bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kutane Lymphome – ein vielgestaltiges Krankheitsbild
Authors: Röding K. , Schrüfer P. , Grän F. , Olk J. , Ueberschaar S. , Behle V. , Kneitz H. , Goebeler M. , Wobser M.
Published: February 2019

Kutane Lymphome präsentieren sich klinisch und histologisch oftmals ungewöhnlich und stellen nicht selten eine diagnostische Herausforderung für den Dermatologen dar. In dieser Arbeit werden die vielgestaltigen Präsentationsformen der Mycosis fungoides und anderer kutaner Lymphome anhand von Fallbeispielen aus der Würzburger Spezialsprechstunde für kutane Lymphome vorgestellt und ein Überblick über die Verwechslungsmöglichkeiten mit anderen Dermatosen gegeben.
Eosinophilic esophagitis and achalasia – just a coincidence?
Authors: Frieling Thomas , Heise Jürgen , Kreysel Christian , Blank Michael , Hemmerlein Bernhard , Beccu Lothar , Kuhlbusch-Zicklam Rita
Published: February 2019

Background Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is detected frequently in dysphagia and noncardiac chest pain. Management of patients with EoE may be complicated because EoE is associated frequently with esophageal motility disorders. We present the rare case of esophageal achalasia (EA) associated with eosinophilic infiltration and a literature review.

Material and methods A patient with dysphagia and eosinophilic infiltration referred to our clinic underwent standardized diagnostic work-up including symptom questionnaire, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with esophageal biopsies, barium swallow, high-resolution esophageal manometry, and combined intraluminal 24-hour pH-impedance testing (pH/MII).

Results The patient had an Eckardt score of 8. EGD and mucosal biopsies showed typical EoE with > 15 eosinophil leucocytes per high-power field. Barium swallow revealed typical sign of achalasia. HREM indicated EA type 2 according to the Chicago classification. PH/MII was normal. Oral and systemic corticoid therapy were without effect. After successful treatment by pneumatic dilation of the cardia, symptoms relieved and eosinophilic infiltration returned to normal.

Conclusion The results suggest that the patient had primary EA associated with eosinophilic infiltration and that the combined occurrence of these rare diseases is not just a coincidence.
Cognitive attraction and online misinformation
Authors: Acerbi Alberto
Published: February 2019

The spread of online misinformation has gained mainstream attention in recent years. This paper approaches this phenomenon from a cultural evolution and cognitive anthropology perspective, focusing on the idea that some cultural traits can be successful because their content taps into general cognitive preferences. This research involves 260 articles from media outlets included in two authoritative lists of websites known for publishing hoaxes and ‘fake news’, tracking the presence of negative content, threat-related information, presence of sexually related material, elements associated to disgust, minimally counterintuitive elements (and a particular category of them, i.e., violations of essentialist beliefs), and social information, intended as presence of salient social interactions (e.g., gossip, cheating, formation of alliances), and as news about celebrities. The analysis shows that these features are, to a different degree, present in most texts, and thus that general cognitive inclinations may contribute to explain the success of online misinformation. This account can elucidate questions such as whether and why misinformation online is thriving more than accurate information, or the role of ‘fake news’ as a weapon of political propaganda. Online misinformation, while being an umbrella term covering many different phenomena, can be characterised, in this perspective, not as low-quality information that spreads because of the inefficiency of online communication, but as high-quality information that spreads because of its efficiency. The difference is that ‘quality’ is not equated to truthfulness but to psychological appeal.
Hollow cathode effect modified time-dependent global model and high-power impulse magnetron sputtering discharge and transport in cylindrical cathode
Authors: Cui Suihan , Wu Zhongzhen , Lin Hai , Xiao Shu , Zheng Bocong , Liu Liangliang , An Xiaokai , Fu Ricky K. Y. , Tian Xiubo , Tan Wenchang , Chu Paul K.
Published: February 2019

High-power impulse magnetron sputtering boasts high ionization, large coating density, and good film adhesion but suffers from drawbacks such as low deposition rates, unstable discharge, and different ionization rates for different materials. Herein, a cylindrical cathode in which the special cathode shape introduces the hollow cathode effect to enhance the discharge is described. To study the discharge performance of the cylindrical cathode, a hollow cathode effect modified time-dependent global model is established to fit the discharge current pulses. The simulation results indicate that the cylindrical cathode has relatively large Hall parameters of 24 (700 V) to 26 (1000 V). Compared to the planar cathode, the cylindrical cathode has a larger plasma density as a result of the hollow cathode effect. In addition, the ionization rate and ion return probability increase by about 3.0% and 4.3%, respectively. Particle transport derived from the plasma diffusion model shows that the magnetic field enables further diffusion of ions than atoms, resulting in nearly pure ion deposition on the substrate. The deposition rate and ion current measured experimentally support the simulation model and results, and this model provides a universal platform to simulate plasma systems with similar structures.
Transition from electron accumulation to depletion at β-Ga2O3 surfaces: The role of hydrogen and the charge neutrality level
Authors: Swallow J. E. N. , Varley J. B. , Jones L. A. H. , Gibbon J. T. , Piper L. F. J. , Dhanak V. R. , Veal T. D.
Published: February 2019

The surface electronic properties of bulk-grown β-Ga2O3 (2¯01) single crystals are investigated. The band gap is found using optical transmission to be 4.68 eV. High-resolution x-ray photoemission coupled with hybrid density functional theory calculation of the valence band density of states provides insights into the surface band bending. Importantly, the standard linear extrapolation method for determining the surface valence band maximum (VBM) binding energy is found to underestimate the separation from the Fermi level by ∼0.5 eV. According to our interpretation, most reports of surface electron depletion and upward band bending based on photoemission spectroscopy actually provide evidence of surface electron accumulation. For uncleaned surfaces, the surface VBM to Fermi level separation is found to be 4.95 ± 0.10 eV, corresponding to downward band bending of ∼0.24 eV and an electron accumulation layer with a sheet density of ∼5 × 1012 cm−2. Uncleaned surfaces possess hydrogen termination which acts as surface donors, creating electron accumulation and downward band bending at the surface. In situ cleaning by thermal annealing removes H from the surface, resulting in a ∼0.5 eV shift of the surface VBM and formation of a surface electron depletion layer with upward band bending of ∼0.26 eV due to native acceptor surface states. These results are discussed in the context of the charge neutrality level, calculated bulk interstitial hydrogen transition levels, and related previous experimental findings.
Tunable specific-loss power of magnetic nano-spheres in vortex state for high-efficiency hyperthermia bio-applications: A theoretical and simulation study
Authors: Kim Min-Kwan , Sim Jaegun , Lee Jae-Hyeok , Kim Sang-Koog
Published: February 2019

We explored the reliable control of high-efficiency specific-loss power (SLP) using magnetic nanoparticles in the vortex state, where the value of power is one order of magnitude higher than those of the conventional mechanisms of SLP reported thus far. The underlying mechanism is based on the precession of a single vortex core and subsequent dissipation due to the intrinsic damping when the vortex-state spheres are resonantly excited. Owing to the dynamic characteristics of vortex-state nanoparticles, the resonant excitation of vortex-core precession is variable with particle size as well as tunable by the size-specific resonant frequency and strength of ac magnetic fields applied to the particles. The ac magnetic-field energy absorbed by the particles can be converted very efficiently to other energy forms such as heat. We derived, semi-analytically and by micromagnetic simulations, the quantitative relationships of the SLP quantity with the particle size and intrinsic damping constant of nanoparticles, and with externally controllable parameters including the frequency and strength of ac magnetic fields and dc magnetic-field strength. This work provides a reliable means of control as well as an optimal design of high-value SLPs for high-efficiency hyperthermia bio-applications.
Simulations on the electron dynamics in excitation of whistler mode waves with Dipole Research EXperiment (DREX) parameters
Authors: Huang Hua , Wang Zhibin , Tao Xin , Wang Xiaogang
Published: February 2019

Chorus waves are widely investigated in space physics due to their significant role played in the radiation belts. Multiple structures of chorus frequency chirping elements, such as rising-tone structure, falling-tone structure, and hook-like structure, are observed in both space plasmas and the ground simulation experiments. In this paper, the numerical simulation on the generation of descending elements of chorus waves with parameters of a launching device, Dipole Research EXperiment, is conducted by a hybrid code named DAWN. The descending element of chorus waves is self-consistently generated without additional requirements except for a hot electron component as the free energy source. A case of ascending element under the magnetosphere parameters is also carried out to verify our simulations. Phase space distributions of electrons for the two chirping structures are analyzed, and the simulation results are consistent with previous theoretical predictions. It is obtained from the simulation results that the ascending element of chorus is observed together with an electron phase space hole (a depleted distribution function), while the descending elemet is observed together with an electron phase space clump.
Temperature variation of the isothermal bulk modulus in solids: Thermo-elastic instability and melting
Authors: Digilov Rafael M. , Abramovich Haim
Published: February 2019

A new expression for the temperature dependence of the isothermal bulk modulus BT of solids is represented in terms of the Lambert function. The derived equation predicts a non-linear decrease in the bulk modulus over the entire temperature range of the solid phase, from a value of B0 at absolute zero to the nonzero value of B0e−1 at the melting point. The quasi-harmonic Debye-Gruneisen model is used to show that upon heating, the solid loses its elasticity and melts, when the thermal pressure exceeds a critical value B0(eδT)−1, with δT being the Anderson-Gruneisen parameter. The thermo-elastic instability criterion of melting and the Lindemann melting law are re-examined. The unspecified Lindemann scale factor is interpreted in terms of the Anderson and Anderson-Grüneisen parameters and the Poisson ratio.
A cost-effective nanoparticle-gap-film SERS sensor using graphene nanospacer by one-step transfer-free mechanical milling
Authors: Zhang Di , Taieb Aya , Alami Abdul Hai , Aokal Kamilia , Alawadhi Hussain , Abed Jehad , Bichara Lougouman
Published: February 2019

To develop operative surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensors, nanostructures with high signal enhancement and ease of production are highly desired. The SERS-active nanoparticle-gap-film (NGF) sandwich substrate using graphene as the gap nanospacer is of particular interest due to its strong local field enhancement associated with the atomically thin graphene gap. However, the complexity in fabricating such nanostructures, especially the often involved high-temperature and vacuum processes, ultimately hampers practical applications. Here, a simple and low-cost SERS-active NGF sensor is demonstrated in which a graphene-based nanospacer was prepared by a one-step transfer-free mechanical milling process under amiable conditions. Notably, the milling process can readily produce and deposit the graphene nanospacer in a single fabrication step onto the desired metal substrates. To further enhance SERS performance, shape-anisotropic triangular silver nanoprisms were introduced into the NGF system, which offered enhanced Raman gain compared to spherical silver nanoparticles. Using Rhodamine 6G as the probe, the NGF SERS sensors exhibited a high sensitivity with a low detection limit of 5 × 10−9M with an enhancement factor of 2.7 × 105. This study opens up a new route for the facile production of cost-effective graphene-based NGF substrates for various SERS sensing applications.
A PUF taxonomy
Authors: McGrath Thomas , Bagci Ibrahim E. , Wang Zhiming M. , Roedig Utz , Young Robert J.
Published: February 2019

Authentication is an essential cryptographic primitive that confirms the identity of parties during communications. For security, it is important that these identities are complex, in order to make them difficult to clone or guess. In recent years, physically unclonable functions (PUFs) have emerged, in which identities are embodied in structures, rather than stored in memory elements. PUFs provide “digital fingerprints,” where information is usually read from the static entropy of a system, rather than having an identity artificially programmed in, preventing a malicious party from making a copy for nefarious use later on. Many concepts for the physical source of the uniqueness of these PUFs have been developed for multiple different applications. While certain types of PUF have received a great deal of attention, other promising suggestions may be overlooked. To remedy this, we present a review that seeks to exhaustively catalogue and provide a complete organisational scheme towards the suggested concepts for PUFs. Furthermore, by carefully considering the physical mechanisms underpinning the operation of different PUFs, we are able to form relationships between PUF technologies that previously had not been linked and look toward novel forms of PUF using physical principles that have yet to be exploited.
Raman scattering of InAsSb
Authors: Grodecki K. , Murawski K. , Michalczewski K. , Budner B. , Martyniuk P.
Published: February 2019

The InAs1–xSbx ternary alloy band gap nonlinearly depends on the composition, which gives the opportunity to use this material in devices operating in a wide range of infrared radiation. We present experimental results for InAs1–xSbx samples for Sb composition from 0.1 to 0.8. Raman spectrum of InAs and InSb in the range of 20 - 250 cm-1 exhibits two main peaks: LO peak and 2TA peak. On the other hand in the same range for InAsSb in Raman spectra two additional peaks (round 44 cm-1 and round 130 cm-1) appear, while they are not existing neither in pure InAs nor in InSb. Energies of 44 cm-1 and 130 cm-1 are close to phonon energy for momentum equals K and L for InAs. This type of peaks are usually called DALA and DATA and it is commonly accepted that they come from disorder in crystal field. We propose other explanation-existence of zone folding in phonon dispersion curves as a result of CuPt unit cell of InAsSb being twice larger than typical ZB unit cell.
Fissile material detection using neutron time-correlations from photofission
Authors: Soltz R. A. , Danagoulian A. , Hartouni E. P. , Johnson M. S. , Sheets S. A. , Glenn A. , Korbly S. E. , Ledoux R. J.
Published: February 2019

The detection of special nuclear materials (SNM) in commercial cargoes is a major objective in the field of nuclear security. In this work we investigate the use of two-neutron time-correlations from photo-fission using the Prompt Neutrons from Photofission (PNPF) detectors in Passport Systems Inc.’s (PSI) Shielded Nuclear Alarm Resolution (SNAR) platform for the purpose of detecting ∼5 kg quantities of fissionable materials in seconds. The goal of this effort was to extend the secondary scan mode of this system to differentiate fissile materials, such as highly enriched uranium, from fissionable materials, such as low enriched and depleted uranium (LEU and DU). Experiments were performed using a variety of material samples, and data were analyzed using the variance-over-mean technique referred to as Y2F or Feynman-α. Results were compared to computational models to improve our ability to predict system performance for distinguishing fissile materials. Simulations were then combined with empirical formulas to generate receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves for a variety of shielding scenarios. We show that a 10 second screening with a 200 μA 9 MeV X-ray beam is sufficient to differentiate kilogram quantities of HEU from DU in various shielding scenarios in a standard cargo container.
Large terahertz magnetization response in ferromagnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Ishii Tomoaki , Yamakawa Hiromichi , Kanaki Toshiki , Miyamoto Tatsuya , Kida Noriaki , Okamoto Hiroshi , Tanaka Masaaki , Ohya Shinobu
Published: February 2019

Ultra-fast coherent magnetization reversal, which is indispensable for high-speed spintronic devices, is expected to be realized by irradiation with a nearly monocyclic terahertz pulse. In this letter, using MnAs ferromagnetic nanoparticles embedded in a GaAs host matrix, we observe a large modulation up to 20% of the magnetization of these nanoparticles with terahertz pump pulse irradiation. This modulation ratio is the largest value ever reported for terahertz magnetization modulation. We reveal that the modulation is induced by the electric-field component of the terahertz pulse via spin-carrier interactions. Ferromagnetic nanoparticle systems are promising, and material designing is the key for ultrafast magnetization reversal using terahertz pulses.
Influence of different nanoparticles embedded in crystalline carbon monoxide matrix on heat transfer in the nanocomposite
Authors: Nikonkov R. V. , Stachowiak P. , Jeżowski A.
Published: February 2019

The preliminary results of investigations of heat transfer in nanocomposites consisting of nanoparticles randomly distributed in solid carbon monoxide matrix are presented. In the experiment the thermal conductivity coefficient dependence on temperature for CO crystal with silica and palladium nanoparticles of different size embedded in the crystal structure was determined over the temperature range 2.2–35 K by steady-state heat flow method. The results of the measurements were analyzed within the frame of relaxation time approximation. The analysis shows that lowering of the thermal conductivity of the nanocomposites relative to pure carbon monoxide crystal observed for both types of the investigated nanoparticles, palladium and silica, is caused mostly by scattering of phonons by boundaries of the nanoparticles. Additionally, the presence of the nanoinclusions promotes higher density of dislocations and influences the matrix lattice dynamics.
Dense quantum hydrogen
Authors: Nellis W. J.
Published: February 2019

Ultracondensed fluid metallic hydrogen has been made at high pressures. Solid metallic H would have several scientific and technological applications if metallic fluid hydrogen made at high pressures could be quenched metastably to a solid at ambient. The quantum nature of dense hydrogen is an issue both at high pressures and in materials recovered metastably on release of pressure. Quantum zero point vibrations of H might have a significant affect on properties of metallic H at high pressures and might adversely affect lifetimes of metastable solid hydrogen, which is particularly relevant for applications. Metallic (degenerate) fluid H has been made at finite temperatures with a reverberating shock wave under dynamic compressions and under static compressions in laser-heated diamond-anvil cells. The pressure-temperature (P–T) regime in those experiments ranged up to 180 GPa and 3000 K, in which metallic fluid H is a quantum-degenerate fluid with T/TF << 1, where TF is Fermi temperature. The lifetime of an experiment under static compression near 500 GPa at 5.5 K ranged up to weeks, sufficiently long to warrant concern about quantum diffusion having a major affect on the chemical composition of that metallic sample.
Modelling the effects of stover harvest on soil organic carbon in the Pampas of Argentina
Authors: Alvarez Roberto , De Paepe Josefina L.
Published: February 2019

Our objective was to estimate the impact of harvesting stover from agricultural crops to generate biofuels or electricity on the soil organic carbon levels of the Pampean Region in Argentina. For this purpose, a carbon balance methodology based on artificial neural networks was used. Contrasting soil carbon scenarios for different subregions were constructed using a current map of organic carbon and statistical data for crop rotations. Average yields were also estimated using this information. The neural network methodology allowed calculating the annual carbon balance as the difference between estimating the contribution of carbon in crop residues (stover+roots) to the soil and losses as heterotrophic respiration. The model was run for each level of residue input until the soil carbon attained a steady-state. Current rotations were modelled, with predominance of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) and alternatives that included a greater proportion of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.). Only the stover of these latter two crops was considered to be partially harvested (30% and 60%). The input of carbon to soil was highly dependent on rotation, increasing as the proportion of wheat and corn in the rotation and the level of yield increased. In contrast, stover harvest had little impact on the carbon input due to the low proportion of both crops in the predominant current rotation. By increasing the proportion of cereal crops or the technological level and yield, it was possible to compensate for the effect of stover harvest on soil carbon. The carbon input from residue needed to maintain soil carbon ranged within 2.0–6.0 t C ha–1 year–1 depending on the initial soil carbon level. Retention efficiency of residue carbon was ~30% across different management scenarios. It is not recommended to harvest more than 30% of the stover in order to maintain the level of carbon in the soil organic matter of many Pampean soils.
M-Ras/Shoc2 signaling modulates E-cadherin turnover and cell–cell adhesion during collective cell migration
Authors: Kota Pradeep , Terrell Elizabeth M. , Ritt Daniel A. , Insinna Christine , Westlake Christopher J. , Morrison Deborah K.
Published: February 2019

Significance

Noonan syndrome belongs to a group of related developmental disorders termed the RASopathies, and both the M-Ras GTPase and its effector Shoc2 are signaling proteins mutated in specific subtypes of this disorder. Previously, the M-Ras/Shoc2 complex has been shown to act as a positive regulator of growth factor-mediated ERK cascade activation, and, here, we demonstrate a function for M-Ras/Shoc2/ERK cascade signaling in the dynamic control of cell–cell adhesion that is required for collective cell migration. Given the essential role of collective cell migration in human embryogenesis and organ development, our elucidation of M-Ras/Shoc2 function in this highly regulated process may provide insight regarding the cellular basis of defects associated with Noonan syndrome and other RASopathies.
Dopamine neuron-derived IGF-1 controls dopamine neuron firing, skill learning, and exploration
Authors: Pristerà Alessandro , Blomeley Craig , Lopes Emanuel , Threlfell Sarah , Merlini Elisa , Burdakov Denis , Cragg Stephanie , Guillemot François , Ang Siew-Lan
Published: February 2019

Significance

Midbrain dopamine neurons play a role in motivational and cognitive control of behavior. In addition, they regulate motor functions. Dysregulation of dopamine neurons has been linked to depression, schizophrenia, and addiction and their degeneration is causal to Parkinson’s disease. Peripheral hormones have been shown to regulate dopamine neurons functions. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a hormone mainly produced in the liver. With this study we discovered that midbrain dopamine neurons synthesize and release IGF-1 in an activity dependent manner. In addition, dopamine neuron-derived IGF-1 modulates dopamine synthesis and dopamine neuron firing and ultimately it controls dopamine-dependent behaviors. This study highlights the neuromodulatory role of neuron-derived IGF-1 and its role in shaping dopamine transmission in the brain.
Imbalanced nucleocytoskeletal connections create common polarity defects in progeria and physiological aging
Authors: Chang Wakam , Wang Yuexia , Luxton G. W. Gant , Östlund Cecilia , Worman Howard J. , Gundersen Gregg G.
Published: February 2019

Significance

The rare, premature aging syndrome Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) arises from expression of a pathological prelamin A variant, termed “progerin.” Studies of progerin may identify treatments for HGPS and reveal novel cellular and molecular characteristics of normal aging. Here, we show that progerin selectively affects mobilities of three nuclear membrane proteins—SUN2, nesprin-2G, and emerin—that position the nucleus and establish cell polarity essential for migration. We find that both processes are defective in fibroblasts from children with HGPS and aged (>60 y) individuals. The mechanism underlying these defects is excessive interaction of the nucleus with microtubules. Our work identifies nuclear-based defects in cell polarization as intrinsic factors in premature and physiological aging and suggests a means for correcting them.
Ligand biological activity predicted by cleaning positive and negative chemical correlations
Authors: Lee Alpha A. , Yang Qingyi , Bassyouni Asser , Butler Christopher R. , Hou Xinjun , Jenkinson Stephen , Price David A.
Published: February 2019

Significance

Predicting ligand biological activity is a key challenge in drug discovery. Although there is an increasing amount of activity data, a data-driven approach needs to overcome the challenge that the number of molecules known to be active or inactive is vastly less than the number of possible chemical features that might determine binding. We develop a framework using random matrix theory that discovers important chemical features by disentangling undersampling noise. This method is used to prospectively discover four experimentally confirmed agonists of the human muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1, a target for diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. Crucially, our method is interpretable and yields prospectively validated chemical insights on the binding modes of the M1 receptor.
In utero ultrafine particulate matter exposure causes offspring pulmonary immunosuppression
Authors: Rychlik Kristal A. , Secrest Jeremiah R. , Lau Carmen , Pulczinski Jairus , Zamora Misti L. , Leal Jeann , Langley Rebecca , Myatt Louise G. , Raju Muppala , Chang Richard C.-A. , Li Yixin , Golding Michael C. , Rodrigues-Hoffmann Aline , Molina Mario J. , Zhang Renyi , Johnson Natalie M.
Published: February 2019

Significance

Particulate matter exposure causes infant respiratory morbidity and mortality, but the role of ultrafine particles (UFPs) with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 0.1 μm in asthma and respiratory tract infections is unclear. Limited mechanistic information is available concerning UFP influence on the etiology of childhood asthma or susceptibility to respiratory infections. Here we exposed two strains of mice (sensitive to oxidative stress or allergen exposure) to UFPs throughout gestation at concentrations relevant to human exposures. Our results reveal a window of pulmonary immunosuppression in offspring following in utero UFP exposure. A dampened host immune response during early development underlies increased childhood susceptibility to respiratory infections, highlighting the necessity to develop strategies to protect the fetus during this vulnerable period.
Signaling pathway of globo-series glycosphingolipids and β1,3-galactosyltransferase V (β3GalT5) in breast cancer
Authors: Chuang Po-Kai , Hsiao Michael , Hsu Tsui-Ling , Chang Chuan-Fa , Wu Chung-Yi , Chen Bo-Rui , Huang Han-Wen , Liao Kuo-Shiang , Chen Chen-Chun , Chen Chi-Long , Yang Shun-Min , Kuo Chiung Wen , Chen Peilin , Chiu Ping-Tzu , Chen I-Ju , Lai Jiann-Shiun , Yu Cheng-Der Tony , Wong Chi-Huey
Published: February 2019

Significance

Despite great advances in therapy for breast cancer, more than half of patients still face tumor recurrence and drug resistance. Therefore, a better understanding of tumor progression and drug resistance is needed for developing next-generation therapies. Here, we report the role of galactosyltransferase β3GalT5, a key enzyme responsible for the biosynthesis of SSEA3 which is then converted to SSEA4 and Globo-H. We demonstrated that knockdown of β3GalT5 would destruct the complex formation of SSEA3/SSEA4/Globo-H with FAK/CAV1/AKT/RIP and cause the dissociation of RIP from the complex to interact with FADD, thus triggering cancer cell apoptosis and suppressing metastasis. These findings provide a strategy of therapeutics for breast cancer as demonstrated by the combination use of antibodies against Globo-H and SSEA4.
The neonatal Fc receptor is a pan-echovirus receptor
Authors: Morosky Stefanie , Wells Alexandra I. , Lemon Kathryn , Evans Azia S. , Schamus Sandra , Bakkenist Christopher J. , Coyne Carolyn B.
Published: February 2019

Significance

Echoviruses are associated with aseptic meningitis and induce severe and sometimes fatal disease in neonates and young infants. Here, we identify the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) as a pan-echovirus receptor. FcRn is expressed on the surface of the human placenta, and throughout life on intestinal enterocytes, liver hepatocytes, and in the microvascular endothelial cells that line the blood–brain barrier. This pattern of expression is consistent with the organ sites targeted by echoviruses in humans, as the primary entry site of infection is the intestinal and secondary sites of infection include the liver and brain. These findings provide important insights into echovirus pathogenesis and may explain the enhanced susceptibility of neonates to echovirus-induced disease.
Chlorophyll–carotenoid excitation energy transfer and charge transfer in
Nannochloropsis oceanica
for the regulation of photosynthesis
Authors: Park Soomin , Steen Collin J. , Lyska Dagmar , Fischer Alexandra L. , Endelman Benjamin , Iwai Masakazu , Niyogi Krishna K. , Fleming Graham R.
Published: February 2019

Significance

Manipulating the nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) capabilities of photosynthetic organisms is known to result in increased crop productivity. However, optimization of yields also requires a detailed molecular understanding of the mechanism of NPQ in vivo with specific attention to the roles of the carotenoid zeaxanthin and various ∆pH-sensing proteins, such as photosystem II subunit S and stress-related antenna proteins (e.g., LHCX). Here, to investigate such in vivo NPQ mechanisms, we report transient absorption spectroscopy measurements on live cells of
Nannochloropsis oceanica
. We show that two fundamental processes proposed as NPQ mechanisms are active in
N. oceanica
and specifically require violaxanthin de-epoxidase as well as the LHCX1 protein. These findings have implications for optimizing the yields of algal biofuels.
Interferon-induced guanylate-binding proteins: Guardians of host defense in health and disease
Authors: Tretina Kyle , Park Eui-Soon , Maminska Agnieszka , MacMicking John D.
Published: February 2019

Guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) have recently emerged as central orchestrators of immunity to infection, inflammation, and neoplastic diseases. Within numerous host cell types, these IFN-induced GTPases assemble into large nanomachines that execute distinct host defense activities against a wide variety of microbial pathogens. In addition, GBPs customize inflammasome responses to bacterial infection and sepsis, where they act as critical rheostats to amplify innate immunity and regulate tissue damage. Similar functions are becoming evident for metabolic inflammatory syndromes and cancer, further underscoring the importance of GBPs within infectious as well as altered homeostatic settings. A better understanding of the basic biology of these IFN-induced GTPases could thus benefit clinical approaches to a wide spectrum of important human diseases.
Error estimates for Arnoldi–Tikhonov regularization for ill-posed operator equations
Authors: Ramlau Ronny , Reichel Lothar
Published: February 2019

Most of the literature on the solution of linear ill-posed operator equations, or their discretization, focuses only on the infinite-dimensional setting or only on the solution of the algebraic linear system of equations obtained by discretization. This paper discusses the influence of the discretization error on the computed solution. We consider the situation when the discretization used yields an algebraic linear system of equations with a large matrix. An approximate solution of this system is computed by first determining a reduced system of fairly small size by carrying out a few steps of the Arnoldi process. Tikhonov regularization is applied to the reduced problem and the regularization parameter is determined by the discrepancy principle. Errors incurred in each step of the solution process are discussed. Computed examples illustrate the error bounds derived.
Outbreak of Foodborne Botulism Associated With Prepackaged Pouches of Liquid Herbal Tea
Authors: Kim Moon , Zahn Matt , Reporter Roshan , Askar Ziad , Green Nicole , Needham Michael , Rosen Hilary , Kimura Akiko , Terashita Dawn
Published: February 2019

Background

In 2017, local public health authorities in California received reports of 2 elderly patients with suspected botulism who knew each other socially. A multijurisdictional investigation was conducted to determine the source.

Methods

Investigators reviewed medical records, interviewed family to establish food and drink histories, and inspected a facility that produced liquid herbal tea. Clinical specimens and product were tested for botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT).

Results

A total of 2 confirmed botulism cases were identified with BoNT type A; both were hospitalized, 1 died. Botulism was not suspected until several days after hospital admission. Case-patients ingested single-serving prepackaged liquid herbal tea. Inspection of the tea production facility identified conditions conducive to product contamination with C botulinum and toxin production. Samples of tea tested negative for botulinum toxin. Local and state public health authorities issued alerts and the facility recalled the liquid herbal tea.

Conclusions

Liquid herbal tea prepackaged in sealed pouches was the likely source of this type A botulism outbreak because the 2 cases were linked socially and shared no other foods. This type of product has not previously been described in the foodborne botulism literature. In the absence of known risk factors for botulism at the time of presentation, suspicion based on clinically compatible findings is critical so that and treatment with botulinum antitoxin is not delayed. A coordinated response by public health authorities is necessary in identifying a potential food source, inspecting facilities producing the product, alerting medical providers and the public, and preventing further illness.
Racial Disparities in Virologic Failure and Tolerability During Firstline HIV Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Bhagwat Priya , Kapadia Shashi N , Ribaudo Heather J , Gulick Roy M , Currier Judith S
Published: February 2019

Background

Racial/ethnic disparities in HIV outcomes have persisted despite effective antiretroviral therapy. In a study of initial regimens, we found viral suppression varied by race/ethnicity. In this exploratory analysis, we use clinical and socioeconomic data to assess factors associated with virologic failure and adverse events within racial/ethnic groups.

Methods

Data were from AIDS Clinical Trial Group A5257, a randomized trial of initial regimens with either atazanavir/ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir, or raltegravir (each combined with tenofovir DF and emtricitabine). We grouped participants by race/ethnicity and then used Cox-proportional hazards regression to examine the impact of demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic factors on the time to virologic suppression and time to adverse event reporting within each racial/ethnic group.

Results

We analyzed data from 1762 participants: 757 self-reported as non-Hispanic black (NHB), 615 as non-Hispanic white (NHW), and 390 as Hispanic. The proportion with virologic failure was higher for NHB (22%) and Hispanic (17%) participants compared with NHWs (9%). Factors associated with virologic failure were poor adherence and higher baseline HIV RNA level. Prior clinical AIDS diagnosis was associated with virologic failure for NHBs only, and unstable housing and illicit drug use for NHWs only. Factors associated with adverse events were female sex in all groups and concurrent use of medications for comorbidities in NHB and Hispanic participants only.

Conclusions

Clinical and socioeconomic factors that are associated with virologic failure and tolerability of antiretroviral therapy vary between and within racial and ethnic groups. Further research may shed light into mechanisms leading to disparities and targeted strategies to eliminate those disparities.
Awake Surgical Management of Third Ventricular Tumors: A Preliminary Safety, Feasibility, and Clinical Applications Study
Authors: Chakravarthi Srikant S , Kassam Amin B , Fukui Melanie B , Monroy-Sosa Alejandro , Rothong Nichelle , Cunningham Joseph , Jennings Jonathan E , Guenther Neil , Connelly Jeremy , Kaemmerer Tobias , Nash Kenneth C , Lindsay Mark , Rissell Janie , Celix Juanita M , Rovin Richard A
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic and microneurosurgical approaches to third ventricular lesions are commonly performed under general anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE

To report our initial experience with awake transsulcal parafascicular corridor surgery (TPCS) of the third ventricle and its safety, feasibility, and limitations.

METHODS

A total of 12 cases are reviewed: 6 colloid cysts, 2 central neurocytomas, 1 papillary craniopharyngioma, 1 basal ganglia glioblastoma, 1 thalamic glioblastoma, and 1 ependymal cyst. Lesions were approached using TPCS through the superior frontal sulcus. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative neurocognitive (NC) testing were performed on all patients.

RESULTS

No cases required conversion to general anesthesia. Awake anesthesia changed intraoperative management in 4/12 cases with intraoperative cognitive changes that required port re-positioning; 3/4 recovered. Average length of stay (LOS) was 6.1 d ± 6.6. Excluding 3 outliers who had preoperative NC impairment, the average LOS was 2.5 d ± 1.2. Average operative time was 3.00 h ± 0.44. Average awake anesthesia time was 5.05 h ± 0.54. There were no mortalities.

CONCLUSION

This report demonstrated the feasibility and safety of awake third ventricular surgery, and was not limited by pathology, size, or vascularity. The most significant factor impacting LOS was preoperative NC deficit. The most significant risk factor predicting a permanent NC deficit was preoperative 2/3 domain impairment combined with radiologic evidence of invasion of limbic structures – defined as a “NC resilience/reserve” in our surgical algorithm. Larger efficacy studies will be required to demonstrate the validity of the algorithm and impact on long-term cognitive outcomes, as well as generalizability of awake TPCS for third ventricular surgery.
Impact of a novel oral health promotion program on routine oral hygiene among socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers: results from a randomized semi-pragmatic trial
Authors: McClure Jennifer B , Anderson Melissa L , Krakauer Chloe , Blasi Paula , Bush Terry , Nelson Jennifer , Catz Sheryl L
Published: February 2019

Smokers are at high risk of oral disease and report sub-optimal oral hygiene. Improving smokers’ oral hygiene could reduce their future disease risk. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of a novel, multi-modal oral health promotion program (Oral Health 4 Life; OH4L) targeted to socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers and delivered through state-funded tobacco quitlines. Smokers (n = 718) were randomized to standard quitline care or standard care plus OH4L. OH4L recipients received a comprehensive behavioral intervention and were advised of the benefits of routine oral hygiene, encouraged to brush and floss daily (for better oral health and to manage cigarette cravings), and provided a toothbrush and floss. Participants were followed for 6 months to assess the intervention effects on routine oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and changes in motivation and self-efficacy. Data were collected between 2015 and 2017. At 2-month follow-up, OH4L participants were more likely to meet the American Dental Association (ADA) recommendations for brushing twice daily (adjusted RR = 1.15 [1.04, 1.27], p = .006), flossing daily (adjusted RR = 1.20 [1.03, 1.39], p = .02), and for both brushing and flossing (adjusted RR = 1.33 [1.10, 1.61], p = .003). Daily flossing was more likely at 6-month follow-up (adjusted RR = 1.21 [1.04, 1.42], p = .02) among OH4L participants. The change in self-efficacy and motivation for daily flossing from baseline to 2 months was significantly greater among OH4L participants and mediated the intervention effect on flossing at 6 months. Integrating oral hygiene promotion with standard tobacco quitline services improved oral health self-care.
Are outcome measures in allergic diseases relevant for the WHO's International Classification of Diseases in allergology?
Authors: Tanno Luciana Kase , Demoly Pascal
Published: February 2019

Purpose of review

To review and understand the impact of the outcome measures of allergic and hypersensitivity conditions for the WHO's International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and its impact in the management of anaphylaxis and identify potential strategies to improve patients’ care and prevention.

Recent findings

The pioneer chapter addressed to allergic and hypersensitivity conditions in the 11th version of the WHO's ICD is the result of the evidence-based academic technical actions consistently following of collaborations of the allergy community and integrated international initiatives in order to reach quality outcomes measures of allergies worldwide.

Allergic and hypersensitivity conditions are increasing worldwide, however, they have never been well represented in the international classification systems, such as the ICD. The ALLERGY in ICD-11 initiative has been launched in 2012 in order to gather a better representation of these conditions in the ICD-11. As a result of the evidence-based academic technical actions acknowledged by the Joint Allergy Academies and the WHO, the pioneer chapter Allergy and hypersensitivity conditions has been constructed. This framework can be considered a milestone in the history of the allergy specialty. More reliable, accurate and comparable epidemiological data will be able to provide a big picture of these conditions and will support improvements in many levels of the health system. As knowledge derived from populations is key information for more realistic decision-making, the construction of the new section addressed to allergic and hypersensitivity conditions in the ICD-11 will allow the collection of more accurate epidemiological data to support quality management of patients, and better facilitate healthcare planning to implement public health measures to prevent and reduce the morbidity and mortality attributable to these conditions.
Improving Women's Health and Combatting Sexually Transmitted Infections Through Expedited Partner Therapy
Authors: Jamison Cornelius D. , Coleman Jenell S. , Mmeje Okeoma
Published: February 2019

Sexually transmitted infections (STI), including Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, have reached record high rates in the United States. Sexually transmitted infections disproportionately affect reproductive-aged females aged 15–44 years, who account for 65% and 42% of the total reported C trachomatis and N gonorrhoeae cases, respectively. Undiagnosed STIs can result in serious health complications that put women at an increased risk for pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and tubal factor infertility. Many of these women are seen by physicians (eg, obstetrician–gynecologists, family medicine doctors, pediatricians) or other clinicians (eg, nurse practitioners, midwives, physician assistants) who care for women. These clinicians have the opportunity to help curb the continued increase in STI incidence rates with the implementation and use of expedited partner therapy. Expedited partner therapy is a proven effective health care practice that allows clinicians to give patients medications or prescriptions to distribute to their partners. Despite expedited partner therapy's proven effectiveness, there are barriers to its implementation that must be understood to enhance STI treatment and prevention efforts. In this commentary, we discuss these barriers, and appeal to women's health clinicians to implement or increase use of expedited partner therapy for the treatment of women with STIs and their sexual partners.
Intravenous Acetaminophen Before Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair
Authors: Turner Lindsay C. , Zyczynski Halina M. , Shepherd Jonathan P.
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the effect of preoperative intravenous (IV) acetaminophen compared with placebo on pain scores after pelvic organ prolapse surgery.

METHODS:

This double-blind placebo-controlled multicenter trial randomized women undergoing prolapse surgery to IV acetaminophen (1,000 mg) or preoperative saline stratified by surgical route (laparoscopic or vaginal). The primary outcome was the change from baseline in patient-reported visual analog scale pain scores at 24 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes included narcotic use measured in morphine milligram equivalents, satisfaction and quality of life (QOL) using validated questionnaires on postoperative days 1 and 7, and overall side effects.

RESULTS:

Between 2014 and 2017, 204 women were enrolled and primary-outcome data from 162 were analyzed. Women had a mean (±SD) age of 66±10 years, were predominantly Caucasian (96%) and postmenopausal (96%). Acetaminophen was administered to 52 of the 101 women undergoing vaginal surgery, and 50 of the 101 women undergoing laparoscopy. There were no overall or route of surgery differences in mean change from baseline pain scores at 24 hours between acetaminophen and placebo (overall 25±26 vs 21±24 mm; vaginal 29±28 vs 21±23 mm; laparoscopic 20±26 vs 21±25 mm). There were no differences in 24-hour morphine milligram equivalent narcotic use (overall 38±25 vs 40±25 mg; vaginal 32±24 vs 33±25 mg; laparoscopic 45±24 vs 47±24 mg). No differences were seen in patient satisfaction, QOL, or side effects, except for urinary retention.

CONCLUSION:

In women undergoing prolapse repair, preoperative IV acetaminophen did not reduce pain scores or opioid use and had no effect on patient satisfaction or QOL. Routine use of preemptive IV acetaminophen alone is not supported by this study.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02155738.