bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression and alternative splicing analysis of a large‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channel gene in Plutella xylostella
Authors: Xu Jie , Ma Hai‐Hao , Liu Zhe‐Ming , Zheng Wei , Lai Xiao‐Yi , Zhu Hang , Liu Jia , Zhou Yong , Zhou Xiao‐Mao
Published: June 2020

The large‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channel (BKCa) plays an important role in the regulation of insect neural circuits and locomotion, and thus is a potential target of insecticides. In this study, iberiotoxin, an inhibitor of BKCa, was found to prolong the anesthetic time of ethyl acetate on Plutella xylostella larvae. Therefore, the coding sequence of slowpoke gene coding the alpha subunit of BKCa was cloned to investigate the function of this channel in P. xylostella, and the gene expression profile in the developmental stages and tissues was also characterized. The total length of pxslo DNA was more than 19.9 kb, which harbored four alternative splicing sites (ASP‐A, ASP‐C, ASP‐E, and ASP‐G), and the coding sequence of pxslo with the highest frequency of splicing (GenBank ID: MN938456) was 3,405 base pair. The characterized PxSlo protein contained conserved domains previously identified in other insects. Quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that pxslo was expressed in all the developmental stages of P. xylostella, with the highest level in adults. In the larval stage, pxslo was mainly expressed in the head and epidermis, while a limited protein was expressed in the midgut. In the adult stage, pxslo was highly expressed in the head, followed by in the ovarian tubule, and was not expressed in the testis or wings. These results suggest that BKCa plays an important physiological role in P. xylostella and provides useful information for the functional study and screening of BKCa inhibitors.
Probing the Interaction between HIV‐1 Protease and the Homodimeric p66/p66’ Reverse Transcriptase Precursor by Double Electron‐Electron Resonance EPR Spectroscopy
Authors: Schmidt Thomas , Louis John M. , Clore G. Marius
Published: June 2020

Following excision from the Gag‐Pol polyprotein, HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase is released as an asymmetric homodimer comprising two p66 subunits that are structurally dissimilar but identical in amino acid sequence. Subsequent cleavage of the RNase H domain from only one of the subunits, denoted p66′, results in the formation of the mature p66/p51 enzyme in which catalytic activity resides in the p66 subunit, and the p51 subunit (derived from p66′) provides a supporting structural scaffold. Here, we probe the interaction of the p66/p66′ asymmetric reverse transcriptase precursor with HIV‐1 protease by pulsed Q‐band double electron‐electron resonance EPR spectroscopy to measure distances between nitroxide labels introduced at surface‐engineered cysteine residues. The data suggest that the flexible, exposed linker between the RNaseH and connection domains in the open state of the p66′ subunit binds to the active site of protease in a configuration that is similar to that of extended peptide substrates.
Multiple Chemical Features Impact Biological Performance Diversity of a Highly Active Natural Product‐Inspired Library
Authors: Hippman Ryan S. , Pavlinov Ivan , Gao Qiwen , Mavlyanova Michelle K. , Gerlach Erica M. , Aldrich Leslie N.
Published: June 2020

A systematic, diversity‐oriented synthesis approach was employed to access a natural product‐inspired flavonoid library with diverse chemical features, including chemical properties, scaffold, stereochemistry, and appendages. Using Cell Painting, the effects of these diversity elements were evaluated, and multiple chemical features that predict biological performance diversity were identified. Scaffold identity appears to be the dominant predictor of performance diversity, but stereochemistry and appendages also contribute to a lesser degree. In addition, the diversity of chemical properties contributed to performance diversity, and the driving chemical property was dependent on the scaffold. These results highlight the importance of key chemical features that may inform the creation of small‐molecule, performance‐diverse libraries to improve the efficiency and success of high‐throughput screening campaigns.
A case of congenital tuberculosis with a favorable outcome in a full term neonate
Authors: Varimo Tero , Nieminen Tea , Aronniemi Johanna , Kekomäki Satu , Teivaanmäki Tiina , Metsäranta Marjo
Published: June 2020

This case of congenital tuberculosis (TB) emphasizes that TB should be suspected in newborns whose parents are from areas with high incidence of TB or who present with symptoms of an infection unresponsive to wide‐spectrum antibiotics.
Noncovalent Intermolecular Interaction in Cofacially Stacked 24π Antiaromatic Hexaphyrin Dimer
Authors: Kim Gakhyun , Dutta Ranjan , Cha Won‐Young , Hong Seong‐Jin , Oh Juwon , Firmansyah Dikhi , Jo Hongil , Ok Kang Min , Lee Chang‐Hee , Kim Dongho
Published: June 2020

π–π Stacking is omnipresent not only in nature but in a wide variety of practical fields applied to our lives. Because of its importance in a performance of natural and artificial systems, such as light harvesting system and working layer in device, many researchers have put intensive effort into identifying its underlying nature. However, for the case of π–π stacked systems composed of antiaromatic units, the understanding of the fundamental mechanisms is still unclear. Herein, we synthesized a new type of planar β,β’‐phenylene‐bridged hexaphyrin (1.0.1.0.1.0), referred as naphthorosarin which possesses the 24π‐electron conjugated pathway. Especially, the corresponding antiaromatic porphyrinoid shows the unique property to form dimeric species adopting the face‐to‐face geometry which is unprecedented in cases of known annulated naphthorosarins. In order to elucidate the intriguing properties derived from the stacked dimer, the current study focuses on the experimental support to rationalize the observed π–π interactions between the two subunits.
The contribution of multiple barriers to reproduction between edaphically divergent lineages in the Amazonian tree Protium subserratum (Burseraceae)
Authors: Misiewicz Tracy M. , Simmons Tracey S. , Fine Paul V. A.
Published: June 2020

Disentangling the strength and importance of barriers to reproduction that arise between diverging lineages is central to our understanding of species origin and maintenance. To date, the vast majority of studies investigating the importance of different barriers to reproduction in plants have focused on short‐lived temperate taxa while studies of reproductive isolation in trees and tropical taxa are rare. Here, we systematically examine multiple barriers to reproduction in an Amazonian tree, Protium subserratum (Burseraceae) with diverging lineages of soil specialist ecotypes. Using observational, molecular, distributional, and experimental data, we aimed to quantify the contributions of individual prezygotic and postzygotic barriers including ecogeographic isolation, flowering phenology, pollinator assemblage, pollen adhesion, pollen germination, pollen tube growth, seed development, and hybrid fitness to total reproductive isolation between the ecotypes. We were able to identify five potential barriers to reproduction including ecogeographic isolation, phenological differences, differences in pollinator assemblages, differential pollen adhesion, and low levels of hybrid seed development. We demonstrate that ecogeographic isolation is a strong and that a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic prezygotic and postzygotic barriers may be acting to maintain near complete reproductive isolation between edaphically divergent populations of the tropical tree, P. subserratum.
Structure Function Relationships in Ruthenium Carbon Dioxide Reduction Catalysts with CNC Pincers Containing Donor Groups
Authors: Das Sanjit , Nugegoda Dinesh , Qu Fengrui , Boudreaux Chance M. , Burrow Phillip E. , Figgins Matthew T. , Lamb Robert W. , Webster Charles Edwin , Delcamp Jared H. , Papish Elizabeth T.
Published: June 2020

Seven ruthenium catalysts with the general formula [(CNC)Ru(CH3CN)2Cl]OTf have been used to understand structure function relationships in the sensitized photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction. Herein, CNC is a pincer ligand containing imidazole‐based N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) attached to a central pyridyl ring with R groups at the 3‐ or 4‐position. Two new complexes (R = 3‐OMe, 4‐NPh2) have been fully characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Furthermore, three previously synthesized complexes (R = 4‐Me, 4‐NMe2, and 4‐OH) are used for photocatalysis for the first time. Methoxy and methyl donor groups in the 4‐position lead to durable catalysts (TON up to 1000) with high TOFs (up to 174 h–1) for CO production. In contrast, R = 4‐NPh2, 3‐OMe, and 4‐H substituents lead to modest TOF values (up to 32 h–1), yet these systems are still robust and achieve up to 565 TON. In contrast, low activity is observed with 4‐NMe2 and 4‐OH substituents, which resemble sacrificial donors and may be leading to side reactions. Thus, remote substituents were found to greatly influence catalyst activity and longevity.
Microscopic pulmonary tumor embolism from adenocarcinoma of the prostate
Authors: Hattori Tatsuya , Ikegami Yosuke , Matsuyama Nayuka , Hamakawa Takashi , Maruyama Tetsuji , Naiki‐Ito Aya , Yasui Takahiro
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Microscopic pulmonary tumor embolisms from prostate cancer are extremely rare. In this case of prostate cancer, microscopic pulmonary tumor embolism developed during androgen deprivation therapy.

Case presentation

A 56‐year‐old man was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent androgen deprivation therapy. Three months after starting treatment, he noticed shortness of breath and developed acute progressive dyspnea. He was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension; however, the cause was not found. His dyspnea was progressive and he died 40 days after the onset of symptoms. Autopsy proved that the cause of pulmonary hypertension was microscopic pulmonary tumor emboli from prostate cancer. Furthermore, histology revealed differences in the androgen receptors in the prostate and emboli, with significantly greater Ki‐67 expression in the emboli than in the prostate.

Conclusion

Prostate cancer proliferated in the pulmonary artery after hematogenous metastasis, caused vascular occlusion, and formed microscopic pulmonary tumor embolisms.
Incidence of anticoagulation medication prescribing errors in patients discharged from the emergency department
Authors: Gregory Haili , Cantley Morgan , Hall Gregory A. , Matuskowitz Andrew J. , Weant Kyle A.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

It is well‐known that the Emergency Department (ED) is an area at high risk for medication errors due to several factors including providing care to unfamiliar patients in a high‐stress environment and relying heavily on verbal orders.

Objectives

This primary objective of this study was to characterize the incidence and describe the impact of medication errors that occur within anticoagulation prescriptions written for patients who are discharged from the ED.

Methods

Anticoagulation prescriptions written to patients discharged from the adult ED at a large academic medical center between January 1, 2015 and August 1, 2018 were retrospectively evaluated to identify and characterize errors. Errors identified included dosing errors for the indication, dosing adjustment errors, incorrect quantity, refills given inappropriately, and readmission rate due to errors.

Results

A total of 797 prescriptions for anticoagulation medications were reviewed and a total of 392 errors were identified within 321 (40.3%) prescriptions. Of the errors identified, 88 (22.4%) were an error in dose for the indication, 83 (21.2%) were errors in dose adjustments based on patient‐specific factors, 81 (20.7%) were errors in quantity prescribed, and 140 (35.7%) were prescriptions written with refills. Prescriptions written by non‐emergency medicine residents had significantly more errors compared with attending physicians, emergency medicine residents, and advanced practice providers (P < .001 for all comparisons). Of the errors identified, 2 (0.6%) led to patient readmission.

Conclusion

An error rate of 40.3% was identified among prescriptions for anticoagulation written for patients discharged from the ED. Limited literature exists evaluating anticoagulation errors for patients discharged from the ED, however these findings are consistent with available data. The findings of this study will aid in the development of targeted mitigation strategies in reducing anticoagulation prescribing errors for patients discharged from the ED.
Heterogeneous SO3H@Fe3O4 magnetic nanocatalyst as an efficient and reusable medium for the synthesis of 3,3′‐(arylmethylene)‐bis‐(4‐hydroxycoumarin), bis‐(indolyl)‐methane, and 1,8‐dioxo‐octahydroxanthene derivatives
Authors: Wu Xiaobo , Peng Wan‐Xi
Published: June 2020

This work aimed to synthesize a new heterogeneous catalyst (SO3H@Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles) and the study of its catalytic behavior in synthesizing 3,3′‐(arylmethylene)‐bis‐(4‐hydroxycoumarin), bis‐(indolyl)‐methane, and 1,8‐dioxo‐octahydroxanthene derivatives. The characterization of obtained material has been performed by means of Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer, and transmission electron microscopy. The main properties of this new methodology, compared to earlier ones, are the short times of reaction, mild reaction conditions, simple recovery of the catalyst by permanent magnetic field, excellent yields, and reusability of the catalyst for a minimum of six runs.
Electron cloud spin generated by microring space‐time control circuit for 3D quantum printing
Authors: Arumona Arumona Edward , Punthawanunt Suphanchai , Ray Kanad , Phunklang Sirigiet , Yupapin Preecha
Published: June 2020

A three‐dimensional (3D) quantum printing technique is proposed that uses electron spin cloud projections generated by microring‐embedded gold grating. A dark soliton pulse with a center wavelength of 1.50 μm excites the gold grating, leading to electron cloud oscillations. By using suitable parameters, the whispering gallery mode is obtained, which is the result of trapping light (electrons) inside the silicon microring. The plasma wave frequency is generated at the Bragg wavelength at which the electron density is obtained. The electron spin‐down and spin‐up forms the x‐axis and y‐axis along the propagation z‐axis. In this proposal, the propagation wave axis is applied to increase the printing resolution. The printing points are formed by the spin‐down, spin‐up, and no spin associated with [x, y, z] as [1, 0, −]. The electron spins are distinguished by the time sequence and by modulating with the Gaussian pulse of 1.30, 1.10, and 0.80 μm, from which the spin states of the electron can be detected and characterized. The shortest space‐time paradox gap is around 50 fs, which is the limitation of all measurements (observations). The electron transport spin projection is achieved with respect to the time function in which the 3D image is printed with a resolution of 50 fs (10−15 s). In application, the trapped electron densities within the circuit are made possible via wireless connection for long‐distance transmission.
Reliability and validity of a mobile home pelvic floor muscle trainer: The Elvie Trainer
Authors: Czyrnyj Catriona S. , Bérubé Marie‐Ève , Brooks Kaylee , Varette Kevin , McLean Linda
Published: June 2020

Aims

Reliability and validity of force measurement and task detection by the Elvie Trainer were evaluated against an intravaginal dynamometer (IVD) and ultrasound (US) imaging.

Methods

Women were recruited from local physiotherapy clinics. At the first visit, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and tone were assessed manually. Women performed two sets of three repetitions of rest, PFM maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), and maximal Valsalva maneuver (MVM) tasks in supine and standing, with the Elvie Trainer in situ. Women performed another set of rest and MVC repetitions with a custom IVD in situ. At the second visit, PFM strength and tone were reassessed manually. Women performed two sets of three repetitions of the rest, PFM MVC, and MVM tasks in supine and standing, with the Elvie Trainer in situ. Concurrent US imaging was then acquired during a final set of PFM MVC and MVM repetitions in supine and standing, while the Elvie Trainer remained in situ. Reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients. Validity was evaluated using Spearman's/Pearson's correlations and receiver operator characteristic curves.

Results

Thirty women participated in the study. The Elvie Trainer MVC force outcomes exhibited excellent within‐day and good between‐day reliability, but were significantly lower than IVD measures, and exhibited poor relationships with IVD force outcomes. The Elvie Trainer was able to specify correct/incorrect performance of a PFM MVC.

Conclusions

The Elvie Trainer exhibits acceptable within‐day and between‐day reliability and can detect the correct performance of PFM MVCs; however, force measurements are not valid indicators of PFM strength and should not be used to measure outcomes.
Bioinformatic Identification of a Breast‐Specific Transcript Profile
Authors: Chen Chen , Yang Liwen , Rivandi Mahdi , Franken André , Fehm Tanja , Neubauer Hans
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To identify a breast‐specific transcript profile for the first time, and present an updated bioinformatics strategy for searching tissue‐specific transcripts and predicting their significance in cancer.

Experimental Design

The RNA‐seq data of 49 311 transcripts in 88 human tissues from the GTEx, the Illumina Body Map, and the RIKEN FANTOM5 project are integrated to screen breast‐specific transcripts. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, TGCA, and Kaplan–Meier Plotter are used to examine their expression in cancer tissues and values for prognosis prediction.

Results

Only 96 transcripts in human genome are breast‐specific for women. Among them, ankyrin repeat domain 30A (ANKRD30A) and long intergenic non‐protein coding RNA 993 (LINC00993) are further analyzed. The two transcripts are also breast‐specific in 33 types of common female cancer and are often dysregulated in breast cancer tissues. Their expression is higher in the luminal breast cancer while significantly downregulated in triple‐negative breast cancer. Moreover, the high expression levels of ANKRD30A and LINC0993 in breast cancer tissues indicate a better prognosis of patients with breast cancer.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Breast‐specific transcripts in human genome are rare and poorly understood currently. The data indicate that these breast‐specific biomarkers are promising candidates for screening early cancer, assessing treatment response, monitoring recurrence, identifying metastatic tumor origin, and serving as potential targets for immunotherapy.
Spray Pyrolysis Deposition of Al‐Doped ZnO Thin Films for Potential Picosecond Extreme Ultraviolet Scintillator Applications
Authors: Solibet Erick John Carlo D. , Veloz Raymund C. , Empizo Melvin John F. , Husay Horace Andrew F. , Kawano Keisuke , Yamanoi Kohei , Shimizu Toshihiko , Sarukura Nobuhiko , Estacio Elmer S. , Salvador Arnel A. , Somintac Armando S.
Published: June 2020

For potential extreme ultraviolet (EUV) scintillator applications, aluminum (Al)‐doped zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films are successfully fabricated on glass and silicon substrates using spray pyrolysis technique. The Al‐doped thin films consist of 160‐nm‐sized flake‐like particles and have 0.30 μm thicknesses and up to 75% visible transmittances. Although Al doping affects the film morphology and optical properties in the visible region, both undoped and Al‐doped thin films exhibit hexagonal wurtzite crystal structures and intense 381 nm emissions with 20–30 ps lifetimes. With submicrometer thicknesses and intense picosecond UV emissions, the spray‐pyrolysis‐deposited Al‐doped ZnO thin films have promising potential as ultrafast scintillator materials which may lead to improved imaging and timing of EUV light sources.
Composite Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters with Symmetric Angle‐Ply Stacking Sequences and Variable Through‐the‐Thickness Poisson's Ratios
Authors: Lu Qingqing , Liu Liwu , Leng Jinsong , Scarpa Fabrizio , Liu Yanju
Published: June 2020

Herein, the effect of symmetric carbon fiber composites laminates with angle‐ply stacking sequences ([±β/±θ]S) in the design of composite piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs) is evaluated. Some of those specific stacking sequences also feature negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) or near zero Poisson's ratio (NZPR) through the thickness for ply angles θ < 45°. Six different architectures with similar in‐plane elastic modulus E1 and different positive Poisson's ratio and NPR v13 values are considered here. Finite element models are developed to understand the distribution of the voltage density of the laminates with the different stacking sequences and their bending properties. Experimental tests (three‐point bending and vibration) are also performed. Both the simulations and the experimental results show that the PEH with the stacking sequences of near zero v13 generate the highest power compared with the other composite energy harvesters. The maximum voltage frequency response function (FRF) happens at the fundamental resonance, and the PEH with near zero v13 has also the lowest resonance frequency compared with the other stacking sequences.
Improving business objectives by reducing testing in the transition from development to production
Authors: Dror Shuki
Published: June 2020

This work focuses on finding a balance between the requirements to maintain product initial failure rate and the need to improve business objectives. We build on quality function deployment (QFD) by developing an innovative methodology for reducing testing in the transition from development to production. The methodology allows the number of tests to be reduced, without increasing the risk of lowering product quality. Our methodology assumes that testing affects product initial failure rate and business objectives simultaneously. Hence, a QFD‐based methodology comprising two matrices is developed. Matrix 1 translates the desired improvement in the business objectives into the relative importance of the various test types. Matrix 2 translates the product failure improvement needs into the relative importance of the various test types. We implement the methodology in a company developing and manufacturing medical devices. We find that the events “vital tests concerning the business objectives” and “vital tests concerning the failures in products” are mutually exclusive. Hence, we can conclude that it is possible to achieve a significant reduction in the number of tests conducted on the medical devices. The results show that the tests that can be reduced are those that will not affect product initial failure rate but that do have a significant impact on business objectives.
The Promise of Nanopore Technology: Advances in the Discrimination of Protein Sequences and Chemical Modifications
Authors: Cressiot Benjamin , Bacri Laurent , Pelta Juan
Published: June 2020

Only a small percent of human genomic DNA encodes for proteins. Additionally, protein isoforms variants and chemical modifications are not coded in the genome read by the cell machinery. The resulting protein diversity is deeply involved in regular and diseased cellular processes. One challenge for the field of biotechnology, after human genome sequencing, will be to decipher the proteome at a single molecule scale to analyze single‐cell protein variability. In fact, cellular proteic information, often used as a source of biomarkers, is of great importance for early disease detection. This review discusses the proteome's complexity from its genetic source to fully modified proteins. It focuses on the principle of nanopore data analysis and how to obtain information from an electrical current trace. Specifically, the most recent developments in detection, sequencing and post‐translational discrimination of amino acids, peptides and proteins, are described. The main results obtained in this field are discussed and the nanopore techniques to other classical or single‐molecule approaches are compared.
Numerical Optimization of Waveguide Structure in an Ultrasound Brain Stimulation System Using the FDTD Method
Authors: Toda Masato , Tateno Takashi
Published: June 2020

Ultrasound stimulation is expected to be capable of transcranial deep and local stimulation to the brain, which is difficult to achieve using conventional electromagnetic stimulation. Once an ultrasound transducer is determined, however, its physical characteristics are hard to change. For obtaining the appropriate irradiation properties, we used a computer simulation of our experimental setup to characterize the optimal shape and size of a waveguide attached to the tip of an ultrasound transducer to target a specific brain region. We obtained an optimal waveguide structure to produce the desired intensity distribution. Our next challenge is to test in our physical setup. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Inhibitory effect of arginine on proline utilization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Nishimura Akira , Tanikawa Tsubasa , Takagi Hiroshi
Published: June 2020

Proline is a predominant amino acid in grape must, but it is poorly utilized by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae in wine‐making processes. This sometimes leads to a nitrogen deficiency during fermentation and proline accumulation in wine. Although the presence of other nitrogen sources under fermentation conditions is likely to interfere with proline utilization, the inhibitory mechanisms of proline utilization remain unclear. In this study, we examined the effect of arginine on proline utilization in S. cerevisiae. We first constructed a proline auxotrophic yeast strain and identified an inhibitory factor by observing the growth of cells when proline was present as a sole nitrogen source. Intriguingly, we found that arginine, and not ammonium ion, clearly inhibited the growth of proline auxotrophic cells. In addition, arginine prevented the proline consumption of wild‐type and proline auxotrophic cells, indicating that arginine is an inhibitory factor of proline utilization in yeast. Next, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis showed that arginine partially repressed the expression of genes involved in proline degradation and uptake. We then observed that arginine induced the endocytosis of the proline transporters Put4 and Gap1, whereas ammonium induced the endocytosis of only Gap1. Hence, our results may involve an important mechanism for arginine‐mediated inhibition of proline utilization in yeast. The breeding of yeast that utilizes proline efficiently could be promising for the improvement of wine quality.
Mechanical properties and water resistance of Vietnamese acacia and rubberwood after thermo-hygro-mechanical modification
Authors: Cao Rulong , Marttila Juhani , Möttönen Veikko , Heräjärvi Henrik , Ritvanen Pekka , Verkasalo Erkki
Published: June 2020

Low density and poor mechanical performance often limit utilisation of sawn wood from fast-growing plantation forests. Thermo-hygro-mechanical modification (THM) of timber is one innovation for improving the properties of light-weight wood species. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of THM and subsequent thermal treatment on dry density, modulus of elasticity (MOE), compression strength, Brinell hardness, and swelling behaviour in immersion tests on two fast-growing Vietnamese species, acacia (Acacia mangium) and rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis). Test boards were modified in an industrial kiln, in which a tangential thickness compression of 14% and 12% were aimed for acacia and rubberwood, respectively, either with or without subsequent thermal treatment at 210 °C. Dry density, MOE, Brinell hardness, compression strength, and dimensional changes in water immersion tests of specimens were measured from the modified and unmodified reference materials, the latter ones being kiln dried at 50 °C. The results showed that the responses of the mechanical properties were more evident for rubberwood than for acacia. In rubberwood, the MOE and compression strength of wood thermo-hygro-mechanically modified with or without thermal treatment were higher than those of kiln-dried reference specimens throughout the thickness profile. In case of acacia, similar differences between the modified and reference specimens were observed only in the surface layer. Density and Brinell hardness of thermo-hygro-mechanically modified rubberwood were higher than those of reference specimens, but after thermal treatment they did not differ from (acacia) or were lower (rubberwood) than those of THM specimens. Post-compression thermal treatment increased the hydrophobicity of THM specimens.
Using amyloid PET imaging to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kolanko Magdalena , Win Zarni , Patel Neva , Malik Omar , Carswell Christopher , Gontsarova Anastassia , Nicholas Richard , Perry Richard , Malhotra Paresh
Published: June 2020

Background

Cognitive dysfunction affects 40–60% of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The neuropsychological profile commonly consists of a subcortical pattern of deficits, although a proportion of patients have a severe progressive cortical dementia. However, patients with MS can be affected by other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Little is known about the co-existence of these two conditions but distinguishing dementia due to MS alone from a coexisting neurodegenerative disease is challenging. Amyloid PET imaging has allowed improved AD diagnosis, especially in patients with atypical presentations or multiple possible causes of cognitive impairment. Amyloid PET demonstrates increased cortical signal in AD, whereas reductions in subcortical uptake are associated with demyelination. To the authors knowledge, there are no reports of clinical Amyloid PET use in MS patients with dementia.

Methods

Here, three MS patients presenting to the Cognitive Neurology Clinic with progressive cognitive impairment are described. Due to lack of diagnostic clarity from standard investigations, they underwent Amyloid PET Imaging with18F-florbetapir according to established appropriate use criteria and after review by a multidisciplinary team.

Results

Two patients were diagnosed with AD based on positive Amyloid PET imaging and were subsequently started on cholinesterase inhibitor treatment. The other patient had a negative scan, leading to further investigations and identification of another potential cause of worsening cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

The experience from this case series suggests that Amyloid PET Imaging may be of diagnostic value in selected patients with MS and dementia. In these individuals, it may provide diagnostic clarity and assist with therapeutic decisions.
Sex interacts with age-dependent change in the abundance of lice-infesting Amur Falcons (Falco amurensis)
Authors: Piross Imre Sándor , Siliwal Manju , Kumar R. Suresh , Palatitz Péter , Solt Szabolcs , Borbáth Péter , Vili Nóra , Magonyi Nóra , Vas Zoltán , Rózsa Lajos , Harnos Andrea , Fehérvári Péter
Published: June 2020

Sex-biassed and age-biassed parasite infections are common in nature, including ectoparasites-vertebrate host systems. We investigated the effect of Amur Falcons’ sex, age and body size on the abundance of their lice at a migratory stopover site, where the falcons’ habitat use and behaviour are more homogeneous across sex and age categories than during the breeding season. We sampled Amur Falcons in Nagaland, India at major roosting sites in 2016. We applied generalized linear models (with negative binomial distribution and log-link) to model the abundance of their two most numerous lice (Colpocephalum subzerafae and Degeeriella rufa) using the host age category (juvenile or adult) and wing length, both in interaction with sex, as explanatory variables. The abundance of C. subzerafae was only affected by host age, being nearly four times higher on juveniles than on adults. Juveniles were also more infested with D. rufa than the adults. Additionally, the abundance of the latter species was lower on adult male Falcons as compared to adult females. A juvenile bias in ectoparasite infestations is common in nature, probably due to juveniles being immunologically naïve, more resource-limited and may be inexperienced in body maintenance behaviours like preening and grooming. On the other hand, female-biassed infestations are much rarer than male-biassed infestations. We briefly discuss the possible causes of female-biassed infestations on Amur Falcons reported here, and in the closely related Red-footed Falcon and Lesser Kestrel as reported in the literature.
Predictors of community versus specialty mental health service use: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Brattfjell Maria Larsen , Jozefiak Thomas , Wichstrøm Lars
Published: June 2020

Child and adolescent mental health specialized services (CAMHS) are supposed to serve those who are most seriously disturbed and impaired. However, little is known about how children receiving treatment at different levels of care differ. The present study seeks to determine whether having a psychiatric disorder and resulting impairment measured in early childhood increases the odds of receiving help in CAMHS versus from community services during middle childhood or whether other factors (e.g., parenting stress, family functioning) also influence service utilization. A screen-stratified sample (n = 995 of the 2003–2004 birth cohorts) in Trondheim, Norway was assessed biennially from age 4–12 with semi-structured diagnostic interviews and recording of service use, family functioning, parental perceived need, and parenting stress. Behavioral disorders more strongly predicted CAMHS than community service use, whereas impairment predicted community service use. However, impairment increased the odds of receiving services in CAMHS if the parents perceived a need for help. Parental perceived need for help also increased the odds of CAMHS use independent of diagnosis and impairment. Having an emotional disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), parenting stress, previous service use, or family functioning did not predict service use at either level. Whereas children with behavioral disorders received help from CAMHS, children with emotional disorders did not receive services at either level. ADHD did not predict service use, indicating that young children with ADHD without comorbid disorders are not sufficiently detected. Efforts to detect, refer and treat emotional disorders and ADHD at the appropriate level should be increased.
Enhancing fracture-network characterization and discrete-fracture-network simulation with high-resolution surveys using unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Akara Mahawa Essa Mabossani , Reeves Donald M. , Parashar Rishi
Published: June 2020

A workflow is presented that integrates unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery with discrete fracture network (DFN) geometric characterization and quantification of fluid flow. The DFN analysis allows for reliable characterization and reproduction of the most relevant features of fracture networks, including: identification of orientation sets and their characteristics (mean orientation, dispersion, and prior probability); scale invariance in distributions of fracture length and spatial location/clustering; and the distribution of aperture values used to compute network-scale equivalent permeability. A two-dimensional DFN-generation approach honors field data by explicitly reproducing observed multi-scale fracture clustering using a multiplicative cascade process and power law distribution of fracture length. The influence of aperture on network-scale equivalent permeability is investigated using comparisons between a sublinear aperture-to-length relationship and constant aperture. To assess the applicability of the developed methodology, DFN flow simulations are calibrated to pumping test data. Results suggest that even at small scales, UAV surveys capture the essential geometrical properties required for fluid flow characterization. Both the constant and sublinear aperture scaling approaches provide good matches to the pumping test results with only minimal calibration, indicating that the reproduced networks sufficiently capture the geometric and connectivity properties characteristic of the granitic rocks at the study site. The sublinear aperture scaling case honors the directions of dominant fractures that play a critical role in connecting fracture clusters and provides a realistic representation of network permeability.
Spectral risk measure of holding stocks in the long run
Authors: Bihary Zsolt , Csóka Péter , Szabó Dávid Zoltán
Published: June 2020

We investigate how the spectral risk measure associated with holding stocks rather than a risk-free deposit, depends on the holding period. Previous papers have shown that within a limited class of spectral risk measures, and when the stock price follows specific processes, spectral risk becomes negative at long periods. We generalize this result for arbitrary exponential Lévy processes. We also prove the same behavior for all spectral risk measures (including the important special case of Expected Shortfall) when the stock price grows realistically fast and when it follows a geometric Brownian motion or a finite moment log stable process. This result would suggest that holding stocks for long periods has a vanishing downside risk. However, using realistic models, we find numerically that spectral risk initially increases for a significant amount of time and reaches zero level only after several decades. Therefore, we conclude that holding stocks has spectral risk for all practically relevant periods.
Levelling counterfactual scepticism
Authors: Sandgren Alexander , Steele Katie
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we develop a novel response to counterfactual scepticism, the thesis that most ordinary counterfactual claims are false. In the process we aim to shed light on the relationship between debates in the philosophy of science and debates concerning the semantics and pragmatics of counterfactuals. We argue that science is concerned with many domains of inquiry, each with its own characteristic entities and regularities; moreover, statements of scientific law often include an implicit ceteris paribus clause that restricts the scope of the associated regularity to circumstances that are ‘fitting’ to the domain in question. This observation reveals a way of responding to scepticism while, at the same time, doing justice both to the role of counterfactuals in science and to the complexities inherent in ordinary counterfactual discourse and reasoning.
Gastrointestinal Basidiobolomycosis in pediatric patients
Authors: Al Haq Afaq Mobin , Rasheedi Alaa , Al Farsi Muayed , Mehdar Abeer , Yousef Yasmin , Rasheed Khalid , Binyahib Soliman
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Basidiobolomycosis is a rare fungal disease, lately appearing in the gastrointestinal system of pediatric patients. Their clinical presentation resembles that of lymphoma or granulomatous inflammations. This non-specific presentation makes Gastrointestinal Basidiobolomycosis (GIB) a diagnostic challenge.

Methods:

We are reporting the largest series of pediatric GIB, from Saudi Arabia. 12 patients were diagnosed between January 2012 and December 2019, between the ages of 16 months and 8 years.

Results:

The most common symptoms were fever and abdominal pain. Further examination revealed an abdominal mass. Biopsy of the mass was the mainstay of diagnosis, with histological findings of typical filamentous fungal hyphae and zygospores, surrounded by eosinophils.

Conclusion:

Role of surgery was limited to establishing the diagnosis and dealing with complications. Antifungal medication was the cornerstone of treatment in all our patients. Three of our patients were exceptional with complications such as entero-cutaneal fistula, entero-enteric fistula and short bowel syndrome. These complications have not been previously reported. We have discussed the challenges related to their management.

The diagnosis of GIB in pediatric patients with abdominal mass, needs a high index of suspicion. We believe outcome depends on the severity of disease, involvement of surrounding tissues and presence of complications at the time of diagnosis.
The Eocene ischyromyid rodentThisbemysfrom the Washakie Formation, Wyoming (early Eocene, late Bridgerian) with comments on the systematics of the genus
Authors: Korth William W.
Published: June 2020

A large sample (>100 specimens) of the fossil rodentThisbemysWood, 1959, from the early Eocene (late Bridgerian; Br3) Washakie Formation of Wyoming is described. Two species are recognized: a new species,T.intermediusn. sp., andThisbemyscf.T.uintensis(Osborn, 1895). The large sample size of the former has allowed for a detailed study of variation in size and morphology within the species based on tooth-wear. As a result, some systematic changes in the species included in this genus are suggested: (1)T.brevicristaOstrander, 1986, is limited to the holotype, and all specimens previously referred toT.brevicristaare likely referable toT.plicatusWood, 1962; (2) statistical analysis supports the separation ofT.plicatusfromT.corrugatusWood, 1959, based on its smaller size and less-crenulated cheek teeth, which corroborates their existence at different horizons (T.plicatusearlier Bridgerian [Br2],T.corrugatuslate Bridgerian [Br3]); (3)Paramys delicatiorLeidy, 1871, is suggested as the senior synonym ofT.plicatusWood, 1962; (4)T.perditusWood, 1962, is limited to the early Eocene (Washatchian: Wa1-6); and (5) all specimens previously referred toT.niniWood, 1962, except the holotype, are referred toT.perditus(fide Korth, 1984; contra Anderson, 2015).

UUID:http://zoobank.org/59c101e2-cd55-4dce-aeea-3da48c4fbd53
Ratios in Heronian triangles
Authors: Dolan Stan
Published: June 2020

Heronian triangles are triangles with integer sides and area. In [1], a classical result about squares in arithmetic progression was obtained by proving that it is not possible for the altitude of a Heronian triangle to divide the base in the ratio of 1 : 2. In this article we shall investigate general ratios of the form 1 : n, where n is a positive integer. These base ratios do not appear to have received previous attention despite the wealth of results about other aspects of Heronian triangles [2].
The three-square theorem of Gauss and Legendre
Authors: Shiu Peter
Published: June 2020

The following theorems are famous landmarks in the history of number theory.

Theorem 1 (Fermat-Euler): A number is representable as a sum of two squares if, and only if, it has the form PQ2, where P is free of prime divisors q ≡ 3 (mod 4).

Theorem 2 (Lagrange): Every number is representable as a sum of four squares.

Theorem 3 (Gauss-Legendre): A number is representable as a sum of three squares if, and only if, it is not of the form 4a (8n + 7).
Electron Microscopic Study of Autopsy Tissues
Authors: Lim B. S.
Published: June 2020

It is important for an electron microscopist to minimize the time with post mortem tissues prior to fixation. Delays could be as much as several days at morgue refrigeration temperatures, followed by different length of time on the autopsy table before a tissue reaches formalin or glutaraldehyde. During this time, the tissues are subjected to varying degrees of cytological changes. For this reason, autopsy tissues are generally not suitable for integrate EM study. Nevertheless, many subcellular structures, consisting primarily of protein or polysaccharide or both, such as neurofilaments, microtubules, amyloid fibrils and virus-like dense particles, are still fairly well preserved. This work represents some electron micrographs obtained from formalin fixed tissues with varying degrees of post mortem delay and some kept from a few days to as long as 15 years.
Ultrastructure of Cholesterol-Induced Fatty Livers of Guinea Pigs
Authors: Forte T. M. , Nordhausen R. W. , Lam C. K.
Published: June 2020

Guinea pigs maintained on a diet supplemented with 1% cholesterol have been shown to become anemic after 10 to 12 weeks. The livers of these animals were fatty and contained large increases in tissue triglyceride, free cholesterol and cholesteryl ester'. Ultrastructural alterations of guinea pig hepatic cells associated with cholesterol-induced anemia have thus far not been described.
A Banded Structure in Human Connective Tissue
Authors: Sun C. N. , White H. J.
Published: June 2020

The occurrence of the extracellular, banded or cross-striated material has been reported in many types of tissues. It generally appears as scattered fusiform strands showing cross-banding with a periodicity of 1000 to 1500 Å as well as delicate longitudinally oriented elements. Such a banded structure (BS) first noted by Luse in a neural tumor, was confirmed by others. Similar structures have more recently been found in a variety of organs both human and animal. In our own experience they were seen in a hyperplastic parathyroid gland, follicular adenoma of thyroid gland, sarcoidosis of lymph node and in non-specific demyelinization of nerves. We should add that to our knowledge, BS has not been previously reported in the parathyroid gland or thyroid gland.
Electron Microscopy of Shipping Fever Complex in Cattle
Authors: Kim J.C.S.
Published: June 2020

Respiratory diseases are the most important and common entities of bovine livestock industry. Due to the multitude of etiological agents producing diseases of this system, clinical signs vary markedly, thus differential diagnosis is very difficult. The most common form of pneumonia is shipping fever pneumonia, characterized by consolidation of the lung in the apical lobe and less often extending to other lobes. Although is is regarded as Pasteurellosis, further research is needed to establish the casual role of bacteria, the possible influence of as yet unknown viruses, and the effect of other deleterious factors.
Vascular Leakage of Horseradish Peroxidase Three Days Following Compression Injury to the Spinal Cord
Authors: Beggs John L. , Waggener John D.
Published: June 2020

Under normal conditions, intravascular horseradish peroxidase (HRP) fails to penetrate the endothelium of spinal cord blood vessels in mature cats due to the presence of interendothelial tight junctions and the lack of a transendothelial pinocytotic transport mechanism.

Regenerating and developing capillaries in the central nervous system are morphologically and functionally dissimilar to mature capillaries. Typically, regenerating and developing capillaries exhibit increased permeability characteristics to circulating tracer materials.