bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-resolved X-ray diffraction study of the structural dynamics in an epitaxial ferroelectric thin Pb(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 film induced by sub-coercive fields
Authors: Kwamen C. , Rössle M. , Leitenberger W. , Alexe M. , Bargheer M.
Published: April 2019

The electric field-dependence of structural dynamics in a tetragonal ferroelectric lead zirconate titanate thin film is investigated under subcoercive and above-coercive fields using time-resolved X-ray diffraction. The domain nucleation and growth are monitored in real time during the application of an external field to the prepoled thin film capacitor. We propose the observed broadening of the in-plane peak width of the symmetric 002 Bragg reflection as an indicator of the domain disorder and discuss the processes that change the measured peak intensity. Subcoercive field switching results in remnant disordered domain configurations.
Multiple splitting of droplets using multi-furcating microfluidic channels
Authors: Li Zida , Li Luoquan , Liao Meixiang , He Liqun , Wu Ping
Published: April 2019

Removing volumes from droplets is a challenging but critical step in many droplet-based applications. Geometry-mediated droplet splitting has the potential to reliably divide droplets and thus facilitate the implementation of this step. In this paper, we report the design of multi-furcating microfluidic channels for efficient droplet splitting. We studied the splitting regimes as the size of the mother droplets varied and investigated the dependence of the transition between splitting regimes on the capillary number and the dimensionless droplet length. We found that the results obtained with our device agreed with the reported dimensionless analysis law in T-junctions. We further investigated the effect of channel lengths on the volume allocation in branch channels and achieved droplet splitting with various splitting ratios. This study proposed an efficient on-demand droplet splitting method and the findings could potentially be applied in washing steps in droplet-based biological assays or assays that require aliquot.
Specifics of scattering and radiation from sparse and dense dielectric meta-surfaces
Authors: Jamilan S. , Semouchkin G. , Gandji N. P. , Semouchkina E.
Published: April 2019

Metasurfaces composed of nanosized silicon particles are considered prospective low-loss media for future planar devices with subwavelength thickness, capable of realizing many optical functionalities, including beam steering, focusing, and holography. Previous studies revealed an opportunity to provide directional scattering from silicon metasurfaces at Kerker’s conditions and projected obtaining significantly enhanced intensity of scattering at overlapping of dipolar magnetic and electric resonances in particles at their specific geometries. Although silicon metasurfaces are usually represented by dense arrays, interactions between resonators are often neglected in their analysis, which typically uses metamaterial concepts, assuming that responses of arrays can be represented by responses of single “meta-atoms.” In this work, we investigate cooperative resonance phenomena in dielectric metasurfaces, including interactions between electric and magnetic resonances within single particles and inter-resonator interactions in arrays. First, we analyze the transformation of the responses of single resonators, when their shape changes from a sphere to a cylinder, and then to a disk, and, in particular, describe the specifics of the formation of electric and magnetic dipole modes at a coincidence of resonances. Then, phenomena in arrays are considered, including the effects of arraying on resonator responses and the effects of packing density on metasurface responses. We demonstrate that dense packing causes strong changes of resonances, transverse coupling, and integration of resonance fields, affecting scattering and radiation from metasurfaces. The obtained results are important for understanding the complexity of responses of dielectric metasurfaces and provide guidance for their design and for scattering and radiation control.
All-optical photoacoustic and reflectance confocal microscopy for melanoma characterization
Authors: Zhou Wangting , Hu Yicheng , Chen Zhongjiang , Xing Da
Published: April 2019

A combined all-optical photoacoustic microscopy (AOPAM)/reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) system for characterization of melanoma has been developed. It allows for visualizing the morphology of vasculature in the AOPAM mode and skin cellular-level details with a high resolution in the RCM mode. The feasibility test was first verified in the seaweed phantom, and the practical application of the all-optical photoacoustic /reflectance confocal microscopy (AOPA/RCM) system was further performed in the intravital biological tissues of mice bearing melanoma and normal tissue. The results demonstrated that AOPA/RCM can provide comprehensive parameters with clinical relevance: AOPAM helps to visualize optical absorption information of vascular patterns and pigmentation with a high contrast and a deep penetration depth, while RCM provides the cytological features of cells and the layered microstructure changes of tissues in the epidermal layer of melanocytic lesions. Hence, these results highlight the potential benefits of combining these two technologies in accurate and reliable identification of melanoma with comprehensive information.
Pulse length, energy spread, and temporal evolution of electron pulses generated with an ultrafast beam blanker
Authors: Weppelman I. G. C. , Moerland R. J. , Zhang L. , Kieft E. , Kruit P. , Hoogenboom J. P.
Published: April 2019

Crucial for the field of ultrafast electron microscopy is the creation of sub-picosecond, high brightness electron pulses. The use of a blanker to chop the beam that originates from a high brightness Schottky source may provide an attractive alternative to direct pulsed laser illumination of the source. We have recently presented the concept of a laser-triggered ultrafast beam blanker and argued that generation of 100 fs pulses could be possible [Weppelman et al., Ultramicroscopy 184, 8–17 (2017)]. However, a detailed analysis of the influence of a deflection field changing sign on sub-picoseconds time scale on the quality of the resulting electron pulses has so far been lacking. Here, we present such an analysis using time-dependent, three-dimensional numerical simulations to evaluate the time-evolution of deflection fields in and around a micrometers-scale deflector connected to a photo-conductive switch. Further particle tracing through the time-dependent fields allows us to evaluate beam quality parameters such as energy spread and temporal broadening. We show that with a shielded, “tunnel-type” design of the beam blanker limiting the spatial extent of fringe fields outside the blanker, the blanker-induced energy spread can be limited to 0.5 eV. Moreover, our results confirm that it could be possible to bring laser-triggered 100 fs focused electron pulses on the sample using a miniaturized ultrafast beam blanker. This would enable us to resolve ultrafast dynamics using focused electron pulses in an SEM or STEM.
Large-depth-of-field optical-resolution colorectal photoacoustic endoscope
Authors: Li Xiaowan , Xiong Kedi , Yang Sihua
Published: April 2019

Defocus scanning, which causes a serious deterioration of the transverse resolution out of the focal zone, is a big obstacle to the application of optical-resolution photoacoustic (PA) endoscopy (OR-PAE) in imaging internal hollow organs. However, the current solution to generate an adjustable focal length is inapplicable for in vivo imaging due to the greatly increased scanning time. In this study, by applying an elongated focus lens that produces Bessel beams to the OR-PAE, we developed a large-depth-of-field optical-resolution PA endoscope with a depth of focus of ∼8.6 mm in air, which can image targets at different depths without axial scanning, while maintaining a relatively constant transverse resolution. Ex vivo experimental results demonstrate the advantage of the endoscope to image biological tissues at different depths. Furthermore, an in vivo experiment presents three-dimensional vascular networks in the rabbit rectum, suggesting the potential of the endoscope for colorectal clinical applications.
Retinal microglia initiate neuroinflammation in ocular autoimmunity
Authors: Okunuki Yoko , Mukai Ryo , Nakao Takeshi , Tabor Steven J. , Butovsky Oleg , Dana Reza , Ksander Bruce R. , Connor Kip M.
Published: April 2019

Significance

Autoimmune uveitis is a serious sight-threatening condition defined by an autoreactive immune response against uveal tissues and the retina. As a result, patients with uveitis often suffer serious visual loss after persistent inflammation due to immune-mediated damage in the targeted tissues. Microglia are resident immune cells in the retina, and are thought to be the key population that initiates retinal inflammation; however, the exact role for microglia in autoimmune uveitis is still unknown. Here, we demonstrate that microglia are essential for the induction of a retinal autoimmune response, as microglial ablation completely blocks disease. Our data suggest that microglia mediate autoreactive immune cell entry into the retina, and that by depleting microglia, circulating immune cells cannot gain entry into the retina.
The knowledge base of Chinese as a second language teaching in K-12 settings
Authors: Geng Ziyi , Murphy John
Published: April 2019

The field of teaching Chinese as a second language (CSL) is expanding and growing in importance worldwide. Related
fields, such as Chinese language pedagogy, language policy, and the acquisition of Chinese as a second language, are attracting
increased attention in research. However, research into K-12 CSL teacher cognition (what teachers know, think, and believe) has
been very limited. It has been reported that more understanding of language teacher cognition has significant impacts on the
development of teacher training and professional development programs (Borg, 2015;
Kubanyiova & Feryok, 2015). Many aspects of CSL teacher cognition are
underexplored when compared with language teacher cognition research in general and K-12 language teacher cognition research
specifically. This article reviews current theoretical and empirical research into language teacher cognition with a particular
focus on existing studies in the field of CSL teaching in the context of K-12 education. The purposes of the review article are
(1) to document the current knowledge base of CSL teaching, and (2) to discuss current gaps in and future directions of teacher
cognition research in this area. It first discusses general theories and research concerning second language teacher cognition
within current research paradigms, and then provides a review of CSL teacher cognition research. Finally, it reviews pressing
issues and suggests directions for future research in K-12 Chinese teacher cognition.
Betula L.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; natural regeneration; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; provenance and breeding; timber and uses; yield and timber; and place of the following birches in British forestry: Betula pendula and B. pubescens.
Buxus L.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; pests and diseases; natural regeneration and nursery propagation; provenance; timber and uses; area and yield; and place of box (Buxus sempervirens) in British forestry.
Cedrus Trew.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; pests and diseases; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; provenance; timber and uses; and place of cedars (Cedrus atlantica, C. deodara and C. libani) in British forestry.
Cuprocyparis Farjon.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; pests and diseases; genetics; timber; use in hedging; and place of of Leyland cypress (Cuprocyparis leylandii) in British forestry.
Juglans L.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; Juglone; pests and diseases; natural regeneration; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; provenance; timber and uses; and place of of black and common walnuts (Juglans nigra and J. regia) in British forestry.
Larix Mill.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; pests and diseases; natural regeneration; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; provenance; area, yield and rotation length; timber and uses; yield and timber; and place of European (Larix decidua), Japanese (L. kaempferi) and hybrid larches (Larix × marschilinsii) in British forestry.
Malus Mill.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; threats; flowering and seed production; genetics; timber and uses; and place of crab apple (Malus sylvestris) in British forestry.
Nothofagus Blume.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; pests and pathogens; natural regeneration; seed production and nursery conditions; provenance; yield and timber; and place of southern beeches (Nothofagus alpina and N. obliqua) in British forestry.
Quercus L.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; pests and diseases; natural regeneration; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; conservation; provenance and breeding; timber and uses; area and yield; and place of oaks (Quercus petraea, Q. robur, and Q. rubra) in British forestry.
Robinia L.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter discusses the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; diseases; natural regeneration; seed production and nursery conditions; provenance and breeding; growth and yield; timber; and place of Robinia pseudoacacia in British forestry.
Sorbus L.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin and introduction; distribution; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; natural regeneration; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; provenance; timber and uses; and place of rowans (Sorbus aucuparia and S. domestica) in British forestry.
Torminaria Opiz.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter discusses the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; pests and diseases; natural regeneration; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; genetics; timber and uses; and place of the wild service tree (Torminaria torminalis) in British forestry.
On the use of metastable interface equilibrium assumptions on prediction of solidification micro-segregation in laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Abreu Faria Guilherme , Kadirvel Kamalnath , Hinojos Alejandro , Zhang Wei , Wang Yunzhi , Ramirez Antonio J.
Published: April 2019

Many models have been developed to explore solidification segregation and dendrite structure in additively manufactured parts. However, these models tend to be computationally expensive and consider only a limited number of alloying elements, compromising their practical application. In this work, a methodology to extend the Scheil model, based on interface metastable equilibrium assumptions, is established to predict the spatial compositional maps due to micro-segregation for a laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF) build of alloy 718. The compositional maps are contrasted against experimental data measured in a unit dendrite cell by transmission electron microcopy. The validity of Scheil's implicit assumptions under the rapid solidification conditions in L-PBF is further discussed. The extended Scheil model is shown to be computationally efficient and readily applicable to multi-component systems.
DIP-2 suppresses ectopic neurite sprouting and axonal regeneration in mature neurons
Authors: Noblett Nathaniel , Wu Zilu , Ding Zhao Hua , Park Seungmee , Roenspies Tony , Flibotte Stephane , Chisholm Andrew D. , Jin Yishi , Colavita Antonio
Published: April 2019

Neuronal morphology and circuitry established during early development must often be maintained over the entirety of animal lifespans. Compared with neuronal development, the mechanisms that maintain mature neuronal structures and architecture are little understood. The conserved disco-interacting protein 2 (DIP2) consists of a DMAP1-binding domain and two adenylate-forming domains (AFDs). We show that the Caenorhabditis elegans DIP-2 maintains morphology of mature neurons. dip-2 loss-of-function mutants display a progressive increase in ectopic neurite sprouting and branching during late larval and adult life. In adults, dip-2 also inhibits initial stages of axon regeneration cell autonomously and acts in parallel to DLK-1 MAP kinase and EFA-6 pathways. The function of DIP-2 in maintenance of neuron morphology and in axon regrowth requires its AFD domains and is independent of its DMAP1-binding domain. Our findings reveal a new conserved regulator of neuronal morphology maintenance and axon regrowth after injury.
debasement, monetary
Authors: Elliott Colin P.
Published: April 2019

Most currency systems in classical antiquity used precious metals at standardized weights and/or fineness. Debasement describes reductions in currency standards, whether such reductions were openly declared or hidden, or whether they were enacted by legitimate minting authorities or counterfeiters. Some debasements may have been unintentional, the result of imprecisions in the minting process. Often, however, debasements were carried out on purpose and for a wide range of reasons—in response to crises such as wars or famines, or as part of a larger economic or monetary reform. Contemporary responses to debasements varied. Coin-users and money specialists developed techniques to assess the quality of coins. Some polities enacted legal tender laws—sometimes to discourage the use of debased counterfeit coins, but often to require the use of legitimate coinage after it had been debased. The scholarly study of changes in coin standards continues to provide insights into both the practical workings of ancient monetary systems and the abstract notions of value, acceptability, and other embedding frameworks that governed the use of ancient coinage.
Synergistic Impact of Diabetes and Hypertension on the Progression and Distribution of Glomerular Histopathological Lesions
Authors: Sasaki Takaya , Tsuboi Nobuo , Okabayashi Yusuke , Haruhara Kotaro , Kanzaki Go , Koike Kentaro , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Ikegami Masahiro , Shimizu Akira , Yokoo Takashi
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Diabetes and hypertension share renal histopathological features, such as arterial lesions and glomerular hypertrophy, that have not been investigated in relation to the blood pressure status of diabetic subjects. The severity of glomerular lesions varies across locations of the renal cortex, which may be further affected by diabetes and/or hypertension.

METHODS

Histopathological lesions in different parts of the renal cortex of autopsy kidneys were evaluated and analyzed based on medical histories of diabetes and hypertension.

RESULTS

This study included a total of 82 Japanese autopsies composed of normotensive nondiabetics (n = 31), hypertensive nondiabetics (n = 28), normotensive diabetics (n = 14), and hypertensive diabetics (n = 9). There were no differences in age, sex, renal function, or body size among groups. In both the superficial and juxtamedullary cortices, increased glomerular volume (GV) was significantly associated with either diabetes or hypertension. In addition, diabetes and hypertension showed a significant interaction with GV regardless of the cortical location. Values for global glomerulosclerosis (GGS) and arteriolar hyalinosis (AH) were associated with diabetes but not with hypertension. Only values for GGS consistently showed cortical surface superiority. The zonal distribution of AH, GV, or other diabetic glomerular lesions differed among the lesions depending on the presence or absence of hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

These results imply that diabetes and hypertension synergistically enhance glomerular hypertrophy across all layers of the human renal cortex. The process is closely associated with the severity of GGS and AH predominantly associated with diabetes.
Onlay Fascial Grafts to Silicone-Polytetrafluorethylene Composite Implants in Augmentation Rhinoplasty: A Retrospective Study of 241 Cases
Authors: Khoo Lee Seng , Yen Cheng-I , Chang Chun-Shin , Chen Hung-Chang , Huang Chih-Jung , Hsiao Yen-Chang
Published: April 2019

Background

Silicone-polytetrafluoroethylene composite implants are fast gaining popularity in Asian rhinoplasty. Nonetheless, implant displacement, erythematous reactions, and infections still occur in the authors’ patient group during long-term follow-up.

Objectives

The authors reported successful experience of combining the utilization of silicone-polytetrafluoroethylene composite implants with onlay temporal fascial grafts to circumvent these complications.

Methods

Sixty-four patients of Asian ethnicity underwent augmentation rhinoplasty utilizing an I-shaped composite implant with an onlay fascial graft from January 2015 to June 2018, with a mean follow-up period of 13.5 months. This patient group was compared with a control group of 177 Asian patients who underwent augmentation rhinoplasty utilizing the same composite implant but without the addition of a fascial graft; the control group was treated from February 2012 to June 2015, with a mean follow-up of 42.0 months. Complications were compared between these 2 patient groups, specifically focusing on malposition/deviations, erythema, and infections.

Results

There was a marked decrease in complication rates with the addition of an onlay temporal fascial graft to cover the composite implant in augmentation rhinoplasty (7.8% vs 14.7%) as well as the rate of erythematous reactions (0% vs 6.2%, P = 0.04), infection (1.6% vs 1.1%), and implant malposition/deviation (0% vs 4.5%). Harvesting the temporal fascia and fashioning the onlay graft added an additional 33 minutes on average per procedure. No donor site morbidity was encountered.

Conclusions

Although the operative time increased, the benefits of adding onlay fascial grafts to silicone-polytetrafluoroethylene implants in alloplastic augmentation rhinoplasty outweigh the drawbacks, as evidenced by the decrease in erythematous reactions.

Level of Evidence: 4
The Rainbow Scale for the Assessment of the Cervicomental Angle: A Validated Scale
Authors: van de Lande Lara S , Eyck Ben M , Mooij Jelle J , Stevens Hieronymus P , van Dongen Joris A
Published: April 2019

Background

Aging of the neck results in an increased cervicomental angle, which can be treated by various surgical and nonsurgical procedures. To measure the success of these procedures, standardized validated objective photographic measurement tools are needed. However, no online standardized photographic measurement tools exist for the assessment of the cervicomental angle.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to establish a validated and reliable measurement tool for the assessment of the cervicomental angle based on the Rainbow Scale.

Methods

A 5-point photographic rating scale was developed and created from 1 photograph with Adobe Photoshop. Fifteen reference photographs of women, 3 photographs per grade, were included for validation. Seven panelists (ie, plastic and maxillofacial surgeons) assessed the reference photographs 3 times with a minimal interval of 3 days in an online survey. Intra- and inter-observer agreements were calculated utilizing the weighted kappa coefficient.

Results

Mean intra-observer agreement was 0.93 (0.78-1.00). Mean interobserver agreement was 0.796 (0.574-0.961) for survey 1, 0.868 (0.690-0.960) for survey 2, and 0.820 (0.676-0.959) for survey 3.

Conclusions

The Rainbow Scale for the assessment of the cervicomental angle has been validated in an online fashion. The scale is reproducible and reliable and requires no learning curve. Potential applications include objective assessment of neck treatment planning and surgical outcome.

Level of Evidence: 4
Mitochondrial DNA enrichment reduced NUMT contamination in porcine NGS analyses
Authors: Wang Dan , Xiang Hai , Ning Chao , Liu Hao , Liu Jian-Feng , Zhao Xingbo
Published: April 2019

Genetic associations between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and economic traits have been widely reported for pigs, which indicate the importance of mtDNA. However, studies on mtDNA heteroplasmy in pigs are rare. Next generation sequencing (NGS) methodologies have emerged as a promising genomic approach for detection of mitochondrial heteroplasmy. Due to the short reads, flexible bioinformatic analyses and the contamination of nuclear mitochondrial sequences (NUMTs), NGS was expected to increase false-positive detection of heteroplasmy. In this study, Sanger sequencing was performed as a gold standard to detect heteroplasmy with a detection sensitivity of 5% in pigs and then one whole-genome sequencing method (WGS) and two mtDNA enrichment sequencing methods (Capture and LongPCR) were carried out. The aim of this study was to determine whether mitochondrial heteroplasmy identification from NGS data was affected by NUMTs. We find that WGS generated more false intra-individual polymorphisms and less mapping specificity than the two enrichment sequencing methods, suggesting NUMTs indeed led to false-positive mitochondrial heteroplasmies from NGS data. In addition, to accurately detect mitochondrial diversity, three commonly used tools—SAMtools, VarScan and GATK—with different parameter values were compared. VarScan achieved the best specificity and sensitivity when considering the base alignment quality re-computation and the minimum variant frequency of 0.25. It also suggested bioinformatic workflow interfere in the identification of mtDNA SNPs. In conclusion, intra-individual polymorphism in pig mitochondria from NGS data was confused with NUMTs, and mtDNA-specific enrichment is essential before high-throughput sequencing in the detection of mitochondrial genome sequences.
A new technique for measuring fistula flow using venous blood gas oxygen saturation in patients with a central venous catheter
Authors: Rotondi Silverio , Tartaglione Lida , Muci Maria Luisa , Pasquali Marzia , Pirozzi Nicola , Mazzaferro Sandro
Published: April 2019

Background

Doppler ultrasound (DU) monitoring early after arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation allows the identification of low blood flow (Qa) requiring prompt revision, but it is costly (needs skilled operators and technical instruments) and is not available in all dialysis units. Therefore alternative first-line methods to measure Qa would be welcomed. We reasoned that once an AVF is created, an increment in central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) is predictable and proportional to Qa.

Methods

Accordingly, in patients receiving dialysis through a central venous catheter (CVC) in whom an AVF was created, we measured, by means of blood gas analysis, the ScvO2 increment before and after manual compression of the arteriovenous shunt and verified its correlation with DU-measured Qa.

Results

We sampled blood gas in 18 patients with CVC and AVF before and after 30 s manual compression of the AVF. ScvO2 averaged 70.5 ± 3% before and 65.2 ± 3% after AVF closure, with an average drop of 5.1 ± 3% (range 1–12). AVF Qa, which was measured within 24 h by means of DU, averaged 635 ± 349 mL/min (range 50–1300) and was strictly and positively correlated with ΔScvO2 (r = 0.954, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Therefore we suggest that in patients with CVC and a newly created AVF, it is possible to monitor AVF Qa without DU by simply measuring blood gas and ΔScvO2. This technique is simple, cheap, repeatable, non-invasive and operator independent and represents a new useful screening test to detect delayed AVF access maturation deserving prompt DU measurement and surgical revision. It helps to quickly identify patients in urgent need of DU verification and possible surgical revision. Regrettably, it is applicable only in patients with CVC.
CD1d Modulates Colonic Inflammation in NOD2−/− Mice by Altering the Intestinal Microbial Composition Comprising Acetatifactor muris
Authors: Lee Chansu , Hong Sung Noh , Paik Nam Young , Kim Tae Jun , Kim Eun Ran , Chang Dong Kyung , Kim Young-Ho
Published: April 2019

Aims

NOD2 and CD1d play a key role in innate immunity by recognizing conserved molecular patterns of pathogens. While NOD2−/− and CD1d−/− mice display structural and functional alterations in Paneth cells, animal studies have reported no impact of NOD2 or CD1d deficiency on experimental colitis. NOD2 mutations increase the susceptibility to inflammatory bowel diseases and the CD1d bound to α-galactosylceramide [α-GalCer] alleviates intestinal inflammation. We evaluated the effect of CD1d modulation on experimental colitis in NOD2−/− mice.

Methods

The effect of CD1d augmentation and depletion in NOD2−/− mice was assessed in a dextran sodium sulphate [DSS]-induced colitis model via administration of α-GalCer and construction of NOD2−/−CD1d−/− mice. The structural and functional changes in Paneth cells were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy and pilocarpine administration. Colitogenic taxa were analysed in the faeces of NOD2−/−CD1d−/− mice using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

In NOD2−/− mice, α-GalCer alleviated and CD1d depletion [NOD2−/−CD1d−/− mice] aggravated colitis activity and histology compared with co-housed littermates NOD2−/−, CD1d−/− and wild-type mice after administration of 3% DSS. In NOD2−/−CD1d−/− mice, the ultrastructure and degranulation ability of secretary granules in Paneth cells were altered and the intestinal microbial composition differed from that of their littermates. Faecal microbiota transplantation [FMT] with NOD2−/−CD1d−/− mice faeces into wild-type mice aggravated DSS-induced colitis, while FMT with wild-type mice faeces into NOD2−/−CD1d−/− mice alleviated DSS-induced colitis. Acetatifactor muris was identified only in NOD2−/−CD1d−/− mice faeces and the oral gavage of A. muris in wild-type mice aggravated DSS-induced colitis.

Conclusion

CD1d modulates colonic inflammation in NOD2−/− mice by altering the intestinal microbial composition comprising A. muris.
Adverse Events and Nocebo Effects in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Ma Christopher , Panaccione Nicola R , Nguyen Tran M , Guizzetti Leonardo , Parker Claire E , Hussein Isra M , Vande Casteele Niels , Khanna Reena , Dulai Parambir S , Singh Siddharth , Feagan Brian G , Jairath Vipul
Published: April 2019

Background and Aims

Nocebo effects, adverse outcomes occurring in patients receiving inert therapy, contribute to adverse event [AE] reporting in randomized controlled trials [RCTs]. High placebo AE rates may result in inaccurate estimation of treatment-related AEs. We estimate the pooled rate of AEs in patients randomized to placebo compared to active therapy in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] RCTs.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL were searched to March 1, 2017 for RCTs of conventional medical therapies for Crohn’s disease [CD] or ulcerative colitis [UC]. Rates of AEs, serious AEs [SAEs], AE-related trial withdrawal, infections and worsening IBD were pooled using a random-effects model.

Results

We included 124 CD [n = 26 042] and 71 UC RCTs [n = 16 798]. The pooled placebo AE rate was 70.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 65.3%, 75.4%) and 54.5% [47.8%, 61.1%] in CD and UC RCTs, respectively. There was no significant risk difference [RD] in AE, SAE or AE-related withdrawal rates between CD patients receiving placebo or active drug. A 1.6% [95% CI: 0.1%, 3.1%] increase in AE rates was observed among UC patients randomized to active therapy. Patients receiving active therapy had a higher risk of infection (RD 1.0% [95% CI: 0.4%, 1.7%] for CD, 2.9% [95% CI: 1.4%, 4.4%] for UC) although a lower risk of worsening CD (RD −3.2% [95% CI: −4.8%, −1.5%]) or UC (RD –3.7% [95% CI: –5.7%, –1.8%]).

Conclusions

AEs are commonly reported by patients randomized to either placebo or active treatment in IBD RCTs. Clinically relevant differences in AE, SAE and AE-related withdrawal were not observed.
A Phenology Model for Asian Gypsy Moth Egg Hatch
Authors: Gray David R , Keena Melody A
Published: April 2019

Phenology models are useful tools in pest management interventions, biosecurity operations targeting alien invaders, and answering questions regarding the potential for range expansion/shift. The Gypsy Moth Life Stage model (GLS) has been used to predict the invasive range of the North American gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar Linnaeus [Lepidoptera: Erebidae]) in North America and New Zealand. It has been used to examine the role of supra-optimal temperatures in range expansion/stasis/retraction. However, GLS has also been used where the target organism is the Asian subspecies L. d. asiatica Vnukovskij, despite observed differences between the predominant phenotypes of the two subspecies in the temperature requirements for egg hatch and the absence of egg phenology model parameters specific to the Asian phenotype. Here we describe the results of temperature and exposure duration on the timing of Asian gypsy moth egg hatch, and we present phenology model parameters for the Asian phenotype. Sum of squared differences (observed minus predicted day of median egg hatch) was reduced from 7,818 d2 (North American parameters) to 178 d2. Days of simulated median egg hatch differed from the observed days by 0–7 d (x¯=0.2; SD=3.1). The pattern of simulated egg hatch closely mimicked the irregular pattern of observed egg hatch from the temperature regimes of our experiment. Egg hatch is arguably the most important life cycle event in gypsy moth population suppression/eradication interventions and in estimating their potential invasive range. The model parameters described here produce accurate predictions of Asian gypsy moth egg hatch.
Black Fly (Diptera: Simuliidae) Assemblages of High Andean Rivers Respond to Environmental and Pollution Gradients
Authors: Cuadrado Luz A , Moncada Ligia I , Pinilla Gabriel A , Larrañaga Aitor , Sotelo Aura I , Adler Peter H
Published: April 2019

Simuliid larvae are common inhabitants of mountain rivers throughout the world, where they can serve as ecological indicators. Black flies were sampled during three seasons in four rivers in the upper basin of the Bogotá River in the Colombian Andes, and physical, chemical, and hydrological data were recorded. Multivariate methods were used to determine the relationships between the presence and abundance of simuliid species and environmental characteristics. Fourteen species were found: eight in the genus Gigantodax (Enderlein, Diptera, Simuliidae) and six in the genus Simulium (Latreille, Diptera, Simuliidae). Dissolved oxygen, dissolved solids, redox potential, chemical oxygen demand, and nutrients contributed to an explanation of species distributions. Species in clean waters and in more polluted waters had narrow niches; those in low to moderately polluted waters had broader niches. Species in the lower reaches of the watercourses had greater turnover, perhaps because the most sensitive species had disappeared and been replaced by more tolerant species. Thus, simuliids can be used as predictors of environmental characteristics of Andean rivers and can be useful in the evaluation and management of these watersheds.
Birth Cohort Effects in Influenza Surveillance Data: Evidence That First Influenza Infection Affects Later Influenza-Associated Illness
Authors: Budd Alicia P , Beacham Lauren , Smith Catherine B , Garten Rebecca J , Reed Carrie , Kniss Krista , Mustaquim Desiree , Ahmad Farida B , Cummings Charisse N , Garg Shikha , Levine Min Z , Fry Alicia M , Brammer Lynnette
Published: April 2019

Background

The evolution of influenza A viruses results in birth cohorts that have different initial influenza virus exposures. Historically, A/H3 predominant seasons have been associated with more severe influenza-associated disease; however, since the 2009 pandemic, there are suggestions that some birth cohorts experience more severe illness in A/H1 predominant seasons.

Methods

United States influenza virologic, hospitalization, and mortality surveillance data during 2000–2017 were analyzed for cohorts born between 1918 and 1989 that likely had different initial influenza virus exposures based on viruses circulating during early childhood. Relative risk/rate during H3 compared with H1 predominant seasons during prepandemic versus pandemic and later periods were calculated for each cohort.

Results

During the prepandemic period, all cohorts had more influenza-associated disease during H3 predominant seasons than H1 predominant seasons. During the pandemic and later period, 4 cohorts had higher hospitalization and mortality rates during H1 predominant seasons than H3 predominant seasons.

Conclusions

Birth cohort differences in risk of influenza-associated disease by influenza A virus subtype can be seen in US influenza surveillance data and differ between prepandemic and pandemic and later periods. As the population ages, the amount of influenza-associated disease may be greater in future H1 predominant seasons than H3 predominant seasons.
Infant Pneumococcal Carriage During Influenza, RSV, and hMPV Respiratory Illness Within a Maternal Influenza Immunization Trial
Authors: Murray Alastair F , Englund Janet A , Kuypers Jane , Tielsch James M , Katz Joanne , Khatry Subarna K , Leclerq Steven C , Chu Helen Y
Published: April 2019

In this post-hoc analysis of midnasal pneumococcal carriage in a community-based, randomized prenatal influenza vaccination trial in Nepal with weekly infant respiratory illness surveillance, 457 of 605 (75.5%) infants with influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or human metapneumovirus (hMPV) illness had pneumococcus detected. Pneumococcal carriage did not impact rates of lower respiratory tract disease for these 3 viruses. Influenza-positive infants born to mothers given influenza vaccine had lower pneumococcal carriage rates compared to influenza-positive infants born to mothers receiving placebo (58.1% versus 71.6%, P = 0.03). Maternal influenza immunization may impact infant acquisition of pneumococcus during influenza infection.

Clinical Trials Registration. NCT01034254.
Duodenal Bulb Histology in Paediatric Celiac Disease: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Boschee Erin , Lacson Atilano , Turner Justine , Yap Jason
Published: April 2019

Background

Controversy exists about optimal methods for duodenal biopsy in diagnosis of celiac disease (CD), in terms of both number of samples and anatomic location. The reliability of duodenal bulb biopsy has been questioned given that normal bulb architecture may mimic disease. However, multiple studies have reported patients with CD have histopathological lesions limited to proximal changes in the duodenal bulb alone.

Methods

We retrospectively compared duodenal and duodenal bulb histology in a population of paediatric patients with CD and compared with a population of nonceliac controls at Stollery Children’s Hospital, 2010 to 2012.

Results

Fifty-seven paediatric patients diagnosed with CD and 16 nonceliac controls were included in the study. Fifty-three celiac patients (93.0%) had histopathology consistent with CD (modified Marsh score of 3A, 3B or 3C) in the duodenal bulb. The modified Marsh classification differed significantly between duodenum and duodenal bulb in nine celiac patients (15.8%). Of these, five (8.8%) had Marsh 3 in the bulb and Marsh 0 in the distal duodenum. Among controls, no patients had villous atrophy in either the distal duodenum or duodenal bulb, and all patients had a modified Marsh score of 0 at both sites.

Conclusions

The results of this study reinforce that duodenal bulb samples are critically important for diagnosing CD in paediatric patients. We suggest that duodenal bulb samples be submitted in separate containers from distal duodenal samples to facilitate accurate interpretation. In contrast to prior reports, we found villous blunting and intraepithelial lymphocytosis are actually uncommon findings in paediatric patients with nonceliac gastrointestinal disorders.
Sexual maturation in male long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas edwardii): defining indicators of sexual maturity
Authors: Betty Emma L , Stockin Karen A , Smith Adam N H , Bollard Barbara , Orams Mark B , Murphy Sinéad
Published: April 2019

Male reproductive biology is described for the Southern Hemisphere long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas edwardii), a subspecies that regularly mass strands along the New Zealand coastline. Ten mass stranding events sampled over a 7-year period enabled assessments of key life history parameters. Sexual maturation in immature, maturing, and mature males was assessed using morphological data and histological examination of testicular tissue. Variation was observed in the age (11–15 years) and length (450–490 cm) at which individuals attained sexual maturity. Using Bayesian cumulative logit regression models, we estimated the average age and length at the attainment of sexual maturity to be 13.5 years and 472 cm, respectively. Combined testes weight, combined testes length, an index of testicular development (combined testes weight/combined testes length), and mean seminiferous tubule diameter were all good indicators of sexual maturity status. Combined testes length was the best nonhistological indicator, and all testicular measures were found to be better indicators of sexual maturation for G. m. edwardii than age or total body length. Sexual maturity was attained before physical maturity (> 40 years and 570 cm), and at a younger age and smaller body length than previously reported for Globicephala melas melas in the North Atlantic. Given the ease of collection, minimal processing, and applicability to suboptimal material collected from stranding events, future studies should assess the value of testicular size as an indicator of sexual maturity in pilot whales and other cetacean species. Estimates of the average age and length at sexual maturity for G. m. edwardii provided in this study may be used to inform population models required for conservation management of the subspecies, which is subject to high levels of stranding-related mortality.
Development of Chrysomya rufifacies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) at Constant Temperatures Within its Colony Range in Yangtze River Delta Region of China
Authors: Hu Guoliang , Wang Yu , Sun Yong , Zhang Yingna , Wang Man , Wang Jiangfeng
Published: April 2019

The age of insects found on corpses is often used to estimate the minimum postmortem interval by forensic entomologists. Insect development is affected by biotic and abiotic factors, and temperature is the most important environmental factor that determines the length of insect development. Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is a globally distributed fly that is commonly found on corpses, and this study investigated the development of C. rufifacies from China at various constant temperatures. At 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34°C, the developmental time from egg to adult was 870.17 ± 11.50, 566.20 ± 8.79, 406.38 ± 10.98, 291.14 ± 4.71, 232.59 ± 5.96, 192.47 ± 3.45, and 160.48 ± 7.15 h, respectively. We established three developmental models for C. rufifacies to estimate the age of the developing insect: the isomorphen diagram model, the isomegalen diagram model and the thermal summation model. Regression analysis was conducted to obtain the relationship between body length and development time of the larvae from hatching to wandering. The developmental threshold temperatures of the egg, 1st instar, 2nd instar, 3rd instar, and wandering larvae, and intra-puparial stages were 12.28 ± 0.30, 11.74 ± 0.95, 12.70 ± 0.55, 11.68 ± 0.96, 10.53 ± 1.53, and 12.51 ± 0.41°C, respectively. The developmental threshold temperature, and the thermal summation constant during the entire developmental period were 3759.95 ± 170.80 degree hours and 11.96 ± 0.38°C, respectively. This study provides an improved dataset to estimate the postmortem interval of corpses using C. rufifacies.
Resistance Status to Deltamethrin, Permethrin, and Temephos Along With Preliminary Resistance Mechanism in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) From Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Hafiz Azhar Ali , Akram Waseem
Published: April 2019

The use of insecticides such as deltamethrin, permethrin, and temephos has been a primary tool to manage Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) in Punjab province, Pakistan; however, recent reports of control failure necessitate monitoring insecticide resistance. For this reason, we evaluated 12 field strains of Ae. aegypti from Punjab for resistance against deltamethrin, permethrin, and temephos along with underlying resistance mechanisms. For deltamethrin, high level of resistance was observed in Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sheikhupura, Lahore, Pattoki, and Kasur strains (RRLC50 > 10-fold); moderate level of resistance in Sargodha, Gujranwala, and Sialkot strains (RRLC50 = 5- to 10-fold), and low level of resistance in Okara, Multan, and Sahiwal strains (RRLC50 < 5-fold). In the case of permethrin, high level of resistance was found in all the field strains, except the Okara strain that exhibited moderate resistance. For temephos, five field strains, viz. Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Kasur, Lahore, and Gujranwala, showed high level of resistance; five strains, viz. Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Pattoki, Sahiwal, and Okara, showed moderate resistance, and two strains from Multan and Sargodha showed low resistance to temephos. Synergism bioassays implementing piperonyl butoxide and S,S,S-tributylphosphorotrithioate exhibited a nonsignificant effect on synergizing toxicity of deltamethrin and permethrin in all field strains except the Lahore strain, suggesting the possible role of target-site resistance mechanism. However, both synergists had a significant effect on synergizing toxicity of temephos in all field strains, suggesting the possibility of metabolic-based mechanism of insecticide resistance. In conclusion, the study confirmed the presence of resistance to deltamethrin, permethrin, and temephos in the studied field strains of Ae. aegypti from Punjab, Pakistan.
A bilateral Hilbert-style investigation of 2-intuitionistic logic
Authors: Drobyshevich Sergey
Published: April 2019

We develop a bilateral Hilbert-style calculus for 2-intuitionistic logic of Heinrich Wansing. This calculus is defined over signed formulas of two types: formulas signed with plus correspond to assertions, while formulas signed with minus correspond to rejections. In this way, the provided system is a Hilbert-style calculus, which does take rejection seriously by considering it a primitive notion on par with assertion. We show that this presentation is not trivial and provide two equivalent axiomatizations obtained by extending intuitionistic and dual intuitionistic logics, respectively. Finally, we show that 2-intuitionistic logic is in some sense definitionally equivalent to a variant of Nelson’s logic with constructible falsity.