bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequences of divergent temperature optima in a host–parasite system
Authors: Franke Frederik , Raifarth Nadja , Kurtz Joachim , Scharsack Jörn P.
Published: January 2019

It was suggested that parasite infections become more severe with rising temperature, as expected during global warming. In ectothermic systems, the growth of a parasite and therefore its reproductive capacity is expected to increase with temperature. However, the outcome of the interaction depends on the temperature optima of both host and parasite. Here we used experimental infections of three‐spined stickleback fish Gasterosteus aculeatus with its specific tapeworm parasite Schistocephalus solidus to investigate in detail the temperature optima for both host and parasite. We analyzed the fitness consequences thereof, focusing on growth and immunity of the host, and growth and offspring production of the parasite as fitness correlates. We checked for potential differences among populations, using the offspring of hosts and parasites derived from four study sites in Iceland, Germany and Spain that differ in average annual temperature ranging between 4.8°C and 18.4°C. We found differences in temperature optima of host and parasites that were quite consistent across the populations: while sticklebacks grew faster and had higher immune activity at low temperatures, the parasites did not even grow fast enough to reach sexual maturity in these conditions. By contrast, with increasing temperatures, parasite growth, egg production and offspring hatching increased strongly while host immunity and growth were impaired. Our results show that divergent temperature optima of hosts and parasites can have drastic fitness consequences and support the expectation that some parasites will benefit from global warming.
Predators and priority effects suggested as potential drivers of microfauna communities in a community transplantation experiment along an elevational gradient
Authors: Busse Annika , Schoreisz Jeremias J. , Petermann Jana S.
Published: January 2019

Transplantation experiments are a useful method to identify responses of organisms to environmental change. However, they are typically restricted to single or few species. Our experiment was carried out using entire bromeliad‐inhabiting microfauna communities which were transplanted along an elevational gradient, simulating environmental change acting on the communities. Additionally, we manipulated trophic interactions, i.e. resource availability and predator presence, thus combining abiotic and biotic effects in a full‐factorial experimental design. Using this experiment, we found a strong signal of original elevation in microfauna community structure (abundance, evenness, functional composition) with a shift from amoeba‐dominated to flagellate‐dominated communities with increasing original elevation. Surprisingly, the transplantation of communities along the elevational gradient did not affect community structure, indicating strong priority effects. Predation decreased microfauna abundance and increased microfauna evenness, specifically in higher original elevation and high resource levels.

In summary, our results suggest that microfauna communities in bromeliads might be primarily shaped by priority effects and predator presence. However, interacting effects (between predator presence and resource availability, as well as between predator presence and original elevation) highlight the usefulness of studies with full‐factorial experimental designs to understand community‐structuring processes. Bromeliads and other micro‐ecosystems provide convenient study systems for community level approaches that could be used in future studies concerning the effects of environmental change, for example climate change on community structure.
Regulation of water‐soluble glucan synthesis by the Streptococcus mutans dexA gene effects biofilm aggregation and cariogenic pathogenicity
Authors: Yang Yan , Mao Mengying , Lei Lei , Li Meng , Yin Jiaxin , Ma Xinrong , Tao Xiang , Yang Yingming , Hu Tao
Published: January 2019

The cariogenic pathogen Streptococcus mutans effectively utilizes dietary sucrose for the synthesis of exopolysaccharides (EPS), which act as a scaffold for its biofilm and thus contribute to its cariogenic pathogenicity. Dextranase (Dex), which is a type of glucanase, participates in the degradation of water‐soluble glucan (WSG); however, the structural features of the EPS regulated by the dexAgene have received limited attention. Our recent studies reported novel protocols to fractionate and analyzed the structural characteristics of glucans from S mutans biofilms. In this study, we identify the role of the S mutans dexAgene in dextran‐dependent aggregation in biofilm formation. Our results show that deletion of dexA (SmudexA) results in increased transcription of EPS synthesis‐related genes, including gtfB, gtfD, and ftf. Interestingly, we reveal that inactivating the dexA gene may lead to elevated WSG synthesis in S mutans , which results in dysregulated cariogenicity in vivo. Furthermore, structural analysis provides new insights regarding the lack of mannose monosaccharides, especially in the WSG synthesis of the SmudexA mutants. The biofilm phenotypes that are associated with the reduced glucose monosaccharide composition in both WSG and water‐insoluble glucan shift the dental biofilm to reduce the cariogenic incidence of the SmudexA mutants. Taken together, these data reveal that EPS synthesis fine‐tuning by the dexA gene results in a densely packed EPS matrix that may impede the glucose metabolism of WSG, thereby leading to the lack of an energy source for the bacteria. These results highlight dexA targeting as a potentially effective tool in dental caries management.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy with His bundle pacing
Authors: Boczar Krzysztof , Sławuta Agnieszka , Ząbek Andrzej , Dębski Maciej , Vijayaraman Pugazhendhi , Gajek Jacek , Lelakowski Jacek , Małecka Barbara
Published: January 2019

Aims

A novel therapy offering cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with an additional lead placed in His bundle has been reported in a few case reports and case series as improving the hemodynamical and clinical condition of patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) in whom other therapeutic methods have not been successful.

Methods

Fourteen consecutive patients with permanent AF, heart failure (HF), bundle branch block (BBB) with QRS complex width >130 ms, and impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) underwent implantation of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)/CRT systems with His bundle pacing (HBP). During the follow‐up, we assessed the efficacy of ICD/CRT systems with HBP in HF treatment.

Results

The study cohort consisted of 14 patients with the mean age of 67.35 ± 10 years. The mean duration of QRS was 159.2 ± 28.6 ms, mean LVEF was 24.36 ± 10.7%, and mean follow‐up duration was 14.4 months. One patient died due to HF aggravation during the follow‐up. In the remaining 13 patients, the mean LVEF significantly improved from 24% to 38%, P = 0.0015. The left ventricular end‐diastolic dimension decreased from 72 mm to 59 mm, P < 0.001; left ventricular end‐systolic dimension decreased from 59 mm to 47 mm, P = 0.0026. The mean QRS duration shortened from 159 ms to 128 ms, P = 0.016. The mean percentage of HBP reached 97%. As a result, 92.3% of patients demonstrated significant improvement in the New York Heart Association functional class, P < 0.001.

Conclusion

The use of atrial channel for HBP, choice of optimal ICD/CRT pacing configuration, and optimization of pharmacological therapy resulted in a substantial narrowing of QRS width and clinical improvement in left ventricular mechanical function during the follow‐up.
Transient rise in His‐lead threshold due to acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Hall Robert , Jones Daniel A , Muthumala Amal , Weerackody Roshan , Sohaib Afzal , Monkhouse Christopher
Published: January 2019

An 85‐year‐old male was admitted to our center with a non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction. The patient had a dual‐chamber pacemaker in situ with an atrial and His lead. A transient increase in His threshold and loss of nonselective capture occurred at the presentation of right coronary artery infarction, peaking during rotational atherectomy therapy causing loss of capture and complete atrioventricular block. A follow‐up interrogation, 2 weeks postrevascularization, showed a return to a normal nonselective capture morphology and threshold measurements. Physicians should be aware of this complication in patients with His leads, particularly those with a history of coronary artery disease.
Dizziness Handicap and Its Contributing Factors in Patients With Migraine
Authors: Lee Sun Hwa , Kang Yeonwook , Sohn Jong‐Hee , Cho Soo‐Jin
Published: January 2019

Objective

Dizziness is frequently reported in patients with migraine. However, its assessment is often neglected in clinical practice. We investigated the dizziness handicap experienced by patients with migraine and its contributing factors.

Methods

A total of 361 migraine outpatients (270 women, 91 men; mean age 39.01 ± 11.2 years) were given the Korean Dizziness Handicap Inventory (KDHI) questionnaire (total score: 100 points; cutoff: 29). The Headache Impact Test, Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7, Patient Health Questionnaire‐9, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were also administered. Clinical data such as age, sex, number of headache attacks per month, pain intensity on the visual analog scale, and average sleep hours were collected to find contributing factors. Comparisons were made between chronic and episodic migraine.

Results

A total of 153 patients were classified as having dizziness handicap (M+DH) and 208 had migraine without dizziness handicap (M‐DH). Patients with M+DH experienced more headache attacks per month than patients with M‐DH (P = 0.010). The proportion of patients with chronic migraine was larger in the M+DH group (29.4% vs. 17.3%, P = 0.006). Patients with M+DH showed higher scores than patients with M‐DH in all the KDHI subscales. Multivariable logistic regression showed headache impact, pain intensity, anxiety, and depression to be significantly associated with dizziness handicap.

Conclusion

The data suggest that patients with migraine, especially those with chronic‐type migraine, experience physical, emotional, and functional handicaps due to dizziness. Dizziness handicap is related to headache impact, anxiety, and depression. Targeted management of such factors is required to reduce the severity of subjective discomfort.
The Value of Perception
Authors: Allen Keith
Published: January 2019

This paper develops a form oftranscendental naïve realism. According to naïve realism, veridical perceptual experiences are essentially relational. According to transcendental naïve realism, the naïve realist theory of perception is not just one theory of perception amongst others, to be established as an inference to the best explanation and assessed on the basis of a cost‐benefit analysis that weighs performance along a number of different dimensions: for instance, fidelity to appearances, simplicity, systematicity, fit with scientific theories, and so on. Rather, naïve realism enjoys a special status in debates in the philosophy of perception because it represents part of the transcendental project of explaininghow it is possiblethat perceptual experience has the distinctive characteristics it does. One of the potentially most interesting prospects of adopting a transcendental attitude towards naïve realism is that it promises to make the naïve realist theory of perception, in some sense, immune to falsification. This paper develops a modest form of transcendental naïve realism modelled loosely on the account of the reactive attitudes provided by Strawson in ‘Freedom and Resentment’, and suggests one way of understanding the claim that naïve realism is immune to falsification.
Disruptive Innovation, Market Entry and Production Flexibility in Heterogeneous Oligopoly
Authors: Chevalier‐Roignant Benoît , Flath Christoph M. , Trigeorgis Lenos
Published: January 2019

We develop a model of oligopoly competition involving innovation effort, market entry and production flexibility under demand uncertainty. Several heterogeneous firms make efforts to develop new prototypes; if they succeed, they hold a shared option to enter a new market under stochastic demand. We derive analytic results for the Markov perfect equilibrium accounting for development effort, market entry and production decisions and complement these by numerical analyses. Firm value—which embeds real options—is not convex increasing in demand but exhibits “competitive waves” due to market entries by rivals. A firm with a development advantage (“innovator”) exerts greater innovation effort if the market is a niche, whereas another benefiting from economies of scale (“incumbent”) invests more if the market is larger. Positive externalities benefit the incumbent in the development stage, whereas the innovator is better off in counteracting negative externalities. Demand volatility raises firm incentives to innovate as it enhances the value of firm market‐entry and production flexibility.
Hormetic UV‐C seed treatments for the control of tomato diseases
Authors: Scott G. , Almasrahi A. , Malekpoor Mansoorkhani F. , Rupar M. , Dickinson M. , Shama G.
Published: January 2019

Hormesis is a dose response phenomenon in which low, non‐damaging doses of a stressor bring about a positive response in the organism undergoing treatment. Evidence is provided here that hormetic UV‐C treatments of tomato seed can control disease caused by Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) and f. sp. radicis‐lycopersici (FORL) on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Treating seeds with a 4 kJ m−2 dose of UV‐C significantly reduced both the disease incidence and progression of B. cinerea, with approximately 10% reductions in both on cv. Shirley. Disease severity assays for FOL and FORL on cv. Moneymaker showed dose‐dependent responses: UV‐C treatments of 4 and 6 kJ m−2 significantly reduced the disease severity scores of FOL, whilst only the 6 kJ m−2 showed significant reductions for FORL. To determine the effects of treatment on germination and seedling growth, UV‐C doses of 4, 8 and 12 kJ m−2 were performed on cv. Shirley. No negative impacts on germination or seedling growth were observed for any of the treatments. However, the 8 kJ m−2 treatment showed significant biostimulation, with increases in seedling, root and hypocotyl dry weight of 11.4%, 23.1% and 12.0%, respectively, when compared to the control. Furthermore, significant increases in the root‐mass fraction (10.6%) and root:shoot ratio (13.1%) along with a decrease in shoot‐mass fraction (2.0%) indicates that the 8 kJ m−2 treatment stimulated root growth to the greatest extent. There was no effect on hypocotyl and primary root length or the number of lateral roots, indicating no adverse effects to basic root architecture or seedling growth.
Valuation of Ecosystem Services to promote sustainable aquaculture practices
Authors: Custódio Marco , Villasante Sebastián , Calado Ricardo , Lillebø Ana Isabel
Published: January 2019

Conceptual frameworks to assess and valuate Ecosystem Services (ES) are rapidly becoming important tools for ecosystem‐based management, as they support transdisciplinary approaches to ecological economics and expand current asset boundaries to include natural and social capital. An important area where such ES assessment frameworks could become relevant management tools is aquaculture. Aquaculture activities are an interconnected part of the ecosystem in which they exist and, under certain circumstances, can support many of the same fundamental ES provided by nature. But, in most cases, aquaculture typically increases provisioning services at the expense of the other services (regulation & maintenance and cultural services). To understand the capacity of ES valuation methods to expose existing ES trade‐offs in areas under aquaculture development, this study provides a literature review of publications that assessed and valuated ES delivered and/or impacted by aquaculture. In general, it seems that certain types of aquaculture do negatively impact overall ES delivery (e.g. intensive mangrove shrimp farming in Asia), yet certain modes of production (e.g. integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture) and cultured species (e.g. algae and certain bivalves) can have a positive impact on ES, not only improving provisioning services but also regulation and maintenance services and, potentially, cultural services. ES valuation methods provide important data that facilitate discussion among stakeholders and policymakers and should be included in marine and coastal management planning processes to foster a more sustainable aquaculture.
Extraction of RNA from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded equine placenta
Authors: Dini Pouya , Esteller‐Vico Alejandro , Scoggin Kirsten E. , Daels Peter , Ball Barry A.
Published: January 2019

Contents

Archived formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) samples represent a valuable resource for the determination of gene expression for physio/pathological conditions. In the present study, we validated a protocol for the extraction of RNA from FFPE samples collected from healthy and diseased equine placenta. The quality and quantity of the extracted RNA from the FFPE and matching RNAlater™‐preserved samples and expression levels of common housekeeping genes and reference microRNAs were evaluated. Precision of the expression data was evaluated by comparing relative expression of CYP19A1 and HSD3B1 in FFPE and RNAlater™ samples. The median RNA concentration recovered from FFPE samples was 316.8 ng/mm3 of tissue (ranging between 61.6 and 917.4 ng/mm3), average RNA integrity number was 2.3 ± 0.9 (mean ± standard deviation), and 84% of samples had RNA fragments longer than 200 nucleotides (DV200). RNA concentrations and CT values for GAPDH, ACTB, miR‐8908a and miR‐369 in FFPE samples were significantly correlated (r = −0.8, −0.7, −0.4 and −0.4, respectively; p < 0.001). Expression pattern of normalized CYP19A1 and HSD3B1 in paired FFPE and RNAlater™ samples was significantly correlated (r = 0.97 for CYP19A1 and HSD3B1; p < 0.001). This study demonstrates that RNA can be extracted from FFPE equine placental tissue and used for downstream transcriptomic analysis. Similar RNA expression patterns were obtained using RNAlater™ and FFPE tissue samples.
Assessment of urinary volatile compounds and proteins in the female goat Capra hircus: A pilot study to reveal potential indicators of oestrus
Authors: Sankarganesh D , Ramachandran R , Suriyakalaa U , Ramesh Saravanakumar V , Archunan G , Akbarsha MA , Achiraman S
Published: January 2019

Contents

Urine samples of female goats in pro‐oestrus, oestrus and post‐oestrus phases were analysed for finding oestrus‐specific volatile compounds using gas chromatograph–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), and proteins using sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption–ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). Fourteen urinary volatile were identified covering all three phases among which four compounds, 1‐Tetradecanol, n‐Pentadecanol, 3‐Methylene tridecane and 2‐Ethyl‐1‐dodecene, were unique to oestrus. Also, oestrus urine contained a 25 kDa protein, which was totally absent in pro‐oestrus urine, and less‐expressed in post‐oestrus urine. This protein revealed to be complement C3 fragment. This pilot study, for the first time, reveals the difference in urinary volatile compounds and proteins in the female goat during the different phases of oestrous cycle. The four unique volatile compounds and a 25 kDa protein that appeared as oestrus‐specific in this study warrant further investigation to consider them as urinary biomarkers of oestrus in goats.
A Robust Approach for Mitigating Risks in Cyber Supply Chains
Authors: Zheng Kaiyue , Albert Laura A.
Published: January 2019

In recent years, there have been growing concerns regarding risks in federal information technology (IT) supply chains in the United States that protect cyber infrastructure. A critical need faced by decisionmakers is to prioritize investment in security mitigations to maximally reduce risks in IT supply chains. We extend existing stochastic expected budgeted maximum multiple coverage models that identify “good” solutions on average that may be unacceptable in certain circumstances. We propose three alternative models that consider different robustness methods that hedge against worst‐case risks, including models that maximize the worst‐case coverage, minimize the worst‐case regret, and maximize the average coverage in the worst cases (conditional value at risk). We illustrate the solutions to the robust methods with a case study and discuss the insights their solutions provide into mitigation selection compared to an expected‐value maximizer. Our study provides valuable tools and insights for decisionmakers with different risk attitudes to manage cybersecurity risks under uncertainty.
Microneedle fractional radiofrequency‐induced micropores evaluated by in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography, and histology
Authors: Hansen Frederikke S. , Wenande Emily , Haedersdal Merete , Fuchs Christine S.K.
Published: January 2019

Background

Microneedle fractional radiofrequency (MNRF) is a minimally invasive technique that delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy into the skin via microneedles. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) enable the characterization of device‐tissue interactions in in vivo skin. The aim of this study is to describe MNRF‐induced micropores using RCM and OCT imaging.

Materials and methods

Five healthy participants were treated with a 7 × 7 array of 1500 μm microneedles on two adjacent areas of the right hip. One area received MNRF using high RF energy while the other underwent MNRF at low RF energy. Micropore morphology was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively with RCM and OCT. To relate imaging with histology, one participant underwent punch biopsy in both areas.

Results

Reflectance confocal microscopy visualized shape, content, and thermal‐induced coagulation zone (CZ) of MNRF micropores. At high RF energy, micropores showed concentric shape, contained hyperreflective granules, and coagulated tissue from epidermis to dermo‐epidermal junction (diameter 63‐85 μm). Micropores at low RF energy, presented with a stellate shape, no content and CZs that were visible only in epidermis (CZ thickness 9 μm, IQR 8‐21 μm). Evaluating OCT, high RF energy showed deeper (150 μm), more easily identifiable micropores compared to low RF energy micropores (70 μm). Histology showed tissue coagulation to a depth of 1500 μm at high RF energy, while at low RF energy, disruption was only visible in epidermis.

Conclusion

Microneedle fractional radiofrequency micropores show distinct characteristics in both RCM and OCT, depending on RF energy. These in vivo imaging modalities are complementary and allow combined, qualitative, and quantitative evaluation.
Co‐infections with Plasmodium, Ascaris and Giardia among Rwandan schoolchildren
Authors: Geus Dominik , Sifft Kevin C. , Habarugira Felix , Mugisha Jean Claude , Mukampunga Caritas , Ndoli Jules , Bayingana Claude , Sendegeya Augustin , Martus Peter , Fraundorfer Kira , von Samson‐Himmelstjerna Georg , Gahutu Jean Bosco , Klotz Christian , Aebischer Anton , Mockenhaupt Frank P.
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Co‐infections with Plasmodium, Ascaris and Giardia are common in sub‐Saharan Africa but epidemiological and clinical data are rare. We examined factors associated with co‐infections and their clinical manifestation among Rwandan schoolchildren.

Methods

Schoolchildren aged 6–10 years attending 12 schools in Huye district, Rwanda, were recruited preceding routine deworming. Data on socioeconomic status (SES) and children′s histories were obtained, and children were clinically and anthropometrically examined. Blood and stool samples were collected, and infections with Plasmodium, Ascaris and Giardia were determined by microscopy and PCR assays.

Results

Among 878 schoolchildren, Plasmodium, Ascaris and Giardia were present in 22%, 35% and 36%, respectively. Co‐infections with two or more parasites were found in 24%; only one‐third of the children did not harbour any of the parasites examined. Factors associated with parasite (co‐)infections largely overlapped and reflected low SES, in addition to a few specific risk factors. Clinically, most children were asymptomatic but anaemia (38%), underweight (17%), and reported signs and symptoms in the preceding 2 weeks (46%) were common. Many of the reported and assessed signs and symptoms were associated with Plasmodium infection, and co‐infection with Ascaris and/or Giardia did basically not modify the clinical picture. One exception was malnutrition, which was pronounced in Ascaris–Giardia co‐infection vs. individual mono‐infections.

Conclusions

Parasitic co‐infections are common in Rwandan schoolchildren, and are associated with a rather silent clinical manifestation that nevertheless may affect school performance and long‐term development. School‐based health interventions should target such co‐infections in an integrated manner.
Snakebite accidents in Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil: Epidemiology, health management and influence of the environmental scenario
Authors: Costa Mikaelle Kaline Bezerra da , Fonseca Camilla Siqueira da , Navoni Julio Alejandro , Freire Eliza Maria Xavier
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Brazil is home to large variety of snake species, of which about 17% are venomous. A large proportion of reported snakebite accidents in the country take place in northeast Brazil. We aimed to analyse the epidemiology of snakebites as a public health concern in Rio Grande do Norte state.

Methods

A retrospective epidemiologic analysis was performed using data from the Brazilian Case Registry Database pertaining to the period 2007–2016, and considering environmental climate characteristics as an influential factor.

Results

A number of 3909 cases were reported in total. Among those cases, 58% involved venomous species and more than 80% of these were caused by Bothrops species. An association between environmental characteristics and the incidence of reported cases was found. The Borborema Potiguar region was the most affected area. Apart from that, deficiencies in managing the victims were described.

Conclusion

This study highlights snakebite accidents as a public health concern in Rio Grande do Norte state. Snake bites are most likely being influenced by climate change and human activities. Continuous training of involved medical personnel could help optimise patient care and avoid under reporting in the accident reporting system.
Chemical genetic identification of a lectin receptor kinase that transduces immune responses and interferes with abscisic acid signaling
Authors: Park Jiyoung , Kim Tae‐Houn , Takahashi Yohei , Schwab Rebecca , Dressano Keini , Stephan Aaron B. , Ceciliato Paulo H. O. , Ramirez Eduardo , Garin Vince , Huffaker Alisa , Schroeder Julian I.
Published: January 2019

Insight into how plants simultaneously cope with multiple stresses, for example, when challenged with biotic stress from pathogen infection and abiotic stress from drought, is important both for understanding evolutionary trade‐offs and optimizing crop responses to these stresses. Mechanisms by which initial plant immune signaling antagonizes abscisic acid (ABA) signal transduction require further investigation. Using a chemical genetics approach, the small molecule [5‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)furan‐2‐yl]‐piperidine‐1‐ylmethanethione (DFPM) has previously been identified due to its ability to suppress ABA signaling via plant immune signaling components. Here, we have used forward chemical genetics screening to identify DFPM‐insensitive loci by monitoring the activity of ABA‐inducible pRAB18::GFP in the presence of DFPM and ABA. The ability of DFPM to attenuate ABA signaling was reduced in rda mutants (resistant to DFPM inhibition of ABA signaling). One of the mutants, rda2, was mapped and is defective in a gene encoding a lectin receptor kinase. RDA2 functions in DFPM‐mediated inhibition of ABA‐mediated reporter expression. RDA2 is required for DFPM‐mediated activation of immune signaling, including phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) 3 (MPK3) and MPK6, and induction of immunity marker genes. Our study identifies a previously uncharacterized receptor kinase gene that is important for DFPM‐mediated immune signaling and inhibition of ABA signaling. We demonstrate that the lectin receptor kinase RDA2 is essential for perceiving the DFPM signal and activating MAPKs, and that MKK4 and MKK5 are required for DFPM interference with ABA signal transduction.
Two-Phase Fluid Modeling of Magnetic Drug Targeting in a Permeable Microvessel Implanted With a Toroidal Permanent Magnetic Stent
Authors: Zhang Chibin , Xia Kangli , Xu Keya , Lin Xiaohui , Jiang Shuyun , Wang Changbao
Published: January 2019

The key to effective magnetic drug targeting (MDT) is to improve the aggregation of magnetic drug carrier particles (MDCPs) at the target site. Compared to related theoretical models, the novelty of this investigation is mainly reflected in that the microvascular blood is considered as a two-phase fluid composed of a continuous phase (plasma) and a discrete phase (red blood cells (RBCs)). And plasma flow state is quantitatively described based on the Navier–Stokes equation of two-phase flow theory, the effect of momentum exchange between the two-phase interface is considered in the Navier–Stokes equation. Besides, the coupling effect between plasma pressure and tissue fluid pressure is considered. The random motion effects and the collision effects of MDCPs transported in the blood are quantitatively described using the Boltzmann equation. The results show that the capture efficiency (CE) presents a nonlinear increase with the increase of magnetic induction intensity and a nonlinear decrease with the increase of plasma velocity, but an approximately linear increase with the increase of the particle radius. Furthermore, greater permeability of the microvessel wall promotes the aggregation of MDCPs. The CE predicted by the model agrees well with the experimental results.
Unsteady Flow of Power Law Fluids With Wall Slip in Microducts
Authors: Akyildiz F. Talay , Siginer Dennis A. , Boutaous M'hamed
Published: January 2019

Unsteady laminar nonlinear slip flow of power law fluids in a microchannel is investigated. The nonlinear partial differential equation resulting from the momentum balance is solved with linear as well as nonlinear boundary conditions at the channel wall. We prove the existence of the weak solution, develop a semi-analytical solution based on the pseudo-spectral-Galerkin and Tau methods, and discuss the influence and effect of the slip coefficient and power law index on the time-dependent velocity profiles. Larger slip at the wall generates increased velocity profiles, and this effect is further enhanced by increasing the power law index. Comparatively, the velocity of the Newtonian fluid is larger and smaller than that of the power law fluid for the same value of the slippage coefficient if the power index is smaller and larger, respectively, than one.
A Transient Computational Fluid Dynamics, Phase Modulated, Multifrequency Approach for Impeller Rotordynamic Forces
Authors: Mortazavi Farzam , Palazzolo Alan
Published: January 2019

Modern high performance turbomachines frequently operate in supercritical condition above their first critical speed, rendering these machines prone to rotordynamic instability. The American Petroleum Institute (API) standards require advanced simulation models for level II stability analysis of impellers. Such data are then incorporated into rotor-bearing vibration response models. Despite recent advancements in high fidelity, general modeling (i.e., three-dimensional viscous transient nonaxisymmetric model) of closed impeller rotordynamic forces, no such general model is available for open impellers, especially the centrifugal type. This paper extends the transient computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model previously used for closed impellers to open impellers. The recent model uses a phase modulated, multifrequency approach for enhanced computational efficiency and robustness. Results are validated against literature experiments at design and off-flow condition. The model is further applied to a spectrum of specific speeds to extract the dimensionless rotordynamic forces for each class of impellers at design and off-flow conditions. Such dimensionless force data can be used to estimate the rotordynamic forces of impellers with similar specific speed. Depending on specific speed and the relative flow coefficient, many of these impellers are found to be excited by forward or backward whirl. Strong interaction with rotating stall typically appears in the force data at off-flow condition. Simulations of the isolated leakage path model (ILPM) for equivalent closed impellers reveal similar bumps and dips associated with highly swirling inflow which naturally occurs at part flow condition.
Calculation of Stall Margin Enhancement With Micro-Tip Injection in an Axial Compressor
Authors: Liu Xiaohua , Teng Jinfang , Yang Jun , Sun Xiaofeng , Sun Dakun , He Chen , Du Juan
Published: January 2019

Although steady micro-injection is experimentally validated as an attractive method in improving the stall margin of axial compressors, up to now a fast prediction of stall boundary remains some way off. This investigation is to propose such a prediction model. A flow stability model is developed to further consider the effect of high-speed micro-injection. After the base flow field is calculated by steady computational fluid dynamics simulation, a body force model is applied to reproduce the effect of blade on the flow turning and loss. A group of homogeneous equations are obtained based on linearized Navier–Stokes equations and harmonic decomposition of small flow disturbance. The stall onset point can be judged by the imaginary part of the resultant eigenvalue. After the existing experimental results are summarized, an unsteady numerical simulation reveals that the computed characteristics and radial profile of pressure rise coefficient are almost unchanged. The unsteady response of compressor to the micro-injection is preliminarily verified based on the observation of the disturbed spillage of tip leakage flow. It is verified that this approach can provide a qualitative assessment of stall point with acceptable computational cost. Both high injection velocity and short axial gap between injector and rotor leading edge are beneficial for the stall margin extension. These theoretical findings agree well with experimental measurements. It is inferred that the spillage of tip clearance flow, which is inward pushed by higher speed injection with shortened distance away from rotor, could lead to further stable flow field.
Mixed Convective Flow of Electrically Conducting Fluid in a Vertical Cylindrical Annulus With Moving Walls Adjacent to a Radial Magnetic Field Along With Transpiration
Authors: Shakiba Ali , Rahimi Asghar B.
Published: January 2019

The steady, viscous flow and mixed convection heat transfer of an incompressible electrically conducting fluid within a vertical cylindrical annulus with moving walls are investigated. This annulus is under the influence of a radial magnetic field and the fluid is suctioned/injected through the cylinders' walls. An exact solution of the Navier–Stokes equations and energy equation is derived in this problem where heat is transferred from the hot cylinder walls with constant temperature to the cooler moving fluid. The role of the movement of the annulus walls is studied on the flow and heat transfer of the fluid within the annulus, for the first time. The effects of other parameters, including Prandtl number, Hartman number, mixed convection parameter, suction/injection parameter and ratio of the radius, on the behavior of the flow and heat transfer of the fluid is also considered. The results indicate that if, for example, the internal cylinder wall moves in the direction of z-axis and the external cylinder is stationary, the maximum and minimum heat transfer occur on the walls of internal and external cylinders, respectively. Moreover, the augmentation of the radius ratio between the two cylinders increases the rate of heat transfer and decreases the shear stress on the wall of the internal and external cylinders, however, the results on the wall of external cylinder are exactly the reverse. Consequently, by changing the effective parameters used in this paper, the flow of the fluid can be controlled and the heat transfer of the fluid can be improved.
Nitrogen-Bearing Emissions From Burning Corn Straw in a Fixed-Bed Reactor: Effects of Fuel Moisture, Torrefaction, and Air Flowrate
Authors: Rokni Emad , Liu Yu , Ren Xiaohan , Levendis Yiannis A.
Published: January 2019

Combustion-generated emissions of acid gases, such as nitrogen-bearing species, constitute environmental pollutants and some are subjected to environmental regulations. Assessment of such emissions is important to decide what systems need to be put in place for their control. This applies to both conventional fossil fuels and for alternative environmentally friendlier fuels, such as renewable biomass. This research investigated the emissions of nitrogen-bearing gases, which evolve from combustion of biomass (corn straw) in a fixed bed furnace, as a function of specific air flowrate (m˙air) through the bed and of moisture content of the fuel. The effect of torrefaction of corn straw on the combustion-generated nitrogen bearing emissions was also examined. The predominant nitrogen-bearing species in the combustion effluents were hydrogen cyanide (HCN), nitrogen oxide (NO), and ammonia (NH3). Increasing m˙air through the bed, to enhance the combustion rate, increased the emissions of HCN, NO, and NH3. As the m˙air through the bed increased by a factor of 5, the amounts of HCN, NO, and NH3 gases increased by factors of 3–4. As the moisture content of the biomass was reduced by drying, the combustion-generated emissions of NO increased mildly, whereas those of both NH3 and HCN decreased. Furthermore, the combustion-generated emissions of NO and NH3 from torrefied biomass were found to be higher than those from raw biomass. In contrast, the combustion-generated emissions of HCN from torrefied biomass were found to be lower than those generated from raw biomass.
Disentangling the size-dependent geometric and electronic effects of palladium nanocatalysts beyond selectivity
Authors: Wang Hengwei , Gu Xiang-Kui , Zheng Xusheng , Pan Haibin , Zhu Junfa , Chen Si , Cao Lina , Li Wei-Xue , Lu Junling
Published: January 2019

Site-selective blocking by ALD disentangles the geometric and electronic effects of catalysts beyond the selectivity volcano.
Laser-writable high-k dielectric for van der Waals nanoelectronics
Authors: Peimyoo N. , Barnes M. D. , Mehew J. D. , De Sanctis A. , Amit I. , Escolar J. , Anastasiou K. , Rooney A. P. , Haigh S. J. , Russo S. , Craciun M. F. , Withers F.
Published: January 2019

2D material compatible, writable, and high-
k
multifunctional oxide facilitates next-generation flexible van der Waals electronics.
Adaptive locomotion of artificial microswimmers
Authors: Huang H.-W. , Uslu F. E. , Katsamba P. , Lauga E. , Sakar M. S. , Nelson B. J.
Published: January 2019

Artificial microswimmers display adaptive locomotion by autonomously morphing in response to physical changes in the environment.
Polymorphism of bulk boron nitride
Authors: Cazorla Claudio , Gould Tim
Published: January 2019

High-level many-body ab initio calculations reveal a strong phase competition in boron nitride near-ambient conditions.
Gate tuning from exciton superfluid to quantum anomalous Hall in van der Waals heterobilayer
Authors: Zhu Qizhong , Tu Matisse Wei-Yuan , Tong Qingjun , Yao Wang
Published: January 2019

Heterobilayers of 2D semiconductors can be gate tuned from exciton superfluid to quantum anomalous or quantum spin Hall insulator.
Boosting contact sliding and wear protection via atomic intermixing and tailoring of nanoscale interfaces
Authors: Dwivedi Neeraj , Yeo Reuben J. , Dhand Chetna , Risan Jared , Nay Richard , Tripathy Sudhiranjan , Rajauria Sukumar , Saifullah Mohammad S. M. , Sankaranarayanan Subramanian K. R. S. , Yang Hyunsoo , Danner Aaron , Bhatia Charanjit S.
Published: January 2019

Multiple mixed interfaces and a critical carbon thickness in sub-10-nm overcoats are essential for low wear and friction
.
Resonant inelastic x-ray incarnation of Young’s double-slit experiment
Authors: Revelli A. , Moretti Sala M. , Monaco G. , Becker P. , Bohatý L. , Hermanns M. , Koethe T. C. , Fröhlich T. , Warzanowski P. , Lorenz T. , Streltsov S. V. , van Loosdrecht P. H. M. , Khomskii D. I. , van den Brink J. , Grüninger M.
Published: January 2019

RIXS interferometry is a promising new tool for studying the symmetry and character of excited states in complex materials.
Time-optimized pulsed dynamic nuclear polarization
Authors: Tan Kong Ooi , Yang Chen , Weber Ralph T. , Mathies Guinevere , Griffin Robert G.
Published: January 2019

TOP-DNP is an innovative pulsed DNP method that efficiently enhances NMR signals with moderate microwave power at high fields.
Human “T
H
9” cells are a subpopulation of PPAR-γ
+
T
H
2 cells
Authors: Micossé Claire , von Meyenn Leonhard , Steck Oliver , Kipfer Enja , Adam Christian , Simillion Cedric , Seyed Jafari S. Morteza , Olah Peter , Yawlkar Nikhil , Simon Dagmar , Borradori Luca , Kuchen Stefan , Yerly Daniel , Homey Bernhard , Conrad Curdin , Snijder Berend , Schmidt Marc , Schlapbach Christoph
Published: January 2019

The transcription factor PPAR-γ plays a vital role in the generation of IL-9–producing T
H
cells.
Impact of Cultivated Hosts on the Recombination of
Cucumber Mosaic Virus
Authors: Ouedraogo Rimnoma S. , Pita Justin S. , Somda Irenée P. , Traore Oumar , Roossinck Marilyn J.
Published: January 2019

Recombination is an important mechanism used by viruses for their diversification and to adapt to diverse hosts. Understanding the host role in the mechanisms of evolution is important for virus disease management and controlling the emergence of new strains. This study shows the impact that cultivated hosts are playing in the evolution of CMV. Furthermore, our results and previous studies show how some specific hosts could be an ideal environment for the emergence of new viral strains.
Spontaneous anterior dislocation of lens in a case of ectopia lentis et pupillae: a rare entity treated by a novel technique of microscope integrated optical coherence tomography (MIOCT) guided intralenticular lens aspiration
Authors: Sahay Pranita , Shaji Kalathil Reshmi , Maharana Prafulla Kumar , Titiyal Jeewan S
Published: January 2019

A 7-year-old girl presented with watering and redness in the left eye for 2 months. Her parents reported poor vision in both eyes for 4 years. Visual acuity was finger counting at 1 m and finger counting close to face in the right and left eyes, respectively. Slit lamp examination of the right eye revealed corectopia, aphakia in the pupillary area, temporally subluxated clear crystalline lens, persistent pupillary membrane, irido-hyaloidal adhesion and poorly dilating pupil. Left eye revealed central corneal oedema with descemet scarring, anteriorly dislocated clear crystalline lens with lenticulo-corneal touch. Ultrasound examination of the left eye was normal. Hence a diagnosis of ectopia lentis et pupillae with left eye spontaneous anterior dislocation of the lens along with corneal decompensation was made. The child underwent microscope integrated intraoperative optical coherence tomography guided intralenticular lens aspiration with optical iridectomy in the left eye. Postoperative visual rehabilitation was done with aphakic glasses.
Hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis, hypertension and diabetes: what is the link
Authors: Vögelin Marius , Cathomas Richard , Kamber Niklaus , Fehr Thomas
Published: January 2019

Two years after diagnosis of a metastatic neuroendocrine gastrin-secreting tumour and after several cycles of chemotherapy and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, a 56-year-old woman presented with hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis, hypertension, leg oedema and new-onset diabetes mellitus. Further investigations revealed renal potassium loss confirmed by a transtubular potassium gradient of 16, fully suppressed serum aldosterone, but instead highly elevated blood levels of morning cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone as well as increased urinary excretion of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid metabolites. Ruling out other causes, paraneoplastic hypercortisolism was diagnosed. Pharmacological inhibition of the steroid 11β-hydroxylase with metyrapone resulted in complete resolution of metabolic alkalosis, hypokalaemia, hypertension, hyperglycaemia and leg oedema within 1 week.
Oncocytic cyst of the larynx: a rare finding
Authors: Baird Samantha , Mann Halina , Salinas-La Rosa Cesar M , Ozdemir Halil
Published: January 2019

A 75-year-old woman presented with an 18-month history of severe, slowly worsening dysphonia. She was a smoker and known to have multiple benign cystic thyroid lesions. She reported no associated symptoms and other medical and social history was unremarkable. Fibreoptic nasendoscopy revealed a right-sided supraglottic cyst appearing to arise from the right false vocal cord. Further bedside examination was unremarkable. She underwent microlaryngoscopy and biopsy which showed a cyst originating from the right anterior ventricle, successfully removed without rupture using cold steel. Formal histopathology revealed a 14×10×7 mm unilocular, completely excised cyst lined by oncocytic epithelium and composed of columnar cells with darkly stained nuclei and abundant granular, eosinophilic cytoplasm. Three weeks postoperatively the patient’s voice had returned to normal. To date, 11 months postoperatively, there is no evidence of recurrence, and she will continue long-term follow-up.
Inguinal hernia containing a native orthotopic kidney
Authors: Cassidy Douglas J , Kotecha Hemang , Sein Vicki
Published: January 2019

We report a rare case of an inguinal hernia containing part of a native kidney and present a review of the literature with regard to urological findings in patients with inguinal hernias. This case involves an elderly man with known bilateral inguinal hernias with an incidental radiographic finding of a large right inguinal hernia containing the inferior pole of the right kidney. The patient was not symptomatic from the hernia and given his overall frailty, no surgical intervention was offered.
Urothelial carcinoma with villoglandular differentiation (UCVGD) with small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of urinary bladder
Authors: Jha Shilpy , Mitra Suvradeep , Adhya Amit Kumar , Nayak Prasant
Published: January 2019

Urothelial carcinoma with villoglandular differentiation (UCVGD) is a rare aggressive variant of urothelial carcinoma. It is usually associated with high-grade urothelial carcinoma or rarely adenocarcinoma. There is only one other previous report of UCVGD associated with small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of urinary bladder. We report the second case of UCVGD with small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of urinary bladder in a 74-year-old non-smoker male patient. The mass was muscle invasive and also invaded the prostate. This entity needs to be confidently diagnosed due to its prognostic and therapeutic implications.