bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fire risk analysis based on groundwater level in rewetting peatland, Sungaitohor village, kepulauan Meranti district, Riau province
Authors: Silviana SH , Saharjo BH , Sutikno S
Published: April 2020

The hydrological condition of peatlands is one of the important factors affecting peatland’s vulnerability to fire. The groundwater level (GWL) of peatlands or so-called groundwater depths is an indicator in determining the hydrological balance of peatlands. In normal conditions, peatlands are not prone to fire because they are able to hold and absorb water. Drainage on a large scale on peatlands causes the peat water level to drop so that the peat experiences water loss and is prone to fire. The disruption of the hydrological balance of peatlands can be seen in the wet month, when the water level is not much different from the conditions on a dry moon, which is still below the surface, causing peat to become flammable. The focus of this study was to determine the level of risk of fire vulnerability based on groundwater levels in peatlands, which was carried out restoration efforts, in the form of rewetting. This study, as a piece of early warning information on forest fires on GWL measurements of >40 cm, especially in the peatlands of Sungaitohor Village, Tebingtinggi Timur District, Kepulauan Meranti Regency, Riau Province. Groundwater level measurements were carried out directly in the field by installing 66 monitoring well points placed on different land uses (33 in unburned areas and 33 in burnt areas) during February - June 2019. The results showed that this region, in general, had a high level of risk of forest and land fires. The highest level of fire risk based on GWL >40 cm (danger category) was 99.63% in March. The high value of GWS >40 cm in this region made very susceptible to forest fires. In addition, extreme weather worsened the condition of peatlands into drought and was prone to fire.
Slope stability analysis due to extreme precipitation
Authors: Gunawan H , Al-Huda N , Sungkar M , Yulianur A , Setiawan B
Published: April 2020

Slope stability analysis due to extreme weather, i.e. precipitation is an interesting topic to investigate in the high rainfall region. This paper aims to investigate the effect of extreme rainfall on slope stability. A study case at a location inside the highly vulnerable formation in Aceh-Indonesia to failure, which is Tutut Formation, was carried out. Soil samples at the investigated site were collected and tested for further examination. The geometry of the landslide location was measured using Theodolite. Both the soil and surface geometry data were used to develop a computer model from which the slope failure was justified. A failure mechanism due to extreme precipitation is suggested. This finding is consistent with the field observations.
Spray drying of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) juice and analysis of antioxidant activity and total phenolic content
Authors: Setyawati DM , Mardliyati E , Rahman S , Wijaya AF
Published: April 2020

Mangosteen contains natural antioxidant compounds such as polyphenolic compounds. It is most fresh consumed and can not be stored for long especially after separated from its pericarp. One alternative to extend the shelf life is by drying the mangosteen fruit. Spray drying was investigated to this study to produce mangosteen juice powder which was examined for antioxidant activity and total phenolic content. Mangosteen juice powder was dried with the addition of maltodextrin in a ratio of mangosteen: maltodextrin of 10:90; 30:70 and 50:50, which mangosteen was based on total solid value. Spray drying was carried out in 2 inlet temperatures condition, 140°C and 160°C, to observe the effect of temperature on antioxidant activity and total phenolic content. These 2 inlet temperatures of spray dryer did not affect the physical appearance, colour, taste, and aroma of mangosteen powder. Increment of spray dryer temperature did not show significant differences in total phenolic content and IC50 of antioxidant activity, except IC50 in the ratio of 50:50. At the ratio 50:50, the increment of spray dryer temperature decreases the antioxidant activity. Therefore, spray drying is a prospective drying option for mangosteen juice at the appropriate addition of maltodextrin and temperature process. It should maintain the physical and chemical properties of mangosteen and finally support ease of storage and shipping.
Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Gayo Coffee Shell as an Adsorbent for Removal of Lead (Pb) in Liquid Waste
Authors: Juniar L , Mariana  , Mulyati S , Fathira D , Safitri R
Published: April 2020

Adsorption been a popular low-cost and environmentally friendly method that can be used to reduce heavy metals in wastewater especially with the use of biomass-sourced sorbents. In this study, the adsorbent was prepared from the coffee shell. The Performance of the prepared adsorbent was studied on the adsorption of Pb(II). The initial concentration of Pb(II) solution used was 300 mg/L and contact time was varied to 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 minutes. The characteristics of the sorbent were studied in terms of moisture content, ash content, and adsorption of I2. Further characterizations of the coffee shell sorbent were also carried out using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectrophotometer (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Surface Area Analyzer (SAA). The characterization results showed that the prepared sorbent meets the quality requirements according to SNI 06-3730-1995. The results from the adsorption process revealed that the maximum absorption capacity that can be performed by sorbent was 170.26 mg/g at the equilibrium time of 90 minutes. In conclusion, the coffee shell can be a potential biomass material to prepare adsorbent with high removal performance of heavy metal.
Pharmaceutical Emerging Pollutant Removal by Thin Activated Carbon Coating: Equilibrium, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Shamsudin Muhamad Sharafee , Ismail Suzylawati
Published: April 2020

In Malaysia, issues of pharmaceutical pollutant have been highlighted recently. Acetaminophen (analgesic) also known as paracetamol that usually used to reduce moderate pain such as headaches, menstrual periods, cold/flu aches and fever. There are a large amount of acetaminophen has been detected in sewage treatment plants in Malaysia. Unfortunately, sewage treatment plants are not effective enough to overcome this kind of pollutant. Therefore, in this research study, a new approach applying adsorption concept is introduced. Thin activated carbon coating (TACC) for adsorption of acetaminophen (ACT) was investigated. The TACC is formulated using Epoxidized Neutral Rubber (ENR-50) and poly(vinyl) chloride (PVC) as binders with activated carbon as an adsorbent, then was coated on white cotton fabric via brushing technique. Characterization analysis using SEM-EDX and BET analysis were performed. The pore volume and surface area of the TACC are 0.07 cm3/g and 64.3 m2/g, respectively. The TACC was evaluated through varies parameters including different initial concentrations and temperatures. The amount of ACT as adsorbate, 50 mg/L, able to be adsorbed up to 33.3 mg/g into TACC within 5 h. The result of equilibrium and kinetic studies indicated that Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo-second-order, respectively, are best fitted the adsorption of ACT onto TACC. It was decisive that the adsorption process of ACT on TACC is spontenoous (Δ G° <0) and exothermic (Δ H° <0) through thermodynamic studies.
Transesterification of refined bleached deodorized palm oil (rbdpo) using novozym® 435 to produce biodiesel
Authors: Manurung R , Hasibuan R , Sari B I , Wulandari R , Siregar A G
Published: April 2020

As a renewable energy source, biodiesel is an alternative fuel that is environmentally friendly, and non-toxic. Conventionally, biodiesel is mostly produced by a transesterification reaction of triglycerides with short-chain alcohol in the presence of an acidic or basic catalyst, but it requires high energy, difficult in the purification of glycerol and there is the possibility of soap formation. Currently, the process production of biodiesel has been directed to the enzymatic process. The enzymatic process can produce high-purity products because it is easy in removing by-products such as glycerol. Novozym® 435 have been reported as a biocatalyst which indicates a high conversion and able to catalyze a variety of organic chemical reactions. It is biodegradable, no possibility of soap formation, and can be used repeatedly. Ethanol used as an acyl acceptor because it is more renewable than methanol. The reaction parameters that used in this research were the molar ratio of raw material to ethanol, temperature reaction, and reaction time. The best result obtained in 7 hours reaction time at 40 °C was 98,83 % of ester yield with a molar ratio of ethanol and RBDPO was 6:1 and the catalyst dosage was 30 % (w/w). Based on the results, it shows that Novozym® 435 is a good biocatalyst in enzymatic transesterification process for biodiesel synthesis.
Degradation of Nitrate, Ammonium and Phosphate in Domestic Wastewater by Aquatic Plants, Actinoscirpus grossus in Floating Treatment Wetland System (FTWs)
Authors: Syafrizal  , Suhendrayatna  , Zaki Muhammad , Elvitriana
Published: April 2020

Ecological technologies such as wetlands constructed for wastewater treatment are innovative solutions for environmental protection and restoration. This study examines a Floating Treatment Wetlands System (FTWs), which is a new treating concept using macrophytes rooted in modified growing aquatic plants with floating systems. An aquatic plant, Actinoscirpus grossus obtained from rice fields in Banda Aceh. FCWs filled with five plants per shoot with five compartments were fed with domestic wastewater with a flow rate of 7 L/hour. Plant height was varied by 90cm - 150cm in Pond 1 and 50cm - 90cm in Pond 2, and Pond 3 was prepared as a control (without plants). Water quality in influent and effluent was analyzed every two weeks with a duration of 18 weeks and nine times sampling. Results showed a decrease in the concentration of nitrate, ammonium, and phosphate in the effluent flow with degradation efficiency (% DE) on average, NO3-N: 76.34%; NH4-N: 97.75%; and PO4
3-: 89.45%; respectively. The degradation of domestic wastewater showed very significant results. The periodic harvest management process becomes an important part of aquatic plants, Actinoscirpus grossus to achieve optimum results in treating waste, i.e., for 112 days with a maximum plant growth height of 165cm and 173cm for both variations of experimental ponds.
Performance of Terminalia Catappa Leaves Extract as Bio-Corrosion Inhibitor for Mild Steel in H2SO4Solution
Authors: Pramudita Marta , Sukirno  , Nasikin M
Published: April 2020

Terminalia catappaleaves extract has a high content of polyphenol compounds. Polyphenol compounds inhibit the corrosion rate for mild steel. This study aimed to assess the ability ofterminalia catappaleaves extract to inhibit bio-corrosion on the surface of mild steel placed in a corrosive medium of 1M sulphuric acid, and to compare this with that of tannin and sodium phosphate. The method used was the loss of weight at temperatures of 313K, 333K and 353K. It found that the inhibition efficiency was susceptible to increased temperature. The efficiency of bio-corrosion inhibition of sodium phosphate> tannin>Terminaliacatappaleaves extract; that is, the ability ofTerminalia catappaleaves extract to inhibit bio-corrosion was relatively lower than that of tannin and sodium phosphate.Terminalia catappaleaves extract’s inhibiting corrosion rate of mild steel was very good at 333K and 1250 ppm concentration, with an efficiency inhibition of 64%. The adsorption mechanism is a Langmuir isotherm, and the process is endothermic and spontaneous.
Optimization adsorption of lead (II) using Aceh natural-bentonite by response surface methodology
Authors: Jakfar J. , Husin H. , Muslim A. , Darmadi D. , Nasution F. , Thursina A.R. , Rahmawati E.
Published: April 2020

Response Surface Methodology was employed for the removal of lead on synthetic water. The process parameters including bentonite mass (0.5; 1.25; 2.0 g), lead concentration (10; 55; 100 mg/L), and agitation time (5; 17.5; 30 minutes) were optimized using statistical Box-Behnken Design. The experimental data were obtained and analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and fit to a quadratic polynomial equation (Regression Analysis, R2 = 0.9996) for 17 runs experiment and 5 runs of the central-point (confidence level at 95%). The numerical optimation was used to identify the optimum condition for maximum removal of lead. The maximum adsorption efficiency expressed as the adsorption capacity, which was found to be 7.42 mg/L, at agitation time 17.5 minutes and adsorbent dosage 2.0 g.
Application of Clustering and VARIMA for Rainfall Prediction
Authors: Rusyana Asep , Tatsara Nidya , Balqis Rozatul , Rahmi Syafinatur
Published: April 2020

Global warming causes climate change throughout the world which has an impact on changes in erratic rainfall. For fishermen, the estimated rainfall is an important thing to know before sailing. VARIMA is divided into VAR, VMA, VARMA, and VARIMA. This study uses a rainfall dataset consisting of rainfall (mm), temperature (°C), humidity (%) and wind speed (km/hour) with observations per day for one year in 2018. Training data is data that starts from 1 January 2018 until 30 November 2018 and the testing data starts on 1 December 2018 until 31 December 2018. Clustering was carried out in the area around Lampulo Pelabuhan Perikanan Samudera (PPS) which are Bandar Raya, Lampineung, Kuta Radja, and Kuta Alam. The best model obtained is VARIMA (1,1,2), which is based on the smallest AIC and BIC values, which are 8.5104 and 9.0581. The VARIMA (1,1,2) model also fulfills the white noise test, so it can be concluded that the data does not have autocorrelation and model can be used for predictions. Estimated values of rainfall, temperature, humidity and wind speed are not much different from actual values, with MAPE of all variables are relatively low.
Time-course study of a gold nanoparticle contrast agent for cardiac-gated micro-CT imaging in mice
Authors: El Ketara Samir , Ford Nancy Lee
Published: April 2020

Although micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) images have high contrast for bone or air, between soft tissues the contrast is typically low. To overcome this inherent issue, attenuating exogenous contrast agents are used to provide contrast enhancement in the vasculature and abdominal organs. The aim of this study is to measure the contrast enhancement time course for a gold nanoparticle blood-pool contrast agent and use it to perform cardiac-gated 4D micro-CT scans of the heart. Six healthy female C57BL/6 mice were anesthetized and imaged after receiving an injected dose of MVivo gold nanoparticle blood-pool contrast agent. Following the injection, we performed micro-CT scans at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, 8, 24, 48 and 72 h. The mean CT number was measured for 7 different organs. No contrast enhancement was noticed in the bladder, kidneys or muscle during the time-course study. However, it clearly appears that the contrast enhancement is high in both right ventricle and vena cava. To perform cardiac-gated imaging, either the gold nanoparticle agent (n = 3) or an iodine-based (n = 3) contrast agent was introduced and images representing 9 phases of the cardiac cycle were obtained in 6 additional mice. A few typical cardiac parameters were measured or calculated, with similar accuracy between the gold and iodinated agents, but better visualization of structures with the gold agent. The MVivo Au contrast agent can be used for investigations of cardiac or vascular disease with a single bolus injection, with an optimal cardiac imaging window identified during the first hour after injection, demonstrating similar image quality to iodinated contrast agents and excellent measurement accuracy. Furthermore, the long-lasting contrast enhancement of up to 8 h can be very useful for scanning protocols that require longer acquisition times.
Recent progress in encapsulation strategies to enhance the stability of organometal halide perovskite solar cells
Authors: Corsini Francesca , Griffini Gianmarco
Published: April 2020

Organometal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation thin-film solar cells. Over the past ten years, the efficiency of PSCs has increased from 3.8% to over 25% through the optimization of the perovskite film formulation and the engineering of suitable fabrication strategies and device architectures. However, the relatively poor long-term device stability, which has not been able to exceed some hundreds of hours until now, represents one of the key aspects still hampering their widespread diffusion to commercial contexts.

After briefly introducing the origin and basic mechanisms behind PSC degradation and performance decline, a systematic outline and classification of the available strategies to improve the long-term stability of this class of photovoltaic devices will be presented, mainly focusing on encapsulation procedures. Indeed, the aim of this review is to offer an in-depth and updated account of the existing encapsulation methods for PSCs according to the present understanding of reliability issues. More specifically, an analysis of currently available encapsulation materials and on their role in limiting the penetration of UV light and external agents, such as water vapour and oxygen, will be proposed. In addition, a thorough discussion on various encapsulation techniques and configurations will be presented, highlighting specific strengths and limitations of the different approaches. Finally, possible routes for future research to enhance the effectiveness of the most performing encapsulation procedures will be suggested and new paths to be explored for further improvements in the field will be proposed.
Impact of Uric Acid on Hypertension Occurrence and Target Organ Damage: Insights From the STANISLAS Cohort With a 20-Year Follow-up
Authors: Kanbay Mehmet , Girerd Nicolas , Machu Jean-Loup , Bozec Erwan , Duarte Kevin , Boivin Jean-Marc , Wagner Sandra , Ferreira João Pedro , Zannad Faiez , Rossignol Patrick
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown that hyperuricemia may be associated with incident hypertension (HTN). We examined whether serum uric acid (SUA) is a predictor of HTN and target organ damage (TOD) 20 years later in initially healthy middle-aged individuals.

METHODS

Participants from the Suivi Temporaire Annuel Non-Invasif de la Santé des Lorrains Assurés Sociaux (STANISLAS) a single-center familial longitudinal cohort study (961 initially healthy adults and 570 children) underwent clinical and laboratory measurements at baseline and after approximately 20 years. Blood pressure (BP: using ambulatory BP measurements), urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), diastolic dysfunction, and carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured at the end of follow-up.

RESULTS

In the parent population, higher baseline or last SUA levels and higher change in SUA (ΔUA) were significantly associated with an increased risk of HTN development, even after adjusting for known HTN risk factors (all P < 0.01). Higher baseline SUA was marginally associated with an increased risk of having high carotid–femoral PWV (P = 0.05). The association of SUA with BP increase was body mass index dependent (the increase in BP being greater in leaner subjects; interactionp < 0.05), and the association of SUA with eGFR decline was age dependent (the decline in eGFR being greater in older subjects; interactionp < 0.05). There was no significant association between SUA and diastolic dysfunction or LVH. In the whole population (i.e. including children), a significant association between SUA at baseline and the risk of HTN and higher carotid–femoral PWV was also found (both P < 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased SUA is associated with the development of HTN and vascular/renal TOD in initially healthy midlife subjects.
Prognostic Value of a Riser Pattern of Nighttime Blood Pressure in Very Elderly Adults of ≥80 Years: A General Practice-Based Prospective SEARCH Study
Authors: Fujiwara Takeshi , Hoshide Satoshi , Kanegae Hiroshi , Kario Kazuomi
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

We examined our hypothesis that participants with higher mean nighttime blood pressure (BP) levels and/or those with a riser BP pattern, both measured by ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM), would show higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events compared to those with normal nighttime BP levels or a normal dipper BP pattern of circadian BP rhythm, even in very elderly participants in a general practice population.

METHODS

This prospective observational study enrolled 485 very elderly outpatients of ≥80 years (mean age: 83.2 ± 3.3 years; 44.7% male; 89.3% using antihypertensive medications). The prevalences of extreme dipper, dipper, nondipper, and riser status were 15.5%, 38.6%, 32.2%, and 13.8%, respectively.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 3.9 years (1,734 person-years), 41 CVD events occurred. The participants with a riser pattern (higher nighttime systolic BP [SBP] than daytime SBP) showed a significantly higher risk for CVD events with adjustment for covariates: hazard ratio (HR), 2.61; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03–6.62. Even after adjusting for covariates and mean nighttime SBP level, the CVD risks in participants with a riser pattern remained significant: HR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.10–8.88. On the other hand, all BP variables showed no significant risks for CVD events. In addition, when we divided study participants into quartiles by their ambulatory BP levels, none of the ambulatory BP variables showed a J- or U-shaped relationship with CVD event risk.

CONCLUSIONS

In very elderly general practice outpatients, a riser BP pattern was significantly associated with CVD events independently of mean nighttime BP.
Reduced Serum Levels of Cluster of Differentiation 200 in Alcohol-Dependent Patients
Authors: Chaturvedi Abhishek , Rao Guruprasad , Praharaj Samir Kumar , Guruprasad Kanive Parashiva , Pais Vivek
Published: April 2020

Aim

Chronic alcohol consumption can activate and dysregulate the neuroimmune system which leads to neuroinflammation. Neuroimmune regulatory proteins (NIReg) (e.g. Cluster of Differentiation 200 (CD200)) are the regulators of innate immune response and are responsible for silencing the innate immunity and suppression of inflammation. In this study, we explored the changes of serum levels of CD200 in patients with alcohol dependence at baseline, after one-week alcohol withdrawal and after one-month of alcohol abstinence.

Methods

Seventeen patients with alcohol dependence admitted for de-addiction treatment and 12 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were collected at baseline, after one-week, and after one-month, and CD200 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit and compared with the healthy controls.

Results

The serum level of the neuroimmune regulatory protein CD200 in alcohol dependent group (at baseline) was significantly lower compared to healthy controls (p=0.003), and increased after one-week, and one-month period.

Conclusion

The present study indicates that decrease of CD200 serum levels in alcohol dependent patients and its rise during alcohol withdrawal and abstinence may provide a preliminary evidence of the role of neuroimmune regulatory proteins in neuroadaptation during alcohol withdrawal.
CScape-somatic: distinguishing driver and passenger point mutations in the cancer genome
Authors: Rogers Mark F , Gaunt Tom R , Campbell Colin
Published: April 2020

Motivation

Next-generation sequencing technologies have accelerated the discovery of single nucleotide variants in the human genome, stimulating the development of predictors for classifying which of these variants are likely functional in disease, and which neutral. Recently, we proposed CScape, a method for discriminating between cancer driver mutations and presumed benign variants. For the neutral class, this method relied on benign germline variants found in the 1000 Genomes Project database. Discrimination could, therefore, be influenced by the distinction of germline versus somatic, rather than neutral versus disease driver. This motivates this article in which we consider predictive discrimination between recurrent and rare somatic single point mutations based solely on using cancer data, and the distinction between these two somatic classes and germline single point mutations.

Results

For somatic point mutations in coding and non-coding regions of the genome, we propose CScape-somatic, an integrative classifier for predictively discriminating between recurrent and rare variants in the human cancer genome. In this study, we use purely cancer genome data and investigate the distinction between minimal occurrence and significantly recurrent somatic single point mutations in the human cancer genome. We show that this type of predictive distinction can give novel insight, and may deliver more meaningful prediction in both coding and non-coding regions of the cancer genome. Tested on somatic mutations, CScape-somatic outperforms alternative methods, reaching 74% balanced accuracy in coding regions and 69% in non-coding regions, whereas even higher accuracy may be achieved using thresholds to isolate high-confidence predictions.

Availability and implementation

Predictions and software are available at http://CScape-somatic.biocompute.org.uk/.

Contact

mark.f.rogers.phd@gmail.com or C.Campbell@bristol.ac.uk

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Pooled variable scaling for cluster analysis
Authors: Raymaekers Jakob , Zamar Ruben H
Published: April 2020

Motivation

Many popular clustering methods are not scale-invariant because they are based on Euclidean distances. Even methods using scale-invariant distances, such as the Mahalanobis distance, lose their scale invariance when combined with regularization and/or variable selection. Therefore, the results from these methods are very sensitive to the measurement units of the clustering variables. A simple way to achieve scale invariance is to scale the variables before clustering. However, scaling variables is a very delicate issue in cluster analysis: A bad choice of scaling can adversely affect the clustering results. On the other hand, reporting clustering results that depend on measurement units is not satisfactory. Hence, a safe and efficient scaling procedure is needed for applications in bioinformatics and medical sciences research.

Results

We propose a new approach for scaling prior to cluster analysis based on the concept of pooled variance. Unlike available scaling procedures, such as the SD and the range, our proposed scale avoids dampening the beneficial effect of informative clustering variables. We confirm through an extensive simulation study and applications to well-known real-data examples that the proposed scaling method is safe and generally useful. Finally, we use our approach to cluster a high-dimensional genomic dataset consisting of gene expression data for several specimens of breast cancer cells tissue obtained from human patients.

Availability and implementation

An R-implementation of the algorithms presented is available at https://wis.kuleuven.be/statdatascience/robust/software.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Leaf teeth in eudicots: what can anatomy elucidate?
Authors: Rios Alex Batista Moreira , Menino Gisele Cristina de Oliveira , Dalvi Valdnéa Casagrande
Published: April 2020

Leaf teeth are projections on the leaf blade margin. They are structurally variable, with characters that are important for taxonomy and phylogeny, but there is a paucity of information on the anatomy of these structures and little understanding of the features and their functions. Here we describe and compare the leaf tooth anatomy of 47 eudicot species. Toothed margin samples from leaves at different developmental stages were collected, fixed and studied under light and scanning electron microscopy. We identified eight leaf tooth morphotypes, six of which occurred with glands. Hydathodes were the most common glands, being found in 11 species; colleters were found in ten species and extrafloral nectaries were found in two species. Cunonioid teeth either devoid of glands or associated with hydathodes were found in Lamiales, Asterales and Apiales. Dillenioid teeth associated with hydathodes were found in Dilleniales. Spinose teeth associated with colleters were found in Aquifoliales. In rosids, we found begonioid, malvoid, theoid, urticoid and violoid teeth, which may be associated with either colleters or nectaries or lack an associated gland. For each family studied, there was only one type of association between gland and tooth, demonstrating the systematic potential of these glands in eudicots.
Alterations in Local Connectivity and Their Developmental Trajectories in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Does Being Female Matter?
Authors: Kozhemiako Nataliia , Nunes Adonay S , Vakorin Vasily , Iarocci Grace , Ribary Urs , Doesburg Sam M
Published: April 2020

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed more often in males with a ratio of 1:4 females/males. This bias is even stronger in neuroimaging studies. There is a growing evidence suggesting that local connectivity and its developmental trajectory is altered in ASD. Here, we aim to investigate how local connectivity and its age-related trajectories vary with ASD in both males and females. We used resting-state fMRI data from the ABIDE I and II repository: males (n = 102) and females (n = 92) with ASD, and typically developing males (n = 104) and females (n = 92) aged between 6 and 26. Local connectivity was quantified as regional homogeneity. We found increases in local connectivity in participants with ASD in the somatomotor and limbic networks and decreased local connectivity within the default mode network. These alterations were more pronounced in females with ASD. In addition, the association between local connectivity and ASD symptoms was more robust in females. Females with ASD had the most distinct developmental trajectories of local connectivity compared with other groups. Overall, our findings of more pronounced local connectivity alterations in females with ASD could indicate a greater etiological load for an ASD diagnosis in this group congruent with the female protective effect hypothesis.
Maize Infestation of Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Within Agro-Ecological Zones of Togo and Ghana in West Africa 3 Yr After Its Invasion
Authors: Koffi Djima , Agboka Komi , Adenka Delanyo Kokouvi , Osae Michael , Tounou Agbeko Kodjo , Anani Adjevi Mawuko Kossi , Fening Ken Okwae , Meagher Robert L
Published: April 2020

The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) invaded several West African countries in 2016 causing severe injury to maize plants and economic damage. This study assesses variations in the occurrence of this species in different Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZs) in Togo and Ghana during the 3 yr following its discovery. The surveys were conducted on 120 farms in Togo and 94 farms in Ghana by collecting larvae from 200 maize plants per hectare. Infestation levels were 68.46% in 2016, 55.82% in 2017, and 17.76% in 2018. The number of larvae recorded per hectare and infestation levels were higher in Togo than in Ghana. The lowest number of collected larvae and infestation levels of S. frugiperda were in 2018, compared to the other 2 yr. Larvae per hectare and the infestation level varied regionally inside the two countries. The southern part of Togo (AEZ five) contained higher numbers of larvae and higher infestation levels during the 2 yr following the invasion of the pest. We concluded that infestation levels of S. frugiperda are much lower in 2018 than the two previous years and it is therefore necessary to determine the factors that affect the population dynamics of S. frugiperda in the field, which is a perquisite for developing management interventions.
Checkpoint inhibitor-induced myocarditis and myasthenia gravis in a recurrent/metastatic thymic carcinoma patient: a case report
Authors: Szuchan Charles , Elson Leah , Alley Evan , Leung Kevin , Camargo Antonio Lewis , Elimimian Elizabeth , Nahleh Zeina , Sadler Diego
Published: April 2020

Background

Pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), is an IgG4 antibody that blocks interaction between programmed cell death protein 1 and programmed death-ligand 1. Myocarditis, an immune-related adverse event, has been reported in thymic epithelial tumours. Pembrolizumab has also been associated with development/exacerbation of myasthenia gravis (MG).

Case summary

A 70-year-old woman with metastatic thymic cancer presented to the hospital with shortness of breath, 21 days after initiation of pembrolizumab. She was diagnosed with ICI-related myocarditis and was subsequently intubated due to respiratory failure. A dual-chamber pacemaker was placed due to complete heart block with asystole. Her troponin levels were elevated, an electrocardiogram was suspicious for myocardial infarction, but coronary angiogram revealed normal coronary arteries and endomyocardial biopsy confirmed the presence of myocarditis. Treatment was started with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone and cardiovascular status improved. However, the patient was unable to be weaned from mechanical ventilation and tested positive for acetylcholine receptor binding/blocking antibodies due to de novo MG. After 50 days of hospitalization, she was discharged home in stable condition. A computed tomography scan was performed 6 weeks after pembrolizumab; results showed significant decrease/resolution of all measurable sites of metastatic disease in the lungs.

Discussion

This is the first reported case of a patient developing single-agent pembrolizumab-induced myocarditis concomitant with new-onset MG after treatment for advanced thymic malignancy. Additional studies are needed to explore the association between myocarditis, MG, and ICI therapy.
Might renin–angiotensin system blockers play a role in the COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Battistoni Allegra , Volpe Massimo
Published: April 2020

Since December 2019, a new coronavirus, named SARS-CoV-2, has spread globally, affecting >200 000 people worldwide with the so-called COVID-19 disease. The scientific community is actively and constantly working to identify the mechanisms involved in the diffusion of this virus and the pathogenesis of the infection, with its most frequent and severe complication, namely interstitial pneumonia. To date, SARS-CoV-2 is known to enter the host cells via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 protein. For this reason, the hypothesis that drugs capable of increasing the expression of this protein may have a role in the spread of the virus and in the symptomatology of affected patients has taken hold. The purpose of this Editorial is to briefly show the evidence currently available in this regard and to provide ideas for future research.
Distinct Patterns of Selective Sweep and Polygenic Adaptation in Evolve and Resequence Studies
Authors: Barghi Neda , Schlötterer Christian
Published: April 2020

In molecular population genetics, adaptation is typically thought to occur via selective sweeps, where targets of selection have independent effects on the phenotype and rise to fixation, whereas in quantitative genetics, many loci contribute to the phenotype and subtle frequency changes occur at many loci during polygenic adaptation. The sweep model makes specific predictions about frequency changes of beneficial alleles and many test statistics have been developed to detect such selection signatures. Despite polygenic adaptation is probably the prevalent mode of adaptation, because of the traditional focus on the phenotype, we are lacking a solid understanding of the similarities and differences of selection signatures under the two models. Recent theoretical and empirical studies have shown that both selective sweep and polygenic adaptation models could result in a sweep-like genomic signature; therefore, additional criteria are needed to distinguish the two models. With replicated populations and time series data, experimental evolution studies have the potential to identify the underlying model of adaptation. Using the framework of experimental evolution, we performed computer simulations to study the pattern of selected alleles for two models: 1) adaptation of a trait via independent beneficial mutations that are conditioned for fixation, that is, selective sweep model and 2) trait optimum model (polygenic adaptation), that is adaptation of a quantitative trait under stabilizing selection after a sudden shift in trait optimum. We identify several distinct patterns of selective sweep and trait optimum models in populations of different sizes. These features could provide the foundation for development of quantitative approaches to differentiate the two models.
Nudivirus Remnants in the Genomes of Arthropods
Authors: Cheng Ruo-Lin , Li Xiao-Feng , Zhang Chuan-Xi
Published: April 2020

Endogenous viral elements (EVEs), derived from all major types of viruses, have been discovered in many eukaryotic genomes, representing “fossil records” of past viral infections. The endogenization of nudiviruses has been reported in several insects, leading to the question of whether genomic integration is a common phenomenon for these viruses. In this study, genomic assemblies of insects and other arthropods were analyzed to identify endogenous sequences related to Nudiviridae. A total of 359 nudivirus-like genes were identified in 43 species belonging to different groups; however, none of these genes were detected in the known hosts of nudiviruses. A large proportion of the putative EVEs identified in this study encode intact open reading frames or are transcribed as mRNAs, suggesting that they result from recent endogenization of nudiviruses. Phylogenetic analyses of the identified EVEs and inspections of their flanking regions indicated that integration of nudiviruses has occurred recurrently during the evolution of arthropods. This is the first report of a comprehensive screening for nudivirus-derived EVEs in arthropod genomes. The results of this study demonstrated that a large variety of arthropods, especially hemipteran and hymenopteran insects, have previously been or are still infected by nudiviruses. These findings have greatly extended the host range of Nudiviridae and provide new insights into viral diversity, evolution, and host–virus interactions.
Unprecedented Intraindividual Structural Heteroplasmy in Eleocharis (Cyperaceae, Poales) Plastomes
Authors: Lee Chaehee , Ruhlman Tracey A , Jansen Robert K
Published: April 2020

Plastid genomes (plastomes) of land plants have a conserved quadripartite structure in a gene-dense unit genome consisting of a large inverted repeat that separates two single copy regions. Recently, alternative plastome structures were suggested in Geraniaceae and in some conifers and Medicago the coexistence of inversion isomers has been noted. In this study, plastome sequences of two Cyperaceae, Eleocharis dulcis (water chestnut) and Eleocharis cellulosa (gulf coast spikerush), were completed. Unlike the conserved plastomes in basal groups of Poales, these Eleocharis plastomes have remarkably divergent features, including large plastome sizes, high rates of sequence rearrangements, low GC content and gene density, gene duplications and losses, and increased repetitive DNA sequences. A novel finding among these features was the unprecedented level of heteroplasmy with the presence of multiple plastome structural types within a single individual. Illumina paired-end assemblies combined with PacBio single-molecule real-time sequencing, long-range polymerase chain reaction, and Sanger sequencing data identified at least four different plastome structural types in both Eleocharis species. PacBio long read data suggested that one of the four E. dulcis plastome types predominates.
Use of Informal Support as a Predictor of Home- and Community-Based Services Utilization
Authors: Robinson Kristen N , Menne Heather L , Gaeta Raphael
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Home- and community-based services (HCBS) help older adults remain living safely in their homes by delaying or preventing the need for institutionalization. This analysis is guided by the Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Services Use to examine the association between informal support and use of HCBS.

Method

Health and Retirement Study data from 2011 and 2012 are used in the bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression models to examine differences in HCBS utilization among extremely vulnerable older adults who have informal caregivers and those who do not.

Results

For extremely vulnerable older adults who report difficulties with any instrumental or basic activities of daily living, use of HCBS is not strongly associated with access to informal caregivers. However, for this same population of extremely vulnerable older adults, those who live alone have roughly 3 times the odds of using any HCBS compared to those who do not live alone.

Discussion

Among already vulnerable older adults, this study revealed that living alone is an important enabling factor of the Andersen Behavioral Model as applied in HCBS research. Further investigation is needed to see if more resources should be allocated to senior centers and local providers to identify vulnerable older adults who live alone and may have unmet needs.
Ground instability of sinkhole areas indicated by elastic moduli and seismic attributes
Authors: Wadas S H , Tschache S , Polom U , Krawczyk C M
Published: April 2020

Elastic moduli derived from vertical seismic profiles (VSPs) and 2-D SH-wave reflection seismic profiles are used to characterize mechanical properties of rocks in sinkhole areas. VP and VS were used to calculate the Poisson’s ratio and the dynamic shear modulus. The study shows that 2-D shear wave reflection seismics is suited to depict the heterogeneities of the subsurface induced by subsurface erosion. Low shear wave velocities of ca. 120–350 m s–1 and low shear strength values between 25 and 250 MPa are identified for the subsurface erosion horizon that consists of soluble Permian evapourites and the disturbed overlying deposits. These low values are a result of cavities and fractures induced by dissolution, creating unstable zones. In compliance with the shear modulus the Poisson’s ratio derived from the VSPs shows values of 0.38–0.48 for both the presumed subsurface erosion horizon, and the deposits above. This is a further indicator of reduced underground stability. In the VSPs, anomalies of the shear modulus and the Poisson’s ratio correlate with low electrical resistivities of less than 10 Ωm from borehole logs, indicating high conductivity due to fluid content. Further investigation reveals a conversion of S-to-P wave for the subsurface erosion horizon, which is probably the result of dipping layers and an oriented fracture network. Seismic attribute analysis of the 2-D sections shows strong attenuation of high frequencies and low similarity of adjacent traces, which correlate with the degree of subsurface erosion induced wave disturbance of the underground.
Magnetic anisotropy reveals Acadian transpressional fabrics in an Appalachian ophiolite (Thetford Mines, Canada)
Authors: Di Chiara Anita , Morris Antony , Anderson Mark W , Menegon Luca , Tremblay Alain
Published: April 2020

Magnetic anisotropy has proved effective in characterizing primary, spreading-related magmatic fabrics in Mesozoic (Tethyan) ophiolites, for example in documenting lower oceanic crustal flow. The potential for preservation of primary magnetic fabrics has not been tested, however, in older Palaeozoic ophiolites, where anisotropy may record regional strain during polyphase deformation. Here, we present anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility results from the Ordovician Thetford Mines ophiolite (Canada) that experienced two major phases of post-accretion deformation, during the Taconian and Acadian orogenic events. Magnetic fabrics consistent with modal layering in gabbros are observed at one locality, suggesting that primary fabrics may survive deformation locally in low strain zones. However, at remaining sites rocks with different magmatic origins have consistent magnetic fabrics, reflecting structurally controlled shape preferred orientations of iron-rich phases. Subhorizontal NW-SE-oriented minimum principal susceptibility axes correlate with poles to cleavage observed in overlying post-obduction, pre-Acadian sedimentary formations, indicating that the magnetic foliation in the ophiolite formed during regional NW-SE Acadian shortening. Maximum principal susceptibility axes plunging steeply to the NE are orthogonal to the orientation of regional Acadian fold axes, and are consistent with subvertical tectonic stretching. This magnetic lineation is parallel to the shape preferred orientation of secondary amphibole crystals and is interpreted to reflect grain growth during Acadian dextral transpression. This structural style has been widely reported along the Appalachian orogen, but the magnetic fabric data presented here provide the first evidence for transpression recorded in an Appalachian ophiolite.
Functional and recreational dog walking practices in the UK
Authors: Westgarth Carri , Christley Robert M , Marvin Garry , Perkins Elizabeth
Published: April 2020

Dog walking is a popular everyday activity known to contribute considerably to human health through motivating substantial additional physical activity. However, despite recognition that walking with a dog is substantially different from walking without a dog, little is known sociologically about the practices of dog walking. This study used in-depth interviews with 38 dog owners, combined with autoethnographical observation of dog walking. The aim was to investigate the types of dog walks that occur and the implications of this for the promotion of dog walking to increase human and animal wellbeing. Two distinct types of dog walking were found that had differing influencers and resulting experiences. Functional walks were purposed through feelings of guilt to provide the dog with a convenient form of exercise but were less pleasurable for the owner. In contrast, recreational walks provided significant owner stress-relief and were longer, typically during pleasant weather and at weekends, in less urban environments, and involved more members of the household. Limitations on time availability, conducive weather or accessibility of desirable physical environments for dog walking, generated functional rather than recreational dog walks. These findings have implications for interventions aiming to promote dog walking and for policy relating to the availability of safe and suitable green spaces for encouraging dog walking.