bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introduction of the vector potential to a linear MHD simulation code based on a real coordinate system
Authors: Takado W. , Matsumoto Y. , Watanabe K. Y. , Tomioka S. , Oikawa S.
Published: October 2016

Here, the vector potential was introduced to a linear magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) simulation code, and the modified and original simulation results were compared. The effects of the broken solenoidal condition on the perturbed magnetic field in linear MHD simulations based on real coordinates were investigated. The results showed that the modified code can successfully remove the error in this condition, and the modified code was confirmed to work appropriately. Incorrect results can be yielded by an error in the condition, especially in analyses of the mode structure.
Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes as anode and air-cathode in single chamber microbial fuel cells
Authors: Amade R. , Moreno H. A. , Hussain S. , Vila-Costa M. , Bertran E.
Published: October 2016

Electrode optimization in microbial fuel cells is a key issue to improve the power output and cell performance. Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) grown on low cost stainless-steel mesh present an attractive approach to increase the cell performance while avoiding the use of expensive Pt-based materials. In comparison with non-aligned carbon nanotubes (NACNTs), VACNTs increase the oxygen reduction reaction taking place at the cathode by a factor of two. In addition, vertical alignment also increases the power density up to 2.5 times with respect to NACNTs. VACNTs grown at the anode can further improve the cell performance by increasing the electrode surface area and thus the electron transfer between bacteria and the electrode. The maximum power density obtained using VACNTs was 14 mW/m2 and 160 mV output voltage.
Effect of a semiconductor electrode on the tunneling electroresistance in ferroelectric tunneling junction
Authors: Wang Xianjie , Song Bingqian , Tao L. L. , Wen Jiahong , Zhang Lingli , Zhang Yu , Lv Zhe , Tang Jinke , Sui Yu , Song Bo , Han X. F.
Published: October 2016

We report the tunneling electroresistance effect (TER) in a Pt/BaTiO3(BTO)/Nb:SrTiO3 (n-STO) ferroelectric tunnel junction (FTJ). Using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and piezoresponse force microscopy, we find that the thick BaTiO3 (5 nm) film is epitaxial and of high quality. A large ON/OFF resistance ratio of more than 104% at room temperature is observed. Our experimental results as well as theoretical modeling reveal that the depletion region near the BTO/n-STO interface can be electrically modulated via ferroelectric polarization, which plays a key role for the TER effect. Moreover, both long retention and high switching reproducibility are observed in the Pt/BTO/n-STO FTJ. Our results provide some fundamental understandings of the TER mechanism in the FTJs using a semiconductor electrode and will be useful for FTJ-based nonvolatile devices design.
Probing ferroelectric behaviour in charge-transfer organic meta-nitroaniline
Authors: Isakov Dmitry , Vasilev Semen , Gomes Etelvina de Matos , Almeida Bernardo , Shur Vladimir Ya. , Kholkin Andrei L.
Published: October 2016

Potential ferroelectricity in charge-transfer organic materials is often masked by the intrinsic conductivity. Here, we report the compelling evidence of ferroelectricity in organic π-conjugated meta-nitroaniline (m-NA) crystals as shown by the local electromechanical measurements using the piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) technique. m-NA is a charge-transfer molecular material with the exceptional optical non-linearity and perceptible conductivity along the crystallographic polar axis. While standard Sawyer-Tower measurements revealed an apparently lossy-dielectric hysteresis, The PFM switching spectroscopy indicated clear ferroelectric behaviour in this technologically important multifunctional material. Further study of the pyroelectric properties in m-NA crystals confirmed their high spontaneous polarization of 18 μC/cm2 at room temperature, comparable to the best known organic ferroelectrics.
Intervalley scattering in MoS2 imaged by two-photon photoemission with a high-harmonic probe
Authors: Wallauer R. , Reimann J. , Armbrust N. , Güdde J. , Höfer U.
Published: October 2016

We report on the direct mapping of electron transfer in the momentum space of bulk MoS2 by means of time- and angle-resolved two-photon photoemission with a high-harmonic probe. For this purpose, we have combined a high-repetition rate high-harmonic source with tunable femtosecond pump pulses and a 3D (kx,ky,E) electron spectrometer. We show that optical excitation slightly above the A exciton resonance results in an immediate occupation of the conduction band at K¯ followed by an ultrafast transfer (<50 fs) to the conduction band minimum at Σ¯. Both signals, at K¯ and Σ¯, do not vanish over the observed period of 400 fs. The technique described here enables direct access to the charge transfer dynamics in k-space and allows the study of decay times and decay channels in various systems with dependence on the excess energy or helicity of the excitation.
Nanomechanical mechanism for lipid bilayer damage induced by carbon nanotubes confined in intracellular vesicles
Authors: Zhu Wenpeng , von dem Bussche Annette , Yi Xin , Qiu Yang , Wang Zhongying , Weston Paula , Hurt Robert H. , Kane Agnes B. , Gao Huajian
Published: October 2016

Significance

Recent experimental studies report correlations between carbon nanotube toxicity and tube length and stiffness. Very little is known, however, about the actual behavior of these fibrous nanomaterials inside living cells following uptake, and the fundamental mechanistic link between stiffness and toxicity is unclear. Here we reveal a nanomechanical mechanism by which sufficiently long and stiff carbon nanotubes damage lysosomes, a class of membrane-enclosed organelles found inside cells that are responsible for breaking down diverse biomolecules and debris. The precise material parameters needed to activate this unique mechanical toxicity pathway are identified through coupled theoretical modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, and experimental studies, leading to a predictive pathogenicity classification diagram that distinguishes toxic from biocompatible nanomaterials based on their geometry and stiffness.
Ultrathin, transferred layers of thermally grown silicon dioxide as biofluid barriers for biointegrated flexible electronic systems
Authors: Fang Hui , Zhao Jianing , Yu Ki Jun , Song Enming , Farimani Amir Barati , Chiang Chia-Han , Jin Xin , Xue Yeguang , Xu Dong , Du Wenbo , Seo Kyung Jin , Zhong Yiding , Yang Zijian , Won Sang Min , Fang Guanhua , Choi Seo Woo , Chaudhuri Santanu , Huang Yonggang , Alam Muhammad Ashraful , Viventi Jonathan , Aluru N. R. , Rogers John A.
Published: October 2016

Significance

A critical obstacle of flexible electronics for chronic implants is the absence of thin-film barriers to biofluids with multidecade lifetimes. Previously explored materials are unsuitable due to limitations of (
i
) extrinsic factors, such as the practical inability to avoid localized defects, and/or (
ii
) intrinsic properties, such as finite water permeability. The work presented here overcomes these challenges by combining pristine thermal SiO
2
layers with processing steps for their integration onto flexible electronics. Experimental and theoretical studies reveal the key aspects of this material system. Accelerated immersion tests and cyclic bending measurements suggest robust, defect-free operation with various electronic components and an integrated system for multiplexed mapping of electrophysiological signals. The findings have broad relevance to diverse biointegrated electronics and optoelectronics.
Hepatitis C virus promotes virion secretion through cleavage of the Rab7 adaptor protein RILP
Authors: Wozniak Ann L. , Long Abby , Jones-Jamtgaard Kellyann N. , Weinman Steven A.
Published: October 2016

Significance

Viruses frequently alter cellular processes to promote their own lifecycle, whereas cells adapt by initiating antiviral responses. Therefore, the outcome of viral disease depends on the balance of these factors. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) induces drastic modifications in cellular vesicle trafficking that appear to be required for the formation of viral replication complexes and the assembly/secretion of viral particles. We show that HCV promotes the production and secretion of infectious virus particles by disrupting Rab7 complexes, shifting microtubule-associated vesicles from the inwardly directed dynein motor to the outwardly directed kinesin motor complex. This shift targets them toward the cell surface. This finding that viruses cleave the Rab adaptor proteins provides insight into how viruses alter trafficking to promote virus propagation.
Human cortical–hippocampal dialogue in wake and slow-wave sleep
Authors: Mitra Anish , Snyder Abraham Z. , Hacker Carl D. , Pahwa Mrinal , Tagliazucchi Enzo , Laufs Helmut , Leuthardt Eric C. , Raichle Marcus E.
Published: October 2016

Significance

Reciprocal cortical–hippocampal signaling is widely believed to underlie consolidation of declarative memories. By investigating human fMRI and electrocorticography during both wake and slow-wave sleep (SWS), we find, first, that δ-band activity and infraslow activity propagate in opposite directions between the hippocampus and cortex. Second, both δ activity and infraslow activity reverse propagation directions between the hippocampus and the cortex across wake and SWS. These results highlight reciprocal communication between frequencies, and constitute direct evidence for the reversal of the human cortical–hippocampal dialogue across wake and SWS.
Sharpening vision by adapting to flicker
Authors: Arnold Derek H. , Williams Jeremy D. , Phipps Natasha E. , Goodale Melvyn A.
Published: October 2016

Significance

Distinct anatomical visual pathways can be traced through the human central nervous system. These have been linked to specialized functions, such as encoding information about spatial forms (like the human face and text) and stimulus dynamics (flicker or movement). Our experiments are inconsistent with this strict division. They show that mechanisms responsive to flicker can alter form perception, with vision transiently sharpened by weakening the influence of flicker-sensitive mechanisms by prolonged exposure to flicker. So, next time you are trying to read fine print, you might be well advised to first view a flickering stimulus!
Immune cell screening of a nanoparticle library improves atherosclerosis therapy
Authors: Tang Jun , Baxter Samantha , Menon Arjun , Alaarg Amr , Sanchez-Gaytan Brenda L. , Fay Francois , Zhao Yiming , Ouimet Mireille , Braza Mounia S. , Longo Valerie A. , Abdel-Atti Dalya , Duivenvoorden Raphael , Calcagno Claudia , Storm Gert , Tsimikas Sotirios , Moore Kathryn J. , Swirski Filip K. , Nahrendorf Matthias , Fisher Edward A. , Pérez-Medina Carlos , Fayad Zahi A. , Reiner Thomas , Mulder Willem J. M.
Published: October 2016

Significance

The immune system plays an essential role in the pathophysiology of major diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and cancer, which has inspired the development of numerous small molecules to modulate immune cells, intending to create immunotherapies for these diseases. Tissue- and cell-specific delivery of these small molecules is the key to transform these compounds to safe, potent immunotherapies. In this study, we present an in vivo nanoparticle screen approach that involves designing and evaluating a library of nanoparticles with distinct immune cell targeting specificity. This study carries out a systematic in vivo immune cell screening to create effective nanoparticle-based immunotherapy for modulating the pathological immune cells in atherosclerosis.
Targeted vaccination against the bevacizumab binding site on VEGF using 3D-structured peptides elicits efficient antitumor activity
Authors: Wentink Madelon Q. , Hackeng Tilman M. , Tabruyn Sebastien P. , Puijk Wouter C. , Schwamborn Klaus , Altschuh Daniele , Meloen Rob H. , Schuurman Teun , Griffioen Arjan W. , Timmerman Peter
Published: October 2016

Significance

VEGF is the pivotal growth factor for angiogenesis, and its inhibition by passive immunotherapy results in improved survival in patients with several types of cancer. We believe that the clinical benefit could be increased by inducing a humoral immune response against VEGF through active immunization with VEGF-based peptides. In this study, we describe that correct peptide design is vital for success. We show that only 3D-structured peptides perfectly mimicking the crucial β5–turn–β6 loop of endogenous VEGF are able to induce neutralizing antibodies. We developed a vaccine with potent in vitro and in vivo VEGF-neutralizing activities, as shown in passive and active immunization tumor models. The VEGF vaccination strategy has the potential to outperform current clinical anti-VEGF treatment strategies.
Oxidative stress in oocytes during midprophase induces premature loss of cohesion and chromosome segregation errors
Authors: Perkins Adrienne T. , Das Thomas M. , Panzera Lauren C. , Bickel Sharon E.
Published: October 2016

Significance

Chromosome segregation errors during female meiosis, the leading cause of birth defects and miscarriages, increase dramatically as women age. Because oxidative damage increases with age and oocytes age during a woman’s lifetime, one factor that may contribute to increased segregation errors in older women is damage of the protein linkages (cohesion) required for accurate segregation. In support of this hypothesis, we find that inducing oxidative stress in
Drosophila
oocytes during meiotic prophase causes a significant increase in segregation errors due to premature loss of cohesion. These data demonstrate that oxidative stress during the stage at which human oocytes remain arrested for decades can cause meiotic segregation errors and offer insight into why cohesion deteriorates with age.
Capture of micrococcin biosynthetic intermediates reveals C-terminal processing as an obligatory step for in vivo maturation
Authors: Bewley Kathryn D. , Bennallack Philip R. , Burlingame Mark A. , Robison Richard A. , Griffitts Joel S. , Miller Susan M.
Published: October 2016

Significance

Antimicrobial thiopeptides constitute a broad family of natural compounds that are ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified. This paper reports the characterization of a biosynthetic pathway for the production of the canonical thiopeptide micrococcin. These biochemical details were acquired by reconstituting the pathway in a genetically manipulable laboratory organism and then isolating and characterizing partially synthesized thiopeptide intermediates. Our findings highlight strict sequential order of biochemical conversions leading to the micrococcin product and pave the way toward using this understanding to engineer antimicrobial compounds with clinically useful properties.
Structural basis for dual specificity of yeast N-terminal amidase in the N-end rule pathway
Authors: Kim Min Kyung , Oh Sun Joo , Lee Byung-Gil , Song Hyun Kyu
Published: October 2016

Significance

The N-end rule pathway is a regulated protein degradation system. It is conserved among both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In this hierarchically organized pathway, N-terminal amidase converts N-terminal Asn and N-terminal Gln, the tertiary destabilizing residues of N-end rule substrates, to the secondary destabilizing N-terminal residues Asp and Glu, respectively. The yeast (
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
) N-terminal amidase Nta1 was identified as a component of the N-end rule pathway more than 20 y ago, but its dual specificity for N-terminal Asn and Gln residues remains uncharacterized, owing the absence of structural and biochemical data. The present structures of yeast Nta1 with various N-degron peptides, and biochemical analyses with Nta1 mutants, illuminate specific mechanisms of the first step in the N-end rule pathway.
Targeting CYP2J to reduce paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathic pain
Authors: Sisignano Marco , Angioni Carlo , Park Chul-Kyu , Meyer Dos Santos Sascha , Jordan Holger , Kuzikov Maria , Liu Di , Zinn Sebastian , Hohman Stephan W. , Schreiber Yannick , Zimmer Béla , Schmidt Mike , Lu Ruirui , Suo Jing , Zhang Dong-Dong , Schäfer Stephan M. G. , Hofmann Martine , Yekkirala Ajay S. , de Bruin Natasja , Parnham Michael J. , Woolf Clifford J. , Ji Ru-Rong , Scholich Klaus , Geisslinger Gerd
Published: October 2016

Significance

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain (CIPNP) is a severe side effect that affects up to 80% of patients during cancer treatment. Pharmacological treatment options are poor, as CIPNP differs mechanistically from other chronic pain states. Here, we describe a mechanism by which pronociceptive oxidized lipid mediators are generated by the cytochrome P
450
-epoxygenase CYP2J2 in sensory neurons during CIPNP. Blocking the synthesis of these oxidized lipids with telmisartan, which we identified as a potent CYP2J2 inhibitor in a large drug repurposing screen, caused a robust reduction of paclitaxel-induced pain in mice in vivo. We therefore consider targeting CYP2J2 with telmisartan as a treatment option for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain in patients.
Chilling-induced tomato flavor loss is associated with altered volatile synthesis and transient changes in DNA methylation
Authors: Zhang Bo , Tieman Denise M. , Jiao Chen , Xu Yimin , Chen Kunsong , Fei Zhangjun , Giovannoni James J. , Klee Harry J.
Published: October 2016

Significance

Cold storage is widely used to extend shelf-life of agriculture products. For tomato, this handling results in reduced flavor quality. Our work provides major insights into the effects of chilling on consumer liking, the flavor metabolome and transcriptome, as well as DNA methylation status. Transcripts for some key volatile synthesis enzymes and the most important ripening-associated transcription factors are greatly reduced in response to chilling. These reductions are accompanied by major changes in the methylation status of promoter regions. Transient increases in DNA methylation occur during chilling. Our analysis provides insight into the molecular mechanisms of tomato fruit flavor loss caused by chilling.
Structural basis of recognition of farnesylated and methylated KRAS4b by PDEδ
Authors: Dharmaiah Srisathiyanarayanan , Bindu Lakshman , Tran Timothy H. , Gillette William K. , Frank Peter H. , Ghirlando Rodolfo , Nissley Dwight V. , Esposito Dominic , McCormick Frank , Stephen Andrew G. , Simanshu Dhirendra K.
Published: October 2016

Significance

Despite the significant progress made in the last few years toward targeting phosphodiesterase-δ (PDEδ) for KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma isoform)-driven cancers, there is no structural information available on posttranslationally modified KRAS4b in complex with PDEδ. The KRAS4b–PDEδ structure reported here provides the structural details of the protein–protein interaction interface and the atomic details of the hypervariable region of KRAS4b. Structural comparison of the two crystal forms allowed identification of a 5-aa-long sequence motif in KRAS4b that could allow PDEδ to bind to both farnesylated and geranylgeranylated KRAS4b. Structural insights obtained from this study could be used to guide the development of improved and more specific inhibitors of the KRAS4b–PDEδ complex.
Speech function analysis to explore CLIL students’ spoken language for knowledge construction
Authors: Llinares Ana , Morton Tom
Published: October 2016

This chapter focuses on the register variable of tenor within systemic functional linguistics (SFL) to examine spoken interaction involving secondary CLIL history learners in two contexts: one-to-one interviews with a researcher, and role-plays with peers. Tenor refers to the role relationship between interactants, and its impact on language use. We adapt speech function analyses developed by Eggins and Slade (1997) for ordinary conversation to settings in which CLIL learners jointly construct aspects of content knowledge in one subject, history. The findings show that the negotiation and roles assigned to participants impacted on the ways the learners managed to construct history content knowledge. We argue that speech function analysis can throw light on how role relationships in spoken interaction can create or restrict affordances for the expression of content knowledge in CLIL.
LRFragLib: an effective algorithm to identify fragments for de novo protein structure prediction
Authors: Wang Tong , Yang Yuedong , Zhou Yaoqi , Gong Haipeng
Published: October 2016

Motivation

The quality of fragment library determines the efficiency of fragment assembly, an approach that is widely used in most de novo protein-structure prediction algorithms. Conventional fragment libraries are constructed mainly based on the identities of amino acids, sometimes facilitated by predicted information including dihedral angles and secondary structures. However, it remains challenging to identify near-native fragment structures with low sequence homology.

Results

We introduce a novel fragment-library-construction algorithm, LRFragLib, to improve the detection of near-native low-homology fragments of 7–10 residues, using a multi-stage, flexible selection protocol. Based on logistic regression scoring models, LRFragLib outperforms existing techniques by achieving a significantly higher precision and a comparable coverage on recent CASP protein sets in sampling near-native structures. The method also has a comparable computational efficiency to the fastest existing techniques with substantially reduced memory usage.

Availability and Implementation

The source code is available for download at http://166.111.152.91/Downloads.html

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A massive dense gas cloud close to the nucleus of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 1068
Authors: Furuya Ray S. , Taniguchi Yoshiaki
Published: October 2016

Using the ALMA archival data of both 12CO (6–5) line and 689-GHz continuum emission towards the archetypical Seyfert galaxy, NGC 1068, we identified a distinct continuum peak separated by 15 pc from the nuclear radio component S1 in projection. The continuum flux gives a gas mass of ∼2 × 105 M⊙ and bolometric luminosity of ∼108 L⊙, leading to a star formation rate of ∼0.1 M⊙ yr−1. Subsequent analysis on the line data suggest that the gas cloud has a size of ∼10 pc, yielding to a mean H2 number density of ∼105 cm−3. We therefore refer to the gas as a “massive dense gas cloud”: the gas density is high enough to form a “protostar cluster” with a stellar mass of ∼104 M⊙. We found that the gas stands at a unique position between galactic and extraglactic clouds in the diagrams of start formation rate (SFR) vs. gas mass proposed by Lada et al. (2012, ApJ, 745, 190) and surface density of gas vs. SFR density by Krumholz and McKee (2005, ApJ, 630, 250). All the gaseous and star-formation properties may be understood in terms of the turbulence-regulated star formation scenario. Since there are two stellar populations with ages of 300 Myr and 30 Myr in the 100 pc scale circumnulear region, we discuss that NGC 1068 has experienced at least three episodic star-formation events with the likelihood that the inner star-forming region is the younger. Together with several lines of evidence that the dynamics of the nuclear region is decoupled from that of the entire galactic disk, we discuss that the gas inflow towards the nuclear region of NGC 1068 may be driven by a past minor merger.
Fabrication of Waterproof, Breathable Composite Liquid Dressing and Its Application in Diabetic Skin Ulcer Repair
Authors: Xia Dong-Lin , Chen Yan-Pei , Wang Yu-Fei , Li Xiao-Dong , Bao Ning , He Hong , Gu Hai-Ying
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVES:

Diabetic patients are at increased risk of severe skin infections. Covering the wound as early as possible can prevent infection and shorten the course of treatment. In this study, the authors fabricated a waterproof and breathable composite liquid dressing (CLD) that formed a barrier to bacteria and shortened healing time of diabetic rat skin ulcers.

METHODS:

The CLD was prepared in a formulation that, on evaporation of the liquid carrier, acts as a waterproof, breathable coating on injured skin. The coating was analyzed for water resistance, moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), bacterial barrier properties, sustained-release function, and biosafety. A chemically induced rat model of diabetic foot ulcers was used to examine the wound healing effect of CLD and CLD that contained Dermlin (Yensen Biotech Co, Jiangyin, Jiangsu, China). The wound healing rate, histologic changes, and epidermal growth factor expression were also evaluated.

RESULTS:

The CLD functioned as an effective barrier against infection, was waterproof, had a suitable MVTR, and had effective biosafety. The synergistic effects of CLD and Dermlin had a rapid wound closure rate. Histologic analysis and measurement of epidermal growth factor expression through an in vivo test revealed that the possible mechanism of the CLD effects included the reduction of inflammation and promotion of cell proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Early treatment with the CLD can prevent infection. In combination with Dermlin, the CLD may promote better wound closure in diabetic skin ulcers. The authors’ study suggests a novel strategy for ulcer healing.
Pressure Ulcers in the Intensive Care Unit: An Analysis of Skin Barrier Risk Factors
Authors: He Minjuan , Tang Amao , Ge Xuedi , Zheng Jie
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to determine whether skin barrier factors were associated with the common complication of pressure ulcers (PrUs) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. It is unclear whether skin barrier factors influence the development of PrUs.

PATIENT POPULATION:

The sample was composed of 102 ICU patients (54 men, 48 women). The patients ranged in age from 23 to 88 years, with a mean age of 55.7 (SD, 19.1) years.

METHODS:

Demographic variables and the score for the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV were recorded on admission. The Braden Scale assessment and measurements of the skin barrier factors were performed daily. Standard care for the prevention of PrUs was strictly administered, and PrUs that developed were evaluated according to the recommendations of the US National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel 2007 (Note: The authors used the 2007 recommendations at the time of their study.). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

RESULTS:

The mean score for the Braden Scale was 11.2, and the incidence of PrUs was 31.4%. Lower moisture content of the stratum corneum and higher skin surface pH at the lower sacrum and hip were risk factors for PrUs, whereas scapular and heel skin barrier factors were not.

CONCLUSION:

Nursing strategies aimed at preventing PrUs should place added emphasis on the lower sacral and hip regions.
Systemic vasculitis and the lung
Authors: Talarico Rosaria , Barsotti Simone , Elefante Elena , Baldini Chiara , Tani Chiara , Mosca Marta
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to provide a critical analysis of the recent literature on this topic, with particular focus on the most relevant studies published over the last year.

Recent findings

Many studies are published every year on the diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment of pulmonary involvement in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). The main subjects covered by this article are the pathogenesis, diagnosis and clinical aspects of lung involvement in ANCA-associated vasculitis and non-ANCA-associated vasculitis.

Lung involvement is a common feature in systemic vasculitis. The lungs are one of the most frequently involved organs in systemic vasculitis. In order to provide an update on the recent advances in the pathogenesis, clinical features and novel treatments of lung involvement in systemic vasculitis, a systematic MedLine search has been performed.

Most of the data analyzed have confirmed that lung involvement seems to develop more frequently in patients with myeloperoxidase-ANCA-positive AAV, mainly in those with a diagnosis of microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), compared with patients with proteinase 3 ANCA-positive AAV. Moreover, among non-ANCA-associated vasculitis lung involvement may represent a worrying complication of the disease, mainly when associated with vascular involvement.
Buttress Plating Versus Anterior-to-Posterior Lag Screws for Fixation of the Posterior Malleolus: A Biomechanical Study
Authors: Bennett Chase , Behn Anthony , Daoud Adam , Nork Sean , Sangeorzan Bruce , Dikos Gregory , Bishop Julius
Published: October 2016

Objectives:

The preferred method of fixation for posterior malleolus fractures remains controversial, and practices vary widely among surgeons. The purpose of this study was to compare anterior-to-posterior (AP) lag screws with posterior buttress plating for fixation of posterior malleolus fractures in a human cadaveric model.

Methods:

Posterior malleolus fractures involving 30% of the distal tibial articular surface were created in 7 pairs of fresh frozen cadaveric ankles. One specimen in each pair was randomly assigned to fixation with either 2 AP lag screws or a one-third tubular buttress plate without supplemental lag screws. Each specimen was then subjected to cyclic loading from 0% to 50% of body weight for 5000 cycles followed by loading to failure. Outcome measures included permanent axial displacement during each test cycle (axial displacement at no load), peak axial displacement during each test cycle (axial displacement at 50% body weight), load at 1-mm axial displacement, ultimate load, and axial displacement at ultimate load.

Results:

The buttress plate group showed significantly less peak axial displacement at all time points during cyclic loading. Permanent axial displacement was significantly less in the buttress plate group beginning at cycle 200. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups during load-to-failure testing.

Conclusion:

Posterior malleolus fractures treated with posterior buttress plating showed significantly less displacement during cyclical loading compared with fractures fixed with AP lag screws. Surgeons should consider these findings when selecting a fixation strategy for these common fractures. Further research is warranted to investigate the clinical implications of these biomechanical findings.
Hyperfractionated Accelerated Reirradiation for Patients With Recurrent Anal Cancer Previously Treated With Definitive Chemoradiation
Authors: Osborne Eleanor M. , Eng Cathy , Skibber John M. , Rodriguez-Bigas Miguel A. , Chang George J. , Nancy You Yi-Qian , Bednarski Brian K. , Minsky Bruce D. , Delclos Marc E. , Koay Eugene , Krishnan Sunil , Crane Christopher H. , Das Prajnan
Published: October 2016

Objectives:

Although chemoradiation is the standard of care for anal cancer, limited data exist regarding pelvic reirradiation (re-RT) for recurrent disease. We investigated toxicity and outcomes in patients who received prior pelvic radiation therapy (RT), and subsequently underwent hyperfractionated accelerated re-RT to the pelvis for recurrent anal cancer.

Materials and Methods:

We reviewed records of 10 patients with recurrent anal squamous cell carcinoma who previously received pelvic RT to at least 30 Gy as a component of their chemoradiation and underwent re-RT in 1.5 Gy twice daily fractions to the pelvis, with either preoperative (N=7) or definitive (N=3) intent.

Results:

The 3-year disease-free survival and 3-year overall survival rates were 40% and 60%. Four patients recurred within the reirradiated field, with a 3-year freedom from local progression rate of 56%. Of the 7 patients treated with preoperative intent, 5 proceeded to surgery, of whom 3 are alive and disease-free at a median duration of 43 months. Of the 3 patients treated definitively with no surgery, all are alive and disease-free at a median duration of 84 months. Re-RT resulted in one grade 3 acute toxicity and no grade 3 or higher late complications.

Conclusions:

Hyperfractionated accelerated re-RT was well-tolerated in patients with previously irradiated anal cancer. Patients treated with either definitive re-RT or re-RT followed by surgical resection had excellent rates of overall survival and freedom from local progression.
Clinical and Economic Evaluation of Treatment Strategies for T1N0 Anal Canal Cancer
Authors: Deshmukh Ashish A. , Zhao Hui , Das Prajnan , Chiao Elizabeth Y. , You Yi-Qian Nancy , Franzini Luisa , Lairson David R. , Swartz Michael D. , Giordano Sharon H. , Cantor Scott B.
Published: October 2016

Objective:

A comparative assessment of treatment alternatives for T1N0 anal canal cancer has never been conducted. We compared the outcomes associated with the treatment alternatives—chemoradiotherapy (CRT), radiotherapy (RT), and surgery or ablation techniques (surgery/ablation)—for T1N0 anal canal cancer.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registries linked with Medicare longitudinal data (SEER-Medicare database). Analysis included 190 patients who were treated for T1N0 anal canal cancer using surgery/ablation (n=44), RT (n=50), or CRT (n=96). The outcomes were reported in terms of survival and hazards ratios using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards modeling, respectively; lifetime costs; and cost-effectiveness measured in terms of incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, that is, the ratio of the difference in costs between the 2 alternatives to the difference in effectiveness between the same 2 alternatives.

Results:

There was no significant difference in the survival duration between the treatment groups as predicted by the Kaplan-Meier curves. After adjusting for patient characteristics and propensity score, the hazard ratio of death for the patients who received CRT compared with surgery/ablation was 1.742 (95% confidence interval, 0.793-3.829) and RT was 2.170 (95% confidence interval, 0.923-5.101); however, the relationship did not reach statistical significance. Surgery/ablation resulted in lower lifetime cost than RT or CRT. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio associated with CRT compared with surgery/ablation was $142,883 per life year gained.

Conclusions:

There was no statistically significant difference in survival among the treatment alternatives for T1N0 anal canal cancer. Given that surgery/ablation costs less than RT or CRT and might be cost-effective compared with RT and CRT, it is crucial to explore this finding further in this era of limited health care resources.
Association of genetic variation in the tachykinin receptor 3 locus with hot flashes and night sweats in the Women's Health Initiative Study
Authors: Crandall Carolyn J. , Manson JoAnn E. , Hohensee Chancellor , Horvath Steve , Wactawski-Wende Jean , LeBlanc Erin S. , Vitolins Mara Z. , Nassir Rami , Sinsheimer Janet S.
Published: October 2016

Objective:

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS, ie, hot flashes or night sweats) are reported by many, but not all, women. The extent to which VMS are genetically determined is unknown. We evaluated the relationship of genetic variation and VMS.

Methods:

In this observational study, we accessed data from three genome-wide association studies (GWAS) (SNP Health Association Resource cohort [SHARe], WHI Memory Study cohort [WHIMS+], and Genome-Wide Association Studies of Treatment Response in Randomized Clinical Trials [GARNET] studies, total n = 17,695) of European American, African American, and Hispanic American postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years at baseline in the Women's Health Initiative Study. We examined genetic variation in relation to VMS (yes/no) in each study and using trans-ethnic inverse variance fixed-effects meta-analysis. A total of 11,078,977 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) met the quality criteria.

Results:

After adjustment for covariates and population structure, three SNPs (on chromosomes 3 and 11) were associated with VMS at the genome-wide threshold of 5 × 10−8 in the African American SHARe GWAS, but were not associated in the other cohorts. In the meta-analysis, 14 SNPs, all located on chromosome 4 in the tachykinin receptor 3 (TACR3) locus, however, had P < 5 × 10−8. These SNPs’ effect sizes were similar across studies/participants’ ancestry (odds ratio ∼1.5).

Conclusions:

Genetic variation in TACR3 may contribute to the risk of VMS. To our knowledge, this is the first GWAS to examine SNPs associated with VMS. These results support the biological hypothesis of a role for TACR3 in VMS, which was previously hypothesized from animal and human studies. Further study of these variants may lead to new insights into the biological pathways involved in VMS, which are poorly understood.
Telemedicine-based physician consultation results in more patients treated and released by ambulance personnel
Authors: Raaber Nikolaj , Bøtker Morten T. , Riddervold Ingunn S. , Christensen Erika F. , Emmertsen Niels-Christian , Grøfte Thorbjørn , Kirkegaard Hans
Published: October 2016

Objective

We examined whether teleconsultation from ambulances to a physician at an emergency medical communication center (EMCC) would increase the proportion of patients with nonurgent conditions being treated and released on site.

Methods

This research was a before–after pilot study. In the intervention period, the EMCC was manned 24/7 with physicians experienced in emergency care. Eligible participants included all patients with nonurgent conditions receiving an ambulance after a medical emergency call. Ambulance personnel assessed patients and subsequently performed a telephone consultation from the ambulance with the physician. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients treated and released on site. Secondary outcomes were the number of hospital admissions, mortality, and patient satisfaction. The intervention period was compared with a corresponding control period from the previous year.

Results

We observed an increase in the proportion of patients treated and released in the intervention period in 2014 compared with the control period in 2013, up from 21% (n=137) to 29% (n=221) (odds ratio=1.46; 95% confidence interval=1.14–1.89, P=0.002). The follow-up rate was 100%. There was no observable increase in hospital admissions or mortality among patients treated and released from 2013 to 2014. A telephone survey of patients treated and released showed that 98.4% (95% confidence interval=91.3–99.9) were very satisfied or satisfied with their treatment.

Conclusion

Teleconsultation between a physician at the EMCC and ambulance personnel and noncritically ill 1-1-2 patients results in an increased rate of patients treated and released with high satisfaction. The approach does not seem to compromise patient safety.
Can the IROMEC robot support play in children with severe physical disabilities? A pilot study
Authors: van den Heuvel Renée J.F. , Lexis Monique A.S. , de Witte Luc P.
Published: October 2016

The aim of this study was to explore the application of the IROMEC (Interactive social RObotic Mediators as Companions) robot to support play for children with severe physical disabilities in rehabilitation and special education. Within a 2-month pilot study, physically disabled children with a developmental age between 2 and 8 years participated in sessions with the robot. A combination of qualitative and quantitative outcome measures was used to collect data on aspects of feasibility, usability, barriers for the child as well as the therapist and an indication of the effects on playfulness and the achievement of therapeutic and educational goals. A total of 11 children participated in this study (four boys, seven girls). Individually Prioritized Problem Assessment scores indicated a positive effect of the IROMEC robot on the achievement of goals for the children. Professionals did observe meaningful application possibilities, but the lacking adaptability, expandability and technical stability of the robot platform make application in daily care practice impossible. The application of a robot like IROMEC for children with severe physical disabilities seems to be positive and worthwhile, but usability and feasibility aspects are crucial for success.
An Evidence-Based Educational Intervention to Improve Personal Emergency Preparedness of Nursing Students
Authors: Chilton Jenifer M. , Alfred Danita
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 2 educational intervention modalities (face-to-face or online) aimed at improving nursing students’ personal emergency preparedness. Personal emergency preparedness means an individual has a Grab-and-Go kit, has developed a plan for self and family, and remains informed about potential disasters. Outcomes indicated that face-to-face instruction for BSN nursing students and online instruction for RNs were effective at increasing knowledge and increasing personal emergency preparedness.
Paraneoplastic Optic Neuropathy Associated With Purkinje Cell Antibody-2 in a Patient With Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Micieli Jonathan A. , Margolin Edward A.
Published: October 2016

Paraneoplastic optic neuropathy (PON) is a rare cause of vision loss usually associated with small cell lung cancer. Patients with this condition usually test positive for anti–collapsin response mediating protein-5 (CRMP-5). We describe a case of a 57-year-old woman with bilateral vision loss with the characteristic features of CRMP-5 PON including bilateral optic disc edema and vitreous cells. However, she was negative for anti-CRMP-5 including a negative Western blot on two occasions, but positive for Purkinje Cell Antibody (PCA)-2. Although paraneoplastic antibodies are more predictive of an underlying cancer than a specific syndrome, previously PON has not been associated with PCA-2. Based on this observation, we recommend that the workup should include PCA-2 antibodies in patients who present with bilateral optic neuropathy and vitreous cells.
Impact of hydrothermalism on the ocean iron cycle
Authors: Tagliabue Alessandro , Resing Joseph
Published: October 2016

As the iron supplied from hydrothermalism is ultimately ventilated in the iron-limited Southern Ocean, it plays an important role in the ocean biological carbon pump. We deploy a set of focused sensitivity experiments with a state of the art global model of the ocean to examine the processes that regulate the lifetime of hydrothermal iron and the role of different ridge systems in governing the hydrothermal impact on the Southern Ocean biological carbon pump. Using GEOTRACES section data, we find that stabilization of hydrothermal iron is important in some, but not all regions. The impact on the Southern Ocean biological carbon pump is dominated by poorly explored southern ridge systems, highlighting the need for future exploration in this region. We find inter-basin differences in the isopycnal layer onto which hydrothermal Fe is supplied between the Atlantic and Pacific basins, which when combined with the inter-basin contrasts in oxidation kinetics suggests a muted influence of Atlantic ridges on the Southern Ocean biological carbon pump. Ultimately, we present a range of processes, operating at distinct scales, that must be better constrained to improve our understanding of how hydrothermalism affects the ocean cycling of iron and carbon.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Biological and climatic impacts of ocean trace element chemistry’.
Neodymium in the oceans: a global database, a regional comparison and implications for palaeoceanographic research
Authors: van de Flierdt Tina , Griffiths Alexander M. , Lambelet Myriam , Little Susan H. , Stichel Torben , Wilson David J.
Published: October 2016

The neodymium (Nd) isotopic composition of seawater has been used extensively to reconstruct ocean circulation on a variety of time scales. However, dissolved neodymium concentrations and isotopes do not always behave conservatively, and quantitative deconvolution of this non-conservative component can be used to detect trace metal inputs and isotopic exchange at ocean–sediment interfaces. In order to facilitate such comparisons for historical datasets, we here provide an extended global database for Nd isotopes and concentrations in the context of hydrography and nutrients. Since 2010, combined datasets for a large range of trace elements and isotopes are collected on international GEOTRACES section cruises, alongside classical nutrient and hydrography measurements. Here, we take a first step towards exploiting these datasets by comparing high-resolution Nd sections for the western and eastern North Atlantic in the context of hydrography, nutrients and aluminium (Al) concentrations. Evaluating those data in tracer–tracer space reveals that North Atlantic seawater Nd isotopes and concentrations generally follow the patterns of advection, as do Al concentrations. Deviations from water mass mixing are observed locally, associated with the addition or removal of trace metals in benthic nepheloid layers, exchange with ocean margins (i.e. boundary exchange) and/or exchange with particulate phases (i.e. reversible scavenging). We emphasize that the complexity of some of the new datasets cautions against a quantitative interpretation of individual palaeo Nd isotope records, and indicates the importance of spatial reconstructions for a more balanced approach to deciphering past ocean changes.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Biological and climatic impacts of ocean trace element chemistry’.
Hydrothermal impacts on trace element and isotope ocean biogeochemistry
Authors: German C. R. , Casciotti K. A. , Dutay J.-C. , Heimbürger L. E. , Jenkins W. J. , Measures C. I. , Mills R. A. , Obata H. , Schlitzer R. , Tagliabue A. , Turner D. R. , Whitby H.
Published: October 2016

Hydrothermal activity occurs in all ocean basins, releasing high concentrations of key trace elements and isotopes (TEIs) into the oceans. Importantly, the calculated rate of entrainment of the entire ocean volume through turbulently mixing buoyant hydrothermal plumes is so vigorous as to be comparable to that of deep-ocean thermohaline circulation. Consequently, biogeochemical processes active within deep-ocean hydrothermal plumes have long been known to have the
potential
to impact global-scale biogeochemical cycles. More recently, new results from GEOTRACES have revealed that plumes rich in dissolved Fe, an important micronutrient that is limiting to productivity in some areas, are widespread above mid-ocean ridges and extend out into the deep-ocean interior. While Fe is only one element among the full suite of TEIs of interest to GEOTRACES, these preliminary results are important because they illustrate how inputs from seafloor venting might impact the global biogeochemical budgets of many other TEIs. To determine the global impact of seafloor venting, however, requires two key questions to be addressed: (i) What processes are active close to vent sites that regulate the initial high-temperature hydrothermal fluxes for the full suite of TEIs that are dispersed through non-buoyant hydrothermal plumes? (ii) How do those processes vary, globally, in response to changing geologic settings at the seafloor and/or the geochemistry of the overlying ocean water? In this paper, we review key findings from recent work in this realm, highlight a series of key hypotheses arising from that research and propose a series of new GEOTRACES modelling, section and process studies that could be implemented, nationally and internationally, to address these issues.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Biological and climatic impacts of ocean trace element chemistry’.