Quantum Uncertainty in the Beam Width of Spatial Optical Modes

We theoretically investigate the quantum uncertainty in the beam width of transverse optical modes and, for this purpose, define a corresponding quantum operator. Single mode states are studied as well as multimode states with small quantum noise. General relations are derived, and specific examples of different modes and quantum states are examined. For the multimode case, we show that the quantum uncertainty in the beam width can be completely attributed to the amplitude quadrature uncertainty of one specific mode, which is uniquely determined by the field under investigation. This discovery provides us with a strategy for the reduction of the beam width noise by an appropriate choice of the quantum state

Structure and mechanism of maximum stability of isolated alpha-helical protein domains at a critical length scale

The stability of alpha helices is important in protein folding, bioinspired materials design, and controls many biological properties under physiological and disease conditions. Here we show that a naturally favored alpha helix length of 9 to 17 amino acids exists at which the propensity towards the formation of this secondary structure is maximized. We use a combination of thermodynamical analysis, well-tempered metadynamics molecular simulation and statistical analyses of experimental alpha helix length distributions and find that the favored alpha helix length is caused by a competition between alpha helix folding, unfolding into a random coil and formation of higher-order tertiary structures. The theoretical result is suggested to be used to explain the statistical distribution of the length of alpha helices observed in natural protein structures. Our study provides mechanistic insight into fundamental controlling parameters in alpha helix structure formation and potentially other biopolymers or synthetic materials. The result advances our fundamental understanding of size effects in the stability of protein structures and may enable the design of de novo alpha-helical protein materials.United States. Air Force Office of Scientific Research. Young Investigator ProgramNational Science Foundation (U.S.)Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI

Size distribution prediction of nanoparticle agglomerates in a fluidized bed

Nanoparticles have acquired considerable attention from academia and industry due to their unique properties arising from the large surface area to volume ratio. A promising method to process these particles is fluidization. Furthermore, it is worth knowing that nanoparticles fluidize as clusters called agglomerates, formed by the relatively strong adhesion forces among the individual particles (1). These agglomerates are large, highly porous fractal structures; thus, easy to access but extremely fragile. During fluidization, agglomerates move, collide, break, reform, deform, and combine, which make them suitable for a wide range of applications. Nanopowders can fluidize with bubbles or uniformly, which show different dynamics that might affect the morphology of the fluidized agglomerates. In order to better understand the dynamic behaviour of the system, it is crucial to know the agglomerate size distribution within the fluidized bed. Therefore, we developed a model based on a simple force balance to predict the agglomerate size distribution, which enables the optimization of processing methods. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

EFICÁCIA DA MICROINFUSÃO DE METOTREXATO EM LESÕES DO COURO DE PACIENTES COM ALOPECIA FIBROSANTE: ENSAIO CLÍNICO PROSPECTIVO CONTROLADO

Introdução: A alopecia frontal fibrosante (AFF) é uma cicatriz linfocítica, com queda de cabelo pela linha de implantação frontal do couro cabeludo e outras áreas do corpo. Drogas tópicas e sistêmicas, como casos o MTX, não controlam a atividade da doença na maioria dos casos, a necessidade de novas terapias. Objetivo: Avaliar a diligência da microinfusão de metotrexato em AFF. Métodos: Ensaio clínico prospectivo, controlador, realizado com 17 voluntários com 1 diagnóstico clínico e histológico de AFF. As aplicações de MTX por MMP® (método de microinfusão de pele) foram feitas a cada 30 dias, num total de 3 aplicações, na direita da área de alopecia; a outra metade serviu como controle.medidas frontais glalares e parciais, dermatoscópicas, índice de avaliação externa dos olhos, a percepção do plano dos sinais do paciente (LPPAI). Hemograma total e testes de função hepática também foram médios. Resultados: Houve uma redução significativa nas medidas fronto-glabela e frontal temporo-parietal no local tratado, enquanto no local nãou a AAF aumentou. A paciente refere melhora do prurido e descamação, mas não da queda de cabelo e eritema local. A das fotos dermatoscópicas e a análise do LPPAI não são relevantes. Cerca de 9 participantes e todos nós não resultaram em 5% dos resultados com nenhum resultado de nenhum dos exames.Conclusão: A aplicação de MTX por MMP® melhorou os sintomas associados à AFF e as medidas fronto-glabela e fronto-parietal.Introdução: A alopecia frontal fibrosante (AFF) é cicatricial linfocítica, com queda de cabelo pela linha de implantação frontal do couro cabeludo e outras áreas do corpo. Drogas tópicas e sistêmicas, como o metotrexato (MTX), não controlam a atividade da doença na maioria dos casos, mostrando a necessidade de novas terapias. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da microinfusão de metotrexato em AFF. Métodos: Ensaio clínico prospectivo, controlado, realizado com 17 voluntários com diagnóstico clínico e histológico de AFF. As aplicações de MTX por MMP® (método de microinfusão de drogas na pele) foram feitas a cada 30 dias, totalizando 3 aplicações, na metade direita da área da alopecia; a outra metade serviu como controle. Foram avaliadas as medidas frontoglabela e frontal temporoparietal. Fotos de dermatoscopia foram analisadas por avaliadores cegos e externos com percepção de sinais e sintomas do paciente e o Índice de Atividade do Líquen Planopilar (LPPAI). Hemograma total e testes de função hepática também foram medidos. Resultados: Houve redução significativa nas medidas frontoglabela e frontal temporoparietal no local tratado, enquanto no não tratado a AAF aumentou. Houve melhora do prurido e descamação, mas não da queda de cabelo e eritema local. A análise das fotos dermatoscópicas e o cálculo do LPPAI não mostraram alterações relevantes. Cerca de 95% dos participantes ficaram satisfeitos ou muito satisfeitos com os resultados e nenhum deles teve alteração nos resultados dos exames laboratoriais. Conclusão: A aplicação de MTX por MMP® melhorou os sintomas associados à AFF e as medidas frontoglabela e frontoparietal. Esta técnica mostrou-se segura e bem tolerada

Efeito da adição de taninos na dieta de pastagem sobre a qualid ade da carne bovina maturada

Cull cows are a by-product of cow-calf operations. Due to their low body condition and meat palatability, they have lower price and are often used in canning manufacture. It has been seen that tannins could be a nutritional strategy alternative to some rumen modulators, which could improve the amino acid profile of meat. In addition, meat aging would improve its organoleptic characteristics, increasing their market value. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding condensed tannins to the pasture-finished cull cows on the amino acid profile, sensory quality and oxidative stability of aged meat. The results obtained show that the addition of tannins could be used in this category, improving tenderness, without compromising other meat quality characteristics and essential amino acids content.Las vacas de refugo son un subproducto de la actividad de cría. Debido a su baja condición corporal y palatabilidad de la carne, poseen un menor precio y frecuentemente son destinadas a elaboración de conservas. Se ha visto que los taninos podrían ser una estrategia nutricional alternativa a algunos moduladores ruminales, que mejorarían el perfil de aminoácidos de la carne. Además, la maduración de esta carne resaltaría sus características organolépticas, aportándole un mayor valor de mercado. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto del agregado de taninos condensados en la suplementación de una dieta de terminación de vacas de refugo basada en pasturas naturales, sobre el perfil de aminoácidos, calidad sensorial  y estabilidad oxidativa de la carne madurada. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que la adición de taninos podría utilizarse en esta categoría, mejorando la terneza, sin comprometer otras características de calidad ni el contenido de aminoácidos esenciales.As vacas de refugo são um subproduto da atividade de criação. Devido a sua baixa condição corporal e palatabilidade da carne, elas têm um preço mais baixo e são frequentemente utilizadas para a elaboração de conservas. Foi visto que os taninos poderiam ser uma estratégia nutricional alternativa a alguns moduladores ruminais, o que melhoraria o perfil de aminoácidos da carne. Além disso, a maturação dessa carne realçaria su ascaracterísticas organolépticas, conferindo-lhe um maior valor de mercado. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da adição de taninos condensados na suplementação de uma dieta determinação para vacas de descarte baseada em pastagens naturais, sobre o perfil de aminoácidos, qualidade sensorial e estabilidade oxidativa da carne maturada. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a adição de taninos poderia ser utilizada nesta categoria, melhorando a maciez, sem comprometer outras características de qualidade nem o conteúdo de aminoácidos essenciais

PIP30/FAM192A is a novel regulator of the nuclear proteasome activator PA28γ

PA28γ is a nuclear activator of the 20S proteasome involved in the regulation of several essential cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, nuclear dynamics, and cellular stress response. Unlike the 19S regulator of the proteasome, which specifically recognizes ubiquitylated proteins, PA28γ promotes the degradation of several substrates by the proteasome in an ATP- and ubiquitin-independent manner. However, its exact mechanisms of action are unclear and likely involve additional partners that remain to be identified. Here we report the identification of a cofactor of PA28γ, PIP30/FAM192A. PIP30 binds directly and specifically via its C-terminal end and in an interaction stabilized by casein kinase 2 phosphorylation to both free and 20S proteasome-associated PA28γ. Its recruitment to proteasome-containing complexes depends on PA28γ and its expression increases the association of PA28γ with the 20S proteasome in cells. Further dissection of its possible roles shows that PIP30 alters PA28γ-dependent activation of peptide degradation by the 20S proteasome in vitro and negatively controls in cells the presence of PA28γ in Cajal bodies by inhibition of its association with the key Cajal body component coilin. Taken together, our data show that PIP30 deeply affects PA28γ interactions with cellular proteins, including the 20S proteasome, demonstrating that it is an important regulator of PA28γ in cells and thus a new player in the control of the multiple functions of the proteasome within the nucleus

Surgical therapy of thymic tumours with pleural involvement: an ESTS Thymic Working Group Project

OBJECTIVES Surgery for thymic epithelial tumours (TETs) with pleural involvement is infrequently performed. Thus, the value of surgical therapy for primary or recurrent TETs with pleural involvement is not sufficiently defined yet. METHODS Twelve institutions contributed retrospective data on 152 patients undergoing surgery (1977-2014) on behalf of the ESTS Thymic Working group. Outcome measures included overall (OS), cause-specific (CSS) and disease-free (DFS) survival as well as freedom from recurrence (FFR). RESULTS In 70.4% of cases, pleural involvement was present at the time of primary intervention, whereas 29.6% had surgery for recurrent disease involving the pleura. Pleural involvement resulted from thymomas (88.8%) and thymic carcinomas (11.2%). Forty extrapleural pneumonectomies (EPPs), 23 total pleurectomies (TPs), and 88 local pleurectomies (LPs) were performed (completeness of resection in 76.8%). OS for the entire patient population at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years was 96.4%, 91.0%, 87.2% and 62.7%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference regarding FFR and OS for patients with local or advanced disease undergoing EPP, TP or LP. Thymic carcinomas in comparison with thymomas had a negative impact on OS [hazard ratio 6.506, P  = 0.002], CSS and FFR. Incomplete resections predicted worse OS [hazard ratio 6.696, P  = 0.003]. CONCLUSIONS Complete resection remains the mainstay of treatment for TETs with pleural involvement. Study populations treated with EPP, TP and LP had similar survival that may be factual as observed, but in the presence of selection bias, we can further conclude from the results that EPP, TP and LP are equally effective procedures. Procedural choice depends upon the extent of tumour distribution. EPPs, TPs and LPs performed within a multimodality setting seem to be efficient procedures for local control of disease, as they yield excellent results regarding OS, DFS, CSS and FFR

Rubbery taproot disease of sugar beet in Serbia associated with 'Candidatus phytoplasma solani'

Rubbery taproot disease (RTD) of sugar beet was observed in Serbia for the first time in the 1960s. The disease was already described in neighboring Bulgaria and Romania at the time but it was associated with abiotic factors. In this study on RTD of sugar beet in its main growing area of Serbia, we provide evidence of the association between 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' (stolbur phytoplasma) infection and the occurrence of typical RTD symptomatology. 'Ca. P. solani' was identified by PCR and the sequence analyses of 16S ribosomal RNA, tuf, secY, and stamp genes. In contrast, the causative agent of the syndrome “basses richesses” of sugar beet-namely, 'Ca. Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus'-was not detected. Sequence analysis of the stolbur strain's tuf gene confirmed a previously reported and a new, distinct tuf stolbur genotype (named 'tuf d') that is prevalent in sugar beet. The sequence signatures of the tuf gene as well as the one of stamp both correlate with the epidemiological cycle and reservoir plant host. This study provides knowledge that, for the first time, enables the differentiation of stolbur strains associated with RTD of sugar beet from closely related strains, thereby providing necessary information for further epidemiological work seeking to identify insect vectors and reservoir plant hosts. The results of this study indicate that there are differences in hybrid susceptibility. Clarifying the etiology of RTD as a long-known and economically important disease is certainly the first step toward disease management in Serbia and neighboring countries.This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Ćurčić Ž., Stepanović J., Zübert C., Taški-Ajduković K., Kosovac A., Rekanović E., Kube M., Duduk B. Rubbery taproot disease of sugar beet in Serbia associated with 'Candidatus phytoplasma solani'. Plant Disease 2021, 105 (2), 255 – 263. [https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-07-20-1602-RE]

Profiling the landscape of transcription, chromatin accessibility and chromosome conformation of cattle, pig, chicken and goat genomes [FAANG pilot project]

Functional annotation of livestock genomes is a critical and obvious next step to derive maximum benefit for agriculture, animal science, animal welfare and human health. The aim of the Fr-AgENCODE project is to generate multi-species functional genome annotations by applying high-throughput molecular assays on three target tissues/cells relevant to the study of immune and metabolic traits. An extensive collection of stored samples from other tissues is available for further use (FAANG Biosamples ‘FR-AGENCODE’). From each of two males and two females per species (pig, cattle, goat, chicken), strand-oriented RNA-seq and chromatin accessibility ATAC-seq assays were performed on liver tissue and on two T-cell types (CD3+CD4+&CD3+CD8+) sorted from blood (mammals) or spleen (chicken). Chromosome Conformation Capture (in situ Hi-C) was also carried out on liver. Sequencing reads from the 3 assays were processed using standard processing pipelines. While most (50–70%) RNA-seq reads mapped to annotated exons, thousands of novel transcripts and genes were found, including extensions of annotated protein-coding genes and new lncRNAs (see abstract #69857). Consistency of ATAC-seq results was confirmed by the significant proportion of called peaks in promoter regions (36–66%) and by the specific accumulation pattern of peaks around gene starts (TSS) v. gene ends (TTS). Principal Component Analyses for RNA-seq (based on quantified gene expression) and ATAC-seq (based on quantified chromatin accessibility) highlighted clusters characterised by cell type and sex in all species. From Hi-C data, we generated 40kb-resolution interaction maps, profiled a genome-wide Directionality Index and identified from 4,100 (chicken) to 12,100 (pig) topologically-associating do- mains (TADs). Correlations were reported between RNA-seq and ATAC-seq results (see abstract #71581). In summary, we present here an overview of the first multi-species and -tissue annotations of chromatin accessibility and genome architecture related to gene expression for farm animals

Importance of Post-Translational Modifications for Functionality of a Chloroplast-Localized Carbonic Anhydrase (CAH1) in Arabidopsis thaliana

Background: The Arabidopsis CAH1 alpha-type carbonic anhydrase is one of the few plant proteins known to be targeted to the chloroplast through the secretory pathway. CAH1 is post-translationally modified at several residues by the attachment of N-glycans, resulting in a mature protein harbouring complex-type glycans. The reason of why trafficking through this non-canonical pathway is beneficial for certain chloroplast resident proteins is not yet known. Therefore, to elucidate the significance of glycosylation in trafficking and the effect of glycosylation on the stability and function of the protein, epitope-labelled wild type and mutated versions of CAH1 were expressed in plant cells. Methodology/Principal Findings: Transient expression of mutant CAH1 with disrupted glycosylation sites showed that the protein harbours four, or in certain cases five, N-glycans. While the wild type protein trafficked through the secretory pathway to the chloroplast, the non-glycosylated protein formed aggregates and associated with the ER chaperone BiP, indicating that glycosylation of CAH1 facilitates folding and ER-export. Using cysteine mutants we also assessed the role of disulphide bridge formation in the folding and stability of CAH1. We found that a disulphide bridge between cysteines at positions 27 and 191 in the mature protein was required for correct folding of the protein. Using a mass spectrometric approach we were able to measure the enzymatic activity of CAH1 protein. Under circumstances where protein N-glycosylation is blocked in vivo, the activity of CAH1 is completely inhibited. Conclusions/Significance: We show for the first time the importance of post-translational modifications such as N-glycosylation and intramolecular disulphide bridge formation in folding and trafficking of a protein from the secretory pathway to the chloroplast in higher plants. Requirements for these post-translational modifications for a fully functional native protein explain the need for an alternative route to the chloroplast.This work was supported by the Swedish Research Council (VR), the Kempe Foundations and Carl Tryggers Foundation to GS, and grant numbers BIO2006-08946 and BIO2009-11340 from the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN) to A