bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional genomics and mycotoxin discovery in the wheat glume blotch pathogen Stagonospora nodorum
Authors: Solomon Peter S
Published: April 2020

Stagonospora nodorum is a fungal pathogen of wheat and is responsible for over $100 million in yield losses in Australia each year. Significant progress has recently been made in understanding how S. nodorum causes disease on wheat. These pathogens, known as a necrotrophs, were thought to secrete a battery of lytic and degradative enzymes during infection. These enzymes would simply degrade host tissue, allowing the infecting pathogen to feed off the lysed cellular contents. Recent studies have shown that this is not so, and that these fungi secrete unique effector proteins during the early stages of infection, which appear to be translocated into wheat cells. Once inside, these proteins interact (either directly or indirectly) with the products of dominant susceptibility loci leading to a localised programmed cell death response. Consequently, it is through an intricate gene-for-gene mechanism involving the interaction of pathogen effector proteins and host dominant susceptibility genes that S. nodorum infects its wheat host, not through a crude secretion of cell lysis enzymes. These findings have been recently reviewed by Oliver and Solomon3. This short article focuses on how modern functional genomics techniques have been exploited to reveal a new dimension to the wheat pathogen S. nodorum.
How plants defend themselves
Authors: Guest David
Published: April 2020

Unlike animals, plants cannot flee, fight or hide from predators. Plants lack mobile defender cells or an adaptive immune system and have instead evolved defences based on pre-formed barriers and inducible cellular responses regulated by local and systemic signals. The interaction between pathogen effectors and these defences sets up an intriguing molecular arms race between plants and pathogenic fungi, bacteria, viruses, viroids and nematodes.
Fusarium: a ubiquitous fungus of global significance
Authors: Burgess LW , Bryden WL
Published: April 2020

Fusarium is one of the most economically important genera of fungal plant pathogens, causing significant crop losses and contamination of grain by mycotoxins on a global basis. Some species also cause infections (mycoses) of humans and other animals. Fusarium includes many species, a significant number of which cause a wide range of plant diseases that affect many crops including major food and fibre crops such as wheat, barley, maize, bananas and cotton, often with devastating socio-economic impact. The diseases are often insidious and extremely difficult to control. Its success as a plant pathogen can be attributed to wide host ranges, endophytic infection, and varied modes of survival and dispersal. Representatives occur in virtually all bioclimatic regions of the world in agricultural and natural ecosystems. In this article we present a summary of the key aspects of the biology and morphology of Fusarium and then briefly discuss several plant diseases to illustrate the diverse nature and devastating effects of these fungi, their mycotoxins, the impact of no-till farming systems on disease incidence, and the poorly understood but key role of endophytic colonisation in the disease cycle. Inevitably, the coverage is selective but it indicates the potential global impact of this fungal genus on plant disease and food security.
Importance of host cell receptor specificity and immune responses in rotavirus pathogenesis
Authors: Coulson Barbara
Published: April 2020

Rotavirus is the main cause of severe infantile gastroenteritis worldwide in humans and a significant animal pathogen. Major determinants of the tropism of rotaviruses for particular hosts and cells include the ability to utilise certain cell surface receptors and evade innate host immune responses. Extraintestinal disease manifestations resulting from rotavirus infection are also increasingly being recognised. For example, this virus plays a role in accelerating progression towards the onset of type 1 diabetes in genetically at-risk children and mice. It is important to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the current childhood vaccines for rotavirus disease occurring both in the gut and extraintestinally.
Human bocaviruses – role in human gastroenteritis
Authors: Ratcliffe Rod
Published: April 2020

Human bocaviruses (HBoVs) are a recently discovered class of viruses associated with respiratory and enteric samples. Four genotypes have been reported and all have been detected in faeces. An association with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) has been reported for HBoV2 but more case-control studies are required to clarify their significance. HBoV1 and 3 are not statistically associated with AGE. The role of HBoV4 is unknown.
Vertical Transmission, September 2012
Authors: Young Paul
Published: April 2020

Welcome to this issue of Microbiology Australia, one that deals with the positive side of microbes and our interactions with them ? from those that we utilise in biotechnology to those that have co-evolved with their hosts in a mutually beneficial way. Ipek Kurtb�ke and Ian Macreadie have brought together an exceptional group of contributors who have provided a broad and fascinating insight into these ?good microbes?.
The microbial removal of toxic waste
Authors: Ball Andrew S , Kadali Krishna K
Published: April 2020

The rapid growth of the global chemical industry over the last 35 years has meant that there have been both increased amounts and complexity of toxic waste effluents. Global chemical output increased by 63% in the period from 1996 to 20101; this increase has led to an unprecedented release into the environment of a vast array of chemicals. Bioremediation is now a successful environmental biotechnology used for the remediation of these pollutants, having a number of advantages (for example, cost, environmental friendly means of disposal) over any alternative treatment such as placing in landfill or incineration. Bioremediation offers the opportunity to utilise the natural microbial population to treat the contaminated site, returning the elements making up the contaminants to natural nutrient cycling.
Even viruses can be beneficial microbes
Authors: Roossinck Marilyn J
Published: April 2020

Although viruses are almost always thought of as pathogens, most viruses probably do not cause disease, and some provide essential benefits to their hosts. Beneficial viruses are found in a wide variety of hosts including bacteria, insects, plants, fungi and other microbial eukaryotes, and humans and other animals. Beneficial viruses can confer tolerance to stress such as heat, cold and drought; they can prevent or attenuate infection by pathogenic microbes; they can act as bioweapons to allow their hosts access to new territory; and they have been critical in the evolution of their hosts. In spite of their bad reputation, viruses could be used to benefit humans and their food sources in novel ways.
Microbes at the extreme: Mining with microbes
Authors: Wijewardena Udeshika , Macreadie Ian , Kaksonen Anna H
Published: April 2020

The use of microorganisms to recover precious and base metals from mineral ores and concentrates is called biomining, or biohydrometallurgical processing. Biomining occurs through the natural ability of certain microorganisms to catalyse reactions, leading to the solubilisation of metals from the minerals. This process is used today in commercial operations to recover copper, nickel, cobalt, zinc and uranium from complex ores.
Leptospirosis - importance of a One Health approach
Authors: Chappel Roderick J. , Smythe Lee D.
Published: April 2020

The term leptospirosis represents a spectrum of human and veterinary diseases caused by pathogenic serovars of the spirochaete genus Leptospira. It is of global significance as a cause of human mortality and morbidity, and of disease in domestic and production animals and in wildlife. A One Health approach to leptospirosis control is essential because human infection almost invariably results either from direct animal exposure or from exposure to environments contaminated by infected animals. The relationships between human and veterinary leptospirosis are illustrated by Australian experience. A major factor limiting control of the disease is poor communication and cooperation between those working from medical and veterinary perspectives. Leptospira shows great antigenic and genetic diversity, and so international leptospirosis reference laboratories are a vital but fragile resource. There is a compelling need to maximise cooperation between all professions with an interest in leptospirosis, to create outcomes, to communicate with governments and to ensure essential resources.
Ross River virus - at the interface between humans, animals and the environment
Authors: Potter Abbey , Lindsay Michael D A , MacKenzie John S
Published: April 2020

Ross River virus (RRV) is the most common cause of mosquito-borne illness in Western Australians. The virus is maintained in nature principally via transmission between competent mosquito vectors and native (marsupial) vertebrate hosts, although humans are suspected of being amplifiers of RRV in some situations. The influence of prevailing environmental conditions on the ecology of RRV has been extensively documented. Indeed, monitoring of environmental variables, together with vector mosquito populations and infection rates with RRV, now provides effective early warning of elevated levels of RRV activity in several different regions of Australia. Serosurveys provide convincing evidence that western grey kangaroos (WGK; Macropus fuliginosus) are commonly infected with the virus in south-west coastal regions of Western Australia. There is also evidence of seroconversions in WGKs coinciding with outbreaks of human disease. Such outbreaks have been preceded by favourable environmental conditions for breeding of WGKs, presumably leading to an increase in numbers of non-immune individuals in the environment. More recently, GIS analyses of clusters of human cases of RRV has shown a relationship between proximity of residence to mosquito and WGK habitat and risk of RRV disease. These findings indicate that monitoring of seroprevalence to RRV in vertebrate hosts of RRV, such as the WGK, may assist in predicting outbreaks of RRV disease and for determining whether strategies to manage natural host populations in close proximity to human habitation may be worth further consideration.
Vale Jennifer Taplin BSc (21/4/1929–21/10/2016)
Authors: Forsyth Joc
Published: April 2020

Jenny was born in Ballarat. Soon after, her parents moved to a 300 acre property at Millbrook. She was educated at home until, aged seven, she was able to cycle to the local, one-teacher, State School. In this environment she acquired a permanent love of nature. In 1941, as a shy only child, she was sent to board at the Hermitage CEGGS. Her father’s death just before her final examinations led to her failure. She repeated the matriculation with success, but had to attend a boy’s college to study science subjects.
Industrial microbiology
Authors: Kurtböke İpek , Macreadie Ian
Published: April 2020

The exploitation of microorganisms has been part of humankind for millennia. Today this use has increased immensely as we re-purpose microorganisms in many novel ways to facilitate processes in food, pharmaceutical, detergent and mining industries. This issue of Microbiology Australia includes a brief look at the breadth of Industrial Microbiology and what it is offering us now and into the future.
Editorial
Authors: of Microbiology Australia Editorial Board
Published: April 2020

Issues of Microbiology Australia usually have a specific microbiology theme; however, this issue is different. It resulted from a call from the Editorial Board to Early Career Researchers of The Australian Society for Microbiology for expressions of interest to contribute to an issue showcasing upcoming leading Australian research, over a year ago. After submission, the Editorial Board then invited full submissions from Early Career Researchers who had ‘breaking’ research to present. These went through the normal process of peer review and revision before acceptance.
Vertical Transmission
Authors: Lyras Dena
Published: April 2020

This is my first Vertical Transmission posting as the new President of our Society, after having served as the Vice-President Scientific Affairs since 2014. I would like to thank the Executive Committee and the ASM Council for being confident in my abilities to serve in this important role. I thank Roy Robins-Browne for the wonderful leadership he provided over the last two years, and I am grateful that he will continue to support and guide me and the ASM over the coming year.
Modular repeat protein sculpting using rigid helical junctions
Authors: Brunette TJ , Bick Matthew J. , Hansen Jesse M. , Chow Cameron M. , Kollman Justin M. , Baker David
Published: April 2020

The ability to precisely design large proteins with diverse shapes would enable applications ranging from the design of protein binders that wrap around their target to the positioning of multiple functional sites in specified orientations. We describe a protein backbone design method for generating a wide range of rigid fusions between helix-containing proteins and use it to design 75,000 structurally unique junctions between monomeric and homo-oligomeric de novo designed and ankyrin repeat proteins (RPs). Of the junction designs that were experimentally characterized, 82% have circular dichroism and solution small-angle X-ray scattering profiles consistent with the design models and are stable at 95 °C. Crystal structures of four designed junctions were in close agreement with the design models with rmsds ranging from 0.9 to 1.6 Å. Electron microscopic images of extended tetrameric structures and ∼10-nm-diameter “L” and “V” shapes generated using the junctions are close to the design models, demonstrating the control the rigid junctions provide for protein shape sculpting over multiple nanometer length scales.
A Sec14 domain protein is required for photoautotrophic growth and chloroplast vesicle formation in
Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Hertle Alexander P. , García-Cerdán José G. , Armbruster Ute , Shih Robert , Lee Jimmy J. , Wong Winnie , Niyogi Krishna K.
Published: April 2020

Significance

The light reactions of photosynthesis in algae and plants occur in thylakoid membranes within the chloroplast. Previous studies have implicated membrane contact sites, vesicle trafficking, and lipid-binding proteins in the formation of thylakoids at the chloroplast inner envelope, but the molecular basis of thylakoid biogenesis and maintenance remains enigmatic. Here we show that CPSFL1 is a chloroplast Sec14 domain protein that binds lipids and can transfer phosphoinositides between membranes in vitro. In the model plant
Arabidopsis
, CPSFL1 is necessary for the appearance of vesicles in chloroplasts. Our results provide molecular evidence supporting an essential role of chloroplast lipid and vesicle trafficking for photoautotrophic growth.
Exceptional diversity of opsin expression patterns inNeogonodactylus oerstedii(Stomatopoda) retinas
Authors: Porter Megan L. , Awata Hiroko , Bok Michael J. , Cronin Thomas W.
Published: April 2020

Stomatopod crustaceans possess some of the most complex animal visual systems, including at least 16 spectrally distinct types of photoreceptive units (e.g., assemblages of photoreceptor cells). Here we fully characterize the set of opsin genes expressed in retinal tissues and determine expression patterns of each in the stomatopodNeogonodactylus oerstedii. Using a combination of transcriptome and RACE sequencing, we identified 33 opsin transcripts expressed in eachN. oerstediieye, which are predicted to form 20 long-wavelength–sensitive, 10 middle-wavelength–sensitive, and three UV-sensitive visual pigments. Observed expression patterns of these 33 transcripts were highly unusual in five respects: 1) All long-wavelength and short/middle-wavelength photoreceptive units expressed multiple opsins, while UV photoreceptor cells expressed single opsins; 2) most of the long-wavelength photoreceptive units expressed at least one middle-wavelength–sensitive opsin transcript; 3) the photoreceptors involved in spatial, motion, and polarization vision expressed more transcripts than those involved in color vision; 4) there is a unique opsin transcript that is expressed in all eight of the photoreceptive units devoted to color vision; and 5) expression patterns in the peripheral hemispheres of the eyes suggest visual specializations not previously recognized in stomatopods. Elucidating the expression patterns of all opsin transcripts expressed in theN. oerstediiretina reveals the potential for previously undocumented functional diversity in the already complex stomatopod eye and is a first step toward understanding the functional significance of the unusual abundance of opsins found in many arthropod species’ visual systems.
Insights into the rheology of cohesive granular media
Authors: Mandal Sandip , Nicolas Maxime , Pouliquen Olivier
Published: April 2020

Characterization and prediction of the “flowability” of powders are of paramount importance in many industries. However, our understanding of the flow of powders like cement or flour is sparse compared to the flow of coarse, granular media like sand. The main difficulty arises because of the presence of adhesive forces between the grains, preventing smooth and continuous flows. Several tests are used in industrial contexts to probe and quantify the “flowability” of powders. However, they remain empirical and would benefit from a detailed study of the physics controlling flow dynamics. Here, we attempt to fill the gap by performing intensive discrete numerical simulations of cohesive grains flowing down an inclined plane. We show that, contrary to what is commonly perceived, the cohesive nature of the flow is not entirely controlled by the interparticle adhesion, but that stiffness and inelasticity of the grains also play a significant role. For the same adhesion, stiffer and less dissipative grains yield a less cohesive flow. This observation is rationalized by introducing the concept of a dynamic, “effective” adhesive force, a single parameter, which combines the effects of adhesion, elasticity, and dissipation. Based on this concept, a rheological description of the flow is proposed for the cohesive grains. Our results elucidate the physics controlling the flow of cohesive granular materials, which may help in designing new approaches to characterize the “flowability” of powders.
Room-temperature skyrmion phase in bulk Cu
2
OSeO
3
under high pressures
Authors: Deng Liangzi , Wu Hung-Cheng , Litvinchuk Alexander P. , Yuan Noah F. Q. , Lee Jey-Jau , Dahal Rabin , Berger Helmuth , Yang Hung-Duen , Chu Ching-Wu
Published: April 2020

Significance

Skyrmion materials hold great promise for information technology due to the extremely low current needed to modify the spin configurations and the small size of magnetic domains. To facilitate their application, one great challenge is to break the magnetic field–temperature phase space restriction for the skyrmion state. We found that the temperature region for the skyrmion phase in bulk Cu
2
OSeO
3
can be greatly enhanced under physical pressure, making applications more practical by the use of strained heterostructures, for example. The observation of additional structures suggests that the skyrmion state may be insensitive to the underlying crystal structure. This work will stimulate research on finding skyrmion materials with different crystal structures and retaining the room-temperature skyrmion state at ambient condition.
Convergent spectral shifts to blue-green vision in mammals extends the known sensitivity of vertebrate M/LWS pigments
Authors: Chi Hai , Cui Yimeng , Rossiter Stephen J. , Liu Yang
Published: April 2020

Daylight vision in most mammals is mediated predominantly by a middle/long wavelength-sensitive (M/LWS) pigment. Although spectral sensitivity and associated shifts in M/LWS are mainly determined by five critical sites, predicted phenotypic variation is rarely validated, and its ecological significance is unclear. We experimentally determine spectral tuning of M/LWS pigments and show that two highly divergent taxa, the gerbil and the elephant-shrew, have undergone independent dramatic blue-green shifts to 490 nm. By generating mutant proteins, we identify additional critical sites contributing to these shifts. Our results, which extend the known range of spectral tuning of vertebrate M/LWS, provide a compelling case of functional convergence, likely related to parallel adaptive shifts from nocturnal to brighter light conditions in similar habitats.
Projecting hospital utilization during the COVID-19 outbreaks in the United States
Authors: Moghadas Seyed M. , Shoukat Affan , Fitzpatrick Meagan C. , Wells Chad R. , Sah Pratha , Pandey Abhishek , Sachs Jeffrey D. , Wang Zheng , Meyers Lauren A. , Singer Burton H. , Galvani Alison P.
Published: April 2020

In the wake of community coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission in the United States, there is a growing public health concern regarding the adequacy of resources to treat infected cases. Hospital beds, intensive care units (ICUs), and ventilators are vital for the treatment of patients with severe illness. To project the timing of the outbreak peak and the number of ICU beds required at peak, we simulated a COVID-19 outbreak parameterized with the US population demographics. In scenario analyses, we varied the delay from symptom onset to self-isolation, the proportion of symptomatic individuals practicing self-isolation, and the basic reproduction number
R
0
. Without self-isolation, when
R
0
= 2.5, treatment of critically ill individuals at the outbreak peak would require 3.8 times more ICU beds than exist in the United States. Self-isolation by 20% of cases 24 h after symptom onset would delay and flatten the outbreak trajectory, reducing the number of ICU beds needed at the peak by 48.4% (interquartile range 46.4–50.3%), although still exceeding existing capacity. When
R
0
= 2, twice as many ICU beds would be required at the peak of outbreak in the absence of self-isolation. In this scenario, the proportional impact of self-isolation within 24 h on reducing the peak number of ICU beds is substantially higher at 73.5% (interquartile range 71.4–75.3%). Our estimates underscore the inadequacy of critical care capacity to handle the burgeoning outbreak. Policies that encourage self-isolation, such as paid sick leave, may delay the epidemic peak, giving a window of time that could facilitate emergency mobilization to expand hospital capacity.
Interacting voices structure a text
Authors: Sawaki Tomoko
Published: April 2020

This paper quantitatively measures the distribution of dialogic elements across structural units in the introductory chapters of history theses with the aim of uncovering the roles of dialogic elements in constructing texts. The research was designed to test Bakhtin’s perspective on genre, which holds that viewpoints introduced into a discourse dialogise the text in such a way as to fulfil the text’s goals and structure the text. Results showed significant differences in the densities of dialogic elements across structural units; units that review previous research are highly dialogic, whereas units that present the author’s new research are seldom dialogised. Specifically, previous viewpoints tended to be dialogically endorsed in units that assert the importance of the research topic and dialogically disclaimed in units that indicated problems with previous research. The paper concludes that genre research and pedagogy need to emphasise the strategic deployment of dialogic elements that enable the successful structuring of texts. This study is intended to be one of the first methodological attempts to test the text structuring function of dialogic elements from a corpus-based investigation.
“Narcan Encounters:” Overdose and Naloxone Rescue Experiences among People who use Opioids
Authors: Kahn Linda S. , Wozniak Monika , Vest Bonnie M. , Moore Cheryll
Published: April 2020

Background

Communities across the United States are confronting the precipitous rise in opioid overdose fatalities that has occurred over the past decade. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, is a safe rescue medication that laypeople can administer to reverse an overdose. Community naloxone training programs have been well-documented. Less is known about overdose survivors’ subjective experiences with naloxone reversal and its impacts on drug use behavior.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 community-dwelling adults who had been reversed at least once with naloxone. Inductive thematic content analysis incorporating Atlas.ti software was used to identify themes.

Results

Four broad thematic categories were identified. (1) Overdose experience and memory: Most participants remembered taking the drugs one minute and waking up the next—sometimes in different surroundings; (2) Naloxone rescue—waking up: Participants described acute withdrawal symptoms, disorientation, and volatile emotions; (3) Reasons for overdose: Polypharmacy; changes in opioid tolerance, or presence of fentanyl were the most common explanations. (4) Impacts of naloxone rescue: A variety of contextual factors influenced participants’ responses to naloxone rescue, especially acute withdrawal symptoms. While some participants altered or tempered their opioid use, others resumed opioid use—especially to mitigate withdrawal. Participants overwhelmingly emphasized that naloxone saved their lives.

Conclusion

Results suggest that a naloxone rescue may not be a wake-up call for many people who use opioids, but access to naloxone is an effective overdose harm reduction option, supporting its widespread implementation. The study findings underscore the importance of ongoing community overdose prevention and harm reduction initiatives, including take-home naloxone (THN) and medication assisted treatment in the Emergency Department.
Mechanical determinants of forward skating sprint inferred from off‐ and on‐ice force‐velocity evaluations in elite female ice hockey players
Authors: Perez Jérôme , Guilhem Gaël , Hager Robin , Brocherie Franck
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to investigate the correlations between players’ mechanical capacities determined during off‐ and on‐ice tests. Whole body force‐velocity relationships were assessed in elite female ice hockey players (n = 17) during jumping [squat jump (SJ)], running (5 and 30 m) and skating (5 and 40 m) sprint tasks. Mechanical capacities estimates include relative maximal theoretical force (F0rel), velocity (V0), power (Pmaxrel), slope of the linear relationship between force relative to body mass and velocity (SFVrel), maximal horizontal component of the ground reaction force to the corresponding resultant force (RFmax) and minimal rate of decrease of this ratio (DRF). On‐ice mechanical capacities (F0rel, Pmaxrel, RFmax and DRF) largely‐to‐very largely correlated with 40‐m skating split time (r ranging from 0.82 for DRF to −0.91 for Pmaxrel; p < 0.001). Performance variables (SJ height, 30‐m running and 40‐m forward skating split time) and Pmaxrel demonstrated the largest associations between jumping, running and skating tasks (r ranging from −0.81 for 30‐m sprint running time to 0.92 for SJ height; p < 0.001). Small (V0, SFVrel, DRF and force‐velocity deficit) to very large (Pmaxrel) correlations (r ranging from 0.58 to 0.72; p < 0.05) were obtained between mechanical variables inferred from off‐ and on‐ice force‐velocity tests. The capacity to generate high amounts of horizontal power and effective horizontal force during the first steps on the ice is paramount for forward skating sprint performance. Mechanical capacities determined during forward skating sprint could be considered in ice hockey testing to identify fitness and/or technical/training requirements.
Unilateral peripheral facial paralysis following vestibular schwannoma surgical removal
Authors: Montino Silvia , Baddoo Elena , Agostinelli Anna , Cazzador Diego , Gheller Flavia , Trevisi Patrizia , Zanoletti Elisabetta
Published: April 2020

Introduction:

Unilateral peripheral facial palsy after vestibular neuroma surgery may cause miming, articulatory, communication and swallowing disorders, especially with liquids. The therapy ranges from no intervention to intensive treatment directly following onset or after a resting period of several months, when the nerve shows signs of recovery.

Methods:

The study is divided in two sequential steps. Patients involved in the first phase can volunteer for the second phase. In the first phase the perceived impairment was measured through a self-assessment questionnaire, the ‘Facial Disability Index’ (FDI). Other five questions were added to the FDI to better understand the perceived impairment of oral functions. In this second phase of the study, three clinical follow-ups were conducted by two Speech and Language Therapists during a 3-months period. During each session the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS) Scale was used to assess the severity of facial palsy in terms of facial asymmetry at rest or in motion and presence of synkinesis. Each evaluation was recorded on videotape and scored. Moreover, patients were monitored and observed during the ingestion of solid and liquid foods to detect difficulties and compensatory behaviours.

Results:

The median values and interquartile ranges for Physical, Social and Oral functioning scales of the FDI questionnaire were 48 [40–52], 76 [72–80], 52 [32–56] respectively. The Physical scale seemed to be the most impaired, the Oral functioning is the one with the lower scores. Four patients of the first phase entered the second one. During the follow-ups, they all showed a reduction of the perceived impairment although there was no significant physical recovery, as the SFGS remain stable.

Discussion:

The study supports the importance of the FDI, as a disease-specific, self-report functional status instrument. The follow-ups seem to confirm that the severity of dysphagia and swallowing disorder does not correlate with the severity of the facial palsy. The present study suggests adding patient’s education to the first rehabilitation goals, to allow the patient to have a better understanding of his/her oral functioning, that is altered after surgery.
Entanglement classification via neural network quantum states
Authors: Harney Cillian , Pirandola Stefano , Ferraro Alessandro , Paternostro Mauro
Published: April 2020

The task of classifying the entanglement properties of a multipartite quantum state poses a remarkable challenge due to the exponentially increasing number of ways in which quantum systems can share quantum correlations. Tackling such challenge requires a combination of sophisticated theoretical and computational techniques. In this paper we combine machine-learning tools and the theory of quantum entanglement to perform entanglement classification for multipartite qubit systems in pure states. We use a parameterisation of quantum systems using artificial neural networks in a restricted Boltzmann machine architecture, known as Neural Network Quantum States, whose entanglement properties can be deduced via a constrained, reinforcement learning procedure. In this way, Separable Neural Network States can be used to build entanglement witnesses for any target state.
Unification of theories requires a postulate basis in common
Authors: Suntola Tuomo
Published: April 2020

A primary challenge of natural sciences in the new millennium is to cure the gap between metaphysics and empiricism – and puzzle out the obstacles to a unified theory and an understandable picture of reality. Antique science flourished via its strong philosophical impact but faded away due to the lack of supporting empirical science. The fast development of mathematical physics has led to the other opposite; theories are diversified, they are more like mathematical descriptions of observations; they provide precise predictions but lack a solid metaphysical basis and an understandable picture of reality. Anyway, modern science has increased our understanding of physics from elementary particles to cosmological structures and produced information that allows re-evaluation of the basis. By switching from an observer-oriented perspective to a system-oriented perspective, any local object is related to the rest of space and relativity appears as a direct consequence of the conservation of total energy in the system – without scarifying the absolute time and distance essential for human comprehension. Such a holistic approach has led to the Dynamic Universe theory (DU). After maturing for the last twenty-five years, DU produces precise, well-tested predictions for local and cosmological observables and an uncontradictory linkage to quantum mechanics.
Is the Solar System expanding?
Authors: Sipilä Heikki
Published: April 2020

It is argued in this article that observations undermine the no-expansion hypothesis of standard physics, where gravitationally bound systems do not expand along with the expansion of space, and support the contrary expansion hypothesis where the Solar System expands proportionally to the expansion of space. First, the no-expansion hypothesis yields the Faint Young Sun Paradox–the dilemma of explaining why there have been oceans on Mars and why the Earth has been warm 3.5 billion year ago, when luminosity of the Sun was 25% smaller than today–whereas the expansion hypothesis resolves the paradox. Second, the number of days in a year in the past cannot be explained with tidal friction alone, whereas the fusion of the tidal friction and the expansion hypothesis functions as a natural explanation. Third, the no-expansion hypothesis does not match the historical increase of the Earth-Moon distance, whereas the expansion hypothesis matches it perfectly. These three examples strongly indicate that the Solar System is expanding along with the expansion of space.
Ontological and methodological virtues of unification
Authors: Ingthorsson R D
Published: April 2020

The widespread mistrust of metaphysics—the main obstacle to the unification of physics and philosophy—is based on the myth that metaphysical claims cannot be falsified or verified, because they are supposedly true independently of empirical knowledge. This is not true of metaphysical naturalism, whose approach is to critically reflect on the theories and findings of all the empirical disciplines and abstract from them a theory about such general features of reality that no single empirical discipline can be the authority on. Causation is such a feature, since its instances include anything from planetary motions to particle interactions, chemical reactions, biological functions, and closing a door. Consequently, a general account of causation is beyond any particular empirical discipline. Metaphysical naturalism takes a meta-perspective on the results of the empirical sciences and attempts to figure out how it fits together in a coherent whole, e.g. by offering a general account of causation. General accounts of this kind are falsifiable in so far as the theories are falsifiable from which they are generalizations. The paper also discusses some fundamental metaphysical principles implicitly assumed by the sciences generally, and why they imply that unification is methodologically virtuous.
A facile rout to obtain Al2O3 nanopowder via recycling aluminum cans by sol-gel method
Authors: Fakhimi Omid , Najafi Abolhassan , Khalaj Gholamreza
Published: April 2020

Aluminum alkoxide compound was prepared using aluminum cans and used as a precursor in the mesoporous alumina synthesis processes by sol-gel method. The aging temperature of 25, 60, 80 °C and period of 12, 24 and 48 h were investigated as the main parameters in determining the sol particle size and the bonding process during the gel process. The results showed that the aging temperature of 80 °C and duration of 24 h are the optimum conditions for the synthesis of mesoporous alumina with superior properties in terms of specific surface area and porosity. The estimation of calcination temperature showed that the minimum temperature required to reach the alumina phase is 500 °C. However, due to the necessity of the presence of crystalline phase with maximum ordering at atomic plane arrangement, 900 °C temperature and 1 h storage time were selected as the optimum calcination conditions. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy studies of the optimum sample showed that the final product consists of nanoparticles with same appearance, and the particle size distribution was in the range of 20 to 40 nm. Due to the binding of nanoparticles and the formation of larger masses, porosities in the meso-range are created in their microstructure, which introduces the end product to be used as a catalyst sub base.
Linear correlation between the c-axis lattice constant and superconducting critical temperature in FeSe0.5Te0.5 thin films
Authors: Huang Jingfeng , Zhang Yalin , Xing Zhongwen , Gu Min , Wang Peng , Wang Zhihe , Xing Dingyu
Published: April 2020

Using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and electrical resistance analyses, we investigate structural and superconducting properties of FeSe0.5Te0.5 films deposited by pulsed laser deposition on TiO2-buffered (CeO2-buffered) SrTiO3 substrates with the buffer film thickness varying from 0 to several tens of nanometers. It is found that the SrTiO3/TiO2 (or CeO2)/FeSe0.5Te0.5 film in a proper thickness range of the buffer film shows a higher superconducting transition temperature (T

c
) than the SrTiO3/FeSe0.5Te0.5 film without buffer layer, indicating that the buffer layer can enhance T

c
. Both T

c
and the c-axis lattice constant of FeSe0.5Te0.5 films increase first and then decrease with the buffer film thickness, each exhibiting its maximum at a particular buffer film thickness, and both of them show an almost linear correlation.
Commercial and emerging technologies for cancer diagnosis and prognosis based on circulating tumor exosomes
Authors: Ohannesian Nareg , Gunawardhana Loku , Misbah Ibrahim , Rakhshandehroo Mohsen , Lin Steven H , Shih Wei-Chuan
Published: April 2020

Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles excreted by mammalian cells that circulate freely in the bloodstream of living organisms. Exosomes have a lipid bilayer that encloses genetic material used in intracellular communication (e.g. double-stranded DNA, micro-RNAs, and messenger RNA). Recent evidence suggests that dysregulation of this genetic content within exosomes has a major role in tumor progression in the surrounding microenvironment. Motivated by this discovery, we focused here on using exosomal biomarkers as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for cancer. In this review, we discuss recently discovered exosome-derived proteomic and genetic biomarkers used in cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Although several genetic biomarkers have been validated for their diagnostic values, proteomic biomarkers are still being actively pursued. We discuss both commercial technologies and emerging technologies for exosome isolation and analysis. Emerging technologies can be classified into optical and non-optical methods. The working principle of each method is briefly discussed as well as advantages and limitations.
Structural and optical properties of zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles: effect of calcination temperature
Authors: Horti N C , Kamatagi M D , Nataraj S K , Wari M N , Inamdar S R
Published: April 2020

In this article, we report the structural and optical properties of zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles synthesized via chemical co-precipitation method. The effect of calcination temperature on structural and optical properties of ZrO2 nanoparticles is investigated through XRD, FESEM, EDX, FTIR, UV–Vis absorption, fluorescence emission and life time measurements. XRD spectrum reveals the tetragonal phase at calcination temperature 600 °C and crystallinity of samples increases with calcination temperature. At 800 °C the phase transition from tetragonal to tetragonal-monoclinic mixed phase is noticed. The FESEM images show the particles are of irregular shape and highly agglomerated. FTIR spectra also confirm the formation of ZrO2 in crystalline phase. From UV–vis absorption spectra it is found a strong quantization and varying band gap with calcination temperature. The change in emission wavelength and intensity with phase change is observed form fluorescence emission spectra. At higher calcination temperature emission intensity is decreased which may be due to the phase change and the formation of surface defects. The life time measurements also reveal the different trap states and life time with calcination temperature.
Toenail-Based Metal Concentrations and Young-Onset Breast Cancer
Authors: O’Brien Katie M , White Alexandra J , Jackson Brian P , Karagas Margaret R , Sandler Dale P , Weinberg Clarice R
Published: April 2020

Several metals have carcinogenic properties, but their associations with breast cancer are not established. We studied cadmium, a metalloestrogen, and 9 other metals—arsenic, cobalt, chromium, copper, mercury, molybdenum, lead, tin, and vanadium–—in relation to young-onset breast cancer (diagnosis age <50 years), which tends to be more aggressive than and have a different risk profile from later-onset disease. Recent metal exposure was measured by assessing element concentrations, via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, in toenail clippings of 1,217 disease-discordant sister pairs in the US-based Sister (2003–2009) and Two Sister (2008–2010) studies. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. After correcting for differential calendar time of sample collection, no statistically significant associations were observed between any metals and breast cancer. Vanadium had the largest odds ratio (for fourth vs. first quartile, odds ratio = 1.54, 95% confidence interval: 0.75, 3.16; P for trend = 0.21). The association between cadmium and young-onset breast cancer was near null, with no evidence of a dose-response relationship (for fourth vs. first quartile, odds ratio = 0.95, 95% confidence interval: 0.64, 1.43; P for trend = 0.64). Positive associations between urinary cadmium concentrations and breast cancer have been reported in case-control studies, but we observed no such association between young-onset breast cancer and toenail concentrations of any assessed metals.
To What Extent Is the Association Between Race/Ethnicity and Fetal Growth Restriction Explained by Adequacy of Prenatal Care? A Mediation Analysis of a Retrospectively Selected Cohort
Authors: Nasiri Khalidha , Moodie Erica E M , Abenhaim Haim A
Published: April 2020

Race/ethnicity is associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and small-for-gestational age (SGA) birth. We evaluated the extent to which this association is mediated by adequacy of prenatal care (PNC). A retrospective cohort study was conducted using US National Center for Health Statistics natality files for the years 2011–2017. We performed mediation analyses using a statistical approach that allows for exposure-mediator interaction, and we estimated natural direct effects, natural indirect effects, and proportions mediated. All effects were estimated as risk ratios. Among 23,118,656 singleton live births, the excess risk of IUGR among Black women, Hispanic women, and women of other race/ethnicity as compared with White women was partly mediated by PNC adequacy: 13% of the association between non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity and IUGR, 12% of the association in Hispanic women, and 10% in other women was attributable to PNC inadequacy. The percentage of excess risk of SGA birth that was mediated was 7% in Black women, 6% in Hispanic women, and 5% in other women. Our findings suggest that PNC adequacy may partly mediate the association between race/ethnicity and fetal growth restriction. In future research, investigators should employ causal mediation frameworks to consider additional factors and mediators that could help us better understand this association.
Intraspecific trait variation influences physiological performance and fitness in the South Africa shrub genus Protea (Proteaceae)
Authors: Nolting Kristen M , Prunier Rachel , Midgley Guy F , Holsinger Kent E
Published: April 2020

Background and Aims

Global plant trait datasets commonly identify trait relationships that are interpreted to reflect fundamental trade-offs associated with plant strategies, but often these trait relationships are not identified when evaluating them at smaller taxonomic and spatial scales. In this study we evaluate trait relationships measured on individual plants for five widespread Protea species in South Africa to determine whether broad-scale patterns of structural trait (e.g. leaf area) and physiological trait (e.g. photosynthetic rates) relationships can be detected within natural populations, and if these traits are themselves related to plant fitness.

Methods

We evaluated the variance structure (i.e. the proportional intraspecific trait variation relative to among-species variation) for nine structural traits and six physiological traits measured in wild populations. We used a multivariate path model to evaluate the relationships between structural traits and physiological traits, and the relationship between these traits and plant size and reproductive effort.

Key Results

While intraspecific trait variation is relatively low for structural traits, it accounts for between 50 and 100 % of the variation in physiological traits. Furthermore, we identified few trait associations between any one structural trait and physiological trait, but multivariate regressions revealed clear associations between combinations of structural traits and physiological performance (R2 = 0.37–0.64), and almost all traits had detectable associations with plant fitness.

Conclusions

Intraspecific variation in structural traits leads to predictable differences in individual-level physiological performance in a multivariate framework, even though the relationship of any particular structural trait to physiological performance may be weak or undetectable. Furthermore, intraspecific variation in both structural and physiological traits leads to differences in plant size and fitness. These results demonstrate the importance of considering measurements of multivariate phenotypes on individual plants when evaluating trait relationships and how trait variation influences predictions of ecological and evolutionary outcomes.