bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magneto-electric coupling in antiferromagnet/ferroelectric Mn2Au/BaTiO3 interface
Authors: Plekhanov Evgeny , Stroppa Alessandro , Picozzi Silvia
Published: August 2016

Within the crucial issue of the electric field control of magnetism, the use of antiferromagnets (AFMs) coupled to ferroelectrics is much less explored than the ferromagnets counterpart, although the first choice might lead to better performances and larger stability with respect to external perturbations (such as magnetic fields). Here, we explore the possibility to control the magnetic anisotropy of a Mn2Au layer by reversing the ferroelectric polarization of BaTiO3 in Mn2Au/BaTiO3 interfaces. By means of a thorough exploration of many possible geometry configurations, we identify the two most stable, corresponding to compressive and tensile strain at the interface. The first appears to be easy-axis, while the second—easy-plane—with a large induced moment on the interface Ti atom. The reversal of ferroelectric polarization changes the anisotropy by approximately 50%, thus paving the way to the control of AFM properties with an electric field.
Micro-stress dominant displacive reconstructive transition in lithium aluminate
Authors: Hu Qiwei , Lei Li , Yan Xiaozhi , Zhang Leilei , Li Xiaodong , Peng Fang , He Duanwei
Published: August 2016

It is supposed that diffusive reconstructive transitions usually take place under hydrostatic pressure or low stresses, and displacive reconstructive phase transitions easily occur at nonhydrostatic pressure. Here, by in-situ high pressure synchrotron X-ray diffraction and single-crystal Raman scattering studies on lithium aluminate at room temperature, we show that the reconstructive transition mechanism is dependent on the internal microscopic stresses rather than the macroscopic stresses. In this case, even hydrostatic pressure can favor the displacive transition if the compressibility of crystal is anisotropic. During hydrostatic compression, γ-LiAlO2 transforms to δ-LiAlO2 at about 4 GPa, which is much lower than that in previous nonhydrostatic experiments (above 9 GPa). In the region where both phases coexist, there are enormous microscopic stresses stemming from the lattice mismatch, suggesting that this transition is displacive. Furthermore, the atomic picture is drawn with the help of the shear Raman modes.
Electrically tunable metasurface absorber based on dissipating behavior of embedded varactors
Authors: Luo Zhangjie , Long Jiang , Chen Xing , Sievenpiper Daniel
Published: August 2016

An electrically tunable metasurface that absorbs continuous electromagnetic (EM) surface waves is proposed by taking advantage of varactor diodes embedded in the surface. On the one hand, the varactors perform as the main dissipating components due to their parasitic series resistance; on the other hand, they function as the tuning elements because the dissipation is highly dependent on their capacitance. Therefore, the absorption of the surface can be tuned by the direct current biasing voltage across the varactors, which is validated numerically and experimentally in this letter. This absorbing mechanism of the surface differs from prior surface-wave absorbers and can lead to greater flexibility for absorbing metasurfaces. In this work, a power-dependent absorbing performance is achieved by loading microwave power sensors. If incorporated with other types of sensors, the absorption could potentially be controlled by corresponding physical variables such as light, pressure, or temperature, thus giving rise to various absorbing applications in a complex EM environment.
Magnetism of gold nanorods probed using electron spin resonance
Authors: Inagaki Y. , Yonemura H. , Sakai N. , Makihara Y. , Kawae T. , Yamada S.
Published: August 2016

Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy has been performed for gold nanorods (AuNRs) of four different sizes covered with a diamagnetic stabilizing component, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. ESR signals were detected in AuNRs except the largest one. Two smallest AuNRs showed an abrupt change in the temperature dependence of resonance field and line width at around 60 K, indicating ferromagnetic phase transition. In medium-size AuNRs, the resonance with a large shift was observed below 100 K. The resonance field shifts at the lowest temperature exhibit systematic variation with the system size, which is explained by considering magnetic anisotropy for the ferromagnetic resonance.
Magnetostructural martensitic transformations with large volume changes and magneto-strains in all-d-metal Heusler alloys
Authors: Wei Z. Y. , Liu E. K. , Li Y. , Han X. L. , Du Z. W. , Luo H. Z. , Liu G. D. , Xi X. K. , Zhang H. W. , Wang W. H. , Wu G. H.
Published: August 2016

The all-d-metal Mn2-based Heusler ferromagnetic shape memory alloys Mn50Ni40−xCoxTi10 (x = 8 and 9.5) are realized. With a generic comparison between d-metal Ti and main-group elements in lowering the transformation temperature, the magnetostructural martensitic transformations are established by further introducing Co to produce local ferromagnetic Mn-Co-Mn configurations. A 5-fold modulation and (3, −2) stacking of [00 10] of martensite are determined by X-ray diffraction and HRTEM analysis. Based on the transformation, a large magneto-strain of 6900 ppm and a large volume change of −2.54% are observed in polycrystalline samples, which makes the all-d-metal magnetic martensitic alloys of interest for magnetic/pressure multi-field driven applications.
Conductive paths through polycrystalline BaTiO3: Scanning probe microscopy study
Authors: Ayvazian Talin , Bersuker Gennadi , Lingley Zachary R. , Brodie Miles J. , Foran Brendan J.
Published: August 2016

The microstructural features determining the leakage current through polycrystalline BaTiO3 films are investigated using Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy. Grain boundaries are found to be the dominant conductive paths compared to the conduction through the grains. Grain boundary currents are observed to reversibly rise with the increase of the applied DC voltages, indicating that the current is controlled by a field-activated charge transport process.
S–S Bond Formation: Nanocatalysts in the Oxidative Coupling of Thiols
Authors: Shiri Lotfi , Ghorbani-Choghamarani Arash , Kazemi Mosstafa
Published: August 2016

Compounds containing sulfur–sulfur bonds (often called disulfides or more specifically disulfanes) are arguably one of the most valuable functional groups in organic synthetic chemistry. They exist extensively in nature, in which they exhibit important biological activities. Furthermore, a diverse range of natural and synthetic disulfides have been discovered that have many applications as pharmaceutical and agriculture chemicals as well as synthetic intermediates. Since thiols are commercially accessible or easily synthesizable materials and their choice as starting materials is widely reported for the synthesis of organic sulfur compounds, unsurprisingly the oxidative coupling of thiols is the best and simplest route for the preparation of disulfides. In recent times, nanocatalysts have shown excellent catalytic activity and reusability in the oxidation of thiols to disulfides. Herein, we summarize the recently reported breakthroughs in the use of nanocatalysts for the oxidative coupling of thiols to their corresponding disulfides, with the goal of stimulating further progress in this field.
Recent changes in southern Australian frost occurrence: implications for wheat production risk
Authors: Crimp Steven Jeffery , Zheng Bangyou , Khimashia Nirav , Gobbett David Lyon , Chapman Scott , Howden Mark , Nicholls Neville
Published: August 2016

Frost damage remains a major problem for broadacre cropping, viticulture, horticulture and other agricultural industries in Australia. Annual losses from frost events in Australian broadacre agriculture are estimated at between $120 million and $700 million each year for this sector. Understanding the changing nature of frost risk, and the drivers responsible, are important steps in helping many producers manage climate variability and change. Our analysis, using Stevenson screen temperature thresholds of 2°C or below as an indicator of frost at ground level, demonstrates that across southern Australia, despite a warming trend of 0.17°C per decade since 1960, ‘frost season’ length has increased, on average, by 26 days across the whole southern portion of Australia compared with the 1960–1990 long-term mean. Some areas of south-eastern Australia now experience their last frost an average 4 weeks later than during the 1960s. The intersection of frost and wheat production risk was quantified at 60 sites across the Australian wheatbelt, with a more in-depth analysis undertaken for 15 locations across Victoria (i.e. eight sites common to both the National and Victorian assessments and seven sites exclusive to the Victorian analysis). The results of the national assessment highlight how frost-related production risk has increased by as much as 30% across much of the Australian wheatbelt, for a range of wheat maturity types, over the last two decades, in response to an increase in later frost events. Across 15 Victorian sites, sowing dates to achieve anthesis during a period with only a 10% chance of a 0°C night occurring shifted by 23 days (6 June) for the short-season variety, 20 days (17 May) for the medium-season variety and 36 days later (9 May) for the long-season variety assessed.
Genotypic evaluation of introduced white clover (Trifolium repens L.) germplasm in New Zealand
Authors: Jahufer M. Z. Z. , Ford J. L. , Woodfield D. R. W. , Barrett B. A.
Published: August 2016

Optimal evaluation and use of introduced germplasm for species improvement is an ongoing challenge. Research was conducted to survey a select set of introduced white clover (Trifolium repens L.) germplasm from broad geographic origins to assess their genetic potential, based on F1 crosses to elite New Zealand cultivars. The bulk progeny generated from test crosses to Grasslands cultivars Demand, Sustain and Kopu II were evaluated at Palmerston North under rotational grazing by sheep. The replicated trial consisted of the 26 germplasm accessions, three cultivars used as maternal parents, and 78 F1 bulk progeny breeding lines. Three morphological traits and estimated seasonal dry matter yield were measured over four years. Significant (P < 0.05) genotypic variation was observed for all these traits among the parents and F1 progeny lines. F1 progeny lines with traits values greater than the cultivars were identified. Significant (P < 0.05) genotype-by-season (σ2gs) and genotype-by-year (σ2gy) interactions were estimated for dry matter yield. Principle component analysis of the F1 progeny-by-trait BLUP matrix identified 16 elite progeny lines with mean seasonal dry matter yield equal to or higher than the cultivars. Half of the lines had Demand as the cultivar parent, while only three had Kopu II as a parent. Fourteen of these progeny lines were derived from crosses to Australasian adapted germplasm. This study indicated that choice of adapted cultivar with which to cross is important, and introduced germplasm from Australasia is a valuable source of adaptive variation in these F1 progeny. More complex approaches may be needed to identify and use adaptive allelic variation from germplasm sources beyond Australasia.
Latitudinal change in the distribution of luderick Girella tricuspidata (Pisces: Girellidae) associated with increasing coastal water temperature in eastern Australia
Authors: Pollock B. R.
Published: August 2016

During the past two decades there has been a major decline in the luderick (Girella tricuspidata) population and fishery in the coastal areas of southern Queensland, Australia. This region is the northern limit of the range of luderick. An analysis of annual time series information from the luderick fishery and from sea surface temperature records from 1976 to 2015 found a moderate and significant negative correlation (Pearson r=–0.39, P<0.05) between water temperature and population abundance in southern Queensland. Previous studies of juvenile and adult luderick indicate their sensitivity to elevated water temperature at the northern limit of their range, further supporting the hypothesis that declines in population abundance of luderick in southern Queensland are associated with increased water temperature. Other possible factors for the luderick population decline (overfishing and habitat loss) are discussed. Any future increases in coastal water temperatures in eastern Australia may result in further southward shifts of the luderick population, and may have similar effects on other fish species that have their northern range limits in southern Queensland.
Mapping access to health services as a strategy for planning: access to primary care for older people in regional Queensland
Authors: Evans Rebecca , Larkins Sarah , Cheffins Tracy , Fleming Rhonda , Johnston Karen , Tennant Marc
Published: August 2016

Australia has seen a significant increase in people aged over 65 years accessing general practice services over the last decade. Although people aged 65 years and over comprise 14% of the total population, this age demographic accounts for the largest proportion of general practitioner (GP)–patient encounters. Access to general practice is important for older Australians as the burden of chronic disease increases with age. A geographic information system, ArcGIS, was used to assess geographic access to general practice for older people residing in the regional Queensland towns of Mackay, Townsville and Cairns. Geographic units with high proportions of over 65-year-old people were spatially analysed in relation to proximity to geomapped general practices with a 2-km buffer zone. Modelling of changes in access was performed with the strategic location of a new general practice where gaps existed. Geographic access to general practice for the older population was poorest in Cairns despite a high population density. Addition of a single, strategically placed general practice in Cairns markedly improved access. Socioeconomic analysis suggested that general practices were appropriately located in areas of greatest need. Geographic information systems provide a means to map population characteristics against service locations to assist in strategic development and location of future health services.
Heterosynaptic GABAergic plasticity bidirectionally driven by the activity of pre- and postsynaptic NMDA receptors
Authors: Mapelli Jonathan , Gandolfi Daniela , Vilella Antonietta , Zoli Michele , Bigiani Albertino
Published: August 2016

Significance

The plasticity of inhibitory synapses is involved in regulating the balance between excitation and inhibition. Although a wide range of plastic mechanisms was analyzed in GABAergic synapses, a bidirectional plasticity engaged by NMDA signaling has never been observed. We report here that the synapse between Golgi cells and granule cells in the cerebellar granular layer can be modulated by heterosynaptic plasticity in a bidirectional manner, depending on NMDA receptors. Long-term potentiation is expressed in response to postsynaptic NMDA
R
activation via nitric oxide retrograde diffusion. Conversely, long-term depression is triggered by presynaptic NMDA
R
activation. The present results provide a plastic mechanism controlling signal processing in neural networks.
Holdase activity of secreted Hsp70 masks amyloid-β42 neurotoxicity in
Drosophila
Authors: Fernandez-Funez Pedro , Sanchez-Garcia Jonatan , de Mena Lorena , Zhang Yan , Levites Yona , Khare Swati , Golde Todd E. , Rincon-Limas Diego E.
Published: August 2016

Significance

Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is a critical protein with many protective activities inside the cell. We demonstrate that forced secretion of Hsp70 is beneficial against the extracellular protein aggregates typical of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Engineering Hsp70 enables its interaction with the amyloid-β42 peptide, the main pathogenic agent in AD. This interaction suppresses amyloid-β toxicity in the eye, reduces cell death in brain neurons, and protects neuronal architecture and function. Interestingly, secreted Hsp70 exerts this protective activity without utilizing its refolding activity and without decreasing the levels and aggregation of amyloid-β42. These results suggest a protective mechanism mediated by direct binding to amyloid-β42, which blocks amyloid-β42 neurotoxicity. We discuss here the potential therapeutic benefits of secreted Hsp70.
Regularity properties of spheres in homogeneous groups
Authors: Le Donne Enrico , Nicolussi Golo Sebastiano
Published: August 2016

We study left-invariant distances on Lie groups for which there exists a one-parameter family of homothetic automorphisms. The main examples are Carnot groups, in particular the Heisenberg group with the standard dilations. We are interested in criteria implying that, locally and away from the diagonal, the distance is Euclidean Lipschitz and, consequently, that the metric spheres are boundaries of Lipschitz domains in the Euclidean sense. In the first part of the paper, we consider geodesic distances. In this case, we actually prove the regularity of the distance in the more general context of sub-Finsler manifolds with no abnormal geodesics. Secondly, for general groups we identify an algebraic criterium in terms of the dilating automorphisms, which for example makes us conclude the regularity of every homogeneous distance on the Heisenberg group. In such a group, we analyze in more detail the geometry of metric spheres. We also provide examples of homogeneous groups where spheres present cusps.
Corpus domain effects on distributional semantic modeling of medical terms
Authors: Pakhomov Serguei V.S. , Finley Greg , McEwan Reed , Wang Yan , Melton Genevieve B.
Published: August 2016

Motivation: Automatically quantifying semantic similarity and relatedness between clinical terms is an important aspect of text mining from electronic health records, which are increasingly recognized as valuable sources of phenotypic information for clinical genomics and bioinformatics research. A key obstacle to development of semantic relatedness measures is the limited availability of large quantities of clinical text to researchers and developers outside of major medical centers. Text from general English and biomedical literature are freely available; however, their validity as a substitute for clinical domain to represent semantics of clinical terms remains to be demonstrated.

Results: We constructed neural network representations of clinical terms found in a publicly available benchmark dataset manually labeled for semantic similarity and relatedness. Similarity and relatedness measures computed from text corpora in three domains (Clinical Notes, PubMed Central articles and Wikipedia) were compared using the benchmark as reference. We found that measures computed from full text of biomedical articles in PubMed Central repository (rho = 0.62 for similarity and 0.58 for relatedness) are on par with measures computed from clinical reports (rho = 0.60 for similarity and 0.57 for relatedness). We also evaluated the use of neural network based relatedness measures for query expansion in a clinical document retrieval task and a biomedical term word sense disambiguation task. We found that, with some limitations, biomedical articles may be used in lieu of clinical reports to represent the semantics of clinical terms and that distributional semantic methods are useful for clinical and biomedical natural language processing applications.

Availability and Implementation: The software and reference standards used in this study to evaluate semantic similarity and relatedness measures are publicly available as detailed in the article.

Contact:  pakh0002@umn.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
iRSpot-EL: identify recombination spots with an ensemble learning approach
Authors: Liu Bin , Wang Shanyi , Long Ren , Chou Kuo-Chen
Published: August 2016

Motivation

Coexisting in a DNA system, meiosis and recombination are two indispensible aspects for cell reproduction and growth. With the avalanche of genome sequences emerging in the post-genomic age, it is an urgent challenge to acquire the information of DNA recombination spots because it can timely provide very useful insights into the mechanism of meiotic recombination and the process of genome evolution.

Results

To address such a challenge, we have developed a predictor, called iRSpot-EL, by fusing different modes of pseudo K-tuple nucleotide composition and mode of dinucleotide-based auto-cross covariance into an ensemble classifier of clustering approach. Five-fold cross tests on a widely used benchmark dataset have indicated that the new predictor remarkably outperforms its existing counterparts. Particularly, far beyond their reach, the new predictor can be easily used to conduct the genome-wide analysis and the results obtained are quite consistent with the experimental map.

Availability and Implementation

For the convenience of most experimental scientists, a user-friendly web-server for iRSpot-EL has been established at http://bioinformatics.hitsz.edu.cn/iRSpot-EL/, by which users can easily obtain their desired results without the need to go through the complicated mathematical equations involved.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Predicting Buckwheat Flavonoids Bioavailability in Different Food Matrices Under In Vitro Simulated Human Digestion
Authors: Choi Ah Sah , Bae In Young , Lee Hyoen Gyu
Published: August 2016

The digestibility and bioaccessibility of major flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, and isoquercitrin) in various buckwheat food matrices were evaluated as a function of the rutin levels using an in vitro simulated digestion model. Food matrices were unprocessed samples (buckwheat flour [BF], flavonoid extract [FE], rutin‐enhanced flavonoid extract [REFE], and pure rutin) and processed samples (cakes with BF, FE, and REFE and a rutin‐spiked cake). FE showed the highest digestibility out of all the unprocessed samples (FE > REFE > BF > rutin), whereas BF exhibited the highest bioaccessibility (BF > FE > REFE = rutin). Moreover, the processed samples improved their flavonoid bioaccessibility upon baking. Thus, unprocessed FE is a good source for highly bioavailable flavonoids; moreover, baking exerts a positive effect on flavonoid digestibility and bioaccessibility. Because flavonoids can be further fermented by microorganisms in the large intestine into various metabolites, determining the digestibility and bioaccessibility of various flavonoids is useful for predicting flavonoid bioavailability in buckwheat and buckwheat‐based food products.
Limestone-Mediated Suppression of Fusarium Wilt in Spinach Seed Crops
Authors: Gatch Emily W. , du Toit Lindsey J.
Published: August 2016

Fusarium wilt of spinach is caused by the soilborne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae and occurs in most regions of spinach production. The disease is favored by acid soils and warm temperatures, and the fungus can survive extended periods as chlamydospores or by asymptomatic colonization of the roots of nonhost plant species. The 10- to 15-year rotation required to minimize losses to Fusarium wilt is the primary constraint on spinach seed production in the maritime Pacific Northwest, the only region of the United States suitable for this cool-season, daylength-sensitive crop. Raising soil pH with agricultural limestone (97% CaCO3) results in a transitory, partially suppressive effect on spinach Fusarium wilt. A field trial was completed from 2009 to 2012 to assess the potential for annual applications of agricultural limestone at 0, 2.24, and 4.48 tons/ha for 3 years prior to a spinach seed crop to improve Fusarium wilt suppression compared with the level of suppression attained from a single limestone amendment at 4.48 tons/ha. Three proprietary female spinach lines were planted that ranged from highly susceptible to partially resistant to Fusarium wilt. Three successive annual applications of limestone at 4.48 tons/ha reduced midseason wilt incidence by an average of 20%, increased spinach biomass by 33%, and increased marketable spinach seed yield by 45% compared with plots amended once with the same rate of limestone in the spring of planting. The suppressive effect increased with increasing rate of limestone amendment, with the greatest difference observed when limestone was applied at between 0 and 2.24 tons/ha annually for 3 years. The effects on seed yield were greatest for the partially resistant female line, followed by the moderately susceptible and highly susceptible female lines. Overall, the results demonstrate that annual applications of agricultural limestone on acid soils of the maritime Pacific Northwest of the United States can enhance suppression of spinach Fusarium wilt, potentially reducing the required rotation interval by as much as 50%, thereby doubling the capacity for spinach seed production in the United States.
Diversity of Serratia marcescens Strains Associated with Cucurbit Yellow Vine Disease in Georgia
Authors: Besler K. R. , Little E. L.
Published: August 2016

Cucurbit yellow vine disease (CYVD), caused by the squash bug (Anasa tristis)-transmitted bacterium Serratia marcescens, was first identified in Oklahoma and Texas in 1988 and in Georgia in 2012. S. marcescens is a highly diverse species found in many ecological niches. In previous studies, CYVD strains of S. marcescens formed a closely related group separate from non-CYVD strains based on biological and molecular characterization techniques. Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of six housekeeping genes and repetitive elements-based polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR) using the BOX and ERIC primers were used to assess the genetic diversity of CYVD strains of S. marcescens collected in Georgia together with a strain from Texas and seven non-CYVD strains of S. marcescens. rep-PCR results revealed genetic diversity among CYVD strains while MLSA results showed a 100% similarity across the six loci for all but one of the CYVD strains, which differed at the icd locus by five polymorphisms. For both methods, CYVD strains clustered separately from nonplant-pathogenic S. marcescens strains and were most similar to a rice endophyte strain. One CYVD strain isolated from a squash bug shared genetic similarities with non-CYVD strains, and may be the result of a recombination event between CYVD and non-CYVD strains.
Strains of the Group I Lineage of Acidovorax citrulli, the Causal Agent of Bacterial Fruit Blotch of Cucurbitaceous Crops, are Predominant in Brazil
Authors: Silva Gustavo M. , Souza Ricardo M. , Yan Lichun , Júnior Rui S. , Medeiros Flavio H. V. , Walcott Ron R.
Published: August 2016

Bacterial fruit blotch (BFB), caused by the seedborne bacterium Acidovorax citrulli, is an economically important threat to cucurbitaceous crops worldwide. Since the first report of BFB in Brazil in 1990, outbreaks have occurred sporadically on watermelon and, more frequently, on melon, resulting in significant yield losses. At present, the genetic diversity and the population structure of A. citrulli strains in Brazil remain unclear. A collection of 74 A. citrulli strains isolated from naturally infected tissues of different cucurbit hosts in Brazil between 2000 and 2014 and 18 A. citrulli reference strains from other countries were compared by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of housekeeping and virulence-associated genes, and pathogenicity tests on seedlings of different cucurbit species. The Brazilian population comprised predominantly group I strains (98%), regardless of the year of isolation, geographical region, or host. Whole-genome restriction digestion and PFGE analysis revealed that three unique and previously unreported A. citrulli haplotypes (assigned as haplotypes B22, B23, and B24) occurred in Brazil. The greatest diversity of A. citrulli (four haplotypes) was found among strains collected from the northeastern region of Brazil, which accounts for more than 90% of the country’s melon production. MLSA clearly distinguished A. citrulli strains into two well-supported clades, in agreement with observations based on PFGE analysis. Five Brazilian A. citrulli strains, representing different group I haplotypes, were moderately aggressive on watermelon seedlings compared with four group II strains that were highly aggressive. In contrast, no significant differences in BFB severity were observed between group I and II A. citrulli strains on melon and squash seedlings. Finally, we observed a differential effect of temperature on in vitro growth of representative group I and II A. citrulli haplotypes. Specifically, of 18 group II strains tested, all grew at 40 and 41°C, whereas only 3 of 15 group I strains (haplotypes B8[P], B3[K], and B15) grew at 40°C. Three strains representing haplotype B8(P) were the only group I strains that grew at 41°C. These results contribute to a better understanding of the genetic diversity of A. citrulli associated with BFB outbreaks in Brazil, and reinforce the efficiency of MLSA and PFGE analysis for assessing population structure. This study also provides the first evidence to suggest that temperature might be a driver in the ecological adaptation of A. citrulli populations.
The Efficacy of a Silicone Sheet in Postoperative Scar Management
Authors: Kim Jin Sam , Hong Joon Pio , Choi Jong Woo , Seo Dong Kyo , Lee Eun Sook , Lee Ho Seong
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE:

Silicone gel sheeting has been introduced to prevent scarring, but objective evidence for its usefulness in scar healing is limited. Therefore, the authors’ objective was to examine the effectiveness of silicone gel sheeting by randomly applying it to only unilateral scars from a bilateral hallux valgus surgery with symmetrical closure.

DESIGN:

In a prospective randomized, blinded, intraindividual comparison study, the silicone gel sheeting was applied to 1 foot of a hallux valgus incision scar (an experiment group) for 12 weeks upon removal of the stitches, whereas the symmetrical scar from the other foot was left untreated (a control group). The scars were evaluated at 4 and 12 weeks after the silicon sheet application. The Vancouver Scar Scale was used to measure the vascularity, pigmentation, pliability, height, and length of the scars. Adverse effects were also evaluated, and they included pain, itchiness, rash, erythema, and skin softening.

RESULTS:

At weeks 4 and 12, the experiment group scored significantly better on the Vancouver Scar Scale in all items, except length (P < .05 for all except the length of scar), compared with the control group. In all items, adverse effects of the experiment group were significantly lower than those of the control group at week 12, suggesting that direct attachment of the silicone sheet does not cause adverse effects (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

To the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first models to minimize bias related to scar evaluation by using symmetrical scars. The early silicone sheet application did show a significant improvement in prevention of postoperative scarring.
Tear film assessments for the diagnosis of dry eye
Authors: Dohlman Thomas H. , Ciralsky Jessica B. , Lai Edward C.
Published: August 2016

Purpose of review

Dry eye disease (DED) is a complex, multifactorial condition that is challenging to diagnose and monitor clinically. To date, diagnosis has consisted largely of self-reported symptom questionnaires and a collection of clinical tests including vital dye staining, estimation of tear breakup time and Schirmer's testing, as no gold standard exists. As the dry eye field has made progress in understanding disease pathogenesis, new methods for assessment of this condition have been developed.

Recent findings

DED is now known to be characterized by tear hyperosmolarity and ocular surface inflammation, and there are now commercially available devices that accurately and reliably measure tear osmolarity and matrix metalloproteinase 9, a marker of inflammation and tissue breakdown. In addition, there are a variety of imaging modalities that have shown promise in their ability to identify patients with DED by assessing tear film dimensions and tear film instability.

There is a significant need for the development of tear film assessments for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of dry eye. There are a number of new devices and techniques that have shown promise in their ability help clinicians manage patients with DED.
Achieving Optimal Therapeutic Hypothermia on Transport
Authors: Schump Elizabeth , Lancaster Thomas , Sparks Diane , Weatherstone Kathleen , Holcomb Robert
Published: August 2016

Background:

Early initiation of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) for the treatment of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) has been shown to improve outcomes. Many of these patients require transport to treatment facilities. At the time of the study, there were no servo-controlled devices approved for flight that allowed for active cooling of the neonate during air transport.

Purpose:

To introduce a clinical bundle for safe, active, or passive cooling and to achieve targeted, accurate temperature control with application for air or ground transport.

Methods:

After meeting criteria, a facsimile is sent to the referring center with instructions for passive cooling. Strict protocols are initiated, guiding the transport team in reaching and maintaining target temperature range of 33°C to 35°C.

Results:

From June 2010 to January 2014, a total of 22 neonates who qualified for TH were transported using the care bundle. Eight were actively cooled, whereas 14 were passively cooled. Of note, 8 infants required warming for temperatures below the acceptable range. The average temperature before turning off the warmer at the referral center was 36.0°C (SD = 1.1). The average temperature upon arrival of the transport team was 34.9°C (SD = 1.4). The average temperature upon arrival to the receiving facility was 33.5°C (SD = 0.7).

Implication for Practice:

By utilizing a care bundle for the initiation of TH on transport, neonates can be safely delivered to a treatment center with an average temperature well within treatment range, all while avoiding extreme fluctuations.

Implications for Research:

The number of qualified participants limited the study. Future research should focus on the effectiveness of the bundle in larger treatment populations, with inclusion of additional transport teams.
A Practical Guide to Image Processing in the Creation of 3D Models for Orthopedics
Authors: Green Nicholas , Glatt Vaida , Tetsworth Kevin , Wilson Lance J. , Grant Caroline A.
Published: August 2016

Three-dimensional (3D) computer modelling and 3D printing technology is approaching a commodity level in many areas, including medical applications. 3D computer models are used in a wide variety of these applications, such as preoperative planning and patient-specific customized implants in orthopedics that treat complex fractures and correct pathologic anatomy. This article provides a detailed description of the processes involved in creating and printing a 3D anatomic model. In addition, the various steps associated with the imaging of anatomic injuries or deformities using computed tomographic or magnetic resonance imaging scanners, image processing and segmentation techniques, the creation of a virtual 3D model, printer selection for 3D printing of the model, and hardware and software requirements are discussed. An example of a case in which a 3D printed model was used as a preoperative planning tool is provided to demonstrate the procedures involved from start to finish, culminating in a 3D printed anatomic model.
Rapid Prototyping and 3D Modeling of Osteotomy Jigs and Drill Guides in Hand and Wrist Surgery
Authors: Kalamaras Michael , McEniery Paul , Thorn Kate , Bindra Randy
Published: August 2016

Computer-generated 3D modeling, prototyping, and custom jig fabrication have gained popularity in a short space of time in hand and wrist surgery. Currently used applications include custom jig fabrication for the correction of malunion and other deformities, computerized motion analysis of carpal and forearm kinematics, and 3D prints and renders for visual planning and analysis in skeletal pathology and trauma. Authors are reporting improvements for a variety of reasons, including identifying new carpal and forearm kinematic patterns and pathology, decreased planning and fluoroscopy times, more efficient surgery, and greater accuracy. Commercially available services offering this technology are becoming popular. Some centers are performing these services in-house, which has become easier with the availability of free software and relatively inexpensive 3D printers. The infancy of these techniques in hand and wrist surgery preclude the presence of long-term clinical studies, cost-benefit analysis, and randomized controlled trials, which will undoubtedly come with time. 3D preoperative planning and custom jig fabrication is a compelling addition to the hand and wrist surgeons’ practice, and has been well received in the literature. Improved access to desktop planning and 3D models will see the use of this technology expand. Future developments may include 3D-printed patient-specific prostheses and bone scaffolds.
Use of 3D Printing in Complex Spinal Surgery: Historical Perspectives, Current Usage, and Future Directions
Authors: Grant Caroline A. , Izatt Maree T. , Labrom Robert D. , Askin Geoffrey N. , Glatt Vaida
Published: August 2016

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has been used in complex spinal surgical planning since the 1990s and is now increasingly utilized to produce surgical guides, templates, and more recently customized implants. Surgeons report beneficial impacts using 3D-printed biomodels as a preoperative planning aid as it generally provides for a better representation of the patient’s anatomy than on-screen viewing of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Furthermore, it has proven to be very beneficial in surgical training, and in explaining complex deformity and surgical plans to patients/parents. This paper reviews the historical perspective, current use, and future directions in using 3D printing in complex spinal surgery cases. This review reflects the authors’ opinion of where the field is moving in light of the current literature. Despite the reported benefits of 3D printing for surgical planning in the recent years, it remains a highly niche market. This review raises the question as to why the use of this technology has not progressed more rapidly despite the reported advantages—decreased operating time, decreased radiation exposure to patients intraoperatively, improved overall surgical outcomes, preoperative implant selection, as well as being an excellent communication aid for all medical and surgical team members. Increasingly, the greatest benefits of 3D-printing technology in spinal surgery are custom designed drill guides, templates for pedicle screw placement, and customized patient-specific implants. With applications such as these, 3D-printing technology could potentially revolutionize health care in the near future.
Using Data Mining Strategies in Clinical Decision Making
Authors: Chen Lu-Yen A. , Fawcett Tonks N.
Published: August 2016

Several data-mining models have been embedded in the clinical environment to improve decision making and patient safety. Consequently, it is crucial to survey the principal data-mining strategies currently used in clinical decision making and to determine the disadvantages and advantages of using these strategies in data mining in clinical decision making. A literature review was conducted, which identified 21 relevant articles. The article findings showed that multiple models of data mining were used in clinical decision making. Although data mining is efficient and accurate, the models are limited with respect to disease and condition.
Prurigo Pigmentosa—Report of 3 Cases From Brazil and Literature Review
Authors: Jeunon de Sousa Vargas Thiago , Abreu Raposo Clara Morena , Lima Ricardo Barbora , Sampaio Ana Luisa , Bordin Ana Beatriz , Jeunon Sousa Maria Auxiliadora
Published: August 2016

Prurigo pigmentosa (PP) is a rare inflammatory disease of the skin of uncertain etiology first reported in Japan. It is typified by recurrent eruptions of itching urticarial macules, papules, vesicopapules, and plaques with a reticular arrangement that quickly resolve leaving a net-like pigmentation. The disease presents specific histopathological features. Herein, 3 cases of PP in Brazilians with no Japanese ancestry are reported and a revision of all previous English-language case reports indexed on PubMed is provided. Two articles with original case reports not listed on PubMed were also included. Our patients are 2 women and 1 man at the ages of 39, 33, and 22 years, respectively. All 3 presented findings in consonance with previous cases of PP and were diagnosed based on clinicopathological correlation. They were successfully treated with oral minocycline or doxycycline. In our literature review, a total of 210 previously reported cases were included. Although PP seemed to be restricted to Japanese patients in the first years after its recognition, the geographic boundaries of the disease are continuously expanding. Korea responded for 83 previous cases and Japan for 53. The mean age was 24.4 years, with 84.3% of the cases occurring between 11 and 30 years of age. The female/male rate was 2.6 and the most affected anatomical sites were back, chest, and neck. We do believe that the rarity of case reports in western countries may represent lack of awareness about the disease by dermatologists and dermatopathologists in these regions.
Three-dimensional Nasolabial Morphologic Alterations Following Le Fort I
Authors: DeSesa Christopher R. , Metzler Philip , Sawh-Martinez Rajendra , Steinbacher Derek M.
Published: August 2016

Background:

Le Fort I osteotomy imparts significant changes to the nasolabial region. Past studies have relied on 2-dimensional data and have not delineated differences among various Le Fort I subtypes. The purpose of this study is to 3-dimensionally analyze Le Fort I–induced nasal and lip changes comparing advancement alone versus widening alone [surgically assisted maxillary expansion (SAME)] versus advancement and widening. We hypothesize that the combination of maxillary advancement with widening will result in the most profound changes.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was performed. Included Le Fort I patients were grouped as: (1) nonsegmental straight advancement, (2) widening without advancement, and (3) segmental advancement and widening. Pre- and postoperative 3-dimensional photogrammetry (Canfield) were analyzed. Anthropometric landmarks were placed and measured by 2 independent observers. Statistics involved both paired and unpaired t tests (significance = P < 0.05).

Results:

One hundred eight photogrammetric data sets were analyzed, including 46 single-piece, 26 SAME, and 36 segmental. Significant postoperative nasal changes were observed within each intragroup analysis. The most dramatic changes were seen after segmental Le Fort I with advancement and widening, which included alar base width, alar width, nostril width, and soft triangle angle, all P < 0.05.

Conclusions:

Le Fort I osteotomy results in significant alteration of the nasolabial morphology. This is the first study to 3-dimensionally analyze nasal changes that occur comparing maxillary advancement alone versus widening alone (SAME) versus advancement with widening. These objective data permit improved patient counseling and surgical planning.
Silicone Breast Implant and Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator: Can They Coexist? A Case Report
Authors: Or Friedman , Arik Zaretski
Published: August 2016

We present a case of a silicone breast implant rupture after insertion of an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD). A 51-year-old woman presented to our plastic surgery clinic to exchange her silicone breast implants. The patient underwent cosmetic mastopexy and breast augmentation in 2008. Because of recurrent myocardial infarctions and chronic heart failure, she underwent an insertion of an AICD in 2014 in which the left breast implant was hit. In this report, we discuss the first case of an AICD insertion, disrupting a breast implant. This case report illustrates the rare but real possibility of breast implant rupture after even minor surgical manipulation of the breast area.
Novel Utilization of the Bridge during Weaning off Venoarterial ECMO: The Hoffman Clamp Method
Authors: Holgren Sarah E. , Frede Ryan T. , Crumley Jennifer P. , Patel Sonali S. , Moore Elizabeth A. , Turek Joseph W.
Published: August 2016

Standard practice for weaning patients off venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) occurs by decreasing pump flows until idle flow is achieved. This method is limited in its use because it is difficult to assess a patient's true potential to successfully come off ECMO when supported by idle flow. We have developed a weaning technique that uses a Hoffman clamp on the bridge to decrease blood flow to the patient beyond idle flow. This method was used to wean eight patients from venoarterial ECMO. No patients weaned with this technique required emergent reinstitution of ECMO. The Hoffman clamp technique has allowed us to safely wean patients off ECMO support while maintaining integrity of the circuit.
Adherence to a Clinical Pathway for Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery: Predictors and Clinical Importance
Authors: Sihoe Alan D. L. , Yu Peter S. Y. , Kam Timothy H. , Lee S. Y. , Liu Xuyuan
Published: August 2016

Objective

A bespoke clinical pathway is increasingly often used to expedite patient's recovery after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The importance and predictors of adherence to a clinical pathway have not been previously investigated.

Methods

A defined clinical pathway was used for the perioperative management of 136 consecutive patients receiving major pulmonary resection surgery. The clinical pathway encompassed multiple aspects of clinical care, including chest drainage, analgesia, mobilization, physiotherapy, investigations, etc.

Results

The cohort consisted of 76 males (56%), and had a median age of 61 years (range, 14–84). A single lobectomy was performed in 66 patients (49%), with sublobar or more complex resections performed in the remainder. Although all patients were intended for a VATS approach, VATS was ultimately used to complete the procedure in 113 patients (83%). It was impossible to adhere strictly to the clinical pathway throughout the hospital stay of most patients, with 83 patients (61%) found to have adhered to the clinical pathway for 50% or more or the duration of their in-hospital stay. The rate of adherence to the clinical pathway for 50% or more of the time was lower in patients who were male (31.6% vs 48.3%, P = 0.047); had a smoking history (25.9% vs 47.6%, P = 0.011); and did not have absence of pain immediately after surgery (33.9% vs 59.3%, P = 0.016). There were trends for poorer adherence among patients who had: age older than 65 years; previous tuberculosis; body mass index greater than 25 kg/m2; and longer operation times—but these failed to reach statistical significance. The approach and extent of surgery did not influence clinical pathway adherence. Adherence for 50% or more of the hospital stay was associated with reduced mean chest drain duration (3.2 ± 1.7 vs 5.1 ±5.0 days, P = 0.002) and mean length of stay (4.6 ± 1.9 vs 7.9 ± 6.6 days, P < 0.001). Among smokers, adherence for 75% or more of the hospital stay was particularly well predicted by better pain control on the day of surgery, and was in turn associated with a significant reduction in morbidity rate (7.7% vs 39.0%, P = 0.043).

Conclusions

Good adherence to a detailed clinical pathway may ensure faster recovery after VATS but is often difficult to maintain postoperatively. Predictors of poor adherence include male sex, smoking history, and immediate postoperative pain. Smokers are at particular risk for failure to adhere but paradoxically have the most to gain from adhering to the clinical pathway.