bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recovery from plasma etching-induced nitrogen vacancies in p-type gallium nitride using UV/O3 treatments
Authors: Foster Geoffrey M. , Koehler Andrew , Ebrish Mona , Gallagher James , Anderson Travis , Noesges Brenton , Brillson Leonard , Gunning Brendan , Hobart Karl D. , Kub Francis
Published: August 2020

Plasma etching of p-type GaN creates n-type nitrogen vacancy (VN) defects at the etched surface, which can be detrimental to device performance. In mesa isolated diodes, etch damage on the sidewalls degrades the ideality factor and leakage current. A treatment was developed to recover both the ideality factor and leakage current, which uses UV/O3 treatment to oxidize the damaged layers followed by HF etching to remove them. The temperature dependent I–V measurement shows that the reverse leakage transport mechanism is dominated by Poole–Frenkel emission at room temperature through the etch-induced VN defect. Depth resolved cathodoluminescence confirms that the damage is limited to first several nanometers and is consistent with the VN defect.
Differential access to continuity of midwifery care in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Donnellan-Fernandez Roslyn E. , Creedy Debra K. , Callander Emily J. , Gamble Jenny , Toohill Jocelyn
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveTo determine maternal access to continuity of midwifery care in public maternity hospitals across the state of Queensland, Australia.
MethodsMaternal access to continuity of midwifery care in Queensland was modelled by considering the proportion of midwives publicly employed to provide continuity of midwifery care alongside 2017 birth data for Queensland Hospital and Health Services. The model assumed an average caseload per full-time equivalent midwife working in continuity of care with 35 women per annum, based on state Nursing and Midwifery Award conditions. Hospitals were grouped into five clusters using standard Australian hospital classifications.
ResultsTwenty-seven facilities (out of 39, 69%) across all 15 hospital and health services in Queensland providing a maternity service offered continuity of midwifery care in 2017 (birthing onsite). Modelling applying the assumed caseload of 35 women per full-time equivalent midwife found wide variations in the percentage of women able to access continuity of midwifery care, with access available for an estimated 18% of childbearing women across the state. Hospital classifications with higher clinical services capability and birth volume did not equate with higher access to continuity of midwifery care in metropolitan areas. Regional health services with level 3 district hospitals assisting with <500 births showed higher levels of access, potentially due to additional challenges to meet local population needs to those of a metropolitan service. Access to full continuity of midwifery care in level 3 remote hospitals (<500 births) was artificially inflated due to planned pre-labour transfers for women requiring specialised intrapartum care and women who planned to birth at other hospitals.
ConclusionsDespite strong evidence that continuity of midwifery care offers optimal care for women and their babies, there was significant variation in implementation and scale-up of these models across hospital jurisdictions.
What is known about the topic?Access to continuity of midwifery care for pregnant women within the public health system varies widely; however, access variation among different hospital classification groups in Australian states and territories has not been systematically mapped.
What does this paper add?This paper identified differential access to continuity of midwifery care among hospital classifications grouped for clinical services capability and birth volume in one state, Queensland. It shows that higher clinical services capability and birth volume did not equate with higher access to continuity of midwifery care in metropolitan areas.
What are the implications for practitionersScaling up continuity of midwifery care among all hospital classification groups in Queensland remains an important public health strategy to address equitable service access.
Characterization and validation of a preventative therapy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a murine model of the disease
Authors: Viola Helena M. , Shah Ashay A. , Johnstone Victoria P. A. , Cserne Szappanos Henrietta , Hodson Mark P. , Hool Livia C.
Published: August 2020

Significance

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy affects 1:500 of the general population. Current drug therapy is used to manage symptoms in patients. There is an unmet need for treatments that can prevent the cardiomyopathy. Here we identify biomarkers of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy resulting from causing cardiac troponin I mutation Gly203Ser, and present a safe, nontoxic, preventative approach for the treatment of associated cardiomyopathy.
Multiscale computation delivers organophosphorus reactivity and stereoselectivity to immunoglobulin scavengers
Authors: Mokrushina Yuliana A. , Golovin Andrey V. , Smirnov Ivan V. , Chatziefthimiou Spyros D. , Stepanova Anastasia V. , Bobik Tatyana V. , Zalevsky Arthur O. , Zlobin Alexander S. , Konovalov Kirill A. , Terekhov Stanislav S. , Stepanov Alexey V. , Pipiya Sofiya O. , Shamborant Olga G. , Round Ekaterina , Belogurov Alexey A. , Bourenkov Gleb , Makarov Alexander A. , Wilmanns Matthias , Xie Jia , Blackburn G. Michael , Gabibov Alexander G. , Lerner Richard A.
Published: August 2020

Significance

Developed quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) supercomputation is used to identify maturation of immunoglobulin (Ig) reactivity through optimization of amino acids in the catalytic core, focused on enhanced nucleophilic attack on phosphorus. A computationally optimized variant,
l
-Leu47Lys, delivers 340-fold reactivity enhancement for paraoxon relative to wild-type Ig-paraoxonase resulting from substrate-induced ionization of the Tyr37 nucleophile. Variant antibody stereoselectivity toward a P-chiral phenylphosphonate toxin results from starkly contrasting solvent-assisted or general base catalytic mechanisms relative to the parent Ig-paraoxonase. These mechanisms are defined by crystallographic and QM/MM analyses as resulting from changed substrate orientation and participating amino acid conformations within the catalytic site.
Calibration of 1-D CMM artefacts: step gauges (EURAMET.L-K5.2016)
Authors: Coveney Tim , Matus Michael , Wang Shihua , Byman Ville , Lassila Antti , Alqahtani Nasser , Alqahtani Faisal , Sumner Dean , Spiller Jürg , Meli Felix , Picotto Gian Bartolo , Bellotti Roberto , Sato Osamu , Sharma Rina , Moona Girija , Kumar Vinod , Rodríguez Joaquín , Prieto Emilio , Meral İlker , Ganioğlu Okhan , Salgado José , Wójtowicz Adam , Skalník Pavel , Zelený Vít , Stoup John , Kotte Gerard , Koops Richard , Arizmendi Edgar , Wang Weinong , Jakobsson Agneta , Duta Alexandru , Dugheanu Elena , Reain Greg , Szikszai Gábor
Published: August 2020

The results of the inter-RMO key comparison EURAMET.L-K5.2016 on the calibration of a step gauge are reported. Twenty-two National Metrology Institutes from four different metrological regions all over the world participated in this comparison which lasted three years, from December 2015 to December 2018.

Two artefacts were circulated so that the varying ranges of participants equipment could be accommodated. A 1020 mm ceramic monolithic step gauge remained stable throughout the comparison. A 610 mm steel step gauge changed length, possibly due to an impact while travelling between participants. The comparison of this artefact was divided into two groups, those before the damage and those after, with the reference value for each group derived from a linking participant who had demonstrated equivalence in the 1020 mm artefact circulation. For the 1020 mm comparison the inverse-variance weighted mean was taken as reference value.

Of the twenty two participants, eleven successfully demonstrated the validity of the claimed measurement capability. Of the remaining 11, 3 submitted revised uncertainties after the initial circulation of results which were shown to be valid when compared to the reference value. A set of recommendations and actions were agreed with the remaining participants.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCL, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Multiple dehydrogenation reactions of negative ions in low pressure silane plasma chemistry
Authors: Howling A A , Descoeudres A , Hollenstein Ch
Published: August 2020

Micro-particle formation in low pressure silane (SiH4) plasmas has been of technical interest and concern for at least 40 years. Negative ion plasma chemistry is a candidate for the initial nucleation, which has been extensively studied both experimentally and theoretically. Nevertheless, the nature and mechanisms of anion-neutral reactions remain uncertain in models of nucleation. In the pure silane, 0.1 mbar plasma of this work, silicon hydride anion mass spectra are interpreted in terms of iterative anion–silane reactions, involving release of one, or two, hydrogen molecules. Such ‘multiple dehydrogenation’ has been directly observed by Operti et al [2006 Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom.
20 2696], where triple dehydrogenation also occurred. A statistical model, defined uniquely by a branching ratio of 68% for single hydrogenation, and 32% for double dehydrogenation, gives an accurate fit to the hydrogen distribution for all heavy silicon hydride anions (abbreviated here by ‘silanions’), up to at least 800 atomic mass units. Most theoretical models of silanion-neutral nucleation consider dehydrogenation where no more than one H2 molecule is released. It is suggested that multiple dehydrogenation could improve the comparison of theory with experiments.
The role of texturing and thickness of oxide buffer layers in the superconducting properties of Fe(Se,Te) Coated Conductors
Authors: Sylva G , Bellingeri E , Bernini C , Celentano G , Ferdeghini C , Leveratto A , Lisitskiy M , Malagoli A , Manca N , Mancini A , Manfrinetti P , Pallecchi I , Provino A , Putti M , Vannozzi A , Braccini V
Published: August 2020

In this paper the roles of texturing and thickness of different buffer layers employed in the fabrication of Fe(Se,Te) coated conductors are studied. Fe(Se,Te) thin films were deposited either on rolling assisted biaxially textured substrates substrates with highly textured CeO2 buffer layer and on HASTELLOY® C276 substrates with a randomly oriented native oxide grown through different oxidizing processes. It was found that the buffer layer has to be both thick enough to block Ni interdiffusion from the metallic tape to the Fe(Se,Te) overlayer, and textured enough to ensure good in-plane alignment of the superconducting film, and consequently good critical current densities (Jc). The best results in terms of critical temperature (Tc) and critical current were obtained using a highly textured 350 nm thick CeO2 buffer layer, but a fairly good Jc of 1.2 104 A cm−2 in self field at 5 K was also obtained using an HASTELLOY® C276 substrate with a 400 nm thick randomly oriented native oxide. The obtained results indicate that the superconducting properties of the Fe(Se,Te) coated conductors are determined by a trade-off between degree of texturing of the substrate and inhibition of Nickel interdiffusion.
Metamaterials designed for enhanced ENZ properties
Authors: Koivurova Matias , Hakala Tommi , Turunen Jari , Friberg Ari T , Ornigotti Marco , Caglayan Humeyra
Published: August 2020

We examine layered metamaterial structures consisting of alternating films of epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) and dielectric material, and show that for such a stack it is possible to enhance the refractive, reflective or absorptive properties of the ENZ. The proposed structure takes advantage of resonances from several interfaces, guided modes, and plasmon excitations to achieve the desired enhancement, and it is not an effective medium. We use analytical modeling tools to show how the different degrees of freedom affect the properties of the stack, and propose experimentally feasible parameters for such structures.
A review of estimating population exposure to sea-level rise and the relevance for migration
Authors: McMichael Celia , Dasgupta Shouro , Ayeb-Karlsson Sonja , Kelman Ilan
Published: August 2020

This review analyses global or near-global estimates of population exposure to sea-level rise (SLR) and related hazards, followed by critically examining subsequent estimates of population migration due to this exposure. Our review identified 33 publications that provide global or near-global estimates of population exposure to SLR and associated hazards. They fall into three main categories of exposure, based on definitions in the publications: (i) the population impacted by specified levels of SLR; (ii) the number of people living in floodplains that are subject to coastal flood events with a specific return period; and (iii) the population living in low-elevation coastal zones. Twenty of these 33 publications discuss connections between population migration and SLR. In our analysis of the exposure and migration data, we consider datasets, analytical methods, and the challenges of estimating exposure to SLR followed by potential human migration. We underscore the complex connections among SLR, exposure to its impacts, and migration. Human mobility to and from coastal areas is shaped by diverse socioeconomic, demographic, institutional, and political factors; there may be ‘trapped’ populations as well as those who prefer not to move for social, cultural, and political reasons; and migration can be delayed or forestalled through other adaptive measures. While global estimates of exposed and potentially migrating populations highlight the significant threats of SLR for populations living in low-lying areas at or near coastlines, further research is needed to understand the interactions among localised SLR and related hazards, social and political contexts, adaptation possibilities, and potential migration and (im)mobility decision-making.
Riemann surface for TASEP with periodic boundaries
Authors: Prolhac Sylvain
Published: August 2020

The Bethe ansatz solution of periodic TASEP is formulated in terms of a ramified covering from a Riemann surface to the sphere. The joint probability distribution of height fluctuations at n distinct times has in particular a relatively simple expression as a function of n variables on the Riemann surface built from exponentials of Abelian integrals, traced over the ramified covering and integrated on n nested contours in the complex plane.
A novel environment-friendly synthesis of high purity micron iron phosphate and its application as a precursor of lithium iron phosphate
Authors: Guo Ju , Mo Xinliang , Wu Fuyong , Yu Mei
Published: August 2020

This essay studies a novel environment-friendly synthesis method for the high purity micron iron phosphate. Compared with traditional synthesis method, this new method can greatly reduce the amount of industrial sewage, hence it is an environment-friendly production technology which can effectively improve the products’ purity, structure stability and morphological consistency. This new method includes two-step reactions: first, phosphoric acid, iron powder and hydrogen peroxide are used as raw materials to obtain iron phosphate dihydrate intermediate, which is then calcined at high temperature to obtain anhydrous iron phosphate. The results show that the iron phosphate prepared for this new method is a hexagonal system-structured iron orthophosphate with high purity and without any impurities, exhibiting a regular and primary spherical particle morphology, at the average size of 3.096μm in particle and the specific surface area reaching 39.1765 m2 g−1. With these excellent characteristics, it has better application potentials in the field of electrode material preparation. The electrochemical performance of lithium iron phosphate anode materials synthesized with it as the precursor is superior to those synthesized with the iron phosphate prepared by the traditional method as precursor. The first specific capacity of discharge at 0.5C and 10C can be as high as 154.3989 or 102.9326 mAh g−1, increasing by 2.74% and 8.03%, respectively.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization outcompetes root hairs in maize under low phosphorus availability
Authors: Ma Xiaomin , Li Xuelian , Ludewig Uwe
Published: August 2020

Background and Aims

An increase in root hair length and density and the development of arbuscular mycorrhiza symbiosis are two alternative strategies of most plants to increase the root–soil surface area under phosphorus (P) deficiency. Across many plant species, root hair length and mycorrhization density are inversely correlated. Root architecture, rooting density and physiology also differ between species. This study aims to understand the relationship among root hairs, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization, plant growth, P acquisition and mycorrhizal-specific Pi transporter gene expression in maize.

Methods

Using nearly isogenic maize lines, the B73 wild type and the rth3 root hairless mutant, we quantified the effect of root hairs and AMF infection in a calcareous soil under P deficiency through a combined analysis of morphological, physiological and molecular factors.

Key Results

Wild-type root hairs extended the rhizosphere for acid phosphatase activity by 0.5 mm compared with the rth3 hairless mutant, as measured by in situ zymography. Total root length of the wild type was longer than that of rth3 under P deficiency. Higher AMF colonization and mycorrhiza-induced phosphate transporter gene expression were identified in the mutant under P deficiency, but plant growth and P acquisition were similar between mutant and the wild type. The mycorrhizal dependency of maize was 33 % higher than the root hair dependency.

Conclusions

The results identified larger mycorrhizal dependency than root hair dependency under P deficiency in maize. Root hairs and AMF inoculation are two alternative ways to increase Pi acquisition under P deficiency, but these two strategies compete with each other.
Brain network remodelling reflects tau-related pathology prior to memory deficits in Thy-Tau22 mice
Authors: Degiorgis Laetitia , Karatas Meltem , Sourty Marion , Faivre Emilie , Lamy Julien , Noblet Vincent , Bienert Thomas , Reisert Marco , von Elverfeldt Dominik , Buée Luc , Blum David , Boutillier Anne-Laurence , Armspach Jean-Paul , Blanc Frédéric , Harsan Laura-Adela
Published: August 2020

In Alzheimer’s disease, the tauopathy is known as a major mechanism responsible for the development of cognitive deficits. Early biomarkers of such affectations for diagnosis/stratification are crucial in Alzheimer’s disease research, and brain connectome studies increasingly show their potential establishing pathology fingerprints at the network level. In this context, we conducted an in vivo multimodal MRI study on young Thy-Tau22 transgenic mice expressing tauopathy, performing resting state functional MRI and structural brain imaging to identify early connectome signatures of the pathology, relating with histological and behavioural investigations. In the prodromal phase of tauopathy, before the emergence of cognitive impairments, Thy-Tau22 mice displayed selective modifications of brain functional connectivity involving three main centres: hippocampus (HIP), amygdala (AMG) and the isocortical areas, notably the somatosensory (SS) cortex. Each of these regions showed differential histopathological profiles. Disrupted ventral HIP-AMG functional pathway and altered dynamic functional connectivity were consistent with high pathological tau deposition and astrogliosis in both hippocampus and amygdala, and significant microglial reactivity in amygdalar nuclei. These patterns were concurrent with widespread functional hyperconnectivity of memory-related circuits of dorsal hippocampus—encompassing dorsal HIP-SS communication—in the absence of significant cortical histopathological markers. These findings suggest the coexistence of two intermingled mechanisms of response at the functional connectome level in the early phases of pathology: a maladaptive and a likely compensatory response. Captured in the connectivity patterns, such first responses to pathology could further be used in translational investigations as a lead towards an early biomarker of tauopathy as well as new targets for future treatments.
The 2008 Financial Crisis and the Lack of Retaliatory Trade Intervention
Authors: Li Chunding , Whalley John , He Chuantian , Lin Chuangwei
Published: August 2020

The 2008 financial crisis did not precipitate global retaliatory trade intervention, in seeming contrast to the Great Depression in 1930s. This article discusses the influence of model structure in optimal tariff (OT) calculations in explaining this puzzle. We emphasize how earlier literature reports high OTs in numerical calculation (of a hundred percent) but only uses simple trade models. We use numerical general equilibrium (GE) calibration and simulation methodology to calculate OTs both with and without retaliation in a series of observationally equivalent models and explore the influence of model structures on OT levels. We gradually add more realistic features into the basic GE model, and show sharply declined OTs, which suggests that trade retaliation incentives effectively disappear with the deepening of globalization in 2008 compared to 1930. (JEL codes: F11, C63, F13).
An implementation model for managing cloud-based longitudinal care plans for children with medical complexity
Authors: Wang Grace , Wignall Julia , Kinard Dylan , Singh Vidhi , Foster Carolyn , Adams Sherri , Pratt Wanda , Desai Arti D
Published: August 2020

Objective

We aimed to iteratively refine an implementation model for managing cloud-based longitudinal care plans (LCPs) for children with medical complexity (CMC).

Materials and Methods

We conducted iterative 1-on-1 design sessions with CMC caregivers (ie, parents/legal guardians) and providers between August 2017 and March 2019. During audio-recorded sessions, we asked participants to walk through role-specific scenarios of how they would create, review, and edit an LCP using a cloud-based prototype, which we concurrently developed. Between sessions, we reviewed audio recordings to identify strategies that would mitigate barriers that participants reported relating to 4 processes for managing LCPs: (1) taking ownership, (2) sharing, (3) reviewing, and (4) editing. Analysis informed iterative implementation model revisions.

Results

We conducted 30 design sessions, with 10 caregivers and 20 providers. Participants emphasized that cloud-based LCPs required a team of owners: the caregiver(s), a caregiver-designated clinician, and a care coordinator. Permission settings would need to include universal accessibility for emergency providers, team-level permission options, and some editing restrictions for caregivers. Notifications to review and edit the LCP should be sent to team members before and after clinic visits and after hospital encounters. Mitigating double documentation barriers would require alignment of data fields between the LCP and electronic health record to maximize interoperability.

Discussion

These findings provide a model for how we may leverage emerging Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act–compliant cloud computing technologies to support families and providers in comanaging health information for CMC.

Conclusions

Utilizing these management strategies when implementing cloud-based LCPs has the potential to improve team-based care across settings.
Thiacloprid + Deltamethrin on the Life-Table Parameters of the Cotton Aphid, Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae), and the Parasitoid, Aphidius flaviventris (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae)
Authors: Majidpour Marzieh , Maroofpour Nariman , Ghane-Jahromi Mojtaba , Guedes Raul Narciso C
Published: August 2020

A combination of pesticides and biological control agents is frequently necessary to achieve successful pest management requiring the assessment of their compatibility for the intended purpose. Aphidius flaviventris Kurdjumov is one of the parasitoids of the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii Glover, whose susceptibility to pesticides was not yet investigated. Accordingly, we investigated the lethal and sublethal effects of the commonly utilized insecticide mixture thiacloprid + deltamethrin on the cotton aphid and its parasitoid wasp Aphidius flaviventris. The estimated LC50 for the aphid was 14.1 mg ai/l; the effects of sublethal exposure at LC10 (2.80 mg ai/l) and LC30 (7.28 mg ai/l) on the aphid life-table parameters led to significantly increase on the development time of third- and fourth-instar nymphs and preadult. Sublethal exposure to the insecticide mixture compromised aphid longevity, fecundity, and life-table parameters (r, R0, and T). Moreover, population growth and parasitism rate of the parasitoid were significantly compromised at both concentrations of the insecticide mixture under sublethal exposure. These results not only indicate the efficacy of thiacloprid + deltamethrin against the cotton aphid, but also raise concerns regarding its negative impacts on the parasitoid Aphidius flaviventris and caution against its use in pest management programs.
Host Overwintering Phenology and Climate Change Influence the Establishment of Tetrastichus planipennisi Yang (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a Larval Parasitoid Introduced for Biocontrol of the Emerald Ash Borer
Authors: Gould Juli R , Warden Melissa L , Slager Benjamin H , Murphy Theresa C
Published: August 2020

Emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), is one of the most serious forest pests in the United States. Ongoing research indicates that establishment of larval parasitoids depends upon the season-long availability of host stages susceptible to parasitism. We monitored emerald ash borer overwintering stages at 90 sites across 22 states to: 1) produce a model of the percentage of emerald ash borer overwintering as non-J larvae; 2) link that model to establishment of Tetrastichus planipennisi; and 3) explore changes to our model under climate change scenarios. Accumulated growing degree days (GDD) is an important predictor of the proportion of emerald ash borer overwintering as non-J larvae (1–4 instar larvae under the bark; available to parasitoids emerging in spring) versus J-larvae (fourth-instar larvae in pupal chambers in the outer wood; unavailable to parasitoids). From north to south, the availability of non-J emerald ash borer larvae in the spring decreases as accumulated GDD increases. In areas where the model predicted >46–75%, >30–46%, >13–30%, or ≤13% of emerald ash borer overwintering as non-J larvae, the probability of establishment of T. planipennisi was 92%, 67%, 57%, and 21%, respectively. We determined that 13% of emerald ash borer overwintering as non-J larvae was the lowest threshold for expected T. planipennisi establishment. Additional modeling predicts that under climate change, establishment of T. planipennisi will be most affected in the Central United States, with areas that are currently suitable becoming unsuitable. Our results provide a useful tool for the emerald ash borer biological control program on how to economically and successfully deploy emerald ash borer biological control agents.
Improving the Phenotypic Properties of the Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) Temperature-Sensitive Lethal Genetic Sexing Strain in Support of Sterile Insect Technique Applications
Authors: Porras Mitzy F , Meza Jose S , Rajotte Edwin G , Bourtzis Kostas , Cáceres Carlos
Published: August 2020

The genetic sexing strain (GSS) of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann)) Vienna 8D53− is based on a male-linked translocation system and uses two selectable markers for male-only production, the white pupae (wp) and the temperature sensitivity lethal (tsl) genes. In this GSS, males emerge from brown pupae and are resistant to high temperatures while females emerge from white pupae, are sensitive to high temperatures. However, double homozygous females (wp tsl/wp tsl) exhibit a slower development rate compared to heterozygous males (wp+tsl+/wp tsl) during the larval stage, which was attributed to the pleiotropic effects of the tsl gene. We present the first evidence that this slower development is due to a different gene, here namely slow development (sd), which is closely linked to the tsl gene. Taking advantage of recombination phenomena between the two loci, we report the isolation of a novel temperature sensitivity lethal strain using the wp mutation as a morphological marker, which showed faster development (wp tsl FD) during the larval stage and increased in its temperature sensitivity compared with the normal tsl strain. Moreover, the introgression of this novel wp tsl FD combined trait into the Vienna 8D53− GSS, resulted in a novel Vienna 8D53− FD GSS, where females showed differences in the thermal sensibility, larval development speed, and productivity profiles. The modification of these traits and their impact on the mass rearing of the GSS for sterile insect technique applications are discussed.
Identification of Robinia pseudoacacia target proteins responsive to Mesorhizobium amphore CCNWGS0123 effector protein NopT
Authors: Luo Yantao , Liu Dongying , Jiao Shuo , Liu Shuang , Wang Xinye , Shen Xihui , Wei Gehong
Published: August 2020

Nodulation outer proteins secreted via type 3 secretion systems are involved in the process of symbiosis between legume plants and rhizobia. To study the function of NopT in symbiosis, we mutated nopT in Mesorhizobium amphore CCNWGS0123 (GS0123), which can nodulate black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). The nopT mutant induced higher levels of jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, and hydrogen peroxide accumulation in the roots of R. pseudoacacia compared with wild-type GS0123. The ΔnopT mutant induced higher disease-resistant gene expression 72 hours post-inoculation (hpi), whereas GS0123 induced higher disease-resistant gene expression earlier, at 36 hpi. Compared with the nopT mutant, GS0123 induced the up-regulation of most genes at 36 hpi and the down-regulation of most genes at 72 hpi. Proteolytically active NopT_GS0123 induced hypersensitive responses when expressed transiently in tobacco leaves (Nicotiana benthamiana). Two NopT_GS0123 targets in R. pseudoacacia were identified, ATP-citrate synthase alpha chain protein 2 and hypersensitive-induced response protein. Their interactions with NopT_GS0123 triggered resistance by the plant immune system. In conclusion, NopT_GS0123 inhibited the host plant immune system and had minimal effect on nodulation in R. pseudoacacia. Our results reveal the underlying molecular mechanism of NopT function in plant–symbiont interactions.
A 5′ UTR GGN repeat controls localisation and translation of a potassium leak channel mRNA through G-quadruplex formation
Authors: Maltby Connor J , Schofield James P R , Houghton Steven D , O’Kelly Ita , Vargas-Caballero Mariana , Deinhardt Katrin , Coldwell Mark J
Published: August 2020

RNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) are secondary structures proposed to function as regulators of post-transcriptional mRNA localisation and translation. G4s within some neuronal mRNAs are known to control distal localisation and local translation, contributing to distinct local proteomes that facilitate the synaptic remodelling attributed to normal cellular function. In this study, we characterise the G4 formation of a (GGN)13 repeat found within the 5′ UTR of the potassium 2-pore domain leak channel Task3 mRNA. Biophysical analyses show that this (GGN)13 repeat forms a parallel G4 in vitro exhibiting the stereotypical potassium specificity of G4s, remaining thermostable under physiological ionic conditions. Through mouse brain tissue G4-RNA immunoprecipitation, we further confirm that Task3 mRNA forms a G4 structure in vivo. The G4 is inhibitory to translation of Task3 in vitro and is overcome through activity of a G4-specific helicase DHX36, increasing K+ leak currents and membrane hyperpolarisation in HEK293 cells. Further, we observe that this G4 is fundamental to ensuring delivery of Task3 mRNA to distal primary cortical neurites. It has been shown that aberrant Task3 expression correlates with neuronal dysfunction, we therefore posit that this G4 is important in regulated local expression of Task3 leak channels that maintain K+ leak within neurons.
EXPath 2.0: An Updated Database for Integrating High-Throughput Gene Expression Data with Biological Pathways
Authors: Tseng Kuan-Chieh , Li Guan-Zhen , Hung Yu-Cheng , Chow Chi-Nga , Wu Nai-Yun , Chien Yi-Ying , Zheng Han-Qin , Lee Tzong-Yi , Kuo Po-Li , Chang Song-Bin , Chang Wen-Chi
Published: August 2020

Co-expressed genes tend to have regulatory relationships and participate in similar biological processes. Construction of gene correlation networks from microarray or RNA-seq expression data has been widely applied to study transcriptional regulatory mechanisms and metabolic pathways under specific conditions. Furthermore, since transcription factors (TFs) are critical regulators of gene expression, it is worth investigating TFs on the promoters of co-expressed genes. Although co-expressed genes and their related metabolic pathways can be easily identified from previous resources, such as EXPath and EXPath Tool, this information is not simultaneously available to identify their regulatory TFs. EXPath 2.0 is an updated database for the investigation of regulatory mechanisms in various plant metabolic pathways with 1,881 microarray and 978 RNA-seq samples. There are six significant improvements in EXPath 2.0: (i) the number of species has been extended from three to six to include Arabidopsis, rice, maize, Medicago, soybean and tomato; (ii) gene expression at various developmental stages have been added; (iii) construction of correlation networks according to a group of genes is available; (iv) hierarchical figures of the enriched Gene Ontology (GO) terms are accessible; (v) promoter analysis of genes in a metabolic pathway or correlation network is provided; and (vi) user’s gene expression data can be uploaded and analyzed. Thus, EXPath 2.0 is an updated platform for investigating gene expression profiles and metabolic pathways under specific conditions. It facilitates users to access the regulatory mechanisms of plant biological processes. The new version is available at http://EXPath.itps.ncku.edu.tw.
Permanent Ventricular Shunts: Normal Appearance and Complications
Authors: Jennings Karsten G. , Lisanti Christopher J. , Carlson Christian L.
Published: August 2020

Hydrocephalus is a common condition that is primarily treated with ventricular shunting, most commonly with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. However, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt may be contraindicated, requiring an alternate shunt system. The various ventricular shunts are associated with both similar and unique adverse events. This article reviews the various types of ventricular shunt systems and their associated complications.
Eye Rubbing and Transient Corneal Ectasia Detected by Topography in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Scotto Riccardo , Vagge Aldo , Traverso Carlo E.
Published: August 2020

We report on a 13-year-old girl undergoing changes in the refraction of her OS associated with eye rubbing. Corneal topography showed a corneal deformation in OS, classified as stage 1 keratoconus according to the Krumeich classification. A significant reduction in eye rubbing led to a normal corneal shape at the 1-year follow-up. Transient and fully reversible corneal ectasia can be caused by eye rubbing in pediatric age. This may have implications when counseling very young patients with eye rubbing.
Custom-Made Cleft Palate Models to Teach V-Y Pushback Palatoplasty
Authors: Hwang Kun
Published: August 2020

We developed custom-made cleft palate (CP) models to teach V-Y pushback palatoplasty, with a focus on design and mucoperiosteal elevation.

A model (23 cm wide, 30 cm long, and 13 cm high) was made using silicone (model 1; M1). On the palate of a skull model, 2 layers of colored rubber clay were applied to represent the superficial oral mucoperiosteum and deep nasal mucosa (model 2; M2). From the greater palatine foramen, threads of dental floss were inserted inside the clay, representing the greater palatine artery. In a workshop, a mouth gag was applied on M1, and participants designed 2-flap palatoplasty and 4-flap palatoplasty. On the palate of M2, incisions were made with a #15 blade. On M2, a mucoperiosteal flap (rubber clay over the hard palate) was elevated using a periosteal elevator, avoiding injury to the dental floss mimicking the greater palatine artery. Six participants were recruited for the workshop and were asked to rate their satisfaction with the outcome on a Likert scale.

For CP design, participants answered that they had learned useful knowledge from this workshop, reflecting a significant improvement (4.0 ± 1.1 for incomplete CP, 4.2 ± 1.2 for complete CP). They became confident in this skill after the workshop (4.2 ± 0.8 for incomplete CP, 3.8 ± 0.8 for complete CP). For cleft mucoperiosteal flap elevation, they likewise learned useful knowledge (4.7 ± 0.5 for incomplete CP, 4.5 ± 0.5 for complete CP) and became confident in this skill (3.8 ± 0.8 for incomplete CP, 4.0 ± 0.6 for complete CP.)

These models can be useful for V-Y pushback palatoplasty training for medical personnel.
Anaphylactic Reaction Rates to Blue Dyes Used for Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping
Authors: Perenyei Miklos , Barber Zoe E. , Gibson John , Hemington-Gorse Sarah , Dobbs Thomas D.
Published: August 2020

Objective:

The primary objective of this study was to quantify the risk of anaphylaxis to blue dyes used in SLNB for cancer. Secondary outcomes included the identification of factors that may influence this risk.

Summary of Background Data:

Blue dyes are widely used to help identify sentinel lymph nodes in oncological surgery. The rate of severe allergic reactions to blue dyes remains a controversial topic, with the true incidence and influencing factors uncertain.

Methods:

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to identify all studies which report on the incidence of severe adverse reactions and anaphylaxis to blue dyes (patent blue, isosulfan blue, methylene blue, and indigo carmine), when used for SLNB. Collected data included cancer and dye type, volume, and method of injection. Incidence was estimated using the arcsine method of statistical analysis.

Results:

One hundred nine studies documenting 94 episodes of anaphylaxis in a total of 61,951 SLNB procedures, resulting in a weighed anaphylaxis rate of 0.061%. SLNB for breast cancer carries an anaphylaxis risk of 0.083%, with the risk markedly lower in melanoma surgery (0.0043%). Low dye volume (<2 mL) and intradermal injection are both associated with lower rates of anaphylaxis (0.031% and 0.0068%). Isosulfan blue seems to be the most anaphylactogenic amongst blue dyes with a rate of 0.16%. There were no reported cases of death in this cohort.

Conclusion:

Anaphylaxis to blue dyes in SLNB is rare. Methylene blue, patent blue, lower dye volumes, and intradermal administration are all associated with a lower incidence of anaphylaxis.
Optimized DNA isolation method for microbiome analysis of human tissues
Authors: Bruggeling Carlijn , Garza Daniel R. , Achouiti Soumia , Mes Wouter , Dutilh Bas E. , Boleij Annemarie
Published: August 2020

Recent advances in microbiome sequencing have rendered new insights into the role of the microbiome in human health with potential clinical implications. Unfortunately, developments in the field of tissue microbiomes have been hampered by the presence of host DNA in isolates which interferes with the analysis of the bacterial content. Here, we present a DNA isolation protocol from tissue samples including reduction of host DNA without distortion of microbial abundance profiles. We evaluated which concentrations of Triton and saponin lyse host cells and leave bacterial cells intact, which was combined with DNAse treatment to deplete released host DNA. We applied our protocol to extract microbial DNA fromex vivoandin vivoacquired human colon biopsies (∼2-5 mm in size) and assessed the relative abundance of bacterial and human DNA by qPCR. Saponin at a concentration of 0.0125% in PBS lysed host cells, resulting in a 4.5-fold enrichment of bacterial DNA while preserving the relative abundance ofFirmicutes, Bacteroidetes, γ-ProteobacteriaandActinobacteria. Our protocol combined with shotgun metagenomic sequencing revealed a colon tissue microbiome profile with a Shannon diversity index of 3.2 and an UniFrac distance of 0.54, which is comparable to reported numbers based on amplicon sequencing. Hereby, we present the first protocol for enriching bacterial DNA from tissue biopsies that allows efficient isolation of rigid Gram-positive bacteria without depleting the more sensitive Gram-negative bacteria. Our protocol facilitates analysis of a wide spectrum of bacteria of clinical tissue samples improving their applicability for microbiome research.
The cognitive effects of a promised bonus do not depend on dopamine synthesis capacity
Authors: Hofmans Lieke , van den Bosch Ruben , Määttä Jessica I. , Verkes Robbert-Jan , Aarts Esther , Cools Roshan
Published: August 2020

Reward motivation is known to enhance cognitive control. However, detrimental effects have also been observed, which have been attributed to overdosing of already high baseline dopamine levels by further dopamine increases elicited by reward cues. Aarts et al. (2014) indeed demonstrated, in 14 individuals, that reward effects depended on striatal dopamine synthesis capacity, measured with [18F]FMT-PET: promised reward improved Stroop control in low-dopamine individuals, while impairing it in high-dopamine individuals. Here, we aimed to assess this same effect in 44 new participants, who had previously undergone an [18F]DOPA-PET scan to quantify dopamine synthesis capacity. This sample performed the exact same rewarded Stroop paradigm as in the prior study. However, we did not find any correlation between reward effects on cognitive control and striatal dopamine synthesis capacity. The discrepancy between the current and our previous findings might reflect the use of different radiotracers for indexing dopamine synthesis capacity.

STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE

Reward motivation is generally thought to enhance cognitive control, but paradoxical negative effects of rewards on cognitive control have also been observed. A previous PET study demonstrated that reward effects on Stroop control depended on baseline striatal dopamine synthesis capacity, indexed by uptake of the radiotracer [18F]FMT. The sample size is this study was very small for a between-subject correlational design. Replicating the exact same Stroop paradigm within a larger sample is therefore crucial to robustly establish the mechanistic link between incentive motivation and cognitive control and advancing our understanding of who chokes under pressure and why, a topic of great societal relevance today. The present study did not reveal any correlation between reward effects on cognitive control and striatal dopamine synthesis capacity, indexed with [18F]FDOPA-PET. Future studies might consider putative differential sensitivity of the radiotracer [18F]FMT and [18F]FDOPA, while also addressing other indices of dopamine transmission.
Covering soybean leaves with cellulose nanofiber changes leaf surface hydrophobicity and confers resistance againstPhakopsora pachyrhizi
Authors: Saito Haruka , Yamashita Yuji , Sakata Nanami , Ishiga Takako , Shiraishi Nanami , Usuki Giyu , Nguyen Viet Tru , Yamamura Eiji , Ishiga Yasuhiro
Published: August 2020

Asian soybean rust (ASR) caused byPhakopsora pachyrhizi, an obligate biotrophic fungal pathogen, is the most devastating soybean production disease worldwide. Currently, timely fungicide application is the only means to control ASR in the field. We investigated cellulose nanofiber (CNF) application on ASR disease management. CNF-treated leaves showed reduced lesion number afterP. pachyrhiziinoculation compared to control leaves, indicating that covering soybean leaves with CNF confersP. pachyrhiziresistance. We also demonstrated that formation ofP. pachyrhizipre-infection structures including germ-tubes and appressoria, and also gene expression related to these formations, such aschitin synthases(CHSs), were significantly suppressed in CNF-treated soybean leaves compared to control leaves. Moreover, contact angle measurement revealed that CNF converts soybean leaf surface properties from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. These results suggest that CNF can change soybean leaf surface hydrophobicity, conferring resistance againstP. pachyrhizi, based on the reduced expression ofCHSs, as well as reduced formation of pre-infection structures. This is the first study to investigate CNF application to control field disease.
Robust Population Single Neuronal Calcium Signal Extraction Using SCOUT Allows for Longitudinal Analysis of Behavior-associated Neural Ensemble Dynamics
Authors: Johnston Kevin G. , Grieco Steven F. , Yu Zhaoxia , Jin Suoqin , Shen Tong , Crary Rachel , Guzowski John F. , Holmes Todd C. , Nie Qing , Xu Xiangmin
Published: August 2020

In vivocalcium imaging enables simultaneous recording of large neuronal ensembles while engaged in operations such as learning and memory. However, suchin vivooptical recordings are typically subject to motion artifact and background contamination from neurons and blood vessels. Further, population cell tracking across multiple recordings is complicated by non-rigid transformation induced by cell movements and field shifts. We introduce the novel method SCOUT for Single-Cell SpatiOtemporal LongitUdinal Tracking, consisting of two crucial parts: (1) imposition of spatial constraints on neuronal footprints extracted from individual optical recordings to improve ROI selection and eliminate false discoveries, and (2) application of a predictor-corrector, using spatiotemporal correlation of extracted neurons across sessions, for population cell tracking across multiple sessions. SCOUT empirically outperforms current methods for cell extraction and tracking in long-term multi-session imaging experiments across multiple brain regions. Application of this method allows for robust longitudinal analysis of contextual discrimination associated neural ensemble dynamics in the hippocampus up to 60 days.