bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The connection between halo concentrations and assembly histories: a probe of gravity?
Authors: Oleśkiewicz Piotr , Baugh Carlton M , Ludlow Aaron D
Published: September 2019

We use two high-resolution N-body simulations, one assuming general relativity (GR) and the other the Hu–Sawicki form of f(R) gravity with $\vert \bar{f}_{\mathrm{ R}} \vert = 10^{-6}$, to investigate the concentration–formation time relation of dark matter haloes. We assign haloes to logarithmically spaced mass bins, and fit median density profiles and extract median formation times in each bin. At fixed mass, haloes in modified gravity are more concentrated than those in GR, especially at low masses and low redshift, and do not follow the concentration–formation time relation seen in GR. We assess the sensitivity of the relation to how concentration and formation time are defined, as well as to the segregation of the halo population by the amount of gravitational screening. We find a clear difference between halo concentrations and assembly histories displayed in modified gravity and those in GR. Existing models for the mass–concentration–redshift relation that have gained success in cold and warm dark matter models require revision in f(R) gravity.
Kinetic theory of the electron strahl in the solar wind
Authors: Boldyrev Stanislav , Horaites Konstantinos
Published: September 2019

We develop a kinetic theory for the electron strahl, a beam of energetic electrons which propagate from the sun along the Parker-spiral-shaped magnetic field lines. Assuming a Maxwellian electron distribution function in the near-sun region where the plasma is collisional, we derive the strahl distribution function at larger heliospheric distances. We consider the two most important mechanisms that broaden the strahl: Coulomb collisions and interactions with oblique ambient whistler turbulence (anomalous diffusion). We propose that the energy regimes where these mechanisms are important are separated by an approximate threshold, ${\cal E}_\mathrm{ c}$; for the electron kinetic energies ${\cal E}\,\lt\, {\cal E}_\mathrm{ c}$ the strahl width is mostly governed by Coulomb collisions, while for ${\cal E}\,\gt\, {\cal E}_\mathrm{ c}$ by interactions with the whistlers. The Coulomb broadening decreases as the electron energy increases; the whistler-dominated broadening, on the contrary, increases with energy and it can lead to efficient isotropization of energetic electrons and to the formation of the electron halo. The threshold energy ${\cal E}_\mathrm{ c}$ is relatively high in the regions closer to the sun, and it gradually decreases with the distance, implying that the anomalous diffusion becomes progressively more important at large heliospheric distances. At 1 au, we estimate the energy threshold to be about ${\cal E}_\mathrm{ c}\,\sim\, 200\, {\rm eV}$.
The Milky Way bar/bulge in proper motions: a 3D view from VIRAC and Gaia
Authors: Clarke Jonathan P , Wegg Christopher , Gerhard Ortwin , Smith Leigh C , Lucas Phil W , Wylie Shola M
Published: September 2019

We have derived absolute proper motions of the entire Galactic bulge region from VVV Infrared Astrometric Catalogue (VIRAC) and Gaia. We present these both as integrated on-sky maps and, after isolating standard candle red clump (RC) stars, as a function of distance using RC magnitude as a proxy. These data provide a new global, 3D view of the Milky Way barred bulge kinematics. We find a gradient in the mean longitudinal proper motion, $\langle \mu _ l^\star \rangle $, between the different sides of the bar, which is sensitive to the bar pattern speed. The split RC has distinct proper motions and is colder than other stars at similar distance. The proper motion correlation map has a quadrupole pattern in all magnitude slices showing no evidence for a separate, more axisymmetric inner bulge component. The line-of-sight integrated kinematic maps show a high central velocity dispersion surrounded by a more asymmetric dispersion profile. $\sigma _{\mu _l} / \sigma _{\mu _b}$ is smallest, ≈1.1, near the minor axis and reaches ≈1.4 near the disc plane. The integrated $\langle \mu_b\rangle$ pattern signals a superposition of bar rotation and internal streaming motion, with the near part shrinking in latitude and the far part expanding. To understand and interpret these remarkable data, we compare to a made-to-measure barred dynamical model, folding in the VIRAC selection function to construct mock maps. We find that our model of the barred bulge, with a pattern speed of 37.5 $\mathrm{ \mathrm{ km \, s^{-1}} \, kpc^{-1} }$, is able to reproduce all observed features impressively well. Dynamical models like this will be key to unlocking the full potential of these data.
Simulating the interstellar medium and stellar feedback on a moving mesh: implementation and isolated galaxies
Authors: Marinacci Federico , Sales Laura V , Vogelsberger Mark , Torrey Paul , Springel Volker
Published: September 2019

We introduce the Stars and MUltiphase Gas in GaLaxiEs – SMUGGLE model, an explicit and comprehensive stellar feedback model for the moving-mesh code arepo. This novel sub-resolution model resolves the multiphase gas structure of the interstellar medium and self-consistently generates gaseous outflows. The model implements crucial aspects of stellar feedback including photoionization, radiation pressure, energy, and momentum injection from stellar winds and from supernovae. We explore this model in high-resolution isolated simulations of Milky Way like disc galaxies. Stellar feedback regulates star formation to the observed level and naturally captures the establishment of a Kennicutt–Schmidt relation. This result is achieved independent of the numerical mass and spatial resolution of the simulations. Gaseous outflows are generated with average mass loading factors of the order of unity. Strong outflow activity is correlated with peaks in the star formation history of the galaxy with evidence that most of the ejected gas eventually rains down on to the disc in a galactic fountain flow that sustains late-time star formation. Finally, the interstellar gas in the galaxy shows a distinct multiphase distribution with a coexistence of cold, warm, and hot phases.
On the origin of wide-orbit ALMA planets: giant protoplanets disrupted by their cores
Authors: Humphries J , Nayakshin S
Published: September 2019

Recent ALMA observations may indicate a surprising abundance of sub-Jovian planets on very wide orbits in protoplanetary discs that are only a few million years old. These planets are too young and distant to have been formed via the core accretion (CA) scenario, and are much less massive than the gas clumps born in the classical gravitational instability (GI) theory. It was recently suggested that such planets may form by the partial destruction of GI protoplanets: energy output due to the growth of a massive core may unbind all or most of the surrounding pre-collapse protoplanet. Here we present the first 3D global disc simulations that simultaneously resolve grain dynamics in the disc and within the protoplanet. We confirm that massive GI protoplanets may self-destruct at arbitrarily large separations from the host star provided that solid cores of mass ∼10–20 M⊕ are able to grow inside them during their pre-collapse phase. In addition, we find that the heating force recently analysed by Masset & Velasco Romero (2017) perturbs these cores away from the centre of their gaseous protoplanets. This leads to very complicated dust dynamics in the protoplanet centre, potentially resulting in the formation of multiple cores, planetary satellites, and other debris such as planetesimals within the same protoplanet. A unique prediction of this planet formation scenario is the presence of sub-Jovian planets at wide orbits in Class 0/I protoplanetary discs.
Characteristic radii of the Milky Way globular clusters
Authors: Piatti Andrés E , Webb Jeremy J , Carlberg Raymond G
Published: September 2019

We report on the extent of the effects of the Milky Way gravitational field in shaping the structural parameters and internal dynamics of its globular cluster population. We make use of a homogeneous, up-to-date data set with kinematics, structural properties, current and initial masses of 156 globular clusters. In general, cluster radii increase as the Milky Way potential weakens; with the core and Jacobi radii being those which increase at the slowest and fastest rate, respectively. We interpret this result as the innermost regions of globular clusters being less sensitive to changes in the tidal forces with the Galactocentric distance. The Milky Way gravitational field also seems to have differentially accelerated the internal dynamical evolution of individual clusters, with those toward the bulge appearing dynamically older. Finally, we find a subpopulation consisting of both compact and extended globular clusters (as defined by their rh/rJ ratio) beyond 8 kpc that appear to have lost a large fraction of their initial mass lost via disruption. Moreover, we identify a third group with rh/rJ > 0.4, which have lost an even larger fraction of their initial mass by disruption. In both cases the high fraction of mass lost is likely due to their large orbital eccentricities and inclination angles, which lead to them experiencing more tidal shocks at perigalacticon and during disc crossings. Comparing the structural and orbital parameters of individual clusters allows for constraints to be placed on whether or not their evolution was relaxation or tidally dominated.
High-order symplectic integrators for planetary dynamics and their implementation in rebound
Authors: Rein Hanno , Tamayo Daniel , Brown Garett
Published: September 2019

Direct N-body simulations and symplectic integrators are effective tools to study the long-term evolution of planetary systems. The Wisdom–Holman (WH) integrator in particular has been used extensively in planetary dynamics as it allows for large time-steps at good accuracy. One can extend the WH method to achieve even higher accuracy using several different approaches. In this paper, we survey integrators developed by Wisdom et al., Laskar & Robutel, and Blanes et al. Since some of these methods are harder to implement and not as readily available to astronomers compared to the standard WH method, they are not used as often. This is somewhat unfortunate given that in typical simulations it is possible to improve the accuracy by up to six orders of magnitude (!) compared to the standard WH method without the need for any additional force evaluations. To change this, we implement a variety of high-order symplectic methods in the freely available N-body integrator rebound. In this paper, we catalogue these methods, discuss their differences, describe their error scalings, and benchmark their speed using our implementations.
Gas velocity structure of the Orion A integral-shaped filament
Authors: González Lobos Valentina , Stutz Amelia M
Published: September 2019

We present analysis of the gas kinematics of the integral-shaped filament (ISF) in Orion A using four different molecular lines, 12CO (1−0), 13CO (1−0), NH3 (1,1), and N2H+ (1−0). We describe our method to visualize the position–velocity (PV) structure using the intensity-weighted line velocity centroid, which enables us to identify structures that were previously muddled or invisible. We observe a north-to-south velocity gradient in all tracers that terminates in a velocity peak near the centre of the Orion Nebula Cluster (ONC), consistent with the previously reported ‘wave-like’ properties of the ISF. We extract the velocity dispersion profiles and compare the non-thermal line widths to the gas gravitational potential. We find supersonic Mach number profiles, yet the line widths are consistent with the gas being deeply gravitationally bound. We report the presence of two 12CO velocity components along the northern half of the ISF; if interpreted as circular rotation, the angular velocity is $\omega =1.4\, {\rm Myr}^{-1}$. On small scales we report the detection of N2H+ and NH3 ‘twisting and turning’ structures, with short associated time-scales that give the impression of a torsional wave. Neither the nature of these structures nor their relation to the larger scale wave is presently understood.
ExoMol molecular line lists XXXVI: X 2Π – X 2Π and A 2Σ+ – X 2Π transitions of SH
Authors: Gorman Maire N , Yurchenko Sergei N , Tennyson Jonathan
Published: September 2019

The GYT line list covering rotational, rovibrational, and rovibronic transitions of the mercapto radical SH is presented. This work extends and replaces the SNaSH line list, which covers the ground (electronic) X 2Π state only. This extension is prompted by the tentative identification of the ultraviolet features of SH as being of importance in the transmission spectrum of the ultrahot Jupiter exoplanet WASP-121b. This GYT line list model is generated by fitting empirical potential energy, spin–orbit, and electronic angular momenta functions to experimentally measured wavelengths within the X 2Π and A 2Σ+ states and to the A 2Σ+–X 2Π band system using ab initio curves as a starting reference point. The fits are compatible with the quoted uncertainty of the experimental data used of ∼0.03–0.3 cm−1. The GYT line list covers wavelengths longer than 0.256 $\mu$m and includes 7686 rovibronic states and 572 145 transitions for 32SH. Line lists for the 33SH, 34SH, 36SH, and 32SD isotopologues are generated including a consideration of non-Born–Oppenheimer effects for SD. The line lists are available from the CDS (http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr) and ExoMol (www.exomol.com) data bases.
Ornamentation as Gesture in Atonal Music
Authors: Buchler Michael
Published: September 2019

Hearing and representing melodic and harmonic elaboration lies at the heart of tonal analysis. We sometimes disagree about what exactly is ornamental or how tones are prolonged, but our widespread collective understanding of passing tones, neighbor tones, suspensions, and the like underscores the important notion that some notes are more structurally important than others. This article proposes ways to read ornamentation in atonal music, recasting ornamental categories gesturally and pragmatically instead of (or in addition to) tonally and metrically.
Explaining Why Farmers Grow Tobacco: Evidence From Malawi, Kenya, and Zambia
Authors: Appau Adriana , Drope Jeffrey , Goma Fastone , Magati Peter , Labonte Ronald , Makoka Donald , Zulu Richard , Li Qing , Lencucha Raphael
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Tobacco production continues to increase in low- and middle-income countries creating complications for tobacco control efforts. There is the need to understand and address the global tobacco leaf supply as a means of decreasing tobacco consumption and improving farmers livelihoods in line with Article 17 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. This study aims to understand the reasons why farmers grow tobacco and identify factors that influence these reasons.

Methods

Primary survey data (N = 1770) collected in Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia in the 2013–2014 farming season. Data analysis uses both descriptive and multinomial logistical regression methods.

Results

Majority of farmers started and are currently growing tobacco because they believed it was the only economically viable crop. Compared with Malawi, farmers in Kenya and Zambia have a 0.2 and 0.4 lower probability of growing tobacco, respectively because they perceive it as the only economically viable crop, but a 0.04 and 0.2 higher probability of growing tobacco, respectively because they believe it is highly lucrative. There are district/county differences in the reasons provided with some districts having a majority of the farmers citing the existence of a ready market or incentives from the tobacco industry. Statistically significant factors influencing these reasons are the educational level and age of the household head, land allocated to tobacco and debts.

Conclusion

There is the need to address the unique features of each district to increase successful uptake of alternative livelihoods. One consistent finding is that farmers' perceived economic viability contributes to tobacco growing.

Implications

This study finds that perceived economic viability of tobacco is the dominant factor in the decisions to grow tobacco by smallholder farmers in Malawi, Kenya, and Zambia. There is the need to more deeply understand what contributes to farmers' perceived viability of a crop. Understanding and addressing these factors may increase the successful uptake of alternative livelihoods to tobacco. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that a one-size fits all alternative livelihood intervention is less likely to be effective as each district has unique features affecting farmers' decisions on growing tobacco.
Emerging science on whole grain intake and inflammation
Authors: Sang Shengmin , Idehen Emmanuel , Zhao Yantao , Chu YiFang
Published: September 2019

Although the biological mechanisms surrounding the widely reported association between whole grain (WG) consumption and reduced risk of several diseases are not fully understood, there is growing evidence suggesting that inflammation may be an essential mediator in this multifaceted process. It also appears that several mechanisms influence the modulatory actions of WGs on inflammation, including the effect of fiber, phytochemicals, and their microbial-derived metabolites. While some of these effects are direct, others involve gut microbiota, which transform important bioactive substances into more useful metabolites that moderate inflammatory signaling pathways. This review evaluates emerging evidence of the relationship between WGs and their effects on markers of subclinical inflammation, and highlights the role of fiber, unique WG phytochemicals, and gut microbiota on the anti-inflammatory effects of WG intake.
Les médias numériques : la promotion d’une saine utilisation des écrans chez les enfants d’âge scolaire et les adolescents
Authors:   Société canadienne de pédiatrie, groupe de travail sur la santé numérique, Ottawa (Ontario)
Published: September 2019

Les médias numériques font partie du quotidien des enfants et des adolescents. Ils comportent des bienfaits potentiels et des risques pour leur apprentissage, leur santé mentale et physique et leur vie sociale. Le présent document de principes aborde les effets cognitifs, psychosociaux et physiques de ces médias sur les enfants d’âge scolaire et les adolescents, notamment sur les habitudes, le contexte et les activités de la famille. Les conseils fondés sur des données probantes destinés aux cliniciens et aux familles reposent sur quatre principes : une gestion saine, une utilisation constructive, un exemple positif et une surveillance équilibrée et éclairée du temps d’écran et des comportements s’y rapportant.
Different Plant Species Have Common Sequence Features Related to mRNA Degradation Intermediates
Authors: Ueno Daishin , Mukuta Takafumi , Yamasaki Shotaro , Mikami Maki , Demura Taku , Matsui Takeshi , Sawada Kazutoshi , Katsumoto Yukihisa , Okitsu Naoko , Kato Ko
Published: September 2019

mRNA degradation is an important cellular mechanism involved in the control of gene expression. Several genome-wide profiling methods have been developed for detecting mRNA degradation in plants and animals. However, because many of these techniques use poly (A) mRNA for library preparation, degradation intermediates are often only detected near the 3′-ends of transcripts. Previously, we developed the Truncated RNA End Sequencing (TREseq) method using Arabidopsis thaliana, and demonstrated that this method ameliorates 3′-end bias. In analyses using TREseq, we observed G-rich sequences near the 5′-ends of degradation intermediates. However, this finding remained to be confirmed in other plant species. Hence, in this study, we conducted TREseq analyses in Lactuca sativa (lettuce), Oryza sativa (rice) and Rosa hybrida (rose). These species including A. thaliana were selected to encompass a diverse range in the angiosperm phylogeny. The results revealed similar sequence features near the 5′-ends of degradation intermediates, and involvement of translation process in all four species. In addition, homologous genes have similar efficiencies of mRNA degradation in different plants, suggesting that similar mechanisms of mRNA degradation are conserved across plant species. These strong sequence features were not observed in previous degradome analyses among different species in plants.
Mantle Dynamics of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP): Constraints from Platinum Group, Gold and Lithophile Elements in Flood Basalts of Morocco
Authors: Tegner Christian , Michelis Sandra A T , McDonald Iain , Brown Eric L , Youbi Nasrrddine , Callegaro Sara , Lindström Sofie , Marzoli Andrea
Published: September 2019

Mantle melting dynamics of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) is constrained from new platinum group element (PGE), gold (Au), rare earth element (REE), and high field strength element (HFSE) data and geochemical modelling of flood basalts in Morocco. The PGE are enriched similarly to flood basalts of other large igneous provinces. The magmas did not experience sulphide saturation during fractionation and were therefore fertile. The CAMP is thus prospective for PGE and gold mineralization. The Pt/Pd ratio of the Moroccan lavas indicates that they originated by partial melting of the asthenospheric mantle, not the subcontinental lithospheric mantle. Mantle melting modelling of PGE, REE and HFSE suggests the following: (1) the mantle source for all the lavas was dominated by primitive mantle and invariably included a small proportion of recycled continental crust (<8%); (2) the mantle potential temperature was moderately elevated (c. 1430°C) relative to ambient mantle; (3) intra-lava unit compositional variations are probably a combined result of variable amounts of crust in the mantle source (heterogeneous source) and fractional crystallization; (4) mantle melting initially took place at depths between c. 110 and c. 55 km and became shallower with time (c. 110 to c. 32 km depth); (5) the melting region appears to have changed from triangular to columnar with time. These results are best explained by melting of asthenospheric mantle that was mixed with continental sediments during the assembly of Pangaea, then heated and further mixed by convection while insulated under the Pangaea supercontinent, and subsequently melted in multiple continental rift systems associated with the breakup of Pangaea. Most probably the CAMP volcanism was triggered by the arrival of a mantle plume, although plume material apparently was not contributing directly (chemically) to the magmas in Morocco, nor to many other areas of CAMP.
Outcomes of acute cardiovascular events in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a population-based study
Authors: Lai Chao-Han , Hsieh Cheng-Yang , Barnado April , Huang Li-Ching , Chen Sheau-Chiann , Tsai Liang-Miin , Shyr Yu , Li Chung-Yi
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Patients with RA and SLE have an excess cardiovascular risk. We aimed to evaluate outcomes of acute cardiovascular events in these patients.

Methods

Using a nationwide database of Taiwan, we identified adult patients who experienced first-time acute myocardial infarction (n = 191 008), intracranial haemorrhage (n = 169 923) and ischaemic stroke (n = 486 890) over a 13-year period. Odds ratios (ORs) of in-hospital mortality and hazard ratios (HRs) of overall mortality and adverse outcomes during long-term follow-up in relation to RA and SLE were estimated with adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

In each cohort, 748, 410 and 1419 patients had established RA; 256, 292 and 622 patients had SLE. Among acute myocardial infarction patients, RA and SLE were associated with in-hospital mortality (RA: OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.33, 1.95; SLE: OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.62, 3.28) and overall mortality. Additionally, RA (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.18, 1.38) and SLE (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.27, 1.69) increased the risk of major adverse cardiac events. After intracranial haemorrhage, patients with RA and SLE had higher risks of in-hospital mortality (RA: OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.26, 2.06; SLE: OR 3.00, 95% CI 2.33, 3.86) and overall mortality. After ischaemic stroke, RA and SLE increased in-hospital mortality (RA: OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.15, 1.83; SLE: OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.57, 3.02), overall mortality and recurrent cerebrovascular events (RA: HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.002, 1.21; SLE: HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.14, 1.51), among which ischaemic stroke (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.19, 1.62) was more likely to recur in SLE patients.

Conclusion

Both RA and SLE are consistently associated with adverse outcomes following acute cardiovascular events, highlighting the necessity of integrated care for affected patients.
Neural processing of infant and adult face emotion and maternal exposure to childhood maltreatment
Authors: Olsavsky Aviva K , Stoddard Joel , Erhart Andrew , Tribble Rebekah , Kim Pilyoung
Published: September 2019

Face processing in mothers is linked to mother–infant social communication, which is critical for parenting and in turn for child development. Neuroimaging studies of child maltreatment-exposed (CME) mothers are sparse compared to studies of mothers with postpartum depression, which have suggested blunted amygdala reactivity to infant stimuli. We expected to see a similar pattern in CME mothers. Based on broader studies in trauma-exposed populations, we anticipated increased amygdala reactivity to negative adult face stimuli in a comparison task in CME mothers given heightened evaluation of potential threat. We examined Neuroimaging studies of mothers with childhood maltreatment exposure (CME) (18–37 years old), who performed infant (N = 45) and/or adult (N = 46) face processing tasks. CME mothers exhibited blunted bilateral amygdala reactivity to infant faces. There was no between-group difference in amygdala reactivity to adult faces. In infant and adult face processing tasks regardless of CME, superior temporal gyrus activation was increased for negative-valence stimuli. Our preliminary findings suggest that childhood maltreatment alters maternal processing of infant social cues, a critical skill impacting infant socioemotional development.
Price display technologies and price ceiling policies: governing prices in the WWII and postwar US economy (1940–1953)
Authors: Cochoy Franck , Hagberg Johan , Kjellberg Hans
Published: September 2019

This article explores the politics and technologies of price fixing and price display in US grocery stores in the mid-20th century. Drawing on the literature on market devices and policy instruments, it complements previous studies focused on price setting processes by stressing the importance of price display. Through a systematic reading of the trade journal The Progressive Grocer, the article shows how displaying prices during World War II and the postwar inflation period combined the mastery of Government authorities at the federal level, and the expertise of retail professionals at the shelf level. It demonstrates that the regulation of prices is linked to mundane policies, technologies and practices, in particular the technique of ‘stereoscopic prices’ aimed at linking a reference price (the ceiling price set by the government) and the selling price (the actual price set by the retailer). Such technologies proved able to reinvent prices and price competition through their ‘bifurcated agency’, i.e. their propensity to both enact the scripts delegated to them (conveying price ceilings) and produce major side effects, like generalizing the practice of price display and linking prices to new values and qualitative dimensions of grocery products.
Genome-Scale Characterization of Toxicity-Induced Metabolic Alterations in Primary Hepatocytes
Authors: Rawls Kristopher D , Blais Edik M , Dougherty Bonnie V , Vinnakota Kalyan C , Pannala Venkat R , Wallqvist Anders , Kolling Glynis L , Papin Jason A
Published: September 2019

Context-specific GEnome-scale metabolic Network REconstructions (GENREs) provide a means to understand cellular metabolism at a deeper level of physiological detail. Here, we use transcriptomics data from chemically-exposed rat hepatocytes to constrain a GENRE of rat hepatocyte metabolism and predict biomarkers of liver toxicity using the Transcriptionally Inferred Metabolic Biomarker Response algorithm. We profiled alterations in cellular hepatocyte metabolism following in vitro exposure to four toxicants (acetaminophen, carbon tetrachloride, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin, and trichloroethylene) for six hour. TIMBR predictions were compared with paired fresh and spent media metabolomics data from the same exposure conditions. Agreement between computational model predictions and experimental data led to the identification of specific metabolites and thus metabolic pathways associated with toxicant exposure. Here, we identified changes in the TCA metabolites citrate and alpha-ketoglutarate along with changes in carbohydrate metabolism and interruptions in ATP production and the TCA Cycle. Where predictions and experimental data disagreed, we identified testable hypotheses to reconcile differences between the model predictions and experimental data. The presented pipeline for using paired transcriptomics and metabolomics data provides a framework for interrogating multiple omics datasets to generate mechanistic insight of metabolic changes associated with toxicological responses.
Gestational Exposure to Bisphenol A and Bisphenol S Leads to Fetal Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy Independent of Sex
Authors: Jing Jiongjie , Pu Yong , Gingrich Jeremy , Veiga-Lopez Almudena
Published: September 2019

Gestational exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) can lead to offspring insulin resistance. However, despite the role that the skeletal muscle plays in glucose homeostasis, it remains unknown whether gestational exposure to BPA, or its analog bisphenol S (BPS), impairs skeletal muscle development. We hypothesized that gestational exposure to BPA or BPS will impair fetal muscle development and lead to muscle-specific insulin resistance. To test this, pregnant sheep (n = 7–8/group) were exposed to BPA or BPS from gestational day (GD) 30 to 100. At GD120, fetal skeletal muscle was harvested to evaluate fiber size, fiber type, and gene and protein expression related to myogenesis, fiber size, fiber type, and inflammation. Fetal primary myoblasts were isolated to evaluate proliferation and differentiation. In fetal skeletal muscle, myofibers were larger in BPA and BPS groups in both females and males. BPA females had higher MYH1 (reflective of type-IIX fast glycolytic fibers), whereas BPS females had higher MYH2 and MYH7, and higher myogenic regulatory factors (Myf5, MyoG, MyoD, and MRF4) mRNA expression. No differences were observed in males. Myoblast proliferation was not altered in gestationally BPA- or BPS-exposed myoblasts, but upon differentiation, area and diameter of myotubes were larger independent of sex. Females had larger myofibers and myotubes than males in all treatment groups. In conclusion, gestational exposure to BPA or BPS does not result in insulin resistance in fetal myoblasts but leads to fetal fiber hypertrophy in skeletal muscle independent of sex and alters fiber type distribution in a sex-specific manner.
A 7-Amino-Acid Motif of Rep Protein Essential for Virulence Is Critical for Triggering Host Defense Against Sri Lankan Cassava Mosaic Virus
Authors: Wang Duan , Zhang Xuan , Yao Xiangmei , Zhang Peng , Fang Rongxiang , Ye Jian
Published: September 2019

Geminiviruses cause severe damage to agriculture worldwide. The replication (Rep) protein is the indispensable viral protein for viral replication. Although various functional domains of Rep protein in Geminivirus spp. have been characterized, the most carboxyl terminus of Rep protein was not available. We have reported the first cassava-infecting geminivirus, Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus (SLCMV-HN7 strain), in China. In this study, we reported the second Chinese SLCMV strain, SLCMV-Col, and conducted comparative genomic analysis between these two SLCMV strains. The virulence of SLCMV-Col is much stronger than SLCMV-HN7, indicated by the higher virus titer, more severe symptoms, and more extent host defense. We functionally characterized that Rep protein, a 7-amino-acid motif at the most carboxyl terminus, is essential for Rep protein accumulation and virulence of SLCMV. We also provided evidence suggesting that the motif could also enhance triggering of salicylic acid (SA) defense against SLCMV infection in Nicotiana benthamiana. The significance of the balance between virulence and host SA defense responses in expanding invasions of SLCMV is also discussed.
Disease Control Attributes of Oxathiapiprolin Fungicides for Management of Cucurbit Downy Mildew
Authors: Salas Sarah E. , Shepherd Christopher P. , Ngugi Henry K. , Genet Jean-Luc
Published: September 2019

Oxathiapiprolin, a novel oomycete fungicide recently registered by DuPont, was reported to have high intrinsic activity against cucurbit downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis). The goal of this study was to characterize disease control attributes of oxathiapiprolin-based fungicides critical to effective management of cucurbit downy mildew. In growth chamber and greenhouse studies, oxathiapiprolin-based fungicides were compared with mandipropamid, mefenoxam + mancozeb, fluopicolide + propamocarb, cymoxanil + mancozeb, and ametoctradin + dimethomorph products for pre- and postinfection activity, local systemic movement, and protection of new growth produced after fungicide application. In preventive application, oxathiapiprolin-based fungicides significantly (P < 0.0001) inhibited downy mildew development, with the highest level of disease observed being 0.4% compared with 86.7% observed for mandipropamid. When applied postinfection, oxathiapiprolin-based fungicides significantly (P < 0.0001) suppressed disease development, but disease control was reduced relative to that observed for preventive application. There was a significant effect of formulation on the postinfection activity of oxathiapiprolin, whereby the oil dispersion (OD) formulation was more inhibitory than the water-dispersible granule formulation (0.001 ≤ P ≤ 0.049). Disease severity on the outer half leaf portion protected from spray deposition during fungicide application was lower for oxathiapiprolin-based fungicides (1.6 to 6.6%) than observed for fluopicolide + propamocarb (10.9 to 23.7%), mefenoxam + mancozeb (40.3 to 51.4%), and the nontreated controls (83.3 to 84.9%), which indicates significant acropetal movement within the leaf. Postinfection applications of oxathiapiprolin-based formulations had the greatest effect on lesion growth and sporangia production compared with the other fungicides in the experiment. When applied preventively to rapidly growing plants in a greenhouse, oxathiapiprolin-based fungicides consistently protected new growth that was not present at the time of application, with the OD formulation reducing disease severity by >75% relative to nontreated plants. The practical implications of these observations are discussed.
Genotyping-by-Sequencing for Analysis of the Genetic Variation of Podosphaera xanthii, Incitant of Cucurbit Powdery Mildew
Authors: Xiang Y. , Miller A. N. , McGrath M. , Babadoost M.
Published: September 2019

This research was conducted to identify species causing powdery mildew on cucurbits and to determine genetic variations among isolates of the pathogen. We collected 109 isolates from six cucurbit species hosts (Cucumis melo, Cucumis sativus, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita pepo, and Lagenaria siceraria) in California, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin in the United States and in Italy. By sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region of the nuclear rDNA of these 109 isolates, Podosphaera xanthii was found as the only species causing powdery mildew on cucurbits in the United States. Genotyping-by-sequencing was applied to these 109 isolates to investigate their genetic diversity, which showed a trend of isolates clustering from New York and Italy. In addition, the virulence of 36 isolates was compared and a significant difference (P < 0.0001) was found among them. Furthermore, results of the virulence tests of 28 isolates from Illinois showed significant effects of collection years, hosts, and locations on the virulence of the isolates.
Clinical Features of Pediatric Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: Mesaroli Giulia , Ruskin Danielle , Campbell Fiona , Kronenberg Sefi , Klein Sara , Hundert Amos , Stinson Jennifer
Published: September 2019

Objectives:

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful condition of a limb characterized by a constellation of symptoms. Little is known about the clinical features of pediatric CRPS, with fewer than a dozen studies published to date. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical course of pediatric CRPS, with emphasis on clinical features and disease outcomes. A secondary aim was to discern differences in clinical features of pediatric CRPS with and without related movement disorders, and between children who had a favorable and unfavorable outcome.

Materials and Methods:

We carried out a retrospective chart review of children with CRPS who presented to a pediatric Chronic Pain Clinic in Canada over a 5-year period (2012 to 2016).

Results:

The study identified 59 children with CRPS (mean age: 12.7±2.5; 74.6% female; 72.9% lower extremity). In total, 87% (n=48) of children experienced complete resolution or significant improvement of CRPS, with a relapse rate of 15%. Overall, 25% (n=15) had a CRPS-related movement disorder. There were no differences in the clinical features of pediatric CRPS with or without related movement disorders. Children who experienced a favorable outcome had a significantly shorter symptom duration at the initial visit in comparison with children who experienced an unfavorable outcome.

Discussion:

In this cohort, pediatric CRPS was most common in girls around the age of 12, usually in the lower extremity, and most experienced a favorable outcome. Further research is needed to better understand the prognosis and relapse rate of pediatric CRPS.
Management of Gustilo-Anderson Type II and IIIA Open Long Bone Fractures in Children: Which Wounds Require a Second Washout?
Authors: Wang Kemble K. , Rademacher Emily S. , Miller Patricia E. , Lins Laura , Jordan Eric , May Collin , Glotzbecker Michael P. , Hedequist Daniel J. , Shore Benjamin J.
Published: September 2019

Introduction:

Timing of wound closure in pediatric Gustilo-Anderson grade II and IIIA open long bone fracture remain controversial. Our aims are (1) to determine the proportion of patients with these fractures whose wounds can be treated with early primary wound closure (EPWC); (2) to compare the complication rates between EPWC and delayed wound closure (DWC); and (3) to determine factors associated with higher likelihood of undergoing DWC.

Patients and Methods:

At a level-1 pediatric trauma center, 96 patients (younger than 18 y) who sustained Gustilo-Anderson grade II and IIIA open long bone fractures (humerus, radius, ulnar, femur, or tibia) within a 10-year period (2006-2016) were included for this study. Decision for EPWC versus DWC was at the discretion of the attending surgeon at time of initial surgery. Data collection was via retrospective review of charts and radiographs. Particular attention was paid to the incidence of return to operating room rate, nonunion, compartment syndrome, and infection. Median follow-up duration was 7.5 months (interquartile range: 3.6 to 25.3 mo). All patients were followed-up at least until bony union.

Results:

Overall, 81% of patients (78/96) underwent EPWC. Of the grade II fractures, 86% underwent EPWC. Four patients (5%) in the EPWC group and 1 patient (6%) in the DWC group had at least 1 complication. When controlling for mechanism of injury, Gustilo-Anderson fracture type and age, there was no difference in rate of complications between the EPWC and the DWC groups. Grade IIIA fractures and being involved in a motor vehicle accident were factors associated with a higher likelihood of undergoing DWC.

Conclusion:

The majority of grade II and IIIA pediatric long bone fractures may be safely treatable with EPWC without additional washouts. Future prospective research is required to further define the subgroups that can benefit from DWC.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—therapeutic, case cohort study.
Incidence of Fusion Across Total Disc Replacement With Heterotopic Ossification
Authors: Chin Kingsley R. , Pencle Fabio J.R. , Mustafa Luai S. , Mustafa Moawiah S. , Quijada Kathleen A. , Seale Jason A.
Published: September 2019

Study Design:

This is a level III retrospective study.

Objective:

The authors aim to review the outcomes and complications of ball and socket total disk replacements (TDRs).

Summary of Background Data:

TDR is a motion-preserving technique that closely reproduces physiologic kinematics of the cervical spine. However, heterotopic ossification and spontaneous fusion after implantation of the total cervical disk have been reported in several studies to decrease the range of motion postulated by in vitro and in vivo biomechanical studies.

Methods:

The medical records of 117 consecutive patients undergoing cervical TDR over a 5-year period with Mobi-C, Prodisc-C, Prestige LP, and Secure-C implants were followed. Outcomes assessed included Visual Analogue Scale neck and arm and Neck Disability Index scores. The radiographic assessment looked at heterotopic ossification leading to fusion and complication rates.

Results:

Of the 117 patients that underwent TDR, 56% were male with the group’s mean age being 46.2±10.3 years and body mass index of 18.9±13.6 kg/m2. The longest follow-up was 5 years with Prodisc-C group, with overall fusion noted in 16% of patients. One patient was also noted to have fusion which was not seen radiographically but noted intraoperatively for adjacent segment disease. There has been no demonstrable radiographic fusion seen in the Prestige LP group, however, the follow-up has only been 12–24 months for this group.

Conclusion:

In this study, we have demonstrated radiographic fusion anterior to the ball and socket TDR as well as the uncovertebral joint. We postulate that with the use of a mobile core disk there is an increased potential for fusion leading to a nonfunctional disk replacement.
Defining Instability in Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Spina Nicholas , Schoutens Carlijn , Martin Brook I. , Brodke Darrel S. , Lawrence Brandon , Spiker William Ryan
Published: September 2019

Study Design:

Surgeon survey.

Objective:

To examine factors influencing surgeons’ definition of instability in grade 1 degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) and assess treatment preferences for both stable and unstable DS.

Summary of Background Data:

DS treatment options are broadly classified as decompression with or without fusion. In surgical decision-making, “instability” is frequently considered as a key factor. However, no consensus on the definition of instability exists.

Methods:

A survey was conducted to ascertain the minimum amounts of static translation, dynamic translation, and angulation change that surgeons considered significant for determining instability. The importance of other clinical and radiographic features were also assessed, and respondents’ standard treatment for stable and unstable DS.

Results:

Out of 226 respondents, 99% deemed dynamic translation moderately to extremely influential for determining instability, whereas only 55% found static translation as important. The most prevalent cut-off values for dynamic (57%) and static translation (32%) were at least 2–4 mm and for angulation change at least 10–15 degrees (43%). Facet angulation was considered moderately to extremely important to determine instability by 69% of the surgeons, disk height by 67%, patient age by 64%, severity of stenosis by 55%, severity of back pain by 50%, patient-reported function by 49%, pelvic incidence by 47%, and severity of neurogenic claudication by 42%.

Decompression with fusion was the preferred treatment method for unstable DS in 99% of the respondents. For stable DS, 40% would still perform fusion, whereas 60% preferred treatment with decompression-alone. Those who preferred fusion for stable DS reported significantly lower thresholds for static (P<0.001) and dynamic translation (P=0.004) for their determination of instability.

Conclusions:

Clear consensus regarding the definition of instability does not exist. Dynamic translation is the most agreed-upon parameter of influence. Treatment preferences vary for stable DS, but for unstable cases there is broad consensus to perform fusion.

Level of Evidence:

Level II.
Incidence, Risk Factors, and Trends of Motor Peripheral Nerve Injury After Colorectal Surgery: Analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database
Authors: Al-Temimi Mohammed H. , Chandrasekaran Bindupriya , Phelan Michael J. , Pigazzi Alessio , Mills Steven D. , Stamos Michael J. , Carmichael Joseph C.
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND:

Motor peripheral nerve injury is a rare but serious event after colorectal surgery, and a nationwide study of this complication is lacking.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to report the incidence, trends, and risk factors of motor peripheral nerve injury during colorectal surgery.

DESIGN:

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was surveyed for motor peripheral nerve injury complicating colorectal procedures. Risk factors for this complication were identified using logistic regression analysis.

SETTINGS:

The study used a national database.

PATIENTS:

Patients undergoing colorectal resection between 2005 and 2013 were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

The incidence, trends, and risk factors for motor peripheral nerve injury complicating colorectal procedures were measured.

RESULTS:

We identified 186,936 colorectal cases, of which 50,470 (27%) were performed laparoscopically. Motor peripheral nerve injury occurred in 122 patients (0.065%). Injury rates declined over the study period, from 0.025% in 2006 to <0.010% in 2013 (p < 0.001). Patients with motor peripheral nerve injury were younger (mean ± SD; 54.02 ± 15.41 y vs 61.56 ± 15.95 y; p < 0.001), more likely to be obese (BMI ≥30; 43% vs 31%; p = 0.003), and more likely to have received radiotherapy (12.3% vs 4.7%; p < 0.001). Nerve injury was also associated with longer operative times (277.16 ± 169.79 min vs 176.69 ± 104.80 min; p < 0.001) and was less likely to be associated with laparoscopy (p = 0.043). Multivariate analysis revealed that increasing operative time was associated with nerve injury (OR = 1.04 (95% CI, 1.03–1.04)), whereas increasing age was associated with a protective effect (OR = 0.80 (95% CI, 0.71–0.90)).

LIMITATIONS:

This study was limited by its retrospective nature.

CONCLUSIONS:

Motor peripheral nerve injury during colorectal procedures is uncommon (0.065%), and its rate declined significantly over the study period. Prolonged operative time is the strongest predictor of motor peripheral nerve injury during colorectal procedures. Instituting and documenting measures to prevent nerve injury is imperative; however, special attention to this complication is necessary when surgeons contemplate long colorectal procedures.