bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chiral metamirrors for broadband spin-selective absorption
Authors: Jing Liqiao , Wang Zuojia , Yang Yihao , Zheng Bin , Liu Yongmin , Chen Hongsheng
Published: June 2017

Chiral metamirrors are recently proposed metadevices that have the ability of selective reflection for the designated circularly polarized waves. However, previous chiral metamirrors only work in a narrow band, which would limit their potential applications in engineering. Here, we propose an approach towards broadband spin-selective absorption. By combining the chiral resonant modes of two asymmetric split-ring resonators, we design and construct a chiral metamirror that absorbs only the left-handed circularly waves over a broad frequency range. The measured results show a bandwidth of 5.1%, almost 96% larger than that of the narrowband metamirror. Furthermore, the proposed chiral metamirror exhibits prominent performance at oblique incidence, even when high-order diffraction appears. The total thickness of the metamirror is only one-ninth of the wavelength, highly suitable for on-chip integration. Our findings may provide an efficient approach to boost the working bandwidth of the chiral metamirror and could advance its applications in optical instruments.
Prevalence and correlates of condom use among sexually active men who have sex with men in the United States: findings from the National Survey of Family Growth, 2002, 2006–10 and 2011–13
Authors: Abara Winston E. , Oraka Emeka , Jeffries IV William L. , Chavez Pollyanna , Nasrullah Muazzam , DiNenno Elizabeth
Published: June 2017

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately at risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmissible infections (STIs). Correct and consistent condom use is the most effective method to prevent HIV and other STIs among sexually active MSM. Methods: Using data from the 2002, 2006–10, 2011–13 cycles of the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG), the overall prevalence of condom use at last sex and by sexual risk behaviours (sex with ≥2 same-sex partners, sex with ≥2 opposite sex partners, sex with a person who injects drugs, sex with an HIV-positive person and exchanged sex for money or drugs) among sexually active MSM (reported oral or anal sex with a male in the preceding 12 months) was estimated. The association between condom use at last sex and demographic and sexual behaviour variables was also evaluated. Results: Approximately 31% of all respondents (n = 618; weighted n = 1 596 702) reported condom use at last sex. Among MSM who reported ≥1 sexual risk behaviour in the past year, prevalence of condom use at last sex ranged from 30 to 38%. After adjusting for covariates, Hispanic MSM [adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) = 1.81, 95%CI = 1.27–2.58] were more likely than White MSM to report condom use at last sex; MSM with a recently diagnosed STI (APR = 1.71, 95%CI = 1.04–2.80) were more likely than MSM without a recently diagnosed STI to report condom use at last sex; and married or cohabitating MSM (APR = 0.29, 95%CI = 0.13–0.66) were less likely than unmarried and not cohabitating MSM to report condom use at last sex. There was no difference in temporal trends in condom use at last sex across the three NSFG cycles [2002 (33.8%); 2006–10 (25.6%); 2011–13 (40.6%), P = 0.926]. Conclusions: This study data suggest that prevalence of condom use among MSM is low, even among MSM who report sexual risk behaviours. The continued promotion of consistent condom use as an effective primary HIV/STI risk-reduction strategy is important because it mitigates HIV and STI risk and also complements the effectiveness of newer HIV prevention approaches such as pre-exposure prophylaxis.
Multiple livelihoods and social relations in the South African Lowveld, 1986–2013
Authors: van der Waal Kees (C. S.)
Published: June 2017

Despite improvements in the last two decades, rural communal areas in South Africa remain dumping grounds, requiring multiple livelihood strategies and social adaptations. Local experience of dispossession forms the backdrop to individual and collective responses to changes in the role of land, labour and reproduction. The ethnographic research focused on a rural settlement in the former Gazankulu Bantustan in the period 1986–2013. Shifts in the mix of livelihoods were related to changing gender and generational relationships. Individual livelihood strategies aimed at diversifying sources of income and collective actions were directed at getting rid of criminals and accessing state resources.
Attention to perceive, to learn and to respond
Authors: Hall Geoffrey , Rodríguez Gabriel
Published: June 2017

Mackintosh and his collaborators put forward an account of perceptual learning effects based, in part, on learned changes in stimulus salience. In the workshop held to mark Mackintosh’s retirement, and published as a special issue of this journal, Hall discussed Mackintosh’s theory and proposed his own alternative account. We now want to take the story forward in the light of findings and theoretical perspectives that have emerged since then. Specifically, we will argue that neither Mackintosh nor Hall was correct in his account of the principles that govern how changes in salience occur. Both supposed (in different ways) that such changes depend on the way in which the stimulus (or stimulus element) is predicted by another event. In contrast, theories of attentional learning have stressed the notion that changes in the properties of a stimulus might depend on the way in which it predicts its consequences. These theories have been concerned with attention-for-learning (associability). We now consider how the general principle they both employ might be relevant to the other forms of attention (for perception and for performance) that are, we will argue, critical for the perceptual learning effect.
The Construction of Labeling and Total Irregularity Strength of Specified Caterpillar Graph
Authors: Indriati Diari , Widodo  , Rosyida Isnaini , Sugeng Kiki A
Published: June 2017

Let G be a simple, connected and undirected graph with vertex set V and edge set E. A total k-labeling f : V ∪ E → {1, 2, …, k} is defined as totally irregular total k-labeling if the weights of any two different both vertices and edges are distinct. The weight of vertex x is defined as wt(x) = f(x) + ∑
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Rear-polarized Wnt5a-receptor-actin-myosin-polarity (WRAMP) structures promote the speed and persistence of directional cell migration
Authors: Connacher Mary Katherine , Tay Jian Wei , Ahn Natalie G.
Published: June 2017

In contrast to events at the cell leading edge, rear-polarized mechanisms that control directional cell migration are poorly defined. Previous work described a new intracellular complex, the Wnt5a-receptor-actomyosin polarity (WRAMP) structure, which coordinates the polarized localization of MCAM, actin, and myosin IIB in a Wnt5a-induced manner. However, the polarity and function for the WRAMP structure during cell movement were not determined. Here we characterize WRAMP structures during extended cell migration using live-cell imaging. The results demonstrate that cells undergoing prolonged migration show WRAMP structures stably polarized at the rear, where they are strongly associated with enhanced speed and persistence of directional movement. Strikingly, WRAMP structures form transiently, with cells displaying directional persistence during periods when they are present and cells changing directions randomly when they are absent. Cells appear to pause locomotion when WRAMP structures disassemble and then migrate in new directions after reassembly at a different location, which forms the new rear. We conclude that WRAMP structures represent a rear-directed cellular mechanism to control directional migration and that their ability to form dynamically within cells may control changes in direction during extended migration.
High-quality frozen extracts of Xenopus laevis eggs reveal size-dependent control of metaphase spindle micromechanics
Authors: Takagi Jun , Shimamoto Yuta
Published: June 2017

Cell-free extracts from unfertilized Xenopus laevis eggs offer the opportunity for a variety of biochemical and biophysical assays for analyzing essential cell cycle events such as metaphase spindle assembly. However, the extracts often exhibit substantial variation in quality and have low storage stability, factors that hamper their experimental utility. Here we report a simple two-step method for preparing frozen egg extracts that retain spindle assembly activity levels similar to those of freshly prepared extracts. Extract degradation associated with the freeze–thaw process can be substantially reduced by using centrifugal filter-based dehydration and slow sample cooling. Large amounts of frozen extract stocks from single-batch preparations allowed us to collect extensive data in micromanipulation experiments, which are often low-throughput, and thus enabled the clarification of correlations between metaphase spindle size and stiffness. Our method provides an assay platform with minimized biological variability and improves the accessibility of egg extracts for research.
Fast bootstrapping-based estimation of confidence intervals of expression levels and differential expression from RNA-Seq data
Authors: Mandric Igor , Temate-Tiagueu Yvette , Shcheglova Tatiana , Al Seesi Sahar , Zelikovsky Alex , Măndoiu Ion I
Published: June 2017

This note presents IsoEM2 and IsoDE2, new versions with enhanced features and faster runtime of the IsoEM and IsoDE packages for expression level estimation and differential expression. IsoEM2 estimates fragments per kilobase million (FPKM) and transcript per million (TPM) levels for genes and isoforms with confidence intervals through bootstrapping, while IsoDE2 performs differential expression analysis using the bootstrap samples generated by IsoEM2. Both tools are available with a command line interface as well as a graphical user interface (GUI) through wrappers for the Galaxy platform.

Availability and implementation

The source code of this software suite is available at https://github.com/mandricigor/isoem2. The Galaxy wrappers are available at https://toolshed.g2.bx.psu.edu/view/saharlcc/isoem2_isode2/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Quasi-periodic pulsations with multiple periods in hard X-ray emission
Authors: Li D. , Zhang Q. M.
Published: June 2017

We explore quasi-periodic pulsations with multiple periods in hard X-ray (HXR) emission from the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor during the impulsive phase of a solar flare (SOL2014–09–10). The completely new observational result is that the shorter periods appear at lower energies of the X-ray photons at the beginning and the longer periods appear at higher energies at the end, with some intersection of the periods at medium energies. We also find shorter and then longer periods during the same phase of this flare. Using the wavelet power spectrum and fast Fourier transform spectrum, we analyse the normalized rapidly varying signal divided by its slowly varying signal, which is the smoothed original HXR flux. The periods of 27 and 37 s are derived at lower-energy channels between 17:25 and 17:29 ut (i.e. 12.0–27.3 and 27.3–50.9 keV). Then, the periods of 27, 46 and 60 s are observed at the medium-energy channel from 17:26 to 17:33 ut, such as 50.9–102.3 keV. Also, the period of 80 s is detected at the higher-energy channel from 17:28 to 17:33 ut, such as 102.3–296.4 keV.
Establishing Minimal Clinically Important Difference of Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy in Post-Laminectomy Syndrome
Authors: Paul Alexandra R , Kumar Vignessh , Roth Steven , Gooch M Reid , Pilitsis Julie G
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

The concept of minimum clinically important difference (MCID) has been shown to be effective in spine surgery to differentiate between clinically insignificant and significant improvements as determined by the patient.

OBJECTIVE

The MCID for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) to date has not been established. We sought to determine the MCID for SCS therapy for failed laminectomy syndromes.

METHODS

Preoperative and 6-mo outcomes were assessed prospectively, including the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and McGill and Visual Analog Survey questionnaires. Patients were asked: (1) are you satisfied with SCS therapy and (2) would you have the surgery again. Four methods of calculating the MCID were utilized.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients who underwent placement of an SCS between 2012 and 2014 were reviewed. The 4 calculation methods yielded a range of outcome scores (ODI 8.2-13.3, BDI 3.2-7, McGill 0.3-1.3, and Visual Analog Scale [VAS] 1.2-3.7). The maximum area under the curve was observed for the ODI, BDI, and VAS (0.73, 0.81, and 0.89, respectively), which signifies acceptable accuracy in distinguishing responders from nonresponders with the receiver operating characteristic method and suggests that VAS may be the most sensitive in determining meaningful change for the patient.

CONCLUSION

The MCID for SCS placement was calculated using 4 different methods. The results are similar to calculations for the MCID for many lumbar and cervical procedures done for pain. Our results suggest that an improvement of 1.2 to 3.7 points on the VAS scale and 8.2 to 13.3 points on the ODI is clinically meaningful to the patient. Further defining the MCID for SCS therapy will remain of utmost importance in order to justify the cost of the procedure.
Elevated Spontaneous Interferon-γ Secretion in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Persons
Authors: Sparks Rachel , Koelle David M. , Stern Joshua E. , Dhanireddy Shireesha
Published: June 2017

Immune activation in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a well described phenomenon. We found that HIV patients have higher secretion of interferon (IFN)-γ compared with non-HIV subjects, as measured by the “nil” value in the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test, even when viral loads are low. This may reflect ongoing immune activation, even with optimal HIV management.
Financialization, Technological Change, and Trade Union Decline
Authors: Meyer Brett
Published: June 2017

Recent research finds that financialization and technological change have had a variety of negative effects on labor, including reducing low-skill workers’ wages and increasing income inequality. In this article, I examine the effect on trade unions of one type of financialization, equity market development and one type of technological change, routine-biased technological change. I argue that we should conceptualize trade union strength in two dimensions: (a) the strength of their institutional structures, such as the degree of wage bargaining coordination and the degree to which firms can deviate from collective agreements; (b) the strength of their membership. Using data for 21 OECD countries from 1970 to 2010, I find a negative effect of equity market development on unions’ institutional structures, but not on union membership. Contrarily, I find that routine-biased technological change has a negative effect on union density, but an inconsistent relationship with the strength of unions’ institutional structures.
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: A focused systematic review and practice parameter update
Authors: Wallace Dana V. , Dykewicz Mark S.
Published: June 2017

Purpose of review

The review compares and contrasts seven major United States and international allergic rhinitis guidelines from 2008 to 2017.

Recent findings

Despite many treatment options for allergic rhinitis, patients often report lack of therapeutic control and a reduced quality of life. Guidelines intended to improve allergic rhinitis care have been evolving into evidence based, systematic reviews, with less reliance on consensus of expert opinion characteristic of more traditional guidelines. The first Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation-based guideline developed in the United States for seasonal allergic rhinitis was first published in 2017.

When critically analyzing the allergic rhinitis guidelines that use the rigorous Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology, different groups of expert authors, using the same reference articles, will, at times, reach different conclusions regarding the quality of the evidence and the strength of the recommendation. Factors potentially contributing to these divergent determinations include: lack of objective primary outcome measures in allergic rhinitis, poorly defined Minimal Clinically Important Difference, failure to include all interested parties in guideline development, for example, patients, and subjectivity inherent in the expert panel.
Anaesthesiology for Children With Arthrogryposis
Authors: Savenkov Artem N. , Pajardi Giorgio E. , Agranovich Olga E. , Zabolskiy Dmitry , van Bosse Harold J.P.
Published: June 2017

Patients with arthrogryposis often require anesthesia for surgical procedures. Intubation can be challenging due to lack of visualization. Anesthetic maintenance is fairly routine. Pheripheral blocks are an important adjunct to postoperative pain management.
Treatment of the Upper Extremity Contracture/Deformities
Authors: Oishi Scott N. , Agranovich Olga , Pajardi Giorgio E. , Novelli Chiara , Baindurashvili Alexey G. , Trofimova Svetlana I. , Abdel-Ghani Hisham , Kochenova Evgenia , Prosperpio Giulietta , Jester Andrea , Yilmaz Güney , Şenaran Hakan , Kose Oksana , Butler Lesley
Published: June 2017

Patients with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita have a characteristic upper extremity resting posture consisting of internal rotation of the shoulders, elbow extension, flexed wrists, thumb-in palm deformities, and variable degrees of finger contractures. Treatment of these patients is aimed at improving independence and performance of activities of daily living. Although each area needs to be assessed independently for the most appropriate surgical procedure, often multiple areas can be addressed at the same operative setting. This limits the number of anesthetic exposures and cast immobilization time. The following is a synopsis of treatment strategies presented at the second international symposium on Arthrogryposis which took place in St Petersburg in September 2014.
A Nursing Practice Model Based on Christ
Authors: Eckerd Nancy
Published: June 2017

Nine out of 10 American adults believe Jesus was a real person, and almost two-thirds have made a commitment to Jesus Christ. Research further supports that spiritual beliefs and religious practices influence overall health and well-being. Christian nurses need a practice model that helps them serve as kingdom nurses. This article introduces the Agape Model, based on the agape love and characteristics of Christ, upon which Christian nurses may align their practice to provide Christ-centered care.
Cryolipolysis for Reduction of Arm Fat: Safety and Efficacy of a Prototype CoolCup Applicator With Flat Contour
Authors: Carruthers Jean D. , Humphrey Shannon , Rivers Jason K.
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Cryolipolysis of the arms has been shown to be an effective but somewhat time-consuming process.

OBJECTIVE

The study evaluated safety and efficacy of a contoured cup cryolipolysis applicator for reduction of arm fat. The prototype was designed to maximize tissue contact with the cooling surface to improve comfort, while reducing treatment time by 25 minutes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Both arms were treated using a prototype device that delivered treatment in 35 minutes at −11°C. Photographic and ultrasound documentation was captured at baseline and 12 weeks post-treatment. Efficacy was assessed by photo review and measurement of fat reduction in ultrasound images. Immediately after 1, 4, and 12 weeks post-treatment, clinical assessments were performed to evaluate treatment areas and sensory alterations.

RESULTS

Thirty women were enrolled and completed treatments to both arms. Ultrasound measurements found mean fat layer reduction of 3.2 mm with an SD of 2.7 mm. Blinded independent photo review found 85.2% correct identification of baseline photographs by at least 2/3 of reviewers. There were no unanticipated adverse device effects. Four study subjects experienced numbness in the treatment area beyond the 12-week visit that subsequently resolved without intervention.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that the CoolCup prototype applicator provides rapid, safe, and effective arm treatment.
A Prospective, Randomized, Single-Blind Study Comparing Cyanoacrylate Adhesives to Sutures for Wound Closure in Skin Cancer Patients
Authors: Bartenstein Diana W. , Cummins Deborah L. , Rogers Gary S.
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives are not more likely to result in wound dehiscence or infection than sutured closures. However, suturing is the gold standard for optimal cosmetic appearance of scars.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives produce a cosmetic outcome equivalent to sutures at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include time for wound closure, time spent on wound care, and surgeon and patient satisfaction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-one patients scheduled for skin cancer excision at Beverly Hospital were included in this prospective, randomized, single-blind study. Cosmetic appearance was assessed by a masked panel of dermatologists and plastic surgeons who evaluated digital photographs. Secondary outcomes were assessed by nursing recordings and patient and surgeon evaluations.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in wound appearance (Visual Analog Scale: p = .4693, modified Hollander Wound Evaluation Score: p = .6413) between adhesives and sutures. It was faster and easier for a surgeon to use adhesives, and subjects spent less time caring for and were more satisfied by wounds sealed with adhesives than sutures.

CONCLUSION

Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives produce cosmetic outcomes that are not statistically significantly different than sutures; furthermore, they are associated with fast application, easy wound care, and patient satisfaction.
Recurrent Tumors Referred for Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A 12-Year Experience at a Single Academic Center
Authors: Higgins H. William , Capobianco Sara , Lee Kachiu C.
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is used for treatment of primary and recurrent tumors. Compared with primary tumors, recurrent tumors are often more aggressive.

OBJECTIVE

To understand differing characteristics between primary versus recurrent tumors treated by MMS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective review of a 12-year period at 1 academic center. Recurrent tumors were defined as recurrent if previously treated with cryotherapy, topical chemotherapeutics, electrodesiccation and curettage, or excision. Statistical analysis was conducted with p ≤ .05 considered significant.

RESULTS

A total of 17,971 cases were reviewed, of which 10.5% represented recurrent tumors. Recurrent tumors occurred more commonly in men (ratio 2.2:1). They presented in older individuals (p < .01) and occurred more commonly on the scalp (p < .0001), neck (p < .0001), and trunk (p < .0001). Primary tumors were more commonly located on the periocular (p < .0001), nose (p < .0001), and perioral areas (p < .0001). Squamous cell carcinoma more commonly presented as primary tumors (p = .02) while squamous cell carcinoma in situ more commonly presented as recurrent tumors (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Distinct characteristics separate primary and recurrent tumors treated by MMS. Primary tumors were more commonly located in Area H, compared with recurrent tumors, which were more commonly located in Area M. This suggests appropriate usage of MMS based on appropriate use criteria.
EX VIVO MODEL FOR THE CHARACTERIZATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF DRYWALL INTRAOCULAR FOREIGN BODIES ON COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: Syed Reema , Kim Sung-Hye , Palacio Agustina , Nunery William R. , Schaal Shlomit
Published: June 2017

Background:

The study was inspired after the authors encountered a patient with a penetrating globe injury due to drywall, who had retained intraocular drywall foreign body. Computed tomography (CT) was read as normal in this patient. Open globe injury with drywall has never been reported previously in the literature and there are no previous studies describing its radiographic features.

Methods:

The case report is described in detail elsewhere. This was an experimental study. An ex vivo model of 15 porcine eyes with 1 mm to 5 mm fragments of implanted drywall, 2 vitreous only samples with drywall and 3 control eyes were used. Eyes and vitreous samples were CT scanned on Days 0, 1, and 3 postimplantation. Computed ocular images were analyzed by masked observers. Size and radiodensity of intraocular drywall were measured using Hounsfield units (HUs) over time.

Results:

Intraocular drywall was hyperdense on CT. All sizes studied were detectable on Day 0 of scanning. Mean intraocular drywall foreign body density was 171 ± 52 Hounsfield units (70–237) depending on fragment size. Intraocular drywall foreign body decreased in size whereas Hounsfield unit intensity increased over time.

Conclusion:

Drywall dissolves in the eye and becomes denser over time as air in the drywall is replaced by fluid. This study identified Hounsfield Units specific to intraocular drywall foreign body over time.
Cefepime Associated With Phenytoin Induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Authors: Marco-del Río José , Domingo-Chiva Esther , Cuesta-Montero Pablo , Valladolid-Walsh Ana , García-Martínez Eva María
Published: June 2017

We describe a recent case of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. A 49-year-old man was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of an Anaesthesia and Resuscitation Department because of a Fournier gangrene that derived in a sepsis, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and renal failure. He was under treatment with cefepime and suffered a generalized status epilepticus, so started treatment with phenytoin. The next day he developed a “maculous cutaneous eruption in trunk and lower limbs” compatible with a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a very severe and potentially fatal multiorganic disease, especially when present in critically ill patients, with a strong drug-related etiology, especially with antiepileptic drugs.
Increased Severe Trauma Patient Volume is Associated With Survival Benefit and Reduced Total Health Care Costs
Authors: Endo Akira , Shiraishi Atsushi , Fushimi Kiyohide , Murata Kiyoshi , Otomo Yasuhiro
Published: June 2017

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations of severe trauma patient volume with survival benefit and health care costs.

Background:

The effect of trauma patient volume on survival benefit is inconclusive, and reports on its effects on health care costs are scarce.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective observational study, including trauma patients who were transferred to government-approved tertiary emergency hospitals, or hospitals with an intensive care unit that provided an equivalent quality of care, using a Japanese nationwide administrative database. We categorized hospitals according to their annual severe trauma patient volumes [1 to 50 (reference), 51 to 100, 101 to 150, 151 to 200, and ≥201]. We evaluated the associations of volume categories with in-hospital survival and total cost per admission using a mixed-effects model adjusting for patient severity and hospital characteristics.

Results:

A total of 116,329 patients from 559 hospitals were analyzed. Significantly increased in-hospital survival rates were observed in the second, third, fourth, and highest volume categories compared with the reference category [94.2% in the highest volume category vs 88.8% in the reference category, adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval, 95% CI) = 1.75 (1.49–2.07)]. Furthermore, significantly lower costs (in US dollars) were observed in the second and fourth categories [mean (standard deviation) for fourth vs reference = $17,800 ($17,378) vs $20,540 ($32,412), adjusted difference (95% CI) = –$2559 (–$3896 to –$1221)].

Conclusions:

Hospitals with high volumes of severe trauma patients were significantly associated with a survival benefit and lower total cost per admission.
Groin Pain Characteristics and Recurrence Rates
Authors: Zwaans Willem A. R. , Verhagen Tim , Wouters Luuk , Loos Maarten J. A. , Roumen Rudi M. H. , Scheltinga Marc R. M.
Published: June 2017

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate long-term groin pain and inguinal hernia recurrence rates of 2 types of mesh and to describe the evolution of postoperative groin sensory disturbances.

Summary of Background Data:

Some patients with an inguinal hernia develop chronic pain following open mesh insertion. Previous trials comparing a semi-resorbable, self-gripping Progrip mesh with a standard sutured polypropylene mesh found conflicting results regarding recurrence rates and residual groin pain.

Methods:

Patients aged >18 years scheduled for open primary hernia repair were randomized to a self-gripping mesh (Progrip) or a polypropylene mesh (standard). Removal of the inguinal nerves was left to the discretion of the surgeon. Pain was measured using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) over a 3-year period. Pain characteristics and hernia recurrences were determined using physical examination.

Results:

Data of 274 patients were complete (75% three-year follow-up rate). Pain steadily decreased over time in both groups in a similar fashion (moderate pain 3.7% in each group). Hyperesthesia was experienced by 2.2% and 3.7% and hypoesthesia in 12% and 19% in Progrip and standard group, respectively. One of seven Progrip patients reported a foreign body feeling versus 1 of 5 standard patients (P = 0.06). Altered skin sensations were not related to a neurectomy. Hernia recurrence rate was 11.5% in the Progrip and 5% in the standard group (P = 0.05).

Conclusions:

Three years after insertion of a self-gripping Progrip mesh or a sutured polypropylene mesh for an open primary inguinal hernia repair, groin pain is minimal, although altered groin skin sensations and foreign body feeling are quite common. A Progrip hernia repair is associated with a high recurrence rate.
A Donor Age-Based and Graft Volume–Based Analysis for Living Donor Liver Transplantation in Elderly Recipients
Authors: Imamura Hajime , Hidaka Masaaki , Soyama Akihiko , Kitasato Amane , Adachi Tomohiko , Ono Shinichiro , Natsuda Koji , Hara Takanobu , Kugiyama Tota , Baimakhanov Zhassulan , Okada Satomi , Fujita Fumihiko , Kanetaka Kengo , Takatsuki Mitsuhisa , Kuroki Tamotsu , Eguchi Susumu
Published: June 2017

Background

Given the expected increase in the number of elderly recipients, details regarding how clinical factors influence the outcome in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for the elderly remain unclear. We examined the survival outcomes according to the results of donor age-based and graft volume–based analyses and assessed the impact of prognostic factors on the survival after LDLT for elderly recipients.

Methods

The 198 adult recipients were classified into 2 groups: an elderly group (n = 70, E group; ≥ 60 years of age) and a younger group (n = 128, Y group; <60 years of age). We analyzed the prognostic factors for the survival in the E group and the survival rate for both groups at several follow-up points and conducted subgroup analyses in the E group by combining the donor age (≥50 vs <50 years) and graft weight (GW)/standard liver volume (SLV) (≥40% vs <40%).

Results

Donor age (hazard ratio [HR], 2.17; P = 0.062) and GW/SLV (HR, 1.80; P = 0.23) tended to have a high HR in the E group. The overall patient survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 78.3%, 73.0%, and 61.0% in the E group, and 82.0%, 75.1%, and 69.2% in the Y group, respectively (P = 0.459). However, the outcomes tended to be worse in recipients of grafts from donors ≥50 years of age than in those with grafts from younger donors with GW/SLV < 40% (P = 0.048).

Conclusions

A worse outcome might be associated with aging of the donor, which leads to impairment of the graft function and liver regeneration. Both the graft volume and donor age should be considered when choosing grafts for LDLT in elderly patients.
Splenocyte Infusion and Whole-Body Irradiation for Induction of Peripheral Tolerance in Porcine Lung Transplantation: Modifications of the Preconditioning Regime for Improved Clinical Feasibility
Authors: Jansson Katharina , Dreckmann Karla , Sommer Wiebke , Avsar Murat , Salman Jawad , Siemeni Thierry , Knöfel Ann-Kathrin , Pauksch Linda , Gottlieb Jens , Frühauf Jörg , Werner Martin , Jonigk Danny , Strüber Martin , Haverich Axel , Warnecke Gregor
Published: June 2017

Background

Preoperative low-dose whole-body irradiation (IRR) with 1.5 and 7 Gy thymic IRR of the recipient, combined with a perioperative donor splenocyte infusion lead to reliable donor specific peripheral tolerance in our allogeneic porcine lung transplantation model. To reduce the toxicity of this preconditioning regime, modifications of the IRR protocol and their impact on allograft survival were assessed.

Methods

Left-sided single lung transplantation from major histocompatibility complex and sex mismatched donors was performed in 14 adult female minipigs. Recipient animals were exposed to 3 different protocols of nonmyeloablative IRR within 12 hours before transplantation. All animals were administered a donor splenocyte infusion on the day of lung transplantation. Intravenous pharmacologic immunosuppression was withdrawn after 28 postoperative days. Allograft survival was monitored by chest radiographs and bronchoscopy.

Results

IRR prolonged transplant survival in a dose- and field-dependent manner. Shielding of the bone marrow from IRR (total lymphoid IRR at 1.5 and 7 Gy thymic IRR) significantly reduced protocol toxicity defined as thrombocytopenia and consecutive increased bleeding propensity, but had a less effective impact on graft survival. Whole-body IRR at 0.5 and 7 Gy thymic IRR proved to be ineffective for reliable tolerance induction. Eventually, high levels of circulating CD4+CD25high regulatory T cells were present in long-term survivors.

Conclusions

These data show that the infusion of donor-specific alloantigen in combination with IRR is efficient once a threshold dose is exceeded.
Raman spectroscopy as a tool for ecology and evolution
Authors: Germond Arno , Kumar Vipin , Ichimura Taro , Moreau Jerome , Furusawa Chikara , Fujita Hideaki , Watanabe Tomonobu M.
Published: June 2017

Scientists are always on the lookout for new modalities of information which could reveal new biological features that are useful for deciphering the complexity of biological systems. Here, we introduce Raman spectroscopy as a prime candidate for ecology and evolution. To encourage the integration of this microscopy technique in the field of ecology and evolution, it is crucial to discuss first how Raman spectroscopy fits within the conceptual, technical and pragmatic considerations of ecology and evolution. In this paper, we show that the spectral information holds reliable indicators of intra- and interspecies variations, which can be related to the environment, selective pressures and fitness. Moreover, we show how the technical and pragmatic aspects of this modality (non-destructive, non-labelling, speed, relative low cost, etc.) enable it to be combined with more conventional methodologies. With this paper, we hope to open new avenues of research and extend the scope of available methodologies used in ecology and evolution.
Comparative functional genomic screens of three yeast deletion collections reveal unexpected effects of genotype in response to diverse stress
Authors: Acton Erica , Lee Amy Huei-Yi , Zhao Pei Jun , Flibotte Stephane , Neira Mauricio , Sinha Sunita , Chiang Jennifer , Flaherty Patrick , Nislow Corey , Giaever Guri
Published: June 2017

The Yeast Knockout (YKO) collection has provided a wealth of functional annotations from genome-wide screens. An unintended consequence is that 76% of gene annotations derive from one genotype. The nutritional auxotrophies in the YKO, in particular, have phenotypic consequences. To address this issue, ‘prototrophic’ versions of the YKO collection have been constructed, either by introducing a plasmid carrying wild-type copies of the auxotrophic markers (Plasmid-Borne, PB
prot
) or by backcrossing (Backcrossed, BC
prot
) to a wild-type strain. To systematically assess the impact of the auxotrophies, genome-wide fitness profiles of prototrophic and auxotrophic collections were compared across diverse drug and environmental conditions in 250 experiments. Our quantitative profiles uncovered broad impacts of genotype on phenotype for three deletion collections, and revealed genotypic and strain-construction-specific phenotypes. The PB
prot
collection exhibited fitness defects associated with plasmid maintenance, while BC
prot
fitness profiles were compromised due to strain loss from nutrient selection steps during strain construction. The repaired prototrophic versions of the YKO collection did not restore wild-type behaviour nor did they clarify gaps in gene annotation resulting from the auxotrophic background. To remove marker bias and expand the experimental scope of deletion libraries, construction of a
bona fide
prototrophic collection from a wild-type strain will be required.
Sticking to rough surfaces using functionally graded bio-inspired microfibres
Authors: Gorumlu Serdar , Aksak Burak
Published: June 2017

Synthetic fibrillar adhesives inspired by nature, most commonly by the gecko lizard, have been shown to strongly and repeatedly attach to smooth surfaces. These adhesives, mostly of monolithic construction, perform on par with their natural analogues on smooth surfaces but exhibit far inferior adhesive performance on rough surfaces. In this paper, we report on the adhesive performance of functionally graded microfibrillar adhesives based on a microfibre with a divergent end and a thin soft distal layer on rough surfaces. Monolithic and functionally graded fibre arrays were fabricated from polyurethanes and their adhesive performance on surfaces of varying roughness were quantified from force–distance data obtained using a custom adhesion measurement system. Average pull-off stress declined significantly with increasing roughness for the monolithic fibre array, dropping from 77 kPa on the smoothest (54 nm RMS roughness) to 19 kPa on the roughest (408 nm RMS roughness) testing surface. In comparison, pull-off stresses of 81 kPa and 63 kPa were obtained on the same respective smooth and rough surfaces with a functionally graded fibre array, which represents a more than threefold increase in adhesion to the roughest adhering surface. These results show that functionally graded fibrillar adhesives perform similar on all the testing surfaces unlike monolithic arrays and show potential as repeatable and reusable rough surface adhesives.
Impact of wild prey availability on livestock predation by snow leopards
Authors: Suryawanshi Kulbhushansingh R. , Redpath Stephen M. , Bhatnagar Yash Veer , Ramakrishnan Uma , Chaturvedi Vaibhav , Smout Sophie C. , Mishra Charudutt
Published: June 2017

An increasing proportion of the world's poor is rearing livestock today, and the global livestock population is growing. Livestock predation by large carnivores and their retaliatory killing is becoming an economic and conservation concern. A common recommendation for carnivore conservation and for reducing predation on livestock is to increase wild prey populations based on the assumption that the carnivores will consume this alternative food. Livestock predation, however, could either reduce or intensify with increases in wild prey depending on prey choice and trends in carnivore abundance. We show that the extent of livestock predation by the endangered snow leopard
Panthera uncia
intensifies with increases in the density of wild ungulate prey, and subsequently stabilizes. We found that snow leopard density, estimated at seven sites, was a positive linear function of the density of wild ungulates—the preferred prey—and showed no discernible relationship with livestock density. We also found that modelled livestock predation increased with livestock density. Our results suggest that snow leopard conservation would benefit from an increase in wild ungulates, but that would intensify the problem of livestock predation for pastoralists. The potential benefits of increased wild prey abundance in reducing livestock predation can be overwhelmed by a resultant increase in snow leopard populations. Snow leopard conservation efforts aimed at facilitating increases in wild prey must be accompanied by greater assistance for better livestock protection and offsetting the economic damage caused by carnivores.
Climate change, transgenic corn adoption and field-evolved resistance in corn earworm
Authors: Venugopal P. Dilip , Dively Galen P.
Published: June 2017

Increased temperature anomaly during the twenty-first century coincides with the proliferation of transgenic crops containing the bacterium
Bacillus thuringiensis
(Berliner) (Bt) to express insecticidal Cry proteins. Increasing temperatures profoundly affect insect life histories and agricultural pest management. However, the implications of climate change on Bt crop–pest interactions and insect resistance to Bt crops remains unexamined. We analysed the relationship of temperature anomaly and Bt adoption with field-evolved resistance to Cry1Ab Bt sweet corn in a major pest,
Helicoverpa zea
(Boddie). Increased Bt adoption during 1996–2016 suppressed
H. zea
populations, but increased temperature anomaly buffers population reduction. Temperature anomaly and its interaction with elevated selection pressure from high Bt acreage probably accelerated the Bt-resistance development.
Helicoverpa zea
damage to corn ears, kernel area consumed, mean instars and proportion of late instars in Bt varieties increased with Bt adoption and temperature anomaly, through additive or interactive effects. Risk of Bt-resistant
H. zea
spreading is high given extensive Bt adoption, and the expected increase in overwintering and migration. Our study highlights the challenges posed by climate change for Bt biotechnology-based agricultural pest management, and the need to incorporate evolutionary processes affected by climate change into Bt-resistance management programmes.
Palaeoecological implications of the preservation potential of soft-bodied organisms in sediment-density flows: testing turbulent waters
Authors: Bath Enright Orla G. , Minter Nicholas J. , Sumner Esther J.
Published: June 2017

Interpreting how far organisms within fossil assemblages may have been transported and if they all originated from the same location is fundamental to understanding whether they represent true palaeocommunities. In a three-factorial experimental design, we used an annular flume to generate actualistic sandy sediment-density flows that were fast (2 ms
−1
) and fully turbulent in order to test the effects of flow duration, sediment concentration, and grain angularity on the states of bodily damage experienced by the freshly euthanized polychaete
Alitta virens
. Results identified statistically significant effects of flow duration and grain angularity. Increasing sediment concentration had a statistically significant effect with angular sediment but not with rounded sediment. Our experiments demonstrate that if soft-bodied organisms such as polychaetes were alive and then killed by a flow then they would have been capable of enduring prolonged transport in fast and turbulent flows with little damage. Dependent upon sediment concentration and grain angularity, specimens were capable of remaining intact over flow durations of between 5 and 180 min, equating to transport distances up to 21.6 km. This result has significant palaeoecological implications for fossil lagerstätten preserved in deposits of sediment-density flows because the organisms present may have been transported over substantial distances and therefore may not represent true palaeocommunities.
Effects of time pressure and time passage on face-matching accuracy
Authors: Fysh Matthew C. , Bindemann Markus
Published: June 2017

This study investigated the impact of time pressure on matching accuracy with face pairs that combined photographs from student ID cards with high-quality person portraits, and under conditions that provided infrequent identity mismatches. Time pressure was administered via two onscreen displays that observers could use to adjust the amount of time that was allocated to a given trial while completing a block of trials within a required timeframe. Under these conditions, observers matched faces under time pressure that varied from 10 to 2 s (Experiment 1) and 8 to 2 s (Experiment 2). An effect of time pressure was found in each experiment, whereby performance deteriorated under time targets of 4 s. Additionally, a match response bias emerged consistently across blocks, and indicated that separately to time pressure, performance also deteriorated due to time passage. These results therefore indicate that both
time passage
and
pressure
exert detrimental effects on face matching.
Knotted fields and explicit fibrations for lemniscate knots
Authors: Bode B. , Dennis M. R. , Foster D. , King R. P.
Published: June 2017

We give an explicit construction of complex maps whose nodal lines have the form of lemniscate knots. We review the properties of lemniscate knots, defined as closures of braids where all strands follow the same transverse (1, ℓ) Lissajous figure, and are therefore a subfamily of spiral knots generalizing the torus knots. We then prove that such maps exist and are in fact fibrations with appropriate choices of parameters. We describe how this may be useful in physics for creating knotted fields, in quantum mechanics, optics and generalizing to rational maps with application to the Skyrme–Faddeev model. We also prove how this construction extends to maps with weakly isolated singularities.
The cutting of metals via plastic buckling
Authors: Udupa Anirudh , Viswanathan Koushik , Ho Yeung , Chandrasekar Srinivasan
Published: June 2017

The cutting of metals has long been described as occurring by laminar plastic flow. Here we show that for metals with large strain-hardening capacity, laminar flow mode is unstable and cutting instead occurs by plastic buckling of a thin surface layer. High speed
in situ
imaging confirms that the buckling results in a small bump on the surface which then evolves into a fold of large amplitude by rotation and stretching. The repeated occurrence of buckling and folding manifests itself at the mesoscopic scale as a new flow mode with significant vortex-like components—sinuous flow. The buckling model is validated by phenomenological observations of flow at the continuum level and microstructural characteristics of grain deformation and measurements of the folding. In addition to predicting the conditions for surface buckling, the model suggests various geometric flow control strategies that can be effectively implemented to promote laminar flow, and suppress sinuous flow in cutting, with implications for industrial manufacturing processes. The observations impinge on the foundations of metal cutting by pointing to the key role of stability of laminar flow in determining the mechanism of material removal, and the need to re-examine long-held notions of large strain deformation at surfaces.