bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How closely do many-body potentials describe the structure and dynamics of Cu–Zr glass-forming alloy?
Authors: Lad K. N. , Jakse N. , Pasturel A.
Published: March 2017

Molecular dynamics investigations of the structure and dynamics of Cu64.5Zr35.5 metallic glass-forming alloy have been carried out using five different semi-empirical, many-body interaction potentials based on the Finnis-Sinclair model [M. I. Mendelev et al., J. Appl. Phys. 102, 043501 (2007) (MSK); M. I. Mendelev et al., Philos. Mag. 89, 967 (2009) (MKOSYP); L. Ward et al., e-print arXiv:1209.0619 (2012) (WAFW)] and the embedded-atom model [Y. Q. Cheng et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 245501 (2009) (CMS) and N. Jakse et al., Phys. Rev. B 85, 174201 (2012) (JNP)]. Although the total static structure factor of the alloy for all the five interaction potentials is, in general, found to be in good agreement with the experimental results, the investigation of a local structure in terms of icosahedral short-range order reveals that the effect of the interaction potential (especially the cohesive part) on the structure of the alloy is not as trivial as it seems. For MSK and JNP potentials, the self-intermediate scattering function Fs(q, t), q-dependence of the structural relaxation time τα in the low-q region, and the self-diffusion coefficient, Ds, for Cu-atoms in the alloy are in excellent agreement with the experimental results. The results for MKOSYP, CMS, and WAFW potentials deviate significantly from the experiment and suggest the dynamics of the alloy to be faster. The difference in the description of the dynamics of the alloy by different potentials is found to be due to the difference in the relevant energy scales corresponding to the temperature scales. τα and Ds exhibit Arrhenius temperature dependence in the high temperature regime above the melting temperature. We also suggest that the attractive forces influence the dynamics of the liquid alloy significantly, which is against the mere perturbative role assigned to the attractive forces in the van der Waals picture of liquids that has been challenged in the recent years. As the five interaction potentials are frequently employed to study thermodynamic, mechanical, and transport properties of Cu–Zr alloys, our study also provides a suitability check for these potentials.
A crystalline oxide passivation on In0.53Ga0.47As (100)
Authors: Qin Xiaoye , Wang Wei-E , Droopad Ravi , Rodder Mark S. , Wallace Robert M.
Published: March 2017

The passivation of In0.53Ga0.47As surfaces is highly desired for transistor performance. In this study, the feasibility of a crystalline oxide passivation on In0.53Ga0.47As (100) is demonstrated experimentally. The (3 × 1) and (3 × 2) crystalline oxide reconstructions are formed on the de-capped In0.53Ga0.47As (100) surfaces through the control of the surface oxidation states. By monitoring the evolution of chemical states and associated structures of the In0.53Ga0.47As (100) surfaces upon O2 and subsequent atomic hydrogen exposure, we find that the control of the Ga oxide states is critical to the formation of the crystalline oxide reconstructions. The stability of the crystalline oxide layers upon the atomic layer deposition of HfO2 is investigated as well. Furthermore, the capacitance voltage behavior of metal oxide semiconductor capacitors with an HfO2 dielectric layer reveals that the crystalline oxide reconstructions result in a decrease in the density of interface traps (Dit) from ∼1 × 1013 cm−2 eV−1 to ∼1 × 1012 cm−2 eV−1 compared with the de-capped surface. The crystalline oxide passivation offers a platform to develop In0.53Ga0.47As devices with a low density of interface states.
Luminescent characteristics of layered yttrium oxide nano-phosphors doped with europium
Authors: Mariscal-Becerra L. , Vázquez-Arreguín R. , Balderas U. , Carmona-Téllez S. , Murrieta Sánchez H. , Falcony C.
Published: March 2017

The luminescence and structural properties of layered Y2O3:Eu3+ phosphors, synthesized by a simple evaporation method followed by thermal annealing at temperatures up to 1100 °C, are described for a europium doping concentration of 4.3 at. % as determined by energy dispersive spectroscopy. The intense luminescence emission spectra of these samples are associated with the characteristic intra-electronic energy levels of Eu3+ ion transitions. The dominant emission peak is at 611 nm, corresponding to the 5D0 to 7F2 transition, and the dominant excitation peak is at λexc = 245 nm. A layered morphology was observed in these phosphors by both transmission and scanning electron microscopy studies. The samples have a cubic crystalline structure.
Sample thickness effect of thermal vibration correction within X-ray dynamical theory for germanium-doped silicon
Authors: Li Zhen , Will Johannes , Dong Peng , Yang Deren
Published: March 2017

As of today, highly germanium doped Czochralski silicon crystals are used in applications. However, it is not clear how a germanium content in the range of 1018 atoms/cm3 influences the oxygen precipitation behavior, which is highly relevant for the gettering potential of the wafer. In this context, high energy X-ray diffraction is a promising tool to monitor real-time the strain introduced by the oxygen agglomeration and growth. Nevertheless, in particular, in the dynamical limit of X-ray diffraction and at elevated temperatures, the strain originating from the precipitation process has to be clearly distinguished from the intensity contribution of thermal vibrations. In Laue geometry, dynamical effects can even lead to an increment of the integrated intensity with temperature completely unexpected in the kinematical limit, where temperature is tackled solely by a Debye-Waller factor. In the following, an approach is presented allowing us to completely correct the influence of thermal vibrations in the dynamical limit. This approach is applied to undoped and highly germanium doped silicon crystals, clearly revealing an enhanced inventory of grown-in precipitates with germanium doping and suggesting a morphological transformation towards a phase of higher strain of the grown-in precipitates in the range between room temperature and 800 °C.
Optimizing the thermoelectric performance of graphyne nanotube via applying radial strain
Authors: Li Na , Ouyang Tao , Tang Chao , He Chaoyu , Zhang Chunxiao , Li Jin , Zhong Jianxin
Published: March 2017

Graphyne nanotubes (GNTs) are a new kind of one-dimensional carbon nanomaterials containing both sp and sp2 hybridization states. In this paper, taking gamma-GNTs as an example, we investigate the effect of radial strain on the thermoelectric conversion efficiency by means of nonequilibrium Green's function method as implemented in the density functional based tight-binding framework. The results reveal that the thermoelectric figure of merit could be obviously improved by applying appropriate radial strain. Such enhancement mainly originates from the reserved pristine electronic transport properties and significant suppressed phononic thermal conductance. However, as radial strain increases further, such enhanced thermoelectric performance will be reduced rapidly, which is attributed to the serious electron scattering caused by the change of bonding configuration of GNTs. These phenomena are quite different from previous studies that axial strain has a weak influence on the thermoelectric performance of carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoribbons. The findings presented in this paper indicate that radial strain is a viable way to optimize the thermoelectric performance of GNTs and could provide helpful theoretical guideline for designing and fabricating GNT-based thermoelectrics.
Phonon localization transition in relaxor ferroelectric PZN-5%PT
Authors: Manley M. E. , Christianson A. D. , Abernathy D. L. , Sahul R.
Published: March 2017

Relaxor ferroelectric behavior occurs in many disordered ferroelectric materials but is not well understood at the atomic level. Recent experiments and theoretical arguments indicate that Anderson localization of phonons instigates relaxor behavior by driving the formation of polar nanoregions (PNRs). Here, we use inelastic neutron scattering to observe phonon localization in relaxor ferroelectric PZN-5%PT (0.95[Pb(Zn1/3 Nb2/3)O3]–0.05PbTiO3) and detect additional features of the localization process. In the lead, up to phonon localization on cooling, the local resonant modes that drive phonon localization increase in number. The increase in resonant scattering centers is attributed to a known increase in the number of locally off centered Pb atoms on cooling. The transition to phonon localization occurs when these random scattering centers increase to a concentration where the Ioffe-Regel criterion is satisfied for localizing the phonon. We also model the effects of damped mode coupling on the observed phonons and phonon localization structure.
Ten years on: a review of medical terminations of pregnancy performed in a sexual health clinic
Authors: Downing Sandra G. , Cashman Colette , Russell Darren B.
Published: March 2017

Background
Access to medical termination of pregnancy (MToP) services in regional Queensland remains inadequate and it is still possible for women and providers to be criminally prosecuted for accessing or providing abortion. Cairns Sexual Health Service (CSHS) has been providing medical terminations of pregnancy for 10 years, demonstrating that this service can be safely and successfully integrated into a primary healthcare setting. Methods: A retrospective audit of MToPs performed between 2011 and 2015 was conducted to follow on from our previously reported audit covering 2006–09. Results: In total, 1859 MToPs have been performed by CHSH since 2006, with 1712 within the 5-year period of 2011–15. Changes in clinical practice over this time have streamlined the service and reduced unsuccessful outcomes from 12.2% between 2006 and 2009 to 0.9% between 2011 and 2015. Conclusion: The initial provision of MToP through CSHS was anticipated to be a short-term arrangement; however, 10 years on, this service continues with strong community demand. Provision of MToP services through primary healthcare settings can help improve access for women living outside of major metropolitan areas. If moves to decriminalise abortion in Queensland are successful, there is potential for even greater access.
Range contraction enables harvesting to extinction
Authors: Burgess Matthew G. , Costello Christopher , Fredston-Hermann Alexa , Pinsky Malin L. , Gaines Steven D. , Tilman David , Polasky Stephen
Published: March 2017

Significance

Many threatened species including elephants, sturgeons, and bluefin tunas are harvested for high-value products. Species can be driven extinct if incentives to harvest do not diminish as populations decline; this occurs if harvest prices rise faster than costs with declining stock. Whereas recent conservation attention for these species has largely focused on market demand, we show—using a theoretical model and an empirical review—that contractions in species’ geographic ranges, which stabilize costs and may be especially common among terrestrial species, might often play a larger role in maintaining harvest incentives. Forces impacting ranges—such as patchy and declining habitats, schooling/herding behavior, and climate change—therefore merit greater attention in assessing overharvesting threats.
Mutational spectra of aflatoxin B
1
in vivo establish biomarkers of exposure for human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chawanthayatham Supawadee , Valentine Charles C. , Fedeles Bogdan I. , Fox Edward J. , Loeb Lawrence A. , Levine Stuart S. , Slocum Stephen L. , Wogan Gerald N. , Croy Robert G. , Essigmann John M.
Published: March 2017

Significance

Several decades elapse between liver cancer initiation and the appearance of tumors, and there are rarely overt clues that presage the appearance of disease. There is an acute need for biomarkers of incipient carcinogenesis when the disease is clinically addressable. This work used high-fidelity DNA sequencing and a mouse model to reveal high-resolution mutational spectra of the liver carcinogen aflatoxin B
1
in histopathologically normal liver as early as 10 wk after exposure. The spectrum, which is mirrored in human liver tumors, persisted through carcinoma development more than a year later. Identification of tumor mutational spectra in a manipulable animal model affords opportunities for the efficient testing of strategies relevant to early detection, prevention, and management of human cancer.
Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field promotes astrocytic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by modulating SIRT1 expression
Authors: Jeong Won-Yong , Kim Jun-Beom , Kim Hyun-Jung , Kim Chan-Wha
Published: March 2017

It has been shown that extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELFMF) affect regulation of cell fate and differentiation. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of ELFMFs in the enhancement of astrocytic differentiation. ELFMF exposure reduced the rate of proliferation and enhanced astrocytic differentiation. The ELFMF-treated cells showed increased levels of the astrocyte marker (GFAP), while those of the early neuronal marker (Nestin) and stemness marker (OCT3/4) were downregulated. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was observed to be significantly elevated after ELFMF exposure, which strengthens the modulatory role of SIRT1 and SIRT1 downstream molecules (TLE1, HES1, and MASH1) during astrocytic differentiation. After nicotinamide (5 mM) mediated inhibition of SIRT1, levels of TLE1, HES1, and MASH1 were examined; TLE1 was significantly upregulated and MASH1 was downregulated. These results suggest that ELFMFs induce astrocytic differentiation through activation of SIRT1 and SIRT1 downstream molecules.
Release from output interference in recognition memory: A test of the attention hypothesis
Authors: Criss Amy H , Salomão Cristina , Malmberg Kenneth J , Aue William , Kılıç Aslı , Claridge MarkAvery
Published: March 2017

Retrieval results in both costs and benefits to episodic memory. Output interference (OI) refers to the finding that episodic memory accuracy decreases with increasing test trials. Release from OI is the restoration of original accuracy at some point during the test. For example, a release from OI in recognition memory testing occurs when the semantic similarity between stimuli decreases midway through testing, suggesting that item representations stored on early trials cause interference on tests occurring on later trials to the extent that the earlier items share features with the latter items. In two recognition memory experiments, we demonstrate release from OI for words and faces. We also test whether release from OI is the result of interference or is due to a boost in attention caused by reorienting to a novel stimulus type. A test for the foils presented during the initial test list supports the interference account of OI. Implications for models of memory are discussed.
Centrosome and spindle assembly checkpoint loss leads to neural apoptosis and reduced brain size
Authors: Poulton John S. , Cuningham John C. , Peifer Mark
Published: March 2017

Accurate mitotic spindle assembly is critical for mitotic fidelity and organismal development. Multiple processes coordinate spindle assembly and chromosome segregation. Two key components are centrosomes and the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), and mutations affecting either can cause human microcephaly. In vivo studies in Drosophila melanogaster found that loss of either component alone is well tolerated in the developing brain, in contrast to epithelial tissues of the imaginal discs. In this study, we reveal that one reason for that tolerance is the compensatory relationship between centrosomes and the SAC. In the absence of both centrosomes and the SAC, brain cells, including neural stem cells, experience massive errors in mitosis, leading to increased cell death, which reduces the neural progenitor pool and severely disrupts brain development. However, our data also demonstrate that neural cells are much more tolerant of aneuploidy than epithelial cells. Our data provide novel insights into the mechanisms by which different tissues manage genome stability and parallels with human microcephaly.
TLR4 signals in B lymphocytes are transduced via the B cell antigen receptor and SYK
Authors: Schweighoffer Edina , Nys Josquin , Vanes Lesley , Smithers Nicholas , Tybulewicz Victor L.J.
Published: March 2017

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in immune responses to pathogens by transducing signals in innate immune cells in response to microbial products. TLRs are also expressed on B cells, and TLR signaling in B cells contributes to antibody-mediated immunity and autoimmunity. The SYK tyrosine kinase is essential for signaling from the B cell antigen receptor (BCR), and thus for antibody responses. Surprisingly, we find that it is also required for B cell survival, proliferation, and cytokine secretion in response to signaling through several TLRs. We show that treatment of B cells with lipopolysaccharide, the ligand for TLR4, results in SYK activation and that this is dependent on the BCR. Furthermore, we show that B cells lacking the BCR are also defective in TLR-induced B cell activation. Our results demonstrate that TLR4 signals through two distinct pathways, one via the BCR leading to activation of SYK, ERK, and AKT and the other through MYD88 leading to activation of NF-κB.
Mackinac: a bridge between ModelSEED and COBRApy to generate and analyze genome-scale metabolic models
Authors: Mundy Michael , Mendes-Soares Helena , Chia Nicholas
Published: March 2017

Reconstructing and analyzing a large number of genome-scale metabolic models is a fundamental part of the integrated study of microbial communities; however, two of the most widely used frameworks for building and analyzing models use different metabolic network representations. Here we describe Mackinac, a Python package that combines ModelSEED’s ability to automatically reconstruct metabolic models with COBRApy’s advanced analysis capabilities to bridge the differences between the two frameworks and facilitate the study of the metabolic potential of microorganisms.

Availability and Implementation

This package works with Python 2.7, 3.4, and 3.5 on MacOS, Linux and Windows. The source code is available from https://github.com/mmundy42/mackinac.
The Tomato Expression Atlas
Authors: Fernandez-Pozo Noe , Zheng Yi , Snyder Stephen I , Nicolas Philippe , Shinozaki Yoshihito , Fei Zhangjun , Catala Carmen , Giovannoni James J , Rose Jocelyn K.C , Mueller Lukas A
Published: March 2017

With the development of new high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies and decreasing costs, large gene expression datasets are being generated at an accelerating rate, but can be complex to visualize. New, more interactive and intuitive tools are needed to visualize the spatiotemporal context of expression data and help elucidate gene function. Using tomato fruit as a model, we have developed the Tomato Expression Atlas to facilitate effective data analysis, allowing the simultaneous visualization of groups of genes at a cell/tissue level of resolution within an organ, enhancing hypothesis development and testing in addition to candidate gene identification. This atlas can be adapted to different types of expression data from diverse multicellular species.

Availability and Implementation

The Tomato Expression Atlas is available at http://tea.solgenomics.net/. Source code is available at https://github.com/solgenomics/Tea.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Evolutionary History of Subtilases in Land Plants and Their Involvement in Symbiotic Interactions
Authors: Taylor Alexander , Qiu Yin-Long
Published: March 2017

Subtilases, a family of proteases involved in a variety of developmental processes in land plants, are also involved in both mutualistic symbiosis and host-pathogen interactions in different angiosperm lineages. We examined the evolutionary history of subtilase genes across land plants through a phylogenetic analysis integrating amino acid sequence data from full genomes, transcriptomes, and characterized subtilases of 341 species of diverse green algae and land plants along with subtilases from 12 species of other eukaryotes, archaea, and bacteria. Our analysis reconstructs the subtilase gene phylogeny and identifies 11 new gene lineages, six of which have no previously characterized members. Two large, previously unnamed, subtilase gene lineages that diverged before the origin of angiosperms accounted for the majority of subtilases shown to be associated with symbiotic interactions. These lineages expanded through both whole-genome and tandem duplication, with differential neofunctionalization and subfunctionalization creating paralogs associated with different symbioses, including nodulation with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, arbuscular mycorrhizae, and pathogenesis in different plant clades. This study demonstrates for the first time that a key gene family involved in plant-microbe interactions proliferated in size and functional diversity before the explosive radiation of angiosperms.
Assessing Impressions of Community Health Worker Use of Tablet-Based Medication Documentation Software
Authors: Tiase Victoria L. , Peretz Patricia , Biernacki Anne Marie , Meisner Patricia S. , Cartwright Crystal , Cruz Carmen , Kuperman Gilad J.
Published: March 2017

Community health workers, an important and emerging role in the evolution of the care delivery system, are uniquely positioned to play a vital role in information gathering and exchange. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital carried out a feasibility study to assess community health worker use and impressions of a medication documentation application that runs on a tablet. The nine community health workers successfully collected data on 16 patients in the home setting. On average, 10 medications were collected per patient, and the average time to collect the medication data was 1 hour. Key findings from the focus groups included the need for additional training and the desire to use the device to streamline other documentation activities. In general, the software was judged to be suitable for the proposed task and represents a starting point for further use of tools that leverage the community health worker in a team-based workflow.
Seeing is Believing? Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Pressure Ulcers: Implications for Surgical Management
Authors: McCarthy James , Hartmann Emily , Bentz Michael L. , Rao Venkat K. , Jee Young , Rivedal David , Poore Samuel O.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Pressure ulcers represent a particularly difficult disease process and remain a financially important entity. The underlying bone in advanced ulcers may harbor osteomyelitis. Radiologic diagnosis of osteomyelitis is confounded by chronic pressure and shear. We sought to determine the test characteristics of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis compared to intraoperative bone culture.

Methods:

A retrospective review of patients undergoing flap reconstruction who had preoperative MRI and intraoperative bone cultures between 1995 and 2015 was included. Recorded variables included age, sex, level of spinal cord injury and duration, preoperative MRI interpretation, microbiologic bone culture, smoking history, comorbidities, colostomy or urostomy, healing time, complications, length of stay, and discharge facility.

Results:

A total of 152 patients (175 flaps) were reconstructed, of which 41 patients (73 flaps) met inclusion criteria. Most patients were male (82.2%) with an average age of 50.4 years. Overall complication rate was 32.4% (n = 23) of which 34.7% (n = 8) were major. Positive and negative predictive MRI values were 84.6% and 16.7%, respectively. There were no significant differences in healing time or complication rate in those with or without osteomyelitis. Intraoperative growth was associated with decreased postoperative complications (hazard ratio = 0.361; P = 0.037).

Conclusion:

Test properties of MRI for diagnosis of osteomyelitis in patients with chronic pressure ulcers have limited ability to diagnose osteomyelitis and do not aid in surgical management, but do increase health-care expense. The diagnosis of osteomyelitis by intraoperative bone cultures does not predict inferior outcomes and paradoxically may be associated with fewer postoperative complications.
Identifying a Relationship Between Physical Frailty and Heart Failure Symptoms
Authors: Denfeld Quin E. , Winters-Stone Kerri , Mudd James O. , Hiatt Shirin O. , Lee Christopher S.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome associated with significant symptom burden; however, our understanding of the relationship between symptoms and physical frailty in HF is limited.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to quantify associations between symptoms and physical frailty in adults with HF.

Methods:

A sample of adults with symptomatic HF were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Physical symptoms were measured with the HF Somatic Perception Scale–Dyspnea subscale, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Brief Pain Inventory short form. Affective symptoms were measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Brief Symptom Inventory–Anxiety scale. Physical frailty was assessed according to the Frailty Phenotype Criteria: shrinking, weakness, slowness, physical exhaustion, and low physical activity. Comparative statistics and generalized linear modeling were used to quantify associations between symptoms and physical frailty, controlling for Seattle HF Model projected 1-year survival.

Results:

The mean age of the sample (n = 49) was 57.4 ± 9.7 years, 67% were male, 92% had New York Heart Association class III/IV HF, and 67% had nonischemic HF. Physically frail participants had more than twice the level of dyspnea (P < .001), 75% worse wake disturbances (P < .001), and 76% worse depressive symptoms (P = .003) compared with those who were not physically frail. There were no differences in pain or anxiety.

Conclusions:

Physically frail adults with HF have considerably worse dyspnea, wake disturbances, and depression. Targeting physical frailty may help identify and improve physical and affective symptoms in HF.
Understanding the Health Burden of Macromastia: Normative Data for the BREAST-Q Reduction Module
Authors: Mundy Lily R. , Homa Karen , Klassen Anne F. , Pusic Andrea L. , Kerrigan Carolyn L.
Published: March 2017

Background:

The BREAST-Q Reduction module evaluates outcomes in reduction mammaplasty. However, there are currently no published normative scores, limiting the interpretation of BREAST-Q data.

Methods:

The BREAST-Q Reduction module was administered via the Army of Women, an online community of women (with and without breast cancer) engaged in breast-cancer related research. Normative data were generated from women aged 18 years and older, without a history of breast cancer or breast surgery. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and a linear multivariate regression. Generated normative data were compared to published BREAST-Q Reduction findings.

Results:

The preoperative version of the BREAST-Q Reduction module was completed by 1206 women. Participant mean age was 55 ± 13 years, mean body mass index was 27 ± 6 kg/m2, and 40 percent (n = 481) had a bra cup size ≥ D. Mean normative scores were as follows: Satisfaction with Breasts, 57 ± 16; Psychosocial Well-being, 68 ± 19; Sexual Well-being, 55 ± 19; and Physical Well-being, 76 ± 11. Normative scores were lower in women with body mass index ≥ 30 and bra cup size ≥ D. In comparison to normative Army of Women scores, published BREAST-Q scores for women undergoing reduction mammaplasty were lower (worse) for preoperative patients and higher (better) for postoperative patients.

Conclusion:

These new Army of Women normative data provide insights into breast-related satisfaction and well-being in women not pursuing breast reduction, giving new clinical context to better understand the health burden of macromastia, and to demonstrate the value of reduction mammaplasty in certain patients.
Normative Data for Interpreting the BREAST-Q: Augmentation
Authors: Mundy Lily R. , Homa Karen , Klassen Anne F. , Pusic Andrea L. , Kerrigan Carolyn L.
Published: March 2017

Background:

The BREAST-Q is a rigorously developed, well-validated, patient-reported outcome instrument with a module designed for evaluating breast augmentation outcomes. However, there are no published normative BREAST-Q scores, limiting interpretation.

Methods:

Normative data were generated for the BREAST-Q Augmentation module by means of the Army of Women, an online community of women (with and without breast cancer) engaged in breast-cancer related research. Members were recruited by means of e-mail; women aged 18 years or older without a history of breast cancer or breast surgery were invited to participate. Descriptive statistics and a linear multivariate regression were performed. A separate analysis compared normative scores to findings from previously published BREAST-Q augmentation studies.

Results:

The preoperative BREAST-Q Augmentation module was completed by 1211 women. Mean age was 54 ± 24 years, the mean body mass index was 27 ± 6 kg/m2, and 39 percent (n = 467) had a bra cup size of D or greater. Mean scores were as follows: Satisfaction with Breasts, 54 ± 19; Psychosocial Well-being, 66 ± 20; Sexual Well-being, 49 ± 20; and Physical Well-being, 86 ± 15. Women with a body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or greater and bra cup size of D or greater had lower scores. In comparison with Army of Women scores, published BREAST-Q augmentation scores were lower before and higher after surgery for all scales except Physical Well-being.

Conclusions:

The Army of Women normative data represent breast-related satisfaction and well-being in women not actively seeking breast augmentation. These data may be used as normative comparison values for those seeking and undergoing surgery as we did, demonstrating the value of breast augmentation in this patient population.
Long-Term Comparison between Human Normal Conchal and Microtia Chondrocytes Regenerated by Tissue Engineering on Nanofiber Polyglycolic Acid Scaffolds
Authors: Nakao Hitomi , Jacquet Robin D. , Shasti Mark , Isogai Noritaka , Murthy Ananth S. , Landis William J.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Previous regeneration studies of auricle-shaped cartilage by tissue engineering leave unresolved whether the chondrocyte phenotype from human auricular chondrocytes seeded onto polymeric scaffolds is retained over the long term and whether microtia remnants may be a viable cell source for auricular reconstruction.

Methods:

Chondrocytes were isolated from human ears, either normal conchal ear or microtia cartilage remnants, expanded in vitro, and seeded onto nanoscale-diameter polyglycolic acid sheets. These tissue-engineered constructs were implanted into athymic mice for up to 40 weeks. At harvest times of 5, 10, 20, and 40 weeks, samples were documented by gross morphology, histology, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Results:

Neocartilages generated from the two types of surgical tissues were similar in appearance of their extracellular matrices and positive staining for elastin and proteoglycans. In the 5- to 40-week time interval, there was an increasing trend in gene expression for type II collagen, elastin, and sex determining region Y box 5, important to normal cartilage phenotype, and a decreasing trend in gene expression for type III collagen, a fibroblast and dedifferentiation marker. Over 40 weeks of implantation, the original nanoscale-diameter polyglycolic acid scaffold dimensions (1 cm × 1 cm × 80 µm) were generally maintained in tissue-engineered cartilage length and width, and thickness was statistically significantly increased.

Conclusions:

Auricular cartilage can be regenerated over the long term (40 weeks) from surgical remnants by tissue-engineering techniques incorporating nanoscale-diameter polyglycolic acid scaffolds. Based on the present assays, microtia neocartilage very closely resembles tissue-engineered cartilage regenerated from chondrocytes isolated from normal conchal cartilage.
Neck Rejuvenation through the Lateral Platysma Window: A Key Component of Face-Lift Surgery
Authors: Pezeshk Ronnie A. , Sieber David A. , Rohrich Rod J.
Published: March 2017

Rejuvenating an aged face relies on maintaining facial harmony to provide optimal aesthetic results. Restoration of more youthful facial contours is dependent on blending the aesthetic facial topographic units. Many authors continue to debate the best approach for neck rejuvenation through a medial approach, a lateral approach, or a combination of the two. The authors present their approach to neck rejuvenation through medial platysma plication, inferior release, and lateral platysma window.
Invasive
Drosophila suzukii
facilitates
Drosophila melanogaster
infestation and sour rot outbreaks in the vineyards
Authors: Rombaut A. , Guilhot R. , Xuéreb A. , Benoit L. , Chapuis M. P.  , Gibert P. , Fellous S.
Published: March 2017

How do invasive pests affect interactions between members of pre-existing agrosystems? The invasive pest
Drosophila suzukii
is suspected to be involved in the aetiology of sour rot, a grapevine disease that otherwise develops following
Drosophila melanogaster
infestation of wounded berries. We combined field observations with laboratory assays to disentangle the relative roles of both
Drosophila
in disease development. We observed the emergence of numerous
D. suzukii
, but no
D. melanogaster
flies, from bunches that started showing mild sour rot symptoms days after field collection. However, bunches that already showed severe rot symptoms in the field mostly contained
D. melanogaster
. In the laboratory, oviposition by
D. suzukii
triggered sour rot development. An independent assay showed the disease increased grape attractiveness to ovipositing
D. melanogaster
females. Our results suggest that in invaded vineyards,
D. suzukii
facilitates
D. melanogaster
infestation and, consequently, favours sour rot outbreaks. Rather than competing with close species, the invader subsequently permits their reproduction in otherwise non-accessible resources and may cause more frequent, or more extensive, disease outbreaks.
Why does drug resistance readily evolve but vaccine resistance does not?
Authors: Kennedy David A. , Read Andrew F.
Published: March 2017

Why is drug resistance common and vaccine resistance rare? Drugs and vaccines both impose substantial pressure on pathogen populations to evolve resistance and indeed, drug resistance typically emerges soon after the introduction of a drug. But vaccine resistance has only rarely emerged. Using well-established principles of population genetics and evolutionary ecology, we argue that two key differences between vaccines and drugs explain why vaccines have so far proved more robust against evolution than drugs. First, vaccines tend to work prophylactically while drugs tend to work therapeutically. Second, vaccines tend to induce immune responses against multiple targets on a pathogen while drugs tend to target very few. Consequently, pathogen populations generate less variation for vaccine resistance than they do for drug resistance, and selection has fewer opportunities to act on that variation. When vaccine resistance has evolved, these generalities have been violated. With careful forethought, it may be possible to identify vaccines at risk of failure even before they are introduced.
The Cellular Expression and Genetics of Purple Body (Pb) in the Ocular Media of the GuppyPoecilia reticulata
Authors: Bias Alan S. , Squire Richard D.
Published: March 2017

Our study revealed the presence of all major classes of chromatophores (melanophores, xanthophores, erythrophores, violet-blue iridophores, xantho-erythrophores) and crystalline platelets in various combinations in the iris and ocular media (cornea, aqueous humor, vitreous humor, outer lens membrane) ofPoecilia reticulata. This novel ocular media study ofP. reticulatatakes into account the distinct interactions of Purple Body (Pb) based on results of previous Bias and Squire Purple Body (Pb) publications. Taken in conjunction with other researcher’s published results (regarding UV reflected color and pattern, vision, mate choice, individual preferences, and opsin capabilities) this indicates that these ocular chromatophore populations together create a complex ocular filter mechanism. This mechanism in turn provides spectral capabilities into the UV and Near-UV wavelengths in both Pb and non-Pb individuals. The chromatophores in the cornea, aqueous humor, covering membranes of the lens, and the vitreous humor comprise an ocular filter system that could reduce UV damage to the internal structures of the eye. The guppy’s ability to use UVA as a visual component provides a “private signally system” that cannot be detected by some predators. While non-Pb guppies should derive benefit in the near-UV from violet-blue iridophore units, greater benefit will be derived by Pb individuals with more violet iridophores functioning in the lower UV and near-UV wavelengths. To our knowledge little has been published forP. reticulataconcerning pigmentation within the guppy eye. Macroscopic and microscopic imagery is presented.
The Phenotypic Expression of Purple Body (Pb) in Domestic Guppy Strains ofPoecilia reticulata
Authors: Bias Alan S. , Squire Richard D.
Published: March 2017

Modification of wild-type carotenoid orange and pteridine red coloration and spotting of male ornaments in modern Domestic Guppy Strains (Poecilia reticulata reticulata) by the naturally occurring Purple Body gene (Pb) has been long incorporated into their strains by Pedigree Stock Breeders. It is inherited as an autosomal incompletely dominant trait. Its existence has allowed breeders to produce a vast array of Purple based phenotypes. Photographic evidence demonstrates that Purple Body is a normal polymorphism in domestic guppies modifying color pigmented regions. When combined with currently used mutant genes such as Albino, Blond, Golden, Asian Blau, Coral Red, Magenta, Grass, Moscow, Pink, Platinum, Red Mosaic, Multicolor, and Full Red, startling new phenotypes are created. The recently described Purple Body gene (Bias and Squire 2017a, 2017b, and 2017c) has long been overlooked in research articles and little understood in breeder publications.
Bidirectional changes of hepatic and peripheral insulin clearance characterize abnormal temporal patterns of serum insulin concentration in diabetic subjects
Authors: Ohashi Kaoru , Fujii Masashi , Uda Shinsuke , Kubota Hiroyuki , Komada Hisako , Sakaguchi Kazuhiko , Ogawa Wataru , Kuroda Shinya
Published: March 2017

Insulin plays a central role in glucose homeostasis, and impairment of insulin action causes glucose intolerance and leads to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A decrease in the transient peak and sustained increase of circulating insulin by glucose infusion accompany T2DM pathogenesis. However, the mechanism underlying this abnormal temporal pattern of circulating insulin concentration remains unknown. Here we show that bidirectional changes of hepatic and peripheral insulin clearance characterize this abnormal temporal pattern of circulating insulin concentration during the progression of T2DM. We developed a mathematical model using a hyperglycemic and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp in 111 subjects, including healthy normoglycemic and diabetic subjects. The hepatic and peripheral insulin clearance significantly increase and decrease, respectively, during the progression of glucose intolerance. The increased hepatic insulin clearance reduces the amplitude of circulating insulin concentration, whereas the decreased peripheral insulin clearance changes the temporal patterns of circulating insulin concentration from transient to sustained. These results provide insight that may be useful in treating T2DM associated with aberrant insulin clearance.
Disease-Associated Mutations in Human BICD2 Hyperactivate Motility of Dynein-Dynactin
Authors: Huynh Walter , Vale Ronald D.
Published: March 2017

Bicaudal D2 (BICD2) joins dynein with dynactin into a ternary complex (termed DDB) capable of processive movement. Point mutations in theBICD2gene have been identified in patients with a dominant form of spinal muscular atrophy, but how these mutations cause disease is unknown. To investigate this question, we have developed in vitro motility assays with purified DDB and BICD2’s membrane vesicle partner, the GTPase Rab6a. Rab6a-GTP, either in solution or bound to artificial liposomes, released BICD2 from an autoinhibited state and promoted robust dynein-dynactin transport. In these assays, BICD2 mutants showed an enhanced ability to form motile DDB complexes. Increased retrograde transport by BICD2 mutants also was observed in cells using an inducible organelle transport assay. When overexpressed in rat hippocampal neurons, the hyperactive BICD2 mutants decreased neurite growth. Our results reveal that dominant mutations in BICD2 hyperactivate DDB motility and suggest that an imbalance of minus- versus plus-end-directed microtubule motility in neurons may underlie spinal muscular atrophy.
Characteristics of human encounters and social mixing patterns relevant to infectious diseases spread by close contact: A survey in southwest Uganda
Authors: de Waroux O le Polain , Cohuet S , Ndazima D , Kucharski A J , Juan-Giner A , Flasche S , Tumwesigye E , Arinaitwe R. , Mwanga-Amumpaire J , Boum Y , Nackers F , Checchi F , Grais R F , Edmunds W J
Published: March 2017

Quantification of human interactions relevant to infectious disease transmission through social contact is central to predict disease dynamics, yet data from low-resource settings remain scarce. We undertook a social contact survey in rural Uganda, whereby participants were asked to recall details about the frequency, type, and socio-demographic characteristics of any conversational encounter that lasted for ≥5 minutes (henceforth defined as ‘contacts’) during the previous day. An estimate of the number of ‘casual contacts’ (i.e. <5 minutes) was also obtained. A total of 568 individuals were included. On average participants reported having routine contact with 7.2 individuals (range 1-25). Children aged 5-14 years had the highest frequency of contacts and the elderly (≥65 years) the fewest (P<0.001). A strong age-assortative pattern was seen, particularly outside the household and increasingly so for contacts occurring further away from home. Adults aged 25-64 years tended to travel more and further than others, and males travelled more frequently than females. Our study provides detailed information on contact patterns and their spatial characteristics in an African setting. It therefore fills an important knowledge gap that will help more accurately predict transmission dynamics and the impact of control strategies in such areas.
Combined scanning X-ray diffraction and holographic imaging of cardiomyocytes
Authors: Nicolas Jan-David , Bernhardt Marten , Krenkel Martin , Richter Claudia , Luther Stefan , Salditt Tim
Published: March 2017

This article presents scanning small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments on the actomyosin assemblies in freeze-dried neo-natal rat cardiac muscle cells. By scanning the cells through a sub-micrometre focused beam, the local structure and filament orientation can be probed and quantified. To this end, SAXS data were recorded and analyzed directly in reciprocal space to generate maps of different structural parameters (scanning SAXS). The scanning SAXS experiments were complemented by full-field holographic imaging of the projected electron density, following a slight rearrangement of the instrumental setup. It is shown that X-ray holography is ideally suited to complete missing scattering data at low momentum transfer in the structure factor, extending the covered range of spatial frequencies by two orders of magnitude. Regions of interest for scanning can be easily selected on the basis of the electron density maps. Finally, the combination of scanning SAXS and holography allows for a direct verification of possible radiation-induced structural changes in the cell.
An analytical framework for employment regulation: investigating the regulatory space
Authors: Inversi Cristina , Buckley Lucy Ann , Dundon Tony
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance a conceptual analytical framework to help explain employment regulation as a dynamic process shaped by institutions and actors. The paper builds on and advances regulatory space theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses the literature on regulatory theory and engages with its theoretical development.

Findings

The paper advances the case for a broader and more inclusive regulatory approach to better capture the complex reality of employment regulation. Further, the paper engages in debates about the complexity of employment regulation by adopting a multi-level perspective.

Research limitations/implications

The research proposes an analytical framework and invites future empirical investigation.

Originality/value

The paper contends that existing literature affords too much attention to a (false) regulation vs deregulation dichotomy, with insufficient analysis of other “spaces” in which labour policy and regulation are formed and re-formed. In particular, the proposed framework analyses four different regulatory dimensions, combining the legal aspects of regulation with self-regulatory dimensions of employment regulation.
Organizing Latin American workers in Japan
Authors: Stewart Paul , Danford Andy , Urano Edson
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess difficulties facing the unionization of foreign workers focusing on the experience of trade unionists in Union MIE, an exemplar of what in Japan is known as a community union (sometimes described as a form of Minority union – Stewart, 2006). Union MIE is characterized by its orientation to the social and political agenda of Latin American workers, among whom Brazilians form the most numerous group. The paper also addresses the precarious nature of workers’ employment including the condition of labor. The increasing significance of community unions raises the question as to the possibility of the reregulation of worker interests in ways not fully encompassed by traditional labor market-focused unions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores unique interviews using snowball technique and direct questionnaires to union membership of community union in Japan.

Findings

The increasing significance of community unions raises the question as to the possibility of the reregulation of worker interests in ways not fully encompassed by traditional labor market-focused unions. In addition to having relevance to the wider discussion on union decline, this paper contributes to the debate on migrant workers, their condition of labor and one form of labor organization responsive to their concerns.

Research limitations/implications

A comparative approach would add even more to the weight of evidence accrued in the paper.

Practical implications

Mainstream trade unions need to anticipate that the concerns of migrant and precarious workers will become increasingly common among their erstwhile “regularly” employed membership and so the activities of community and minority unions need to be taken on board in an organic, as opposed to an opportunistic, manner.

Originality/value

From unique interviews using snowball technique and direct questionnaires to union membership of community union in Japan, the paper presents original data not typically accessible in Anglo-Saxon research tradition.