bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of FERONIA-like receptor genes involved in rice-Magnaporthe oryzae interaction
Authors: Huang Yan-Yan , Liu Xin-Xian , Xie Ying , Lin Xiao-Yu , Hu Zi-Jin , Wang He , Wang Liang-Fang , Dang Wen-Qiang , Zhang Ling-Li , Zhu Yong , Feng Hui , Pu Mei , Zhao Ji-Qun , Zhang Ji-Wei , Li Yan , Fan Jing , Wang Wen-Ming 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe receptor-like kinase (RLK) FERONIA functions in immunity in Arabidopsis. Here, we systemically screened rice RLK genes encoding FERONIA-like receptor (FLRs) that may be involved in rice-Magnaporthe oryzae interaction. The expression of 16 FLR genes was examined in response to the infection of M. oryzae in different rice varieties. For each FLR gene, at least two independent mutants were generated by CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology in rice variety Zhonghua 11 (ZH11). Blast disease assay identified that the mutants of FLR1 and FLR13 showed increased susceptibility, whereas the mutants of FLR2 and FLR11 displayed enhanced resistance. Consistently, the mutant of FLR1 enhanced, but the mutant of FLR2 delayed the M. oryzae infection progress, which might be associated with the altered expression of defense-related genes. Together, these data indicate that at least 4 FLR genes are involved in rice-M. oryzae interaction and thus are potentially valuable in blast disease resistance.
Effects of aspect ratio and inclination angle on aerodynamic loads of a flat plate
Authors: Shademan Mehrdad , Naghib-Lahouti Arash 
Published: June 2020

AbstractLarge Eddy Simulations are carried out to analyze flow past flat plate in different configurations and inclinations. A thin flat plate is considered at three inclination angles (α = 30°, 60° and 90°) and three aspect ratios (AR = 0.5, 2 and 5). The Reynolds number based on the free stream velocity and chord length of the plate at different inclination angles varies between 75,000 to 150,000. An increase in the inclination angle while the aspect ratio (span to chord) is constant results in higher drag and lower lift on the plate. Increasing the aspect ratio at a constant inclination angle increases the mean aerodynamic loading except for the α = 30° and AR = 0.5 case where the mean forces are larger than the other aspect ratios for this specific inclination angle. The small aspect ratio suppresses and blocks the separation of the flow from the top and bottom edges causing larger aerodynamic forces relative to AR = 2, 5. Visualization of the flow structures shows the tip vortices have a significant role in controlling the shedding vortices from the top and bottom edges. At α = 30° and AR = 0.5, the two tip vortcies control and suppress the flow separation from the top and bottom edges. A stable wake was found for this case with no fluctuation. As the aspect ratio increases, the influence of the tip vortices on flow separation from the top and bottom edges reduces. As a result, larger fluctuations were found for cases with higher aspect ratios.
Using the Q factor to detect closed microfractures
Authors: Blake Oshaine Omar , Faulkner Daniel Roy , Bascombe Renelle 
Published: June 2020

Fractures are ubiquitous within the subsurface and play an important role in the fluid flow, elasticity, and strength of rocks. Because they are essential to geologic systems such as hydrocarbon and geothermal systems, they need to be properly imaged and monitored. We used the spectral-ratio technique to measure the P-wave Q factor ([Formula: see text]) and the S-wave Q factor ([Formula: see text]) of dry and water-saturated crystalline rock samples that were thermally fractured by heating to 250, 450, 650, and 850°C. Increasing the temperature during thermal treatment produces an increased fracture density that is isotropically distributed. The samples were subjected to hydrostatic pressures up to the pressure at which all fractures are closed, and they were axially loaded to 25% of the failure strength. Axial loading of the samples further closes fractures that are oriented perpendicular to the loading direction, but it opens those that are oriented parallel and oblique to the loading direction. Attenuation measurements were made in the frequency range of 0.8 to 1.7 MHz. At the fracture closure pressure, the sample with the highest fracture density showed a reduction in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] when compared to the sample with the lowest fracture density of 84% and 24%, respectively, under dry conditions and by 33% and 5%, respectively, under saturated conditions. The [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] increase as the samples were axially loaded. The increase is more pronounced in [Formula: see text] because it is less influenced by the opening of parallel and obliquely oriented fractures. The opening of these fractures mostly affects the propagation of the S-wave and therefore reduces the increase in [Formula: see text]. The results suggest that [Formula: see text] is very sensitive to fracture closure at intermediate and high effective mean stresses. We determine that [Formula: see text] is a useful measure of the fracture density even at high pressures at which fractures might be expected to be fully closed.
Defining Nonfunctioning Adrenal Adenomas on the Basis of the Occurrence of Hypocortisolism after Adrenalectomy
Authors: Eller-Vainicher Cristina , Morelli Valentina , Aresta Carmen , Salcuni Antonio Stefano , Falchetti Alberto , Carnevale Vincenzo , Persani Luca , Scillitani Alfredo , Chiodini Iacopo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
In patients with adrenal incidentalomas (AIs), there is uncertainty on how to rule out hypercortisolism. The occurrence of postsurgical (unilateral adrenalectomy) hypocortisolism (PSH) has been proposed as a proof of the presence of presurgical hypercortisolism in AI patients. The aim of this study was to define the thresholds of cortisol level after the 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (F-1mgDST), urinary free cortisol (UFC), midnight serum cortisol (MSC), and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) to predict the absence of PSH in AI patients undergoing surgery.

Methods
In 60 patients who underwent AI excision, cortisol secretion was assessed by a low-dose corticotropin stimulation test or insulin tolerance test when needed. We searched for the lowest presurgical value of F-1mgDST, UFC, and MSC and the highest value for ACTH in AI patients with PSH as indexes of normal cortisol secretion.

Results
The lowest values of F-1mgDST, UFC, and MSC and the highest value for ACTH in PSH patients were 1.2 µg/dL (33 nmol/L), 10.4 µg/24 hours (29 nmol/24 hours), 1.2 µg/dL (33 nmol/L), and 26.9 pg/mL (6 pmol/L), respectively, but only F-1mgDST &lt;1.2 µg/dL (33 nmol/L) was able to predict the absence of PSH. Among AI patients with F-1mgDST &lt;1.2 µg/dL (33 nmol/L) no subjects had diabetes mellitus and/or metabolic syndrome, and these subjects tended to have a better metabolic profile than those with F-1mgDST ≥1.2 µg/dL (33 nmol/L)

Conclusion
In AI patients a F-1mgDST &lt;1.2 µg/dL (33 nmol/L) rules out PSH and could be used to exclude hypercortisolism in AI patients.
Ultrafast Reaction Imaging and Control by Ultrashort Intense Laser Pulses
Authors: Hishikawa Akiyoshi , Matsuda Akitaka , Fushitani Mizuho 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Molecules irradiated with intense laser pulses (field intensity ∼1015 W/cm2) exhibit a variety of characteristic processes, such as tunneling ionization, electron rescattering, high-order harmonics generation and Coulomb explosion, that cannot be seen in a weak light field. These features have attracted attention in the last decades as they provide unique approaches to visualize and manipulate ultrafast dynamics of atoms and molecules. Here we discuss molecular processes in intense laser fields, with focuses on the applications to ultrafast imaging and control of reaction dynamics.
Visual Understanding of Vibronic Coupling and Quantitative Rate Expression for Singlet Fission in Molecular Aggregates
Authors: Shizu Katsuyuki , Adachi Chihaya , Kaji Hironori 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Singlet fission (SF) is an exciton dissociation process that generates two triplet excitons from one singlet exciton. Because the exciton dissociation process involves internal conversion between multiexcitonic states, it is necessary to calculate multiexcitonic vibronic couplings (VCs) and identify what kinds of vibrational modes activate internal conversion to fully understand the SF mechanism. In this study, we developed a method of visually understanding “interstate” vibronic couplings and “quantitatively” evaluating SF rates for dimers in molecular aggregates. We applied the method to tetracene dimers in crystals by computing and visually analyzing interstate VCs between the multiexcitonic states within a configuration interaction scheme. From the calculated VCs, a low-frequency mode (62 cm−1) was found to strongly promote the generation of correlated triplet pairs from a photoexcited singlet state. The spatial overlap between the wave functions of the correlated triplet pairs and singlet state has a large distribution, leading to the large VC of the low-frequency mode. From the calculated VCs, we estimated SF rates in the temperature range from 50 to 300 K. The calculated SF rate was quantitatively in good agreement with an experimental result, which validated our method of calculating VCs and SF rates for dimers in molecular aggregates.
Lessons learned from recent randomized controlled trials comparing the immunogenicity of different infant vaccination schedules of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
Authors: Pieciak Rachel C. , Gill Christopher J. 
Published: June 2020

Background: The technically complex pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) is arguably one of the most important and widely studied vaccines since the Hib vaccine. Given the complexity of its design, the cost of administering the PCV is tremendous. While we cannot make adjustments to the vaccine itself post licensure, we can manipulate the dosing schedule. And yet little work has been done to understand the differences in immune responses across different dosing schedules. Methods: Accordingly, we conducted a review of three recently published randomized control trials that compared immune responses across commonly used vaccine schedules in both high- and low-income countries. Results: Each of these studies assessed how changes to the number of doses, spacing between doses and the use/timing of a booster dose affected ELISA geometric mean concentrations post-primary and post-booster dose. If the goal is to administer vaccinations in the most immunologically efficient manner as possible, evidence from these studies would suggest that several commonly used vaccine schedules are missing the mark. Conclusions: In order to deliver the most “bang for its buck”, PCV dosing schedules should not only leverage convenience but also immunological data. Without the reexamination of PCV schedules the status quo will remain inefficient, ineffective and needlessly expensive, threatening the sustainability of its implementation long-term.
Cigarette consumption in adult dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes: a review of the evidence, including new results from the PATH study
Authors: Lee Peter N. , Fry John S. , Forey Barbara A. , Coombs Katharine J. , Thornton Alison J. 
Published: June 2020

Background: Modelling disease risk from e-cigarette use requires knowing how much e-cigarette uptake affects a smoker’s cigarette consumption. From Waves 1-3 of the US PATH study and other evidence, we sought answers to three questions: (Q1) Does consumption differ between dual users and exclusive smokers? (Q2) Does initiating e-cigarettes affect cigarette consumption? (Q3) Is baseline consumption related to later initiation of e-cigarettes? Methods: Consumption data from PATH were corrected for clear recording errors, with e-cigarette use classified as established or every day, and adjustment made for demographics, use of alcohol, drugs and other tobacco products, and age of starting smoking. Searches identified other studies published since 2008, with Q1 answered from cross-sectional studies, and Q2 and Q3 also from prospective studies. Results: (Q1) In PATH, consumption in current every day e-cigarette users was 2-3 cigarettes per day lower in dual users, with no difference seen in established users. From 31 published studies, consumption was no lower in dual users for current or ever e-cigarette users. (Q2) In PATH study consistent decreases in consumption occurred in those becoming every day dual users with increases seen in those reverting to exclusive smoking. Thirteen published studies consistently showed reduced consumption in those becoming dual users. (Q3) Three studies consistently showed greater consumption in smokers subsequently initiating e-cigarettes, but no significant difference was seen for PATH. Conclusions: Assessment is complicated by the few every day e-cigarette users in PATH, and between-study variability in quantifying e-cigarette use and presentation of results. As taking up e-cigarettes is associated with reducing consumption, finding no clear cross-sectional difference between dual users and exclusive smokers suggests smokers taking up e-cigarettes had higher consumption initially, limited evidence supporting this. Given the much lower disease risk of e-cigarettes vs. cigarettes, smokers becoming dual users should somewhat reduce their disease risk.
Numerical modeling of integrated electro-optic modulators based on mode-gap shifting in photonic crystal slab waveguides containing a phase change material
Authors: Ghosh Rajib R. , Bhardwaj Priyanka , Dhawan Anuj 
Published: June 2020

This paper presents novel designs and simulation results of electro-optic modulators in integrated silicon photonics platforms. The electro-optic modulators described in this paper are based on the modulation of the photonic bandgap in a silicon photonic crystal slab waveguide, consisting of a phase change material (germanium selenide) sandwiched in between silicon layers. Three-dimensional finite difference time domain (FDTD) modeling is employed to simulate two configurations of electro-optic modulators based on mode-gap shifting in photonic crystal slab waveguides—one that is designed for operation with the transverse electric (TE) polarization of light and the other for the transverse magnetic (TM) polarization. When the electric field is applied across the germanium selenide layer surrounded by doped silicon layers, there is a change of phase of the germanium selenide layer. A large refractive index contrast between the two phases of the germanium selenide layer—i.e., between the amorphous phase and the crystalline phase—on application of the electric field is responsible for shifting of the mode gap in the dispersion characteristics of the PhC slab waveguide. Our results show excellent performance of the electro-optic modulators in terms of the high On/Off extinction ratio (

>

37

d
B

in the TE configuration and

>

28

d
B

in the TM configuration), broadband switching capability (

∼

100

n
m

), low insertion loss in the On state (

<

2

d
B

), high range of tunability (by changing the lattice constant and radius of air holes), and low operating voltage (

<

4

V

). The proposed devices can be used as electro-optic modulators in future nanoscale photonic integrated circuits.
Hertz-level frequency comparisons between diverse color lasers without a frequency comb
Authors: Bourbeau Hébert Nicolas , Hilton Ashby P. , Light Philip S. , Luiten Andre N. 
Published: June 2020

We present a simple yet powerful technique to measure and stabilize the relative frequency noise between two lasers emitting at vastly different wavelengths. The noise of each laser is extracted simultaneously by a frequency discriminator built around an unstabilized Mach–Zehnder fiber interferometer. Our protocol ensures that the instability of the interferometer is canceled and yields a direct measure of the relative noise between the lasers. As a demonstration, we measure the noise of a 895 nm diode laser against a reference laser located hundreds of nm away at 1561 nm. We also demonstrate the ability to stabilize the two lasers with a control bandwidth of 100 kHz using a Red Pitaya and reach a sensitivity of

1

H

z

2

/

H
z

limited by detector noise. We independently verify the performance using a commercial frequency comb. This approach stands as a simple and cheap alternative to frequency combs to transport frequency stability across large spectral intervals or to characterize the noise of arbitrary color sources.
Postobesity Surgery Esophageal Dysfunction: A Combined Cross-Sectional Prevalence Study and Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Miller Alexander T. , Matar Reem , Abu Dayyeh Barham K. , Beran Azizullah , Vela Marcelo F. , Lacy Brian E. , Crowell Michael D. , Geno Debra M. , Lavey Crystal J. , Katzka David A. , Ravi Karthik 
Published: June 2020

INTRODUCTION:
Esophageal dysmotility including features of achalasia may develop because of bariatric surgery. However, the prevalence of these complications is unknown. We sought to define the prevalence of dysphagia and major esophageal motility disorders including achalasia after bariatric surgery through a large retrospective database review.

METHODS:
Patients with a history of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass who underwent a diagnostic high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM) either before or after bariatric surgery across 3 large tertiary referral sites from June 2012 through February 2019 were identified from a procedural database. HRIM studies were interpreted per the Chicago classification v3.0 by a blinded investigator (K.R.). Demographic/clinical features were collected. In addition, patients who underwent bariatric surgery from January 2014 to April 2015 were contacted and administered a validated symptom assessment survey to gauge the overall prevalence of dysphagia in a postbariatric population.

RESULTS:
A total of 137 patients were identified, including 97 who underwent HRIM after bariatric surgery (laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy [n = 39, 40.1%]; Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [n = 58, 59.8%]) at a median of 5.84 years (interquartile range 2.1–12.5) postoperatively and 40 preoperative bariatric surgery candidates with medically complicated obesity. A manometric pattern consistent with achalasia was identified in 7 (7.2%) postsurgical patients compared with none in the preoperative group (P = 0.08). We further identified a separate achalasia-like pattern defined by aperistalsis and increased intragastric pressure (postobesity surgery esophageal dysfunction [POSED]) in 5 (5.2%) postsurgical patients vs none found preoperatively (P = 0.14). Achalasia or POSED was associated with postbariatric surgery (12.4% vs 0%, P = 0.02). Increasing time since surgery was independently associated with the development of achalasia (median 12.5 vs 5.8 years, P = 0.02), POSED (median 15.0 vs 5.8 years, P = 0.02) and major motility disorders (6.6 vs 4.9 years, P = 0.01). Furthermore, among 271 postbariatric surgery patients contacted for symptom assessment via survey, the prevalence of dysphagia was 13.7% at a mean 3.9 years after surgery.

DISCUSSION:
Postoperative dysphagia is a common long-term complication of bariatric surgery. This is potentially the consequence of a time-dependent association with the development of postoperative esophageal dysmotility, particularly achalasia and POSED. Consequently, esophageal dysmotility may be an important under-recognized complication of bariatric surgery.
Platelet parameters in Chinese older adults with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Yang Xue-Jiao , Zhang Le-Yang , Ma Qing-Hua , Sun Hong-Peng , Xu Yong , Chen Xing , Pan Chen-Wei 
Published: June 2020

Purpose:
We aimed to examine the associations of platelet parameters with the presence of metabolic syndrome in community-dwelling older Chinese adults.

Methods:
Study sample was from the Weitang Geriatric Diseases Study, which included 4338 individuals aged 60 years or above. The mean age of the participants was 68 years. Metabolic syndrome was defined based on the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Platelet parameters were assessed using an automated hematology analyzer. Multiple logistic regression models were fitted to examine relationships between the platelet parameters and the presence of metabolic syndrome after adjusting for potential confounders.

Results:
The adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of metabolic syndrome for the highest quartile of platelet parameters (platelet count, mean platelet volume, plateletcrit, platelet distribution width, platelet larger cell ratio) when compared to the lowest quartile were 1.32 (1.06, 1.64), 1.00 (0.81, 1.24), 1.37 (1.10, 1.71), 1.45 (1.14, 1.83), 1.11 (0.89, 1.39), respectively. Hypertension and diabetes modified the relationship between platelet distribution width and metabolic syndrome with the associations being significant in hypertensive and non-diabetic groups. The levels of platelet distribution width increased with the risk of metabolic syndrome in men but not in women.

Conclusion:
The levels of platelet count, plateletcrit and platelet distribution width increased in older adults with metabolic syndrome, suggesting that these parameters may be useful biomarkers for further risk appraisal of metabolic syndrome in aged population.
Homozygous p.Val89Leu plays an important pathogenic role in 5α-reductase type 2 deficiency patients with homozygous p.Arg246Gln in SRD5A2
Authors: Arya Sneha , Tiwari Ankita , Lila Anurag Ranjan , Sarathi Vijaya , Bhandare Vishwambhar Vishnu , Kumbhar Bajarang Vasant , Rai Khushnandan , Kunwar Ambarish , Thakkar Hemangini , Thakkar Kunal , Memon Saba Samad , Patil Virendra , Khadilkar Kranti , Jadhav Swati S , Shah Nalini S , Bandgar Tushar 
Published: June 2020

Objective:
To evaluate the pathogenic role of a few benign variants and hypomorphic pathogenic variants in SRD5A2.

Design and methods:
We retrospectively analyzed phenotypes and genotypes in 23 Indian patients with genetically proven steroid 5α-reductase 2 (SRD5A2) deficiency. The interactions of the SRD5A2 enzymes resulting due to the most common benign variant (p.Val89Leu), the most common (hypomorphic) pathogenic variant (p.Arg246Gln) and the double variants (p.Val89Leu and p.Arg246Gln) in SRD5A2 were compared with that of the wild type (WT) enzyme by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation.

Results:
The majority (n = 19, 82.61%) of patients presented for atypical genitalia and had male gender identity (16/20). Including the two novel ones (p.Leu83Pro, p.Ala28Leufs*103), a total of nine different pathogenic variants were observed. p.Arg246Gln was the most common pathogenic variant (n = 12). Homozygous p.Arg246Gln (n = 9) variant was associated with milder undervirilization (Sinnecker score of ≤3a: 8/9 vs 6/14, P = 0.04) and had concurrent homozygous p.Val89Leu in all patients. Interestingly, asymptomatic fathers of two index patients were homozygous for p.Arg246Gln which questioned the pathogenicity of the variation as a sole factor. Unlike all symptomatic homozygous p.Arg246Gln patients who were also homozygous for p.Val89Leu, asymptomatic homozygous p.Arg246Gln fathers were heterozygous for p.Val89Leu. On MD simulation SRD5A2 p.Val89Leu-Testeosterone (T) and SRD5A2 p.Arg246Gln-T complexes, but not SRD5A2 p.Val89Leu and p.Arg246Gln-T complex, demonstrated close interaction between NADPH and T as that of SRD5A2 WT-T.

Conclusions:
p.Arg246Gln may not be pathogenic as a sole variation even in the homozygous state; additional contribution of homozygous p.Val89Leu variant may be essential for the pathogenicity of p.Arg246Gln in SRD5A2.