bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global increase in major tropical cyclone exceedance probability over the past four decades
Authors: Kossin James P. , Knapp Kenneth R. , Olander Timothy L. , Velden Christopher S.
Published: May 2020

Significance

Tropical cyclones (TCs), and particularly major TCs, pose substantial risk to many regions around the globe. Identifying changes in this risk and determining causal factors for the changes is a critical element for taking steps toward adaptation. Theory and numerical models consistently link increasing TC intensity to a warming world, but confidence in this link is compromised by difficulties in detecting significant intensity trends in observations. These difficulties are largely caused by known heterogeneities in the past instrumental records of TCs. Here we address and reduce these heterogeneities and identify significant global trends in TC intensity over the past four decades. The results should serve to increase confidence in projections of increased TC intensity under continued warming.
Polygenic risk for skin autoimmunity impacts immune checkpoint blockade in bladder cancer
Authors: Khan Zia , Di Nucci Flavia , Kwan Antonia , Hammer Christian , Mariathasan Sanjeev , Rouilly Vincent , Carroll Jonathan , Fontes Magnus , Ley Acosta Sergio , Guardino Ellie , Chen-Harris Haiyin , Bhangale Tushar , Mellman Ira , Rosenberg Jonathan , Powles Thomas , Hunkapiller Julie , Chandler G. Scott , Albert Matthew L.
Published: May 2020

PD-1 and PD-L1 act to restrict T cell responses in cancer and contribute to self-tolerance. Consistent with this role, PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors have been associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs), immune toxicities thought to be autoimmune in origin. Analyses of dermatological irAEs have identified an association with improved overall survival (OS) following anti–PD-(L)1 therapy, but the factors that contribute to this relationship are poorly understood. We collected germline whole-genome sequencing data from IMvigor211, a recent phase 3 randomized controlled trial comparing atezolizumab (anti–PD-L1) monotherapy to chemotherapy in bladder cancer. We found that high vitiligo, high psoriasis, and low atopic dermatitis polygenic risk scores (PRSs) were associated with longer OS under anti–PD-L1 monotherapy as compared to chemotherapy, reflecting the Th17 polarization of these diseases. PRSs were not correlated with tumor mutation burden, PD-L1 immunohistochemistry, nor T-effector gene signatures. Shared genetic factors impact risk for dermatological autoimmunity and anti–PD-L1 monotherapy in bladder cancer.
Physiological levels of folic acid reveal purine alterations in Lesch-Nyhan disease
Authors: López José M. , Outtrim Esther L. , Fu Rong , Sutcliffe Diane J. , Torres Rosa J. , Jinnah H. A.
Published: May 2020

Significance

Fibroblasts from patients with Lesch-Nyhan disease (LND) do not show any significant nucleotide alteration when they are maintained in regular culture medium, which typically contains artificially high levels of folic acid. However, they show ATP depletion and accumulation of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside 5′-monophosphate (ZMP; an intermediary of the novo purine biosynthetic pathway) when the culture medium has physiological levels of folic acid. A derivative of ZMP (AICAr) is present in the urine and the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with LND, but not in control individuals, suggesting that a similar situation may occur in vivo. The manipulation of folic acid levels may therefore provide a valuable strategy to further study the pathogenesis of LND.
Absence of Sac2/INPP5F enhances the phenotype of a Parkinson’s disease mutation of synaptojanin 1
Authors: Cao Mian , Park Daehun , Wu Yumei , De Camilli Pietro
Published: May 2020

Significance

Extensive genetic studies have identified numerous genes whose mutations results on Parkinson’s disease (PD), including synaptojanin 1 (SJ1/Park20), a nerve terminal enriched protein that includes an inositol 4-phosphatase domain (Sac domain). In addition, many PD candidate genes have been identified by genome-wide association studies, but for most of these genes, the link to PD remains hypothetical. One such gene is Sac2/INPP5F, which, interestingly, also includes an inositol 4-phosphatase domain. While Sac2KO mice do not show obvious defects, we show a striking synthetic effect in mice of the KO of Sac2 and the Sac domain mutation of SJ1 found in PD patients. These findings support a synergistic role of SJ1 and Sac2 on a PI4P pool whose dysfunction results in PD.
Scalar ambiguities
Authors: Pietrzak Wit
Published: May 2020

This article focuses on an interrelation of various scales of perception in Tom McCarthy’s Satin Island (2015). Basing itself on Timothy Clark’s delineation of scalar ambiguities, it argues that Satin Island’s main protagonist, U, embodies a process of growing awareness of the world’s infinite complexity, discovering personal authenticity by withdrawing from action. His perspective is contrasted with the all-pervading Koob-Sassen, which represents a level of complicatedness that contradicts an individual perspective and the possibility of causal thinking. Finally, U’s entire narrative is cast into doubt by an oil spil, signifying a global occurrence whose rift effects are impossible to gauge, let alone predict. As these various scales are explored, the article shows that the novel thematises different levels of what Clark terms the Anthropocene disorder, in which human action can counterintuitively bring about catastrophic consequences.
Indoor dust extracellular vesicles promote cancer lung metastasis by inducing tumour necrosis factor‐α
Authors: Dinh Nhung Thi Hong , Lee Jaewook , Lee Jaemin , Kim Sang Soo , Go Gyeongyun , Bae Seoyoon , Jun Ye In , Yoon Yae Jin , Roh Tae‐Young , Gho Yong Song
Published: May 2020

Indoor pollutants are important problems to public health. Among indoor pollutants, indoor dust contains extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are associated with pulmonary inflammation. However, it has not been reported whether indoor dust EVs affect the cancer lung metastasis. In this study, we isolated indoor dust EVs and investigated their roles in cancer lung metastasis. Upon intranasal administration, indoor dust EVs enhanced mouse melanoma lung metastasis in a dose‐dependent manner in mice. Pre‐treatment or co‐treatment of indoor dust EVs significantly promoted melanoma lung metastasis, whereas post‐treatment of the EVs did not. In addition, the lung lysates from indoor dust EV‐treated mice significantly increased tumour cell migration in vitro. We observed that tumour necrosis factor‐α played important roles in indoor dust EV‐mediated promotion of tumour cell migration in vitro and cancer lung metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, Pseudomonas EVs, the main components of indoor dust EVs, and indoor dust EVs showed comparable effects in promoting tumour cell migration in vitro and cancer lung metastasis in vivo. Taken together, our results suggest that indoor dust EVs, at least partly contributed by Pseudomonas EVs, are potential promoting agents of cancer lung metastasis.
Comparative H diffusion measurement through metal and non-metal nano-layers using optical sensing
Authors: Soroka O , Sturm J M , Lee C J , Bijkerk F
Published: May 2020

In this work, a technique for hydrogen diffusion measurements through thin films is proposed and demonstrated. A yttrium film, which changes its refractive index upon hydrogen absorption, is used as an optical sensor to detect hydrogen. The yttrium sensor is coated with a thin (up to 12 nm) layer of test material and exposed to atomic hydrogen. To ensure that the calculated diffusion constant is not artificially changed by surfaces processes, the test layer is coated with palladium. Hydrogen diffusion through test layers of Si, Al, Ag, Ru, Mo, Al2O3 and SiO2 were measured and compared with existing data. The hydrogenation time (time to form YH2) was found to exponentially scale with the enthalpy of hydrogen solution in the test material. Comparison between measured diffusion coefficients for different film thicknesses, as well as previously reported results, highlights the strong dependence of the diffusion constant on sample fabrication conditions, and hydrogen exposure conditions. It is concluded that diffusion through thin films can be reliably compared only when specimen form and exposure conditions are the same. The relevance of this study for applications is discussed.
Hidden analytic relations for two-loop Higgs amplitudes in QCD
Authors: Jin Qingjun , Yang Gang
Published: May 2020

We compute the Higgs plus two-quark and one-gluon amplitudes (

H
→
q

q

¯

g

) and Higgs plus three-gluon amplitudes (

H
→
3
g

) in the Higgs effective theory with a general class of operators. By changing the quadratic Casimir C

F
to C

A
, the maximally transcendental parts of the

H
→
q

q

¯

g

amplitudes turn out to be equivalent to that of the

H
→
3
g

amplitudes, which also coincide with the counterparts in


=
4

SYM. This generalizes the so-called maximal transcendentality principle to the Higgs amplitudes with external quark states, thus the full QCD theory. We further verify that the correspondence applies also to two-loop form factors of more general operators, in both QCD and scalar-YM theory. Another interesting relation is also observed between the planar

H
→
q

q

¯

g

amplitudes and the minimal density form factors in


=
4

SYM.
Growth and physical characterization of high resistivity Fe: β-Ga2O3 crystals*
Authors: Zhang Hao , Tang Hui-Li , He Nuo-Tian , Zhu Zhi-Chao , Chen Jia-Wen , Liu Bo , Xu Jun
Published: May 2020

High quality 0.02 mol%, 0.05 mol%, and 0.08 mol% Fe: β-Ga2O3 single crystals were grown by the floating zone method. The crystal structure, optical, electrical, and thermal properties were measured and discussed. Fe: β-Ga2O3 single crystals showed transmittance of higher than 80% in the near infrared region. With the increase of the Fe doping concentration, the optical bandgaps reduced and room temperature resistivity increased. The resistivity of 0.08 mol% Fe: β-Ga2O3 crystal reached to 3.63 × 1011 Ω ⋅cm. The high resistivity Fe: β-Ga2O3 single crystals could be applied as the substrate for the high-power field effect transistors (FETs).
Photoelectron imaging on vibrational excitation and Rydberg intermediate states in multi-photon ionization process of NH3 molecule*
Authors: Sun Ya-Nan , Wang Yan-Hui , Song Le-Le , Du Hai-Bin , Wang Xiao-Chun , He Lan-Lai , Luo Si-Zuo , Yang Qin , Leng Jing , Liu Fu-Chun
Published: May 2020

The ionization processes of NH3 molecule are studied by photoelectron velocity map imaging technique in a linearly polarized 400-nm femtosecond laser field. The two-dimensional photoelectron images from ammonia molecules under different laser intensities are obtained. In the slow electron region, the values of kinetic energy of photoelectrons corresponding to peaks 1, 2, 3, and 4 are 0.27, 0.86, 1.16, and 1.6 eV, respectively. With both the kinetic energy and angular distribution of photoelectrons from NH3 molecules, we can confirm that the two-photon excited intermediate Rydberg state is A∼1

A
2

′
′

(

v
2
′

=
3

) state for photoelectron peaks 2, 3, 4, and the three peaks are marked as 1223 (2 + 2), 1123 (2 + 2), and 1023 (2 + 2) multi-photon processes, respectively. Then, peak 1 is found by adding a hexapole between the source chamber and the detection chamber to realize the rotational state selection and beam focusing. Peak 1 is labeled as the 1323 (3 + 1) multi-photon process through the intermediate Rydberg state

E

∼
1

A
1
′

. The phenomena of channel switching are found in the slow electron kinetic energy distributions. Our calculations and experimental results indicate that the stretching vibrational mode of ammonia molecules varies with channels, while the umbrella vibration does not. In addition, we consider and discuss the ac-Stark effect in a strong laser field. Peaks 5 and 6 are marked as (2 + 2 + 1) and (2 + 2 + 2) above threshold ionization processes in the fast electron region.
Two-dimensional hexagonal Zn3Si2 monolayer: Dirac cone material and Dirac half-metallic manipulation*
Authors: Guan Yurou , Song Lingling , Zhao Hui , Du Renjun , Liu Liming , Yan Cuixia , Cai Jinming
Published: May 2020

The fascinating Dirac cone in honeycomb graphene, which underlies many unique electronic properties, has inspired the vast endeavors on pursuing new two-dimensional (2D) Dirac materials. Based on the density functional theory method, a 2D material Zn3Si2 of honeycomb transition-metal silicide with intrinsic Dirac cones has been predicted. The Zn3Si2 monolayer is dynamically and thermodynamically stable under ambient conditions. Importantly, the Zn3Si2 monolayer is a room-temperature 2D Dirac material with a spin–orbit coupling energy gap of 1.2 meV, which has an intrinsic Dirac cone arising from the special hexagonal lattice structure. Hole doping leads to the spin polarization of the electron, which results in a Dirac half-metal feature with single-spin Dirac fermion. This novel stable 2D transition-metal-silicon-framework material holds promises for electronic device applications in spintronics.
Simulation of microswimmer hydrodynamics with multiparticle collision dynamics*
Authors: Zöttl Andreas
Published: May 2020

In this review we discuss the recent progress in the simulation of soft active matter systems and in particular the hydrodynamics of microswimmers using the method of multiparticle collision dynamics, which solves the hydrodynamic flows around active objects on a coarse-grained level. We first present a brief overview of the basic simulation method and the coupling between microswimmers and fluid. We then review the current achievements in simulating flexible and rigid microswimmers using multiparticle collision dynamics, and briefly conclude and discuss possible future directions.
Polarization control and tuning efficiency of tunable vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser with internal-cavity sub-wavelength grating*
Authors: Wang Xiao-Long , Zou Yong-Gang , He Zhi-Fang , Liu Guo-Jun , Ma Xiao-Hui
Published: May 2020

We design an 850 nm tunable vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) structure using an internal-cavity sub-wavelength grating. The use of such a tuning structure allows for wider wavelength tuning range and more stable single-polarization as compared to conventional tunable VCSELs. The features of the internal-cavity grating effect on the wavelength tuning and polarization characteristics of the tunable VCSEL are analyzed. The simulation results show that the largest wavelength tuning range achieves 44.2 nm, and the maximum orthogonal polarization suppression ratio (OPSR) is 33.4 dB (TE-type) and 38.7 dB (TM-type).
High-efficiency photon–electron coupling resonant emission in GaN-based microdisks on Si*
Authors: Liu Menghan , Chen Peng , Xie Zili , Xiu Xiangqian , Chen Dunjun , Liu Bin , Han Ping , Shi Yi , Zhang Rong , Zheng Youdou , Cheng Kai , Zhang Liyang
Published: May 2020

Resonance effects caused by the photon–electron interaction are a focus of attention in semiconductor optoelectronics, as they are able to increase the efficiency of emission. GaN-on-silicon microdisks can provide a perfect cavity structure for such resonance to occur. Here we report GaN-based microdisks with different diameters, based on a standard blue LED wafer on a Si substrate. A confocal photoluminescence spectroscopy is performed to analyze the properties of all microdisks. Then, we systematically study the effects of radial modes and axial modes of these microdisks on photon–electron coupling efficiency by using three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulations. For thick microdisks, photon–electron coupling efficiency is found to greatly depend on the distributions of both the radial modes and the axial modes, and the inclined sidewalls make significant influences on the axial mode distributions. These results are important for realization of high-efficiency resonant emission in GaN-based microcavity devices.
Full Core Optimization of Small Modular Gas-Cooled Fast Reactors Using OpenMC Program Code
Authors: Ilham Muhammad , Raflis Helen , Suud Zaki
Published: May 2020

Indonesia has many small regions and islands with low electrification ratio that needs small power plants. Gas-cooled Fast Reactors (GCFR) is one of the fourth generations of an advanced nuclear power plant with an improved safety system and optimum electricity production that match Indonesia’s energy needs. The neutronic analysis study and optimization of small modular GCFR has been performed with Monte Carlo method OpenMC code that use computational parallelization to speed up calculation time. The full core reactor design is cylindrical with a radius 100 cm and height is 120 cm. Additional 50 cm of radius and 40 cm for the height for the reflector. The core using several types of fuel composed of natural Uranium mixed with spent fuel Plutonium. The variation in fuel fraction pin and percentages of Plutonium in fuel to achieved optimum core design. The design of core reactor has flattened flux and power distribution.
Neutronic Analysis of Modular Gas-cooled Fast Reactor for 5-25% of Plutonium Fuel using Parallelization MCNP6 Code
Authors: Raflis Helen , Ilham M. , Su’ud Zaki , Waris Abdul , Irwanto Dwi
Published: May 2020

Modular Gas-cooled Fast Reactor (GFR) is one of six advanced reactor concepts set by the generation IV international forum. Modular GFR has the potential for use actinide recycling and closed fuel cycle as well as applying fast reactor, using helium gas as the main coolant, high working temperature and low void reactivity effect. The neutronic analysis of nuclear reactor means behavior study of subatomic particles that interact with matter. In this paper, the feasibility of plutonium fuel in modular Gas-cooled Fast Reactor (GFR) was investigated. The Monte Carlo method has advantages in full-scale and heterogeneous three-dimensional (3D) geometry modeling using Evaluated Nuclear Data File (ENDF/B-VIII.b5) nuclear data but requires a highly computation time. Since the progress of high performance computing, the reactor physicist community began proposing to use Monte Carlo method for nuclear reactor simulation through the parallelization of calculations. The GFR feasibility design study will carried out with plutonium fuel as fuel cycle inputs with 5-25% of fissile contain. The most important neutronic parameters characterizing of GFR core are determined for beginning of life (BOL) and during burnup calculation conditions. The results of calculation series in parallel computing give the good agreement will be faster of calculation time when more threads. Materials of (U-Pu)C and (U-Pu)N fuel are the good candidates to be chosen in GFR research that give keff more than 1.2 in fissile contain 20%Pu. The variation fissile contain gives the linearity with keff. In depletion simulation, the core reactor still in critical during 20 years operation, burn up values linear with operation time and mass evolution of plutonium and uranium from start-up core to equilibrium core.
Conceptual Analysis of (Th,U-233)O2 Fueled Small Long-Life PWR with Np-237 and Pa-231 as Burnable Poison
Authors: Napirah Mardiana , Su’ud Zaki
Published: May 2020

Conceptual analysis of (Th,U-233)O2 fueled small long-life PWR with Np-237 and Pa-231 as burnable poison has been performed. The fuel used is (Th,U-233)O2 with Th-232 and U-233 as fertile-fissile nuclides pair with 8% U-233 and addition of Pa-231 and Np-237 as burnable poison (BP). This study aims to investigate optimum design of fuel and core configuration and the performance of reactor. The calculation is done by SRAC2006 code developed by JAEA and is based on JENDL-4.0 library. Cell calculation conducted by PIJ module shows that optimum design is reached at 60% of fuel volume fraction and 6% of burnable poison. Core optimization calculation by CITATION module for two dimensional (R – Z) core geometry shows that reactor could reach 60 years of lifetime at 150 MWt power level which correspond to 25.36 power density. Calculation for heterogen reactor shows that reactor with BP combination of 8% of Pa-231 at center zone and 6% of Pa-231 at outer zone has better performance with 60 years of operation period than reactor with combination of 8% of Np-237 at center zone and 6% of Pa-231 at outer zone that reaches 46 years lifetime.
Safety assessment of pressure vessel components for Reaktor Daya Eksperimental
Authors: Sudadiyo S , Taryo T , Rokhmadi  , Saragi E , Nugroho A , Setiadipura T , Bakhri S , Hartini E , Krismawan  , Subekti M , Sunaryo G R
Published: May 2020

The 10 MW Indonesia’s Reaktor Daya Eksperimental (RDE) which is to be constructed in Serpong Nuclear Zone, Puspiptek and was firstly developed in 2014 is expected to be operational in 2022/2023. The RDE is expected to be a landmark to Indonesia for a nuclear power technology provider in the imminent futurity. Till the end of 2018, the RDE is focused on the basic design including its reactor pressure vessel (RPV). This research paper presents mechanical stresses assessment on basic design of RPV structure components for RDE in ensuring the safety design targets of RDE which are no dangerous radioactive release to the workers, populations, and environments even in the worst accident. Results are presented from the structural stresses assessment under following conditions such as thermal loading, operating pressure, and mechanical loads. The geometric models and dimensions of pressure vessel components within the basic design calculations had been performed by using computer code RPV_RDE.exe in the previous work. These components were designed in accordance with ASME code specification for SA516-70 carbon steel plate. In this work, finite element analysis is applied to assess the occurred structure mechanical stresses upon those RPV components. This work recommends that the RPV components of RDE are safe in the basic design calculations by analysis approach as described in model simulations.
Gamma heat analysis in various power levels of RSG G.A. Siwabessy silicide core
Authors: Rohanda A , Waris A , Kurniadi R , Kiswanta  , Husnayani I
Published: May 2020

Reaktor Serba Guna G.A. Siwabessy (RSG-GAS, previous name MPR-30) is the largest research reactor in Southeast Asia that acts as a national facility to irradiate material. Gamma heat is a very important factor for the safety analysis in every material irradiation activity at the irradiation facility. Gamma heat is the main research topic of several forms of safety investigations at world research reactors. Gamma heat information is useful to predict the temperature of the material to be irradiated and negligence in predicting gamma heat can cause overheating. Gamma heat values are very dependent on the characteristics of the reactor core. Changes in reactor power can affect the core characteristics. RSG-GAS is designed to have a 30 MWth of nominal power but it is currently operated at 15 MWth power level. In this study observed changes in gamma heat as a function of reactor power and material target on the Central Irradiation Position (CIP) silicide core of RSG-GAS by using a modified GAMSET program. Modifications are made by adjusting the material and power configuration in the core. The results of the analysis show that gamma heat will be increase in accordance with the increase in power level in various material targets such as graphite (C), aluminium (Al), iron (Fe) and zirconium (Zr). Gamma heat also tends to increase according to the increase of atomic number target. Verification has been carried out with the results of calculations in the 35 MWth CEA Grenoble reactor with the smallest yield difference of 1.23% in the graphite target and 2.71% in the iron target.
High-efficiency forming processes for complex thin-walled titanium alloys components: state-of-the-art and perspectives
Authors: Wang Kehuan , Wang Liliang , Zheng Kailun , He Zhubin , Politis Denis J , Liu Gang , Yuan Shijian
Published: May 2020

Complex thin-walled titanium alloy components play a key role in the aircraft, aerospace and marine industries, offering the advantages of reduced weight and increased thermal resistance. The geometrical complexity, dimensional accuracy and in-service properties are essential to fulfill the high-performance standards required in new transportation systems, which brings new challenges to titanium alloy forming technologies. Traditional forming processes, such as superplastic forming or hot pressing, cannot meet all demands of modern applications due to their limited properties, low productivity and high cost. This has encouraged industry and research groups to develop novel high-efficiency forming processes. Hot gas pressure forming and hot stamping-quenching technologies have been developed for the manufacture of tubular and panel components, and are believed to be the cut-edge processes guaranteeing dimensional accuracy, microstructure and mechanical properties. This article intends to provide a critical review of high-efficiency titanium alloy forming processes, concentrating on latest investigations of controlling dimensional accuracy, microstructure and properties. The advantages and limitations of individual forming process are comprehensively analyzed, through which, future research trends of high-efficiency forming are identified including trends in process integration, processing window design, full cycle and multi-objective optimization. This review aims to provide a guide for researchers and process designers on the manufacture of thin-walled titanium alloy components whilst achieving high dimensional accuracy and satisfying performance properties with high efficiency and low cost.
Molecular Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in FFPE Samples and Histopathologic Findings in Fatal SARS-CoV-2 Cases
Authors: Sekulic Miroslav , Harper Holly , Nezami Behtash G , Shen Daniel L , Sekulic Simona Pichler , Koeth Aaron T , Harding Clifford V , Gilmore Hannah , Sadri Navid
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To report methods and findings of 2 autopsies with molecular evaluation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) positive individuals.

Methods

Postmortem examination was completed following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidelines. Numerous formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue types from each case were surveyed for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). SARS-CoV-2 viral genome was sequenced by next-generation sequencing (NGS) from FFPE lung tissue blocks.

Results

Postmortem examinations revealed diffuse alveolar damage, while no viral-associated hepatic, cardiac, or renal damage was observed. Viral RNA was detected in lungs, bronchi, lymph nodes, and spleen in both cases using qRT-PCR method. RNA sequencing using NGS in case 1 revealed mutations most consistent with Western European Clade A2a with ORF1a L3606F mutation.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 testing and viral sequencing can be performed from FFPE tissue. Detection and sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 in combination with morphological findings from postmortem tissue examination can aid in gaining a better understanding of the virus’s pathophysiologic effects on human health.
Late-Onset Upper Eyelid and Brow Edema as a Long-Term Complication of Hyaluronic Acid Filler Injection
Authors: Dubinsky-Pertzov Biana , Bernardini Francesco P , Or Lior , Gazit Inbal , Hartstein Morris E
Published: May 2020

Background

Late-onset upper eyelid edema is an uncommonly recognized complication of hyaluronic acid (HA)-based filler injection to the supraorbital area.

Objectives

The authors sought to report their experience in diagnosing and managing late-onset upper eyelid edema.

Methods

This was a noncomparative, retrospective study of a series of 17 consecutive patients who presented with upper eyelid edema 6 to 24 months after uneventful HA filler injection in the supraorbital area.

Results

The study group included 17 female patients. The average time of presentation was 13.9 months. Thirteen patients (76.4%) were satisfied after hyaluronidase and requested no further treatment (observation only); 4 patients (23.5%) elected to receive HA filler re-treatment, with satisfactory results. All patients were followed-up for at least 6 months after the re-treatment.

Conclusions

The incidence of late-onset upper eyelid edema is likely to increase as the number of patients undergoing HA filler injection to the supraorbital area increases. Our study emphasizes the importance of recognizing this condition and suggests a suitable noninvasive treatment with satisfying results for both the patient and the physician.

Level of Evidence: 4
Discovery of multi-operon colinear syntenic blocks in microbial genomes
Authors: Svetlitsky Dina , Dagan Tal , Ziv-Ukelson Michal
Published: May 2020

Motivation

An important task in comparative genomics is to detect functional units by analyzing gene-context patterns. Colinear syntenic blocks (CSBs) are groups of genes that are consistently encoded in the same neighborhood and in the same order across a wide range of taxa. Such CSBs are likely essential for the regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes. Recent results indicate that colinearity can be conserved across multiple operons, thus motivating the discovery of multi-operon CSBs. This computational task raises scalability challenges in large datasets.

Results

We propose an efficient algorithm for the discovery of cross-strand multi-operon CSBs in large genomic datasets. The proposed algorithm uses match-point arithmetic, which is scalable for large datasets of microbial genomes in terms of running time and space requirements. The algorithm is implemented and incorporated into a tool with a graphical user interface, called CSBFinder-S. We applied CSBFinder-S to data mine 1485 prokaryotic genomes and analyzed the identified cross-strand CSBs. Our results indicate that most of the syntenic blocks are exclusively colinear. Additional results indicate that transcriptional regulation by overlapping transcriptional genes is abundant in bacteria. We demonstrate the utility of CSBFinder-S to identify common function of the gene-pair PulEF in multiple contexts, including Type 2 Secretion System, Type 4 Pilus System and DNA uptake machinery.

Availability and implementation

CSBFinder-S software and code are publicly available at https://github.com/dinasv/CSBFinder.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Efficiency of PEG secondary concentration and PCR for the simultaneous concentration and quantification of foodborne bacteria, viruses and protozoa
Authors: Monteiro Silvia , Smigic Nada , Rajkovic Andreja , Santos Ricardo
Published: May 2020

Fresh fruits are a potential source of many different pathogens, including bacteria, enteric viruses and protozoa that may pose serious health risks. The consumption of raspberries has been widely associated with large foodborne outbreaks and because of the low concentration at which most of these pathogens are found, sensitive and accurate detection methods are required. Methods that would allow for an accurate and sensitive simultaneous elution and concentration of the different classes of pathogens would decrease the time for analysis, the costs associated and the expertise necessary. In this study we explored the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) secondary concentration to simultaneously concentrate bacteria, enteric viruses and protozoa from raspberries. PEG secondary concentration showed good recovery rates for all the organisms tested. This work indicates that PEG secondary concentration followed by quantitative (Reverse Transcription) Polymerase Chain Reaction (q(RT)PCR) may be a relevant alternative to standardized methods for the simultaneous concentration of bacteria, enteric viruses and protozoa.
Frontal Hemodynamic Response During Step Initiation Under Cognitive Conflict in Older and Young Healthy People
Authors: Coelho Daniel Boari , Bazán Paulo Rodrigo , Zimeo Morais Guilherme Augusto , Balardin Joana Bisol , Batista Alana Xavier , de Oliveira Claudia Eunice Neves , Los Angeles Emanuele , Bernardo Claudionor , Sato João Ricardo , de Lima-Pardini Andrea C
Published: May 2020

Gait initiation is a daily challenge even for healthy individuals as it requires the timely coupling between the automatic anticipatory postural adjustment (APA) and the voluntary step according to the context. Modulation of this motor event has been thought to involve higher level brain control, including cognitive inhibitory circuitries. Despite the known participation of the supplementary motor area (SMA) in the modulation of some parameters of APA, the participation of areas controlling inhibition during gait initiation still needs to be investigated. In this study, the hemodynamic responses of the SMA and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) were assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during a gait initiation task under cognitive conflict to select the foot to step (congruent [CON] and incongruent [INC] conditions). The older group (OG) showed worse inhibitory control than the young group (YG) along with more impairments in APA parameters. OG also had a lower amplitude of hemodynamic responses in both areas than YG in the INC. The INC increased the correlation between SMA and DLPFC only in the YG. Aging seems to impair the interaction between the hemodynamic responses of SMA and DLPFC, which influences APA performance in gait initiation under cognitive conflict.
The Role of Citrullination in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Neglected Player in Triggering Inflammation and Fibrosis?
Authors: Dragoni Gabriele , De Hertogh Gert , Vermeire Séverine
Published: May 2020

Citrullination is a posttranslational modification of proteins mediated by a specific family of enzymes called peptidylarginine deiminases (PAD). Dysregulation of these enzymes is involved in the etiology of various diseases, from cancer to autoimmune disorders.

In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), data for a role of citrullination in the disease process are starting to accumulate at different experimental levels including gene expression analyses, RNA, and protein quantifications. Most data have been generated in ulcerative colitis, but data in Crohn disease are lacking so far.

In addition, the citrullination of histones is the fundamental process promoting inflammation through the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Interestingly, NETs have also been shown to activate fibroblasts into myofibroblasts in fibrotic interstitial lung disease. Therefore, citrullination merits more thorough study in the bowel to determine its role in driving disease complications such as fibrosis.

In this review we describe the process of citrullination and the different players in this pathway, the role of citrullination in autoimmunity with a special focus on IBD, the emerging role for citrullination and NETs in triggering fibrosis, and, finally, how this process could be therapeutically targeted.
From Hierarchical to Relative Hyperbolicity
Authors: Russell Jacob
Published: May 2020

We provide a simple, combinatorial criteria for a hierarchically hyperbolic space to be relatively hyperbolic by proving a new formulation of relative hyperbolicity in terms of hierarchy structures. In the case of clean hierarchically hyperbolic groups, this criteria characterizes relative hyperbolicity. We apply our criteria to graphs associated to surfaces and prove that the separating curve graph of a surface is relatively hyperbolic when the surface has zero or two punctures. We also recover a celebrated theorem of Brock and Masur on the relative hyperbolicity of the Weil–Petersson metric on Teichmüller space for surfaces with complexity three.
Effects of Ground Transport in Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) Turtles
Authors: Hunt K E , Merigo C , Burgess E A , Buck C Loren , Davis D , Kennedy A , Lory L , Wocial J , McNally K , Innis C
Published: May 2020

Synopsis

Many juvenile Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles strand during fall on the beaches of Cape Cod (MA, USA), with total stranding numbers sometimes exceeding 300 turtles per year. Once rehabilitated, turtles must be released at beaches with appropriate water temperatures, often requiring transportation to southeastern coastal states of the USA. These transportation events (transports) may approach or exceed 24 h in duration. Kemp’s ridley turtles are known to exhibit an adrenal stress response during such transports, but the effect of transport duration has been unclear, and no other sea turtle species has been investigated. To assess whether transport duration and/or species affects physiological reactions to transport, we studied pre- and post-transport physiological measures in Kemp’s ridley and loggerhead turtles transported by ground for <6, ∼12, ∼18, or ∼24 h, comparing with matched “control events” in which turtles were studied without transport. Blood samples were analyzed for four stress-associated measures (corticosterone, glucose, total white blood cell [WBC] count, and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio [H/L]) and nine measures of clinical status (pH, pO2, pCO2, HCO3, sodium, potassium, ionized calcium, lactate, and hematocrit). In both species, stress-associated measures elevated significantly during transport, while handling without transport had no significant effects. Loggerheads exhibited a greater stress response than Kemp’s ridleys across all transport durations. These results indicate that sea turtles do react physiologically to ground transport; therefore, minimizing transport time and streamlining transport logistics (where feasible) may help ensure release of rehabilitated turtles to sea in the best possible condition. Nonetheless, both species remained in good clinical condition even after 24 h transport, indicating that current transport protocols are generally safe for sea turtles from a clinical perspective.
Heat stress-induced deficits in growth, metabolic efficiency, and cardiovascular function coincided with chronic systemic inflammation and hypercatecholaminemia in ractopamine-supplemented feedlot lambs
Authors: Swanson Rebecca M , Tait Richard G , Galles Beth M , Duffy Erin M , Schmidt Ty B , Petersen Jessica L , Yates Dustin T
Published: May 2020

Heat stress hinders growth and well-being in livestock, an effect that is perhaps exacerbated by the β1 agonist ractopamine. Heat stress deficits are mediated in part by reduced feed intake, but other mechanisms involved are less understood. Our objective was to determine the direct impact of heat stress on growth and well-being in ractopamine-supplemented feedlot lambs. Commercial wethers were fed under heat stress (40 °C) for 30 d, and controls (18 °C) were pair-fed. In a 2 × 2 factorial, lambs were also given a daily gavage of 0 or 60 mg ractopamine. Growth, metabolic, cardiovascular, and stress indicators were assessed throughout the study. At necropsy, 9th to 12th rib sections (four-rib), internal organs, and feet were assessed, and sartorius muscles were collected for ex vivo glucose metabolic studies. Heat stress increased (P < 0.05) rectal temperatures and respiration rates throughout the study and reduced (P < 0.05) weight gain and feed efficiency over the first week, ultrasonic loin-eye area and loin depth near the end of the study, and four-rib weight at necropsy. Fat content of the four-rib and loin were also reduced (P < 0.05) by heat stress. Ractopamine increased (P < 0.05) loin weight and fat content and partially moderated the impact of heat stress on rectal temperature and four-rib weight. Heat stress reduced (P < 0.05) spleen weight, increased (P < 0.05) adrenal and lung weights, and was associated with hoof wall overgrowth but not organ lesions. Ractopamine did not affect any measured indicators of well-being. Heat stress reduced (P < 0.05) blood urea nitrogen and increased (P < 0.05) circulating monocytes, granulocytes, and total white blood cells as well as epinephrine, TNFα, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Cortisol and insulin were not affected. Heat stress reduced (P < 0.05) blood pressure and heart rates in all lambs and increased (P < 0.05) left ventricular wall thickness in unsupplemented but not ractopamine-supplemented lambs. No cardiac arrhythmias were observed. Muscle glucose uptake did not differ among groups, but insulin-stimulated glucose oxidation was reduced (P < 0.05) in muscle from heat-stressed lambs. These findings demonstrate that heat stress impairs growth, metabolism, and well-being even when the impact of feed intake is eliminated by pair-feeding and that systemic inflammation and hypercatecholaminemia likely contribute to these deficits. Moreover, ractopamine improved muscle growth indicators without worsening the effects of heat stress.
In silico validation of pooled genotyping strategies for genomic evaluation in Angus cattle
Authors: Alexandre Pâmela A , Reverter Antonio , Lehnert Sigrid A , Porto-Neto Laercio R , Dominik Sonja
Published: May 2020

In this study, we aimed to assess the value of genotyping DNA pools as a strategy to generate accurate and cost-effective genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) of sires in multi-sire mating systems. In order to do that, we used phenotypic records of 2,436 Australian Angus cattle from 174 sires, including yearling weight (YWT; N = 1,589 records), coat score (COAT; N = 2,026 records), and Meat Standards Australia marbling score (MARB; N = 1,304 records). Phenotypes were adjusted for fixed effects and age at measurement and pools of 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 animals were explored. Pools were created either by phenotype or at random. When pools were created at random, 10 replicates were examined to provide a measure of sampling variation. The relative accuracy of each pooling strategy was measured by the Pearson correlation coefficient between the sire’s GEBV with pooled progeny and the GEBV using individually genotyped progeny. Random pools allow the computation of sire GEBV that are, on average, moderately correlated (i.e., r > 0.5 at pool sizes [PS] ≤ 10) with those obtained without pooling. However, for pools assigned at random, the difference between the best and the worst relative accuracy obtained out of the 10 replicates was as high as 0.41 for YWT, 0.36 for COAT, and 0.61 for MARB. This uncertainty associated with the relative accuracy of GEBV makes randomly assigning animals to pools an unreliable approach. In contrast, pooling by phenotype allowed the estimation of sires’ GEBV with a relative accuracy ≥ 0.9 at PS < 10 for all three phenotypes. Moreover, even with larger PS, the lowest relative accuracy obtained was 0.88 (YWT, PS = 20). In agreement with results using simulated data, we conclude that pooling by phenotype is a robust approach to implementing genomic evaluation using commercial herd data, and PS larger than 10 individuals can be considered.
The Artificial Sweetener, Erythritol, Has Insecticidal Properties Against Pear Psylla (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)
Authors: Wentz Katie , Cooper W Rodney , Horton David R , Kao Robert , Nottingham Louis B
Published: May 2020

Erythritol is a dietary sweetener that is used for low-calorie or diabetic diets. Although safe for human consumption, erythritol is lethal to certain Dipteran pests, but insecticidal effects of erythritol on phloem-feeding insects have yet to be examined. Our goal was to determine whether erythritol has insecticidal activity against pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola (Foerster) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). We first demonstrated that ingestion of erythritol solutions compared with water by pear psylla caused reduced feeding, impaired motor functions, and reduced survival time of adults. We then tested whether foliar treatment of pear leaves with erythritol was also lethal to pear psylla. Foliar treatment of erythritol led to reduced 3-d survival of pear psylla nymphs and adults, and reduced rates of oviposition by pear psylla adults. Psylla adults also preferred to settle on untreated leaves than on erythritol-treated leaves in preference assays. Finally, we conducted field experiments to test whether applications of erythritol provided pear trees with protection against pear psylla under natural field conditions. Those experiments showed a reduction in pear psylla nymphs on erythritol-treated trees compared with untreated trees, but only if the erythritol was completely dissolved into solution by heating. Laboratory trials confirmed the importance of heating. Results of our experiments demonstrate that erythritol is insecticidal to pear psylla nymphs and adults and provide the first report that erythritol is lethal to a phloem-feeding insect. These findings suggest that erythritol may provide a new safe and effective tool for the management of pear psylla.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on oncological surgery
Authors: Kling Sarah M , Philp Matthew M
Published: May 2020

The COVID-19 global pandemic is changing the practice of oncologic surgery. Accustomed to fighting cancer with all available means, surgeons are now being asked to delay treatment or make use of alternate strategies to conserve resources. Telemedicine is being widely employed. We present our thoughts on this topic and where we might be in the next several months.
Auxin-mediated responses under salt stress: from developmental regulation to biotechnological applications
Authors: Ribba Tomas , Garrido-Vargas Fernanda , O’Brien José Antonio
Published: May 2020

As sessile organisms, plants are exposed to multiple abiotic stresses commonly found in nature. To survive, plants have developed complex responses that involve genetic, epigenetic, cellular, and morphological modifications. Among different environmental cues, salt stress has emerged as a critical problem contributing to yield losses and marked reductions in crop production. Moreover, as the climate changes, it is expected that salt stress will have a significant impact on crop production in the agroindustry. On a mechanistic level, salt stress is known to be regulated by the crosstalk of many signaling molecules such as phytohormones, with auxin having been described as a key mediator of the process. Auxin plays an important role in plant developmental responses and stress, modulating a complex balance of biosynthesis, transport, and signaling that among other things, finely tune physiological changes in plant architecture and Na+ accumulation. In this review, we describe current knowledge on auxin’s role in modulating the salt stress response. We also discuss recent and potential biotechnological approaches to tackling salt stress.
Dasypus sabanicola (Cingulata: Dasypodidae)
Authors: Chacón-Pacheco Julio , Aya-Cuero Carlos , Anacleto Teresa Cristina S
Published: May 2020

Dasypus sabanicola Mondolfi, 1968, commonly known as Llanos long-nosed armadillo, is the second smallest armadillo of the genus Dasypus. It is a diurnal-nocturnal insectivorous species endemic to the Orinoco Region of Colombia and Venezuela, where it inhabits natural savannas and riparian forests. D. sabanicola is listed as “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources due to its restricted distribution to the floodplains (llanos), an ecosystem that is severely affected by continuing habitat conversion. It is also hunted in several parts of its range.
Ocular Actinomycosis Mimicking Meningioma
Authors: Kobayashi Takaaki , Ford Bradley , Fujita Nobuhiro , Appenheimer A Ben
Published: May 2020

Orbital actinomycosis is an unusual clinical manifestation of orbital infection caused by Actinomyces species. Herein we report a case of orbital actinomycosis in a 67-year-old woman with recurrent swelling and erythema around her left eye with an orbital mass initially thought to be a meningioma.