , Bajic Gordana
Published: January 2017

In October 2012, the EURAMET Technical Committee for Length, TC-L, decided upon a supplementary comparison on gauge block measurements by mechanical comparison, numbered EURAMET.L-S22, with the Danish Technological Institute (DTI) as the pilot laboratory, assisted by NPL (Andrew Lewis), which would provide a link to CCL-K1. The comparison was registered in February 2013, artefact circulation starts in June 2013 and ended in September 2014. Eight gauge blocks were calibrated using a five point measurement.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCL, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
EURAMET.M.P-S9 / EURAMET 1170, LOOP2. Comparison in the negative gauge pressure range -950 to 0 hPa
Authors: Otal P , Boineau F , Medina N , Pražák D , Wüthrich C , Saxholm S , Sabuga W , Kocas I , Durgut Y
Published: January 2017

This report gives the results of a comparison of pressure standards of seven European National Metrology institutes in the range of negative gauge pressure from -950 hPa to 0 hPa.

This comparison was piloted by LNE and was carried out from January 2011 to March 2012. This work is a part of the EURAMET project 1170 and is registered as a supplementary comparison EURAMET.M.P-S9. The transfer standard used was a pressure monitor RPM4 A160Ks manufactured by DH Instruments Inc., with a resolution of 0.1 Pa. The reference values have been determined from the weighted mean of the deviations reported by the participants for each specified pressure. Seventy-three of the seventy-seven values (96%) reported by the laboratories agree with the reference values within the expanded uncertainties with a coverage factor k = 2.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Two-Phase Hospital-Associated Outbreak of Mycobacterium abscessus: Investigation and Mitigation
Authors: Baker Arthur W. , Lewis Sarah S. , Alexander Barbara D. , Chen Luke F. , Wallace Richard J. , Brown-Elliott Barbara A. , Isaacs Pamela J. , Pickett Lisa C. , Patel Chetan B. , Smith Peter K. , Reynolds John M. , Engel Jill , Wolfe Cameron R. , Milano Carmelo A. , Schroder Jacob N. , Davis Robert D. , Hartwig Matthew G. , Stout Jason E. , Strittholt Nancy , Maziarz Eileen K. , Saullo Jennifer Horan , Hazen Kevin C. , Walczak Richard J. , Vasireddy Ravikiran , Vasireddy Sruthi , McKnight Celeste M. , Anderson Deverick J. , Sexton Daniel J.
Published: January 2017

Background.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) commonly colonize municipal water supplies and cause healthcare-associated outbreaks. We investigated a biphasic outbreak of Mycobacterium abscessus at a tertiary care hospital.

Methods.

Case patients had recent hospital exposure and laboratory-confirmed colonization or infection with M. abscessus from January 2013 through December 2015. We conducted a multidisciplinary epidemiologic, field, and laboratory investigation.

Results.

The incidence rate of M. abscessus increased from 0.7 cases per 10000 patient-days during the baseline period (January 2013–July 2013) to 3.0 cases per 10000 patient-days during phase 1 of the outbreak (August 2013–May 2014) (incidence rate ratio, 4.6 [95% confidence interval, 2.3–8.8]; P < .001). Thirty-six of 71 (51%) phase 1 cases were lung transplant patients with positive respiratory cultures. We eliminated tap water exposure to the aerodigestive tract among high-risk patients, and the incidence rate decreased to baseline. Twelve of 24 (50%) phase 2 (December 2014–June 2015) cases occurred in cardiac surgery patients with invasive infections. Phase 2 resolved after we implemented an intensified disinfection protocol and used sterile water for heater-cooler units of cardiopulmonary bypass machines. Molecular fingerprinting of clinical isolates identified 2 clonal strains of M. abscessus; 1 clone was isolated from water sources at a new hospital addition. We made several water engineering interventions to improve water flow and increase disinfectant levels.

Conclusions.

We investigated and mitigated a 2-phase clonal outbreak of M. abscessus linked to hospital tap water. Healthcare facilities with endemic NTM should consider similar tap water avoidance and engineering strategies to decrease risk of NTM infection.
The status of Japanese fisheries relative to fisheries around the world
Authors: Ichinokawa Momoko , Okamura Hiroshi , Kurota Hiroyuki
Published: January 2017

We present the first quantitative review of the stock status relative to the stock biomass (B) and the exploitation rate (U) that achieved the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) (BMSY and UMSY, respectively) for 37 Japanese stocks contributing 61% of the total marine capture production in Japan. BMSY and UMSY were estimated by assuming three types of stock-recruitment (S-R) relationships and an age-structured population model or by applying a surplus production model. The estimated stock status shows that approximately half of the stocks were overfishing (U/UMSY > 1), and approximately half of the stocks were overfished (B/BMSY < 0.5) during 2011–2013. Over the past 15 years, U decreased and B slightly increased on average. The rate of decrease in the U of the stocks managed by the total allowable catch (TAC) was significantly greater than that of the other stocks, providing evidence of the effectiveness of TAC management in Japan. The above statuses and trends were insensitive to the assumption of the S-R relationship. The characteristics of Japanese stocks composed mainly of resources with relatively high natural mortality, i.e. productivity, suggest that Japanese fisheries have great potential of exhibiting a quick recovery and increasing their yield by adjusting the fishing intensity to an appropriate level.
Defining the Value of Neurosurgery in the New Healthcare Era
Authors: Benzil Deborah L. , Zusman Edie E.
Published: January 2017

Healthcare delivery is evolving rapidly with an increasing emphasis on the concept of “value.” At the same time, neurosurgeons are disproportionately working in employed positions where external definition of value becomes directly linked with compensation, work environment, and career satisfaction. Few neurosurgeons have an understanding of the various ways in which value is and can be defined and there are limited resources to assist in this realm. This paper covers the essential value concepts of National Standards, Pitfalls of National Standards, Call Coverage Compensation, Valuation Through Demand, Value Beyond Productivity, and Neurosurgical Value in the Accountable Care Organization Era. This framework should help neurosurgeons better understand critical trends impacting practice across the country.
Exhaustive pathologic work-up in sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma: is it necessary?
Authors: Lino-Silva Leonardo S. , Castillo-Medina Ana L. , Salcedo-Hernández Rosa A. , García-Pérez Leticia
Published: January 2017

The objective of this study is to determine whether a less exhaustive pathologic work-up to detect melanoma metastasis is clinically useful and does not affect patient prognosis. The success and evolution of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) depends on histological techniques. Several exhaustive protocols of SLN analysis have been published, but are time and cost consuming, with slight increases in the rates of metastasis detection. From 281 patients with SLN biopsy, each SLN was sectioned every 2 mm and from each paraffin block, 2–3 histological sections were evaluated. The patients were divided as follows: the first group (n=185) was subjected to extensive SLN examination (eSLNe) and the second group (n=96) was not subjected to an extensive SLN examination (wSLNe). The average SLN resected was 2 (range: 1–7), evaluating one in 50.9%. The SLN metastasis detection rate was 28.5%, whereas eSLNe increased by 3.2%. During follow-up, 4/26 (17.4%) cases in the wSLNe group showed recurrence in the SLN basin. Factors associated with decreased survival in univariant analysis were recurrence, Breslow thickness, advanced clinical stage, ulceration, and SLN metastasis. eSLNe did not affect disease-specific survival. Multivariate analysis showed recurrence (hazard ratio 23.475, 95% confidence interval: 1903–4559, P<0.001) and Breslow thickness of more than 3.5 mm (hazard ratio 15.222, 95% confidence interval: 1448–3059, P<0.001) as independent risk factors for decreased survival. Our routine for SLN examination enabled an adequate rate of SLN metastasis detection and the eSLNe increased the rate of detection in 3.2%, but did not affect the survival. We did not find any benefit from performing the eSLNe in patients with Breslow thickness less than 3.5 mm.
Neuropathic pain and quality of life after wide local excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma: a multicentre study
Authors: Thomson Collette H. , Cassell Oliver , Peach Howard , Holloway Samantha , Garioch Jennifer , Moncrieff Marc
Published: January 2017

Wide local excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy is the mainstay of treatment for patients with melanoma. As survival outcomes improve, longer term quality of life questions become more pertinent and this study aims to assess the factors which may play a role following surgery. A total of, 221 patients who underwent wide local excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma (AJCC stage I and II) were recruited from three UK centres. These patients completed a patient outcome questionnaire, which included demographic and treatment data as well as quality of life and pain questionnaires. Pain was the only significant factor influencing the quality of life with a negative correlation seen between pain and quality of life scores (P<0.001). In total, 34% of patients reported pain at their surgical site and four (1.8%) patients scored as high risk for neuropathic pain. Patients experiencing pain were significantly younger that those not reporting pain (median 55.0 vs. 63.5 years, P<0.001). Length of time since surgery did not correlate with pain nor quality of life scores. Our results suggest that following this common procedure a sizeable proportion of patients experience pain and poorer quality of life which does not improve with time. The level of pain experienced is clinically significant and merits evaluation and treatment in this group of patients who are increasingly surviving their melanoma diagnosis. Further investigation into potential prophylactic measures is suggested.