bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid efficacy of aripiprazole in the treatment of catatonic depression/catatonia with consideration of the drug’s unique receptor profile: a case report
Authors: Sichert Verena , Volz Hans-Peter
Published: June 2020

Catatonia is a widespread problem in psychiatric hospitals as approximately 10% of patients present with catatonic symptoms upon admission. Catatonia carries the risk of severe, even fatal complications. The first line treatment is usually electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or benzodiazepines, but ECT may not be readily available and benzodiazepines may not always be effective. We describe the case of a patient presenting with severe symptoms of catatonic depression who completed a 3-day course of 25 mg aripiprazole that rapidly resolved his catatonic symptoms. Several cases have already been reported where administration of aripiprazole successfully resolved catatonic symptoms after other treatment options had failed. Aripiprazole’s efficacy and advantages may lie in its unique receptor profile. It acts as a dopamine D2 receptor (D2 R) antagonist and partial D2 R agonist depending on the precise cellular milieu, which may explain its efficacy and favourable side effect profile compared to other antipsychotics used to treat catatonia. Aripiprazole also partially agonises D3 receptors and serotonin 2 C receptors (5-HT2 C), which may contribute to its antidepressant properties. Aripiprazole enhances gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmission in certain brain areas, and it is widely agreed that low GABA activity may contribute to catatonic symptoms. Pharmacokinetics studies show that peak plasma levels are reached rapidly, within 2–3 hours of intramuscular administration and 4–6 hours of oral administration. Administration of high-dose aripiprazole (>25 mg/day) should be considered as a viable alternative to ECT and benzodiazepines in patients presenting with catatonic symptoms. Aripiprazole also carries a much lower risk of complications compared to other antipsychotics.
Post-polypectomy colonoscopy surveillance: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline – Update 2020
Authors: Hassan Cesare , Antonelli Giulio , Dumonceau Jean-Marc , Regula Jaroslaw , Bretthauer Michael , Chaussade Stanislas , Dekker Evelien , Ferlitsch Monika , Gimeno-Garcia Antonio , Jover Rodrigo , Kalager Mette , Pellisé Maria , Pox Christian , Ricciardiello Luigi , Rutter Matthew , Helsingen Lise Mørkved , Bleijenberg Arne , Senore Carlo , van Hooft Jeanin E. , Dinis-Ribeiro Mario , Quintero Enrique
Published: June 2020

Main Recommendations

The following recommendations for post-polypectomy colonoscopic surveillance apply to all patients who had one or more polyps that were completely removed during a high quality baseline colonoscopy.

1 ESGE recommends that patients with complete removal of 1 – 4 < 10 mm adenomas with low grade dysplasia, irrespective of villous components, or any serrated polyp < 10 mm without dysplasia, do not require endoscopic surveillance and should be returned to screening.

Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.

If organized screening is not available, repetition of colonoscopy 10 years after the index procedure is recommended.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.

2 ESGE recommends surveillance colonoscopy after 3 years for patients with complete removal of at least 1 adenoma ≥ 10 mm or with high grade dysplasia, or ≥ 5 adenomas, or any serrated polyp ≥ 10 mm or with dysplasia.

Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.

3 ESGE recommends a 3 – 6-month early repeat colonoscopy following piecemeal endoscopic resection of polyps ≥ 20 mm.

Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.

A first surveillance colonoscopy 12 months after the repeat colonoscopy is recommended to detect late recurrence.

Strong recommendation, high quality evidence.

4 If no polyps requiring surveillance are detected at the first surveillance colonoscopy, ESGE suggests to perform a second surveillance colonoscopy after 5 years.

Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.

After that, if no polyps requiring surveillance are detected, patients can be returned to screening.

5 ESGE suggests that, if polyps requiring surveillance are detected at first or subsequent surveillance examinations, surveillance colonoscopy may be performed at 3 years.

Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.

A flowchart showing the recommended surveillance intervals is provided (Fig. 1).
Correlation Between Serum TSH Levels Within Normal Range and Serum Lipid Profile
Authors: Luxia Liu , Jingfang Liu , Songbo Fu , Xulei Tang , Lihua Ma , Weiming Sun , Ying Niu , Gaojing Jing , Qianglong Niu , Yujuan Li , Dan Wu , Fang Yang , Huiping Guo , Pei Song
Published: June 2020

The aim of the work was to investigate the correlation between serum TSH (thyrotropin) levels within normal range and serum lipids. A total of 1962 subjects with normal thyroid function were enrolled. The subjects were divided into four groups according to the quartiles of serum normal TSH levels, [Q1 (0.27–1.68) mIU/l, Q2 (1.69–2.35) mIU/l, Q3 (2.36–3.07) mIU/l, and Q4 (3.08–4.20) mIU/l]. The effect of serum normal TSH levels on serum lipid profiles of different age or gender was analyzed. The total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels of the Q3 group and TG levels of the Q4 group were higher than those of the Q1 group in youth (p <0.05). The TC levels of the Q3 group were higher than those of the Q2 group in middle age (p <0.05). The LDL-C levels of middle age or elderly were higher than those of youth at the same TSH levels (p <0.05), while the TC levels of middle age were higher than those of youth in Q1, Q3, or Q4 group (p <0.05), and the TC and HDL-C levels of elderly were higher than those of youth in the Q2 group (p <0.05). The TG levels of the Q3 group were higher than those of Q1 group in males (p <0.05). The LDL-C levels of the Q3 group were higher than those of the Q1 group in females (p <0.05). In conclusion, the normal serum TSH levels were found to be closely related to serum lipid profiles, and with increasing TSH levels, serum lipids levels increased gradually.
Method Development and Validation of UV Spectrophotometric Method for
the Quantitative Estimation of Curcumin in Simulated Nasal Fluid
Authors: Sharma Sherry , Sharma Jai Bharti , Bhatt Shailendra , Kumar Manish
Published: June 2020

Background Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound with numerous therapeutic
activities. There is no validated method available for the quantitative
estimation of curcumin in simulated nasal fluid.

Objective The aim of present investigation was to develop a simple and
precise UV visible spectrophotometric method for estimation of pure form of
curcumin in simulated nasal fluid.

Method Suitable solvent system was selected by estimation of curcumin at
UV maxima of 421nm in simulated nasal fluid with two surfactants (tween 80 and
sodium lauryl sulphate). The double beam UV visible spectrophotometer was used
for measurement of absorption. The selected solvent system was further validated
according to guidelines of international conference on harmonization (ICH), the
analytical parameter like linearity, precision and accuracy etc. were
studied.

Results Simulated nasal fluid with tween 80 at 1% concentration
satisfied all the conditions relative to Peak quality at the stated wavelength.
In developed method, curcumin was found to be linear over selected concentration
range of 5 to 60µg/ml with a correlation coefficient of 0.998.
The accuracy was found to be in range of
99.51 –100.223%.The precision was found to be less than
2 in terms of % RSD. The LOD & LOQ were 0.3657 & 1.109
respectively.

Conclusion The proposed method was found to be simple, sensitive and
precise. The most important this method can be used for routine quality control
analysis of curcumin with accuracy.
Fetal Meconium Peritonitis – Prenatal Findings and Postnatal Outcome: A Case Series, Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shinar Shiri , Agrawal Swati , Ryu Michelle , Van Mieghem Tim , Daneman Alan , Ryan Greg , Zani Augusto , Chiu Priscilla , Chitayat David
Published: June 2020

Purpose To describe the postnatal outcome of fetal meconium peritonitis and identify prenatal predictors of neonatal surgery.

Methods We retrospectively reviewed all fetuses with ultrasound findings suspicious for meconium peritonitis at a single center over a 10-year period. A systematic review and meta-analysis were then performed pooling our results with previous studies assessing prenatally diagnosed meconium peritonitis and postnatal outcome. Prenatal sonographic findings were analyzed to identify predictors for postnatal surgery.

Results 34 cases suggestive of meconium peritonitis were diagnosed at our center. These were pooled with cases from 14 other studies yielding a total of 244 cases. Postnatal abdominal surgery was required in two thirds of case (66.5 %). The strongest predictor of neonatal surgery was meconium pseudocyst (OR [95 % CI] 6.75 [2.53–18.01]), followed by bowel dilation (OR [95 % CI] 4.17 [1.93–9.05]) and ascites (OR [95 % CI] 2.57 [1.07–5.24]). The most common cause of intestinal perforation and meconium peritonitis, found in 52.2 % of the cases, was small bowel atresia. Cystic fibrosis was diagnosed in 9.8 % of cases. Short-term neonatal outcomes were favorable, with a post-operative mortality rate of 8.1 % and a survival rate of 100 % in neonates not requiring surgery.

Conclusion Meconium pseudocysts, bowel dilation, and ascites are prenatal predictors of neonatal surgery in cases of meconium peritonitis. Fetuses with these findings should be delivered in centers with pediatric surgery services. Though the prognosis is favorable, cystic fibrosis complicates postnatal outcomes.
Microsurgical Cisternostomy for Treating Critical Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury - An alternative Therapeutic Approach
Authors: Campos Paiva Aline Lariessy , Vitorino Araujo João Luiz , Lovato Renan Maximilian , Veiga José Carlos Esteves
Published: June 2020

Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of mortality around the world. Few advances regarding surgical approaches have been made in the past few years to improve its outcomes. Microsurgical cisternostomy is a well-established technique used in vascular and skull base surgery and recently emerges as a suitable procedure with lesser costs and morbidity when compared with decompressive craniectomy in patients with diffuse TBI. This study aims to describe the technique, indications, and limitations of cisternostomy and to compare it with decompressive craniectomy (DC).

Methods A prospective study is being conducted after obtaining approval of the local human ethics research committee. Once the inclusion and exclusion criteria are applied, the patients are submitted to microsurgical cisternostomy, pre and postoperative neurological status and brain computed tomography (CT) evaluation. A detailed review was also performed, which discusses diffuse TBI, DC, and cisternostomy for the treatment of TBI.

Results Two patients were submitted to cisternostomy after TBI and the presence of acute subdural hematoma and huge midline shift at admission computed tomography. The surgery was authorized by the family (the informed consent form was signed). Both patients evolved with a good recovery after the procedure, and had a satisfactory control brain CT. No further surgeries were required after the initial cisternostomy.

Conclusions Cisternostomy is an adequate technique for the treatment of selected patients affected by diffuse TBI, and it is a proper alternative to DC with lesser costs and morbidity, since a single neurosurgical procedure is performed. A prospective study is being conducted for a better evaluation and these were the initial cases of this new protocol.
Mechanism of the t-BuOM (M = K, Na, Li)/DMEDA-Mediated Direct C–H Arylation of Benzene: A Computational Study
Authors: Patil Mahendra
Published: June 2020

Over the past ten years, a combination of organic additive and t-BuOK/t-BuONa has been successfully used for the direct C–H arylation of arenes. Conceptually different from transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions, these t-BuOK-mediated reactions have raised significant curiosity among organic chemists. Herein, a systematic computational study of each elementary step of the t-BuOM (M = K, Na, Li)/N
1,N
2-dimethylethane-1,2-diamine (DMEDA) mediated direct C–H arylation of benzene is detailed. The presented mechanistic proposal relies on the complexation and reaction of t-BuOM with DMEDA (additive), which leads to the formation of different complexes such as SED(M+)…PhI. These complexes mainly involve coordination of the metal ion (from t-BuOM) to the additive and iodobenzene via stabilizing cation–lone pair and cation–π interactions. Such complexation of a metal ion to an additive and iodobenzene not only ensures facile electron transfer to iodobenzene but also provides a lowest energy pathway for the subsequent radical addition and deprotonation step.
N-Acyliminium Ion Chemistry: Improving the Access to Unsaturated γ-Lactams and Their N-α-Methoxylated Derivatives: Application to an Expeditive Synthesis of (±)-Crispine A
Authors: Pérard-Viret Joëlle , Souquet Florence , Drici Wassila , Fayssal Sandra Abi , Lazouni Imane , Thueillon Sébastien
Published: June 2020

An improved synthesis of unsaturated γ-lactams by condensation of various primary amines with 2,5-dimethoxy-2,5-dihydrofuran is described. A modified mechanism for this reaction is suggested. Synthesis of their N-α-methoxylated derivatives, as N-acyliminium ion precursors, is also reported. Finally, a short synthesis of (±)-crispine A is presented as an illustrative application.
Do Blood Cell Parameters have a Predictive Role in the Etiology and Severity Pediatric Antrochoanal Polyp Cases?
Authors: Özçelik Korkmaz Müge , Çelik Bilgehan , Turan Fatih , Güven Mehmet , Güven Ebru
Published: June 2020

Introduction There are no definitive parameters to guide the etiology and severity of pediatric antrochoanal polyps.

Objective The aim of our study is to compare the values of blood cell distribution parameters in cases of pediatric antrochoanal polyps (ACPs) with those of the control group. These values may be guiding parameters in determining the etiology of ACPs and evaluating the severity of the disease and the risk of recurrence.

Methods Blood count values of patients operated for pediatric ACPs were retrospectively analyzed and compared with the data of the control group with the same age and gender distribution. The ACPs group was divided into subgroups in terms of inflammation, severity, and recurrence, and these subgroups were statistically compared as well.

Results When the ACP patient group and the control group were compared, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. When we compared the patients considering the CT findings, there was a statistically significant difference between the stage III patients and the control group in terms of mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) values (p < 0.05 in both). Similarly, the MPV and PLR values were significantly higher in the recurrence patient group than in the control group. (p < 0.05 in both).

Conclusion As a result of the data obtained, it can be suggested that inflammatory parameters in pediatric cases of ACPs vary in terms of recurrence and the severity of the disease.
Sleep lifestyle correlate of dizziness among teachers
Authors: Ciquinato Daiane Soares de Almeida , Gibrin Paula Carolina Dias , Félix Carla Juliana Lotti , Bazoni Jessica Aparecida , Marchiori Luciana Lozza de Moraes
Published: June 2020

Introduction Some studies have shown associations between sleep quality and dizziness. However, this association has not been investigated in teachers.

Objective To verify a possible association between dizziness complaint and sleep quality in teachers.

Methods Cross-sectional study developed with 96 school teachers (mean age of 47.8 ± 9.8 years). To assess dizziness, an audiological assessment was performed, which was the same one used in routine audiological care (Miller protocol). The dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) was applied to those individuals who reported dizziness. To evaluated sleep quality, the Pittsburgh sleep quality index was used.

Results The prevalence of dizziness was 22.9% (n = 22). Of these, 77.3% (n = 17) were women, 63.6% (n = 14) demonstrated poor sleep quality, and 54.5% (n = 12) were young adults (27–48 years). In the comparison between the dizziness and the control groups, no statistically significant differences were found (p> 0.05). The analysis adjusted for the confounding variables showed a difference for men in the sleep efficiency variable (p = 0.043); young adults showed a statistically significant difference in the total score (p = 0.021) and total sleep time (p = 0.029). There was a moderate correlation between DHI and total time in bed (p = 0.036, r = 0.497) and DHI and sleep efficiency (p = 0.014; r = -0.582).

Conclusion Dizziness influences the quality of sleep in teachers, especially that of the youngest and male patients. There was a moderate correlation between total time in bed, sleep efficiency, and DHI, demonstrating that sleep quality should be considered an important factor in the assessment and rehabilitation process of dizziness.
Cerebellar Dysplastic Gangliocytoma: Case Report
Authors: Mesquita Filho Paulo Moacir , Susin Katriane , Köhler Luiza Rech , Devens Leticia Bassani , Schwingel Daniela , Giacomelli Richard , Manzato Luciano Bambini , Azambuja Júnior Nério Dutra
Published: June 2020

Lhermitte-Duclos disease (LDD), or cerebellar dysplastic gangliocytoma, is a rare type of cerebellar tumor, from unknown origin. Patients can be asymptomatic for several years, but there are usually imprecise neurological signs for long periods.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 and Metabolic Dysfunction in Women with a Prior Glucose-Intolerant Pregnancy
Authors: Durnwald Celeste , Mele Lisa , Landon Mark B. , Varner Michael W. , Casey Brian M. , Reddy Uma M. , Wapner Ronald J. , Rouse Dwight J. , Tita Alan T. N. , Thorp John M. , Chien Edward K. , Saade George R. , Peaceman Alan M. , Blackwell Sean C. ,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health Human Development (NICHD) Maternal Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network
Published: June 2020

Objective We sought to determine if there is an association between fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels and a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women with and without metabolic dysfunction, defined as a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes (T2DM), 5 to 10 years following participation in a multiple cohort GDM study.

Study Design At 5 to 10 years after index pregnancy, women underwent a follow-up visit and were categorized as having no metabolic syndrome, metabolic syndrome, or T2DM. FGF21 levels were compared between women who did and did not have a history of GDM using multivariable linear regression.

Results Among 1,889 women, 950 underwent follow-up and 796 had plasma samples analyzed (413 GDM and 383 non-GDM). Total 30.7% of women had been diagnosed with T2DM or metabolic syndrome. Overall, there was no difference in median FGF21 levels in pg/mL between the prior GDM and non-GDM groups (p = 0.12), and the lack of association was observed across all three metabolic categories at follow-up (p for interaction = 0.70).

Conclusion There was no association between FGF21 levels and prior history of mild GDM in women with and without metabolic dysfunction 5 to 10 years after the index pregnancy (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00069576, original trial).
Analysis of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Admissions for Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Turkey
Authors: Yilmaz Resul , Karaaslan Erhan , Albayrak Suleyman Ekrem , Gul Ali , Kasap Tuba
Published: June 2020

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics, course of disease, and outcomes of patients admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF).

Methods Data of all patients with CCHF who were admitted to PICU during a 3-year period and whose diagnosis was confirmed by serological methods or polymerase chain reaction were retrospectively reviewed. Their presenting characteristics, treatments, and outcomes were extracted from the hospital's electronic database. Disease severity scoring was performed using the severity scoring index and severity grading score system.

Results The data of 22 of 123 patients with suspected CCHF who were admitted to PICU were evaluated. Among them, 68.2% were males and mean age of all patients was 13.4 ± 2.2 years. The average length of stay of 10 patients was >10 days. On average, 3.72 units of platelet suspension per patient was transfused. In the course of the disease, the highest laboratory values were reached on day 3 of admission.

Conclusion Poor CCHF outcome depends on thrombocytopenia severity, prolonged coagulation tests, high-liver enzyme levels, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Poor outcomes can be avoided by CCHF awareness and preparedness, early diagnosis of the disease, and supportive treatment with appropriate fluid and blood product transfusion. Randomized controlled trials on prophylactic transfusion and ribavirin use are needed.
Management of Gastric and Ectopic Varices: The Endoscopist's Perspective
Authors: Henry Zachary
Published: June 2020

Gastric and Ectopic varices are a rare complication of portal hypertension and represent a complex, heterogeneous system of vascular shunts. Bleeding from these shunts can be severe and life-threatening, with poorly standardized treatment algorithms to follow in their management. When bleeding occurs, it is important to follow standard diagnostic procedures for portal hypertensive bleeding and always obtain imaging of the underlying vascular anatomy to help guide therapy. Potential treatment methods will depend on these imaging findings as well as the location of the varix within the gastrointestinal tract. While gastric varices have more data to support specific treatment options, duodenal and rectal varices have only case reports and case series to guide their care. In addition, stomal varices are a very rare complication of portal hypertension and have limited data to support any one treatment modality. Gastric and ectopic varices are best approached in a multidisciplinary fashion after discussion with hepatologists and interventional radiologists to overcome the uncertainty in choosing a definitive therapy.
Role of sheared E × B flow in self-organized, improved confinement states in magnetized plasmas
Authors: Burrell K. H.
Published: June 2020

A major scientific success story of magnetic fusion research in the past several decades has been the theoretical development and experimental testing of the process of turbulence decorrelation and stabilization by sheared E × B flow, which shows that E × B shear effects are ubiquitous in magnetized plasmas. This concept of turbulence decorrelation and stabilization has the universality needed to explain the H-mode edge transport barriers seen in limiter and divertor tokamaks, stellarators, and mirror machines; the broader edge transport barrier seen in VH-mode plasmas; and the core transport barriers formed in tokamaks. Similar effects are seen in linear devices. These examples of confinement improvement are of considerable physical interest; it is not often that a system self-organizes to reduce transport when an additional source of free energy is applied to it. The transport decrease associated with E × B velocity shear is also of great practical benefit to fusion research, since it contributed to substantially increased fusion yield in all DT magnetic fusion experiments conducted to date. The fundamental physics involved in transport reduction is the effect of E × B shear on the growth, radial extent, and phase correlation of turbulent eddies in the plasma. The same basic transport reduction process can be operational in various portions of the plasma because there are a number of ways to change the radial electric field Er. An important secondary theme in this area is the synergistic effect of E × B velocity shear and magnetic shear. Although the E × B velocity shear appears to have an effect on broader classes of microturbulence, magnetic shear can mitigate some potentially harmful effects of E × B velocity shear and facilitate turbulence stabilization. Our present understanding in this area is the result of a multi-decade, intertwined effort in theory, modeling, and diagnostic development combined with continuing experimental investigations. These experiments have clearly demonstrated that increased E × B shear causes reductions in turbulence and transport. The experimental results are generally consistent with the basic theoretical models although considerable work remains to be done before we have a fully predictive theory of transport in magnetized plasmas including E × B shear effects.
High-resolution laboratory reflectometer for the study of x-ray optical elements in the soft and extreme ultraviolet wavelength ranges
Authors: Garakhin S. A. , Chkhalo N. I. , Kas’kov I. A. , Lopatin A. Ya. , Malyshev I. V. , Nechay A. N. , Pestov A. E. , Polkovnikov V. N. , Salashchenko N. N. , Svechnikov M. V. , Tsybin N. N. , Zabrodin I. G. , Zuev S. Yu.
Published: June 2020

A high-resolution laboratory reflectometer designed for operation in the soft x-ray (SXR) and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) ranges is described. High spectral resolution, up to 0.028 nm, in a wide spectral range is achieved due to the Czerny–Turner monochromator. A laser plasma generated by irradiating a solid-state target with a focused laser beam (wavelength 1.06 µm, pulse energy 0.5 J, duration 4 ns, and pulse repetition rate 10 Hz) is used as a source of SXR and EUV radiation. The goniometer allows the study of curved optical elements with an aperture up to NA = 0.5 and a diameter of up to 500 mm. The methods providing high efficiency of the optical system and spectral resolution in a wide range of wavelengths are described in detail. The problem of taking into account high orders in the recorded spectra of a laser plasma is discussed. A comparison of the measurement results with the described reflectometer and the optics beamline at the BESSY-II synchrotron is given.
Oscillating synchronization in delayed oscillators with time-varying time delay coupling: Experimental observation
Authors: Karmakar Biswajit , Biswas Debabrata , Banerjee Tanmoy
Published: June 2020

The time-varying time-delayed (TVTD) systems attract the attention of research communities due to their rich complex dynamics and wide application potentiality. Particularly, coupled TVTD systems show several intriguing behaviors that cannot be observed in systems with a constant delay or no delay. In this context, a new synchronization scenario, namely, oscillating synchronization, was reported by Senthilkumar and Lakshmanan [Chaos 17, 013112 (2007)], which is exclusive to the time-varying time delay systems only. However, like most of the dynamical behavior of TVTD systems, its existence has not been established in an experiment. In this paper, we report the first experimental observation of oscillating synchronization in coupled nonlinear time-delayed oscillators induced by a time-varying time delay in the coupling path. We implement a simple yet effective electronic circuit to realize the time-varying time delay in an experiment. We show that depending upon the instantaneous variation of the time delay, the system shows a synchronization scenario oscillating among lag, complete, and anticipatory synchronization. This study may open up the feasibility of applying oscillating synchronization in engineering systems.
Lag-correlated rising tones of electron cyclotron harmonic and whistler-mode upper-band chorus waves
Authors: Gao Zhonglei , Shang Xiongjun , Zuo Pingbing , Zou Zhengyang , Wang Geng , Feng Xueshang , Wang Yi , Guan Chunyi , Wei Fengsi
Published: June 2020

Electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) and whistler-mode chorus waves can contribute significantly to the magnetospheric dynamics. In the frequency-time spectrogram, ECH usually appears as a series of harmonic structureless bands, while chorus often exhibits successive discrete elements. Here, we present surprising observations by Van Allen Probes of lag-correlated rising tones of ECH and upper-band chorus waves. The time lags of ECH elements with respect to chorus elements range from 0.05 to 0.28 s, negatively correlated with the chorus peak amplitudes. The ECH elements seemingly emerge only when the chorus elements are sufficiently intense (peak amplitude >3 mV m−1), and their peak amplitudes are positively correlated. Our data and modeling suggest that upper-band chorus may promote the generation of ECH through rapidly precipitating the ∼keV electrons near the loss cone. This phenomenon implies that ECH and chorus may not grow independently but competitively or collaboratively gain energy from hot electrons.
Droplet motion on contrasting striated surfaces
Authors: Zhao Hongyu , Orejon Daniel , Mackenzie-Dover Coinneach , Valluri Prashant , Shanahan Martin E. R. , Sefiane Khellil
Published: June 2020

Liquid droplets move readily under the influence of surface tension gradients on their substrates. Substrates decorated with parallel microgrooves, or striations, presenting the advantage of homogeneous chemical properties yet varying the topological characteristics on either side of a straight-line boundary, are considered in this study. The basic type of geometry consists of hydrophobic micro-striations/rails perpendicular to the boundary, with the systematic variation of the width to spacing ratio, thus changing the solid–liquid contact fraction and inducing a well-defined wettability contrast across the boundary. Droplets in the Cassie–Baxter state, straddling the boundary, move along the wettability contrast in order to reduce the overall surface free energy. The results show the importance of the average solid fraction and contrasting fraction in a wide range of given geometries across the boundary on droplet motion. A unified criterion for contrasting striated surfaces, which describes the displacement and the velocity of the droplets, is suggested, providing guidelines for droplet manipulation on micro-striated/railed surfaces.
Self-consistent theory of lower bounds for eigenvalues
Authors: Pollak Eli , Martinazzo Rocco
Published: June 2020

A rigorous practically applicable theory is presented for obtaining lower bounds to eigenvalues of Hermitian operators, whether the ground state or excited states. Algorithms are presented for computing “residual energies” whose magnitude is essential for the computation of the eigenvalues. Their practical application is possible due to the usage of the Lanczos method for creating a tridiagonal representation of the operator under study. The theory is self-consistent, in the sense that a lower bound for one state may be used to improve the lower bounds for others, and this is then used self-consistently until convergence. The theory is exemplified for a toy model of a quartic oscillator, where with only five states the relative error in the lower bound for the ground state is reduced to 6 · 10−6, which is the same as the relative error of the least upper bound obtained with the same basis functions. The lower bound method presented in this paper suggests that lower bounds may become a staple of eigenvalue computations.
Advanced polymer dielectrics for high temperature capacitive energy storage
Authors: Zhou Yao , Wang Qing
Published: June 2020

Dielectric polymers are critical to meet the increasing demands for high-energy-density capacitors operating in harsh environments, such as aerospace power conditioning, underground oil and gas exploration, electrified transportation, and pulse power systems. In this perspective article, we present an overview of the recent progress in the field of polymer dielectrics for high temperature capacitive energy storage applications. Particular attention is placed on the underlying physical mechanisms of the rational design and the material structure–dielectric property–capacitive performance relationship. The scientific and technological challenges that remain to be addressed and the opportunities for future research are also presented.
Experimental studies on blast mitigation capabilities of conventional dry aqueous foam
Authors: Ahmed Khurshid , Malik Abdul Qadeer
Published: June 2020

Aqueous foam provides a dispersion of the gaseous phase in the liquid phase. The commercially available aqueous foam (Denim shaving foam-original) has been investigated for its stability and capability for reducing the extreme thermal and blast effects associated with an energetic material detonation. The dry aqueous foam has evenly distributed bubbles with an average initial size of 15 µm. Different amounts of the C4 explosive were detonated while immersed in the dry aqueous foam having a density 60 kg/m3. The blast wave parameters were measured in the field for scaled distances ranging from 0.39 m/kg1/3 to 1.80 m/kg1/3 based on the cube root law. The dry aqueous foam confinement suppressed the explosion fireball radius up to 80% and quenched the afterburning reactions. An average peak pressure reduction of 70% and positive impulse reduction of ∼62% were observed for hemi-spherical confinement of the dry aqueous foam weighing 1.0 kg–2.75 kg against C4 charges of 82 g–250 g. The shock propagation is attenuated due to the high compressibility of gas bubbles. The dry aqueous foam may be used in emergency circumstances such as against energetic material detonation and lighter improvised explosive device threats to reduce the devastating blast effects. The numerical simulation results using ANSYS AUTODYN for bare charges are in fair agreement with the experimental findings.
Optoelectronic domain-wall motion for logic computing
Authors: Zhang Boyu , Zhu Daoqian , Xu Yong , Lin Xiaoyang , Hehn Michel , Malinowski Gregory , Zhao Weisheng , Mangin Stéphane
Published: June 2020

Logic computing in magnetic domain walls is investigated using the interplay of all-optical helicity-dependent switching and current-induced spin–orbit torque switching. By simultaneously controlling current and laser pulses, logic functions of AND, OR, NAND, and NOR are experimentally demonstrated through the anomalous Hall effect and verified by micromagnetic simulations. The optoelectronic domain-wall motion is energy-efficient compared to the traditional all-current approach and provides another degree of freedom for the realization of logic applications.
Micronutrient homeostasis and chloroplast iron protein expression is largely maintained in a chloroplast copper transporter mutant
Authors: Kroh Gretchen E. , Pilon Marinus
Published: June 2020

PAAI is a P-Type ATPase that functions to import copper (Cu) into the chloroplast. Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. paa1 mutants have lowered plastocyanin levels, resulting in a decreased photosynthetic electron transport rate. In nature, iron (Fe) and Cu homeostasis are often linked and it can be envisioned that paa1 acclimates its photosynthetic machinery by adjusting expression of its chloroplast Fe-proteome, but outside of Cu homeostasis paa1 has not been studied. Here, we characterise paa1 ultrastructure and accumulation of electron transport chain proteins in a paa1 allelic series. Furthermore, using hydroponic growth conditions, we characterised metal homeostasis in paa1 with an emphasis on the effects of Fe deficiency. Surprisingly, the paa1 mutation does not affect chloroplast ultrastructure or the accumulation of other photosynthetic electron transport chain proteins, despite the strong decrease in electron transport rate. The regulation of Fe-related photosynthetic electron transport proteins in response to Fe status was maintained in paa1, suggesting that regulation of the chloroplast Fe proteins ignores operational signals from photosynthetic output. The characterisation of paa1 has revealed new insight into the regulation of expression of the photosynthetic electron transport chain proteins and chloroplast metal homeostasis and can help to develop new strategies for the detection of shoot Fe deficiency.
Photosynthetic performance of silver fir (Abies alba) of different origins under suboptimal growing conditions
Authors: Konôpková Alena , Pšidová Eva , Kurjak Daniel , Stojnić Srđan , Petrík Peter , Fleischer Jr Peter , Kučerová Jana , Ježík Marek , Petek Anja , Gömöry Dušan , Kmeť Jaroslav , Longauer Roman , Ditmarová Ľubica
Published: June 2020

Understanding of the intraspecific variability in the physiological stress response of trees may enable to mitigate the impact of climate change on forest ecosystems in the future. We studied the photosynthetic performance of five silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) provenances originating from climatically distinct localities. The study was performed in the trial plot of the silver fir provenance experiment IUFRO 2005 on two dates: in the early summer and in the late summer. Heat waves and a decrease in water availability occurred between the two measurement dates, allowing us to study the response of the provenances to suboptimal growing conditions. The provenances were evaluated at the level of PSII photochemistry and CO2 assimilation by measuring photosynthesis-related pigment content, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and gas exchange parameters. Significant climatic clines were confirmed: the photosynthetic performance before and after the stress period increased with the increasing altitude and precipitation at the site of origin. In contrast, photosynthetic performance declined with the increasing temperature and Ellenberg’s quotient of the origin site. We concluded that provenances originating from high altitudes, corresponding well with more humid and colder conditions in Central Europe, showed the greatest photosynthetic performance and were less responsive to moderate heat and drought. This documents inter-population variation in physiological traits, which needs to be considered in setting rules and recommendations for the transfer of forest reproductive materials.
The role of carbonic anhydrases in extinction of contextual fear memory
Authors: Schmidt Scheila Daiane , Costa Alessia , Rani Barbara , Godfried Nachtigall Eduarda , Passani Maria Beatrice , Carta Fabrizio , Nocentini Alessio , de Carvalho Myskiw Jociane , Furini Cristiane Regina Guerino , Supuran Claudiu T. , Izquierdo Ivan , Blandina Patrizio , Provensi Gustavo
Published: June 2020

Significance

Disruption of memories of stressful events may trigger maladaptive responses that are distinctive features of obsessive-compulsive disorders, phobias, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and generalized anxiety. Drugs available to alleviate these disorders have minimal or inconsistent efficacy. The gold standard treatment, exposure therapy, is based on extinction, which refers to a new memory trace inhibiting original memory retrieval. As not all patients experience beneficial effects of this therapy, drugs potentiating extinction are of utmost importance for improving treatment. Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are involved in several physiological processes, including memory. The present study indicates that their activation potentiates extinction. Thus, CA activators may have the potential to improve the clinical efficacy of exposure-based treatments of obsessive-compulsive disorders, phobias, generalized anxiety, and PTSD.
Lck bound to coreceptor is less active than free Lck
Authors: Wei Qianru , Brzostek Joanna , Sankaran Shvetha , Casas Javier , Hew Lois Shi-Qi , Yap Jiawei , Zhao Xiang , Wojciech Lukasz , Gascoigne Nicholas R. J.
Published: June 2020

Significance

Lck is critical for T cell development and activation, as it is the first kinase transducing TCR signaling. Lck can be bound or not bound (free) to the coreceptors (CD4 and CD8) in thymocytes and T cells. After comparing molecular properties of free and coreceptor-bound Lck, free Lck presents higher mobility and activity compared to the coreceptor-bound Lck. The coreceptor-Lck coupling is found to be independent of TCR activation. This information is valuable for better understanding the initiation of TCR signaling and the regulation of T cell sensitivity.
Loss of a single methylation in 23S rRNA delays 50S assembly at multiple late stages and impairs translation initiation and elongation
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Wanqiu , Ge Xueliang , Yan Kaige , Mandava Chandra Sekhar , Sanyal Suparna , Gao Ning
Published: June 2020

Significance

Ribosome biogenesis is a complicated but efficient process requiring numerous steps of protein binding and RNA conformational rearranging. The methylation of specific nucleotides in functional regions by methyltransferases is crucial for both assembly and function of ribosomes. We characterized the structures and function of immature 50S particles from an
rrmJ
gene (methyltransferase for U2552 of the 23S rRNA) deletion
Escherichia coli
strain. With the absence of the 2′-O-methylation of U2552, the assembly of the 50S subunit is delayed at multiple late stages. Loss of this methylation also results in compromised translation activities, particularly in the initiation and the elongation steps. These results illustrate an example of chemical modification of rRNA playing a role in both ribosome biogenesis and protein translation.
The mechanochemistry of the kinesin-2 KIF3AC heterodimer is related to strain-dependent kinetic properties of KIF3A and KIF3C
Authors: Bensel Brandon M. , Woody Michael S. , Pyrpassopoulos Serapion , Goldman Yale E. , Gilbert Susan P. , Ostap E. Michael
Published: June 2020

Significance

Kinesins are cytoskeletal motors responsible for long-range intracellular transport along microtubules. The mammalian kinesin-2, KIF3AC, is a neuronal heterodimer of fast and slow motor polypeptides. Our results show that KIF3AC has a single observed stepping rate in the presence and absence of load and detaches from the microtubule rapidly under load. Interestingly, both KIF3A and assisting loads accelerate the stepping kinetics of KIF3C. These results suggest that KIF3AC is an unconventional cargo transporter and its motile properties do not represent a combination of alternating fast and slow step kinetics. We demonstrate that the motile properties of KIF3AC represent a mechanochemistry that is specific to KIF3AC and may provide functional advantages in neurons.
Circulating immune cell phenotype dynamics reflect the strength of tumor–immune cell interactions in patients during immunotherapy
Authors: Griffiths Jason I. , Wallet Pierre , Pflieger Lance T. , Stenehjem David , Liu Xuan , Cosgrove Patrick A. , Leggett Neena A. , McQuerry Jasmine A. , Shrestha Gajendra , Rossetti Maura , Sunga Gemalene , Moos Philip J. , Adler Frederick R. , Chang Jeffrey T. , Sharma Sunil , Bild Andrea H.
Published: June 2020

Significance

The evolution of peripheral immune cell abundance and signaling over time, as well as how these immune cells interact with the tumor, may impact a cancer patient’s response to therapy. By developing an ecological population model, we provide evidence of a dynamic predator–prey-like relationship between circulating immune cell abundance and tumor size in patients that respond to immunotherapy. This relationship is not found either in patients that are nonresponsive to immunotherapy or during chemotherapy. Single-cell RNA sequencing of serial peripheral blood samples from patients shows that the strength of tumor–immune cell interactions is reflected in T cells’ interferon activation and differentiation early in treatment. Thus, circulating immune cell dynamics reflect a tumor’s response to immunotherapy.
The alarmones (p)ppGpp directly regulate translation initiation during entry into quiescence
Authors: Diez Simon , Ryu Jaewook , Caban Kelvin , Gonzalez Ruben L. , Dworkin Jonathan
Published: June 2020

Significance

All bacteria inevitably encounter conditions that are not conducive to growth and, in response, they can enter into quiescent phenotypes. The nucleotides guanosine tetraphosphate and pentaphosphate ((p)ppGpp) play a key role in this response by inhibiting DNA replication, GTP biosynthesis, and transcription. (p)ppGpp also mediates down-regulation of protein synthesis by reducing ribosome biogenesis. However, whether (p)ppGpp also regulates active translation, the most energy intensive process in the cell, during quiescence is not known. Here, we show that (p)ppGpp directly inhibits translation initiation when bacteria stop growing rapidly by binding the essential GTPase IF2. The present study identifies translation initiation as a regulatory target during quiescence in bacteria and establishes the mechanistic basis of this regulation.
A digital media literacy intervention increases discernment between mainstream and false news in the United States and India
Authors: Guess Andrew M. , Lerner Michael , Lyons Benjamin , Montgomery Jacob M. , Nyhan Brendan , Reifler Jason , Sircar Neelanjan
Published: June 2020

Widespread belief in misinformation circulating online is a critical challenge for modern societies. While research to date has focused on psychological and political antecedents to this phenomenon, few studies have explored the role of digital media literacy shortfalls. Using data from preregistered survey experiments conducted around recent elections in the United States and India, we assess the effectiveness of an intervention modeled closely on the world’s largest media literacy campaign, which provided “tips” on how to spot false news to people in 14 countries. Our results indicate that exposure to this intervention reduced the perceived accuracy of both mainstream and false news headlines, but effects on the latter were significantly larger. As a result, the intervention improved discernment between mainstream and false news headlines among both a nationally representative sample in the United States (by 26.5%) and a highly educated online sample in India (by 17.5%). This increase in discernment remained measurable several weeks later in the United States (but not in India). However, we find no effects among a representative sample of respondents in a largely rural area of northern India, where rates of social media use are far lower.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of innate immune signaling via RIG-I–like receptors
Authors: Esser-Nobis Katharina , Hatfield Lauren D. , Gale Michael
Published: June 2020

Significance

RIG-I–like receptors (RLRs) direct innate immunity as our first line of defense against RNA virus infections. Mitochondria were previously established as the platform for RLR-mediated innate immune signaling, based upon crude mitochondrial fractionation studies. By using high resolution subcellular fractionation separating mitochondria from other organelles, electron microscopy, and analysis of spatiotemporal RLR dynamics, we show that activation and regulation of innate immune signaling do not take place on mitochondria but instead occur at membranes derived from the endoplasmic reticulum. Our data argue against the classical view of the spatial organization of innate immune signaling to reveal insights into RLR signaling dynamics and regulation by LGP2.
Cell stemness is maintained upon concurrent expression of RB and the mitochondrial ribosomal protein S18-2
Authors: Mushtaq Muhammad , Kovalevska Larysa , Darekar Suhas , Abramsson Alexandra , Zetterberg Henrik , Kashuba Vladimir , Klein George , Arsenian-Henriksson Marie , Kashuba Elena
Published: June 2020

Significance

We here describe the essential roles of RB and MRPS18-2 (S18-2) in homeostasis of cell stemness. Mouse primary cells expressing both S18-2 and RB (designated as RH18RB) exhibited a stem cell phenotype. As a proof of principle, we demonstrated decreased expression of stem-cell–related genes in human mesenchymal stem cells upon down-regulation of S18-2 and RB. Notably, loss of the S18-2 protein resulted in embryonic lethality in zebrafish. To reveal putative molecular mechanisms, we demonstrated that S18-2, in a multimeric complex with RB, enhanced the E3-ubiquitin ligase activity of RNF2 toward histone H2A. Finally, based on our observation that RH18RB cells generated tumors in severe combined immunodeficiency mice, S18-2 could be a promising target in the development of cancer therapies.