bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microscopic Polyangiitis: New Insights into Pathogenesis, Clinical Features and Therapy
Authors: Karras Alexandre
Published: November 2018

Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is one of the main clinical presentations of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides. Although the disease is defined by clinical and pathological criteria, the anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) specificity of ANCAs is observed in almost 80% of MPA patients. The direct pathogenic role of anti-MPO antibodies has been proven in animal models, in which the disease was transmitted by transfer of anti-MPO antibodies or anti-MPO–specific splenocytes. The most frequently affected organs in this disease are the kidneys and the lungs. Necrotizing and crescentic glomerulonephritis can be revealed by rapidly progressive renal failure, but kidney injury can be more slowly progressive and lead to end-stage renal disease without major extrarenal manifestations. The most frequent pulmonary manifestation is diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, but some patients may present with chronic interstitial fibrosis leading to respiratory failure. General signs such as fever and weight loss, muscular and articular symptoms, peripheral neuropathy, and cutaneous involvement may also reveal the disease. Although the relapse rate is quite low after induction of remission, 5-year mortality is 25%, with even higher mortality rates in older patients (> 65 years old), or those with significant kidney dysfunction. Iatrogenic causes (particularly infections) are an important cause of deaths in these vulnerable patients. Future studies are warranted to determine the optimal maintenance immunosuppressive regimen to minimize side effects of immunosuppression.
Arterial Variation: Higher Bifurcation of the Brachial Artery into Radial and Ulnar Arteries in the Arm of a Male Corpse
Authors: de Oliveira Juliano , Ferreira Mônica , Cunha Marcos
Published: November 2018

The objective of this study was to describe a morphological variation of the bifurcation of the brachial artery, which was located at a higher level in the right arm of a male corpse. This variation was found during a dissection process performed at the anatomy laboratory of the Centro Universitário de Volta Redonda, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, by graduates in medicine during a course of dissection conducted by the Academic League of Human Anatomy of the institution. The brachial artery was located medial in the arm, as usual, but its bifurcation into the radial and ulnar arteries happened prematurely, midway down the diaphysis. The morphological variation has previously been described by other authors; its occurrence is not well established yet, since there are articles that say it is common, and others that say it is rare. The implication of this morphological variation in medical practice is related to the measure of blood pressure in the arm; this higher bifurcation of the brachial artery can be confusing for the health provider measuring the blood pressure of a patient. This article describes a morphological variation and hopes to help to elucidate its patterns.
Survival Analysis in Elderly Patients with Glioblastomas: The Influence of Clinical Status, Tumor and Surgical Features
Authors: Sousa Ulysses , Oliveira Matheus , Heringer Lindolfo , Botelho Ricardo , Rotta José
Published: November 2018

Introduction Glioblastomas are malignant neoplasms, notorious for their poor prognosis. We have conducted a survival analysis in a sample of elderly patients with glioblastomas.

Methods The sample of the present study consisted of elderly patients consecutively admitted from January 2014 to January 2016 (24 months) at the Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo. We have evaluated the impact of age, Karnofsky scale (KS) score, tumor location, and occurrence of perioperative complications.

Results A total of 42 patients were analyzed. Of these, 23 (54.7%) were men, and 19 (45.3%) were women. Patients > 60 years old, with low KS score, deep-seated tumors, and those with perioperative complications had worst outcomes.

Discussion and conclusion Surgery, perioperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy add survival time and quality of life to these patients. In patients with low KS score, isolated radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy might be adequate. Decreasing perioperative complications is essential to adequately deliver adjuvant therapy in elderly patients.
Anatomical Variation of Facial Artery Branch: A Case Report
Authors: Brasil Guilherme , Mazon Josete
Published: November 2018

Introduction The facial artery and its branches are the major vessels that supply blood to the face region. This artery and its branches can present variations in path and branching pattern and thus complicate the location of these arteries during invasive procedures. There is still a great need to inform and clarify the variant or unusual organization of the display of these arteries.

Case Report During the dissection of the head and neck region of a cadaver, an anomalous branch of the unilateral facial artery was observed in the superior labial artery.

Conclusion The lack of knowledge about the possible pathways of the facial artery and its branches can lead to errors in surgical procedures or fillers, causing severe complications to the facial structures.
Average electron temperature estimation of streamer discharge in ambient air
Authors: Lin Li , Lyu Yuanwei , Shneider Mikhail N. , Keidar Michael
Published: November 2018

The electron temperature of small streamer plasmas with low ionization degree is difficult to measure using existing diagnostic technologies such as Langmuir probe and laser Thomson scattering. In this report, we introduce a method of average electron temperature estimation based on the electron continuity equation. The equation includes a temporal derivative of electron density as the summation of diffusion current, drift current, and electron gain/loss events. In the considered example, the electron density is measured using the Rayleigh scattering while the currents and the rate coefficients of those events are functions of the electric field, electron collision frequency, and electron temperature. Therefore, once the electric field and collision frequency are either measured or estimated, the only unknown in the equation is the average electron temperature which can be solved. It was estimated that electron temperature in the streamer peaks at about 3.9 eV for the given example.
Water access and ligand dissociation at the binding site of proteins
Authors: Yonetani Yoshiteru
Published: November 2018

Although water is undoubtedly an essential mediator of protein-ligand interactions, whether or not such water molecules are critical for the progress of ligand dissociation remains unclear. To gain a more complete understanding, molecular dynamics simulations are performed with two molecular systems, rigid model binding sites and trypsin-benzamidine. Free-energy landscapes are calculated with a suitably chosen solvent coordinate, which well describes water access to the ligand binding site. The results of free energy provided clear description of water-ligand exchange process, where two different mechanisms appear depending on whether the binding site is buried or not. As the site is more buried, water access is more difficult. When water does not access the site, ligand dissociation produces a large energy barrier, i.e., slow dissociation kinetics. This indicates that control of ligand dissociation kinetics becomes possible with burying the binding site. However, the results also showed that appropriate burying is important because burying reduces not only water access but also ligand binding. The role of the protein structural change is also discussed; it likely plays a similar role to water access because during ligand dissociation, it can make new coordination with the ligand binding site like water. These results contribute to the future pharmaceutical drug design and will be useful for fundamental exploration of various molecular events.
Synthetic electric field calculation method of three-coil structure to resist the seawater flow vibration
Authors: Zhang Kehan , Zhang Xinyi , Wen Haibing , Yan Zhengchao , Song Baowei
Published: November 2018

In the marine environment, the inductive power transfer (IPT) technology offers many benefits such as increased flexibility and complete rejection of the winding problem. However, for underwater vehicles, the impact of seawater flow vibration will affect the stability of the power transmission. In this paper, a symmetrical double coil structure named 1×1×1 system is proposed to reduce the eddy current loss (ECL) and enhance the power transmission stability of the system under the impact of seawater flow vibration. Firstly, based on the discretization of the electric fields excited by each turn of two transmitting coils, the novel calculation method proposed is that the synthetic electric field at each discrete point is the sum of the electric field vector. Then the synthetic electric field and induced voltage of the 1×1×1 system are simulated by the finite element simulation software COMSOL to verify the calculated results. Finally, experiments are conducted to illustrate that the 1×1×1 system has good ability to resist Z-axial interference and reduce the impact of the seawater flow vibration.
Receptivity of secondary instability modes in streaky boundary layers
Authors: Zhang Anyong , Dong Ming , Zhang Yongming
Published: November 2018

In the presence of relatively high freestream turbulence, laminar-turbulent transition in boundary layers follows a so-called bypass route. This process, in general, is described as follows: low-frequency freestream vortical disturbances (FSVDs) with large amplitude excite streaky disturbances that grow transiently in boundary layers; high-frequency disturbances amplify exponentially due to the secondary-instability regime; streaks break down and the intermittent turbulence spots emerge when the secondary modes reach finite amplitude. However, one process still remains unclear, namely, the mechanism that the secondary instability modes are excited by in the early stage of bypass transition. This paper first verifies the solutions of the boundary-region and edge-layer equations on describing the boundary-layer response to low- and high-frequency FSVDs, respectively. Then, using the above models as the inflow perturbation, the generation of the secondary instability modes is studied by direct numerical simulations. The transformation of Wigner-Ville distribution is employed on analyzing the numerical data, and the formation of the secondary instability modes in the vicinity of the neutral position and time is exhibited in detail. The receptivity process is described as the interaction between the high-frequency FSVDs and the non-parallel streaky disturbance that generates the secondary instability modes when the latter first becomes unstable. A simplified model is established by selecting a steady base flow according to the group velocity of the excited secondary modes, which is confirmed to be an efficient means to determine the receptivity coefficient. Moreover, the nonlinear evolution of the secondary instability modes is simulated, exhibiting the whole process of bypass transition.
Direct calculation of sound speed of materials under ramp wave compression
Authors: Luo Binqiang , Jin Yunsheng , Li Mu , Zhao Jianheng , Sun Chengwei
Published: November 2018

Accurate loading-unloading sound speed of materials is indispensable for material equation of states and strength calculation at high pressure. In this paper, we propose an approach to calculate the loading-unloading sound speed of materials under ramp wave compression directly based on the characteristic theory. The feasibility of this method is validated numerically, and it is applied to the loading-unloading sound speed calculation of copper and tantalum under ramp wave compression. Calculated sound speeds agree well with the results of other methods reported in literatures, and the comparison show that this method is concise and efficient.
Convection instability in a downward flow in a vertical duct with strong transverse magnetic field
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Zikanov Oleg
Published: November 2018

The downward flow in a vertical duct with one heated and three thermally insulated walls is analyzed numerically using the two-dimensional approximation valid in the asymptotic limit of an imposed strong transverse magnetic field. The work is motivated by the design of liquid metal blankets with poloidal ducts for future nuclear fusion reactors, in which the main component of the very strong magnetic field is perpendicular to the flow direction and very strong heating is applied at the wall facing the reaction chamber. The flow is found to be steady-state or oscillating depending on the strengths of the heating and magnetic field. A parametric study of the instability leading to the oscillations is performed. It is found among other results that the flow is unstable and develops high-amplitude temperature oscillations at the conditions typical for a fusion reactor blanket.
The influence of pulse parameters on the downstream uniformity of linear-field jet array in argon
Authors: Zhou Ruoyu , Liu Feng , Wang Lifeng , Li Xue , Fang Zhi
Published: November 2018

The nanosecond (ns) pulse excited plasma jet array shows merits of large treatment area and high chemical reactivity, while the pulse parameters influence the downstream uniformity of the ns pulse excited jet array significantly. In this paper, the downstream uniformity of the ns pulsed jet array with linear-field electrode structure is investigated by discharge image measurement at different amplitude of applied voltage, rising time and pulse repetition frequency (PRF). The voltage-current waveform and Schlieren image are measured and the electrical field distribution of the jet array is simulated to reveal the interaction mechanisms. The experimental results show that the divergence of side plumes becomes severer and the plume length of all three jet units becomes longer at higher applied voltage, which is caused by the enhancement of the electron energy and density. The shorter rising time also increases the transported charge and input energy and extends the length of the plasma plumes. At 0.5 L/min Ar flow rate, all of the lengths of plumes increase with PRF although the laminar regimes of the gas flows are reduced. At Ar flow rate of 1, 2, and 4 L/min, the middle jet is suppressed, which is analyzed by the electrical field distribution simulation. It is shown that the highest electric fields at the outside walls of side jet units, which suppress the propagation of ionization front from the orifice to the outer space of the middle jet. At lower Ar flow rate, there are severe depletion of electrons in the side jets by oxygen and penning ionization in the middle jet by background molecules, which result in the enhancement of the jet array downstream uniformity. The results are of importance to optimize pulse parameters for the realization of controllable and scalable pulse excited jet array for various applications.
Investigation of intrinsic electrical properties of cerium doped lithium cobalt oxide, nanostructured materials
Authors: Mumtaz Misbah , Iftekhar Maryam , Saira Farhat , Raffi Muhammad , Jamil Arifa , Rafiq M. A. , Hasan M. M.
Published: November 2018

Cerium doped lithium cobalt oxide LiCo1−xCexO2 (0≤x≤0.08) compositions have been synthesized by a modified ‘Pechini’ process. The structural and electrical properties of the doped compositions were investigated through XRD, FTIR, EDX, Raman, and (EIS) experiments. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis established the formation of single phase crystalline nature of the synthesized powders. Ce doped samples crystallized in the R3m space group, with expansion along the ‘c’ lattice. Whereas scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis revealed that due to Ce doping the microstructure has altogether changed, with the presence of grains and grain boundaries. Raman and FTIR (Fourier transform infra-red) studies assisted to attribute ordered crystalline realms within the lattice. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) confirmed the presence of no additional peak thus ruling out the presence of impurities. In order to discover the effects of the altered microstructure and existence of the crystalline domains on the resistive and dielectric properties all the compositions were exposed to EIS (electrical impedance spectroscopy) study at room temperature and in wide frequency range. Electrical properties demonstrated that LiCo1−xCexO2 (x = 0.04 and 0.06) had more resistance in comparison to x = 0 and 0.08 compositions. According to crystal field splitting theory, incoming electron from the doped metal created an insulating phase responsible for the enhanced resistance. Modified Debye behavior was exhibited by frequency dependent dielectric measurements at room temperature. As a result of tailored properties LiCo1−xCexO2 compositions can be used in high frequency devices.
Low-frequency noise in irradiated graphene FETs
Authors: Wu Ting , Alharbi Abdullah , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Shahrjerdi Davood
Published: November 2018

We present a quantitative analysis of the low-frequency noise in irradiated monolayer graphene. In this study, we repeatedly irradiate a back-gated graphene transistor with argon ions at 90 eV and measure its low-frequency noise and channel conductivity after each irradiation. Our results indicate that the noise amplitude decreases monotonically with the increasing density of vacancy defects. The combination of our low-frequency noise measurements and carrier transport studies reveals that the mobility fluctuation model can explain this observation and that the density of vacancy defects, the density of charged impurities, and the mean free path of charge carriers determine the noise amplitude.
Active learning in Gaussian process interpolation of potential energy surfaces
Authors: Uteva Elena , Graham Richard S. , Wilkinson Richard D. , Wheatley Richard J.
Published: November 2018

Three active learning schemes are used to generate training data for Gaussian process interpolation of intermolecular potential energy surfaces. These schemes aim to achieve the lowest predictive error using the fewest points and therefore act as an alternative to the status quo methods involving grid-based sampling or space-filling designs like Latin hypercubes (LHC). Results are presented for three molecular systems: CO2–Ne, CO2–H2, and Ar3. For each system, two of the active learning schemes proposed notably outperform LHC designs of comparable size, and in two of the systems, produce an error value an order of magnitude lower than the one produced by the LHC method. The procedures can be used to select a subset of points from a large pre-existing data set, to select points to generate data de novo, or to supplement an existing data set to improve accuracy.
Thermal resistance and heat capacity in hafnium zirconium oxide (Hf1–xZrxO2) dielectrics and ferroelectric thin films
Authors: Scott Ethan A. , Smith Sean W. , Henry M. David , Rost Christina M. , Giri Ashutosh , Gaskins John T. , Fields Shelby S. , Jaszewski Samantha T. , Ihlefeld Jon F. , Hopkins Patrick E.
Published: November 2018

We report on the thermal resistances of thin films (20 nm) of hafnium zirconium oxide (Hf1–xZrxO2) with compositions ranging from 0 ≤ x ≤ 1. Measurements were made via time-domain thermoreflectance and analyzed to determine the effective thermal resistance of the films in addition to their associated thermal boundary resistances. We find effective thermal resistances ranging from 28.79 to 24.72 m2 K GW−1 for amorphous films, which decreased to 15.81 m2 K GW−1 upon crystallization. Furthermore, we analyze the heat capacity for two compositions, x = 0.5 and x = 0.7, of Hf1–xZrxO2 and find them to be 2.18 ± 0.56 and 2.64 ± 0.53 MJ m−3 K−1, respectively.
Oxygen reduction reaction of FeN4 center embedded in graphene and carbon nanotube: Density functional calculations
Authors: Aoyama Syuya , Kaiwa Jun , Chantngarm Peerasak , Tanibayashi Satoru , Saito Hiroaki , Hasegawa Masayuki , Nishidate Kazume
Published: November 2018

A proton exchange membrane fuel cell is an energy device in which chemical energy is directly converted into electric energy through the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this work, we have performed first-principles density functional theory calculations for the ORR of FeN4 center embeded in graphene (Gr) and carbon nanotube (CNT) to investigate reaction dynamics. At the beginning of reaction, an O2 molecule is adsorbed on the center with the end-on bent geometry and an electron of the Fe atom is transferred to the O2 molecule (Fe(3dz2)−O2(1πga)). The successive adsorption of two hydrogen atoms generates a water molecule which immediately dissociates from the surface. The remaining oxygen atom on the Fe atom also adsorbs hydrogen atoms and generates the second water molecule. We found that the in-plane Fe atom embedded in Gr becomes out-of-plane with the height of 0.344 Å and this height is reduced in the CNT case due to the mechanical surface tension. After the ORR, the FeN4 centers on Gr and CNT recover their initial electronic and geometrical structures, enabling the subsequent ORR. These results demonstrates the feasibility of the ORR of FeN4 center in carbon systems.
Spatio-temporal stability analysis of linear arrays of 2D density stratified wakes and jets
Authors: Sebastian Jacob , Emerson Benjamin , O’Connor J. , Lieuwen Tim
Published: November 2018

This paper investigates the spatio-temporal stability characteristics of multiple shear flow elements (wakes or jets) with density stratification. While the stability of single jets or wakes has been considered extensively, many applications exist where these canonical flow fields are aligned in multi-element configurations. A fundamental question is the relationship between the stability characteristics of a single element and the larger system. More fundamentally, this question involves the interaction of multiple regions of vorticity concentration and how they modify a system’s absolute stability as well as the manner in which density gradients influence the way these different regions of concentrated vorticity interact. This study presents a generalization of Yu and Monkewitz’s analysis [“The effect of nonuniform density on the absolute instability of two-dimensional inertial jets and wakes,” Phys. Fluids A 2, 1175 (1990)] for multiple jets and wakes, explicitly considering n = 2, 3, 4, and infinity elements. The velocity and density base profiles are parameterized by the density ratio, S, velocity shear ratio, λ, and the wake spatial separation parameter, L/D. The results show that the maximum absolute growth rate (ω0,i) exhibits a non-monotonic dependence on L/D. In addition, the most absolutely unstable mode switches between system-sinuous and system-varicose as the spatial separation parameter is varied, in agreement with prior experiments [I. Peschard and P. Le Gal, “Coupled wakes of cylinders,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 77, 3122 (1996)]. This transition in symmetry, as well as the specific L/D value at which a given mode dominates, can be approximately predicted using the resonant wave interaction model from Juniper et al. [“The effect of confinement on the stability of two-dimensional shear flows,” J. Fluid Mech. 565, 171 (2006)]. Furthermore, there are two distinct L/D regimes: a “near-wake regime” (L/D < ∼3) and a “far-wake regime.” In the near-wake regime, the system stability is a function of the number of elements, n, while in the far-wake regime, it is only the element spacing, not the number of elements that influences ω0,i.
The collisional relaxation rate of kappa-distributed plasma with multiple components
Authors: Guo Ran
Published: November 2018

The kappa-distributed fully ionized plasma with collisional interaction is investigated. The Fokker-Planck equation with Rosenbluth potential is employed to describe such a physical system. The results show that the kappa distribution is not a stationary distribution unless the parameter kappa tends to infinity. The general expressions of collisional relaxation rate of multiple-component plasma with kappa distribution are derived and discussed in specific cases in details. For the purpose of visual illustration, we also give those results numerically in figures. All the results show that the parameter kappa plays a significant role in relaxation rate.
The Transfer Direction of Photogenerated Electrons in BaTiO3/TiO2 and CaTiO3/TiO2
Authors: Ruan Lingfeng , Jiang Rongying , Liu Jing , Liu Song
Published: November 2018

BaTiO3/TiO2 and CaTiO3/TiO2 bilayer-type photocatalyst films have been prepared and characterised by X-ray diffraction, Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-vis, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The photodeposition of silver was done to confirm the reduction positions of the titanate/TiO2 films. Silver deposited preferentially on the side of TiO2 for BaTiO3/TiO2 whereas on the side of CaTiO3 for CaTiO3/TiO2. These results imply that the direction of photogenerated electron transfer is coincident with the semiconductor physical principles. Upon exposure to light, electron–hole pairs are generated and subsequently separated by an internal electrostatic field in the titanate–TiO2 heterojunction.
Drought-responsive protein identification in developing grains of a wheat–Haynaldia villosa 6VS/6AL translocation line
Authors: Wang Ruomei , Wu Jisu , Deng Xiong , Liu Dongmiao , Yan Yueming
Published: November 2018

Drought is a widespread abiotic stress that has a detrimental effect on both yield and quality of wheat. Discovery and utilisation of drought-resistant gene resources from wheat-related species may help to mitigate effects of drought and decrease yield loss. In this study, we used a comparative proteome approach to identify potential drought-resistance proteins from a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–Haynaldia villosa (L.) Schur 6VS/6AL translocation line. Drought experiments showed that introgression of the H. villosa 6VS chromosome short arm into common wheat cultivar Yangmai 5 through 6VS/6AL translocation led to better drought resistance. Two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) identified 99 differentially accumulated protein (DAP) spots in the wheat–H. villosa 6VS/6AL translocation line, 42 of which were specifically present or showed a significantly upregulated accumulation. Of these, 20 DAPs representing 19 unique proteins in the wheat–H. villosa 6VS/6AL translocation line were upregulated under drought stress. These proteins were mainly involved in defence–stress, energy metabolism, carbon metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, and protein metabolism or folding. Protein–protein interaction analysis of key DAPs displayed a complex interaction network that synergistically regulated drought response. Dynamic transcriptional expression analysis revealed the differential expression of six key DAP genes involved in drought-stress response in the protein–protein interaction network. Our results indicated that H. villosa may have gene resources for wheat drought-resistance improvement.
Historical patterns of wildfire ignition sources in California ecosystems
Authors: Keeley Jon E. , Syphard Alexandra D.
Published: November 2018

State and federal agencies have reported fire causes since the early 1900s, explicitly for the purpose of helping land managers design fire-prevention programs. We document fire-ignition patterns in five homogenous climate divisions in California over the past 98 years on state Cal Fire protected lands and 107 years on federal United States Forest Service lands. Throughout the state, fire frequency increased steadily until a peak c. 1980, followed by a marked drop to 2016. There was not a tight link between frequency of ignition sources and area burned by those sources and the relationships have changed over time. Natural lightning-ignited fires were consistently fewer from north to south and from high to low elevation. Throughout most of the state, human-caused fires dominated the record and were positively correlated with population density for the first two-thirds of the record, but this relationship reversed in recent decades. We propose a mechanistic multi-variate model of factors driving fire frequency, where the importance of different factors has changed over time. Although ignition sources have declined markedly in recent decades, one notable exception is powerline ignitions. One important avenue for future fire-hazard reduction will be consideration of solutions to reduce this source of dangerous fires.
Drosophila
intestinal stem and progenitor cells are major sources and regulators of homeostatic niche signals
Authors: Doupé David P. , Marshall Owen J. , Dayton Hannah , Brand Andrea H. , Perrimon Norbert
Published: November 2018

Epithelial homeostasis requires the precise balance of epithelial stem/progenitor proliferation and differentiation. While many signaling pathways that regulate epithelial stem cells have been identified, it is probable that other regulators remain unidentified. Here, we use gene-expression profiling by targeted DamID to identify the stem/progenitor-specific transcription and signaling factors in the
Drosophila
midgut. Many signaling pathway components, including ligands of most major pathways, exhibit stem/progenitor-specific expression and have regulatory regions bound by both intrinsic and extrinsic transcription factors. In addition to previously identified stem/progenitor-derived ligands, we show that both the insulin-like factor Ilp6 and TNF ligand eiger are specifically expressed in the stem/progenitors and regulate normal tissue homeostasis. We propose that intestinal stem cells not only integrate multiple signals but also contribute to and regulate the homeostatic signaling microenvironmental niche through the expression of autocrine and paracrine factors.
The geographic mosaic of coevolution in mutualistic networks
Authors: Medeiros Lucas P. , Garcia Guilherme , Thompson John N. , Guimarães Paulo R.
Published: November 2018

Significance

The reciprocal evolution of interacting species, or coevolution, generates impressive adaptations in pairs of species across geographic regions. However, we currently do not understand how coevolution shapes adaptations in large groups of species that interact not just locally but also across ecosystems. We use a mathematical model of coevolution and network tools to show that gene flow resulting from movement of individuals among populations may favor, rather than swamp, reciprocal adaptation in mutualisms, especially in large and heterogeneous networks typical of pollination and seed dispersal interactions. Our results suggest that the disruption of gene flow, fueled by human activities, may undermine long-term adaptation in mutualistic assemblages, with severe consequences for the functioning of ecological systems.
A flexible organic reflectance oximeter array
Authors: Khan Yasser , Han Donggeon , Pierre Adrien , Ting Jonathan , Wang Xingchun , Lochner Claire M. , Bovo Gianluca , Yaacobi-Gross Nir , Newsome Chris , Wilson Richard , Arias Ana C.
Published: November 2018

Significance

The optical method to determine oxygen saturation in blood is limited to only tissues that can be transilluminated. The status quo provides a single-point measurement and lacks 2D oxygenation mapping capability. We use organic printed optoelectronics in a flexible array configuration that senses reflected light from tissue. Our reflectance oximeter is used beyond conventional sensing locations and accurately measures oxygen saturation on the forehead. In a full system implementation, coupled with a mathematical model, we create 2D oxygenation maps of adult forearms under pressure-cuff–induced ischemia. Our skin-like flexible sensor system has the potential to transform oxygenation monitoring of tissues, wounds, skin grafts, and transplanted organs.
Paraconsistency, self-extensionality, modality
Authors: Avron Arnon , Zamansky Anna
Published: November 2018

Paraconsistent logics are logics that, in contrast to classical and intuitionistic logic, do not trivialize inconsistent theories. In this paper we take a paraconsistent view on two famous modal logics: B and S5. We use for this a well-known general method for turning modal logics to paraconsistent logics by defining a new (paraconsistent) negation as $\neg \varphi =_{Def} \sim \Box \varphi$ (where $\sim$ is the classical negation). We show that while that makes both B and S5 members of the well-studied family of paraconsistent C-systems, they differ from most other C-systems in having the important replacement property (which means that equivalence of formulas implies their congruence). We further show that B is a very robust C-system in the sense that almost any axiom which has been considered in the context of C-systems is either already a theorem of B or its addition to B leads to a logic that is no longer paraconsistent. There is exactly one notable exception, and the result of adding this exception to B leads to the other logic studied here, S5.
Neocucurbitaria keratinophila: An emerging opportunistic fungus causing superficial mycosis in Spain
Authors: Valenzuela-Lopez Nicomedes , Cano-Lira José F , Stchigel Alberto M , Rivero-Menendez Olga , Alastruey-Izquierdo Ana , Guarro Josep
Published: November 2018

Although there have been few reports of opportunistic infections (superficial and systemic) caused by coelomycetous fungi, they are becoming more frequent. Neocucurbitaria keratinophila (formerly Pyrenochaeta keratinophila), characterized by producing pycnidial conidiomata and small hyaline conidia, seems to be an emergent opportunistic pathogen in Spain. Since this fungus was first reported from human keratitis, eight strains have been isolates from clinical cases in Spain. This is a retrospective study of these fungal strains, including phenotypic and molecular characterizations, and in vitro antifungal susceptibility assays. These clinical strains were identified by sequencing four phylogenetic markers such as the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and fragments of the 28S nrRNA (LSU), beta-tubulin (tub2), and RNA polymerase II subunit 2 (rpb2) genes, and by morphological characterization. All the strains tested were susceptible to the majority of antifungals, being isavuconazole the only drug that showed a poor antifungal activity.
Unintended specificity of an engineered ligand-binding protein facilitated by unpredicted plasticity of the protein fold
Authors: Day Austin L , Greisen Per , Doyle Lindsey , Schena Alberto , Stella Nephi , Johnsson Kai , Baker David , Stoddard Barry
Published: November 2018

Attempts to create novel ligand-binding proteins often focus on formation of a binding pocket with shape complementarity against the desired ligand (particularly for compounds that lack distinct polar moieties). Although designed proteins often exhibit binding of the desired ligand, in some cases they display unintended recognition behavior. One such designed protein, that was originally intended to bind tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), was found instead to display binding of 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol (25-D3) and was subjected to biochemical characterization, further selections for enhanced 25-D3 binding affinity and crystallographic analyses. The deviation in specificity is due in part to unexpected altertion of its conformation, corresponding to a significant change of the orientation of an α-helix and an equally large movement of a loop, both of which flank the designed ligand-binding pocket. Those changes led to engineered protein constructs that exhibit significantly more contacts and complementarity towards the 25-D3 ligand than the initial designed protein had been predicted to form towards its intended THC ligand. Molecular dynamics simulations imply that the initial computationally designed mutations may contribute to the movement of the helix. These analyses collectively indicate that accurate prediction and control of backbone dynamics conformation, through a combination of improved conformational sampling and/or de novo structure design, represents a key area of further development for the design and optimization of engineered ligand-binding proteins.
Pharmacological Activation of PXR and CAR Downregulates Distinct Bile Acid-Metabolizing Intestinal Bacteria and Alters Bile Acid Homeostasis
Authors: Dempsey Joseph L , Wang Dongfang , Siginir Gunseli , Fei Qiang , Raftery Daniel , Gu Haiwei , Yue Cui Julia
Published: November 2018

The gut microbiome regulates important host metabolic pathways including xenobiotic metabolism and intermediary metabolism, such as the conversion of primary bile acids (BAs) into secondary BAs. The nuclear receptors pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) are well-known regulators for xenobiotic biotransformation in liver. However, little is known regarding the potential effects of PXR and CAR on the composition and function of the gut microbiome. To test our hypothesis that activation of PXR and CAR regulates gut microbiota and secondary BA synthesis, 9-week-old male conventional and germ-free mice were orally gavaged with corn oil, PXR agonist PCN (75 mg/kg), or CAR agonist TCPOBOP (3 mg/kg) once daily for 4 days. PCN and TCPOBOP decreased two taxa in the Bifidobacterium genus, which corresponded with decreased gene abundance of the BA-deconjugating enzyme bile salt hydrolase. In liver and small intestinal content of germ-free mice, there was a TCPOBOP-mediated increase in total, primary, and conjugated BAs corresponding with increased Cyp7a1 mRNA. Bifidobacterium, Dorea, Peptociccaceae, Anaeroplasma, and Ruminococcus positively correlated with T-UDCA in LIC, but negatively correlated with T-CDCA in serum. In conclusion, PXR and CAR activation downregulates BA-metabolizing bacteria in the intestine and modulates BA homeostasis in a gut microbiota-dependent manner.
Metagenomic Analysis of Riesling Grapevine Reveals a Complex Virome Including Two New and Divergent Variants of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3
Authors: Xiao Huogen , Li Caihong , Al Rwahnih Maher , Dolja Valerian , Meng Baozhong
Published: November 2018

The virome of a major white wine grape of cultivar Riesling showing decline and leafroll disease symptoms was analyzed through high-throughput sequencing (HTS) using total RNAs as templates and the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Analysis of HTS data revealed the presence of five viruses and three viroids in the infected vine. These viruses are Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 1 (GLRaV-1) and GLRaV-3 (genus Ampelovirus, family Closteroviridae) and three viruses of the family Betaflexiviridae (namely, Grapevine virus A [GVA], Grapevine virus B, and Grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus [GRSPaV]). We also show that multiple distinct strains of three viruses (GLRaV-3, GVA, and GRSPaV) were present in this diseased grapevine. The complete genomes of two novel and highly divergent isolates of GLRaV-3 were determined using the draft genomes derived from HTS data and two independent rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) strategies to obtain sequences at both the 5′ and the 3′ termini of the viral genomes. Questionable genome regions of both isolates were also verified through cloning of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction products and Sanger sequencing. These two isolates are vastly divergent from all other isolates of GLRaV-3 whose genome sequences are available in GenBank. Isolate ON8415A has up to 76% nucleotide sequence identities to other isolates representing existing variant groups. We also revealed high degrees of variation in both length and sequence in the terminal untranslated regions (UTRs) of GLRaV-3 variants. The 5′-UTR of most GLRaV-3 isolates whose complete genomes have been sequenced contain tandem repeats of 65 nucleotides, a highly unusual feature rarely observed in (+)single-stranded RNA viruses. Mechanisms for the biogenesis of these tandem repeats and their function in virus replication and pathogenesis require investigation. Findings of this research add to the genetic diversity, evolutionary biology, and diagnostics of GLRaV-3 that afflicts the global grape wine industry.
CT and MRI of Adrenal Masses
Authors: Mkpolulu Chiedozie A. , Ochiobi Chinenye , Chu Linda
Published: November 2018

The adrenal glands are common sites of disease in the human body1 and are well visualized on abdominal CT scans and MR images. With the increased use of cross-sectional imaging, there has been increased detection of adrenal masses.2 The incidence of adrenal masses in patients with no history of malignancy is reported in 5% of all abdominal CT examinations3
,
4 and in 9% to 13% of patients imaged for a known malignancy.3
Satisfactory outcomes after gradual deformity correction of delayed onset Blount disease using the Ilizarov device
Authors: Fahmy Fahmy Samir , Fathi Hossam
Published: November 2018

Background:

Blount disease is a developmental disorder affecting the posteromedial part of the upper tibial growth plate resulting in complex knee deformity. Surgical correction of such deformity is challenging for orthopaedic surgeons. The goal of this study was to evaluate the results of gradual deformity correction of delayed-onset Blount disease using the Ilizarov device.

Methods:

Sixteen knees in 13 patients with delayed-onset Blount disease were operated for gradual deformity correction using the Ilizarov fixator at Zagazig University Hospital between June 2013 and May 2017. Clinical (tibial torsion, shortening, and range of knee motion) and radiographic parameters (tibiofemoral angle, mechanical axis deviation, and medial proximal tibial angle) were used for evaluation. A P-value of <0.05 was statistically significant.

Results:

The mean follow-up period was 24.4±7.1 mo. All patients were satisfied with the final range of knee motion, with a mean of 125±8.1 degrees of flexion. Internal tibial torsion and limb-length discrepancy were significantly improved at the end of the follow-up. There was a statistically significant difference between the preoperative and the final mean of the radiographic measurements. Nine patients had pin track infection, and one patient had common peroneal nerve neurapraxia that completely resolved.

Conclusions:

Gradual deformity correction of delayed onset Blount disease using the Ilizarov device had satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes with a low incidence of serious surgical complications.
Pediatric Forearm Fractures Are Effectively Immobilized With a Sugar-Tong Splint Following Closed Reduction
Authors: Dittmer Alison J. , Molina Domingo , Jacobs Cale A. , Walker Janet , Muchow Ryan D.
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

Following closed reduction and initial casting of pediatric forearm fractures, loss of reduction (LOR) occurs in ∼5% to 75% of fractures. Sugar-tong splinting has been shown to maintain acceptable reduction in pediatric distal radius fractures while potentially avoiding issues associated with circumferential casting. We hypothesized that the sugar-tong splint would be an acceptable method for initial immobilization to prevent LOR in distal, mid-shaft, and proximal pediatric forearm fractures.

Methods:

This is an IRB-approved, retrospective study. Inclusion criteria included pediatric patients age 4 to 16 years old, open growth plates, with a displaced forearm fracture (radius, ulna, or both bone) that underwent closed reduction. The clinical protocol involved closed reduction and application of a sugar-tong splint by an orthopaedic resident under conscious sedation in the emergency room. Clinical follow-up occurred at 1, 2, 4, and 6-week intervals with a long-arm cast overwrap applied at the initial clinic visit. Primary outcome was radiographic LOR which was defined as a change of >10 degrees of angulation on anterior posterior/lateral projections from initial postreduction radiograph or previous follow-up radiograph. The secondary outcome was the need for further intervention.

Results:

Sixty-four (38%) patients demonstrated radiographic LOR with 90% of LORs occurring in the first 2 weeks. LOR was significantly more common in distal radius fractures [48/110 (44%)] than with either proximal [2/14 (14%), P=0.04] or mid-shaft radius fractures [7/41 (17%), P=0.004]. There was no difference in LOR by location for ulna fractures [proximal=2/13 (15%), middle=4/38 (11%), distal=20/77 (26%), P>0.08]. There was no difference in radial LOR in patients with isolated radius fractures compared with both bone forearm fracture (17/40 vs. 40/125, P=0.22), or ulnar LOR between isolated ulna and both bone forearm fracture (0/3 vs. 26/125, P>0.99).

Conclusion:

The sugar-tong splint is effective at maintaining reduction of pediatric forearm fractures similar to published rates for casting. While effective at all levels of the forearm, the sugar-tong splint performed best in proximal and mid-shaft forearm fractures.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.
Inhibitory effects of curcumin on sequel of infections and their signaling pathways: a review
Authors: Shahcheraghi Seyed H. , Ayatollahi Jamshid , Lotfi Marzieh
Published: November 2018

Curcumin, a bright yellow chemical produced by some plants (turmeric) that are member of the ginger family, is cultivated in tropical regions of Asia. It has many impacts, including antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Different databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science with keywords of ‘Curcumin’, ‘anti-microbial’, ‘anti-fungal’, ‘anti-parasitic’, ‘anti-viral’, ‘Infection’, ‘Pathogen’, ‘anti-bacterial’, and ‘Herbal Drug’ have been considered in this search without publication time limitation. This study reviewed the inhibitory effects of curcumin on infections. Based on these studies, the plant drug of curcumin is a therapeutic effective agent for the advancement of treatment against the types of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Nevertheless, it seems that be essential for more researches, especially about parasites and fungi that have been performed fewer studies about the effect of curcumin on them. Curcumin exerts its effects on sequel of infections and their agents via influence on signaling pathways, cell cycle, drug synergism, inducing apoptosis and inhibition of virulence factors.
Assessment of Mass Effect Sign at High-Resolution Computed Tomography in Prediction of Cholesteatoma
Authors: Gamaleldin Omneya A. , Elsebaie Nermine A. , Khalifa Mohamed Hossameldin , Abdel Razek Ahmed Abdel Khalek , Mehanna Ahmed Mohamed , Shehata Gihan Mohamed
Published: November 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of mass effect sign in the diagnosis of cholesteatoma at high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT).

Methods

This prospective study included 32 ears in 24 patients with chronic otitis media who underwent HRCT of the temporal bone. Otoscopic and operative notes were recorded. Image analysis was done both qualitatively and quantitatively. In the qualitative analysis, mass effect was evaluated visually by comparing both ears together in 4 certain anatomical sites. Ossicular erosions, erosion of tegmen tympani, erosion of tympanic segment of facial nerve canal, and the presence of lobulated nondependent opacity were also evaluated. In the quantitative analysis, we calculated the difference between the distances of the described anatomical sites in both ears.

Results

Qualitative analysis of mass effect sign showed 97.1% accuracy in detecting cholesteatoma. Ossicular erosions showed 69.2% accuracy in the diagnosis of cholesteatoma. In the quantitative analysis, we found that the cutoff point of 0.45 mm in the difference of aditus measure between both ears showed 85.3% accuracy in differentiating cholesteatoma from otitis media. The cutoff point of 0.75 mm in the differences in supratubal measure showed 86.1% accuracy. The cutoff point of 0.45 mm in the medial to incus measure showed 100% accuracy.

Conclusion

High-resolution computed tomography is highly valuable for the detection of mass effect sign, which has great importance in diagnosing cholesteatoma.