bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-decoupled tetrapodal perylene molecules for luminescence studies of isolated emitters on Au(111)
Authors: Ijaz Talha , Yang Ben , Wang Ruipu , Zhu Jiazhe , Farrukh Aftab , Chen Gong , Franc Gregory , Zhang Yang , Gourdon Andre , Dong Zhenchao
Published: October 2019

Self-decoupled tetrapodal perylene molecules were designed, synthesized, and deposited on the Au(111) surface through the electrospray ionization technique. Photoluminescence and lifetime measurements show that the chromophore groups of the designed molecules are well decoupled from the gold substrate. Preliminary scanning tunneling microscopy induced luminescence measurements indicate the observation of molecule-specific emissions from isolated single tetrapodal perylene molecules adsorbed directly on Au(111). The emergence of significant emission when the tip is positioned at the molecular center suggests that there is a considerable vertical component of the transition dipole of the designed molecule along the tip axial direction. Our results may open up a route for the realization of nanolight sources and plasmonic devices based on organic molecules.
He Korowai Manaaki: mapping assets to inform a strengths-based, Indigenous-led wrap-around maternity pathway
Authors: Adcock Anna , Storey Francesca , Lawton Beverley , Bennett Matthew , Lambert Charles , Edmonds Liza , Stevenson Kendall , Geller Stacie , Cram Fiona
Published: October 2019

A research partnership between Iwi (tribal group) Ngāti Pāhauwera and a university-based research centre specialising in Kaupapa Māori (by Māori, for Māori) research was formed in response to an invitation from Ngāti Pāhauwera. The initial partnership goal was to address health inequities experienced by Māori women and infants in Te Wairoa (the home place of the Iwi), a predominantly Māori, rural region in Aotearoa (New Zealand). The research developed by the partnership is an example of a culturally responsive research methodology. Key features include: being Iwi-initiated; community identification of strengths and assets; guidance by a community steering group; contribution to local Māori research capacity; and the development of a community-led augmented maternity care pathway that is now being delivered through primary care. These features have strengthened the engagement of the Iwi, researchers and community, and provided opportunities for transformative change.
A prematuration approach to equine IVM: considering cumulus morphology, seasonality, follicle of origin, gap junction coupling and large-scale chromatin configuration in the germinal vesicle
Authors: Lodde Valentina , Colleoni Silvia , Tessaro Irene , Corbani Davide , Lazzari Giovanna , Luciano Alberto M. , Galli Cesare , Franciosi Federica
Published: October 2019

Several studies report that a two-step culture where mammalian oocytes are first kept under meiosis-arresting conditions (prematuration) followed by IVM is beneficial to embryo development. The most promising results were obtained by stratifying the oocyte population using morphological criteria and allocating them to different culture conditions to best meet their metabolic needs. In this study, horse oocytes were characterised to identify subpopulations that may benefit from prematuration. We investigated gap-junction (GJ) coupling, large-scale chromatin configuration and meiotic competence in compact and expanded cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) according to follicle size (<1, 1–2, >2cm) and season. Then we tested the effect of cilostamide-based prematuration in compact COCs collected from follicles <1 and 1–2cm in diameter on embryo development. Meiotic competence was not affected by prematuration, whereas COCs from follicles 1–2cm in diameter yielded embryos with a higher number of cells per blastocyst than oocytes that underwent direct IVM (P<0.01, unpaired Mann–Whitney test), suggesting improved developmental competence. Oocytes collected from follicles <1cm in diameter were not affected by prematuration. This study represents an extensive characterisation of the functional properties of immature horse oocytes and is the first report of the effects of cilostamide-based prematuration in horse oocyte IVM on embryo development.
Corrigendum to: Long-term watershed management is an effective strategy to reduce organic matter export and disinfection by-product precursors in source water
Authors: Majidzadeh Hamed , Chen Huan , Coates T. Adam , Tsai Kuo-Pei , Olivares Christopher I. , Trettin Carl , Uzun Habibullah , Karanfil Tanju , Chow Alex T.
Published: October 2019

Watershed management practices such as prescribed fire, harvesting and understory mastication can alter the chemical composition and thickness of forest detritus, thus affecting the quantity and quality of riverine dissolved organic matter (DOM). Long-term effects of watershed management on DOM composition were examined through parallel field and extraction-based laboratory studies. The laboratory study was conducted using detritus samples collected from a pair of managed and unmanaged watersheds in South Carolina, USA. Results showed that dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) and ammonium (NH4+-N) concentrations were higher in water extracts from the unmanaged watershed than from the managed watershed (PPP
Recent progress in dielectric nanocomposites
Authors: Zhou Lu , Jiang Yifeng
Published: October 2019

The rapid development of modern capacitor devices has raised an urgent need of high performance dielectric materials with superior electrical and mechanical properties with low fabrication costs. By now, individual ceramic or polymer dielectrics cannot meet these criteria. Recently, dielectric nanocomposites have shown very promising dielectric and mechanical properties, which combines both advantages of ceramic and polymers. In this review, the recent progress in dielectric nanocomposites has been systematically addressed. The key parameters which determine the performance of nanocomposites, such as dielectric constants, dielectric loss and breakdown strength have been discussed. The fabrication methods of ceramic nanopowders have been reviewed, including sol–gel, hydrothermal and molten salt method are some common techniques to synthesise nanoparticles. For fabrication of electronic device, printing techniques are utilised. Organic light-emitting diode and sensors from nanocomposite thin film capacitors have also been discussed. The review provides a guideline for designing flexible, printable capacitors from nanocomposites.
Zumba dancing and aerobic exercise can improve working memory, motor function, and depressive symptoms in female patients with Fibromyalgia
Authors: Norouzi Ebrahim , Hosseini FatemehSadat , Vaezmosavi Mohammad , Gerber Markus , Pühse Uwe , Brand Serge
Published: October 2019

Background: Patients suffering from the Fibromyalgia (FM) have impaired cognitive function, reduced physical activity and more marked depressive symptoms. While physical activity and exercise therapy are not typically part of the standard treatment for this syndrome, there is mounting evidence that regular participation in activities involving physical exertion has a positive impact on psychological functioning in people with FM. This study compares the impact of two different interventions, aerobic exercise training and Zumba dancing, on working memory, motor function and depressive symptoms among female patients with FM. The design also included a control condition. Method: A total of sixty middle‐aged female patients with FM (mean age: 35.76 years) and undergoing standard care took part in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the following three conditions: aerobic exercise training, Zumba dancing, or control. At baseline and 12 weeks later after the end of the intervention, participants’ working memory, motor function and depressive symptom severity were assessed. Results: Working memory, motor function and depressive symptoms improved over time, but only in the aerobic exercise training and Zumba dancing conditions than in the control condition. Post‐hoc analyses showed that improvements were greatest among participants assigned to Zumba dancing, followed by participants who engaged in aerobic exercise training; the scores of the control group remained virtually unchanged. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise training and Zumba dancing can be recommended as add‐ons to standard care to improve working memory and to reduce severity of depressive symptoms among female patients with FM. Although motor function improved in both intervention groups, the effects did not reach clinical relevance.
A general perturbative approach for bead-based microswimmers reveals rich self-propulsion phenomena
Authors: Ziegler Sebastian , Hubert Maxime , Vandewalle Nicolas , Harting Jens , Smith Ana-Sunčana
Published: October 2019

Studies of model microswimmers have significantly contributed to the understanding of the principles of self-propulsion we have today. However, only a small number of microswimmer types have been amenable to analytic modeling, and further development of such approaches is necessary to identify the key features of these active systems. Here we present a general perturbative calculation scheme for swimmers composed of beads interacting by harmonic potentials and via hydrodynamics, driven by an arbitrary force protocol. The approach can be used with mobility matrices of arbitrary accuracy, and we illustrate it with the Oseen and Rotne–Prager approximations. We validate our approach by using 3 bead assemblies and comparing the results with the numerically obtained full-solutions of the governing equations of motion, as well as with existing analytic models for the linear and the triangular swimmer geometry. While recovering the relation between the force and swimming velocity, our detailed analysis and the controlled level of approximation allow us to find qualitative differences already in the far field flow of the devices. Consequently, we are able to identify a behavior of the swimmer that is richer than predicted in previous models. Given its generality, the framework can be applied to any swimmer geometry, driving protocol and bead interactions, as well as in problems involving many swimmers.
SUSY searches with the ATLAS detector
Authors: Jinnouchi Osamu
Published: October 2019

Recent searches for physics beyond the Standard Model based on the Super-symmetry model with the ATLAS detector is overviewed. This proceedings reports on the searches using data with an integrated luminosity of up to 80 fb−1 taken with 13 TeV pp collisions at the LHC
Latest results from the XENON1T experiment
Authors: Benabderrahmane M. L.
Published: October 2019

The most successful class of direct detection of WIMPs with masses from few GeV/c2 to TeV/c2 have utilized Liquid Xenon time projection chambers (TPCs). The XENON project adopted dual phase TPCs using ultra-pure liquid Xenon as both target and detection medium for WIMPs. The first ton-scale Liquid Xenon based TPC, XENON1T, is running at the Gran Sasso Laboratory. With an active mass inside the TPC of 2 tonnes, data were collected for 278.8 days live time. Within a fiducial mass of 1.3 tonne, this results in 1.0 tonne×year exposure. In the energy region of interest, the detector exhibits the lowest background ever obtained in direct dark matter search experiment. In these data no significant excess over background is found and the most stringent limits on WIMP-nucleon spin-independent elastic scattering cross section has been set for masses above 6 GeV/c2 with a minimum of 4.1×10−47cm2 at 30 GeV/c2.
Fluctuations in produced charged particle multiplicities in relativistic nuclear collisions for simulated events
Authors: Ahmad M. Ayaz , Baker Jalal Hasan , Rasool Mir Hashim , Ahmad Shafiq , Dobra R. , Pasculescu D. , Telles Charles Roberto
Published: October 2019

The event-by-event (E-by-E) fluctuations have been studied for relativistic heavy ion collisions and compared by theoretical prediction of available event generators. The multiplicity fluctuations are sensitive to QCD phase transition and to the presence of critical point in the QCD phase diagram. These fluctuations also provide baselines for other event-by-event (E-by-E) measurements. In the present article, a modest approach attempt has been made for a logical study of event-by-event (E-by-E) charge fluctuations in the relativistic nuclear collisions of proton-proton (p-p) and nucleus-nucleus (A-A) interactions. Finally, simulations by Monte Carlo Generators (MCGs) have been done and findings were found within good agreements with other works.
Studying Proton–Proton Interaction at Large Hadrons Collider Using Genetic Programming
Authors: Radi Amr
Published: October 2019

This paper describes how to use Genetic Programming (GP) as an evolutionary computational that is a family of algorithms for global optimization. GP, as a global optimization technique used by discovery of a new function for modeling physical phenomena. The p-p interactions are modeled at Large Hadron Collider (LHC) experiments, the number of charged particles multiplicity  and the total cross-section, σT, as functions of the total center of mass energy (from low to ultra-high energy),sare discovered by using GP. In view of the discovered function for〈n〉(s), the overall trend of the values predicted is consistent with LHC data [predicted values are 34.8638 and 35.3520 ats=13TeVands=14TeVrespectively]. The new functionσT(s), trained on experimental data of Particle Data Group (PDG) demonstrates a nice match to the other models. The predicted values of the total cross section ats=13TeV, and 14 TeV are found to be 109.0381 mb and 111.8329 mb respectively. Furthermore, the values predicted are agreed with other models like Block
Standard Model: Electroweak Physics with CMS and ATLAS at 13 TeV
Authors: Kaur Sandeep
Published: October 2019

This paper presents cross section measurements for inclusive W/Z boson production, and W/Z boson production in association with jets and diboson production, performed by the CMS [1] and ATLAS [2] collaborations using proton-proton (pp) collisions data at a centre-of-mass energy of

s

=
13
T
e
V

at LHC. Differential and total production cross sections for various processes, are computed and compared to higher order predictions of the standard model (SM). Recent results on effective leptonic weak mixing angle are also presented.
The central light-year of the Milky Way: How stars and gas live in a relativistic environment of a super-massive black hole
Authors: Eckart Andreas , Zajacek Michal , Valencia-S Monica , Parsa Marzieh , Hosseini Elaheh , Straubmeier Christian , Horrobin Mathew , Subroweit Matthias , Tursunov Arman
Published: October 2019

The central region of our Milky Way is extremely active. It harbors the closest galactic nucleus that is accessible to us allowing us to study it in fine detail. Here we present a consice summary of some of the most recent results obtained with state of the art instruments providing sensitive measurements at their highest angular resolution. The central star cluster harbors a small cusp of high velocity mostly young and dusty stars that are in orbit around the 4 million solar mass super massive black hole (SMBH) Sagittarius A* (SgrA*). Molecular and atomic gas is streaming towards this region in the form of a spiral connecting it to the Circum Nuclear Ring. Using the Large Atacama Millimeter Array (ALMA) we investigated the kinematics and composition of this material in detail highlighting signatures of star formation and the interaction with a wind emerging form the direction of SgrA*. Using results from the Very Large Telescope (VLT) we will highlight the dynamics of the ultra-fast stars and present theories on their origin. We demonstrate that one of the innermost stars shows clear signs of relativistic motion in the deep potential well of the SMBH. The interaction of plasma with SgrA* reveals that matter is orbiting and is being accreted onto the SMBH to produce powerful flares. These are detectable all across the electromagnetic spectrum and help us to understand the region close to the event horizon of SgrA* which is currently under investigation using the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT).
Accretion flows around compact objects: stellar wind and neutron stars in massive binaries
Authors: Manousakis Antonios
Published: October 2019

Strong winds from massive stars are a topic of interest to a wide range of astrophysical fields, e.g., stellar evolution, X-ray binaries or the evolution of galaxies. Massive stars, as heavy as 10 to 20 solar masses, generate dense fast outflows that continuously supply their surroundings with metals, kinetic energy and ionizing radiation, triggering star formation and driving the chemical enrichment and evolution of Galaxies. The amount of mass lost through the emission of these winds dramatically affects the evolution of the star. Depending on the mass left at the end of its life, a massive star can explode as a supernova and/or produce a gamma-ray burst, which are among the most powerful probes of cosmic evolution. The study of massive star winds is thus a truly multidisciplinary field and has a wide impact on different areas of astronomy.

In High-Mass X-ray Binaries the presence of an accreting compact object on the one side allows to infer wind parameters from studies of the varying properties of the emitted X-rays; but on the other side the accretors gravity and ionizing radiation can strongly influence the wind flow. As the compact objects, either a neutron star or a black hole, moves through the dense stellar wind, it accretes material from its donor star and therefore emit X-rays. Subsequently these X-rays will affect (heat and photoionize) the stellar environment and alter the ionization structure of the wind. The wind will therefore be more unstable revealing a very rich phenomenology. Using an armada of space based observatories (e.g., XMM-Newton, swift, INTEGRAL, NuSTAR, etc) and data spanning more than 10 years allowed for probing the inner velocity field close to the massive donor as well as neutron star masses estimations. As a result, stellar winds and neutron stars can be now studied in situ, thanks to X-ray observatories and state-of-the-art hydrodynamic simulations for the very first time.
Hot spots analysis of a sample of 98 Fanaroff-Riley II radio sources
Authors: Fernini I , Eckart A
Published: October 2019

This paper reports our final results related to the study of hot spots (HSs) in a sample of 98 Fanaroff-Riley class II (FR II) radio sources using the VLA at 8.4 GHz. The sample contains 52 radio galaxies (RGs) and 46 quasars (QSRs). We discuss the properties of these HSs, i.e., location (edged or recessed), morphology, and size. The main result is that the number of edged (and recessed) HSs is more for the RGs than for the QSRs. Regarding the compactness of these HSs, QSRs tend to have more compact HSs than RGs. We also found a significant correlation between the hot spot size and the source linear size for the RGs, but not for the QSRs. We discuss the overall properties of the HSs in light of the current models of radio sources.
Dynamical study of viscous modified Chaplygin gas and confrontation with recent observational data
Authors: Mebarki N. , Aberkane D.
Published: October 2019

A cosmological Model of viscous modified Chaplygin gas in classical and loop quantum cosmology (LQC) is proposed and a dynamical stability study is investigated. It is shown that the model is consistent with the recent observational data and gives good predictions for the deceleration and state parameters. The model can also predict the time crossing and gives a solution to the coincidence problem. Furthermore, in LQC background, the big bang singularity found in classical cosmology cease to exist and is replaced by a bounce when the Hubble parameter vanishes at the LQC critical energy density.
On the wind accretion model of GX 301-2
Authors: Taani Ali , Karino Shigeyuki , Song Liming , Mardini Mohammad , Al-Wardat Mashhoor , Abushattal Ahmad , Khasawneh Awni , Al-Naimiy Hamid
Published: October 2019

We illustrate the evolution of the peculiar behavior of the high mass X-ray binary GX 301-2, through the wind accretion model. We found that the donor of this system has 43 M⨀ and clearly it experienced of a mass exchange. As a result, the low terminal velocity of the wind from donor (1200 km/s), slow rotation and the relatively low luminosity (3.1×1035erg/s), can easily fed the neutron star via the stellar wind with enough accretion matter. This will lead to explain the observed X-rays. It has been shown that the characteristics of mass-loss rate through stellar winds would reasonably be expected to alter the changes in wind velocity by X-rays.
Near-infrared spectroscopy of Ca-rich clinopyroxenes revisited: A new interpretation of anomalous type-B spectra and implications for remote sensing of inner solar system bodies
Authors: Abdu Yassir A
Published: October 2019

Four Ca-rich clinopyroxene samples (3 terrestrial clinopyroxenes and a druse clinopyroxene from the D’Orbigny meteorite) have been studied by near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and X-ray structure refinement in order to address the issue of anomalous type-B NIR spectra seen in some terrestrial and extraterrestrial Ca-rich clinopyroxenes. The D’Orbigny druse clinopyroxene shows a typical type-B NIR spectrum, with two absorption bands located at ~ 1.1 and 2.3 μm. Based on previous Mössbauer and X-ray structure refinement results on synthetic clinopyroxenes, the 1.1 μm band is assigned to Fe2+ at the M1 site in diopside and high-pigeonite (i.e. pigeonite with C2/c symmetry), and the 2.3 μm band to Fe2+ at the M2 site in high-pigeonite. A comparison of NIR spectral type and X-ray structure refinement of the studied samples indicates that the average structure refinement of all type-B clinopyroxenes show a residual electron density peak in the difference-Fourier synthesis, corresponding to the split M2’ site which is mainly occupied by Fe2+. The results present a new interpretation for type-B NIR spectra of Ca-rich clinopyroxenes.
The determination of equilibrium factor of radon and thoron using LR-115 type II detector in a selected area from Basra Governorate, Iraq
Authors: Nader A F
Published: October 2019

The inhalations of radon 222Rn progeny are the most important source of irradiation of the human respiratory. Studies of underground miners of uranium and other minerals have provided reasonably firm estimates of the risk of lung cancer associated with exposure to radon progeny. It is well established that the absorbed radon dose in the lung is mainly due to radon progeny, but not the radon gas itself. Therefore, long-term measurements of the concentrations of radon progeny or the equilibrium factor F, together with a measurement or an estimation of the aerosol size distribution, are needed to accurately assess the health hazards contribution from radon progeny. Radon, thoron and their progeny are present in the indoor atmosphere as free and bound fractions. The ventilation level in the house played an important effect on the equilibrium between them. This paper presents the results of the measurement of the equilibrium factor F between radon, thoron and their progenies in dwellings and estimates an experimental relationship for the F-factor based on track density instead of typical value of UNISCEAR (about 0.4), which varies significantly with time and place. In this paper, we described a method of theoretical calculation of F and experimentally determined the F-factor using LR-115 type-2 plastic track detectors in closed and bare mod. The exposures were made with a cup and bare dosimeters distributed in 34 houses distributed in different locations of Basra Governorate. The measured F-factor between radon and progeny varied from 0.01 to 0.98 with an average value of 0.38 while the same factor for thoron and progeny was found to vary from 0.0004 to 0.3794 with an average value of 0.0877. These values were in a good agreement with the global F-factor estimated by ICRP. In present investigation about the F-factor, theoretical calculations using graphical solutions supported by experimental technique have been carried out. It is found that the globally assumed F-factor from UNSCEAR and our experimentally obtained value are in good agreement. For a more accurate estimation of the effective dose, one should measure the F-factor at each site considering all the effective parameters like the ventilation factors. The equilibrium factor was found to be small in some houses due to the very intensive ventilation system in the house.
Aqueous phase and amorphous state room temperature phosphorescence from a small aromatic carbonyl derivative
Authors: Kuila Suman , Garain Swadhin , Eswaramoorthy Muthusamy , George Subi J
Published: October 2019

Harvesting triplet excitons via room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) in solution or amorphous state from purely organic chromophores is a formidable challenge. Supramolecular hybrid co-assembly between a brominated aromatic carbonyl derivative (BrPhS) and laponite clay (LP) particles is shown to result in remarkable triplet stabilization to result room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) in aqueous solution as well as in amorphous thin films. This remarkable feature is realized by means of highly organized, rigid molecular network of the dye molecules on the inorganic scaffold which reduces the vibrational dissipations as well as limits the oxygen diffusion to facilitate the triplet harvesting under ambient conditions. The water soluble phosphor, BrPhS is also shown to be an excellent triplet emitter in other amorphous polymer matrices like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium polystyrene sulphonate (PSS) with phosphorescence quantum yield over 30% in air.
Predicting Establishment Potential of an Invasive Wood-Boring Beetle, Trichoferus campestris (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in the United States
Authors: Krishnankutty Sindhu M , Bigsby Kevin , Hastings John , Takeuchi Yu , Wu Yunke , Lingafelter Steven W , Nadel Hannah , Myers Scott W , Ray Ann M
Published: October 2019

Solid wood packaging material (WPM) is widely recognized as a high-risk pathway for transport and potential introduction of wood-boring insects, including longhorned beetles in the family Cerambycidae. These beetles also are occasionally imported in finished wood products, such as furniture and decorative items. A targeted effort to identify wood borers intercepted as larvae in WPM at U.S. ports between 2012 and 2018 revealed that one of the most frequently intercepted species was Trichoferus campestris (Faldermann), a cerambycid native to Asia. Trichoferus campestris is a pest of quarantine concern in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The establishment risk of this beetle in the United States is high because of its frequent introduction through multiple pathways and its potential to inhabit natural and urban forests as well as agricultural systems. In this study, we compiled port interception and detection data to examine risk based on historical introductions and pathways. We tested whether the intended destination of cargo intercepted with T. campestris-infested WPM can be used as a predictor of inland introductions, assuming that individuals of T. campestris are likely to be moved through established trade routes between export–import partners. We also developed maps to predict likely areas of introduction and establishment in the United States based on pathway analysis and climate suitability data. The maps will enable informed prioritization of resources in pest surveillance, and may serve as models for other wood borers identified in the WPM and wood products pathway.
Link Between Anhedonia and Depression During Early Alcohol Abstinence: Gender Matters
Authors: Petit G , Deschietere G , Loas G , Luminet O , de Timary P
Published: October 2019

Aims

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relation between anhedonia and depression in alcohol use disorders (AUD) during detoxification: Is trait anhedonia measured at the beginning of detoxification predictive of depressive symptoms observed at the end? Does state anhedonia recover during detoxification as depression does? Gender differences that have been previously observed for depression in AUD were also explored.

Methods

81 AUD inpatients were tested at T1 (day 1) and T2 (day 14–18) of withdrawal with the trait Physical Anhedonia Scale, the state anhedonia Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale, the Beck depression inventory and the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory and compared to 34 control participants, matched for age and gender.

Results

AUD patients scored significantly higher than controls on depression, anxiety and state and trait anhedonia when they just entered the detoxification unit. Depression, anxiety and state anhedonia decreased between T1 and T2 in AUD patients. In women, state anhedonia at T1 was predictive of depressive symptoms at T2 over and above anxiety and depression at T1.

Conclusion

In AUD, state anhedonia recovers during detoxification, concurrently to other affective-related symptoms. However, in women, trait anhedonia predicts the level of depression at the end of detoxification, above and beyond anxiety. This finding stresses the importance of addressing anhedonia in the treatment of AUD and emphasizes the need for targeted interventions within clinical settings in this gender. Clinical consequences are discussed.
Lower breeding success in a new range: No evidence for the enemy release hypothesis in South American Barn Swallows
Authors: Gandoy Facundo A , Delhey Kaspar , Winkler David W , Mangini Giselle , Areta Juan I
Published: October 2019

It is widely assumed that colonizing species thrive because they lack natural enemies in their new range, increasing their survival and reproductive success. Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) started to breed in South America around 1980 and since then have dramatically increased their population size and geographic range, in stark contrast to the decline of the source population in North America. The reasons behind the growth of the South American population are unknown. However, because this species had never bred in this area in recorded times, the lack of natural predators, parasites, or pathogens could lead to higher breeding success, as predicted by the enemy release hypothesis. Here, we test whether breeding success is higher in the newly colonized range than in the native range to test the enemy release hypothesis. We studied the breeding biology of South American Barn Swallows quantifying 7 breeding parameters: clutch size, overall breeding success, offspring mortality by predation and ectoparasites, number of fledglings per breeding attempt, number of breeding attempts per breeding season, and total number of fledglings produced per pair per breeding season. Additionally, we compared these parameters with published information from North American populations using meta-analyses. We found that, while clutch size did not differ between North and South American populations, the southern population overall had lower breeding success, with higher mortality from predation and ectoparasites. An egg laid in South America was 2.6 times more likely to fail than one laid in North America, which resulted on average in 1.1 fewer fledglings per pair per breeding season for the South American breeding population. These results, demonstrating lower breeding success in a newly colonized range, do not support the enemy release hypothesis, and indicate that the growth of the South American Barn Swallow population is most likely caused by other demographic factors.
Extraordinary variation in a simple song: No geographical patterns in initial phrase variation of the Yellowhammer, a passerine with pronounced dialects
Authors: van Boheemen Sharina J , Diblíková Lucie , Bílková Jana , Petrusek Adam , Petrusková Tereza
Published: October 2019

Geographical variation of birdsong is used to study various topics from cultural evolution to mechanisms responsible for reproductive barriers or song acquisition. In species with pronounced dialects, however, patterns of variation in non-dialect parts of the song are usually overlooked. We focused on the individually variable initial phrase of the song of the Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella), a common Palearctic passerine which became a model species for dialect research. We used a quantitative method to compare the similarity of initial phrases from the repertoires of 237 males recorded at different spatial scales in a central European country covering all main dialect types. We hypothesized that patterns of initial phrase sharing and/or phrase similarity are affected by dialect boundaries and geographical proximity (i.e. that birds from the same dialect regions use more similar phrases or share them more often). Contrary to our expectations, initial phrase variation seems unrelated to dialects, as we did not find higher similarity either among recordings from the same dialect areas or among those from the same locality. Interestingly, despite the immense variability of phrase types detected (only 16% of 368 detected initial phrase types were shared between at least 2 males), a relatively high proportion of males (45%) was involved in sharing, and males using the same initial phrase were located anywhere from tens of meters to hundreds of kilometers apart. The patterns of variation suggest that precise copying during song learning as well as improvisation play important roles in forming individual repertoires in the Yellowhammer. Our data also confirm previous indications that the repertoires of Yellowhammer males (i.e. the composition of initial phrases) are individually unique and temporally stable. This makes the species a good candidate for individual acoustic monitoring, useful for detailed population or behavioral studies without the need for physical capture and marking of males.
Kras mutations and PU.1 promoter methylation are new pathways in murine radiation-induced AML
Authors: O’Brien Gráinne , Cruz-Garcia Lourdes , Zyla Joanna , Brown Natalie , Finnon Rosemary , Polanska Joanna , Badie Christophe
Published: October 2019

Therapy-related and more specifically radiotherapy-associated acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a well-recognized potential complication of cytotoxic therapy for the treatment of a primary cancer. The CBA mouse model is used to study radiation leukaemogenesis mechanisms with Sfpi1/PU.1 deletion and point mutation already identified as driving events during AML development. To identify new pathways, we analysed 123 mouse radiation-induced AML (rAML) samples for the presence of mutations identified previously in human AML and found three genes to be mutated; Sfpi1 R235 (68%), Flt3-ITD (4%) and Kras G12 (3%), of which G12R was previously unreported. Importantly, a significant decrease in Sfpi1 gene expression is found almost exclusively in rAML samples without an Sfpi1 R235 mutation and is specifically associated with up-regulation of mir-1983 and mir-582-5p. Moreover, this down-regulation of Sfpi1 mRNA is negatively correlated with DNA methylation levels at specific CpG sites upstream of the Sfpi1 transcriptional start site. The down regulation of Sfpi1/PU.1 has also been reported in human AML cases revealing one common pathway of myeloid disruption between mouse and human AML where dysregulation of Sfpi1/PU.1 is a necessary step in AML development.
Differential Effects of Open- and Closed-Loop Intracortical Microstimulation on Firing Patterns of Neurons in Distant Cortical Areas
Authors: Averna Alberto , Pasquale Valentina , Murphy Maxwell D , Rogantin Maria Piera , Van Acker Gustaf M , Nudo Randolph J , Chiappalone Michela , Guggenmos David J
Published: October 2019

Intracortical microstimulation can be used successfully to modulate neuronal activity. Activity-dependent stimulation (ADS), in which action potentials recorded extracellularly from a single neuron are used to trigger stimulation at another cortical location (closed-loop), is an effective treatment for behavioral recovery after brain lesion, but the related neurophysiological changes are still not clear. Here, we investigated the ability of ADS and random stimulation (RS) to alter firing patterns of distant cortical locations. We recorded 591 neuronal units from 23 Long-Evan healthy anesthetized rats. Stimulation was delivered to either forelimb or barrel field somatosensory cortex, using either RS or ADS triggered from spikes recorded in the rostral forelimb area (RFA). Both RS and ADS stimulation protocols rapidly altered spike firing within RFA compared with no stimulation. We observed increase in firing rates and change of spike patterns. ADS was more effective than RS in increasing evoked spikes during the stimulation periods, by producing a reliable, progressive increase in stimulus-related activity over time and an increased coupling of the trigger channel with the network. These results are critical for understanding the efficacy of closed-loop electrical microstimulation protocols in altering activity patterns in interconnected brain networks, thus modulating cortical state and functional connectivity.
Is dental agenesis associated with craniofacial morphology pattern? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rodrigues Amanda Silva , Antunes Leonardo Santos , Pinheiro Liz Helena Moraes , Guimarães Ludmila Silva , Calansans-Maia José De Albuquerque , Küchler Erika Calvano , Antunes Lívia Azeredo Alves
Published: October 2019

Background/objective

Craniofacial discrepancies have been associated with congenital dental anomalies. The aim of this study was to determine if there is any scientific evidence in the literature regarding the association between dental agenesis and craniofacial morphology.

Materials and methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA Statement were conducted and registered in PROSPERO database. A broad search was conducted on databases (PubMed, Virtual Health Library, Web of Science, and Scopus) and grey literature. Articles that were selected based on predetermined eligibility criteria were assessed for quality and risk of bias according to the guidelines described by Folkes and Fulton. Those articles with similarities were submitted to meta-analysis using the RevMan 5.3 program. The certainty of the evidence was tested using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation).

Results

An electronic search of 975 articles resulted in 12 articles. These and four articles identified through manual search were eligible to be assessed for methodological quality and the risk of bias. Eleven articles presented moderate to high methodological quality. The included articles observed a reduced mandibular plane, a smaller maxilla and more differences with the increase in the severity of dental agenesis. Seven articles were included in the meta-analyses. Dental agenesis presented smaller SNA angle (P < 0.0001/CI −1.74 [−2.55, −0.92]) with moderate certainty of the evidence; and smaller ANB angle (P = 0.01/CI −0.80 [−1.44, −0.17]), with low certainty of the evidence.

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that dental agenesis may be associated with specific craniofacial morphology. Further studies are necessary due to the variation of the certainty of the evidence.

Conflict of interest

none declared.

Registration

PROSPERO (CRD42017055882).
Advances in Data-Driven Responses to Preventing Spread of Antibiotic Resistance Across Health-Care Settings
Authors: Fridkin Scott K
Published: October 2019

Among the most urgent and serious threats to public health are 7 antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections predominately acquired during health-care delivery. There is an emerging field of health-care epidemiology that is focused on preventing health care–associated infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria and incorporates data from patient transfers or patient movements within and between facilities. This analytic field is being used to help public health professionals identify best opportunities for prevention. Different analytic approaches that draw on uses of big data are being explored to help target the use of limited public health resources, leverage expertise, and enact effective policy to maximize an impact on population-level health. Here, the following recent advances in data-driven responses to preventing spread of antibiotic resistance across health-care settings are summarized: leveraging big data for machine learning, integration or advances in tracking patient movement, and highlighting the value of coordinating response across institutions within a region.
3054Efficacy and safety of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation and cancer
Authors: Cavallari I , Verolino G , Patti G
Published: October 2019

Background

Anticoagulation in patients with cancer and atrial fibrillation (AF) is particularly challenging given the higher risk of both thrombotic and bleeding complications in this setting. Data regarding the efficacy and safety of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in AF patients with malignancy remain unclear.

Purpose

In the present meta-analysis we further investigate the efficacy and safety of NOACs compared to warfarin in patients with AF and cancer assuming that available studies may be individually underpowered for endpoints at low incidence, i.e. stroke, major and intracranial bleeding.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing the use of NOACs vs. warfarin in AF patients with cancer. Efficacy outcome measures included stroke or systemic embolism, venous thromboembolism and mortality. Safety outcome measures were major bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage.

Results

We pooled data from 6 identified studies enrolling a total of 31,756 AF patients with cancer. Mean follow-up was 1.7 years. Patients with cancer had significantly increased annualized rates of venous thromboembolism (1.38% vs. 0.74%), major bleeding (9.01% vs. 5.13%), in particular major gastrointestinal bleeding (2.38% vs. 1.60%), and all-cause mortality (17.73% vs. 8.50%) vs. those without (all P values <0.001), whereas the incidence of stroke or systemic embolism and intracranial hemorrhage did not differ. Compared with warfarin, treatment with NOACs nominally decreased the risk of stroke or systemic embolism (5.41% vs. 2.70%; odds ratio, OR; 95% confidence intervals, CI 0.51, 0.26–1.01; P=0.05; Figure), mainly of ischemic stroke (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.35–0.89; P=0.01), and the risk of venous thromboembolism (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.42–0.61; P<0.001). In cancer patients receiving NOACs there was a significant reduction of major bleeding (3.95% vs. 4.66%; OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46–0.94; P=0.02; Figure) and intracranial hemorrhage (0.26% vs. 0.66%; OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.08–0.82; P=0.02) vs. warfarin, with no difference in gastrointestinal major bleeding rates.

Conclusion

AF patients on oral anticoagulation and concomitant cancer are at higher risk of venous thromboembolism, major bleeding and all-cause mortality. NOACs may represent a safer and more effective alternative to warfarin also in this setting of patients.
3225Global longitudinal strain measured using feature-tracking cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is an independent predictor of all cause mortality in patients with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Romano S , Judd R , Kim R , Heitner J , Shah D , Shenoy C , Romer B , Salazar P , Farzaneh-Far A
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Ejection fraction is the principal measure used clinically to assess cardiac mechanics and provides significant prognostic information. However, echocardiographic strain imaging has shown significant abnormalities of myocardial deformation can be present despite preserved ejection fraction, which maybe associated with adverse prognosis. Cardiac-Magnetic-Resonance (CMR) feature-tracking techniques now allow assessment of strain from routine cine-images, without specialized pulse sequences. Whether abnormalities of strain measured using CMR feature-tracking have prognostic value in patients with preserved ejection fraction is unknown.

Purpose

To evaluate the prognostic value of CMR feature-tracking derived global longitudinal strain (GLS) in a large multicenter population of patients with preserved ejection fraction.

Methods

Consecutive patients with preserved ejection fraction (EF ≥50%) and a clinical indication for CMR at four US medical centers were included in this study. Feature-tracking GLS was calculated from 3 long-axis-cine-views. The primary endpoint was all-cause death. Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was used to examine the independent association between GLS and death. The incremental prognostic value of GLS was assessed in nested models.

Results

Of the 1274 patients in this study, 115 died during a median follow-up of 6.2 years. By Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with GLS ≥ median (−20%) had significantly reduced event free survival compared to those with GLS < median (log-rank p<0.001) (Figure, top panel). The continuous relationship between GLS and the hazard of death is shown in the cubic spline (Figure, lower panel). By Cox multivariable regression modeling, each 1% worsening in GLS was associated with a 23.6% increased risk-of-death after adjustment for clinical and imaging risk factors (HR=1.236 per %; p<0.001). Addition of GLS in this model resulted in significant-improvement in the global-chi-square (67 to 168; p<0.0001) and Harrel's C-statistic (0.716 to 0.825; p<0.0001).

Conclusions

CMR feature-tracking derived GLS is a powerful independent predictor of mortality in patients with preserved ejection fraction, incremental to common clinical and imaging risk factors.