bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contributed Review: Culet diameter and the achievable pressure of a diamond anvil cell: Implications for the upper pressure limit of a diamond anvil cell
Authors: O’Bannon Earl F. , Jenei Zsolt , Cynn Hyunchae , Lipp Magnus J. , Jeffries Jason R.
Published: November 2018

Recently, static pressures of more than 1.0 TPa have been reported, which raises the question: what is the maximum static pressure that can be achieved using diamond anvil cell techniques? Here we compile culet diameters, bevel diameters, bevel angles, and reported pressures from the literature. We fit these data and find an expression that describes the maximum pressure as a function of the culet diameter. An extrapolation of our fit reveals that a culet diameter of 1 μm should achieve a pressure of ∼1.8 TPa. Additionally, for pressure generation of ∼400 GPa with a single beveled diamond anvil, the most commonly reported parameters are a culet diameter of ∼20 μm, a bevel angle of 8.5°, and a bevel diameter to culet diameter ratio between 14 and 18. Our analysis shows that routinely generating pressures more than ∼300 GPa likely requires diamond anvil geometries that are fundamentally different from a beveled or double beveled anvil (e.g., toroidal or double stage anvils) and culet diameters that are ≤20 μm.
Magnetic coupling of ferromagnetic SrRuO3 epitaxial layers separated by ultrathin non-magnetic SrZrO3/SrIrO3
Authors: Wysocki Lena , Mirzaaghayev Ramil , Ziese Michael , Yang Lin , Schöpf Jörg , Versteeg Rolf B. , Bliesener Andrea , Engelmayer Johannes , Kovács András , Jin Lei , Gunkel Felix , Dittmann Regina , van Loosdrecht Paul H. M. , Lindfors-Vrejoiu Ionela
Published: November 2018

Ferromagnetic multilayers with asymmetric interfaces and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy can stabilize non-trivial magnetic structures due to interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions. Magnetic interlayer coupling between ferromagnetic layers separated by non-magnetic insulating spacers is an additional important ingredient for the properties of multilayers. We addressed the magnetic coupling between ferromagnetic SrRuO3 epitaxial layers separated by ultrathin spacers of SrIrO3/SrZrO3, so that inversion symmetry is broken at the top and bottom interfaces. Major and minor magnetization loops allowed us to assess the type and strength of the magnetic coupling. We inferred that the magnetic coupling of SrRuO3 layers through non-magnetic insulating interlayers (≤1.6 nm thick) is weakly ferromagnetic.
Room-temperature photoluminescence lifetime for the near-band-edge emission of (0001¯) p-type GaN fabricated by sequential ion-implantation of Mg and H
Authors: Shima K. , Iguchi H. , Narita T. , Kataoka K. , Kojima K. , Uedono A. , Chichibu S. F.
Published: November 2018

Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of (0001¯) N-polar p-type GaN fabricated by using the sequential ion-implantation of Mg and H with subsequent high temperature annealing exhibited the near-band-edge (NBE) emission at 300 K. The longest PL lifetime (τPL) for the NBE emission of the sample with Mg and H concentrations of 1 × 1019 and 2 × 1020 cm−3, respectively, annealed at 1230 °C was 18 ps at 300 K. This value is almost comparable to that of the (0001) Ga-polar p-type Mg-doped GaN (p-GaN:Mg) homoepitaxial film of the same Mg concentration. By correlating τPL and the concentration of major vacancy-type defects quantified using positron annihilation spectroscopy, the electron capture-cross-section (σn) of the major nonradiative recombination centers (NRCs), namely, clusters of Ga vacancies (VGas) and N vacancies (VNs) such as (VGa)3(VN)3, is estimated at a few times 10−13 cm2. This σn value is also comparable to that of the major NRCs in p-GaN:Mg epilayers, namely, VGa(VN)2 or VGa(VN)3, although the clustering sizes of the defects are different. These σn values are commonly larger than the hole capture-cross-section (σp = 7 × 10−14 cm2) of the major NRCs, VGaVN divacancies, in n-type GaN.
Optical diagnostics of helium recombining plasmas with collisional radiative model
Authors: Lee Wonwook , Oh Cha-Hwan
Published: November 2018

Optical diagnostics for plasmas has many advantages that allow for the determination and understanding of plasma parameters. A method employing the line intensity ratio (LIR), combined with the collisional-radiative (CR) model considering the radiation trapping effect (RTE), was developed to analyze the recombining helium plasmas. The recombining plasma component and the ionizing plasma components in the He CR-model were evaluated, and the RTEs for from the ground state to n1P states were analyzed. The electron temperature and density of the helium recombining plasmas were determined using seven LIRs with the He CR-model, considering the RTEs of 11S–31P, 11S–41P, and 11S–51P. When the He gas pressure was above 100 mTorr, the electron temperature was less than 0.8 eV and the electron density was more than 1012 cm−3. The determined plasma parameters were compared with those obtained by the continuum method and in reasonable agreement with those by the continuum method.
Influence of different solvents on the electrical properties of dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Bohnenkamp Bastian , Linnemann Jan-Hendrik , Juhász Junger Irén , Schwenzfeier-Hellkamp Eva , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: November 2018

Since their discovery, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have gained huge interest of many researchers. While still showing lower efficiencies than common silicon-based solar cells, they have the advantage of being produced by low-cost, low-toxic materials outside a clean room. This is why a large number of research groups concentrate on developing new materials for all layers of a typical DSSC to gain higher efficiencies and increase longevity. Specifically, the dye has been shown to significantly influence the DSSC performance. Here, we report on the impact of different low-cost, low-toxic solvents—acetone, ethanol, isopropanol, and dimethyl-sulfoxide, applied purely or in combination with water in different ratios—on the resulting DSSC performance, using two anthocyanin-based dyes. We found ethanol and dimethyl-sulfoxide to result in the highest efficiencies of the final DSSCs.
High-speed Fizeau interferometry for film topography measurement during spray film interaction
Authors: Schumacher Leif , Seel Kevin , Reddemann Manuel A. , Kneer Reinhold
Published: November 2018

This work presents a novel high-speed interferometric thickness measurement system for thin films (1 μm-23 μm). The system is based on a Fizeau-interferometer and combines a high-speed camera for 2-D topographic fringe images with a spectrally resolved white light interferometer. The aim of this combination is to overcome the ambiguities of the phase demodulation process during fringe pattern analysis. The system is able to measure spatially and temporally resolved film thickness distributions during fast processes. The measurement error of the system is around 5% compared to a commercial 0-D interferometer. First, the results during a diesel spray impingement onto a predefined diesel film are shown, and at the impingement point, an increase in a fluid volume of 24.3% can be seen.
Focusing NLS with inverse square potential
Authors: Zheng Jiqiang
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we utilize Dodson-Murphy’s method to establish the radial scattering result for the focusing nonlinear Schrödinger equation with inverse square potential i∂tu−Lau=−|u|p−1u in the energy space Ha1(Rd) in dimensions d ≥ 3, which extends our previous result to higher dimensional cases but with radial initial data. The new ingredient is to establish the dispersive estimate for radial functions and overcome the weak dispersive estimate when a < 0.
1D ballistic transport channel probed by invasive and non-invasive contacts
Authors: Aprojanz Johannes , Miccoli Ilio , Baringhaus Jens , Tegenkamp Christoph
Published: November 2018

Epitaxially grown sidewall graphene nanoribbons show a robust quantum conductance of e2/h. By means of in-situ transport measurements with a nanoprobe system, we realized invasive and non-invasive 4-point-probe configurations. The invasiveness correlates with the contact resistance of the voltage probes. In particular, we achieved now non-invasive voltage probes revealing an almost zero resistance in a collinear 4 point-probe measurement. This proofs the ballistic nature of our epitaxially grown sidewall nanoribbons on SiC(0001) mesa structures.
Retaining high precision and sensitivity for an extended range of phase estimation via modulated weak measurement
Authors: Li Zhaoxue , Qiu Jiangdong , Xie Linguo , Luo Lan , Liu Xiong , Zhang Zhiyou , Ren Changliang , Du Jinglei
Published: November 2018

We theoretically propose and experimentally demonstrate a modulated weak measurement scheme that permits a precise estimation of the extended phase shift. By choosing the frequency and the total post-selected light intensity as the input and output meter variables, respectively, a linear weak measurement model is established that is especially applicable to precise phase estimation. By performing a time-delay-dependent modulation strategy based on the feedback modulation of the experimental outcome, both the high phase-sensitivity and measurement precision can be retained. We have achieved a precision at the order of ∼10−5 rad that can be effectively retained with an increase in the measured phase.
Abnormal high voltage resistivity of polyvinylidene fluoride and implications for applications in high energy density film capacitors
Authors: Li Bo , Yuan Mengxue , Zhang Shihai , Rajagopalan Ramakrishnan , Lanagan Michael T.
Published: November 2018

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) based fluoropolymers are promising materials for capacitors in pulsed power applications because of their high dielectric constant compared to other polymers. High energy losses, such as conduction losses or ferroelectric losses, impose great challenges for large-scale commercialization. Here, we present a systematic study on the high field electrical conduction of biaxially oriented PVDF films. The conductivity shows a surprising initial decrease, followed by a gradual increase, with increasing electric field. The unexpected decrease in conductivity arises from ferroelectric switching, and the electric field of the transition point in conductivity is consistent with the switching field for polarization reversal. This suggests that PVDF films with pre-aligned ferroelectric domains could simultaneously exhibit reduced high field conduction losses and ferroelectric losses.
Perturbative approach to the self-focusing of intense X-ray laser beam propagating in thermal quantum plasma
Authors: Roozehdar Mogaddam R. , Sepehri Javan N. , Javidan K. , Mohammadzadeh H.
Published: November 2018

In this theoretical study, the problem of self-focusing of an X-ray intense laser beam in the thermal quantum plasma is studied. Using a relativistic fluid model and taking into account the hydrodynamic pressure of degenerate electrons in the zero temperature limit, the nonlinear momentum equation of electrons is solved by means of a perturbative method and the nonlinear current density of the relativistic degenerate electrons is obtained. Saving only the third-order nonlinearity of the laser beam amplitude, a nonlinear equation describing the interaction of a laser beam with the quantum plasma is derived. It is shown that considering the nonlinearity of the system through solving the nonlinear equation of the degenerate electron leads to the originally different wave equation in comparison to outcomes of the approach in which the permittivity of longitudinal waves of quantum plasma is problematically extended to the relativistic case. The evolution of the laser beam spot size with the Gaussian profile is considered, and the effect of quantum terms on the self-focusing quality is studied. It is shown that considering quantum effects leads to the decrease in the self-focusing property and the effect of Bohm tunneling potential is more dominant than the degenerate electron pressure term.
C
4
photosynthesis and climate through the lens of optimality
Authors: Zhou Haoran , Helliker Brent R. , Huber Matthew , Dicks Ashley , Akçay Erol
Published: November 2018

Significance

We use a coupled photosynthesis–hydraulic optimal physiology model in conjunction with paleoclimate modeling to examine the primary selective pressures along the ecological trajectory of C
4
photosynthesis and to confirm and revise likely geographical points of dominance and expansion. Water limitation was the primary driver for the initial ecological advantage of C
4
over C
3
in the mid-Oligocene until CO
2
became low enough to, along with light intensity, drive the global expansion of C
4
in the Miocene. Our integrated modeling framework also predicts C
4
evolution should be followed by a decrease in hydraulic conductance, an increase in the leaf–turgor-loss point, and CO
2
-dependent reallocation of nitrogen between dark and light reactions.
Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein blocks miRNA-124 biogenesis to enforce its neuronal-specific expression in the mouse
Authors: Yeom Kyu-Hyeon , Mitchell Simon , Linares Anthony J. , Zheng Sika , Lin Chia-Ho , Wang Xiao-Jun , Hoffmann Alexander , Black Douglas L.
Published: November 2018

Significance

MicroRNAs repress genes controlling important decisions in animal development, but miRNA production and their interaction with larger genetic programs of development are not well understood. We found that the initial transcript of an important neuronal miRNA, miR-124, is expressed much earlier in development than the mature functional miRNA. Conversion of this primary RNA into its active form is blocked by the RNA binding protein PTBP1, whose down-regulation upon neuronal differentiation allows mature miR-124 expression. To understand the need for this regulation, we developed a mathematical model of the PTBP1/miR-124 regulatory circuit, finding that early expression of unprocessed miR-124 creates a sharp transition in gene expression during neuronal differentiation, making this developmental decision less affected by random variation and noise.
Acoustic phonon lifetimes limit thermal transport in methylammonium lead iodide
Authors: Gold-Parker Aryeh , Gehring Peter M. , Skelton Jonathan M. , Smith Ian C. , Parshall Dan , Frost Jarvist M. , Karunadasa Hemamala I. , Walsh Aron , Toney Michael F.
Published: November 2018

Significance

Hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites are a promising class of materials for efficient and low-cost solar cells. Unlike conventional inorganic semiconductors such as silicon and gallium arsenide, hybrid perovskites feature significant dynamic disorder in their crystal structure. This dynamic disorder can be broadly classified into lattice vibrations (phonons) and molecular rotations. Phonons interact with charge carriers through electron–phonon coupling, which has substantial impacts on the operation of solar cells. Our study shows that acoustic phonons, the type responsible for transmitting heat in conventional semiconductors, have extraordinarily short lifetimes in the archetypal hybrid perovskite methylammonium lead iodide. These short lifetimes have direct implications on the cooling and transport of electrons and reflect a key difference between hybrid perovskites and conventional photovoltaic semiconductors.
Processive flow by biased polymerization mediates the slow axonal transport of actin
Authors: Chakrabarty Nilaj , Dubey Pankaj , Tang Yong , Ganguly Archan , Ladt Kelsey , Leterrier Christophe , Jung Peter , Roy Subhojit
Published: November 2018

Classic pulse-chase studies have shown that actin is conveyed in slow axonal transport, but the mechanistic basis for this movement is unknown. Recently, we reported that axonal actin was surprisingly dynamic, with focal assembly/disassembly events (“actin hotspots”) and elongating polymers along the axon shaft (“actin trails”). Using a combination of live imaging, superresolution microscopy, and modeling, in this study, we explore how these dynamic structures can lead to processive transport of actin. We found relatively more actin trails elongated anterogradely as well as an overall slow, anterogradely biased flow of actin in axon shafts. Starting with first principles of monomer/filament assembly and incorporating imaging data, we generated a quantitative model simulating axonal hotspots and trails. Our simulations predict that the axonal actin dynamics indeed lead to a slow anterogradely biased flow of the population. Collectively, the data point to a surprising scenario where local assembly and biased polymerization generate the slow axonal transport of actin without involvement of microtubules (MTs) or MT-based motors. Mechanistically distinct from polymer sliding, this might be a general strategy to convey highly dynamic cytoskeletal cargoes.
dtangle: accurate and robust cell type deconvolution
Authors: Hunt Gregory J , Freytag Saskia , Bahlo Melanie , Gagnon-Bartsch Johann A
Published: November 2018

Motivation

Cell type composition of tissues is important in many biological processes. To help understand cell type composition using gene expression data, methods of estimating (deconvolving) cell type proportions have been developed. Such estimates are often used to adjust for confounding effects of cell type in differential expression analysis (DEA).

Results

We propose dtangle, a new cell type deconvolution method. dtangle works on a range of DNA microarray and bulk RNA-seq platforms. It estimates cell type proportions using publicly available, often cross-platform, reference data. We evaluate dtangle on 11 benchmark datasets showing that dtangle is competitive with published deconvolution methods, is robust to outliers and selection of tuning parameters, and is fast. As a case study, we investigate the human immune response to Lyme disease. dtangle’s estimates reveal a temporal trend consistent with previous findings and are important covariates for DEA across disease status.

Availability and implementation

dtangle is on CRAN (cran.r-project.org/package=dtangle) or github (dtangle.github.io).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Whisper: read sorting allows robust mapping of DNA sequencing data
Authors: Deorowicz Sebastian , Debudaj-Grabysz Agnieszka , Gudyś Adam , Grabowski Szymon
Published: November 2018

Motivation

Mapping reads to a reference genome is often the first step in a sequencing data analysis pipeline. The reduction of sequencing costs implies a need for algorithms able to process increasing amounts of generated data in reasonable time.

Results

We present Whisper, an accurate and high-performant mapping tool, based on the idea of sorting reads and then mapping them against suffix arrays for the reference genome and its reverse complement. Employing task and data parallelism as well as storing temporary data on disk result in superior time efficiency at reasonable memory requirements. Whisper excels at large NGS read collections, in particular Illumina reads with typical WGS coverage. The experiments with real data indicate that our solution works in about 15% of the time needed by the well-known BWA-MEM and Bowtie2 tools at a comparable accuracy, validated in a variant calling pipeline.

Availability and implementation

Whisper is available for free from https://github.com/refresh-bio/Whisper or http://sun.aei.polsl.pl/REFRESH/Whisper/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The Role of the Human Auditory Corticostriatal Network in Speech Learning
Authors: Feng Gangyi , Yi Han Gyol , Chandrasekaran Bharath
Published: November 2018

We establish a mechanistic account of how the mature human brain functionally reorganizes to acquire and represent new speech sounds. Native speakers of English learned to categorize Mandarin lexical tone categories produced by multiple talkers using trial-by-trial feedback. We hypothesized that the corticostriatal system is a key intermediary in mediating temporal lobe plasticity and the acquisition of new speech categories in adulthood. We conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment in which participants underwent a sound-to-category mapping task. Diffusion tensor imaging data were collected, and probabilistic fiber tracking analysis was employed to assay the auditory corticostriatal pathways. Multivariate pattern analysis showed that talker-invariant novel tone category representations emerged in the left superior temporal gyrus (LSTG) within a few hundred training trials. Univariate analysis showed that the putamen, a subregion of the striatum, was sensitive to positive feedback in correctly categorized trials. With learning, functional coupling between the putamen and LSTG increased during error processing. Furthermore, fiber tractography demonstrated robust structural connectivity between the feedback-sensitive striatal regions and the LSTG regions that represent the newly learned tone categories. Our convergent findings highlight a critical role for the auditory corticostriatal circuitry in mediating the acquisition of new speech categories.
MYH9-related disorders display heterogeneous kidney involvement and outcome
Authors: Tabibzadeh Nahid , Fleury Dominique , Labatut Delphine , Bridoux Frank , Lionet Arnaud , Jourde-Chiche Noémie , Vrtovsnik François , Schlegel Nicole , Vanhille Philippe
Published: November 2018

Background

MYH9-related diseases (MYH9-RD) are autosomal dominant disorders caused by mutations of the MYH9 gene encoding the non-muscle myosin heavy chain IIA. They are characterized by congenital thrombocytopenia, giant platelets and leucocyte inclusions. Hearing impairment, pre-senile cataract and nephropathy can also occur. We aimed to evaluate renal involvement and outcome in MYH9-RD patients followed-up by nephrologists.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective multicentre observational study of 13 patients among 9 families with MYH9 mutation diagnosed by genetic testing and immunofluorescence assay referred to nephrologists.

Results

At initial referral, median age was 30 (range 14–76) years. Median estimated glomerular filtration rate was 66 mL/min/1.73 m2 (0–141) and two patients had already end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal presentation associated proteinuria (n = 12), haematuria (n = 6) and hypertension (n = 6). Three patients developed a rapid onset ESRD whereas five others had a relatively stable kidney function over a 3-year median follow-up (1–34). Extra-renal features varied widely, with hearing impairment in six patients, cataract in two and mild liver dysfunction in seven. Thrombocytopenia existed at referral in 11 patients. Time to diagnosis varied from 0 to 29 years (median 3 years). Initial diagnoses such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (n = 4) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (n = 1) led to corticosteroid administration (n = 4), intravenous immunoglobulins (n = 3), cyclophosphamide (n = 1) and splenectomy (n = 1).

Conclusions

Renal involvement and outcome in MYH9-RD are heterogeneous. The diagnosis is often delayed and misdiagnoses can lead to unnecessary treatments. MYH9-RD should be considered in any patient with glomerular involvement associated with a low or slightly decreased platelet count and/or hearing loss and liver dysfunction.
Polynomial Factorization Statistics and Point Configurations in ℝ3
Authors: Hyde Trevor
Published: November 2018

We use combinatorial methods to relate the expected values of polynomial factorization statistics over $\mathbb{F}_q$ to the cohomology of ordered configurations in $\mathbb{R}^3$ as a representation of the symmetric group. Our method gives a new proof of the twisted Grothendieck–Lefschetz formula for squarefree polynomial factorization statistics of Church, Ellenberg, and Farb.
Unholy alliances
Authors: Kehoe Elisabeth
Published: November 2018

By the inter-war years, British national cultural institutions struggled financially to compete in the international art markets. Ambitions to hold the finest collections in the world remained unchanged, however, and these museums and galleries stayed active in the acquisitions market, despite the limitations imposed by economic downturns in 1930s Britain. Evidence of the difficulties faced by such institutions can be seen in the acquisition of the Codex Sinaiticus – one of the world’s oldest Bibles – by the British Museum from the Soviet Government in 1933. The Prime Minister, Ramsay MacDonald, secretly instructed the Treasury to advance the funds to secure the manuscript before it came on to the open market, after agreeing with the trustees of the museum to meet half the costs if the museum would match them through what turned out to be a highly contentious public fundraising campaign.
Viewing Japan and China through Dirk Boer’s Panorama, 1835–1838
Authors: Baird Christina , Backx-Palsgraaf Helen
Published: November 2018

Dirk Boer (1803–1877) contributed to the popularization of Japanese and Chinese art in The Netherlands. He is best remembered for his ‘Groote Koninklijke Bazar’ or Grand Royal Bazaar which, during the nineteenth century, had an international reputation for exhibiting and selling Japanese and Chinese products, alongside a much wider and more diverse selection of goods. In this study, some of Dirk Boer’s earlier achievements and activities pre-dating the Groote Koninklijke Bazar will be discussed and Boer’s Chinese and Japanese Panorama will be highlighted as an illustration of the interest in China and Japan in The Netherlands during the 1830s. Contemporary reports are discussed with a view to establishing something of Boer’s Panorama’s physical appearance and popularity. Analogies will be drawn to similar exhibitions, cosmoramas and panoramas, both in Britain and The Netherlands.
Species-specific detection of medically important aspergilli by a loop-mediated isothermal amplification method in chronic pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Tone Kazuya , Suzuki Junko , Alshahni Mohamed Mahdi , Kuwano Kazuyoshi , Makimura Koichi
Published: November 2018

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a common subtype of pulmonary aspergillosis and a life-threatening disease. However, its diagnosis remains difficult due to the lack of specific clinical features and radiologic findings, as well as the difficulty of isolating Aspergillus spp. We developed a novel species-specific detection method of medically important aspergilli using a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for CPA. Specific LAMP primer sets for Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus, and Aspergillus nidulans were designed. The use of the LAMP assay was validated using respiratory specimens (CPA cases, n = 21; nonaspergillosis cases, n = 23). A total of 15 cases were positive in the CPA group (A. fumigatus, n = 5; A. flavus, n = 1; A. niger, n = 1; A. terreus, n = 7; A. nidulans, n = 1), but only three in the non-CPA group (A. niger, n = 2; A. terreus n = 1). The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis of CPA by the LAMP system were 71.4% and 87.0%, respectively. In conclusion, we developed a species-specific detection approach for five medically important aspergilli using the LAMP method. The system showed high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of CPA.
The prevalence and clinical significance of microcolonies when tested according to contemporary interpretive breakpoints for fluconazole against Candida species using E-test
Authors: Hauzer Michael , Cohen Matan J , Polacheck Itzhack , Moses Allon , Korem Maya
Published: November 2018

Changes in the interpretive-breakpoints for antifungals against various Candida species have raised the need to examine the significance of the phenomenon of the growth of microcolonies in agar diffusion inhibition zones, which has generally been considered negligible. The objective was to determine the incidence of cases in which microcolonies demonstrate fluconazole resistance according to current interpretive-breakpoints and whether their growth is associated with therapeutic failure. The fluconazole minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 100 blood culture isolates of Candida were performed by E-test on Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) agar and examined for the appearance of microcolonies. Fluconazole MICs of microcolonies were then determined over three generations. The significance of the phenomenon of microcolonies was determined according to clinical data retrieved from electronic files. Microcolonies were a common phenomenon among Candida isolates following incubation on RPMI agar, with a higher frequency among C. albicans isolates as compared to non-albicans Candida across generations (57–93% vs 31–93%, respectively) and a similar fluconazole susceptibility rate over three generations. The rate of microcolonies was similar in both patients with successful and unsuccessful outcome (41% vs 42%, respectively). Microcolonies are a common phenomenon. No increase in MIC was demonstrated throughout three generations of microcolony inoculation on RPMI, and no difference in clinical outcome was observed.
Secukinumab shows sustained efficacy and low structural progression in ankylosing spondylitis: 4-year results from the MEASURE 1 study
Authors: Braun Jürgen , Baraliakos Xenofon , Deodhar Atul , Poddubnyy Denis , Emery Paul , Delicha Eumorphia M , Talloczy Zsolt , Porter Brian
Published: November 2018

Objective

To evaluate the effect of secukinumab, a fully human anti-interleukin-17A monoclonal antibody, on efficacy, imaging outcomes, and safety through 4 years (208 weeks) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Methods

Patients opting to enrol had completed 2 years’ treatment in the MEASURE 1 core study with subcutaneous secukinumab 150 or 75 mg every 4 weeks (q4Wk), following intravenous loading to Week (Wk) 4, or placebo treatment to Wk16/24. Up-titration from secukinumab 75–150 mg q4Wk was permitted following a protocol amendment. Efficacy is reported for patients originally randomized to secukinumab. Radiographic changes were assessed using the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS) and changes in MRI measures of inflammation using the Berlin scoring method. Safety and tolerability were evaluated.

Results

Among 274 extension study participants, 89.7% (78/87) and 93.0% (93/100) originally randomized to secukinumab 150 and 75 mg, respectively, completed 208Wk. Through Wk208, Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society 20/40 (observed) were 79.7%/60.8% (150 mg), 71.0%/43.5% (75 mg) and 80.0%/76% (up-titrators; n = 25). Mean (s.d.) changes in mSASSS were 1.2 (3.91) (150 mg), 1.8 (4.32) (75 mg) and 1.6 (5.67) (up-titrators). No radiographic progression (mSASSS change from Baseline < 2) was observed in 79% of patients receiving either secukinumab dose. Exposure-adjusted incidence rates per 100 patient-years were: serious infections (1.0), Candida infections (0.4), Crohn’s disease (0.6), ulcerative colitis (0.2), and malignant/unspecified tumours (0.5), with no new safety signals.

Conclusion

Through 4 years, secukinumab provided sustained efficacy on signs and symptoms, and MRI outcomes, a low rate of radiographic progression and a consistent safety profile.

Trial registration

NCT01863732.
Vessel wall plasticity in large vessel giant cell arteritis: an ultrasound follow-up study
Authors: Aschwanden Markus , Schegk Elke , Imfeld Stephan , Staub Daniel , Rottenburger Christof , Berger Christoph T , Daikeler Thomas
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To assess changes of arterial vessel wall morphology in large vessel GCA patients (LV-GCA) by repeated US.

Methods

Patients with LV-GCA on US examination were followed up 6, 12 and 24 months after diagnosis by US of the temporal, vertebral, carotid (common, internal, external), subclavian, axillary, femoral (deep, superficial and common) and popliteal arteries. Clinical and laboratory data were assessed at each visit. Vessel wall thickening was classified as moderate, marked or arteriosclerotic.

Results

A total of 42 patients (26 female) with a median age of 75 years at diagnosis had in median 2 (range 1–3) US follow-up exams. Twenty-eight had both LV and temporal artery involvement and 14 had LV-GCA only. The common carotid, subclavian, axillary, popliteal and/or superficial femoral artery were most commonly involved. Reduction of LV wall thickening occurred in 45% of patients during follow-up, corresponding to 71 of the 284 (25%) initially ‘vasculitic’ LV segments. In contrast, a reduction of vessel wall thickening in the temporal artery was found in 85% of patients. Of the LVs, the vertebral, axillary, subclavian and deep femoral arteries were most likely to improve. There was no difference in relapses or the received cumulative steroid dose between patients with or without a reduction of vessel wall thickening (temporal artery or LV) during follow-up.

Conclusion

Regression of wall thickening within the LV is significantly less common than in the temporal artery and irrespective of clinical remission. Morphological regression does not seem to be a useful predictor for relapses.
Colletotrichum orbiculare MTF4 Is a Key Transcription Factor Downstream of MOR Essential for Plant Signal-Dependent Appressorium Development and Pathogenesis
Authors: Kodama Sayo , Nishiuchi Takumi , Kubo Yasuyuki
Published: November 2018

The cucumber anthracnose fungus Colletotrichum orbiculare forms a specialized infection structure, called an appressorium. Appressorium differentiation relies on fungal perception of physical and biochemical signals at the plant surface. Our previous report showed that the morphogenesis-related NDR (nuclear Dbf2-related) kinase pathway (MOR) is crucial for translating plant-derived signals for appressorium development. Here, we focused on identifying transcriptional regulators downstream of MOR that are involved in plant signal sensing and transduction for appressorium development. Based on whole-genome transcript profiling, we identified a Zn(II)2Cys6 transcription factor, CoMTF4, as a potential downstream factor of MOR. CoMTF4 was expressed in planta rather than in vitro under the control of the NDR kinase CoCbk1. Phenotypes of comtf4 mutants, strains with constitutively active CoCbk1 and strains with constitutive overexpression of CoMTF4 suggested that CoMtf4 acts downstream of MOR. Furthermore, nuclear localization of CoMtf4 was dependent on the MOR and responsive to plant-derived signals that lead to appressorium morphogenesis. Thus, we conclude that CoMtf4 is a transcription factor downstream of MOR that is essential for appressorium morphogenesis and pathogenesis and is regulated in response to plant-derived signals. This study provides insights into fungal sensing of plant signals and subsequent responses critical for appressorium formation.
Effect of Planting Date and Peanut Cultivar on Epidemics of Late Leaf Spot in Georgia
Authors: Jordan Brian S. , Culbreath Albert K. , Brenneman Timothy B. , Kemerait Robert C. , Stevenson Katherine L.
Published: November 2018

Field trials were conducted in 2015 and 2016 in Tifton, GA to determine the effects of planting dates (24 and 27 April, 4, 11, 19, and 26 May 2015; and 11, 18, and 25 April and 2, 9, and 16 May 2016), peanut (Arachis hypogaea) cultivar (Georgia-06G and Georgia-12Y), and seed treatment (nontreated and treated with azoxystrobin, fludioxonil, and mefenoxam) on epidemics of late leaf spot (Nothopassalora personata), plant populations, and peanut yield. Final severity and AUDPC of late leaf spot increased with later planting dates in both years. For most planting dates in 2015 and the final planting date in 2016, final leaf spot severity and AUDPC were lower for Georgia-12Y than for Georgia-06G. Seed treatment increased plant populations for the 27 April and 4 May planting dates in 2015 and across all other treatments in 2016. Yields were higher for Georgia-12Y than for Georgia-06G in both years. In 2015, yields of both cultivars decreased according to linear functions of day of year of planting date, but there was no effect of planting date on yield in 2016. The combination of early planting with Georgia-12Y shows potential utility for management of leaf spot in situations such as organic production where fungicide use is minimal.
Refocusing the Lens: Caring and Compassion in an Online Nursing Environment
Authors: Bradley Holly B. , Cook Linda L. , Morrow Linda , Leasca Joslin B. , Lampley Tammy
Published: November 2018

The concept of compassionate caring in an online nursing education environment is an idea that has limited research. The College of Nursing at Sacred Heart University has adopted a caring model and philosophy to foster an engaged, mutually beneficial environment and guide how faculty and students interact in the online environment. Examples of how faculty engage students in these behaviors are offered.
A Colposcopy Trainer to Simulate Visualization and Biopsy of the Cervix
Authors: Felix Heidi M. , Lannen Amy
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND:

Colposcopy is a common office procedure providing a magnified view of the cervix for the evaluation of an abnormal cytology result. Traditionally the procedure has been replicated in simulation training by using a sausage or hotdog to represent the cervix and allow for target biopsy. This is neither reusable nor sustainable.

METHOD:

We developed a cervix model comprised of food coloring and ballistics gel. After cooling, the surface was dotted with gel that can be activated by a black light to mimic acetowhite changes. The cervix was placed into an existing pelvic trainer and then piloted by attending physicians and resident trainees in obstetrics and gynecology and family practice.

EXPERIENCE:

Sixteen physicians and residents were surveyed after a simulated colposcopy. Twelve had performed colposcopies and of those, eight stated that the model was very comparable with the real procedure; four stated the model was somewhat comparable. Three had never performed a colposcopy but stated that model was very or somewhat comparable with textbook or journal photographs.

CONCLUSION:

Our colposcopy trainer represents continued innovation in the field of simulation while being sustainable and economic. We continue to work on enhancing our model to be even more sophisticated and offering additional training options.
Child Neurodevelopmental Outcomes by Prepregnancy Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain
Authors: Kominiarek Michelle A. , Smid Marcela C. , Mele Lisa , Casey Brian M. , Sorokin Yoram , Reddy Uma M. , Wapner Ronald J. , Thorp John M. , Saade George R. , Tita Alan T. N. , Rouse Dwight J. , Sibai Baha , Iams Jay D. , Mercer Brian M. , Tolosa Jorge , Caritis Steve N. ,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network (MFMU)
Published: November 2018

OBJECTIVE:

To study the association of prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain with child neurodevelopmental outcomes.

METHODS:

We performed a secondary analysis of data from two parallel, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled thyroxine replacement trials in pregnant women with either hypothyroxinemia or subclinical hypothyroidism who delivered at term. Body mass index was categorized as normal (18.5–24.9), overweight (25.0–29.9), or obese (30 or greater). We also evaluated early (20 weeks of gestation or less), late (greater than 20 weeks of gestation), and total gestational weight gain and categorized gestational weight gain as inadequate, adequate, and excessive per 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines. Neurodevelopmental outcomes included 5-year Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence and 3-year Differential Ability Scales-II. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed and adjusted for maternal age, race–ethnicity, education, insurance status, parity, smoking and alcohol use, thyroid status (subclinical hypothyroidism or hypothyroxinemia), treatment group, gestational age at delivery, and neonatal sex.

RESULTS:

Of the 948 women included, 380 (40%), 305 (32%), and 263 (28%) had normal, overweight, and obese prepregnancy BMI, respectively. A total of 106 (11%), 212 (22%), and 630 (66%) of women had inadequate, adequate, and excessive total rates of gestational weight gain, respectively. Maternal differences among the BMI categories included race–ethnicity, education, insurance type, parity, and thyroid status (all P<.01), whereas the gestational weight gain groups only differed by parity (P<.001). In unadjusted analysis, children of obese (93.2±12.8; 88.5±13.3) and overweight (94.1±15.6; 89.6±16.0) women had lower Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence and Differential Ability Scales-II scores, respectively, than normal-weight women (97.4±15.4; 93.9±16.0; P<.001 for all comparisons); however, in adjusted analysis, there were no differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes by maternal BMI. The association was primarily accounted for by race–ethnicity and education. In unadjusted and adjusted analyses, there were no differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes by adequacy of early, late, or total gestational weight gain.

CONCLUSION:

In women with either subclinical hypothyroidism or hypothyroxinemia, neither prepregnancy BMI nor gestational weight gain was associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes among children born at term in adjusted analyses.
Comparison of Anal Versus Rectal Staging in the Prognostication of Rectal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Population-Based Analysis
Authors: Goffredo Paolo , Robinson Timothy J. , Frakes Jessica M. , Utria Alan F. , Scott Aaron T. , Hassan Imran
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND:

Rectal squamous cell carcinoma is a rare malignancy with limited data regarding management and prognosis. It is also unknown whether a rectal squamous cell cancer staging system should be based on size, as for anal squamous cell carcinoma, or depth of invasion, as for rectal adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE:

The aims of the current study were to determine the optimal management strategy, prognostic factors, and staging system for rectal squamous cell carcinoma.

DESIGN:

This was a population-based study.

SETTINGS:

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was used to identify patents diagnosed between 1988 and 2013.

PATIENTS:

Patients ≥18 years of age undergoing radiation or local excision alone, radiation with local excision, or radiation with radical resection were included. Patients were then staged according to both the American Joint Committee on Cancer classification for rectal adenocarcinoma (American Joint Committee on Cancer-rectum) and anal cancer (American Joint Committee on Cancer-anus).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

The main outcome was 5-year, disease-specific survival.

RESULTS:

In both univariate and multivariate survival analyses, the addition of local excision or radical resection to radiation resulted in similar-to-worse outcomes across all of the stages. Among patients staged according to American Joint Committee on Cancer-rectum (n = 1646), although a significant difference in 5-year survival was observed for stage I as compared with higher stages, no difference was noted between stages II and III (80% vs 61% and 62%). However, in the American Joint Committee on Cancer-anus classification (n = 1327), a significant difference was observed across all of the stages (87% vs 72% vs 59%; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the prognostic discrimination based on HRs provided by the American Joint Committee on Cancer-anus was superior to that of the American Joint Committee on Cancer-rectum.

LIMITATIONS:

This study was limited by lack of data on chemotherapy and location of positive nodes.

CONCLUSIONS:

A treatment approach primarily based on radiation should be considered the optimal management strategy for rectal squamous cell carcinoma. Moreover, a staging system based on size (American Joint Committee on Cancer-anus) rather than on depth of invasion (American Joint Committee on Cancer-rectum) appears to be more accurate in predicting its prognosis. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A734.
Leeching as Salvage Venous Drainage in Ear Reconstruction: Clinical Case and Review of Literature
Authors: Facchin Federico , Lancerotto Luca , Arnež Zoran Marij , Bassetto Franco , Vindigni Vincenzo
Published: November 2018

Background:

Ear avulsion is a rare complication of different traumas, such as car accidents, human or animal bites and stab wounds, and can result in dramatic cosmetic consequences for the patient. Ear replantation, revascularization, and reattachment are the options offering best aesthetic results. But venous outflow insufficiency is responsible for a high rate of failures. Leeching is one the most efficient methods to relieve venous congestion. It has been used as an alternative venous outflow in case of severe impairment of the physiologic one.

Methods:

We present a case of successful rescue of a congested reattached ear by leeching after subtotal avulsion, along with a review of the literature on cases of avulsed auricle reconstruction salvaged by hirudotherapy. Data were collected and analyzed to identify a best regimen to deal with venous congestion.

Results:

More than 130 cases of avulsed auricle savage are described in the literature, in a fourth of which leech therapy was used in the management of venous congestion.

Discussion:

In case of both venous outflow deficit or absence, leeches are a potentially successful option to correct the congestion while new veins reestablish normal physiology. The need for anticoagulant/antiaggregant therapy, antibiotics, and often blood transfusion are the main pitfalls of leeching.

Conclusion:

Leeches can be considered a salvage method for ear replantation and reattachment in those cases that lack venous outflow in the presence of valid arterial inflow.
Wassel VI Duplications: A Report of 2 Cases, Soft-tissue Anatomy, and Reconstructive Approach
Authors: Munabi Naikhoba C. O. , Tanabe Kylie , Kulber David A.
Published: November 2018

Preaxial polydactyly represents an embryologic failure of formation and differentiation that is most commonly classified according to the level of bony duplication. The soft-tissue anatomy and approach to reconstruction of a Wassel VI thumb, an uncommon variant in which complete duplication begins at the metacarpals has not been extensively discussed in the literature. Here, we present 2 patients with a Wassel VI duplication and a shared soft-tissue variant of anomalous insertion of the opponens pollicis muscle onto the radial hypoplastic digit. A critical component of thenar reconstruction involves preservation and reinsertion of the opponens muscle into the dominant and preserved metacarpal.