bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tick-borne pathogens and diseases
Authors: Graves Stephen R
Published: April 2020

Welcome to this edition of Microbiology Australia in which we examine the second most dangerous ectoparasite for humans, the tick (the most dangerous being without doubt the mosquito!), for the pathogens it carries and the diseases it can cause.
Vertical Transmission
Authors: Lyras Dena
Published: April 2020

We are now one-third of the way through 2019 and it is striking to me how prominent microbiology has been in our mainstream media this year. In particular, in human health we have seen the emergence of new and deadly microbes such as Candida auris, a multi-resistant fungal pathogen first described in 2009 in Japan. Within a decade C. auris has spread worldwide, causing infections or facility outbreaks in over a dozen countries, and it was identified in an Australian patient in 2018. The ease with which C. auris is transmitted, coupled with its resistance to treatment, make this microbe a formidable clinical problem and we need to devise effective control and treatment strategies urgently.
A model for the interplay between plastic tradeoffs and evolution in changing environments
Authors: Tikhonov Mikhail , Kachru Shamit , Fisher Daniel S.
Published: April 2020

Performance tradeoffs are ubiquitous in both ecological and evolutionary modeling, yet they are usually postulated and built into fitness and ecological landscapes. However, tradeoffs depend on genetic background and evolutionary history and can themselves evolve. We present a simple model capable of capturing the key feedback loop: evolutionary history shapes tradeoff strength, which, in turn, shapes evolutionary future. One consequence of this feedback is that genomes with identical fitness can have different evolutionary properties shaped by prior environmental exposure. Another is that, generically, the best adaptations to one environment may evolve in another. Our simple framework bridges the gap between the phenotypic Fisher’s Geometric Model and the genotypic properties, such as modularity and evolvability, and can serve as a rich playground for investigating evolution in multiple or changing environments.
Coherent modulation of the electron temperature and electron–phonon couplings in a 2D material
Authors: Zhang Yingchao , Shi Xun , You Wenjing , Tao Zhensheng , Zhong Yigui , Cheenicode Kabeer Fairoja , Maldonado Pablo , Oppeneer Peter M. , Bauer Michael , Rossnagel Kai , Kapteyn Henry , Murnane Margaret
Published: April 2020

Significance

The interactions between electrons and lattice vibrations called phonons not only determine the properties of materials, but also give rise to remarkable phenomena such as superconductivity or spatial ordering of the charges and lattice. Here, we use a femtosecond laser to excite and spatially relocate electrons in TaSe
2
. In all observations to date, these excited electrons cool monotonically by scattering with phonons. Surprisingly, we observe an oscillation of the electron temperature that is coupled with the lattice breathing mode, and a switching in the dominant electron–phonon interactions by varying the laser excitation. Our results demonstrate a promising way to manipulate electron–phonon interactions, opening up routes to steer a quantum material toward a desired state using light.
Synthetic molecular evolution of host cell-compatible, antimicrobial peptides effective against drug-resistant, biofilm-forming bacteria
Authors: Starr Charles G. , Ghimire Jenisha , Guha Shantanu , Hoffmann Joseph P. , Wang Yihui , Sun Leisheng , Landreneau Brooke N. , Kolansky Zachary D. , Kilanowski-Doroh Isabella M. , Sammarco Mimi C. , Morici Lisa A. , Wimley William C.
Published: April 2020

Significance

New approaches to prevention and treatment of drug-resistant bacterial infections are needed. Here we show how synthetic molecular evolution, screening of iterative libraries, can identify membrane permeabilizing antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that do not have the usual impediments to activity in vivo. Screening in the presence of concentrated human erythrocytes to mimic a generic cell-rich environment enabled identification of peptides with potent, broad-spectrum bactericidal activity under conditions where most known AMPs have little or no activity. One optimized peptide was tested in the cell- and protein-rich environment of an infected, purulent wound in mice. Infection was significantly reduced, and biofilm formation in the wound was prevented, demonstrating the power of synthetic molecular evolution of AMPs.
Competing ditransitive constructions in Enets
Authors: Khanina Olesya , Shluinsky Andrey
Published: April 2020

This paper reports on a corpus study of two ditransitive constructions in Enets (Uralic, Samoyedic): the standard
ditransitive construction and the so-called Destinative construction involving a specific destinative nominal morpheme. We suggest that the mutual distribution of the two competing constructions depends on referential
properties of theme and information structure of the clause. The Destinative construction is used when a theme is indefinite, the
standard ditransitive construction is used when a theme is definite. Most often, definiteness of a theme is also accompanied by
specificity of a recipient; the combination of an indefinite theme and a non-specific recipient has not been attested at all.
There is also a small number of cases when the standard ditransitive construction is used in clauses with an indefinite theme: in
all such cases recipients are non-standard from the information structure point of view, they are either topical, emphatic, or
extraposed. We suggest that both contexts of usage of the standard ditransitive construction can be explained if we describe its
main discourse function as highlighting the known referents in discourse, be it definite themes or topical, emphatic, or
extraposed recipients. The main discourse function of the destinative construction is then introducing new referents in the theme
position.
Written Representation of Temporal Power in Safavid Material Culture
Authors: Khoshkhoosani Pouye
Published: April 2020

This paper examines the notions of Shiʿism and kingship in Safavid cultural materials (coins, architectural inscriptions, enthronement orations, and panegyrics) to trace the role of Safavid ideology in the dynasty’s transformation from a Sufi order into a monarchic institution with a sectarian identity. It examines these materials in order to reconstruct the dominant ideology of the Safavids in various venues. Examination of the ideologies of Safavid rulership shows a marked difference between ideologies expressed in these cultural mediums. We argue that this difference points to a multi-pronged Safavid strategy of projecting political legitimacy in distinct registers for different audiences. By combining ideologies that were embraced and practiced by people of different regions and sects in the Persian empire before the Safavids, the Safavid monarchs managed to spread widely their power within the empire and beyond, to change the religio-political ideology of the empire, and to remain in power for more than two centuries.
Preparation of ordered states in ultra-cold gases using Bayesian optimization
Authors: Mukherjee Rick , Sauvage Frédéric , Xie Harry , Löw Robert , Mintert Florian
Published: April 2020

Ultra-cold atomic gases are unique in terms of the degree of controllability, both for internal and external degrees of freedom. This makes it possible to use them for the study of complex quantum many-body phenomena. However in many scenarios, the prerequisite condition of faithfully preparing a desired quantum state despite decoherence and system imperfections is not always adequately met. To pave the way to a specific target state, we implement quantum optimal control based on Bayesian optimization. The probabilistic modeling and broad exploration aspects of Bayesian optimization are particularly suitable for quantum experiments where data acquisition can be expensive. Using numerical simulations for the superfluid to Mott-insulator transition for bosons in a lattice as well as for the formation of Rydberg crystals as explicit examples, we demonstrate that Bayesian optimization is capable of finding better control solutions with regards to finite and noisy data compared to existing methods of optimal control.
Thermally stimulated relaxation and behaviors of oxygen vacancies in SrTiO3 single crystals with (100), (110) and (111) orientations
Authors: Qu Haimo , Luo Bingcheng , Bian Shuaishuai , Yue Zhenxing
Published: April 2020

The strontium titanate (SrTiO3) single crystals with different orientations of (100), (110) and (111) were investigated using thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) measurements, which has been proved to be an effective strategy to fundamentally study the relationship between relaxation phenomena and defect chemistry in dielectrics. The origins of different relaxations in SrTiO3 crystals were identified and the activation energy of oxygen vacancies was estimated from TSDC measurements. It was further found that oxygen-treated SrTiO3 crystals exhibit different relaxation behaviors. Noticeable changes of thermal relaxation associated with oxygen vacancies have taken place in relation to the crystalline anisotropy. The SrTiO3 (110) samples display higher concentration and activation energy of oxygen vacancies. First-principles calculations were carried out on SrTiO3 (110) crystals to study the effect of oxygen vacancy on different surface microstructure. From the resulting minimum formation energy of 0.63 eV, it demonstrates that the oxygen vacancies tend to form on the TiO-terminated surfaces. Considering the band structure, oxygen vacancies near the surface contribute to the transition of crystal from insulator to metallic characteristic.
Polyacrylamide grafted Eucalyptus camaldulensis (EC-g-PAM) gum as an efficient binding agent in drug formulations
Authors: Ali Zeeshan , Qureshi Fatima , Hussain Dilshad , Munir Hira , Sajid Muhammad
Published: April 2020

The use of plant based gums in pharmaceutical sphere is desirable binding agents during pharmaceutical formulations. In this research,Eucalyptus camaldulensisgum is modified by microwave irradiation in order to estimate its binding characteristics for the fabrication of varied pharmaceutical formulations. Gum is analyzed in three forms; native, purified and grafted EC-g-PAM. The distinctive chemical assays for the characterization of carbohydrates indicated the existence of reducing sugars in all three types native, purified and grafted EC (EC-g-PAM) gum extracts. The relatively high phenolic contents i.e. 0.159μg ml−1GAE of grafted EC extract indicate considerable antioxidant potential worthy of further investigations. In case of antimicrobial assay, grafted gum proved to be highly effective and produced a wider ring of no bacterial growth with forE. coliwhile showed comparatively lesser change in the surroundingS. aureusconcentration. Owing to its non-toxicity, it is incorporated into the paracetamol and it revealed excessive controlled drug-release profiles. Grafted gum possessed significantly controlled drug release profile, thus, the drug formulations based on the proposed gum, could be more beneficial site-specific oral drug carrier system.
Self-heterodyned detection of dressed state coherences in helium by noncollinear extreme ultraviolet wave mixing with attosecond pulses
Authors: Fidler Ashley P , Warrick Erika R , Marroux Hugo J B , Bloch Etienne , Neumark Daniel M , Leone Stephen R
Published: April 2020

Noncollinear wave-mixing spectroscopies with attosecond extreme ultraviolet (XUV) pulses provide unprecedented insight into electronic dynamics. In infrared and visible regimes, heterodyne detection techniques utilize a reference field to amplify wave-mixing signals while simultaneously allowing for phase-sensitive measurements. Here, we implement a self-heterodyned detection scheme in noncollinear wave-mixing measurements with a short attosecond XUV pulse train and two few-cycle near infrared (NIR) pulses. The initial spatiotemporally overlapped XUV and NIR pulses generate a coherence of both odd (1snp) and even (1sns and 1snd) parity states within gaseous helium. A variably delayed noncollinear NIR pulse generates angularly-dependent four-wave mixing signals that report on the evolution of this coherence. The diffuse angular structure of the XUV harmonics underlying these emission signals is used as a reference field for heterodyne detection, leading to cycle oscillations in the transient wave-mixing spectra. With this detection scheme, wave-mixing signals emitting from at least eight distinct light-induced, or dressed, states can be observed, in contrast to only one light induced state identified in a similar homodyne wave-mixing measurement. In conjunction with the self-heterodyned detection scheme, the noncollinear geometry permits the conclusive identification and angular separation of distinct wave-mixing pathways, reducing the complexity of transient spectra. These results demonstrate that the application of heterodyne detection schemes can provide signal amplification and phase-sensitivity, while maintaining the versatility and selectivity of noncollinear attosecond XUV wave-mixing spectroscopies. These techniques will be important tools in the study of ultrafast dynamics within complex chemical systems in the XUV regime.
Modified independent component analysis for extracting Eigen-Modes of a quantum system
Authors: Wu Yadong , Zhai Hui
Published: April 2020

Dynamical probes are popular experimental tools for studying quantum systems nowadays. Though a well-defined eigen-mode will manifest itself as a single frequency oscillation in the dynamical probe, the real experimental data can be quite messy because a probe usually excites multiple modes which are also mixed together with random white noise. Moreover, the oscillations usually quickly damp out due to finite decoherence time. These make it difficult to extract the frequencies of these oscillation measurement data, that is, the eigen-energies of these eigen-modes. Here we develop an unsupervised machine learning algorithm to solve this problem. Our method is inspired by the independent component analysis method and its application to the ‘cocktail party problem’, where the goal is to recover each voice from detectors that detect signals of many mixed voices. We demonstrate the advantage of our method by an example of analyzing the collective mode of a Bose–Einstein condensate of atomic gases. We believe that this method can find broad applications in analyzing data of dynamical experiments in quantum systems of different fields.
CALIPER Hematology Reference Standards (II)
Authors: Higgins Victoria , Tahmasebi Houman , Bohn Mary Kathryn , Hall Alexandra , Adeli Khosrow
Published: April 2020

Objectives

The objective of this study was to establish comprehensive age- and sex-specific reference intervals for hematologic parameters in the CALIPER cohort of healthy children and adolescents.

Methods

A total of 536 healthy children and adolescents (birth to 21 years) were recruited with informed consent, and whole blood samples were analyzed for 27 hematologic parameters on the Beckman Coulter DxH 520 system. Age- and sex-specific pediatric reference standards were established. Reference values obtained on the DxH 520 were also compared with data obtained on a larger laboratory-based instrument (DxH 900).

Results

Most hematologic parameters showed significant age- and/or sex-specific changes during growth and development. Of the 27 hematologic parameters, all except four (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, basophil percentage, low hemoglobin density, immature cell percentage) required age partitioning, and eight required sex partitioning.

Conclusions

This study establishes a robust pediatric hematology reference database that will assist in more accurate test result interpretation. Our data clearly demonstrate significant variation in hematologic parameter concentrations in children and adolescents, necessitating the use of pediatric-specific reference standards.
TNFα signalling predicts poor prognosis of patients with endometrial cancer
Authors: Wieser Verena , Abdel Azim Samira , Sprung Susanne , Knoll Katharina , Kögl Johanna , Hackl Hubert , Marth Christian , Zeimet Alain G , Fiegl Heidelinde
Published: April 2020

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynaecologic tumour in the Western world. Previous studies have implicated an imbalance of oestrogens and progestogens in the development of most ECs, while the role of low-grade tissue inflammation remains largely unexplored. We investigated the impact of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), a central mediator of inflammation and spermatogenesis-associated protein 2 (SPATA2), a regulator of TNF receptor signalling, on clinical outcomes in EC. We evaluated TNFA and SPATA2 transcript levels in 239 EC patients and 25 non-malignant control tissues. Findings were validated in a cohort of 332 EC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Expression of TNFA and SPATA2 was increased in EC when compared with control tissues (P < 0.001). TNFA expression correlated with SPATA2 expression in non-malignant (P = 0.003, rS = 0.568) and EC tissue (P = 0.005, rS = 0.179). High TNFA and SPATA2 expression were associated with poor recurrence-free survival (RFS; P = 0.049 and P = 0.018) and disease-specific (P = 0.034 and P = 0.002) survival. Increased SPATA2 expression was also associated with decreased overall survival (OS; P = 0.013). In multivariate analysis, both TNFA and SPATA2 were predictors of clinical outcome. The impact of SPATA2 on RFS and OS could be validated in the TCGA cohort. Our study demonstrates that ECs exhibit a TNF signature which predicts clinical outcome. These findings indicate that TNF signalling modulates the course of EC, which could be therapeutically utilized in the future.
Are Predator Smell (TMT)-Induced Behavioral Alterations in Rats Able to Inhibit Seizures?
Authors: Delfino-Pereira Polianna , Berti Dutra Poliana , Cortes de Oliveira Jose Antonio , Casanova Turatti Izabel Cristina , Fernandes Artur , Peporine Lopes Norberto , Garcia-Cairasco Norberto
Published: April 2020

We aimed to evaluate the chemical and behavioral effects of 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT) after olfactory exposure and to verify their influence in the expression of acute audiogenic seizures in the Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) strain. PROTOCOL 1: TMT gas chromatography was applied to define odor saturation in a chamber to different concentrations, time required for saturation and desaturation, and if saturation was homogeneous. Also, male Adult Wistar rats were exposed to saline (SAL) or to different TMT concentrations and their behaviors were evaluated (neuroethology). PROTOCOL 2: Male adult WARs were exposed for 15 s to SAL or TMT, followed by sound stimulation for 1 min or until tonic–clonic convulsion. Behavioral analysis included latencies (wild running and tonic–clonic convulsion), seizure severity indexes, and neuroethology. Gas chromatography established a saturation homogeneous to different concentrations of TMT, indicating that saturation and desaturation occurred in 30 min. TMT triggered fear-like or aversion-like reactions associated with reduction in motor activity and in grooming behavior, in the 2 highest concentrations. Pure TMT presented anticonvulsant properties, such as less-severe seizure phenotype, as well as a decrease in tonic–clonic convulsion expression. TMT elicited fear-like or aversion-like behaviors in Wistar and WAR and can be utilized in a quantifiable and controllable way. Our results suggested possible antagonism between “fear-related” or “aversion-related” and “seizure-related” networks.
Lockdown Contained the Spread of 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease in Huangshi City, China: Early Epidemiological Findings
Authors: Ji Tuo , Chen Hai-Lian , Xu Jing , Wu Ling-Ning , Li Jie-Jia , Chen Kai , Qin Gang
Published: April 2020

Background

To control the spread of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), China sealed Wuhan on 23 January 2020 and soon expanded lockdown to 12 other cities in Hubei province. We aimed to describe the epidemiological characteristics in one of the cities and highlight the effect of current implemented lockdown and nonpharmaceutical interventions.

Methods

We retrieved data of reported cases in Huangshi and Wuhan from publicly available disease databases. Local epidemiological data on suspected or confirmed cases in Huangshi were collected through field investigation. Epidemic curves were constructed with data on reported and observed cases.

Results

The accumulated confirmed COVID-19 cases and fatality in Huangshi were reported to be 1015 and 3.74%, respectively, compared with 50006 and 5.08% in Wuhan until 27 March 2020. Right after 24 January, the epidemic curve based on observed cases in Huangshi became flattened. And 1 February 2020 was identified as the “turning point” as the epidemic in Huangshi faded soon afterward. COVID-19 epidemic was characterized by mild cases in Huangshi, accounting for 82.66% of total cases. Moreover, 50 asymptomatic infections were identified in adults and children. In addition, we found confirmed cases in 19 familial clusters and 21 healthcare workers, supporting interhuman transmission.

Conclusions

Our study reported the temporal dynamics and characteristics of the COVID-19 epidemic in Huangshi city, China, across the unprecedented intervention. Such new epidemiological inference might provide further guidance on current lockdown measures in high-risk cities and, subsequently, help improve public health intervention strategies against the pandemic on the country and global levels.
Percutaneous left ventricular advanced support for ‘protected’ complex high-risk transcatheter mitral valve repair: a case series
Authors: Muraca Iacopo , Pennesi Matteo , Carrabba Nazario , Scudiero Fernando , Migliorini Angela , Marchionni Niccolò , Stefàno Pierluigi , Valenti Renato
Published: April 2020

Background

Currently, the use of advanced ventricular support systems during percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) procedures is confined to very few selected cases in emergency or bailout situations. No cases are reported of planned use of ventricular support devices in the subgroup of high-risk patients undergoing PMVR.

Case summary

We report two cases of planned and ‘protected’ procedures of PMVR with Impella CP mechanical circulatory support. No procedure-related complications occurred. At 6-month clinical follow-up evaluation, an improvement of symptoms and functional class (New York Heart Association) was reported.

Discussion

In the two cases reported, PMVR with Impella CP assistance was feasible, safe and effective in the setting of severe mitral regurgitation associated with dilated and severe left ventricular dysfunction. Extending the concept of ‘complex high-risk and indicated patients/procedures’ (CHIP) from the environment of coronary intervention, a ‘protected’ approach could lead to improve technical feasibility and clinical outcome in structural interventions, as advocated for ‘protected-percutaneous coronary intervention’.
De-escalation of antiplatelets after percutaneous coronary intervention: a Bayesian network meta-analysis of various de-escalation strategies
Authors: Khan Safi U , Khan Muhammad Zia , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Mahmood Ahmed , Kalra Ankur , Kaluski Edo , Michos Erin D , Alkhouli Mohamad
Published: April 2020

Aims

To compare early de-escalation of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) (1–3 months) to monotherapy with either P2Y12 inhibitor or aspirin vs. 12 months DAPT after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stent (DES).

Methods and results

Electronic databases of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library were searched through February 2020 to identify randomized controlled trials. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted with random effects model. The main endpoints of interest were cardiovascular mortality and total bleeding events. Among seven trials (35 821 patients), 52.6% patients were presented with acute coronary syndrome. A total of 3359 patients and 14 530 patients were de-escalated to aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy, respectively. At a median follow-up of 12 months, compared with 12 months of DAPT, there was no significant difference in cardiovascular mortality between 1-month DAPT followed by P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy [hazard ratio (HR) 0.84 (95% credible interval 0.29–2.43)], 3 months of DAPT followed by P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy [HR 0.74 (0.39–1.46)], or 3 months of DAPT [HR 1.00 (0.54–1.86)] followed by aspirin monotherapy. Except for de-escalation of DAPT to aspirin monotherapy after 3 months [HR 0.75 (0.43–1.20)], de-escalation to P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy after 1 month [HR 0.28 (0.10–0.83)], or 3 months [HR 0.57 (0.33–0.98)] were associated with significant decrease in total bleeding events. There were no significant differences in terms of ischaemic endpoints among different DAPT strategies.

Conclusion

Early de-escalation of DAPT (1–3 months) to monotherapy with a P2Y12 inhibitor instead of aspirin might be a safer and equally effective approach compared with 12 months of DAPT in patients with PCI and DES.
‘Le feu est de retour dans la vallée’: The Noir Landscapes of Deindustrialization in Lorraine
Authors: Raboin Thibaut
Published: April 2020

The region of Lorraine is often seen as paradigmatic of the social problems arising from deindustrialization in France. Noir novels set in the region offer rich re-imaginings of the landscapes of deindustrialization, both geographical and social. This article examines what noir aesthetics do to these landscapes, studying a corpus of novels from four writers. In the first section, the article looks at how the novels engage with deindustrialization through ruins and natural environments. In the second section, the article examines how Dominique Manotti’s Lorraine Connection critiques the policies of reindustrialization implemented in the region since the late 1980s. The article concludes with an analysis of how noir genre conventions allow the novels to critique the cruel optimism of reindustrialization.
Robust exponential synchronization of a Markovian jump complex dynamical network with piecewise homogeneous Markovian parameters
Authors: Akbari Nasim , Sadr Ali , Kazemy Ali
Published: April 2020

This paper establishes a stochastic synchronization method for a Markovian jump complex dynamical network (MJCDN) with time-delay and uncertainties. The considered Markovian structure is piecewise-homogeneous with piecewise-constant time-varying transition rates (TRs). Two Markovian signals are utilized to construct the piecewise-homogeneous Markovian structure. A low-level Markovian signal with time-varying TRs governs the switching between the system dynamics while it is managed by a high-level Markovian signal. Due to the effect of imperfections induced by modeling errors in the system dynamics, some parametric norm-bounded uncertainties are considered. In addition, uncertain TR matrix is considered which means that inaccurate or uncertain information for each element of the TR matrix is allowable. This modelling makes the MJCDN to be more general and applicable than the existing ones. Synchronization conditions are obtained and reported in the form of linear matrix inequalities by the help of Lyapunov–Krasovskii theory, Wirtinger-based integral inequality approach and reciprocally convex technique. Finally, a numerical example is presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Coronavirus Occurrence and Transmission Over 8 Years in the HIVE Cohort of Households in Michigan
Authors: Monto Arnold S , DeJonge Peter M , Callear Amy P , Bazzi Latifa A , Capriola Skylar B , Malosh Ryan E , Martin Emily T , Petrie Joshua G
Published: April 2020

Background

As part of the Household Influenza Vaccine Evaluation (HIVE) study, acute respiratory infections (ARI) have been identified in children and adults from 2010 to 2018.

Methods

Annually, 890 to 1441 individuals were followed and contacted weekly to report ARIs. Specimens collected during illness were tested for human coronaviruses (HCoV) types OC43, 229E, HKU1, and NL63.

Results

In total, 993 HCoV infections were identified during the 8 years, with OC43 most commonly seen and 229E the least. HCoVs were detected in a limited time period, between December and April/May and peaked in January/February. Highest infection frequency was in children <5 years (18 per 100 person-years), with little variation in older age groups (range, 7 to 11 per 100 person-years). Overall, 9% of adult cases and 20% of cases in children were associated with medical consultation. Of the 993 infections, 260 were acquired from an infected household contact. The serial interval between index and household-acquired cases ranged from 3.2 to 3.6 days and the secondary infection risk ranged from 7.2% to 12.6% by type.

Conclusions

Coronaviruses are sharply seasonal. They appear, based on serial interval and secondary infection risk, to have similar transmission potential to influenza A(H3N2) in the same population.
Immune-checkpoint profiles for T cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with immune-checkpoint inhibitor-related interstitial lung disease
Authors: Suzuki Kunihiro , Yanagihara Toyoshi , Matsumoto Koichiro , Kusaba Hitoshi , Yamauchi Takuji , Ikematsu Yuki , Tanaka Kentaro , Otsubo Kohei , Inoue Hiroyuki , Yoneshima Yasuto , Iwama Eiji , Arimura-Omori Masako , Harada Eiji , Hamada Naoki , Okamoto Isamu , Nakanishi Yoichi
Published: April 2020

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved clinical outcomes and are becoming a standard treatment for many cancer types. However, these drugs also induce immune-related adverse events, among which interstitial lung disease (ILD) is potentially fatal. The underlying mechanism of ILD induction by ICIs is largely unknown. With the use of flow cytometry, we determined the expression levels of the immune-checkpoint proteins PD-1, TIM-3, TIGIT, LAG-3 and PD-L1 in T cells of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from patients with ICI-related ILD and compared them with those for patients with sarcoidosis or with ILD related to connective tissue disease or cytotoxic drug use. The proportions of CD8+ T cells positive for both PD-1 and TIM-3 or for TIGIT in BALF were significantly higher for ICI-related ILD patients than for those with other types of ILD. A prominent increase in the proportion of PD-1+PD-L1+ cells among CD8+ T cells was also apparent in BALF of a patient with a fatal case of ICI-related ILD, and the proportion of such cells was positively correlated with the grade of ICI-related ILD. Our data reveal the immune-checkpoint profiles of T cells in ICI-related ILD and may provide mechanistic insight into the development of this adverse event.
Superflares and variability in solar-type stars with TESS in the Southern hemisphere
Authors: Doyle L , Ramsay G , Doyle J G
Published: April 2020

Superflares on solar-type stars have been a rapidly developing field ever since the launch of Kepler. Over the years, there have been several studies investigating the statistics of these explosive events. In this study, we present a statistical analysis of stellar flares on solar-type stars made using photometric data in 2-min cadence from Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite of the whole Southern hemisphere (sectors 1–13). We derive rotational periods for all the stars in our sample from rotational modulations present in the light curve as a result of large star-spot(s) on the surface. We identify 1980 stellar flares from 209 solar-type stars with energies in the range of 1031–1036 erg (using the solar flare classification, this corresponds to X1–X100 000) and conduct an analysis into their properties. We investigate the rotational phase of the flares and find no preference for any phase, suggesting the flares are randomly distributed. As a benchmark, we use GOES data of solar flares to detail the close relationship between solar flares and sunspots. In addition, we also calculate approximate spot areas for each of our stars and compare this to flare number, rotational phase, and flare energy. Additionally, two of our stars were observed in the continuous viewing zone with light-curves spanning 1 yr; as a result we examine the stellar variability of these stars in more detail.
Night-sky imaging as a potential tool for characterization of total lumen output from small and medium-sized cities
Authors: Wallner S , Kocifaj M , Komar L , Solano-Lamphar H A
Published: April 2020

In this article, the asymptotic formula developed in past work and applied to predict skyglow due to distant sources was evolved, with the objective of characterizing small and medium-sized cities in the observer's surroundings. To enable this, a combination of theoretical computations and in situ measurements is needed, aiming to distinguish between dominant and smaller light-emitting sources, with the latter usually being camouflaged when measuring the night sky. Furthermore, for numerical modelling of skyglow, few of the most important parameters, specifically the amount of total lumens installed and radiated to the upward hemisphere, can be derived. Astronomical observatories, in particular, can profit from this concept, since they are usually situated far away from large cities but can still be surrounded by smaller villages and towns. We present a detailed description of how theoretical computations are combined with all-sky photometry in order to obtain the properties mentioned. Results are compared with satellite data, showing that, regarding approximations undertaken for processing, they are comparable, underlining the functionality of our approach. The idea of including in situ observations enables us to quantify the impact of small and medium-sized cities globally and independent of location, as long as measurements were conducted outside light domes. In addition, the presented work may be of major interest to the light-pollution community if conducting long-term observations of cities, since the quality of commonly used satellite data is going to decrease in the future, due to blindness in short wavelengths and upcoming conversions of public lighting systems to blue-enlightened LEDs.
Panchromatic properties of the extreme Fe ii emitter PHL 1092
Authors: Marinello Murilo , Rodríguez-Ardila Alberto , Marziani Paola , Sigut Aaron , Pradhan Anil
Published: April 2020

We present near-infrared spectroscopy of the NLS1 galaxy PHL 1092 (z = 0.394), the strongest Fe ii emitter ever reported, combined with optical and UV data. We modelled the continuum and the broad emission lines using a power-law plus a blackbody function and Lorentzian functions, respectively. The strength of the Fe ii emission was estimated using the latest Fe ii templates in the literature. We re-estimate the ratio between the Fe ii complex centred at 4570 Å and the broad component of H β, R4570, obtaining a value of 2.58, nearly half of that previously reported (R4570 = 6.2), but still placing PHL 1092 among extreme Fe ii emitters. The full width at half-maximum (FWHM) values found for low-ionization lines are very similar (FWHM ∼ 1200 km s−1), but significantly narrower than those of the hydrogen lines (FWHMH β ∼ 1900 km s−1). Our results suggest that the Fe ii emission in PHL 1092 follows the same trend as in normal Fe ii emitters, with Fe ii being formed in the outer portion of the BLR and co-spatial with Ca ii, and O i, while H β is formed closer to the central source. The flux ratio between the UV lines suggests high densities, log(nH) ∼ 13.0 cm−3, and a low ionization parameter, log(U) ∼ −3.5. The flux excess found in the Fe ii bump at 9200 Å after the subtraction of the NIR Fe ii template and its comparison with optical Fe ii emission suggests that the above physical conditions optimize the efficiency of the Ly α-fluorescence process, which was found to be the main excitation mechanism in the Fe ii production. We discuss the role of PHL 1092 in the eigenvector 1 context.
Global 3D radiation magnetohydrodynamic simulations for FU Ori’s accretion disc and observational signatures of magnetic fields
Authors: Zhu Zhaohuan , Jiang Yan-Fei , Stone James M
Published: April 2020

FU Ori is the prototype of FU Orionis systems that are outbursting protoplanetary discs. Magnetic fields in FU Ori’s accretion discs have previously been detected using spectropolarimetry observations for Zeeman effects. We carry out global radiation ideal MHD simulations to study FU Ori’s inner accretion disc. We find that (1) when the disc is threaded by vertical magnetic fields, most accretion occurs in the magnetically dominated atmosphere at z ∼ R, similar to the ‘surface accretion’ mechanism in previous locally isothermal MHD simulations. (2) A moderate disc wind is launched in the vertical field simulations with a terminal speed of ∼300–500 km s−1 and a mass-loss rate of 1–10 per cent the disc accretion rate, which is consistent with observations. Disc wind fails to be launched in simulations with net toroidal magnetic fields. (3) The disc photosphere at the unit optical depth can be either in the wind launching region or the accreting surface region. Magnetic fields have drastically different directions and magnitudes between these two regions. Our fiducial model agrees with previous optical Zeeman observations regarding both the field directions and magnitudes. On the other hand, simulations indicate that future Zeeman observations at near-IR wavelengths or towards other FU Orionis systems may reveal very different magnetic field structures. (4) Due to energy loss by the disc wind, the disc photosphere temperature is lower than that predicted by the thin disc theory, and the previously inferred disc accretion rate may be lower than the real accretion rate by a factor of ∼2–3.
Free-form grale lens inversion of galaxy clusters with up to 1000 multiple images
Authors: Ghosh Agniva , Williams Liliya L R , Liesenborgs Jori
Published: April 2020

In the near future, ultra deep observations of galaxy clusters with Hubble Space Telescope or James Webb Space Telescope will uncover 300–1000 lensed multiple images, increasing the current count per cluster by up to an order of magnitude. This will further refine our view of clusters, leading to a more accurate and precise mapping of the total and dark matter distribution in clusters, and enabling a better understanding of background galaxy population and their luminosity functions. However, to effectively use that many images as input to lens inversion will require a re-evaluation of, and possibly upgrades to the existing methods. In this paper, we scrutinize the performance of the free-form lens inversion method grale in the regime of 150–1000 input images, using synthetic massive galaxy clusters. Our results show that with an increasing number of input images, grale produces improved reconstructed mass distributions, with the fraction of the lens plane recovered at better than $10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ accuracy increasing from $40\!-\!50{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ for ∼150 images to $65{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ for ∼1000 images. The reconstructed time delays imply a more precise measurement of H0, with $\lesssim 1{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ bias. While the fidelity of the reconstruction improves with the increasing number of multiple images used as model constraints, ∼150 to ∼1000, the lens plane rms deteriorates from ∼0.11 to ∼0.28 arcsec. Since lens plane rms is not necessarily the best indicator of the quality of the mass reconstructions, looking for an alternative indicator is warranted.
Harnessing intrinsic fluorescence for typing of secondary structures of DNA
Authors: Zuffo Michela , Gandolfini Aurélie , Heddi Brahim , Granzhan Anton
Published: April 2020

High-throughput investigation of structural diversity of nucleic acids is hampered by the lack of suitable label-free methods, combining fast and cheap experimental workflow with high information content. Here, we explore the use of intrinsic fluorescence emitted by nucleic acids for this scope. After a preliminary assessment of suitability of this phenomenon for tracking conformational changes of DNA, we examined steady-state emission spectra of an 89-membered set of oligonucleotides with reported conformation (G-quadruplexes (G4s), i-motifs, single- and double-strands) by means of multivariate analysis. Principal component analysis of emission spectra resulted in successful clustering of oligonucleotides into three corresponding conformational groups, without discrimination between single- and double-stranded structures. Linear discriminant analysis was exploited for the assessment of novel sequences, allowing the evaluation of their G4-forming propensity. Our method does not require any labeling agent or dye, avoiding the related bias, and can be utilized to screen novel sequences of interest in a high-throughput and cost-effective manner. In addition, we observed that left-handed (Z-) G4 structures were systematically more fluorescent than most other G4 structures, almost reaching the quantum yield of 5′-d[(G3T)3G3]-3′ (G3T, the most fluorescent G4 structure reported to date).
Low-Dose TMP-SMX in the Treatment of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Butler-Laporte Guillaume , Smyth Elizabeth , Amar-Zifkin Alexandre , Cheng Matthew P , McDonald Emily G , Lee Todd C
Published: April 2020

Background

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) remains a common and highly morbid infection for immunocompromised patients. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the antimicrobial treatment of choice. However, treatment with TMP-SMX can lead to significant dose-dependent renal and hematologic adverse events. Although TMP-SMX is conventionally dosed at 15–20 mg/kg/d of trimethoprim for the treatment of PJP, reduced doses may be effective and carry an improved safety profile.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search in the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from inception through March 2019 for peer-reviewed studies reporting on reduced doses of TMP-SMX (15 mg/kg/d of trimethoprim or less) for the treatment of PJP. PRISMA, MOOSE, and Cochrane guidelines were followed. Gray literature was excluded.

Results

Ten studies were identified, and 6 were included in the meta-analysis. When comparing standard doses with reduced doses of TMP-SMX, there was no statistically significant difference in mortality (absolute risk difference, –9% in favor of reduced dose; 95% confidence interval [CI], –27% to 8%). When compared with standard doses, reduced doses of TMP-SMX were associated with an 18% (95% CI, –31% to –5%) absolute risk reduction of grade ≥3 adverse events.

Conclusions

In this systematic review, treatment of PJP with doses of ≤10 mg/kg/d of trimethoprim was associated with similar rates of mortality when compared with standard doses and with significantly fewer treatment-emergent severe adverse events. Although limited by the observational nature of the studies included, this review provides the most current available evidence for the optimal dosing of TMP-SMX in the treatment of PJP.
A Simple Technique for Endoscopic Hypothalamic Hamartoma Disconnection in Refractory Epilepsy: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Budke Marcelo , Pérez-Jiménez María Ángeles , Mena-Bernal José Hinojosa
Published: April 2020

Hypothalamic hamartomas often cause refractory epilepsy, best controlled with surgery. A transcallosal interforniceal approach provides good outcomes although it has resulted in some complications including fornix lesions with transitory and permanent memory losses.
1-2
Endoscopic disconnection is less invasive, avoids interhemispheric approach, callosotomy and fornix as well as propagation of epileptic discharges.
3,4
Laser disconnection does not allow objective measurement of the vaporized tissue and can cause significant hypothalamic edema. We demonstrate a simple hypothalamic disconnection endoscopy technique using the VarioGuide frameless stereotactic system (Brainlab, Germany), bipolar coagulation electrode (Karl Storz, Germany), and 3-French Fogarty catheter (Edwards Lifesciences, USA).

 We present a 12-yr-old right-handed girl who developed normally until 4 yr old when gelastic seizures began. Antiepileptic drugs and gamma knife radiosurgery did not control the seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a nodular 13 mm left hypothalamic mass protruding into the third ventricle. The patient consented to surgery.

 We used a rigid 30° 6-mm neuroendoscope (Aesculap, Germany) with VarioGuide to reach the ventricle. After visualizing the foramen of Monro, the bipolar coagulation electrode perforated holes along the hamartoma/hypothalamus interface. The Fogarty balloon catheter was inserted into each hole and gently inflated to connect the holes and disconnect the mass from the hypothalamus.

 The patient's postsurgical recovery was excellent, presenting intact short- and long-term memory without neurological deficit or endocrine complications. She continues seizure-free 2 yr after surgery. We have successfully used this technique in 4 more cases and, if results continue to be good, will consider it a useful tool for these infrequent malformations.
Open Door Laminoplasty – Hinge Creation and Fracture Avoidance: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Guinn Jeremy M V , Mayer Rory , Chou Dean
Published: April 2020

This surgical video demonstrates a technique for an open-door laminoplasty with its associated risks.
1-3
The key to maintaining a strong hinge that can be opened without fracture lies in gradual, slow drilling of the hinge followed by sequential, progressively wider opening of the laminoplasty. This is in contradistinction to a single opening maneuver, which “cracks” the hinge and can result in fracture and disconnection of the lamina from the spine. We present our technique of C4-6 right-sided open-door laminoplasty. A C3 laminectomy is performed instead of a laminoplasty in order to prevent any muscular dissection of C2. This not only maintains the strong muscular attachment to C2, but it also helps alleviate postoperative pain since the muscles are maintained.
4-6
The top of C7 is drilled to decompress the C6-7 level, and the C7 spinous process, along with its strong attachment to T1, is maintained to prevent kyphosis. The video highlights methods for maintaining key muscular and ligamentous attachments (C2 muscles and C7-T1 ligament) to decrease kyphosis risk, progressive hinge opening to help mitigate the risk of hinge fracture, and methods to help decrease postoperative pain (avoiding laminoplasty of C3, maintaining muscular and ligamentous attachments as stated above, and contouring the spinous processes in a manner that avoids protrusion into the paraspinal muscles). We have received informed consent of this patient to submit this video.