bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitor-Based Spiking Recurrent Network for the Representation of Complex Dynamic Patterns
Authors: Hu Ruihan , Huang Qijun , Wang Hao , He Jin , Chang Sheng
Published: February 2019

Neural networks are powerful computation tools for mimicking the human brain to solve realistic problems. Since spiking neural networks are a type of brain-inspired network, called the novel spiking system, Monitor-based Spiking Recurrent network (MbSRN), is derived to learn and represent patterns in this paper. This network provides a computational framework for memorizing the targets using a simple dynamic model that maintains biological plasticity. Based on a recurrent reservoir, the MbSRN presents a mechanism called a ‘monitor’ to track the components of the state space in the training stage online and to self-sustain the complex dynamics in the testing stage. The network firing spikes are optimized to represent the target dynamics according to the accumulation of the membrane potentials of the units. Stability analysis of the monitor conducted by limiting the coefficient penalty in the loss function verifies that our network has good anti-interference performance under neuron loss and noise. The results of solving some realistic tasks show that the MbSRN not only achieves a high goodness-of-fit of the target patterns but also maintains good spiking efficiency and storage capacity.
Third-Kind Chebyshev Wavelet Method for the Solution of Fractional Order Riccati Differential Equations
Authors: Tural-Polat Sadiye Nergis
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we derive the numerical solutions of the various fractional-order Riccati type differential equations using the third-kind Chebyshev wavelet operational matrix of fractional order integration (C3WOMFI) method. The operational matrix of fractional order integration method converts the fractional differential equations to a system of algebraic equations. The third-kind Chebyshev wavelet method provides sparse coefficient matrices, therefore the computational load involved for this method is not as severe and also the resulting method is faster. The numerical solutions agree with the exact solutions for non-fractional orders, and also the solutions for the fractional orders approach those of the integer orders as the fractional order coefficient [Formula: see text] approaches to 1.
The number of generators of the powers of an ideal
Authors: Herzog Jürgen , Saem Maryam Mohammadi , Zamani Naser
Published: February 2019

We study the number of generators of ideals in regular rings and ask the question whether [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] is not a principal ideal, where [Formula: see text] denotes the number of generators of an ideal [Formula: see text]. We provide lower bounds for the number of generators for the powers of an ideal and also show that the CM-type of [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] is a monomial ideal of height [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Geometry equilibration of crystalline defects in quantum and atomistic descriptions
Authors: Chen Huajie , Nazar Faizan Q. , Ortner Christoph
Published: February 2019

We develop a rigorous framework for modeling the geometry equilibration of crystalline defects. We formulate the equilibration of crystal defects as a variational problem on a discrete energy space and establish qualitatively sharp far-field decay estimates for the equilibrium configuration. This work extends [V. Ehrlacher, C. Ortner and A. Shapeev, Analysis of boundary conditions for crystal defect atomistic simulations, Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 222 (2016) 1217–1268] by admitting infinite-range interaction which in particular includes some quantum chemistry based interatomic interactions.
A model for the evolution of highly reversible martensitic transformations
Authors: Della Porta Francesco
Published: February 2019

In this work, we introduce a new system of partial differential equations as a simplified model for the evolution of thermally induced reversible martensitic transformations in low hysteresis alloys. The model is developed in the context of nonlinear continuum mechanics, where the developed theory is mostly static, and cannot capture the influence of dynamics on martensitic microstructures. First, we prove existence of weak solutions; second, we study the physically relevant limit when the interface energy density vanishes, and the elastic constants tend to infinity. The limit problem provides a framework for the moving mask approximation recently introduced by the author. In the last section, we study the limit equations in a one-dimensional setting. After closing the equations with a constitutive relation between the phase interface velocity and the temperature of the one-dimensional sample, the equations become a two-phase Stefan problem with a kinetic condition at the free boundary. Under some further assumptions, we show that the phase interface reaches the domain boundary in finite time.
A MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS OF ZIKA VIRUS EPIDEMIC IN RIO DE JANEIRO AS A VECTOR-BORNE AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE
Authors: CRUZ-PACHECO GUSTAVO , ESTEVA LOURDES , FERREIRA CLAUDIA PIO
Published: February 2019

In this work we formulate a mathematical model to assess the importance of sexual transmission during the Zika virus outbreak that occurred in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2015. To this end, we deduce from the model an analytical expression of the basic reproduction number of Zika, [Formula: see text], in terms of the vectorial and sexual transmissions, and we use the estimations given in Ref. 1 [Villela DAM, Bastos LS, de Carvalho LM, Cruz OG, Gomes MFC, Durovni B, Lemos MC, Saraceni V, Coelho FC, Codeço CT, Zika in Rio de Janeiro: Assessment of basic reproduction number and comparison with dengue outbreaks, Epidemiol Infect 145(8):1649–1657, 2017] for the [Formula: see text] values of Zika virus and dengue virus epidemics in Rio de Janeiro to evaluate the contribution of sexual transmission of Zika virus. According to the obtained results, sexual transmission (pure plus mediated by vector transmission) contributes from 23% to 46% for the [Formula: see text] increment. Also, an asymmetric sexual transmission between men and women can explain the fact that the incidence of Zika virus in women was 60% higher than in man during the 2015 epidemics. We also carry out a sensitivity analysis using [Formula: see text] as the output parameter. The results of this analysis have shown that the transmission rate between human and mosquito populations, the mosquito mortality rate, and the human infectious period are the parameters that contribute more to the [Formula: see text] variation, highlighting the importance of vector control to halt disease transmission.
Fatigue Reliability Assessment of a Metro-Train Bolster
Authors: Hu Jiexin , Xie Liyang , Yu Haiyang , Liu Longxi , Sun Weiguang
Published: February 2019

The bolster is a key structure for the metro train. To evaluate its fatigue reliability under the fatigue loading scheme, the full-scale fatigue test and theoretical calculation are performed. The bolster is modeled as a series system of stress concentration zones, namely weak points, and their stresses are calculated using validated finite element method (FEM). Since no fatigue crack is observed after the test and the fatigue life predicted by the Goodman diagram is more than [Formula: see text] load cycles, the bolster can service for more than 30 years with 90% reliability. To learn more about its fatigue reliability during the real service, a fatigue reliability model is established based on stress-life interference model. 10 load spectra are generated by Poisson processes, and the bolster is also modelled as a series system of six weak points. As a result, its cumulative failure probability is less than 0.002% within its 30-year service under normal atmospheric conditions.
CARBON NANOPARTICLES PREPARED BY LASER ABLATION IN LIQUID ENVIRONMENT
Authors: KHASHAN KHAWLA S. , JABIR MAJID S. , ABDULAMEER FARAH A.
Published: February 2019

In the present study, carbon nanostructures were synthesized by laser ablation of graphite in de-ionized water. Q-switched Nd:YAG laser of 1064[Formula: see text]nm wavelength, 9[Formula: see text]ns pulse width, and different laser fluences (3.6, 5.4, 10.6, and 14.6[Formula: see text]J/cm2) were utilized to irradiate the target. XRD measurements demonstrated the presence of the two carbon phases (002, 111) except for the sample prepared at 3.6[Formula: see text]J/cm2laser fluence; it showed disappearance of (002) phase. This result can be an indication of changing the phase of carbon nanomaterials when prepared at this fluence. TEM revealed that carbon nanoparticles had a spherical shape and were 10–90[Formula: see text]nm in size, while nanostructure carbon prepared at 3.6[Formula: see text]J/cm2has nanosheets 45[Formula: see text]mm in width and 275[Formula: see text]mm in length. The absorption of CNPs indicated the appearance of the absorption peak at about 305[Formula: see text]nm, which is attributed to the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text]* transition of the C [Formula: see text] O band. PL emission was decreased at the higher laser fluence (14.6[Formula: see text]J/cm2) due to the quenching of the carbon nanoparticles luminescence.
Vector beams excited nonlinear optical effects
Authors: Gu Bing , Cao Xi , Rui Guanghao , Cui Yiping
Published: February 2019

Vector beams with the desired polarization structure interacting with matter result in many novel nonlinear optical effects. Herein, we review the tight focusing and weak focusing properties of three types of light beams, namely, linearly polarized beams, cylindrical vector beams, and hybridly polarized beams. In particular, we revisit the second- and third-order nonlinear optical effects in nonlinear optical media under the excitation of several types of vector beams with the desired polarization distribution. The prospects of their applications in nonlinear optical microscopy and materials characterization are also briefly discussed.
RATIONAL APPROXIMATION OF THE ROUGH HESTON SOLUTION
Authors: GATHERAL JIM , RADOIČIĆ RADOŠ
Published: February 2019

Pricing in the rough Heston model of Jaisson & M. Rosenbaum [(2016) Rough fractional diffusions as scaling limits of nearly unstable heavy tailed Hawkes processes, The Annals of Applied Probability 26 (5), 2860–2882] requires the solution of a fractional Riccati differential equation, which is not known in explicit form. Though numerical schemes to approximate this solution do exist, they inevitably require significantly more time to compute than the closed-form solution in the classical Heston model. In this paper, we present a simple rational approximation to the solution of the rough Heston Riccati equation valid in a region of its domain relevant to option valuation. Pricing using this approximation is both fast and very accurate.
SINH-ACCELERATION: EFFICIENT EVALUATION OF PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTIONS, OPTION PRICING, AND MONTE CARLO SIMULATIONS
Authors: BOYARCHENKO SVETLANA , LEVENDORSKIĬ SERGEI
Published: February 2019

Characteristic functions of several popular classes of distributions and processes admit analytic continuation into unions of strips and open coni around [Formula: see text]. The Fourier transform techniques reduce calculation of probability distributions and option prices in the evaluation of integrals whose integrands are analytic in domains enjoying these properties. In the paper, we suggest to use changes of variables of the form [Formula: see text] and the simplified trapezoid rule to evaluate the integrals accurately and fast. We formulate the general scheme, and apply the scheme for calculation probability distributions and pricing European options in Lévy models, the Heston model, the CIR model, and a Lévy model with the CIR-subordinator. We outline applications to fast and accurate calibration procedures and Monte Carlo simulations in Lévy models, regime switching Lévy models that can account for stochastic drift, volatility and skewness, the Heston model, other affine models and quadratic term structure models. For calculation of quantiles in the tails using the Newton or bisection method, it suffices to precalculate several hundreds of values of the characteristic exponent at points on an appropriate grid (conformal principal components) and use these values in formulas for cpdf and pdf.
Isoclinism of pairs of Lie rings
Authors: Heidari Mahin , Rismanchian Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2019

The concept of isoclinism on the class of groups was introduced by Philip Hall in 1940. Then, in 1993, Moneyhun used this concept on Lie algebras. In this paper, we study the notion of isoclinism on pairs of Lie rings, and some results are obtained when two isoclinic pairs of Lie rings are given. In particular, we prove that every isoclinism class of pairs of Lie rings contains at least one stem pair.
Ideals in rings and intermediate rings of measurable functions
Authors: Acharyya Sudip Kumar , Bag Sagarmoy , Sack Joshua
Published: February 2019

The set of all maximal ideals of the ring [Formula: see text] of real valued measurable functions on a measurable space [Formula: see text] equipped with the hull-kernel topology is shown to be homeomorphic to the set [Formula: see text] of all ultrafilters of measurable sets on [Formula: see text] with the Stone-topology. This yields a complete description of the maximal ideals of [Formula: see text] in terms of the points of [Formula: see text]. It is further shown that the structure spaces of all the intermediate subrings of [Formula: see text] containing the bounded measurable functions are one and the same and are compact Hausdorff zero-dimensional spaces. It is observed that when [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-space, then [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the [Formula: see text]-algebra consisting of the zero-sets of [Formula: see text].
Strongly graded rings which are generalized Dedekind rings
Authors: Wahyuni Sri , Marubayashi Hidetoshi , Ernanto Iwan , Sutopo
Published: February 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be a strongly graded ring of type [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is a prime Goldie ring with its quotient ring [Formula: see text]. It is shown that the following three conditions are equivalent: (i) [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-invariant generalized Dedekind ring ([Formula: see text]-Dedekind ring for short), (ii) [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-Dedekind ring and (iii) [Formula: see text] is a graded [Formula: see text]-Dedekind ring. We describe all invertible ideals of [Formula: see text]-Dedekind rings in terms of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We provide counterexamples of [Formula: see text]-invariant [Formula: see text]-Dedekind rings which are not [Formula: see text]-Dedekind rings.
A NEW TECHNIQUE FOR CLASSIFICATION OF FOCAL AND NONFOCAL EEG SIGNALS USING HIGHER-ORDER SPECTRA
Authors: SHARMA RAHUL , SIRCAR PRADIP , PACHORI RAM BILAS
Published: February 2019

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by epileptic seizures inside the human brain. An authentic localization of epileptogenic area will help the clinicians for a successful epilepsy surgery. The epileptogenic area can be characterized by the focal electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. Hence, in this article, a bispectrum-based approach is implemented to characterize the focal EEG signals. The highest twenty-five magnitudes of bispectrum from the principal domain are used as features. The locality sensitive discriminant analysis (LSDA), data reduction technique, is implemented to reduce the number of attributes. The ranked LSDA attributes are input to the support vector machine (SVM) classifier yielding 96.2% classification accuracy using the entire Bern Barcelona EEG database. Hence, the proposed technique can be employed to confirm the epileptogenic area for successful epilepsy surgery and can be employed in the community health care centers and hospitals.
Investigation of pH and concentration influence on layer-by-layer self-assembly for nickel(II)phthalocyanine-tetrasulfonic acid tetrasodium salt coatings
Authors: Belce Yonca , Cebeci Fevzi Ç.
Published: February 2019

Porphyrins and phthalocyanines are widely studied molecules for various functional applications. Researchers have investigated these photoactive compounds for electrochemical, sensor, semiconductor and photodynamic therapy purposes. Layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly is preferred for its simple, environmentally-friendly and water-based features compared to other coating techniques in the literature. Coating thickness can be controlled on the order of nanometers by LbL mechanism. Multilayer thin film formation of diverse phthalocyanine-based molecules is examined in terms of molecular orientation and temperature dependency by the LbL method. However, as well as concentration and temperature, the pH of the coating medium is another challenging parameter in the LbL approach. Film thickness and layer distribution are influenced by pH value, changing ionic density and hence the strength of electrostatic interactions during LbL assembly. In this study, layer-by-layer deposition of branched poly(ethyleneimine)/nickel(II)phthalocyanine-tetrasulfonic acid tetrasodium salt (NiPcTS) coating pair is studied. Impact of pH and concentration of NiPcTS on thin film properties are tested for four different pH conditions. Corresponding analysis is made by UV-vis spectroscopy, surface profiler and quartz-crystal microbalance. LbL deposition of NiPcTS is homogeneously controlled and 98 nm thick films are obtained in the presence of acidic media.
Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of novel octa-substituted phthalocyanines bearing (trifluoromethoxy) phenoxy groups on peripheral positions
Authors: Farajzadeh Nazli , Karaoğlu Hande Pekbelgin , Akin Mustafa , Saki Neslihan , Koçak Makbule Burkut
Published: February 2019

This study presents a novel phthalonitrile derivative (2) bearing (trifluoromethoxy)phenoxy groups in 4,5 positions. Cyclotetramerization of (2) in [Formula: see text],[Formula: see text]-dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) gave a series of peripherally octa-substituted metallophthalocyanines (3-Zn, 3-Co and 3-Cu). The newly synthesized phthalocyanines have been characterized by a combination of various spectroscopic techniques. Effects of solvent nature on aggregation behavior of 3-Zn were studied using different solvents such as acetone, CHCl3 and dichloromethane (DCM). In addition, the aggregation behavior of the phthalocyanine complex 3-Zn was examined in DCM at different concentrations ranging from 4 × 10[Formula: see text]–14 × 10[Formula: see text] M. Antimicrobial activities of synthesized compounds were tested by using the thin layer chromotography (TLC)-direct bioautography and disk diffusion methods. In both assays, the molecules showed activity on the tested Gram (+) bacteria. Antioxidant activities of the molecules, on the other hand, were determined by using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method and a reducing power assay. The highest activity was obtained with 3-ZnPc for both methods.
Silence is golden, especially when you need to say something important
Authors: Yaffe Philip
Published: February 2019

Each "Communication Corner" essay is self-contained; however, they build on each other. For best results, before reading this essay and doing the exercise, go to the first essay "How an Ugly Duckling Became a Swan," then read each succeeding essay.

How well you speak will always be an indicator of how well you know the subject at hand. And while nerves can often lead novice speakers to resort to distracting sounds and placeholders, a second or two of silence will help focus you as well as your audience. In this installment, Philip Yaffe reminds us that silence is golden.
Necrostatin-1 accelerates time to death in a rat model of cecal ligation and puncture and massively increases hepatocyte caspase-3 cleavage
Authors: Zhang Qin , Wei Siwei , Lu Jiayin , Fu Weijun , Chen Hui , Huang Qiaobing , Chen Zhongqing , Zeng Zhenhua
Published: February 2019

Necroptosis, a form of regulated necrosis, has been reported to be involved in numerous pathologies, including sepsis. However, a protective effect of the selective inhibitor of necroptosis, necrostatin-1 (Nec-1), against sepsis remains to be confirmed. Animals (rats and mice) were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to mimic clinical sepsis. Nec-1 or its vehicle (control) was administered 20 min before CLP. Survival time was observed up to 72 h after CLP. Specimens of liver tissue and serum were obtained at 6 h, 12 h, and 18 h. Expression of necroptosis-related proteins [receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIP)1, RIP3, and mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL)] was determined by Western blot analysis. The RIP1/RIP3 interaction and the recruitment of MLKL to RIP3 were also analyzed. Liver function, histopathological changes, serum inflammation cytokines, TUNEL staining, and the expression of apoptosis-related protein, including caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X (Bax), was determined. As expected, Nec-1 administration reduced the expression of necroptosis-related proteins and the RIP1/RIP3 interaction, indicating inhibited necroptosis. Surprisingly, Nec-1 treatment exacerbated the liver injury and shortened survival time of septic rats with increased TUNEL-positive cells, cleaved caspase-3 protein content, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Collectively, these findings show that Nec-1 administration inhibited the hepatocyte necroptosis pathway but accelerated apoptosis via the apoptotic pathway in CLP-induced sepsis rat.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study demonstrated that a chemical inhibitor necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) or receptor-interacting protein kinase(RIP1) knock down targeted at necroptosis inhibition accelerated liver injury of following sepsis. For fundamental research, these results warrant further investigation of the potential link between Nec-1 administration and the cellular apoptosis following sepsis induced liver injury. For applied research, these results suggest the potential harmful effect of Nec-1 on future sepsis treatment.
Left ventricular vortex and intraventricular pressure difference in dogs under various loading conditions
Authors: Matsuura Katsuhiro , Shiraishi Kenjirou , Sato Kotomi , Shimada Kazumi , Goya Seijirow , Uemura Akiko , Ifuku Mayumi , Iso Takeshi , Takahashi Ken , Tanaka Ryou
Published: February 2019

Restrictions on the conventional evaluation of diastolic function have been recognized, especially under various loading conditions. Recently, new noninvasive ventricular vortex indexes have been introduced and are expected to reflect the cardiac function. Physiologically, there is a hypothesis that the intraventricular pressure difference (IVPD) is related to the formation of vortexes. IVPD and vortex indexes were simultaneously measured, and the relationship between the two was investigated. To verify the possibility of diastolic vorticity as an index of diastolic relaxation, a correlation between diastolic vorticity and the load dependency of vorticity [time constant (τ)] was examined. Six healthy dogs were studied using transthoracic echocardiography, pressure, and a conductance catheter. Vorticity was analyzed using vector flow mapping (VFM). IVPD was determined using Euler’s equation with color M-mode Doppler images. Data were obtained at baseline, at balloon dilatation in the thoracic aorta to alter afterload, at hydroxyethyl starch infusion to alter preload, and at milrinone administration to alter ventricular relaxation. Peak vorticity at early diastole (E-Vor) and IVPD of the midventricle (MIVPD) decreased under pressure loading, were unchanged under volume loading, and increased during milrinone administration. In multivariate analysis, the independent predictors of τ were global longitudinal strain, strain rate at early diastole, and E-Vor. MIVPD was strongly correlated with E-Vor ( r = 0.84). VFM-derived peak E vorticity was strongly related to IVPD, especially MIVPD, under various loading conditions. Both of these novel indexes are promising as reliable indexes of ventricular relaxation, independent from preload.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We showed the close relationship of vortex and intraventricular pressure difference and showed that both of them can become new markers of the left ventricular relaxation property. Our present study creates a paradigm for future studies in the field of intraventircular flow physiology and clinical diastology.
Sex-specific programming of adult insulin resistance in guinea pigs by variable perinatal growth induced by spontaneous variation in litter size
Authors: Horton Dane M. , Saint David A. , Gatford Kathryn L. , Kind Karen L. , Owens Julie A.
Published: February 2019

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and subsequent neonatal catch-up growth are implicated in programming of insulin resistance later in life. Spontaneous IUGR in the guinea pig, due to natural variation in litter size, produces offspring with asymmetric IUGR and neonatal catch-up growth. We hypothesized that spontaneous IUGR and/or accelerated neonatal growth would impair insulin sensitivity in adult guinea pigs. Insulin sensitivity of glucose metabolism was determined by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (HEC) in 38 (21 male, 17 female) young adult guinea pigs from litters of two-to-four pups. A subset (10 male, 8 female) were infused with d-[3-3H]glucose before and during the HEC to determine rates of basal and insulin-stimulated glucose utilization, storage, glycolysis, and endogenous glucose production. n males, the insulin sensitivity of whole body glucose uptake ( r = 0.657, P = 0.002) and glucose utilization ( r = 0.884, P = 0.004) correlated positively and independently with birth weight, but not with neonatal fractional growth rate (FGR10–28). In females, the insulin sensitivity of whole body and partitioned glucose metabolism was not related to birth weight, but that of endogenous glucose production correlated negatively and independently with FGR10–28 ( r = −0.815, P = 0.025). Thus, perinatal growth programs insulin sensitivity of glucose metabolism in the young adult guinea pig and in a sex-specific manner; impaired insulin sensitivity, including glucose utilization, occurs after IUGR in males and impaired hepatic insulin sensitivity after rapid neonatal growth in females.
A Rare Case of 18F-FDG Uptake in an Ectopic Thyroid Carcinoma of the Anterior Middle Neck Lacking Thyroglossal Duct Remnants
Authors: Kaida Hayato , Inui Hiroki , Chikugo Takaaki , Ishii Kazunari
Published: February 2019

An 80-year old female presented with a well-defined tumor of the anterior middle neck, and a diagnosis of thyroglossal duct cyst was made. When the tumor size increased, malignancy was suspected. Ultrasonography revealed a smooth, heterogeneously hypoechoic area at her anterior neck. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a well-defined contrast-enhanced tumor inferior to the hyoid bone. Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) showed a fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose-avid tumor with a maximum standardized uptake value of 12.8. Surgical tumor resection was performed, and the histopathological finding was ectopic papillary carcinoma lacking thyroglossal duct remnants, which is very rare. To our knowledge, few cases of ectopic thyroid carcinoma with 18F-FDG PET/CT findings have been reported. Ectopic thyroid carcinoma lacking thyroglossal duct remnants should be considered a differential diagnosis in cases of 18F-FDG uptake in an anterior middle neck tumor.
The Mobilome of Reptiles: Evolution, Structure, and Function
Authors: Boissinot Stéphane , Bourgeois Yann , Manthey Joseph D. , Ruggiero Robert P.
Published: February 2019

Transposable elements (TE) constitute one of the most variable genomic features among vertebrates, impacting genome size, structure, and composition. Despite their important role in shaping genomic diversity, they have mostly been studied in mammals, which display one of the least diverse genomes in terms of TE diversity. Recent new resources in reptilian genomics have opened a broader perspective about TE evolution in amniotes. We discuss these recent results by showing that TE diversity is high in reptiles, particularly in squamates, with strong heterogeneity in the number of TE classes retained in each lineage, even at short evolutionary scales. More research is needed to uncover the exact mechanisms that regulate TE proliferation in reptiles and to what extent these selfish elements can play a role in local adaptation or in the emergence of barriers to gene flow.
Acute Ischemic Stroke in a Child Successfully Treated with Thrombolytic Therapy and Mechanical Thrombectomy
Authors: Souto Silva Renata , Rodrigues Rita , Reis Monteiro Diana , Tavares Susana , Pereira José Pedro , Xavier João , Melo Cláudia , Ruano Luís
Published: February 2019

Acute ischemic stroke in the pediatric population is rare but carries lasting and often lifelong morbidity. Thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy are mainstays of care in adults, yet there is very little evidence for these treatments in children. We present the case of a 4-year-old boy with complex congenital heart disease, admitted 30 min after sudden onset of an aphasia and right hemiplegia, scoring 14 on the Pediatric National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (PedNIHSS). Non-contrast brain computed tomography (CT) showed no evidence of acute ischemia. CT angiogram demonstrated a thrombus in the M1 segment of the left middle cerebral artery. Intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) was infused 3.5 h after onset of symptoms. An improvement was observed in the hour after rTPA, with a PedNIHSS score of 7. Digital subtraction angiography was performed approximately 9 h from the onset of symptoms, showing a complete left M1 occlusion. The patient underwent successful mechanical thrombectomy and was discharged with a PedNIHSS score of 2. This case emphasizes the importance of early recognition to direct children towards rapid diagnosis and hyperacute treatment.
A Follow-Up from Infancy to Puberty in a Japanese Male with SRY-Negative 46,XX Testicular Disorder of Sex Development Carrying a p.Arg92Trp Mutation in NR5A1
Authors: Saito-Hakoda Akiko , Kanno Junko , Suzuki Dai , Kawashima Sayaka , Kamimura Miki , Hirano Koji , Sakai Kiyohide , Igarashi Maki , Fukami Maki , Fujiwara Ikuma
Published: February 2019

SRY-negative 46,XX testicular disorders of sex development (DSD) are very rare conditions. Recently, we identified a novel heterozygous NR5A1 mutation, p.Arg92Trp (c.274C>T, p.R92W), in 2 unrelated cases of 46,XX testicular/ovotesticular DSD. We report the clinical course from infancy to puberty in a Japanese male with SRY-negative 46,XX testicular DSD, carrying this p.Arg92Trp mutation in NR5A1. The patient naturally acquired the development of a penis and pubic hair during puberty. However, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism subsequently developed. More clinical cases will be needed to fully understand the effects of the p.Arg92Trp mutation on the ability to maintain testosterone secretion in 46,XX testicular DSD.
Pembrolizumab-Induced Immune-Mediated Colitis in a Patient with Concurrent Clostridium Difficile Infection
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Klionsky Yael , Treasure Michelle E. , Bruno Debora S.
Published: February 2019

Pembrolizumab is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitor that has been approved for treatment of a wide variety of malignancies. Immune-mediated colitis is a known but uncommon adverse effect of pembrolizumab. Symptoms of immune-mediated colitis can be similar to those of many other gastrointestinal illnesses, including Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). If not recognized and treated in a timely fashion, immune-mediated colitis can lead to significant morbidity in cancer patients. We report the case of a 56-year-old woman on pembrolizumab for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who presented with severe colitis symptoms and initially tested positive for CDI. Her colitis symptoms worsened despite appropriate treatment for CDI but later improved rapidly after systemic corticosteroid was started for suspected immune-mediated colitis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of concurrent pembrolizumab-induced colitis and CDI. Immune-mediated colitis should be considered in the differential diagnoses in patients on pembrolizumab or other immune checkpoint inhibitors who present with colitis symptoms, even when a concurrent infectious etiology is suspected.
Total Spondylectomy for Upper Thoracic Spine Giant Cell Tumor: A Case Report
Authors: Al-Shamary Eid , Al-Dhafeeri Wafa , Al-Sharydah Abdulaziz , Al-Suhibani Sari , Kussaibi Haitham , Al-Issawi Wisam
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Giant cell tumors (GCT) are benign lesions that are generally locally aggressive tumors with occasional malignant behavior. These tumors are most frequently encountered in long bones; however, they also occur rarely in the spine. GCT of the spine are rare pathological entities, and spinal involvement shows a sacral predilection, with only a few cases involving the supra-sacral segment (mobile spine). Only a few cases of thoracic spinal GCT are reported in the literature; these tumors are particularly uncommon in the thoracic segment. Presentation of Case: A 29-year-old man presented with a complaint of neck pain over the previous six months that radiated to his left hand. GCT of the upper thoracic spine was diagnosed, which was surgically managed using a 2-stage approach involving total resection of the tumor followed by spondylectomy and multilevel spinal fixation. Discussion: Accurate diagnosis of vertebral column lesions, and choosing an optimum management plan are crucial. In the majority of cases, En-bloc resection of GCTs is not feasible ought to the close contact of the lesion with the spinal cord. Larger studies are encouraged to ascertain the efficacy of variable management approaches, particularly compared with piecemeal resection techniques. Conclusion: Spinal GCT are a unique group of tumors with an uncommon and unexpected presentation. Although surgery is the mainstay of treatment for spinal GCT, the management of this tumor can be challenging. No clear management algorithm has been established, and the tumor displays an unpredictable course. Therefore, each case needs tailored treatment.
Atopic Dermatitis: Collegium Internationale Allergologicum (CIA) Update 2019
Authors: Simon Dagmar , Wollenberg Andreas , Renz Harald , Simon Hans-Uwe
Published: February 2019

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease presenting with recurrent eczematous lesions and intense pruritus. It is common and affects both children and adults, often beginning in infancy. Due to the unpredictable disease course, its visible skin lesions, itching and scratching followed by sleeplessness, other associated atopic diseases, and behavioral and psychiatric disorders, AD is an immense burden for patients and caregivers. AD is determined by a genetic predisposition characterized by an impaired skin barrier and a T-helper-2-predominant inflammation. Restoration of the skin barrier is the main approach for treating and preventing AD. In order to cope with acute flares, usually topical corticosteroids (TCS) are applied, while topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI) are used mainly for maintenance therapy. There is a small group of patients who are refractory to TCS and TCI and require systemic immunosuppressive drugs such as ciclosporin. Novel, targeted therapies are under clinical investigation, among which an anti-IL-4/IL-13 receptor antibody has recently been approved in several countries. As we learn to understand the pathomechanisms of AD, the characteristics of the different patient subgroups, and the effectiveness of various targeted therapies, a personalized treatment ensuring the best efficacy and safety and, probably, a disease-modifying effect will result.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CROP DEVELOPMENTAL PHASES AND AIR TEMPERATURE AND ITS EFFECT ON YIELD OF THE WHEAT CROP (Triticum aestivum L.) GROWN IN JAVA ISLAND, INDONESIA
Authors: Handoko I.
Published: February 2019

About four million tonnes of wheat has been imported annually, because hardly no wheat crop is cultivated in Indonesia. High temperature is probably the major limiting factor for cultivating the crop in a large scale. This research aims to find out the relationship between temperature and wheat (DWR162 cultivar) crop development to derive its developmental parameters (base temperature and thermal unit) and to further study its effects on grain yield. Experiment was conducted at five locations in Java Island with distict altitudes range from 28 to 1,650 m to represent a wide range of averaged air temperature (27.5 to 16.5 oC). The base temperature derived from this experiment were 8.3, 3.8, and 15.1 oC while the parameters of thermal unit were 189, 1053 and 290 d. oC, respectively for the phases of sowing-emergence, emergence-anthesis, and anthesis-physiological maturity. Grain yield of the wheat crop decreased with increasing temperature of about 10% per 1oC increase above averaged temperature of 16.5 oC. Increasing temperature caused shorter duration during vegetative growth (emergence-anthesis) and grain filling period (anthesis-maturity which resulted in smaller biomass and the grain yield.
APPLICATION METHOD OF ANTIMICROBIAL SUBSTANCES FOR THE CONTROL OF SCHIZOPHYLLUM COMMUNE FR. CAUSING BROWN GERM AND SEED ROT OF OIL PALM
Authors: Dikin Antario , Sijam Kamaruzaman , Seman Idris Abu
Published: February 2019

Biological seed treatment promotes to save the environment from toxic chemicals in the agricultural practices. Schizophyllum commune is one of the important seedborne pathogenic fungi causing brown germ and seed rot of oil palm which required effective and efficient treatÂ­ment based on environmental friendly approaches. Anti-microbial substances are extracted from antagonistic bacteria of B. multivorans and M. testaceum after mass production in the liquid media. Application method of anti-microbial substances for the control of Schizophylllum commune was done by seed dipping for 30 minutes and vacuum infiltration at 400 mm Hg. vac. for 2 min. in supernatant of anti-microbial substances diluted in sterilized distilled water with concentraÂ­tion ratio of 1:4. Application method using anti-microbial substances from antagonistic bacteria inhibited the growth of pathogenic fungus, enhanced seed germination, and without causing any abnormal growth of oil palm seedlings.
VIABILITY AND PLASMA MEMBRANE INTEGRITY OF THE SPOTTED BUFFALO EPIDIDYMAL SPERMATOZOA AFTER THAWING WITH THE ADDITION OF DEXTROSE INTO THE EXTENDER
Authors: YULNAWATI YULNAWATI , H. MAHESHWARI  , HERDIS  , M. RIZAL
Published: February 2019

The objective of this study was to obtain the viability and plasma membrane integrity of the spotted buffalo epididymal sperm after addition of dextrose into AndromedÃ’ extender.Â  Spermatozoa that have been collected from cauda epididymis were diluted with AndromedÃ’ extender as control (K) and AndromedÃ’ + 0.2% dextrose (P1) and AndromedÃ’ + 0.4% dextrose (P2) as treatments.Â  The results showed that the quality of epididymal spermatozoa decreased during cryopreservation process.Â  The percentage of motility after thawing in P1 (46%) and P2 (46.67%) were significantly higher (P
INDUCTION OF CALLUS FORMATION FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF Citrus grandis (OSBECK) FLOWERS
Authors: Zakaria Zarina Binti , Zakaria Suhana Binti , Khalid Abd Hamid Bin , Mohd Ishak Mohd Azlan Bin
Published: February 2019

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  The objectives of the present work were to study the capability of pomeloâ€™s floral tissues to produce callus and to investigate the influence of plant growth regulators on callus induction and development. Various parts of flower namely petal, sepal, style, ovary, pistil and cup base were cultured onto Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with different level of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 6-Furfurylaminopurine (kinetin). It was found that different part of flowers favored different level of hormone for callus induction. The highest formation of callus were obtained from petal and sepal cultured on MS media supplemented with 1.5 mg/l kinetin. For the style and pistil, 50 Â± 2.3% of the explants had developed callus when cultured on MS media supplemented with 0.05 mg/l and 0.10 mg/l BAP respectively. On the other hand, sucrose agar (SA) media alone had managed to induce callus formation from almost every part of the flowers with a success rate between 7.69 Â± 0.32 to 50 Â± 3.18%. Callus formation was preferred from the uncut part of flowers as shown in the study on petal with percentage of formation was 14.6 Â± 0.35%.
ESTIMATION OF SEAGRASS COVERAGE BY DEPTH INVARIANT INDICES ON QUICKBIRD IMAGERY
Authors: Amran Muhammad Anshar
Published: February 2019

Management of seagrass ecosystem requires availability of information on the actual condition of seagrass coverage. Remote sensing technology for seagrass mapping has been used to detect the presence of seagrass coverage, Â but so far no information on the condition of seagrass could be obtained. Therefore, a research is required using remote sensing imagery to obtain information on the condition of seagrass coverage. The aim of this research is to formulate mathematical relationship between seagrass coverage and depth invariant indices on Quickbird imagery. Transformation was done on multispectral bands which could detect sea floor objects that are in the region of blue, green and red bands. The study areas covered are the seas around Barranglompo Island and Barrangcaddi Island, westward of Makassar city, Indonesia. Various seagrass coverages were detected within the region under study. Mathematical relationship between seagrass coverage and depth invariant indices was obtained by multiple linear regression method. Percentage of seagrass coverage (C) was obtained by transformation of depth invariant indices (Xij) on Quickbird imagery, with transformation equation as follows: C = 19.934 â€“ 63.347 X12 + 23.239 X23. A good accuracy of 75% for the seagrass coverage was obtained by transformation of depth invariant indices (Xij) on Quickbird imagery. Â  Keywords: seagrass coverage, depth invariant index
COMPARISON OF THREE DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES OF GENE TRANSFER IN HUMPBACK GROUPER ( ) CROMILEPTES ALTIVELIS
Authors: SUMANTADINATA KOMAR , SUBYAKTO SLAMET , ALIMUDDIN  , RUSTIDJA  , JATI M. SASMITO , FAIZAL IRVAN , ALIAH RATU SITI , TRIASTUTIK GEMI
Published: February 2019

Humpback grouper is one of the most cultured fishes in Asia, including Indonesia. Themain problemfaced by humpback culture is its slow growth rate.One of themethods that willbe more effective and efficient to solve the problem is using transgenic technique. This studywas conducted to determine the effectiveness of transfection,microinjection and electroporationtechniques on gene transfer in humpback grouper. transfection was performed byincubating sperm to the foreign DNA (pktBP-ktGH gene construct)-transfectant complexsolution, while was by injecting those complex solution into testis of mature males.Microinjection was conducted in 2-4 cell stage embryos using 25 Î¼g/ml of foreign DNAsolution, and duration of injection was 1, 2 and 3 seconds. Electroporation by 50 V, 30 ms ofpulse length, 5 of pulse number and 0.1 of pulse interval was performed to sperm using threeDNA concentration of 5, 10 and 20 Î¼g/ml. The incorporation of foreign DNA in sperm andembryos were analyzed using PCR method. Based on PCR analysis, an optimum DNAconcentration for electroporation was 10 Î¼g/ml. Limited number of embryos could bemicroinjected during 20-30 min to reach 2-4 cell stage. Microinjection for 1 second showedhigher survival rate of embryos, although none or very low number of larvae was hatched.Transfast was an effective DNA delivery reagent for humpback grouper sperm. Foreign DNAcould be detected in sperm from two out of ten transfected fish at least 36 hours posttransfection (hpt). By transfection, foreign DNA was detected in sperm at 48 hpt 25 Cincubation temperature. Our study revealed that transfection, microinjection as well aselectroporation could be used as transgenesis methods in humpback grouper. By means ofsimplicity and efficacy, however, electroporationwas an appropriate gene transfermethod.oIn vitroin vivoin vivoin vitro
Utility of matK Gene as DNA Barcode to Assess Evolutionary Relationship of Important Tropical Forest Tree genus Mangifera (Anacardiaceae) in Indonesia and Thailand
Authors: Hidayat Topik - , Pancoro Adi - , Kusumawaty Diah -
Published: February 2019

MaturaseK (matK) gene of chloroplast DNA has been served as appropriate candidate to be a DNA barcode in angiosperms. Using this DNA marker, 19 species of genus Mangifera, one of ecologically important crop, collected from Indonesia and Thailand were analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis using parsimony method revealed that the gene could clasify Mangifera into three major groups, namely group I, II, and III. Moreover, the matK barcode can identify Mangifera species that is originated from Thailand. Although this classification system is different with the previous system, it can provide a new information about Mangifera taxonomy. Results further exhibited that DNA sequences of the matK of two Mangifera species (M. laurina dan M. macrocarpa) are different between Indonesia and Thailand specimens.Â Keywordsâ€” DNA barcode, Mangifera, matK gene, parsimony, phylogenetic analysis
Anatomy of the abdominal aorta in the hoary fox (Lycalopex vetulus, Lund, 1842)
Authors: Silva Dara Rúbia Souza , Silva Mônica Duarte da , Assunção Marcos Paulo Batista de , Chacur Eduardo Paul , Silva Daniela Cristina de Oliveira , Barros Roseâmely Angélica de Carvalho , Silva Zenon
Published: February 2019

The hoary fox (Lycalopex vetulus, Lund, 1842) is the smallest Brazilian canid, whose weight varies between 2 and 4 kg, has a slender body, a small head, and a short and blackened snout. Despite being considered an endemic species, little is known about the hoary fox as it is one of the seven less studied canids in the world. Thus, this study aimed to describe the anatomy of the abdominal aorta artery of the hoary fox and to compare it with the pre-established literature data in domestic canids. For this purpose, we used two adult hoary foxes without definite age. We collected the corpses of these animals along roadsides of Catalão-GO, being later fixed and conserved in a 10% formalin solution. The results showed that the abdominal aorta in hoary fox is at the ventral face of the lumbar region vertebral bodies, being slightly displaced to the left of the median plane. The first branch is visceral, named celiac artery, followed by a paired parietal branch: the phrenic abdominal arteries. The third and fourth branches are the cranial mesenteric arteries and the rightand left are the renal arteries, respectively. The posterior branches of the renal arteries are equally visceral, paired, being called testicular arteries. Distal to the latter, both the caudal mesenteric artery and deep circumflex iliac arteries originate. Finally, two large external iliac arteries and its terminal branches composed of internal iliac arteries and the median sacral artery originate. In addition, five pairs of lumbar arteries originate alongside the abdominal segment of the aorta. Considering these findings, it is possible to conclude that despite the hoary fox being a wild animal, the anatomy of its abdominal aorta is very similar to that of domestic canids.