bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A numerical model for investigation of emission of particle debris from laser-irradiated metal targets
Authors: Sasaki Akira , Sunahara Atsushi , Nishihara Katsunobu , Nishikawa Takeshi
Published: September 2017

A simulation model of the hydrodynamics of emission of particle debris from laser ablation is presented. On the basis of a Lagrangian description of the fluid, numerical methods for the placement of a mesh along the distribution of the material to investigate the dynamics of gas bubbles in liquid as well as liquid particles in gas are developed. As an application of the methods, liquid-to-gas transitions are represented. By dividing cells and rearranging the meshes, an appropriate ratio between the volume of liquid and gas region of the material is reproduced. Using the model, an estimation of a criterion of emission of particle debris from the laser ablation is presented.
Tuning the piezoelectric and mechanical properties of the AlN system via alloying with YN and BN
Authors: Manna Sukriti , Brennecka Geoff L. , Stevanović Vladan , Ciobanu Cristian V.
Published: September 2017

Recent advances in microelectromechanical systems often require multifunctional materials, which are designed so as to optimize more than one property. Using density functional theory calculations for alloyed nitride systems, we illustrate how co-alloying a piezoelectric material (AlN) with different nitrides helps tune both its piezoelectric and mechanical properties simultaneously. Wurtzite AlN-YN alloys display increased piezoelectric response with YN concentration, accompanied by mechanical softening along the crystallographic c direction. Both effects increase the electromechanical coupling coefficients relevant for transducers and actuators. Resonator applications, however, require superior stiffness, thus leading to the need to decouple the increased piezoelectric response from the softened lattice. We show that co-alloying of AlN with YN and BN results in improved elastic properties while retaining some of the piezoelectric enhancements from YN alloying. This finding may lead to new avenues for tuning the design properties of piezoelectrics through composition-property maps.
Photochromism of rare-earth metal-oxy-hydrides
Authors: Nafezarefi F. , Schreuders H. , Dam B. , Cornelius S.
Published: September 2017

Recently, thin films of yttrium oxy-hydride (YOxHy) were reported to show an unusual color-neutral photochromic effect promising for application in smart windows. Our present work demonstrates that also oxy-hydrides based on Gd, Dy, and Er have photochromic properties and crystal structures similar to YOxHy. Compared to YOxHy, the optical bandgaps of the lanthanide based oxy-hydrides are smaller while photochromic contrast and kinetics show large variation among different cations. Based on these findings, we propose that cation alloying is a viable pathway to tailor the photochromic properties of oxy-hydride materials. Furthermore, we predict that the oxy-hydrides of the other lanthanides are also potentially photochromic.
Breakdown of the ponderomotive approximation as an acceleration mechanism in wave-particle nonlinear dynamics
Authors: Marini S. , Peter E. , de Oliveira G. I. , Rizzato F. B.
Published: September 2017

In the present analysis, we study the dynamics of charged particles submitted to the action of slowly modulated electromagnetic carrier waves. While the velocity of the particles remains smaller than the carrier's phase-velocity, their dynamics is well described by a refined ponderomotive approach. The ponderomotive approach has its own validity limits well established, beyond which particles are resonantly trapped by the carrier waves. We show that under adequate conditions, the trapping mechanism places particles at an optimal relative phase with respect to the carrier for maximum acceleration. In addition to the analytical approach involved in the ponderomotive description, we use numerical simulations to validate the corresponding dynamics as well as to explore various features of the resonant trapping and acceleration.
A framed, 16-image Kirkpatrick–Baez x-ray microscope
Authors: Marshall F. J. , Bahr R. E. , Goncharov V. N. , Glebov V. Yu. , Peng B. , Regan S. P. , Sangster T. C. , Stoeckl C.
Published: September 2017

A 16-image Kirkpatrick–Baez (KB)–type x-ray microscope consisting of compact KB mirrors [F. J. Marshall, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 10E518 (2012)] has been assembled for the first time with mirrors aligned to allow it to be coupled to a high-speed framing camera. The high-speed framing camera has four independently gated strips whose emission sampling interval is ∼30 ps. Images are arranged four to a strip with ∼60-ps temporal spacing between frames on a strip. By spacing the timing of the strips, a frame spacing of ∼15 ps is achieved. A framed resolution of ∼6-μm is achieved with this combination in a 400-μm region of laser-plasma x-ray emission in the 2- to 8-keV energy range. A principal use of the microscope is to measure the evolution of the implosion stagnation region of cryogenic DT target implosions on the University of Rochester’s OMEGA Laser System [T. R. Boehly et al., Opt. Commun. 133, 495 (1997)]. The unprecedented time and spatial resolutions achieved with this framed, multi-image KB microscope have made it possible to accurately determine the cryogenic implosion core emission size and shape at the peak of stagnation. These core size measurements, taken in combination with those of ion temperature, neutron-production temporal width, and neutron yield allow for inference of core pressures, currently exceeding 50 Gbar in OMEGA cryogenic target implosions [Regan et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 025001 (2016)].
Co-alloying gives researchers greater control of piezoelectric material properties
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: September 2017

Adding both YN and BN allows fine-tuning of lead-free, piezoelectric A1N.
Evaluation of spray nozzles for fungicidal control of tan spot in wheat
Authors: Olivet Juan J. , Villalba Juana , Volpi Jorge
Published: September 2017

Tan spot, caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (Died.) Drechs, is a serious constraint on wheat yields in the Southern Cone region of South America. A 2-year experiment was conducted to evaluate fungicide deposition, disease development and grain yield. Three spray nozzles were evaluated: an air-induction flat fan (AI), a wide-angle flat fan (TT), and an extended-range flat fan (XR). A systemic fungicide containing azoxystrobin and cyproconazole was used in both years. Tan spot severity and the area under non-green leaf area disease progress curve (AUNGLA) were analysed. There were no significant differences in deposition among nozzles, and no significant interactions between nozzles and leaf layers in the first year. In both years, AUNGLAs were similar for the three nozzles types, and the tan spot severity in untreated plots was significantly higher than in fungicide-applied plots. Grain yield was higher in the fungicide-applied plots, and there were no significant differences among nozzles in both years. Droplet size had no effect on the fungicide’s efficacy for tan spot control in Uruguay across three susceptible wheat cultivars. The use of drift-reducing nozzles and a systemic fungicide in these trials led to satisfactory performance for spray deposition, canopy penetration and control of the tan spot disease of wheat in the same way as expected from conventional nozzles.
Actin and microtubule networks contribute differently to cell response for small and large strains
Authors: Kubitschke H , Schnauss J , Nnetu K D , Warmt E , Stange R , Kaes J
Published: September 2017

Cytoskeletal filaments provide cells with mechanical stability and organization. The main key players are actin filaments and microtubules governing a cell’s response to mechanical stimuli. We investigated the specific influences of these crucial components by deforming MCF-7 epithelial cells at small (≤5% deformation) and large strains (>5% deformation). To understand specific contributions of actin filaments and microtubules, we systematically studied cellular responses after treatment with cytoskeleton influencing drugs. Quantification with the microfluidic optical stretcher allowed capturing the relative deformation and relaxation of cells under different conditions. We separated distinctive deformational and relaxational contributions to cell mechanics for actin and microtubule networks for two orders of magnitude of drug dosages. Disrupting actin filaments via latrunculin A, for instance, revealed a strain-independent softening. Stabilizing these filaments by treatment with jasplakinolide yielded cell softening for small strains but showed no significant change at large strains. In contrast, cells treated with nocodazole to disrupt microtubules displayed a softening at large strains but remained unchanged at small strains. Stabilizing microtubules within the cells via paclitaxel revealed no significant changes for deformations at small strains, but concentration-dependent impact at large strains. This suggests that for suspended cells, the actin cortex is probed at small strains, while at larger strains; the whole cell is probed with a significant contribution from the microtubules.
A multi-group firefly algorithm for numerical optimization
Authors: Tong Nan , Fu Qiang , Zhong Caiming , Wang Pengjun
Published: September 2017

To solve the problem of premature convergence of firefly algorithm (FA), this paper analyzes the evolution mechanism of the algorithm, and proposes an improved Firefly algorithm based on modified evolution model and multi-group learning mechanism (IMGFA). A Firefly colony is divided into several subgroups with different model parameters. Within each subgroup, the optimal firefly is responsible for leading the others fireflies to implement the early global evolution, and establish the information mutual system among the fireflies. And then, each firefly achieves local search by following the brighter firefly in its neighbors. At the same time, learning mechanism among the best fireflies in various subgroups to exchange information can help the population to obtain global optimization goals more effectively. Experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Centre de Bernstein dual pour les groupes classiques
Authors: Moussaoui Ahmed
Published: September 2017

Dans cet article, nous nous intéressons aux liens entre l’induction parabolique et la correspondance de Langlands locale. Nous énonçons une conjecture concernant les paramètres de Langlands (enrichis) des représentations supercuspidales pour les groupes réductifs

p
p

-adiques déployés. Nous vérifions la validité de cette conjecture grâce aux résultats connus pour le groupe linéaire et les groupes classiques. À la suite de cela, en définissant la notion de support cuspidal d’un paramètre de Langlands enrichi, nous obtenons une décomposition à la Bernstein de l’ensemble des paramètres de Langlands enrichis pour les groupes classiques. Nous vérifions que ces constructions se correspondent par la correspondance de Langlands et en conséquence, nous obtenons la compatibilité de la correspondance de Langlands avec l’induction parabolique.

ABSTRACT. In this article, we consider the links between parabolic induction and the local Langlands correspondence. We state a conjecture about the (enhanced) Langlands parameters of supercuspidal representation of split reductives

p
p

-adics groups. We are able to verify it thanks to the known cases of the local Langlands correspondence for linear groups and classical groups. Furthermore, in the case of classical groups, we can construct the "cuspidal support" of an enhanced Langlands parameter and get a decomposition of the set of enhanced Langlands parameters à la Bernstein. We check that these constructions match under the Langlands correspondence and as consequence, we obtain the compatibility of the Langlands correspondence with parabolic induction.
Female ClockΔ19/Δ19 mice are protected from the development of age-dependent cardiomyopathy
Authors: Alibhai Faisal J , Reitz Cristine J , Peppler Willem T , Basu Poulami , Sheppard Paul , Choleris Elena , Bakovic Marica , Martino Tami A
Published: September 2017

Aims

Circadian rhythms are important for healthy cardiovascular physiology and they are regulated by the molecular circadian mechanism. Previously, we showed that disruption of the circadian mechanism factor CLOCK in male ClockΔ19/Δ19 mice led to development of age-dependent cardiomyopathy. Here, we investigate the role of biological sex in protecting against heart disease in aging female ClockΔ19/Δ19 mice.

Methods and results

Female ClockΔ19/Δ19 mice are protected from the development of cardiomyopathy with age, as heart structure and function are similar to 18 months of age vs. female WT mice. We show that female ClockΔ19/Δ19 mice maintain normal glucose tolerance as compared with female WT. Tissue metabolic profiling revealed that aging female ClockΔ19/Δ19 mice maintain normal cardiac glucose uptake, whereas the male ClockΔ19/Δ19 mice have increased cardiac glucose uptake consistent with pathological remodelling. Shotgun lipidomics revealed differences in phospholipids that were sex and genotype specific, including cardiolipin CL76:11 that was increased and CL72:8 that was decreased in male ClockΔ19/Δ19 mice. Additionally, female ClockΔ19/Δ19 mice show increased activation of AKT signalling and preserved cytochrome c oxidase activity compared with male ClockΔ19/Δ19 mice, which can help to explain why they are protected from heart disease. To determine how this protection occurs in females even with the Clock mutation, we examined the effects of ovarian hormones. We show that ovarian hormones protect female ClockΔ19/Δ19 mice from heart disease as ovariectomized female ClockΔ19/Δ19 mice develop cardiac dilation, glucose intolerance and reduced cardiac cytochrome c oxidase; this phenotype is consistent with the age-dependent decline observed in male ClockΔ19/Δ19 mice.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that ovarian hormones protect female ClockΔ19/Δ19 mice from the development of age-dependent cardiomyopathy even though Clock function is disturbed. Understanding the interaction of biological sex and the circadian mechanism in cardiac growth, renewal and remodelling opens new doors for understanding and treating heart disease.
Does the Thermal Damage Estimate Correlate With the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predicted Ablation Size After Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy?
Authors: Patel Nitesh V , Frenchu Kiersten , Danish Shabbar F
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance guided laser induced thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive method to treat a wide range of intracranial pathologies. The Arrhenius model is used to generate a thermal damage estimate (TDE) predicting ablation extent.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation and correlation of the TDE to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-estimated ablation extent in human cases.

METHODS

The Medtronic Visualase system (Medtronic Inc, Dublin, Ireland) was utilized. Postablation axial T1-contrast enhanced images were acquired and intraoperative TDE image was obtained from the Visualase console. OsiriX DICOM Viewer (Pixmeo Inc, Bernex, Switzerland) was utilized to calculate cross-sectional area on MRI. ImageJ (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland) was utilized for TDE area. Two blinded raters performed all measures. Statistical testing included Pearson correlation and the Student's t-test.

RESULTS

Twenty-two cases including tumor and epilepsy were evaluated. Average MRI predicted tumor ablation area was 4.72 ± 2.22 cm2 and average predicted epilepsy ablation area was 4.12 ± 1.89 cm2. Average tumor TDE was 4.02 ± 1.95 cm2 and average epilepsy TDE was 4.36 ± 2.21 cm2. Rater 1’s ablation areas and TDEs correlated with r = 0.89 (P < .0001) and no significant difference (P > .5). Rater 2’s ablation areas and TDEs correlated with r = 0.91 (P < .0001) and no significant difference (P > .7). Rater 1 vs Rater 2 showed a strong correlation for TDE (r = 0.98, P < .000001) and ablation area (r = 0.96, P < .0001) and no significant difference (P > .5).

CONCLUSION

The TDE is an accurate and reliable measure of ablated area in LITT in human cases as assessed on postoperative MRI. Future studies should be larger and assess reliability of the TDE when multiple lasers and planes are used.
The Global Distribution of Economic Activity: Nature, History, and the Role of Trade1
Authors: Henderson J Vernon , Squires Tim , Storeygard Adam , Weil David
Published: September 2017

We explore the role of natural characteristics in determining the worldwide spatial distribution of economic activity, as proxied by lights at night, observed across 240,000 grid cells. A parsimonious set of 24 physical geography attributes explains 47% of worldwide variation and 35% of within-country variation in lights. We divide geographic characteristics into two groups, those primarily important for agriculture and those primarily important for trade, and confront a puzzle. In examining within-country variation in lights, among countries that developed early, agricultural variables incrementally explain over 6 times as much variation in lights as do trade variables, while among late developing countries the ratio is only about 1.5, even though the latter group is far more dependent on agriculture. Correspondingly, the marginal effects of agricultural variables as a group on lights are larger in absolute value, and those for trade smaller, for early developers than for late developers. We show that this apparent puzzle is explained by persistence and the differential timing of technological shocks in the two sets of countries. For early developers, structural transformation due to rising agricultural productivity began when transport costs were still high, so cities were localized in agricultural regions. When transport costs fell, these agglomerations persisted. In late-developing countries, transport costs fell before structural transformation. To exploit urban scale economies, manufacturing agglomerated in relatively few, often coastal, locations. Consistent with this explanation, countries that developed earlier are more spatially equal in their distribution of education and economic activity than late developers.
Association Between Weather Variables, Airborne Inoculum Concentration, and Raspberry Fruit Rot Caused by Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Carisse Odile , McNealis Vanessa , Kriss Alissa
Published: September 2017

Botrytis fruit rot (BFR), one of the most important diseases of raspberry (Rubus spp.), is controlled primarily with fungicides. Despite the use of fungicides, crop losses due to BFR are high in most years. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between airborne inoculum, weather variables, and BFR in order to improve the management of the disease as well as harvest and storage decisions. Crop losses, measured as the percentage of diseased berries during the harvest period, were monitored in unsprayed field plots at four sites in three successive years, together with meteorological data and the number of conidia in the air. Based on windowpane analysis, there was no evidence of correlation between crop losses and temperature, vapor pressure deficit, wind, solar radiation, or probability of infection. There were significant correlations between crop losses and airborne inoculum and between crop losses and humidity-related variables, and the best window length was identified as 7 days. Using 7-day average airborne inoculum concentration combined with 7-day average relative humidity for periods ending 6 to 8 days before bloom, it was possible to accurately predict crop losses (R2 of 0.86 to 0.89). These models could be used to assist with managing BFR, timing harvests, and optimizing storage duration in raspberry crops.
Small-Particle Hyaluronic Acid Gel Treatment of Photoaged Hands
Authors: Wilkerson Eric C. , Goldberg David J.
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Aging hands tend to lose subcutaneous volume resulting in prominence of the underlying vessels, tendons, and bone contributing to an aged appearance. Dermal fillers have been successfully used to improve the appearance of the aging dorsal hand.

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a small-particle hyaluronic acid (SPHA) injectable gel for the treatment of photoaged volume loss of the hands.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is an open-label, prospective, randomized, interventional, study. Twenty-five healthy female volunteer subjects aged 40 to 70 years with photoaged thinning of the hands received an injection of an SPHA gel to the dorsal aspect of 1 hand. Subjects were followed up for 6 months. The hands were evaluated at regular intervals according to a 5-point validated hand grading scale.

RESULTS

The average hand grading scores demonstrated statistically significant improvement at all time points compared with baseline. Eighty-eight percent to 100% of subjects achieved improvement at 1 month after treatment, and 50% to 83% maintained at least 1 point improvement at 6 months. There were no adverse events reported.

CONCLUSION

The investigated SPHA is a safe and effective method for improving the thinned and photoaged appearance of the hands.
Clinical Outcomes of Radiofrequency Ablation for Unilateral and Bilateral Varicose Veins
Authors: Jeon Sook Young , Joh Jin Hyun , Park Ho-Chul
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Approximately 20% of varicose vein are bilateral. Patients prefer a simultaneous bilateral procedure instead of 2 separate unilateral procedures. There is currently little evidence comparing bilateral and unilateral varicose vein surgeries.

OBJECTIVE

To report the clinical outcomes of unilateral and bilateral radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for varicose veins.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors retrospectively collected data on clinical outcomes of patients who underwent RFA. They investigated clinical, etiologic, anatomic, and pathophysiologic (CEAP) score, venous clinical severity score (VCSS), and quality of life (QoL) score.

RESULTS

Radiofrequency ablation was performed in 546 limbs in 385 patients. Women comprised 60.4% of the patients. The mean age was 52.3 ± 11.6 years (range, 19–84). The occlusion rate after 2 years was 94.5%. Clinical outcomes of CEAP score, VCSS, and QoL scores improved significantly from 2.15 ± 0.45, 2.70 ± 2.04, and 6.91 ± 6.69 at baseline to 2.10 ± 0.32, 0.63 ± 0.04, and 3.38 ± 4.74 at the study end, respectively. The preoperative and postoperative differences in CEAP score for unilateral and bilateral RFA were 0.02 ± 0.21 and 0.13 ± 0.49, respectively (p = .073). Those of VCSS for unilateral and bilateral RFA were 1.87 ± 1.50 and 4.01 ± 2.93, respectively (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Good clinical outcomes were shown after RFA with respect to CEAP, VCSS, and QoL scores. The simultaneous bilateral RFA can be performed with effectiveness.
Streptococcus pyogenes Bacteremia in Adults in the 21st Century
Authors: Hupp Jacob A. , Kallstrom George , Myers Joseph P.
Published: September 2017

Background

Streptococcus pyogenes causes pharyngitis, tonsillitis, cellulitis, and less frequently other clinical syndromes. It is infrequently included in the differential diagnosis of other infectious illnesses.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of all adult patients (16 years of age and older) with S. pyogenes bacteremia admitted to our institution during the 10 years from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2016. We report the epidemiology, source of infection, comorbid conditions, treatment, and mortality for these patients.

Results

There were 68 cases of S. pyogenes bacteremia during the study period. There were 27 episodes in men (39.7%) and 41 episodes in women (60.3%). The patients' ages ranged from 17 to 91 years with a mean of 58.1 years and a median of 59.5 years. Skin and soft tissue infections with or without necrotizing fasciitis were the most common presentation followed by primary bacteremia, pneumonia, septic bursitis/arthritis, obstetric/gynecologic, and head/neck infections. All strains of S. pyogenes tested during the study period maintained sensitivity to penicillin G. Diabetes mellitus was the most common comorbid condition. Seven of 68 patients died for a mortality rate of 10.3%.

Conclusions

Bacteremic S. pyogenes infections continue to be a significant clinical problem years into the 21st century. Resident physicians, hospitalists, intensivists, and surgeons should be keenly aware of this information and understand the potential consequences of unrecognized, rapidly progressive group A streptococcal infection. Emergent surgical intervention remains essential to the survival of many of these patients.
Long-term rifaximin therapy as a primary prevention of hepatorenal syndrome
Authors: Ibrahim El-Sayed , Alsebaey Ayman , Zaghla Hassan , Moawad Abdelmageed Sabry , Gameel Khalid , Abdelsameea Eman
Published: September 2017

Background

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a severe complication of liver cirrhosis, with poor survival. Rifaximin is a gut-selective broad-spectrum antibiotic.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of rifaximin as a primary prevention of HRS.

Patients and methods

Eighty patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites were enrolled. They were randomized into two groups: control (n=40) and rifaximin group (n=40). Baseline liver function tests, renal function tests, complete blood count, international normalized ratio, urine analysis, and abdominal ultrasonography were carried out. Rifaximin 550 mg was administered twice daily for 12 weeks. Renal functions were measured every 4 weeks with monitoring of HRS occurrence and possible precipitating factor.

Results

Both groups were matched for age, sex, virology, serum bilirubin, serum albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, hemoglobin, white blood cells, platelets, international normalized ratio, potassium, and Child–Pugh score. In contrast to the rifaximin group, the control group showed statistically significant serial blood urea nitrogen (18.84±7.17, 19.85±6.10, 21.54±4.79, and 22.96±5.82 mg/dl; P=0.001) and serum creatinine (0.94±0.25, 1.02±0.24, 1.12±0.16, and 1.21±0.17 mg/dl; P=0.001) levels. The overall blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine change was statistically higher in the control group than the rifaximin group (20.8 vs. 18.24 mg/dl and 1.07 vs. 0.99 mg/dl, respectively). HRS developed more in the control group than the rifaximin group [9 (22.5%) vs. 2 (5%); P=0.048]. In both groups, HRS was precipitated by spontaneous bacterial peritonitis mainly and large volume paracentesis. The Child–Pugh score, control group, baseline serum sodium, and creatinine were predictors of HRS.

Conclusion

Rifaximin may be useful as a primary prevention of HRS.
Concomitant Administration of High-dose Methotrexate and Low-dose Aspirin Without Any Delay in Methotrexate Clearance in a Patient With Osteosarcoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Renzi Samuele , Tsimerman Ekaterina , Taylor Tracey , Hopyan Sevan , Koo Alicia , Gupta Abha
Published: September 2017

Background:

Methotrexate (MTX) is a commonly used agent in the treatment of oncology patients whose clearance depends on renal health maintaining glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Thus concomitant use of other drugs that utilize the same mechanism of clearance are generally avoided as this may contribute to increased MTX-associated toxicity.

Observation:

Herein, we describe the use of low-dose aspirin with high-dose MTX in a patient with osteosarcoma.

Conclusion:

Concomitant aspirin use did not affect the clearance of high-dose MTX and the patient did not experience any MTX-related toxicity including mucositis or renal impairment.
The Role of the Surgical Pathologist in the Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Polyposis Syndromes
Authors: Rosty Christophe
Published: September 2017

Polyps of the gastrointestinal tract are very common lesions and most frequently sporadic in nature. Some polyp subtypes are associated with rare hereditary polyposis syndromes, including juvenile polyposis syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, and Cowden syndrome. However, many sporadic benign lesions of the gastrointestinal tract can mimic some of these syndromic hamartomatous polyps. The role of the surgical pathologist is to raise the possibility of a hereditary condition in case of suggestive polyp histology and to look for clinical information to support the suspected diagnosis. In this review, the clinical presentation and the pathology associated with these rare hamartomatous polyposis syndromes are discussed in an attempt to provide pathologists clues in suggesting one such syndrome on the basis of histologic findings and clinical context. Identification of affected individuals is important because of the increased gastrointestinal and other malignancies. Recently, new adenomatous polyposis syndromes have been discovered, expanding the genetic causes of patient diagnosed with multiple colonic adenomas. By being aware of the clinical phenotype and the tumor spectrum associated with gastrointestinal polyposis syndromes, surgical pathologists can play a critical role in recommending genetic counseling when suspicious of such a diagnosis. This may lead to the identification of a genetic cause and appropriate surveillance of affected family members to screen for associated malignancies.
Does a Premaxillary Setback and Lip Adhesion Have a Negative Impact on Lip Outcome in Bilateral Cleft Patients?
Authors: Raposo-Amaral Cassio Eduardo , Denadai Rafael , Almeida Ricardo Ruiz Garcia de , Marques Frederico Figueiredo , Lee Marina De Martino , Raposo-Amaral Cesar Augusto
Published: September 2017

Background:

The early premaxillary setback and lip adhesion remains as a controversial maneuver in the treatment of bilateral cleft lip and palate patients. This study aimed to assess extent of preoperative deformity and lip outcomes during the first year after surgery in bilateral cleft patients who underwent premaxillary setback and lip adhesion and to compare to those with primary lip repair.

Methods:

A retrospective observational study was conducted of 16 nonsyndromic consecutive bilateral complete cleft lip patients (with and without Simonart band), who underwent primary cleft lip repair. Patients were allocated in group 1 without premaxillary setback and group 2 with premaxillary setback and lip adhesion. Preoperative and postoperative linear measurements were used for intergroup and intragroup comparisons.

Results:

Cutaneous lip height of patients in group 2 significantly (P < 0.05) improved after combined premaxillary setback and lip adhesion and primary cleft lip repair. There were no significant (all P > 0.05) differences in intragroup 1 comparisons, and in intergroup comparisons.

Conclusion:

Bilateral cleft patients with a protruded and deviated premaxilla over 10 mm discrepancy of the lateral maxillary achieved noninferior lip symmetry 1 year postoperatively compared with patients with less severe original deformity.
Topical Mitomycin C Application Is Effective Even in Esophageal Strictures Resistant to Dilatation Therapy in Children
Authors: Divarci Emre , Kilic Ozge , Dokumcu Zafer , Ozcan Coskun , Erdener Ata
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

Several treatment techniques may be used in the treatment of esophageal strictures. The purpose of this study was to present the effects of topical mitomycin C (TMC) as an useful adjunct to dilatation therapy in esophageal strictures.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent TMC between February 2015 and July 2016 was performed. Dysphagia score, periodic dilatation index, and number of dilatations were compared before and after intervention to investigate the efficacy of TMC.

Results:

TMC was performed on 20 patients with a median age of 3.5 years (2 to 17 y). The diagnosis was corrosive esophageal strictures in 14 patients, anastomotic strictures in 5 patients, and congenital esophageal stricture in 1 patient. The length of the stricture was long in 10 patients (50%). The median dysphagia score decreased from 2 (1 to 3) to 0 (0 to 2) after application (P<0.001). The median number of dilatation sessions decreased from 5 (1 to 41) to 1 (0 to 11) after intervention (P<0.001). The median periodic dilatation index decreased from 1 (0.66 to 1.34) to 0 (0 to 1.33) after TMC (P<0.001). Regular esophageal dilatation was not necessary in 16 patients after application (80%). The length of the stricture did not affect the efficacy of TMC. The success of treatment was lower in patients with a long treatment period before TMC (>3 y) (50%). No complications were seen in a median follow-up period of 16 months (7 to 22 mo).

Conclusions:

TMC application has a significant positive effect as an adjunct to dilatation therapy in most of the patients with different types of esophageal strictures. It should be performed as a safe and efficient treatment option even in patients who were resistant to dilatation therapy.
Esophagojejunostomy With Linear Staplers in Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy: Experience With 168 Cases in 5 Consecutive Years
Authors: Miura Susumu , Kanaya Seiichiro , Hosogi Hisahiro , Kawada Hironori , Akagawa Shin , Shimoike Norihiro , Okumura Shintaro , Okada Toshihiro , Ito Takeshi , Arimoto Akira
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

We evaluate surgical outcomes of intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy in laparoscopic total gastrectomy using 2 linear stapler methods.

Materials and Methods:

The functional end-to-end anastomosis (FEEA) method was chosen as a first choice. The overlap method was chosen in cases with esophageal invasion. We retrospectively analyzed the early and late surgical outcomes of consecutive 168 laparoscopic total gastrectomy cases from April 2011 to December 2016.

Results and Conclusions:

The FEEA method was selected in 120 cases, and the overlap method was selected in 48 cases. The mean time of esophagojejunostomy for the FEEA and overlap method was 13.2 and 36.5 minutes, respectively. Two cases with FEEA method and 3 cases with overlap method experienced complications due to esophagojejunostomy leakage. These cases were treated without performing a reoperation. One case with FEEA method was complicated due to esophagojejunostomy stenosis. This case was endoscopically treated. Our procedures are safe and feasible.
New Insights in Vanishing White Matter Disease: Isolated Bilateral Optic Neuropathy in Adult Onset Disease
Authors: Barros Sandra R. , Parreira Sónia C. R. , Miranda Ana F. B. , Pereira Ana M. B. , Campos Nuno M. P.
Published: September 2017

Background:

Vanishing white matter disease (VWMD) is a rare disease affecting cerebral white matter. The adult form is even rarer and manifests with motor symptoms, behavioral problems, and dementia. There is no treatment and progression is inevitable. We describe a case with atypical manifestations and an unusual course.

Methods:

Description of a 42-year-old man with VWMD complaining of progressive visual loss in the right eye.

Results:

The patient's visual acuity was 20/60, right eye, and 20/25, left eye, with pale optic nerves bilaterally. MRI showed atrophy of the corpus callosum, diffuse rarefaction of cerebral white matter including the anterior and posterior visual pathways.

Conclusion:

Our patient had no further symptoms besides loss of visual acuity, which is rare in patients with VWMD of the same age and genetic mutation.
ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Picornaviridae
Authors: Zell R. , Delwart E. , Gorbalenya A. E. , Hovi T. , King A. M. Q. , Knowles N. J. , Lindberg A. M. , Pallansch M. A. , Palmenberg A. C. , Reuter G. , Simmonds P. , Skern T. , Stanway G. , Yamashita T. ,   ICTV Report Consortium
Published: September 2017

The family Picornaviridae comprises small non-enveloped viruses with RNA genomes of 6.7 to 10.1 kb, and contains >30 genera and >75 species. Most of the known picornaviruses infect mammals and birds, but some have also been detected in reptiles, amphibians and fish. Many picornaviruses are important human and veterinary pathogens and may cause diseases of the central nervous system, heart, liver, skin, gastrointestinal tract or upper respiratory tract. Most picornaviruses are transmitted by the faecal–oral or respiratory routes. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the taxonomy of the Picornaviridae, which is available at www.ictv.global/report/picornaviridae.
Using gene genealogies to localize rare variants associated with complex traits in diploid populations
Authors: Karunarathna Charith B. , Graham Jinko
Published: September 2017

Background and Aims

Many methods can detect trait association with causal variants in candidate genomic regions; however, a comparison of their ability to localize causal variants is lacking. We extend a previous study of the detection abilities of these methods to a comparison of their localization abilities.

Methods

Through coalescent simulation, we compare several popular association methods. Cases and controls are sampled from a diploid population to mimic human studies. As benchmarks for comparison, we include two methods that cluster phenotypes on the true genealogical trees, a naive Mantel test considered previously in haploid populations and an extension that takes into account whether case haplotypes carry a causal variant. We first work through a simulated dataset to illustrate the methods. We then perform a simulation study to score the localization and detection properties.

Results

In our simulations, the association signal was localized least precisely by the naive Mantel test and most precisely by its extension. Most other approaches had intermediate performance similar to the single-variant Fisher’s-exact test.

Conclusions

Our results confirm earlier findings in haploid populations about potential gains in performance from genealogy-based approaches. They also highlight differences between haploid and diploid populations when localizing and detecting causal variants.
Investigating causality in associations between education and smoking: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Gage Suzanne H. , Bowden Jack , Smith George Davey , Munafo Marcus R.
Published: September 2017

Background

Lower educational attainment is associated with increased rates of smoking, but ascertaining causality is challenging. We used two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses of summary statistics to examine whether educational attainment is causally related to smoking.

Methods and Findings

We used summary statistics from genome-wide association studies of educational attainment and a range of smoking phenotypes (smoking initiation, cigarettes per day, cotinine levels and smoking cessation). Various complementary MR techniques (inverse-variance weighted regression, MR Egger, weighted-median regression) were used to test the robustness of our results. We found broadly consistent evidence across these techniques that higher educational attainment leads to reduced likelihood of smoking initiation, reduced heaviness of smoking among smokers (as measured via self-report and cotinine levels), and greater likelihood of smoking cessation among smokers.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate a causal association between low educational attainment and increased risk of smoking, and may explain the observational associations between educational attainment and adverse health outcomes such as risk of coronary heart disease.
Relative quantification ofPorphyromonas gingivalis,Treponema denticola,Tannerella forsythiaandAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitanshigh-risk bacterial species in Romanian patients evaluated for periodontal disease
Authors: Constantin Cosac Ion , Consuel Ionica , Cristian Ratiu Attila , Lorand Savu
Published: September 2017

Three bacterial species pertaining to the red complex (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola,andTannerella forsythia) andAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitanswere investigated in relation to the incidence and severity of periodontal disease. A total of 259 patients were included in this study, 179 being diagnosed with periodontal disease. The gingival crevicular fluid samples were obtained from periodontal pockets and the presence and levels of target bacteria were assessed following DNA extraction and real-time quantitative PCR. Our results account for significant positive associations between the number of bacterial species from the red complex coexisting within a patient and several clinical signs (gingival bleeding, inflammation and bone deterioration). A similar positive association was found between bacterial load of the red complex species and the clinical Case Type diagnostic of the periodontal disease, as well as the probing depth with the most evident results forT. denticola.In conclusion, our study, a first for the Romanian population, confirms previous results found elsewhere and finds a possible regional pathogenic specificity forT. denticolaas a major factor for periodontitis severity.
Mercury concentrations in Double—crested Cormorant chicks across Canada
Authors: Lavoie Raphael A. , Campbell Linda M.
Published: September 2017

Mercury (Hg) biomagnifies in aquatic food chains and can reach high concentrations in fish-eating birds. Spatial patterns of Hg have been found in freshwater ecosystems across Canada for many taxa including fish and birds. However, it is often challenging to sample a representative population size of adult birds to monitor concentrations of contaminants over a large spatial scale. Moreover, adult birds can migrate and can show a contaminant profile that may not be representative of local resources. The aims of this study were (1) to determine if there was a spatial pattern of Hg in piscivorous birds, (2) to develop a model to estimate Hg concentrations in breeding adults using chicks as proxy, and (3) to develop predictive equations among non-lethal samples that representative of local resources in adults (blood and growing feathers). Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) chick growing feathers were sampled at 19 sites across Canada (n= 106). Adult tissues (freshly grown feathers;n= 8-16 per feather type and blood;n= 160) were sampled at five of those locations to establish correlations between age classes and between adult tissues. We found an increase in Hg concentrations with latitude up to 50°N followed by a decrease. There was a decrease in Hg concentrations from west to east, which contradicts previous studies. We found a good correlation of Hg concentrations between adults and chicks and among adult tissues. Our model showed that it is possible to estimate Hg concentrations in adults across Canada using chicks as proxy. Our study shows that chicks can be a suitable proxy for monitoring local mercury concentrations and that they are representative of adults.

Capsule:Concentrations of mercury in cormorant chicks are influenced by latitude
Nitrogen conservation, conserved: 46 million years of N-recycling by the core symbionts of turtle ants
Authors: Hu Yi , Sanders Jon G. , Łukasik Piotr , D’Amelio Catherine L. , Millar John S. , Vann David R. , Lan Yemin , Newton Justin A. , Schotanus Mark , Wertz John T. , Kronauer Daniel J. C. , Pierce Naomi E. , Moreau Corrie S. , Engel Philipp , Russell Jacob A.
Published: September 2017

Nitrogen acquisition is a major challenge for herbivorous animals, and the repeated origins of herbivory across the ants have raised expectations that nutritional symbionts have shaped their diversification. Direct evidence for N-provisioning by internally housed symbionts is rare in animals; among the ants, it has been documented for just one lineage. In this study we dissect functional contributions by bacteria from a conserved, multi-partite gut symbiosis in herbivorousCephalotesants throughin vivoexperiments, (meta)genomics, andin vitroassays. Gut bacteria recycle urea, and likely uric acid, using recycled N to synthesize essential amino acids that are acquired by hosts in substantial quantities. Specialized core symbionts of 17 studiedCephalotesspecies encode the pathways directing these activities, and several recycle Nin vitro. These findings point to a highly efficient N-economy, and a nutritional mutualism preserved for millions of years through the derived behaviors and gut anatomy ofCephalotesants.

Category

Biological Sciences-Evolution
Dynorphin counteracts orexin in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus: cellular and behavioral evidence
Authors: Matzeu Alessandra , Kallupi Marsida , George Olivier , Schweitzer Paul , Martin-Fardon Rémi
Published: September 2017

The orexin (Orx) system is known to play a critical role in drug addiction and reward-related behaviors. The dynorphin (Dyn) system, conversely, promotes depressive-like behavior and plays a key role in the aversive effects of stress. Orexin and Dyn are co-released and have opposing functions in reward and motivation in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Earlier studies showed that microinjections of OrxA in the posterior paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (pPVT) exerted priming-like effects and reinstated cocaine-seeking behavior, suggesting that Orx transmission in the pPVT participates in cocaine-seeking behavior. The present study sought to determine whether Orx and Dyn interact in the pPVT. Using a cellular approach, brain slices were prepared for whole-cell recordings and to study excitatory transmission in pPVT neurons. The superfusion of OrxA increased spontaneous glutamatergic transmission by increasing glutamate release onto pPVT neurons, whereas DynA decreased glutamate release. Furthermore, the augmentation of OrxA-induced glutamate release was reversed by DynA. To corroborate the electrophysiological data, separate groups of male Wistar rats were trained to self-administer cocaine or sweetened condensed milk (SCM). After self-administration training, the rats underwent extinction training and were tested with intra-pPVT administration of OrxA±DynA under extinction conditions. OrxA reinstated cocaine-and SCM-seeking behavior, with a greater effect in cocaine animals. DynA selectively blocked OrxA-induced cocaine seekingvs. SCM seeking. The data indicate that DynA in the pPVT prevents OrxA-induced cocaine seeking, perhaps by reversing the OrxA-induced increase in glutamate release, identifying a novel therapeutic target to prevent cocaine relapse.
Task-related effective connectivity reveals that the cortical rich club gates cortex-wide communication
Authors: Senden Mario , Reuter Niels , van den Heuvel Martijn P. , Goebel Rainer , Deco Gustavo , Gilson Matthieu
Published: September 2017

Higher cognition may require the globally coordinated integration of specialized brain regions into functional networks. A collection of structural cortical hubs - referred to as the rich club - has been hypothesized to support task-specific functional integration. In the present paper, we use a whole-cortex model to estimate directed interactions between 68 cortical regions from fMRI activity for four different tasks (reflecting different cognitive domains) and resting state. We analyze the state-dependent input and output effective connectivity of the structural rich club and relate these to whole-cortex dynamics and network reconfigurations. We find that the cortical rich club exhibits an increase in outgoing effective connectivity during task performance as compared to rest while incoming connectivity remains constant. Increased outgoing connectivity targets a sparse set of peripheral regions with specific regions strongly overlapping between tasks. At the same time, community detection analyses reveal massive reorganizations of interactions among peripheral regions, including those serving as target of increased rich club output. This suggests that while peripheral regions may play a role in several tasks, their concrete interplay might nonetheless be task-specific. Furthermore, we observe that whole-cortex dynamics are faster during task as compared to rest. The decoupling effects usually accompanying faster dynamics appear to be counteracted by the increased rich club outgoing effective connectivity. Together our findings speak to a gating mechanism of the rich club that supports fast-paced information exchange among relevant peripheral regions in a task-specific and goal-directed fashion, while constantly listening to the whole network.