bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PD-1/PD-L Pathway Potentially Involved in ITP Immunopathogenesis
Authors: Nie Mu , Liu Yang , Li Xiu-xiu , Min Ya-nan , Yang Dan-dan , Li Qiang , Feng Qi , Hou Yu , Li Guo-sheng , Sun Jian-zhi , Hou Ming , Shi Yan
Published: February 2019

The binding of programmed death 1 (PD-1) to its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 on antigen-presenting cells turns off autoreactive T cells and induces peripheral tolerance. Aberrant PD-1/PD-L signalling could result in a breakdown of peripheral tolerance and lead to autoimmune diseases. In this study, we detected PD-1 and PD-L expression on T cells and dendritic cells (DCs) in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) patients with active disease by flow cytometry. The effects of PD-L1-Fc fusion protein (PD-L1-Fc) on T cells and on secretion of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) were detected by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Compared with healthy controls, PD-1 expression was significantly increased in CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells from patients with active ITP. However, PD-L1 expression on monocyte-derived DCs was lower in patients with active ITP than in healthy controls. In vitro assays revealed that PD-L1-Fc increased T cell apoptosis, inhibited activation and proliferation of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells and decreased IFN-γ and IL-2 secretion in patients with active ITP. These results suggest that the aberrant PD-1/PD-L negative co-stimulatory pathway may play a role in ITP. Enhancing PD-1/PD-L signalling might be a promising therapeutic approach for ITP patients by enhancing T cell apoptosis, inhibiting T cell activation and proliferation and reducing secretion of inflammatory factors.
Primary Total knee Arthroplasty: A Viable Surgical Option for Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures in Elderly
Authors: Abdelbadie Ahmed , El-Hennawy Ayman , Sallam Asser
Published: February 2019

The optimal treatment of complex tibial plateau fractures in elderly is still controversial. The aim of the study was to retrospectively analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes of primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) versus open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in elderly patients presenting with acute complex tibial plateau fractures. Between June 2011 and December 2015, we have analyzed the clinical outcomes of 22 primary total knee replacements and 21 ORIFs. The mean follow-up was 27 months. The intra- and postoperative complications, as well as the knee society score (KSS), were our outcome measures. The knee range of motion and the KSS knee and function scores were significantly better in the TKA patients compared with ORIF patients. Early postoperative full weight-bearing was allowed in the TKA patients with lower complications rate. In conclusion, primary TKA utilizing a stemmed tibial component is an effective treatment option for elderly patients with a complex acute fracture of the tibial plateau. This is a Type III therapeutic study.
Resurfaced versus Non-Resurfaced Patella in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Allen William , Eichinger Josef , Friedman Richard
Published: February 2019

The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis is increasing, as is the projected use of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to treat severe cases that fail to respond to conservative measures. Implant designs are either cruciate retaining or posterior stabilized, and while both have high success rates, management of the patella still remains a controversial topic. Although studies indicate that resurfacing the patella provides no significant clinical differences compared with non-resurfacing techniques, surgeons continue to resurface the patella during TKA. Rates of patella resurfacing continue to be as high as 90% in the United States, while European countries tend to favor non-resurfacing techniques. The purpose of this article is to discuss relevant research on patella resurfacing during TKA, to compare the results, and give evidence-based recommendations on how it should be approached going forward.
Sliding-friction-dependent stress at the graphene/LiNbO3 interface around the critical temperature of the stress-free state
Authors: Sun Yong , Kirimoto Kenta , Kamada Hiroyuki , Onishi Koichi , Etoh Daichi , Yoshimura Shohei , Kanemitsu Shigeru
Published: February 2019

The graphene/LiNbO3 structure exists in an interfacial stress-free state at the temperature at which the graphene was transferred onto the LiNbO3 substrate surface. Coupling of a surface acoustic wave with this structure revealed drastic changes in the properties of the propagating elastic wave around the critical temperature of the stress-free state. Three states, namely, tensile stress, stress-free, and compressive stress, were successively observed at the surface of the LiNbO3 substrate as the temperature was increased through the critical point. The interfacial stress increased prior to the occurrence of sliding friction and approached a constant value when the frictional force exceeded the van der Waals interaction between the graphene and LiNbO3. Consequently, the interfacial stress exhibited a step-like temperature dependence around the critical temperature of the stress-free state. The results obtained in this study indicate that the temperature used to prepare graphene layers on a substrate is a crucial parameter owing to the instability of the electrical and mechanical properties of the graphene/substrate in the vicinity of this temperature. Therefore, in the fabrication of graphene-based electronic devices, room temperature should be avoided during the preparation of the graphene layers on the substrate.
Inter-modal Raman amplification of OAM fiber modes
Authors: Rottwitt Karsten , Koefoed Jacob Gade , Ingerslev Kasper , Kristensen Poul
Published: February 2019

Raman scattering among conventional linearly polarized (LP) modes in single mode optical fibers is generally accepted as a promising way to achieve distributed amplification due to the fact that Raman amplification may provide gain at any wavelength, determined by the used pump wavelength, and excellent noise performance. Here, we show that Raman scattering among orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes in optical fibers have similar properties. We show theoretically that the Raman gain among OAM modes is independent on the topological charge of the OAM modes and that the gain efficiency when the pump and signal are parallel (orthogonally) polarized is similar to the Raman scattering among LP modes in parallel (orthogonal) states of polarization. In addition, we experimentally characterize Raman gain among OAM modes in a fiber supporting multiple OAM modes for both the pump and signal. Finally, we discuss the impact of polarization mode dispersion.
Ab-initio study of the optical properties of beryllium-sulphur co-doped graphene
Authors: Olaniyan O. , Igumbor E. , Khaleed A. A. , Mirghni A. A. , Manyala N.
Published: February 2019

Graphene is a carbon material with excellent properties, which makes it applicable in a myriad of applications. However, the range of the applications of graphene can be extended to the developing field of nanoelectronics and optoelectronics by doping it with heteroatoms. In this study, Be and S atoms were used to co-dope graphene. The impurity concentration was varied by increasing the size of the supercell from 2x2 through 4x4. First-principles calculations were performed to determine the dynamic stability, band structure, and optical characteristics of the system. The results of the phonon dispersion of beryllium and sulphur co-doped graphene (Be-S) show the absence of imaginary modes, suggesting that Be-S is dynamically stable. The analysis of the band structure indicates that it has a tunable indirect band-gap which increases with the impurity concentration. A band-gap magnitude is required in a graphene-based transistor. Thus, Be-S could be considered as a transistor material. As regards with the optical properties, it is observed that the optical transparency of the graphene in the ultraviolet region changes with the impurity concentration. The result shows that Be-S can be used to manipulate light waves for a device application.
Influence of a power supply model on simulated Hall thruster discharge voltage oscillations
Authors: Brieda Lubos , Koo Justin , Scharfe Michelle
Published: February 2019

Hall thrusters are spacecraft propulsion devices that generate and accelerate plasma to provide thrust. Despite the use of constant voltage supplies to power these devices, complex finite-rate and convective effects lead to significant discharge current oscillations in most operating modes. In this paper, we demonstrate the interaction of finite impedance in the electrical harness with fundamental oscillatory behavior of the thruster by implementing a self-consistent harness model in a physics-based Hall thruster code. Results confirm previous work that voltage ripple is directly proportional to the total impedance for the majority of reasonable harnesses lengths. However, for extremely long harness lengths, results indicate that nonlinear coupling eventually dominates to reduce the voltage ripple with increased impedance.
Microstructure and thermoelectric performance of n-type Co4Sb11.3Te0.5Se0.2 skutterudite synthesized via microwave heating
Authors: Lei Ying , Gao Wensheng , Zheng Rui , Li Yu , Chen Wen , Ma Leiqiang , Wan Rundong , Zhou Hongwei
Published: February 2019

The Te-/Se-doped n-type Co4Sb11.3Te0.5Se0.2 skutterudite thermoelectric bulk was successfully fabricated by the combination of microwave synthesis and spark plasma sintering technique. The microstructure and the electrical and thermal transport properties have been systematically investigated. The experimental results show that nearly single-phase skutterudites grow in merely 5 min microwave heating. The average matrix grain size of Co4Sb11.3Te0.5Se0.2 is ∼2 μm. The carrier concentration and mobility of Co4Sb11.3Te0.5Se0.2 are 1.943×1020 n/cm-3 and 23.17 cm2V-1s-1, respectively. The maximum Seebeck coefficient is -204 μVK-1. The lattice and total thermal conductivity from room temperature to 773K are 2.11∼3.32 and 2.88∼3.78 Wm-1K-1, respectively. The highest ZT of 0.59 of Co4Sb11.3Te0.5Se0.2 was achieved at 673 K. The present synthetic method is superior especially in term of the synthesis efficiency.
Detaching and moving of adhered particles with a photoacoustic micro-resonator
Authors: Li F. H. , Pei C. X. , Jiang L. , Jin S. Z.
Published: February 2019

In this work, a method of causing solid-phase adhered particles to detach and move via photoacoustic resonance was studied. A laser micro-resonator was designed for excitation of the photoacoustic resonance. Both simulation and experimental results showed that a sound field was formed due to transient photoacoustic interactions between the laser and the resonator. A fundamental resonance was found at 18.9 kHz when the laser harmonized with the Eigen-frequency of the resonator. For the 100 μJ/pulse laser energy, the maximum centrifugal acceleration of 3.6 × 105 m/s2 was acquired by the fundamental photoacoustic resonance. The micro-resonator performed competently for the detachment of adhered particles larger than 5 μm. Particle motion could be controlled with an acceleration or constant speed by manipulating the laser frequency and energy. This photoacoustic manipulation of microscopic objects may have applications in separation and fixation of cells, giant molecules, and dusts in lab-on-a-chip systems.
Electrostatic shock structures in magnetorotating relativistic plasmas with non-Maxwellian electrons
Authors: Khan Majid , Abbasi M. M. , Ahmad Ali , Masood W.
Published: February 2019

Linear and nonlinear properties of electrostatic waves on the ion time scale in a collisional rotating magnetoplasma with warm relativistically streaming ions and non-Maxwellian electrons have been investigated here. In the weak nonlinearity limit, we have derived Zakharov-Kuznetsov-Burgers equation to study the shock wave propagation in dissipative magneto-rotating plasmas with non-Maxwellian electrons. It has been found that ion acoustic shock waves with kappa distributed electrons admit only compressive shock structures, however, the ones with Cairns distributed electrons have been shown to allow for the formation of both compressive and rarefactive structures. This change in behavior has been found to be closely linked with the difference in the shapes of both distribution functions. The dependence of the characteristics of ion acoustic shock structures on rotation, obliqueness, relativistic streaming, kinematic viscosity and non-Maxwellian electrons has also been explored in detail. The relevance of the work with regard to planetary magnetospheres and pulsars has also been pointed out.
Thermal expansion effects on the one-dimensional liquid-solid phase transition in high temperature phase change materials
Authors: Santiago Acosta Rubén Darío , Otero José Antonio , Hernández Cooper Ernesto Manuel , Pérez-Álvarez Rolando
Published: February 2019

Heat transfer characteristics of phase change materials (PCMs), such as the absorbed sensible and latent heat, during melting of the solid phase at constant pressure are analyzed. A model is proposed, where thermal dilation is incorporated by applying total mass conservation to materials with temperature dependent densities. A different energy-mass balance equation at the interface is obtained and shown to be a consequence of the proposed general mass conservation. Several authors have found solutions to the melting or solidification process by considering temperature dependent thermodynamic variables. In these works; however, the densities in each phase are assumed to be equal and constant. Other authors have studied the effect of having phases with different densities, but neglect the contributions of thermal dilation. To the authors knowledge, the impact of temperature dependent densities on the dynamics of the phase transition, has not been addressed. In our work, the proposed energy-mass balance equation at the interface, couples the total mass of the liquid or solid phase, to the net heat flux variation by means of an integro-differential equation. The solution of this equation and the general mass conservation presents some challenges from the numerical point of view. Semi-analytical and numerical methods are used to solve the proposed model for two types of PCMs. The solutions obtained from the proposed model are compared with predictions from other models. Depending on the type of material, it is observed that thermal expansion effects can have a significant impact on the thermal energy stored during melting.
Large area subwavelength cavity antenna with planar metamaterials
Authors: Lu Guang , Wang Wei , Yan Fabao , Diao Chao , Zhou Xiachen , Wu Zhao , Liu Fen , Sun Yong , Du Guiqiang , Chen Yao
Published: February 2019

We present a kind of large area subwavelength cavity antenna with artificial permeability-negative metamaterials at GHz range. The antenna has the advantages of flatness, ultra-thin thickness, high gain and good directivity. The optimal receiving area of the antenna is mainly determined by the size of the radiation source. Its directivity and sidelobe cancellation mainly depend on the patterns of the patch array as the radiation source. It is found that the antenna with non-uniform distributed patch array as the radiation source has better performance than that with uniform distributed patch array patterns. Otherwise, this type of metamaterial antenna has nearly the same performance compared to that of parabolic antenna with equal radiation aperture, so it has potential applications to replace the traditional large aperture parabolic antenna.
The role of jasmonate signalling in quinolizidine alkaloid biosynthesis, wounding and aphid predation response in narrow-leafed lupin
Authors: Frick Karen M. , Foley Rhonda C. , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Singh Karam B. , Kamphuis Lars G.
Published: February 2019

Quinolizidine alkaloids (QAs) are toxic secondary metabolites produced in lupin species that protect the plant against insects. They form in vegetative tissues and accumulate to a different extent in the grains: high levels in ‘bitter’ narrow-leafed lupin (NLL) and low levels in ‘sweet’ NLL. Grain QA levels vary considerably, and sometimes exceed the industry limit for food and feed purposes. We hypothesised that jasmonates regulate QA biosynthesis in response to environmental stresses such as wounding and aphid predation, which may explain non-genetic variability in grain QA levels. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-inducible genes were identified and verified in NLL. Exogenous MeJA application-induced expression of QA biosynthetic genes and QA levels for bitter, but not sweet NLL. Although MeJA-inducible genes responded to wounding, the expression of QA biosynthetic genes was not induced for bitter and sweet NLL. We assessed the effect of aphid predation on QA production for two cultivars – one moderately resistant and one susceptible to aphid predation. Although MeJA-inducible genes responded to aphid predation, no change in QA levels was found for either cultivar. These findings offer insights into the regulation of QA biosynthesis in bitter and sweet NLL and concludes that aphids are not a concern for increasing grain QAs in NLL cultivars.
Aiding self-knowledge
Authors: Doyle Casey
Published: February 2019

Some self-knowledge must be arrived at by the subject herself, rather than being transmitted by another’s testimony. Yet in many cases the subject interacts with an expert in part because she is likely to have the relevant knowledge of their mind. This raises a question: what is the expert’s knowledge like that there are barriers to simply transmitting it by testimony? I argue that the expert’s knowledge is, in some circumstances,proleptic, referring to attitudes the subject would hold were she to reflect in certain ways. The expert’s knowledge cannot be transmitted by testimony because self-knowledge cannot be proleptic.
Adults who Misuse Opioids: Substance Abuse Treatment use and Perceived Treatment Need
Authors: Choi Namkee G. , DiNitto Diana M. , Marti C. Nathan , Choi Bryan Y.
Published: February 2019

Background: Opioid use disorder (OUD) and overdose deaths among the US population continue to increase. This study examined associations of OUD and other substance use disorders with substance abuse treatment use and perceived treatment need among US adults aged 18+ who misused opioids. Methods: The 2015–2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health provided data ( n = 5100 respondents who misused opioids in the past year). We used multivariable logistic regression models to examine associations of opioid and other substance use disorders with treatment use and perceived treatment need, adjusting for sociodemographic and health statuses. Results: The data showed that 4.7% of adults misused opioids and 19.1% of those who misused had an OUD. Of those with an OUD, only 31.5% had received substance abuse treatment in the past year and 13.6% perceived the need for such treatment. Of those with an OUD, heroin use disorder (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.59–4.23) and having been arrested/booked (AOR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.18–3.33) were associated with higher odds of receiving treatment, whereas lack of health insurance (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.25–0.94) was associated with lower odds. Heroin use disorder (AOR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.23–3.83) and higher mental health impairment scores (AOR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01–1.09) were associated with higher odds of perceived treatment need. Conclusions: The overall low socioeconomic status and high rates of polysubstance use disorders among those with OUD indicate that they need financial and other help to access treatment and relapse prevention services. The very low rates of perceived treatment need also point to the need for strategies to increase individuals’ recognition of their need for treatment.
Composer Complete Critical Editions in the Twenty-First Century: A Case Study of Béla Bartók
Authors: Gillies Malcolm
Published: February 2019

Composer complete critical editions originated in the mid nineteenth-century and remain an important contribution to twenty-first-century scholarship and performance practice. This discussion article, commissioned by the Royal Musical Association Research Chronicle, uses the Béla Bartók Complete Critical Edition, inaugurated in 2016, as the basis of reconsideration of the musicological, performance-related, publishing and business aspects of today's complete editions of composers’ works. Gillies looks at the characteristics of the first two Bartók edition volumes, For Children and Concerto for Orchestra, particularly their approach to the composer's use of notation, the representation of their geneses, and some interesting issues about variants, versions, alternatives, replacements, arrangements and deletions. He also considers what a dozen Henle Urtexts, issued on the basis of this complete critical edition's research, seek to present for performers, particularly in their use of Bartók's own recordings as exemplars as well as the presentation in his folk-music treatises of melodies on which these pieces are based. Gillies's consideration also reveals some of the bases of the Bartók complete edition in the post-war ‘Neue Ausgabe’ critical series, with some later influence from Schoenberg and Debussy editions. After looking at changes in format and related products, including thematic catalogues, and the business models that underpin many complete critical editions, Gillies evaluates the risks that may face the Bartók edition in the future, and suggests how they might best be mitigated.
The numinosity of soul: Andre Delbecq’s legacy for MSR
Authors: Fry Louis W.
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this piece is to offer a sense of Andre Delbecq as the pioneering founder of management, spirituality, and religion (MSR) as a field of scholarly inquiry. In his unique way, André, informed by his solid knowledge of organizational processes and his Christian faith, integrated spirituality into his teaching and scholarship. First I offer an overview of his early career roots which laid the foundation for this work and the impetus for his work on MSR, which defined the later years of his long and distinguished career. Then I review the context and motivations that led to his offering a seminar on Spirituality for Organizational Leadership, from which evolved what he saw as successful strategies for MSR scholarship and teaching. Next, comes an overview of his view of the fundamental role MSR should play in organizational design and culture, with an emphasis on teamwork and decision-making. Following this is an exploration of his groundbreaking work on leadership formation with a focus on the spiritual journey, discernment, and humility as an offset to hubris. Finally his thoughts concerning “Where do we go from here’ are offered.
Multiple addition, deletion and restriction theorems for hyperplane arrangements
Authors: Abe Takuro , Terao Hiroaki
Published: February 2019

In the study of free arrangements, the most useful result to construct/check free arrangements is the addition-deletion theorem in [J. Fac. Sci. Univ. Tokyo 27 (1980), 293–320]. Recently, the multiple version of the addition theorem was proved in [J. Eur. Math. Soc. 18 (2016), 1339–1348], called the multiple addition theorem (MAT), to prove the ideal-free theorem. The aim of this article is to give the deletion version of MAT, the multiple deletion theorem (MDT). Also, we can generalize MAT to get MAT2 from the viewpoint of our new proof. Moreover, we introduce the restriction version, a multiple restriction theorem (MRT). Applications of MAT2, including the combinatorial freeness of the extended Catalan arrangements, are given.
Self-intersections of Laurent polynomials and the density of Jordan curves
Authors: Kalmykov Sergei , Kovalev Leonid
Published: February 2019

We extend Quine’s bound on the number of self-intersection of curves with polynomial parameterization to the case of Laurent polynomials. As an application, we show that circle embeddings are dense among all maps from a circle to a plane with respect to an integral norm.
A lower bound on the star discrepancy of generalized Halton sequences in rational bases
Authors: Hofer Roswitha
Published: February 2019

In this paper we extend a result of Levin, who proved a lower bound on the star discrepancy of generalized Halton sequences in positive integer bases, to rational bases.
Large deviation principles for countable Markov shifts
Authors: Takahasi Hiroki
Published: February 2019

We establish the large deviation principle for a topological Markov shift over infinite alphabet which satisfies strong connectivity assumptions called “finite irreducibility” or “finite primitiveness”. More precisely, we assume the existence of a Gibbs state for a potential

ϕ
\phi

in the sense of Bowen, and prove the level-

2
2

large deviation principles for the distribution of empirical means under the Gibbs state, as well as that of weighted periodic points and iterated preimages. The rate function is written with the pressure and the free energy associated with the potential

ϕ
\phi

.
EHD2 regulates adipocyte function and is enriched at cell surface–associated lipid droplets in primary human adipocytes
Authors: Morén Björn , Hansson Björn , Negoita Florentina , Fryklund Claes , Lundmark Richard , Göransson Olga , Stenkula Karin G.
Published: February 2019

Adipocytes play a central role in energy balance, and dysfunctional adipose tissue severely affects systemic energy homeostasis. The ATPase EH domain–containing 2 (EHD2) has previously been shown to regulate caveolae, plasma membrane-specific domains that are involved in lipid uptake and signal transduction. Here, we investigated the role of EHD2 in adipocyte function. We demonstrate that EHD2 protein expression is highly up-regulated at the onset of triglyceride accumulation during adipocyte differentiation. Small interfering RNA–mediated EHD2 silencing affected the differentiation process and impaired insulin sensitivity, lipid storage capacity, and lipolysis. Fluorescence imaging revealed localization of EHD2 to caveolae, close to cell surface–associated lipid droplets in primary human adipocytes. These lipid droplets stained positive for glycerol transporter aquaporin 7 and phosphorylated perilipin-1 following adrenergic stimulation. Further, EHD2 overexpression in human adipocytes increased the lipolytic signaling and suppressed the activity of transcription factor PPARγ. Overall, these data suggest that EHD2 plays a key role for adipocyte function.
Regulation of LC3 lipidation by the autophagy-specific class III phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase complex
Authors: Brier Livia W. , Ge Liang , Stjepanovic Goran , Thelen Ashley M. , Hurley James H. , Schekman Randy
Published: February 2019

Autophagy is a conserved eukaryotic pathway critical for cellular adaptation to changes in nutrition levels and stress. The class III phosphatidylinositol (PI)3-kinase complexes I and II (PI3KC3-C1 and -C2) are essential for autophagosome initiation and maturation, respectively, from highly curved vesicles. We used a cell-free reaction that reproduces a key autophagy initiation step, LC3 lipidation, as a biochemical readout to probe the role of autophagy-related gene (ATG)14, a PI3KC3-C1-specific subunit implicated in targeting the complex to autophagy initiation sites. We reconstituted LC3 lipidation with recombinant PI3KC3-C1, -C2, or various mutant derivatives added to extracts derived from a CRISPR/Cas9-generated ATG14-knockout cell line. Both complexes C1 and C2 require the C-terminal helix of VPS34 for activity on highly curved membranes. However, only complex C1 supports LC3 lipidation through the curvature-targeting amphipathic lipid packing sensor (ALPS) motif of ATG14. Furthermore, the ALPS motif and VPS34 catalytic activity are required for downstream recruitment of WD-repeat domain phosphoinositide-interacting protein (WIPI)2, a protein that binds phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate and its product phosphatidylinositol 3, 5-bisphosphate, and a WIPI-binding protein, ATG2A, but do not affect membrane association of ATG3 and ATG16L1, enzymes contributing directly to LC3 lipidation. These data reveal the nuanced role of the ATG14 ALPS in membrane curvature sensing, suggesting that the ALPS has additional roles in supporting LC3 lipidation.
Impact of Larval Competition on Life-History Traits of the Black Soldier Fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)
Authors: Jones Brittny M , Tomberlin Jeffery K
Published: February 2019

The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (L.), is economically important due to its use in waste management and as an alternative protein source for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. While industry promotes mass production of the black soldier fly, little is known about the impact of larval competition on development time, resulting immature and adult weight, or adult longevity. The goal of this research was to examine the life-history traits of black soldier flies when reared at four densities (500, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 larvae/4-liter container) provided 54-g Gainesville diet at 70% moisture (feed rates of 0.027, 0.036, 0.054, and 0.108 g) every other day. Results were as expected with the lowest larval density (500) producing heavier individuals (by 26%) than the greatest larval density (2,000) across all life stages. In addition to weights, larvae reared at the lowest density developed 63% faster than those reared at the greatest density. In regard to pupal development time, those reared at the lowest larval density developed 3% slower than the greatest density. A 21% difference between the two extreme densities was found in survivorship to prepupal stage, with the lowest larval density having the greatest survivorship (92%) compared with the greatest larval density (70%). All densities displayed over 90% adult emergence rates. Such information is vital for optimization of the process of converting waste products to protein at an industrial scale with the black soldier fly.
Genetic variation and structure of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) in populations from México
Authors: Pérez-Valencia Laura Izascum , Michel Andrew P , Moya-Raygoza Gustavo , Rodríguez Aarón
Published: February 2019

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is native to Asia but has recently invaded North America. Asian citrus psyllid is a significant pest of citrus crops by its direct feeding but, more importantly, as the vector of the bacterium ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’, which causes Huanglongbing disease. Asian citrus psyllid was first found in México in 2001 and 2002 and, since then, has spread quickly across the country, suggesting rapid adaptation to new environments. Yet, we lack information on the genetic variation and structure that could facilitate or inhibit adaptation. Using six microsatellite markers, we analyzed genetic variation and structure among six localities in México: three in western states near the Pacific coast and two in the Yucatán Peninsula near the Gulf of México. We found low genetic diversity (no more than three alleles per locus) and intermediate differentiation between all populations. Asian citrus psyllid populations clustered into two genetic groups, but, surprisingly, these clusters were present in western populations. The first group included El Arenal, and the second group included Autlán de Navarro, Colima, and Tecomán. Interestingly, both of the Yucatán populations shared variation from the two clusters, suggesting admixture. We infer that reproductive isolation, barriers to gene flow, local selection, and the possibility of multiple invasions have influenced the current genetic structure of Asian citrus psyllid in México.
Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Combined With Ablative Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser for Acne Scars: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chang Hua-Ching , Sung Chih-Wei , Lin Ming-Hsiu
Published: February 2019

Background

Acne scars are common and challenging clinical complications of acne vulgaris. Ablative fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is a well-established treatment for acne scars; however, some postlaser adverse effects have been noted. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can improve tissue regeneration. Several studies have investigated the efficacy of combination therapy of CO2 laser and PRP for acne scars.

Objectives

The authors sought to conduct a meta-analysis of the efficacy of PRP combined with ablative fractional CO2 laser for treating acne scars by examining clinical trial results.

Methods

A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, and a meta-analysis was conducted to assess the clinical outcomes after combination therapy of PRP and ablative fractional CO2 laser compared with laser alone.

Results

We identified 4 eligible studies for the meta-analysis, including 3 randomized controlled trials. Our results demonstrated that clinical improvement after combination therapy was significantly higher than that after laser alone (odds ratio = 2.992, P = 0.001). Regarding major side effects, patients who underwent combination therapy experienced significantly shorter duration of crust compared with CO2 laser alone (standard mean difference = −1.140, P < 0.001); relatively shorter durations of erythema and edema were also noted after combination therapy. Furthermore, patient satisfaction rates were significantly higher after combination therapy than after laser alone (odds ratio = 3.169, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

The combination of autologous PRP and ablative fractional CO2 laser has synergistic positive effects on the clinical outcomes for acne scars and can accelerate the recovery of laser-damaged skin.

Level of Evidence: 2
Smartphone Applications in Plastic Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Survey of 577 Plastic Surgeons, Fellows, Residents, and Medical Students
Authors: Grow Jacob Nathaniel , Vargo James D , Nazir Naiman , Korentager Richard
Published: February 2019

Background

There are now over 2.2 million mobile applications (apps) in existence, with more than 250 identifiable by searching “plastic surgery.” Unfortunately, only 30% of these are academically relevant, which makes finding useful plastic surgery apps both challenging and inefficient.

Objectives

The authors sought to evaluate the use of digital resources and awareness of available apps within plastic surgery to improve their clinical/educational utilization.

Methods

An extensive search of the Apple and Android databases was performed to identify all relevant plastic surgery apps. An American Society of Plastic Surgeons-sponsored survey was distributed to a random cohort of American Society of Plastic Surgeons members (practicing surgeons, fellows, and residents) and students applying to an integrated plastic surgery residency. The survey queried utilization of resources to access medical information and awareness of apps relevant to clinical/educational plastic surgery.

Results

A total 153 relevant applications were identified between the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores. Of the 577 respondents (273 practicing surgeons, 117 residents, 11 fellows, and 177 medical students), 99.31% own a smartphone/tablet. Furthermore, medical students and residents/fellows utilized both smartphones and computers more frequently than practicing physicians (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0022, respectively). Digital resources were also utilized more frequently than printed material (P < 0.00001). For app awareness, 82.1% of respondents reported knowing of fewer than 10 apps relevant to plastic surgery, and only 8.41% were aware of more than 20.

Conclusions

Smartphone usage is nearly ubiquitous among plastic surgeons, and most utilize these devices daily to access medical information. However, awareness of the many available and relevant plastic surgery apps is extremely limited.
Behavioral responses vary with prey species in the social spider, Stegodyphus sarasinorum
Authors: Parthasarathy Bharat , Somanathan Hema
Published: February 2019

Predators living in social groups often show consistent interindividual differences in prey capture behavior that may be linked to personality. Though personality predisposes individuals for certain behaviors, responses can also be influenced by context. Studies examining personality-dependent participation in prey capture have largely employed only one prey species, offering the predator no choice. In nature, predators encounter a range of prey species, therefore participation in or leading a prey capture event must also depend on prey attributes (e.g., size and risk). In the social spider Stegodyphus sarasinorum, collective prey capture is mediated by personality types as a consequence of which some individuals are consistently more likely to attack. Here, we examined if an individual’s consistency to attack persisted within and between the 2 prey species (honeybees and grasshoppers) and if the same individuals attacked first with both prey species. Our results showed that interindividual differences in attacking persisted within and between the 2 prey species. Spiders showed greater participation in attacking grasshoppers relative to bees. Identities of the first attackers were not the same for bees and grasshoppers. Spiders showed greater consistency over time in attacking bees relative to grasshoppers. Bees attracted fewer attackers than size-matched grasshoppers. These results suggest that greater task specialization may be necessary to successfully subdue bees. Spiders handled bees more cautiously, which is likely to explain the observed plasticity in attacking the 2 prey species. Thus, participation in prey capture in social spiders is influenced by the attributes of prey species.
Surrogate minimal depth as an importance measure for variables in random forests
Authors: Seifert Stephan , Gundlach Sven , Szymczak Silke
Published: February 2019

Motivation

It has been shown that the machine learning approach random forest can be successfully applied to omics data, such as gene expression data, for classification or regression and to select variables that are important for prediction. However, the complex relationships between predictor variables, in particular between causal predictor variables, make the interpretation of currently applied variable selection techniques difficult.

Results

Here we propose a new variable selection approach called surrogate minimal depth (SMD) that incorporates surrogate variables into the concept of minimal depth (MD) variable importance. Applying SMD, we show that simulated correlation patterns can be reconstructed and that the increased consideration of variable relationships improves variable selection. When compared with existing state-of-the-art methods and MD, SMD has higher empirical power to identify causal variables while the resulting variable lists are equally stable. In conclusion, SMD is a promising approach to get more insight into the complex interplay of predictor variables and outcome in a high-dimensional data setting.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/StephanSeifert/SurrogateMinimalDepth.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
AutoDock Bias: improving binding mode prediction and virtual screening using known protein–ligand interactions
Authors: Arcon Juan Pablo , Modenutti Carlos P , Avendaño Demian , Lopez Elias D , Defelipe Lucas A , Ambrosio Francesca Alessandra , Turjanski Adrian G , Forli Stefano , Marti Marcelo A
Published: February 2019

The performance of docking calculations can be improved by tuning parameters for the system of interest, e.g. biasing the results towards the formation of relevant protein–ligand interactions, such as known ligand pharmacophore or interaction sites derived from cosolvent molecular dynamics. AutoDock Bias is a straightforward and easy to use script-based method that allows the introduction of different types of user-defined biases for fine-tuning AutoDock4 docking calculations.

Availability and implementation

AutoDock Bias is distributed with MGLTools (since version 1.5.7), and freely available on the web at http://ccsb.scripps.edu/mgltools/ or http://autodockbias.wordpress.com.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Epicardial fat, cardiovascular risk factors and calcifications in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Saritas Turgay , Reinartz Sebastian Daniel , Nadal Jennifer , Schmoee Jonas , Schmid Matthias , Marwan Mohamed , Achenbach Stephan , Störk Stefan , Wanner Christoph , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Floege Jürgen , Peter Schneider Markus , Schlieper Georg
Published: February 2019

Background

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) exerts cardiopathogenic effects, but the independent association between EAT and cardiovascular (CV) calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains controversial. We therefore assessed the association between EAT, CV risk factors and CV calcifications.

Methods

257 patients with CKD Stage 3 and/or overt proteinuria underwent quantification of EAT, coronary artery calcification and aortic valve calcification by computed tomography. Framingham and American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association (ACC-AHA) 10-year CV event risk scores were calculated for each patient.

Results

Using multivariable regression analysis, higher EAT was significantly associated with the majority of investigated risk factors {higher age: odds ratio [OR] 1.05/year [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.08]; male sex: OR 4.03 [95% CI 2.22–7.31]; higher BMI: OR 1.28/kg/m2 [95% CI 1.20–1.37]; former smoking: OR 1.84 [95% CI 1.07–3.17]; lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol: OR 0.98/mg/dL [95% CI 0.96–1.00] and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate: OR 0.98/mL/min/1.73 m2 [95% CI 0.97–0.99]; all P < 0.05} and was not associated with diabetes mellitus, hypertensive nephropathy, total cholesterol and albuminuria. EAT was positively associated with higher ACC-AHA and Framingham risk scores. EAT correlated with coronary artery calcification and aortic valve calcification [Spearman ρ = 0.388 (95% CI 0.287–0.532) and rrb = 0.409 (95% CI 0.310–0.556), respectively], but these correlations were dependent on CV risk factors.

Conclusions

The increase of EAT can be explained by individual CV risk factors and kidney function and correlates with 10-year risk for CV event scores, suggesting that EAT is a modifiable risk factor in patients with CKD. Although EAT correlates with CV calcifications, these relations depend on CV risk factors.
Fruit Consumption is Associated with Alterations in Microbial Composition and Lower Rates of Pouchitis
Authors: Godny L , Maharshak N , Reshef L , Goren I , Yahav L , Fliss-Isakov N , Gophna U , Tulchinsky H , Dotan I
Published: February 2019

Background

Patients with ulcerative colitis [UC] who undergo proctocolectomy with an ileal pouch–anal anastomosis commonly develop pouch inflammation [pouchitis]. Pouchitis develops in a previously normal small intestine and may involve environmental factors. We explored whether diet and microbiota alterations contributed to the pathogenesis of pouchitis.

Methods

Patients were recruited and prospectively followed at a comprehensive pouch clinic. Pouch behaviour was clinically defined as a normal pouch [NP] or pouchitis. Patients completed Food Frequency Questionnaires [FFQs]. Faecal samples were analysed for microbial composition [16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing].

Results

Nutritional evaluation was performed in 172 patients [59% females], and of these, faecal microbial analysis was performed in 75 patients (microbiota cohort: NP [n = 22], pouchitis [n = 53]). Of the entire cohort, a subgroup of 39 [22.6%] patients had NP at recruitment [NP cohort]. Of these, 5 [12.8%] developed pouchitis within a year. Patients at the lowest tertile of fruit consumption [<1.45 servings/day] had higher rates of pouchitis compared with those with higher consumption [30.8% vs 3.8%, log rank, p = 0.03]. Fruit consumption was correlated with microbial diversity [r = 0.35, p = 0.002] and with the abundance of several microbial genera, including Faecalibacterium [r = 0.29, p = 0.01], Lachnospira [r = 0.38, p = 0.001], and a previously uncharacterized genus from the Ruminococcaceae family [r = 0.25, p = 0.05]. Reduction in fruit consumption over time was associated with disease recurrence and with reduced microbial diversity [Δ = –0.8 ± 0.3, p = 0.008].

Conclusions

Fruit consumption is associated with modification of microbial composition, and lower consumption was correlated with the development of pouchitis. Thus, fruit consumption may protect against intestinal inflammation via alteration of microbial composition.
Aprotinin versus tranexamic acid in children undergoing cardiac surgery: an observational study
Authors: Willems Ariane , De Groote Françoise , Dumoulin Melanie , Fils Jean-François , Van der Linden Philippe
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVES:

The upcoming release of aprotinin in paediatric cardiac surgery prompted a re-evaluation of its use in comparison to tranexamic acid (TXA) focusing on their effect on exposure to blood transfusions as well as severe postoperative morbidity or mortality.

METHODS:

This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary children hospital from 2002 to 2015. Patients receiving aprotinin (Aprotinin group: 2002–2007) were compared with those receiving TXA group (2008–2015) using propensity score analysis. Primary outcome measures were ‘exposure to blood products’ and ‘severe postoperative morbidity or mortality’. High-risk subgroups that included neonates, complex (Risk Adjusted Classification for Congenital Heart Surgery-1 ≥ 3) and redo surgery were also analysed.

RESULTS:

The study included 2157 patients, 1136 in the Aprotinin group and 1021 in the TXA group. Exposure to blood products was significantly higher in the Aprotinin group (78% vs 60%; P < 0.001) as well as in the complex and redo surgery subgroups. Incidence of mortality and/or severe morbidity was higher in the Aprotinin group (33% vs 28%; P = 0.007), as well as in the neonate group. However, cardiopulmonary bypass priming volume and intraoperative fluid balance were significantly decreased, and the use of modified ultrafiltration significantly increased in the TXA group.

CONCLUSIONS:

In our population, children receiving aprotinin were more frequently transfused and were at a higher risk of developing severe postoperative morbidity or mortality than those receiving TXA. Subgroups at high risk of bleeding or inflammation did not seem to benefit from aprotinin. These differences might be explained by a safer profile of TXA, but also attributed to major changes in our patient blood management strategies over years.
The hypoxic transcription factor KlMga2 mediates the response to oxidative stress and influences longevity in the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis
Authors: Santomartino Rosa , Camponeschi Ilaria , Polo Germano , Immesi Alessio , Rinaldi Teresa , Mazzoni Cristina , Brambilla Luca , Bianchi Michele M
Published: February 2019

Hypoxia is defined as the decline of oxygen availability, depending on environmental supply and cellular consumption rate. The decrease in O2 results in reduction of available energy in facultative aerobes. The response and/or adaptation to hypoxia and other changing environmental conditions can influence the properties and functions of membranes by modifying lipid composition. In the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis, the KlMga2 gene is a hypoxic regulatory factor for lipid biosynthesis—fatty acids and sterols—and is also involved in glucose signaling, glucose catabolism and is generally important for cellular fitness.

In this work we show that, in addition to the above defects, the absence of the KlMGA2 gene caused increased resistance to oxidative stress and extended lifespan of the yeast, associated with increased expression levels of catalase and SOD genes. We propose that KlMga2 might also act as a mediator of the oxidative stress response/adaptation, thus revealing connections among hypoxia, glucose signaling, fatty acid biosynthesis and ROS metabolism in K. lactis.