bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesons at finite chemical potential and the Silver-Blaze property of QCD
Authors: Gunkel Pascal J , Fischer Christian S , Isserstedt Philipp
Published: November 2020

We summarize our results for light (pseudo-)scalar mesons at finite chemical potential and vanishing temperature. We extract the meson bound state wave functions, masses, and decay constants up to the first-order phase transition from the homogeneous Bethe-Salpeter equation and confirm the validity of the Silver-Blaze property. For this purpose, we solve a coupled set of truncated Dyson-Schwinger equations for the quark and gluon propagators of QCD in Landau gauge.
Charmonium Decays at BESIII
Authors: Küßner Meike
Published: November 2020

Although the charmonium spectrum seems to be well understood and was a role model on how theory and experiment worked hand in hand, the charmonium spectrum still rises questions. For states as hc
, χXcJ and ηC(2S), the majority of decay channels is still unknown. Since the charmonium states occur in the transition region of perturbative and non-perturbative QCD, theoretical predictions suffer from large uncertainties. Experimental challenges arise from limited statistics due to the production processes of non vector states. The BESIII collaboration studies extensively the charmonium spectrum and the decay behavior of charmonium states to shed light on the various questions. In this article recent results on charmonium decays studied by BESIII will be presented.
Exploration of the phase diagram and the thermodynamic properties of QCD at finite temperature and chemical potential with the PNJL effective model
Authors: Motta Mario , Alberico Wanda Maria , Beraudo Andrea , Costa Pedro , Stiele Rainer
Published: November 2020

The QCD transition from a hadronic to a quark-gluon plasma phase is a cross-over at vanishing/small baryo-chemical potential, while at higher chemical potentials it is argued that it becomes of first order, ending with a critical end-point. The present goal is the determination of the critical line and, possibly, the recognition of the critical endpoint. For this purpose, the effective model (Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model with Polyakov Loop) with 2+1 flavours is used. In Mean Field Approximation it is possible to obtain all thermodynamic quantities (pressure, entropy, energy and quark density) and their fluctuations, in particular, the generalized quark-number susceptibilities. We use the net baryon-number fluctuations and net-strangeness fluctuations to identify the critical line and the order of the phase transition in the chemical potential-temperature plane.
Constraining CP violation in the main decay of the neutral Sigma hyperon
Authors: Perotti E
Published: November 2020

The Σ0 and Λ hyperons are close relatives of the neutron, being related by flavour SU(3) symmetry. This allows to estimate an upper limit for the electric dipole transition moment (EDTM) of the Σ0-Λ transition, based on the experimental knowledge of the upper limit of the neutron electric dipole moment. The three-body decay

Σ
0

→
γ
p

π
−

could show an angular asymmetry due to the interference of parity violating and conserving amplitudes in both the first and second step of the decay chain

Σ
0

→
Λ
γ
→
γ
p

π
−

. This angular asymmetry, which will be measured at e.g. PANDA for both particle and antiparticle decays, is determined in this work from the Σ0-Λ EDTM, where a CP violating QCD theta-vacuum-angle term has been included. It turns out to be below any experimental resolution that one can expect in the foreseeable future. Any experimental significance would therefore point to physics beyond the Standard Model.
Calibration of the electromagnetic calorimeter ECal of the HADES experiment
Authors: Shabanov A , Borisenko D , Chudoba P , Galatyuk T , Guber F , Gumberidze M , Ivashkin A , Kugler A , Lalik R , Morozov S , Pechenov V , Petukhov O , Pietraszko J , Prozorov A , Rathod N , Reshetin A , Rost A , Svoboda O , Salabura P , Tlusty P
Published: November 2020

HADES is a large acceptance spectrometer operating at SIS18, GSI, Germany. It is aimed at exploration of QCD phase diagram at the ion beam energies of 1-2 AGeV in the region of high baryonic densities. The new segmented electromagnetic calorimeter (ECal) was built to extend experimental opportunities of the HADES detector. The electromagnetic calorimeter will allow to study new reaction channels involving the production of neutral mesons and neu-tral resonances in elementary and heavy-ion reactions via detection of their two photon decay. An additional advantage of such a device is the resulting improvement of the electron-to-pion separation at large momenta.

The detector is based on 978 Cherenkov lead glass modules divided into 6 sectors, and it covers forward angles of 12° < θ < 45° and almost full azimuthal angle. Currently four out of six sectors planned are assembled in the experimental area. The first raw beam data obtained with the ECal detector in Ag+Ag reactions at 1.65 AGeV beam are presented.
Preparation of aniline trimer modified graphene oxide new composite coating and study on anticorrosion performance
Authors: Guo Hongfei , Chao Bao , Zhao Zengqi , Nan Ding
Published: November 2020

Graphene oxide (GO) has attracted much attention in anticorrosive coating applications due to its excellent mechanical properties, thermochemical stability and large specific surface area. In this paper, aniline trimer modified GO composites (ATGO) were prepared through modifying GO at different temperatures of 65 °C, 80 °C, 95 °C, and 110 °C, respectively. Aniline trimer modified GO composite coatings (ATGO/EP) were then prepared by adding different quantities of ATGO to epoxy coating, with the mass fractions of 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.3%, respectively. The resulting composite coatings were then sprayed onto Q235 steel plates for characterization and anticorrosion testing. A series of characterization methods such as x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to prove that aniline trimer was successfully grafted on GO. The optimal reaction temperature for ATGO preparation was determined to be 95 °C. Using anticorrosive tests such as Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), salt spray test and adhesion test, it was proven that the addition of ATGO can significantly promote anticorrosion performance of epoxy resin (E-44). The optimal addition amount of ATGO to prepare composite coatings was determined to be 0.05 wt%. Its coating resistance after soaking in 3.5% NaCl solution for 10 days was 6.87 × 106 Ω, which was two orders of magnitude higher than the 3.89 × 104 Ω of pure epoxy coating. The importance and originality of this study is that it explores an effective way to improve the anticorrosion performance of epoxy coatings.
Effects of alkaline earth metal elements and their synergistic roles with Ta for Li7La3Zr2O12
Authors: Xue Mingzhe , Lu Wanzheng , Chen Xiaolan , Zhang Cunman
Published: November 2020

Effects of alkaline earth metal elements and their synergistic roles with Ta for the modified Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) are discussed. Li7.1La3Zr1.95M0.05O12 (M = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) with the substitution of alkaline earth metal ions for Zr4+ and Li6.5La3Zr1.35Ta0.6M0.05O12 (M = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) with the co-substitution of alkaline earth metal ions and Ta5+ for Zr4+ are prepared. The sole substitution of alkaline earth metal elements for Zr in LLZO have little effects on improving ionic conductivity, while the modified LLZO with synergistically co-doping Ta and alkaline earth metal elements can achieve the great enhancement of ionic conductivity. The order of ionic conductivity influenced by Ta5+ and alkaline earth metal ions (Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+) co-substitution for Zr4+ demonstrates a strong correlation with ionic radii of Mg2+/Ca2+/Sr2+/Ba2+. Particularly, the enhanced Li6.5La3Zr1.35Ta0.6Mg0.05O12 with the joint substitution of Mg and Ta delivers a highest ionic conductivity of 3.45 × 10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature.
Template method synthesis of highly fluorescent duplex oligonucleotide copper nanomaterials for Fe3+ sensing
Authors: Wuri Han , Ai Jun , Ga Lu
Published: November 2020

Herein, we reported a simple template method for preparation of fluorescent copper nanomaterials, using Duplex oligonucleotide (dsDNA) as the template. The as-prepared copper nanomaterials had good sensing performance, excellent stability and ultrafine size through the characterization of UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Experimental results showed that the fluorescence of copper nanomaterials was linearly quenched by the Fe3+ concentrations in the range of 5–100 μM,The detection limit was 5 μM. And when the temperature is between 25 °C and 70 °C, the fluorescence intensity of copper nanomaterials presents a good linear relationship.
Behavioral Problems at Age 11 Years After Prenatal and Postnatal Exposure to Acetaminophen: Parent-Reported and Self-Reported Outcomes
Authors: Inoue Kosuke , Ritz Beate , Ernst Andreas , Tseng Wan-Ling , Yuan Yuying , Meng Qi , Ramlau-Hansen Cecilia Høst , Strandberg-Larsen Katrine , Arah Onyebuchi A , Obel Carsten , Li Jiong , Olsen Jørn , Liew Zeyan
Published: November 2020

Several studies have reported associations between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and behavioral outcomes in young children. We aimed to evaluate the associations of prenatal and postnatal exposures to acetaminophen with behavioral problems in children at age 11 years, using behavioral measures reported by parents and children. We studied 40,934 mother-child pairs from the Danish National Birth Cohort enrolled during 1996–2002. Parent-reported and child-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) responses were collected during the 11-year follow-up. We estimated risk ratios for behavioral problems including total difficulties as well as internalizing or externalizing behaviors following prenatal (during pregnancy) or postnatal (within the first 18 months after birth) acetaminophen exposure. Parent-reported and child-reported SDQ scores were moderately correlated; higher for externalizing (r = 0.59) than internalizing (r = 0.49) behaviors. Prenatal acetaminophen exposure was associated with 10%–40% higher risks for total difficulties and internalizing and externalizing problems based on parent- or child-reported SDQ, with the association being stronger for greater cumulative weeks of acetaminophen use. Postnatal exposure was associated with 16%–19% higher risks for parent-reported internalizing behaviors, but the associations were weak or null for child-reported scores except for prosocial behavior. Our study corroborates published associations between prenatal exposures to acetaminophen and behavioral problems and extends the literature to early adolescence.
Novel methods included in SpolLineages tool for fast and precise prediction ofMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex spoligotype families
Authors: Couvin David , Segretier Wilfried , Stattner Erick , Rastogi Nalin
Published: November 2020

Bioinformatic tools are currently being developed to better understand the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). Several approaches already exist for the identification of MTBC lineages using classical genotyping methods such as mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units—variable number of tandem DNA repeats and spoligotyping-based families. In the recently released SITVIT2 proprietary database of the Institut Pasteur de la Guadeloupe, a large number of spoligotype families were assigned by either manual curation/expertise or using an in-house algorithm. In this study, we present two complementary data-driven approaches allowing fast and precise family prediction from spoligotyping patterns. The first one is based on data transformation and the use of decision tree classifiers. In contrast, the second one searches for a set of simple rules using binary masks through a specifically designed evolutionary algorithm. The comparison with the three main approaches in the field highlighted the good performances of our contributions and the significant runtime gain. Finally, we propose the ‘SpolLineages’ software tool (https://github.com/dcouvin/SpolLineages), which implements these approaches for MTBC spoligotype families’ identification.
End of Induction Patient-reported Outcomes Predict Clinical Remission but Not Endoscopic Remission in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Wong Emily C L , Buffone Elisa , Lee So Jeong , Dulai Parambir S , Marshall John K , Reinisch Walter , Narula Neeraj
Published: November 2020

Background and Aims

It is unclear whether early symptom improvement in Crohn’s disease [CD] provides any prognostic information for patients long-term. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between early patient-reported outcomes [PROs] after completion of induction of infliximab, and their relationship with long-term clinical remission [CR] and endoscopic remission [ER].

Methods

This post-hoc analysis [Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02096861] used data from 220 CD patients to evaluate the relationship of Weeks 6 and 14 PRO variables and Week 54 clinical remission (Crohn’s Disease Activity Index [CDAI <150), PRO2 remission (mean score abdominal pain [AP] ≤1 and stool frequency [SF] ≤1.5), and endoscopic remission (Simple Endoscopic Score-CD [SES-CD <3). Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for confounders were used to assess the relationships between post-induction PROs and outcomes of interest.

Results

Patients with moderate or severe AP after induction had reduced odds of achieving 1-year CR and PRO2 remission compared with those with mild AP (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] for CR 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.17–0.57, p = 0.0002). Similarly, patients with moderately to severely elevated SF after induction had reduced odds of 1-year CR and PRO2 remission compared with patients with less SF [aOR for CR 0.31, 95% CI 0.16–0.58, p = 0.0003]. No significant differences were found when comparing higher Weeks 6 or 14 PRO scores of AP and/or SF with lower PRO scores in the odds of achieving 1-year ER.

Conclusions

Post-induction PROs of AP and SF strongly predict likelihood of 1-year CR but are not associated with 1-year ER. Clinical symptoms alone should not be relied upon when assessing response to therapies for CD.
Physician Practice Patterns in Holding Inflammatory Bowel Disease Medications due to COVID-19, in the SECURE-IBD Registry
Authors: Agrawal Manasi , Brenner Erica J , Zhang Xian , Colombel Jean-Frederic , Kappelman Michael D , Ungaro Ryan C ,   SECURE-IBD Advisory Committee including, Gearry Richard B , Kalpan Gilaad G , Kissous-Hunt Michele , Lewis James D , Ng Siew C , Rahier Jean-Francois , Reinisch Walter , Ruemmele Frank M , Steinwurz Flavio , Underwood Fox E
Published: November 2020

Background

We aimed to describe physician practice patterns in holding or continuing IBD therapy in the setting of COVID-19 infection, using the Surveillance Epidemiology of Coronavirus Under Research Exclusion for Inflammatory Bowel Disease [SECURE-IBD] registry.

Methods

IBD medications that were stopped due to COVID-19 were recorded in the SECURE-IBD registry in addition to demographic and clinical data. We conducted descriptive analyses to understand characteristics associated with stopping IBD medications in response to active COVID-19 infection.

Results

Of 1499 patients, IBD medications were stopped in 518 [34.6%] patients. On bivariate and multivariable analyses, a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis or IBD-unspecified was associated with a lower odds of stopping medication compared with Crohn’s disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48, 0.75). When evaluating specific medications, 5-aminosalicylic acid was more likely to be continued [p <0.001] whereas anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy and immunomodulator therapy were more likely to be stopped [global p <0.001]. Other demographic and clinical characteristics did not affect prescription patterns.

Conclusions

IBD medications other than immunomodulators were continued in the majority of IBD patients with COVID-19, in the international SECURE-IBD registry. Future studies are needed to understand the impact of stopping or continuing IBD medications on IBD- and COVID-19 related outcomes.
Changes in transvalvular flow patterns after aortic valve repair: comparison of symmetric versus asymmetric aortic valve geometry
Authors: Petersen Johannes , Lenz Alexander , Adam Gerhard , Reichenspurner Hermann , Bannas Peter , Girdauskas Evaldas
Published: November 2020

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of asymmetric versus symmetric bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) repair on transvalvular flow patterns and aortic wall shear stress (WSS).

METHODS

Four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging was prospectively and consecutively performed in patients with congenital aortic valve (AV) disease before and after AV repair. The following MRI-based parameters were assessed: (i) flow eccentricity index, (ii) backward flow across the AV, (iii) grading of vortical and helical flow, and (iv) WSS (N/m2) in the proximal aorta. MRI-derived flow parameters were compared between patients who underwent ‘asymmetric BAV repair’ (n = 13) and ‘symmetric BAV repair’ (n = 7).

RESULTS

A total of 20 patients (39 ± 12 years, 80% male), who underwent BAV repair, were included. In the asymmetric BAV repair group, circumferential WSS reduction was found at the level of the aortic arch (P = 0.015). In the symmetric BAV repair group, postoperative circumferential WSS was significantly reduced compared to baseline at all levels of the proximal aorta (all P < 0.05). Postoperative circumferential WSS was significantly higher in the asymmetric versus symmetric BAV repair group at the level of the sinotubular junction (0.45 ± 0.15 vs 0.30 ± 0.09 N/m2; P = 0.028), ascending aorta (0.59 ± 0.19 vs 0.44 ± 0.08 N/m2; P = 0.021) and aortic arch (0.59 ± 0.25 vs 0.40 ± 0.08 N/m2; P = 0.017). Segmental WSS analysis showed significantly higher postoperative WSS after asymmetric versus symmetric BAV repair, especially in the anterior aortic segment (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Symmetric BAV repair results in more physiological flow patterns and significantly reduces WSS, as compared to asymmetric BAV repair. From a haemodynamic point of view, symmetric AV geometry should be attempted in every congenital AV repair.
Long-term performance and risk factors analysis after permanent His-bundle pacing and atrioventricular node ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure
Authors: Su Lan , Cai Mengxing , Wu Shengjie , Wang Songjie , Xu Tiancheng , Vijayaraman Pugazhendhi , Huang Weijian
Published: November 2020

Aims

His-bundle pacing (HBP) combined with atrioventricular node (AVN) ablation has been demonstrated to be effective in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) during medium-term follow-up and there are limited data on the risk analysis of adverse prognosis in this population. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the long-term performance of HBP following AVN ablation in AF and HF.

Methods and results

From August 2012 to December 2017, consecutive AF patients with HF and narrow QRS who underwent AVN ablation and HBP were enrolled. The clinical and echocardiographic data, pacing parameters, all-cause mortality, and heart failure hospitalization (HFH) were tracked. A total of 94 patients were enrolled (age 70.1 ± 10.5 years; male 57.4%). Acute HBP were achieved in 89 (94.7%) patients with successful permanent HBP combined with AVN ablation in 81 (86.2%) patients. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improved from 44.9 ± 14.9% at baseline to 57.6 ± 12.5% during a median follow-up of 3.0 (IQR: 2.0–4.4) years (P < 0.001). Heart failure hospitalization or all-cause mortality occurred in 21 (25.9%) patients. The LVEF ≤ 40%, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) ≥40 mmHg, or serum creatinine (Scr) ≥97 μmol/L at baseline was significantly associated with higher composite endpoint of HFH or death (P < 0.05). The His capture threshold was 1.0 ± 0.7 V/0.5 ms at implant and remained stable during follow-up.

Conclusion

His-bundle pacing combined with AVN ablation was effective in patients with AF and drug-refectory HF. High PASP, high Scr, or low LVEF at baseline was independent predictors of composite endpoint of all-cause mortality or HFH.
Global transcriptome analysis of Rhizobium favelukesii LPU83 in response to acid stress
Authors: Nilsson Juliet F , Castellani Lucas G , Draghi Walter O , Mogro Ezequiel G , Wibberg Daniel , Winkler Anika , Hansen L H , Schlüter Andreas , Pühler Alfred , Kalinowski Jörn , Torres Tejerizo Gonzalo A , Pistorio Mariano
Published: November 2020

Acidic environments naturally occur worldwide and inappropriate agricultural management may also cause acidification of soils. Low soil pH values are an important barrier in the plant–rhizobia interaction. Acidic conditions disturb the establishment of the efficient rhizobia usually used as biofertilizer. This negative effect on the rhizobia–legume symbiosis is mainly due to the low acid tolerance of the bacteria. Here, we describe the identification of relevant factors in the acid tolerance of Rhizobium favelukesii using transcriptome sequencing. A total of 1924 genes were differentially expressed under acidic conditions, with ∼60% underexpressed. Rhizobium favelukesii acid response mainly includes changes in the energy metabolism and protein turnover, as well as a combination of mechanisms that may contribute to this phenotype, including GABA and histidine metabolism, cell envelope modifications and reverse proton efflux. We confirmed the acid-sensitive phenotype of a mutant in the braD gene, which showed higher expression under acid stress. Remarkably, 60% of the coding sequences encoded in the symbiotic plasmid were underexpressed and we evidenced that a strain cured for this plasmid featured an improved performance under acidic conditions. Hence, this work provides relevant information in the characterization of genes associated with tolerance or adaptation to acidic stress of R. favelukesii.
Complementary Protection and Encampment
Authors: Ní Ghráinne Bríd
Published: November 2020

A camp may be described as a temporary space in which individuals receive humanitarian relief and protection until a durable solution can be found to their situation. The camp environment is often riddled with contradictions—the camp can be a place of refuge while at the same time, a place of overcrowding, exclusion and suffering. This article asks to what extent removal of an individual from state A to state B, where he or she will have to live in a camp, is a breach of state A’s human rights law obligations. It argues that even if encampment in state B will expose the individual to terrible conditions, it is unlikely that they will be able to successfully challenge a removal decision before international human rights courts and/or treaty monitoring bodies.
Comparison of clinical outcomes between enucleation and regular pancreatectomy in patients with non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: a retrospective multicenter and propensity score-matched study
Authors: Yang Zhen , Gao Hengjun , Lu Jun , Niu Zheyu , Zhu Huaqiang , Zong Yuanyuan , Song Xie , Yang Faji , Zhou Xu
Published: November 2020

Objective

There are limited data from retrospective studies on whether therapeutic outcomes after regular pancreatectomy are superior to those after enucleation in patients with small, peripheral and well-differentiated non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. This study aimed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of regular pancreatectomy and enucleation in patients with non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Methods

Between January 2007 and July 2020, 227 patients with non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors who underwent either enucleation (n = 89) or regular pancreatectomy (n = 138) were included. Perioperative complications, disease-free survival, and overall survival probabilities were compared. Propensity score matching was performed to balance the baseline differences between the two groups.

Results

The median follow-up period was 60.76 months in the enucleation group and 43.29 months in the regular pancreatectomy group. In total, 34 paired patients were identified after propensity score matching. The average operative duration in the enucleation group was significantly shorter than that in the regular pancreatectomy group (147.94 ± 42.39 min versus 217.94 ± 74.60 min, P < 0.001), and the estimated blood loss was also significantly lesser (P < 0.001). The matched patients who underwent enucleation displayed a similar overall incidence of postoperative complications (P = 0.765), and a comparable length of hospital stay (11.12 ± 3.90 days versus 9.94 ± 2.62 days, P = 0.084) compared with those who underwent regular pancreatectomy. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in disease-free survival and overall survival after propensity score matching.

Conclusion

Enucleation in patients with non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors was associated with shorter operative time, lesser intraoperative bleeding, similar overall morbidity of postoperative complications, and comparable 5-year disease-free survival and overall survival when compared with regular pancreatectomy.
Hemodynamic Force as a Potential Regulator of Inflammation-Mediated Focal Growth of Saccular Aneurysms in a Rat Model
Authors: Shimizu Kampei , Kataoka Hiroharu , Imai Hirohiko , Yamamoto Yuto , Yamada Tomohiro , Miyata Haruka , Koseki Hirokazu , Abekura Yu , Oka Mieko , Kushamae Mika , Ono Isao , Miyamoto Susumu , Nakamura Masanori , Aoki Tomohiro
Published: November 2020

Past studies have elucidated the crucial role of macrophage-mediated inflammation in the growth of intracranial aneurysms (IAs), but the contributions of hemodynamics are unclear. Considering the size of the arteries, we induced de novo aneurysms at the bifurcations created by end-to-side anastomoses with the bilateral common carotid arteries in rats. Sequential morphological data of induced aneurysms were acquired by magnetic resonance angiography. Computational fluid dynamics analyses and macrophage imaging by ferumoxytol were performed. Using this model, we found that de novo saccular aneurysms with a median size of 3.2 mm were induced in 20/45 (44%) of animals. These aneurysms mimicked human IAs both in morphology and pathology. We detected the focal growth of induced aneurysms between the 10th and 17th day after the anastomosis. The regional maps of hemodynamic parameters demonstrated the area exposed to low wall shear stress (WSS) and high oscillatory shear index (OSI) colocalized with the regions of growth. WSS values were significantly lower in the growing regions than in ones without growth. Macrophage imaging showed colocalization of macrophage infiltration with the growing regions. This experimental model demonstrates the potential contribution of low WSS and high OSI to the macrophage-mediated growth of saccular aneurysms.
Intersexual differences in leaf size and shape in dioecious Adriana tomentosa
Authors: Rabska Mariola , Warwick Nigel W M , Iszkuło Grzegorz , Gross Caroline L
Published: November 2020

Aims

Leaf size and shape as objects of natural selection can play adaptive roles, and can change with the age of leaves. They can differ between sexes in dioecious species, and in most cases, females have larger leaves. Previous studies showed that sexes of Adriana tomentosa differed in their leaf lobing. In this study, we investigated whether there were other differences between sexes in leaf size, shape and ecophysiology, and if those differences were connected with adaptations and reproductive roles in the sexes of A. tomentosa.

Methods

Physical and chemical features of young and old leaves originating from female and male A. tomentosa plants growing in two disjunct populations in eastern Australia were measured. We determined leaf area, perimeter length, serration, circularity, aspect ratio (AR), roundness and the ecophysiological factors: specific leaf area, dry matter content, leaf moisture, relative water content, δ 13C, δ 15N isotope compositions, carbon and nitrogen contents and C:N ratio. Leaf lobing, the degree of lamina damage and the content of photosynthetic pigments were also determined.

Important Findings

In both populations studied, the sex of plants significantly influenced almost all parameters connected with leaf morphology such as area, perimeter length, circularity, AR and roundness. Contrary to expectations, males from both populations had a greater leaf area that was independent of leaf age. Male leaves were more lobed with a longer perimeter, but they were less elongated and less serrated. Only small differences between female and male leaves were observed for the ecophysiological factors. The degree of leaf damage differed between sexes but also with population. Differences between sexes in leaf area and shape were not compensated by measured ecophysiological factors. However, leaf area may be compensated by other ecophysiological mechanisms related to leaf morphology, because females had greater leaf serration in comparison to males despite the smaller leaf area.
Lifting propositional proof compression algorithms to first-order logic
Authors: Gorzny Jan , Postan Ezequiel , Woltzenlogel Paleo Bruno
Published: November 2020

Proofs are a key feature of modern propositional and first-order theorem provers. Proofs generated by such tools serve as explanations for unsatisfiability of statements. However, these explanations are complicated by proofs which are not necessarily as concise as possible. There are a wide variety of compression techniques for propositional resolution proofs but fewer compression techniques for first-order resolution proofs generated by automated theorem provers. This paper describes an approach to compressing first-order logic proofs based on lifting proof compression ideas used in propositional logic to first-order logic. The first approach lifted from propositional logic delays resolution with unit clauses, which are clauses that have a single literal. The second approach is partial regularization, which removes an inference $\eta $ when it is redundant in the sense that its pivot literal already occurs as the pivot of another inference in every path from $\eta $ to the root of the proof. This paper describes the generalization of the algorithms LowerUnits and RecyclePivotsWithIntersection (Fontaine et al.. Compression of propositional resolution proofs via partial regularization. In Automated Deduction—CADE-23—23rd International Conference on Automated Deduction, Wroclaw, Poland, July 31–August 5, 2011, p. 237--251. Springer, 2011) from propositional logic to first-order logic. The generalized algorithms compresses resolution proofs containing resolution and factoring inferences with unification. An empirical evaluation of these approaches is included.
Generalized anisotropic κ-cookbook: 2D fitting of Ulysses electron data
Authors: Scherer K , Husidic E , Lazar M , Fichtner H
Published: November 2020

Observations in space plasmas reveal particle velocity distributions out of thermal equilibrium, with anisotropies (e.g. parallel drifts and/or different temperatures, T∥ – parallel and T⊥ – perpendicular, with respect to the background magnetic field), and multiple quasi-thermal and suprathermal populations with different properties. The recently introduced (isotropic) κ-cookbook is generalized in this paper to cover all these cases of anisotropic and multicomponent distributions reported by the observations. We derive general analytical expressions for the velocity moments and show that the common (bi-)Maxwellian and (bi-)κ-distributions are obtained as limiting cases of the generalized anisotropic κ-cookbook (or recipes). Based on this generalization, a new two-dimensional fitting procedure is introduced, with an improved level of confidence compared to the 1D fitting methods widely used to quantify the main properties of the observed distributions. The non-linear least-squares fit is applied to electron data sets measured by the Ulysses spacecraft confirming the existence of three different populations, a quasi-thermal core and two suprathermal (halo and strahl) components. In general, the best overall fit is given by the sum of a Maxwellian distribution and two generalized κ-distributions.
Quenching and morphological evolution due to circumgalactic gas expulsion in a simulated galaxy with a controlled assembly history
Authors: Davies Jonathan J , Crain Robert A , Pontzen Andrew
Published: November 2020

We examine the influence of dark matter halo assembly on the evolution of a simulated ∼L⋆ galaxy. Starting from a zoom-in simulation of a star-forming galaxy evolved with the EAGLE galaxy formation model, we use the genetic modification technique to create a pair of complementary assembly histories: one in which the halo assembles later than in the unmodified case, and one in which it assembles earlier. Delayed assembly leads to the galaxy exhibiting a greater present-day star formation rate than its unmodified counterpart, while in the accelerated case the galaxy quenches at z ≃ 1, and becomes spheroidal. We simulate each assembly history nine times, adopting different seeds for the random number generator used by EAGLE’s stochastic subgrid implementations of star formation and feedback. The systematic changes driven by differences in assembly history are significantly stronger than the random scatter induced by this stochasticity. The sensitivity of ∼L⋆ galaxy evolution to dark matter halo assembly follows from the close coupling of the growth histories of the central black hole (BH) and the halo, such that earlier assembly fosters the formation of a more massive BH, and more efficient expulsion of circumgalactic gas. In response to this expulsion, the circumgalactic medium reconfigures at a lower density, extending its cooling time and thus inhibiting the replenishment of the interstellar medium. Our results indicate that halo assembly history significantly influences the evolution of ∼L⋆ central galaxies, and that the expulsion of circumgalactic gas is a crucial step in quenching them.
A suppressor tRNA-mediated feedforward loop eliminates leaky gene expression in bacteria
Authors: Ho Joanne M L , Miller Corwin A , Parks Sydney E , Mattia Jacob R , Bennett Matthew R
Published: November 2020

Ligand-inducible genetic systems are the mainstay of synthetic biology, allowing gene expression to be controlled by the presence of a small molecule. However, ‘leaky’ gene expression in the absence of inducer remains a persistent problem. We developed a leak dampener tool that drastically reduces the leak of inducible genetic systems while retaining signal in Escherichia coli. Our system relies on a coherent feedforward loop featuring a suppressor tRNA that enables conditional readthrough of silent non-sense mutations in a regulated gene, and this approach can be applied to any ligand-inducible transcription factor. We demonstrate proof-of-principle of our system with the lactate biosensor LldR and the arabinose biosensor AraC, which displayed a 70-fold and 630-fold change in output after induction of a fluorescence reporter, respectively, without any background subtraction. Application of the tool to an arabinose-inducible mutagenesis plasmid led to a 540-fold change in its output after induction, with leak decreasing to the level of background mutagenesis. This study provides a modular tool for reducing leak and improving the fold-induction within genetic circuits, demonstrated here using two types of biosensors relevant to cancer detection and genetic engineering.
Basic mechanisms and kinetics of pause-interspersed transcript elongation
Authors: Qian Jin , Dunlap David , Finzi Laura
Published: November 2020

RNA polymerase pausing during elongation is an important mechanism in the regulation of gene expression. Pausing along DNA templates is thought to be induced by distinct signals encoded in the nucleic acid sequence and halt elongation complexes to allow time for necessary co-transcriptional events. Pausing signals have been classified as those producing short-lived elemental, long-lived backtracked, or hairpin-stabilized pauses. In recent years, structural microbiology and single-molecule studies have significantly advanced our understanding of the paused states, but the dynamics of these states are still uncertain, although several models have been proposed to explain the experimentally observed pausing behaviors. This review summarizes present knowledge about the paused states, discusses key discrepancies among the kinetic models and their basic assumptions, and highlights the importance and challenges in constructing theoretical models that may further our biochemical understanding of transcriptional pausing.
The Zap-X Radiosurgical System in the Treatment of Intracranial Tumors: A Technical Case Report
Authors: Pan Longsheng , Qu Baolin , Bai Jingmin , Huang Lichao , Wang Jinyuan , Wang Chengcheng , Dai Xiangkun , Weidlich Georg , Adler John R
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

The Zap-X system (Zap Surgical Systems Inc, San Carlos, California) is a radically new surgical robot designed for brain and head and neck radiosurgery. It represents the first new dedicated brain stereotactic radiosurgery platform in almost half a century optimizing the goals of safety, speed, and accuracy. The Zap-X system was used in a required Chinese National Medical Products Administration clinical study. In early January 2020, 2 patients were treated with the Zap-X robot prior to a national COVID-19 lockdown. Both were closely followed via clinical exam and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging. Prospectively collected data were used to generate this report.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

Two female patients, each harboring either a trigeminal schwannoma or petroclival meningioma, were treated with the Zap-X robot. Respective tumor volumes were 2.60 and 4.02 cm3. A radiation dose of 13 Gy was prescribed to the 50% isodose line. At 8 mo of follow-up, preoperative symptoms were either resolved or stable and MRI imaging demonstrated a 31% and 56% reduction in lesion volume, respectively. In both patients, symptoms improved, and tumor volumes decreased, whereas no major complication was observed.

CONCLUSION

Given only 2 patients and short-term follow-up, any conclusions about the safety and efficacy of the Zap-X radiosurgery robot are preliminary. However, in the absence of any other published outcomes to date, this small case series may be of interest to many radiosurgical specialists.
Comparison of treatment retention and response to secukinumab versus tumour necrosis factor inhibitors in psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Lindström Ulf , Glintborg Bente , Di Giuseppe Daniela , Schjødt Jørgensen Tanja , Gudbjornsson Bjorn , Lederballe Grøn Kathrine , Aarrestad Provan Sella , Michelsen Brigitte , Lund Hetland Merete , Wallman Johan K , Nordström Dan , Trokovic Nina , Love Thorvardur Jon , Krogh Niels Steen , Askling Johan , Jacobsson Lennart T H , Kristensen Lars Erik
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To compare treatment retention and response to secukinumab vs adalimumab, including the other four TNF inhibitors (TNFi) as comparators, in PsA.

Methods

All patients with PsA starting secukinumab or a TNFi in 2015–2018 were identified in the biologic registers of the Nordic countries. Data on comorbidities were linked from national registers. One-year treatment retention and hazard ratios (HRs) for treatment discontinuation were calculated. The proportion achieving a 6 month 28-joint Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA28) remission was determined together with odds ratios (ORs) for remission (logistic regression). Both HRs and ORs were calculated with adalimumab as the reference and adjusted for baseline characteristics and concurrent comorbidities. All analyses were stratified by the line of biologic treatment (first, second, third+).

Results

We identified 6143 patients contributing 8307 treatment courses (secukinumab, 1227; adalimumab, 1367). Secukinumab was rarely used as the first biologic, otherwise baseline characteristics were similar. No clinically significant differences in treatment retention or response rates were observed for secukinumab vs adalimumab. The adjusted HRs for discontinuation per the first, second and third line of treatment were 0.98 (95% CI 0.68, 1.41), 0.94 (0.70, 1.26) and 1.07 (0.84, 1.36), respectively. The ORs for DAPSA28 remission in the first, second and third line of treatment were 0.62 (95% CI 0.30, 1.28), 0.85 (0.41, 1.78) and 0.74 (0.36, 1.51), respectively. In the subset of patients previously failing a TNFi due to ineffectiveness, the results were similar.

Conclusion

No significant differences in treatment retention or response were observed between secukinumab and adalimumab, regardless of the line of treatment. This suggests that even in patients who have failed a TNFi, choosing either another TNFi or secukinumab may be equally effective.
Effect of adalimumab on axial manifestations in Japanese patients with psoriatic arthritis: a 24 week prospective, observational study
Authors: Makino Takamitsu , Ihn Hironobu , Nakagawa Motoo , Urano Misugi , Okuyama Ryuhei , Katoh Norito , Tateishi Chiharu , Masuda Koji , Ogawa Eisaku , Nishida Emi , Nishimoto Shohei , Muramoto Kenzo , Tsuruta Daisuke , Morita Akimichi
Published: November 2020

Objectives

PsA is characterized by enthesitis, synovitis and osseous involvement in the peripheral and axial joints. Few studies have examined axial involvement in PsA using imaging techniques. Here we examined axial involvement in PsA patients using MRI. In addition, we determined the efficacy of 24 week adalimumab treatment in improving the MRI findings of spondylitis and sacroiliitis.

Methods

This was a prospective, open-label, single-arm study in patients with PsA. Adalimumab was administered to patients for a total of 24 weeks. MRI examinations were conducted at baseline and at week 24 of adalimumab treatment.

Results

Thirty-seven patients with PsA were included in this study. Spondylitis was observed in at least one site of the positive scan in 91% (n = 31) of patients with PsA. The number of arthritic sites in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine was 48, 67 and 53, respectively. All patients had MRI-determined sacroiliitis of grade ≥1 severity while 28 patients (82%) had grade ≥2 sacroiliitis in at least one sacroiliac region. Sacroiliac arthritis was statistically more severe on the right side than on the left side (P < 0.05). In 34 patients with PsA, the thoracic spine was the most common site of spondylitis. In addition, 24 week adalimumab treatment led to an improvement in the mean number of spondylitis sites and the mean grade of sacroiliitis.

Conclusion

Treatment with adalimumab for 24 weeks resulted in improvement in spondylitis and sacroiliitis.
Rare immunofluorescence patterns of autoantibodies on HEp-2 cells defined by ICAP identify different autoimmune diseases in the absence of associated specificities: a Spanish multicentre study
Authors: Irure-Ventura Juan , Rodríguez Carmen , Vergara-Prieto Esther , Vargas Maria Luisa , Quirant Bibiana , Jurado Aurora , Fernández-Pereira Luis , Martínez-Cáceres Eva , San José Miriam , López-Hoyos Marcos ,   the GEAI and EASI groups
Published: November 2020

Objectives

ANA are the most extensively used test for the diagnosis of systemic autoimmune diseases. However, testing by indirect immunofluorescence assays (IIFAs) on HEp-2 cells, the gold standard test, is time-consuming and needs expertise. Thus there is a trend to replace it with other automated solid-phase assays directed against specific ANA. Nonetheless, the Hep-2 cell is an autoantigen array and ANA have been classified into 29 types, some of them with no clear association with a specificity to be detected. It is especially in these uncommon patterns where no clinical relationship is found and no antigenic specificity is detected. Here we retrospectively collected clinical data from patients with confirmed uncommon HEp-2 IIFA patterns to search for an associated clinical condition.

Methods

We conducted an observational retrospective study including 608 patients with organ-specific and non-organ-specific autoimmune diseases (OSADs and NOSADs, respectively) with a confirmed rare pattern of ANA detected by IIFA on HEp-2 cells in the routine practice of the Spanish European Autoantibodies Standardization Initiative laboratories. Inclusion criteria are the existence of a minimum follow-up of 2 years and the availability of clinical data.

Results

Nuclear patterns were more frequent in SLE (P = 0.001) and SS (P = 0.001), whereas the cytoplasmic ones were significantly higher in SSc (P = 0.022) and inflammatory myositis (P = 0.016). Mitotic patterns did not show any preferences for a specific disease and 62.7% of them corresponded to the nuclear mitotic apparatus pattern (AC-26). The most frequent NOSADs in patients with the AC-26 pattern were SLE (28.6%), SS (11.9%) and RA (11.9%). The cytoplasmic HEp-2 IIFA patterns were equally distributed in both groups of patients. In the OSAD patients there was no predominant pattern, except for AC-6 in primary biliary cholangitis due to Sp-100 antibodies (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Detection of infrequent ANA might be a unique finding with no disease-associated specificities and could lead to the suspicion of an autoimmune disease.
Syndemics & syndemogenesis in COVID-19 and rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: old challenges, new era
Authors: Nikiphorou Elena , Alpizar-Rodriguez Deshire , Gastelum-Strozzi Alfonso , Buch Maya , Peláez-Ballestas Ingris
Published: November 2020

People with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) are facing several challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as poor access to regular health services and drug shortages, particularly in developing countries. COVID-19 represents a syndemic, synergistic condition that interacts with and exacerbates pre-existing diseases such as RMDs, other co-morbidities and social conditions. The emerging evidence on both biological and non-biological factors implicated in worse outcomes in people with RMDs affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, whether infected by the virus or not, calls for the need to use more novel and holistic frameworks for studying disease. In this context, the use of a syndemic framework becomes particularly relevant. We appeal for a focus on the identification of barriers and facilitators to optimal care of RMDs in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to tackle both the pandemic itself and the health inequities inherent to it.
A systematic review of implicit attitudes and their neural correlates in eating behaviour
Authors: Gallucci Alessia , Del Mauro Lilia , Pisoni Alberto , Lauro Leonor J Romero , Mattavelli Giulia
Published: November 2020

An increasing number of studies suggest that implicit attitudes towards food and body shape predict eating behaviour and characterize patients with eating disorders (EDs). However, literature has not been previously analysed; thus, differences between patients with EDs and healthy controls and the level of automaticity of the processes involved in implicit attitudes are still matters of debate. The present systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence from papers investigating implicit attitudes towards food and body in healthy and ED populations. PubMed, EMBASE (Ovid), PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus were systematically screened and 183 studies using different indirect paradigms were included in the qualitative analysis. The majority of studies reported negative attitudes towards overweight/obese body images in healthy and ED samples and weight bias as a diffuse stereotypical evaluation. Implicit food attitudes are consistently reported as valid predictors of eating behaviour. Few studies on the neurobiological correlates showed neurostimulation effects on implicit attitudes, but how the brain automatically processes implicit evaluations remains an open area of research. In conclusion, implicit attitudes are relevant measures of eating behaviour in healthy and clinical settings, although evidence about their neural correlates is limited.