bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of flying mirror features and time delay between two counterpropagating laser pulses on the generated attosecond pulse intensity in near-critical density plasmas
Authors: Moghadasin Hoda , Niknam Ali Reza , Komaizi Davood
Published: June 2020

The attosecond pulse generation by the interaction of two counterpropagating ultrashort laser pulses with near-critical density plasma is simulated using two-dimensional particle in the cell method. Results of the simulations showed the flying mirror properties such as density and shape change, while moving through the plasma, behind the intense driver laser. We investigated the effects of the mirror features on the produced attosecond pulse intensity by setting various delay times between the driver and source pulses so that the source encounters the mirror at different points. It is demonstrated that the higher density of the mirror, particularly in its center (due to the Gaussian transverse profile of the source), in addition to its suitable curvature and surface smoothness, results in a more intense reflection. Moreover, a considerable size of the hole created in the mirror center due to the self-injection process has a destructive effect on the reflection efficiency. Finally, an efficient reflection can be obtained by controlling the delay time. The optimal delay for arbitrary parameters of the laser and plasma depends on the region in which the most efficient flying mirrors are created by the mutual interaction of the plasma density and the driver amplitude along with considering the pulse situation when reaching the mirror. By analyzing the electron phase space, it was found that the velocity of density spikes changes rapidly when passing through the plasma. The higher speed of the electrons of the mirrors contributing to the source reflection leads to the production of the higher upshifted frequency peak in different source delays.
Rectangular DNA structure allows for one-dimensional random walk functionality
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: June 2020

Binding four strands with four sticky ends leads a DNA lattice to randomly deliver information to one of two sides.
Rare-earth based half-Heusler topological quantum materials: A perspective
Authors: Singh Ashutosh Kumar , Ramarao S. D. , Peter Sebastian C.
Published: June 2020

Topological insulator (TI) materials which are conductive at the surface but insulating in the bulk have drawn much attention in the past decade due to their fascinating properties and potential application in the field of spintronics, quantum computing, topological superconductivity and next generation electronics. In the search of three-dimensional TIs, half-Heusler compounds are the new entrants. Half-Heusler compounds are equiatomic ternary compounds with cubic symmetry. Due to the availability of a large pool of elements in the half Heusler family, the physical properties of these materials can be tuned by choosing the desired combination of elements. In this perspective, we have briefly discussed the development of structural relations, the quantum hall effect, Landau quantization, and topological properties of a few representative systems in the half-Heusler family, including methods by which they are studied and characterized such as Angle Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy, Shubnikov-de-Hass Oscillations and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance.
Insight into understanding the jump frequency of diffusion in solids
Authors: Fang Tsang-Tse , Chen Ming-I , Hsu Wen-Dung
Published: June 2020

In view of the diversity and ambiguity of the interpretation of the physical nature contributing to the jump frequency of diffusion in solids, the fundamental of jump frequency is reexamined with special attention toward enthalpy and entropy aspects. The present model, extending the approaches of Burke and Shewmon, provides an insight into understanding the jump frequency of diffusion in solids. The entropy term involved in the frequency or pre-exponential factor basically stems from the change in the vibration frequency of the atoms in a transitional complex. Migration enthalpy is the sum of the thermal energy required for the vibration amplitude of the jumping atom to reach the critical amplitude and the elastic energy of minimal local deformation developed in a transitional complex.
Free-standing 2D metals from binary metal alloys
Authors: Nevalaita Janne , Koskinen Pekka
Published: June 2020

Recent experiments have demonstrated the formation of free-standing Au monolayers by exposing the Au–Ag alloy to electron beam irradiation. Inspired by this discovery, we used semi-empirical effective medium theory simulations to investigate monolayer formation in 30 different binary metal alloys composed of late d-series metals such as Ni, Cu, Pd, Ag, Pt, and Au. In qualitative agreement with the experiment, we find that the beam energy required to dealloy Ag atoms from the Au–Ag alloy is smaller than the energy required to break the dealloyed Au monolayer. Our simulations suggest that a similar method could also be used to form Au monolayers from the Au–Cu alloy and Pt monolayers from Pt–Cu, Pt–Ni, and Pt–Pd alloys.
Geometrical regret matching: A new dynamics to Nash equilibrium
Authors: Lan Sizhong
Published: June 2020

We argue that the existing regret matchings for Nash equilibrium approximation conduct “jumpy” strategy updating when the probabilities of future plays are set to be proportional to positive regret measures. We propose a geometrical regret matching that features “smooth” strategy updating. Our approach is simple, intuitive, and natural. The analytical and numerical results show that “smoothly” suppressing “unprofitable” pure strategies is sufficient for the game to evolve toward Nash equilibrium, suggesting that, in reality, the tendency for equilibrium could be pervasive and irresistible. Technically, iterative regret matching gives rise to a sequence of adjusted mixed strategies for us to examine its approximation to the true equilibrium point. The sequence can be studied in the metric space and visualized nicely as a clear path toward an equilibrium point. Our theory has limitations in optimizing the approximation accuracy.
Physics-related companies report mostly mild economic symptoms from COVID-19
Authors: Kramer David
Published: June 2020

Most makers of research tools for physical scientists report stable business. Some of their products are being used in the fight against the novel coronavirus.
A systems approach delivers a functional microRNA catalog and expanded targets for seizure suppression in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Venø Morten T. , Reschke Cristina R. , Morris Gareth , Connolly Niamh M. C. , Su Junyi , Yan Yan , Engel Tobias , Jimenez-Mateos Eva M. , Harder Lea M. , Pultz Dennis , Haunsberger Stefan J. , Pal Ajay , Heller Janosch P. , Campbell Aoife , Langa Elena , Brennan Gary P. , Conboy Karen , Richardson Amy , Norwood Braxton A. , Costard Lara S. , Neubert Valentin , Del Gallo Federico , Salvetti Beatrice , Vangoor Vamshidhar R. , Sanz-Rodriguez Amaya , Muilu Juha , Fabene Paolo F. , Pasterkamp R. Jeroen , Prehn Jochen H. M. , Schorge Stephanie , Andersen Jens S. , Rosenow Felix , Bauer Sebastian , Kjems Jørgen , Henshall David C.
Published: June 2020

Temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common drug-resistant form of epilepsy in adults. The reorganization of neural networks and the gene expression landscape underlying pathophysiologic network behavior in brain structures such as the hippocampus has been suggested to be controlled, in part, by microRNAs. To systematically assess their significance, we sequenced Argonaute-loaded microRNAs to define functionally engaged microRNAs in the hippocampus of three different animal models in two species and at six time points between the initial precipitating insult through to the establishment of chronic epilepsy. We then selected commonly up-regulated microRNAs for a functional in vivo therapeutic screen using oligonucleotide inhibitors. Argonaute sequencing generated 1.44 billion small RNA reads of which up to 82% were microRNAs, with over 400 unique microRNAs detected per model. Approximately half of the detected microRNAs were dysregulated in each epilepsy model. We prioritized commonly up-regulated microRNAs that were fully conserved in humans and designed custom antisense oligonucleotides for these candidate targets. Antiseizure phenotypes were observed upon knockdown of miR-10a-5p, miR-21a-5p, and miR-142a-5p and electrophysiological analyses indicated broad safety of this approach. Combined inhibition of these three microRNAs reduced spontaneous seizures in epileptic mice. Proteomic data and pathway analysis on predicted and validated targets of these microRNAs implicated derepressed TGF-β signaling as a shared seizure-modifying mechanism. Correspondingly, inhibition of TGF-β signaling occluded the antiseizure effects of the antagomirs. Together, these results identify shared, dysregulated, and functionally active microRNAs during the pathogenesis of epilepsy which represent therapeutic antiseizure targets.
Stable readout of observed actions from format-dependent activity of monkey’s anterior intraparietal neurons
Authors: Lanzilotto Marco , Maranesi Monica , Livi Alessandro , Ferroni Carolina Giulia , Orban Guy A. , Bonini Luca
Published: June 2020

Significance

The anterior intraparietal area (AIP) is a crucial hub in the observed manipulative action (OMA) network of primates. While macaques observe manipulative action videos, their AIP neuronal activity robustly encodes first the viewpoint from which the action is observed, then the actor’s body posture, and finally the observed-action identity. Despite the lack of fully invariant OMA-selective single neurons, OMA exemplars could be decoded accurately from the activity of a set of units that maintain stable OMA selectivity despite rescaling their firing rate across formats. We propose that by integrating signals multiplicatively about others’ action and their visual format, the AIP can provide a stable readout of OMA identity at the population level.
Jāmī, a Legend in China: A Study of the Transmission and Transformation of Jāmī’s Texts in China
Authors: Shen Yiming
Published: June 2020

As a polymath in fifteenth century Central Asia, Jāmī’s (1414–92) works were widely circulated around the Muslim world. From a global perspective, Jāmī and his prose works achieved outstanding recognition in China in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. This paper follows the author’s previous research on the introduction of Jami’s works in China, seeking to answer the question of what it was that made Jāmī a legend in China and how this came about. By focusing on the transmission and transformation of Jāmī’s two Persian Sufi prose writings as they moved from Central Asia into China, the article concludes that two groups of people played a role as transcultural agents in this process; these were individual Sufi travelers and the Muslim intellectuals
Stem cell‐derived extracellular vesicles mitigate ageing‐associated arterial stiffness and hypertension
Authors: Feng Rui , Ullah Mujib , Chen Kai , Ali Quaisar , Lin Yi , Sun Zhongjie
Published: June 2020

The prevalence of arterial stiffness and hypertension increases with age. This study investigates the effect of induced pluripotent mesenchymal stem cell‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) on ageing‐associated arterial stiffness and hypertension. EVs were collected and purified from induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (iPS‐MSCs). Young and old male C57BL/6 mice were used. Mice in the EVs group were injected via tail vein once a week for four weeks (18 x 106 EVs/mouse/injection). Blood pressure (BP) was measured using the tail‐cuff method and validated by direct cannulation. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured using a Doppler workstation. PWV and BP were increased significantly in the old mice, indicating arterial stiffness and hypertension. Intravenous administration of EVs significantly attenuated ageing‐related arterial stiffness and hypertension, while enhancing endothelium‐dependent vascular relaxation and arterial compliance in the old EVs mice. Elastin degradation and collagen I deposition (fibrosis) were increased in aortas of the old mice, but EVs substantially improved ageing‐associated structural remodelling. Mechanistically, EVs abolished downregulation of sirtuin type 1 (SIRT1), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein expression in aortas of the older mice. In cultured human aortic endothelial cells, EVs promoted the expression of SIRT1, AMP‐activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKα), and eNOS. In conclusion, iPS‐MSC‐derived EVs attenuated ageing‐associated vascular endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, and hypertension, likely via activation of the SIRT1‐AMPKα‐eNOS pathway and inhibition of MMPs and elastase. Thus, EVs mitigate arterial ageing. This finding also sheds light into the therapeutic potential of EVs for ageing‐related vascular diseases.

Abbreviations

EV: Extracellular vesicles; iPS: induced pluripotent stem cell; MSC: mesenchymal stem cell; AMPKα: AMP activated protein kinase α; eNOS: endothelial nitric oxide synthase; Sirt1: sirtuin 1; JNC7: Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee; CVD: cardiovascular disease; PWV: pulse wave velocity; BP: blood pressure; SNP: sodium nitroprusside
One-pion-exchange potential with contact terms from lattice QCD simulations *
Authors: Hu Jinniu , Zhang Ying , Shen Hong , Toki Hiroshi
Published: June 2020

Pion-mass-dependent nucleon-nucleon (NN) potentials are obtained in terms of the one-pion exchange and contact terms from the latest lattice QCD simulations of the two-nucleon system. They assume the forms of the leading order (LO) NN potential from the chiral effective field theory and thus are referred to as the LO chiral potential in this study. We extract the coefficients of contact terms and cut-off momenta in these potentials, for the first time, by fitting the phase shifts of

and

channels obtained from the HALQCD collaboration with various pion masses from 468.6 to 1170.9 MeV. The low-energy constants in the

and

channels become weaker and approach each other for larger pion masses. These LO chiral potentials are applied to symmetric nuclear and pure neutron matter within the Brueckner-Hartree-Fock method. Presently, however, we do not yet have the information of the P-wave NN interaction to be provided by the lattice QCD simulations for a complete description of nuclear matter. Our results enhance understanding of the development of nuclear structure and nuclear matter by controlling the contribution of the pionic effect and elucidate the role of chiral symmetry of the strong interaction in complex systems.
Revisiting wrong sign Yukawa coupling of type II two-Higgs-doublet model in light of recent LHC data *
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Hong-Xin , Han Xiao-Fang
Published: June 2020

In light of the recently obtained LHC Higgs data, we examine the parameter space of the type II two-Higgs-doublet model, in which the 125 GeV Higgs bosons exhibit wrong sign Yukawa couplings. Combining the relevant theoretical and experimental limits, we find that the LHC Higgs data exclude most of the parameter space of the wrong sign Yukawa coupling. For

600 GeV, the allowed samples are mainly distributed across several corners and narrow bands of

GeV, 30

GeV, 240 GeV

GeV, 380 GeV

GeV, and 480 GeV

GeV. For

600 GeV,

is required to be lower than 470 GeV. The light pseudo-scalar with a mass of 20 GeV is still permitted in the case of the wrong sign Yukawa coupling of 125 GeV Higgs bosons.
Effect of agricultural system on seed selection in the Rappang Sidenreng Regency
Authors: Fitriani R , Wulandary A , Mursalat A , Dagong M I A
Published: June 2020

Increased grain production is strongly influenced by the irrigation system owned by farmers. With optimal irrigation system then the farmer will dare to buy more expensive seeds. Farmers will be willing to take greater risks because of grain production to be acquired greater. According to the Data Collection Guidelines for Food Crops and Horticulture, Ministry of Agriculture, several factors can affect the rise and fall of the average rice production per hectare is the problem of soil fertility, use of fertilizers, seeds, how to grow crops, pests and many more. The purpose of this study to determine the effect of agricultural systems on seed selection in Sidrap. This study was conducted in 11 districts in Sidrap, using 99 samples. To answer the purposes of this study, the research institute using logistic regression data analysis is an approach to create predictive models such as linear regression, or commonly referred to as Ordinary Least Squares (OLS). The results showed that a good irrigation system such as the system of irrigation the farmers are more willing to take the risk to buy seed expensive that have good quality, unlike the case with rainfed and pumping which tends to farmers choose to use seed that relatively cheaper, because farmers do not dare to take the risk of failure of grain production because irrigation systems are less supportive. The conclusion of the research is that good irrigation will have an impact on farmers’ preferences to use better seedlings and be prepared to take risks.
Factor analysis in the adopting of utilization of rice straw waste as feed in South Bontonompo district, Gowa regency
Authors: Sudrajat E , Baba S , Amrawaty A A
Published: June 2020

This study aims to analyze the barriers of farmers in adopting the utilization of rice straw waste as feed. The study was conducted in South Bontonompo District, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The type of research was a quantitative descriptive research using Factor Analysis tool. The variables measured in this study were 11 variables. Sample was drawn through simple random technique resulting in 55 farmers as respondents. The research data were collected by conducting a survey using the interview technique with a questionnaire. The results showed that the extraction of 11 variables indicated that all of them fulfilled the requirements for Factor Analysis, resulting in 3 formation factors. The variables included in factor 1 are knowledge about waste utilization (X5), waste management skills (X7), land ownership (X8), labor availability (X9), inability to pay for labor (X10) and age (X11). Variables included in factor 2 are difficulties in transporting feed (X3), non-intensive maintenance system (X4) and number of livestock ownership (X6). Meanwhile, the variables included in factor 3 are storage warehouse (X1) and processing equipment (X2). Factor 1 is named the intrinsic constraints because it is an internal part of breeders, factor 2 is named livestock business constraints because it is related to the situation of cattle farmers in carrying out cattle business activities, while factor 3 is named infrastructure constraints because it is a supporting factor in the cattle business.
Nonlinear optics of MXene in laser technologies
Authors: Jhon Young In , Jhon Young Min , Lee Ju Han
Published: June 2020

Recently, two-dimension transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides called MXenes have attracted huge attention due to their outstanding physical properties in various fields. Here we highlight the enormous potential of MXenes as nonlinear optical materials in the laser technologies, which includes ultrafast laser pulse generation, laser frequency modulation based on four-wave mixing, and photonic diodes with time reversal symmetry breaking. Emphasis is placed on the wide spectral applicability of metallic MXene saturable absorbers in passively mode-locked femtosecond laser technologies, allowing for operation in the visible to mid-infrared range. The Z-scan analysis reveals that Ti3C2Tx MXene has a large nonlinear optical absorption coefficient and a negative nonlinear refractive index, and notably it also possesses the higher threshold for light-induced damage with 50% increase in nonlinear transmittance. The MXene/C60 stacked modules enable the achievement of nonreciprocal transmission of laser pulses for photonic rectification. We strongly believe that MXenes will play a significant role in advanced laser technologies such as optical information processing, molecular spectroscopy, and micromachining, while providing many insightful electro-optical applications.
Multiplicative series, modular forms, and Mandelbrot polynomials
Authors: Larsen Michael
Published: June 2020

We say a power series

∑

n
=
0

∞

a
n

q
n

\sum _{n=0}^\infty a_n q^n

is multiplicative if the sequence

1
,

a
2

/

a
1

,
…
,

a
n

/

a
1

,
…

1,a_2/a_1,\ldots ,a_n/a_1,\ldots

is so. In this paper, we consider multiplicative power series

f
f

such that

f
2

f^2

is also multiplicative. We find a number of examples for which

f
f

is a rational function or a theta series and prove that the complete set of solutions is the locus of a (probably reducible) affine variety over

C

\mathbb {C}

. The precise determination of this variety turns out to be a finite computational problem, but it seems to be beyond the reach of current computer algebra systems. The proof of the theorem depends on a bound on the logarithmic capacity of the Mandelbrot set.
Identification of conserved evolutionary trajectories in tumors
Authors: Hodzic Ermin , Shrestha Raunak , Malikic Salem , Collins Colin C , Litchfield Kevin , Turajlic Samra , Sahinalp S Cenk
Published: June 2020

Motivation

As multi-region, time-series and single-cell sequencing data become more widely available; it is becoming clear that certain tumors share evolutionary characteristics with others. In the last few years, several computational methods have been developed with the goal of inferring the subclonal composition and evolutionary history of tumors from tumor biopsy sequencing data. However, the phylogenetic trees that they report differ significantly between tumors (even those with similar characteristics).

Results

In this article, we present a novel combinatorial optimization method, CONETT, for detection of recurrent tumor evolution trajectories. Our method constructs a consensus tree of conserved evolutionary trajectories based on the information about temporal order of alteration events in a set of tumors. We apply our method to previously published datasets of 100 clear-cell renal cell carcinoma and 99 non-small-cell lung cancer patients and identify both conserved trajectories that were reported in the original studies, as well as new trajectories.

Availability and implementation

CONETT is implemented in C++ and available at https://github.com/ehodzic/CONETT.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
iPromoter-BnCNN: a novel branched CNN-based predictor for identifying and classifying sigma promoters
Authors: Amin Ruhul , Rahman Chowdhury Rafeed , Ahmed Sajid , Sifat Md Habibur Rahman , Liton Md Nazmul Khan , Rahman Md Moshiur , Khan Md Zahid Hossain , Shatabda Swakkhar
Published: June 2020

Motivation

Promoter is a short region of DNA which is responsible for initiating transcription of specific genes. Development of computational tools for automatic identification of promoters is in high demand. According to the difference of functions, promoters can be of different types. Promoters may have both intra- and interclass variation and similarity in terms of consensus sequences. Accurate classification of various types of sigma promoters still remains a challenge.

Results

We present iPromoter-BnCNN for identification and accurate classification of six types of promoters—σ24,σ28,σ32,σ38,σ54,σ70. It is a CNN-based classifier which combines local features related to monomer nucleotide sequence, trimer nucleotide sequence, dimer structural properties and trimer structural properties through the use of parallel branching. We conducted experiments on a benchmark dataset and compared with six state-of-the-art tools to show our supremacy on 5-fold cross-validation. Moreover, we tested our classifier on an independent test dataset.

Availability and implementation

Our proposed tool iPromoter-BnCNN web server is freely available at http://103.109.52.8/iPromoter-BnCNN. The runnable source code can be found https://colab.research.google.com/drive/1yWWh7BXhsm8U4PODgPqlQRy23QGjF2DZ.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Morphometric analysis of dung beetle (Gymnopleurus mopsus: Scarabaeidae: Coleoptera) populations from two different biomes in Mongolia
Authors: Lim Changseob , Kang Ji Hyoun , Park Sung Hwan , Seok Sangwoo , Bayartogtokh Badamdorj , Bae Yeon Jae
Published: June 2020

Studying the phenotypic variation of organisms along environmental gradients can provide insight into the influences of specific environmental factors. Mongolia, which is distributed across three different biomes, is an ideal location for studying the mechanisms that underlie such phenotypic variation over a large range of climate. The present study examined the variation in shape and size of the body in a ball-rolling dung beetle, Gymnopleurus mopsus (Pallas), in Mongolia and investigated the effects of climate on the species’ morphology. A total of 290 individuals were collected from seven sites and were analysed using multivariate and regression approaches, as well as geometric morphometrics. Body shape and size varied across the study sites and between the different biomes. Populations from the desert-steppe region had thinner bodies and longer heads than those from the steppe region, possibly to facilitate burrowing. Variation in the species’ body size followed a pattern that was the converse of Bergmann’s rule and, thus, might increase heat capacity and enhance thermoregulation ability in the desert-steppe region. Accordingly, the results of the present study provide novel insight into the influence of climate on the variation of dung beetle phenotypes.
Spatiotemporal expression of aquaporin 9 is critical for the antral growth of mouse ovarian follicles†
Authors: Lee Sungeun , Kang Hee-Gyoo , Ryou Chongsuk , Cheon Yong-Pil
Published: June 2020

Although a few aquaporins (AQPs) expressed in granulosa cells have been postulated to mediate fluid passage into the antrum, the specific expression of AQPs in different follicle cell types and stages and their roles have not been evaluated extensively. The spatiotemporal expression of aquaporin (Aqp) 7, 8, and 9 and the functional roles of Aqp9 in antral growth and ovulation were examined using a superovulation model and 3-dimensional follicle culture. Aqp9 was expressed at a high level in the rapid growth phase (24–48 h post equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) for superovulation induction) compared to Aqp7 (after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)) and Aqp8 (8–24 h post eCG and 24 h post hCG). A dramatic increase in the expression and localization of Aqp9 mRNA in theca cells was observed, as evaluated using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase (RT-PCR) coupled with laser capture microdissection and immunohistochemistry. AQP9 was located primarily on the theca cells of the tertiary and preovulatory follicles but not on the ovulated follicles. In phloretin-treated mice, the diameter of the preovulatory follicles and the number of ovulated oocytes decreased. Consistent with these findings, knocking down Aqp9 expression with an Aqp9 siRNA inhibited follicle growth (0.28:1 = siRNA:control) and decreased the number of ovulated follicles (0.36:1 = siRNA:control) during in vitro growth and ovulation induction. Based on these results, the expression of AQPs is under the control of the physiological status, and AQP9 expression in theca during folliculogenesis is required for antral growth and ovulation in a tissue-specific and stage-dependent manner.
Matrix-variate logistic regression with measurement error
Authors: Fang Junhan , Yi Grace Y
Published: June 2020

Measurement error in covariates has been extensively studied in many conventional regression settings where covariate information is typically expressed in a vector form. However, there has been little work on error-prone matrix-variate data, which commonly arise from studies with imaging, spatial-temporal structures, etc. We consider analysis of error-contaminated matrix-variate data. We particularly focus on matrix-variate logistic measurement error models. We examine the biases induced from naive analysis which ignores measurement error in matrix-variate data. Two measurement error correction methods are developed to adjust for measurement error effects. The proposed methods are justified both theoretically and empirically. We analyse an electroencephalography dataset with the proposed methods.
Crop wild phylorelatives (CWPs): phylogenetic distance, cytogenetic compatibility and breeding system data enable estimation of crop wild relative gene pool classification
Authors: Viruel Juan , Kantar Michael B , Gargiulo Roberta , Hesketh-Prichard Peri , Leong Nathan , Cockel Christopher , Forest Félix , Gravendeel Barbara , Pérez-Barrales Rocío , Leitch Ilia J , Wilkin Paul
Published: June 2020

Enabling food security requires access to a broad range of genetic resources to facilitate crop breeding. This need is increased in a climate change scenario, which will require the production of novel crops adapted to new conditions. However, many major crops have reduced genetic diversity due to the genetic bottlenecks that they have experienced during their domestication and subsequent breeding. Crop wild relatives (CWRs) remain underexploited in plant breeding programmes, mostly because of the lack of knowledge of their cross-compatibility with crops. In this study, we use a combination of phylogenetic distance metrics, cytogenetic compatibility data (e.g. chromosome number and ploidy) and information about breeding systems to predict interspecific cross-compatibility between crop and wild species and hence identify crop wild phylorelatives (CWPs) (i.e. CWRs that can breed with the crop). We illustrate this concept using cultivated asparagus as a model by integrating previous cross-compatibility knowledge and CWR classifications into a phylogenetic framework reconstructed using available sequence data. Our approach aims to reinforce the use of the gene pool classification system of CWRs of Harlan and De Wet, since CWPs are estimated to belong to the secondary gene pool and non-CWPs to the tertiary gene pool. Identifying CWPs unlocks novel uses of genetic resources, although such data are available for less than half of the known CWRs (43.4% with sequence data and 32.5% with known ploidy). The need to conserve plants that provide or enhance provisioning ecosystem services, including CWRs, is clear if we are to rise to the global challenge of ensuring food security for all. However, basic knowledge about their conservation status is still lacking, with only c. 20% of CWRs assigned an IUCN red list assessment, 23% of which are Data Deficient (DD). Using the CWP classification presented here to define CWRs will contribute towards helping to prioritize CWRs for IUCN assessments and, where prioritised, conservation.
A case report of isolated right ventricular lymphocytic myocarditis
Authors: Indraratna Praveen , Sivasubramaniam Vanathi , Davidson Trent , Eggleton Simon
Published: June 2020

Background

Lymphocytic myocarditis is an uncommon condition with a variety of clinical presentations. Isolated involvement of the right ventricle (RV) is very rare. We present a case of a young woman who developed right ventricular dysfunction and arrhythmias as a consequence of this condition, which appeared to be chronic at diagnosis.

Case summary

A 26-year-old lady was admitted to hospital following routine echocardiography, requested for screening of pulmonary hypertension in the context of known hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This echocardiogram demonstrated severe right ventricular dilatation and impairment. She was also experiencing atrial fibrillation and non-sustained, symptomatic episodes of ventricular tachycardia. Endomyocardial biopsy revealed lymphocytic myocarditis. She was managed with azathioprine and prednisone, as well as sotalol and apixaban for her atrial fibrillation, and has had no complications in the 12 months since discharge.

Discussion

Lymphocytic myocarditis isolated to the RV has only been reported in two previous cases, both of which were acute, dramatic presentations. This is the first report of a chronic example of this disease process. Due to her intercurrent immunosuppression, this patient may have been pre-disposed to the condition either by re-activation of a latent viral infection or partial treatment of a true autoimmune lymphocytic myocarditis.
Atrial fibrillation: a risk factor for unfavourable outcome in COVID-19? A case report
Authors: Schnaubelt Sebastian , Breyer Marie-Kathrin , Siller-Matula Jolanta , Domanovits Hans
Published: June 2020

Background

Fulminant cardiac involvement in COVID-19 patients has been reported; the underlying suspected mechanisms include myocarditis, arrhythmia, and cardiac tamponade. In parallel, atrial fibrillation is common in the elderly population which is at particularly high risk for COVID-19 morbidity and mortality.

Case summary

A 72-year-old male SARS-CoV2-positive patient was admitted to the intensive care unit due to delirium and acute respiratory failure. Atrial fibrillation known from history was exacerbated, and made complex rate and rhythm control necessary. Progressive heart failure with haemodynamic deterioration and acute kidney injury with the need for continuous renal replacement therapy were further aggravated by pericardial tamponade.

Discussion

Treatment of acute heart failure in COVID-19 patients with a cytokine storm complicated by tachycardic atrial fibrillation should include adequate rate or rhythm control, and potentially immunomodulation.
Effect of atorvastatin on muscle symptoms in coronary heart disease patients with self-perceived statin muscle side effects: a randomized, double-blinded crossover trial
Authors: Kristiansen Oscar , Vethe Nils Tore , Peersen Kari , Wang Fagerland Morten , Sverre Elise , Prunés Jensen Elena , Lindberg Morten , Gjertsen Erik , Gullestad Lars , Perk Joep , Dammen Toril , Bergan Stein , Husebye Einar , Otterstad Jan Erik , Munkhaugen John
Published: June 2020

Aims

To estimate the effect of atorvastatin on muscle symptom intensity in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients with self-perceived statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) and to determine the relationship to blood levels of atorvastatin and/or metabolites.

Methods and results

A randomized multi-centre trial consecutively identified 982 patients with previous or ongoing atorvastatin treatment after a CHD event. Of these, 97 (9.9%) reported SAMS and 77 were randomized to 7-week double-blinded treatment with atorvastatin 40 mg/day and placebo in a crossover design. The primary outcome was the individual mean difference in muscle symptom intensity between the treatment periods, measured by visual-analogue scale (VAS) scores. Atorvastatin did not affect the intensity of muscle symptoms among 71 patients who completed the trial. Mean VAS difference (statin-placebo) was 0.31 (95% CI: −0.24 to 0.86). The proportion with more muscle symptoms during placebo than atorvastatin was 17% (n = 12), 55% (n = 39) had the same muscle symptom intensity during both treatment periods whereas 28% (n = 20) had more symptoms during atorvastatin than placebo (confirmed SAMS). There were no differences in clinical or pharmacogenetic characteristics between these groups. The levels of atorvastatin and/or metabolites did not correlate to muscle symptom intensity among patients with confirmed SAMS (Spearman’s rho ≤0.40, for all variables).

Conclusion

Re-challenge with high-intensity atorvastatin did not affect the intensity of muscle symptoms in CHD patients with self-perceived SAMS during previous atorvastatin therapy. There was no relationship between muscle symptoms and the systemic exposure to atorvastatin and/or its metabolites. The findings encourage an informed discussion to elucidate other causes of muscle complaints and continued statin use.
Postadmixture Selection on Chileans Targets Haplotype Involved in Pigmentation, Thermogenesis and Immune Defense against Pathogens
Authors: Vicuña Lucas , Klimenkova Olga , Norambuena Tomás , Martinez Felipe I , Fernandez Mario I , Shchur Vladimir , Eyheramendy Susana
Published: June 2020

Detection of positive selection signatures in populations around the world is helping to uncover recent human evolutionary history as well as the genetic basis of diseases. Most human evolutionary genomic studies have been performed in European, African, and Asian populations. However, populations with Native American ancestry have been largely underrepresented. Here, we used a genome-wide local ancestry enrichment approach complemented with neutral simulations to identify postadmixture adaptations underwent by admixed Chileans through gene flow from Europeans into local Native Americans. The top significant hits (P = 2.4×10−7) are variants in a region on chromosome 12 comprising multiple regulatory elements. This region includes rs12821256, which regulates the expression of KITLG, a well-known gene involved in lighter hair and skin pigmentation in Europeans as well as in thermogenesis. Another variant from that region is associated with the long noncoding RNA RP11-13A1.1, which has been specifically involved in the innate immune response against infectious pathogens. Our results suggest that these genes were relevant for adaptation in Chileans following the Columbian exchange.
Characteristics and Management of Male Breast Parenchymal Cysts
Authors: Maimone Santo , Ocal Idris T , Robinson Kristin A , Wasserman Martha C , Maxwell Robert W
Published: June 2020

Objective

Parenchymal breast cysts are considered to be rare in men and are sparsely described in the literature. The purpose of this study was to review our institution’s experience with male breast cysts in an effort to improve overall understanding and management of this rare entity.

Methods

An institutional review board–exempt retrospective study was performed. Radiology reports for males who underwent mammogram and/or breast ultrasound at any of our institution’s primary or satellite locations from January 1995 to January 2020 were screened to find males with breast cysts. If cysts were reported and images were available, case review was performed to confirm parenchymal breast cyst(s) and patient characteristics were collated.

Results

Of 5425 male cases presenting for breast imaging, 19 (0.4%) cases of male breast cysts were confirmed, with a mean patient age of 41.6 years (range: 2–81 years). The most common indication leading to cyst discovery was a palpable lump, corresponding to the site of the cyst in 5 (26.3%) patients and near the site where cyst(s) were ultimately discovered in 7 (36.8%) patients. There were 8 (42.1%) instances of cysts without concurrent gynecomastia. Three (15.8%) men underwent needle sampling. There were no cases of atypia or malignancy on needle biopsy or on subsequent clinical follow-up, with median clinical follow-up of 70.3 months (range: 3.3–259.4 months).

Conclusion

Male breast parenchymal cysts are rare, but their prevalence is likely underestimated. If detected incidentally or upon targeted evaluation, biopsy may be averted if classic benign cyst features are identified.
Consumers Prefer “Natural” More for Preventatives Than for Curatives
Authors: Scott Sydney E , Rozin Paul , Small Deborah A
Published: June 2020

We demonstrate that natural products are more strongly preferred when used to prevent a problem than when used to cure a problem (the prevent/cure effect). This organizing principle explains variation in the preference for natural across distinct product categories (e.g., food vs. medicine), within product categories (e.g., between different types of medicines), and for the same product depending on how it is used (to prevent or to cure ailments). The prevent/cure effect is driven by two factors: lay beliefs about product attributes and importance of product attributes. Specifically, (a) consumers hold lay beliefs that natural products are safer and less potent and (b) consumers care more about safety and less about potency when preventing as compared to when curing, which leads to a stronger preference for natural when preventing. Consistent with this explanation, when natural products are described as more risky and more potent, reversing the standard inferences about naturalness, then natural products become more preferred for curing than for preventing. This research sheds light on when the marketing of “natural” is most appealing to consumers.
Lyndon’s interpolation property for the logic of strict implication
Authors: Aboolian Narbe , Alizadeh Majid
Published: June 2020

The main result proves Lyndon’s and Craig’s interpolation properties for the logic of strict implication ${\textsf{F}}$, with a purely syntactical method. A cut-free G3-style sequent calculus $ {\textsf{GF}} $ and its single-succedent variant $ \textsf{GF}_{\textsf{s}} $ are introduced. $ {\textsf{GF}} $ can be extended to a G3-variant of the sequent calculus GBPC3 for Visser’s basic logic. Also a simple syntactic proof of known embedding result of $ {\textsf{F}} $ into $ {\textsf{K}} $ is provided. An extension of $ {\textsf{F}} $, namely $ \textsf{FD}, $ is considered as well.
Mandibular meningioma—a rare case report of a second extracranial meningioma and a systematic literature review
Authors: Dionísio Sílvia Rodrigues , Ventura Eduardo Simões , Ferreira Ângela Tavares , Gonçalves Joana Bolinha , Saleiro Rute Vaz , Marques Hugo Martins , Dias Alfredo Figueiredo
Published: June 2020

Meningiomas are benign tumours common in the central nervous system. Primary extracranial meningiomas in the jaws are extremely rare. We performed a systematic review of all the primary extracranial meningioma arising in the jawbones reported in the English-language literature including indexed and non-indexed journals and we report a unique case in our hospital of a man with two primary extracranial meningiomas, the first frontal intradiploic and 16 years later, a second located in the mandible. We found 14 cases with primary jaws meningioma and we report another one. A mandibular predominance was observed with only four cases in the maxilla. Most of them occurred in women, with a mean age of 35.9 years. It is the first published case of a patient with two primary extracranial meningiomas one of them in the mandible, which the gender, age and laterality of the lesion are less frequent.
Aphra Behn and Bishop Burnet
Authors: Wright Gillian
Published: June 2020

Aphra Behn's Pindaric Poem to Dr Gilbert Burnet is among her last and most politically outspoken works; published in 1689, shortly after the Revolution, it apparently declines an invitation from Burnet to write propaganda for the new Williamite regime. A copy of this poem, now held by Cambridge University Library, includes detailed handwritten corrections to both spelling and punctuation. As the poem is well printed, there is no obvious reason why these corrections should have been undertaken by either the printer or publisher, or an early reader. It is possible that the annotator was Behn herself, in anticipation of a second edition that she did not live to see into print.
How experimental neuroscientists can fix the hard problem of consciousness
Authors: Klein Colin , Barron Andrew B
Published: June 2020

For the materialist, the hard problem is fundamentally an explanatory problem. Solving it requires explaining why the relationship between brain and experience is the way it is and not some other way. We use the tools of the interventionist theory of explanation to show how a systematic experimental project could help move beyond the hard problem. Key to this project is the development of second-order interventions and invariant generalizations. Such interventions played a crucial scientific role in untangling other scientific mysteries, and we suggest that the same will be true of consciousness. We further suggest that the capacity for safe and reliable self-intervention will play a key role in overcoming both the hard and meta-problems of consciousness. Finally, we evaluate current strategies for intervention, with an eye to how they might be improved.
Mental health disorders in patients with untreated meningiomas: an observational cohort study using the nationwide MarketScan database
Authors: Maurer Robert , Daggubati Lekhaj , Ba Djibril M , Liu Guodong , Leslie Douglas , Goyal Neerav , Zacharia Brad E
Published: June 2020

Background

Meningiomas are the most common primary tumor of the CNS. Studies investigating the impact of a brain tumor diagnosis on mental health disorders (MHDs) in patients have been limited. The objective of this work is to characterize the incidence and factors affecting the presence of MHDs in untreated meningiomas.

Methods

Using a large-scale private payer database, MarketScan, we performed a retrospective study of patients with an untreated meningioma and corresponding MHD.

Results

We found that in patients diagnosed with an untreated meningioma, approximately 16% were diagnosed with an MHD within 1 year of the diagnosis of the meningioma.

Conclusion

By identifying risk factors, appropriate screening can focus on patients at high-risk for the development of MHD.
Inducible and Conditional Stimulation of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis Rescues Cadmium-Induced Impairments of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Hippocampus-Dependent Memory in Mice
Authors: Wang Hao , Matsushita Megumi T , Zhang Liang , Abel Glen M , Mommer Brett C , Huddy Timothy F , Storm Daniel R , Xia Zhengui
Published: June 2020

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal and an environmental pollutant. However, the full spectrum of its neurotoxicity and the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. Our previous studies demonstrated that Cd exposure impairs adult hippocampal neurogenesis and hippocampus-dependent memory in mice. This study aims to determine if these adverse effects of Cd exposure can be mitigated by genetically and conditionally enhancing adult neurogenesis. To address this issue, we utilized the transgenic constitutive active MEK5 (caMEK5) mouse strain we previously developed and characterized. This mouse strain enables us to genetically and conditionally activate adult neurogenesis by administering tamoxifen to induce expression of a caMEK5 in adult neural stem/progenitor cells, which stimulates adult neurogenesis through activation of the endogenous extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. The caMEK5 mice were exposed to 0.6 mg/l Cd through drinking water for 38 weeks. Once impairment of memory was confirmed, tamoxifen was administered to induce caMEK5 expression and to activate adult neurogenesis. Behavior tests were conducted at various time points to monitor hippocampus-dependent memory. Upon completion of the behavior tests, brain tissues were collected for cellular studies of adult hippocampal neurogenesis. We report here that Cd impaired hippocampus-dependent spatial memory and contextual fear memory in mice. These deficits were rescued by the tamoxifen induction of caMEK5 expression. Furthermore, Cd inhibition of adult hippocampal neurogenesis was also reversed. This rescue experiment provides strong evidence for a direct link between Cd-induced impairments of adult hippocampal neurogenesis and hippocampus-dependent memory.