bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Adaptations in Pseudonaja Textilis Venom Factor X Induce Zymogen Activity and Resistance to the Intrinsic Tenase Complex
Authors: Schreuder Mark , Poenou Geraldine , Strijbis Viola J. F. , Cheung Ka Lei , Reitsma Pieter H. , Bos Mettine H. A.
Published: August 2020

The venom of the Australian snake Pseudonaja textilis comprises powerful prothrombin activators consisting of factor X (v-ptFX)- and factor V-like proteins. While all vertebrate liver-expressed factor X (FX) homologs, including that of P. textilis, comprise an activation peptide of approximately 45 to 65 residues, the activation peptide of v-ptFX is significantly shortened to 27 residues. In this study, we demonstrate that exchanging the human FX activation peptide for the snake venom ortholog impedes proteolytic cleavage by the intrinsic factor VIIIa–factor IXa tenase complex. Furthermore, our findings indicate that the human FX activation peptide comprises an essential binding site for the intrinsic tenase complex. Conversely, incorporation of FX into the extrinsic tissue factor–factor VIIa tenase complex is completely dependent on exosite-mediated interactions. Remarkably, the shortened activation peptide allows for factor V-dependent prothrombin conversion while in the zymogen state. This indicates that the active site of FX molecules comprising the v-ptFX activation peptide partially matures upon assembly into a premature prothrombinase complex. Taken together, the shortened activation peptide is one of the remarkable characteristics of v-ptFX that has been modified from its original form, thereby transforming FX into a powerful procoagulant protein. Moreover, these results shed new light on the structural requirements for serine protease activation and indicate that catalytic activity can be obtained without formation of the characteristic Ile16–Asp194 salt bridge via modification of the activation peptide.
Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Khemichian Saro , Terrault Norah A.
Published: August 2020

Thrombocytopenia is one of the most common hematologic complications in cirrhosis. Despite limited data linking platelet count and bleeding risk in patients with cirrhosis, the use of platelets transfusions for invasive procedures has been a common practice. Recently, thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonists have been approved for use in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) undergoing invasive procedures. The aim of this study was to review current literature on bleeding risk in patients with cirrhosis and the use of platelet transfusions and TPO receptor agonists in the context of invasive procedures. PubMed search was conducted to find articles relating to cirrhosis, thrombocytopenia, and new novel treatments for this condition. Search terms included CLD, cirrhosis, thrombocytopenia, bleeding, thrombosis, coagulopathy, hemostasis, and TPO receptor agonists. Romiplostim, eltrombopag, avatrombopag, and lusutrombopag are approved TPO receptor agonists, with avatrombopag and lusutrombopag specifically approved for use in patients with CLD undergoing invasive procedures. In patients with platelet counts < 50,000/mm3, avatrombopag and lusutrombopag increased the platelet counts above this threshold in the majority of treated patients and reduced the frequency of platelet transfusions. At the approved doses, incidence of thrombosis was not increased and therapies were well tolerated. Studies were not powered to assess whether risk of bleeding complications was reduced and the fundamental question of whether correction of thrombocytopenia is warranted in patients undergoing invasive procedures remains unanswered. The use of TPO receptor agonists has resulted in less requirement for platelet transfusions. In patients with cirrhosis undergoing invasive procedures for whom platelet transfusion is planned, TPO receptor agonists are an alternative and avoid the risks associated with transfusions. However, there is need for a thoughtful approach to manage bleeding risk in patients with cirrhosis undergoing procedures, with the consideration of a comprehensive hemostatic profile, the severity of portal hypertension, and the complexity of the invasive procedure to guide decisions regarding transfusions or use of TPO receptor agonists.
New Insights into the Pathogenesis, Risk Factors, and Treatment of Portal Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Cirrhosis
Authors: Nicoară-Farcău Oana , Soy Guillem , Magaz Marta , Baiges Anna , Turon Fanny , Garcia-Criado Angeles , Barrufet Marta , Burrel Marta , Hernández-Gea Virginia , García-Pagán Juan Carlos
Published: August 2020

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a frequent event in patients with cirrhosis regardless of etiology. Notwithstanding the commonality of the problem, the pathophysiology and risk factors for PVT in cirrhosis are largely unknown. The clinical impact of PVT in the natural history of cirrhosis is unclear, indications for PVT treatment are not well defined, and treatment recommendations are based on experts' opinion and consensus only. Therefore, this review aims to summarize current knowledge of mechanisms and risk factors for PVT development and assess the current evidence of PVT management, with a special focus on strategies of anticoagulation and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement.
Endotracheal Tube Placement Confirmation with Bedside Ultrasonography in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Validation Study
Authors: Chandnani Harsha K. , Maxson Ivanna N. , Mittal Disha K. , Dehom Salem , Moretti Anthony , Dinh Vi A. , Lopez Merrick , Ejike Janeth C.
Published: August 2020

Critically ill patients who are intubated undergo multiple chest X-rays (CXRs) to determine endotracheal tube position; however, other modalities can save time, medical expenses, and radiation exposure. In this article, we evaluated the validity and interrater reliability of ultrasound to confirm endotracheal tube (ETT) position in patients. A prospective study was performed on intubated patients with cuffed ETTs. The accuracy of ultrasound to confirm correct ETT placement in 92 patients was 97.8%. Sensitivity, positive predictive value, and agreement of 97.7, 93.3, and 91.3% were found on comparing ultrasound to CXR findings. Ultrasound is feasible, reliable, and has good interrater reliability in assessing correct ETT position in children.
Transition of Care of the Spina Bifida Patient from Childhood to Adulthood
Authors: Tomei Krystal L , Zhou Xiaofei
Published: August 2020

Spina bifida is a complex disease process, the care of which involves multiple physicians and other healthcare providers in several disciplines. As our treatment of this disorder has improved over time, thus has survival of these patients into adulthood. Consideration in the care of young adults and adults with spina bifida poses significant challenges that parallel many other disease processes of childhood where medical advances have improved survival. We attempt to discuss the complex disorder that is spina bifida and some of the challenges associated with transition of care of these patients into adulthood.
Plastic Surgeons and COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dash Suvashis , Das Rojaleen , Saha Shivangi , Singhal Maneesh
Published: August 2020

The world is suffering from the unprecedented problem of the COVID-19 pandemic. As healthcare professionals, we face the imminent danger of exposure. For Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn surgeons, safety and smooth functioning of day-to-day work during this pandemic is of the utmost priority. However, it is also our responsibility to stop the human-to-human transmission chain and conserve the medical resources for rational use. The disease has spread throughout the country, and with the number of infections increasing day by day, it is very important to adhere to the safety principles. This document aims to provide some insights into the world of plastic, reconstructive and burn surgeons in the time of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Imaging in Appendicular Diverticulosis with Appendicitis
Authors: Patil Aruna R. , Chaudhari Bhushan , Godhi Satyajit , Shivakumar Swarna
Published: August 2020

Appendicular diverticulosis (AD) is an extremely rare condition. They are either incidentally detected in a normal or inflamed appendix or as diverticulitis manifesting clinically as appendicitis. It is commonly a radiological or pathological diagnosis. On computed tomography (CT), AD can mimic focal perforation. There are reported associations between AD and appendicular adenocarcinoma. This case reports the classical features of AD on CT with background appendicitis.
Klinefelter's Syndrome with Maternal Uniparental Disomy X, Interstitial Xp22.31 Deletion, X-linked Ichthyosis, and Severe Central Nervous System Regression
Authors: Brault Jennifer , Walsh Laurence , Vance Gail H. , Weaver David D.
Published: August 2020

We presented in this article a patient with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (47,XXY) who had maternal nondisjunction and uniparental disomy of the X chromosome with regions of heterodisomy and isodisomy, an interstitial Xp22.31 deletion of both X chromosomes, and other problems. His mother also possesses the same Xp22.31 deletion. The patient presented with status epilepticus and stroke, followed by severe brain atrophy and developmental regression. His unusual clinical and cytogenetic findings apparently have not been reported with either KS or Xp22.31 deletions. Based on the patient's available genetic and biochemical information, we cannot satisfactorily explain his seizures, strokes, or catastrophic brain regression.
Role of Transarterial Angiography with Embolization in Deciding Surgical Approach to Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma: A Step-Ladder Approach
Authors: Manogaran Ravi S. , Mathialagan Arulalan , Singh Vivek , Mishra Prabhaker , Jain Rajat , Keshri Amit
Published: August 2020

Objective This study was aimed to understand the usefulness of transarterial angiography and embolization in management of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) and to apply the information obtained to stage the disease, select appropriate surgical approach, predict intraoperative bleeding, and prognosticate the disease.

Study Design This study represents a retrospective review of the patients of JNA with major focus on transarterial angiography and embolization findings and its clinical and surgical implications.

Setting The study conducted at a tertiary-care super-specialty referral center.

Participants Forty-two patients who had undergone transarterial angiography and embolization followed by surgery over the period of 5 years from July 2015 till February 2019 were participated in this study.

Main Outcome Measures Tumor vascular pattern based on transarterial angiography, staging of the disease based on extent and vascular supply, surgical approach selected, and prognosticating the disease were determined from this study.

Conclusion Transarterial angiography with embolization becomes a prudent preoperative investigation for management of JNA. It provides a complete three-dimensional map of the tumor with stage-specific vascular pattern, reduces vascularity of the tumor, and predicts the sites from where bleeding can occur intra operatively. Thus, it helps in choosing the appropriate surgical approach aiding in complete tumor removal with minimal bleeding.
Classification of Pituitary Adenomas Invading the Cavernous Sinus Assisted by Three-Dimensional Multimodal Imaging and Its Clinical Application
Authors: Zhang Yukun , Tu Shaohua , Duan Lian , Fu Weilun , Wang Jianbo , Geng Sumin
Published: August 2020

Introduction To help diagnose and evaluate the prognosis of pituitary adenoma with cavernous sinus (CS) invasion and guide endonasal endoscopic surgery (EES) assisted by intraoperative navigation (ION) with three-dimensional multimodal imaging (3D-MMI). We propose a classification of CS invasion based on 3D-MMI.

Methods We picked some appropriate cases and reconstructed the 3D-MMI and then classified them into 3 grades according to the stereo relationship among ICA, tumor and CS in 3D-MMI. Then, we applied different strategies according to their grade to remove pituitary adenomas that invaded the CS.

Results All 38 patients were divided into 3 grades. Tumors compressing the ICA and CS without CS invasion were divided into grade 1. Tumors encasing the ICA and invading the superior-posterior compartment and/or anterior-inferior compartment but without distinct separation of the ICA and CS lateral wall were deemed as grade 2. Tumors encasing the ICA and filling the lateral compartment of the CS that dissociated the lateral wall from the ICA were deemed as grade 3. The 3D-MMI enabled adequate spatial visualization of the ICA, CS and tumors. All patients were operated on under the guidance of ION with 3D-MMI.

Conclusion Classification based on 3D-MMI can better demonstrate the relationships among tumor, ICA and CS in a stereo and multi-angle view, which will have significance in guiding the surgical strategy.
Knowledge and Attitude of Medical Students toward Plastic Surgery
Authors: Gathariki Mukami , Ajujo Martin , Odiero Lucianne , Amuti Thomas
Published: August 2020

Introduction Inadequate professional and medical exposure and misconceptions about plastic surgery have not only been linked to students’ poor knowledge and attitude toward it, but also bias against the selection of plastic surgery as a specialty. This assertion is yet to be tested and confirmed in our setting. This study therefore aimed to determine the knowledge and attitude of medical students toward plastic surgery.

Methods One hundred and eight (108) students between their 3rd and 4th year of study were randomly recruited and handed structured questionnaires on knowledge and attitude toward plastic surgery. Data were then analyzed using SPSS and represented in percentages, medians, and means. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were done to assess for significant statistical differences based on gender grouping and year of study, respectively. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant at a 95% confidence interval.

Results Majority of the students had some awareness about plastic surgery since, a majority (88%) identified plastic surgery with cosmetics and identified trauma as the main condition handled by plastic surgeons. Sixty-four percent (64%) acknowledged the risks associated with plastic surgery and 79.6% noted the presence of the procedures in Kenya. When assessing attitude, 62% reported that they did not want to pursue plastic surgery in the future, 75% would not consider plastic surgery done on them and 77% of the respondents felt embarrassed to undergo the surgery if their family knew while another 77% felt embarrassed if their friends knew. It is worth noting that 55% had their initial exposure to plastic surgery through information from the media sources. Mann-Whitney test done to assess for gender differences only revealed significant difference (p-value = 0.009) on assessing for the availability of plastic surgery procedures in Kenya. Kruskal–Wallis test did not reveal any significant differences based on year of study.

Conclusion Data from our study suggest that students have some awareness about plastic surgery but have a poor attitude toward it.
Spectroscopic ellipsometry of monolayered CdS nanoparticles assembled by layer-by-layer method
Authors: Shim YongGu , Kitano Atsushi , Wakita Kazuki , Kim DaeGwi
Published: August 2020

Semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs) are attractive for use as the constituent blocks of artificial solids. Furthermore, the layer-by-layer (LbL) method allows one to accurately arrange and stack NPs and is being explored widely for the fundamental research and development of artificial solids and devices based on NPs. In this study, we determined the absolute values of the dielectric function of monolayered semiconductor NPs deposited by the LbL method. The aim was to measure the structural parameters, such as the thickness, NP volume density, and NP number density, of the monolayered films composed of NPs. A novel fully optical method based on spectroscopic ellipsometry was used to evaluate thin films composed of monolayered CdS NPs deposited by the LbL method. We could successfully determine the absolute values of the dielectric function of the CdS NPs deposited as monolayered films based on the above-listed parameters with accuracy. Thus, the optical constants of monolayered semiconductor NPs as well as their structural information could be obtained successfully using the proposed method, which is highly suited for nondestructively determining the parameters of thin films, including those of semiconductor NPs.
Humidity sensing with printable films of lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals
Authors: Glushchenko A. , Boiko O. P. , Lenyk B. Ya. , Senenko A. , Nazarenko V. G.
Published: August 2020

Lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals (LCLCs) combine a very high packing density (intramolecular separation is about 3.4 Å within aggregates) with an ability to form ordered structures that are transferable from a water solution to a dry film. We show that the electric current in a dry film of LCLC aggregates is sensitive to the distance between the molecules in the aggregates and that it depends on the ambient humidity. Thus, by measuring the electric current through an LCLC film printed onto a substrate with predesigned electrodes and integrated circuits, we can measure the humidity. A humidity sensor based on LCLCs has high sensitivity, a fast response, and short recovery times.
Diffusion in heterogeneous discs and spheres: New closed-form expressions for exit times and homogenization formulas
Authors: Carr Elliot J. , Ryan Jacob M. , Simpson Matthew J.
Published: August 2020

Mathematical models of diffusive transport underpin our understanding of chemical, biochemical, and biological transport phenomena. Analysis of such models often focuses on relatively simple geometries and deals with diffusion through highly idealized homogeneous media. In contrast, practical applications of diffusive transport theory inevitably involve dealing with more complicated geometries as well as dealing with heterogeneous media. One of the most fundamental properties of diffusive transport is the concept of mean particle lifetime or mean exit time, which are particular applications of the concept of first passage time and provide the mean time required for a diffusing particle to reach an absorbing boundary. Most formal analysis of mean particle lifetime applies to relatively simple geometries, often with homogeneous (spatially invariant) material properties. In this work, we present a general framework that provides exact mathematical insight into the mean particle lifetime, and higher moments of particle lifetime, for point particles diffusing in heterogeneous discs and spheres with radial symmetry. Our analysis applies to geometries with an arbitrary number and arrangement of distinct layers, where transport in each layer is characterized by a distinct diffusivity. We obtain exact closed-form expressions for the mean particle lifetime for a diffusing particle released at an arbitrary location, and we generalize these results to give exact, closed-form expressions for any higher-order moment of particle lifetime for a range of different boundary conditions. Finally, using these results, we construct new homogenization formulas that provide an accurate simplified description of diffusion through heterogeneous discs and spheres.
Apparatus for loss measurements under multidirectional and dc-bias flux in electrical steel laminations
Authors: Wang W. , Nysveen A. , Magnusson N.
Published: August 2020

Conventional standardized power loss measurements for electric steels are performed at flux densities with a single sinusoidal and unidirectional excitation. However, the flux inside electrical steel laminations can deviate significantly from the standard condition, and the loss is sensitive to such deviations of the flux in time and space. In this article, we describe the design and construction of an apparatus for loss measurements under two scenarios: (1) The main flux in the rolling direction is superimposed with flux in either the transverse or normal direction, while varying magnitude and phase angle between two fluxes and (2) the main flux having a dc-bias. The main flux in the rolling direction is generated in a square lamination frame by the current in excitation coils. The transverse and normal direction fluxes are generated by the current in auxiliary excitation coils wound around powder cores. The dc-bias flux is created either by an ac current with a small dc offset in the excitation coils or by a separate coil excited by a dc current. We implement and compare the two dc-bias methods and discuss the commons and differences. Finally, we present experimental results showing the possibilities for loss measurements under the combined action of magnetic flux in different directions and under dc-bias.
Development of an arc root model for studying the electrode vaporization and its influence on arc dynamics
Authors: Huo Jindong , Ronzello JoAnne , Rontey Alex , Wang Yifei , Jacobs Linda , Sommerer Timothy , Cao Yang
Published: August 2020

Plasma–solid interaction represents a major concern in many applications such as power-interruption and plasma–metal processing. Characterized by high-current density and voltage drop, the arc roots dissipate intensive heat to electrode vaporization, which participates in the ionization and, thereby, significantly alters the plasma properties and gas dynamics. Most of the arc root models feature approaches based on surface temperature or (temperature dependent) current density. Due to the complexity of conjugated heat transfer across arc roots involving three-phase interactions of plasma with liquid spots and solid electrodes, accurately determining the surface temperature distribution is extremely computationally demanding. Hence, models hitherto fail to quantitatively estimate neither the molten spot size nor the total amount of vaporization. In this work, we propose an arc root model featuring a hemispherical structure that correlates the molten spot size with the heat partition between conduction and vaporization to estimate the energy dissipation at arc roots and, thus, to trace the vaporization rate. Following local partial pressure adjusted Langmuir vaporization, we deduce an analytical solution of molten spot size for quasi-steady-state, which compares favorably with experiments. Specifically, the vaporization dominates over conduction for large molten spots as in the case of high-current arcs. However, for low-current arcs, the vaporization heat is trivial compared with conduction. Furthermore, we integrate this arc root model into a study case of arc plasma based on the magnetohydrodynamics method. The simulated arc voltage and arc displacement match with the experiment. This model is expected to find broad applications in power interruption and plasma etching.
Tuning the dynamics in Fe3O4 nanoparticles for hyperthermia optimization
Authors: Chen Hao , Billington David , Riordan Edward , Blomgren Jakob , Giblin Sean R. , Johansson Christer , Majetich Sara A.
Published: August 2020

The AC magnetic susceptibility (ACS) of Fe3O4 nanoparticles was measured between 10 kHz and 4 MHz at different temperatures and in applied DC fields. In this frequency range, magnetostatic interactions impact magnetization dynamics even for dilute assemblies. The ACS spectrum of relaxation frequencies changes both with temperature and the addition of a small DC field. Because both the relaxation peak frequency and amplitude can be tuned with the DC field, these results could be applied to magnetic hyperthermia applications to optimize heat delivery.
Causes of feather pecking and subsequent welfare issues for the laying hen: a review
Authors: Cronin Greg M. , Glatz Phil C.
Published: August 2020

When feather-pecking behaviour by hens becomes repetitive, plumage damage often results for the recipient of the pecks. The forceful removal of feathers and vigorous pecks directed at the skin may also cause pain, fear and even wounds. ‘Outbreaks’ of pecking behaviour have been reported in all housing systems in which poultry are managed. Pecking may progress to cannibalism and death, thus constituting significant hen welfare and farm economy problems. Farmers apply preventative management practices to minimise the risk of outbreaks. However, outbreaks are unpredictable and, once in progress, are difficult to control, especially in non-cage housing systems. For more than a century, research has been directed at trying to identify the causal factors underlying this problem, without success. The problem is multi-factorial and different studies often identify contradictory findings, such as, for example, in relation to the effects of adding forage to increase environmental enrichment, among others. The present review aims to provide background information about severe feather-pecking behaviour in laying hens, with mention of the resultant issues from repeated performance, such as, for example, on feather cover over the life of the laying hen. On-farm surveys, epidemiological studies and experimental trials have generated much information that has improved our general understanding of the significance of the problem, even though studies have typically been inconclusive due to its multi-factorial causes. While ‘Good Practice Guides’ are available and provide relevant advice for farmers to manage flocks to minimise the risk of outbreaks, we suggest significant progress towards identifying the root-cause(s) of the problem will more likely be achieved through controlled experimental trials using research models than through survey approaches. For example, using a stress-induction model, researchers should first focus on the impact of cumulative stressors in the flock that seem to predispose a hen to either become a feather pecker, or be the victim of pecking. Subsequent research should then investigate the affected hens for altered behavioural or (neuro-) physiological states, or physical stimuli on the skin and feathers, that may increase the motivation of hens to become feather peckers.
Welfare implications for barn (and aviary) egg production systems
Authors: Singh M. , Groves P. J.
Published: August 2020

Barn production systems in Australia are either an indoor-housing floor system or an aviary system with multilevel structures, equipped with nesting boxes, perches and feeding and watering systems. These systems offer hens the freedom of movement and an opportunity to display a repertoire of favourable behaviours as well as interact with complex housing elements as compared with caged systems. However, the system can create prospects for the hens to express detrimental behaviours such as feather pecking and cannibalism. Other aspects of welfare that may be compromised when compared with cage systems include incidence of fractures and injuries during navigation of hens among elements of housing that may result in collision or falls. Barn production systems may have an advantage over free-range production systems in relation to the protection they offer from predators and predator stress, and diseases and parasites that can be contracted from range areas. Barn systems also offer better biosecurity due to lack of direct access to wild birds and their faeces. The aim of the present review is to assess the welfare status of birds housed in barn (and aviary) production systems, while considering husbandry factors that affect welfare outcomes, the health and disease implications and sustainability. To maintain a high welfare outcome in barn production systems, it is important to keep the enclosed environmental conditions optimum by managing air quality, ventilation and lighting within sheds. Sustainability of these production systems depends on consumer preference, cost of production, environmental footprint and suitable genetics of hens.
A molecular phylogeny of Eragrostis (Poaceae: Chloridoideae: Eragrostideae): making lovegrass monophyletic in Australia
Authors: Barrett Russell L. , Peterson Paul M. , Romaschenko Konstantin
Published: August 2020

We present a phylogeny based on four DNA molecular markers (rps16–trnK spacer, rps16 intron, rpl32–trnL spacer and ITS) concentrating on species of Eragrostis Wolf in Australia. Two Australian radiations are shown within Eragrostis, one being centred in the arid zone and one in the monsoon tropics. The genus is paraphyletic, with species of Cladoraphis Franch., Ectrosia R.Br., Harpachne Hochst. ex A.Rich., Heterachne Benth., Neeragrostis Bush, Planichloa B.K.Simon, Psammagrostis C.A.Gardner & C.E.Hubb. and Stiburus Stapf together forming a well supported clade mixed with Eragrostis species. The molecular results are consistent with recognition of an expanded Eragrostis and we make the following new combinations for Australian taxa: Eragrostis agrostoides (Benth.) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. anomala (C.E.Hubb.) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. appressa (S.T.Blake) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. baileyi (C.E.Hubb.) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. blakei (C.E.Hubb.) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. confusa (C.E.Hubb.) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. danesii (Domin) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. gulliveri (F.Muell.) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. leporina (R.Br.) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. nervilemma (B.K.Simon) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. ovata (Night.) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. scabrida (C.E.Hubb.) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. wiseana (C.A.Gardner & C.E.Hubb.) R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson and Sporobolus ramigerus (F.Muell.) P.M.Peterson, Romasch. & R.L.Barrett, and propose the following new names: E. divergens R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson, E. lilliputiana R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson and E. nightingaleae R.L.Barrett & P.M.Peterson. Lectotypes are designated for Ectrosia agrostoides Benth., E. anomala C.E.Hubb., E. appressa S.T.Blake, E. baileyi C.E.Hubb., E. blakei C.E.Hubb., E. confusa C.E.Hubb., E. gulliveri F.Muell., E laxa S.T.Blake, E. leporina R.Br, E. leporina var. longiglumis C.E.Hubb., E. schultzii Benth., E. schultzii var. annua C.E.Hubb., E. spadicea R.Br., Glyceria australasica Steud., Heterachne gulliveri Benth., Heterachne gulliveri var. major C.E.Hubb. Poa ramigera F.Muell. and Psammagrostis wiseana C.A.Gardner & C.E.Hubb.
Changes in soil-pores and wheat root geometry due to strategic tillage in a no-tillage cropping system
Authors: Mehra Promil , Kumar Pankaj , Bolan Nanthi , Desbiolles Jack , Orgill Susan , Denton Matthew D.
Published: August 2020

Tillage management can influence soil physical properties such as soil strength, moisture content, temperature, nutrient and oxygen availability, which in turn can affect crop growth during the early establishment phase. However, a short-term ‘strategic’ conventional tillage (CT) shift in tillage practice in a continuous no-tillage (NT) cropping system may change the soil-pore and root geometry. This study identifies the impact of a tillage regime shift on the belowground soil-pore and root geometry. Micro X-ray computed tomography (µXCT) was used to quantify, measure and compare the soil-pore and root architecture associated with the impact of tillage shift across different plant growth stages. Soil porosity was 12.2% higher under CT in the top 0–100 mm and 7.4% in the bottom 100–200 mm of the soil core compared with NT. Soil-pore distribution, i.e. macroporosity (>75 μm), was 13.4% higher under CT, but mesoporosity (30–75 μm) was 9.6% higher under NT. The vertical distributions of root biomass and root architecture measurements (i.e. root length density) in undisturbed soil cores were 9.6% higher under the NT and 8.7% higher under the CT system respectively. These results suggest that low soil disturbance under the continuous NT system may have encouraged accumulation of more root biomass in the top 100 mm depth, thus developing better soil structure. Overall, µXCT image analyses of soil cores indicated that this tillage shift affected the soil total carbon, due to the significantly higher soil-pore (i.e. pore surface area, porosity and average pore size area) and root architecture (i.e. root length density, root surface density and root biomass) measurements under the CT system.
Ligand-induced gene activation is associated with oxidative genome damage whose repair is required for transcription
Authors: Sengupta Shiladitya , Wang Haibo , Yang Chunying , Szczesny Bartosz , Hegde Muralidhar L. , Mitra Sankar
Published: August 2020

Significance

The endogenous genome damage induced by mitochondrial/cytosolic reactive oxygen species (ROS) is well recognized. However, similar damage induced by nuclear ROS generated via histone/cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) demethylation during transcription has not been scrupulously investigated. This report documents the formation of genomic oxidized bases and single-strand breaks during ligand-induced gene activation via histone/CpG demethylation. That repair of these damages occurs preferentially in promoters and is essential for transcriptional activation underscore the essentiality of promoter-specific repair for transcription. In contrast, heat shock (HS) induction generates double-strand breaks, the repair of which is essential for the activation of HS-responsive genes. This study thus implies gross underestimation of endogenous oxidative genome damage and highlights the intrinsic diversity of damage and distinct repair processes associated with transcription.
IL-6 trans-signaling induces plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 from vascular endothelial cells in cytokine release syndrome
Authors: Kang Sujin , Tanaka Toshio , Inoue Hitomi , Ono Chikako , Hashimoto Shoji , Kioi Yoshiyuki , Matsumoto Hisatake , Matsuura Hiroshi , Matsubara Tsunehiro , Shimizu Kentaro , Ogura Hiroshi , Matsuura Yoshiharu , Kishimoto Tadamitsu
Published: August 2020

Significance

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a life-threatening complication induced by hyperinflammatory responses. However, no specific immunotherapies are available for its treatment. In this study, we found that interleukin (IL)-6 signaling plays a crucial role in endothelial cell dysfunction during bacterial and viral CRS. Specifically, we identified that the pathogenesis of CRS in patients with sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and burns involved the IL-6–mediated production of hyperinflammatory cytokines and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), which indicates that IL-6 signaling blockade has potential as a therapy for CRS. We also found that the inhibition of IL-6 signaling by tocilizumab treatment decreased PAI-1 production and alleviated clinical manifestations in severe COVID-19 patients.
Fiction effects on social cognition
Authors: Turner Rose , Vallée-Tourangeau Frédéric
Published: August 2020

Social cognition, the skillset involved in interpreting the cognitive and affective states of others, is essential for
navigating the social world. Research has indicated that reading about fictional social content may support social cognitive abilities;
however, the processes underpinning these effects remain unidentified. This study aimed to examine the effect of narrative engagement on
social cognition. A text pretest (N = 11), a manipulation pilot (N = 29) and full experiment
(N = 93) were conducted. In the full experiment, the manipulation failed to vary levels of narrative engagement
(transportation, identification and affective empathy) with a passage from a popular fiction text. A correlation analysis revealed positive
associations between narrative engagement dimensions and social cognition. An exploratory between-groups analysis comparing reading to
no-reading found a significant gain in explicit mental state attribution in the reading group, when controlling for demographic and
dispositional differences.
Low field hall effect for differentiating between the single- and double-layer graphenes
Authors: Bazaliy Ya B
Published: August 2020

There is a number of powerful but costly and involved experimental techniques able to distinguish between the single- and double-layer graphene films. Here we suggest a less rigorous but easier test, which can be performed on a suspended or hexagonal boron nitride encapsulated graphene in low magnetic fields and at room temperatures. The test is based on the same physical property that is responsible for the unconventional quantum Hall effect in single-layer graphene—the cyclotron frequency dependence on the Fermi energy.
High energy surface x-ray diffraction applied to model catalyst surfaces at work
Authors: Hejral Uta , Shipilin Mikhail , Gustafson Johan , Stierle Andreas , Lundgren Edvin
Published: August 2020

Catalysts are materials that accelerate the rate of a desired chemical reaction. As such, they constitute an integral part in many applications ranging from the production of fine chemicals in chemical industry to exhaust gas treatment in vehicles. Accordingly, it is of utmost economic interest to improve catalyst efficiency and performance, which requires an understanding of the interplay between the catalyst structure, the gas phase and the catalytic activity under realistic reaction conditions at ambient pressures and elevated temperatures. In recent years efforts have been made to increasingly develop techniques that allow for investigating model catalyst samples under conditions closer to those of real technical catalysts. One of these techniques is high energy surface x-ray diffraction (HESXRD), which uses x-rays with photon energies typically in the range of 70–80 keV. HESXRD allows a fast data collection of three dimensional reciprocal space for the structure determination of model catalyst samples under operando conditions and has since been used for the investigation of an increasing number of different model catalysts. In this article we will review general considerations of HESXRD including its working principle for different model catalyst samples and the experimental equipment required. An overview over HESXRD investigations performed in recent years will be given, and the advantages of HESXRD with respect to its application to different model catalyst samples will be presented. Moreover, the combination of HESXRD with other operando techniques such asin situmass spectrometry, planar laser-induced fluorescence and surface optical reflectance will be discussed. The article will close with an outlook on future perspectives and applications of HESXRD.
Uniaxial and fourfold basal anisotropy in GdRh2Si2
Authors: Ehlers D , Kliemt K , Krellner C , Geibel C , Sichelschmidt J
Published: August 2020

The magnetocrystalline anisotropy of GdRh2Si2 is examined in detail via the electron spin resonance (ESR) of its well-localised Gd3+ moments. Below T
N = 107 K, long range magnetic order sets in with ferromagnetic layers in the (aa)-plane stacked antiferromagnetically along the c-axis of the tetragonal structure. Interestingly, the easy-plane anisotropy allows for the observation of antiferromagnetic resonance at X- and Q-band microwave frequencies. In addition to the easy-plane anisotropy we have also quantified the weaker fourfold anisotropy within the easy plane. The obtained resonance fields are modelled in terms of eigenoscillations of the two antiferromagnetically coupled sublattices. Conversely, this model provides plots of the eigenfrequencies as a function of field and the specific anisotropy constants. Such calculations have rarely been done. Therefore our analysis is prototypical for other systems with fourfold in-plane anisotropy. It is demonstrated that the experimental in-plane ESR data may be crucial for a precise knowledge of the out-of-plane anisotropy.
Lattice strain accommodation and absence of pre-transition phases in Ni50Mn25+x
In25−x
Authors: Nevgi R , Priolkar K R , Righi L , Solzi M , Cugini F , Dias E T , Nigam A K
Published: August 2020

The stoichiometric Ni50Mn25In25 Heusler alloy transforms from a stable ferromagnetic austenitic ground state to an incommensurate modulated martensitic ground state with a progressive replacement of In with Mn without any pre-transition phases. The absence of pre-transition phases like strain glass in Ni50Mn25+x
In25−x
alloys is explained to be the ability of the ferromagnetic cubic structure to accommodate the lattice strain caused by atomic size differences of In and Mn atoms. Beyond the critical value of x = 8.75, the alloys undergo martensitic transformation despite the formation of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic clusters and the appearance of a super spin glass state.
Parachutes: a crossroads between physics, mathematics and computing
Authors: Rodrigues H , dos Santos A C , Soares A
Published: August 2020

In this article, physical quantities related to the motion of a parachute system
in the framework of Newton’s law of mechanics guide an informal approach
to the mathematical concept of function. Furthermore, a graphical simulator that
enables visualization of the fall of object-parachutes system is presented.

The article is aimed at students and teachers of basic physics courses at the
high school and undergraduate level.
Deformable motion compensation for interventional cone-beam CT
Authors: Capostagno S , Sisniega A , Stayman J W , Ehtiati T , Weiss C R , Siewerdsen J H
Published: August 2020

Image-guided therapies in the abdomen and pelvis are often hindered by motion artifacts in cone-beam CT (CBCT) arising from complex, non-periodic, deformable organ motion during long scan times (5–30 s). We propose a deformable image-based motion compensation method to address these challenges and improve CBCT guidance. Motion compensation is achieved by selecting a set of small regions of interest in the uncompensated image to minimize a cost function consisting of an autofocus objective and spatiotemporal regularization penalties. Motion trajectories are estimated using an iterative optimization algorithm (CMA-ES) and used to interpolate a 4D spatiotemporal motion vector field. The motion-compensated image is reconstructed using a modified filtered backprojection approach. Being image-based, the method does not require additional input besides the raw CBCT projection data and system geometry that are used for image reconstruction. Experimental studies investigated: (1) various autofocus objective functions, analyzed using a digital phantom with a range of sinusoidal motion magnitude (4, 8, 12, 16, 20 mm); (2) spatiotemporal regularization, studied using a CT dataset from The Cancer Imaging Archive with deformable sinusoidal motion of variable magnitude (10, 15, 20, 25 mm); and (3) performance in complex anatomy, evaluated in cadavers undergoing simple and complex motion imaged on a CBCT-capable mobile C-arm system (Cios Spin 3D, Siemens Healthineers, Forchheim, Germany). Gradient entropy was found to be the best autofocus objective for soft-tissue CBCT, increasing structural similarity (SSIM) by 42%–92% over the range of motion magnitudes investigated. The optimal temporal regularization strength was found to vary widely (0.5–5 mm−2) over the range of motion magnitudes investigated, whereas optimal spatial regularization strength was relatively constant (0.1). In cadaver studies, deformable motion compensation was shown to improve local SSIM by ∼17% for simple motion and ∼21% for complex motion and provided strong visual improvement of motion artifacts (reduction of blurring and streaks and improved visibility of soft-tissue edges). The studies demonstrate the robustness of deformable motion compensation to a range of motion magnitudes, frequencies, and other factors (e.g. truncation and scatter).
Characterization of magnetic interference and image artefacts during simultaneous in-beam MR imaging and proton pencil beam scanning
Authors: Gantz Sebastian , Hietschold Volker , Hoffmann Aswin Louis
Published: August 2020

For the first time, a low-field open magnetic resonance (MR) scanner was combined with a proton pencil beam scanning (PBS) research beamline. The aim of this study was to characterize the magnetic fringe fields produced by the PBS system and measure their effects on MR image quality during simultaneous PBS irradiation and image acquisition. A magnetic field camera measured the change in central resonance frequency (Δf
res) and magnetic field homogeneity (ΔMFH) of the B0 field of the MR scanner during operation of the beam transport and scanning magnets. The beam energy was varied between 70 − 220 MeV and beam scanning was performed along the central horizontal and vertical axis of a 48 × 24 cm2 radiation field. The time structure of the scanning magnets’ fringe fields was simultaneously recorded by a tri-axial Hall probe. MR imaging experiments were conducted using the ACR (American College of Radiology) Small MRI Phantom and a spoiled gradient echo pulse sequence during simultaneous volumetric irradiation. Computer simulations were performed to predict the effects of B
0 field perturbations due to PBS irradiation on MR image formation in k-space. Setting the beam transport magnets, horizontal and vertical scanning magnets resulted in a maximum Δf
res of 50, 235 and 4 Hz, respectively. The ΔMFH was less than 3 parts per million for all measurements. MR images acquired during beam energy variation and vertical beam scanning showed no visual loss in image quality. However, MR images acquired during horizontal beam scanning showed severe coherent ghosting artefacts in phase encoding direction. Both simulated and measured k-space phase maps prove that these artefacts are caused by phase-offsets. This study shows first experimental evidence that simultaneous in-beam MR imaging during proton PBS irradiation is subject to severe loss of image quality in the absence of magnetic decoupling between the PBS and MR system.
Cardiac eigen imaging: a novel method to isolate cardiac activity in thoracic electrical impedance tomography
Authors: Arshad Saaid H , Murphy Ethan K , Callahan Joshua M , DeVries James T , Odame Kofi M , Halter Ryan J
Published: August 2020

Objective: As the global burden of cardiovascular disease increases, proactive cardiovascular healthcare by means of accurate, precise, continuous, and non-invasive monitoring is becoming crucial. However, no current device is able to provide cardiac hemodynamic monitoring with the aforementioned criterion. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is an inexpensive, non-invasive imaging modality that can provide real-time images of internal conductivity distributions that describe physiological activity. This work explores and compares a standard approach of regular cardiac gated averaging (RCGA) and a newly developed method, cardiac eigen-imaging (CEI), based on the singular value decomposition (SVD) to isolate cardiac activity in thoracic EIT. Approach: EIT and heart-rate (HR) data were collected from 20 heart-failure patients preceding echocardiography. Features from RCGA and CEI images were correlated with stroke volume (SV) from echocardiography and image reconstruction parameters were optimized using leave-one-out (LOO) cross-validation. Main results: CEI per-pixel-based features achieved a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.80 with SV relative to 0.72 with RCGA. CEI had 33 high-correlating pixels while RCGA had 8. High-correlating pixels tend to concentrate in the right-ventricle (RV) when referenced to a general chest model. Significance: While both RCGA and CEI images had high-correlating pixels, CEI had higher correlations, a larger number of high-correlating pixels, and unlike RCGA is not dependent on the quality of the HR data collected. The observed performance of the CEI approach represents a promising step forward for EIT-based cardiac monitoring in either clinical or ambulatory settings.