bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoinduced non-adiabatic energy transfer pathways in dendrimer building blocks
Authors: Freixas V. M. , Ondarse-Alvarez D. , Tretiak S. , Makhov D. V. , Shalashilin D. V. , Fernandez-Alberti S.
Published: March 2019

The efficiency of the intramolecular energy transfer in light harvesting dendrimers is determined by their well-defined architecture with high degree of order. After photoexcitation, through-space and through-bond energy transfer mechanisms can take place, involving vectorial exciton migration among different chromophores within dendrimer highly branched structures. Their inherent intramolecular energy gradient depends on how the multiple chromophoric units have been assembled, subject to their inter-connects, spatial distances, and orientations. Herein, we compare the photoinduced nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations performed on a set of different combinations of a chain of linked dendrimer building blocks composed of two-, three-, and four-ring linear polyphenylene chromophoric units. The calculations are performed with the recently developed ab initio multiple cloning-time dependent diabatic basis implementation of the Multiconfigurational Ehrenfest (MCE) approach. Despite differences in short time relaxation pathways and different initial exciton localization, at longer time scales, electronic relaxation rates and exciton final redistributions are very similar for all combinations. Unlike the systems composed of two building blocks, considered previously, for the larger 3 block systems here we observe that bifurcation of the wave function accounted by cloning is important. In all the systems considered in this work, at the time scale of few hundreds of femtoseconds, cloning enhances the electronic energy relaxation by ∼13% compared to that of the MCE method without cloning. Thus, accurate description of quantum effects is essential for understanding of the energy exchange in dendrimers both at short and long time scales.
Thermal effects on the instability of coaxial liquid jets in the core of a gas stream
Authors: Li Shuaibing , Yang Rui , Mu Kai , Luo Xisheng , Si Ting
Published: March 2019

The breakup of coaxial liquid jets in a co-flowing gas stream under the radial thermal field is studied by the linear instability theory. A simplified physical model is established, and an analytical dimensionless dispersion relation for temporally axisymmetric perturbations is derived and solved numerically. The outer liquid-gas surface tension coefficient is assumed to be a linear function of temperature. Due to the radial temperature gradients, the time-dependent spatial variation of surface tension gives rise to a shear stress and induces Marangoni force upon the flow. The effects of different process parameters on the characteristics of unstable modes including the para-sinuous mode and the para-varicose mode are explored. It is found that the para-sinuous mode always dominates the jet instability in the parametric regions and the increasing temperature ratio of the surrounding gas stream and the inner liquid jet (T31) can reduce the maximum growth rates of unstable modes and corresponding dominant wavenumbers. The Reynolds number destabilizes the jet instability, and the Weber number suppresses it at relatively long wavelengths for both isothermal and non-isothermal situations. The Marangoni number and the Peclet number have a destabilizing effect for T31 < 1, but it is opposite for T31 > 1. These theoretical predictions would provide insight into underlying physical mechanisms of thermal jet breakup and compound droplet formation.
Effect of surface friction on ultrafast flame acceleration in obstructed cylindrical pipes
Authors: Adebiyi Abdulafeez , Alkandari Rawan , Valiev Damir , Akkerman V’yacheslav
Published: March 2019

The Bychkov model of ultrafast flame acceleration in obstructed tubes [Valiev et al., “Flame Acceleration in Channels with Obstacles in the Deflagration-to-Detonation Transition,” Combust. Flame 157, 1012 (2010)] employed a number of simplifying assumptions, including those of free-slip and adiabatic surfaces of the obstacles and of the tube wall. In the present work, the influence of free-slip/non-slip surface conditions on the flame dynamics in a cylindrical tube of radius R, involving an array of parallel, tightly-spaced obstacles of size αR, is scrutinized by means of the computational simulations of the axisymmetric fully-compressible gasdynamics and combustion equations with an Arrhenius chemical kinetics. Specifically, non-slip and free-slip surfaces are compared for the blockage ratio, α, and the spacing between the obstacles, ΔZ, in the ranges 1/3 ≤ α ≤ 2/3 and 0.25 ≤ ΔZ/R ≤ 2.0, respectively. For these parameters, an impact of surface friction on flame acceleration is shown to be minor, only 1∼4%, slightly facilitating acceleration in a tube with ΔZ/R = 0.5 and moderating acceleration in the case of ΔZ/R = 0.25. Given the fact that the physical boundary conditions are non-slip as far as the continuum assumption is valid, the present work thereby justifies the Bychkov model, employing the free-slip conditions, and makes its wider applicable to the practical reality. While this result can be anticipated and explained by a fact that flame propagation is mainly driven by its spreading in the unobstructed portion of an obstructed tube (i.e. far from the tube wall), the situation is, however, qualitatively different from that in the unobstructed tubes, where surface friction modifies the flame dynamics conceptually.
An extension of the fewest switches surface hopping algorithm to complex Hamiltonians and photophysics in magnetic fields: Berry curvature and “magnetic” forces
Authors: Miao Gaohan , Bellonzi Nicole , Subotnik Joseph
Published: March 2019

We present a preliminary extension of the fewest switches surface hopping (FSSH) algorithm to the case of complex Hamiltonians as appropriate for modeling the dynamics of photoexcited molecules in magnetic fields. We make ansätze for the direction of momentum rescaling, and we account for Berry’s phase effects through “magnetic” forces as applicable in the adiabatic limit. Because Berry’s phase is a nonlocal, topological characteristic of a set of entangled potential energy surfaces, we find that Tully’s local FSSH algorithm can only partially capture the correct physics.
Magnetomechanical sensing based on delta-E effect in Y3Fe5O12 micro bridge
Authors: Arisawa Hiroki , Daimon Shunsuke , Oikawa Yasuyuki , Seo Yong-Jun , Harii Kazuya , Oyanagi Koichi , Saitoh Eiji
Published: March 2019

We have investigated magnetic field effects on mechanical vibration of a magnetic microbridge made of ferrimagnetic insulator Y3Fe5O12 at room temperature. The mechanical resonance frequency of the bridge exhibits a steep change at the saturation magnetic field of the microbridge. The steep change was shown to originate from magnetoelastic coupling combined with shape magnetic anisotropy. The competition between shape magnetic anisotropy and the external magnetic field can drive a delta-E effect, the modulation of Young modulus via the magnetoelastic coupling, in a narrow field range, which results in the observed steep change in the mechanical property.
Controlled propulsion of wheel-shape flaky microswimmers under rotating magnetic fields
Authors: Gong De , Cai Jun , Celi Nuoer , Liu Chang , Zhang Wenqiang , Feng Lin , Zhang Deyuan
Published: March 2019

Effective propulsion of untethered micro-/nanorobots at low Reynolds numbers can offer possibilities for promising biomedical applications. Diverse locomotion modes have been proposed for propulsion at a small scale, and rolling is an alternative method which is significantly effective. Here, we demonstrate mass produced magnetic wheel-shape flaky microswimmers fabricated via a simple and cost-effective method. Locomotion behaviors under vertical rotating magnetic fields were studied, and the propulsion mechanisms were analyzed. They exhibited two modes to swim forward as tumbling and rolling, which relied on the actuating field and the fluid. The rolling microswimmers could be propelled and steered precisely and a high velocity can be easily reached. Forward velocity and transition frequency within diverse fields and fluids were analyzed, and side slip effects when rolling at a camber angle were also observed. Such microswimmers synthesized in bulk with alternative locomotion modes and excellent swimming performances may have potential in low Reynolds number fluids.
Multi-region relaxed magnetohydrodynamic stability of a current sheet
Authors: Loizu J. , Hudson S. R.
Published: March 2019

It is shown that the resistive magnetohydrodynamic stability of a slab force-free current sheet can be calculated using the variational principle of multi-region relaxed magnetohydrodynamics and that the corresponding stability boundary is in exact agreement with linear tearing mode theory.
Feeding Concentrates
Authors: Kellaway Roy , Harrington Tim
Published: March 2019

This book presents strategies for feeding energy and protein supplements to pasture-fed dairy cows and examines the potential economic benefits.
Effective supplementary feeding of concentrates is critical to the success of all dairy farms. This book is a substantially revised edition of 'Feeding Concentrates: Supplements for Dairy Cows' DRDC 1993. It focuses on feeding concentrates to pasture fed cows to achieve high milk production per cow per hectare, and will assist farmers to decide which supplements give the best results in their particular situation.
The benefits that arise from supplementary feeding include higher stocking rates, promotion of growth in heifers and young cows; better body condition score and increased lactation length when pasture is less available; improved pasture use; reduced cost per tonne of pasture eaten; flexibility to increase milk production when milk prices are high; and increased milk protein content when the energy content in pasture is low.
This edition has thoroughly reviewed the issues and clearly documents the results of research particularly for grains supplementation.
The summaries and recommendations in each chapter will be particularly helpful to dairy farmers in making best management decisions relating to concentrate feeding.
The Impact of Medicaid Expansion on Postpartum Health Care Utilization among Pregnant Women with Opioid use Disorder
Authors: Patton Briana P. , Krans Elizabeth E. , Kim Joo Yeon , Jarlenski Marian
Published: March 2019

Background

Opioid use disorder (OUD) during pregnancy has increased dramatically over the past decade, as have associated adverse maternal health outcomes. Although Medicaid has long been the largest payer for deliveries in the United States, states’ decisions to expand Medicaid eligibility to low-income adults has the potential to increase access to care for women in the postpartum period. This study aimed to determine the impact of the 2015 Pennsylvania Medicaid expansion on postpartum insurance coverage and preventive care utilization among pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD).

Methods

In 2017, we conducted a retrospective cohort study using 2013–2015 administrative Medicaid data provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. We identified 1562 women with opioid use disorder who had a live birth delivery in a pre-Medicaid expansion or post-expansion study period. We compared length of continuous enrollment in Medicaid following delivery, postpartum visit attendance, and contraception initiation between groups.

Results

More women in the post-expansion group remained enrolled in Medicaid at 300 days postpartum, relative to the pre-expansion group (87% vs. 81%). Medicaid expansion was not associated with differences in postpartum visit attendance or contraceptive use. However, women who remained enrolled in Medicaid for at least 300 days post delivery had an increased odds of postpartum visit attendance (odds ratio [OR]: 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04, 2.4).

Conclusion

The rate of continuous Medicaid enrollment among postpartum women with OUD was significantly higher after expansion, whereas rates of preventive care utilization were unaffected. Although improving insurance coverage for women with OUD is an important step to improve access to recommended preventive care, additional efforts are needed to ensure utilization of such care.
Effects of milling thickness on wire deposition accuracy of hybrid additive/subtractive manufacturing
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Zhang Yazhou , Gao Ming , Wang Fude , Li Quan , Zeng Xiaoyan
Published: March 2019

A hybrid technique integrating wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) and milling was studied using Al5Si aluminium alloy. The results showed both the surface roughness and the machining allowance of this hybrid additive/subtractive manufacturing were reduced in comparison with pure WAAM when the milling thickness was in the range of 0.4–1.2 mm. The accuracy improvement was discussed in terms of the melt flow. It was found that after the surface was milled to a plane, the melt flow changed from the downward along camber surface to the outward and backflow on the plane. This change slowed down the velocity of melt flow, and then reduces the fluctuation of the side profile of deposited thin wall.
CCL22 controls immunity by promoting regulatory T cell communication with dendritic cells in lymph nodes
Authors: Rapp Moritz , Wintergerst Maximilian W.M. , Kunz Wolfgang G. , Vetter Viola K. , Knott Max M.L. , Lisowski Dominik , Haubner Sascha , Moder Stefan , Thaler Raffael , Eiber Stephan , Meyer Bastian , Röhrle Natascha , Piseddu Ignazio , Grassmann Simon , Layritz Patrick , Kühnemuth Benjamin , Stutte Susanne , Bourquin Carole , von Andrian Ulrich H. , Endres Stefan , Anz David
Published: March 2019

Chemokines have crucial roles in organ development and orchestration of leukocyte migration. The chemokine CCL22 is expressed constitutively at high levels in the lymph node, but the functional significance of this expression is so far unknown. Studying a newly established CCL22-deficient mouse, we demonstrate that CCL22 expression by dendritic cells (DCs) promotes the formation of cell–cell contacts and interaction with regulatory T cells (T reg) through their CCR4 receptor. Vaccination of CCL22-deficient mice led to excessive T cell responses that were also observed when wild-type mice were vaccinated using CCL22-deficient DCs. Tumor-bearing mice with CCL22 deficiency showed prolonged survival upon vaccination, and further, CCL22-deficient mice had increased susceptibility to inflammatory disease. In conclusion, we identify the CCL22–CCR4 axis as an immune checkpoint that is crucial for the control of T cell immunity.
Helium flux effects on bubble growth and surface morphology in plasma-facing tungsten from large-scale molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Hammond Karl D. , Naeger Ian V. , Widanagamaachchi Wathsala , Lo Li-Ta , Maroudas Dimitrios , Wirth Brian D.
Published: March 2019

We investigate helium flux effects on helium transport and surface evolution in plasma-facing tungsten using molecular dynamics. The simulations span two orders of magnitude, from ITER-relevant levels to those more typical of simulations published to date. Simulation times of up to 2.5 µs (corresponding to actual fluences of

m−2) are achieved, revealing concerted bubble-bursting events that are responsible for significant and very sudden changes in surface morphology. The depth distribution of helium depends very strongly on helium flux: helium self-trapping becomes more probable near the surface at high flux, and a layer of near-surface bubbles forms. Helium retention prior to the onset of bubble bursting is also substantially lower at low flux than it is at high flux. Surface features at low fluence are correlated with the positions of bubbles, but at high fluence, bubbles tend to coalesce, venting to the surface at one or more locations and leaving large interconnected cavities below the surface. Ruptured bubbles may serve as pathways deeper into the material, allowing helium to bypass the layer of near-surface bubbles and fill deeper, potentially much larger, bubbles that can produce more substantial surface features. Deeper bubbles also emit prismatic dislocation loops that can fill in cavities closer to the surface. Our results suggest that nearly all molecular dynamics simulations published to date are hampered by finite-size effects, and that helium flux is a very important parameter in determining the behavior of helium in plasma-facing components.
Co-occurring Notonecta (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Notonectidae) Species Differ in Their Behavioral Response to Cues of Belostoma (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Belostomatidae) Predation Risk
Authors: Ferzoco Ilia Maria C , Baines Celina B , McCauley Shannon J
Published: March 2019

Predators affect prey through direct consumption as well as by inducing prey to defensively alter their phenotypes, including behavioral phenotypes, to maximize survival under predation risk. Closely related sympatric prey species with shared natural enemies may resolve behavioral trade-offs under predation risk differently. In a laboratory experiment, we investigated two co-occurring semiaquatic backswimmer congeners, which exhibit differences in their degree of habitat specialization across a gradient of habitat permanence. Notonecta irrorata Uhler primarily occur in ephemeral ponds, whereas Notonecta undulata Say are habitat generalists that are commonly found in both permanent and ephemeral ponds. We tested whether the two species differed in antipredator responses to both visual and chemical cues of a shared predator, the giant water bug, in a fully factorial design. The generalist species, N. undulata, exhibited reductions in activity in the presence of predator chemical cues only, whereas the specialist species, N. irrorata, remained consistently active across predator cue treatments. Our work shows that there are species-specific differences in how prey assess or respond to predation risk. The varying propensities of these backswimmer congeners to behaviorally respond to a shared predator, and differences in their behavior when exposed to different predation risk cues may be linked to underlying divergence in their life-history strategies.
Long-term effect of community-based continence promotion on urinary symptoms, falls and healthy active life expectancy among older women: cluster randomised trial
Authors: Tannenbaum Cara , Fritel Xavier , Halme Alex , van den Heuvel Eleanor , Jutai Jeffrey , Wagg Adrian
Published: March 2019

Background

The long-term effectiveness of group continence promotion delivered via community organisations on female urinary incontinence, falls and healthy life expectancy remains unknown.

Methods

A pragmatic cluster randomised trial was conducted among 909 women aged 65–98 years with urinary incontinence, recruited from 377 community organisations in the UK, Canada and France. A total of 184 organisations were randomised to an in-person 60-min incontinence self-management workshop (461 participants), and 193 to a control healthy ageing workshop (448 participants). The primary outcome was self-reported incontinence improvement at 1-year. Falls and gains in health utility were secondary outcomes.

Results

A total 751 women, mean age 78.0, age range 65–98 completed the trial (83%). At 1-year, 15% of the intervention group versus 6.9% of controls reported significant improvements in urinary symptoms, (difference 8.1%, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 4.0–12.1%, intracluster correlation 0.04, number-needed-to-treat 13) and 35% versus 19% reported any improvement (risk difference 16.0%, 95% CI 10.4–21.5, number-needed-to-treat 6). The proportion of fallers decreased from 42% to 36% in the intervention group (−8.0%, 95% CI −14.8 – −1.0) and from 44% to 34% in the control group (−10.3%, 95% CI −17.4 – −3.6), no difference between groups. Both intervention and control groups experienced a gain in health utility (0.022 points (95% CI 0.005–0.04) versus 0.035 (95% CI 0.017–0.052), respectively), with no significant difference between groups.

Conclusion

Community-based group continence promotion achieves long-term benefits on older women’s urinary symptoms, without improvement in falls or healthy life expectancy compared with participation in a healthy ageing workshop.
Mantle Cell Lymphoma With Mantle Zone Growth Pattern
Authors: Yuan Ji , Li Shaoying , Liu Xin , Su Ruijun Jeanna , Chen Mingyi , Wu Xiaojun , Zheng Gang , Smith Lynette M , Wang Lifu , Li Yanxia , Liu Cynthia , Zhou Jiehao , Shen Qi , Zhang Linsheng , Wang Endi , Xu Mina L , Pan Zenggang
Published: March 2019

Objectives

To characterize the clinical and pathologic features of mantle cell lymphoma with mantle zone growth pattern (MCL-MZGP).

Methods

The clinicopathologic data from 35 cases of MCL-MZGP obtained in 12 centers were analyzed.

Results

The patients with MCL-MZGP typically sought treatment at high clinical stages (81%). Intriguingly, 40% (14/35) of cases were incidentally noted. The lymph nodes with MCL-MZGP showed preserved architecture and expanded mantles containing lymphoma cells with classic or small cell cytology. MCL-MZGP was positive for BCL2 (96%, bright), CD5 (82%, moderate), cyclin D1 (100%), and SOX11 (89%). Clinically, our study revealed no significant difference in the overall survival between patients managed with observation alone and those who received chemotherapy.

Conclusions

MCL-MZGP was often incidentally identified and resembled reactive mantles. Therefore, recognition of this unusual morphology emphasizes the utility of cyclin D1 immunostain in the cases with suspicious morphology. However, the clinical significance of these findings is still unclear.
Lack of Association Between Serotonin Transporter Gene (SLC6A4) Promoter Methylation and Amygdala Response During Negative Emotion Processing in Individuals With Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Muench Christine , Luo Audrey , Charlet Katrin , Lee Jisoo , Rosoff Daniel B , Sun Hui , Fede Samantha J , Jung Jeesun , Momenan Reza , Lohoff Falk W
Published: March 2019

Aims

Differences in DNA methylation of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) have been shown to alter SLC6A4 expression and predict brain functions in healthy individuals. This study investigated the association between SLC6A4 promoter methylation and threat-related amygdala activation in individuals with alcohol dependence (AD).

Methods

Methylation of the SLC6A4 promoter region was assessed using peripheral blood DNA from 45 individuals with AD and 45 healthy controls (HCs). All participants completed an emotional face matching task in a 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner.

Results

Results did not reveal any association between SLC6A4 promoter methylation variation and threat-related amygdala activation in HCs or individuals with AD. Furthermore, methylation in the promoter region of SLC6A4 did not significantly differ between the groups.

Conclusions

Our results do not replicate a previous finding that increased methylation in the promoter region of SLC6A4 is associated with threat-related amygdala activation in healthy individuals and further show that there is no such association in individuals with AD. Given that the number of imaging epigenetics studies on SLC6A4 is very limited to date, these inconsistent results indicate that future research is needed to clarify its association with amygdala reactivity in both healthy and clinical populations.
“We Gotta Get Out of this Place”: Literary Criticism in the Academic Workplace
Authors: Cassuto Leonard
Published: March 2019

Winfried Fluck’s critique of the work of Rita Felski and Caroline Levine argues that the new formalism of these critics does not escape the Foucauldian regime that they seek to surpass. Following from Fluck’s observation, I argue that we should view the practice of literary criticism within the straitened academic workplace within which it is produced—and that this is a context we ignore at our own peril. The longstanding employment problems in academia contribute to the patterns that Felski and Levine identify—and in fact may cause them.
Social experiences shape behavioral individuality and within-individual stability
Authors: Jäger Heidi Y , Han Chang S , Dingemanse Niels J
Published: March 2019

Individual repeatability characterizes many behaviors. Repeatable behavior may result from repeated social interactions among familiar group members, owing to adaptive social niche specialization. In the context of aggression, in species like field crickets, social niche specialization should also occur when individuals repeatedly interact with unfamiliar individuals. This would require the outcome of social interactions to have carry-over effects on fighting ability and aggressiveness in subsequent interactions, leading to long-term among-individual differentiation. To test this hypothesis, we randomly assigned freshly emerged adult males of the southern field cricket Gryllus bimaculatus to either a solitary or social treatment. In social treatment, males interacted with a same-sex partner but experienced a new partner every 3 days. After 3 weeks of treatment, we repeatedly subjected treated males to dyadic interactions to measure aggression. During this time, we also continuously measured the 3-daily rate of carbohydrate and protein consumption. Individual differentiation was considerably higher among males reared in the social versus solitary environment for aggressiveness but not for nutrient intake. Simultaneously, social experience led to lower within-individual stability (i.e., increased within-individual variance) in carbohydrate intake. Past social experiences, thus, shaped both behavioral individuality and stability. While previous research has emphasized behavioral individuality resulting from repeated interactions among familiar individuals, our study implies that behavioral individuality, in the context of aggression, may generally result from social interactions, whether with familiar or unfamiliar individuals. Our findings thus imply that social interactions may have a stronger effect on individual differentiation than previously appreciated.
Simultaneous Quantitation of Five Bioactive Ingredients in Raw and Processed Fallopia multiflora by Employing UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS
Authors: Tao Yi , Zhou Xiaoping , Li Weidong , Cai Baochang
Published: March 2019

Fallopia multiflora is used for treatment of premature graying hair and blood deficiency. In this study, a quantitative method was developed for determination of five bioactive components (emodin, 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxy-stilbene- 2-Ο-β-d-glucoside, emodin-8-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, ω-hydroxyemodin and kaempferol) in raw and processed F. multiflora by using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based method. The sample handling procedure was optimized. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a Thermo Syncronis AQ-C18 UHPLC column with mobile phase consisting of 0.01% aqueous formic acid and acetonitrile. The method was interrogated in terms of linearity, precision, stability and recovery tests. All calibration curves displayed good linearity (R2 > 0.9992). The limit of detection and limit of quantification of these components ranged from 0.01 to 0.03 μg/mL and from 0.03 to 0.07 μg/mL, respectively. The average recoveries of these components were from 98.2 to 102.9% with relative standard deviation values from 0.8 to 2.9% for F. multiflora. The developed method can be applied to quality control of raw and processed F. multiflora.
Impact of a decreasing pre-test probability on the performance of diagnostic tests for coronary artery disease
Authors: Juarez-Orozco Luis Eduardo , Saraste Antti , Capodanno Davide , Prescott Eva , Ballo Haitham , Bax Jeroen J , Wijns William , Knuuti Juhani
Published: March 2019

Aims

To provide a pooled estimation of contemporary pre-test probabilities (PTPs) of significant coronary artery disease (CAD) across clinical patient categories, re-evaluate the utility of the application of diagnostic techniques according to such estimates, and propose a comprehensive diagnostic technique selection tool for suspected CAD.

Methods and results

Estimates of significant CAD prevalence across sex, age, and type of chest pain categories from three large-scale studies were pooled (n = 15 815). The updated PTPs and diagnostic performance profiles of exercise electrocardiogram, invasive coronary angiography, coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), positron emission tomography (PET), stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and SPECT were integrated to define the PTP ranges in which ruling-out CAD is possible with a post-test probability of <10% and <5%. These ranges were then integrated in a new colour-coded tabular diagnostic technique selection tool. The Bayesian relationship between PTP and the rate of diagnostic false positives was explored to complement the characterization of their utility. Pooled CAD prevalence was 14.9% (range = 1–52), clearly lower than that used in current clinical guidelines. Ruling-out capabilities of non-invasive imaging were good overall. The greatest ruling-out capacity (i.e. post-test probability <5%) was documented by CCTA, PET, and stress CMR. With decreasing PTP, the fraction of false positive findings rapidly increased, although a lower CAD prevalence partially cancels out such effect.

Conclusion

The contemporary PTP of significant CAD across symptomatic patient categories is substantially lower than currently assumed. With a low prevalence of the disease, non-invasive testing can rarely rule-in the disease and focus should shift to ruling-out obstructive CAD. The large proportion of false positive findings must be taken into account when patients with low PTP are investigated.
Novel functions of macrophages in the heart: insights into electrical conduction, stress, and diastolic dysfunction
Authors: Leuschner Florian , Nahrendorf Matthias
Published: March 2019

Over a century ago, Élie Metchnikoff described the macrophages’ ability to phagocytose. Propelled by advances in technology enabling phenotypic and functional analyses at unpreceded resolution, a recent renaissance in macrophage research has shed new light on these ‘big eaters’. We here give an overview of cardiac macrophages’ provenance in the contexts of cardiac homeostasis and stress. We highlight the recently identified mechanism by which these cells regulate electrical conduction in the atrioventricular node and discuss why we need a deeper understanding of monocytes and macrophages in systolic and diastolic dysfunctions.
Statistical modelling for exploring diel vertical movements and spatial correlations of marine fish species: a supplementary tool to assess species interactions
Authors: Guan Lisha , Jin Xianshi , Wu Qiang , Shan Xiujuan
Published: March 2019

Species interactions are important for explaining community dynamics and population trends, but very time- and effort-consuming to assess. Although diel vertical movements (DVM) and spatial correlations for various fish species have been explored to assess species interactions in aquatic communities, there is lack of cost-efficient approaches to studying both aspects concurrently. In this study, we proposed a single-species spatio-temporal model to quantify diel variations in the probabilities of a non-empty catch (p) and catch rates given that the catch is non-empty (λ). The model is applied to investigate patterns in DVM of nine dominant fish and shrimp species in the Yellow Sea (YS) using bottom trawl survey data. Subsequently, we utilized the spatio-temporal models built for the nine species to hindcast the spatial distributions of p and λ by year and species, which were further used to calculate between-species spatial correlation coefficients (corspatial). Results showed the nine species exhibited three different patterns of diel variation in p or λ, indicating they utilize the water column swept by the bottom trawls at different times of a day. Moreover, for the nine species in the YS those with limited interactions generally have negative corspatial or positive corspatial < 0.2 in λ, and others linked by strong predator–prey relationships or major food overlaps have corspatial ≥ 0.46 in λ. The strength of the positive spatial correlations in λ of different fishes shows some correspondence with the intensity of predation and competition between species and may be a supplementary tool to assess species interactions.
Elucidation of causal direction between asthma and obesity: a bi-directional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xu Shujing , Gilliland Frank D , Conti David V
Published: March 2019

Background

Observational associations between asthma and obesity are well established, but inferring causality is challenging. We leveraged publicly available summary statistics to ascertain the causal direction between asthma and obesity via Mendelian randomization in European-ancestry adults.

Methods

We performed two-sample bi-directional Mendelian randomization analysis using publicly available genome-wide association studies summary statistics. Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with asthma and body mass index at genome-wide significance were combined using a fixed effect meta-analysis in each direction. An extensive sensitivity analysis was considered.

Results

There was evidence in support of increasing causal effect of body mass index on risk of asthma (odds ratio 1.18 per unit increase, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.11, 1.25), P = 2 × 10−8. No significant causal effect of asthma on adult body mass index was observed [estimate −0.004, 95% CI (−0.018, 0.009), P = 0.553].

Conclusions

Our results confirmed that in European-ancestry populations, adult body mass index is likely to be causally linked to the risk of asthma; yet the effect of asthma on body mass index is small, if present at all.
Avibactam Sensitizes Carbapenem-Resistant NDM-1–Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae to Innate Immune Clearance
Authors: Ulloa Erlinda R , Dillon Nicholas , Tsunemoto Hannah , Pogliano Joe , Sakoulas George , Nizet Victor
Published: March 2019

Infections caused by New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)–producing strains of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae are a global public health threat lacking reliable therapies. NDM is impervious to all existing β-lactamase inhibitor (BLI) drugs, including the non–β-lactam BLI avibactam (AVI). Though lacking direct activity against NDMs, AVI can interact with penicillin-binding protein 2 in a manner that may influence cell wall dynamics. We found that exposure of NDM-1–producing K. pneumoniae to AVI led to striking bactericidal interactions with human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide LL-37, a frontline component of host innate immunity. Moreover, AVI markedly sensitized NDM-1–producing K. pneumoniae to killing by freshly isolated human neutrophils, platelets, and serum when complement was active. Finally, AVI monotherapy reduced lung counts of NDM-1–producing K. pneumoniae in a murine pulmonary challenge model. AVI sensitizes NDM-1–producing K. pneumoniae to innate immune clearance in ways that are not appreciated by standard antibiotic testing and that merit further study.
Superior gluteal vein syndrome: an intrapelvic cause of sciatica
Authors: Lemos Nucelio , Cancelliere Laura , Li Adrienne L K , Moretti Marques Renato , Fernandes Gustavo L , Sermer Corey , Kumar Kinshuk , Sebastião Afonso Jose , Girão Manoel J B C
Published: March 2019

The role of malformed or dilated branches of iliac vessels in causing pelvic pain is not well understood. Such vessels may entrap nerves of the lumbosacral (LS) plexus against the pelvic sidewalls, producing symptoms not typically encountered in gynecological practice, including sciatica and refractory urinary and/or anorectal dysfunction. We describe cases of sciatica in which laparoscopy revealed compression of the LS plexus by variant superior gluteal veins (SGVs). In demonstrating an improvement in patient symptoms after decompression, we identify this neurovascular conflict as a potential intrapelvic cause of sciatica. This study is a retrospective case series (Canadian Task Force Classification II-3). Nerve decompression laparoscopies were performed in São Paulo, Brazil. Thirteen female patients undergoing laparoscopy for sciatica with no clear spinal or musculoskeletal causes were included in this study. In all cases, we identified LS entrapment by aberrant SGVs, and performed decompression by vessel ligation. The average preoperative visual analog scale score of 9.62 ± 0.77 decreased significantly to 2.54 ± 2.88 post-operatively (P < 0.001). The success rate (defined as ≥ 50% improvement in visual analog scale score) was 92.3%, over a follow-up of 13.2 ± 10.6 months. Our case series demonstrates a high success rate and significant decrease in pain scores after laparoscopic intrapelvic decompression, thereby identifying pelvic nerve entrapment by aberrant SGVs as a potential yet previously unrecognized cause of sciatica. This intrapelvic neurovascular conflict—the SGV syndrome—should be considered in cases of sciatica with no identifiable spinal or musculoskeletal etiology.
The Crimes Against Humanity Convention, (Overlooked) African Lessons, and the Delicate Dance of Immunity
Authors: Plessis Max du
Published: March 2019

In a foreword to a special issue of this Journal on the proposed Crimes Against Humanity Convention (CAHC), important questions were raised, including whether such a convention is truly needed, whether such a convention is politically feasible and whether any provisions in the draft articles should be modified. In this piece, the author considers the questions raised, and poses answers from an African and realist perspective, having litigated some of the international criminal justice cases before South African courts. The author contends that the drafters of the Convention would do well to take meaningful account of the domestication of international criminal justice, and the lessons to be learned from national systems that have found themselves at the forefront of the very debates that have animated the drafters of the CAHC, and the Rome Statute before it. If those lessons are to be taken seriously — including the lessons generated by African states and their courts — then the draft Convention might well be improved and some of its most animating provisions sharpened.
Sunyaev–Zel’dovich profile fitting with joint AMI-Planck analysis
Authors: Perrott Yvette C , Javid Kamran , Carvalho Pedro , Elwood Patrick J , Hobson Michael P , Lasenby Anthony N , Olamaie Malak , Saunders Richard D E
Published: March 2019

We develop a Bayesian method of analysing Sunyaev–Zel’dovich measurements of galaxy clusters obtained from the Arcminute Microkelvin Imager (AMI) radio interferometer system and from the Planck satellite, using a joint likelihood function for the data from both instruments. Our method is applicable to any combination of Planck data with interferometric data from one or more arrays. We apply the analysis to simulated clusters and find that when the cluster pressure profile is known a priori, the joint data set provides precise and accurate constraints on the cluster parameters, removing the need for external information to reduce the parameter degeneracy. When the pressure profile deviates from that assumed for the fit, the constraints become biased. Allowing the pressure profile shape parameters to vary in the analysis allows an unbiased recovery of the integrated cluster signal and produces constraints on some shape parameters, depending on the angular size of the cluster. When applied to real data from Planck-detected cluster PSZ2 G063.80+11.42, our method resolves the discrepancy between the AMI and Planck Y-estimates and usefully constrains the gas pressure profile shape parameters at intermediate and large radii.
The MASSIVE survey – XI. What drives the molecular gas properties of early-type galaxies
Authors: Davis Timothy A , Greene Jenny E , Ma Chung-Pei , Blakeslee John P , Dawson James M , Pandya Viraj , Veale Melanie , Zabel Nikki
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we study the molecular gas content of a representative sample of 67 of the most massive early-type galaxies (ETGs) in the local universe, drawn uniformly from the MASSIVE survey. We present new Institut de Radioastronomie Millimétrique (IRAM) 30-m telescope observations of 30 of these galaxies, allowing us to probe the molecular gas content of the entire sample to a fixed molecular-to-stellar mass fraction of 0.1 per cent. The total detection rate in this representative sample is 25$^{+5.9}_{-4.4}$ per cent, and by combining the MASSIVE and atlas3D molecular gas surveys, we find a joint detection rate of 22.4$^{+2.4}_{-2.1}$ per cent. This detection rate seems to be independent of galaxy mass, size, position on the Fundamental Plane, and local environment. We show here for the first time that true slow rotators can host molecular gas reservoirs, but the rate at which they do so is significantly lower than for fast rotators. Objects with a higher velocity dispersion at fixed mass (a higher kinematic bulge fraction) are less likely to have detectable molecular gas, and where gas does exist, have lower molecular gas fractions. In addition, satellite galaxies in dense environments have ≈0.6 dex lower molecular gas-to-stellar mass ratios than isolated objects. In order to interpret these results, we created a toy model, which we use to constrain the origin of the gas in these systems. We are able to derive an independent estimate of the gas-rich merger rate in the low-redshift universe. These gas-rich mergers appear to dominate the supply of gas to ETGs, but stellar mass loss, hot halo cooling, and transformation of spiral galaxies also play a secondary role.
OrganellarGenomeDRAW (OGDRAW) version 1.3.1: expanded toolkit for the graphical visualization of organellar genomes
Authors: Greiner Stephan , Lehwark Pascal , Bock Ralph
Published: March 2019

Organellar (plastid and mitochondrial) genomes play an important role in resolving phylogenetic relationships, and next-generation sequencing technologies have led to a burst in their availability. The ongoing massive sequencing efforts require software tools for routine assembly and annotation of organellar genomes as well as their display as physical maps. OrganellarGenomeDRAW (OGDRAW) has become the standard tool to draw graphical maps of plastid and mitochondrial genomes. Here, we present a new version of OGDRAW equipped with a new front end. Besides several new features, OGDRAW now has access to a local copy of the organelle genome database of the NCBI RefSeq project. Together with batch processing of (multi-)GenBank files, this enables the user to easily visualize large sets of organellar genomes spanning entire taxonomic clades. The new OGDRAW server can be accessed at https://chlorobox.mpimp-golm.mpg.de/OGDraw.html.
Interactive Tree Of Life (iTOL) v4: recent updates and new developments
Authors: Letunic Ivica , Bork Peer
Published: March 2019

The Interactive Tree Of Life (https://itol.embl.de) is an online tool for the display, manipulation and annotation of phylogenetic and other trees. It is freely available and open to everyone. The current version introduces four new dataset types, together with numerous new features. Annotation options have been expanded and new control options added for many display elements. An interactive spreadsheet-like editor has been implemented, providing dataset creation and editing directly in the web interface. Font support has been rewritten with full support for UTF-8 character encoding throughout the user interface. Google Web Fonts are now fully supported in the tree text labels. iTOL v4 is the first tool which supports direct visualization of Qiime 2 trees and associated annotations. The user account system has been streamlined and expanded with new navigation options, and currently handles >700 000 trees from more than 40 000 individual users. Full batch access has been implemented allowing programmatic upload and export of trees and annotations.
The association between renal resistive index and premature mortality after kidney transplantation is modified by pre-transplant diabetes status: a cohort study
Authors: de Freminville Jean-Baptiste , Vernier Louis-Marie , Roumy Jérome , Patat Frédéric , Gatault Philippe , Sautenet Bénédicte , Bailly Elodie , Chevallier Eloi , Barbet Christelle , Longuet Hélène , Merieau Elodie , Baron Christophe , Buchler Matthias , Halimi Jean-Michel
Published: March 2019

Background

Renal resistive index (RI) predicts mortality in renal transplant recipients, but we do not know whether this is true in diabetic patients. The objective of this study was to analyse the long-term predictive value of RI for death with a functioning graft (DWFG) in renal transplant recipients with or without pre-transplant diabetes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study in 1800 renal transplant recipients between 1985 and 2017 who were followed for up to 30 years (total observation period: 14 202 patient years). Donor and recipient characteristics at time of transplantation and at 3 months were reviewed. The long-term predictive value of RI for DWFG and the age–RI and arterial pressure–RI relationships were assessed.

Results

A total of 284/1800 (15.7%) patients had diabetes mellitus before transplantation. RI was <0.75 in 1327/1800 patients (73.7%). High RI was associated with a higher risk of DWFG in non-diabetic patients [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.39, 95% confidence interval 2.50–4.61; P < 0.001], but not in patients with pre-transplant diabetes (HR = 1.25, 0.70–2.19; P = 0.39), even after multiple adjustments. There was no interaction between diabetes and age. In contrast, there was an interaction between RI and pulse pressure.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that RI is not a predictor of DWFG in diabetic renal transplant recipients, in contrast to non-diabetic recipients. These findings could be due to a different age–RI or pulse pressure–RI relationship.
Ground-based Paα narrow-band imaging of local luminous infrared galaxies. II. Bulge structure and star formation activity
Authors: Tateuchi Ken , Motohara Kentaro , Konishi Masahiro , Takahashi Hidenori , Kitagawa Yutaro , Kato Natsuko , Todo Soya , Komugi Shinya , Ohsawa Ryou , Doi Mamoru , Yoshii Yuzuru
Published: March 2019

We present properties of two types of bulges (classical and pseudobulges) in 20 luminous infrared galaxies observed in the near infrared of the H, Ks, and 1.91$\mu$m narrow-band targeting of the hydrogen Paα emission line by the University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory 1 m telescope. To classify the two types of bulges, we first perform a two-dimensional bulge–disk decomposition analysis in the Ks-band images. The result shows a tentative bimodal distribution of Sérsic indices with a separation at log (nb) ≈ 0.5, which is consistent with that of classical and normal galaxies. We next measure the extents of the distributions of star-forming regions in Paα emission line images, normalized by the size of the bulges, and find that they decrease with increasing Sérsic indices. These results suggest that star-forming galaxies with classical bulges have compact star-forming regions concentrated within the bulges, while those with pseudobulges have extended star-forming regions beyond the bulges, suggesting that there are different formation scenarios at work in classical and pseudobulges.