bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volatile self-inhibitor of spore germination in pathogenic Mucorale Rhizopus arrhizus
Authors: Kaur Mahaldeep , Singh Rachna
Published: August 2020

Rhizopus arrhizus is a common pathogenic Mucoralean mold that exists as a saprophyte, and is disseminated through sporangiospores, which germinate to form mycelia under suitable environmental or infection settings. Such morphological transitions are often mediated by self-produced effector molecules in a density-dependent fashion. This study aimed to elucidate if a quorum-dependent, cell-density-driven phenomenon exists in R. arrhizus, and identify the molecule(s) involved. The germination of R. arrhizus was observed to be reliant on the seeding density, with nearly 71% and 47% germination in Sabouraud dextrose and glucose asparagine media respectively at 1 × 105–1 × 106 spores/mL, and only 10% and 1% germination respectively with 1 × 108 spores/mL. The late-growth-stage supernatant also hindered the spore germination and liquid-culture biomass in a dose-dependent way. These effects were being mediated by a volatile inhibitor present in the headspace and supernatant of R. arrhizus cultures, identified as 2-methyl-2-butene by gas chromatography and electron ionization-quadrupole mass spectrometry. The compound was present in a density-dependent manner and considerably impaired fungal germ-tube emergence and elongation during germination. Spore swelling remained unaffected. Multiple thin protrusions comprising of F-actin and microtubules were seen emanating from the treated cells, suggestive of filopodia-like and cytoneme-like extensions. The same compound was also detected in Rhizomucor pusillus.
Engineering oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica for enhanced limonene production from xylose and lignocellulosic hydrolysate
Authors: Yao Feng , Liu Shun-Cheng , Wang Dan-Ni , Liu Zhi-Jie , Hua Qiang , Wei Liu-Jing
Published: August 2020

Limonene, a valuable cyclic monoterpene, has been broadly studied in recent decades due to its wide application in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Engineering of the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica for fermentation of renewable biomass lignocellulosic hydrolysate may reduce the cost and improve the economics of bioconversion for the production of limonene. The aim of this study was to engineer Y. lipolytica to produce limonene from xylose and low-cost lignocellulosic feedstock. The heterologous genes XR and XDH and native gene XK encoding xylose assimilation enzymes, along with the heterologous genes tNDPS1 and tLS encoding orthogonal limonene biosynthetic enzymes, were introduced into the Po1f strain to facilitate xylose fermentation to limonene. The initially developed strain produced 0.44 mg/L of limonene in 72 h with 20 g/L of xylose. Overexpression of genes from the mevalonate pathway, including HMG1 and ERG12, significantly increased limonene production from xylose to ∼9.00 mg/L in 72 h. Furthermore, limonene production peaked at 20.57 mg/L with 50% hydrolysate after 72 h when detoxified lignocellulosic hydrolysate was used. This study is the first to report limonene production by yeast from lignocellulosic feedstock, and these results indicate the initial steps toward economical and sustainable production of isoprenoids from renewable biomass by engineered Y. lipolytica.
Who's Out of Touch? Media Misperception of Public Opinion on US Foreign Policy
Authors: Gift Thomas , Monten Jonathan
Published: August 2020

Although experts in the United States are often criticized as being “out of touch” for failing to understand the political views of average Americans, arguably no group has been more susceptible to this charge than the media. In this article, we exploit unique paired surveys to measure how accurately US foreign policy media experts assess public opinion compared to other foreign policy experts on the critical issue of American engagement in the world. We find that while experts, on average, substantially underestimate how favorable US citizens are toward international engagement, the media is more inaccurate than other types of experts. We suggest potential reasons for these findings that may serve as the basis for future research. Overall, our study contributes to a growing literature on elite misperceptions of the public and underscores the particular inaccuracies of the media in understanding the attitudes of Americans.
Educational Differences in Decline in Maximum Gait Speed in Older Adults Over an 11-Year Follow-up
Authors: Kyrönlahti Saila M , Stenholm Sari , Raitanen Jani , Neupane Subas , Koskinen Seppo , Tiainen Kristina
Published: August 2020

Background

This study examined educational differences in decline in maximum gait speed over an 11-year follow-up in the general Finnish population aged 55 years and older and assessed the contribution of lifestyle factors, body mass index, physical workload, and chronic conditions on the association.

Method

Data from the nationally representative Health 2000 Survey and its 11-year follow-up were used. Participants aged 55 years and older with maximum gait speed measured at both time points were included (n = 1128). Information on education, age, sex, lifestyle factors, body mass index, physical workload, and chronic conditions was collected at baseline. General linear model was used to examine differences in decline in maximum gait speed between education groups. Mediation analyses using the product method was conducted to partition the total effect of education on decline in maximum gait speed into direct effect and indirect effect acting through mediators.

Results

Decline in maximum gait speed was greater in low and intermediate education groups in comparison to the high education group (0.24 m/s [95% confidence interval 0.21–0.26], 0.24 m/s [0.21–0.28], 0.10 m/s [0.07–0.14], respectively]. The most important mediators were higher body mass index and lifetime exposure to physical workload among the less educated, accounting for 10% and 11% of the total effect, respectively.

Conclusions

Education-based disparities in objectively measured mobility increase with age as lower education is associated with greater decline in gait speed. Higher body mass index and physical workload among less educated contributed most to the educational disparities in age-related decline in maximum gait speed.
Slip distribution of the 2005 Nias earthquake (Mw 8.6) inferred from geodetic and far-field tsunami data
Authors: Fujii Yushiro , Satake Kenji , Watada Shingo , Ho Tung-Cheng
Published: August 2020

We estimated the slip distribution on the fault of the 2005 Nias earthquake (Mw 8.6) by inversions of local GPS and coastal uplift/subsidence data and tsunami waveform data. The 2005 Nias earthquake occurred approximately three months after the 2004 Sumatra–Andaman earthquake (Mw 9.1) at the southern extension off Sumatra Island, Indonesia. The tsunami from the 2005 earthquake caused significantly less damage than the 2004 tsunami, yet was recorded at tide gauges and ocean bottom pressure gauges around the Indian Ocean, including the coasts of Africa and Antarctica. The elastic and gravitational coupling between the solid earth and the ocean causes not only a traveltime delay but also the change of waveforms of far-field tsunamis relative to the prediction based on the long-wave theory. We corrected the computed tsunami Green's functions for the elastic and gravitational coupling effect in the tsunami waveform inversion. We found a diffused slip (∼2 m over an area of 400 km × 100 km) at deeper parts (20–54 km) of the fault with a large localized slip (7 m over 100 km × 100 km) slightly south of the epicentre. The large slips at deeper parts of the fault were responsible for the small tsunami generation. Inversion using far-field tsunami data yielded a slip distribution similar to that obtained using local geodetic data alone and that from the joint inversion of local geodetic and far-field tsunami data, which is also similar to slip distributions from previous studies based on local geodetic data. This demonstrates that far-field tsunami waveforms, once corrected for propagation effects, can be used to estimate the slip distribution of large submarine earthquakes leading to results that are similar to those obtained using sparse local geodetic data.
Nodal Solutions for Sublinear-Type Problems with Dirichlet Boundary Conditions
Authors: Bonheure Denis , Moreira dos Santos Ederson , Parini Enea , Tavares Hugo , Weth Tobias
Published: August 2020

We consider nonlinear 2nd-order elliptic problems of the type $$\begin{align*} & -\Delta u=f(u)\ \textrm{in}\ \Omega, \qquad u=0\ \textrm{on}\ \partial \Omega, \end{align*}$$where $\Omega $ is an open $C^{1,1}$–domain in ${{\mathbb{R}}}^N$, $N\geq 2$, under some general assumptions on the nonlinearity that include the case of a sublinear pure power $f(s)=|s|^{p-1}s$ with $0
1$ and $\lambda>\lambda _2(\Omega )$ (the second Dirichlet eigenvalue of the Laplacian). We prove the existence of a least energy nodal (i.e., sign changing) solution and of a nodal solution of mountain-pass type. We then give explicit examples of domains where the associated levels do not coincide. For the case where $\Omega $ is a ball or annulus and $f$ is of class $C^1$, we prove instead that the levels coincide and that least energy nodal solutions are nonradial but axially symmetric functions. Finally, we provide stronger results for the Allen–Cahn type nonlinearities in case $\Omega $ is either a ball or a square. In particular, we give a complete description of the solution set for $\lambda \sim \lambda _2(\Omega )$, computing the Morse index of the solutions.
Boosting Union Membership: Reconciling Liberal and Social Democratic Conceptions of Freedom of Association via a Union Default
Authors: Harcourt Mark , Gall Gregor , Novell Nisha , Wilson Margaret
Published: August 2020

Deploying insights from legal experts in New Zealand, this article examines how a union default could strengthen unions and boost their membership, while reconciling conflicting liberal and social democratic conceptions of freedom of association. The insights are used to develop a broad framework by which a default system could work both in New Zealand and more generally. These insights are then applied to the case of Britain, wherein components of the institutional architecture, embodied in Schedule A1 of the Employment Relations Act 1999, could be appropriately amended.
Critical Role of Innate Immunity to Flagellin in the Absence of Adaptive Immunity
Authors: Zou Jun , Zhao Xu , Shi Zhenda , Zhang Zhan , Vijay-Kumar Matam , Chassaing Benoit , Gewirtz Andrew T
Published: August 2020

Background

Bacterial flagellin is a major target of innate and adaptive immunity, both of which can promote and/or compensate for deficiencies in each other’s function.

Methods

To investigate the role of innate immune detection of flagellin irrespective of adaptive immunity, we examined the consequences of loss of Toll-like receptor 5 (T5) and/or Nod-like receptor 4 (N4) upon a Rag1-deficient background.

Results

Mice lacking Toll-like receptor 5 and Rag1 (T5/Rag-DKO) exhibited frequent lethal Pasteurellaceae-containing abscesses that prevented breeding of these mice. Mice lacking Toll-like receptor 5, Nod-like receptor 4, and Rag1 (T5/N4/Rag-TKO) also resulted in sporadic lethal abdominal abscesses caused by similar Pasteurellaceae. In the absence of such infections, relative to Rag1-KO, T5/N4/Rag-TKO mice exhibited microbiota encroachment, low-grade inflammation, microbiota dysbiosis, and, moreover were highly prone to Citrobacter infection and developed severe colitis when adoptively transferred with colitogenic T cells. Relative proneness of T5/N4/Rag-TKO mice to T-cell colitis was ablated by antibiotics while fecal microbiota transplant from T5/N4/Rag-TKO mice to wild-type mice transferred proneness to Citrobacter infection, indicating that dysbiosis in T5/N4/Rag-TKO mice contributed to these phenotypes.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate a critical role for innate immune detection of flagellin, especially in the intestinal tract and particularly in hosts deficient in adaptive immunity.
The impact of cell maturation and tissue microenvironments on the expression of endosomal Toll-like receptors in monocytes and macrophages
Authors: Sato Ryota , Reuter Tatjana , Hiranuma Ryosuke , Shibata Takuma , Fukui Ryutaro , Motoi Yuji , Murakami Yusuke , Tsukamoto Hiroki , Yamazaki Satoshi , Liu Kaiwen , Saitoh Shin-Ichiroh , Latz Eicke , Miyake Kensuke
Published: August 2020

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) impact myeloid cell responsiveness to environmental cues such as pathogen components and metabolites. Although TLR protein expression in monocytes and tissue macrophages is thought to be optimized for microenvironments in each tissue, a comprehensive study has not been reported. We here examined protein expression of endogenous TLRs in tissue-resident myeloid cells. Neutrophils in peripheral blood, spleen, liver and lung expressed TLR2, TLR4 and TLR5 in all tissues. Ly6C+ MHC II‒ classical monocytes mature into Ly6C‒ MHC II+ monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) or Ly6C‒ MHC II‒ patrolling monocytes. These subsets were found in all the tissues studied. TLR2 and TLR4 were displayed on all of these subsets, regardless of location. In contrast, expression of endosomal TLRs did vary with tissues and subsets. moDCs expressed TLR9, but much less TLR7. In contrast, TLR7, not TLR3 or TLR9, was highly expressed in classical and patrolling monocytes. Tissue macrophages such as red pulp macrophages in the spleen, Kupffer cells in the liver, microglia in the brain, alveolar macrophages in the lung and adipose tissue macrophages all expressed TLR2, TLR4 and TLR3. TLR7 was also expressed in these tissue macrophages except Kupffer cells in the liver. TLR9 expression in tissue macrophages was much lower or hard to detect. These results suggest that expression of endosomal TLRs in myeloid cells is influenced by their differentiation status and tissue-specific microenvironments.
Evaluation of the SpeeDxResistancePlus®GC and SpeeDx GC 23S 2611 (beta) molecular assays for prediction of antimicrobial resistance/susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and azithromycin inNeisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Hadad Ronza , Cole Michelle Jayne , Ebeyan Samantha , Jacobsson Susanne , Tan Lit Yeen , Golparian Daniel , Erskine Simon , Day Michaela , Whiley David , Unemo Magnus ,   the European collaborative group, Torreblanca Raquel Abad , Ásmundsdóttir Lena Rós , Balla Eszter , De Baetselier Irith , Bercot Beatrice , Bergheim Thea , Borrego Maria José , Buder Susanne , Cassar Robert , Cole Michelle , van Dam Alje , Eder Claudia , Hoffmann Steen , Hunjak Blazenka , Jeverica Samo , Kirjavainen Vesa , Maikanti-Charalambous Panayiota , Miriagou Vivi , Młynarczyk-Bonikowska Beata , Pakarna Gatis , Pavlik Peter , Perrin Monique , Pett Joseph , Stefanelli Paola , Templeton Kate , Unemo Magnus , Viktorova Jelena , Zákoucká Hana
Published: August 2020

Background

Accurate molecular assays for prediction of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)/susceptibility in Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) can offer individualized treatment of gonorrhoea and enhanced AMR surveillance.

Objectives

We evaluated the new ResistancePlus® GC assay and the GC 23S 2611 (beta) assay (SpeeDx), for prediction of resistance/susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and azithromycin, respectively.

Methods

Nine hundred and sixty-seven whole-genome-sequenced Ng isolates from 20 European countries, 143 Ng-positive (37 with paired Ng isolates) and 167 Ng-negative clinical Aptima Combo 2 (AC2) samples, and 143 non-gonococcal Neisseria isolates and closely related species were examined with both SpeeDx assays.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of the ResistancePlus® GC assay to detect Ng in AC2 samples were 98.6% and 100%, respectively. ResistancePlus® GC showed 100% sensitivity and specificity for GyrA S91 WT/S91F detection and 99.8% sensitivity and specificity in predicting phenotypic ciprofloxacin resistance. The sensitivity and specificity of the GC 23S 2611 (beta) assay for Ng detection in AC2 samples were 95.8% and 100%, respectively. GC 23S 2611 (beta) showed 100% sensitivity and 99.9% specificity for 23S rRNA C2611 WT/C2611T detection and 64.3% sensitivity and 99.9% specificity for predicting phenotypic azithromycin resistance. Cross-reactions with non-gonococcal Neisseria species were observed with both assays, but the analysis software solved most cross-reactions.

Conclusions

The new SpeeDx ResistancePlus® GC assay performed well in the detection of Ng and AMR determinants, especially in urogenital samples. The GC 23S 2611 (beta) assay performed relatively well, but its sensitivity, especially for predicting phenotypic azithromycin resistance, was suboptimal and further optimizations are required, including detection of additional macrolide resistance determinant(s).
Imaging and Management of Internal Mammary Lymph Nodes
Authors: Samreen Naziya , Dhage Shubhada , Gerber Naamit Kurshan , Chacko Celin , Lee Cindy S
Published: August 2020

Internal mammary lymph nodes (IMLNs) account for approximately 10%–40% of the lymphatic drainage of the breast. Internal mammary lymph nodes measuring up to 10 mm are commonly seen on high-risk screening breast MRI examinations in patients without breast cancer and are considered benign if no other suspicious findings are present. Benign IMLNs demonstrate a fatty hilum, lobular or oval shape, and circumscribed margins without evidence of central necrosis, cortical thickening, or loss of fatty hilum. In patients with breast cancer, IMLN involvement can alter clinical stage and treatment planning. The incidence of IMLN metastases detected on US, CT, MRI, and PET-CT ranges from 10%–16%, with MRI and PET-CT demonstrating the highest sensitivities. Although there are no well-defined imaging criteria in the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Manual for Breast Cancer, a long-axis measurement of ≥ 5 mm is suggested as a guideline to differentiate benign versus malignant IMLNs in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer. Abnormal morphology such as loss of fatty hilum, irregular shape, and rounded appearance (which can be quantified by a short-axis/long-axis length ratio greater than 0.5) also raises suspicion for IMLN metastases. MRI and PET-CT have good sensitivity and specificity for the detection of IMLN metastases, but fluorodeoxyglucose avidity can be seen in both benign conditions and metastatic disease. US is helpful for staging, and US-guided fine-needle aspiration can be performed in cases of suspected IMLN metastasis. Management of suspicious IMLNs identified on imaging is typically with chemotherapy and radiation, as surgical excision does not provide survival benefit and is performed only in rare cases.
Field Efficacies and Joint Actions of Beta-cyfluthrin Mixed With Thiamethoxam or Tolfenpyrad Against Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae)
Authors: Tang Tao , Zhao Mingping , Wang Pei , Xiao Yi , Huang Shengkong , Fu Wei
Published: August 2020

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is the most serious pest of citrus because it is a vector for the highly destructive citrus greening disease (huanglongbing, HLB). Currently, insecticide applications are being used widely to control psyllid populations, thereby suppressing the spread of HLB. In the present study, topical application bioassays were performed to detect the joint actions of beta-cyfluthrin and thiamethoxam or tolfenpyrad against D. citri adults in the laboratory. In 2019, a field plot experiment was conducted to evaluate the control efficacies of beta-cyfluthrin+thiamethoxam 22% capsule suspension and beta-cyfluthrin+tolfenpyrad 30% microemulsion against D. citri using foliar sprays. For the former, a 9:13 mass ratio had the highest synergistic effect, with a cotoxicity coefficient of 188.64. For the latter, a 5:25 mass ratio had the highest synergistic effect, with a cotoxicity coefficient of 153.94. A one-time foliar spray of the former at 30–40 mg/kg or of the latter at 40–60 mg/kg effectively controlled D. citri, with control efficacies varying from 80.1 to 99.4% or 80.4 to 100.0%, during the 3–30 d after treatment, respectively. Moreover, field observations indicated that these foliar sprays at the tested rates had no negative effects on citrus trees. Thus, foliar sprays of beta-cyfluthrin+thiamethoxam or beta-cyfluthrin+tolfenpyrad under the given conditions may control D. citri.
Comparative Performance of the Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Reared on Various Cereal-Based Artificial Diets
Authors: Jin Tao , Lin Yu-ying , Chi Hsin , Xiang Kai-ping , Ma Guang-chang , Peng Zheng-qiang , Yi Ke-xian
Published: August 2020

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), is a polyphagous and highly destructive agricultural pest that invaded mainland China in 2019. To facilitate research on this pest, it is important to formulate and formalize a suitable artificial diet based on local ingredients. In this study, the life histories of fall armyworm reared on corn leaves and four artificial diets were recorded. The four artificial diets used were: soybean and sucrose-based (SS), soybean and wheat germ-based (SW), chickpea and wheat germ-based (CPW), and corn and soybean-based (CNS). The intrinsic rates of increase were 0.1957, 0.1981, 0.1816, 0.1748, and 0.1464 per day in the fall armyworm populations fed corn leaves, CNS, SW, CPW, and SS, respectively. The highest fecundity (F = 1225.4 eggs per female) and net reproduction rate (R0 = 544.7 offspring per individual) were observed for the fall armyworm reared on the CNS diet. Moreover, the developmental rate, survival rate, and fecundity were used to calculate the projection of the population growth. Projection results showed that the fall armyworm populations can increase considerably faster when fed the CNS diet compared with the other diets. In addition, the mass-rearing system showed that the most efficient and economical strategy would be to rear the fall armyworm on the CNS diet. The results indicated that the CNS diet was the most suitable diet for the fall armyworm mass rearing.
Bottom-up Effects on Tri-trophic Interactions: Plant Fertilization Enhances the Fitness of a Primary Parasitoid Mediated by Its Herbivore Host
Authors: Pekas Apostolos , Wäckers Felix L
Published: August 2020

Plants play a pivotal role in interactions involving herbivores and their natural enemies. Variation in plant primary and secondary metabolites not only affects herbivores but, directly and indirectly, also their natural enemies. Here, we used a commercial NPK fertilizer to test the impact of three fertilizer, namely 50, 100, and 200 ppm nitrogen, and one control (i.e., water) treatments, on the weight of the nymphs of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). Subsequently, the whitefly parasitoid Eretmocerus mundus Mercet (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) was reared on the different groups of whitefly nymphs and upon parasitoid emergence, the number of oocytes was determined as a measure of reproductive capacity. Trials were done on tomato and tobacco plants. The level of nitrogen concentration in tobacco leaves was directly correlated with the fertilizer applications, thus confirming the effect of our fertilizer treatments. Both in tomato and tobacco plants, healthy as well as parasitized whitefly nymphs, were heaviest in the 200 ppm nitrogen treatment. The highest number of oocytes per female parasitoid was recorded in the 200 ppm nitrogen treatment in tomato (31% more oocytes as compared with the control) and in the 100 and 200 ppm nitrogen treatments in tobacco (200% more oocytes). We suggest that the increase in oocytes was the result of the enhanced size (food quantity) and/or nutritional quality of the whitefly host. The practical implications of these results for the mass rearing of whitefly parasitoids and for biological pest control are discussed.
Development of a Physiological Age-Grading System for Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Grodowitz Michael J , Elliot Brad , Evans Richard , Rojas Guadalupe , Morales Ramos Juan
Published: August 2020

The southern green stink bug (SGSB), Nezara viridula (L.), is an important agricultural pest in the United States. Limited information is available on the morphology of the female’s reproductive system in relation to morphological changes associated with the number of eggs produced and egg masses oviposited. The ability to assess reproductive health and reproductive status based on ovarian morphology (i.e., physiological age-grading) can be an important tool for evaluating field populations and laboratory colonies intended for the application of different management strategies and experimental trials. Thus, the goal of this study was to develop a physiological age-grading system for SGSB. Females aged from 0 to 79 d chronologically randomly selected from laboratory colonies and dissected to assess ovarian morphology. Specific morphological differences in ovarian structures including differentiation of the ovarioles, deposition of yolk in the most proximal follicle, quantity and appearance of follicular relics, expansion of the lateral oviducts, and number of developing follicles per ovariole were related to chronological age, the number of eggs produced and number of egg masses. Based on specific combinations of these morphological characteristics, the continuum of ovarian development was divided into three nulliparous (i.e., ‘no eggs’; N1, N2, and N3) and three parous stages (i.e., ‘with eggs’; P1, P2, and P3). Direct relationships were noted between number of eggs produced and physiological age with over 7-fold higher number of eggs and 14-fold higher number of egg masses associated with the P2 and P3 stages, respectively.
Clinical features and prognosis of clinical N0 non-small cell lung cancer exceeding 30 mm
Authors: Kagimoto Atsushi , Tsutani Yasuhiro , Handa Yoshinori , Mimae Takahiro , Miyata Yoshihiro , Okada Morihito
Published: August 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the characteristics, ground glass opacity ratio and prognosis of patients with clinical N0 non-small cell lung cancer tumours exceeding 30 mm in size.

Methods

Patients with clinical N0 non-small cell lung cancer and total tumour size >30 mm on preoperative computed tomography who underwent complete resection with lobectomy between January 2007 and December 2017 were included. The patients were divided into three groups: pure solid tumour, low ground glass opacity ratio (1–39%) tumour and high ground glass opacity ratio (≥40%) tumour. The cut-off line was determined based on the recurrence rate for every 10% ground glass opacity ratio.

Results

Among the 227 study patients, 129 (56.8%) had a pure solid tumour, 54 (23.8%) had a low ground glass opacity ratio tumour and 44 (19.4%) had a high ground glass opacity ratio tumour. Three-year recurrence-free survival was significantly shorter in patients with a pure solid tumour (57.4%) than in patients with a low ground glass opacity ratio (74.5%; P = 0.009) or a high ground glass opacity ratio tumour (92.1%; P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that ground glass opacity ratio was a significant independent prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.175; P = 0.037).

Conclusion

Pure solid tumours comprised a large proportion of non-small cell lung cancer tumours >30 mm in size and their prognosis was poor. The presence of ground glass opacity and their relative proportion affect prognosis in patients with clinical N0 non-small cell lung cancer tumours >30 mm in size, similar to those with small-sized tumours.
Diet, prey selection, and activity of Asian golden cats and leopard cats in northern Laos
Authors: Kamler Jan F , Inthapanya Xaysavanh , Rasphone Akchousanh , Bousa Anita , Vongkhamheng Chanthavy , Johnson Arlyne , Macdonald David W
Published: August 2020

The Asian golden cat (Catopuma temminckii) occurs in small, declining, and highly fragmented populations throughout Southeast Asia, whereas the smaller leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is common and widespread. In contrast to leopard cats, little is known about the ecology of Asian golden cats, and resource partitioning between these species has not been studied. We used DNA-confirmed scats, camera-trap data, and prey surveys, to determine the diet, prey selection, and activity, of Asian golden cats and leopard cats in a protected area in northern Laos. The two felids had different diets: Asian golden cats consumed mostly ungulates (35% biomass consumed), murid rodents (23%), and carnivores (15%), whereas leopard cats consumed mostly murid rodents (79%). Asian golden cats were not random in their consumption of ungulates, because muntjac (Muntiacus spp.) were selectively consumed over larger ungulates, indicating muntjac were preyed upon rather than scavenged. Dietary overlap between the two felid species was moderate (R0 = 0.60), and the dietary niche breadth of Asian golden cats (B = 8.44) was nearly twice as high as that of leopard cats (4.54). The mean (± SD) scat diameter was greater for Asian golden cats (2.1 ± 0.3 cm) than leopard cats (1.8 ± 0.2 cm), although diameters of leopard cat scats were considerably larger than previously assumed for this species. The felid species differed in their activity patterns, because Asian golden cats were diurnal, whereas leopard cats were nocturnal, although they did not differ in their use of elevation, suggesting there was no habitat segregation. Overall, leopard cats appeared to coexist with Asian golden cats, a potential predator and competitor, by exhibiting dietary and temporal partitioning. Our results showed that muntjac were important prey of Asian golden cats, suggesting the management of muntjac might be important for conserving populations of Asian golden cats.
Membrane Structures Between Craniopharyngioma and the Third Ventricle Floor Based on the QST Classification and Its Significance: A Pathological Study
Authors: Qi Songtao , Liu Yi , Wang Chaohu , Fan Jun , Pan Jun , Zhang Xi’an , Lu Yuntao
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between craniopharyngiomas (CP) and the third ventricle floor by analyzing the membranes between them. Eight fetal specimens were first examined by hematoxylin and eosin and immunofluorescence staining to determine optimal markers for identifying membrane structures in the sellar region. Then, 17 CP with third ventricle floor involvement that had been removed by total en bloc resection through a transsphenoidal approach were examined. We found that the dura mater, arachnoid membrane, and pia mater could be seen to separate type Q tumors from the third ventricle floor. The arachnoid membrane and pia mater could be seen between type S tumors and the third ventricle floor. Pia mater could be seen between type T tumors and the third ventricle floor; however, at the origin point of the tumor, pia mater could be loosened or replaced by the tumor. Although some type T tumors compressed the third ventricle, the ependymal layer remained intact. Based on these embryonic and pathological data, we suggest that CP are nonneuroepithelial, epi-pia mater, and epi-third ventricle tumors.
The hook shape of growing leaves results from an active regulatory process
Authors: Rivière Mathieu , Corre Yoann , Peaucelle Alexis , Derr Julien , Douady Stéphane
Published: August 2020

The rachis of most growing compound leaves observed in nature exhibits a stereotypical hook shape. In this study, we focus on the canonical case of Averrhoa carambola. Combining kinematics and mechanical investigation, we characterize this hook shape and shed light on its establishment and maintenance. We show quantitatively that the hook shape is a conserved bent zone propagating at constant velocity and constant distance from the apex throughout development. A simple mechanical test reveals non-zero intrinsic curvature profiles for the rachis during its growth, indicating that the hook shape is actively regulated. We show a robust spatial organization of growth, curvature, rigidity, and lignification, and their interplay. Regulatory processes appear to be specifically localized: in particular, differential growth occurs where the elongation rate drops. Finally, impairing the graviception of the leaf on a clinostat led to reduced hook curvature but not to its loss. Altogether, our results suggest a role for proprioception in the regulation of the leaf hook shape, likely mediated via mechanical strain.
The assimilation of different carbon sources in Candida albicans: Fitness and pathogenicity
Authors: Lok Bronwyn , Adam Mowaffaq Adam Ahmad , Kamal Laina Zarisa Mohd , Chukwudi Nwakpa Anthony , Sandai Rosline , Sandai Doblin
Published: August 2020

Candida albicans is a commensal yeast commonly found on the skin and in the body. However, in immunocompromised individuals, the fungi could cause local and systemic infections. The carbon source available plays an important role in the establishment of C. albicans infections. The fungi's ability to assimilate a variety of carbon sources plays a vital role in its colonization, and by extension, its fitness and pathogenicity, as it often inhabits niches that are glucose-limited but rich in alternative carbon sources. A difference in carbon sources affect the growth and mating of C. albicans, which contributes to its pathogenicity as proliferation helps the fungi colonize its environment. The carbon source also affects its metabolism and signaling pathways, which are integral parts of the fungi's fitness and pathogenicity. As a big percentage of the carbon assimilated by C. albicans goes to cell wall biogenesis, the availability of different carbon sources will result in cell walls with variations in rigidity, adhesion, and surface hydrophobicity. In addition to the biofilm formation of the fungi, the carbon source also influences whether the fungi grow in yeast- or mycelial-form. Both forms play different roles in C. albicans’s infection process. A better understanding of the role of the carbon sources in C. albicans’s pathogenicity would contribute to more effective treatment solutions for fungal infections.
The Completed SDSS-IV extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey: measurement of the BAO and growth rate of structure of the luminous red galaxy sample from the anisotropic power spectrum between redshifts 0.6 and 1.0
Authors: Gil-Marín Héctor , Bautista Julián E , Paviot Romain , Vargas-Magaña Mariana , de la Torre Sylvain , Fromenteau Sebastien , Alam Shadab , Ávila Santiago , Burtin Etienne , Chuang Chia-Hsun , Dawson Kyle S , Hou Jiamin , de Mattia Arnaud , Mohammad Faizan G , Müller Eva-Maria , Nadathur Seshadri , Neveux Richard , Percival Will J , Raichoor Anand , Rezaie Mehdi , Ross Ashley J , Rossi Graziano , Ruhlmann-Kleider Vanina , Smith Alex , Tamone Amélie , Tinker Jeremy L , Tojeiro Rita , Wang Yuting , Zhao Gong-Bo , Zhao Cheng , Brinkmann Jonathan , Brownstein Joel R , Choi Peter D , Escoffier Stephanie , de la Macorra Axel , Moon Jeongin , Newman Jeffrey A , Schneider Donald P , Seo Hee-Jong , Vivek Mariappan
Published: August 2020

We analyse the clustering of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey Data Release 16 luminous red galaxy sample (DR16 eBOSS LRG) in combination with the high redshift tail of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey III Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey Data Release 12 (DR12 BOSS CMASS). We measure the redshift space distortions (RSD) and also extract the longitudinal and transverse baryonic acoustic oscillation (BAO) scale from the anisotropic power spectrum signal inferred from 377 458 galaxies between redshifts 0.6 and 1.0, with the effective redshift of zeff = 0.698 and effective comoving volume of $2.72\, {\rm Gpc}^3$. After applying reconstruction, we measure the BAO scale and infer DH(zeff)/rdrag = 19.30 ± 0.56 and DM(zeff)/rdrag = 17.86 ± 0.37. When we perform an RSD analysis on the pre-reconstructed catalogue on the monopole, quadrupole, and hexadecapole we find, DH(zeff)/rdrag = 20.18 ± 0.78, DM(zeff)/rdrag = 17.49 ± 0.52 and fσ8(zeff) = 0.454 ± 0.046. We combine both sets of results along with the measurements in configuration space and report the following consensus values: DH(zeff)/rdrag = 19.77 ± 0.47, DM(zeff)/rdrag = 17.65 ± 0.30 and fσ8(zeff) = 0.473 ± 0.044, which are in full agreement with the standard ΛCDM and GR predictions. These results represent the most precise measurements within the redshift range 0.6 ≤ z ≤ 1.0 and are the culmination of more than 8 yr of SDSS observations.
Optically thin spatially resolved Mg ii emission maps the escape of ionizing photons
Authors: Chisholm J , Prochaska J X , Schaerer D , Gazagnes S , Henry A
Published: August 2020

Early star-forming galaxies produced copious ionizing photons. A fraction of these photons escaped gas within galaxies to reionize the entire Universe. This escape fraction is crucial for determining how the Universe became reionized, but the neutral intergalactic medium precludes direct measurement of the escape fraction at high redshifts. Indirect estimates of the escape fraction must describe how the Universe was reionized. Here, we present new Keck Cosmic Web Imager spatially resolved spectroscopy of the resonant Mg ii 2800 Å doublet from a redshift 0.36 galaxy, J1503+3644, with a previously observed escape fraction of 6 per cent. The Mg ii emission has a similar spatial extent as the stellar continuum, and each of the Mg ii doublet lines are well fitted by single Gaussians. The Mg ii is optically thin. The intrinsic flux ratio of the red and blue Mg ii emission line doublet, $R=F_{2796}/F_{2803}$, is set by atomic physics to be two, but Mg$^+$ gas along the line of sight decreases R proportional to the Mg ii optical depth. Combined with the metallicity, R estimates the neutral gas column density. The observed R ranges across the galaxy from 0.8 to 2.7, implying a factor of 2 spatial variation of the relative escape fraction. All of the ionizing photons that escape J1503+3644 pass through regions of high R. We combine the Mg ii emission and dust attenuation to accurately estimate the absolute escape fractions for 10 local Lyman Continuum emitting galaxies and suggest that Mg ii can predict escape fraction within the epoch of reionization.
Vortex lattice in rotating neutron spin-triplet superfluid
Authors: Leinson Lev B
Published: August 2020

In the Ginzburg–Landau limit, a possible texture without singular cores in a rotating neutron spin-triplet superfluid is studied. The lattice of non-singular vortices is constructed with a vorticity diffusely distributed over the entire unit cell. The upper limit of the free energy associated with this structure is estimated, and the result shows that non-singular vortices are more preferable in the core of rotating neutron stars than ordinary linear singular vortices. The order parameter of the studied neutron system belongs to the unitary class. This implies that the superfluid under consideration does not have spin polarization and the core-less 3P2 vortices do not have magnetization, which makes electron scattering by vortices ineffective. For the same reason, pinning with flux tubes is also suppressed. This can affect the hydrodynamics of superfluid neutron stars.
Tests of weak equivalence principle with the gravitational wave signals in the LIGO–Virgo catalogue GWTC-1
Authors: Yang Shu-Cheng , Han Wen-Biao , Wang Gang
Published: August 2020

The weak equivalence principle (WEP) is the cornerstone of gravitational theories. At the local scale, WEP has been tested to high accuracy by various experiments. On the intergalactic distance scale, WEP could be tested by comparing the arrival time of different messengers emitted from the same source. The gravitational time delay caused by massive galaxies is proportional to γ + 1, where the parameter γ is unity in general relativity. The values of γ for different massless particles should be different if WEP is violated, i.e. Δγ is used to indicate the deviation from WEP. So far, |Δγ| has been constrained with gamma-ray bursts, fast radio bursts, etc. Here, we report a new constraint of |Δγ| by using the gravitational wave data of binary black hole coalescences in the LIGO–Virgo catalogue GWTC-1. The best constraints imply that |Δγ| ≲ 10−15 at 90 per cent confidence level.
Grad-seq shines light on unrecognized RNA and protein complexes in the model bacterium Escherichia coli
Authors: Hör Jens , Di Giorgio Silvia , Gerovac Milan , Venturini Elisa , Förstner Konrad U , Vogel Jörg
Published: August 2020

Stable protein complexes, including those formed with RNA, are major building blocks of every living cell. Escherichia coli has been the leading bacterial organism with respect to global protein-protein networks. Yet, there has been no global census of RNA/protein complexes in this model species of microbiology. Here, we performed Grad-seq to establish an RNA/protein complexome, reconstructing sedimentation profiles in a glycerol gradient for ∼85% of all E. coli transcripts and ∼49% of the proteins. These include the majority of small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) detectable in this bacterium as well as the general sRNA-binding proteins, CsrA, Hfq and ProQ. In presenting use cases for utilization of these RNA and protein maps, we show that a stable association of RyeG with 30S ribosomes gives this seemingly noncoding RNA of prophage origin away as an mRNA of a toxic small protein. Similarly, we show that the broadly conserved uncharacterized protein YggL is a 50S subunit factor in assembled 70S ribosomes. Overall, this study crucially extends our knowledge about the cellular interactome of the primary model bacterium E. coli through providing global RNA/protein complexome information and should facilitate functional discovery in this and related species.
A Case of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Associated With Mediterranean Spotted Fever in a Healthy 29-Year-Old Female
Authors: Karra Nour , Dolinski Rina , Akria Luiza , Yampoulski Yevgeni , Awad Jamal
Published: August 2020

A 29-year-old female presented with fever, headache, and epigastric pain. Though her initial presentation was benign and nonspecific, she soon developed a full-blown cytokine storm with disseminated intravascular coagulation. She was diagnosed with hemophagocytosis secondary to Rickettsia conorii infection. A good outcome was achieved thanks to prompt diagnosis and proper treatment.
Inductive Risk and OxyContin: The Ethics of Evidence and Post-Market Surveillance of Pharmaceuticals in Canada
Authors: Bavli Itai , Steel Daniel
Published: August 2020

The argument from inductive risk claims that judgments about the moral severity of errors are relevant to decisions about what should count as sufficient evidence for accepting claims. While this idea has been explored in connection with evidence required for the approval of pharmaceuticals, the role of inductive risk in the post-approval process has been largely neglected. In this article, we examine the ethics of inductive risk in connection with revisions to the product monograph for OxyContin in Canada, which understates the risks of addiction and abuse associated with this drug. Using the concept of inductive risk, we consider what evidence should have been sufficient for Health Canada (HC) to revise the product monograph for OxyContin. Given the stakes involved, we argue that a less strict standard of evidence would have been appropriate, yet HC in fact took the opposite course, insisting upon a higher standard of evidence than it normally requires. In addition to providing a novel perspective on the opioid crisis in Canada, this article contributes to existing philosophical work by demonstrating that inductive risks in the post-approval stage are important and linked to pre-approval inductive risks.
The Contradictions of Liminal Legality: Economic Attainment and Civic Engagement of Central American Immigrants on Temporary Protected Status
Authors: Menjívar Cecilia , Agadjanian Victor , Oh Byeongdon
Published: August 2020

This study examines how Temporary Protected Status (TPS) may shape immigrants’ integration trajectories. Building on core themes identified in the immigrant incorporation scholarship, it investigates whether associations of educational attainment with labor market outcomes and with civic participation, which are well established in the general population, hold for immigrants who live in the “liminal legality” of TPS. Conducted in 2016 in five U.S. metropolitan areas, the study is based on a unique survey of Salvadoran and Honduran TPS holders, the majority of immigrants on this status. The analyses find that TPS holders with higher levels of educational attainment do not derive commensurate significant occupational or earnings premiums from their education. In contrast, the analysis of the relationship between educational attainment and civic engagement detects a positive association: more educated TPS holders are more likely to be members of community organizations and to participate in voluntary community service, compared to their less educated counterparts. These findings illustrate the contradictions inherent to TPS as it may hinder certain aspects of immigrant integration but not others. This examination contributes to our understanding of the implications of immigrants’ legal statuses and of immigration law and policy for key aspects of immigrant integration trajectories.
DNA Scanner: a web application for comparing DNA synthesis feasibility, price and turnaround time across vendors
Authors: Doçi Gledon , Fuchs Lukas , Kharbanda Yash , Schickling Paul , Zulkower Valentin , Hillson Nathan , Oberortner Ernst , Swainston Neil , Kabisch Johannes
Published: August 2020

DNA synthesis has become a major enabler of modern bioengineering, allowing scientists to simply order online in silico-designed DNA molecules. Rapidly decreasing DNA synthesis service prices and the concomitant increase of research and development scales bolstered by computer-aided DNA design tools and laboratory automation has driven up the demand for synthetic DNA. While vendors provide user-friendly online portals for purchasing synthetic DNA, customers still face the time-consuming task of checking each vendor of choice for their ability and pricing to synthesize the desired sequences. As a result, ordering large batches of DNA sequences can be a laborious manual procedure in an otherwise increasingly automatable workflow. Even when they are available, there is a high degree of technical knowledge and effort required to integrate vendors’ application programming interfaces (APIs) into computer-aided DNA design tools or automated lab processes. Here, we introduce DNA Scanner, a software package comprising (i) a web-based user interface enabling users to compare the feasibility, price and turnaround time of synthetic DNA sequences across selected vendors and (ii) a Python API enabling integration of these functionalities into computer-aided DNA design tools and automated lab processes. We have developed DNA Scanner to uniformly streamline interactions between synthetic DNA vendors, members of the Global Biofoundry Alliance and the scientific community at large.